Category: Mobile (Page 30 of 65)

      Google Maps Navigation comes to Android 1.6

      November 23, 2009 /

      Google Maps Navigation at work.One of the most exciting parts of the Motorola Droid launch was the inclusion of Google Maps Navigation, a free turn-by-turn GPS system from Google. At first the feature was only compatible with phones running Android 2.0, which is only the Droid. Today Google announced that it would be moving the nav system down to Android 1.6, opening up the service to phones like the MyTouch 3G and G1.

      I’d call this a big win for Android users. Until this update the hope was that some enterprising developer would hack the thing down to 1.6. This still leaves out the Motorola CLIQ and HTC Droid Eris, but hey, it’s better than the original situation. The 1.6 release also adds layers, allowing you to overlay information on the map, like Wikipedia articles on local points of interest and public transit lines. The one thing 1.6 is missing is the “navigate to” voice command, so you’ll have to enter everything by hand. Life’s tough, isn’t it?

      Apps, GPS, Mobile, News

      New iPhone worm targets bank info

      November 23, 2009 /

      iPhone running SSH.Gone are the days of harmless iPhone worms rick-rolling you into fits of laughter. The newest breach uses the same trick as the Australian version, but instead of Rick Astley you get your bank information stolen. For now the virus is contained the Netherlands, where it targets Dutch customers of ING who log into the banking system using a jailbroken phone. You also have to have installed SSH without changing your default password.

      Sophos mentions dramatically reduced battery life on WiFi connections because the worm generates so much network activity. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, you should probably restore to a known safe backup. You do have one of those, right?

      Luckily preventative measures are simple. Just install Mobile Terminal using Cydia and change your password from the default “alpine” to something a bit more secure. Also let this serve as a reminder that your phone is a computer capable of granting outsiders access to very sensitive data. Don’t get careless.

      Source: Gizmodo

      Apps, iPhone, Mobile, News

      Gadget Teaser’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide: Part 1

      November 21, 2009 /

      Flip MinoHDpure-digital-flip-mino-hd-custom
      Pure Digital was kind enough to send me a MinoHD as part of its custom screen-printed series this year and I love it. For such a small camcorder it takes fantastic, 720p video and the thing couldn’t be easier to use. Flip also introduced customizable skins to the mix this year, so you can gift a Flip with the image of your choice, or use their design/pattern generators to make this a little extra special.

      You can get the MinoHD in either 60min (4GB) or 120min (8GB) storage sizes for $199.99 or $229.99 respectively. Customization does not cost extra, so get something funky unless you want that classic industrial design.

      Also Consider: Flip UltraHD

      Joby GorillaMobilejoby-gorillamobile-tripod-flip
      What’s a camcorder without a good tripod? No good at all, that’s what. Part of the problem with handheld camcorders is a lack of grippable parts for stability. Joby’s GorillaMobile can be bent around just about anything, including your wrist if you want to rig up a little wristmount system. Really, though, I like the GorillaMobile because it’s so small and versatile. It’s perfect for throwing in a bag to use at casual family functions and parties, keeping the 720p video on your new Flip nice and steady.

      If you want something a little more substantial you could also consider the larger GorillaPod. Joby also makes a GorillaMobile specifically for the iPhone 3G/3GS and the GorillaTorch, a light sporting the same bendable legs. Check their official site for prices on each.

      Also Consider: Vanguard VS41

      Mophie Juice Pack Air1059_JPA-IP3G-BLK-8T
      I tend to change my mind on iPhone cases all the time, but I always come back to the Mophie Juice Pack Air when I’m low on power. It minimally augments the size of the phone while providing an extra 60-80% battery life on the go. There are more powerful options out there, but they tend to be a little too bulky for my taste. Mophie’s Juice Pack, on the other hand, is a close fit without too many frills.

      Mophie recently updated the line to include a soft-finish variety with the same power rating. It’s a nice addition, especially if you live in a humid climate like I do. You can get the Juice Pack Air in white, black, purple, or red for $79.95 from Mophie’s website.

      Also Consider: Incase Power Slider 3G

      Boa Nerve S/Lboa-nerve
      I tried to make a conscious effort to recommend a bag other than the Boa Nerve from Booq but I just couldn’t do it. I’m in love with this messenger and I’m sure you know someone who would be, too. The Nerve comes in small and large sizes to accommodate different sized laptops. There’s a removable laptop sleeve, which is perfect for a quick trip to the coffee shop, and plenty of pockets should you be headed for a full day of work. One of the best features is the stability strap, which pulls bag snug against your back if you have to run for a train or take the fixed-gear for a spin.

