Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Presented By: Inside Guantanamo: Sunday at 9P e/p

Presented By: Inside Guantanamo: Sunday at 9P e/p



Guantanamo Bay is one of the world's controversial prisons. This may be its final chapter. With unprecedented access, National Geographic has the story you haven't heard. Both sides, told from the inside, before its doors close forever. Click to learn more and go Inside Guantanamo >>
natgeotv.com/guantanamo
 


Apps: VideoFlash Converter, SlidePad, MacPrivacy
VideoFlash Converter 2.4 ($40) allows the conversion of QuickTime compatible video files to either the Adobe Flash SWF or FLV format. The most popular formats are supported, including AVI, MOV, MPG, DivX and more. Version 2.4 includes a new Preview Pane that is displayed while flash movies are loaded from the web and a new rangebar style. [Download - 16.2MB]...



LG details specs of GD900, adds multi-touch
First spotted in mid-February at Mobile World Congress, LG's GD900 handset has received more specifications from its maker. The full touchscreen phone is expected to appear at this week's CTIA Wireless show in Las Vegas and will feature haptic feedback for its 3-inch touchscreen and signature and unique transparent touchpad. LG also claims the touchpad will support finger-writing recognition rathe...



Skype For iPhone Is LIVE!
When they said "Tuesday," they meant it. Not long ago, the clock struck midnight in the Land of the Rising Sun, and sure enough, the bona fide Skype application (v1.0.0.63) for Apple's iPhone has gone live. It's absolutely free to download, too! We're fully expecting it to roll out elsewhere as Tuesday (March 31st) arrives in various time zones.

First Look: MLB.com At Bat 2009

Filed under: , , ,

Opening Day of the Major League Baseball 2009 season is just around the corner, and MLB.com At Bat 2009 (click opens iTunes) has been released. Beware -- this post contains bad baseball metaphors.

This year's app has all the tools. After you agree to a list of Terms and Conditions as lengthy as a major-league player contract, a list of all of the games currently in progress or scheduled for the day appears. Starting on April 6th, every game will have Gameday enabled, which lets you view stats and a pitch by pitch recap of what's happening. Tapping a player's name brings up a virtual baseball card, complete with career and season stats and a line score for the game in progress.

Also on April 6th, a new feature will touch all the bases -- live Gameday Audio from either the home or visiting team radio announcers streamed to your iPhone. As with last year's At Bat app, you'll be able to pull up video clips of games shortly after key plays occur.

Do you miss plays while buying a beer or standing in line for the men's room? No problem, since the app also has a live box score.

MLB.com At Bat 2009 hits a home run! You can get the entire season (including postseason play) for US$9.99. Note that you'd pay $14.99 for just the Gameday audio on MLB.com. There's also a rookie (lite) version available for free that doesn't include the streaming audio. Check out the gallery below.

TUAWFirst Look: MLB.com At Bat 2009 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Macworld Expo 2010 changes its dates

When Apple announced its intention not to take part more in Macworld Expo, its organizer, IDG, put on a brave face and announced very quickly the dates of the 2010 expo; that is was to be held January 4. They have just changed their minds and have announced that the expo will be held from the 9 to 13 February, a new period for this show.

This reversal tends to confirm that many members in the Mac world will, probably together with Apple, take part in CES at Las Vegas that will be held 7-10 January. It would have been impossible for IDG to take on such a competition, CES being the largest computer expo in the world.
Of course, it remains to be seen if this change of date will be sufficient to convince the exhibitors to go to Macworld. 



NVidia and VIA Will Strengthen their Collaboration. Who said a Merger?

NVidia is currently in a difficult position. On one side, the new GPU from ATI/AMD actively competes its leadership in the field. On the other side, Intel is working and acting in order to make NVidia's life as difficult as possible for both the forthcoming GPGPU market, as well as for chipset market, refusing to license its Nehalem technology to NVidia. If the success of the GeForce 9400M was a positive point for NVidia to increase its portfolio of products it for sure did not help to cool down its relationship with Intel. In addition, Intel and AMD are not really happy to see NVidia CUDA being developed and promoted as it is currently done..
In the meantime, some rumors indicate that Nvidia might be willing to develop x86 processors. A new information released by Digitimes support this hypothesis. NVidia might could take parts of VIA (in its capital for the time being). VIA is a x86 CPU designer/manufacturer that specialized in low power consumption CPU and have been providing the processor of most first generation netbook before the release of Intel ATOM. Nvidia could then provide complete solution based on relatively low performance CPU assisted by a high-performance GPU? It could be a GeForce 9400M clone able to deal with x86 instructions. The idea is not crazy if one consider the rather impressive performance level delivered by the NVidia ION platform (9400M) associated with Intel ATOM.

 



Road Tested: EcoRunner by Marware

Filed under: , ,

As promised, we're launching a new series called Road Tested where we try out various products for a month or more, see how they hold up to extended "real world" use, and report back our findings. To kick things off we're looking at the EcoRunner from Marware [thanks to our friends at Dr. Bott for the review unit].

