I Love Gadgets

by Edwin - on April 30th, 2012

The name iHome often conjures up iPod and iPhone docks as well as iOS-powered speaker systems for me most of the time, and I am not quite sure whether the same applies to you or not. Well, this time around, iHome?s latest release that they call the iHome iDM5 Executive Work Station has every intention to make tablets as well as Bluetooth-enabled smartphones all the more functional, where it comes with a rather compact footprint so that no additional clutter is added to your work area.

Not only that, there is also a full size QWERTY keyboard to keep company the built-in speakers, where other hardware specifications include a microphone and a couple of USB ports that allows you to juice up two power thirsty devices simultaneously. Those who have long grappled with a sense of lack of space and want to get more organized at work will definitely do well to take a closer look at the iHome iDM5 Executive Work Station.

Evan Stein, Director of Marketing, iHome, said, ?In addition to using their tablets and smartphones for entertainment purposes, people are relying on them to perform more intricate office tasks as well. Whether video conferencing, typing up reports, making calls or streaming music, the iDM5 is the perfect product for the multi-tasker.?

For those of us who made it to CES 2012, chances are you would have come upon the iHome iDM5 Executive Work Station since it was a 2012 CE Innovations Honoree. This full sized, ergonomically angled QWERTY keyboard speaker system will allow you to type away on your tablet or smartphone in a comfortable manner, all the while ensuring you remain entertained by streaming your favorite music over a wireless Bluetooth connection. Less cables means less hassle and mess to the eyes, not to mention a far cleaner work area.

As for the built-in mic, it will enable you to use the unit as a speakerphone for video conferencing purposes, and if you prefer to play your choice of music from any other audio device, you can always do so via the universal 3.5mm aux line-in jack. Expect to fork out $129.95 for the iHome iDM5 Executive Work Station.

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Clique by Henge Docks

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Tom

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by Dave Rees on April 30, 2012 � 0 comments

in Desktop Computer Gear, Laptops and Gear, News

For those of you who have not heard of Henge Docks, they manufacture docking stations for Apple MacBooks. They have expanded their product line to include the Clique, a smartly done device that unites Apple?s Wireless Keyboard and Magic Trackpad into a single unit/device. The Clique is a tray with insets that securely holds both devices. The holder enables you to use your keyboard and trackpad without needing a flat surface to place them on. The Clique is available for $25 for both right and left (pre-order) handed people.

Tagged as: Keyboard, magic trackpad

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No New Windows Phones Coming From LG, Focusing On Android Instead

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Tom

According to a recent report by the Korea Herald, LG has announced that they have no plans to introduce any new Windows Phone smartphones, instead the company has decided to focus its efforts on Google?s Android platform.

LG was one of the first companies to launch a Windows Phone device, but it would appear that the partnership with Microsoft has not worked well for them financially.

LG Windows Phone

The company hasn?t ruled out Windows Phone down the line as it will apparently continue with its research and development efforts on Microsoft?s Windows Phone platform.

It will be interesting to see if concentrating on Android will help LG compete with the likes of Samsung and HTC, both companies are doing well with android devices.

Source WPCentral

Boston Getting The First Smartphone Rail Ticket Service In The US

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Tom

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It?s funny how many businesses are starting to realize that our gadgets can be used for much more. They can be used to make our daily activities much easier and more efficient. That?s why the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is going to start a program this fall that will allow commuter rail riders to buy tickets on their smartphones.

It?s a first for the U.S. The project is a partnership with Masabi, a company with expertise in mobile transit ticketing systems. It should make things more efficient for riders, since less than half of the 140 commuter rail stations even have ticket machines and should help to cut costs for the MBTA and reduce the amount of fare jumpers on the rail system.

As usual it all translates into more money in their pocket, which is good because the MBTA has been trying to fight a $185 million budget deficit.

Source Phonearena

Sunday 29 April 2012

Voice Control is for (Beach) Bums

18:01

Tom

While iCloud helped make my Hawaii trip worry-free tech-wise, the element of my iPhone I found most relaxing was Voice Control. If you ever question the value of voice control, an easy cure is to use it while walking to and along the beach.

Unlike many of my peers, I don?t have the iPhone 4S with Siri. (And by ?peers? I include my comrades here on GBM and my own sister.) Still, I enjoy using the Voice Control system of iOS 4 for dealing with phone calls and controlling music. I especially enjoy it for hands/eyes-free operation while driving, but also while taking in the sights on a peaceful walk to the beach. It was while making that walk that I realized just how much I want voice control to do.

