Thursday, May 28, 2009
Pong iPhone Case
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Kyocera Neo E1100: ‘Breathing Lightpipe,’ ‘Recession-Proof’ Pricing
The Kyocera Neo E1100 for U.S. Cellular has taken a page from Apple, which long ago realized that electronics can be sold in pretty colors and compelling designs even if their hardware and software guts aren’t innovative.
Instead of standing out in an inundated sea of cell phones on what’s inside the device, the Neo relies on three primary selling points: design, pricing and marketing.
Instead of standing out in an inundated sea of cell phones on what’s inside the device, the Neo relies on three primary selling points: design, pricing and marketing.
- The Neo’s blue “breathing lightpipe” is reminiscent of the breathing red stripe on the KITT car in the TV show “Knight Rider”.
An integral part of the Neo’s external housing, the lightpipe comes to life as calls or messages are received - The name “Neo” draws a movie reference from the Keanu Reeves character in “The Matrix”.
- U.S. Cellular is marketing the Kyocera Neo E1100 at the “recession-proof” pricing of $29.95 with a two-year service contract.
U.S. Cellular isn’t joking with its “recession-proof” pricing claim on the Kyocera Neo E1100.
While the price starts at the unimpressive cost of $159.95, agreeing to a two-year service contract brings the price down $130 all the way to a very budget-friendly $29.95.
Kyocera Neo E1100
Image © Kyocera Wireless
Battery
You’ll neither jump for joy nor experience extreme disappointment when learning that the Kyocera Neo E1100’s rated talk time is an average of 4.17 hours.
Size, Weight
The Kyocera Neo E1100 measures in at 3.52 inches by 2.05 inches by 0.66 of an inch (or 89.5 millimeters by 52 millimeters by 16.7 millimeters). The Neo weighs in at a very light 3.17 ounces (or 90 grams).
Differentiation in the Marketplace
The Kyocera Neo E1100 differentiates itself with its external “breathing lightpipe” design, GPS for turn-by-turn directions and an extremely low cost.
Palm Pre First impressions
Phew! Thursday was a long, action-packed day thanks to Palm. I'm just now getting to sit down and gather my thoughts on the Palm Pre and Palm Web OS announcements, and I have to confess that I went into the press conference with some skepticism. It's no secret that Palm's been struggling to keep up with the competition and has come under heavy criticism for its lack of innovation and delays in releasing its new operating system. So can you blame me for thinking that Palm might disappoint again?
Well, I'm happy to say that I was wrong. But I still wanted to put my two cents in on what I think of the Pre and Palm Web OS and what kind of impact it will have on the market.
User interface and OS
To me, the real highlight of the Pre is the user interface and OS. The UI reminded me a little of HTC's TouchFlo interface, with the various swiping gestures and cool animated motions, but Palm certainly put a fresh take on it. It's beautiful and smooth, and just plain cool. It's pretty evident that Palm put a lot of thought into the UI, as everything seamlessly works together to give you the best user experience and making the smartphone a really useful tool in your daily life.
Synergy on the Palm Pre
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)The smartphone makes multitasking easy with the Deck of Cards feature that lets you scroll through various applications and toggle between them without having to open and close windows. It's slick, but most importantly, it's easy. I also think Synergy is a huge player, since it brings all your e-mail accounts and contact and calendar information from various sources into one place. Again, it's about simplicity and whether you're a consumer or business user, you have to love that.
Design
To facilitate all this is a best-of-breed design. First, you've got a multitouch screen that's absolutely sharp and brilliant in color with its half-VGA (320x480) resolution. Not only can you use the screen to navigate, there's a gesture area right below the display where you can use finger swipes and touches to launch menus, toolbars, applications, go back, or advance. Of course, my favorite part might be the slide-out full QWERTY keyboard. I've made it no secret that I'm a huge texter and need physical buttons, so I was more than delighted when I saw that the smartphone had a keyboard. The Pre's keyboard is similar to that of the Palm Treo Pro; the buttons are a little on the smaller side, but there is a good amount of space between them to reduce any problems.
Again, looking at the design of the phone, I could tell time and thought was spent on the device. The hardware feels solid and not as plasticky as the Palm Centro. When you slide open the Pre, it has a slight curve that makes it comfortable to hold against your cheek when talking on the phone or even when typing out messages. Also, going back to the touch screen, it felt responsive and--hooray!--on Web pages, you can pinch the screen like the iPhone to easily zoom in and out of pages.
