Yesterday we brought you news about Synology’s DiskStatation Manager 4.0 beta coming out, but it wasn’t available at the time.
We spent some time with Synology today at CES, and they told us that the beta will be available on Monday, so check here then! Above is a screenshot of the beta!
Having seen a demo, it’s really good (more of that shortly with a video).
Here at CES, we got some hands-on time with the new Sony Xperian S smartphone.
The Xperia S is Sony’s first Flagship smartphone, sporting an iconic new design and allowing you to enjoy everything about the device in full HD. Take snaps with the 12 MP camera and view on the 4.3-inch crystal clear LCD HD Reality display, or record HD videos and share it all on your HD TV, straight from your Xperia S. The 1.3 MP front facing camera means you can also stay in touch with friends and family via HD video chat!
Features of the Xperia S include:
· 12 MP Camera with 16x digital zoom, autofocus, 3D Sweep Panorama and 1.3 MP front facing camera
· 1080p HD Video Recording and playback, with HD 720p for video chat
· Bluetooth® technology v 3.0
· 4.3 inch capacitive touchscreen with LCD HD display
· 1280 x 720 pixel resolution
· 1.5GHz Qualcomm MSM8260 dual core processor
· 1GB(RAM) + 32GB Flash memory eMMC
· Google Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) operating system
· 3D Games and Music player with 3D surround sound
· HDMI support
The quality of the screen is amazing, probably one of the best I have seen. Here are a few pictures showing full motion video (obviously you can’t tell just how amazing it is from a picture, so if you can get a demo, take a look):
The Xperia S is very light weight and easy to use – I really didn’t want to have to give it back.
Here we have a video with Sony’s Ranson Burkette:
I really liked the Xperia S, it is certainly a phone I would seriously consider buying.
And thanks again to Ranson for the demo.
Learn more about the many features of the Xperia S from the Sony website
Skype have released a beta of Skype 5.5 for Mac, and it brings with it some fixes and improvements quality.
Key updates for the newly released build, 5.5.0.2069 are:
Skype have improved the discoverability of Call UI like Windows and iOS that users can easily mute, send video, share screen, send file and add people during a call.
Now users can easily accept incoming call with or without video.
You can down the beta from here.
And I wanted to say thanks to Microsoft who have had a number of laptops running Skype here at CES 2012 providing free calls home – it was very much appreciated!
Last year we blasted an ioSafe hard drive with a shotgun, this year, we were in for a shock! Literally!
ioSafe have a new Thunderbolt drive coming out in a few months time.
To show that it is capable of surviving electric shocks they decide to go all out and blast it with a million volts from a Tesla coil – yes, you read that correctly, a Tesla coil.
We all had to stand in a Faraday Cage while this took place.
As usual, ioSafe took a drive, created a file on the drive with text from various participants at the event, and then past it over to Dr MegaVolt.
Dr MegaVolt was going to be standing with the Tesla Coil holding the drive, so he had a special suit to wear.
Here is the video of the Tesla coil in action. Unfortunately the recording cut out just as the hard drive was hit, but I am happy to say that the drive survived and worked perfectly afterwards.
We will be reviewing the drive later in the year. I can’t wait to see what ioSafe do next year!
Griffin Technology announced two new products to help musicians create using iPads. Read on for details!
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Mobile Monitor Technologies (MMT) announced a new mobile monitor at CES. Read on for details!
Have you ever wished that you could have a second monitor to go with you on the road? MMT has exactly that! They announced the Monitor2Go at CES this week.
MMT Intros Mobile Display for Apple Devices, Smart Phones, Tablets and Notebooks
Innovative Design Encases Apple’s iPad2 and works with other Mobile Devices
LAS VEGAS, Nev. and BOSTON, Mass., January 10, 2012 – CES 2012 – Mobile Monitor Technologies (MMT), innovator and maker of the world’s first mobile display, introduced a product at the CES 2012 Showstoppers Media Event that extends the share, work, and watch capabilities of portable displays beyond notebooks and PCs, across the universe of mobile devices.
