January 18, 2008
Pizza Hut Starts Text Message Delivery [Cellphones]
Pizza Hut, ever expanding both waistlines and accessibility to their greasy goodness, has launched a new mobile ordering service allowing users to text message 4 pizza. Apparently online pizza orders have really taken off, accounting for 20 percent of total sales (that stat is either from Pizza Hut or Papa John's, we couldn't discern from the copy) and texting could account for another huge percentage as well. I realized I was getting old when not so long ago I ordered a pizza via the web for the first time and waited nervously for it to come. It reminded me of tales from Amazon's launch, when customers didn't trust entering their credit cards into their computers...so they instead told the numbers to strangers at Amazon call centers who would write the digits on loose leaf. [reuters/I4U]
From Pizza Hut Starts Text Message Delivery [Cellphones]
Posted by Alex at 12:19 PM
January 17, 2008
Helio's Mysto Slider Now Available Everywhere [Cellphones]
The previously NYC and Santa Monica-only Helio Mysto has finally expanded to a nationwide release, meaning you can grab one online or at your local meatspace Helio store. Here's one bit of info we haven't mentioned before: the Mysto's web browser is "location aware," meaning you can have location data for certain web-based applications. Neat stuff. [Helio]
From Helio's Mysto Slider Now Available Everywhere [Cellphones]
Posted by Murray at 02:55 PM
January 07, 2008
Kensington Intros LiquidAUX Range of In-Car Peripherals
Kensington just dumped a whole host of in-car peripherals. Here's the lot: ' Kensington LiquidAUX for iPhone and iPod ($79.99.) Allows for "superior" sound quality via the auxiliary port, whilst simultaneously charging. Comes with a remote, so you don't have to take your eyes off the road. ' Kensington LiquidAUX Deluxe for iPhone and iPod ($99.99.) As above, but with cradle and adjustable flexible arm. ' Kensington LiquidAUX Bluetooth Car Kit ($99.99.) Does the same as the above two kits, however, this will allow you to hook up your Bluetooth (A2DP) enabled cellphone instead. Automated music muting and call taking functionality included, as would be expected. ' Kensington Car Charger Deluxe for iPhone and iPod ($49.99.) Cradle that includes adjustable arm, but without the music via auxiliary output. Basically a glorified charger/cradle. Pricey. ' Kensington Bluetooth Stereo Headphones with Microphone ($79.99.) As the name suggests, these will be your stock Bluetooth headphones, compatible with A2DP, but also incorporating a microphone. Can be used as a standard Skype headset. For the entire press release, check below: The LiquidAUX Collection from Kensington Includes: Kensington LiquidAUX for iPhone and iPod (K33429US): Get superior sound quality from a simple auxiliary port connection and charge your iPhone or iPod at the same time. The wireless remote ensures that your hands never have to leave the steering wheel. A smart audio sensor turns off the device to conserve car battery power. Designed for vehicles with auxiliary ports in the center console. Suggested retail price: $79.99. Kensington LiquidAUX Deluxe for iPhone and iPod (K33430US): Control your music with the wireless remote and give your iPhone or iPod a home in the car with our adjustable cradle. A flexible arm allows you to maneuver it to your hearts desire while an auxiliary port connection ensures pure sound quality from your iPod. Designed specifically for vehicles with in-dash auxiliary ports. Suggested retail price: $99.99. Kensington LiquidAUX Bluetooth Car Kit (K33428US): Enjoy hands-free calling and crystal- clear music from your music phone through your car's stereo. Bluetooth 2.0 technology with enhanced data rate, a built-in microphone with noise and echo-canceling technology makes for clear conversations on the road. Simply press the phone icon on the remote to automatically mute your music and take a call over your car's stereo. Or, use your phone's supported voice activation to make calls without ever accessing it directly. A USB charging port ensures that your phone stays charged. This is the ideal alternative to installing Bluetooth in your car. Suggested retail price: $99.99. A2DP protocol required for wireless music streaming Kensington Car Charger Deluxe for iPhone and iPod (K33433US): The adjustable dock adapts to securely fit an iPod or iPhone with or without a case, while a flexible arm adjusts to ensure the optimal position. Put your iPhone in speaker mode and now you've got a hands-free cradle. Charges iPod models with dock connector and iPhone. Suggested retail price: $49.99 Exluding 3rd Generation iPod Kensington Bluetooth Stereo Headphones with Microphone (K33436US): A comfortable behind- the-head design offers a stylish way to listen to music or conversations, while Bluetooth technology provides the freedom of wireless compatibility with music phones or notebooks. Easy-to-access buttons on the headphones control audio playback and volume while also allowing users to answer calls with the push of a button. Skype compatible. Suggested retail price: $79.99. Product Availability The new Kensington Play it line is available for pre-order at Amazon.com and Kensington.com and will be available at other major retailers in March 2008.
