ʎvesluther.name/technoskop
Nexus One Update
In preparation of the next iPhone?
Google Goggles: this mobile application will now be available directly on your device by launching it from your All Apps menu. Just use your Nexus One camera to start searching the web
Google Maps: the Maps application with be updated to a new version, Google Maps 3.4, which will include:
- Starred items synchronized with maps.google.com - access your favorite places from your phone or computer
- Search suggestions from your personal maps.google.com history - makes it easy to search for places you’ve searched for before
- Night mode in Google Maps Navigation - automatically changes your screen at night for easier viewing and driving
Pinch-to-zoom functionality: devices will now include a new pinch-to-zoom mechanism in the phone’s Browser, Gallery and Maps applications
3G connectivity: we will provide a general fix to help improve 3G connectivity on some Nexus One phones
Nexus One - second to none. Not.
Das Nexus One und ich, wir waren eins. Für eine ganze Woche. Mein bis dahin geliebtes iPhone 3 GS musste so lange ausziehen. Und wie versprochen, habe ich es gemieden, soweit es mir beruflich möglich war. Zwar hatte ich versprochen täglich meinen Leidensweg zu schildern. Am Ende war es aber doch nicht so schlimm und wirklich aufregende, mitteilungswürdige Dinge haben sich selten ergeben. Aber jetzt ist die Flitterwoche vorbei - Zeit für ein erstes Fazit.
My other postings are here:
- Nexus One - Making Peace
- Nexus One Factory Data Reset
- Furnishing the Nexus One house
- Hello, I am a Nexus One
Enjoy!
Korg Kaossilator Pro
Korg’s revolutionary KAOSS products have brought intuitive finger-tip control to all aspects or modern music making! With 200 programs, new PCM drums, loop recording, vocoding, and an incredible gate arpeggiator, this supercharged version of the palm-sized KAOSSILATOR is a powerful track-making tool loaded with live performance power. 200 Programs, including 15 effect programs; 8 Favorites for instant selection, 4 Loop Recording Banks, each with unlimited overdubs; 4 measures (16 beats) per bank, Gate Arpeggiator offers 31 scales in any key; sync’s to internal, MIDI, or Tap Tempo, RCA stereo ins & outs; ¼” Mic input; ¼” Stereo headphone out; MIDI In, Out, SD card storage; USB to computer port - includes Editing, Librarian and MIDI Control software.
Goes for $399.99. I bought the consumer version some time ago and liked the ready-to-use approach. Since I will become a DJ in my next live (or was it a longboarder?) I would defenitely consider this device.
Boxee beta
After experiencing all of the good parts of the latest and greatest Boxee, I want to be able to say that it’s the best media center application that I’ve ever used. Instead, I’ll say that it holds the possibility of being the best if it can transcend this rough patch and deliver on its considerable potential.
After playing for several days with the latest beta I definitely fall in love with the UI. Though the lack of (legal) content here in Europe makes the whole experience shitty.
OnLive Video Demonstration
The founder and CEO of OnLive, Steve Perlman. Shows a demonstration on how to play Crysis on iPhone, Mac, & console. Also talks about the features and how this works to at Columbia University in New York City.
Obvious the end of game consoles as we know them. And expensive game hardware upgrades. And lousy mobile adoptions. Though OnLive needs to build their data center infrastructure here in Europe. If I were Sony I would kick the PlayStation 4 and buy OnLive — just an idea.
PS Great inspiration to rethink everything — especially at the end of the video where Steve is doing the Q & A with the students. Innovate, don’t imitate.
Nexus One
Apparently the rumors were right and the diggin of Techcrunch forced Google to this statement.
We recently came up with the concept of a mobile lab, which is a device that combines innovative hardware from a partner with software that runs on Android to experiment with new mobile features and capabilities, and we shared this device with Google employees across the globe.
Remains the question why? I think that Google concluded from all the Android diversifications that they need to provide a reference platform by themselves. Maybe having in mind, that users would force other Android manufacturers to follow their reference design, because nobody could keep up with Google’s pace. If you want the latest Android phone — you need the Google Phone.
- Update 5: The launch event
- Update 4: The TMO confirmation
- Update 3: The FCC accessories approval
- Update 2: The leaked specs
- Update 1: The interface walkthrough
The Missing Sync for Android
The proper tool for cloud naysayers with Outlook, an Android phone and $39.95.
Version 1.0 includes syncing of
- Contacts
- Music
- Photos
- Video and Home Movies
- Docs and Files
- Ringtones
- Podcasts
Future features that are planned:
- Calendars Sync
- Tasks Sync
- Notes Sync
- Bookmarks Sync
- Proximity Sync
- Text Messages Sync
- Call History Sync
Kindle Software Update Version 2.3
- Longer battery life for Kindle (Global Wireless): You can now read for up to 1 week on a single charge with wireless on. Turn wireless off and read for up to 2 weeks.
