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Nokia Lumia 920 Review

halo — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 20:33:59 +0000

Nokia Lumia 920

Nokia’s Lumia 920, announced on September 5, 2012, is the latest in a growing list of smartphones. This new device is notable for its versatility, its extra sensitive screen and its wireless charging feature. The Lumia 920 is expected to be released on October 27, 2012. Like other smartphones, it will be available via your cell phone service provider and at major retailers.

Nokia Lumia 920

Nokia Lumia 920 Features
The Nokia Lumia 920, like similar devices, combines a telephone, a tablet, a camera and a video recorder. However, this new device is far from ordinary. Below are just a few of the features that set it apart from other smartphones.

Extra sensitive touch screen – Have you ever struggled to use your smartphone with long nails or while wearing gloves? On most phones, it’s next to impossible. The extra-sensitive screen on the Nokia Lumia 920 reacts to the lightest touch, making long nails and gloved hands less of a problem. Plus, you don’t have to stab the screen repeatedly.
Wireless charging – With the Lumia 920, you no longer have to be tied to a recharger cord. You can simply carry a rechargeable, wireless charger with you and recharge your phone wherever you are, whether you need a power source or not. The Nokia chargers are all Qi-compatible, so you can share your charger with your friend.
Tap for wireless music streaming – The Lumia 920 allows you to stream and download unlimited music from a variety of sources for free.
PureMotion HD+ – This technology gives the Nokia Lumia 920′s screen a higher resolution and makes it easier to read in bright sunlight.
Sleek and lightweight – The Lumia 920 is ultra-thin and weighs just 6.5 ounces, less than 1/2 pound.
Color choices – The Lumia 920 comes in white, black and three fun colors.
Carl Zeiss lens – This lens captures blur-free photos, even when the camera is shaky or the photo is taken in low light.
4G LTE Technology – The Lumia 920 uses the fastest connectivity available. 4G LTE is up to five times faster than 3G.
Two cameras – this device has both a front and back camera. The display is a full 4.8″–no more squinting into that tiny digital viewfinder.

Nokia Lumia 920 and the Environment
Do you need another reason to consider the Lumia 920? This smartphone is made of 60 percent recycled and 100 percent renewable materials, has 100 percent recycled packaging and is 100 percent recyclable (when you’re done using it). The device also uses minimal packaging and a bare-bones instruction manual (with further information available online).

What you do think of the Nokia Lumia 920? Are you thinking of buying one when it becomes available? Do you think this phone has what it takes to compete in the tough cell phone market or do you feel its features are a lot of fluff and have no substance? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

By: Hannah N

Hannah is an adventure enthusiast, focused on writing about technology and marketing. Visit her at @HongryHannah on twitter or Deals.ServiceBundles.com

Google and Samsum to Announce new Nexus 10 Tablet PC

halo — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 02:25:10 +0000

Get ready for the next Android based Tablet PC by the Google and Samsung partnership. Google and Samsung are expected to announce a new 10-inch tablet codenamed “Manta” on October 29^th. The manta is rumored to feature a 2560 x 1600 display beating out the iPad pixel density of around 300ppi. The tablet’s official name will likely be called the Nexus 10 and will be sold along side the Asus Nexus 7 and the new LG Nexus 4.

Google will also announce a minor refresh of its Nexus 7 line, which will include HSPA+ 3G connectivity to the tablet. The previous version did not have telecom connectivity. There will also be an increase in internal storage. The Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 will also include a new version of the OS Android 4.2 that will feature a new Play Store Widget and Tablet Sharing features. Tablet sharing allows multiple user accounts on one device, which is convenient for family members sharing a single device. There does not seem to be enough evidence to suggest how this will work or whether some applications will simply be locked for other users. Android 4.2 will also feature horizontal and vertical panoramic photo capture. There will also be a new quick settings section in the notification bar. The quick setting is supposed to be activated by double swiping to toggle for GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Android 4.2 will also bring a redesign of the Gallery app to closely resemble the photostream of Google+. Google is trying to bring a more unified experience across their products and services.

Google’s announcement comes at a competitive time as Apple and Microsoft are also expected to announce new products. Apple is rumored to introduce a new iPad Mini category and Microsoft will announce Surface and Windows 8. It will be an exciting couple of weeks.

iPhone 5 Review

halo — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:23:53 +0000

iPhone 5 Review

iPhone 5

As with any other Apple product, there was much hype and excitement building up to the release of the iPhone 5. With so much speculation and anticipation, it would be difficult for any mobile to meet consumers high expectations. But, with the widespread release of the latest iPhone, it is safe to say that consumers are in agreement: it is better than they ever expected. Let’s take a look at what the iPhone 5 has to offer, and what notable improvements there are from the iPhone 4S.

Upgraded features make the iPhone 5 considerably better than it’s predecessor, including: a 4 inch LED-backlit IPS TFT display compared to 3.5 inches, A6 Dual-core 1.2 GHz processor compared to the A5, 1GB of RAM compared to just 512MB, and a 1.2MP front-facing camera compared to VGA. The iPhone 5 is also running the latest Apple mobile operating system, iOS6, which includes various improvements to the user interface, including their own Maps navigational service, and facebook and social networking integration; which means you can view notifications on a dedicated menu, as well as view facebook friend’s birthdays on your calendar, import contact information into your address book, share photos and videos instantly and more.

The iPhone 5 will also offer simultaneous HD video and image recording, lightening fast 4G LTE connectivity, and up to 64GB of internal storage. Games are vibrant and run smoothly thanks to the triple-core graphics provided by the GPU, and users will notice that voice recognition with Siri is better than ever. Other connectivity features include Bluetooth, WiFi, TV-Out support, A-GPS and more. There is also a photo and video editor, PDF reader with iBooks, and virtual storage service with iCloud.

The iPhone 5 is unmistakably one of the best smart phones on the market today, and with each edition, Apple reclaims the #1 spot for the most popular, and fastest selling mobile phone on the market. With plenty of other competitors in it’s price range, the iPhone 5 is a solid contender thanks to it’s abundance of features, and it’s sleek design.

This post was written by Chloe Parker, editor for MobilePhones.org.uk, where you can read about the latest Apple and smartphone news and rumors.

Planet of the Apps

halo — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:16:25 +0000

We all know that apps are taking over our lives, but to what extent?

As we all know, there is now an app for everything, whether you use an iPhone, Android or tablet device. 3G connections have changed the way we live, and mobile broadband has meant that apps are at our fingertips wherever we are in the world.

Who would have thought that Android would be catching up iOS with the number of apps it has available? And who would have thought that 6.5 million of us downloaded Angry Birds on Christmas Day?

