CES 2008 - Zune Booth#
Post By Steve "fyiguy" Hughes

Ah yes the Zunes were out in a big portion of the Microsoft booth since their launch of pretty new colors and 4GB/8GB flash-based players and larger Zune 80GB model were launched back in November. Zune was back on the scene at CES again sporting their new versions as well as their customized Zunes via Zune Originals. Complete with their graphical lithographs on the wall in gallery lighting with the corresponding Zunes in product light boxes.

CES 2008 Day 1 109 CES 2008 Day 1 161 CES 2008 Day 1 160 CES 2008 Day 1 163

They were more impressive in person than online and I wish more people had some way of experiencing them. I really like how they framed each of the prints and they would be a nice addition to any home.

CES 2008 Day 1 156 CES 2008 Day 1 157

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See the detail of the engraving gets one stoked and makes people wonder why they don't offer some of their best selling designs at retail outlets as well. I guess those in the know can get the exclusive designs and personalization, hoping for viral growth.

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They also had a ton of their accessories on display as well.

CES 2008 Day 1 167 IMG_0408

Like the updated speaker dock from Altec Lansing the inMotion iM414, which retails for $99 and updated clock radio from iHome.

IMG_0354   CES 2008 Day 1 107 CES 2008 Day 1 110

It was hard to get a chance to look at the 80GB models(all retail stores I have been to since the release in November have not had them on display to "play" with as they did with the 30GB Zunes-granted those were encased in chunk of plastic that added to its bulk) they were crowded throughout the show. We finally got to get up close to them as soon as the show floor doors opened on Wednesday with only about a 5 minute wait. This was our first time using the touch interface and I was impressed. I will probably order one via Zune Originals and probably not one of the Valentine's Day ones however the red 80GB does look pretty nice.

1/30/2008 1:37:10 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) #    Comments [0]  |  Trackback

 

CES 2008 - Slingbox / Sling Media#
Post By Steve "fyiguy" Hughes

At CES this year Sling Media made an announcement that they were going to ship the SlingCatcher that was announced at last year's CES 2007. The SlingCatcher is a standalone device that receives video content for display on a television in your house. Video can be received in a variety of ways: The SlingPlayer for TV feature allows the SlingCatcher to display local or remote Slingbox content on a television so it kind of works like an extender and doesn't need a dedicated PC to watch it on your television.

PICT0822 PICT0824

As you can see from the pictures it is a pretty small device akin to the first Slingbox, but with more connection options and video out as opposed to video in. Yes you are looking at Digital audio, typical 3 component connections, composite and (what is that?) a true HDMI connection on the back along with 2 USB ports and Ethernet.

The SlingSync feature allows a variety of video file formats including popular HD content to be synchronized from the PC to a USB storage device (hard drive or thumb drive) attached to the SlingCatcher for television playback. SlingProjector streams any video content displayed on a PC to a television, such as content from popular online video sites lke YouTube, Revver, Blip.TV and Soapbox. The SlingCatcher also comes with an IR remote for pasting your self to your couch and indulging in a true television experience from the comfort of your backside. The folks at Sling told us SlingCatcher will be available in Q2 for $249.99. In Q2 the will also be introducing for $49.99 the SlingLink Wireless which is an optional 802.11g USB adapter designed for use with the SlingCatcher. They had demonstrated the SlingCatcher publicly for the first time at their booth in the Sands Convention Center.

slingplayer 2

Brian Jacquet told me they will also be having a new version of SlingPlayer 2.0 for PC which will also include the  "Clip+Sling" functionality, allowing Slingbox customers to "grab" clips of their favorite television moments and instantly share them online. Additionally, SlingPlayer 2.0 also adds a new feature that many users have requested(however I have a feeling Dave Zatz had a lot of influence on this!) an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) that displays a customer's television channel lineup and programming based on zipcode and provider information. And something that was desired from the beginning of the creation of SlingPlayer is addition of a 60-minute video buffer that allows local
pause, rewind, and fast forward transport controls so if you are just using the built-in tuner you will now have PVR functionality on your PC. SlingPlayer 2.0 will be available in Q1 (so check your SlingPlayer for updates) at no cost to Slingbox owners. Yes free!!

