Palm’s working on something that’s lower-cost, and yes, it will have a QWERTY keyboard. There were a couple of names that popped up for the device like “Castle”, “Pixie” and “Centro 2” but what was reported to be the official name is EOS.

The new device is supposed to be a slim, lower-cost WebOS gadget, destined to come out within several months of the Pre. The problem with rumors like this is that people tend to take them too literally. Six months before launch, a lot of specs are subject to change. Unlike Apple, Palm is comfortable working on a range of bands and radio interfaces, and could swap a different radio in lickety-split if they get a good deal from a different carrier.

Calling the price is even more absurd. Negotiations over subsidies go on until even a few weeks before launch. I’ve seen prices tweaked even after I’ve gotten draft press releases. When predictions get this specific, they tend to involve a lot of wishful thinking – taking something that’s a proposal, a negotiation or a talking point, and casting it in stone. Without the slide-out keyboard of the Pre, the Eos looks similar to the BlackBerry Bold.  The pre-rebate pricing on the Eos seems high for now but if Palm can work with the telecom carrier to bring that down for consumers, it may have a worthy successor to its inexpensive and successful Centro smartphone.

What really matters here isn’t the specifics of the device. Those are subject to change – and they will change. What matters is that Palm has a broad, upcoming lineup of WebOS phones, and they’re already working on more than one. Palm promised that WebOS will be a platform and a lineup, and it looks like they’re going to live up to their promises.

This has implications for software developers, who can look at more than just the Pre when they think of markets for their software. And it’s got plenty of implications for users, who won’t have to worry about the Pre being an isolated event.

But let’s back off the hard-and-fast predictions. They’re likely to create as much unwarranted disappointment as joyous anticipation. This far in advance of launch, in the mobile industry, things almost always change.

Obtain further information about the Palm EOS? I strongly recommend that you go vivit Palm.com.

Here’s the deal: an unknown but probably very small number of iPhones have been affected by overheating, to the point that some white iPhone 3GSes have allegedly turned pink.

Apple, however, has issued what some might call a “common sense” warning: a support document that warns users not to keep the iPhone in an environment where temperatures can exceed 113 degrees Fahrenheit, including parked cars.

But Apple also warns that CPU-intensive applications, such playing music or using the GPS while in direct sunlight may also overheat the iPhone.

In that case, actually using the iPhone in temperatures over 95 degrees can also trigger the temperature warning. “Low- or high-temperature conditions might temporarily shorten battery life or cause the device to temporarily stop working properly,” Apple warns.

Obviously, summer temperatures in many locations top 95 degrees. So what will happen?

Apple also says that the iPhone 3G and 3GS should not be stored where the temperature can fall under -4 degrees Fahrenheit, or used in less in temperatures under 0 degrees F.

If the phone exceeds those temperatures, Apple says, the iPhone may stop charging, its display might dim, a weak cellular signal may be experienced, and the temperature warning screen on the left may also appear. Apple’s support document implies that there’s a temperature sensor of some sort built in to the iPhone 3G or 3GS.

If that happens, Apple says, you’ll need to let the iPhone cool down before you use it again, although the phone may be able to make emergency calls during that time. How long will that take? Apple doesn’t say.

The bottom line is to be a responsible user and everything will turn out well.

You can read the full official temperature advisory from Apple by visiting their website.

QuickLaunch allows you to setup shortcuts to various functions such as Websites, Email, SMS and PIN addresses, Phone numbers, 3rd Party Apps, Videos, Images, Audio files, Device Info, Bluetooth Configuration, Camera, Video Camera, Delete your Call Logs, Manage Connections, Device Reset, Google and Wikipedia Search and other functions such as Blackberry Options, Calculator, Calendar, Event Log, Tasks, WiFi On/Off Toggle (Bold and Curve Versions) and more! Configure a convenience key to activate QuickLaunch and when pushed a menu will popup showing a scrollable list of your configured actions. The menu can be set to appear on the Right or Left side and can be shown on virtually any screen so you can perform any action without backing up and navigating through your homescreen and folders saving you time. Quick easy access to what you want to do wherever you are!

QuickLaunch does not run in the background taking up resources. QuickLaunch runs only when it’s opened allowing you to choose your previously configured shortcut, function or 3rd Party Application. Make your selection by highlighting the menu item you want and your off! QuickLaunch then exits until you run it again.

