Oh! Gizmo

By Chris Scott Barr

I honestly can’t remember the number of different cell phone chargers I’ve had over the years. I would imagine that it’s only slightly less than the number of phones I have owned. This is because almost every phone manufacturer has decided to develop their own proprietary connectors. While we’ve started seeing the microUSB port used for charging more lately, several manufacturers have agreed to use the microUSB port as the standard connector for all future phones in the UK.

The companies involved include Apple, Nokia, Samsung, LG, Motorola and RIM, each of which has promised to offer the new standard connector on their phones starting next year. The agreement only includes data-enabled phones, which means that some basic handsets may still be allowed to use a proprietary connector. The biggest question this is going to raise is how this will affect future iPhones. Apple has continued to use the same universal connector as the iPod. Will they continue to support the universal connector while adding a microUSB port, or will they remove it altogether, thus making most iPod docks useless?

Note: We have heard this before, however, now there are more companies on-board. They’re also making this happen two years earlier than previously announced.

[ Reuters ] VIA [ Ubergizmo ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Instead of having to connect your mobile phone and a USB flash drive to a PC in order to transfer files between the two, the Mobidapter lets you do it directly, as long as your phone has an external SD. It includes adapters for full size SD card slots as well as microSD and miniSD, and it will read any USB flash drive with a capacity of 32GB or less. Power is leeched from the cellphone’s battery, and the actual copying procedures are handled by the phone’s file browser, with the device simply showing up as a USB flash drive. (Though that could vary depending on the OS.)

The Mobidapter will set you back about $46, but it seems like a dead easy way to backup or upload multimedia content to your phone without the hassle of booting up a PC.

[ Mobidapter ] VIA [ The Red Ferret Journal ]

By Chris Scott Barr

While yesterday’s support note didn’t specifically call out the Palm Pre by name, it was pretty obvious what they were talking about. Well Palm was listening, so now they have posted a rebuttal, which is below:

Palm’s media sync works with the current version of iTunes. If Apple chooses to disable media sync in a future version of iTunes, it will be a direct blow to their users who will be deprived of a seamless synchronization experience. However, people will have options. They can stay with the iTunes version that works to sync their music on their Pre, they can transfer the music via USB, and there are other third-party applications we could consider.

I really hope that Apple doesn’t go out of their way to specifically block the Pre. Honestly I think it’s in their best interest to leave it alone. After all, media players are dime a dozen, however, Apple only stands to make money off of Pre users if they are able to purchase music from the iTunes store.

[ Wall Street Journal ] VIA [ Cnet ]

By Chris Scott Barr

Remember not that long ago when we let you know that the Pre would be able to sync with iTunes straight out of the box? Well we knew it was only a matter of time before Apple tried to do something about it. While the likely have no legal grounds to take action directly against Palm, they’ve already warned users that the functionality isn’t going to last. They released a support note that stated the following:

Apple is aware that some third-parties claim that their digital media players are able to sync with Apple software. However, Apple does not provide support for, or test for compatibility with, non-Apple digital media players and, because software changes over time, newer versions of Apple’s iTunes software may no longer provide syncing functionality with non-Apple digital media players.

What this means is simply that they know of the Pre’s capabilities, and they’re going to make sure that it won’t work with a future version of iTunes. I love iTunes, and while I also am very happy with my iPhone, I don’t see any reason why those with a Pre shouldn’t be able to enjoy similar compatibility. So here’s my advice: Go to Apple’s site, download the latest version of iTunes. Now save the installation file somewhere safe. Now you’ll always have a version of iTunes that works with your Pre.

[ Apple ] VIA [ GearLog ]

By Chris Scott Barr

The Pre is shaping up to be the best thing Palm has made since they introduced the Palm Pilot way back when. As such, it’s no surprise that it’s already getting hacked by people to become even more useful than it already is. My favorite one so far? Definitely the NES emulator.

You’ll need to do a little hacking to get root access to the device, then compile FCEUltra. A little more work to get the program to display games at 320 x 480 and you’ll be good to go. Isn’t it great that we go through so much trouble so our fancy new technology can play games that are 20 years old?

[ Pre Dev Wiki ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]

By Chris Scott Barr

Talking on the phone while driving can be something of a hassle when you don’t have any sort of handsfree device. I have had the opportunity to check out one of the latest offerings from Parrot in this department. The Minikit Chic is a sleek little device that clips to your sun visor and offers a little more than some similar products on the market.

The first thing you’ll notice (other than the floral pattern) is that there really isn’t much to this little device. It’s roughly the size of my iPhone, only a bit thicker. You’ll find two buttons, a knob, a USB port and a clip. The clip is obviously for attaching it to your visor, while the USB port is used for charging and interfacing with your computer if needed. All of the functions you’ll use are controlled by the knob and two buttons, which seems rather simple for all it can do.

Read the rest of this entry »

By Chris Scott Barr

Wow, three Palm Pre stories in one week, whatever will my iPhone buddies think? Well if you’re looking to get your hands on a Pre when it debuts next month, you’ll probably be happy that I’ve been keeping you updated on the latest news. What new info do have that will assist you in getting ahold of your own Pre? Lets just say that if you plan on going to Best Buy or RadioShack to get your fix, you’d better get there really freaking early. Best Buy will be getting 4 per store, while RadioShack will only have 2. Suddenly I’m having flashbacks to Nintendo’s launch of the Wii.

[ Sprint ] VIA [ UberGizmo ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Headed to Glastonbury this year but worried your cellphone’s battery won’t go the mile? (Or kilometer I guess.) Well once again Orange’s got you covered. Last year they provided cellphone recharging services via their Dance Charger and Recharge Pod tent, but this year they’ll be introducing the Power Pump. It’s basically a compact generator that features a turbine driven by a standard air bed foot pump. So in the amount of time it takes to inflate a pillow, you can generate enough power to make a 5-minute call on your cellphone.

Sadly there’s no word on if or when the Power Pump will be available for sale, so let’s hope the idea goes over really well at the festival.

[ PR - Give it some welly! Orange launches the Power Pump charger for Glastonbury 2009 ] VIA [ The Red Ferret Journal ]

By Chris Scott Barr

The Palm Pre is definitely making a lot of buzz these days, what with the official release coming up quickly and all. It certainly has a lot of promise, but what if you’re wanting to buy the phone without re-upping your Sprint contract for another two years? Well don’t worry, if you’re that worked up about being tied down to one network for the next 24 months, you can always buy it sans contract. Of course, like any phone it will cost you. $549 to be exact. And no, for that price it still won’t be unlocked.

[ Sprint ] VIA [ UberGizmo ]