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Review: Monster – Outets to Go Laptop

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Monster, a leading manufacturer of advanced consumer electronics, has come up with something amazing for anyone who is currently on the go. It’s called “Outlets to Go Laptop”, a new addition to the Outlets to Go family.

It’s super compact, about the size of a deck of playing cards, and is the ideal charging solution for travelers, as its portable. It allows users to utilize and charge multiple electronic devices while traveling. A perfect addition to your CES kit I’d say. It currently retails for $29.95.

The unique thing about Outlets to Go Laptop is that it does have 3 AC outlets. However, for those devices that also can be charged via USB, such as an iPod/iPhone, Bluetooth Headset, etc… it encompasses two USB charging ports as well! For added convenience, the plug is retractable.

It’s neat, stylish, and charging time was impressive. Another thing that I really liked is the Outlets to Go Laptop charger doesn’t get super warm, like my other chargers I use for other devices. The compact design means that the product can fit easily in a purse, or carry-on baggage. The blue LED light is not intrusive as well, so its night-time friendly. Other chargers can often have a very bright LED light, not allowing you to use it in a bedroom situation.
However, when traveling in countries with varying voltage standards, the Outlets to Go USB Worldwide should always be used with dual voltage electronics.

Overall, I was EXTREMELY impressed with a fairly simplistic product. Its price is fantastic, and almost the same as an Apple iPod/iPhone charger. Therefore, if you are looking for a charging accessory, the Outlets To Go Laptop by Monster is the way to go. Overall, I am going to give Outlets to Go Laptop, a 5/5 rating.
For more information, visit http://www.monstercable.com

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Internet Explorer 9 has yet to reach the Beta development stage, but Microsoft is already touting the next generation of IE as superior to its rivals. The Redmond company has obviously thrown down the gauntlet, and managed to take swings at all rivals during the recent Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) 2010. First, Kevin Turner, Microsoft Chief Operating Officer, revealed that in the software giant’s view Windows 7 is superior to all platforms on the market including Mac OS X and Linux. But Turner also noted that the upcoming iteration of IE9 will be faster and safer than Firefox, Chrome, Opera and Safari.

At the same time, he noted that Internet Explorer 8 is already the safest browser on the web today. Of course, as was the case with Windows, Turner did not mention IE’s rivals specifically. Still, it’s nothing short of evident what Microsoft COO meant.

“IE9 is going to be not only the most safest and secure browser in the market, which IE8 is today, it will be the fastest browser in the market. You saw some demos of that on day one. It’s a smoking hot browser product,” Turner said.

Microsoft offered the first Platform Preview of Internet Explorer 9 in March 2010, and since then served two additional testing releases, about 8 weeks apart. IE9 Platform Preview 3 is now available for download, still a build aimed at developers, an aspect which will only change as Microsoft will release the first Beta of the browser

“And more than ever, there’s a better web on Windows. And whether it’s applications you’re building on IE8 or the applications that are being contemplated for IE9, just a tremendous opportunity. IE8 is the fastest-growing web browser in history, and it has now become the most popular web browser on the planet. So, a lot of opportunity to build a better web on Windows,” noted Tami Reller, Corporate Vice President and CFO, Windows & Windows Live.

Source : Softpedia

Apple to hold iPhone 4 conference Tomorrow

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Apple will be holding a special iPhone 4 conference tomorrow. No details are being given about the content of the conference, however, it is speculated that it might involve a recall of all affected iPhone 4′s.

The conference will be just about the iPhone 4 and starts on July 16 at 10am PDT.

iOS 4.1 Beta was released today, and as tests were done, it was presumed that all this beta did, was improve the graphics of the signal bars on the iPhone 4 and earlier supported models.

Review: TonidoPlug

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Cloud computing, it’s the new generation of storage. But is it really that secure? How green and efficient can we be, without having a huge power-sucking server for our files? Well, TonidoPlug has the answer for you, with its own (green) TonidoPlug.

Tonido is free software that will turn your desktop into a personal server, and allows you to interact with your files, through built-in applications. It doesn’t matter what OS you are on (Mac, Linux, Windows, Chrome OS, etc.), you just install the software, and there you go.

However, there is also a device that Tonido has created, called the TonidoPlug. Same thing as Tonido, but on this small, environmentally friendly plug. It looks like one of those big, speaker AC adapters, when you pull it out of the box, but with a white shiny finish. It of course, comes with its own RAM, CPU, and it’s powered by Ubuntu. Think of it, as a NAS inside a box. Very simple, small, and easy to set up. All you do is plug it in, Power, LAN, and USB. Once that’s done, let it boot for a few seconds (3o seconds or so). Then, go to http://www.tonidoplug.com/ip/. Your TonidoPlug will now be detected.

