Sprint Debuts HTC Touch Pro2
August 31, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Cell Phones
Sprint and HTC are answering the call for a no compromise converged device on a blazingly fast network with HTC Touch Pro2. The attractive new phone combines the productivity of Windows Mobile 6.1, the TouchFLO user interface and a variety of entertainment applications, including Sprint TV with live and on-demand programming, and Sprint’s exclusive sports applications NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile.
Beginning Sept. 8, customers will be able to purchase HTC Touch Pro2 through the Web (www.sprint.com), Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and sales representatives for $349.99 with a two-year service agreement and after $100 mail-in rebate.
The latest in a series of Windows Mobile devices, HTC Touch Pro2 features a large 3.6-inch WVGA variable-angle tilting touch screen and an ultra-wide, slide-out keyboard that is larger than its predecessor. Touch Pro2’s high-speed connectivity over Sprint’s 3G network (EVDO Rev. A) with Wi-Fi and world phone capability ensures that customers stay connected on the go.
“More than ever, today’s wireless customers expect to stay productive whether they are on the road or in the office,” said Kevin Packingham, senior vice president - Product Development for Sprint. “HTC Touch Pro2 on America’s most dependable 3G network1 makes that a reality. And with Sprint’s Simply Everything plans, which include voice minutes, messaging and data for one low price, we let customers focus on all their phone can deliver.”
Equipped with the latest version of HTC’s hallmark TouchFLO 3D user interface, HTC Touch Pro2 offers a user experience that makes keeping in contact with colleagues and customers easy and intuitive. Easily switch from e-mail to a call with one touch by simply selecting a friend or colleague’s picture right in your e-mail. Customers can create an instant office with Straight Talk’s dual microphones and speakers to filter out noise.
“Unlike devices that focus solely on specifications, HTC Touch Pro2 was designed with the philosophy that people should be at the center of the communications experience,” said Jason Mackenzie, vice president of HTC America. “So, instead of having to search through multiple applications to find a specific message, HTC Touch Pro2 intuitively organizes all communications, whether voice, text or e-mail, under a single contact card.”
Additional business features available on HTC Touch Pro2 include International Quad-Band capability (CDMA, GSM); Straight Talk Technology with dual speakers; dual microphones and a mute button to provide a professional speakerphone experience; full HTML browser from Opera; stereo Bluetooth wireless technology; WorldCard Mobile Business Card Scanner; Facebook integration; and Linked inboxes, which easily link personal and work contacts.
The extra-large tilting display makes the HTC Touch Pro2 an outstanding device for enjoying video content, while the built-in 3.5 mm audio jack makes it easy to listen to music with virtually any headphones. A microSD card slot makes it simple to expand storage with an optional memory card for large libraries of multimedia content or for saving images captured with HTC Touch Pro2’s auto-focus 3.2 megapixel camera/camcorder.
BUILT Offers Laptop Acessory Line-up
August 31, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Hardware, Mac Hardware, PC Hardware
“Laptops travel with people across town and across the world, and BUILT offers a stylish way to carry and protect them,” said Rick Sadofsky, General Manager/VP of Global Sales. “This is a very strong category for BUILT, and we expect to see continued growth with our expanded selection of laptop accessories.”
The iconic hourglass design of BUILT Laptop Sleeves stretch to custom fit a range of laptops, come in a variety of bright colors, and are checkpoint friendly. New sizes debuting at IFA are the 16 inch (40,6 cm), available in Black, Black Raspberry, Spring Fuchsia, Nolita Stripe, Micro Dot, Dot No. 7, and French Bull Shadow Flower,Vine, and Multidot; and the 17 inch Plus (43,2+ cm), available in Black, Fiery Orange, and Micro Dot. Additional Laptop Sleeve sizes include 12–13 inch (30,5–33 cm), 14–15 inch (35,6–38,1 cm), and 17 inch (43,2 cm).
