Adesso Inc., a leading manufacturer of computer input peripherals, today announced the release of its latest addition to its extensive line of keyboards, the WKB-3100, a wireless, mini keyboard with integrated optical trackball. This compact keyboard offers the freedom of wireless computing in a wide array of environments, and is available for $79.99 at www.adesso.com.
The WKB-3100 lets users work freely, without any space, angles or distance constraints. The enclosed optical trackball delivers distinct precision and smooth motion, requiring virtually no maintenance or cleaning. The compact size of this keyboard allows for ease of use in tight spaces, including living rooms, kiosk stations, conference rooms and workgroup project environments.
The innovative keyboard is compatible with modern PC systems, flat LCD monitors and tablet PCs in various office environments. The small, compact size also allows users to work remotely, fitting snugly in any briefcase or backpack.
The WKB-3100 features the following:
Limitless connectivity angle with a wide range
6500 IDs on 12 channels, offering 30 feet of wireless freedom
Optical trackball technology that provides precision and control
Measures less than 12 inches in size
Adesso’s various product lines are available through Ingram Micro, Synnex and D&H direct vendors, eRetailers, including AMAZON, Buy.com, PC Mall, CDW, Insight, Newegg and TigerDirect. In addition, they are also available at retail stores, such as Micro Center and CompUSA, and leading catalogs, including CDW, PC Mall and PC Connection.
Schlangen claimed that the soft silicone tips were comfortable enough for him that he could wear it, “all day and forget they are in my ears”. I was sure to warn him that would be the first thing I tested once SvenOnTech receives its pair for review. 
With a talk time of 7 hours and nearly 8 days of stand-by, I’ll get a good opportunity to test the comfort of these sweet looking headsets.
Schlangen also pointed out the 906s unique Dual-Mic AudioIQ technology borrowed from its new parent, Plantronics. This technology allows the BackBeat to “accurately isolate voice signals: one microphone captures voice as the second microphone identifies background noise and removes it.” Schlangen said this makes the caller sound as if they are in front of you.
Promises, promises, we know, but Altec has a good track record. We’ll be sure to let you know when what we think once we get our ears on them…all day. 
The NetVanta 3305 router equipped with the NetVanta 3G NIM is ideal for a number of applications including use as a reliable network failover/backup option for large businesses or as a primary connection for smaller businesses. Used in a backup configuration, network traffic can be diverted to the 3G wireless connection in the event of a primary circuit failure, guaranteeing network connectivity. The NetVanta 3G NIM in the NetVanta 3305 router can also be used as a primary connection in applications requiring broadband speeds, rapid deployment or where wireline connections are not readily available.
“The ability to use the NetVanta 3G NIM for wireless service in conjunction with our Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) has been a great asset to our bank,” said Jeremy Carrigan, network administrator, Citizens National Bank. “The 3G NIM allowed us to service a highly congested tourist area that could not otherwise be accessed via wireline service and it performed flawlessly.”
“We’re delighted to be strengthening our relationship with ADTRAN,” said Michael Schaefer, executive director-mobility solutions, Verizon. “The NetVanta 3G NIM’s introduction will give existing NetVanta 3305 customers the ability to quickly and easily add 3G services with the simple addition of a NIM.”
“The addition of 3G wireless capability to our NetVanta 3305 routers really adds to our options for backing up a failed circuit, in addition to being an attractive primary access selection for applications such as ATMs, lotteries, and kiosks, ” said Tim Saunders, vice president of Product Management, ADTRAN Enterprise Networks Division. “Now, both enterprise and Small and Medium Business (SMB) customers will benefit from the many advantages NetVanta products offer ranging from cost savings and reliability, to ease of use and support.”
The NetVanta 3G NIM is designed for use with a wide range of NetVanta platforms and is currently certified for use in the NetVanta 3305 with Verizon Wireless in conjunction with its BroadbandAccess Wireless Router service. The NetVanta 3G NIM carries a list price of $795 while the NetVanta 3305 has a list price of $1,295 both products are currently shipping. Verizon Wireless service plans are available through Verizon Wireless.
Verizon Wireless announced that the USB760™ Micro Modem is available in business sales channels beginning today. Developed by Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, the USB760 gives customers a powerful, pocket-sized wireless broadband modem that runs on Verizon Wireless’ high-speed network, which uses Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revision A (Rev. A) technology. The USB760 will be available for order in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on Dec. 1.
Customers can use the included VZAccess Manager™ software on the USB760 for easy connection management and automatic installation on Windows® and Mac systems without the need to install software from a CD. Measuring just more than two inches long and weighing less than an ounce, the USB760 is designed to be extremely durable, and combines a variety of innovative features into its tiny package, including an integrated microSD™ slot, allowing for the seamless storage and transport of up to 8 GB of files, photos or videos on a removable SD storage card (sold separately). Designed to work with any laptop, tablet PC or desktop running Windows, Mac or Linux operating systems and equipped with a Type-A USB port, the USB760 features an internal advanced dual-band diversity antenna, as well as an optional external antenna for enhanced performance on the fringe areas of networks and in highly mobile environments. NovaSpeed™ software helps optimize performance and enables simultaneous uploads and downloads at significantly enhanced speeds.