The EcoRunner is a "green" product in that the primary material is not neoprene, but "a revolutionary environmentally friendly material." I'm not sure what that is, but I can say I like it better than neoprene -- it feels just as soft, but the cells are smaller and thus the material is more supple. The EcoRunner can be worn on the wrist or arm (using an extender strap, included) and is designed for the 4th-gen iPod nano. There's the requisite vinyl window for controlling playback and viewing the screen, plus the case can be used with the Nike+ Sport kit attached (there's a strap to keep everything in).

Does it work? Well, there's one caveat to our test: we used a 1st-gen nano, the white model that was infamous for being easily scratched. It's increasingly tough to find cases for this model, but we found the EcoRunner is stretchy enough to accommodate the slightly thicker model. The side effect of this, possibly due to thickness or the more squarish design: the vinyl window busted (see gallery), leaving the unit exposed and capable of falling out. Call it a "stress test." It's definitely a design challenge to secure the vinyl in a way that won't get too stressed, especially in cases where everything else is so stretchy.

The softness of the case can't be understated. It is really smooth and lightweight and stretchy. I'm partial to wrist straps, because I tend to skip around my playlists depending on my workout. If you find yourself monkeying with your nano during a workout, this is a terrific wrist strap. The extension strap to use it on your arm adds virtually no weight, and holds up well, but bulging biceps might strain that window. The Velcro used is very high quality, but the stitching on the end can sometimes be a little tricky to thread through the grommet -- so I recommend not removing it entirely. Just pull it off your wrist. One upside is that you can charge the nano in the case, so the entire unit becomes home to your nano. If you only use your nano for working out, you'll never have to remove it from the case.

After a month (OK, nearly 2 months) of solid use -- we're talking about near-daily use on the treadmill and at the gym -- the EcoRunner holds up well. As I said, using a 1st-gen nano isn't recommended by us or the manufacturer, so I don't know if the thinner nanos would bust the window after prolonged use. Other than that, there's very little visible wear-and-tear, and I'd recommend this especially if you a) prefer your nano on your wrist, and b) need a case that'll hold the Nike+ Sport kit. Your choices are pretty limited when it comes to both of those criteria, but the EcoRunner is a good bet either way. If you've had experience with this particular model, let us know in the comments.

TUAWRoad Tested: EcoRunner by Marware originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Microsoft drops $99 app update submissions
Microsoft today said it would abandon a controversial plan for its upcoming Windows Mobile Marketplace that would charge $99 for each app update past the initial five handled by its year-long developer subscriptions. Speaking to CNET, a spokesperson said the company would now let developers submit any minor or major updates to any published app for free. Additional fees will now only come with e...



Presented By: Inside Guantanamo: Sunday at 9P e/p



Guantanamo Bay is one of the world's controversial prisons. This may be its final chapter. With unprecedented access, National Geographic has the story you haven't heard. Both sides, told from the inside, before its doors close forever. Click to learn more and go Inside Guantanamo >>
natgeotv.com/guantanamo
 


Apps: VideoFlash Converter, SlidePad, MacPrivacy
VideoFlash Converter 2.4 ($40) allows the conversion of QuickTime compatible video files to either the Adobe Flash SWF or FLV format. The most popular formats are supported, including AVI, MOV, MPG, DivX and more. Version 2.4 includes a new Preview Pane that is displayed while flash movies are loaded from the web and a new rangebar style. [Download - 16.2MB]...



LG details specs of GD900, adds multi-touch
First spotted in mid-February at Mobile World Congress, LG's GD900 handset has received more specifications from its maker. The full touchscreen phone is expected to appear at this week's CTIA Wireless show in Las Vegas and will feature haptic feedback for its 3-inch touchscreen and signature and unique transparent touchpad. LG also claims the touchpad will support finger-writing recognition rathe...



Skype For iPhone Is LIVE!
When they said "Tuesday," they meant it. Not long ago, the clock struck midnight in the Land of the Rising Sun, and sure enough, the bona fide Skype application (v1.0.0.63) for Apple's iPhone has gone live. It's absolutely free to download, too! We're fully expecting it to roll out elsewhere as Tuesday (March 31st) arrives in various time zones.

First Look: MLB.com At Bat 2009

Filed under: , , ,

Opening Day of the Major League Baseball 2009 season is just around the corner, and MLB.com At Bat 2009 (click opens iTunes) has been released. Beware -- this post contains bad baseball metaphors.

This year's app has all the tools. After you agree to a list of Terms and Conditions as lengthy as a major-league player contract, a list of all of the games currently in progress or scheduled for the day appears. Starting on April 6th, every game will have Gameday enabled, which lets you view stats and a pitch by pitch recap of what's happening. Tapping a player's name brings up a virtual baseball card, complete with career and season stats and a line score for the game in progress.

Also on April 6th, a new feature will touch all the bases -- live Gameday Audio from either the home or visiting team radio announcers streamed to your iPhone. As with last year's At Bat app, you'll be able to pull up video clips of games shortly after key plays occur.

Do you miss plays while buying a beer or standing in line for the men's room? No problem, since the app also has a live box score.

