Phone and PDA

Episode 59: Send in the Clowns

Dale — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:17:04 -0400

Dale is joined this week by a substitute host: Ringmaster Greg from Dancing with Elephants.

Tech News:

Reviews

Feedback

Redboy offered his thoughts on the creepy doll.

Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480

Leave a voice message with your computer microphone

Or e-mail us

And check out the News for more news, reviews, and other content.

Music by Kevin McLeod

Free iPhone 3G/iPod Touch apps

Dale — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:52:39 -0400

The iTunes App Store doesn't officially launch until tomorrow, but if you'd like to start stocking up now, feel free. Speaking of free, since you can't actually use them yet, I suggest first picking up a couple freebies, so follow the not-so-secret free app link to get them all downloaded. Make sure you update iTunes first, or it won't let you.

To see the rest of the apps, just click on "App Store" at the top.

Apple Announces MobileMe

Dale — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:06:55 -0400

And to complement the new iPhone, Apple finally brings what .Mac should've been it'll be interesting to look at this once launched. You can still get these features now (though less elegantly) via free open-source software, but for those who don't want to deal with setup and want it all in one place, Apple is not just taking on Microsoft Exchange. They're taking on Google.

Apple Introduces MobileMe Internet Service

Push Email, Push Contacts and Push Calendar for iPhone, iPod touch, Macs and PCs

SAN FRANCISCO, June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple(R) today introduced MobileMe(TM), a new Internet service that delivers push email, push contacts and push calendars from the MobileMe service in the "cloud" to native applications on iPhone(TM), iPod(R) touch, Macs and PCs. MobileMe also provides a suite of elegant, ad-free web applications that deliver a desktop-like experience through any modern browser. MobileMe applications (http://www.me.com/) include Mail, Contacts and Calendar, as well as Gallery for viewing and sharing photos and iDisk for storing and exchanging documents online.

"Think of MobileMe as 'Exchange for the rest of us,'" said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Now users who are not part of an enterprise that runs Exchange can get the same push email, push calendars and push contacts that the big guys get."

With a MobileMe email account, all folders, messages and status indicators look identical whether checking email on iPhone, iPod touch, a Mac(R) or a PC. New email messages are pushed instantly to iPhone over the cellular network or Wi-Fi, removing the need to manually check email and wait for downloads. Push also keeps contacts and calendars continuously up-to-date so changes made on one device are automatically pushed up to the cloud and down to other devices. Push works with the native applications on iPhone and iPod touch, Microsoft Outlook for the PC, and Mac OS(R) X applications, Mail, Address Book and iCal(R), as well as the MobileMe web application suite.

MobileMe web applications are 100 percent ad-free and provide an incredible, desktop-like experience that allows users to drag and drop, click and drag and even use keyboard shortcuts. MobileMe provides anywhere access to Mail, Contacts and Calendar, with a unified interface that allows users to switch between applications with a single click, and Gallery makes it easy to share photos on the web in stunning quality. Gallery users can upload, rearrange, rotate and title photos from any browser; post photos directly from an iPhone; allow visitors to download print quality images; and contribute photos to an album. MobileMe iDisk lets users store and manage files online with drag and drop filing and makes it easy to share documents too large to email by automatically sending an email with a link for downloading the file. MobileMe includes 20GB of online storage that can be used for email, contacts, calendar, photos, movies and documents.

Pricing & Availability

MobileMe, available on July 11, is a subscription-based service with 20GB of storage for $99 (US) per year for individuals and $149 (US) for a Family Pack, which includes one master account with 20GB of storage and four Family Member accounts with 5GB of storage each. Users can sign up for a free, 60-day MobileMe trial athttp://www.apple.com/mobileme and current .Mac members will be automatically upgraded to MobileMe accounts. MobileMe subscribers can purchase an additional 20GB of storage for $49 (US) or 40GB of storage for $99 (US) annually.

