From Amazon.com:

• All-New, High-Contrast E-Ink Screen – 50% better contrast than any other e-reader
• Read in Bright Sunlight – No glare
• New and Improved Fonts – New crisper, darker fonts
• New Sleek Design – 21% smaller body while keeping the same 6″ size reading area
• 17% Lighter – Only 8.5 ounces, weighs less than a paperback
• Battery Life of Up to One Month – A single charge lasts up to one month with wireless off
• Double the Storage – Up to 3,500 Books
• Built-In Wi-Fi – Shop and download books in less than 60 seconds
• 20% Faster Page Turns – Seamless reading
• Enhanced PDF Reader – With dictionary lookup, notes, and highlights
• New WebKit-Based Browser – Browse the web over Wi-Fi (experimental)

GadgetNutz | Permalink | No comment | Copyright © 29/07/2010 by Kermit Woodall/GadgetNutz.com

I have to admit that I’ve never been impressed with small speakers, even those designed for computer use. Even worse are those that promise big sound, but luckily we are quickly reminded by our ears and the laws of physics that this simply isn’t possible. While many of these type of speakers sport a stylishly compact design, when it comes to sound, their main reason d’être they do fall hard. Everything from a lack in volume head room to to tinny sound with no convincing midrange. That’s why I avoid these like the plague.

When I first saw the JBL Creature III, those very same thoughts came to my mind. It definitely looked stylish, but I doubted that these small speakers could sound any good. The size of the ultra small satellites and compact the subwoofer didn’t do much to change this first impression. Would these be any different? Do they fall in the stylish small, but weak category? Or are they the best of both worlds?

Finish
Black

Compatibility
Digital music players, desktop and laptop computers (all platforms), stereos and portable listening devices.

Input Requirements
3.5mm (1/8") stereo mini-jack

Drivers
40mm (1-5/8") in satellites, 75mm (3") in subwoofer

Power
Satellites: 5 watts each (10% THD+N), Subwoofer: 15 watts total (10% THD+N)

Frequency Response
50Hz – 20kHz

Dimensions
Satellites: Width: 75mm (3") Height: 70mm (2-3/4") Depth: 75mm (3") / Subwoofer: Width: 230mm (9") Height: 230mm (9") Depth: 230mm (9")

Weight
2.1kg (4.6 lb)

Input Impedance
> 5kohms

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
> 80dB

The Creature III: Satellites

As the name implies, the Creature III is the third version of the Creature series dating back to 2002. It sports an updated look that manages to stay true to the basic elements that the first Creature was known for. It’s also still a 3-piece system with many elements of the iconic, modern streamlined design that still looks fresh even 8 years later.

The Creature III has a few notable changes worth mentioning. The subwoofer cabinet is now smaller in size, but it now also has a much smaller 3” driver at 15watts, compared to the previous 4-inch, 24 watts woofer. Even at 4” I’m not even sure it can be even categorized as a subwoofer, as many multimedia speakers use 3-inch and 4-inch drivers for midrange. The move to an even smaller 3” driver to handle the lower frequencies isn’t the smartest move. JBL should seriously consider moving up to a 6” sub as this would significantly enhance the already good performance. This would also means doubling the size of cabinet and cone, but we agree that gain in performance is worth the sacrifice in size. I do realize  that this set was made with the style-conscious consumers that values the space-saving small size but an argument against this is the fact that most subwoofers will be hidden away from view under some desk. Also gone is the ambient light under each satellite speaker. We think that these would have positively complimented the current design, especially if a White light was used. They could have even added an effect where the light slowly “breathes” when lowering or increasing the volume. The lack of these lights we believe was a missed opportunity to add to the already awesome design.

The two tiny satellites, have the exact same design as the subwoofer, minus the chrome accents around the driver and front firing drivers of course. With a name like “Creature” and other terms like “Landing”, “Came too earth”, “Attack of the killer speaker” and “Sci-Fi Speakers” being used in the market materials it’s very clear that these are somehow  supposed to look like some strange alien creature from outer space. We kind of think of these as pushing more towards minimalistic modern art than UFO attack. No matter how you look at it, it certainly stands out and looks good. The only way we could describe is having an egg and putting a black piece of cloth over it, that’s how it looks like. We really liked the built-in stand as it continues the streamlined look of the speakers. These also make them look much bigger than they really are, minues the legs the speaker itself is basically the size of an egg. The drivers are exposed but are covered enough by protrusions in the body that they are protected from accidental bumps. The chrome element around the drivers look a bit too flashy for our taste and takes from what we consider a nice design. Maybe a more subtle brushed metal effect would have been better.

One of the features we liked the most was the touch-volume control, a rarity on speakers of any price class. It works really well and at first you’d think that they would lack the level of control of traditional volume dials, but its very close. The buttons are very solid with no creaking sound or wobble and are tightly integrated into the body. A very cool touch, adding to the modern feel of the overall package. One thing we didn’t liked was that these touch controls looked just as tacky as the Chrome surround. A less flashy look would have been nicer. One thing we would like to see in future version of the Creature are backlit volumes keys that would make them easier to identify in the dark.

Both satellites are connected to sub via reasonably thick cable, be aware that while it can disconnect from the sub, the cable is permanently connected to the sats.

