Monday, May 4, 2009
The Envirobank accepts both cans and bottles, scanning the bar code to identify the product and also checking the material to make sure it's recyclable. Accepted containers are crushed and kept, while the kind-hearted recycler gets a coupon or credit of some sort for their efforts. Envirobank says their machines cut CO2 emissions, reduces waste disposal and collection costs, even provides advertising and fund raising opportunities.*~*~*
BlackBerries nearly dominated iPhones in US smartphone sales for the start of 2009, the NPD Group said today in a new study. The market researchers note that the top-selling phone line from the quarter ended in March was the BlackBerry Curve 8300 series, which edged out the iPhone 3G at second place. Of the top 5 phones, 3 were BlackBerries and included the touchscreen Storm in third place and the non-flip Pearl in fourth. The lone Android phone in the US, T-Mobile's G1, occupied the fifth spot.
*~*~*
ITDatabase is launching Monday and tackling a very specific opportunity--get all tech news indexed in one place, and make it much easier for tech industry pros to analyze/aggregate trends about what's being said across all tech news. The company is starting with tech PR pros as the initial target customers, but believes the product offers a lot of research value to product managers and sales roles as well.
"There are thousands of tech authors covering tens of thousands of vendors and themes," said Travis Van, founder of ITDatabase. "Multiply them all together and you get a huge unstructured data mess, which largely accounts for why tech PR folks are often hitting the wrong journalists with the wrong content."
*~*~*
Everyone was impressed with the new administration adding a blog to the White House website, but they've outdone themselves yet again with an official Twitter account and now a stellar-looking MySpace page - both launching within the last few days.
*~*~*
Spore created by industry legend Will Wright announced Monday that 100 million creatures have been created, far outrunning the number of species on Earth.
The game publisher, Electronic Arts, started counting last June. That's when it first released its Spore Creature Creator, several months ahead of the full Spore game itself.
There's more Spore on the way. Electronic Arts' Maxis studio is releasing the Spore Galactic Adventures expansion pack for PC and Mac players, Spore Hero for the Wii, and Spore Hero Arena for the Nintendo DS.
Labels: blackberry, cell phone, electronic arts, envirobank, iPhone, itdatabase, president barack obama, spore, whitehouse, will wright
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Intel updated its processor list with new Core 2 chips for Macbook Air-class laptops and a crush of Xeon processors for workstations and servers.The number of new processor models is 20 in all.
Intel has introduced new power-sipping low-voltage (LV) and ultra-low-voltage (ULV) processor models for laptops such as the Apple MacBook Air and Dell Adamo.
The new LV and ULV processor models include the 17-watt SL9600 (2.13GHz, $316) and 10-watt SU9600 (1.6GHz, $289). More power-hungry Intel mainstream mobile processors are typically rated at 25 watts or 35 watts.
*~*~*
Two start-up companies are using new technology to resurrect old but crude strategies to combat hypertension, believing that they can achieve significant improvement in health without the side effects. The Wall Street Journal reports that the companies offered data at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Cardiology that indicated they were on to something big.
One of those companies, Ardian, developed an electrode that emits radio-frequency energy into the renal artery wall to kill nerves that play a role in hypertension, according to the Journal. And data from a 50-patient study indicated a significant improvement in average blood pressure rates. Minneapolis-based CVRx, meanwhile, created a device that is implanted and then emits electronic impulses that signal very high blood pressure, tricking the body to protect itself with all its natural abilities.
Both developers are now planning to mount larger studies to test the technologies.
*~*~*
Looking to scoop up a PlayStation 2? Starting tomorrow, April 1, Sony will cut the price of its gaming console to $100, down 25 percent from its current price of $130. Today's announcement is the third price cut for the PS2 since Sony's first discount in 2002.
Rumors had swirled in recent days that Sony was set to make a major PlayStation 3 announcement today. But that does not seem to be the truth and news updates are stating they have no ideas on lowering the PS3 price in the near future.
*~*~*
Ribbit, the VOIP platform that was bought by British Telecom last year, announced the winners of its $100,000 KillerApps challenge today. The contest was obviously meant to stimulate interest in Ribbit's APIs among developers, and judging from the line-up of winning applications, a lot of developers came up with highly creative ways of using Ribbit's platform in their apps.
Here are the winners of the five categories in Ribbit's KillerApps challenge:
Media, Advertising, Entertainment: Lucid Viewer
ribbit_lucid_small.pngLucitd Viewer is an authoring tool that allows developers to create interesting, immersive experiences. This demo here, for example, shows a 3D, Google StreetView-like view of a street in Rome, with the ability to call up stores directly from the Flash interface through Ribbit's service. Lucid Viewer also won the Grand Price in Ribbit's KillerApps contest.
