Archive for the 'Cellular' Category
I’m always a sucker for converting my iPhone into a desktop phone but usually am quickly disappointed when I see most of the offerings. Generally quality is the reason or there the lack of it. invovxia seems to have taken quality to the next level when it comes to the speakerphone filling its iPhone desktop unit with “8 wide-bandwidth speakers and 8 digital microphones”. This allows the NVX 610 to present those in a room while in conference mode a natural sound to the caller on the other end. Those listening to the call will also benefit from the amount of speakers placed inside the stylish silver Euro-looking box. For more traditionalists, you can always pick up the handset to have your conversation. Every other feature, outside of volume control, is driven by a free iPhone app.
Press Release
135 years after the telephone was invented, invoxia is finally revolutionizing the desktop phone. By selecting IOS devices to serve as interfaces, invoxia has reconciled the world’s smartest mobile solution and the requirements of sedentary business. Ease of use, revolutionary ergonomics, sleek design, amazing acoustics, dramatic sound spatialization and disruptive technologies are all hallmarks of this wholly new tool, marking the advent of sensory telephony. With this, invoxia is determined to set a new global benchmark for the office desktop phone.
invoxia has decided to turn the world of business telephony on its head and create an aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly object more consistent with the world we live in.
Says Serge Renouard, invoxia co-founder: “Eric Carreel and I made the observation that business telephony had never really moved forwards. Existing devices are highly complex and, surprisingly, unable to provide levels of service comparable to what consumer mobile handsets – such as the iPhone – can offer. With Invoxia, we are seeking to create a device featuring the best technology in order to achieve unparalleled efficiency and quality”.
The invoxia NVX 610 uses iOS devices as the control interface, it then benefits from their revolutionary ergonomics to simplify business telephony. With its ultra-innovative acoustic design, it offers unparalleled sound quality in both handsfree mode and personal communications (using the handset).
The invoxia phone features 8 wide-bandwidth speakers and 8 digital microphones. When used in “conference” mode, it will have the capacity to perform virtual placement of remote speakers in the room, as well as automatic local speaker localization to create the feel of a physical conversation. Users benefit from the full potential of In Vivo Acoustic technology, with its echo and background noise cancellation systems.
While regular office phones come with hundreds of keys and features that no one understands, invoxia features only the essential: a control to pick up incoming calls in speaker mode and adjust the volume, and a mere two touch-sensitive “mute” and voicemail keys. With the iPhone as an interface and free application available from Apple’s App Store, using the invoxia could hardly be more intuitive.
The invoxia unifies your mobile and professional contacts in the same directory, and lets you pick up calls to your mobile directly from its high-quality handset. The phone seamlessly handles incoming calls on both the mobile and landline.
Its exclusive design makes it uniquely well suited to modern office environments. For added fun, invoxia comes with a set of 3 smart holders (magnetic handset holders) that can be changed to suit your mood or style.
The product is available from www.invoxia.com priced at 417.22 € excl. VAT ($599 excl. VAT). invoxia is made for iPod touch (3rd & 4th generation), iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2 and iPad.
SvenOnTech has always said that Navigon has the best looking interface of all the vast GPS offerings out there for smartphones. Today, on the heals of Navigon’s new parent, Gramin, announcing the 99 cent OnDemand app, Navigon revealed big changes for its next release. Most significantly in those changes will be a change to the interface or the navigation of the app (pun intended) with, “A more intuitive user interface,” according to Gerhard Mayr, NAVIGON vice-president of worldwide mobile phones and new markets. Other improvements including the ability to download maps you select to conserve on memory usage, Zagat for Android users, and “Real-time driving data, allowing enthusiasts to monitor driving behaviors.”
Navigon also announced support for Windows Phone 7 which will bring it to a total of three smartphones by the end of the year.
All current users will received this update free of charge.