The Creature III: Subwoofer

The Subwoofer is extremely small when compared against other multimedia subs, almost an exact copy of the sats, but only larger and just as stylish. It uses a down-firing ported design and stands on 4 legs that raises it of the ground. It’s also these legs that make it look a lot bigger than what it really is. JBL decided to put the Treble and Bass controls on the sub itself. These two controls have been designed in a way to nicely integrate into the design, they look nice and have a quality feel to them. No unwanted movements or sound, simply solid. The problem comes with the placement. We simply couldn’t think of a worse place to put these controls, unless we talk about the power button, which has  placed behind the sub, between the many cables. It is expected  and recommend to place a subwoofer on the floor, in this case under year desk. While adjusting your bass and treble is not something you’d be doing freqently, turning the unit on is something that hopefully you will. That means crouching under the desk each and every time to turn on the small little power switch behind the sub, that sits closely to the cables. This can be aleviated by placing the sub on your desk ofcourse, it certainly small it enough not to take a lot of space, but we feel that a subwoofer should be on the floor.

What we would have liked to see is using another set of touch controls on the other satelite speaker that adjusts the treble/bass and a power button. Overall the sub does look nice and is small enough to be placed on your desk, but some might be annoyed by the placement of some of these controls.

Performance

The Creature III took us by surprise when it came to performance. We connected it to both our Sony VAIO Z12 laptop and Nokia N900 smartphone. And boy were we surprised! While it could easily fill a room with sound, it shines when it comes to near field listening. With a 3-inch cone used in the subwoofer, we didn’t expect  the system to really hit those deep notes, but it did provide enough base to support the mids and high, creating a a fairly uniform, full-bodied sound. The effect was even more impressive when we hid the sub behind our desk: it was a bit strange to hear that fairly open and dynamic coming from just two tiny egg-sized speakers.

With tiny sats and a very small sub, we didn’t expect audiophile quality music and the system does have its limits. These limits will only become evident beyond 80% of the total volume. While the sats maintained their composure throughout the volume range, the sub showed its weakness in certain difficult passages at higher volumes. This where the sub will begin to get sloppy and less defined, belching out unwanted tunes. This is isn’t uncommon, especially when a small cone has the difficult task of handling those low frequencies, needing to push lots of air in the process. As the volume gets louder, it becomes more difficult to keep up and the flaws become more evident. The satellites did surprising well, but if we had to nitpick we would say that it was a tiny bit bright and colored with certain songs, even after dialing down on the treble. We think JBL should leaves the sats as is, keeping the trademark tiny egg shape, but it’s the sub that needs to be increased in size. With such a low-powered we expected the system the to keep completely cool, but the top of sub gets slightly warm. Nothing to worry about, but thought it was worth mentioning.

As we said before, the system is perfect for near-field listening conditions such as computers, laptop and even small players like MP3 players or smartphones. It will fill a room with sound, but the effect in larger areas is simply not convincing. Another of the systems’ strong points is the lack of any holes in the sound spectrum, but  completes stops in the lower rannges where bigger 6 to 8” subs can tread.

We do suspect that JBL’s was going for a small enough sub so that it could be placed on your desk, but we cannot stress enough how important it is to increase the the driver to at least 5-6 inches. Doing  so would greatly improve the already good performance. JBL did a good job in finding a balance between  extremely small size and good near-field listening.

Conclusion 

JBL’s Creature III  stands out with a unique, modern design that still looks fresh after 8 years. It’s a slightly updated design that that looks even better than the original one. The overall system size is impressively small and should be perfect where space is tight or simply those that value stylishly small speakers, but we think that going for a smaller sub wasn’tt the best move. We also do miss the cool light effects that we think should return to the Creature series. We simply loved the touch volume controls, which provided an impressive amount of control, something we didn’t expect. The treble, bass and volume are placed on the sub, if you ask us, probably the worst place to put these controls. Treble and bass aren’t things you’ll adhusting a lot, but the power volume is hidden behind the sub, near all the cables are. Even if you do place the sub on your desk, getting to the power button is a bit of a stretch. Putting the sub os the floor will prove to be even more of a challenge. These control should be placed on the other sat and made into cool touch controls.

But it truly impressed us with its sound, excelling in near-field listening. A system of this size has it limits, especially in the bass department, but it would be hard to get any better sound at this size. The JBL Creature III gets a 7.9 out of 10.

Pros

Great Design

Unique touch controls

Small, space saving design

Performed admirably well for its size

Uniform sound

Cons

Treble/Bass control placed on sub

Power on the back of sub

Sub could be larger

Where are cool light effects?

GadgetNutz | Permalink | No comment | Copyright © 20/07/2010 by Kermit Woodall/GadgetNutz.com

Motorola i1 combines military spec ruggedness with the latest in
smartphone technology, industry-leading push-to-talk,
Wi-Fi and a sleek full touchscreen design

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – July 19, 2010 – Industry-leading Push-to-Talk with access to thousands of Android(tm) applications for less than $150? Now that is taking care of business!

Sprint (NYSE: S) today shared pricing and timing for the world’s first Android-powered smartphone with Nextel Direct Connect(r) – it will be available first on Sunday, July 25, through direct ship sales channels, including Business Sales, telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and Web sales (www.sprint.com/motoi1<http://www.sprint.com/motoi1>) for $149.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade, two-year service agreement and after a $50 mail-in rebate (taxes & surcharges excluded). It will then be available in all remaining Sprint sales channels beginning on Sunday, Aug. 8.

