Archive for the 'Smartphone' Category
Apple has taken on quite a few volleys of catapulted insults from the Android community for its closed model concerning applications. Apple’s response for the interest of the iPhone user community is its main concern. These measures are for the protection of those using Apple iOS devices, it tells the critics. For the most part, this can be verified by the many studies showing the malware infection rate to be much higher on Android while it is near extinct on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. However, in recent weeks, Apple has come under a new threat of attack from within its beloved users.
Recently, it was discovered that a popular social media app, Path, had uploaded the complete address book of the user to Path’s servers without any notification or authorization. Path apologized for the matter once it was caught with its pants down and quickly resolved the mistake with an update to the AppStore that removed all users address book uploads on Path’s servers and asked for permission to upload them, again.
Path is not the only application taking your private information and using it for its own gain. Popular applications such as Foursquare (Email, Phone Numbers, withoug warning) and Instagram (Email, Phone Numbers, First, Last, without warning) have also been found to steal your data by Paul Haddad, the developer behind the popular Twitter client TapBot. Of course once the cat was let out of the bag, these two applications were updated with stronger and clear warnings. Other applications have also come under the spot light for such practices in the last week as well.
So, the question really is, what other applications are stealing my private information without my knowledge? Why isn’t Apple enforcing it’s own rules not to do this which is explicit in its developers terms of use? Steve Jobs told the D8 Conference in 2010, “No, Silicon Valley is not monolithic. We always have had a different view on privacy than some of our colleagues in the Valley. We take privacy extremely seriously.” Yet all these applications made it through Apple’s stringent approval process AND stayed in the AppStore once the vulnerabilities were discovered. Interestingly enough, Apple has done a wonderful job of insuring tether applications either do not make it to the AppStore or are quickly removed once discovered in the wild.
I think what Jobs really meant is it takes its carrier relations more serious than anything. Again, look at the contrast to Apple’s quick response to applications that circumvent carrier data plans terms of use over Apple’s own privacy policy. AT&T has been very vocal against tethering and hot spot applications and Apple has been quick to insure AT&T continues its nickle-and-dime game like a brown nosed kid working his way up the corporate ladder. I understand this is business and you need to keep your partners happy; however, if your immortal co-founder makes such a big deal about privacy, shouldn’t you be as diligent if not MORE than you are for something that doesn’t harm any ones personal lives?
Apple either needs to use the same blind eye for tether apps as it does for privacy concerns or stand behind its publicly spoken policy. Put up or shut up, Apple.
Girls love dressing up dolls. Paper dolls can be just as fun as any doll where as the options seem more unlimited when using paper. Think for a moment, what if you didn’t have to mess with cardboard, tab bending, and cut-outs everywhere, and the expense associated with the dolls, wouldn’t you be interested in looking into this? What if it was free? Well, think no more and take a look at SK Planet’s new offering, Play-Doll for Kids, available on the iOS or Android device.
Kids will not only be able to dress up their dolls but once done, they now can make a full out story with the dolls. Better yet, the stories can be shared to family, such as grandparents who love anything from their grandchildren, through Play-Doll’s Share Board. This board, like the app, is free!
So parents, get your paper doll making happening today…paper free!
SUNNYVALE, Calif. – January 18, 2012 – SK Planet, a wholly owned subsidiary of Korea-based SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM, KSE: 017670), today announced Play-Doll For Kids, a family-friendly app that enables children to pick and create characters that can be shared with family and friends through Facebook, Twitter and e-mail. The app, which is available for Android and iOS, has more than 50 dolls, including a princess, a dinosaur and a vampire that users can personalize to create an adventure like no other.
Play-Doll is designed to enable children to use their imagination to create their perfect story. To start, users can scroll through the variety of characters they may want in their story. Story creators can do complete costume changes with the characters, including clothing, hairstyles and accessories such as shoes and bags.
In a sea of thousands of apps, Play-Doll has educational value as it exposes children to characters of all cultures, shapes and sizes. A recent Nielsen survey shows that the iPad is the most desired product during the holiday season, with smartphones and the iPod Touch not far behind, among children ages six to 12. Play-Doll encourages children to think outside of the box, interact and create a story they are proud to share with their loved ones.
Once characters are selected and customized, users then pick the setting of their story, such as a party or in the jungle. Children are able to make their stories come to life by recording and applying their voices to the characters and by moving characters on the Play-Doll set. Play-Doll also enables users to record their story to share with family and friends through Play-Doll’s Share Board.