Dave Zatz also gave a demonstration of SlingPlayer 2.0 to the folks at Sling Community the video is definitely worth checking out here.

slingplayer modem

Sling also announced they will be working with OEMs to create a SlingModem, which provides a cable customer with both a broadband connection as well as the place-shifting functionality made famous by the Slingbox all in one simple to install package with no router configuring needed. The above picture is not a final product, but a mockup still it looks pretty nice!

EchoStar and Sling Media will also sell for $39.99, a digital-to-analog converter allows analog TVs to receive digital over-the-air broadcasts and comes with an onscreen setup wizard for easy installation called the TR-40 which will operate strictly over-the-air,  Other features include up to a seven-day electronic programming guide (EPG), program search, parental locks and VCR auto-tune timers. The box can also be purchased via the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program.  The program provides U.S. households with up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes, which includes the TR-40. I have some old CRT televisions and may retrofit them with one of these when they become available.

SlingPlayer_for_BlackBerry-Pearl

Other big news that hit the wire fairly quickly was support for RIM Blackberry in SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry later this year, which was demonstrated at CES on a BlackBerry Pearl™ 8120 via WiFi and Cellular connectivity.

IMG_0115_thumb CES 2008 Day 0 071

For all those people with new HD televisions they announced the next generation Slingbox PRO-HD, that is capable of streaming HD content from a home television source, including over the air HD digital signals, HDTV cable or satellite receivers, or HD DVR’s, to a laptop or desktop computer in and around the house. Geared to be paired with Sling Media’s SlingCatcher, the Slingbox PRO-HD will transmit the HD signal to another TV in the house. Also for customers who have a high speed broadband connection with upload speeds of 1.5 – 2 Mbps or higher can even stream their content in HD outside the home to the office, to a hotel room or even to a remote TV when using SlingCatcher. What had me stoked was that the Slingbox PRO-HD supports some pretty impressive and new hardware like a ATSC/QAM HDTV Tuner, S-video, composite video, component video and either analog or multi-channel connection, and 5.1 surround digital audio. The Slingbox PRO-HD will be available for purchase in Q3 2008 for a suggested retail price of $399.99.

What I was told at the booth was that the connector on the back is like the previous high-end model the Slingbox PRO with the HD connector being provided by an HDMI connector, but really isn't due to the added costs. Rather it supports a convertor cable to add the ability via the HD Connect Cable from the previous PRO model. Who knows when it finally comes out I am hoping it supports true HDMI like the SlingCatcher for one cable connectivity. Each year at CES SlingMedia seems to innovate and not disappoint, I can't wait...

1/30/2008 1:36:22 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) #    Comments [0]  |  Trackback

 

Gmail and Google/a IMAP accounts work now with WM6#
Post By Johan van Mierlo
Since Google launched IMAP for Gmail and mail for Google for your own Domain there where many problems with the WM6 devices where the body of most of the e-mails were blank.


But with some changes on the Google servers evrything should work now.


1/28/2008 11:29:45 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) #    Comments [0]  |  Trackback

 

MSDN: "How Do I" Videos for Mobile Device Developers#
Post By Don Sorcinelli

I must admit that on my list of "Mobile Device Resources", the "How Do I" videos section of MSDN has always been a bit of a ways down. Imagine my surprise when recently visiting this site and discovering that the list of videos is now at 43!

HowDoI

With the availability of these videos across multiple formats and an RSS feed, this resource has now become a "top-of-the-list" recommendation for both new and experienced developers. I highly recommend taking the time to visit this site today!

1/27/2008 11:45:55 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) #    Comments [0]  |  Trackback

 

USER GROUP MEETING: Wednesday, February 20th#
Post By Don Sorcinelli

The next meeting of the Boston/New England Windows Mobile User and Developer Group will be held on Wednesday, February 20th starting at 6:30 PM. As usual, the meeting will be held at the Microsoft offices in Waltham, MA (201 Jones Road, 6th Floor).