| Monitor2Go is a 15.6″ LCD LED-backlit display that redefines the entire mobile monitor category. Monitor2Go boasts a 1600×900 HD+ screen that not only extends the displays of USB enabled notebooks and PCs, it also mirrors the displays of Apple devices (iPad, iPhone and iPod) and HDMI compatible smart phones and tablets, as well as carries, protects, and locks the iPad2. |  |
“Our Field Monitor Pro, which launched and defined the world’s portable display category, was a huge success for business professionals and consumers alike,” said Larry Pensack, President of MMT. “It is used widely for business applications and general multi-tasking, while many also enjoy it for larger screen viewing of movies, videos, and photos. Now, Monitor2Go adds those benefits, and more, to mobile devices.”
| An industry first, the patent-pending Monitor2Go is constructed in sleek and rugged aluminum designed specifically to house, lock, and transport the iPad2 as well as work with other mobile devices. And with over 140,000 apps for the iPad, there are likely to be unlimited uses for Monitor2Go’s large, fully rotatable display. For example: |  |
Share – Rotate Monitor2Go’s 15.6″ HD+ screen to share bright, vivid presentations, videos, games, apps, and more.
Work – Eliminate squinting and hunching over a small screen, with nearly triple the screen real estate of the average tablet. For the notebook, Monitor2Go will extend or mirror the screen for up to 30 percent more productivity as compared to single screen computing.
Watch – Connect any phone or media player with HDMI, and you’ve got a mobile theater. Movies, TV shows, home video and photo slideshows in crisp HD wherever you go.
Monitor2Go Features
• 15.6″ HD+ (1600 x 900) screen
• One inch thick, under three pounds, yet fully protected aluminum and ABS construction
• HDMI input, USB mini-B input and two spare USB A inputs
• Works with all USB Windows and Mac laptops and desktops
• Daisy chain up to 6 Monitor2Gos through DisplayLink USB virtual graphics
• Works with HDMI devices – tablets, smart phones, DVD players and more
• Carry, protect, and locks the iPad2
• 180 degree screen pivot and rotation, with landscape and portrait modes
• Audio jack output for speakers and headphones when using HDMI input
• Optional numeric keypad/trackpad accessory
• Optional VESA mounting bracket for wall hanging
Availability and Pricing
Monitor2Go and a new model of the popular Field Monitor Pro will be available in early Q2 of 2012 with list prices under $300. To preorder, visit http://www.mmt2.com.
About MMT
Massachusetts-based Mobile Monitor Technologies, LLC (MMT) (http://www.mmt2.com) specializes in lightweight durable portable displays for mobile professionals and consumers. MMT’s industry’s first, Field Monitor Pro, has enabled thousands of professionals to enjoy the productivity benefits of dual displays while out of their offices. With MMT’s latest entries, mobile device users also can enjoy the share, work, and watch benefits of portable displays at work, on the road, and at home.
IK Multimedia announced iRig MIX, a mixing device for iPod, iPad and iPhone devices. Read on for details!
Have you ever wanted to mix music while on the road? Well, then, this device may be for you! IK Multimedia has introduced the iRig MIX to allow you to do just that. Here are the press release details.
IK Multimedia announces iRig MIX
The first mobile mixer for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad for DJ’ing anytime, everywhere
January 2012 – IK Multimedia is proud to announce iRig™ MIX, the first mobile mixer for iPhone, iPod touch or iPad devices. iRig MIX offers the same controls you would expect from a professional DJ mixer (crossfader, cues, EQ and volume controls, etc.) in an ultra-compact mobile mixer that can be used with a huge variety of iOS DJ mixing and other apps.
A DJ Mixer: iRig Mix allows DJs to use a traditional setup with two devices (one plugged into each of the independent channels) OR a single iOS device. For the single iOS device setup, the output of the single device is split into dual-mono and sent to the individual channels. Additionally – for the first time on any DJ mixer – it can be used for mixing any type of audio source (mp3 players, CD players, etc.) with an iOS device using automatic tempo matching and beat-syncing. This is accomplished with X-Sync, a feature that works in combination with the DJ Rig free app from IK Multimedia that is included with iRig Mix.
