[MobileRatty] tag: version

Open Air Cinema rolls out new Open Air Home Screen

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:55:54 +0000

Open Air Cinema is a name that is familiar if you’re into outdoor cinema equipment, and it seems rather strange for them to announce their new 16ft x 9ft Open Air Home Screen considering we’re right smack in the middle of winter at the moment. Seriously, I would much rather sit at home around a cozy fireplace toasting marshmallows with a piping cup of hot chocolate in one hand instead of freezing my derrière off in the chilly cold and “enjoying” a rented movie played via my projector. Come to think of it, this only works with a weatherproof projector of sorts, right? The Open Air Home Screen is no ordinary display though, as it is a behemoth inflatable movie screen. Good to know you won’t need to rely on lung power to engorged it, otherwise it might take much longer than viewing the entire movie itself. Perhaps Open Air Cinema released this in anticipation of folks who love being prepared 6 months ahead of the coming summer…

According to Stuart Farmer, president of Open Air Cinema, “The 16-foot screen is the largest screen available for backyard use on the market. This new size truly converts your backyard into a huge cinematic experience. With the included blower fan, it takes just a few seconds to inflate. And even though it is the biggest screen we recommend for home use, it is still easy to set up, use and take down.”

Not only is the 16ft x 9ft Open Air Home Screen practical for backyard use, it is also easily transportable, capable of transforming just about any venue into a big outdoor theater. Of course, that would mean having to install some sort of insect repelling devices in the vicinity since you wouldn’t want your guests to get bitten by bugs while watching the latest blockbuster, would you? Sounds like the perfect set up if you’re holding a poolside party or hosting a BBQ by the beach. Features of the inflatable 16ft x 9ft Open Air Home Screen include :-

220″ Diagonal Projection Surface
Matte white, wrinkle-resistant ripstop nylon projection surface
Black-backed projection surface blocks lights from behind, improves contrast ratio
Ultra lightweight — weighs less than 20 pounds when deflated and fits inside a duffel bag
Air blower provides constant inflation
Heavy duty PVC carrying bag for screen, air blower, ropes, stakes etc.
20 MPH wind rating

You can pick it up for $999, but if your budget doesn’t permit, there is always the 12ft x 7ft version which is going for $599 while the 9-foot version will retail for at $449.

Press Release

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ Open Air Cinema rolls out new Open Air Home Screen copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Sony Ericsson G705 review: Slide-o-matic

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:42:00 +0000

Gsmarena have posted their review of the Sony Ericsson G705. Here are the key features, main disadvantages and final impression.

Key features:
Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and HSDPA 7.2 Mbps/tri-band HSDPA for US version
Built-in GPS with A-GPS function, Wayfinder Navigator software, geotagging
Wi-Fi b/g with DLNA and SIP support, Bluetooth (with A2DP), USB v2.0
2.4" 256K-color TFT display
Dedicated hardware music key on top
3.2 MP camera with LED flash,
Enhanced user interface with basic multi-tasking
Illuminated Web shortcut keys
Dedicated Play/Pause music key
Media Center, Smart search, Manage Messages
FM radio with RDS and TrackID
YouTube client
120 MB built-in memory, M2 card support, 1GB included

Main disadvantages:
Cheapo looking materials
No office document viewer
Video recording limited to QVGA resolution at 15fps
M2 card slot is under the battery cover

Guts to stand up to smartphones and utterly self-effacing looks is a nice little twist we guess. It's like the G705 is there saying "Misjudge me, be my guest".

Yes, with a feature set like that, looks are the last thing it needs to boost self-esteem. Actually, if that's how midrange spec sheets are shaping, we dare not imagine what better treats future top devices hold in stock for us. If nothing else, Sony Ericsson G705 deserves credit for pioneering the shift.

But that's exactly why it needs some more personality, we think. It doesn't have to stun onlookers. No need to have GPS, Wi-Fi and HSDPA engraved in gilded letters. The solid skill and good headstart from the main competitor - which is hardly a looker itself - are strong enough assets. We just don't want it to drown in the mass of faceless low and midrange Sony Ericsson sliders. The G705 is just better than that.

Opera 10 sneak peek

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:39:00 +0000

Prepare for next-generation browsing

Today, Opera Software introduces the first look at Opera 10. An alpha version of Opera 10 is now available at http://www.opera.com/browser/next/.

This release gives people a taste of Opera’s new rendering engine, Opera Presto 2.2 — the foundation of all future Opera 10 products. Opera Presto 2.2 offers approximately a 30-percent-faster browsing experience as compared to Opera Presto 2.1, introduced in Opera 9.5 in June 2008.

Opera has fine-tuned its standards support and, as a result, Opera 10 alpha achieves an Acid3 100/100 Test score. This version also provides Web developers with a whole range of new technologies for building better Web sites.

