Recently released Apple’s iPhone 4 that made the previous 3Gs looks cheap and feels too big.  Besides the updated look, the new phone features a 1Ghz processor compared to the 3Gs’ 600Mhz.  New 5mp camera and a front cam for video calling via FaceTime.  Multitask is one of the biggest upgrade for the new iOS 4, making switching between apps a breeze.  The best reason to get the iPhone 4 would be for its “Retina Display”.  960 x 640 IPS, colors are rich and deep, viewing pictures and videos are crispy clear.

Related Posts

• Pressure Demonstration for IPad
• IPHONE 3G 3.0 UNLOCK ULTRASN0W RELEASE!!
• Wireless Charger for iPhone
• iPhone 3G S Hands On

SAN FRANCISCO –

Back in 2004, when I got my first MP3 player, I never cared that it lacked a camera, Web browser and crystal-clear video playback — features that are now common on digital media devices.

Apple‘s latest iPod Nano and Microsoft’s freshest Zune, both released within the past week, offer these kinds of perks and plenty more. Neither is right for everyone, but both serve as a reminder of how far digital media players have come in just a few years.

Apple has sold more than 100 million iPod Nanos since launching the first one in 2005, and the latest version should cement its title as king of the prom.

At first glance, the new Nano seems very much like the previous version. It has retained its skinny legginess and curved sides, along with its crisp screen and slightly annoying shake-to-shuffle music feature. Astute gadget hounds may notice it has a slightly enlarged screen — it’s now 2.2 inches on the diagonal, up from 2 inches.

There are some major additions, though, that make this tiny tune toter really worth its price tag ($149 for 8 gigabytes of storage space; $179 for 16 gigabytes).

The first is located near the bottom of the Nano’s back: A little video camera lens with a pinhole-sized microphone. The location is prone to fingers-over-lens issues, but because the Nano has a built-in accelerometer you can solve this problem by turning the device upside down and it will still know to film right side up.

Apple says it simply wasn’t possible to place the camera anywhere else without making the Nano pudgier, so I’m willing to forgive this inconvenience.

The quality of Nano videos probably won’t get you into Cannes, but the camera is so easy to use that I found myself looking for cool things to record while wandering around listening to music. I also loved its special effects filters, which let you film in old-fashioned film mode or “kaleidoscope” mode.

To my chagrin, there is no option to take still photos, and no zoom — two features you’ll find on many run-of-the-mill cell phones. Maybe next time, Apple?

The built-in microphone did impress me. It had some difficulties capturing sound from multiple sources at the same time, but noises generally sounded clear in videos. The microphone will also record voice notes — something I’ve been awaiting for several years.

Another neat feature: Now the Nano has a built-in speaker. You won’t notice it at first, since there’s no speaker grill. But if you happen to play back a just-recorded video or a song without plugging in headphones, you’ll notice that, indeed, the Nano is emitting sound. The speaker does not get that loud, and it doesn’t sound incredible, but it’s nice to have the option to listen out loud.

Sadly, the speaker doesn’t work with the Nano’s FM radio — another new feature — since the radio counts on your headphones to act as an antenna. The inclusion of a digital radio is long overdue, and it comes with a neat “live pause” feature that will store up to 15 minutes of the broadcast. This came in handy when I was listening to NPR and wanted to stop and make a phone call. I could just come back and catch up on the news a few minutes later.

Simply put, the new Nano gets nearly everything right. It even includes a built-in pedometer for logging exercise goals. There are plenty of tweaks Apple could — and probably will — make in the future, but it’s still the best and smallest multimedia player you can buy for under $200.

Microsoft’s Zune player has gotten steadily better since it was first released in 2006. Its latest effort, the Zune HD, gets several things right, including video and music playback. Still, there’s still plenty of room for improvement.

The Zune HD ($220 for a 16-gigabyte version; $290 for 32 gigabytes) is packed in a slim, silver-and-black case that sports a fairly generous 3.3-inch touch screen.

The screen is one of the new Zune‘s best parts: It’s very responsive to finger swipes and taps, and, as with Apple’s iPod Touch, you can pinch photos to zoom in and out.

Videos and photos look super crisp, and I had no problem snuggling up with the Zune HD while watching an episode of sketch comedy show “The State” that I downloaded from the Zune Marketplace over the corresponding computer software.