BUILT products are iconic and functional, and the Hoodie Laptop Case exemplifies that. Its unique rigid EVA back guards your laptop no matter how many hard knocks it takes, and once the hood is slipped over it, your laptop is safe and secure. The Hoodie Laptop Case has a built-in back pocket for folders and accessories, holds up to 15.4 inch (39,1 cm) laptops, and is available in Black, Ski Patrol Red, and Micro Dot.
Ifyou need a mobile office, the Platform Laptop Case is for you. It has a hard shell for extra protection, and a stretchy neoprene top that zips open so you can use your computer without ever taking it out of the case. Just unzip, and start to work or surf. And no more worries about working on sticky, wobbly or dirty surfaces—the Platform Laptop Case sits very nicely on laps. The Platform holds a range of 15.4 inch (39,1 cm) laptops, and is available in Black, Ski Patrol Red, and Micro Dot.
If you’re looking to turn heads, the scalloped edges of the Bumper Laptop Sleeves pack a visual punch—and diffuse those jolts and bumps encountered along the way. It holds and protects 12–13 inch (30,5–33 cm) and up to 15 inch (38,1 cm) laptops, and is available in Black Raspberry and Nolita Stripe.
Always on the run? The Laptop Portfolio is the classic go-to bag that comes with a removable shoulder strap and two exterior pockets for folders and accessories. It holds a range of 15.4 inch (39,1 cm) laptops, and is available in Black, Dot No. 7, Black Raspberry, and Micro Dot.
I’ve adapted a BUILT bag intended for portable DVD players to use with my netbook and it works really well. The neoprene is squishy and protective while still being light and easy to carry.
Rockstar to Bring Beaterator to the iPhone
August 31, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Cell Phones, Games
Rockstar Games is proud to announce that Rockstar Games and Timbaland present Beaterator will be coming to the iPhone and iPod touch this fall. Developed by Rockstar Leeds, the studio behind Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, Beaterator is a portable music-making application that allows people of all musical backgrounds and ability to create world-class beats and songs.
“The simple, pick-up-and-play nature of Beaterator lends itself so well to the Apple platforms,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “We are happy to deliver an application that allows for such unprecedented sharing and ease-of-use.”
Previously announced for the PlayStationPortable system, Beaterator features thousands of loops and sounds made by both Timbaland and Rockstar, and puts the power to make professional-level music at your fingertips in a format that’s portable, accessible and fun.
For more information, log onto www.rockstargames.com/beaterator.
Macs and Coffee Are the Thing: Apple Dominates US Wi-Fi Hotspots
August 31, 2009 by Doug
Filed under News, News/Events
Apple’s market share may be around the 10% mark for total PC sales while getting nearly a quarter of the notebook sales of late. But like its mind and press share, Apple commands a hugely disproportionate number of the Wi-Fi hotspot users in cafes and coffee shops in the US, according to new data from JiWire. The iPhone and iPod touch combined account for 97.6 percent of all handheld devices at these areas.
The researchers don’t directly explain the reasons behind the Apple bias but do illustrate a typical user that would favor MacBooks. The average hotspot guest is a man between 25 and 49 years old who is financially secure; about 38 percent plan to make a large purchase within the next year.
Of all users, about 85 percent of these visitors are online at least once a week, while 68 percent use it for over an hour. The US leads has dramatic lead in hotspots with an estimated 67,420 versus 28,678 for China and 27,459 in the UK. New York has a slight lead over San Francisco for the largest number of public hotspots at 887 versus 872. The report can be download in PDF format here: http://www.jiwire.com/downloads/pdf/JiWire_MobileAudienceInsights_1H09.pdf
Apple has previously spurred on its use in coffee shops through its deals with Starbucks and AT&T. Starbucks has special section in the iTunes store and lets users who are running iTunes on their laptop, iPod Touh or iPhone see what music has played or is currently playing in the cafe.