MLB.com At Bat 2009 hits a home run! You can get the entire season (including postseason play) for US$9.99. Note that you'd pay $14.99 for just the Gameday audio on MLB.com. There's also a rookie (lite) version available for free that doesn't include the streaming audio. Check out the gallery below.

TUAWFirst Look: MLB.com At Bat 2009 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Macworld Expo 2010 changes its dates

When Apple announced its intention not to take part more in Macworld Expo, its organizer, IDG, put on a brave face and announced very quickly the dates of the 2010 expo; that is was to be held January 4. They have just changed their minds and have announced that the expo will be held from the 9 to 13 February, a new period for this show.

This reversal tends to confirm that many members in the Mac world will, probably together with Apple, take part in CES at Las Vegas that will be held 7-10 January. It would have been impossible for IDG to take on such a competition, CES being the largest computer expo in the world.
Of course, it remains to be seen if this change of date will be sufficient to convince the exhibitors to go to Macworld. 



NVidia and VIA Will Strengthen their Collaboration. Who said a Merger?

NVidia is currently in a difficult position. On one side, the new GPU from ATI/AMD actively competes its leadership in the field. On the other side, Intel is working and acting in order to make NVidia's life as difficult as possible for both the forthcoming GPGPU market, as well as for chipset market, refusing to license its Nehalem technology to NVidia. If the success of the GeForce 9400M was a positive point for NVidia to increase its portfolio of products it for sure did not help to cool down its relationship with Intel. In addition, Intel and AMD are not really happy to see NVidia CUDA being developed and promoted as it is currently done..
In the meantime, some rumors indicate that Nvidia might be willing to develop x86 processors. A new information released by Digitimes support this hypothesis. NVidia might could take parts of VIA (in its capital for the time being). VIA is a x86 CPU designer/manufacturer that specialized in low power consumption CPU and have been providing the processor of most first generation netbook before the release of Intel ATOM. Nvidia could then provide complete solution based on relatively low performance CPU assisted by a high-performance GPU? It could be a GeForce 9400M clone able to deal with x86 instructions. The idea is not crazy if one consider the rather impressive performance level delivered by the NVidia ION platform (9400M) associated with Intel ATOM.

 



Road Tested: EcoRunner by Marware

Filed under: , ,

As promised, we're launching a new series called Road Tested where we try out various products for a month or more, see how they hold up to extended "real world" use, and report back our findings. To kick things off we're looking at the EcoRunner from Marware [thanks to our friends at Dr. Bott for the review unit].

The EcoRunner is a "green" product in that the primary material is not neoprene, but "a revolutionary environmentally friendly material." I'm not sure what that is, but I can say I like it better than neoprene -- it feels just as soft, but the cells are smaller and thus the material is more supple. The EcoRunner can be worn on the wrist or arm (using an extender strap, included) and is designed for the 4th-gen iPod nano. There's the requisite vinyl window for controlling playback and viewing the screen, plus the case can be used with the Nike+ Sport kit attached (there's a strap to keep everything in).

Does it work? Well, there's one caveat to our test: we used a 1st-gen nano, the white model that was infamous for being easily scratched. It's increasingly tough to find cases for this model, but we found the EcoRunner is stretchy enough to accommodate the slightly thicker model. The side effect of this, possibly due to thickness or the more squarish design: the vinyl window busted (see gallery), leaving the unit exposed and capable of falling out. Call it a "stress test." It's definitely a design challenge to secure the vinyl in a way that won't get too stressed, especially in cases where everything else is so stretchy.

The softness of the case can't be understated. It is really smooth and lightweight and stretchy. I'm partial to wrist straps, because I tend to skip around my playlists depending on my workout. If you find yourself monkeying with your nano during a workout, this is a terrific wrist strap. The extension strap to use it on your arm adds virtually no weight, and holds up well, but bulging biceps might strain that window. The Velcro used is very high quality, but the stitching on the end can sometimes be a little tricky to thread through the grommet -- so I recommend not removing it entirely. Just pull it off your wrist. One upside is that you can charge the nano in the case, so the entire unit becomes home to your nano. If you only use your nano for working out, you'll never have to remove it from the case.

After a month (OK, nearly 2 months) of solid use -- we're talking about near-daily use on the treadmill and at the gym -- the EcoRunner holds up well. As I said, using a 1st-gen nano isn't recommended by us or the manufacturer, so I don't know if the thinner nanos would bust the window after prolonged use. Other than that, there's very little visible wear-and-tear, and I'd recommend this especially if you a) prefer your nano on your wrist, and b) need a case that'll hold the Nike+ Sport kit. Your choices are pretty limited when it comes to both of those criteria, but the EcoRunner is a good bet either way. If you've had experience with this particular model, let us know in the comments.

TUAWRoad Tested: EcoRunner by Marware originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Microsoft drops $99 app update submissions
Microsoft today said it would abandon a controversial plan for its upcoming Windows Mobile Marketplace that would charge $99 for each app update past the initial five handled by its year-long developer subscriptions. Speaking to CNET, a spokesperson said the company would now let developers submit any minor or major updates to any published app for free. Additional fees will now only come with e...


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