Using an iPhone or iPod touch with MobileMe requires iPhone 2.0 software and iTunes(R) 7.7 or later. For use with a Mac, MobileMe requires Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.11 or the latest version of Mac OS X Leopard. For a PC, MobileMe requires Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional (SP2), and Microsoft Outlook 2003 or later is recommended. MobileMe is accessible on the web via Safari(R) 3, Internet Explorer 7, and Firefox 2 or later. Internet access requires a compatible ISP; fees may apply. Broadband Internet connection recommended. Some features require Mac OS X Leopard and iLife(R) '08, available separately.

Apple Announces iPhone 3G

Dale — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:00:48 -0400

In many ways, this is what the iPhone should've been when launched. I know that's easy to say, and the iPhone did revolutionize the mobile industry, but it's good to see these long-awaited features. And keep the new phone price in mind when buying any other phone. $200 is very competitive and should knock the price of other phones much lower. In fact, before you renew or begin a contract, look at what they're offering you, how much savings you get, and decide whether it's really worth it.

Apple Introduces the New iPhone 3G

Twice as Fast at Half the Price

SAN FRANCISCO, June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple(R) today introduced the new iPhone(TM) 3G, combining all the revolutionary features of iPhone with 3G networking that is twice as fast* as the first generation iPhone, built-in GPS for expanded location based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs the hundreds of third party applications already built with the recently released iPhone SDK. In the US the new iPhone 3G is priced at a stunning $199 for the 8GB model, and just $299 for the 16GB model.** iPhone 3G will be available in more than 70 countries later this year, beginning with customer availability in 22 countries -- Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the US -- on July 11.

"Just one year after launching the iPhone, we're launching the new iPhone 3G that is twice as fast at half the price," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "iPhone 3G supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync right out of the box, runs the incredible third party apps created with the iPhone SDK, and will be available in more than 70 countries around the world this year."

iPhone 3G gives users ever faster access to the Internet and email over their cellular network with quad-band GSM and tri-band HSDPA for voice and data connectivity around the world. iPhone 3G supports Wi-Fi, 3G and EDGE networks and automatically switches between them to ensure the fastest possible download speeds. The new iPhone 3G also makes it easier to multi-task with simultaneous voice and data communications, so with iPhone 3G you can browse the web, get map directions, or check your email while you are on a call.

iPhone 3G includes the new iPhone 2.0 software with both the iPhone SDK and key enterprise features such as support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync to provide over-the-air push email, contact and calendar syncing as well as remote wipe and Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to corporate networks. The iPhone SDK allows developers to create amazing applications that leverage the iPhone's groundbreaking Multi-Touch(TM) user interface, animation technology, accelerometer and GPS technology on the world's most advanced mobile platform.

iPhone 3G includes the new App Store, providing iPhone users with native applications in a variety of categories including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel. The App Store on iPhone works over cellular networks and Wi-Fi, which means it is accessible from just about anywhere, so you can purchase and download applications wirelessly and start using them instantly. Some applications are even free and the App Store notifies you when application updates are available. The App Store will be available in 62 countries at launch.

Additional features available with the iPhone 2.0 software include the ability to do real-time mapping and track your progress with GPS technology, mass move and delete multiple email messages, search for contacts, access a new scientific calculator, turn on parental control restrictions for specified content, save images directly from a web page or email them to your iPhone and easily transfer them back to your photo library on your Mac(R) or PC. iPhone 3G delivers an amazing 10 hours of talk time on 2G networks and 5 hours using 3G, with up to 5 to 6 hours of web browsing, up to 7 hours for video playback and up to 24 hours for audio playback.

iPhone 3G takes advantage of MobileMe(TM), a new Internet service that pushes email, contacts, and calendars from an online "cloud" to native applications on iPhone, iPod(R) touch, Macs and PCs. With MobileMe email, messages are pushed instantly to iPhone, removing the need to manually check email and wait for downloads, and push keeps contacts and calendars continuously up-to-date so changes made on one device are automatically updated on other devices. With iPhone, you can even snap a photo and post it directly to a MobileMe Gallery to share with friends and family.

iPhone 3G will be available in the US on July 11 for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 8GB model and $299 (US) for the 16GB model in both Apple and AT&T's retail stores and requires a new two year contract with AT&T for qualifying customers. iPhone 2.0 software will be available on July 11 as a free software update via iTunes(R) 7.7 or later for all iPhone customers. For further information about iPhone 3G pricing and availability in the US and internationally, visit http://www.apple.com/iphone.

* Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual speeds vary by site conditions.** Based on iPhone 3G (8GB) and first generation iPhone (8GB)purchases. Requires new two year AT&T rate plan, sold separately.

3G iPhone Sync Software

Dale — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 01:08:53 -0400

Since everyone knows it's coming, people are already releasing software for it.

Glide OS 3.0 Transforms the 3G iPhone into a Mobile Business Computer with New Synchronization and Collaboration Applications

3G iPhone Users Can Work Harmoniously With Windows, Solaris, Linux and Apple Computers and Android, Blackberry, Palm, Symbian and Windows Mobile Phones Circumventing Technical Barriers

NEW YORK, June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- With new mobile applications from Glide OS 3.0, the 3G iPhone just became a mobile business computer. In advance of next week's anticipated 3G iPhone announcement, TransMedia is making available today its bi-directional synchronization and rights based business collaboration applications for the iPhone.

Glide is the complete mobile desktop solution featuring more than 20 advanced productivity and collaboration applications. Glide is available in 18 languages including English, Albanian, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Turkish.

Cross Platform Synchronization and Collaboration for the 3G iPhone

Glide Syncs the 3G iPhone with Windows, Solaris, Linux and Apple Computers and Android, Blackberry, Palm, Symbian and Windows Mobile Phones. Files edited on these computers and phones are automatically synchronized. Glide's synchronization solution is the first to not only bi-directionally synchronize files across all platforms but to provide automated version control and file transcoding based on device recognition for cross platform compatibility.

"We have been patiently waiting for the new 3G iPhone to be released," said TransMedia Chairman & CEO, Donald Leka. "Today we are making available the most advanced business collaboration application suite for the iPhone to provide a secure business friendly platform for productivity and collaboration. Windows, Solaris, Linux, Macintosh, iPhone, Blackberry, Symbian, Palm, Android and Windows Mobile users can now all collaborate in harmony," said Mr. Leka.

With Glide's new Sync application called One, users can automatically synchronize all of their files including video, music, documents and photos to and from all major platforms with support for over 75 mobile phones.

In another first, Glide also enables rights based file synchronization across user accounts for secure online and offline social and business networking through the new Glide Groups application. A Glide Group is a place where family, friends, students and colleagues can securely network, communicate, share information and collaborate. Glide Groups works in tandem with Glide's synchronization technology enabling friends, family and colleagues to remain in sync. All files added by users and file edits whether they are made online or offline are automatically replicated across all targeted online and offline synchronized group locations. Assignable rights control how files and groups are accessed.

Glide's synchronization technology also works in tandem with Glide's version control maintaining complete records and user-friendly access to previous drafts. All file edits are automatically replicated across all targeted online and offline synchronized locations. Another new feature called Glide Spider is a file location tracking system. Spider identifies the location of all copies of a file and who has file access with the ability to immediately change or revoke access rights.

Finally, Glide's synchronization technology works together with Glide's device recognition and file transcoding technology making cross platform personal and collaborative computing seamless.

Secure Rights Based Mobile File Sharing With Seven Levels of Granular Rights for the 3G iPhone

The entire Glide System (including all Glide applications) are governed by a rights management system that can be controlled from your 3G iPhone.