Pricing and Availability
Play-Doll is a free Android and iOS app available immediately at the Apple App Store and the Android Market.
About SK Planet
SK Planet, a wholly owned subsidiary of SK Telecom, was established in October 1, 2011 with an aspiration to become a global platform innovator. As the lynchpin of SK Telecom’s future growth, the company was spun off with the industry-leading platform businesses including T-Store, T-map, MelOn, Cyworld and hoppin, Korea’s biggest mobile app store, mobile navigation, online music service, SNS and multi-screen premium video service. SK Planet is committed to building global platform business in Asia and other strategic markets. For more information, please visit www.skplanet.co.kr.
About SK Telecom
SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM, KSE: 017670) is Korea’s leading telecommunications provider with more than 26 million subscribers, which accounts for more than 50% of the total market. The company, established in 1984, reached KRW 12.46 trillion in revenue in 2010. SK Telecom was the first to launch and commercialize CDMA, CDMA 2000 1x, CDMA EV-DO and HSDPA networks, and it currently provides cellular, wireless internet, mobile media, global roaming service and more. For more information, please visit www.sktelecom.com.
Apple made a big splash at its iPhone 4S keynote with the introduction of Siri, the voice assistant Apple integrated into the iOS from its acquiring of Siri 18 months earlier. I remember when the Siri app first arrived and I dwell upon how little it worked for me when it was 1.0. Now that Apple was able to throw money, in both purchase and development, at Siri and has taken its time with presenting the updated version, I was excited to see what 2.0 would be like. Well, first we were told it was a beta, not a revised version. Second, it no longer would run on anything but an iPhone 4S due to the need for a hefty processor (which has since been proven wrong with the many hacks floating around the Internet.) But that commercial shown at Moscone Center definitely made it look like it was going to be the sweet deal nevertheless.
Now, I wasn’t expecting perfection from Siri when my white 32GB iPhone 4S arrived at my door step via UPS upon the day of release. No, I had used Android’s voice-to-text without much success and, again, the original Siri app wasn’t all that impressive. In short, my expectations were honestly low.
After removing the phone from its packaging and activating it on the third attempt – third time’s the charm, AT&T – I of course asked Siri if I would need an umbrella tomorrow even though it was sunny and in the 80s outside. Siri responded with the weather for the next week. My family and I then went on to ask it more of the silly questions such as what is the meaning of life and what do yo look like.
When it came time time to really test it, this is where the shine began to fade. I attempted to text my wife a short message to which it understood who my wife was but didn’t even have any of the text for the message. I tried again and then it got it. Well, most of it. The end of the message was just chopped off as if I hadn’t even said it and the last two words were incorrect. I chalked it up to a busy day for Siri as this was her/his debut.
Over the next few weeks, I used Siri in the truck, in my home, in stores, in offices. I used it in many different environments and pretty much received consistent results. Poor ones. My truck gave me the worse and I attribute that to the cabin noise since I have a large Ford F-250. My wife’s Yukon isn’t much better with its Flowise pipes so results were about the same there as well. In a quiet environment, such as my bedroom, the accuracy was improved but not by much. To gain near perfect accuracy, I found I had to be holding the phone near to my mouth, about a foot or two, angled with the mic toward me, and not to use conjunctions such as you’ll. When using this method, I obtained near 90% accuracy. But the problem with this is that it’s more like a lab than real life.
Let me be clear, I did not just use the iPhone 4Ses built-in microphone or supplied wired headset. I also employed the use of third-party hands-free sets such as my Alpine IVA-W505 (my review), SuperTooth buddy (here’s that review), and the Magellan Premium Car Kit (yup, reviewed that, too.) I live in California where it has some of the most stringent laws against distracted driving so I engage technology to help me be safe and avoid unneeded fines. In reality, one would presume this is the point of Siri as we watch the jogger run along the bay with Treasure Island in the background. Siri is our assistant when our hands and eyes are busy doing other things.
What it comes down to is the best place to use Siri is not the best place to use Siri. The most common place to use Siri, chatter filled offices or noisy homes, gives you the most common errors. I also found myself flustered many times when speaking to Siri and correcting myself mid-sentence and boy did that make things even worse. From what I gather speaking to my other Siri using friends, I’m not the only one that suffers from the same tongue-tie issue. Part of it is that our brain thinks we need to sound like a robot when speaking to Siri but the other part is Siri needs to recognize human short comings and prevail as well.