Map image

The featured presentation this month will focus on .NET Compact Framework development in "What's New For Windows Mobile Developers with Visual Studio 2008". I will cover .NET Compact Framework 3.5 enhancements and changes within the Visual Studio IDE.

As usual, we have lots of great giveaways to raffle to attendees!

See you there!

1/26/2008 11:17:22 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) #    Comments [0]  |  Trackback

 

Sharper Image to offer Unlocked Phones with WM6#
Post By Johan van Mierlo

I just opened my e-mail box this morning and a unlocked phone from Sharper Image is looking at me. Of course I noticed the Windows Mobile 6 screen on it, so I looked a bit more at this one.

Accordding to the site this phoen has indeed Windows Mobile 6 on it, but also integrated GPS. The phone sells for $499.95 and is available at Sharper Image.

This PocketPC Executive Pack includes a Bluetooth® mini headset and features:

  • 240 x 320 TFT 2.8-inch touch-screen LCD with 65K colors
  • 2MP camera with Flash
  • MP3
  • Windows Media Player with MPEG 4 video
  • Wireless Bluetooth® compatibility
  • Tri Band
  • Polyphonic ringtones
  • Microsoft® Office Mobile, Direct Push and Windows Mobile 6 Pro
  • Voice memo
  • Speakerphone
  • Built-in GPS receiver
  • Text messaging (SMS/MMS)
  • Games
  • Calculator
  • Alarm clock
  • USB 1.1
  • PDF viewer
  • Smart dialing
  • GPRS
  • WAP
  • JAVA
  • Enjoy up to 7 hours talk, 20 hours of music/video, 240 hours standby on a single USB charge
  • On-board 128MB memory with Micro SD slot, expandable to 2G
  • Speed codec HR/FR/EFR/AMR


Measures 4.3" x 2.3" x 0.6"; weighs 4.3 oz. One-year warranty. A Sharper Image exclusive.

*For subscribers to T-Mobile, AT&T/Cingular and other service providers that use a removable SIM card with all your phone data. Your SIM card will work perfectly in any Sharper Image® "Unlocked" Phone.

 

1/21/2008 9:13:48 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) #    Comments [0]  |  Trackback

 

Google in the race for the 700 MHZ auction !#
Post By Johan van Mierlo

According to an article from the Reuters press office Google has entered the race to become a service provider on the mobile market.

Communications regulators have cleared Google to bid in an upcoming auction of coveted wireless airwaves, according to auction documents released by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday.

Google was among a list of potential bidders released by the FCC to require up-front payment and be cleared to take part in the high-stakes 700MHz wireless auction.

The auction is scheduled to begin on Jan. 24 and expected to raise at least $10 billion for the U.S. government from airwaves being returned by television broadcasters as they move to digital from analog signals in early 2009.

The list of qualified bidders also included U.S. wireless providers AT&T and Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group, as well as ventures involving EchoStar, Cablevision, Qualcomm and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

The 700MHz signals are valuable because they can go long distances and penetrate thick walls.

The spectrum is to be auctioned off in several different blocks, ranging from smaller regional blocks to large, nationwide ones.

Up-front payments for the spectrum licenses can range from several thousand dollars to more than $100 million, depending on the size of the license a company is seeking.

The auction is seen as a last opportunity for a new player to enter the wireless market. Google and other Silicon Valley leaders see the wireless spectrum as a way to create more open competition for mobile services and devices than those available on existing networks.

1/17/2008 9:50:41 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) #    Comments [2]  |  Trackback

 

CES 2008 -Fuel Efficiency and Emission Reduction#
Post By Johan van Mierlo

Mtech Inc. (www.moletech.us), an innovator of automotive and transportation fuel savers, introduced its innovative Moletech Fuel Saver at the CES.  The technology was first launched in Australia and now makes its introduction here in the US.  A universal system, the Moletech Fuel Saver can deliver fuel savings and emission reduction to all fossil fueled engines.