- Built-in PDF reader: Your Kindle can now display PDF documents without losing the formatting of the original file. Send PDF documents directly to your Kindle (via your @Kindle address) or drag and drop PDF files from your computer to your Kindle (when connected via USB).
- Manual screen rotation: The Kindle screen can now manually rotate between portrait and landscape views so you can see the entire width of a web page or magnify the page of a PDF file. The page-turn buttons work the same in either orientation, and the 5-way controller movements are switched to match the orientation.
- Option to convert PDF files to Kindle format. If you prefer to have your personal PDF documents converted to the Kindle format (so that they can reflow), type “Convert” in the subject of the e-mail when you submit your personal document to your @kindle.com address.
A welcome update, though coming over the air without asking for permission to be installed. Next stop should be better ways to organize its contents.
Chumby One
Chumby One represents a leaner, faster, cheaper take on the original. Aside from ditching the plush Italian leather and beanbag shape of the original for the clean lines of ABS plastic, the new Chumby benefits from a faster processor (454MHz), a built-in FM radio, a dedicated volume knob, 2GB of microSD memory, and a single USB 2.0 port. They’ve now made it portable, too, with an optional rechargeable lithium ion battery good for an hour of use.
Now for pre-order for US$ 99.95. Lost a lot of his plush charm – wished my classic Chumby would have cost the same.
Boxee getting boxed
It’s prime time for Boxee:
I am very happy to announce we have signed our first partnership with a CE company. At this point we can not say more about the partner or the specs of the device, but we can tell you we are working closely with them to make sure we deliver a great Boxee experience on it.
Hopefully the content owners may not dry them up.
Spin - The all-in-one controller for djay
Spin is the perfect all-in-one hardware solution to control djay, allowing anyone to mix, scratch, and play music as a DJ would right at your fingertips. Whether you are a beginner or a professional artist, Spin offers everything you need to be a DJ with your Mac. Start DJing today with Spin and experience what it’s like to create your own mix for podcasts, slide shows, house parties and even bigger venues.
Makes me wish in my next live to become a DJ.
Rumor: Facebook, Gamercard colors in next PS3 FW update
The leaked images show the ability to manage your Facebook in your PlayStation Network account settings, changing the color of your PlayStation Network gamercard and a new, more sufficient way of looking through your photos.
Will be exiting to see if Sony will beat the Xbox 360 with a public launch.
Myka ION HD
Who thought, that Hulu would marry Boxee on a Set Top Box? That happened on the Myka ION HD player which is based as the name would suggest on the NVIDIA ION graphics. Plenty of options …
- XBMC support
- Wireless-N
- Blu-ray
- 4 Gig of RAM
- VGA, DVI, HDMI out
- eSATA, Ethernet and all kind of audio.
… in an ugly housing.
Zune HD Device Firmware 4.3
Improvements:
- Auto Suggest feature for text input.
- Faster web browsing experience.
- Landscape keyboard
- Keyboard option has been added in the settings section.
- New toggle between seek and presets under Radio.
- Under the Internet in settings, you can now toggle to default mobile or desktop webpage layout.
- Artists bios are updated; embedded links to other artists in text.
- Other bug fixes.
Motorola Milestone aka Droid bei O2 Deutschland
O2 Deutschland etabliert sich wiederholt als ‘Alle-guten-Smartphones-außer-dem-iPhone’-Abgreifer und bringt das weltweit erste Android 2.0 Smartphone von Motorola als Milestone (in den USA Droid) für EUR 481,00. Wahlweise zahlbar sofort oder zu 24 Raten à EUR 20,00 plus einem Euro Anzahlung.
- Erstes Android 2.0 (Éclair) Gerät
- 3.7” High Resolution Display mit 480 x 854 Pixel Auflösung (WVGA) und 16cm Diagonale
- Vorinstallierte Google Applikationen
- Flash Support im Webkit Browser
- HSDPA, WiFi, aGPS, USB 2.0, Bluetooth 2.0
- 8GB MicroSD Karte mit vorinstalliertem Kartenmaterial für Westeuropa im Lieferumfang enthalten
- CrystalTalk™ mit Dual Microphone Technologie
Gefen DVI to Mini-DisplayPort Converter
The DVI to Mini-DisplayPort Converter enables computers with a single-link digital DVI-D interface to utilize display devices that have the Mini-DisplayPort interface.
Finally a European alternative to the Atlona DVI to Mini DisplayPort Converter AT-DP200. The Gefen EXT-DVI-2-MDP should launch in November 2009 and will be sold for EUR 137.00 plus VAT.
Doom Classic for the iPhone
Since Doom exists for even the dumbest devices out there, it was just a matter of minutes until it was available for iPhones and iPod touches — for jailbrakers. Now there’s an official port from Id Software, which — thanks to John Carmack himself — should have better controls and graphics. Let the download begin.
First Look: Apple TV 3.0
The highlight of the Apple TV 3.0 software update is its revamped main menu. Gone is the two-column grid introduced as a part of Apple TV “take two.” Instead, there’s a new interface that takes full advantage of widescreen TVs.