I have also noted the lack of punctuation. If I speak more than a single sentence, even with proper pause, Siri doesn’t get the period. It either ends taking my dictation or makes a run-on sentence. I have discovered that I can state the needed mark, such as period or question mark, but it doesn’t always get it. If I give Siri too much, either via the Siri interface or the Mic icon on the keyboard, it will simply double beep and translate what I have said up to that point. Sometimes, it comes up completely blank! This leads me to wonder about the articles I’ve read on ZDNet and the Sun Times by Andy Ihnatko that claim they dictated the entire article to Siri. I would sure love to see a video of that because I really do not think it’s possible without much interaction with the Home or Mic button. Maybe I’m missing something but Apple is well known for it’s ease of use and Steve Jobs was found of saying, “It just works”.
What it comes down to is that Apple has advertised something that really isn’t. Sure, these keyword tips help your accuracy but note how short the sentences are.
Going back to that jogger and the way he made a meeting so natural and so easy, this is what Average Joe and Mom Consumer will see. They don’t watch keynotes. So how much higher will their expectations be than mine? Apple has done well with its products in the last decade from the iPod, iPhone, and the iPad, and I’m certain Siri is what will set the next decade for Apple, but beta or not, Siri needs to get it and get it quick.
Smartphones are expensive, even with subsidies, and taking caring of them has become an important responsibility of the modern day phone user. With active lifestyles not slowing down because you have a phone that can map directions to your next event, Aryca has released a batch of cases for that very phone. The TIDE and WAVE encase your smartphone, iPhone or Android, and allow you to dive to depths down to 20 feet. Skiing, white water rafting, and swimming can now be all done with your phone. I’m not sure if Siri will work in these conditions, but at least your iPhone will after you dry off.
More info in the release below.
WATERPROOF CASES FOR SMARTPHONES NOW AVAILABLE AT CONCORD KEYSTONE
Aryca™ Cases Keep Phones Dry and Safe At Depths Up to 20 Feet
SUNRISE, FL – November 16, 2011– Planning on getting away to enjoy a little fun, sun and surf this holiday season? Sharing photos with your friends and family has never been easier. Concord Keystone just added two new styles of heavy-duty waterproof smartphone cases to its line, so you can shoot video, capture images, view and playback, and email or text data, without leaving the water.
The new Aryca™ TIDE and the Aryca WAVE fully encase your smartphone, keeping it safe and dry at depths up to 20 feet so it can be submerged in water and used for wet and wild fun. The items are available at Concord Keystone.
The clear protective silicon membrane of the Aryca TIDE and Aryca WAVE supports full smartphone screen and call functionality and are the ideal protective smartphone cases when you are swimming, skiing, kayaking, white water rafting, snowboarding and more. The Aryca waterproof cases also protect the smartphone from snow and sand. When your spirit takes you to the extreme, gear-up your smartphone with the Aryca Tide or Aryca Wave to keep it safe, secure and dry.
Inserting a smartphone into Aryca cases is easy. Simply lift the safety latch at the side of the case, turn the cap counter-clockwise to open, place the phone in the case and close.
Both the Aryca TIDE and WAVE are IPX8 certified waterproof cases (up to 20-feet) and come with a neck strap and a floating yellow lanyard to keep phones buoyant and visible on the water’s surface.
The Aryca TIDE and Aryca WAVE cases are each designed for specific smartphones.
The Aryca TIDE is compatible with smartphones within dimensions of 4.88″ x 2.70″ x .55″ including the following:
Google: Nexus S 4G
HTC: Trophy, Droid Incredible/Incredible 2, ThunderBolt, Inspire 4G, HD2 US, HD7/HD7S, Surround, Arrive, Evo 4G/Evo Shift 4G
Kyocera: Zio M6000
LG: Ally, Quantum
Motorola: Droid 2, Atrix 4G, i1, Cliq 2
Nokia: C7
Samsung: Focus, Captivate, Transform, Galaxy S 4G, Vibrant
Sony-Erickson: Xperia Play CDMA, Xperia X10a
The Aryca WAVE is compatible with smartphones within dimensions of 4.55″ x 2.56″ x .55″, including the following:
Apple: iPhone 3GS/3G, 4S/4
Blackberry: Storm2 9550, Torch 9800
HTC: Freestyle, Aria
HP: Veer 4G
Kyocera: Echo
LG: Fathom, Cosmos Touch, Vortex, Thrive, Phoenix, Encore, Optimus S/T
Motorola: Bravo, Defy
Pantech: Crossover, Crux
Samsung: Soltice
Sony-Erickson: Vivaz
The Aryca TIDE and the Aryca WAVE are available in 4 colors – black, white, pink & yellow.