Find out why QuickLaunch has been the #1 selling BlackBerry Application of 2009.

The following 3rd Party Applications have been tested and are known to work with QuickLaunch. If you have tried an app that is not on this list and it works with QuickLaunch please let us know.

Tested and Known to Work Third Party Application with QuickLaunch:

QuickLaunch New Features in 2.0

• Backup / Restore to .txt file – No more lost menu configurations when upgrading your OS. The Menu List, Options and Activation Code can now be stored in a .txt on your SDCard and easily and reliably restored.
• Built-in Screen Capture function – QuickLaunch now includes its own screen capture capability generating a high quality image. After the image is taken you have the option of immediately emailing it.
• Launch Media Explorer
• Integrated Google, Wikipedia and Dictionary dot com search – Performing these searches are now quicker using QuickLaunch.
• Create Custom Submenus – Now you can organize your list in categories. You can even have submenus within submenus.
• More apps and functions to Add – In addition to the greater number of applications now supported by QL 2.0 there are now more ’standard’ QL functions that you can add including: New Appointment, Compose Email, Compose PIN, Compose SMS, New Contact, and New Task.
• Display Current Temperature – You can now display your local temperature (or just about any other city in the world) and Hi/Lo forecast information in the title bar.
• Yahoo Weather – This item is in the Add Application section and when selected will display weather info obtained from yahoo weather in your browser according your location setting in QL Options.
• Add Items Alphabetically – Enable this option to add menu items in alphabetical order
• Easier Setup with Installed Applications List – To add an app no longer requires you to first have the app running. Just pick from the list
• Volume Button Scrolling – You can now set the volume buttons to enable item by item scrolling up/down or page up/down. This is a great feature as you can now quickly navigate and launch items without touching the screen. It’s kind of fun too.
• 3 Font sizes – Small, medium and large
• System Menu Integration – This option will allow you to add QL to the BlackBerry system menu a la ‘CaptureIt’. An added bonus of this feature is that now QL can be run on top of some apps that it previously wasn’t able to in the past such as Opera Mini.
• Improved Performance – Launches items noticeably faster than before.

A friendly reminder: UPON PURCHASING YOU WILL BE ASKED TO INPUT YOUR PIN NUMBER. PLEASE ENTER YOUR DEVICE PIN NUMBER USING CAPITAL LETTERS.

Your PIN number can be located on your Storm by:

1. From the Home screen go to “Options”
2. Select Status
3. Note your PIN number

What are you waiting for? Get a FREE Trial today! Visit the Software Store. It is a great application for a very practical price. It is also perfect for gifts.

The benefit of the Arc Mouse is not that it works as a “notebook mouse” when you fold it in half. Indeed, the power to the mouse cuts out when it’s folded, so it won’t work in that mode at all. Instead, folding the Arc Mouse makes it more generally travel-friendly. First, it reduces the size of the device, cutting its length by more than a third. But there’s also a small, magnetic cradle on the underside of the tail portion that folds in, to hold the mouse’s thumbnail-size USB receiver. When the mouse is collapsed, the tail portion secures the receiver, ensuring that you’ll have all of the necessary pieces together when you take the mouse out of your bag.

The core “mousing” functionality works as you’d expect it to. I personally like the fact that setting up the Arc Mouse is so simple. After you insert the three, Microsoft-provided AAA batteries, you plug in the USB receiver, wait for Windows to recognize the mouse, and reboot. Mac setup is even easier, as Mac OS X found the mouse as soon as we plugged the receiver in. For its intended purpose as a travel-friendly input device, the Arc Mouse does exactly what it’s supposed to.

Product Features of the Microsoft Arc Mouse:

• Mouse folds to 60% of its fully expanded size
• Micro-transceiver snaps into the bottom of the mouse
• Folding motion turns mouse on/off
• Laser tracking for precision
• 2.4 GHz wireless with up to 30-foot range

Technical Details of the Microsoft Arc Mouse:

• Brand Name: Microsoft
• Model: ZJA-00001
• Hardware Platform: PC, Mac
• input_device: Mouse
• form_factor: External
• Connectivity Technology: Wireless
• Movement Detection: Laser
• Color Name: Black
• Warranty: 3 years warranty

Check out the Microsoft Arc Mouse and other cool gadgets offered on our specials page.

