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Because of security reasons, no doubt, the DOD has restricted overseas military use of sites such as YouTube and MySpace for its personnel. Delve Networks and the DOD’s Military One Source have launched TroopTube. The social site allows active duty, guard and reserve military folks and their families to share videos but they will not be able to embed them elsewhere. The Defense Department will monitor what is shown on the site that could be potential risks. Sign-up is free and uploading is super-simple.
Read More 
| TroopTube
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TiVo Your Domino’s Pizza
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Home Entertainment, Smart Home, Internet,
You can already order Domino’s Pizza online or from your cell phone, and now TiVo has added the service to its menu. Ask for delivery or pick-up, then track the delivery from your TV. Although there is no charge for the service, you will have to look for the take-out restaurant’s advertising entry points and click on “I Want It.” Set up a user name and password on Domino’s site or enter your address on TiVo, then build your own. You have to pay by cash when it comes, which they say should be within 30 minutes.
Read More | TiVo
Wooden PAPPA*Phone for VoIP
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Internet, Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop, USB,
The luxurious wooden PAPPA*Phone works as a Skype phone for both PC and Mac by using its USB adapter. Handmade in Montreal, it is plug-and-play and can work with other VoIP services such as iChat, GoogleTalk, etc. for both PC and Mac. Created by Hulger and handmade in Montreal, it has a handset cord length of 1.5m. Expect a 6 to 8 week delay while your phone is being created and a designer price of $300.00.
Read More | Hulger Shop
Latest Gear Live Videos
Microsoft Web-Based Office Suite
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Internet, Microsoft,
Microsoft is planning a web-based version of their Office suite, which will include full versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote. As long as you have a Firefox, IE or Safari browser, you can access it from anywhere. The company has not given an official public release date, but you can probably expect it in late 2009. This should give iPhone and other handheld addicts another source of happiness since they have even more reason now to use them more than their computers.
Read More | Unwired View
Amazon to Change Packaging
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Internet, Misc. Tech,
Let’s file this one under, “It’s about time.” Amazon is now working with retailers to help eliminate those pre-boxes and plastic sealing that is almost impossible to get open without way too much work. Instead, items will be packed in plain brown cardboard boxes and envelopes. Companies to step up to the plate first are Microsoft, Fisher-Price, Mattel, and Transcend. We figure that will not only make Amazon greener, but should certainly keep shipping costs lower. Let’s hope that they pass some of the savings on to us.
Read More | cnet
Email addicts might want to look into Peek, a simple device that makes it easy to check messages on the fly. Available in 3 colors, it features a full keyboard, scroll navigation, and is lightweight with a 2.5-inch color display. The Peek is compatible with most providers in the U.S. and holds up to 8MB memory. You get unlimited access and text messages for a flat monthly rate of $19.95. Right now they are running a special of $20.00 off the $99.95 price until December. Their new software, including shortcuts, will be loaded in the devices, and a rechargeable lithium ion battery, case and AC charger are included.
Read More | Peek
Pure Digital keeps cranking out those Flip Video cams. This time it is the MinoHD. This one records up to 60 minutes of high definition video with its 4GB memory. It also features a 1.5 anti-glare LCD display and has their new FlipShare software included. The camera is similar to their others with its flip-out USB arm and uploading to YouTube, MySpace, AOL video and email. At a cost of only $229.99, it weighs about 3 ozs. and can be custom designable for an extra charge. According to NPD, the company has sold over 1.5 million cameras since the launch last year. We believe it. We still love ours and never hesitate to tell anyone who will listen.
Read More | The Flip
Worried about the flu? Google Flu Trends uses several search terms to figure out where the next outbreak may occur. Launched Tuesday, they collaborated with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to get tracking data from a 5 year period. Hit the site, move your mouse over the state, and get the current status of outbreak.
Dr. Joseph Bresee, chief of the epidemiology and prevention branch in the CDC’s influenza division, claims, “In theory at least, this idea can be used for any disease and any health problem.”
Read More | CNN
Gmail Introduces Voice and Video Chat
Posted by Patrick Phelps Categories: Google, Internet, PC / Laptop, Videos,
Tired of using emoticons to express what only your face can truly convey? So are Google‘s Gmail software engineers, hence, Tuesday’s introduction of Gmail Voice and Video Chat. In order to enjoy the new video/voice experience you need to first download and install the voice and video plugin. Once you’ve installed the plugin, to start a video chat, just click on the “Video & more” menu at the bottom of your Gmail chat window, and choose “Start video chat.” You’ll have a few seconds to make sure you look presentable while it’s ringing, and then you’ll see and hear your friend live, right from within Gmail. You can click the “pop-out” icon to make the video larger, or click the fullscreen icon in the upper left-hand corner for a more lifelike experience. “But what if I don’t have a webcam?” Well, Google knows the right people and is offering a few discounted models through November 30th. Check out the video (up top) for a demonstration.
What’s next? Video chat on your iPhone? We can only hope…
Read More | Gmail Blog
If you have a mobile device with SkypeOut credits and Internet connection, you can now get IM+ for voice and text communication to others with the service, landlines and those on MySpace. It works with no delay with any 3G/GSM/CDMA network, even one with a lower data transfer rate. There is a one time fee with all updates included and you have the option of redirecting incoming calls to voicemail to listen later. The IM+ service is available for $19.95.
Read More | Smartphone Thoughts