Not just for DJs: iRig MIX also provides the perfect mixing solution for solo musicians or small ensembles that use one or more iOS devices to play live. It features an extra guitar/microphone input that facilitates processing with popular apps like AmpliTube and VocaLive or any other app that offers real-time audio processing. Its standard RCA connectors provide easy, direct connection to PA systems or powered speakers.
Maximum Portability: The ultra-compact size and low profile of the iRig Mix allows it to easily be carried in a regular iPad bag. Plus its low-voltage power requirements (only 5VDC) allow it to be powered not only by any regular mobile device charger but also by suitable iOS battery pack and laptop USB port for maximum mobility to mix anywhere.
iRig MIX includes 4 free apps (downloads from the iTunes app store): DJ Rig, the new professional DJ mixing app from IK, AmpliTube, the most popular iOS guitar amp and effects app, VocaLive the processing app for singers and vocalists, and GrooveMaker, the loop-based beat and groove making app.
iRig MIX features
-2 stereo inputs with gain, bass, treble and volume controls, independent cue on each channel with LED indication and channel crossfader
-Instrument/microphone/extra input with volume control can be processed by iOS apps (such as AmpliTube, VocaLive)
-Stereo output with RCA connectors, master level and LED meters
-High quality, pristine sound
-Quality headphone output for master or cue monitoring with independent volume control
-Input switch splits Input 1 into dual-mono for use with DJ mixing apps on a single iOS device
-“X-Sync” mode allows auto-sync with any audio source using the included DJ Rig free app
-Can also be powered with battery packs and mobile chargers
-Includes 4 free apps: DJ Rig, AmpliTube, VocaLive, GrooveMakerPricing and availability
iRig MIX costs $99.99/€74.99 (excluding taxes) and will be available in February 2012 from electronic and music retailers around the world. Pre-orders are already available from the IK Multimedia online store and other selected resellers.
For more information:
www.irigmix.com
This looks like a cool device, and it won the iLounge “Best of Show” Award at CES this year! So if you are into music, this may be for you.
Cleveland, Ohio’s Quicken Loans Arena (known as The Q to locals like me) recently implemented a new hospitality ordering system based on the iPad. Read on for details!
Quicken Loans Arena recently implemented a new touch-based ordering system in the arena. I’ve been very impressed with the level of service in the lodges in this arena in the past, so I’m not surprised that The Q is implementing a new product to improve service even more. Here is the press release that describes the product:
QUICKEN LOANS ARENA BECOMES FIRST SPORTS VENUE TO INTRODUCE “WIRELESS TOUCHSCREEN CONCIERGE” USING SMARTTOUCH TECHNOLOGY
Cleveland Cavaliers and ARAMARK Provide In-Suite Guests with iPads to Order
Food, Tickets, Merchandise and More in Real Time
CLEVELAND (January 2011) – With just a touch of a fingertip, Quicken Loans Arena (“The Q”) suite holders are entering a new dimension of service excellence. In partnership with ARAMARK, the arena’s exclusive food and beverage provider, The Q is introducing SmartTouchtechnology using Apple’s iPad™ into its 92 luxury suites to deliver guests a richer hospitality experience utilizing 100 percent wireless touch screens. Convenience has never been so cool.
Home to the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers and AHL Lake Erie Monsters, Quicken Loans Arena is the first sports and entertainment facility in the country to debut the innovative SmartTouch technology that enables suite guests to order food and drinks, purchase merchandise, event tickets and more with a tap of a screen, all from the comfort of their suite.
Developed by New York-based Incentient, a company creating and maintaining visionary hardware and software solutions to unite clients with their customers, SmartTouch is a fully customizable interactive guest experience operating on a 19-inch iPad 2 and enabling two-way communication in real time. With SmartTouch, The Q’s products and services are brought to life for customers in a compelling, interactive format using proprietary software offering the opportunity for boundless content delivery and customization.
“Our partnership with ARAMARK, to be the first to bring SmartTouch to our suite holders, reflects our focus to continue earning their support by providing the best service, fan experience, cutting-edge technology and facilities in all of sports and entertainment,” said Len Komoroski, president, Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena.
