HTC MAX 4G: World’s First WiMAX Smartphone

The HTC MAX 4G, the world’s first integrated GSM/WiMAX handset, has just been announced. This is a Windows Mobile device with a WVGA touchscreen, GPS, and 4G service.

This device is launching on the Yota Mobile WiMAX network in Russia, which provides subscribers with access to online games, maps, messaging, and file exchange applications while on the move. In addition, this high-capacity Mobile WiMAX network with traffic prioritisation algorithms allows online films, video ,and TV programs to be viewed on the smartphone’s screen.

“Yota was established to provide a unique set of mobile communication services to millions of people in Russia, and today we have launched the first device and services to realize its full potential,” said Denis Sverdlov, General Director of Yota’s parent company, Scartel LLC. “We really believe that these innovative services, high-speed Internet and stylish HTC MAX 4G will completely change the communications industry, just as the introduction of cellular communications did many years ago.”

Yota does not offer regular voice service. Instead, users of this HTC device will need to insert the SIM card from another Russian carrier. However, its WiMAX service can be used for VoIP.

More about the HTC MAX 4G

Running Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro, the MAX 4G includes HTC’s proprietary TouchFLO 3D user interface. This allows users to operate many of the features of this smartphone by touching the 3.8-inch, WVGA (800 by 480 pixel) display with their fingertips.

It’s a tri-band GSM phone, but with WiMAX service naturally there’s no need for 3G. The device does include Wi-Fi b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR, though.

Unlike many other HTC models, the MAX 4G includes a a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which makes it easier to use this device with standard headsets.

Other features include a GPS receiver, front- and rear-facing cameras, and an accelerometer.

Overall, this device is 114 mm by 63 mm by 14 mm. It weighs 151 grams with battery.

The HTC MAX 4G has a 1500 mAh battery. This should give it 420 minutes of talk-time over a GSM connection, or 230 minutes with a VoIP connection. Standby-time should be 350 hours with a GSM connection or 50 hours with a VoIP connection.

Outside Russia?

At this time, it is not known if other WiMAX providers around the world will pick up this device in the future.

In the U.S., the largest WiMAX network is being primarily backed by Sprint, who uses the CDMA standard for voice calls. If it was planning to offer this device, it would likely ask HTC for a WiMAX/CDMA version.

Zoombak’s Personal GPS Car and Family Locator is Here!

Now you can stay connected to the location of your car, and your teenager driving it, without interrupting his privacy. Or, having him answer a mobile phone while driving. Zoombak™ Advanced GPS Car & Family Locator makes it easy!

• Product Features

  • Install or keep portable
  • Personalized safety zones
  • Prompt location alerts and location history
  • Small and lightweight (2.5 oz.)
  • Water resistant
  • Long-life battery (up to 5 days on standby or up to 150 location requests before recharging)

• Service Features

• Unlimited On-Demand Locates

  An on-demand locate helps you to find the current location of your car containing the Zoombak Advanced GPS Car & Family Locator.

  There are 3 easy ways to conduct an on-demand location request of your Zoombak Advanced GPS Car & Family Locator.

  1. Log on to Zoombak.com
  2. Send a text message via mobile phone
  3. Contact customer care for live location support

Sanyo intros ultra-portable LCD front projector

Sanyo on Wednesday announced a new addition to its line-up of ultra-portable projectors with the PLC-XW57. Meant for business and classroom use, the 3LCD projector weighs less than seven pounds, and sports 1024×768-pixel resolution. Its 2,000 lumens brightness rating comes courtesy of a 200W bulb and lets the PLC-XW57 throw up images in bright rooms.

For security, there is a password protection feature that locks out the controls, including the remote control. For connections, there is a pair of VGA terminals, with one switchable to an output, along with component, S-video and composite video inputs. Video resolutions up to 1080i are supported. A network jack and USB port are built into the projector. The 1W built-in speaker delivers sound via a signal incoming from a pair of RCA inputs and 3.5mm jack.

A 1/4x to 16x digital zoom and 1.2x optical zoom lets the PLC-XW57 create images as large as 100 inches from as little as 11 to 14 feet away. The can adjust from an offset orientation up to 20 degrees from the wall thanks to vertical keystone correction function. A Blackboard mode adjusts the output colors to make images appear color-correct even on non-white projection surfaces.

Other features built into the PLC-XW57 include Sanyo’s 3D Automatic Uniformity Correction Control (AUCC) that balances uneven color and brightness gradations, fan noise control that reduces the speed of the fan depending on the projector’s temperature, along with a Countdown or Immediate projection mode that will either wait for the lamp to heat up before throwing up an image or throw one up right away.