We’re celebrating the Planet of the Apps by sharing this data on our app habits…

Planet of the Apps

Choosing the best broadband package for gaming

halo — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:47:08 +0000

Having the right kind of broadband package is especially important to online gamers. Many spend huge amounts of money on their computer systems and the latest graphics cards but these are next to useless if their internet connection is not up to the job.

For this reason, it’s important to do some research to find the best broadband deals available for gamers. There are five main considerations to take into account.

Download Speeds
The download speed required for gaming varies depending on the type of game being played. Most online role playing games only require an actual download speed of around 2 Mb but some first-person shooters ideally need double that.

As well as improving the gaming experience, having a good download speed also gives a more robust connection to the gaming server as well as minimising latency and ping times.

For ADSL broadband users, the actual download speed achievable is entirely dependent on geographical location and distance from the nearest telephone exchange, as well as the quality of the BT wiring between those points. The fastest download speeds available are via a fibre-optic connection, but this is not yet available everywhere in the UK.

Download Limits
As with speed, games vary in the amount of data they use during play. In addition, some will require the downloading of updates and additional play features as the game progresses. Some of the very detailed maps available for popular first-person shooters can consist of up to 1GB of data.

Download allowances do vary a good deal between broadband providers. Even those who offer packages with ‘unlimited downloads’ sometimes operate a fair-usage policy so it is important to read their terms and conditions carefully.

Contention Ratio
Each ADSL user will have a contention ratio applied to their connection. The usual ratio for the average home ADSL broadband connection is 50:1. Theoretically, this means that 50 people could be using that connection at any one time and that only 1/50th of the bandwidth could be available, which is not a good scenario for gamers.

In reality, this hardly ever happens but it should still be a consideration when choosing a provider as some do offer contention ratios much lower than 50:1, which reduces the possibility of a poor connection at peak usage times during the day.

Reliability
It is no good having a super-fast connection if it is not reliable. A drop-out at a critical moment in a game is not just annoying because if it is a persistent problem it can also mean being excluded from the game server for being too slow.

Connectivity
Most modern PCs and gaming consoles have wireless connectivity but a wireless network is less reliable than one which uses an Ethernet cable. Most serious gamers invest in the best quality Ethernet cable available as this offers the smoothest and least interruptive gaming experience.

In Summary
Serious gamers need to take their choice of broadband package very seriously if all of their needs and wants are to be fulfilled. The many options and packages on offer should, therefore, be investigated very carefully.

iPhone 4S vs Blackberry

halo — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:25:00 +0000

The world was waiting with excitement for the release of a new iPhone version which occurred in the middle of October. Once this new version, the iPhone 4S, was released it became an instant sensation across the globe. In fact, sales of the iPhone4S have been so strong that Apple has taken a huge chunk of the smartphone market away from its competitors. One of these feeling the pinch, is Research in Motion, maker of BlackBerry devices. In fact, the sales of their Operating System 7 have seen a major decrease which has been attributed to the popularity of the iPhone 4S. RIM is planning to launch a major renovation to their smartphone line. In fact, BlackBerry is planning on releasing their first ever touch screen edition to compete with the iPhone and Android devices. However, this release will not occur sometime until 2012. Until then, many predict BlackBerry sales to be rocky.

Not only is the iPhone 4S causing a decline in BlackBerry sales but other factors are occurring as well. For instance, the decline in prices of previous iPhone models is also grabbing some of BlackBerry’s share. This would include substantial price decreases of both the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 3GS.

In the iPhone 4S’s first weekend alone, more than 4 million handsets were sold. Service provider, AT & T commented that in less than one week, it activated service on over 1 million of the new iPhone 4S phones. The BlackBerry 7’s sales have significantly impacted as consumers are opting for the iPhone 4S over the new BlackBerry line. In fact, many analysts predict that this decline in sales will continue for several quarters for BlackBerry maker, Research in Motion. Time will tell but the iPhone 4S sales are predicted to continue being strong especially through this holiday season.

Kindle Fire

halo — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:52:46 +0000

Kindle Fire

Kindle Fire

The Amazon Kindle Fire is the first full tablet device from the world`s largest online retailer. It comes from a family of eBook readers but sets out on its own to give you a connected, interactive experience which focuses on content delivery, multimedia and gaming.

The Kindle Fire is arguably not a direct rival to the iPad 2, but tablet fans will certainly be keen to take a look at it given that Amazon is pricing it at half the cost of Apple`s tablet. The Kindle Fire features a seven inch display with a generous black bezel surrounding it. A native resolution of 1024×600 means that text and images will look crisp, sharp and colourful.

Onboard storage comes in the form of 8GB of Flash memory and there is a dual core processor doing all of the hard work under the surface. You can plug in a standard pair of headphones to listen to music and watch videos in peace, or use the built-in speakers if you wish. The whole device weighs 413 grams, which is quite a bit lighter than the iPad 2, although the Kindle Fire`s smaller screen and form factor accounts for this difference.

The software platform which brings the Kindle Fire to life is Android 2.3, but whilst most will know this as a mobile phone operating system it has been heavily modified by Amazon in order to drastically alter the way it looks and operates. You will be able to carry out all of the tasks typically associated with tablets, including browsing the internet, viewing and sending emails, playing videos, listening to your tunes and of course reading eBooks and comics. However, it is the Amazon-specific changes that are making the headlines.

Firstly it will come with access to a whole host of cloud-based services run by the retail giant. This includes Amazon Cloud Storage, Cloud Player, App Store, Kindles Store, Prime and many more. The ultimate goal is to allow users easy access to the content they want at a price they can afford. Downloading games, videos, books and much more media content will be simple and Amazon is ultimately relying on this to help it monetise the Kindle Fire because analysts predict that it is actually selling it at a loss and looking to recoup the costs further down the line.

Connectivity comes in the form of Wi-Fi and at first there will be no 3G option available for the Kindle Fire, although Amazon is developing such a device that will allow for web access and file downloads across a wider area. Because the Kindle Fire uses cloud based services there is little need for it to have as much storage as the up to 64GB available on the range-topping iPad 2. This is due to the fact that you can put all of your files online and stream or download them as appropriate.

The Kindle Fire is a compelling alternative to the standard Android-based tablets on the market as well as the iPad 2. Those who want an affordable tablet which combines the features of digital media players, laptops, eBook readers and many more should give it a look.

iPhone 4S Introduces iOS 5

halo — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:02:01 +0000

iPhone 4S Introduces iOS 5

iOS 5, which now can be downloaded on the iPhone 3GS and above, is certainly an integral part of the Apple operating system family and of central importance to the success of the new iPhone 4S phone deals.