By integrating the latest wireless technology into the arena experience, Quicken Loans Arena and ARAMARK are creating an even more interactive, fan-friendly way for guests to enjoy sports and entertainment events. In addition to the convenience of being able to order food and beverage off the menu for delivery to the suite, SmartTouch features tabs designed specifically to enhance the service experience for Quicken Loans Arena suite holders. Those features include:
- Merchandise – order team gear from the Cavaliers Team Shop
- Event calendar – see what special, sporting and concert events are coming to The Q in future days, weeks and months
- Purchase tickets – purchase tickets for all upcoming events at The Q
- Stats and scores – view game scores and stats in real time
- Concierge – obtain useful information about The Q and other area businesses and services
“Fans are accustomed to the conveniences of mobile and wireless technology and we’re continuously looking for ways to enhance and customize hospitality offerings through the use of new technology,” said Kelly Romano, ARAMARK general manager, Quicken Loans Arena. “We’re excited to work with the Cavaliers to introduce a new way for fans to experience events at The Q.”
SmartTouch’s plug-and-play technology is easy to manage and update and allows arena operators to mine for data letting them know in real time what information guests truly want and which offerings are selling best.
“The application success at The Q is another clear example of Incentient’s mission to better connect our clients to their customers” says Patrick Martucci, CEO, Incentient. “Quicken Loans Arena suite holders will now have a dynamic, real-time connection during Cavs and Monsters games and events, which in turn provides a richer fan experience. This deeper customer connection will continue to be the driving focus of all of our products.”
For more information, go to www.Incentient.com or www.theQArena.com.
ABOUT QUICKEN LOANS ARENA-CLEVELAND, OHIO
Northeast Ohio’s premier sports and entertainment destination, Quicken Loans Arena, also known as The Q, is home to the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, the American Hockey League’s Lake Erie Monsters, the Arena Football League’s Cleveland Gladiators and host to the best entertainment in the region. Each year “The Q” welcomes nearly 1.5 million people at 200 plus events that include Cavaliers basketball, Monsters hockey, world-class concerts, family shows and signature sporting events. Quicken Loans Arena is operated by a group led by Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert, the chairman and founder of Quicken Loans, Inc., the nation’s largest online home mortgage lender. Since 2005, Gilbert has a led the ownership group’s more than $40 million investment in renovations and upgrades at Quicken Loans Arena featuring new seats, state-of-the-art scoreboards, new lighting technology, an enhanced sound system, remodeled team locker room, in addition to a re-designed and expanded multi-million dollar Cavaliers Team Shop. These investments reflect Gilbert’s commitment to operating the Cavaliers, Monsters and Quicken Loans Arena in a fan-centric way that is second to none.
ABOUT ARAMARK
ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. The company is recognized as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by the Ethisphere Institute, as the industry leader in FORTUNE magazine’s “World’s Most Admired Companies,” and as one of America’s Largest Private Companies by both FORTUNE and Forbes magazines. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 255,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at www.twitter.com/aramarknews.
ABOUT INCENTIENT
Incentient provides services for hospitality venues including restaurants, hotels and resorts and sport and entertainment arenas. By creating and maintaining unique hardware and software solutions, Incentient exclusively unites clients with their customers by adding value to the supply chain experience. In addition to SmartCellarsm, Incentient developed the SmartTouchsm system – a touch-screen flat panel featuring proprietary software encouraging guests to control their hospitality experience from within the security of their rooms (this includes, but is not limited to room service, valet, housekeeping, concierge and spa, among others). Incentient’s patent-pending solutions are currently being marketed around the world, with technology currently installed in 14 countries including the United States, Canada, France, Switzerland, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. For more information, go to www.incentient.com.
ABOUT SMARTTOUCHsm
Created by New York-based Incentient, SmartTouch delivers guests a richer hospitality experience utilizing the Apple iPad™. For hotels and resorts, guests now easily access hospitality services, such as concierge and room service, without having to make a phone call and be left on hold or leave their room. SmartTouch is also available for theaters and arenas by enabling guests to order tickets, food, drinks and merchandise from their seats. Incentient can customize the design the look and feel to branding. Proprietary software offers the opportunity for boundless content and customization. The plug-and-play technology is not only intuitive but also able to be multi-lingual. SmartTouch is currently marketed throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. For more information, go to www.incentient.com.