Other new features in Opera 10 alpha include spell-checking as you type, as well as auto-updating to the latest versions as they become available. Opera Mail also has added support for HTML formatting of e-mails.

“My favorite development in this release is the support for new Web technologies, which allows people to explore new ways of using the Internet,” says Johan Borg, Vice President of Consumer Engineering, Opera Software. “Our 100/100 Acid3 Test score is only a first indication of the impact these new Web technologies will have. We look forward to your feedback on Opera 10.”

To read more and download Opera 10 go to http://www.opera.com/browser/next/.

About Opera Software ASA
Opera Software ASA has redefined Web browsing for PCs, mobile phones and other networked devices. Opera's cross-platform Web browser technology is renowned for its performance, standards compliance and small size, while giving users a faster, safer and more dynamic online experience. Opera Software is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices around the world. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at http://www.opera.com/.

BlackBerry 8900 Versus BlackBerry Bold: Picture Comparison

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:42:02 +0000

BlackBerry 8900 and BlackBerry 9000 from Rogers

So what’s the difference between an 8900 and a 9000? Besides 100? Size, baby. Rogers’ new BlackBerry Curve looms dangerously close as dummy units hit stores, offering a slimmer, sexier version of the BlackBerry Bold and attempts to butt heads with Telus and Bell’s BlackBerry Storm for holiday supremacy. Before you start throwing your chips in with the RIM’s touchscreen smartphone, we still haven’t seen how much of the OS RIM will be able to repair after the Verizon train wreck, and even then, most consumers will feel more comfortable buying a BlackBerry that’s a BlackBerry rather than a BlackBerry that’s an iPhone. It should prove to be an interesting holiday season in Canadian wireless.

This dummy unit graciously given to me by the Rogers folks here in Ottawa is noticeably tighter than my BlackBerry Bold. The smaller soft keys provide greater screen real estate (but still not quite as big as the 9000), and the headphone jack closer to the top of the device is more convenient, although the transfer of most keys to the right side of the device may cause an uprising amongst our left-handed brethren.

The keypad itself is considerably softer than the Bold, while still retaining some bounce. It’s definitely not as snappy as you might be used to on the old Curve models, but that’s not a bad thing by any means. The keys along either edge deserve extra mention, as they not only hug the rim closely, but they also feel slightly more elevated, offering a clear boundary for your thumbs to remain within the luscious pool of QWERTY goodness. The keypad borrows distinctly from its 8300-series predecessors, yet it is not without some influence from the Bold; the 8900’s keys have slight ridges to make sure your thumbs catch them, but the gaps between the keys will be what really keep you in line. They’ve also done away with the elongated Shift keys on the bottom-left and right in favour of standardizing with the Bold’s layout.

Aside from that, the top of the device borrows design directly from the BlackBerry Storm, with Lock and Mute keys emblazoned into a single seamless button, and melting into the rest of the device face. I’m still hankering to try a real 8900 to see how the trackball differs, as this atomic upgrade promises to be tighter, cleaner and more precise. The in-store rep confirmed $179.99 on a three-year contract, and hinted that it will be available as soon as tomorrow. With the BlackBerry 8900 showing up on Wireless Wave, I certainly believe it. Other price options include $549 on 1 year, $524 on 2 with no data, $499 on 2 with data, or $499 on a 3-year plan with no data. Overall, the BlackBerry 8900 Curve should appeal to those not willing (or able) to trust RIM’s new touchscreen blitz.

Related News from IntoMobile:

Siemens Gigaset 685 IP Software Bugs

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:39:18 +0000

Hey Everyone,

Chris discovered 2 bugs of the new software of the Siemens Gigaset S685 IP. Please share with us if you have the same problems or even better: Share with us if you found a solution to fix the problems. Here are the problems with the new software put forward by Chris:

A few days ago I downloaded the new firmware (version 021390000000 / 043.00) as I expect thousands of others have done. I believe the new firmware has introduced two defects. There may be more but I have not found them yet.

1. Prior to the update I had my own answering machine message recorded. When the new version was installed, mine was deleted and the default Siemens version appeared. I am 99% sure that this problem was caused by the new firmware.

2. Prior to the update, the phone checked for emails every 15 minutes. The service has now stopped. I have reloaded the details and tested the phone. I can not make it work. I am 95% sure this fault was caused by the new firmware.

Thanks Chris for your input!