This new operating system has a number of features that were not found on earlier versions. With little changing cosmetically on the iPhone 4S we will need to take a look at the new iOS 5 features to see what the iPhone 4S really has to offer.

iCloud

iCloud is an ingenious and ultra useful and well thought out service from Apple. The new cloud feature allows you access to your whole iTunes library on your device anywhere you want, once you have an internet connection. Unlike traditional Cloud services you won’t even have to upload the tracks. Apple has set the iCloud up in such a way that it stores the iTunes track IDs you have and then allows you access to them straight from the library on iCloud.

iMessages

Just like with the blackberry, Apple has included a free messaging service between all the different Apple devices. This will be a huge bonus for the company in the younger market who now won’t have to pay for the messages to their friends with the new app.

Notifications

The new notification section on the device is well thought out and homage to the way it is done on Android. Instead of the message system, Apple has included a drop down notification menu with all the information and changes on the device in one place – a huge help and a lot tidier.

Camera

It is also now possible to access the camera on the phone straight from the lock menu. This is a nice addition and means you don’t have to shuffle through unnecessary menus. If you’re someone who takes spontaneous photos this will be of huge help and will allow you a lot more freedom on the device.

iOS 5 also adds many new software features to the iPhone’s camera bringing it more in to line with competitors. This includes various effects that can be added to photos, and for the first time the iPhone comes with built in face detection.

Siri

The new voice control feature on the iPhone has gotten a lot of press, mainly because of the answers it gives to silly questions. However, its uses are more integrated than that and it works brilliantly with all the iPhone apps on the device.

This new integrated system can be used to keep your diary, voice dialling, sending messages and also a number of other features. It is also able to adapt to accents and learns as it goes, meaning it won’t be so likely to miscomprehend you as other voice control systems.

While most of the new iOS features are available to older devices making the upgrade, Siri is the one feature that is limited to just iPhone 4S use. Apple claim this is because only the iPhone 4S has the processing power to cope with it. Obviously this is not true because prior to Apple’s purchase of Siri it was available on other iOS devices as well.

This is no longer so. Although the iPad surely has the technical power to deal with Siri, and even though some diehard Siri enthusiasts have already managed to create a hacked version of Siri for jailbroken iPads and iPhones, Siri still will not work. This is because all of your voice commands and questions are fed through a central Apple system, rather than being managed directly from your iPhone 4S. Because of this, if you truly wish to enjoy the wonders that Siri brings – you will only be able to do so by purchasing a new iPhone 4S contract.

RIP Steve Jobs

halo — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:38:34 +0000

Steve Jobs passed away today. We are all grateful for what you did for us. Thank you.

What Will iPhone 5 Offer

halo — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:17:36 +0000

Apple iPhone 5

What Will iPhone 5 Offer?

The tech world is abuzz with rumors about Apple’s upcoming iPhone 5, most likely the next in its famous line of smartphones. The exact release date and specs of the iPhone 5 are still not certain, but a number of persistent rumors point to some highly probable details of the much anticipated device.

A New Look?

Until recently, the closest anyone outside of Apple could get to knowing the appearance and form of the iPhone 5 was through countless mockups by designers with no connection to Apple, faint rumors, and other near-fantasy. However, Apple may have recently revealed the iPhone 5′s new look on accident.

The beta of their new Photo Stream program shows an icon of an iPhone-like device, but there is no precedent for its details. It has a rounded rectangular Home button, in contrast to the circular button seen on all previous iOS devices. This button has been vertically truncated to compensate for the new screen size; the screen stretches to cover nearly the entire front surface of the device, with the camera and speaker pushed up to the very top to compensate. Mockups created with this icon as a blueprint indicate that the body of the iPhone 5 is smaller than the iPhone 4, but that the screen is larger, perhaps 4 inches.

Still the Best Screen with Maybe the Best Camera

Even though it has a larger screen, the iPhone 5 is unlikely to have a higher screen resolution than the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4′s infamous 960×640 “Retina” screen is still unparalleled among smartphones in terms of dots per inch, and even if this resolution is spread out from 3.5 inches to 4 inches it will still rank among the densest displays in the touchscreen smartphone world. Another popular rumor is that the iPhone 5 will improve on the iPhone 4′s 4-megapixel camera, doubling its resolution to 8 megapixels, which is the latest standard for high-end smartphones.

Worldwide Compatibility but No LTE

The iPhone 5 is almost guaranteed to be a “world phone,” capable of receiving calls from both CDMA and GSM networks. Verizon’s CFO has hinted at this dual network functionality. Also, a popular app developer who logs use of his apps has reported detecting iOS devices sporting two distinct sets of mobile network codes (MNC) / mobile country codes (MCC) for Verizon and AT&T. The iPhone’s ability to receive signals from the two most popular network styles will make traveling around the world while receiving calls with an iPhone much easier. However, there is no indication that the iPhone 5 will support LTE, and therefore will not have the potential connection speed of 4G devices.

Processing Power

Just as the iPhone 4 inherited the original iPad’s single-core A4 processor, it is likely the iPhone 5 will contain the iPad 2′s dual-core A5 processor. Older apps won’t directly take advantage of the dual-core, although they won’t be so easily hamstrung by background tasks. Benefits will be most noticeable for new apps that feature both complex rendering and complex processing, like games and media production apps.

SIM Only plans may be available for the iPhone 5. AT&T, the iPhone’s longest-standing carrier in the United States, has been offering these plans for several years. This will allow users with existing SIM Only plans to trade up to the iPhone 5 on their own terms, or to easily replace the iPhone 5 with an even more advanced phone sometime in the future. Such plans also tend to have cheaper rates and are not bound by contracts.

The iPhone 5 is heavily rumored for a mid-October release. This will coincide with Sprint’s adoption of iPhones and the finished production of ad agency TBWAChiatDay’s iPhone apps.

Blake Sanders is a tech writer at broadband comparison site Broadband Expert where he specializes in writing on mobile broadband, sim only plans, and the latest in internet service provider news and information.

Note: Photo courtesy of dpolicarpo via FlickR Creative Commons.

Has the iPhone 5 been seen in public?

FHills — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:56:07 +0000

We’ve heard all of the rumors about the upcoming iPhone 5 but which ones are actually true? We’ve heard rumors that the new iPhone will be a radical redesign, thinner and lighter with a bigger screen, and we’ve heard rumors that it will be identical to the iPhone 4, but with internal upgrades and that the iPhone 6 would be a total revamp.

Techno Buffalo received a picture of a Target ad that had a photo of an iPhone that could possibly be the new iPhone, which featured tapered edges similar to the iPhone 3GS. However, this photo could have been doctored by Target’s art department to just feature an iPhone lookalike, rather than an actual product.

Now, 9to5Mac has received photos of a new iPhone, possibly the iPhone 5, in San Francisco held by a possible Apple employee. This possibly could have been an iPhone 5 prototype. The phone the tipster saw would fit into the iPhone 5 cases that have already been in production.

The new iPhone, according to 9to5Mac’s source, is thinner and wider than the current iPhone 4, which a screen size that’s “almost EVO-like.” “The edges are rounded metal like the edge of a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 but could still function as an antenna.”