With more than 17 years of experience, Sprint is the undisputed industry leader in push-to-talk, serving the world’s largest push-to-talk community with millions of Nextel Direct Connect subscribers on the fastest national push-to-talk network. More U.S. workers communicate in less than a second with Nextel Direct Connect than with any other push-to-talk service.

With solid body construction that meets military specifications for protection against dust, shock, vibration and blowing rain1, Motorola i1 is designed for those who work and play hard. It offers the Android 1.5 operating system, and automatically syncs and integrates office and personal information such as emails, calendar appointments and contacts.

“Motorola i1 is the only Android device to offer Nextel Direct Connect as well as the latest smartphone features and the ability to withstand some of the harshest environments,” said Fared Adib, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. “This phone brings a new level of smartphone to our Nextel customers making it one of the most efficient devices to get work done, and our customers who rely on Direct Connect will appreciate this feature-packed phone that doesn’t miss on must-have features like Wi-Fi and a 5 megapixel camera.”

Motorola i1 enhances the Nextel Direct Connect experience with the ability to view who is calling regardless of what application you are in, whether you are managing your emails, checking your calendar, composing messages or viewing media.

Motorola i1 also offers a variety of robust business and entertainment applications through Android Market(tm), and when combined with the built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, it provides a great view of what’s happening both personally and professionally. Applications like Scan2PDF Mobile 2.0, Unit Converter – ConvertPad and RealCalc Scientific Calculator can help get work done, while staying connected to friends through Facebook(tm) or Tweeting using an easily customizable Twitter(tm) app like Touiteur.

In addition, Sprint partner applications available for businesses on the Motorola i1 include:
* Xora(tm) mobile workforce management solutions provide businesses with real-time visibility into field operations, and helps automate payroll and job workflow processes. The Android version of Xora Time Track(tm) includes new features like photo barcode scanning and signature capture, eliminating the need to purchase additional hardware to support such capabilities.
* TeleNavTrack(tm) uses the latest technologies to make mobile workforce and asset management reliable and affordable for businesses of all sizes. It lets businesses use wireless barcode scanning to track inventory and assets, manage deliveries, better predict arrival times, change schedules on-the-fly and deploy workers. It can also reduce paperwork by allowing the mobile workforce to complete invoices, orders and timesheets on the device.
* Sprint Mobile Locator is a Web-based solution that allows businesses to easily track and locate workers, and view a mapping display on a PC in near real-time using a wireless phone’s built-in GPS capabilities.

Key features include:
o Popular business tools such as Microsoft(r) Document Viewer and corporate sync ensure Word or PowerPoint files can be accessed on the go
o Message entry is a breeze with both Android standard virtual keyboard and Swype(tm) virtual keyboards being offered
o A 5 megapixel camera with flash, geo-tagging and panoramic capabilities provides crisp photos and clearly displays them on the vibrant 3.1-inch HVGA screen, and video can also be recorded and stored on a provided microSD for sharing or future viewing straight from the device
o The Android browser allows you to see web pages and Flash 8-enabled sites in full view using Wi-Fi, and the latest Opera Mini 5 browser enables quick browsing over the Nextel National Network and Wi-Fi

With the new Sprint Free Guarantee, the most robust satisfaction guarantee in the wireless industry, customers can try a new line of service with Sprint for 30 days. If they aren’t completely satisfied with Sprint during that period, they can cancel service and return their device to be reimbursed for the device purchase and activation fee, get the early termination fee waived, get a full refund for monthly service plan recurring charges incurred and get all associated taxes and fees waived.

In addition, Sprint will waive the restocking fee for new customer exchanges as part of this policy. Refund excludes usage not included in the plan, premium content, third-party billing and international charges.

Application development information for Motorola i1 is available on the Sprint Application Developer web site at www.sprint.com/developer<http://www.sprint.com/developers>. Sprint offers developers a free sandbox with iDEN capabilities to test their apps. Sprint is a charter member of the Open Handset Alliance(tm) and the Sprint Application Developer Program has been providing tools for third-party developers since Sprint first launched the Wireless Web on its phones in 2001.

About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 48 million customers at the end of the first quarter of 2010 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, and is the first and only wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile and Assurance Wireless and instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. With its customer-focused strategy, you can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com<http://www.sprint.com/> or www.facebook.com/sprint<http://www.facebook.com/sprint> and www.twitter.com/sprint<http://www.twitter.com/sprint>.

# # #
1 Meets Military Spec 810F for blowing rain, dust, shock vibration, temperature extremes, low pressure, salt fog, humidity and solar radiation.

Certain features, services and applications are network dependent and may not be available in all areas; additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. Contact your service provider for details. All features, functionality and other product specifications are based upon the latest available information and are believed to be accurate; however such product specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

GadgetNutz | Permalink | No comment | Copyright © 19/07/2010 by Kermit Woodall/GadgetNutz.com

Expandable Memory, Advanced Multimedia Features and Outstanding Call Quality: DROID X and 32GB SanDisk microSDHC(tm) Card Available Exclusively at Verizon Wireless

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Verizon Wireless and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced that DROID X by Motorola will be available online and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores tomorrow for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.