Business: Sugared Frog
Similar to Ribbit's own integration with Salesforce, Sugared Frog integrates Ribbit with SugarCRM. With the help of Sugared Frog, users of SugarCRM's open source solution can use Sugared Frog to organize their voicemail, and dictate notes and memos right from their mobile phones.
Social Networking and Communication: Save A Life
Save a Life is an interesting Adobe AIR application that allows you to quickly reach a group of friends or community members by phone. Currently, the application focuses on blood donations (you can download the application here), though the program could be used for other donation campaigns or emergency services as well.
Breakthrough: CYHAA
CYHAA won Ribbit's free-form 'breakthrough' category. CYHAA, which stands for Control Your Home, Anytime, Anywhere allows users to control their smart home devices with their voice right from their phones.
*~*~*
Dell today introduced five new blade, rack and tower PowerEdge servers based on the new Intel Xeon 5500 Series processors. Dell designed its 11th generation of servers with input from IT professionals worldwide to help companies do more with less by simplifying data center operations, improving performance and energy efficiency, and lowering total cost of ownership.
The new Dell PowerEdge servers are available today starting at $1,599.
*~*~*
Apple is expected to begin production on a low-end 3G iPhone and a high-end version with 32GB of NAND flash memory beginning this spring, according to a research report released Tuesday by an analyst for Lazard Capital Markets.
Production is anticipated to begin in April, ramp up in May and the new phones could be announced in June, Daniel Amir, a Lazard Capital Markets analyst, said in his report.
Labels: Apple, apps, Dell, intel, iPhone, medical technology, ps2, ps3, ribbit, server, sony, video game
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The parent company of the Discovery Channel (Discovery Communications) has filed a lawsuit against Amazon.com, claiming that the Internet retailer's Kindle e-book reader infringes Discovery's U.S. patent 7,298,851, titled "Electronic book security and copyright protection system".
It was filed in 1999 as a "continuation in part" from patent applications dating back to 1992. Among the prior-art disclosures listed are 52 U.S. patents or applications, 34 foreign patents or applications, and 15 nonpatent publications. It has 171 claims, three of which are independent. Those are all signs of a strong patent.
*~*~*
The Startup 2009 conference, which will take place in New York in June. The conference is co-hosted by Silicon Alley Insider, New York University's Stern School of Business, General Catalyst, SoftBank, and Venrock. Startup 2009 will showcase 10 top startups competing for bragging rights, buzz, and a $50,000 prize.
Startup 2009 will be a one-day conference featuring interviews with entrepreneurs, expert panels, networking, and a 10-company startup contest. Committed speakers include:
* Jason Calacanis, Founder/CEO Mahalo, founder Weblogs, former EIR at Sequoia.
* George Bell, partner General Catalyst; former CEO Excite, Excite@Home, and Upromise; board member Big Fish Games; Going; HubSpot; PhotoShelter; ShortTail Media and WonderHowTo.
* David Pakman, partner Venrock, former CEO eMusic.
* Kevin Ryan, CEO Alleycorp; former CEO Doubleclick; founder Gilt Groupe, Silicon Alley Insider, Shopwiki, Panther, 10gen.
*~*~*
Media regulator Ofcom will take over the regulation of video on demand services, but will delegate it to an industry-formulated co-regulator, the Government has said.
The Government has published details of how it will ensure that the UK complies with the European Union's Audio-Visual Media Services (AVMS) Directive, which extends regulation to television-like programmes regardless of the medium used to show them.
*~*~*
New iPhone uses
A host of companies took the stage at Apple headquarters in Cupertino on Tuesday to explain what their new applications can do on the much-vaunted personal communications device.
NBC Bay Area tech reporter Scott Budman tweeted all the updates as they occured.
Developers will gain access to thousands of new application "API's" because of the updates. The API's will allow developers to create and change the applications they want, Budman reported.
Designers unveiled new audio file and texting features for the iPhone. There is also a new voice memo feature built into the phone's home screen, as well as a more synchable calendar, Budman reported.
More information is available here >>
It was filed in 1999 as a "continuation in part" from patent applications dating back to 1992. Among the prior-art disclosures listed are 52 U.S. patents or applications, 34 foreign patents or applications, and 15 nonpatent publications. It has 171 claims, three of which are independent. Those are all signs of a strong patent.