From the photos, it does look very similar to the backside as well as the side buttons of an iPhone 3GS. Also according to the “tipster,” the phone’s user was “trying to hide what he had more than the average smartphone user.”

What secrets do you think Apple is hiding? What do you think? Could this be the upcoming iPhone 5?

My Experience In a Fake Apple Store in China

Quang Ly — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:56:25 +0000

Fake Apple Store In China

I recently went to China (Beijing and Shanghai) a few weeks ago and came across a fake Apple Store in a mall in Shanghai. It was located right next to a fake Sony Store. Here is the picture of me at the fake Apple Store. The products did look legitimate. One of the sales clerk was on a MacBook running Windows XP playing video games. He could have been running BootCamp, Parallels, or VMWare for virtualization. Flying back to the US, ironically I sat next to an Apple Retail Manager for China. We talked about counterfeits as well as the problem of fake branded stores becoming more popular. I also saw a fake iPhone 5 and fake iPad 2 running Java operating system in Budong district in Shanghai. The performance in the fake products was very unresponsive and therefore unuseable.

New MacBook Air SSDs are replaceable

halo — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:57:46 +0000

New MacBook Air SSDs are replaceable

The limited harddrive space on the new MacBook Air was holding me back. Now you can upgrade it to 480 gb. I currently have 500 gb on my Macbook Pro 17 2007 running Parallels (Windows XP Pro, Final Cut, Logic Pro, lots of music, some movies, photos), and still have 137 gb free. The New MBA Spring 2011 is also twice as fast as last years MacBook Pro 17! The holy grail has arrived! It will cost you though. Prices are range

180 gb $399.99
250 gb $519.99
360 gb $779.00
480 gb $1399.99

Via TUAW

Two New iPhones Expected by Summer’s End

FHills — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:00:42 +0000

New iPhone rumors are showing up faster than the next model of cell phones, aren’t they? We’ve spoken of several iPhone rumors this year as well as next year but now, according to Boy Genius Report and their “incredibly solid source,” Apple plans to launch a low-coster iPhone this year, possibly a prepaid version of the iPhone 3GS that will sell for no more than $350 without a contract.

Also according to their source, the new iPhone, whether it be the slightly modified 4S or the radically redesigned 5 remains unknown, but will come out or at the very least, announced, by the end of summer (late August). Apple is also planning on continuing the iPhone 4 line.

All of these rumors combined would give Apple a full range of products—lower, mid, and high-end priced iPhones.

What do you think? If these rumors pan out, what impact would it have on the mobile market?

Facebook “Like” Hanger

FHills — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:00:18 +0000

If you’re obsessed with Facebook like most of the world and you want to show it, then this Facebook “Like” Hanger is just for you. Treat it just like any other wall hook, just screw the “Like” hanger on the wall via a permanent hook and then hang whatever you want. As long as you’re willing to pay $39.90 for this hook, you can buy whatever you “like.”

Made from acrylic, this hook is approximately 3” x 2.8” x 0.6” and is handcrafted.

Get your own at meninos.

iOS 5 Beta shows gesture-based controls

FHills — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:00:26 +0000

9 to 5 Mac has just released a video and screenshots of what seems to be a new gestured-based control feature on iOS 5 beta. The new video shows that future iPhone and iPads could possibly do away with all physical buttons, save for the on/off button.

The new onscreen controls show the ability to change screen orientation, raise and lower volume, and to even lock the screen. The panel is activated with a swipe from a user-designated corner on the device’s screen and once the panel is activated, a HUD (heads-up-display) menu will appear.

Could this feature just be a feature that users can turn on and off at their desire or does this signal the future of Apple devices? Check out the video below.

The iPhone 6 may feature a new charging feature

FHills — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:00:12 +0000

According to The Wall Street Journal, the iPhone 5 is becoming more and more like the iPhone 3GS—that is, a minor update (looking similar to the current iPhone 4), rather than a major redesign, becoming more thinner, featuring an upgraded 8 megapixel camera as well as a new dual-core chip.

We might, however, see a major revamp in design with the iPhone 6 next year. One source said that Apple has been experimenting with a new way of charging the phone. With Apple’s plan to eliminate the USB cable with the upcoming iPhone to sync your phone with your computer, this seems like the more logical plan on an upgrade. But how will they do it?

Techno Buffalo have come up with one theory featuring the Palm Pre Touchstone dock (picture right), which shows that charging can be done without the need for a cable. One obstacle that Techno Buffalo have come up with is the notion of portable charging, i.e. charging in the car. Apple not only needs to find a way to charge without the use of a cable, but also find out a way so that it’s portable.

What do you think? Is this the future for Apple as well as other phones?

Sony to start production on PlayStation 4 this year

FHills — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:00:10 +0000

Even though Sony have stated that they wouldn’t be releasing a new console any time soon, they have their Taiwan-based partners, Foxconn and Pegatron Technology, set up to begin production on the PlayStation 4 (PS4) at the end of this year and to be released in 2012, according to DigiTimes.

This is most likely a move to compete against Nintendo’s Wii U next year. They plan on shipping at least 20 million units next year. The PS4 will feature body movement-based control like Microsoft’s Kinect.

This comes as a surprise since, after the unveiling of the Wii U, Jack Tretton, President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment of America believed that Sony does not see the Wii U as a reason to get started on the PS4.

According to Techno Buffalo, Tretton believes that the PS3 is just getting started.

PlayStation 3 is really just hitting its stride. And technologically, I don’t think it’s possible to provide any advancement beyond what we have…

…What we have seen from the competition is trying to add features that already exist in PlayStation 3. We have heavily in that, we rolled a very heavy rock up a steep hill, through the launch period. But now I think that all pays off, and we’ve got a long run way behind it. So, I wouldn’t look for any discussion of a next generation PlayStation for quite some time.

What do you think about this move? Would the new PlayStation just degrade the PlayStation Move?

iPhone 5 and iPad 3 Set to Launch September

FHills — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:00:47 +0000

Happy July 4th everyone! We have some iPhone 5 and iPad 3 news to get you through the holiday!

According to Digitimes, Taiwan-based companies responsible for making components of the iPhone 5 and iPad 3 have begun to prepare materials for the production for the two devices, which are likely to launch in September and hit the market in October.

The iPhone 5 will sport a Sony-sourced 8 megapixel CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) camera sensor and the iPad 3 will feature a 250 dpi display, which allows for a thinner and lighter design, according to Digitimes’ sources.

Their sources have also stated that 6-7 million iPhone 5 units are expected to be shipped. Add iPhone 4 shipments to that number and the total iPhone shipments in the third quarter are expected to be around 24-25 million units and carry over to the fourth quarter this year.