Looks like halfhearted try to me to add something other than the needed compatibility with iTunes Extras and iTunes LPs. Come on Apple — you can better.
Bing for mobile now live at m.bing.com
Just wondering how good the mobile search of Bing performs against the (former) leader in mobile search — Yahoo! Who’s obvious going more into a web based aggregation portal.
Avatar AR Cards from Mattel
Those Augmented Reality cards are getting more and more interactive. In this example Mattel includes AR cards with toy robots from the movie Avatar. In combination with a webcam and the browser plugin from Total Immersion their characters do certain actions when a button on the card is pressed.
BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac
Available today and another indicator that RIM is taking Mac users more and more serious. No wonder since they are mainly prosumers and a target group shifting heavily towards the iPhone.
Available features:
- iTunes synchronization via BlackBerry Media Sync
- Native contacts, calendar, tasks and notes sync
- Backup and restore your BlackBerry
- Add, update and remove apps
- Mac OS X 10.5 and later
Mightier Mouse with a Touch
Nothing but a rumor for now, but it would be definitely a nice touch to get rid of all the plastic stuff.
Should the new mouse arrive alongside revamped iMacs, it’s also likely to drop the white plastic finish it formerly used to match previous Mac models. Informed speculation would suggest the new hardware could sport an aluminum appearance to fit in with Apple’s current lineup of desktop computers and notebooks, though those familiar with the product have not commented either way.
Facebook Connect photo integration with Nintendo DSi launches today
Using an Internet-connected Nintendo DSi system and the Nintendo DSi Camera application, Facebook members can take pictures with either of the system’s two cameras and upload their photos directly to their Facebook profile.
Interesting to see, that game console manufacturers leave their walled gardens (eg. PlayStation Network) of user networks and embrace existing and much larger groups — like Social Networks.
Best Buy in 3D
Best Buy puts an AR code into their print ads and violà in this way AR makes the most sense by letting the reader experience a product of the week. Maybe we should suggest this to the Sun for their page three …
BlackBerry App World starts this month in Europe
Don’t forget that all rival app stores only inhaled existing applications, while Apple let developers build new ones for our new iPhones and iPod touches. Smells like old fish for me.
RIM’s App World now has about 2,000 applications, which will be available this month to users in Italy, France, Germany and Spain, Jeff McDowell, vice president of global alliances, said in an interview.
Google is dropping the mother of bombs on Microsoft
MG Siegler’s martial metaphor was wisely chosen, when he described Google’s announcement of its Netbook optimized Crome OS. It is Open Source, it is free and it hurts Microsoft — what else do you want?
However, the operating systems that browsers run on were designed in an era where there was no web. So today, we’re announcing a new project that’s a natural extension of Google Chrome — the Google Chrome Operating System. It’s our attempt to re-think what operating systems should be.
We are Autobots
Nice AR example without the need for a trading card or print. Your face is enough to morph you into an Autobot. Unfortunately only for IE since an Active X plugin is needed.
Share your Shame
A bathroom scale connected to the Internet. When does the twittering toilet come?
- Real-time weight chart
- Automated BMI chart
- Motivation by people who share the same goal
- Share recipes, weight loss & exercise ideas
- Recommended daily intake - calories, nutrition
- Interactive food diary
Do not swallow
16GB USB Thumbkey with only 5mm from Buffalo. Smallest ever. Keep away from children under 3 years. And dogs. And vacuum cleaners.
The smallest usb memory ever, with only 5mm tumbkey.
Nokia E72
Keeping the smudge off your display while you are making five megapixel photos of your lunch snack.
The all new Nokia E72 boasts a host of new features including optical scrolling and a five-megapixel camera. […] and heavy data users will love the support for up to 10.2Mbps connections over HSDPA. The audio jack has also had the upgrade treatment with 3.5mm jack now appearing on the top of the device.
Further improvements are coming from consumer devices, like messaging applications, a digital compass, a torch and so one.
Eye-Fi Pro 4GB Wireless SDHC Card
The Eye-Fi SD card with integrated Wi-Fi just become cooler. Aiming at pro photographers they packed all possible features in a 4 gig card.
Enjoy the freedom of ad hoc connection capabilities and RAW uploads, plus the best of Eye-Fi Explore, including geotagging, HotSpot Access, selective transfer, and Wi-Fi photo and video uploads to your computer and to any of 25 online websites.
Palm Pre goes on sale nationwide, line forms on the right
Palm Headquarters, we’ve got lines. Can you understand us? We’ve got confirmed line sightings!
After Sprint’s invite only pre-Pre launch event last night, we still saw plenty of folks lined up outside Sprint’s “flagship” New York store in the Flatiron Building before the doors opened. Apparently people started queuing around 5:00AM, with Chris Lee and Randy Williams the first through the door — replacing a Treo Pro and a HTC Mogul, respectively.
© 2010 by Yves Luther