Press Release
NAVIGON AG, a leading provider of mobile phone on-board navigation, today announced the second generation of its award-winning navigation apps for Android devices and the iPhone will be available this fall. The new versions redefine core elements of smartphone navigation, including an industry first approach to map management and updates, an even more effortless and intuitive user interface, and new features not found in any other navigation app. Current Android and iPhone users are eligible for free upgrades to the new versions. In addition, NAVIGON is making its successful navigation app available for Windows Phone 7 later this year.
“Over the last two years, we’ve continuously added new features to our navigation apps, transforming them into the most feature-rich smartphone GPS apps available,” said Gerhard Mayr, NAVIGON vice-president of worldwide mobile phones and new markets. “For our new generation of apps, we went back to the drawing board to see how we could elevate smartphone navigation to the next level. Feedback from our users suggests that a better way to manage and update maps and a more intuitive user interface are top priorities.”
Next Generation Android and iPhone Navigation Apps
NAVIGON’s navigation apps for Android devices and the iPhone include the following new features:
- New Map Management and Update Capabilities
NAVIGON’s new MyMaps function allows users to pick which map regions to download to their device*. Users who, for example, own the USA version can select the states they want immediately and download additional regions at a later time. This ability prolongs memory; since users store only the maps they need on their device. In addition, NAVIGON FreshMaps offers quarterly map updates. The new map updating service uses trusted, field-verified, and quality-controlled map and points of interest updates from NAVTEQ to ensure the most accurate maps possible. Users can keep their maps accurate and reliable by receiving quarterly map updates for a one-time fee for the lifetime of the product.
- Simplified User Interface
Navigation has become more complex over the past several years, so NAVIGON redesigned its user interface to provide a better overview and making it easier to use. Each application is customized for its operating system to provide the best possible experience on each platform. The next generation of NAVIGON’s iPhone app, for example, allows users to easily switch between different pages with animated menus and new multi-touch user gestures. In addition, it’s easy to rotate and zoom maps in any direction when in 3D mode and tap points of interest on the map to instantly add them to a route.
- Additional Features
NAVIGON’s next generation of apps also includes new features not found in other navigation apps. The new Android app, for example, features Zagat’s ratings and reviews as an in-app purchase and a cockpit function that displays real-time driving data, allowing enthusiasts to monitor driving behaviors.
Windows Phone 7 App Coming Soon
NAVIGON’s premium navigation app soon will be available for Windows Phone 7 users. The app includes many signature features that have made NAVIGON’s apps successful on Android devices and the iPhone, including on-board maps, spoken turn-by-turn directions, visual lane guidance, live traffic information and rerouting, among many other features. NAVIGON’s new app runs on Windows Phone 7.5 and also takes advantage of new features made available to developers with this new release. These features include the augmented reality function Reality Scanner, which provides an instant and effortless way of identifying nearby destinations while on foot; an option to select address information directly from the phone’s contact list; and the ability to save a favorite or home address as a shortcut on the start screen.
*Downloading map regions requires a WIFI connection.
This almost reminds me of Ghostbusters and its difficult to believe “toys” they carried to capture ghosts. Well, it’s true, like Ghostbusters, this unbelievable device does what it claims, it detects radiation.
Now don’t think it’s a toy because it certainly isn’t priced as one at $329.99. The detector which plugs into the iPod or iPhones Dock Connector works with the free app to calculate an amount of radiation above 60keV accurate to within 5%, plus or minus. An easy to read gauge on the app identifies bad things are a mist in the red with it’s all cool in the green.
If the price puts you off, know this. Devices this size cost much more from the competition and $10 of your purchase will go to those aiding those that were affected by the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami up to $1 million.
Press Release
Scosche Industries, award-winning innovator of consumer technology, is excited to announce the RDTX-PRO radiation detector and app for iPhone and iPod touch. The radiation detector requires no calibration and allows users to accurately detect gamma radiation above 60keV within +/- 5% accuracy. The device attaches to an iPhone or iPod touch via the dock connection and is extremely compact for ease of use. It can also be used as a radiation alarm independently from the iOS device. When being used as a standalone alarm the RDTX-PRO runs on one AA battery and provides up to 96 hour of radiation detection.