Apple is expected to ship more than 15 million iPad series products with the supply volume set to break 40 million units in 2011.

Swingyde Golf Swing Training Aid

FHills — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:00:58 +0000

Having a perfect swing is a great thing to have but it’s often hard to train by yourself if you don’t know that much about golfing. You can put down that Wiimote, step away from the Wii and play like the pros in real life.

The Swingyde Golf Swing Training Aid attaches to the shaft of your golf club, and rests on your forearm (works for both left- and right-handed users), forcing your wrist to have the proper form when you swing. This improves your swing plane, club face alignment and most importantly, your follow through, resulting in a straighter hit as well as further distance.

Get your own today.

As you can see from the user reviews, this gadget actually works. Despite being a little cumbersome to switch from club to club, users will actually see results in their golf swing.

Angry Birds Board Game

FHills — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:10:44 +0000

Admit it, you’re addicted to the Angry Birds app and you can’t get enough of it. But what happens if your beloved gadget runs out of battery from playing too much Angry Birds? Fortunately, you can play the game outside in real life (where no birds or pigs are harmed while playing).

When it comes to Angry Birds, everybody loves the ability to wreak havoc on the intricately designed contraptions the pigs are in but with this game, you’ll be able to test your creativity and create your own structures.

The game includes three Angry Birds, green pigs, a slingshot-style launcher, structure pieces and mission cards. Players draw a card and build the structure that the card shows before their opponents launch an Angry Bird to try and demolish it, and the pigs down to win points.

Get yours at ThinkGeek

Apple Building Two iPhones for September Release

FHills — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:00:18 +0000

Could Apple be working on two iPhones, both to be released this September? According to Fortune, they very well could be.

As you recall, we wrote how the next-generation iPhone would either be called the “4S” or “5.” It turns out that we could actually have two devices with each name.

We’ve heard rumors that the next iPhone would just be this year’s iPhone 3GS, nothing more than an internal upgrade. Or it could be a new redesign altogether. However, according to Fortune, Deutsche Bank’s Chris Whitmore is telling clients to expect both 4S and 5 devices. “With Nokia and RIMM struggling,” he says, “the time is right for Apple to aggressively penetrate the mid range smart-phone market ($300-500 category) to dramatically expand its [total addressable market] and market share.”

Whitmore believes that launching an iPhone 4S that is unlocked, priced around $349, and comes with a pre-paid voice plan would “drive significantly greater penetration” of that market.

The “Record Your Own Bicycle Bell” Bell

FHills — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:00:34 +0000

Bike bells are great because they let unknowing people that you and your bike are near them thus keeping you safe from accidents. However, all bike bells sound the same and you’re an adult now. Gone are the days where you try to fit in. Now it’s the time of your life where you want to be different.

With The Record Your Own Bicycle Bell from ThinkGeek, you’ll be able to record 20 seconds of your own sound and use it as a bicycle bell! That’s right, your very own sound. What’s great about this gadget is that it doesn’t just play your own sound but also features a piercing “DING” sound just in case your very own sound didn’t make it clear enough that you’re near.

Features:

Record your own bicycle sound (up to 20 seconds)
One button plays your own sound, another plays a loud piercing sound
Easy to mount on your handlebars (removable and adjustable)
Sound sensitive (volume-adjusting microphone)
Batteries: 3 LR44 1.5V (included!)
Dimensions: 2.18″ diameter x 2.75″ long

U-Socket USB Wallplug

FHills — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 21:00:05 +0000

Everything these days seem to be powered via USB cable, doesn’t it? For example, the iPhone comes with a USB cable and a USB adapter that plugs into your wall outlet. Wouldn’t it be easier to just have to worry about one cable and not about the adapter since many of the cables for our gadgets double as a data port.

Fortunately, Fastmac realized that it would be easier to just combine the USB ports with everyday wall outlets by putting 2 USB ports right next to the standard wallplugs.

These units are a little bigger than standard outlets, however, and require a 16-cubic-inch electrical box to accommodate it. The two USB 3.0-compliant ports have a 12W of total charging power and are rated at 2.4A, meaning that they will charge a device like the iPad at full speed but will noticeably slow down when two devices are plugged in at the same time (Engadget).

If you’re not really into electrical work, don’t risk your well-being and electrocute yourself, so learn how to properly change outlets or pay to get it done.

Once you switch, you’ll be able to go from computer to wall socket without depending on those wall adapters.

Amazon to Release Tablets in August/September

FHills — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:00:04 +0000

Remember those Amazon tablet rumors – codenamed “Hollywood” and “Coyote” — we wrote about a month ago? Well, it turns out that those rumors could actually come true very soon.

According to Digitimes, Amazon is prepared to launch models as soon as August and September, with global sales of up to 4 million units for 2011 prepared (according to Digitimes’ unnamed source), thus releasing the units before the holiday shopping rush.

The timing of launch is to meet the peak sales period prior to Thanksgiving in the US and the year-end holidays in the US and Europe, the sources pointed out

According to their sources, the tablets will feature processors developed by Texas Instruments (yup, the same makers of your beloved TI-83 calculator), with Taiwan-based Wintek to supply touch panels, ILI Technology to supply LCD driver ICs, and Quanta Computer for the assembly of the tablets. Monthly shipments are also expected to be around 700,000-800,000 units. The tablet-users will also be able to stream movies from Amazon’s services.

iPhone 4S/5 Could Have Major Redesign

FHills — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:00:58 +0000

Remember those iPhone 4S/5 rumors we wrote about earlier? The one with the edge-to-edge screen design? Well, it turns out those rumors could, indeed, be true.

According to BoyGenius Report, the next-generation iPhone will not simply be an upgraded 4, but a complete overhaul. Basically, the new iPhone won’t just feature internal upgrades (like the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G), but will actually have a “radical” new case design. Unfortunately, there are no further details into the actual design of the phone will be.

Thisismynext reported last week that the next-generation phone, however, will feature a teardrop-shaped design (note: the picture isa mock-up, not an actual device design).

About the release, the consensus seems to be that Apple will announce the new phone this upcoming September during its annual September Fall music event. However, BGR’s sources suggest that Apple may actually hold an event at some point this August to announce the next-generation phone, with availability as early as the last week of August.

Will this August announcement and release mean a new tradition of releasing Apple products or will it just iPhone-specific? No one knows yet.

Shot Glass Checker Set

FHills — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:00:53 +0000

If you thought ping pong was the only childhood game to get the adult treatment, you’re wrong. Now you can play your favorite childhood game of checkers with an adult and alcoholic twist with the Shot Glass Checker Set.

The game is simple, instead of checker pieces you get 13 clear and 13 frosted full-sized 1oz shot glasses. When you’re jumped, you drink. When you get crowned, you drink twice.