DROID X by Motorola, the newest innovation on Android(tm) to run on Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, does more with ultra high-speed Web browsing, an HD camcorder, 8 megapixel camera, 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities, and enterprise features and outstanding call quality. DROID X also comes with loads of memory – 8 gigabyte (GB) onboard and a 16GB memory card. For customers seeking the ultimate in storage, the new 32GB SanDisk(r) microSDHC(tm) card allows customers to expand DROID X’s memory to 40GB. Verizon Wireless is the only retailer that offers customers the 32GB SanDisk microSDHC card.

Customers can take advantage of the 4.3-inch high-resolution screen on DROID X for viewing the latest movies from BLOCKBUSTER On Demand(r) presented by V CAST Video. Additional features and specifications of DROID X by Motorola can be found at http://news.vzw.com/news/2010/06/pr2010-06-22.html.

Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. DROID X customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan (beginning at $39.99 monthly access) and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan (beginning at $29.99 for unlimited monthly access). Customers can add the optional 3G Mobile HotSpot service to their DROID X smartphones for $20 per month. The 32GB SanDisk microSDHC card is available tomorrow for $99.99 when purchased along with the new DROID X or for $149.99 when purchased separately. In addition, current Verizon Wireless customers who have contracts ending by Dec. 31, 2010, can upgrade to DROID X without penalty.

For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com<http://www.verizonwireless.com>.

GadgetNutz | Permalink | No comment | Copyright © 14/07/2010 by Kermit Woodall/GadgetNutz.com

TOSHIBA’s all-new canvio™ for mac portable hard drives deliver QUICK, SIMPLE, AND SECURE DIGITAL BACKUP SOLUTIONS for MAC USERS

Providing Piece of Mind and Expanded Storage in a Stunning Design, the Canvio™ for Mac is Now Available In 1TB, 750GB, and 500GB Capacities

IRVINE, Calif., July 13, 2010 – With consumers across the country constantly amassing more “digital valuables” – from photos, videos, and favorite music to important personal documents – Toshiba is proud to offer Mac users the compact, easy-to-use Canvio™ for Mac Portable Hard Drive lineup.  Continuing Toshiba’s commitment to make backing up and recovering data simple and easy, the new Canvio for Mac line provides Mac owners 500 gigabytes (GB¹), 750GB, or one terabyte (TB)  of storage space, with pre-loaded Mac-customized backup software.

According to a February 2010 survey conducted by Impulse Research², 70 percent of Americans have lost some type of data on their computers.  Unfortunately, the majority of consumers surveyed (89 percent) are aware of the importance of regularly backing up their computers to avoid losses but less than half (43 percent) regularly do so, leaving many computer users vulnerable to data loss that could include digital photos and movies, important financial records, or professional documents.

Recognizing that many users do not back up their data because they believe it’s a complicated process, the Canvio for Mac line makes data backup simple for everyone, from novice users to the most tech-savvy consumers.  The included NTI^® Shadow 5 for Mac software allows for fully-customized backup and synchronization, including the backup of specific folders, certain file types, or even a complete system backup and recovery of everything that is saved on the Mac³.  Selected folders on the Canvio for Mac and the Mac computer can be merged and synchronized, while the frequency of backups can be adjusted to different periods (from weekly to continuously) for greater convenience.  Complete password-protection with up to 256-bit data encryption prevents unauthorized access to data and a special Drive Space Alert monitor sends an onscreen update when storage space is running low.

The Canvio for Mac’s plug-and-play usability and full customization are matched by its small size and elegant, simple styling.  Available in either Radiant Silver with silver accents or Infinite White with glossy white-gray accents on the top cover, both feature an anti-slip design and anti-slip side, making the Canvio for Mac an excellent companion to the full line of Mac computers.  On the inside, an Internal Shock Sensor and Ramp Loading Technology keep data safe during day-to-day movement from a desk, pocket, bag, or beyond.   Despite being smaller than a postcard and boasting a featherweight (six ounce) frame, the Canvio for Mac – in 1TB form – can hold up to 285,000 digital photos, 263,000 digital music files, or 820 digital movies⁴.

“Toshiba develops personal storage devices that combine the latest, high quality designs with top-notch performance and an intuitive, easy to use interface,” said Manuel Camarena, product manager for consumer storage at Toshiba Storage Device Division.  “Our Canvio for Mac products give Mac users a safe, convenient, and truly portable solution for backing up their digital entertainment, documents, and other content instantly.”

Continuing its commitment to environmental friendliness, Toshiba developed the product packaging with 100 percent recyclable materials.

The Canvio product line is available now at http://www.toshibadirect.com/canvio_mac or through major retailers and online outlets.  For a complete list of retailers offering the Toshiba Canvio, please visit www.wheretobuy.toshibastorage.com.

Suggested retail prices by capacities are:

• $119.99 for the 500GB Canvio for Mac
• $139.99 for the 750GB Canvio for Mac
• $189.99 for the 1TB Canvio for Mac

GadgetNutz | Permalink | No comment | Copyright © 13/07/2010 by Kermit Woodall/GadgetNutz.com

(...)
Read the rest of Nokia BH-214 Review: (1,439 words)

GadgetNutz | Permalink | No comment | Copyright © 12/07/2010 by Kermit Woodall/GadgetNutz.com

Lightweight, Portable Netbook with Long Battery Life Provides Seamless Connectivity to Verizon Wireless’ 3G Network

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – Verizon Wireless and Samsung Electronics Corporation announced that the Samsung N150(tm) netbook is available for order today. The Samsung N150 combines a sleek design with up to seven hours of battery life and built-in Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband network connectivity.

