Friday, June 7, 2013 9:28am
iWatch watch: Rumors for the device have been swirling for a few months now. Now, according to a publication in Russia, Apple has filed a trademark there for the Apple iWatch. Geeky Gadgets
NSA surveillance: A National Security Agency's program to collect phone records has thwarted several attempted terrorist attacks in the U.S., Senate Intelligence Committee chair says. NBC News
Track your dog's fitness: Whistle is a new wireless device ($99.95) that tracks your dog's activity and rest patterns, and syncs to your smartphone or web app. There's also Tagg, a dog fitness tracker and GPS locator ($99.95 plus monthly data charge of $7.95). ABC News
Drivers, start your engines... With an app. General Motors says its free smartphone app will give you the car's key-fob functions on your smartphones, starting with all of the 2014 model-year vehicles with OnStar capability. (But you'll still need to carry your actual key fob to start the cars.) OnStar subscribers ($19-$28 a month) already has this capability. The free app will be a limited version of what subscribers get. Detroit Free Press
Tell your Disney story: Share your experience at Walt Disney World with your friends online with a new app that lets you tell your story about your trip. Not just tweets and Facebook updates, but in a narrative form. Orlando Sentinel
Google tease: Google Glass get its first porn app. But the Tits and Glass app gets banned soon after because of Google has banned "sexually explicit" Glassware. Digital Trends
Windows Phone catching up: New data from Canalys says Microsoft is expected to almost catch up with Apple in global shipments of the Windows Phone smartphones by 2017. Google's Android OS will continue to dominate, but iOS and WP will compete for second place. PCMag.com
Travel aide: A set of free iOS apps from Rosetta Stone helps users learn the basics and common phrases of another language in French, Spanish, German and Italian. The apps use speech recognition to help you pronounce the words correctly. Reuters
Phone security: Experts, including Microsoft's chief online safety officer, says the single most important way to protect your mobile device is to lock it with a password. Computerworld
No more jangling keys: Smartphones can control the house alarm, garage-door opening, AC, and now, even the front door. Use your phone to unlock or lock the front door of your home with a August Smart-Lock just by being in proximity of the device that's attached to the deadbolt on the inside of the door. The $199 Smart-Lock is due out later this year. ABC News
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Friday, June 7, 2013 8:39am
Has Tropical Storm Andrea and recent meteorological events in Oklahoma got you all jazzed up about the climate? You, too, can keep track of the weather with Acu-Link by AcuRite, a platform for remotely monitoring environmental conditions.
It lets users observe indoor and outdoor conditions, including temperature, humidity, wind, rainfall, water temperature, atmospheric pressure and forecasts, using one or more sensors placed in locations of your choise. You can share the data you collected online via an Internet bridge, which connects to your router. The information is sent to the Acu-Link servers in the Cloud.
Access the data using your free iPhone or Android app, or go online at acu-link.com.
The Professional Weather Center with Acu-Link Remote Monitoring is $199.95, and includes the bridge, a sensor and a tabletop display. You can add sensors, which cost anywhere from $7.50 to $65, depending on type. The kit and accessories are available at AcuRite.com
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Monday, May 27, 2013 3:58pm
Windows' Phone YouTube app: Windows Phone will rework its YouTube app to be like how Google wants it to be. PC World
Time saver: A Harris Interactive market study has found that smartphone apps help users save 88 minutes of their time in a day, or 22 days a year. NDTV Gadgets
Cool to the touch: Windows 8 users aren't that into touch-friendly Windows 8 apps, according to a usage pattern study by Soluto, a cloud-based PC management services provider. eweek.com
Key to becoming a best-selling phone: Meeting supply demand and brand perception are major factors a smartphone's success. New York Times
25 worst gadget flops: There's been some real gadget duds over the years. Here's a look at 25 of the worst of all time. Yahoo
There's no app for that: Research shows that Windows Phone users don't have many as many choices for the most popular apps that work on their devices. Computerworld.com
Hot seller: Samsung reports that the new flagship phone, the Galaxy S4, has surpassed the 10-million mark in worldwide sales in less than a month. New York Times
Going green for just a few bucks: Make your own solar-powered phone charger for around $5. treehugger.com
User data for sale: Wall Street Journal published a report that says cell phone companies are selling or looking to sell information about their customers, Verizon being the first to move in this direction. huffingtonpost.com
Customer satisfaction survey: A study finds that no contract cell phone services and smaller carriers are gaining in popularity. Forbes
What's next? SmartCars? General Motors says some models will have in-car apps starting later this year. CNet
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Tuesday, May 14, 2013 5:43pm