The set comes with a 14”x14” glass checker board with rubber feet and the 26 (13 clear, 13 frosted) 1oz shot glasses. As always, drink responsibly.

You can get your own at homewetbar for $19.95.

Magic Wand Programmable TV Remote

FHills — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:00:20 +0000

Pressing buttons to control your TV is so 2000 and late. What are we, muggles? Unfortunately, some of us were not invited to attend Hogwarts when we turned 11 so the Magic Wand Programmable TV Remote by ThinkGeek can take us a step closer to our wizarding dreams.

This wand can learn up to 13 commands from your current remote control and synchronize them with a particular motion you make with the wand. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use Wingardium Leviosa or Engorgio but you will be able to change channels and turn the volume up with a flick of your wrist.

Compatible with almost all makes of TV, DVR, and almost anything that requires a remote, have some magical times today.

iCufflinks by Adafruit

FHills — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:00:19 +0000

Do you wear your heart on your sleeve? What about your love for Apple products? Like we wrote about earlier, since Apple causes religious-like reactions in Apple fans, why not tell the world about that love with iCufflinks by Adafruit!

These cufflinks are designed to look just like the power button for a Mac and are battery-operated, pulsating for up to 24 hours. Since they’re made to look like Apple’s power button, there’s no doubt that you’ll look sleek and shiny for your upcoming event.

Who says you can’t show your geeky side just because you’re wearing a suit and tie? Get your own set at Adafruit! Look out for a necklace version for women!

Wireless Remote Control Outlet Switch

FHills — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 15:00:39 +0000

We all have those moments when we finally get to sit down or lay down and relax but, unfortunately, we forget to turn off that light and we’ve just become so comfortable.

Fortunately, a gadget exists when we’re enjoying those lazy days. Wireless remote control outlet switches work so that you don’t have to get up. All you have to do is lift your finger to hit the designated buttons on a remote control.

What’s great about the remote is that, since it’s a three-pack gadget, you’re able to plug up to 3 lamps (or any other device) and control them all using just one remote.

This is convenient not just for the lazy, but for those who have trouble getting up so it’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Get yours today and start enjoying the lazy days.

ThumbSaver Magnet Nail Setter

FHills — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 15:00:24 +0000

“OUCH!” Sound familiar? You were probably trying to hit a nail with a hammer, which always runs the risks of accidental finger-pounding. Unless someone comes up with a gadget to help avoid this situation, you’ll probably always risk your fingers’ well-being.

Fortunately, the ThumbSaver Magnet Nail Setter was created, which basically acts as a magnetic extension of your finger so that your actual fingers don’t need to take accidental beatings. Its powerful magnet holds virtually any nail, staple or screw. This gadget features a rubber grip secured around a durable solid aluminum shaft that features the magnet on one end.

Staple Free Staple

FHills — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:00:39 +0000

Scenario time: You just finished your final paper that’s due in 5 minutes and all you need to do to seal the deal is staple your paper together. Trouble is, your once-handy stapler is out of staples and you need to get to class. With the Staple Free Staple from ThinkGeek, you’ll never encounter this problem.

This gadget keeps papers together by cutting tiny flaps in the corners of your papers, and folds it in on itself, tucked in a tiny paper pocket.

Staples have become a scourge to the office environment. Those shiny metal wires have jammed in thumbs, caught on sweaters, and torn papers. The horrors are just too numerous to mention. Recently, at ThinkGeek World Domination Headquarters, an entire afternoon was spent watching a government mandated corporate safety video that showed, in excruciating slo-motion Tarantinoesque detail, just how terrible accidents with staples can be.

ROGUE Front Pocket Wallet

FHills — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:00:54 +0000

Rogue’s Front Pocket Wallet fits right your pants’ front pocket, offering added security and eliminates discomfort when you’re sitting down (as well as avoiding future sciatica).

This Front Pocket Wallet, you won’t experience any discomfort because, unlike a regular-shaped wallet, this one is designed to contour to the shape of your front pants’ pocket. And at just ¼” thick, you won’t have any unsightly bulges or wrinkles.

The wallet has 3 slots for credit cards, an identification window, and a 10” bill compartment that holds both domestic and international currencies.

With a front pocket wallet, you’ll be able to keep your cash, identification, and credit cards safe from pickpockets because there’s less access to it than if your wallet was in your back pocket.

Brookstone Wireless Key Finder

FHills — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:00:50 +0000

Keys are just one of those things that are placed wherever we feel is convenient at the time so they’re prone to being misplaced, causing frustrating and a lot of thinking back to where we “last saw them.”

Problem is, we always look in places where they’d never logically be? “How could I forget, I entered my room, did a commando roll over the bed, and placed them under a plastic bag! Oh, wait, I didn’t.”

Now with the Brookstone Wireless Key Finder, you’ll never have to imagine ridiculous scenario again because Brookstone’s key finder locates your lost keys at the press of a single button.

You’ll be able to keep track of two keys with the colored-coded key fobs (or give an extra to your roommate or significant other who’s similarly prone to losing keys). Simply press the corresponding button on the wireless transmitter and that matching key fob will answer with a loud, clear alarm. The sleek, compact transmitter will locate keys up to 60 feet away—even through floors, walls, and sofa cushions.

The box includes the wireless transmitter and two colored key fobs. The wireless transmitter uses two AAA batteries (not included).

Puma Men’s Escalate Black Digital Watch

FHills — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:00:15 +0000

If you have an active lifestyle, going from work to play, you want accessories that fit the occasion you’re in but you would also prefer to save money wherever you can. Why not go with accessories that can go from work to the gym and then to a night about town?

With Puma’s Escalate watch for men, you’ll be able to wear a watch that can go anywhere with you, it doesn’t matter if it’s suit-and-tie or just a shirt and jeans.

This watch features digital quartz movements, light on dark numbering, 1/100-second digital chronograph, timer, lap counter, dual time, alarm, day and date display, backlight and water resistant to 50m.

Given all of these features, you’ll be able to do all the active activities you would do with a regular sports watch with the look of elegance and class; and you’ll be able to go to a night about town with the sensibilities of a sports watch.

Wine Stein

FHills — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:00:36 +0000

We wrote about the alternative the beer bottle but what about for those wine drinkers? I don’t know about you but I’m always afraid I’m going to break those flimsy thin wine glasses before I even get to enjoy my wine. Wine glasses were just not made to be held by big hands, were they?

Made by the same company that made the Hopside Down Beer Glass, this glass is made to look like a wine glass but has the build and sturdiness of a beer stein. Don’t drink wine? Then why not pour a bottle of your favorite beer and have the class and elegance of drinking wine without sacrificing that tough hand you’ve got?

Getting Fred & Friends’ Wine Stein is a no-brainer but it leaves the question, “A beer-lover’s wine glass or a wine-lovers beer glass?” You choose.

