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iPhone 1.1.3 Q&A: Batch One
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Features, Handhelds, Portable Audio / Video,
EDIT: We have posted Batch Two of our iPhone 1.1.3 Q&A.
UPDATE: In case you thought this was fake, Steve Jobs just confirmed that our 1.1.3 coverage is real in his MacWorld 2008 keynote.
After posting our iPhone 1.1.3 coverage (if you missed it, here is our iPhone 1.1.3 firmware video and iPhone 1.1.3 photo gallery), we started asking you all to submit your questions to us. We set up a dedicated iPhone 1.1.3 Q&A thread on our forums, and got quite a response. We figured we’d better start pumping out some answers, so here goes. Meantime, leave us your 1.1.3 questions, mkay?:
Does 1.1.3 seem more stable than previous versions of the iPhone software? Also, can you please provide a more in-depth look at the new Google Maps? In addition, can you please explain how the iPhone creates an icon for the Safari bookmarks (for the home screen)? Does it automatically take a snapshot of the top-left corner of the website? (Asked here)
I guess you can say it feels more stable in some cases - but then again, it did crash once in our video. Certainly feels more complete.I am not sure how much more in-depth we can go with the Maps app, as we showed all the new functionality in the video. Lastly, the iPhone takes a snapshot of the left side of your screen to create the bookmark icon. So if you zoomed into the bottom-right of a website, the snapshot would be of the left side of the bottom right. Make sense?
Do you see these changes as a preview of what’s to come in February with the release of the SDK? (Asked here)
I am sure a lot of the changes that are in place in the 1.1.3 firmware are in preparation for the SDK. I am also sure there are under-the-hod changes that are less obvious that we don’t even know about yet.
Click to continue reading iPhone 1.1.3 Q&A: Batch One
Gallery: iPhone 1.1.3 Q&A: Batch One
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iPhone 1.1.3 firmware feature gallery
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Apple, Smartphones, Features, Software,
UPDATE: In case you thought this was fake, Steve Jobs just confirmed that our 1.1.3 coverage is real in his MacWorld 2008 keynote.
Looks like the soon-to-be-released iPhone firmware 1.1.3 has quite a few surprises. We were able to get a look at it, and here is what we found:
- The ability to send an SMS message to multiple people is now there
- Google Maps application can now pinpoint your location using cell tower triangulation
- Google Maps can now display the Hybrid map view
- You can now drag and drop application icons on your home screen
- The home screen supports pagination
- You can now add web bookmarks to your home screen
That is all we have found for now. We also know that is you used AnySIM to unlock your phone, you can expect the 1.1.3 update to brick it. Good times. Take a look at our iPhone Firmware 1.1.3 Gallery for a photo tour of the new stuff. By the way, if you are looking for an excellent program to create custom ringtones for your iPhone, check out iPhone RingToneMaker.
EDIT: We are answering your iPhone 1.1.3 questions! Check out our first batch of iPhone 1.1.3 answers here.
Read More 
| iPhone 1.1.3 Feature Gallery
Gallery: iPhone 1.1.3 firmware feature gallery
You know how much we love living vicariously through others, so we just HAVE to know - what did you guys get this year? What was waiting under the tree, ready to delight you with it’s awesome gadgety wonders? Let us know in the comments - we’re listening!
Gallery: Okay - what did you get?!
2007 Holiday Gift Guide: SanDisk Sansa Shaker
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Kids,
If your children are anything like my three-year old son, then chances are that they are just as familiar with your gadgets as you are. They want to hold them, use them, mimicking you every step of the way. The thing is, gadgets aren’t the most affordable things in the world, and children don’t seem to understand that. This is where the SanDisk Sansa Shaker comes in - it’s a fully-functional flash MP3 player that is meant for little kids. SanDisk did a good job with this one too - just holding it you can tell it’s durable. It has two built-in headphone jacks for tandem enjoyment, as well as a speaker if you prefer your children not put on headphones. It’s called the Shaker because, when you sake it, you advance it to another track, shuffle-style. It is shaped perfectly for little hands, and has a couple of job wheels for volume and track selection. The device runs on one AAA battery, which will last for about 8 hours of playback. You can pick one up for $30, which holds 512 MB of content (about 120 songs) or opt for the $40 1 GB player, which will hold about 240 tracks. They are available in pink and blue.
Compare prices on SanDisk Sansa Shaker.
Read More | SanDisk Sansa Shaker on Amazon
Gallery: 2007 Holiday Gift Guide: SanDisk Sansa Shaker
2007 Holiday Gift Guide: Hamilton Beach Ensemble 12-Cup
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Smart Home, Family, Women, Men,
If you are looking for a great gift for the coffee fan in your life that isn’t terribly expensive, you should consider the Hamilton Beach Ensemble 12-Cup. This is a product that might make even those who have switched to lattes give drip coffee another look. Don’t let the shiny exterior and low price fool you - the Ensemble 12-Cup hits you with rich, smooth brew. It it also compatible with an optional water filter, which costs $10, for those who want to make sure their water is clean. It’s available in both black and red. These retail for $49.99, but you can find them cheaper by shopping around.