*~*~*
The Startup 2009 conference, which will take place in New York in June. The conference is co-hosted by Silicon Alley Insider, New York University's Stern School of Business, General Catalyst, SoftBank, and Venrock. Startup 2009 will showcase 10 top startups competing for bragging rights, buzz, and a $50,000 prize.Startup 2009 will be a one-day conference featuring interviews with entrepreneurs, expert panels, networking, and a 10-company startup contest. Committed speakers include:
* Jason Calacanis, Founder/CEO Mahalo, founder Weblogs, former EIR at Sequoia.
* George Bell, partner General Catalyst; former CEO Excite, Excite@Home, and Upromise; board member Big Fish Games; Going; HubSpot; PhotoShelter; ShortTail Media and WonderHowTo.
* David Pakman, partner Venrock, former CEO eMusic.
* Kevin Ryan, CEO Alleycorp; former CEO Doubleclick; founder Gilt Groupe, Silicon Alley Insider, Shopwiki, Panther, 10gen.
*~*~*
Media regulator Ofcom will take over the regulation of video on demand services, but will delegate it to an industry-formulated co-regulator, the Government has said.
The Government has published details of how it will ensure that the UK complies with the European Union's Audio-Visual Media Services (AVMS) Directive, which extends regulation to television-like programmes regardless of the medium used to show them.
*~*~*
New iPhone uses
A host of companies took the stage at Apple headquarters in Cupertino on Tuesday to explain what their new applications can do on the much-vaunted personal communications device.
NBC Bay Area tech reporter Scott Budman tweeted all the updates as they occured.
Developers will gain access to thousands of new application "API's" because of the updates. The API's will allow developers to create and change the applications they want, Budman reported.
Designers unveiled new audio file and texting features for the iPhone. There is also a new voice memo feature built into the phone's home screen, as well as a more synchable calendar, Budman reported.
More information is available here >>
Labels: amazon, Apple, discovery channel, iPhone, kindle, ofcom, startup 2009, video
Monday, February 23, 2009
A recent study found that only 30 percent of people who purchased an iPhone app actually used it the next day; for the same group, only 5 percent were using it 20 days later! And those are for paid apps; the stats get worse for free apps.Only about 10 percent of iPhone applications appear to retain an audience over time, and most of those are games, entertainment applications such as movie listings, and things like Facebook ("their user sessions must be off the charts," Pinch Media CEO Greg Yardley said).
*~*~*
Police to receive new helicopters
The new state-of-the-art helicopters will help police protect communities and tackle crime.
A total of nine police forces will have access to the new aircraft, under the latest round of funding for police air operations.
One of the helicopters will be used as part of a trial project to enable neighbouring police forces to work together by sending the nearest available aircraft to incidents across force borders.
Statement from the Policing Minister
Announcing the new aircraft funding, Home Office Policing Minister Vernon Coaker said, 'Air support units play a crucial role in helping police protect communities against crime.
'They help officers with a wide range of operations, from searching for offenders or missing people, to assisting other emergency services with transporting injured people.
'I am pleased to announce that we are building on the success of our existing fleet of police aircraft with these new helicopters, and that we are strengthening the way forces work together to make best use of the resources available to them.'
The police aircraft fleet
The police aircraft fleet comprises 29 light and medium twin-engine helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft, operating from 29 units in England and Wales.
Police aircraft use hi-tech daylight and thermal imaging cameras to search for offenders who run off from crime scenes, assist in vehicle pursuits and look for vulnerable missing people.
The helicopters are also fitted with 'Nitesun' - a powerful searchlight to help find offenders in the dark and also to floodlight accident scenes.
The helicopters can be used to transport critically injured people to hospital at night, which air ambulances are not equipped to do. They are also fitted with 'Skyshout' - an airborne public address system used to pass critical messages to the public or emergency services.
*~*~*
Microsoft laid over close to 1,400 employees last month. A letter went out this week to some of those employees letting them know they were overpaid, and asking for them to give some of the money back.
Word on the street is that the overpayment issue effected a good number of those employees, and some employees might have also been underpaid their severance from the company, which also isn’t exactly exciting.
Microsoft informed affected employees via a letter that most received Friday. The letter didn't explain why the overpayment happened, just told previous employees how much money they owed Microsoft and how they could go about paying the company back. Pretty harsh.
The letters employees received did give them the number for Microsoft customer service to call if they had questions, although that number was closed for the weekend so they're SOL until Monday morning.
Labels: economy, helicopter, iPhone, iphone app, Microsoft
Saturday, February 7, 2009
In December 2008, an Iraqi reporter decided it would be a good idea to throw his shoes at George W. Bush.
Apparently Apple doesn't think the incident was nearly as funny. According to Mashable, a developer based in Pakistan submitted an application called MyShoe. MyShoe is a simple accelerometer based application that allows users to virtually throw a shoe at the former president. Apple denied the application placement at the App Store and responded to the developer stating:
"We cannot post this version of your iPhone application to the App Store because it contains content that ridicules public figures."
