World’s Smallest Flash Cards for Mobile Phones - SanDisk 8Gb microSDHC Cards

June 28, 2007 SanDisk Corporation has begun sampling 6- and 8-gigabyte (GB) microSD High Capacity (microSDHC) flash memory cards to major phone manufacturers and mobile network operators (MNOs) for testing and evaluation. The new cards are ideal for the growing number of feature-rich multimedia handsets that bring together phones, music players, hand-held computers, digital cameras and more. Pricing has not yet been determined but we can expect to see them at retail well before the end of the year.

“With these new cards, any mobile phone with a compatible microSDHC slot will have just as much storage as the largest-capacity iPhone,” said Jeff Kost, vice president and general manager of the Mobile Consumer Solutions division at SanDisk. “What’s more, removable cards make it easy to share content you create with friends, ‘sideload’ files from a computer, and add more storage simply by purchasing more cards. By offering capacities of 6GB and 8GB, SanDisk is poised to enable people to enjoy more photos, more map data for navigation, more videos, more games and more music, wherever they go, on any phone with a compatible microSDHC slot.”

SDHC is the designation for any SD or SD-based card that is larger than 2GB and adheres to the new SD 2.00 specification required for cards and hosts to support 4GB to 32GB capacities. The specification was developed by the SD Association, an industry standards board, which has also created three classes to define minimum sustained data transfer speed. These cards adhere to the SD Speed Class 4 Rating.3

Source: gizmag.com

Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a webcam that’s exciting, but the Quickcam Pro 9000 makes me want to revisit that category of devices. Obviously image quality is key for a imaging device so Logitech went to Carl Zeiss, a name that you might have heard before, as their optics are used by Nokia in their N73 or Sony on many of their consumer cameras.

With a good lens, light comes in nicely but you also need a good sensor to actually capture that light correctly. Logitech included a 2Megapixel light sensor, which is quite better than most webcams. However, to get the best sharpness possible, Logitech has included an auto-focus (yes, just like the iSight, although a bit late). The auto-focus is better than Apple’s, according to Logitech. We haven’t done a side-by-side with our iSight, but we can say that the overall image quality is better.

Of course, Logitech has continually improved their software offering and the accompanying webcam utility allows user to apply image filtering effects in real-time. Our favorite one is the “old grainy film” effect that turns your webcast into a classic movie.

Key Features

* Carl Zeiss Five-element lens
* Autofocus system automatically tracks motion and refocuses images in less than three seconds
* Two-megapixel sensor
* Support for 720p HD video format
* Webcam can record to disc at resolution of 960 x 720 (4x3)
* Record video at up to 30 frames per second
* Logitech® RightLight™ 2 technology adjusts intelligently to produce the best possible image in difficult lighting situations
* Integrated mic with Logitech® RightSound™ technology eliminates echo and background noise
* Logitech Video Effects software allows personalized conversations by using 3D avatars, face accessories and fun filters that mimic actual facial expressions and motions
* Warranty 2-year limited hardware warranty

System Requirements

* Windows® 2000, XP or Vista
* Pentium® III 700MHz or AMD Athlon® Processor 700MHz (Recommended Pentium® P4 2.4 GHz or better)
* 128MB RAM (256MB RAM Recommended)

Source: ubergizmo.com

New details about the iPhone

Remember the winning Engadget commercial, "The Long Arm of Steve Jobs"? We posted it after the break, but finding someone who's spent some serious time with a pre-launch iPhone and getting them to talk is basically a lot like that. Still, we managed to smuggle out some freshly leaked details from a very trusted inside source who's been fooling around with a unit. Here's what they had to say:

• The keyboard was simply described as "disappointing". Keyboarding with two thumbs often registers multiple key presses (two or three at a time) resulting in a lot of mistakes. The best way to type is with a single finger (as shown in most of Apple's demos), but two thumbs is supposedly very difficult. After trying it for a number of days our source gave up using their thumbs.
  