“I was extremely impressed with the accuracy and performance of the RDTX-PRO from Scosche,” said Julius James, Radiation Specialist of Fluke Global Calibration Laboratories. “The detector is as accurate as units that cost significantly more and is much smaller in size.”
After connecting the Scosche RDTX-PRO with an iPhone or iPod touch users are prompted to download the free accompanying radTEST app. The app offers a consumer friendly meter display that shows radiation levels as safe (green), elevated (yellow) or dangerous (red). For the advanced user the digital display mode can be used to determine exact radiation levels. Users can also share their results using Facebook, Twitter and Google Maps.
The Scosche RDTX-PRO retail for $329.99 and will be available in September from Synexx in Tokyo Japan. $10 of each unit sold will be donated to a group of charities with a goal of reaching 1 million dollars within two years. The charities include the Bikki Children’s Fund, Samaritan’s Purse, All Hands Volunteers, and others committed to aiding those that were affected by the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami.
When my last child was born, Wi-Fi baby monitors had just come onto the scene but were flawed and expensive so I ignored them. In the years since my baby girl has grown into a sweet little cutey pie, baby monitors continue to advance. Now, instead of just doing Wi-Fi for a trick, we have monitors that can connect to our smartphones via a free app download.iZON goes a step further with allowing any iOS device to view the video from the monitor which can be mounted on the ceiling or placed on any flat surface. iZON will even record to a protected YouTube account for you to view if you are unavailable for immediate viewing or for later review.
While the device is $130 and is a bit on the high side of pricing, to have the ability to view on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad and then to have a recording sent to YouTube, this may be a great gadget added to any parents wish list offering some peace of mind when not in the same room of their loved one.
Press Release
Stem Innovation, LLC today announced the iZON Remote Room Monitor, an app-controlled video camera that enables live streaming of audio and video to an Apple iOS device, anywhere in the world. iZON easily joins most wireless networks to provide secure remote monitoring via the free Stem:Connect App for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad.
iZON can watch and listen for you, alert you when there is motion or noise and even record to a free, private YouTube account — automatically.
iZON is incredibly easy to setup and use. iZON can be placed on any horizontal surface or mounted to a ceiling. It tilts and swivels easily on its unique magnetic base. Download the free Stem:Connect App, then simply plug iZON in and set it up on your local wireless network. A few simple steps help you to create a secure user account and begin streaming live audio and video. iZON is peace of mind, connecting you to the
most important people, places and things in your life.
“iZON gives our customers an engaging way to stay connected,” says Gary Bart, President and CEO of Stem Innovation. “The combination of its incredible ease of use, automated features and affordable pricing is a game-changer.”
iZON is available today at www.steminnovation.com and in select Best Buy locations. iZON will be available soon at Apple retail stores across the U.S. and Canada. iZON will be arriving at all Target retail locations in early October. The suggested retail price is $129.95.
Any self-employed laborer, lawyer, business person, or any anyone else that must track their time on the job is always looking for simple, fast, and effective in tracking their time. OfficeTime, well received for its Mac and PC software, has now shrunk its screen but certainly not its powerful tracking tool into an iPhone and iPad application. User rejoice, tracking just got simple, fast, and effective.
Press Release
OfficeTime is today unveiling the iPhone and iPad versions of its highly successful time and expense tracking app which has developed a loyal following among PC and Mac users. To celebrate the launch, the company is giving away a free iPad 2.
OfficeTime has been designed to balance features and ease-of-use, allowing users to easily track exactly what they do each day and how much they spend. Ideal for anyone who bills by the hour, OfficeTime makes recording and tracking time and expenses simple with a clean, elegant interface.
The new versions for iPhone and iPad focus on ease-of-use, recognizing that if time tracking is simple to do, users will be more likely to take the time to do it. OfficeTime takes great care to minimize how many finger taps it takes to do something. For example, it can preselect the most common task for a project, allow one tap entry of common notes, and let users edit anything they can see, even in a report, with a tap.