The PLC-XW57 is available now, priced at $895.

IS THAT A CINEMA IN YOUR POCKET

Aiptek introduces the latest in Pico projectors, the Pocket Cinema V10, a compact projector with built-in media player. This latest innovation from market leading Aiptek is designed as a stand alone media player or for use in conjunction with an iPod, DV, DSC, games console or mobile phone (via AV-out). The Pocket Cinema’s integral media player will play Mpeg4 movies, Jpeg Photos and MP3 music files. When connected to an external device the Pocket Cinema will project movies and images from any video source with an AV out and gaming graphics. Measuring just 125mm x 55mm x 23mm the Pocket Cinema V10 is designed for ultimate portability and is convenient for use in or away from the home.

The 50 inch projected screen will enhance bedroom gamers’ experience and also provides an impressive outdoor cinema for camping trips or festivals. Due to its small footprint and scalable screen size the Pocket Cinema is also ideal for use on aircraft, in the car or in a hotel room. Product features: • A mobile media player mini-projector playing back picture, MP3, and video clips • Projects image up to 50” within distance from 21cm to 180cm. • Projects image from connecting to iPod, DV, DSC, game console or mobile phone (via AV-out) or from playback in embedded flash memory or SD/MMC memory card. • Resolution - 640 x 480 Pixels (VGA) • A convenient tool for business meetings and presentations • White LED light source • 3M technology • Li-Ion battery, Tripod and Remote control supplied • Cradle with speaker & power charging (Optional) With 1GB of internal memory and a further 8GB of storage available with optional 8GB HDSC card the Pocket Cinema will beam movies and photo’s up to 50 inches within a distance of 21cm to 180cm. The Pocket Cinema V10 will be available from November at Amazon.co.uk and Firebox.com at an SRP of £299.99. Also included in the box is ArcSoft Media Converter, ArcSoft Total Media Extreme, Li-Ion battery, AC adapter, USB cable, AV Cable (3-in-1 AV jack), Tripod, Pouch, Application CD, Quick start guide. ENDS About AIPTEK International Specialists in the manufacture of multifunctional digital devices, AIPTEK has a large number of product innovations designed with the emphasis on build quality and value for money. AIPTEK’s product portfolio includes palm sized camcorders (hybrid devices incorporating digital video, still image capture, web cam, data storage, MP3 player and voice recorder in one compact design), digital picture frames and graphics tablets, as well as Bluetooth enabled technology.

Denon AVR-689 7.1 A/V Receiver

Packed with features to maximize audio and video fidelity, the AVR-689 is a powerful 7.1 channel receiver that incorporates the latest surround sound decoding technologies, along with sophisticated video signal handling and upconversion that allows both HDMI v1.3a video inputs as well as providing component video output.

The surround section features the same precision 32 bit floating point DSP technology found on our top-line models, and includes a full array of surround sound decoding functions, including Dolby Digital EX as well as DTS ES 6.1 discrete and matrix decoders for the most thrilling, theater-like surround sound experience. For improved acoustic accuracy, the AVR-689 features Audyssey MultEQ in-room acoustic measurement and correction that fine-tunes the listening space via the supplied microphone, with up to six measurement points to ensure even tonal balance. In addition, the AVR-689 is among the first to feature Audyssey’s remarkable Dynamic Volume processing, which eliminates irritating jumps in volume between TV shows and commercials, as well as Audyssey Dynamic EQ to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance, even at low volume levels. All seven amplifier channels feature equal power and lowest distortion, and the AVR-689 is equipped with dual zone multi-room capability that lets you run a 5.1 channel surround speaker system in the main room, while providing independent stereo audio to a pair of speakers in another room.

Professional Recording- Straight to your iPod

The iMultiMix 8 USB is a sturdy, compact all-in-one tabletop mixer and recorder that features 100 studio grade 28–bit digital effects, a built–in limiter to avoid distorted recordings and an integrated iPod dock with control wheel transport controls for fast, easy direct–to–iPod recording.

As an important addition to the Alesis line of highly acclaimed mixers, the iMultiMix 8 USB is the first to feature integrated iPod control and recording capability. The iMultiMix 8 USB represents the first mixer to fuse together professional quality mixing, 3 band per channel EQ, guitar/line inputs and iPod recording in a single, intuitive package. For ultra–clean live recordings of nearly any performance, including home studios, musicians, podcasters, and houses of worship, the iMultiMix 8 USB is an ideal solution.