• The text auto-correction only works well for simple words, but doesn't work for proper names. We can only assume this bit will get better with time as Apple fills out its predictive text dictionary.
  
• "It won't replace a BlackBerry. It's not good for text input. It's just not a business product."
• The touchscreen was said to, in general, require somewhat hard presses to register input, and needs some getting used to.
• In addition to its dock, the iPhone comes packaged with a polishing cloth (the thing's supposedly a fingerprint magnet, no surprise) and the usual smallish power adapter.
• The Bluetooth headset will debut in the $120 range, and will come with its own dock for charging both the phone and the headset. The headset will feature a miniature magnetic charging interface á la MagSafe.

Click on for more impressions on the headset, browser, YouTube, and more.

• The Bluetooth headset has a hidden LED and is supposedly a very small and elegant device. Sound quality is said to be "typical". There is no clip; like many headsets you're expected to just let it hang out of your ear, as previously shown.
• The browser "worked well" but page load speeds on EDGE were just as slow as expected. It sounds like 3G users will have a tough run with this.
  
• Users must scroll through the address book (or use the alphabet-drag on the side) -- one cannot bring up the keyboard and type in a name, as many of us are used to.
• Shocker: YouTube over EDGE didn't work well at all, and will basically necessitate use of WiFi.

Ok, that's all we've got for now. At this point we're just really looking forward to putting the spurs to this thing -- Apple is hyping this product like nothing we've ever seen before, and we're ready to bring every detail to light. In the mean time, here's that commercial again.

Source: engadget.com

Did Apple develop an iPhone RSS reader?

This one's interesting: why is there an active URL at reader.mac.com which seems to semi-clearly depict an iPhone using a web RSS interface, and clearly states "This application can only be viewed using the iPhone"? We don't know. We tried spoofing the iPhone user agent to no avail, so it looks like we'll have to wait another couple of days before we find out whether Apple's rolled out a web RSS reader for mobile Safari users, or whether this is all just a big tease. But man, this might almost be as good as the RSS button on that Samsung phone.

Source: engadget.com

iLuv to present wine glass concept docking speaker

iLuv presented its wine glass concept docking speaker during SEK 2007.

Source: aving.net

Seagate to announce the launch of its 1TB hard drives

SEOUL, Korea (AVING) -- Seagate(www.seagate.com) announced the launch of its 1TB hard drive ‘Barracuda 7200.11’ and ‘Barracuda ES.2’ in Korea market, which support 7,200 RPM, 32MB cash, 8.5ms read seek time and a 5-year warranty.

This 1TB hard drive is composed of four disks, providing cool operating temperature and low power consumption with extended hard drive life.
According to the company, the hard drives are expected to be released in 3rd quarter.

Source: aving.net

Sarotech's Cutie Bio portable HDD sports fingerprint scanner

Cute though it may be, Sarotech's Cutie Bio portable hard drive is downright serious about data protection. Not one to let a lingering stranger peek beneath its dazzling shell, this pocket-friendly drive touts a built-in fingerprint scanner to protect the owner from spying eyes should it become lost or stolen. Additionally, the drive is built to handle drops and shocks as the head parks itself in freefall, and the USB 2.0 connection ensures speedy transfers when in a rush. Inside, you'll find a 2.5-inch 100GB hard drive just hankering for piles upon piles of juicy information, and this uber-protective device will run you ₩150,000 ($162) whenever it lands in South Korea.

Source: engadget.com

Hands-on with T-Mobile HotSpot @Home

Roaming from cell towers to WiFi hotspots and back on the same phone sounds pretty cool, right? Engadget Mobile has the lowdown on T-Mobile's HotSpot @Home service -- the Nokia 6086, the Linksys router, the whole shebang -- so head on over to get an up-close peek at the goods!