The Moletech Fuel Saver is the end result of 10 years of research and development,  over 25 million miles and three years of exhaustive testing on 300 vehicles in the U.S., Taiwan and China.  Moletech Fuel Saver’s molecule reaction technology works together with a vehicle’s fuel, cooling and air filter systems to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.

 

 

In July 2007, the California Environment Engineering (CEE) Center for Environmental Research tested the Moletech Fuel Saver using Federal Test Procedures (FTP). 

 

Results from the CEE concluded, “Analysis indicated a reduction in the tailpipe emissions and an increasing improvement in fuel economy using the Moletech Fuel Saver device.  This included a significant reduction in Total Hydrocarbons (THC) and Carbon Monoxide (CO).  The results of the limited but decisive test series is considered noteworthy and verifies with a high level of confidence the viability of the technology, while indicating that more dramatic improvement could be expected and achieved with time.  The device, as tested, provided results that are more dramatic than similar technologies previously evaluated.”

 

Mtech’s molecular technology incorporates Molecule Reaction Technology to reduce fuel usage and decrease harmful emissions.   Key features of the Moletech Fuel Saver include:

·         Saves up to 20% on gasoline

·         Saves up to 10% on diesel

·         Saves up to 15% on LPG

·         Improves horsepower

·         Reduces harmful exhaust pollutants

·         Lowers greenhouse gases

·         Removes the engine’s carbon build up

·         Easily fitted at Authorized Installers

·         Lasts for more than 10 years

 

Easily installed in any vehicle, the Moletech Fuel Saver is a simple solution for fuel saving and emission reduction.  The Fuel Savers are small enough to fit in a pocket, yet deliver certified results. 

 

The Moletech Fuel Saver is a universal product that can be easily installed in any fossil-fueled vehicle including automobiles, motorcycles, diesel engines, trucks, fleet vehicles, agricultural vehicles, and boats.  The Fuel Saver is available in eight different models for all vehicles from scooter to semi vehicles.  The model is determined by engine size and fuel-type including the following:

  • Model #M1027 – gasoline engines under 3 liters
  • Model #M1058 – gasoline engines between 3-6 liters
  • Model #M1010 – gasoline engines between 100cc-1100cc
  • Model #M1003 – gasoline engines up to 100cc
  • Model #M1034 – diesel engines under 6 liters
  • Model#M1041 – diesel engines over 6 liters
  • Model #M1089 – LGP engines all models
  • Model #M1096 – LGP and gas (dual fuel) engine all models

 

When the Moletech Fuel saver was professionally installed in the testing vehicles, the increase of the vehicle’s horsepower and reduction of carbon build-up, fuel consumption, and reduction of toxic and greenhouse exhaust emissions was notable and impressive. 

With today’s gas prices and new laws, the Moletech Fuel Saver is a cost-effective and simple solution for anyone environmentally minded or trying to save money.

 

Now let see if the car companies are going to snatch this up if it s working as they have tested. It would be a small price to pay for the huge environmental benefit.

 

Moletech Fuel Saver will be available nationwide in 2008 at select dealers and stores.  For additional information on this revolutionary product, visit www.moletech.us.

Misc | News | Internet
1/17/2008 9:21:01 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) #    Comments [0]  |  Trackback

 

CES 2008 - Moxi#
Post By Steve "fyiguy" Hughes

OK we have seen MOXI at CES several time and we are still waiting for this product to come to fruition. We were promised by Digeo that we would see it this year in many different forms not only as a set top box, but as a software version similar to the ReplayTV software are offered with some Hauppauge cards, and as an extender. A beta was available back in December 2007 for a few of their products, but I never heard back from them. Hopefully these products aren't canceled too.

IMG_0114  CES 2008 Day 0 058

The MoxiMulti-Room HD looks like your standard Media Center set top box with a slot DVD player and a clock on it and it uses a cable card as its tuner.

A stand alone smaller set top box (the small silver box in the picture in the upper left) called the MoxiMate is a bit smaller and provides the same functionality of extending your media to another television over standard video Coax, no network required.