Synology today announced the official start of the DiskStation Manager (DSM) 4.0 beta program. During the beta program, all owners of ’08 models and newer are invited to test drive Synology’s newest NAS OS iteration, and offer feedback, including the new Cloud Station.
Cloud Station offers users a simple way to keep their data in sync, including change history, from anywhere. The QuickConnect feature allows users to sync without the complication of port forwarding.
“DSM 4.0 and Cloud Station put you in control of your own personal cloud,” said Doug Self, Product Marketing Manager at Synology America Corp. “Unlike traditional cloud services, your cloud can grow with you with no recurring fees.”
IT administrators will appreciate the additional tools DSM 4.0 brings to the table; simplifying management, and saving money and time:
DSM 4.0 brings advances for home and small office users, too, with improvements.
Synology DSM 4.0 Beta Reward Program
Synology will hand out DiskStations to three beta testers who provide the most valuable assistance and feedback during the program. For more information, please go to http://www.synology.com/support/beta_2011_dsm4.0.php
Synology DSM 4.0 beta is free to download for users who own a DiskStation x08 series and onward. Supported models include:
The download will be available at http://www.synology.com/support/beta_2011_dsm4.0.php (as of right now it says coming soon)
We will be meeting with Synology tomorrow at CES 2012, so will have more to share then.
On Monday, Griffin and Crayola announced several new products aimed at children. Read on for details!
Griffin and Crayola have teamed up to introduce apps and accessories for children. My daughter received a Crayola coloring pen and app, called ColorStudio HD, that works on the iPad for Christmas. She really likes it, so this news release caught my eye. Here is the news release announcing the new products.
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HP released a nice update to webOS for TouchPad users. Read on for details!
HP continues to update webOS for TouchPad users. Here is the blog post from HP explaining what they changed:
webOS 3.0.5
The HP webOS 3.0.5 update enhances core apps like Email and Calendar, improves the video calling experience, and fixes additional bugs.
- Faster switching between Day, Week, and Month views, and faster event display in Calendar.
- Faster scrolling when reading an email message.
- Email attachments are now saved with draft messages.
- Added sender photos and IM presence indicators in Email.
- Improved stability when watching video in the Web app.
- Improved handling of MP3s that are transferred from a computer using USB Drive mode.
- Added a dedicated view of contacts available for a video call, for quicker setup of a video call.
- New alert when video quality might be lower because of network issues.
- When typing, pressing the space bar twice inserts a period. This can be toggled on and off.
- Auto-correction can be turned off directly from the onscreen keyboard.
- Added support for HTTP Live Streaming.
I updated my TouchPad tonight and noticed some improvements, particularly in the calendar and email applications. If you are also sporting a TouchPad, go ahead and do the over the air update!
HP Updates webOS For TouchPad
Microsoft announced another deal related to Android licensing, this time with LG. Read on for details!
Microsoft has been working to enforce their patent-related intellectual property with Chrome OS and Android partners for some time. Today, they announced a deal with LG. Here is what Microsoft had to say:
Microsoft and LG Sign Patent Agreement Covering Android and Chrome OS Based Devices
Agreement provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio.
REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 12, 2012— Microsoft Corp. and LG Electronics have signed a patent agreement that provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for LG’s tablets, mobile phones and other consumer devices running the Android or Chrome OS Platform. The contents of the agreement have not been disclosed.
“We are pleased to have built upon our longstanding relationship with LG to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Together with our 10 previous agreements with Android and Chrome OS device manufacturers, including HTC, Samsung and Acer, this agreement with LG means that more than 70 percent of all Android smartphones sold in the U.S. are now receiving coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio,” said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft. “We are proud of the continued success of our program in resolving the IP issues surrounding Android and Chrome OS.”
Microsoft’s Commitment to Licensing Intellectual Property
The agreement with LG expands upon a pre-existing agreement, and it is another example of the important role IP plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio.
More information about Microsoft’s licensing programs is available at http://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing/.
It is interesting to note that Microsoft is now receiving licensing fees for 70% of Android smart phones currently being sold in the US.
Microsoft Press Release
Italian firm I’mWatch announced their new product, a smart watch at CES. Read on for details.