“The greatest advantage of OfficeTime is that by being simple to use, people catch more billable hours and it pays for itself in the first day of use,” said Stephen Dodd, president of OfficeTime. “We’re so confident in OfficeTime’s value to our customers that we’re willing to extend to them a full money back guarantee, even for the iPhone/iPad version, if they don’t experience increased productivity through accurate time tracking.”
The iOS version of OfficeTime includes most of the features available in the desktop versions, including:
· One-touch Reports – with a simple tap, users get instant access to information on time and expenses for each project, and compare the activities of the current month to previous ones.
· Tools for freelancers and contract employees – freelancers can quickly track their billable hours and spot-check to see how they stack-up against a fixed cost estimate and employees can easily track and report their productivity.
· Team Reporting – Employees’ recorded time and expenses can be synced from their iPhones or iPads to their Macs or PCs and combined with the entire team’s data to produce cross-team reports on who did what and which projects are under or over budget.
· Wireless Sync – Time and expenses can be entered in the desktop or mobile version, and OfficeTime will automatically synchronize the data.
· Export to Excel or Numbers – Any report, any screen can be easily exported by e-mail
OfficeTime’s loyal following was built on its simple-to-use interface and rich, visual reporting at the touch of a button. The app makes it easy to pause, resume and track multiple projects simultaneously along with recording expenses and detailed notes.
As part of the OfficeTime launch celebration, the company will give away an iPad 2. Anyone who blogs about OfficeTime, retweets the news of OfficeTime’s iOS version, follows @OfficeTime on Twitter, or likes OfficeTime on Facebook will be entered for a chance to win.
OfficeTime for iPhone and iPad will retail in the App Store for US$7.99, while the PC and Mac versions can be purchased at OfficeTime.net for US$47. Unlike web-based time-tracking applications, OfficeTime does not require a monthly subscription fee.
Look closely at this image of the Oxygen Audio O CAR head unit. See the screen? Anything odd about it? Look closer. See the “slit” on the left side? It’s an earpiece as in where you listen to your phone calls on your iPhone. Yup, that screen is nothing more than docked iPhone! Pretty sweet, huh?
Oxygen showed this off earlier this year at CES and now is finally making it so you can install it into your own car. For $300, you get a Bluetooth equipped stereo that is fully controlled by your docked iPhone stuffed into a Single DIN slot. Radio tuning, volume adjustment, and iTunes browsing is all centralized right on your iPhones screen. Use any of the iPhone GPS applications while docked. You can pull out the dock and place the phone into portrait mode and the O CAR application automatically adjusts.
Oxygen has been business for about 15 years and is well known in France from which it breathes. With innovative products like the O CAR, I can see Oxygen making a name for itself here in the States.
Press Release
Like the idea of listening to your iPhone® in your car, but looking for something better than a Bluetooth™ adapter, FM transmitter or audio AUX cable? Look no further than the O CAR – a radio deck by Oxygen Audio that turns your iPhone itself into your car stereo. Originally introduced at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show, the O CAR allows you to control standard car stereo functions like volume and tuning, as well as browse and play your iTunes® library and internet radio station apps. Additionally, the O CAR lets you view and interface GPS navigation, maps and just about any other communication or navigation feature your iPhone has. Even better, the O CAR also offers hands-free calling and battery charging while on the go.
As of late July, the Oxygen Audio O CAR will be available at car audio specialty stores and retailers in the US. MSRP is $299.95.
Using the O CAR is as simple as using the iPhone itself. Simply click your device into the O CAR dock/charger and adjust the cradle for landscape or portrait use. At this point, your device becomes the faceplace of your car stereo and is ready for use. A self-launching app allows you to tune-in radio stations or control your stereo volume via the iPhone screen, and you can easily access all tracks, playlists, and apps with a touch of the screen.
The O CAR features a built-in RDS-enabled AM/FM tuner, Bluetooth connectivity and a 4-channel, 55-watt amp that links to a vehicle’s factory or aftermarket speakers for outstanding sound quality and bass response.