From there, you then create a new profile, establish passwords, and all of that. It’s very easy. A nice, clean interface is presented. No need to memorize Linux commands to get it all set up. It does all the work for you; just click some buttons (with instructions).

The applications that were inside TonidoPlug made me wow. Jukebox, Photos, Search, Thots, Workspace, Plug Admin, Torrent, Explorer, are some of them.

There, however, are a few peeves that I really didn’t like much with TonidoPlug, it can be easily fixed with a software update, hopefully Tonido listens.

These are:

Sharing files with an external user, where’s the copy to clipboard link, it’s just simple Javascript.

For the Photos application, one thing I would find useful is a simple “upload photos” link, the link is buried inside of “Share my photos” then click Add new share. But even by doing this, there is still no upload applet. Would be neat to have an upload applet, to upload photos. Maybe even to export these photos to Flickr, Facebook, etc. Currently I see no ability to do so.

Also, my biggest peeve:

Will not let you login to TonidoPlug admin if your router is set to an IP range of 5.5.5.1 only acceptable ranges are:

10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255

172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255

192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255

So therefore, I had to change mine to 10.10.10.1, which was kind of annoying.

It also, does not recognize new IP address changes automatically; the device must be rebooted to recognize a new IP.

Overall, I was impressed with the speed, and of course the price of TonidoPlug. I am going to give the TonidoPlug a 4 / 5 rating, as these small things could be thought of, and the IP range bug, could be fixed.

For more information, comment, or visit http://www.tonidoplug.com/

It’s here! Windows Live Essentials Beta

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Today is the day, and Microsoft had made that clear. Windows Live Essentials 2011 Beta is now available for the public, at http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials-beta

DOWNLOAD LINK AVAILABLE: http://g.live.com/1rebeta4_webd/en/wlsetup-webd.exe

Update: Custom link installer also available: http://g.live.com/1rebeta4_webc/en/wlsetup-webc.exe

Many changes have been made, one that will hurt a lot of users, but it’s for the good of things. XP users, you are stuck with Wave 3, aka, the old version. There is no compatibility with XP with 2011 Beta, and future versions. You must have Vista, or Windows 7. Honestly, if you are still on XP, it’s time to upgrade!

As you might have already noticed, Hotmail and web services are/have been upgraded. If you still don’t see the new Hotmail, don’t worry, you will have it in the upcoming weeks/months.

Now, in regards to the new Essentials, one thing that is really popular, for everyone, is the new Messenger!

The new Messenger comes with several amazing features, such as:
Tabbed conversations
Integration of Bing results
High-definition video chat
Video message
Badges
Games

One of the most amazing new features, is the Social interaction, the ability to connect to other social networks.

We will be updating this article as the day comes by, and more features are discovered.

Keep posted!

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As Windows Live Messenger was unveiled today, it was discovered that no longer, are you able to create those amazing names as your display name. The support for emoticons has been removed in your display name. The only format, you can have your display name as, is First Name, Last Name, and is changeable from your Windows Live Profile.

I will attempt to contact Microsoft for further comment regarding this change, that is sure to disappoint and confuse many.

Keep posted.

Windows Live Essentials Beta out tomorrow

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WindowsTeamBlog has announced that Windows Live Essentials Beta will be available for download tomorrow, the wait is finally over! Windows Live Essentials will require Windows Vista or 7 (no XP support) and will be available in several languages, English of course, is one of them.

This article will be of course, updated tomorrow when Windows Live Essentials 2011 Beta, is released to the world.

Keep posted!

Review: Jelfin Gel Ball Mouse

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I received the Gel Ball Mouse by Jelfin a while ago, played around with it, and was quite displeased. The mouse, online, looked very comfortable, and a good rugged design. The mouse comes in a can, yes, a can. The plastic covering on it is sticky as molasses. If you want carpal tunnel syndrome, then get this mouse, it will give you carpal tunnel!

Maybe I just have too big of a hand, but I found it extremely uncomfortable.

This is what you would expect to buy at a dollar store, it’s really poor quality. Very sad.

It is possible I received a defective one, the tracking on it was horrible, the gel cap doesn’t stay on tight, and it feels “used”.

Overall, I am going to give the Jelfin Gel Ball Mouse a 2/5.

More information can be found at http://www.jelfin.com

Windows Live Essentials 2011 Public Beta

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I have found that Microsoft has unintentionally published the latest beta of Windows Live Essentials 2011 Public Beta, and then quickly pulled it. The link currently redirects to MSN.com

The download link for (Windows Live Essentials 2011 Public Beta (Wave 4) ) English is: http://g.live.com/1rewlive4/en/wlsetup-web.exe

The build number is : 15.3.2715.518

Keep your eyes posted on this article and the above link, it could go back live any second!