Life?s a Beach

The family house being a bit small for us, my mom rented a couple rooms in Kailua (Oahu, not Kailua Kona) for me, my brother and his girlfriend to crash at for a couple nights. Like most rentals in Kailua, it was a few minutes walk to the beach, so I took advantage of that the first morning.

Stepping out of the house, first thing I did was pull up my location on my iPhone map and put a pin on the house, so I wouldn?t have to worry about finding my way back. Then I plotted my way to the beach, popped in my headphones and headed on my way. Along the way, I used Voice Control call my wife back home and then pull up my ?Chill? playlist. Activating Voice Control was easy using my iPhone headphones or the iPhone home button, which is easily accessed on my belt holster. Controlling my iPhone during the walk to the beach was relatively eyes-free.

Wish I had Siri and that Siri had more

All simple and easy but With Siri, I could have done more. Before I left, I sent a text to my still sleeping brother to let him know I?d be out. I could have called up directions to the beach without typing a word. I could have set a reminder for when to return. I didn?t need Siri for any of that, but I found myself wanting to do those things as easily as I could place a call or change my music.

In fact, I would have liked to have been able to do it all without looking at my iPhone at all. How nice would it be to ask for directions and get turn-by-turn navigation instead of a map? Sure, that?s impractical for driving, but it would be great for foot journeys. I would also love to be able to get a brief report on overnight Twitter updates and ask for a few to be read. The real key to voice control in my opinion is about getting things done without looking at the screen.

It?s not for working, it?s for living

Perhaps the biggest lesson that using voice control in that setting reinforced is that it?s not about getting work done but for letting you enjoy life. Walking along the beach with cool water at my feet and warm sun on my face, the only time I wanted to look at a screen was to take these photos. Sitting down to drink my coffee and eat my breakfast at the beach, I did catch up with email and Twitter, but I really would have liked that audio report ahead of time to clear out the cruff. Yeah, voice control isn?t always the fastest way of doing things, but when I?m relaxing at the beach, the more of my hectic lifestyle I can leave behind the better.

For me, that?s the real promise of voice control and the big message in those recent iPhone ads featuring Samuel L. Jackson and Zooey Deschanel. Whether preparing a romantic dinner or staying in on a rainy day, Siri and other forms of voice control are not about working your job, but living your life.

Tags: Apple, Siri, Speech Recognition, voice control

Category: Editorials

About the Author (Author Profile)

My name is Mark Sumimoto; I am Sumocat. I dabble in all areas of mobile computing, but my focus is Windows-based Tablet PCs and pen input. They?ve been part of my arsenal since 2004, and I?m proud to have pioneered the field of ink blogging, earning a spot as a Microsoft MVP for Touch and Tablets in the process. My current tools include a Fujitsu Lifebook T900, TEGA v2, and iPhone 4. Email me: sumocat [at] notebooks.com

How to Use Google Drive on the iPad

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Tom

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There?s no Google Drive iPad app available from Google, and the mobile version of the Google Drive service fails to load on the iPad more often than not.

There are a number of ways to use Google Drive on the iPad while we wait for an official Google Drive iPad app.

GoodReader for iPad is a $5 app that connects to web storage services on the iPad, including Google Drive. The app doesn?t offer a Google Drive option in setup, but it does connect to Google Docs, which is now Google Drive.

GoodReader allows users to download and use a wide array of file types from music and movies to photos, documents and spreadsheets. GoodReader can even unzip zipped files on the iPad. The app also allows users to annotate PDF files.

Productivity minded users will love that GoodReader allows them to open files from Google Drive in iPad apps like Pages, Numbers, iBooks, SignMyPad, and many more.

How to Use Google Drive on the iPad

1. Purchase and download GoodReader, then open the app and tap on Connect to Servers on the right side of the iPad.

2. Tap on Google Docs.

3. Name the folder Drive. Enter your full Gmail address and Gmail password. (You need to have Google Drive active on this account)

4. The new Google Drive connection will now appear on the iPad under the Connect to Servers section.

5. Tap on Drive to access Google Drive from the iPad.

Now it is possible to download and use most files from Google Drive on the iPad. Some will preview and open in GoodReader, and others will open in the available iPad apps.

