Archive for the ‘Technology and Gadgets’ Category
Friday, July 3rd, 2009 | 44 views
Future iPhones and iPods from Apple could come in “active packaging,” a recently-published patent application hints. Apple observes that while standard product packaging serves its essential purpose, it is also subject to limitations , such as an inability to showcase electronics in action without completely draining batteries. Similarly, should firmware updates become available, a store’s inventory can be left outdated until people decide to take products home. A proposed Apple solution would involve a plastic polymer backing, with wire traces built in to provide power, data and grounding connections. Aside from firmware updates, data links could be used to transfer advertising, as well as other forms of audio and video. The patent notes that any wired connection would have to interface with a handheld’s USB dock connector. A more advanced concept would allow not only for wireless data transfer, but wireless power, whether through magnetic induction or a similar technology. One suggestion would involve an RF power transmitter, broadcasting to antennas for each individual package, while another could require packages to be stacked together to transfer energy. Only one device might demand direct power in such circumstances. Apple lastly notes that using coordinate data, handhelds could be made to display media only when at the front of a stack, or when sensors detect motion, such as a person picking up a package. Together devices could be made to put on a synchronized display, which also necessitate keeping clocks in sync through occasional data bursts. The patent filing was originally submitted in January of last year, crediting Michael Rosenblatt. Filed under : iPod , iPhone , Apple Other story tags : retail , patents Original source: feeds.macnn.com , delivered by rss-farm.ru
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Apple considers ‘active’ packaging for handhelds
Posted in Apple News, Software News, Technology and Gadgets, iPod News, iPod Tips & Tricks | No Comments »
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 | 0 views
A variety of Apple patent applications have been newly published by the US Patent and Trademark Office, exposing possibilities the company has been considering for the iPhone and iPod touch. Unusual filings include one for an RFID tag reader , which would be embedded within a handheld’s touchscreen, allowing users to scan an RFID tag simply by passing the device over top. An iPod or iPhone could alternately be made to operate as a tag itself, quickly transmitting information such as personal identification. A more recent filing suggests that Apple may be interested in implementing haptic feedback for its touchscreens. Users would receive slight vibrations whenever touching part of a display, such as a on-screen button or a slider. The advantage, Apple says, is that users could finally control one of its multi-touch devices without looking at it directly, which is descibed as “inconvenient, or even dangerous” in some circumstances. Haptic feedback is already present on a number of other cellphones, such as the BlackBerry Storm and the HTC Magic . Concepts which could arrive in future iterations of the iPhone OS include event-based modes , used to instigate device settings whenever certain conditions are met. Sound and call reception could be disabled when a meeting is scheduled, for instance, and power-hungry apps and tramsitters could be shut off whenever the battery is low. Settings could also be linked to remote infomration, such as news reports and weather forecasts. Similar proposed automation might permit scheduled communications , such as an SMS or e-mail message delivered on someone’s birthday. The technology could likewise be used to set up a call if a previous one was missed. Matching this is the idea of ” intelligent and customizable communications ,” which could allow for different reply messages and availabilities, based on who, when and where someone is trying to contact a user. Filed under : iPod , iPhone , Apple Other story tags : iPod touch , patents , RFID Original source: feeds.macnn.com , delivered by rss-farm.ru
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Apple aims for patents on iPhone RFID, haptics
Posted in Software News, Technology and Gadgets, iPod Apps | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 | 24 views
Uniea has announced three iPhone 3GS case updates and a new hip case . The U-Suit Premium, U-Skin, and U-Suit Folio Premium have all been upgraded. The U-Suit Folio Premium, a soft leather flip-case, now allows access to the headphone jack and the volume control. The U-Suit Premium is another leather case, which has gained three material options: original, Napa and black Intrecciato. The U-Skin uses an embossed texture in its rubberized exterior, and is being given three more color options: metallic red, blue and green. The new case is the U-Glance, a leather model capable of attaching to belts. Plastic backing is used, while the open front allows screen access. Color options include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black and transparent. Pricing and availability details should be announced soon. Current pricing for the U-Suit Premium and Folio Premium is $35, while the U-Skin is $20. The new 3GS cases should also work with 3G phones, which have the same external dimensions. Filed under : iPhone , accessories Other story tags : Cases , iPhone 3G , iPhone 3GS , Uniea Original source: feeds.macnn.com , delivered by rss-farm.ru