Renaming the phone: Newt Gingrich takes a stab at renaming the cell phone. He says the device does much more than just make phone calls. It's more ike a "I have been calling it a handheld computer," he says on the Gingrich Productions YouTube channel. ABC News
Sexters beware: The Snapchat app that lets users share a photo that will "self-destruct" seconds after it's viewed, actually isn't foolproof. Forensic experts showed that with right tools, Snapchat photos can be retrieved. Huffington Post
Favorite photo apps: Billions of photos are taken every month using a smartphone. And there are apps to make those photos look even cooler with filters and special effects. Here are some favorites. USA Today
iOS photos in the cloud: Amazon launched its Cloud Drive Photos app for iOS devices (Android version has been available since November) that stores photos in the Amazon Cloud. Free for 5GB of space. PCmag.com
Mommy's helper: There's an app for just about anything, including this: The Huggies TweetPee app, which is connected to a sensor, sends a tweet to the parents when the baby's diaper needs changing. Really? ABC News
Getting out of a jam: A risk management and investigations firm introduced an app that helps you navigate all sorts of sticky business scenarios. Computerworld
Facebook phone price drop: It has been only a month since its release, but the "Facebook Phone" which originally was $99.99 with a contract, is now discounts to 99 cents with a two-year AT&T contract. Forbes
Near milestone: Apple is getting ready to celebrate its 50 billionth app download, and the person who does that will get a $10,000 iTunes Store gift card. The next 50 downloads will get $500 gift cards. MacRumors
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Friday, May 3, 2013 11:02am
Fitbit Zip
Every step counts when you're trying to get fit. Even if you're not actively exercising. With the Fitbit Zip Wireless Activity Tracker, you can log them all. This tiny device helps track your efforts to get back in shape. It counts your steps, measures the distance you traveled and how many calories you burned as you exercise or go about your regular day.
The case comes in a choice of five colors: lime, blue, white, magenta and charcoal. I recommend getting a bright-colored one, so it's easy to find if you misplace it (or if you drop it on your car with dark interior). But if you're going to wear it externally, a black one might draw less attention.
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Thursday, May 2, 2013 5:29pm
First, let's make clear what Sony's SmartWatch is NOT.
It's not a standalone watch-style smartphone. This little gizmo is more like a digital watch and a second screen that sits on your wrist for your Android phone (not compatible with iPhones.) Wirelessly paired via Bluetooth 3.0, the SmartWatch keeps some basic functions at your fingertips without having to dig out your phone from your pocket or purse. It can act as a remote for your phone's music player, and also show messages, emails, and calendar reminders, among other functions. If paired with Sony Xperia phones, it can also take calls with this device, but not with other brands. Make sure you check your phone's compatibility before you splurge on this device.
Note this limitation: You'll have to keep the phone within about 10 yards of you to maintain connection. So if you go out jogging, the SmartWatch is great to glance at incoming notifications, but you'll still have to carry your smartphone with you. But if you have, say, an armband holding your phone, a glance down at the watch is much easier than working your big phone during your exercises. Vibrations alert you to new messages, which you can scroll to read. If you're in a loud area, or you have to turn off your phone ringer, you can still be aware of incoming messages or calls on the SmartWatch.
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Saturday, April 27, 2013 6:54am
S4 comes to AT&T stores: Samsung's Galaxy S4 is on sale in AT&T stores today. (Other carriers, not yet.) So what's the reception for the new Samsung smartphone? Strong on hardware, but add-ons are gimmicky. Washington Post
Make it your own: Got a new Android phone? You'll have lots of options for customization. Here are some tips on getting you started on tricking out your new phone. Time …
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Wednesday, April 17, 2013 11:21am
Wearing headphones can be a challenge when you're exercising. So many don't stay on your ears because of all the jostling, especially when you start perspiring.
With fitness buffs in mind, Motorola came out with the SF200 headphones. Designed with over-the-ear loop that hooks around the back of the ears, the headset is designed to stay in place. The loop is skinny enough to be able to wear even with glasses or sunglasses on. In fact, I think it stays on better that way, and didn't hurt like some other headsets with bulky loops.
I had my husband test it out when he went to the gym. He says the ear pieces stayed on during all the exercising, and never fell out or slipped. He was able to hear his music on the iPod even though the treadmills were located under the gym's speakers blaring out some "workout" music. But the SF200 doesn't completely block out outside noise, which is ideal if you're jogging along the road.
For me, the arc of the loop was too high, and didn't fit my ears well. The earpieces fit better with sunglasses on, however.