The latest Zune includes a high-definition video function, so you can buy high-def movies in 720p resolution from the Zune Marketplace, and, if you shell out $90 for a dock, watch them on a high-definition TV. You can also watch them on the Zune, but the resolution will be lower.

More impressive was the addition of an HD radio receiver for accessing radio stations’ digital HD radio content, which is transmitted alongside their regular analog broadcasts. HD stations sounded clearer than standard FM stations on the dial, but since the Zune already has a good FM radio I wasn’t blown away.

I was pleased to see Microsoft finally built a Web browser into the Zune, which you can use when you’re in a Wi-Fi hot spot. The Zune always had wireless capabilities, and the company seems to revel in rolling out related functions as slowly as possible. On the last Zune, users gained the ability to download Zune Marketplace songs straight to the device when connected to a Wi-Fi network.

The browser, which is based on Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, isn’t nearly as good as one you’d use on your computer. Given the screen size it was sometimes easier to view mobile versions of Web sites (sometimes you’re automatically directed to them anyway), and there’s no support for Flash videos like the ones on YouTube.

Still, it has an easy-to-use touch-screen keyboard for entering Web site addresses, and it’s good for reading the news, checking e-mail or updating your status on Facebook.

One neat feature is the ability to assign “pins” to content you like — basically, quick links that are kept in a side menu off the home screen. This made it easier to quickly access the Obi Best and Lady Gaga songs I can’t stop listening to, along with my favorite Web sites.

Of course, Microsoft has heard the siren song of Apple’s online App Store, and has added an “Apps” section to the Zune Marketplace, which you can access through your computer or the device itself. There are only a handful of applications available now — I downloaded two games that didn’t really impress — but they are all free, and Microsoft plans to roll out Facebook and Twitter applications soon.

The Zune HD proves the device is starting to come into its own as a multimedia contender. It’s not quite there yet, but I am curious to see what Microsoft comes up with next.

Related Posts

• Microsoft hopes to turn it around with Zune HD
• iPhone 3G S Hands On

There’s a new Android device on the market. On Tuesday, the French company ARCHOS announced the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet, based on Google‘s open-source Android mobile operating system.

The ARCHOS 5 features 720p high-definition viewing, TV recording, and built-in GPS with 3-D navigation in addition to Net browsing. It has a five-inch 800×480 touchscreen, and the company emphasized that it has a full-fledged browser and integrated applications. Connectivity is Wi-Fi, or 3.5G from a mobile phone connected through Bluetooth.

Android a ‘Major Differentiator‘

Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis for consumer technology at the NPD Group, noted that ARCHOS is already marketing a Windows-based tablet with a nine-inch screen that would probably provide “a more robust Net surfing experience.”

He added that the use of the open-source Android is a “major differentiator,” since the ARCHOS 5 is “one of the first Android products for consumers that is not a cell phone.”

Current Analysis’ Avi Greengart pointed out that the ARCHOS 5 “is not a large enough tablet” to really expand the tablet category. In fact, he said, “in some ways it looks like some of the phone devices we’ve been seeing.”

Whatever category it fits into, Rubin said the impact may be limited in the U.S., since mobile media player maker ARCHOS does not yet have a very high U.S. market share, despite offering technologically advanced devices.

Tablet computers are beginning to emerge as a category. Rubin noted that Toshiba showed one larger than the ARCHOS 5 at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year.

There have also been persistent rumors that Apple will bring out a tablet device in the next few months. Depending on the rumor, the purported device is a bigger iPod touch, an entry into the growing netbook market, a new kind of e-book device, or all three.

And the CrunchPad, a Net-surfing Android-based tablet from a company formed by technology blogger Michael Arrington, is reportedly being readied for release later this year.

Third-Party Apps

Rubin noted that a big advantage in the use of Android for this tablet is access to a growing library of applications for that OS. As the mobile-device market matures and expands, the availability of third-party applications is increasingly becoming a factor in purchase decisions.

ARCHOS also unveiled the AppsLib store, which will provide free and paid applications specifically for the new tablet device. The store can be accessed directly from the device and apps can be downloaded in one click.