The USB760 from Verizon Wireless gives customers access to the company’s BroadbandAccess service, which provides fast access to e-mail, corporate data, the Internet and more. With average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps, BroadbandAccess from Verizon Wireless allows customers to download a 1 Megabyte e-mail attachment – the equivalent of a small PowerPoint® presentation or a large PDF file – in about eight seconds and upload the same-sized file in less than 13 seconds.
The USB760 is available for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, they may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. Customers can select from one- or two-year BroadbandAccess plans that offer 50 MB data usage for $39.99 monthly access or 5 GB data usage for $59.99 monthly access.
For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Business customers may contact their Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representatives directly at 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.
III, a wireless Router for Macintosh computers. This Router establishes a
mobile internet connection through a mobile network operator and uses WLAN
and Ethernet to distribute this connection to the network.
Within mobile networks GlobeSurfer III supports download speeds with up to
7.2 Mbit/s and upload speeds with up to 5.7 Mbit/s. It can be used worlwide.
“The Router uses a webinterface for configuration and offers a setup wizard
for an easy start.”, states Jan Fuellemann, PR spokesperson at nova media.
“GlobeSurfer III supports all relevant encryptions and features a
preconfigured firewall. An expert mode allows a user-defined configuration.”
The built-in USB 2.0 port supports external drives and printers to be
connected to the router and accessed by all computers in the local network.
In addition, a standard telephone can be hooked up to the router to make and
receive calls using the mobile network. To boost the signal strenght in
areas with difficult reception, an external antenna can be attached.
Within a local network GlobeSurfer III supports WLAN connections with up to
54 Mbit/s and Ethernet connections with up to 1000 Mbit/s.
GlobeSurfer III is available today from nova media for Euro 285.00 plus VAT
if applicable and shipping costs. It requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher.
So you’re in market for a new dock for that new iPod you just nabbed, aye? You’re kinda tired of the plain white one from Apple and all those other ones out there really don’t capture you. I mean, you’re sporty and elegant, right? So what could possible match that? Mmm, maybe the Art.Suono wireless iPod dock from David Wiener Collection (DWC). Crafted with machined aluminum and carbon fiber, DWC tells SvenOnTech that it will, “Stand out as a piece of audio jewelry wherever it’s placed.” Designed with the Ferrari feel down to including a start engine button, DWC spared no cost to bringing the most fancy dock to the iPod it could.
“The Art.Suono is designed for individuals looking for beauty, performance and exclusivity,” said DWV founder David Wiener. “It embodies our passion for extraordinary design, our obsession with technological excellence, and our belief that these qualities can be combined to create audio instruments that deliver a new experience in music listening.”
The Art.Suono isn’t all about looks. It’s about sound as well. Using technology originally engineered for recording studios and used for recordings by such artists as Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor and Paul McCartney, “The DWC-APHEX circuitry makes recorded music more “alive” by restoring the harmonics lost in compressed music files and by providing an incredible sense of spaciousness and clarity so each instrument and voice is clear and distinct.”
If this sounds like a worthy investment to add to your stereo system, the Art.Suono will be available next month for $1,499 from authorized resellers worldwide.
Berlin based nova media today unveiled iCON 401, a wireless USB modem for Macintosh computers with memory stick functionality. The iCON 401 supports most kinds of mobile connection speeds and can be used worldwide.
“iCON 401 features a microSD card slot and thus can be used as a memory stick with flexible size.” states Jan Fuellemann, PR spokesperson at nova media. “The antenna is built into the swivel and the swivel’s design also serves as the USB adapter protection ‘cap’. To rule out signal lost due to interference in high bands, the iCON 401 supports diversity reception. A connector for external antennas is built in as well. For future compatibility, the elegant modem is already configured to support high upload speeds with up to 5.76 Mbps.”
The iCON 401 includes the internet connect wizard launch2net which offers a one-click connection to the Internet without the need to enter cryptic configuration details. launch2net already includes connection settings for most mobile network providers worldwide and displays time and data consumption of mobile online sessions.
The USB modem is winner of the red dot product design award 2008 and weighing just around 40g.
The iCON 401 is available today from nova media for Euro 199,- plus VAT if applicable and requires Mac OS X 10.4.3 or higher.
For the millions of Americans that send MMS greetings everyday, the future has arrived. Today, Alltel Wireless, America’s largest network, announced the introduction of Alltel Avatars, a 3D animated MMS greeting service that allows users to choose from an extensive library of pre-produced greetings or allows them to use templates to create their own greeting using 3D avatars, photos, voice and more.
Alltel Avatars is powered by Vidiator, a leading 3G mobile multimedia platform provider and its Xend(tm) 3D hosted platform.