The Oxygen Audio O CAR is imported and distributed exclusively by AAMP of America in the USA. For more information, please visit http://www.ocarusa.com.
In-stat finds in a recent study that the vast majority of the United States will own a smartphone and/or a tablet in just a few years. With the insane growth of both Android and iOS, these figures are not surprising at the least. In fact, with the App Store and the Android Market Place and their plethora of applications that are preached about on TV shows, office watering holes, and even shown off at the kids soccer games, more and more of those stuck with a dumb phones are kindled to move up.
Take a read of the findings…
In-Stat Release
Video entertainment in the US now allows consumers to access more content, on more devices, and in more places, than ever before. In-Stat (www.in-stat.com) forecasts that within five years, over 200 million people in the US will own a smartphone and/or a tablet PC. This market trend will have a huge impact on how video entertainment is acquired and consumed.
“To track the use of mobile devices for entertainment purposes, In-Stat has introduced a unique research service called the US Multiscreen Video Database,” says Keith Nissen, Research Director. “The US Multiscreen Video Database quantifies consumption and interaction with video entertainment on mobile devices both outside and inside the home. This new research complements that of the US Digital Entertainment Database, which tracks the rapidly evolving online/pay-TV video market.”
The US Multiscreen Video Database is updated quarterly in Excel format and it quantifies:
Mobile device shipments
Mobile broadband subscriptions
Mobile video content and sources
Frequency of use
Primary devices being used
Location of use
Multiscreen forecasts including the adoption of social TV, device-to-device interworking, paid mobile apps/services, and advanced multiscreen network features
In addition, the US Multiscreen Video Database(#IN1105139MSV) is an invaluable trusted resource for market statistics and analysis. Quarterly updates track key metrics and five-year forecasts indicating that by 2015:
86% of smartphone/tablet users will view video on their mobile devices.
Nearly 60% of smartphone/tablet owners will also be viewing OTT video at home.
There will be nearly two smartphone/tablet owners per OTT household.
The average Apple household will have four Apple devices.
The average Google Android household will have over two Android devices.
I have been looking for years for that perfect workout companion for my iPhone and have never really found such the thing. That may have changed with the Scosche myTREK. The myTREK, with the free iPhone app, tracks your works outs, heart beats, miles ran, pace, goals, and yes, it plays your music. Scosche also decided we didn’t need a large bulky chest band and put all its tracking hardware into a wrist band instead that relies on Bluetooth to talk to your iPhone or iPod touch during your work out. And, if you’re an insane person and like to push your body, you get five hours of charge time on the myTREK. A common USB port is all you need to rejuice your myTREK.
Yup, I’m on a trek to find a myTREK.
Press Release
Scosche Industries, award-winning innovator of consumer technology, is excited to announce the availability of the highly anticipated Scosche myTREK pulse monitor and app for iPhone and iPod touch. The Scosche myTREK, an International CES Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree, allows users track their pulse, calories burned, distance, speed, pace, store past workouts and much more.
“At 24 Hour Fitness, we know that fitness tools can be very useful in helping people achieve their goals; whether it’s to lose weight, run a faster marathon or to get healthier,” said Bill Quinn, senior vice president of merchandising, 24 Hour Fitness. “We are excited to be a Scosche launch partner for the new myTREK pulse monitor and offer our members another option to support them with their fitness journey.”
“Scosche has long been the most popular consumer electronics brand sold in 24 Hour Fitness gyms and on their website,” said Kas Alves, Executive Vice President of Scosche Industries. “We were thrilled when they agreed to carry the myTREK pulse monitor in 286 24 Hour Fitness locations across the country.”
After pairing the Scosche myTREK with an iPhone or iPod touch users are prompted to download the free accompanying app. Once the app is downloaded the myTREK is ready to go and users can begin tracking their pulse.
The myTREK utilizes two LEDs combined with a photo sensor to detect minute changes in the user’s blood pressure to accurately measure pulse. A built-in accelerometer allows the myTREK to adjust for movement during exercise from the user’s heartbeat allowing for an extremely accurate measurement of pulse and calories burned.