Compare prices on the Hamilton Beach Ensemble 12-Cup
Read More | Hamilton Beach Ensemble on Amazon
Gallery: 2007 Holiday Gift Guide: Hamilton Beach Ensemble 12-Cup
2007 Holiday Gift Guide: Pioneer SE-DIR800C Surround Sound Headphones
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Features, Home Entertainment, Music, Men, Techies, Teens,
The great thing about surround-sound headphones is that you can enjoy those loud, booming movies while not disturbing anyone else around. One of the best pairs of headhones in this category is are the Pioneer SE-DIR800C models. These deliver nice, clear sound, even in action movies, with no audible distortion to be heard. They also stay comfortable on your ears while you sit through multiple full-length movies - that’s a rarity. They may be pricey, but they are perfect for what they are meant to do. They use Dolby Headphone processing to mimic a surround environment, and they do it well. They include a rechargeable battery, which has to be removed in order to be recharged. These run for $399 USD, but can be found cheaper by shopping around. Compare prices on Pioneer SE-DIR800C.
Read More | Pioneer SE-DIR800C on Amazon
Gallery: 2007 Holiday Gift Guide: Pioneer SE-DIR800C Surround Sound Headphones
2007 Holiday Gift Guide: Onkyo TX-NR905
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, HDTV, Home Entertainment, Men, Techies,
Okay, the holidays are right around the corner. In our continuing effort to hook you up with the best gear, we had to point out the Onkyo TX-NR905. This is a product that has blown us away in our testing.
Let’s be clear - the Onkyo TX-NR905 A/V receiver isn’t the lightest device in the world, as it weighs in at 54 pounds - but that’s just about where the negatives end when it comes to this beast. This thing is like a classic Mustang - all muscle. You can throw anything at it - you know, HD DVD players, game consoles, TiVos, Blu-ray - and expect phenomenal 7.1 surround sound. And we mean pristine. Even better, the TX-NR905 bridges the gap between your entertainment center and the Internet by way of it’s Ethernet port. Hook up to the Internet, and you can stream Internet radio directly through this system. Moving on the picture quality - again, top notch all the way here. It will pump out 1080p signals, it supports 24p framerate, and has 2 HDMI outputs along with component out for your HDTV needs. Oh course, this thing is all about the sound. You get 140 watts per channel, and this is the most inexpensive receiver to feature THX Ultra2 certification. Believe me, if you haven’t heard it, you will be the envy of your block. Don’t worry though, you won’t be able to hear the complaints if you crank this thing up. Rounding out the feature set here, it will upconvert all inputs to 1080p, supports multiple zones, and also has HD radio built-in. Retails for $1,999. Compare prices on Onkyo TX-NR905.
Read More | Onkyo TX-NR905 on Amazon
Gallery: 2007 Holiday Gift Guide: Onkyo TX-NR905
2007 Holiday Gift Guide: Braun Pulsonic 9595
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Smart Home, Men,
The Braun Pulsonic electric shaver tips the scales at about half a pound, but word on the street is that this is the smoothest electric shave you’ll find anywhere. It’s all in the pulsing head, which boasts 10,000 vibrations per minute, and the Power-Comb system that prepares your hair to be snipped. There’s also a base station that cleans the unit with alcohol while also charging it for the next use. It’s not all fun and games with the 9595, but truth be told, just because the base station has a larger than normal footprint and the cleaning system can be a bit loud, it isn’t enough to overlook this one.
Read More | Braun Pulsonic Electric Shaver
Gallery: 2007 Holiday Gift Guide: Braun Pulsonic 9595
Why I Love LG’s VX9400 Cellphone (aka the “TV Phone”): A Review
Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Smartphones, Editorial, Features, Product Reviews,
In August, my contract with T-Mobile ended, and I was ready to upgrade my cell phone. Like most everyone else, I desperately wanted an iPhone, but the $500 price tag was too rich for my blood. I also considered the Sidekick, which would have allowed me to stay with T-Mobile (whose service I love). Then one day I wandered into a Verizon store to check out their “TV Phone”: LG’s VX9400. You’ve probably seen the commercials of people watching “The Daily Show” or “Spongebob” on their cellphone and wondered “Just how good is that thing?” Well, I was hooked instantly and purchased it the next day. Despite the phone’s drawbacks – and they are major—I’ve been in love with it ever since. Here’s why…
Click to continue reading Why I Love LG’s VX9400 Cellphone (aka the “TV Phone”): A Review
Gallery: Why I Love LG’s VX9400 Cellphone (aka the “TV Phone”): A Review
Belkin USB Plus Hub Unboxing Video
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, USB, Features, PC / Laptop, Videos,
This episode was sponsored by Geek Squad’s Idea Festival. Submit your ideas for using technology to save the planet at ideafest.geeksquad.com.
In this episode of Unboxing Live, we open up the Belkin USB Plus Hub. This one sports 7 USB ports, two of which are on top, along with a slick look.
This video is a part of the Unboxing Live series. If you would like to be automatically notified of new episodes, you can subscribe to us in iTunes, or manually using our RSS feed.
Read More | Unboxing