MSRP: $39.99
ABOUT CONCORD KEYSTONE TRADING COMPANIES
Florida-based Concord Keystone Trading, LLC and its sister companies, Urcovest, LLC, also located in Florida and Concord Keystone Trading Limited, located in Hong Kong, concentrate on developing, manufacturing, and distributing high-quality, low-cost imaging and other household convenience and portable power products. Urcovest and the Concord Companies market products under the following trademarks owned by Urcovest: Keystone ECO™, Easy Shot Clip™, Fun Shooter®, Concord®, Keystone®, and Easy Shot®; and the following trademarks licensed by Urcovest: Polaroid, 4U2ReUSE®, iPICKUP®, and iPICKUP2™. The Companies also sell private label products. Urcovest and the Concord Keystone Companies have strategic partnerships with manufacturing, development, and supply chain partners to bring high quality, cost effective solutions quickly and efficiently to markets and customers worldwide.
I love, LOVE, Scandinavian furniture and have since I was kid. Hey, with a Swedish name, one has to, right? A walk through IKEA always gives me flashbacks to when I was a kid while in Germany and I always remember how my sweet parents spent thousands on a custom Scandinavian bed for me as a teen that I still miss to this day. Now, that same stunning look and simplicity comes to speakers for your iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and even iTunes on your Mac or PC. Utilizing AirPlay from Apple, Libratone debuts it’s AirPlay enabled sounds systems that, “boast exceptional sound and minimalistic Scandinavian design made from hand-picked materials including Italian cashmere, and chrome.” One look at these blocks and you don’t have to look any further for beauty. While Libratone shafted us on any specifications in its press release, it certainly didn’t prepare us for the staggering prices. The “cheappy” clocks in at $700 and the top of the line will set you back $1,300! But hey, it’s Scandinavian, right?
LIBRATONE DEBUTS AIRPLAY
ENABLED SOUND SYSTEMS
Libratone’s wireless AirPlay speakers boast exceptional sound and minimalistic Scandinavian design made from hand-picked materials including Italian cashmere, and chrome
Palo Alto – November 2, 2011 – Libratone, a brand known in Europe for its high-end sound systems, makes its U.S. debut with the launch of two cutting-edge AirPlay-enabled options for the ultimate sound experience: the Libratone Live and Libratone Lounge. Apple’s AirPlay® allows users to stream songs from their iTunes music libraries on Mac or PC, as well as music stored on their iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, through their Wi-Fi networks.* The Libratone Lounge system is designed to make every corner of the room the ideal spot for sound while the Libratone Live allows for versatility due to its smaller size. Another attractive feature is the gorgeous design of both systems, which is heightened with quality hand-picked materials including Italian cashmere, chrome, wood and selected acoustic materials. Libratone Live and Lounge allow you to experience big sound with minimalistic design without clumsy, clunky speakers. One is all you need.
Liberation is a reoccurring theme for Libratone as they encourage a life without cables, without clutter and most importantly surrounded by great sound. Users can enhance the Libratone experience with the Libratone App, which allows for the customization of the FullRoom feature, enabling you adjust sound to fit any room.
The Libratone speakers are now available in a variety of colors to compliment your spaces. The Libratone Lounge, perfect for living room spaces, is available in Slate Grey, Blueberry Black and Vanilla Beige as standard at a cost of $1,299 and as red and green cashmere in its premium offering at a cost of $1,399. The more petite Libratone Live, ideal for any room in the home, is available in grey, black and beige as standard at a cost of $699 and as premium in red and green cashmere at a cost of $799. The stylish Live also offers a chrome handle for easy portability.
Libratone Lounge and Live are available at Apple Online Store in US. For a full list of other retailers visit www.libratone.com/buy.
“Music is the context in which we live our lives – a personal soundtrack so to speak. We believe strongly in simplicity and the ability to experience room-filling sound in any room without clumsy speakers and tangled wires” states Soeren Louis Pedersen, Chief Sales Officer of Libratone, “Libratone is designed to simplify and enhance any home décor with room filling, high fidelity sound”.