Get great deals and discounts in offers that can only be found here on mrgadget.com.au.

• Haptic Tactile Feedback

Perhaps most interesting amongst the patent applications is the acknowledgement by Apple that despite the many advantages of the iPhone’s multi-touch screen, a lack of tactile feedback remains its biggest disadvantage.

However, one of a touchscreen’s biggest advantages, the ability to utilize the same physical space for different functions is also one of a touchscreen’s biggest disadvantages. When the user is unable to view the display (because the user is occupied with other tasks), the user can only feel the smooth hard surface of the touchscreen, regardless of the shape, size and location of the virtual buttons and/or other display elements. This makes it difficult for users to find icons, hyperlinks, textboxes or other user-selectable input elements that are being displayed, if any are even being displayed, without looking at the display.

Unless touch input components are improved, users that, for example, drive a motor vehicle, may avoid devices that have a touch input component and favor those that have a plurality of physical input components like buttons, wheels, etc.

The proposed solution is the adoption of “haptic” display technologies which allow for some tactile feedback from touch screen displays. Apple proposes including a grid of piezoelectronic actuators that can be activated on command. By fluctuating the frequency of these actuators, the user will “feel” different surfaces as their finger moves across it. As an example, a display could include a virtual click wheel which vibrates at a different frequency as the center. Users could easily sense the difference and use the click wheel without having to look at it.

Haptic technology has started gaining adoption in other mobile phones and there had been some talk that Apple mght have been looking to adopt it.

• Fingerprint Identification as an Input Method

A second very intriguing patent application suggests the detection of a user’s individual fingerprints as an input method. Fingerprints have already been used in computers for security purposes, but Apple’s research involves the use of fingerprint patterns to actually identify distinct fingers. This could then be used to produce specific functions depending on which finger is being used. As shown in the table below, an index finger press might perform one action (PLAY/STOP) while a middle finger press could fast forward.

The reason for such a distinction again falls back on non-visual usage. Instead of requiring the user to find a button on the touchscreen, the use of different fingers alone could trigger different commands.

• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Reader

Finally, the last notable application covers the dual use of a touch screen as an RFID reader. RFID tags are small circuits that can be embedded in objects for identification using a special reader. Apple suggests that an RFID antenna can be placed in the touch sensor panel itself, allowing it to also be used as a RFID reader. As RFID tags become more prevalent, this could add a very useful function to future touch screen devices.

MemoryUp Pro is a powerful mobile RAM boosting tool and Java virtual machine (JVM) management application specially designed for smartphone users. It is a handy memory optimizer tool that will keep your smartphone running faster and efficiently. It increases your smartphone performance by making more memory available for both your applications and the mobile system.

MemoryUp Pro is optimized for all series of mobile phones which can monitor your mobile system in the background, freeing resources when needed. It uses many advanced features to keep your mobile phone running at optimum speed. But more importantly, it’s designed with all users in mind; whether you’re a power-user or a novice, MemoryUp Pro will give you the features you want without confusing or limiting you.

Praised by both individual users and large companies alike, MemoryUp Pro is the best utility of its type available. MemoryUp Pro represents the best technical and design efforts modern smartphone software, to bring you a technically superior, yet easy-to-use memory management utility.

A must have for smartphone owners! Enjoy!

MemoryUp Mobile Memory and RAM Booster Features:

1. Real-time smartphone Memory Calculation & Statistics

• MemoryUp Pro gives you professional, easy-to-read statistics on your smartphone’s memory use. You can see a graph of your total memory and current memory use. MemoryUp Pro makes it easy to see how well your smartphone is performing, and where any problems are.

2. Performance targets

• Using MemoryUp Pro’s settings function, you can set performance goals right for your different profiles. MemoryUp Pro will work to keep your memory at desired levels, and will act immediately if memory drops below minimum levels.

3. Quick boosting

• In addition to monitoring and reclaiming your memory on its own, MemoryUp Pro lets you boost your memory by hand. The Quick Boost feature lets you watch as MemoryUp Pro works – you can see more memory become available. Quick Boost remembers the settings that work best on your smartphone.