The creator refuted and said this discriminates against popular public opinion. Hahahahaha.
*~*~*
Would you like to read a February 5, 2009 press briefing on the stimulus package?
With joblessness rising and the U.S. economic recession deepening, Democratic senators and a handful of moderate Republicans reached a compromise late Friday on a scaled-back $780-billion economic stimulus plan.
The deal, slashed by more than $100 billion from earlier estimates to win a few Republican votes.
"We are pleased the process is moving forward and we are closer to getting Americans a plan to create millions of jobs and get people back to work," said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs.
"Americans across this country are struggling, and they are watching to see if we're equal to the task before us," the President says in this morning's Weekly Address. "Let's show them that we are."
With the United States in the grip of the worst economic crisis in more than 70 years -- a report on Friday showed nearly 600,000 jobs were lost in January -- Obama has demanded that a bill be put on his desk by February 16.
*~*~*
ESPN.com has launched many new college football widgets that offer scores, stats, and news.
Visit the ESPN Widget Center.
*~*~*
Google Latitude is a feature in Google Maps for mobile and iGoogle that allows you to share your location with your friends and family. While not pinpointing your exact location, it gives you a good idea of where your friends are at a given time.
Using your Google account, you can opt into the feature, and then invite friends and family to join Google Latitude. Once they accept, you will see their profile picture appear on a map through your mobile device or your desktop PC. Google will also give you directions to their location on the map.
Apparently Apple doesn't think the incident was nearly as funny. According to Mashable, a developer based in Pakistan submitted an application called MyShoe. MyShoe is a simple accelerometer based application that allows users to virtually throw a shoe at the former president. Apple denied the application placement at the App Store and responded to the developer stating:
"We cannot post this version of your iPhone application to the App Store because it contains content that ridicules public figures."
The creator refuted and said this discriminates against popular public opinion. Hahahahaha.
*~*~*
Would you like to read a February 5, 2009 press briefing on the stimulus package?
With joblessness rising and the U.S. economic recession deepening, Democratic senators and a handful of moderate Republicans reached a compromise late Friday on a scaled-back $780-billion economic stimulus plan.
The deal, slashed by more than $100 billion from earlier estimates to win a few Republican votes.
"We are pleased the process is moving forward and we are closer to getting Americans a plan to create millions of jobs and get people back to work," said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs.
"Americans across this country are struggling, and they are watching to see if we're equal to the task before us," the President says in this morning's Weekly Address. "Let's show them that we are."
With the United States in the grip of the worst economic crisis in more than 70 years -- a report on Friday showed nearly 600,000 jobs were lost in January -- Obama has demanded that a bill be put on his desk by February 16.
*~*~*
ESPN.com has launched many new college football widgets that offer scores, stats, and news.
Visit the ESPN Widget Center.
*~*~*
Google Latitude is a feature in Google Maps for mobile and iGoogle that allows you to share your location with your friends and family. While not pinpointing your exact location, it gives you a good idea of where your friends are at a given time.
Using your Google account, you can opt into the feature, and then invite friends and family to join Google Latitude. Once they accept, you will see their profile picture appear on a map through your mobile device or your desktop PC. Google will also give you directions to their location on the map.
Labels: Apple, economy, google, google latitude, iPhone, iphone app, president barack obama, stimulus, widgets
Friday, February 6, 2009
I know we're in an age where we'll be seeing more and more lifelike robots and dolls and such, but I still think it's all incredibly creepy.And this particular tidbit has me even more freaked out.
Meet the Little Island Custom Robot Dolls.
The idea is that this plush looking bot can replace your beloved, as they can be designed to freakishly mimic their features. The doll-bot has a 500MHz processor include, so it's not just a pretty face, and you can use it for Skype conversations.
A Japanese company called Little Island will sell you a $2,215 robot based on a picture you send. So it's expensive AND you'll have to wait over six weeks after sending in your picture to receive it.
*~*~*
Google has adapted its Book Search for the iPhone and its own Android platform, it announced on Thursday. It joins a growing group of network operators and content providers that are putting books on mobile phones.
The new service opens up mobile access to 1.5 million public domain books in the U.S., and half a million outside the U.S., Google said.
*~*~*
New York-based Loudwater Labs has sold the assets of its online personal finance management application Thrive to Tree.com; the company behind services such as the formerly IAC-owned LendingTree and RealEstate.com. This means that the publicly listed Tree.com now has a very good resource in its hands as well as sufficient reach to give Mint and other personal finance management tools like Wesabe, Geezeo and Buxfer a good run for their money.