      Booq was having trouble keeping these in stock, but they’re available now and ship within 24 hours. You can get the Boa Nerve for $129.95 at the Booq website.

      Also Consider: Timbuk2 Commute Slim

      Barnes & Noble Nookbarnes-and-noble-nook
      I hesitate to recommend this because I’m generally averse to ereaders. There are those among you who like these things, and you all probably know someone who wants one, so I’ll go against my best instincts for the sake of your friends. The Nook is best of the ereaders I’ve seen. Since no one, not even the major sites, have had a chance to review these it’s tough to say how that little color screen will pan out, but it seems like a decent idea. You also get the ability to lend your ebooks to your friends and share your own media between your computer and your iPhone.

      One BIG caveat for this one: The Nook is completely sold out for shipments arriving during 2009. The next flight will land January 4th, so you could always give the gift of the late present, which can be pretty cool. Barnes & Noble wants $259 for this one.

      Also Consider: Amazon Kindle

      AeroPress Coffee/Espresso Makeraerobie-aero-press
      Now that your loved ones will be spending all their hard-earned money on ebooks, they’ll need an inexpensive way to stay perky for those long reading sessions. The Aerobie AeroPress should be in every coffee lovers’ home, at least if they’re on a budget. It brews a decent cup of espresso and great Americano if you add a little water. Get a cheap frother and you can make your drink of choice in under two minutes and far cheaper than you’ll find at any cafe.

      The press comes with a year’s supply of filters and everything you’ll need to make your perfect cuppa. The best part is the price, a mere $25.95 with free shipping from Amazon.

      Also Consider: MyPressi TWIST

      More good stuff to come in the Gadget Teaser 2009 Holiday Gift Guide tomorrow.

      Cameras, Computers, Guides, Mobile

      Xperia X10 to cost $879

      November 20, 2009 /

      Sony Xperia X10.Sony Ericsson’s Xperia X10, formerly code-named “Rachel,” is just way too hot for its own good. It’s a great looking phone, and running Android on a 1GHz Snapdragon processor puts internal beauty in-line with external. You’re going to pay a hefty price for the allure, though. According to the Wall Street Journal the phone will run $879 off contract. Yes, you read that correctly. $879.

      If anything scares away American cell consumers it’s high sticker price. Anyone walking around a carrier’s showroom would practically vomit to see such a price, even after you’d explained the contract system in full detail. That’s probably why Sony Ericsson is looking for a carrier to partner with on this side of the pond. The company has never made much of an impact over here, mostly because of high prices.

      Though the article didn’t mention, it seems plausible that the search for a carrier has delayed the phone’s release. The product page used to list a February launch. That’s gone now, back to TBA in the meantime.

      Mobile, News

      The Google Phone is coming

      November 18, 2009 /

      Google logo.Yesterday I wrote a post about the Android explosion and the problems facing developers because there are so many different Android phones. Basically there is so much different hardware out there that developers have to spend time debugging instead of creating new features/apps. Today brings news of the one phone to rule them all, one phone to find them, one phone to bring them all, and crush their pathetic features under the full weight of Google R&D.

      I’m talking about the Google phone, a phone that has been rumored for months. Really, Android has been waiting for a flagship device. I thought the Droid was it at first, but pointless features like that crap keyboard made me think otherwise. Michael Arrington and the crew at TechCrunch seem to have the inside scoop on the phone, and they’ve been kind enough to share.

      The phone is basically Google’s vision of the perfect Android phone. As for features, there’s really not much to say other than that. From the sound of things it’s coming soon – think early 2010 – and will be sold both directly and through retailers. From the sound of things, it’ll be built by either Samsung or LG, though Arrington thinks it’ll be LG because Samsung already makes parts for the iPhone.

      The phone would bring up the issue of competing with customers for Google. Making its own phone means other manufacturers will be going head-to-head with the company that makes the software. A recent update suggests the Google phone might be designed for data-only voice connections, which might assuage some of those concerns. It would still require a carrier – TechCrunch’s source says Google is considering AT&T for now – but calls would only be made over a data connection.

      If nothing else, I’d be interested to see what Google considers the ideal Android phone. The Droid was good, but too many features felt like an afterthought.

      Source: TechCrunch (first article / second article)

      Mobile

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