Zune Insider — There is a Firmware Update 1.4 Today

Zune Insider reported that as of 10:00 am PT, they will have released a Firmware Update 1.4.

This update (it’s firmware only; software is still 1.3) brings an improved shuffle experience. For those slightly more technical readers, the direct word from the dev team: “this firmware update makes successive shuffle actions produce more random lists.”

If you’ve been following this blog, then you probably know that the team at Zune is continually working to improve Zune - and this update is another step in that direction.

Source: Zune Insider

           

The EVERUN UMPC - 12 hours of time

SlashGear picked this item up from Aving and I must admit, it is another nice looking device and this one is said to run for 12 hours.  That is very cool! 

The new EVERUN sports a 4.8-inch 800×480 screen that automatically switches between portrait and landscape modes when rotates. It is powered by an AMD Geode processor and has built-in 802.11b/g wireless, Bluetooth 2.0 and an optional HSDPA/Wibro modem. Battery life? It’ll last you all day, 12 hours with the large battery, 7 hours with the smaller one.

It is priced at around $700 … very interesting

Source: SlashGear

           

SlingPlayer Mobile SOON to be compatible …

… with Windows Mobile 6

Sling Media is actively working on a new version of the SlingPlayer Mobile that will add support for Windows Mobile 6 and are currently looking for people to participate in a private beta of the new Windows Mobile 6 compatible version of the SlingPlayer. If you would like to help us out and try out the new software, send us an email. We will get back to you within 24 hours.

The official release of SlingPlayer Mobile for Windows Smartphone and Pocket PC with support for Windows Mobile 6 Professional and Standard editions will be available in the first part of June.

Sign up for the beta here at Sling Media

           

DataViz Optimizes Documents To Go for Palm Foleo Mobile Companion

 DataViz Provides Built-in Business-document Compatibility for New Generation of Mobile Devices

DataViz, Inc. announced their continued alliance with the latest addition of Documents To Go for Palm Foleo mobile companions. The award-winning mobile Office suite, Documents To Go, will provide Foleo customers with the ability to create, view and edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint compatible files on their mobile companions.

Documents To Go allows users to create, view and edit native Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint compatible files on a Palm Foleo mobile companion. In addition to retaining all original file formatting with InTact Technology, Documents To Go works with the built-in Foleo email application to access a wide variety of attachments, from sales contracts to sports schedules. Furthermore, file access also can be achieved through use of an SD Card (sold separately) and Bluetooth technology.

[Read more]

           

What will the Folio use? Opera!

Palm and Opera Software announced that the new Palm Foleo mobile companion will use the Opera web browser to provide customers a user-friendly web experience. Based on Opera 9, Opera for the Palm Foleo offers intelligent navigation features and support for advanced Web 2.0 applications using Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML).

So you want to see some more?  Then you want to head over to: www.palm.com/seefoleo and enjoy the experience.

You can read the full Palm/Opera press release after the break. 

[Read more]

           

Microsoft is on the "Surface"

Microsoft Unveils a “Hands On” Experience

Microsoft is launching the first consumer surface computer, Microsoft Surface. The device features a 30-inch table-like display that consumers operate via hand gestures or by placing physical objects on the computer’s surface. Microsoft officials say Surface, the company’s first device in its new category of surface computing products, is designed to simplify a user’s interaction with digital content such as photos and music. The device was unveiled May 30 during the Wall Street Journal’s D: All Things Digital Conference.

           

Palm Folio - Really Sweet!

Folio - Completing the vision at Palm

 

More pictures after the jump!

[Read more]

           

Palm Unveils Its First Mobile Companion Product - The Palm Foleo

Palm has unveiled its first smartphone companion device, the Palm Foleo. The Foleo features a large screen and full-size keyboard to view and edit e-mail and office documents. Edits made on Foleo are automatically updated on the device’s corresponding smartphone, and vice versa. Foleo and its paired smartphone stay synchronized throughout the day via the use of a button.

           

BLACKBERRY CURVE MOVES AT&T CUSTOMERS …

 … AHEAD OF THE CURVE

Smallest and Lightest Full QWERTY BlackBerry Handset Features Enhanced Multimedia Capabilities With AT&T’s Industry-Leading Coverage for Wireless Data Services

AT&T Inc. and Research In Motion announced the introduction of the BlackBerry Curve, the smallest and lightest full QWERTY BlackBerry handset. AT&T will be the first wireless carrier in North America to offer the BlackBerry Curve in wireless retail and business channels beginning tomorrow, Thursday, May 31.