Libratone Live and Libratone Lounge features:
• Libratone Lounge and Libratone Live utilizes AirPlay, allowing users to stream songs from their iTunes music libraries on Mac or PC, as well as music stored on their iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, through their Wi-Fi networks.*
• Minimalistic interior design. Libratone Live is small and even has a handle for easy placement. Libratone Lounge is designed to stand alone or to fit under a TV or anywhere aesthetically all while enjoying the same exceptional sound.
• FullRoom technology. The single sound source design ensures that acoustic sound is covered from corner-to-corner. Take the experience to the next level by personalizing the FullRoom feature with the Libratone App.
• Quality raw materials and craftsmanship all from hand-picked materials including cashmere, chrome and wood. Gorgeous colors compliment every home.
The Libratone App is available for free from the App Store on iPad, iPhone or iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.
*AirPlay requires iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch (2nd, 3rd or 4th generation), iPad 2 or iPad with iOS 4.2 or later, or Mac and PC with iTunes 10.1 or later. Wi-Fi network is required.
About Libratone
Libratone is a Copenhagen-based audio company that creates sound systems for today. That’s it.
Our approach is three-headed: Wireless technology, hi-fi quality, and Scandinavian design
– in one sound source.
Our goal is to play music from iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices worldwide and to deliver an alternative to clumsy stereo systems and the wire-havoc they wreak. All without compromising the sound experience.
To learn more about Libratone’s Lounge and Live audio systems visit www.libratone.com.
Trademark acknowledgements
iTunes, AirPlay, iPod, iPhone and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Libratone and FullRoom are registered trademarks of Libratone A/S.
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If you’re in the market for a new Blackberry phone and are either on or would like to be on the T-Mobile network, then you may wish to look at the upcoming BlackBerry Torch 9810 running on the latest BlackBerry 7 operating system. Packed with a 1.2 GHz processor, 3.2-inch TFT VGA touch-screen, and a 5-megapixel camera, the BlackBerry faithfuls will be happy to also find a slide-out keyboard. You can pre-order your Torch today from T-Mobile for $249.99 with a $50 mail-in-rebate with a two-year contract.
Today, T-Mobile announced the upcoming availability of the BlackBerry® Torch™ 9810, the latest 4G BlackBerry smartphone to join America’s Largest 4G Network™. Powered by the latest BlackBerry 7 operating system and a 1.2 GHz processor, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 provides a fast and fluid premium smartphone experience. The BlackBerry Torch 9810 combines a brilliant 3.2-inch TFT VGA capacitive touch-screen display with a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard for a truly efficient and intuitive mobile communications experience.
Encased in a sleek and stylish form factor with a zinc grey color finish, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 is equipped with essential smartphone features, including access to BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger), personal and corporate e-mail, and social networking applications; a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and 720p HD video recording; and access to BlackBerry App World™ for downloading premium applications and games.
The BlackBerry Torch 9810 is expected to be available in an exclusive pre-sale for T-Mobile business customers beginning today, November 2. The smartphone is expected to be available nationwide at T-Mobile retail stores, select dealers and national retailers, and online at http://www.t-mobile.com starting November 9. The BlackBerry Torch 9810 is expected to cost $249.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card, with a two-year service agreement and qualifying Classic voice and data plan.
SuperTooth was assteemed the Car Accessory of the Year award by iLounge for it’s SuperTooth HD Bluetooth hands-free device. As reported here on SvenOnTech, the HD unit has superb sound and amazing staying power with its 20 hours of talk-time and up to 1,000 hours of standby. The visor mounted HD stays out of your way and points the speaker toward your ears. All around, good stuff and iLounge agrees.
SuperTooth HD Awarded ‘Car Accessory of the Year’ by iLounge
Recognized as the best Bluetooth speakerphone on the market with strong sound quality and ability to post messages on social networks via voice, the SuperTooth HD appears in the 2012 iPhone + iPod Buyers’ Guide
Nebias, France – November 2, 2011 – SuperTooth, leading manufacturer worldwide of Bluetooth speakerphones, just received distinction for its HD which was named ‘Car Accessory of the Year’ by the preeminent Apple authority iLounge, a distinction published in the 2012 iPhone + iPod Buyers’ Guide which went live November 1st.