Lifestyle features:

· Powerful Intel® Atom(tm) N450 1.66 GHz processor and Windows® 7 Starter that run multiple applications and deliver great performance

· Built-in connectivity to the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network

· Global Ready with a pre-installed SIM Card for access in more than 200 countries, more than 110 with 3G speeds

· Built-in chargeable USB port that serves as a charger for mobile devices even when the Samsung N150 is turned off

· Samsung Support Center provides a single hub for Samsung performance applications such as online customer support, recovery and backup, and troubleshooting

Additional specifications:

· Weight: 2.73 pounds

· Size: 10.4″ x 7.4″ x 1.05″

· Stylish, glossy black finish with rounded edges for user comfort

· 93 percent full-size keyboard for easy typing

· Memory: up to 1 GB DDR2

· Screen: 10.1″ non-glare LCD WSVGA LED backlight

· Resolution: 1024 x 600

· Graphics: Intel GMA 3150

· Webcam

· External VGA (15-pin) port

· Stereo speakers

· Memory card slot: 3-in-1 Multi Memory Card (SD/SDHC/MMC)

· Hard drive: 160 GB 5400 RPM (max)

· Mobile Broadband radio/frequency bands: CDMA/1X/EV-DO Rev. A: 800/1900 MHz; UMTS/HSPA: 850/1900/2100 MHz; GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

· Wi-Fi®: 802.11 b/g/n

· LAN: 10/100 Ethernet

· Battery: 6 cell (4,4000mAh) that delivers up to seven hours of battery life on a single charge

· Bluetooth® connectivity: Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR

Pricing and availability:

· The Samsung N150 is available for order today in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores for $49.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. A promotional price of $29.99 with a new two-year customer agreement is available at www.verizonwireless.com/netbooks<http://www.verizonwireless.com/netbooks>.

· Customers will need to choose one of the following Mobile Broadband plan options:

o $39.99 monthly access for 250 MB monthly allowance and $0.10/MB overage

o $59.99 monthly access for 5 GB monthly allowance and $0.05/MB overage

o Prepaid Mobile Broadband plans are also available:

§ $15 for 75 MB (one day of use)

§ $30 for 250 MB (one week of use)

§ $50 for 500 MB (one month of use)

· Customers traveling abroad can sign up for one of the following GlobalAccess plans:

o GlobalAccess Monthly Plan, which starts at $129.99 for monthly access (5 GB allowance for the United States and Canada, $0.05/MB overage) with 100 MB allowance in select destinations ($0.005/KB after allowance). Customers who require higher usage when traveling abroad can take advantage of the $219.99 monthly access plan that offers 200 MB allowance with the same rates for overage as the $129.99 plan.

o GlobalAccess Pay Per Use for occasional use must be purchased with a $59.99 Mobile Broadband service plan in the United States. The Pay Per Use rate is $0.002/KB in Canada, $0.005/KB in Mexico, and $0.02/KB in more than 200 other destinations.

· For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com<http://www.verizonwireless.com>.

GadgetNutz | Permalink | No comment | Copyright © 08/07/2010 by Kermit Woodall/GadgetNutz.com

July 2010 – Modena, Italy – IK Multimedia is pleased to announce that the
iRig™ guitar and bass interface adapter for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad is
now shipping worldwide. The new iRig interface allows guitar and bass
players to plug their instruments directly into the headphone/microphone
input jack on their mobile Apple device and access the new world of mobile
guitar and bass tone – AmpliTube for iPhone.

iRig features:

- ¼” jack mono instruments input with Hi-Z impedance adapter – suitable
for guitars, bass, synthesizers, mixing consoles
- 1/8” mini-jack stereo output can be connected to headphones,
amplifiers, powered speakers
- Compatible with iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, iPod Touch 2nd and 3rd generation,
iPad
- Ultra-low latency (down to 128 samples) for real time playing with
AmpliTube
- Feedback cancellation and noise filter available in AmpliTube
- Works also with any other apps like tuners, recorders, etc…

iRig + AmpliTube for iPhone – Your Guitar Tone On Your iPhone

Combined with the AmpliTube for iPhone app range (FREE, LE and FULL versions
already available on the iTunes app store) the iRig interface adapter allows
everyone to plug their instrument into their iOS mobile device and play
anywhere with real effects and amplifier tones, just like a traditional
guitar or bass stage rig!

In the app, your signal chain can consist of up to 3 simultaneous stompbox
effects plus amplifier, cabinet and microphone, all reconfigurable with the
touch of a finger. Choose from 11 stompbox effects (including fuzz,
distortion, overdrive, delay, wah, envelope filter, chorus, flanger, noise
filter, phaser and octave) 5 amps (clean, crunch, lead overdrive, modern
hi-gain and bass), 5 cabinets and 2 microphones to create your custom
portable rig.

Additional Tuner, Metronome and Backing-Track player with loop-points allow
for play and practice anytime, anywhere.

The iRig is the ideal companion not only to the AmpliTube mobile app range,
but also works with any other recording, processing or tuning app.

Plus, you can also use the iRig with line level signal sources such as
synthesizers, keyboards or mixing consoles.

Pricing and availability

AmpliTube iRig — Retails for $39.99/€29.99 MSRP (exc. VAT) and is now
available for shipping from the IK online store, as well as from all select
IK retailers and distributors worldwide.