From Kensington Intros LiquidAUX Range of In-Car Peripherals
Posted by Ken at 04:38 PM
December 31, 2007
British Scientists Create Ion-Mask, a Waterproof Coating for Gadgets [Waterproofed
Scientists in Britain have come up with a solution for making electronic gadgets completely waterproof, using a type of coating that repels liquids. The technology has, up until now, been used for military gear, but the makers of Ion-Mask are already in discussion with three cell phone manufacturers with a view to using the coating on their products. Full story below. Government scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in Porton Down, Wiltshire, are behind the breakthrough. Ion-Mask is a protective layer which bonds to the device using a plasma, or electronically-charged gas, and its chemical properties allow oil and water to be repelled easily. Originally developed for treating soldiers' uniforms to repel toxic vapors and liquids in chemical or biological attacks, the technology will be used to protect devices thought to be too small to be fitted with waterproof seals, such as mobiles and MP3 players. As well as covering the devices, Ion-Mask is versatile enough to be able to coat individual components, in order to up the level of protection. Having an Ion-Mask device might help lower insurance rates for cellphones too, as more than 1.2 mobiles were lost in 2006 to toilets, drinks and washing machines. [Telegraph]
From British Scientists Create Ion-Mask, a Waterproof Coating for Gadgets [Waterproofed
Posted by Jim at 05:32 PM
December 21, 2007
Guy Creates Wooden Sidekick 3 For Girlfriend
Handmade Christmas gifts are the best, and this hand-carved wooden Sidekick 3 will definitely make this guy's girlfriend happy. Happy, that is, until she reads his forum post on Something Awful that says he didn't make the thing slide because "she's not THAT special." Oh you!
From Guy Creates Wooden Sidekick 3 For Girlfriend
Posted by Guido at 12:39 PM
Question of the Day: What Phone Do You Use? [Question Of The
Our data gathering series started off yesterday by determining that our Mac and PC audience are just about equal, with the leftover 20% being users of both formats and a scant 5% being Linux fans. Very fascinating'"that's quite a few more Mac fans than we were expecting. Continuing our data gathering experiment, we're going to ask you this: What phone do you use, and what phone do you think is the best. Choose the phone you use in the poll, and drop a comment to say what you think is the best. Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser. p.s. buy my iPhone book.
From Question of the Day: What Phone Do You Use? [Question Of The
Posted by Sean at 10:02 AM
December 14, 2007
Nokia Developing Product/Language Recognition Software for the N95
Nokia is working on a new program for its N95 smartphone that would use its camera to automatically translate signs and menus in foreign lands, making sure you don't accidentally order the domestic pet souffl next time you're abroad in a strange land. Called Point&Find, it utilizes GPS, image recognition and "artificial intelligence algorithms" to ensure accuracy. In addition to language translation, it also aims to allow you to snap pictures of products in stores to automatically see prices online so you don't get ripped off, which could be a pretty awesome feature. No word on when this app will drop or just how well it'll work. [Reg Hardware]
From Nokia Developing Product/Language Recognition Software for the N95
Posted by Matt at 01:58 PM
T-Mobile's Hotspot@Home is Like an Awkward, Pimply Teen that Can't Score
Much like an awkward teen, T-Mobile's Hotspot@Home is enduring some growing pains. Over the last several weeks, users have experienced frequent dropped calls, poor voice quality, or even complete lack of service. Apparently, the recent flooding at T-Mobile's main data center in Bothell, WA is at the root of the problem, but despite making adjustments, the situation with downtime persists. There is still no telling when things will be fully corrected '"maybe after puberty when T-Mobile finds an outlet for its raging chubby. [Boy Genius]
From T-Mobile's Hotspot@Home is Like an Awkward, Pimply Teen that Can't Score
Posted by Richard at 01:24 PM