Microsoft’s naming and posting guidelines makes the above link real, and the fact that it WAS working for a split moment, means it’s valid, and coming soon.

Keep posted.

Apple iPhone OS now known as iOS

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Steve Jobs, today has announced at WWDC that the iPhone OS name is no more. It will now be re-branded to iOS.

Here are the new features of iOS 4.0 (Thanks TechCrunch)

* There have been 50 million iPhones sold so far (along with 450,000 iPads)
* OS 4.0 will be going out to phones this summer, but a developer preview is currently available. The iPad will get it in the fall. iPhone and iPod touch 1Gs are out of luck, I’m afraid.
* Thousands of new APIs, including many “accelerate” APIs which allow developers to add hardware acceleration
*
* Multi-tasking is coming. They admit they are a bit late to the party.
-double tap of home button shows running applications. Invoke at any time, it’ll pause games and so on.
-the app-switching tray pushes up the other home icons and has a sort of metallic background.
-it’s a bit disappointing, actually: it’s more the ability to switch quickly between “active” apps. Nice, though.
-it’s not a task manager. You can’t close or modify apps, and Jobs says you don’t need to. Furthermore he says that if the user needs a task manager, the UX team is blowing it.
-iPhone 3G and iPod touch 2nd gen will not get multitasking.
* There are seven background services that will be allowed, and which shouldn’t significantly affect the performance of other apps:
-Background audio: i.e. Pandora can play in the background and popup controls can control it.
-Background VoIP: Skype calls will continue if you need to switch apps; a “return to call” button will show, and you can also receive Skype calls on a locked phone.
-Background location: turn-by-turn directions can continue when you leave the app. Music can run at the same time and will quiet down when directions need to be said. Very slick. Uses cell-tower-enhanced AGPS. A notification will show in the status bar if an app is transmitting your location. You can also turn off location app-by-app.
-Push notifications: the same push notifications you know and love.
-
* Local notifications: in-phone notifications for, say, pop-up alarms and such. Local app stuff.
-Fast app switching: this is the service by which apps can store their state when you switch to and from them.
-Task completion: allows, say, a Flickr upload to continue if you close the app.
* Folders. These are basically stacks of apps. Drag one app onto another to create a folder. This will really help un-clutter some iPhone screens (makes room for people to buy more apps). Makes for a maximum of 2160 apps. Is there an app for taking it easy on app downloading?
* Homescreen wallpapers. Yes, very nice.
* Enhanced mail. Several changes here:
-Unified inbox. Web mail, MobileMe, multiple exchange accounts – thank god. This is nice.
-Thread organization. Handy for such a powerful inbox.
-Attachments for third-party email. Get your Gmail attachments right in Mail now.
*
* iBooks: I think we all expected this. It looks just like the iPad version, though somewhat smaller, obviously. Sync bookmarks and such between devices. Comes with Winnie the Pooh!
* Better email encryption, and some sort of in-app encryption is in the works.
* SSL VPN support. Non-bold flavor text.
* Social gaming features: challenge friends to games, compare high scores on leaderboards and so on. Matchmaking and achievements. Nice, looking forward to this on the iPad. Hot seat Civ 4 with someone I’ve never met? Why not?
* Support for Bluetooth keyboards
* May support camera with flash (not confirmed)
* iAd: In Steve’s words, somewhat paraphrased: “Developers [of free apps] need to find a way to start making their money. A lot of developers turn to advertising – and we think these current advertisements really suck. If you look at advertisements on a phone, it’s not like on a desktop. On a desktop, its about search. On mobile, search hasnt happened. People aren’t searching on their phones. People are spending their time in apps. The average user spends over 30 minutes using apps on their phone. If we said we wanted to put an ad up every 3 minutes, that’d be 10 ads per device per day — about the same as a TV show. We’re going to soon have 100m devices. That’s a billion ad opportunities per day! “This is a pretty serious opportunity, and it’s an incredible demographic. But we want to do more than that. We want to change the quality of the advertising. We’re all familiar with interactive ads on the web. They’re interactive, but they’re not capable of delivering emotion. We have figured out how to do interactive and video content without ever taking you out of the app.”
-Apple will sell and host the ads; the revenue will be split 60/40, with devs getting the 60. Anybody can make them, just like apps.
-Ads are done in HTML5 (a little dig in there for Adobe)
-Fully interactive; the Toy Story ad he showed looks like a native app, includes a game, graphical interface and everything. They can call out for showing times, current prices, and so on. It’s essentially a commercial break app.
-Access to APIs: somewhat scarily, ads will have access to location, accelerometer, and a lot of other stuff.

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