Web
Pre's Web browser
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)Speaking of the Web, the Pre's browser is pretty outstanding. It renders sites onscreen as you would see on your desktop, and quickly at that. When asked about Flash, Palm said they were not commenting on that at this point. We do know that there will be an app store, and Palm will release an SDK to developers. The company reiterated throughout the press conference that the Palm Web OS was built with developers in mind and based on HTML, CSS, and Javascript, so that's all one really needs to know to develop apps for the Pre and other Web OS devices.
Multimedia
As far as multimedia, the Palm Pre offers a 3-megapixel camera. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to snap any photos, but early reports say that the quality is pretty good. Disappointingly, the camera won't have video recording capabilities at this time, but those could be added in the future. In terms of music, like the T-Mobile G1, Palm has partnered with the Amazon Music Store, so you will be able to purchase songs over the air from your Pre.
The rest
The Palm Pre offers so much that I could write on it forever, but I'll save some for when we actually get the unit in review. (By the way, I'm not sure when that will be, but I don't expect it to be anytime soon. I know. I'm sad, too.) Just to cover some quick specs: the Pre offers integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 (with support for stereo Bluetooth), EV-DO Rev. A, and GPS. There's 8GB of storage, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and high-speed USB 2.0.
Outlook
The Palm Pre and Palm Web OS isn't necessarily going to revolutionize the smartphone market, in that it doesn't offer any crazy, new features, but it definitely brings a fresh look into the way you interact with a device and how it organizes information. It also brings innovation and life back to the struggling company and has certainly set the tech world abuzz. Palm's undeniably taken a beating from the media and general public, so it's good to see the company respond and take action.
As much as the Pre is important to Palm, the smartphone will also be a key player for Sprint. It needs an iconic phone to compete with the likes o AT&T and the iPhone and Verizon Wireless and the BlackBerry Storm, and Pre could certainly be the one to do this for Sprint. Pricing will be key of course, but I suspect the Pre will be priced competitively with the iPhone and Storm. I also think its chances of overtaking the Storm are pretty high. It offers a better user experience and has more consumer appeal. There are still some unanswered questions about everything that will be offered with the Pre; in my opinion, and I know these words are thrown around a lot, but I think the Palm Pre could truly be the stiffest competition for the iPhone.
Palm took a bit of a gamble announcing the product early at CES 2009 and not closer to its release date, which is expected some time during the first half of 2009. Both Palm and Sprint will have to be careful to deliver on their promise and not delay the phone.Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Mobile Phone Buying Guide
Cell phones are now on the threshold of triggering several technological revolutions in just one go!
The early cell phone was a simple but heavy and large hand-held telephonic device that came with an antenna that could be pulled out to for a better reception. However, today cell phones are light weight, slim, small, and pretty looking and have built in antennas that offer clear reception and enhanced voice quality.
Because cell phones are so easy to use and portable they have become the choice of most callers, and more so for those who are on the move frequently. Cell phones can be defined as low-power, two-ways radios having a single channel that facilitates communication.
If you are interested in buying a mobile phone, you need to know some of the most important features of the gadget. Let’s take a look at how you can buy and save on mobile phones.
While the starting price for mobile phones is as low as under $20.00, there are many others that boast of unique technologies and remarkable and revolutionary designs and cost over $400-$500. With such variation in price, it becomes extremely difficult to find a mobile phone that offers you everything you need (including features you don’t need) and more. However, if you don’t require some features that are part of the service you have opted for, you can simply request your mobile service provider or MSP to cancel the additional features and make substantial savings.
Here are the three most important things you need to ask yourself before buying a mobile phone:
1. Why do you need a mobile phone?
2. What are the key features that you require?
3. What kind of accessories do you need?
Why do you need a mobile phone?
For many people a mobile phone is a status symbol. Some people even change mobile phones as often as they change their clothes, while a few others prefer to have a mobile handset that is simple to operate and easy to pocket. Depending on the type of user you think you are, you need to sit down and make a list of things you want to do using your mobile phone. Armed with this list you can now surf the internet and pick some handsets that match your list of requirements.
