Author: Jeff Morgan (Page 99 of 168)

      Android gets tapped for military use

      October 24, 2009 /

      G1 google maps.Military defense contractor Raytheon is apparently as interested in Android as the rest of us. The company has created an application that works like a mashup between a buddy list and Google Maps, giving users the ability to locate “buddies” anywhere on the battlefield.

      The system, called Raytheon Android Tactical System (RATS), was developed on Android for the openness of the platform. Raytheon sees RATS expanding to uses like biometric scanning and off-site suspect identification. By developing on Android, Raytheon was also able to keep the cost of the software down. Think a couple hundred dollars per user, versus the typical tens of thousands per mobile terminal, something taxpayers are sure to be happy with.

      Source: Forbes

      Apps, Mobile

      PC manufacturers may have overanticipated Windows 7

      October 23, 2009 /

      Too many PCs in the warehouse.Now that Windows 7 has officially launched we’ll get to see if PC manufacturers were a little overzealous in their anticipation of the new OS. Comments from AMD toward the end of last week suggested there might be a little too much PC stock because of the new Windows OS.

      AMD has lowered its expectations for Q4 sales because of the high buildup for Windows 7. But a new OS doesn’t necessarily mean buying a new computer. For a lot of people, Windows 7 is just a fix for Vista – a remedy to that compelling desire to put fist through laptop when using Microsoft’s previous generation of operating systems.

      If anyone’s to blame for misguided expectations, I’d say it’s Microsoft. Ballmer came out way too late in the game to say “hey, it might not be as big as we thought.” Prior to that it sounded like Windows 7 might save the planet.

      Computers

      Netflix to launch streaming-only service

      October 23, 2009 /

      Netflix CEO Reed Hastings.During yesterday’s earnings conference call, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings announced plans to launch a streaming-only rental service. Unfortunately that program won’t be launched in the US. The new program is meant to expand the company’s international profile, but that’s not the only reason we won’t see it stateside. Hastings also said the model needs to be proven in other markets before expanding.

      That probably means Netflix wants to know the model can be profitable before launching worldwide. The new system faces unique challenges as the rent-by-post services just aren’t an option in other countries. Hastings says the postal systems in other countries can be too “tricky” for physical mail to really work out.

      I’m all for a streaming-only option. Sure, I can have that now as a part of regular Netflix service, but the DVDs are more of a hassle to me than anything else. Why bother with them when all I want is on-demand movie selection?

      News, Video

      Apple gets ready for the holidays, Windows 7

      October 21, 2009 /

      Unibody white Macbook.Just two days before the Windows 7 launch, Apple made sweeping changes to its Mac lineup, adding a few new toys for holiday buyers along the way. Most notable among the update was the iMac overhaul and entry-level Macbook redesign. The Mac Mini also caught some upgrades, and Apple introduced the Magic Mouse, a touchpad and mouse blended into on sexy little device.

      iMac
      The first thing you’ll notice about the new iMac is size. It’s up to 21.5″ and 27″, both in a 16:9 aspect ratio. The computer also went from aluminum/polycarbonate to the unibody styling of the Macbook Pro line, adding an edge-to-edge glass display that looks really amazing. Apple also added the ability to use the 27″ iMac as a secondary display via an integrated Display Port.

      As for internals, there are some nice upgrades but one big missing feature: Blu-ray support. Granted, the Display Port on the 27″ model gives you the option to watch your HD movies on a brilliant screen, but integrating Blu-ray would have been really nice. The iMac can now be purchased with Core i5/i7 chips, the newest chips from Intel.

      Macbook
      The entry-level Macbook has been long overdue for a redesign and finally got one. Apple took it the Unibody route, though still in white polycarbonate. The touchpad now matches the Macbook Pro line and fully supports gestures, and the bottom has a non-slip finish added. Other than that things have remained essentially the same.

      Magic Mouse
      I’ve been looking for a mouse for my Macbook Pro for some time, but I never found anything I liked enough to give up on gestures. Apple’s Magic Mouse answers that problem by integrating a capacitive touchpad into the surface of the mouse. It’s a really fantastic design in my mind, giving you the control of a gliding mouse with the convenience of gestures for navigating webpages, zooming, and the like. The new mouse will run you $69.

      The Rest
      The rest of the updates were less interesting. You can now purchase a server version of the Mac Mini, which sort of killed the rumors that Apple would position it as an HTPC. Seems like there’s still some confusion about where that product will land in Apple’s lineup. There’s also a redesigned remote that now matches the iMac/Macbook Pro design aesthetic (instead of that glowing white plastic) for $16. Apple also announced upgrades for the Airport Extreme Base Station and the Time Capsule that are shipping now. There have been antenna redesigns and a couple software tweaks that supposedly reduce backup time and increase network range and reception.

      All in all, Apple made some welcome changes to the Mac line, strengthening the all-in-one iMac and giving the Macbook a sorely need redesign. The Magic Mouse probably won’t be the runaway peripheral of the season, but it’s definitely cool and I really want one.

      Apple, Computers, News

      Accessory review: Mophie Juice Pack Air

      October 20, 2009 /

      Mophie Juice Pack Air.I’ve spent some time over the last month playing with my new favorite iPhone accessory, the Mophie Juice Pack Air, which Mophie was kind enough to provide for this review. The concept is simple – provide extra power for your iPhone in as small a form factor as possible – and Mophie’s nailed it. The Juice Pack Air is the perfect case if you need your phone but won’t be able to charge it for some time.

      The Juice Pack Air is basically a backpack for your iPhone. The plastic shell is a size increase for every dimension of the phone, as you might expect from an external battery, though the largest increase is just over a quarter-inch on the bottom of the phone. It’s a fully enclosed case with a removable top, a feature that comes in handy if you’ve got an oversized headphone connector. The remaining charge is indicated by four blue LEDs along the lower back of the case, which are activated with a push button. There’s also a power switch on the bottom to toggle between your phone’s battery and that of the case.

      As for battery life, which is the big deal for this type of case, the 3GS will get nearly double life out of a single charge. Under heavy use I was getting a 65-70% extended life from the Juice Pack Air, but in most cases it was at or above 80%. The case’s battery has a 1200mAh capacity, which is among the lowest for this style case. As I mentioned, the capacity is a tradeoff for size, which is something I like about the Mophie. If you need something that gets you through two full charges or more, you should definitely look elsewhere.

      Though I think Mophie hit the mark on a small, protective battery case, there are a couple things I would change. First, the connection is micro USB, which means carrying an uncommon cable type for charging. That can be frustrating on the road, where I like to pack as light as possible. I also don’t like that the case sits flush with the face of the phone. Just a little lip would mean you could set the iPhone face down without worrying about scratches. If you like to use a screen protector even that will be sitting higher than the edge of the case and without a lip may get peeled back when stuffed repeatedly into a pocket.

      On the whole, though, I really like the Juice Pack Air. It’s small enough to still fit into a pocket with enough battery power to get you through most any day. You can get Mophie’s Juice Pack Air from the company website for $79.95.

      iPhone, Reviews

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