Once recordings are completed simply use the convenient transfer to iTunes feature to move your recordings to a computer with Mac OS X or Windows XP or Vista without need for a special driver or complicated set–up. All channels are recorded down to CD Quality stereo 44.1 or 48kHz.

The iMultiMix 8 USB can also playback music from the iPod, and mix your live performance instantly with the iPod. This makes the iMultiMix 8 USB perfect for using the iPod as a backing track for solo or band performances, while mixing sound sources all in one compact, convenient place.

iPod, iTunes, and Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Tascam Releases New Version of Flagship 24-Track Desktop Recorder

The 2488neo is TASCAM’s latest take on its 24-track, 24-bit recorder. Sporting eight mic inputs, it’s one of the few recorders able to record and mix a full band. A new batch of mastering effects joins the reverb, amp simulation, compression and EQ processing to create and burn finished-sounding CDs in a stand-alone unit. With TASCAM’s simple interface, great-sounding preamps and chart-ready effects the 2488neo is the ultimate 24-track production machine.

• New mastering effects include multiband compression, EQ and noise shaping for pro-sounding CD mixes
• 3-band EQ on 24 channels, 8-inputs and stereo bus with high and low sweepable shelving bands and full parametric mid band
• Three aux sends on all channels except the effects return
• Loop effect provides reverb, delay, chorus and more on an aux send and return
• Assignable Guitar multi-effects processor for overdrive, distortion, chorus, delay, flange and more
• Up to eight assignable dynamics processors for compression during recording or mixdown
• Dedicated Stereo Compressor on the stereo output
• Eight inputs: 4 XLR with phantom power double as 1/4″ mic/line inputs, plus four more 1/4″ mic/line inputs
• Nineteen 45mm faders including master fader
• LCD display for viewing meters and edit parameters
• 250 Virtual tracks
• CD-RW drive to record Audio CDs, import/export WAV files and backup hard drive
• High-speed USB 2.0 jack connects to PC or Mac® for data backup and SMF/WAV file
• Recording resolution: 44.1kHz, 16-bit or 24-bit

Useful network apps for your iPhone

One of the greatest inventions of today’s tech world is the iPhone OS. It is the operating system that your nifty iPhone or iPod touch runs on. Based on the same kernel found on the Mac OS X it is capable of supporting bundled and future applications from Apple as well as third party software developers. Being a *NIX based system, it is capable of running your favorite network apps and utilities. Besides iTunes additional packages could be installed via Installer or Cydia. In addition, there is a linux utility written in Python called iDebMaker which could assist in an easy creation of Debian (.deb) packages for use with your iPhone/iPhone Touch.
I would like to share some of my favorite ones, which help me on a daily basis at home and work:

Terminal

Available through Cydia - Free

Mobile Terminal is a terminal emulator for the iPhone. It is a must have for anyone requiring a sysadmin feel of the iPhone. It supports Backspace, One-Finger Swipe, Single Keyboard, Config Screen, Ctrl-C and more.

Nmap

Available through Cydia - Free
With Nmap you can analyze and scan remote networks, along with your current WLAN. It is run from the terminal as root.

StumblerPlus

Available through AppStore - Free
Stumbler Plus is a very useful information that allows you to scan wifi networks and gather information such us MAC address, longtitude and latitude of the accesspoint, accesspoint manufacturer and more.
Network Ping Lite
Available through AppStore - Free
Network Ping Lite will help you in maintaining and debugging network problems on a LAN. It features:

• Single IP ping
• Ping a subnet
• Traceroute
• Telnet console
• Display the iPhone IP

More functional version is available for $3.99.

zsrelay

Available through Cydia - Free
This is the best solution of using your iPhone as a modem. It requires SOCKS connection and despite the unsafe connection between your Mac and the iPhone your data is safe and encrypted by SSH. This will allow you to use 3G network when WiFi is unavailable.

Minicom

Available through Cydia - Free
Serial communication software for your iPhone.

OpenSSH

Available through Cydia - Free
OpenSSH allows you to login securely from and to your iPhone. This is a must have if you need to access your servers or desktop remotely. It works great over 3G, Edge and WiFi. Windows users may access the iPhone through Putty or WinSCP. Both available for free.

rdesktop

Available through Cydia - Free
rdesktop is the open source client for Windows Terminal Services. It works with XP, but does not support Vista yet.

SOCKS Relay

Available through Cydia - Free
This is a simple SOCKS 4/5 proxy server. It is run from the terminal as root.

Wget

Available through Cydia - Free
Simple HTTP file transfer client. Run from terminal and get any file available on the network or internet.