Essentially, there are three types of users and they are:
Only want to make and take calls. For these users cheap mobile phones with basic features are the most suitable. A basic handset will allow you to make and take calls, access your voicemail, send and receive text messages, besides offer you features such as calculator, alarm, ringtones, address book, calendar, games etc. These phones will help you contain your bill but may limit the choice of mobile phones. You also may not be able to access internet on your mobile phone. Some such models are: Sony Ericsson W850i, Motorola KRZR K1, and Nokia 3110.
Exploiting technologies to their benefit, these users are the second type and usually prefer mid-range cell phones. Now, more than ever before there are many technologies that can be found in mobile handsets. These help a savvy user communicate in more ways than just mere speech. Also, features such as digital cameras are now standard for most mobile phones and allow people the convenience that greatly outweighs the low image quality belted out by these mobile cams. Further on, a color screen makes the experience of playing games more exciting and interesting. Mobile phones belonging to this range include other important features such as WAP, Video shooting, Multimedia Messaging or MMS, Radios, MP3 Players, and voice recording etc. Some mobile phones belonging to this category include: Sony Ericsson W880i, Nokia 6300, and Sony Ericsson K810i.
Portable Office users always prefer mobile phones that are top-of-the-range and feature-packed. If you are an executive on the go who need to be connect to his/her office while away from it, these hi-end mobile phones are made with you in mind. Also known as Smartphone these mobile phones allow you to do so many things that it can be a bit overwhelming initially. From taking images and sending them to your friends instantly, you can even print your images from your mobile phone! Take video phone calls, access TV channels, watch the news on the go, and enjoy a host of other facilities at the tips of your fingers. Moreover, you can connect your Smartphone with your PDA or laptop or desktop and access data, or co-ordinate activities whenever required.
Finally, don't let the look of the mobile phone fool you; always consider all factors before you buy a mobile phone!
The early cell phone was a simple but heavy and large hand-held telephonic device that came with an antenna that could be pulled out to for a better reception. However, today cell phones are light weight, slim, small, and pretty looking and have built in antennas that offer clear reception and enhanced voice quality.
Because cell phones are so easy to use and portable they have become the choice of most callers, and more so for those who are on the move frequently. Cell phones can be defined as low-power, two-ways radios having a single channel that facilitates communication.
If you are interested in buying a mobile phone, you need to know some of the most important features of the gadget. Let’s take a look at how you can buy and save on mobile phones.
While the starting price for mobile phones is as low as under $20.00, there are many others that boast of unique technologies and remarkable and revolutionary designs and cost over $400-$500. With such variation in price, it becomes extremely difficult to find a mobile phone that offers you everything you need (including features you don’t need) and more. However, if you don’t require some features that are part of the service you have opted for, you can simply request your mobile service provider or MSP to cancel the additional features and make substantial savings.
Here are the three most important things you need to ask yourself before buying a mobile phone:
1. Why do you need a mobile phone?
2. What are the key features that you require?
3. What kind of accessories do you need?
Why do you need a mobile phone?
For many people a mobile phone is a status symbol. Some people even change mobile phones as often as they change their clothes, while a few others prefer to have a mobile handset that is simple to operate and easy to pocket. Depending on the type of user you think you are, you need to sit down and make a list of things you want to do using your mobile phone. Armed with this list you can now surf the internet and pick some handsets that match your list of requirements.
Essentially, there are three types of users and they are:
Only want to make and take calls. For these users cheap mobile phones with basic features are the most suitable. A basic handset will allow you to make and take calls, access your voicemail, send and receive text messages, besides offer you features such as calculator, alarm, ringtones, address book, calendar, games etc. These phones will help you contain your bill but may limit the choice of mobile phones. You also may not be able to access internet on your mobile phone. Some such models are: Sony Ericsson W850i, Motorola KRZR K1, and Nokia 3110.
Exploiting technologies to their benefit, these users are the second type and usually prefer mid-range cell phones. Now, more than ever before there are many technologies that can be found in mobile handsets. These help a savvy user communicate in more ways than just mere speech. Also, features such as digital cameras are now standard for most mobile phones and allow people the convenience that greatly outweighs the low image quality belted out by these mobile cams. Further on, a color screen makes the experience of playing games more exciting and interesting. Mobile phones belonging to this range include other important features such as WAP, Video shooting, Multimedia Messaging or MMS, Radios, MP3 Players, and voice recording etc. Some mobile phones belonging to this category include: Sony Ericsson W880i, Nokia 6300, and Sony Ericsson K810i.