Users can personalize their workouts by selecting their type of activity, target training zone and type of workout. A male or female voice prompt updates the user’s progress in real time letting them know how close they are to accomplishing their goals or if they have moved outside their desired target heart rate zone.
Work out data is then stored on the device and can be viewed in the app’s calendar to see what days the user worked out and what was accomplished during each individual workout.
The myTREK’s comfortable arm-strap design fits over the muscular portion of the user’s forearm and provides convenient track and volume control. A lithium ion battery provides 5 hours of continuous workout time before the myTREK needs to be charged with the included USB cable. The myTREK ships with small, medium and large sized armbands to ensure the perfect fit.
The Scosche myTREK is available now at Apple retails stores, 24hourfitness.com, 24-Hour Fitness gyms and Scosche.com for $129.99 and is coming to Target, Apple.com and Verizon Wireless stores soon.
Being behind the GSM folks is no fun, especially if some prime features are not making it to your phone. Couple that with the fact that CDMA can not perform simultaneous voice and data tasks like the GSM 3G iPhones do and now you even more separation. Also certain features, such as disabling Caller ID and Three-way Calling are not supported by CDMA iPhones.
While I despise AT&T and it’s horrible signal, dropped calls, slow data rates, and other issues, at least I have the most current iOS, full-feature set, and when not in an EDGE network – Hey Ha Bell, others are working on “4G” and you still don’t have a full 3G network! – I can chat while checking email or surf the web. These are all important to me and are enough to weigh the scales into the Death Stars favor, just by a tad, for me to carry on another year with it before going to Verizon.
Lastly, even leaving the Evil GSM carrier a year early with its termination fee would be cheaper than purchasing a new LTE iPhone with Verizon since it does not subsidize the iPhone year after year like AT&T.
I guess what it comes down to is over all, Verizon is inferior. Ouch, I don’t like saying that, but it’s the truth as it stands today. However, if Apple surprises us with the next generation iPhone supporting LTE, then heck, it’s good-bye AT&T.
T-Mobile wants to be bought out bad. Tom Sugrue, T-Mobile Senior Vice President of Government Affairs (a title for everything, huh?), is desperate and he proves it with his press release below. Instead of acknowledging critics issue of less competition and how this will hurt the consumer, Sugrue simply deflects the issue and mentions another one. While Sugrue would like us all to believe there is a crisis that a merger with AT&T would “fix”, he completely misses the point. Granted, spectrum is tight; however, the FCC is handling this with recent sales in which all the carriers and even Google have put bids in for.
Mr. Sugrue, spectrum is not the issue here, competition is. With the Death Star absorbing you, Vader will be larger than before and AT&T will continue to raise prices while forgetting to improve service. Simply look at its last earnings call where it complained about the cost of bandwidth and how it slyly stated it would put in the same dollar amount in the next year for network upgrades. This ignores AT&Ts increased gains and thus decreases the percentage from 11% in the previous year to nearly a 5% investment this year. This means AT&T will spend HALF on its network than before. I guess this also means AT&T isn’t too concerned about the spectrum, either, Sugrue.
Press Release
BELLEVUE, Wash – (BUSINESS WIRE) – Today, Tom Sugrue, T-Mobile Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, issued the following statement:
“The opponents of the AT&T-T-Mobile merger have had their final say as part of the FCC’s formal pleading cycle and, not surprisingly, they have failed to offer any credible arguments to support their view that the Commission should deny the transaction. What is surprising, however, is their repeated head-in-the-sand insistence that no spectrum crisis exists. As part of their application, AT&T and T-Mobile provided a compelling showing of their need for more spectrum to continue to provide quality service to customers and roll out new technologies in the future. And the two companies have demonstrated that a combination of their networks and spectrum holdings is by far the best way to solve this problem and ensure improved service and enhanced innovation. The FCC has long acknowledged the harmful consequences of ignoring the spectrum crunch, and we are confident it will approve our proposed market-based solution.”