A visit to the AppsLib store shows it’s still under construction, but it appears to be ready to offer Android applications for a variety of Android devices beyond just the new tablet.

Several applications will come preinstalled on the ARCHOS 5, including the eBuddy instant-messaging app, Twidroid for Twitter tweeting, Craigsphone for viewing and posting classified ads, ThinkFree for viewing Microsoft Office files, and Mewbox, a music download service.

Related Posts

• Rooting Android G1

Now that’s impressive, you don’t see an aircraft lifting anything this big every day. Unless you are in the U.S Marine Corps Combat Logistics Battalion 46. The MV-22 Osprey aircraft can switch from being an airplane to a helicopter mode on the fly which is good for picking up artillery pieces.

This is a great photo shot; U.S Marine Corps Stag Sgt.Christopher Malloy was operating the airlift on July 10, 2009, Located in Twentynine Palms, California at the Landing Zone Sandhill.

[via gizmodo]

[Flight Global—Photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey J. Green, U.S. Marine Corps.]

Interesting Post

• Camball world smallest camcorder/camera
• Android Devices Grow with New ARCHOS 5 Tablet
• Nikon D5000
• What i think about EEEPC
• Google Reserved 1 Million Numbers For Upcoming Google Voice
• Viliv x70 UMPC
• Xbox Handheld Rumor

The new Nike + Sportband, yeah that’s what they call it, is Nike’s armband that will give you real-time performance feedback on distance, pace, time and calories burned.

It’ll come with an upgraded screen with better water resistance so no more excuses for running in the rain…

The best feature is probably its ability to upload data to NikePlus.com (which recently merged with nikerunning.com) which you can personalized and is also a social network to get in touch with other runners.  Theres many features online like Map It that will track your running history or find new routes and have goals and challenges to keep you running even more.

This is a great alternative for those not wanting to use Nike’s specially made shoes that tracks your data.  These comes in black/red, grey/pink, and anthracite/yellow.  They’ll be released July 15, 2009 for $59.

[Examiner]

Interesting Post

• Portable Nintendo Wii
• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H10
• Nikon D5000
• Sony’s New PSP Go Revealed
• Rooting Android G1
• Camball world smallest camcorder/camera
• MM51.6 – PC Speaker Review

“Netbooks” are the hottest gadgets this year.  So why the hype?  Check out the typical laptops at your local BestBuys, they range from $1000-$2000+ and are 5lbs+.  On the other side, netbooks are ultra compact, light, and super cheap.

These little guys runs on Windows XP with built in 3G,  1.6GHz Intel Atom N270, 1GB of RAM, an 80GB harddrive, and bluetooth.  Internet will come from Verizons highspeed wireless VZ Access.  Weighting at only 2.45lbs  and is 10.3 by 6.6 by 1-in makes it one of the smallest notebook you’ll ever own.

Your main use are for surfing the net anywhere on the fly.  Yeah, we know you’re on Facebook 10 of your 24hr day.  All your basic apps including MS Word, instant messingings,  and Norton are available, but don’t try running some HD video editing or high end power hungry games just yet.  Did I mention it also have a built in webcam?

You can get the HP Mini 1151NR for $199 with a two year contract, Verizon’s data plan range from $39/mo for 250MB to $59 for 5GB.

To wrap it up, these are great to get connected anywhere, a small price tag, exstremely protable and ease of usage.  The keyboard can take a bit of getting used to, battery life isn’t the greatest, and you’re stuck with Verizon’s data plan which isn’t the cheapest on the market.

Interesting Post

• To Wii or Not to Wii
• Introducing T-Mobile myTouch 3g
• iPhone 3G S Hands On
• Microsoft hopes to turn it around with Zune HD
• New Palm Pre Reviewed
• World’s Smallest Microwave Heinz’s Beanzawave
• Wireless Charger for iPhone

Here it is boys and girls  iPhone Dev-Team’s Ultrasn0w unlock for legacy iPhone 3G owners is ready. The unlock works with the original iPhone as well but not the iPhone 3GS; for that you’ll have to be patient. Just follow the easy steps below to get your iphone 3g 3.0 to unlock your iphone.