AmpliTube for iPhone app is available in 3 versions from the iTunes app
store: FREE, LE and FULL.

- AmpliTube Free: Includes 3 stompboxes, 1 amp + cabinet, 2 microphones
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amplitube-free/id373309342?mt=8

- AmpliTube LE: Includes 5 stompboxes, 1 amplifier + cabinet, 2
microphones for $2.99/€2.39. (More gear through in-app purchase for as low
as $2.99/€2.39)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amplitube-le/id373507300?mt=8

- AmpliTube FULL: Includes the entire collection of available gear with
11 stompboxes, 5 amps + cabinets and 2 microphones for $19.99/€15.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amplitube/id373524000?mt=8

A dedicated iPad version of AmpliTube app is also expected to be available
soon. For more information: http://www.amplitube.com/irig

GadgetNutz | Permalink | No comment | Copyright © 07/07/2010 by Kermit Woodall/GadgetNutz.com

Full QWERTY keyboard, large touch-screen display and a premium social networking experience combine with the customization of Android to make Samsung Intercept a great value for businesses and consumers

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – July 7, 2010 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States1, today introduced a stylish addition to its growing portfolio of Android devices with Samsung Intercept. In addition to the 3.2-inch, touch-screen display, 3.2 MP camera and video, and full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, Samsung Intercept comes preloaded with social apps and one-touch picture posting to the top social sites.

Customers can purchase Samsung Intercept starting July 11 through all Sprint channels, including Web (www.sprint.com<http://www.sprint.com/>), Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and select national retail partners. Retail pricing will be just $99.99 (excluding taxes) after a $100 mail-in-rebate with a two-year service agreement on a new line activation or eligible upgrade on an Everything Plan with data. It will be available in two attractive colors – Gray Steel and Satin Pink.

Loaded with Android 2.1, Samsung Intercept provides access to popular Google(tm) mobile services, including Google Search(tm), Google Maps(tm), Gmail(tm) and YouTube(tm), and more than 50,000 applications available in Android Market(tm) today. It also features a powerful processor to make it a snap to maneuver within the device.

“Samsung Intercept is a valuable addition to our growing portfolio of Android phones with a rich Internet browsing experience, visual voicemail and practically all of the latest must-have features,” said Kevin Packingham, senior vice president of product development for Sprint. “Best of all, at this price, we are able to bring the Android experience to a broader audience that will appreciate the versatility that comes with access to thousands of apps on Android Market. This is a great device for those who use their wireless device to manage a business or socialize with family and friends.”

“The Intercept is a perfect example of Samsung’s commitment to bring the latest Google mobile services, social applications and popular features to smart phones for the mass market,” said Omar Khan, chief strategy officer for Samsung Mobile. “Users will enjoy the Intercept’s stylish design, full QWERTY keyboard and access to full web browsing and Google services for a full-featured smart phone experience.”

Great Price Without Sacrifice
Samsung Intercept makes menu and display navigation easy with a highly responsive optical joystick that virtually zips from item to item. It operates on the Sprint 3G network (EVDO-Rev. 0) and features Wi-Fi capability, integrated GPS navigation and accelerometer. Additional features include:
* Home screen that scrolls right to left for more space to organize widgets and apps
* 3.2 Megapixel camera and video camcorder
* MP3 Player with MicroSD card slot (supports up to 32 GB)
* Stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology
* Visual voicemail
* Sprint TV®, Sprint Football Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup MobileSM
* Access to social networking sites Facebook®, Flickr® and TwitterTM
* Access to personal and corporate e-mail
* Easily view Word, Excel, PowerPoint on-the-go to maximize productivity

Samsung Intercept requires Sprint’s industry-leading Everything Data plans with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM that include unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from every mobile in America while on the Sprint network. Everything Data plans start at $69.99 per month – the same price Verizon and AT&T charge for unlimited talk only. (All price plans exclude surcharges and taxes.)

Sprint is the only wireless carrier to offer Ready Now service with trained retail associates to work one-on-one with customers to personalize their Samsung Intercept, set up features and demonstrate how it works before the customer leaves the store. Customers have the choice of sitting down with a Sprint retail associate at the time of purchase or they can schedule an appointment for a later time at www.sprint.com/storelocator<http://www.sprint.com/storelocator>.

GadgetNutz | Permalink | No comment | Copyright © 07/07/2010 by Kermit Woodall/GadgetNutz.com

The Samsung Vibrant, the latest Android smartphone exclusively from T-Mobile, brings a robust and comprehensive entertainment package to consumers on groundbreaking display technology. The Vibrant comes fully-loaded with entertainment features, including “James Cameron’s Avatar” the exclusive full-length movie on an included 2GB external memory card and an exclusive collector’s edition of a popular game. The Vibrant also brings the Amazon Kindle for Android(tm) application with access to more than 600,000 books, MobiTV with live and on-demand TV, and much more. Complimenting the robust entertainment features, the Vibrant boasts a 4-inch Super AMOLED touch screen display to give customers a bright, vivid viewing experience, allowing consumers to play a game, watch a movie or read an e-Book while on the go. In addition, this portable device is equipped with a speedy Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor and six-axis sensor for optimized media and gaming.

Available starting July 21st exclusively to T-Mobile customers, the Samsung Vibrant will be $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and qualifying data plan.