Nokia E63 hands-on

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:42:00 +0000

While the N97 was free to fondle, the slightly less exciting E63 was decidedly bolted to a table, so we had to take what angles we could get. The phone is basically a cheap-o version of the E71: Nokia figured it had a good thing going on in that QWERTY candybar, and decided to spread the love at a lower price point, with a slightly thicker, plastic handset. The good news is that no matter what you do to cheapen the phone, the E63 comes from good stock, and is really a compelling form factor. The slight bump in thickness is negligible, and while the cheaper materials are easily distinguished from the luxury feel of the E71, the phone by no means feels cheap. Except for the keyboard. For some reason Nokia opted to remove the hardened, clickier E71 keys and replace them with a softer, rubberier keyboard with a considerable amount of distributed give to it -- that still leaves it as one of Nokia's best QWERTYs to date, but we greatly prefer the E71. The other compelling difference between the phone and its inspiration is the inclusion of a full 3.5mm headphone jack, instead of the mini jack found on the E71. Not bad at all, but we'd guess Nokia saved a lot more money in materials and manufacturing process than with the sorry removal of GPS and HSDPA.

Gallery: Nokia E63 hands-on

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Nokia E63 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kogan Agora: Second Android powered phone

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:42:10 +0000

It is no secret that many companies are working to reveal their own version of Android phone. However, one Aussie company beats everyone with their Kogan Agora phone, making it the second official Android phone. The phone will come in two variants – Basic and Pro which more or less looks like a design mixture of Samsung’s Blackjack and Motorola Q.

Anyways, Kogan is now taking up pre-orders but the phone will be shipped at the end of January next year. Good thing about this phone is that it will be sold unlocked and international buyers could also pre-order it albeit coughing up extra for the shipping charges.

Kogan Agora will sell for AU$299 (US$193) and Agora Pro for AU$399 (US$257).

Full Specifications:

Operating System: Android
Google Mobile Functions: Google Search, Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, Google Talk, Google Calendar
Display: 2.5-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen with 262K QVGA (320 X 240 pixel) resolution
Device Control: 5-Way Central Navigation Key
Keyboard: QWERTY keyboard
Keyboard backlighting
Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate
Audio: Built-in microphone and speaker, Headphone output
Ring tone formats: MIDI, MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, PCM
Video: MPEG2 H263, H264, MPEG4, AVI
Mail attachment formats support: JPEG,GIF,WBMP,MIDI,AMR,MP3,WAV
Dimensions (HxWxD): 108 mm x 64 mm x 14.8 mm
Weight: 130g
Battery: 1300 mAh Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
Talk Time: Up to 400 minutes
Standby Time: Up to 300 hours
Processor: 624 MHz
Memory: 256 MB On-board + 128 MB Flash
microSD card expansion slot
Network: UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

Pro Features:
GPS
Wi-Fi b/g
2 megapixel camera

Kogan Agora Basic
Kogan Agora Pro

[Via DVICE]

Walmart to Sell a 4GB iPhone 3G for $99?

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:24:43 +0000

Remember the rumors about the iPhone coming to Walmart? Well, apparently those rumors are looking more and more true… Especially with the latest news now that the store will stock a version of the iPhone slated to sell for only $99 on a 2-year contract.

The new ‘Walmart’ version of the phone can be sold for less because it is a 4GB model. No word on other features of the device, however one would have to expect it comes with the same specs as the 8GB and 16GB versions. A 4GB should fit in nicely for most consumers… In fact, I think a 4GB iPhone selling on the cheap at Walmart is almost ideal.

If the rumors are true, expect US Walmart stores to kick things off… With Canadian stores following suit as soon as they can get onside with Rogers Wireless.

Tooling around town up here in Winnipeg, I have to admit I do not see many iPhones at all. Mostly BlackBerry devices up here. However, if the iPhone does start to make its way into Walmart stores… I can’t help but think I’ll be seeing the touchscreen device more and more.

[Via: Slashgear]

Related News from IntoMobile:

How Are You Liking Our Mobile Gizmodo Site? [Announcements]

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:40:00 +0000

Smartphone users have noticed that we've transitioned our mobile site into a more compact, "mobile friendly" version. You can still view the original site via the "classic" link, but we want your input.

Do you like it? Have you seen any bugs or quirks? What can we do better? Does it not work on your specific phone? Are all the features there (commenting, navigating)? Let us know in the comments so we can improve the experience.

iPhone ad ruled "misleading" in the UK

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:58:44 +0000

Last week, Apple was forced to pull a UK ad for the iPhone 3G after the Advertising Standards Authority upheld complaints by viewers who felt that the ad exaggerated the speed at which users can access applications, both visually (skipping several steps) and in the language used ("really fast!").

The company defended its claims, saying they were "relative rather than absolute in nature" and that the 3G iPhone was "really fast"... in comparison with the 2G version. It didn't fly and Apple has now released a modified version of the ad which makes clear that the speed and performance of the smartphone will vary from how it appears onscreen.

My take is that the iPhone is impressive on its own, no need to exaggerate its abiilties.

The whole farrago raises an interesting issue though - when you see a gadget ad, do you expect it to act like that in real life, or do you acknowledge that the user experience has been streamlined (and possibly exaggerated) for TV?

Via BBC news.

Posted by Diane Category: cell phones | current affairs | devices | portable media
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