Greetings are available starting at only 99 cents, with hundreds of cards to choose from at launch. The service also provides users with the ability to add emoticons, personal audio tracks, and personal digital signatures to their messages. In addition, users can create an animated image from their photos, combine it with their typed or audio message and send to mobile devices or e-mail.
“Taking messaging beyond simple text, the introduction of 3D avatars represents the next evolution of wireless communications,” said Craig Kirkland, vice president of messaging and voice services for Alltel Wireless. “The vast level of personalization offered to our customers via Alltel Avatars provides them with a new vehicle to express their emotions, style and personality.”
Unique avatar-based content that Alltel is launching includes branded greeting card content, personalized greetings created using consumers’ own photos, advertising campaigns and corporate communications. Alltel Avatars is available to any Alltel MMS subscriber with a video enabled handset that can play 3GP files.
“3D animated avatar-based mobile messaging driven by Xend 3D goes well beyond simple text, and is the next big leap in mobile messaging. It enables carriers to easily bridge the gap between SMS and new “entertainment-focused” MMS messaging applications and advertising; and for consumers, we think these type of services will change the way people communicate with their mobile devices by allowing them to richly express their emotions through voice, animation and 3D like never before,” said Connie Wong, CEO Vidiator.
Alltel Wireless continues to provide choice and flexibility to the customer’s wireless experience with its exclusive “My Circle” feature, giving customers unlimited calling to and from any five, 10 or 20 numbers on any network for free. Alltel Wireless was also the first to offer Anytime Plan Changes, giving customers the flexibility to change their calling plans at any time, without extending their current contract.
To access the multimedia content associated with this release, please visit www.thenewsmarket.com/alltel. Registered members will find broadcast quality video for their purposes, free of charge.
One of my early complaints with the first generation iPhone, which remains to this day, was the inability to send my “card” to another iPhone or smartphone user. Just days before the purchase of the Apple phone, I was able to transmit my contact card to any other Windows Mobile or Symbian user via Bluetooth or even Infrared. So why wasn’t this greatest phone ever allowing me this same convenience? Well, with no IR port and a severely retarded Bluetooth stack, it just wasn’t going to happen. What a shame and yet another ding against the Enterprise user by Apple.
Tapulous, a group of guys in Palo Alto (home to Apple CEO Steve Jobs), have thought that iPhones should be able to share contacts. Not just your contact but any of your contacts. The makers of the widely popular Twitter application for the iPhone, Twinkle, will be releasing a new application called friendBook. In its third application for the iPhone (the other the popular game Tap Tap), Tapulous brings a more powerful contacts manager to the iPhone. Not only will one be able to trade contacts, but better manager them right on the iPhone away from the connected computer. Easily find duplicates, merge contacts, and even dial a member of your virtual black book by a picture of the person, friendBook is surely to be a hit once on the App Store.
There is no immediate release date or pricing details for friendBook but rumor has it that the application has already been submitted to Apple and is merely awaiting approval. So look for it through the week and download it quickly! Who knows, Apple may deem this “bad” and remove it like it did Netshare.
Verizon Wireless, the nation’s leading wireless service provider, and Loopt® announced today that Verizon Wireless customers can now access Loopt’s interoperable location-based service.
Loopt allows friends who opt in to be located by other friends to show where the friends are located and what they are doing via detailed, interactive maps on their mobile phones. Loopt helps friends connect on the go and navigate their social lives by orienting them to people, places and events. Users can also choose to permit sharing of location updates, geo-tagged photos and comments with friends in their mobile address book or on online social networks, communities and blogs.
“Loopt helps Verizon Wireless customers stay connected to friends and share their location in a fun and interactive way,” said Ryan Hughes, vice president of digital media programming for Verizon. “Loopt enhances our customers’ real world experiences by helping friends stay informed of their friends’ lives.”
“We are on a mission to deliver Loopt to consumers everywhere, and by offering our service to Verizon Wireless customers, we’re significantly closer to achieving that goal,” said Sam Altman, chief executive officer and co-founder of Loopt. “With Loopt, Verizon Wireless customers now have a powerful tool to navigate their mobile lifestyles and easily connect with people and places around them.”
Loopt, the social mapping industry leader, offers the most intuitive and effective privacy controls and security features for end users. Loopt is 100 percent permission-based and users share location information only with their known friends via private networks. In addition, Loopt users can easily turn location-sharing on or off at any time on a friend-by-friend basis or for all friends at once. Loopt regularly works with organizations such as the Family Online Safety Institute, ConnectSafely.org, the Center for Democracy & Technology, Progress & Freedom Foundation’s Center for Digital Media Freedom, and the Internet Safety Task Force.
Loopt is available today on select Verizon Wireless phones for $3.99 monthly access in the Tools on the Go, Featured Applications and Community shopping aisles in the Get It Now® virtual store. Customers need a Get It Now-enabled handset and Verizon Wireless digital service to access the Get It Now virtual store.