I have been able to download and use PDF files, video files, documents and spreadsheets on the ad without any issues.

While waiting for The official Google Drive iPad app, GoodReader is the best way to use Google Drive on the iPad.

Tags: App, Goodreader, google drive, Google Drive iPad, how to, ipad

Category: how to

About the Author (Author Profile)

Josh Smith is Editor of GottaBeMobile and Notebooks.com. He's always looking for ways to help you get the most of your mobile gear and loves to talk about tech on numerous radio programs. Josh uses an iPhone 4S, Galaxy Nexus and iPad 2 on a daily basis. You can follow Josh on Twitter @Josh_Smith or find Josh Smith on Google+. Email: Josh@Notebooks.com

Wrapsol Non-Slip Grip Pad for Large Tablets Review

06:00

Tom

I recently reviewed the Wrapsol Ultra Screen Protector on my new iPad.� Wrapsol also sent along their Non-Slip Grip Pad for Large Tablets for our review.� It is ?engineered to optimize usability and to help prevent slip-and-fall damage to your tablet.?� Those slippery, expensive tablets we all love could certainly benefit from being less slippery, right?� Let?s give the Non-Slip Grip Pad a closer look.

There is nothing about the Grip Pad that limits it to use with the iPad.� It?s a rounded rectangle that will work with larger tablets.� There?s also another size designed to work with smaller tablets.� The Wrapsol ordering process ensures you?ll get the right size for your tablet.

This image only, courtesy of Wrapsol

Wrapsol says the Non-Slip Grip Pad is made with ?tactilla?-a proprietary new age gripping technology-from advanced high durability polyurethane.?� The Grip Pad, ?helps securely position your tablet along virtually any slanted surface, so you can type emails with two hands and watch movies hands-free, too.?� You can see a tablet hanging onto someone?s leg in the above photo from Wrapsol?s website.� A silver/gray is the only color option.

The Grip Pad came with a small microfiber cleaning cloth and directions for installing the pad.� I cleaned the back of my iPad before installing.� You can see a strong line across the short edge of the Grip Pad that?s closest to the bottom of the picture.� This is caused by a ?break? in the backing papers.� I removed the smaller side of the backing paper and attached that end to my iPad.� I removed the rest of the backing and used my hand as a squeegee to smooth the Pad to the back of my iPad.

You can see I had a few air bubbles, but they don?t worry me because I don?t have to try to see a screen through them.� I was able to lift up the Pad and squeeze some of them out.

You can see here that the Grip Pad was able to hold my iPad against my hand, held at about a 45-degree angle.

I don?t use my iPad with a naked back, so I decided I?d try remove the Grip Pad from my iPad and see how it worked on the polycarbonate back cover I?m using.� It removed cleanly, until I got to the area that had shown that deep line where the backing papers split.� I wonder if the cutter that split the backing went a little deep and cut the adhesive film, too?� Anyway, I just started pulling from a different angle, and the adhesive film came up cleanly and left no sticky residue behind.

The Grip Pad attached securely to the back cover.� I used it for several days this way.� The Grip Pad does prevent the iPad from slipping around.� You can imagine that a shiny, hard plastic case is at least as slippery as the aluminum back of the iPad, and the Grip Pad was able to prevent my iPad from sliding around.� It held it against the pillows I?d prop it on as I read.� It even gave me a little better grip as I carried the iPad.

In the interest of doing a complete review, I decided I?d remove the Grip Pad from the plastic back cover after several days to see if it removed cleanly from that material, too.� You can see there was a lot of sticky gunk left on the plastic back cover, and it took me a few days to get it all off ? but it did eventually all come off.� The Grip Pad was designed for the iPad?s aluminum back, not the plastic, though.� An incompatibility with the particular plastic may be the cause of the residue.

The Wrapsol Non-Slip Grip Pad does make the back of your iPad less slippery.� You?ll be able to all but suspend it from your bent leg as you lounge on the sofa and watch movies, read, surf, or even type a quick email.� It can also provide you with a little assistance keeping a grip on your slippery devices.

Product Information

Price:	$14.95; a bundle with the Ultra screen protector and Grip Pad is $34.95
Manufacturer:	Wrapsol
Retailer:	Wrapsol
Pros:	"Grippy" to prevent the iPad from sliding Can help improve your grip if your hands are large
Cons:	Left behind a sticky residue on my iPad's back cover

Tagged as: non-slip pad, Tablet accessory

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Cardo scala rider G9 ? Can you Hear Me Now?