I have to say that this is an interesting product. Italian firm I’mWatch introduced their Smart Watch system at CES. The watch is intended to work with your phone and can extend your smart phone functionality. Here is how the company describes the product:
THE PRODUCT Italian design and technology, multitasking, ultra high-resolution, a multi-touch screen on a curved surface are all performances and characteristics that have never been seen before on such a small object. Only a few months away from its online presentation, the first smartwatch compatible with the iPhone, did not go unnoticed by Apple fans and technophiles. This smartwatch uses Android as an operating system, the great “rival” of Apple and iOS. It is important to understand that this device is not meant to replace the iPhone. On the contrary, the I’m Watch can directly manage the iPhone thanks to the Bluetooth communication and the use of the new “Personal Hotspot” that Apple rendered available with its latest version, iOS 4.3. I’mWatch can connect not only to iPhones but also to other smartphones, Android, Windows Phone 7 and Blackberry.
THE COLLECTIONS Five different collections are available.
- i’m Color: the youthful and colorful versione of the i’m Watch with many color options: white, pink, blue, red, yellow, green or black
- i’m Tech: includes i’m Titanium and i’m Carbonium for a watch as strong as titanium or as light as carbon
- i’m Silver: the elegant silver version
- i’m Jewel: for luxury lovers, a small and timeless masterpiece: i’m Yellow Gold, i’m Pink Gold, i’m White Gold & Diamonds, i’m Black Gold, i’m Special.
- i’m Italy: the limited edition with only 1000 pieces, made in Magnesium and with the tricolor of the Italian flag, a tribute to Made in Italy expertise
The price of the i’m Watch varies from 249 euros to 14 999 euros.
i’market: each App that you download brings new features to your i’m Watch. You will be able to do the impossible with such a small device: social networks, foto and videos, news and Internet, email and messages; the extraordinary becomes possible!
i’music: unlimited access to million of songs on demand, radio station access and custom-made playlists that can be directly linked and posted on your favorite social medias. You can listen to music the easy way: if you have an incoming call, the i’m Watch pauses so you can hear the phone ring. You will only need to click on the earphone icon to get the call!
i’m Developer: is the portal designed for developers who can create all kinds of apps to enrich the functionality of their i’m Watch to render it even more useful to all their personal daily needs.
FEATURES AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- analog or digital clock format
- caller ID: name & phone number
- calls made by dialing number or selecting name from the phone book
- talk hands free
- SMS preview on screen
- Email preview: name of the sender & email object
- international weather forecast
- Facebook™, Twitter™ & other social media notifications
- music download from i’music
- applications download from i’market
- photos and images gallery
- stock market notifications
- appointment and schedule reminders
- creation and development of custom-made apps
Technical Specifications
- Size & Weight Height: 52,60 mm Weight: 40 mm Depth: 10 mm Weight: 70 gr
- Capacity Flash Drive: 4GB
- RAM: 64 MB/128 MB
- Processor CPU: IMX233
- Display 1.54” (diagonal) color TFT display 240×240 pixel resolution 220 ppi
- Operating System Android
- Sensori (solo versione da 128 MB) Accelerometer Magnetometer
- Battery Built-in rechargeable Li-Po 450 mA
- Charging via USB to computer system or power adapter.
- Standby time (without Bluetooth connection): up to 48 hours. Standby time (with Bluetooth connection): up to 24 hours.
- Hands free time: up to 3 hours.
- Time for other uses: up to 5 hours.
- Smartphone compatibility and operating system
A lot of the i’m Watch functions require an Internet connection via tethering. The operating systems and phones to have this characteristic are the following: Android (HTC, Samsung, Motorola, LG, etc) RIM (Blackberry) iOS (Apple iPhone) Bada (Samsung) Symbian (Nokia) Windows Phone 7 Important Not all versions of the same operating system allow tethering. Not all versions of the same phone allow tethering. Not all service providers allow phone tethering.
Note: Some features of the i’m Watch can also function without Internet connection on devices that allow it (Android, Blackberry) via the i’m Sync application (Android, Blackberry).
Note: It will be possible to use SMS notifications with devices that support Bluetooth “Message Access Profile” (MAP).