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Uniea reveals updated cases for iPhone 3GS
Posted in Technology and Gadgets, iPod Games, iPod News | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 | 23 views
iPlayMusic has launched the beta version of a new download service, providing chords, music and lyrics for songs from a user’s iTunes library. Chords for iTunes synchronizes video with the audio of an iTunes track, allowing users to slow down or speed up while maintaining proper pitch. The beta currently supplies videos for 26 songs, allowing musicians to sing or play along with tracks from James Taylor, Jimmy Buffett and others. Program participants can make requests for additional songs. The eventual plan is to offer thousands of videos, each available for a price; until the beta expires on September 26th, videos are free. To comply with copyright laws, users must already own a track before it can be synchronized. To access the Chords clips, people must download the company’s software, which enables access to an online marketplace similar to the iTunes Store. Once a video is synced with an iTunes song it can be exported to GarageBand, as well as an iPod, iPhone or Apple TV. The needed iPlayMusic app is free, and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. Filed under : audio Other story tags : iTunes , music Original source: feeds.macnn.com , delivered by rss-farm.ru
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Chords for iTunes lets users play along with songs
Posted in Cell Phone News, Free Stuff, Independent reviews, Inside iPod, Technology and Gadgets, iPod Games | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 | 20 views
Edifier recently announced it has now made its iF500 iPod dock entertainment system available in North America. The large dome of the iF500 houses five separate speakers and is made with vibration and resonance control in mind. The device, which was launched in Europe earlier this year, can accommodate iPods and iPhones, as well as other portable audio players via their headphone jacks thanks to an auxiliary input. Each speaker produces 10W, while the 5.75-inch subwoofer has 32W of power. There is also a digital FM tuner built into the iF500, and all functions are controlled via LED-lit controls around the base of the device. The iF500 is available now and priced at $249. Filed under : iPod , iPhone , industry , gadgets , audio Other story tags : Edifier Original source: feeds.macnn.com , delivered by rss-farm.ru
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Edifier intros iF500 docking station with FM tuner
Posted in Apple News, Free Stuff, Independent reviews, Players, Technology and Gadgets | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 | 24 views
Sony on Tuesday added a pair of iPod speaker docks that center on its first network-aware system. The NAS-Z200iR (shown) puts all its controls on an advanced visual remote that also serves as the center of a Wi-Fi streaming system. Besides controlling iPods and other physical media on the stereo itself, the remote can share media streamed from DLNA-supporting devices like the PlayStation 3 or PC software as well as to browse Internet radio stations. The minimalism hides a larger array of physical sources including CDs, AM/FM radio, an aux-in jack and a USB port. Sony’s system puts out 40W of total sustained power and is due to ship to at least Europe in mid-September. A second system also confirms earlier leaks . The CMT-Z100iR shares the audio system of the networked model but mounts all the controls back on the main unit with “stealth” displays for the time and music selection. It continues to play all the same sources, but its simpler design ships earlier, arriving next month in both black and white colors. US launch information hasn’t been provided for either audio device but should appear soon. NAS-Z200iR CMT-Z100iR Filed under : iPod , iPhone , audio , Apple Other story tags : sony , PS3 Original source: feeds.macnn.com , delivered by rss-farm.ru
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Sony unveils iPod dock with Wi-Fi streaming
Posted in Apple News, Cell Phone News, Independent reviews, Software News, Technology and Gadgets, iPod Apps, iPod Games, iPod Tips & Tricks | No Comments »
Monday, June 29th, 2009 | 38 views
Bluetooth is technically a rather old technology and wireless headphones have really never taken off, yet they’re becoming an increasingly popular topic on our forum. A lot of the reason for that is that it’s becoming integrated into players, with the Samsung P3 and the Cowon S9 among the newest, most popular models to have this capability. Most Bluetooth headphones are behind-the-neck style for some reason and there aren’t many normal type Bluetooth headphones. The Sony DR-BT22 is the exception, with a form factor and size that really doesn’t look like it’s Bluetooth at first glance. The DR-BT22 are on their way out, which has dropped the price from a MSRP of $99 to a sales price of under $30 on Amazon, which means these are perfect for people who want to go wireless. But are they any good?