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The MoxiMulti Home Cinema is the HD DVR recording device and server of the media to the extender units. It also supports cable card and has a nicer display and more of a stereo component look to it. It's storage can also be expanded via an external hard drive up to 1TB in size.

CES 2008 Day 0 062  CES 2008 Day 0 059 CES 2008 Day 0 060 CES 2008 Day 0 061

We have been waiting for the nice Moxi UI for a while we really love the HD icons for HD channels and content as well as channel logos for easy recognition of channels and networks. It also has games, stocks, weather, and sports scores accessible as well.

We just hope Digeo brings these to market. They made an announcement right after CES as to their current state of affairs here. Here is a brief excerpt and summary:

As a result of its updated product development direction, Digeo will not release some retail DMR products it had previously announced, including the delayed Moxi Multi-Room HD DMR and the Moxi Home Cinema Edition DMR. Instead, Digeo will focus on its next-generation consumer DMR, which Digeo has been developing at the same time as the cancelled projects. Details about Digeo’s new retail product will be announced later in the year.

We will just have to wait and see...

1/16/2008 9:45:15 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) #    Comments [0]  |  Trackback

 

CES 2008 - BlueAnt meets Furbie#
Post By Johan van Mierlo

BlueAnt launched during the CES a couple of new products. One very interesting one is after the succes of the Z9 the new V1. The V1 bluetooth headset is using a new technology from Sensory called the BlueCenie Voice Interface.

 

 

 

The BlueAnt V1 Voice Controlled Headset allows users to easily control most functions of their headset using the revolutionary ‘BlueGenie™ Voice Interface*’ from Sensory, Inc.Talk to it – and it will talk to you. Ask it for assistance –and it will assist you in getting the right command. This headset eliminates the combinations of button pushes, button holds and flashing lights synonymous with advanced Bluetooth devices. One activation button provides you with total control of the V1’s entire function menu system via an easy to use voice interface.

The V1 also incorporates dual microphones allowing for BlueAnt’s patented Voice Isolation Technology™’, a revolutionary proprietary Digital Signal Processor (DSP) software solution.Voice Isolation Technology™ uses advanced techniques to separate theuser’s voice signal from all other sounds,enhancing and isolating all frequencies that affect voices coming into and out of the headset resulting in outstanding environmental noise reduction, echo cancellation and wind noise protection.Fitting into BlueAnt’s premium headset range, the V1 is small and lightweight and clips neatly onto a tie, shirt or jacket when not in use.


 

 Another great new product the have is the Supertooth 3 which is the follow up on the Supertooth light. I wasn't able to get the specifics yet. But don't worry they will come.


 

For motorcyclist they als have a new Blue Ant Interphone wireless headset. And as last they have demonstrated the M1 powerfull Bluetooth speakers.


These BlueAnt M1 gives hardened audiophiles the quality sound they have
been waiting for. Packing a mammoth 28 watts RMS, the BlueAnt M1 Bluetooth Stereo Speaker delivers phenomenal performance in a small stylish form factor. Its’ rich sound provides amazing body and balance to both low end bass heavy music and the subtle tones of an acoustic guitar. It displays the same great naturalness to soft intimate voices as in-your-face vocal
attacks. Today’s music lovers demand quality products and the BlueAnt M1 is engineered to enhance the lower midrange while maintaining crisp and clear high frequencies. Blueant have added an inbuilt powerful subwoofer that utilizes antidistortion circuitry, all of which results in highly detailed reproduction of any music type. Compatible with all A2DP enabled devices, cell phones, PDA’s, PC’s or Macs, the M1 is an easy to carry, take
anywhere device. Being wireless, portable and rechargeable the M1 can be used in the car, on the beach, and even as your homes main stereo system. Additionally you can plug in any MP3 player or iPod and get wired if you want.


 

For more information and all the press releases you can go to :http://www.blueantwireless.com/resources/media2.htm

1/14/2008 4:29:43 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) #    Comments [0]  |  Trackback

 

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