The headset comes with four sizes of silicone ear cushions for you to find a good fit. It's water resistant with mesh and silicone seals. The speakers are encased to keep moisture out. (Interestingly, the instruction manual, under the Use and Care section, says to keep the headset away from "Liquid of any kind: Don't expose your product to water, rain, extreme humidity, sweat or other moisture." Hmm.)
With the small built-in control and microphone, you can answer calls, control the volume or skip through music on your player.
Lastly, I appreciated that the cords were bright red, and not black like so many other accessories. Black tends to disappear in a sea of other black gadgets or car upholstery.
Motorola SF200, $49.99
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Wednesday, April 17, 2013 9:31am
Otterbox phone cases have been known for its toughness. Many users swear by the brand for protecting their smartphones from, well, life. …
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Saturday, April 13, 2013 8:27am
Celebrity screen: What you have on your mobile phone home screen can say a lot about you. What about some of your favorite musician, athlete or movie star? Here are some who were willing to share. Men's Health
BlackBerry disputes findings: BlackBerry is asking for an investigation by securities regulators after a report surfaced that the new BlackBerry Z10 smartphones are being returned by customers at an above-average rate. New York Times
Survey says: A Raymond James survey finds that a BlackBerry is the phone consumers want the least: a whopping 71 percent. All Things D
Upgrade extension: Verizon Wireless customers will have to wait a full 24 months (instead of the previous 20 months) to be able to upgrade their phone to a new model. Of course, if you're willing to pay the unsubsidized price, you can upgrade any time. All Things D
Apple's "killer app": One analyst predicts that Apple will introduce a "killer app" – a true mobile wallet – this summer to be included with the iOS 7 update. CNet
Keep your eyes away from that phone: A California appellate court ruled that it's illegal to hold your smartphone to use it for anything, including finding directions on a map app. You can't even even look at it either. Los Angeles Times
6 apps for losing weight: Shed some pounds with these weight-loss apps that can help you to stick to your plan. New York Daily News
Tax Day freebies: This has nothing to do with gadgets, but who can pass up sharing about some freebies on Tax Day (April 15)? So check out some of these offers listed on dealnews.com during your lunch break.
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Thursday, April 4, 2013 6:50pm
HTC One preorder starts today: The HTC One smartphone, which is coming out on April 19, is now available for preorder at AT&T. The phone will start at $199 for a 32GB model, and $299 for a 64GB (which is only available at AT&T). Preordered phones with the carrier will come with an HTC Media Link HD wireless HDMI adaptor. The phone will also be available through T-Mobile ($99.99 plus 24 payments of $20), but its release date hasn't been announced. Sprint will also sell the phone, but details are not yet officially announced. …
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Friday, March 29, 2013 10:33am
Windows Phone vs. iPhone: According to research firm IDC, Windows Phone is beating out iPhone in seven countries: Argentina, India, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Ukrane, "rest of Central and Eastern Europe." So what does this mean, exactly? Huffington Post
Facebook OS: It's baaaack. Stories about the Facebook phone just won't go away. Latest speculation is that Facebook is coming out with its own Android-based operating system. We'll find out April 4 at an announcement event. businessinsider.com
Now you see it, now you don't: Google has revoked some invitations to purchase its futuristic Glass for $1,500, because some didn't follow all the rules when they applied. NBC News
Your boss could always be watching: Even if your boss isn't in your cyber social circle, he or she could still track what's being said online with an app called FireMe! So beware what you post! ABC News
Keep tabs with old phones: People Power's free app called Presence can use an old iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch into a security camera, perfect for watching your kids or pets, or check in on elderly people who stay at home. Los Angeles Times
Fitness app for the rest of us: Not everyone is a fitness enthusiast. For the more casual fitness fans, try Cody, which focuses more on "stories" behind the activity instead of distances and numbers. gigaom.com
BMW next to work with apps: Having in-car apps is the latest shift in automotive trends, as more manufacturers are are partnering with app makers for the "next big thing." BMW recently announced plans to add several apps, including Glympse, Audible, Rhapsody and TuneIn. New York Times
Teen sells app to Yahoo for $30 million: Yahoo has purchased a news reading app called Summly that was created by a British teenager when he was 15. Nick D'Aloisi sold the app for $30 million, plus a job at Yahoo. NPR
T-Mobile offers new plans: T-Mobile announced a new strategy where users can purchase popular phones for lower upfront cost, and with no service contracts. For instance, you can get an iPhone 5 for $100 up front, with $20-a-month additional payment for two years. Other phones like Samsung Galaxy S4 and BlackBerry Z10 will be available with similar payment plans. You don't have to sign up for a long-term service contract, but you'll have to pay off the balance for the phone if you send the service. New York Times