Portable Office users always prefer mobile phones that are top-of-the-range and feature-packed. If you are an executive on the go who need to be connect to his/her office while away from it, these hi-end mobile phones are made with you in mind. Also known as Smartphone these mobile phones allow you to do so many things that it can be a bit overwhelming initially. From taking images and sending them to your friends instantly, you can even print your images from your mobile phone! Take video phone calls, access TV channels, watch the news on the go, and enjoy a host of other facilities at the tips of your fingers. Moreover, you can connect your Smartphone with your PDA or laptop or desktop and access data, or co-ordinate activities whenever required.
Finally, don't let the look of the mobile phone fool you; always consider all factors before you buy a mobile phone!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
iPhone 3G Review
To begin, I honestly have to say that the iPhone 3G is by far, one of the best devices I have ever had the pleasure of using. Working with IT applications for a living, the use, functionality, ease of navigation and stability are items I deal with every day in the corporate world.
Before getting the iPhone 3G, I used an At&T Tilt pda, which I absolutely loved. The advetising for the tilt was that you did not need your laptop while traveling on business. I do usually bring my laptop when traveling, but I have to admit, with the tilt I did not use the laptop as much as I could e-mail easily which is a large precentage of my job.
That being said, the iPhone 3G goes way beyound the tilt device and lets me work, organize my life, and entertain me with video, podcasts and music. The new applicatons for the iPhone make the phone even more useful.
Now I can keep track of what I am watching on Ebay, bid on them, and pay for the items I won. The Facebook application keeps me in touch with my friends. I did not use Facebook much before, as I did not have time when at a computer to go to Facebook, and now, when I find myself out and about waiting on something (like getting the oil changed for the car), I use this time to items like Facebook.
One item of the tilt and Microsoft Office Mobile operating system it had, was the mobile internet explorer was pretty much useless to surf the internet. The iPhone on the other hand lets me surf the internet just like I was in front of a computer. So far the only item I have found that does not work is flash slideshow and virtual reality 360 panoramas on the web (that is a hobby of mine, I love taking 360 panoramas for the web). I'm sure soon they will come with an update so I can view those items as well.
So my review of the iPhone 3G is one of praise for Apple (and believe me, I am no Apple/Mac fan, but that is another story for another time). The iPhone may not do everything that any phone can do, but all in all, it can do more than any mobile device I have ever used.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
SMS Message Tones - Whats the Deal?
It must be a symptom of the modern world, but as time goes by, our ears are being assailed by a multitude of new sounds every day. All sorts of beeps and buzzes and tones, not to mention the music sounds blaring out everywhere. Not that l am complaining. I just mention this because a new sound is about to be heard everywhere, and thats sms message tones. These are message tones that sound like dogs barking, horns hooting, people screaming etc and will soon be all the rage, as people text each other more and more, using these new sounding tones You have been warned.
Unlike Ringtones, which are for when your phone rings, SMs Message Tones are text message alerts. You can record sounds with some phones, and use them as sms message tones, or other alerts. Its also possible for some phones to generate different sms message tones. This has been the way anybody wanting a special message tone, could only do it, as few suppliers existed. However that has now changed, and there are many companies that offer a good collection of sounds which you can download to your phone to use in place of the default sms message tones. You can also use these sounds to replace your alarm and reminder tones, too.
You should be aware though, that for certain cell/mobile phones (e.g. Samsung, Sony, Ericsson, Motorola and LG), its not possible to set sound effects as message alerts. Make sure, before downloading any sound effects, to check your phone to see if it allows jingles/ringtones as sms message tones or alerts, before ordering.
No doubt the Telco's will rake in a fortune, as people will download these new tones more and more. But hey, they don't cost much, and they usually bring a smile to your face, which is worth something. Personally, i'm a text maniac, so anything that enhances the experience, such as different sms message tones, is okay by me. What would be fun, would be to be able to send a funny sounding sms message tone with your text message. Think of all the possible funny scenarios! Well, maybe thats just round the corner too!
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