Hopside Down Beer Glass

FHills — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

A room full of beer bottles is never a classy look and it’s always a hassle when you have a room full of beer bottles everywhere from the table to the floor. Fred & Friends have created a glass that makes drinking beer a little bit more appealing.

This hand-blown bottle-in-a-glass design, essentially an upside down beer bottle in a glass, is a great conversation piece and a great alternative to that beer bottle.

Let’s face it, this makes drinking beer a little bit more fun.

Diaper Dude Messenger II Diaper Bag

FHills — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:00:40 +0000

Who says that you have to sacrifice your hip, happenin’ self just because you’ve become a parent? It seems like all the baby item manufacturers think everyone suddenly develops a penchant for flowered and brightly colored bags.

The Diaper Dude Messenger II Diaper Bag was built with dads (and moms!) and functionality in mind. The bag features one large compartment for baby essentials with a mesh pocket and an additional, separated compartment for dad with a mesh pocket as well. You’ll also find 3 smaller compartments with Velcro closure, an insulated bottle holder, and a padded changing pad!

You’ll be able to access baby essentials without sacrificing your contemporary style!

Diaper Dude is more than a diaper bag company, it’s a movement by Chris Pegula after the birth of his first child. As a lifestyle and a brand, Diaper Dude is committed to the ideal that parenthood can be uncomplicated and cool.

Get your own Diaper Dude Messenger II Diaper Bag and be hip again!

Essential Travel Jacket for Men

FHills — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 21:00:33 +0000

If you’re the kind of man (or know the kind of man) that doesn’t like to carry bags around to keep your personals with you, what other choice do you have but to carry them around? Scottevest had these kinds of men in mind when they were developing their Essential Travel Jacket for Men, that’s for sure.

Though it may look like any standard jacket, it actually has 19 hidden pockets that are “perfect for your essentials,” which include your cell phone, passport, camera, water bottle and more.

“Why do I need this” you may ask? Well, tourists are one of the most targeted for robberies because they carry their essentials with them and because they don’t know the area too well. With the Essential Travel Jacket, you’ll be able to keep your essentials close to you (closer than a bag), without even being noticed. Bags can carry a lot of expensive things but no one would think a jacket could hold all of those.

Even with all your essentials in your jacket, you’ll feel comfortable with Scottevest’s Weight Management System, NoBulge design, which “evenly distribute the added weight of your devices, resulting in more comfort and less hassle.”

Not convinced? Just read the reviews by actual customers. The jacket is rated 4.5/5 stars. Verified reviewer, Mr. Gadget from San Diego, CA says:

Even with all my stuff loaded in the jacket, it maintains a non-bulging appearance so you don’t look like an overstuffed hefty bag. You can certainly buy a lightweight jacket for less, but it will not have the quality or functionality of this excellent product.

Get your own Essential jacket at Scottevest! Available in three colors.

Tee Time Toilet Potty Putter

FHills — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:00:33 +0000

If you, the man in your life, or your father can’t seem to find enough hours in his day to relax and play golf (all fathers apparently love to do, right?) then why not get him to spend some of those few minutes that he has to himself during potty time!

Why would you do this in the bathroom? For one thing, people always knock before entering a bathroom so you won’t be distracted by family members. Another reason is that you’ll be able to improve your game little by little each day.

A teacher in high school told us that a way to keep up with our readings is to read them while we’re in the bathroom. We’re already sitting there, so we might make use of our time. So why not work on your swing in the luxury of your own porcelain throne?

The kit comes with putting green, two golf balls, a golf club, a cup with flag, and an occupied sign to ensure no distractions.

Ingri:Dahl says that 3D glasses don’t have to be ugly!

FHills — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:00:16 +0000

You’ve probably seen a 3D movie in theaters before and when you do, you’re always given those really awkward 3D glasses. You know which ones I’m talking about. Yeah, the really ugly ones.

Well, fortunately for fashionistas everywhere, two Norwegian twins, Kine and Einy Paulsen have decided to launch the Ingri:Dahl “James” 3D glasses. These 3D glasses are designed to be both functional as well as stylish.

These fashionable 3D glasses are compatible with all RealD Theaters (that’s over 15,000 theaters worldwide) as well as the latest 3DTVs from LG, Vizio, Toshiba and JVC so these glasses aren’t limited to just inside the theater.

These are also great because, since they’re your own pair, you won’t have to share glasses with anyone else, avoiding the exposure to harmful bacteria. You can get your own pair for $29.50. Now you don’t have to feel guilty when you take your 3D glasses home instead of giving them back at the end of the movie.

Modern Key Design for Men

FHills — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 21:00:16 +0000

If you forget your keys all the time, or if you have a father who does and want to give him a Father’s Day present that’s both functional and not-too-serious, then the Modern Key Design for Men should fit the bill (or should I say, “Fit the keyhole”). Just attach your keys to this key design and your key-forgetting days will be over (hopefully).

“How will my key fit in the keyhole?” you ask? Well, the chrome-plated key design comes with its own key—all you’ll have to do is attach to your keychain with the rest of your keys, insert the supplied key in the whole and you’ll never forget again. The design will make it hard to forget as it’s sure to get your attention each time you pass it.

So, convenient place to put your keys so you won’t forget them…check. Keys placed in a particular male area to add to the humor…check

The key design is made from high quality chrome-played zinc and measures 3 x 4.5 inches.

Plans to release Sprint iPhone

FHills — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:00:20 +0000

9to5Mac has received word that Sprint is currently undergoing testing for the iPhone. The design of the phone is also similar to the current iPhone 4, which could possibly be the iPhone 4S device that supports all carriers that been rumored and hinted at for quite some time now. Rumors say that Apple ordered Sprint-compatible cell towers to use on their campus for testing since late last year.

Sources also say that although Sprint’s version of the iPhone is in the works, it doesn’t currently support 4G bands. Apple, however, is looking for cell engineers in Kansas, where Sprint HQ is based.

The lack of 4G bands in the current version may mean that Sprint has to push back until late 2012. If Sprint plans on releasing an iPhone this fall, however, it will not feature 4G.

TalkAndroid says that both Sprint and T-Mobile will be getting the iPhone 4S, in a “kind of leap-frog system where AT&T/Verizon take turns getting the newer model first, then with Sprint/T-Mobile,” meaning that AT&T and Verizon would get first dibs on the newer iPhone model while Spring and T-Mobile will have to wait.

The new Sprint iPhone will also have a data plan priced at $89.99/month instead of the $69.99/month.

What do you think? Do you like this leap-frog system? Would it convince some people to switch to the carrier who gets the new iPhone first?

Retro Phone Handset

FHills — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:00:52 +0000

According to the World Health Organization, cell phones can cause cancer. According to CNN, the agency now lists mobile phone use in the same “carcinogenic hazard” category as lead, engine exhaust and chloroform.