In addition, customers may pre-order the Samsung Vibrant at any one of more than 4,000 RadioShack(r) stores expected to begin July 1. To pre-order, customers must purchase a $50 gift card, which will be applied toward the retail price of the device. Customers can schedule an appointment to pick-up and activate their device at RadioShack stores starting July 21. Pre-order is also expected to be available online at www.radioshack.com/vibrant<http://www.radioshack.com/vibrant> beginning July 1.

GadgetNutz | Permalink | No comment | Copyright © 01/07/2010 by Kermit Woodall/GadgetNutz.com

Pre-register to learn more about Samsung Epic 4G at www.sprint.com/epic4g<http://www.sprint.com/epic4g>

Sprint and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S., today introduced the second 4G-capable handset from Sprint, Samsung Epic(tm) 4G, a Galaxy S(tm) smartphone and Samsung Mobile’s first 4G Android(tm)-powered device.

The details are included in the release and fact sheet attached. Please call me with any questions.

Thanks,

Mark J. Elliott
Communications Manager — Wireless Devices
Sprint
E-mail: mark.j.elliott@sprint.com<mailto:mark.j.elliott@sprint.com>
Office: (603) 621-4511
Mobile: (248) 981-3825

Samsung Epic 4G, America’s First 4G-Capable Phone with Slide-out QWERTY Keyboard and
Brilliant Super AMOLED Touchscreen, Coming to Sprint
Samsung Epic 4G brings a living room entertainment experience to a mobile phone, offering HD-like video through the first video store with movies and TV shows, optimized for a 4G handset for rental or purchase
Pre-register to learn more about Samsung Epic 4G at www.sprint.com/epic4g<http://www.sprint.com/epic4g>
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – June 28, 2010 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.1, today introduced the second 4G-capable handset from Sprint, Samsung Epic(tm) 4G, a Galaxy S(tm) smartphone and Samsung Mobile’s first 4G Android(tm)-powered device.

“Sprint takes another leap forward today, announcing its second 4G-capable smartphone,” said Steve Elfman, president, Network Operations and Wholesale. “Samsung Epic 4G joins a portfolio of powerful devices offering an unprecedented simplicity and value to our customers as the only national carrier with a 4G network and devices and applications that can leverage the increased data speeds to provide a high-def entertainment and business experience in the palm of your hand.”

“Samsung Epic 4G is a powerful member of our Galaxy S smartphone portfolio which offers premium screen, speed and content features,” said Omar Khan, chief strategy officer for Samsung Mobile. “The Epic 4G ups the ante with a front-facing camera for video conferencing, a full QWERTY keyboard and lightning-fast 4G speeds.”

Samsung Epic 4G is part of a new breed of Samsung smartphones offering their very best in screen, speed and content quality for a premium user experience, and offers a fully integrated multimedia, messaging and social networking experience. It also features an exceptionally thin smartphone design with a slide out, full QWERTY keyboard and 4-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen display.

The brilliant Super AMOLED touchscreen display offers:
* The best representation of color on a mobile phone that matches original content, more than 100 times the contrast quality of other leading displays
* Faster response time that reduces “ghosting” images
* Wide viewing angles to prevent blurring or distortion
* Thinner design to offer more accurate and responsiveness to touch

Entertainment at Its Best
In the coming months, Samsung Epic 4G will have access to the Samsung Media Hub, making it the first and only 4G handset to feature a video store with movies and TV available for purchase or rental, and video content set up for an HD-like entertainment experience on a handset screen. With 4G from Sprint, users will be able to get turbo-charged downloads of a full library of video and literary content powered by some of the biggest names in entertainment.

Samsung Epic 4G also features Samsung’s exclusive AllShare service to wirelessly share stored music, pictures and HD video to other DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified(tm) home electronics, including HDTVs, monitors, digital cameras, printers and more. Through AllShare, users will be able to capture moments with the phone’s camera and camcorder, and wirelessly show them to friends or family on their DLNA certified HDTV or download music from a PC to Samsung Epic 4G and take on the road.

Amazing Features
Powered by the Android 2.1 platform, Samsung Epic 4G also supports a series of advanced touch screen gestures including multi-touch pinch, long tap and zoom and vertical and horizontal swiping.

Samsung Epic 4G is the only 4G smartphone to offer three fast and easy ways to enter text onto the device – a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard, virtual keyboard and Swype technology, which allows users to input text faster and more intuitively with one continuous finger motion across the virtual keyboard.

The smartphone is designed for an optimal gaming experience with a six-axis sensor that fine tunes its accelerometer’s ability to interpret simple movements of the device, so when the phone tilts up and down or left and right, the game can immediately respond in the same directions. A demo of Asphalt 5, a popular racing game, is preloaded exclusively on Samsung Epic 4G allowing users to take full advantage of these advanced gaming capabilities.

It also features:
* Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor supports amazing 3-D graphics, faster upload and download times and the full richness of HD-like multimedia content.
* Dual camera: 5 MP camera/camcorder with autofocus, Power LED flash and 3x digital zoom for HD video3 (720p) video recording and front facing VGA camera for video chat and more
* Visual Voicemail
* Mobile Hotspot capability supporting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices to share the 4G experience simultaneously
* Android Market(tm) for access to more than 50,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
* Wi-Fi(r) b/g/n
* 1500 mAh battery

Game-changer for Business Customers
Samsung Epic 4G is designed to deliver one of the best multi-media experience for business users in several vertical industries such as healthcare, education, public safety, construction and professional services through superior speed and display innovation. It offers support for push email and integrated calendar services, including Google(tm) and Yahoo, as well as Exchange ActiveSync for corporate email including enhanced device management and security features, as well as full support for Google Mobile Services.