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Sony DR-BT22 Bluetooth Headphone Review
Posted in Players, Technology and Gadgets, iPod News, iPod Pics, iPod Tips & Tricks | No Comments »
Monday, June 29th, 2009 | 32 views
Here is a look at two differ cases from I-Nique: the Tuff-Luv leather case and a standard silicon case. The first leather case is made of genuine leather that is nice and soft to the touch. All of the necessary ports and buttons are exposed and are easily accessible so you don’t ever have to remove the case in order to charge it or operate any of buttons. The top buttons are covered when the flap is down, but I found it pretty easy to individually press each of the top three buttons while the flap was closed.
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Samsung P3 I-Nique Case Review
Posted in Software News, Technology and Gadgets, iPod Pics | No Comments »
Monday, June 29th, 2009 | 21 views
AVerMedia on Monday announced it has released its AVerTVHD Duet dual TV tuner in North America. The Windows 7-compatible product can receive over-the-air HD Digital TV signals (ATSC) or unencrypted digital cable (ClearQAM) and can either record two programs simultaneously or else allow users to watch one program while recording another. AVerTVHD Duet sports a PCI Express interface that is faster than a traditional PCI connection. A Picture-in-Picture feature lets users watch TV while working on their PCs, with windows sizes that fill one quarter, one ninth or one 16th of the screen. A transparent mode lets users see through it to view their entire desktop at the same time. Bundled with AVer’s MediaCenter application, users can access PVR-like features such as pausing, rewinding and recording live TV as well as a program schedule and time shift capabilities. The software supports digital sound, closed captioning and has support for 1080i HD quality programs. Also, H.264 encoding lets users record TV at a 320×240 resolution for playback on iPods, iPhones, Sony’s PSP or other portable multimedia players. The dual HD tuner without the MediaCenter program costs $70, while bundled with the software is priced at $90. Filed under : iPod , iPhone , computers , industry , gadgets , digital imaging Other story tags : Windows 7 , AVerMedia Original source: feeds.macnn.com , delivered by rss-farm.ru
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AVerMedia launches HD dual digital tuner
Posted in Apple News, Computers, Inside iPod, Players, Technology and Gadgets, iPod Games | No Comments »
Monday, June 29th, 2009 | 26 views
Some people may not realise the potential problems caused by claiming iPhone theft when really they had lost it. Unfortunately, some iphone insurance company’s do not provide full protection in the event that an iPhone is lost, so when a consumer finds themselves in the situation where they have missed placed their iPhone, many take the decision to claim that their iPhone has been stolen, simply so they can make a claim on their iPhone insurance policy.
The mistake of making a fraudulent theft claim can cause problems in future years for a naive policy holder, who may think that no one would ever know about their manipulation of the truth. Unfortunately this may not be the case any more, as
iPhone insurance cover providers are now actively trying to seek out customers who they believe may be making a false claim by stating that their iPhone has been stolen.
Many insurance companies now have more intelligent claims procedures where customers have claimed an item has been stolen, with trained advisers asking claimants certain questions about the alleged theft and how it took place, these advisers are trained to spot certain re-occurring patterns that are common among false insurance claims.
Unfortunately, many people seem to be unaware that making a false claim on something as small as the insurance policy for an iPhone is classed as insurance fraud, which if convicted, could land you with a criminal conviction. Now that must be a real wake up call for the average man in the street, a criminal record can have all sorts of negative affects on your future, from job applications to being refused insurance in other areas, such as
laptop insurance, automotive and even home insurance products.
People may think they could talk their way out of this problem, but unfortunately, this is no longer the case. iPhone insurance providers require a Police incident number before they will start to process your iPhone insurance claim. In order to get a Police incident number you will have to report your iPhone as stolen to the Police and make a statement to that effect, the Police are also actively getting involved with insurance fraud of this nature. So not only could you end up with a criminal conviction for insurance fraud, you could also add wasting police time or even attempting to pervert the course of justice, all because your iPhone cover did not cover you for loss!
A couple of simple ways to avoid this uncomfortable situation could be not to make false claims of theft and secondly, check before you take out any
iPhone insurance cover, that the policy will actually cover you in the event that you are careless with your favourite Apple device, after all, that is why we want insurance protection, to offer cover for us in our moments of need.
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