GTA: Chinatown Wars Coming to iPhone and PSP
August 31, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Cell Phones, Games, PSP, Video Games
Rockstar Games is pleased to announce that the critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars from Rockstar Leeds, the winners of the 2009 Develop Award for Best Handheld Game Studio, will be making its way to the iPhone and iPod touch this fall.
“Chinatown Wars is a perfect match for the iPhone and iPod touch,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “We are very excited to bring this incredibly ambitious version of Liberty City, with this level of detail and immersive gameplay on Apple’s new gaming platforms.”
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is currently available for the Nintendo DS and is also coming this fall for the PlayStationPortable. The game follows the story of Huang Lee, a young Triad who travels to Liberty City after the mysterious death of his father. Players will navigate their way through the streets as they uncover the truth behind an epic tale of crime and corruption within the Triad crime syndicate, delivering the unprecedented amount of depth that has become a true trademark of the Grand Theft Auto franchise.
For more information, log onto www.rockstargames.com/chinatownwars.
ATI Radeon 4800 Cards Compliant with OpenCL in Snow Leopard
August 31, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Hardware, Mac Hardware
AMD today announced that the world renowned ATI Radeon HD 4800 series, now found in some of the highest performance iMac and Mac Pro configurations, complements Snow Leopard’s fully compliant OpenCL Version 1.0 implementation. As an open standard specification, OpenCL is a key enabler of ATI Stream technology, which allows developers to create highly efficient applications balanced across CPU and GPU resources for superior performance running on Snow Leopard systems.
“Software developers can better serve end-users through open standards and OpenCL, a major component of Snow Leopard, that enables AMD’s ATI Stream technology to accelerate mainstream applications through the processing the power of a GPU,” said Rick Bergman, senior vice president and general manager, AMD Products Group. “Whether you’re enjoying HD multimedia content or playing the newest games, the ATI Radeon HD 4870 and ATI Radeo HD 4850 in the latest Mac Pro and iMac help ATI Stream-enabled applications run faster.”
- ATI Radeon HD 4870 graphics are available in the latest Mac Pro, while the ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics power the latest iMac. Designed as high-performance parts for the ATI Radeon HD 4000 family of products, these feature-rich graphics processors redefine computer entertainment with advanced capabilities including support for the latest games and a home theater-quality HD multimedia experience on HD-capable monitors for use at work, at home or at play.
- ATI Stream technology leverages multi-core CPU and GPU architectures to accelerate the execution of stream-enabled highly parallel functions enabling software developers to enable improved performance and interactivity across a broad range of OpenCL capable compute platforms.
SanDisk Releases Clip+MP3 Player
August 31, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Gadgets, MP3 Players
SanDisk has announced the Sansa Clip+ MP3 player. The new Sansa Clip+ MP3 player comes equipped with a new microSD memory card slot that enables consumers to listen to thousands of additional songs effortlessly.
As the successor to the best selling full-featured sub-$100 MP3 player in America, the Sansa Clip+ MP3 player is fully compatible with SanDisk slotRadio and slotMusic cards, as well as any microSD card pre-loaded with music. By sliding any of these cards into the new Sansa Clip+ memory card slot, music lovers can instantly listen to premium songs and handcrafted playlists without consuming any of the device’s onboard memory.
- slotRadio cards: SanDisk slotRadio cards (starting at $39.99 MSRP, U.S. only) give consumers immediate access to some of their favorite styles of music, including Rock, Country, Oldies and Hip Hop/R&B. Most slotRadio cards contain 1,000 songs featuring chart topping artists from the Billboard charts.
- slotMusic cards: Consumers can also insert a SanDisk slotMusic card into their Sansa Clip+ MP3 player’s microSD card slot to plug-and-play the latest albums (on microSD card) from today’s hottest artists, as well as greatest hits’ compilations from past decades (cards start at $14.99 MSRP, U.S. only). slotMusic cards make music portable and can also be used in mobile phones with a microSD card slot that can play MP3 files, computers with a microSD USB reader or an SD card adapter, and even some car stereos with a microSD USB reader or SD card adapter.