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Tom

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by Julie - on April 26th, 2012

My husband and I both have our motorcycle licenses, and it was my dad that taught me to ride, and while it makes me a little more nervous than it used to, I still love the idea of a bike? the wind in your hair and the bugs in your teeth. But if we all go out together, its just so hard to communicate ? even with some of the better helmet systems out there.

That is until now, let me introduce you to Cardo scala rider G9, Cardo Systems Inc (a Pittsburgh PA company) specializes in the design and development of state of the art communication and entertainment systems for motorcycle helmets and the G9 is no exception. Featuring unparalleled intercom connectivity and wireless access to mobile phones, GPS and MP3 music, this super slim, compact headset installs in minutes and lets you talk to up to 8�fellow riders almost a mile away.

But that?s not the best part, the G9 also allows spontaneous connections to other scala riders using the G9 or the G4, so waving becomes a thing of the past as this system lets you reach out and actually say hi! Other unique functions include ?Flash Pairing? where users establish connections by bumping two of the G9?s together or Hot Dial calling� or ?Group Signal? that lets a rider initiate alerts to other members of his crew and they even have a Cardo Community, Heck! Its like social networking on wheels.

So make calls, get GPS directions, plan meet-ups, or just listen to the built in FM radio, the G9 will help you do it all. The G9 provides about 12 hours of talk time and 7 days of standby. It can be charged in 3 hours and is compatible (within limits) with the entire scala line. For more info please visit Cardosystems.com

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Saturday 28 April 2012

Is it a Boat? a Plane? NO, it?s a Submarine

18:00

Tom

by Julie - on April 26th, 2012

I find it completely amazing the�types of things one might be able to experience, provided they have several million dollars of disposable income lying around in their pillow cushions, I guess a bit more understandable is�the sheer number of companies out there ready to cater to those folks with that kind of money.

When I have my first splurge worthy few million, I?m heading off to Hawkes Ocean Technologies for the new Deepflight Merlin.�The lightweight, private, luxury submarine, is dubbed the Learjet of the deep. This�high-performance, positively buoyant 3 passenger vehicle is equipped with state of the art, patented safety systems and�extends the overall capabilities of scuba, following SCUBA rules, while offering the unique experience of underwater flight.��

Unlike most conventional submersibles which use ballast to sink in the water, the DeepFlight submersibles use downward ?lift? on the wings�so you can actually�?fly? down to depth. Think about it, you and two of your closest friends can sweep over colorful reefs, banking turns while searching for sunken treasure or simply enjoying the view. Flying and gliding through the undersea world, all this,�and you never have to worry about falling out of the sky like�a shot duck.

Hawkes Ocean Technologies offers a complete range of submersibles that can dive from the surface to the deepest parts of the ocean. Ultra-lightweight and compact, all the DeepFlight submersibles can be operated from your�boat or from the shore. Personally, I?m going with the boat option, might as well grab myself a yacht while I?m at it. To check�out specs or pricing please visit Deepflight.com�and I?ll see ya around the reefs!

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Is The Brydge Finally the Perfect iPad Keyboard Case?

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Tom

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The Brydge iPad keyboard case, a Kickstarter project, looks very promising.� It features a full-sized keyboard in an aerospace-grade aluminum body, and it has a patent-pending hinge system that uses friction and magnets to securely hold your iPad ? even when you try to shake it apart.� The hinge rotates through almost 180-degrees, so you?ll have no problem finding the correct viewing angle.� The keyboard is Bluetooth, so there are no cables.� There are special iPad function keys, and the keyboard is USB chargeable.� Closing the hinge causes both the iPad and the keyboard to go to sleep.� An optional model even has speakers.� The Brydge plus iPad is about the size and weight of a MacBook Air.

Although they have already received pledges for more than double the goal, you can still pledge a minimum of $210 to receive a Brydge with speakers.� The pledge period ends June 4, and estimated shipping is October, 2012.