-- User Assignable Rights-- File Viewing (Set Number of Views)-- File Download (Set Number of Downloads)-- File Upload (Limits MBs, GBs)-- File Transfer (Between Accounts)-- File Modification (Non-Destructive, Version Control)-- Group / Project Management (Manage participants, rights and othergroup and project parameters)-- File Computer Sync Access (for offline group collaboration)

Glide provides one compatible file and information management system and one compatible set of applications for all of your devices and everyone you communicate, share and work with.

-- "One" (Synchronization for Linux, Mac, Solaris, Windows)-- Glide Mobile (Full Suite of Glide Applications for Android, BlackBerry,iPhone, Palm, Symbian and Windows Mobile)-- Glide Photo Editor-- Glide Write (Word Processor)-- Glide Presenter (Presentation Application)-- Glide Crunch (Spreadsheet Application)-- Glide Ad-Free Email-- Glide Groups & Projects-- Glide Meeting - Video, Audio & Text Chat With Integrated File Sharing-- Glide Calendar-- Glide Contact Manager-- Video Jukebox-- Music Jukebox-- Slideshow Creator-- Widgets (Calculator, Stickies, RSS Reader, Weather, Music Player, etc.)Glide Mobile Device Support (Over 75 Devices)-- Apple iPhone / iPod Touch-- BlackBerry Pearl (8100, 8120), Curve (8300, 8330), 8700, 8800 Casio G'z-- HP iPAQ, hw6510-- HTC i-Mate, Touch and Touch Dual, AT&T Tilt 8925, T-Mobile Shadow-- Kyocera Neo E1100-- LG VX8100, VX8300, VX8700, enV2-- Motorola Ming, Razr V3, Razr2, SLVR, ROKR, Q, Q9c, Z9-- Neonode N2-- Nokia E61/E62, N95, N800, 6102i, 6300, 6682, 9300-- Palm Treo 650, Treo 680, Treo 700P, Treo 700W, Treo 750, LifeDrive-- Samsung Blackjack, A707, D807, A920, Verizon FlipShot SCH-U900,Instinct-- Sanyo Katana LX-- Sony Ericsson w600i, w810i, Z750a-- T-Mobile SDA, SideKick, Wing

Sign up for Glide OS 3.0 today on your smartphone at http://www.glidemobile.com/ or on your PC desktop at http://www.glideos.com/ and get 5GBs of free online storage for your 3G iPhone or virtually any mobile phone. The Glide Mobile service works with all mobile carriers.

"Glide OS 3.0 is the future of mobile computing available on your smartphone today," said Mr. Leka. "Glide is unleashing the power of mobile computing for millions of users around the world fundamentally changing the way people access and share information."

Skin your Handheld or iPhone

Dale — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:20:48 -0400

GHSkinz is best known for their Guitar Hero guitar skins (thus the name), but they have a new line for handhelds. Full release:

Decorative Skins for Nintendo DS, Sony PSP, iPhone and More Now

Available at www.GHSkinz.com

Macomb, Mich. May 28, 2008 - GHskinz.com, a designer and manufacturer
of skins that replicate real life guitars for games like Guitar Hero
and Rock Band, announced today that it has added skins for handheld
gaming systems and the iPhone to its lineup. The new products, which
are now available at www.GHSKinz.com for an estimated retail price of
$4.49 each include over 20 different designs for each of the following
systems: Nintendo DS Lite, Sony PSP, Apple iPod Touch MP3 Player and
the Apple iPhone. Consumers who purchase an iPhone skin will also
receive a link to download the matching Background image for their
phone. Consumers who purchase a Sony PSP skin will receive a link to
download a matching background image for their phone and also a Clear
Screen Protector.

"Handheld gaming systems and cell phones have become a big part of our
everyday lives so it makes sense that people would want to customize
something that they have with them at all times," said Matt Witek,
Co-founder of GHskinz.com. "Our new skins for the DS, PSP, iPhone and
more offer people a chance to give their accessories a bit of personal
style and flair."