Audio/video playback Compatible formats: mp3, AAC
Materials Jewel Collection: Yellow Gold, White Gold, Pink Gold, Black Gold
Tech Collection: Titanium, Carbonium
Color Collection: Aluminum. Color: White, Pink, Light Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Black
Italy Collection: Magnesium.
This is an interesting product. If you are looking for a watch companion for your smartphone, check out I’m Watch today!
Rydeen North America announced a new Android-powered automotive stereo unit, the Rydeen DV621 Android-powered Multimedia Receiver. Read on for details!
Rydeen was looking to make the in-dash stereo experience better, and decided on an Android interface for their latest unit. It combines a receiver, amplifier, Bluetooth radio for streaming, and several other features. Here is the press release announcing the product:
Rydeen Showing Android-Powered Radio at CES 2012 The DV621 features double-DIN size, 6.2-inch touch screen and Android 2.2 Las Vegas – In an era when automotive aftermarket companies are working to integrate portable media players and phones to factory and aftermarket car audio systems, Rydeen Mobile Electronics is taking a different tack at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas, Nev. The renowned provider of vehicle safety and convenience solutions is showing a beta version of the upcoming DV621, a double-DIN head unit that uses a native Android® user interface. Visitors to CES can see the DV621 at booth #6421 in the Driver Safety / Location-Based Services (LBS) Tech Zone in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 10-13.
“We have looked at many head units that try to mimic the ‘touch and swipe’ user experience of today’s smartphones and tablets, only to fall short due to poor processing power and other drawbacks,” said Marcos Duran, product director at Rydeen. “Still others have endeavored to recreate the icon-based interface using a connection to the smartphone. We’ve decided to remove these natural roadblocks and give users the exact experience, by turning the head unit into an Android device.”The Rydeen DV621 Android-powered Multimedia Receiver features hardware buttons, a main control knob and a 6.2-inch WVGA TFT color touch screen at 800×480 pixels that displays a customized version of the Android interface. The UI is designed to be ergonomically applicable to the vehicle environment with large icons that are well-spaced, minimizing driver distraction. TheDV621 is powered by an ARM Cortex A8 1GHz processor overlaid with Android OS 2.2. The head unit includes an add-on GPS antenna to deliver Rydeen’s visual map navigation software, or the user can select to use Google Navigation via the app selection. Internet / email access is achieved using a customer supplied dongle, which connects via a rear USB port.Like a traditional multimedia head unit, the DV621 includes a built-in, 4-channel amplifier that delivers up to 45 watts per channel. Two sets of low-level RCA audio connectors plus a dedicated subwoofer output allow the addition of aftermarket amplifiers. An additional audio/video output enables connection of additional video monitors for the rear seat, and dual-zone functionality allows rear-seat passengers to watch different content. The disc slot enables playback of MP3, WMA, JPEG, H.264 and MPEG4 on CD and DVD, and inputs for SD cards, USB drives and auxiliary audio/video are accessible from the front panel. The PLL AM/FM tuner is complemented by 18 FM and 12 AM station presets.Built-in Bluetooth with the A2DP protocol allows the DV621 to function as a handsfree system as well as deliver streaming music from a connected portable device through the audio system. The mic is built into the front panel of the unit, though a separate mic connection is also available.
“It’s not just about making a pretty interface, it’s also about leveraging the customer’s trained interaction,” continued Duran. “Android-powered smartphones are the hottest sellers, and more people in the U.S. own Android-powered handsets than any other operating system. This means they are used to finding their favorite apps, moving them into the ideal places for easy access, and creating a personalized experience. We tried to keep that same interaction sequence as much as possible without adding the potential for distraction. As a result, there is a faster mastery of the system and higher satisfaction with the head unit because the user does not have to learn yet another interface.”
About Rydeen
Rydeen North America, Inc., melds the best of today’s technology into smart, practical devices that are easy to use, and makes them available to consumers at an affordable price. Headquartered in Torrance, Calif., with a local staff that lives and breathes consumer electronics, we create unique products focused on driver safety, convenience and lifestyle enhancement. For more information, visit our Website at www.rydeenmobile.com.
It’s really interesting to see where Android pops up next. If you are in the market for a new car stereo unit, check out this one from Rydeen!
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