Source: engadget.com

AT&T and Apple Announce Simple, Affordable Service Plans for iPhone

ATLANTA and CUPERTINO, California—June 26, 2007—AT&T Inc. and Apple® today announced three simple, affordable service plans for iPhone™ which start at just $59.99 per month. All three plans include unlimited data, Visual Voicemail, 200 SMS text messages, roll-over minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling. With everything else already included, iPhone customers can easily choose the plan that’s right for them based on the amount of voice minutes they plan to use each month. In addition, iPhone customers can choose from any of AT&T’s standard service plans.

“AT&T has the largest voice and data network in America, the largest mobile-to-mobile calling community and the fewest dropped calls,” said Randall Stephenson, chairman and CEO, AT&T. “AT&T has invested more than 16 billion dollars in its wireless network between 2005 and 2007, and iPhone customers will enjoy the best voice and data network in the nation.”

“We want to make choosing a service plan simple and easy, so every plan includes unlimited data with direct Internet access, along with Visual Voicemail and a host of other goodies,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We think these three plans give customers the flexibility to experience all of iPhone’s revolutionary features at affordable and competitive prices.”

All iPhone plans include Visual Voicemail, an industry first, which allows consumers to see a listing of their voicemails, decide which messages to listen to, then go directly to those messages without listening to previous messages. Just like email, Visual Voicemail on iPhone enables users to immediately and randomly access the messages that interest them most. Unlike most wireless plans that charge additional fees for new features, there are no additional fees for Visual Voicemail.

iPhone introduces an entirely new user interface based on a revolutionary multi-touch display and pioneering new software that allows users to control iPhone with just a tap, flick or pinch of their fingers. iPhone combines three products into one small and lightweight handheld device—a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod®, and the Internet in your pocket with best-ever applications on a mobile phone for email, web browsing and maps. iPhone ushers in an era of software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, which completely redefines what users can do on their mobile phones.

Pricing & Availability

iPhone goes on sale at 6:00 p.m. (local time) on Friday, June 29 and will be sold in the US through Apple’s retail and online stores and AT&T retail stores. iPhone will be available in a 4GB model for $499 (US) and an 8GB model for $599 (US), and will work with either a PC or Mac®. All iPhone monthly service plans are available for individuals and families and are based on a new two-year service agreement with AT&T. Individual plans are priced at $59.99 for 450 minutes, $79.99 for 900 minutes and $99.99 for 1,350 minutes. All plans include unlimited data (email and web), Visual Voicemail, 200 SMS text messages, roll over minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile and a one-time activation fee of $36. Family plans are also available.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.

About Apple

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and will enter the mobile phone market this year with its revolutionary iPhone.

Press release at apple.com

Apple and AT&T Announce iTunes Activation and Sync for iPhone

CUPERTINO, California and ATLANTA—June 26, 2007—Apple® and AT&T Inc. today announced that iPhone™ users will be able to activate their new iPhones using Apple’s popular iTunes® software running on a PC or Mac® computer in the comfort and privacy of their own home or office, without having to wait in a store while their phone is activated. Activating iPhone takes only minutes as iTunes guides the user through simple steps to choose their service plan, authorize their credit and activate their iPhone. Once iPhone is activated, users can then easily sync all of their phone numbers and other contact information, calendars, email accounts, web browser bookmarks, music, photos, podcasts, TV shows and movies just like they do when they sync their iPods with iTunes.

“Users will be able to activate their new iPhone in the comfort and privacy of their own home or office, without having to wait in a store while their phone is activated,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “There are tens of millions of people in the US who already know how to sync their iPods with iTunes, and syncing their new iPhone with iTunes works the same way.”