- Custom-loaded microSD cards: Consumers have the option of inserting a microSD card loaded with their own music library to listen to — up to 4,000 additional songs1 per 16GB card — which again adds interoperability with other devices, including mobile phones that are microSD card compatible.
Tailor made for budget and time-conscious music fans looking for the best MP3 player for the money, the Sansa Clip+ MP3 player offers outstanding sound quality; long-lasting rechargeable battery; bright, easy-to-read screen, and compact wearable design.
“We made a great product — the Sansa Clip — even better,” said Eric Bone, vice president, retail product marketing, SanDisk. “This small player packs big features, including a new microSD memory card slot that gives music lovers the ability to listen to thousands of additional songs in seconds. It’s the perfect player for travelers, busy moms, fitness buffs or anyone looking to enjoy music without the hassle of loading songs from their computer or updating playlists.”
The Sansa Clip+ MP3 player is expected to be available at sandisk.com and bestbuy.com on Aug. 31, and at other retailers nationwide on Sept. 13. The device will be available in Canada and Europe in time for the holiday season. The music player comes in a variety of capacities, including 2-gigabytes(GB) of onboard memory for up to 500 songs for $39.99 (MSRP), 4GB which holds up to 1,000 songs for $49.99, and 8GB, which has an up to 2,000-song capacity for just $69.99.
Consumers can show off their style by choosing the Sansa Clip+ MP3 player in red, blue or black.
Sansa Clip+ MP3 Player Features:
- Superior sound – one of the best sounding MP3 players on the market
- microSD expansion slot which is compatible with slotRadio and slotMusic cards and any standard microSD card
- A wearable clip for hands-free portability and effortless enjoyment of digital music on the go
- Large(1”), bright (OLED) screen with a simple user interface that makes it easy to choose playlists or songs sorted by title, artist, album, genre
- FM tuner with 40 presets for listening to sports, tuning in at the gym or your favorite music station
- Built-in microphone to record thoughts while on the go
- Equalizer mode to fine tune the listening experience
- Rechargeable, lithium ion battery with up to 15 hours of life2 - one of the most competitive battery performances for an MP3 player of its size on the market today
- Solid state flash memory for skip-free playback of music
- Support for many music download and subscription services including Rhapsody, Napster, eMusic and others
- Designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of music formats, such as MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis and Audible files (for audio books), in both unprotected and protected files
The Sansa Clip+ MP3 player is the first Windows 7 certified MP3 player (along with the Sansa Fuze, Sansa View, and Sansa Clip portable media players). This compatibility simplifies the user experience and offers a smooth transition to the forthcoming operating system.
The Sansa Clip+ MP3 player updates SanDisk’s Sansa audio/video product family, which includes the popular full-sized Sansa Fuze MP3 player, SanDisk slotRadio player, SanDisk slotMusic player and the companion SanDisk slotRadio and slotMusic cards.
Fiat and TomTom Join for Navigation Solution
Fiat Group Automobiles and TomTom have announced that the two companies have jointly developed an integrated portable navigation solution. This solution, which is the result of a partnership between the two companies, will be showcased for the first time in the new Fiat Punto Evo at the upcoming IAA Motorshow in Frankfurt, Germany. The Blue&Me – TomTom will deliver Fiat drivers the latest, award winning TomTom portable navigation technology by integrating it into multiple car models of Fiat Group Automobiles.
The partnership has resulted in the tightest integration between a portable navigation device and a car the industry has ever seen and is offering the most optimal driving experience by providing cutting-edge technologies to the market. With Blue&Me – TomTom, Fiat is answering customer demand for flexible and user-friendly navigation solutions thanks to TomTom’s expertise in products that are easy to use and updateable.
Blue&Me - TomTom will offer the latest features available on TomTom devices, such as IQ Routes for the fastest route and accurate arrival times. The new system also incorporates Fiat’s “eco:Drive Info” for real time information on driving style and useful suggestions for reducing environmental impact and optimising consumption by changing gear and using the accelerator to suit the nature of the route.