“Of all the car accessories we tested for iPhones and iPods in 2011, SuperTooth HD was a real standout,” said Jeremy Horwitz, Editor-in-Chief of iLounge. “Excellent sound quality, a great industrial design, and impressive speech recognition technology made it worthy of our Car Accessory of the Year Award.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to receive this award from iLounge,” said Yves Le Reun, SuperTooth’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “We first debuted the SuperTooth HD in March and it continues to receive accolades for its unique design and ability to communicate on social networks via voice.”
According to the 2012 iPhone + iPod Buyers’ Guide, the SuperTooth HD is described as:
“The current visor-mounted speakerphone champion has Bluetooth 3.0 support, a rechargeable battery with 20 to 1,000 hours of run time, and the strongest sound quality we’ve heard from a device like this. Novel is an optional, subscription-based Siri-like speech to text service for all iPhones, turning your voice into SMS, email, Twitter or Facebook posts; it can read new messages to you, too. Even without this feature, it’s a very powerful pick… This easy-to-use $129 model redefined ‘premium’ features with strong audio quality and Siri-like voice controls that work even without an iPhone 4S. A very nice advance.”
To read the iLounge 2012 iPhone + iPod Buyers’ Guide, visit www.iLounge.com.
The SuperTooth HD is available now on SuperToothStore.com for $129. To learn more about the SuperTooth HD, visit www.supertooth.net/EN/HD/ and watch the video here supertooth.dial2do.com/home/learn_more.
To learn more about SuperTooth products, visit SuperTooth.net and follow SuperTooth on facebook.com/SuperToothFB and Twitter @supertoothkits.
About SuperTooth
SuperTooth, headquartered in Nebias, France, is the world leading manufacturer of Bluetooth speakerphones and portable accessories. In 2004, SuperTooth created the concept of a Bluetooth speakerphone that could be clipped onto a car’s sun visor. The company prides itself on being the only manufacturer of speakerphones owning its own factory, managing and operating the entire production and supply chain – from initial designs and concepts, to the manufacturing and packaging. Today SuperTooth has grown into the bestselling speakerphone brand in Europe with a 70% market share, continuing to expand its international presence in more than 35 countries. For further information, please visit: www.SuperTooth.net.
If you’re looking to enter the next chapter of Motorolo’s Android book, then tomorrow you can pre-order your Android RAZR, the thin, sleek, and speedy Droid from the soon-to-be Google hardware division. The RAZR is a mere 7.1 mm thin but has a large 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display. Don’t forget about that LTE inside for fast Internet surfing in America’s largest next-generation network. The RAZR will set you back $300 with a two year commitment.
Customers can pre-order the DROID RAZR™ starting tomorrow at 8 a.m. EST for $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement and data plan at www.droiddoes.com/DroidRazr.
The DROID RAZR not only shreds through the Web at blazing 4G LTE speeds, it does it in style with a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED™ Advanced display and measuring 7.1 mm thin. DROID RAZR is also packed with brains and security giving customers apps like MotoCast™ and features like remote wipe, pin lock and government-grade encryption for email, calendar and contacts.
DROID RAZR customers can take advantage of the Super AMOLED Advanced display and 4G LTE speeds to stream videos with NFL Mobile, only from Verizon. Fans can stay up to date on news, schedules and scores from their favorite teams. NFL Mobile is included at no additional charge for 4G LTE customers for the remainder of the 2011 season. DROID RAZR customers will have access to Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network that now covers more than 186 million Americans coast to coast with additional markets planned before year end.
Customers may also pre-order in stores or by calling 1 800 2 JOIN IN. Pre-orders of the DROID RAZR will ship no later than Nov. 10.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
If you’re needing a good work out and you want to record it all while maintaining your optimal heart beat range, then Chip Hawkins has a deal for you. His company, Wahoo Fitness has just released a nifty little app that works with Wahoo key, an ANT+ dock connector, that is compatible with hundreds of ANT+ monitors found commonly around gyms of America. Wahoo Run/Gym Pack comes with its own heart monitor in case you do not have one to fit around your chest. You can pick up the kit from Best Buy today for $129.
Atlanta, GA – October 25, 2011 – Wahoo Fitness, the leader in smartphone fitness technology, announces the Wahoo Run/Gym Pack for iPhone, iPod, and iPad, with nationwide availability at Best Buy stores. Wahoo’s Run/Gym Pack uses ANT+ technology to combine your GPS, heart rate, music, phone, and more into one powerful all-in-one training partner. By connecting your iPhone or iPod Touch to heart rate monitors, foot pods and other fitness sensors, Wahoo provides iPhone users easy access to a plethora of health and fitness information, eliminating the need to purchase a designated fitness device. The Run/Gym Pack is available today for $129.99 at Best Buy stores.