With Android’s open-software platform, businesses can benefit from several productivity-enhancing applications available in the Android Market(tm) including bar code scanning, signature capture, document viewing and the ability to stream and upload video for customer approval and archival purposes.

Staying Connected with Social Networking
To make staying connected faster and easier, Samsung Epic 4G includes Samsung Social Hub designed to integrate all your social networking services, messages, personal and business email, calendars and contacts. Additionally, calendar information from portal calendars, such as Google Calendar and social networking services are displayed together in one calendar with two-way synchronization.

As work on finalizing the software is underway, Sprint expects to launch Android 2.2 for Samsung Epic 4G in the near future. With the Android 2.2 upgrade, customers can expect improvements to include the following benefits among others: updates to User Interface, improved EAS Support, improved Browser Performance including Flash 10x Support, voice Dialing Over Bluetooth and application Storage on External Memory.

A Sprint 4G developer guide is available today from the Sprint ADP Web site at http://developer.sprint.com. The Sprint 4G developer guide provides details on developing for an Android 2.1 handset and how to take advantage of the Samsung Epic 4G’s unique hardware and software capabilities and the Sprint 4G network. The Sprint Application Developer Program has been providing tools for third-party developers since Sprint first launched the Wireless Web on its phones in 2001.

Sprint will announce pricing and availability in the coming months; meanwhile customers can pre-register for more information about Samsung Epic 4G at www.sprint.com/epic<http://www.sprint.com/epic>4g.

GadgetNutz | Permalink | No comment | Copyright © 01/07/2010 by Kermit Woodall/GadgetNutz.com

Powered by Android 2.1(tm), the Fascinate is equipped with support for Google Mobile Services, including, GmailTM, YouTube(tm), Android Market(tm) and more. Additionally, the Fascinate boasts a brilliant four-inch Super AMOLED touch screen display, Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor, and an integrated entertainment, multimedia, messaging and social networking experience.

Color: Mirror Black with chrome details

Key features and specifications:

· Android 2.1 platform – With support for Google Mobile Services including Gmail, YouTube, Google Talk and Android Market

· Full HTML Web browsing capabilities

· Preloaded with Bing Maps and Bing Search

· 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities – Allows customers to transform their phone into a wireless modem for up to five compatible Wi-Fi-enabled devices

· Super AMOLED Screen Technology – Brilliant display makes watching movies, viewing videos and playing games come to life like never before, even in bright light and outdoor environments

· Advanced touch screen gestures capabilities, including multi-touch pinch to zoom, double tap to zoom and horizontal swiping, which provides easier and quicker access to many applications, including location-based services, Web browsing and digital photos or videos

· Multiple file formats supported, including DivX support

· Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor – Produces amazing graphics, faster upload and download times and HD-like multimedia content

· Six-axis sensor that works with the smartphone’s accelerometer to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right

· Virtual QWERTY Keyboard Featuring Swype Technology – Input text faster and in a more intuitive way with one continuous finger motion across the screen keyboard

· Full suite of messaging options – Text, picture, video and voice messaging; corporate and personal e-mail accounts supported

· 5.0-megapixel camera/camcorder – Auto-focus and LED flash with HD video recording and playback (720p) capabilities to capture photos and videos for playback on your HD television

· WiFi Connectivity (802.11 b/g/n)

· Stereo Bluetooth® Technology – Support for headset, hands-free, stereo, phonebook access, object push for vCard and vCalendar

· Corporate Email – Supports Android Éclair Exchange ActiveSync e-mail to synchronize corporate e-mail, contacts and calendars from office e-mail accounts

· Music and video players and 3.5-millimeter headphone jack

· 2GB internal memory expandable to 32GB, 16GB microSD(tm) included with handset

Lifestyle features:

· V CAST Music with Rhapsody®, V CAST Video on Demand, V CAST Song ID, Visual Voice Mail, V CAST Tones, VZ Navigator® and Mobile IM , City ID

· Samsung’s Social Hub – Built around messaging, contacts and calendar sync, which allows users to send and receive information, whether it is e-mail, social network updates or SMS messages

o Integrated Calendar information from portal calendars, on Exchange, Google CalendarTM and social networking services (SNS), including Facebook®

o Integrated Contacts syncs with Exchange, Google, Twitter and Facebook® and displays a user’s contacts in four categories including Information, History (previous calls and messages), Activities (status updates and notifications on social networking sites) and Media (Facebook profile photos and photo gallery)

· Feeds & Updates – Displays feeds from multiple SNS sites such as Facebook®, MySpace and Twitter, which also allows users to update their status instantly

· AllShare Application – Enables inter-device connectivity through Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), so users can send multimedia content wirelessly to other DLNA-enabled devices such as TVs and laptops

· Daily Briefing – Instant access to weather, news, stocks and schedule

· Write and Go – Quickly jot down an idea and later decide on a format, such as SMS/ MMS, e-mail, calendar or memo, to send or post to popular SNS sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace

· Weather Clock – Displays current time and weather of the selected city (ability to add and select other cities)

GadgetNutz | Permalink | No comment | Copyright © 01/07/2010 by Kermit Woodall/GadgetNutz.com