Available in the U.S. exclusively from AT&T, the BlackBerry Curve can be used by AT&T customers within the broadest domestic and international coverage area for wireless data services of any U.S. carrier. The BlackBerry Curve measures just 4.2” x 2.4” x 0.6”, weighs approximately 3.9 oz. and builds on the proven and popular BlackBerry handset experience to offer innovative features and enhanced multimedia capabilities while maintaining exceptional battery life. The BlackBerry Curve is the first BlackBerry handset to offer a 2 megapixel camera and spell checker for e-mail. It gives AT&T customers the personal productivity and flexibility they want and keeps them connected to the important people and content in their lives with messaging, music and other capabilities.

Fashioned in a liquid silver finish with chrome highlights, smooth edges and soft curves, the BlackBerry Curve strikes a unique balance of features, usability and design. It combines the renowned BlackBerry e-mail and messaging capabilities, premium phone features, comprehensive organizer and fast Internet browser with a new 2 megapixel camera with zoom, enhanced media player and new desktop media manager, microSD expandable memory slot and RIM’s intuitive trackball navigation system. The BlackBerry Curve from AT&T also includes AT&T Musicsubscription services, TeleNav Maps to provide users with maps and driving directions and integrated Push to Talk (PTT) for enhanced communications.

[Read more]

           

Livescribe Launches New Mobile Computing Platform

This is VERY COOL and well worth clicking the link to watch the short Sneak Peek video on how it works.  Years ago I had an IBM Transnote which captured my notes during meetings but lacked the abilities that the Livescribe platform has.   

Livescribe Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jim Marggraff today unveiled a new chapter in mobile computing – a new paper-based computing platform. The Livescribe platform turns plain paper into a computer screen and bridges the gap between the paper and digital worlds. The platform enables a broad range of new applications in personal productivity, learning, communication, and self expression.

The Livescribe platform includes:

• Smartpen: a Montblanc-size computer with advanced processing power, audio/visual feedback, and substantial memory for handwriting capture, audio recording, and applications
• Dot Paper with Dot Positioning System (DPS): technology that enables interactive, “live” documents using plain paper printed with micro-dots
• Software Applications: a breadth of solutions that leverage audio/ink capture, handwriting recognition, and Internet connectivity to enhance personal productivity, learning, communication and self expression
• Development Tools: easy-to-use tools for consumers and developers to create, publish, and share or sell new applications and content online

[Read more]

           

Free SMS Service Throughout Canada …

 … from AskMeNow

Customers Can Now Receive Free Answers to Any Question From Their Cell Phones.

AskMeNow AskMeNow announced it has launched a free SMS service on the Short Code ASKME (27563) in Canada across all major wireless networks in cooperation with Bell Mobility, Rogers Wireless, SaskTel, and TELUS Mobility.

For the first time, Canadian customers will be able to ask any question, on any topic from their mobile phone and get an answer absolutely free. In addition, they will have free access to the most popular content including Directory Assistance, Weather, Sports, Directions, Movie Theatres & Locations, News, Horoscopes, Stock Quotes, Flight & Hotel Information and the Daily Word, Joke and Quote.

[Read more]

           

The HTC Advantage X7500 So Far…(a serial review)

Judie has been using HTC Advantage for five days, and although she does not feel as if she can pass judgement yet, she has decided to give us her thoughts in sort of a “serial” review. 

Judie, it reminds me of when I went to the movies as a kid and saw a flick but had to go the next week to catch the next episode….

Check out some of Judies likes and dislikes here at Gear Diary

           

Anticipation … is keepin’ me waitin’

There was a song that Carly Simon sang called Anticipation and with Palm’s announcement tomorrow about their NEW category of mobile device, that song is just ringing through my head.  This promises to be a KILLER announcement.  Stay tuned folks!

Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin’ me late
Is keepin’ me waitin’

           

Sony has a NEW notebook - The Vaio TZ Series

Reg Hardware posted today that Sony released details of the TZ series from Sony.  A high-end laptop this series looks (on the surface) to be a must look at device.  Not much is know on pricing or availability but it will be sure to come soon.

Cast in carbon fibre and sporting an Intel Core 2 Duo U7600 or U7500 processor, the TZ range features a 11.1in WXGA 1366 x 768 screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio. It also sports a 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, either 80GB or 100GB hard disk and integrated dual layer DVD±R/RW RAM optical drive.

           

The Qosmio F40W by Toshiba

Akihabaranews let us all know that Toshiba has released their newest laptop, the Qosmio F40W.

This bad boy has 2 GHz Core 2 Duo T7300 and up to 4GB of RAM with a 15.4-inch screen … and it has a Nvidia GeForce 8400 GS card with 128Mb of memory.  But that is not all, it comes pre-installed with a digital TV tuner and a Dual-Layer DVD burner … WHEW!

Priced at $2134, the Qosmio F40W is a multimedia dream and is affordable! … I can’t wait to see this powerhouse!