SubnetIT
Available through AppStore – Free – Requires 2.1
SubnetIT is a very useful app for the network administrator. You specify a network address and subnet mask it will calculate Network address, Broadcast address, First and Last host in the subnet and max number of hosts. Displayed in decimal, hexadecimal, and binary notation.

Review of Reviews BlackBerry Bold (AT&T) BlackBerry 9000

The reviews of the BlackBerry Bold range from loving it entirely to calling the BlackBerry Bold an enterprise keyboard choice. Most reviewers commented that the BlackBerry Bold was worth waiting for and that it works very well with AT&T’s 3G network. Almost all noted that the 2.75 inch 480×320 screen shows 65,000 colors and is great looking, gorgeous, sharp, brilliant and the best they have seen on a smartphone.

Reviewers also found the multimedia player and capabilities of the BlackBerry Bold great, wonderful and impressive. The luxurious leatherette exterior was praised.

The BlackBerry Bold has excellent push email for both enterprise and personal email.  Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents can be edited in DataViz Documents to Go. The camera with LED flash was seen as better than the iPhone camera.  Call quality was good and the speaker phone was very loud and clear. The keyboard was easy to use.

Although the web browser was referred to as the best BlackBerry browser so far, some reviewers said that it slowed down and didn’t render everything well. Applications additions are not as easy as other iPhone or Android Apps.

Peter Ha at CrunchGear about how he feels about the BlackBerry Bold, “I love it and never want to let go of it.” and calls it a Super BlackBerry. He quickly adapted to typing fast. The screen is gorgeous but suggests a protective cover. The microSD slot is on the exterior which he likes. The GPS found him instantly.  The camera has LED flash, video capture and worked well. The web browser is better than previous versions. There were errors using Gmail.

Ben Patterson,  Yahoo’s Gadget Hound writes that the BlackBerry Bold is worth the wait. The 3G network worked great and was glitch-free. The display is razor sharp. The OS is improved and performance was peppy. He also liked better rendering of the HTML email and web browsing. He was pleased with call quality and the speaker phone was loud. It shines for multimedia with fast downloads and video streaming.  The media player was impressive with video looking smashing. The Bold is solid choice for non-touchscreen users.

Matt Buchanan at Gizmodo, call the BlackBerry Bold, “the Best BlackBerry Yet.”  The hardware is awesome with an easy to use OS and every reliable 3G access. Wi-Fi however was finicky. The browser is the best BlackBerry browser so far. He however gripes about the lack of an app store and problems that occurred when the browser didn’t handle both Wi-Fi and 3G.

Bonnie Cha at CNET also writes that the BlackBerry Bold was worth the wait rating it 4 out of 5, for the sharpest display, excellent multimedia performance, HSDPA, updated OS, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooh, great messaging email support and QWERTY keyboard.  She doesn’t like that is bulky and high price or web browser navigation. The leatherette texture on the back makes it look and feel nice. The backlit keyboard worked fine. It supports 3G in the US and around the world. The web browsing isn’t as good as iPhone. DataViz Documents to Go allows for editing Word, Excel and PowerPoint files. The camera allows for geo-tagging. Call quality was good while multimedia was amazing.

Sascha Segan at PCMag rated the BlackBerry Bold 4 out 5 for it luxurious feel, beautiful screen, reliable email, Office document editor, terrific media player and good camera. He however wished the web browsers were better and that there was an IM client. The keyboard was easy to use.”The best-looking” screen he’s seen on a mobile device but wishes it were bigger.  Voices were loud and clear. The speaker phone was a wonder. In weak signal areas, however, the call quality was not as good. Battery life was fair at 4 hours 28 minutes. The smartphone worked as modem with speedy download speed. The BlackBerry Bold connects with both corporate and personal email servers. The browser is rough. Music and video players looked and sounded great. The camera is better than the iPhone or Curve.

Fujitsu LifeBook N7010 notebook comes with an extra display

Fujitsu revealed LifeBook N7010, a new 16-inch desktop replacement notebook that also integrates a small 4-inch touchscreen display just above the keyboard. It is not SideShow enabled but according to Fujitsu, it works like any other external display. The possibilities of this screen are endless but it will be popularly seen to work as an application launcher or display a photo slideshow and manage CD/DVD controls.

Fujitsu is selling this notebook in a single choice without any option to customize the notebook. It has got an Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz processor, unspecified amount of RAM (presuming 2GB), 256MB ATI Radeon HD 3870 GPU, HDMI-out, gesture-enabled trackpad, E-Sata and USB ports, 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Blu-Ray reader, memory card reader and spill resistant keyboard. It currently sells for $1500.

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