4. Auto-boosting in the background

• Your memory is the most important resource in your smartphone, and how it is used can drastically affect performance. Auto-boosting feature enables MemoryUp Pro to be hidden to run in the background and automatically help reclaim wasted memory on your smartphone. It guards the allocation of memory resources through its unique cache management technique. By using MemoryUp Pro, you don’t need to know anything about your mobile system; MemoryUp Pro will supply all the technical know-how.

5. Smartphone crash protection

• The majority of smartphone crashes come when system resources are low. MemoryUp Pro warns you when you reach a critical point, allowing you to close programs safely before your smartphone becomes unstable.

6. And there is more..

• Other features include Warning/Auto-recovering RAM at your preset threshold, Startup boost (when MemoryUp Pro is launched), advanced boosting features (Force system to use large cache, Prohibit kernel to disk swapping, Auto-allocate critical threads, etc.) for professional smartphone users, and multiple language support (English, German, Italian and Spanish).

There is a great deal for this item at the Software Center. Begin to boost your smartphones memory with MemoryUp.

Par 72 Golf II is a realistic three-dimensional golf game with three 18-hole courses. The game features almost real like graphics of hills, water, sand traps, and sloping greens. It is an exciting realistic simulation game available for your Nokia handset. Want to know more of the features of this game? Read along.

Par72 Nokia Golf Game Features

• Three unique courses set in mountain, desert, and seaside environments.
• Each course has 18 holes, rated par 3, 4, and 5.
• Three dimensional hills, water, undulating fairways, sand traps, and tiered greens.
• Top scores leaderboard.
• Realistic wind, aerodynamics, gravity, and friction.
• Perspective view.
• Zoomable overhead view.
• Automatic club selection from 11 clubs.
• Wind and distance indicators.
• On screen menus.
• Resume play.
• Sound effects.

What are you waiting for? Are you up to the challenge to be a tiger?  Try it for FREE today – Par 72 Nokia Golf Game.

What’s in it? Good question. I’ll give you some of its features and capabilities starting with the patented Media Go™. What is it? It is the perfect entertainment organizer that makes it easier than ever before to bring your media with you, wherever you go. Transfer your media files between your phone and PC using drag-and-drop. File conversion is hassle-free too: Media Go™ automatically converts films and music files to give you the best possible quality. Connect SE W205 to your PC and transfer music, videos, photos and podcasts. The AutoSync feature makes it as easy as connecting the cable.

W205 have a Walkman® player. With the clear and intuitive Walkman® player interface, navigating your music is a breeze. Music recognition of W205 is also superb! Just record a few seconds of music and TrackID™ returns the song name, artist and album to your phone within seconds. FM radio is also built-in. Filling up your W205 with music is hassle free.

It also has an integrated camera. Built-in digital camera with screen viewfinder, dedicated menus and direct interaction with in-phone imaging and messaging features. You can capture precious memories and candid moments with its video recording capability.

Though I see it is not as sophisticated like other Sony Ericsson mobile phones, I strongly believe it is more of a music phone. But then again, I’ll have to wait until I can gran a hold of it and test its full potential. Did I mention that the W205 is anticipated to be available in three months? And its release date may change? Ah, yes I did! I can hear my mom again at the back of my head saying “Patience, my son, is a virtue.”

Want to be notified via email when the W205 becomes available in stores? Go to Sony Ericsson’s web page for mobile phone products and provide your email address.

Yes it charges Alkalines!

I tried a pair of AAA Toshiba Alkalines and can report that the Non-Rechargeable Battery Charger topped them up without any explosions of any sort. Also charged a set of four 2400 NiMh.

I’m told that recommended retail will be around AU$50-$60 and that they will be on shelves in most good gadget stores by the end of July.

Save money and the environment with your very own Non-Rechargeable Battery Charger. Watch this space for more news.

Non-rechargeable Battery Charger | Efficiency Matrix

My daughters immediately took a liking to it – jumping on it like a trampoline. Thankfully it’s made out of thick rip-proof nylon which looks like it could survive this type of treatment for many years. I personally like the reinforced stitching which means a very low chance of beanbag filling spilling all over the place.

Because it’s shaped like a pillow, you can position it in more ways than your conventional beanbag. You can use it as a chair or use it as a compact bed. Perfect for the loungeroom.

If you’re in the market for a high quality sturdy bean bag or if you can’t afford a decent lounge suite than I highly recommend the Sumolounge Omni. Great work Sumo

Sumolounge Omni [Beanbag] Page