“iPhone’s user-driven activation is another example of how AT&T and Apple have partnered to bring innovative new features to our customers,” said Randall Stephenson, chairman and CEO, AT&T. “iPhone’s innovative activation and sync is just one example of how this is going to be a real industry game-changer.”

iPhone introduces an entirely new user interface based on a revolutionary multi-touch display and pioneering new software that allows users to control iPhone with just a tap, flick or pinch of their fingers. iPhone combines three products into one small and lightweight handheld device—a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod, and the Internet in your pocket with best-ever applications on a mobile phone for email, web browsing and maps. iPhone ushers in an era of software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, which completely redefines what users can do on their mobile phones.

Pricing & Availability

iPhone goes on sale at 6:00 p.m. (local time) on Friday, June 29 and will be sold in the US through Apple’s retail and online stores and AT&T retail stores. iPhone will be available in a 4GB model for $499 (US) and an 8GB model for $599 (US), and will work with either a PC or Mac.

System Requirements

iPhone activation requires an Internet connection; an iTunes Store account or a major credit card; a valid Social Security number (as required by AT&T); the latest version of iTunes available at www.itunes.com and a PC or Mac with a USB 2.0 port and one of the following operating systems: Mac OS® X v10.4.10 or later; Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later; or Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Enterprise or Ultimate Edition. iPhone requires a new two-year AT&T service plan. Customers with existing AT&T accounts will have the option of keeping their existing phone number and upgrading their account to work with iPhone. See separate iPhone Service Plan press release for further details.

About Apple

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and will enter the mobile phone market this year with its revolutionary iPhone.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world’s most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation’s leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.

Press release at apple.com

Seagate can't stop announcing 1TB disks: Barracuda 7200.11 and ES.2

Perhaps due to the raging insecurities of playing catchup to Hitachi's 1TB disk, Seagate just announced a couple more 1TB drives in what has quickly become a confusing HDD line-up. Joining their previously announced 1TB Barracuda 7200.10 are the SATA-equipped Barracuda 7200.11 for consumers and business class Barracuda ES.2 with SAS interface. This time however, Seagate had the good manners to at least provide a date and price: Q3 and $399.99. Right, exactly the same price as Hitachi's 7K1000.

Update: Seagate just gave us some clarification on the 7200.10 vs. 7200.11: "The 7200.10 that was announced was a 250GB single-platter design; the purpose of it was to leverage the new areal densities we achieved and put it into the current 7200.10 chassis with the core electronics. It is shipping today. The 7200.11 and ES.2 use the same areal densities but are a new generation design with updated electronics, etc." So there you have it.

Source: engadget.com

Man talk more on cell phone than woman

As you know by current stereotypes, women usually talk on the phone more than men(I can prove it on my own example, I mean my sister). But this usually causes only for phones. If we speak about cell phones we have an opposite situation.

According to the research average men uses cell phone 458 minutes a month and average women 453 minutes during the same period of time. So we can easily say that men spent more time with their cell phone than women.

Aftermarket Apple iPhone dock will also charge Apple Bluetooth Headset

Pocket Lint has the lowdown on a Chinese, 3rd party, aftermarket (is that enough descriptors for you?) Apple iPhone dock that can charge your iPhone and Apple Bluetooth headset at the same time. Leave it to the Chinese aftermarket, um, market to launch an iPhone dock (of dubious compatibilty) a week before the iPhone is even launched. We're not sure if the genuine Apple iPhone dock makes any provisions to charge the Apple Bluetooth headset - so if this Chinese model ships (and actually works) we could have a case of Chinese aftermarket trumping Apple genuine products! We're not holding our breath on this one.

Source: intomobile.com

Author taps out 384-page book using mobile

Italian author Robert Burnocco has us trumped in style by actually using T9 and his mobile to cobble together a 384-page book in just 17 weeks. He was inspired to write his mobile opus, Compagni di Viaggio (Travelling companion) on the bus as apparently "In public transport, I realized that my imagination was productive and that the ideas abounded." We aren't sure what the buses are like in Italy, be we are usually just surrounded by lunatics and screaming schoolkids on our morning ride, hardly a top spot for creative endeavors.

Source: engadgetmobile.com