Labels: google, iPhone, robots, stocks, thrive
Friday, November 14, 2008
Not sure if I'd try this on a plane or a train, but Google is planning on offering an application for the iPhone which will allow people to search using the sound of their voice rather than the pad of their finger.
Google is expected to release a free iPhone application today that lets iPhone owners ask to find local businesses, get driving directions, ask basic search queries ("What's the capitol of Belgium?"), and displays them on-screen "within seconds on a fast wireless network," according to the New York Times.
The sound of our voice is converted to a digital file and sent to Google's servers, which try to determine the words spoken and pass them along to the Google search engine.
The search results, which may be displayed in just seconds on a fast wireless network, will at times include local information, taking advantage of iPhone features that let it determine its location.
Google is expected to release a free iPhone application today that lets iPhone owners ask to find local businesses, get driving directions, ask basic search queries ("What's the capitol of Belgium?"), and displays them on-screen "within seconds on a fast wireless network," according to the New York Times.
The sound of our voice is converted to a digital file and sent to Google's servers, which try to determine the words spoken and pass them along to the Google search engine.
The search results, which may be displayed in just seconds on a fast wireless network, will at times include local information, taking advantage of iPhone features that let it determine its location.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Apple will soon be releasing their new iPhone and with all new releases the rumors and speculations are spreading like wildfire. There are screenshots floating around the web of what the product supposedly looks like.If you were to go to Engadget they will tell you the screenshots are fake. However, TechCrunch is claiming the very same photo is most likely real. Who knows the truth? Probably only Apple and you know they are having a field day with all this free publicity.
I have no clue what it will really look like, but I do know some of the specs.
Apple recently applied for a patent that lists new features that include built-in instant-messaging, video-chat capabilities, support for voice-activated commands and a GPS module.
The new phone is also expected to be 22 percent thinner than the current version with more memory and longer-lasting batteries.
So what do you think? Any idea what it will look like? Or better yet, why all the hype?
Friday, July 13, 2007
So my friend Mike and I used to joke about all the ridiculous iPod docks.And now we have something to add to the list thanks to the oh so lovely and expensive iPhone.
Help me please, because if the iPhone accessories, extras and docks are already starting then imagine...your $600 purchase for an iPhone will quickly become thousands once you start deciding you need a wristband to go along with it.
And so I have for you here....the sport armband for the iPhone...
"It gives you easy navigation access to your iPhone and minimizes bulk on your arm."
Good grief people! Put it in your POCKET! Or...and I know this might be hard for you..but while you are working out, maybe you should PUT THE PHONE AWAY!
Labels: iPhone
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Oh the iPhone - everyone was giddy over your sexy looks and magical properties..but, will it blend?
Labels: iPhone
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Why am I not surprised? There were eBay auctions for iPhone bags. iPhone bags without iPhones. $305 for a bag - the bag you get when you purchase an iPhone to carry it out of the store with. It looks like the $300 aucitons have been taken down, but there are plenty up for iPhone bags under $5. Still...it's a BAG, and it's not a collectors item no matter how cool it looks. However iPhones with bags are going for a cool $900.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Have you guys heard about this new gadget coming out called the iPhone? You can't miss it, everyone is talking about it. The hype for this iPhone is so huge its palpable. Some lines started days ago outside the Apple and AT&T stores. I cannot deny the beauty of this device. For the most part, this is something we have not seen before. However, the more I see and read about it, the less I lust for it. I'm willing to bet many people don't even know why they want the phone in the first place. The marketing campaign for this thing was amazing- good enough to make you say "I want that" as if you were some brainwashed Apple fanboy. Are you really going to pay $600 for a phone? We have smart phones out today that cost $200 which can already browse the internet, play MP3's and store your personal data. I'm generally not an Apple fan. And I already pay for an unlimited data plan for my phone so my lack of enthusiasm does not stem from an inability to afford this device. I suddenly find myself unimpressed with the features of the iPhone. To me it's nothing entirely new, just a fancy package for many things we already do on our current smart phones. I will say that the official page for the iPhone is plenty cool. They have a video tutorial/tour of the iPhone and even show you how to activate it. I wish other manufactures would take the time to do those things. Apple is starting to make some nifty gadgets these days, but I don't think they make the best ones. Good for Mr. Jobs - he's making a killing, but I'm feeling at this moment that while initially the iPhone sales will probably do great, they will soon die down - leaving us looking back realizing the device was over-hyped. Who knows?
www.apple.com/iphone
AT&T iPhone
www.apple.com/iphone
AT&T iPhone
Labels: Apple, Gadgets, iPhone, technology
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