Wahoo Fitness’ Run/Gym Pack wirelessly connects to any ANT+ fitness measuring device, including heart monitors and foot pods, transforming your iPhone into a complete fitness partner supplying heart rate, pace, distance, location, calories, your favorite playlist and more, all in real-time. “By harnessing the power of the smartphone we’ve bridged the gap between expensive exercise devices and the everyday athlete,” says Chip Hawkins, CEO of Wahoo Fitness. “You no longer have to purchase a designated fitness watch. You’re already carrying your iPhone or iPod Touch with you for music and safety; might as well have it track your workout too.”
The Wahoo Run/Gym Pack includes a Wahoo Soft Heart Rate Strap and Wahoo Key, which plugs into the 30-pin connector and instantly links your iPhone to most popular heart rate monitors and other ANT+ sensors. With superior computing power, your iPhone becomes the most powerful exercise computer on the market, compatible with over 100 of the top fitness applications available in the App Store such as Runkeeper, MapMyRun+, RunMeter, Runtastic, Jog Log, and Wahoo Fitness’ own App. The choice of Apps allows users to receive, monitor, upload, and record all their workout information in the format of their choice. With your workout data in the palm of your hand, it’s easy to upload to your favorite training platform or share with friends through Facebook and Twitter, without ever plugging in. Wahoo Fitness Run/Gym Pack features include: • ANT+ radio transceiver with 30 pin connector supports all current and future ANT+ sensors, allowing you to track heart rate, time, calories, pace, distance, course, and more all on your iPhone • Compatible with 100+ of the most popular fitness apps, including the free Wahoo Fitness App • Includes Wahoo Key and Wahoo Soft Heart Rate Strap • Optional Wahoo Armband provides comfortable protection for your iPhone with full touch screen access • Compatible with iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, and 4S as well as iPod Touch and iPad models The Run/Gym Pack is available now for $129.99 at Best Buy stores nationwide. To request additional information on Wahoo Fitness please contact PR Representative Brad Hobbs at (305) 576-1171 x119 or by email at bradhobbs@maxborgesagency.com. For more information on Wahoo Fitness, please visit www.WahooFitness.com
About Wahoo Fitness: Located in Atlanta, GA., Wahoo Fitness connects smartphones to your favorite fitness activities – running, biking, and gym going- through the use of its ANT+ connectors for iPhones. Wahoo Fitness’ award winning products include its Wahoo Run/Gym Pack, which adds heart rate training to your iPhone, and its Wahoo Bike Case, which simultaneously protects your phone and connects it to the sensors on your bike. For more information on Wahoo Fitness, please visit www.wahoofitness.com.
It didn’t take long for someone to put Siri into A Space Odyssey 2001 and remind us of how Siri is much like HAL. Now ThinkGeek brings Iris, Siri backwards, 9000 cradle for your iPhone 4S to allow for you to control your iPhone via a single button remote. The expensive cradle of $60 packs a mic and speaker into the box along with the infamous red glowing “eye” to remind you that HAL, I mean, Iris is listening.
ThinkGeek is announcing today that it will release an accessory for the iPhone 4S that works with Siri, named Iris 9000. The Iris 9000 is a voice control module for iPhone 4S & Siri that allows for you to control Siri from across the room.
Simply place your iPhone into the Iris 9000 cradle and use the included micro remote to trigger Siri from up to 50 feet away. Just tap the Iris 9000 remote button once, listen for the Siri chime and speak your command or question. The built in mic on the Iris 9000 picks up your voice from across the room and the embedded speaker amplifies Siri’s spoken responses.
You can also make and receive calls using the Iris 900 like a standard speakerphone. Oh, and the Iris 9000′s glowing eye flickers along with Siri’s voice!
The Iris 9000 will be available in Spring 2012 for $59.99 and ThinkGeek has begun taking email requests today, which will alert those who sign up the moment the product is available for shipping.
Below are some more specs on the Iris 9000. However, if you’d like more info or would like to chat about the product, contact me [Jessica Darrican / 305-576-1171 x.116 / Jessica@maxborgesagency.com].