Here is how to install ultrasn0w:

1. Ensure you have upgraded to iPhone OS 3.0
2. Jailbreak your iPhone 3G using redsn0w or PwnageTool (this will also install Cydia/Icy)
3. Run Cydia or Icy
4. Please add the repo repo666.ultrasn0w.com to Cydia or Icy. That last “o” is actually the number zero “0”! If you use the letter “o” you’ll get an error.
5. Search for ‘ultrasn0w’ in cydia or icy and install ultrasn0w
6. Reboot your iPhone 3G
7. T-Mobile USA users should disable 3G before using ultrasn0w
8. Enjoy

[via : iphone dev-team blog]

Related Posts

• iPhone 3G S Hands On
• Pressure Demonstration for IPad
• Apple’s iPhone 4
• T-Mobile Sidekick LX 3G
• Introducing T-Mobile myTouch 3g
• Wireless Charger for iPhone
• Iphone 3gs

T-Mobile annouced its much anticipated second Android phone officially called myTouch 3g with Google.  Succeeding the G1, myTouch is much sleeker, slimmer, and boasting a wide array of new features.   Touch screen display with a virtual keyboard will replace the old physical keypad.  Just in time to compete with Apple’s new iPhone 3G S.

Running on the Android platform means you get all the Google services including Google maps, Gmail, Picasa, Stree View, Youtube, ect.  All your instant messaging needs are included as it supports AOL, Windows Live, Google Talk, and Yahoo Messaging.

The phone itself is the same as the HTC launched in Europe earlier this year under the name HTC Magic.  Available in three colors white, red, and black.  It’ll come with updated Android OS 1.5.  It’ll feature a 3.2-inch display (320 by 480 pixels),  3.15 mega pixel camera, 3G radio, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and 192MB RAM / 256MB ROM.

myTouch 3g can be preordered on July 8th with a price tag of $199 with a two year contract.

[Letsgodigital]

Related Posts

• T-Mobile Sidekick LX 3G
• Pressure Demonstration for IPad
• IPHONE 3G 3.0 UNLOCK ULTRASN0W RELEASE!!
• iPhone 3G S Hands On

The free service, announced in March, lets users unify their phone numbers, allowing them to have a single number through Google Voice that rings a call through to all their phones.

Sources could not say when the 1 million numbers may be assigned. Level 3 has been supplying Google with phone numbers since the introduction of Google Voice, so the 1 million numbers are an indication Google is close to adding a significant amount of users.

A Google spokesperson would only say “as a matter of policy, we typically do not comment on contracts with third-party technology suppliers.”

A public launch has been anticipated since Google said in March the service would be “open to new users soon.” There has been speculation that the service would begin today – June 18 – but Google has yet to make an announcement.

“I’ve only been using Google Voice for a few months, but it’s completely changed the way I use voicemail and communicate, just in general,” said Kevin Dando, director of digital and education communications for PBS. “When it goes public, I think the rush to grab Google Voice numbers is going to be stunning. I know some of my friends check the Google Voice page almost every day to see when they can grab a number and get started using it.”

Google Voice has a number of unique features including call transfer between a user’s devices, multi-party conferencing, conversion of voice calls to text messages, cut-rate international calling, and call transcription.

Google also has integrated the Voice service with Gmail contact lists.

But the gem is the fact that a user can have one phone number people can dial to reach them regardless of where they are located, either home or mobile. Google Voice uses VoIP to link collections of phone numbers.

Google Voice is a product of Google’s March 2007 acquisition of GrandCentral. For the past two years, however, it appeared the GrandCentral technology had been tossed into a black hole.

But on March 11, Google announced Google Voice and opened the service up only to former GrandCentral users.

Last week, TechCrunch reported that Google would add number portability later this year to Google Voice, which would let users keep one of their existing phone numbers as their Google Voice number. For example, users could make their cell phone number their Google Voice number.

The feature is significant because switching to a new Google Voice number comes with a cost such as having to distribute the new number to friends and family. In addition, outbound calls and text messages show the phone number you are calling from and not your Google Voice number.

Interesting Post

• China’s Lenovo unveils homegrown smartphone
• Hands on Verizon’s $199 HP Mini 1151NR Netbook
• Internet Explorer
• New Xbox 540 coming soon?
• Nikon D5000
• Android Devices Grow with New ARCHOS 5 Tablet
• Most Expensive Gaming PC 2007