Lorenzo Sistino, CEO of Fiat Automobiles, said, “Blue&Me–TomTom is a fully integrated infotainment system that lets you manage telephone, navigation and driving information on an easy to use colour touch-screen.”
“We are thrilled to work with such a leading car manufacturer and we look forward to see our partnership grow in the future,” said Harold Goddijn, CEO of TomTom. “This deal marks another important step in our automotive strategy and is incomparable in the automotive industry. For the first time ever a new car will offer the latest navigation innovations available.”
Further details on the solution will be fully revealed at the IAA Motorshow in Frankfurt, Germany which runs from 17-27 September, 2009,
Clan Portal Opens for Section 8 Release
August 28, 2009 by Laura
Filed under PC Games, Video Games, XBOX 360
SouthPeak Interactive Corporation and TimeGate Studios are pleased to announce their clan and statistics portal for the upcoming Section 8 sci-fi FPS. This online center offers players information and coordination for everything they do in the game. It also allows for full clan management and recruitment. Everything will be accessible at www.joinsection8.com/stats and be available next week when the game ships in North America.
Features
- Create a Section 8 clan
- In game clan tags can be setup to automatically update from the portal
- Ability to turn on/off recruitment status and review the statistics of your incoming applicants
Establish hierarchies within your clan (Recruit, Member, Officer, Leader, etc.) and manage rosters directly from the portal - Toggle viewing clan member’s e-mail address for coordination outside of the game
- Over 50+ unique Leaderboards not available in game, categorized by: Career Statistics (XP, Kills, Deaths, Destructions, Combat, Teamwork, etc.);“In a Life” Records (XP, Teamwork, Combat, Kills, Damage, Captures, Repairs, Defenses, Destruction);Gear “In a Life” Records (Assault Rifle, Shotgun, Knife, etc.);Badges (32x badges);Feats (16x feats)
- All Leaderboards can be changed to best “overall” or best “within my clan”
- Overall community page that tracks the top players / top clans, as well as tracks continuously updated community wide statistics (ex: most popular map, popular gear, popular loadout, etc.)
- A unique player profile page for each user that tracks over 100 unique in-game statistics to the individual that can be set to rank either best “overall” or best “within my clan”
- Mutually exclusive statistics for each platform (Xbox 360, PC)
- Supports players from all regions (EFIGS)
Section 8 will be available for Xbox 360 from Microsoft on September 1, and for Windows PC on September 4 in North America. Both the Xbox 360 and Windows PC versions will be available on September 11 in the UK and Asia Pacific, and September 18 in the rest of Europe.
For more visit www.joinsection8.com.
Wizzard Media Relases Podcast Companion Apps for iPhone
August 28, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Applications, Cell Phones
Wizzard Media today announced the availability of 15 new iPhone Apps available for purchase in the App Store.
The new Apps, including Spanish2Go and YOGAmazing, are companion Apps for popular podcasts offering convenient access to the podcast, show extras, bonus content and new social communication features. Also released were several classic audio book Apps including Dracula, Around the World in 80 Days and The Jungle Book. All Apps are priced between $1.99 and $2.99.
The Today in iPhone podcast companion App, Tii, available in the App store August 15th, has been purchased by 9% of the show’s monthly unique podcast audience in the first 11 days, rising to a high of number 19 in the top 100 list of all paid Productivity Apps.
“With over 90% of the App purchasers who took the time to review and rate the App giving the Tii Podcast App a 5 star rating, we believe this early data demonstrates the strong audience loyalty and engagement of podcast audiences,” says Laurie Sims, President of Wizzard Media. “We are excited to see a 9% monthly audience conversion rate so early in the product lifecycle as it begins to validate our new App monetization product for podcasters.”
“I have been very happy with all the positive feedback from my audience,” says Rob Walch, host of the Today in iPhone podcast. “The Tii Podcast App is taking my audience interaction to a new level and I recommend it to all podcasters.”