The company also recently released its first home console skins for the
Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 and offers several lines of real life rock
star inspired guitar skins including a series called "ROCKIN WILD"
which is based on guitars used by Zack Wylde, as well as a full line
of classic American burst guitar skins including Sun, Blue, Cherry,
Silver and more. GHskinz.com also offers a full line of drum skins for
the Rock Band drums and a full line of Rockin' accessories including
guitar stands, guitar straps, mic stands, mic covers & drum sticks.
These products are all available at GHskinz.com.

In addition to the GHskinz.com replica designs available on their web
site, GHskinz.com also works with celebrities and rock bands on tour
to design, manufacture and package customized products.

For more information about GHskinz.com and its products visit
www.GHskinz.com.

Tip: How to get your cell phone or PDA back if lost

Dale — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:16:36 -0400

In episode 40, I talked about how to get your camera back if lost, but what about a cell phone or PDA (or even your laptop)? Here's a quick tip to improve your chances of getting it back:

If your phone has a "Welcome message" available, use the message, "Reward if found, (your home phone number)." That way, even if not altruistic, they'll call your home phone (or whatever number would work best--not your spouse's in case they're lost together!) hoping for the reward. Make sure you actually do give them a fair reward--they've earned it. I suggest the used/ebay value of the device.

If your smartphone or PDA has a password screen, for the password message, use the same "Reward if found, phone #" message as your password hint or display message, depending what's available.

I also recommend an address label on it somewhere, just in case the battery's dead when found. A phone number next to that wouldn't hurt, either.

GameLoft Announces NBA Smash! for Mobile Phones

Dale — Mon, 19 May 2008 08:15:27 -0400

What's up with games including exclamation marks in their titles? Just remember not to dribble your phone.

NEW YORK, May 15/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gameloft(R), a leading global publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones and consoles, today announced an agreement with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to develop and publish two NBA games for mobile phones. The first game scheduled is NBA Smash!, an arcade-style 2-on-2 street basketball game to be released in May. A second NBA game, a 5-on-5 simulation style game, is scheduled to launch in September 2008.

"The NBA is one of the great global sports leagues whose tremendous popularity spans from North America to Europe and Asia, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to develop NBA mobile games," said Gonzague de Vallois, senior vice president of publishing, Gameloft. "By featuring every NBA player and team, along with a spectacular gameplay, our games will deliver an authentic look and feel that will make them stand out from the competition."

The first NBA mobile game, NBA Smash! includes actual NBA players, and puts them into an arcade-style 2-on-2 basketball game. Slam dunks and skillful dribbling are all included as players try to string together combos to maximize their score. An advanced career mode allows players to create their own players, form and upgrade their teams, and face off against all the NBA teams to determine who is the best.

A second game will tip off prior to the 2008-09 NBA season this September with an authentic NBA experience for mobile platforms. The game features all 30 teams and every NBA player; a full 80 game season and even includes events from NBA All-Star. The in-depth management feature will enable players to manage their team rosters and choose winning strategies to top the competition.

Look for NBA Smash! this May. Both games will be available across all major carrier decks.

SpeakerCraft Invents iPhone/iPod Touch Compatible Multi-room Control Interface

Dale — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:25:05 -0400

Control and Distribution Through Unique Wireless GUI Now Available

RIVERSIDE, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Apr. 8, 2008 SpeakerCraft, America's original manufacturer of in-wall speakers is pleased to announce the release of a new interface for its award-winning MODE multi-room A/V control system. It allows the Apple iPhone or iPod Touch to be used as a wireless remote with control of all sources and routing accessed on the touch screen through an intuitive GUI.

The system operates through the home's wireless data network via a wired port on the user's wireless router. "The connection is very easy to set up and there is little or no additional programming required by the installer," says Jason Craze, SpeakerCraft's Director of Engineering. "A person can literally walk through their front door, press a single virtual button on the iPhone touch screen and have access to all of their system's control functions."

"You can have an unlimited number of iPhones operating your system and even have two simultaneously operating in multiple zones," said Jeremy Burkhardt, SpeakerCraft's president. "This is an amazing mass market opportunity for the CEDIA channel."