What does your gadget say about you? How would people judge each other on what electronic devices you use? For instance, Apple devices are frequently seen as "high end" and users may be considered as extroverts who enjoy spending money and see themselves as "high maintenance." laptopmag.com
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Friday, March 29, 2013 9:42am
Windows Phone vs. iPhone: According to research firm IDC, Windows Phone is beating out iPhone in seven countries: Argentina, India, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Ukrane, "rest of Central and Eastern Europe." So what does this mean, exactly? Huffington Post
Facebook OS: It's baaaack. Stories about the Facebook phone just won't go away. Latest speculation is that Facebook is coming out with its own Android-based operating system. We'll find out April 4 at an announcement event. businessinsider.com
Now you see it, now you don't: Google has revoked some invitations to purchase its futuristic Glass for $1,500, because some didn't follow all the rules when they applied. NBC News
Your boss could always be watching: Even if your boss isn't in your cyber social circle, he or she could still track what's being said online with an app called FireMe! So beware what you post! ABC News
Keep tabs with old phones: People Power's free app called Presence can use an old iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch into a security camera, perfect for watching your kids or pets, or check in on elderly people who stay at home. Los Angeles Times
Fitness app for the rest of us: Not everyone is a fitness enthusiast. For the more casual fitness fans, try Cody, which focuses more on "stories" behind the activity instead of distances and numbers. gigaom.com
BMW next to work with apps: Having in-car apps is the latest shift in automotive trends, as more manufacturers are are partnering with app makers for the "next big thing." BMW recently announced plans to add several apps, including Glympse, Audible, Rhapsody and TuneIn. New York Times
Teen sells app to Yahoo for $30 million: Yahoo has purchased a news reading app called Summly that was created by a British teenager when he was 15. Nick D'Aloisi sold the app for $30 million, plus a job at Yahoo. NPR
T-Mobile offers new plans: T-Mobile announced a new strategy where users can purchase popular phones for lower upfront cost, and with no service contracts. For instance, you can get an iPhone 5 for $100 up front, with $20-a-month additional payment for two years. Other phones like Samsung Galaxy S4 and BlackBerry Z10 will be available with similar payment plans. You don't have to sign up for a long-term service contract, but you'll have to pay off the balance for the phone if you send the service. New York Times
What does your gadget say about you? How would people judge each other on what electronic devices you use? For instance, Apple devices are frequently seen as "high end" and users may be considered as extroverts who enjoy spending money and see themselves as "high maintenance." laptopmag.com
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Friday, March 22, 2013 4:39pm
New hope: BlackBerry Z10 is finally out in the U.S. market today. Can this smartphone revive the once-dominant cellphone maker? Washington Post
YouTube milestone: Cute animals, Harlem shakes, pop videos, and much more have rocketed YouTube to accumulate 1 billion monthly users. Wired.com
Apple's two-step: For added security, Apple began introducing two-step authentication for Apple ID and iCloud users. Wired.com\
Car safety app: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released an iOS app called SaferCar for the iPhone and iPod Touch that will let users keep track of notices and vehicle recalls, and find a location of a child seat installation location. USA Today
Turn your phone into an S4: Samsung S4's new features were introduced with fanfare last week. But you can give your Android phone similar features with a few apps. Digital Trends
Preparing for the worst? Consider a satellite phone: Who would benefit from having a satellite phone, and where do you buy one? Forbes.com
Cracking down: The Federal Communications Commission is going after two firms accused of making unauthorized robocalls to cell phones. PCmag.com …
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Friday, March 15, 2013 12:08pm
The much anticipated Samsung Galaxy S4 is finally unveiled. Can it live up to the hype as the successor to last year's S3 which is the world's most popular Android phone?
The S4 features Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 and a 5-inch full HD Super AMOLED display with a 1920x1080 resolution. The U.S. version will had a quad core Qualcomm 1.8 GHz processor.
The rear-facing 13 megapixel camera has autofocus, flash and no shutter lag. The front facing camera is 2 megapixels and can record a full HD video.
New features include the AirGesture and AirView, where you use the motion of your hands to scroll, browse, and answer a call. Just hover over the phone to dial a number, even with your gloves on.
The color choices are black or white, with memory configuration of 16GB, 32GV or 64GB, and a microSD car slot for up to 65GB.
Gizmodo has a hands-on look at the new smartphone. And CNet takes a look at its software. Are all the new features amazing? Maybe not.
What does it look like inside the S4? Someone in China opened one up. Here's a breakdown. Literally.
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