Tagged as: Bluetooth keyboard, iPad

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UCube Digital USB Speakers

06:00

Tom

by Edwin - on April 27th, 2012

Looking for a pair of speakers for your notebook? Let?s face the fact that most notebooks do not come with a decent audio solution, which is why there is always a market for items like the $149.99 UCube Digital USB Speakers. Measuring a mere 3.25? square, the UCube is an ultra portable computer peripheral, and chances are you would not probably notice it take up much space on your desk. Not only that, they are definitely lookers and will not end up as a sore thumb on your work desk. Since these speakers will connect to your computer via USB, there is no need to lug around another power supply on your travels.

Not only that, the speakers are completely detachable from the hefty aluminum stands, allowing you to minimize the footprint. The UCube is able to coax out a maximum of 15 watts per channel, and with Balance Mode Radiator (BMR for short), it is said to be able to deliver a full frequency range with a wide dispersion pattern that would certainly be more than welcome for your ears to listen to.

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Best Buy Discontinues Connect 4G Service

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Tom

Best Buy has announced that it is discontinuing its branded 4G wireless Internet service. The service operated under the Best Buy Connect name. The service has stopped taking new registrations.

The service will end June 1. At that point, customers with accounts in good standing will be offered the chance to transferred to Clear 4G service. These customers will also be offered a free Best Buy gift card that ranges in amount from $125-$150 depending on the product they purchased originally.

People who don?t want to continue on Clear will be able to get out of contract with no early termination fee. If you are a Connect subscriber and your account is behind not wait until June to get your gift card once you catch up.

via Engadget

Friday 27 April 2012

Brick Brites Blinking LED Plastic Building Brick Review

18:00

Tom

A couple�weeks ago, The Gadgeteer had a news post about Brick Brites, clear plastic LEGO-like building blocks.� They?re different from regular LEGO blocks because they have motion-activated blinking lights built-in to add some excitement to your LEGO constructions.� How do you improve upon the LEGO brick? �I had to see what this was all about. �

Brick Brites come in three different colors: �White/Red, White/Green, and White/Blue. �They come in packs of two.

They?re exactly the size of two stacked 2�3 LEGO bricks. �I thought this was a bit of an unusual size, but they had to put the batteries somewhere. I suppose if they used smaller batteries, it just wouldn?t last long. �Brick Brites says the batteries are good for about 100 hours of flashing.

Each Brick Brite is the the size of two 2x3 Lego bricks.

Closeup of the ends. Each brick has two LEDs: One white, one colored. It's interesting that the cardboard package shows three LEDs.

Top and bottom views. Note the 2x3 pattern.

The spring acts as the vibration sensor. When contact is made, the LEDs blink for 13 seconds. The two green bricks I received had bent springs (see right) which made it hard to activate.

To start the flashing, simply tap a brick. �I wouldn?t say shake; it requires a light ?jolt?. �Some bricks came alive with a simple finger tap. �The two green ones must have been from a bad batch. �They wouldn?t turn on unless I really whacked ?em. �Turns out both springs were bent somewhat.

And in case you?re wondering, I already tried to open it up. �It?s definitely adult-proof. �The two halves seemed glued together really well. �Once the batteries are flat, that?s it.

Ooooo...

I gave a handful of these to my 6 year old son and we set off making some crazy vehicles. �Here?s what we produced before bedtime, on location at his City of LEGOs.

"Police car with supply trailer". My son said the trailer carries the extra lights.

A baker in some kind of... car. Yes, he's holding a loaf of bread.

Frankenstein's drag racer lights up the night. (Daddy made this one)

The Brick Brites are a lot of fun and add a new creative element building with LEGOs. �No, you can?t replace the batteries. �The plastic feels a little different than the familiar feel of Lego bricks. �And, if you?re one of those engineering types who is SERIOUS about model building, keep in mind that the tolerances of the Brick Brites are a little off vs. the precise nature of LEGOs: �I found that if you stack a few together, you really notice they?re a little ?off? by a fraction of a hair, which I suppose could add up if you?re going to build a half-size replica of the Death Star.

Otherwise, Frankenstein really likes his new ride.

Off to pick up Wolfman and The Mummy.

Product Information

Price:	$9.99
Manufacturer:	Brick Brites
Retailer:	ThinkGeek
Requirements:	Legos or other "major toy brick brands"
Pros:	Add flashing lights to your Lego creations.
Cons:	Some bricks may be less sensitive to turning on due to manufacturing variances. Non-replaceable batteries. Cannot open brick without destroying it.

Tagged as: LEGO

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