The colorful interface features large virtual buttons, making it easy to view and operate. iPhone users will find the interface shares the look and feel of other iPhone functions and therefore presents little or no learning curve.

The interface is generated through an embedded web server residing on a chip inside SpeakerCraft's ERS 1.0 Ethernet to serial adapter. The interface is accessed through the iPhone's Safari browser. This means there is no time wasted downloading or installing an application on the iPhone itself. The ERS also contains a version of the interface designed to display and operate on a standard PC or Mac. This offers the user the option to control the system from the iPhone/iTouch or any PC on the network.

"This is another powerful addition for SpeakerCraft dealers," Burkhardt continued. "They will now be able to offer their customers the easiest systems to use in the industry. Our current relationship with Apple, which allows us to control and display metadata from the iPod, has already dramatically enhanced our control offering. This latest development, utilizing the Safari browser on the iPhone or iPod Touch to control the system, will expand SpeakerCraft's control offering even further. I hate to say it, but this is the beginning of the end for keypads. Soon any keypad that isn't emulated on a device like the iPhone will be obsolete."

The ERS 1.0 with the embedded software has an MSRP of $1,000.

Mobipocket.com Announces Mobipocket Reader 6.0 for Blackberry Users

Dale — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:55:59 -0400

With Over the Air eBookstore, Mobipocket Customers Can Now Download Their Favorite Books Without Connecting to a Computer.

SEATTLE --(Business Wire)-- Apr. 2, 2008 Mobipocket.com today announced the launch of Mobipocket Reader 6.0 for Blackberries, including Over the Air (OTA) access to tens of thousands of Mobipocket eBooks without the need to connect to a computer. In addition, the new software features a revised user interface, intuitive menus and customer-friendly default settings to create an optimal reading experience for customers on all Blackberry devices.

With Mobipocket's OTA eBookstore, users can access the entire Mobipocket eBook catalog from their Blackberry -- anytime, anywhere. To do this, Mobipocket has integrated the catalog browsing experience into the Mobipocket Reader interface for all Blackberry models. The store accesses data over the phone's data or Wi-fi link in optimized chunks, which makes the browsing fast and responsive. Additionally, books are compressed, typically 200KB - 400KB, which means they download in less than two minutes.

And with nearly 70,000 premium titles, users can find a huge range of books in dozens of categories -- for example, new releases such as A Thousand Splendid Suns from Khaled Hosseini, bestsellers like No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy and hard-to-find titles. As always, customers can download a free sample chapter of any book, find reader reviews, and instantly buy, download or re-download all their titles from their Blackberry.

"The ability to find, discover and buy books, and have instant access to them from anywhere at any time, is the ultimate convenience for Mobipocket customers," said Martin Gorner, CEO of Mobipocket.com. "In addition, we help customers make informed buying decisions by allowing them access to reader reviews and sample downloads. We are really excited to bring our ebook catalog, innovative features and the convenient OTA access to Blackberry users."

In addition, Mobipocket.com has added improvements to Mobipocket Reader 6.0, such as memory card management and PC connectivity. These intuitive features allow downloading to a PC and syncing to a Blackberry's memory card through USB especially convenient for very large books like dictionaries or encyclopedias, which can top 20MB. And with Reader 6.0, the process is now as simple as plugging in the USB cable. Additionally, Mobipocket Reader 6.0 for the desktop will recognize a Blackberry, ask if a user wants to download new books, and automatically send them to the memory card if detected.

As with all Mobipocket innovations, the Over the Air eBookstore technology is designed to be a marketplace enabler and is therefore open to third parties. Any online bookstore can create an OTA store that will appear in Mobipocket Reader 6.0 for Blackberries.

Mobipocket Reader 6.0 is available today for any Blackberry (Curve, Pearl, 8800 and older devices too). It can be downloaded directly from a Blackberry by visiting:Â http://m.mobipocket.com