If you want to keep cell phone radiation as far away as possible without sacrificing your actual phone, why don’t you go with a Retro Phone Handset? With this handy little gadget, which combines functionality with fun quirkiness, you’ll be a step further away from those “carcinogenic hazards.”

According its maker, ThinkGeek, this handset is a new production replica of the Western Electric 500-series model, which was the classic phone headset for several decades.

All you have to do is plug the 2.5mm jack into your phone and you’ll be talking like they did back in the day in no time, no batteries involved.

Since it works via a 2.5mm jack, it won’t work with the RAZR, Nokia phones, or some newer Blackberry models with 3.5mm connectors. In order to work with your iPhone, you’ll need to get the Apple iPhone TTY Adapter, available from Apple. It may take a bit of work, but it’s worth it to steer clear away from cancer, right?

Get yours at ThinkGeek for $29.99.

Bladed Carabiner: Bounty Hunter BxH Carabiner

FHills — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:00:13 +0000

Have you ever forgotten your keys? What about those moments where you wish you had something sharp to open that new pair of scissors you bought (ironic)? The Bounty Hunter BxH Carabiner can satisfy both of these needs—it’s killing two birds with one stone.

The multifunctional carabiner features a blade, file and scissors that fit snugly in a beautiful silver body, which features the Bounty Hunter logo.

It’s never bad to be prepared for the unexpected. And with Bounty Hunter’s bladed carabiner, you’ll always be prepared.

Get your own piece of convenience from Bounty Hunter.

iOS 5 Hints on Future Products

FHills — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:00:52 +0000

With the iOS 5 Beta 1 version available right now, there are people who are looking into the code to see if they can find out any hints of any future products Apple have in the works. It turns out that, in the USB section, models listed hints of an iPhone 5 and the iPad 3. However, there doesn’t seem to be any indication of an iPod Touch 5.

According to TUAW, there are declarations buried in the upcoming iOS system files that reference “iPad3,1” and “iPad3,2” as well as “iPhone4,1” and “iPhone4.2.” The iPhone is labeled as “4” because the iPhone 5 will be the 4th generation unit, because the iPhone 3G was technically a 1st generation device.

Could the lack of the iPod Touch 5 mean that they’re stepping away from the Touch as a standalone mp3 player, thus putting the iPhone 5 into the spotlight? Sources believe this could be the case, with no new generation of the iPod released in its usual timeslot.

This would fit into the prediction that the new iPhone 5 would be released this September rather than its usual summer release date.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that there will never be a new generation iPod Touch. It could just mean that the release dates will now be moved around to accommodate the iPhone 5.

iPhone 3GS Running on iOS 5

FHills — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 09:00:58 +0000

If you can’t wait to see what features await us on the new iOS 5, a user on YouTube has posted a video of his iPhone 3GS running on the beta 1 version of the new Apple iOS 5, giving us a full detailed tour of how the new mobile system will look and run.

In the beginning of the video, it’s clear that no cables are involved, meaning your syncing days will be faster and smoother.

For you 3GS users out there (and there are still a lot of you), you’ll be happy to know that this video proves that the new iOS 5 will still work with your phone (sorry 3G users). Unfortunately, as the user says, the camera on the 3GS doesn’t allow editing of the photos, possibly due to the “restraint on the processor.”

There are a few bugs in the iOS and you’ll also notice that Safari still hasn’t changing–no new tab system–but keep in mind that this is still a beta version and will (hopefully) be fixed by the time it’s available. Fingers crossed!

BonJour Salad Chef Salad Dressing Maker with Automatic Battery Powered Mixer

FHills — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:00:51 +0000

Can’t find the perfect salad dressing and would rather make your own that fits your taste? Or how about you’re tired of spending and would rather make your own from now on? The Bonjour Salad Chef Salad Dressing Maker with Automatic Battery Powered Mixer can fulfill your needs.

It’s as easy as 1-2-3: just pour in your favorite ingredients in the included carafe, turn on the battery-powered Salad Chef, and voila! The gadget features a no-skid base which holds the maker in place to avoid accidental spills.

With the BonJour Salad Chef, you’ll get little salad dressing recipe book to put your gadget to good use. You’ll also get an airtight stopper to retain the freshness of your self-made salad dressing.

PlayStation Announces 3D Monitor

FHills — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:00:31 +0000

The PlayStation Vita wasn’t the only thing PlayStation was showing the world at the E3 conference—they also unveiled their very first PlayStation-brand 3D monitor.

The monitor has a resolution of 1920×1080, two HDMI inputs, and one set of component and composite inputs.

The monitor also packs 2ch subwoofer speakers, and a 176-degree viewing angle. Measuring at 35mm, it’s very reminiscent of Sony’s recent all-in-one desktop PCs (CNET).

The screen can display 3D video, which includes games on the PlayStation 3, as well as two different 2D video streams in a new display mode that shows two completely different pictures (depending on which pair of shutter glasses you have on). This lets two players in the same room play using the entire screen rather than a split-screen view (PCMag).

Sony plans to launch the monitor Fall 2011 as a bundle for $499, which includes a pair of 3D glasses, a copy Resistence 3D, and an HDMI cable.

You’ll be able to purchase additional 3D glasses for $60 each

Nintendo Unveils the Wii U

FHills — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:00:44 +0000

After months of speculation, Nintendo has finally revealed the successor to their very successful Wii console at this year’s E3 conference. Codenamed “Project Café” while in development, the next-generation home entertainment console is Wii U and it features a very interesting controller.

The new console gives you the ability to switch from the console to the new touchpad controller (taking advantage of the 6.2 inch screen as an additional view) as well as the ability to convert back to the current Wiimote and Balance Board to play. This is because the Wii U is 100% backward compatible with the Wii. In fact, some games can take advantage of both controllers, creating endless gameplay possibilities

The Wii U is the first Nintendo device to support HD graphics, which will all be generated on the Wii U console and can be transmitted to the remote itself, giving addition game views. You’ll also have the ability to browse the web, share photos, and play a game with either both screens or just one.

What’s great about the ability to transmit games from the Wii console to the remote, is that, say if you’re playing a game and a buddy or a relative wants to watch something on TV–well, just transmit your game into the remote and you can continue playing your game!

Nintendo is also collaborating with AMD to develop a graphics chip for the Wii U, which will be an proprietary version of the R700 architecture. The CPU will come from IBM (TechnoBuffalo).

This all means that it will essentially be more powerful than both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Theoretically, the console will be able to support stereoscopic 3D but not much is known whether or not Nintendo wants to employ this.

The only information about availability is that it will be released at some point in 2012. No price has been announced yet either.

The goal of innovation is to serve every player,” Nintendo Global President Satoru Iwata said, “then through each brings to video games an individual appetite, a personal passion and a distinct gaming history.