Virgin To Release LG Aloha

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Music, Wireless / WiFi,

Virgin Mobile US has announced the wireless Aloha, its first LG clamshell . With dimensions of 3.5 x 1.9 x 0.9-inches and a weight of only 2.7 oz, the cell phone features a metallic white front and matte back. It has a 65K color display, MP3 ringtones, memory enough for about 199 contacts, voice-activated dialing, speakerphone, and a few games bundled inside for your amusement. The Aloha promises up to 180 minutes of talk time and 150 hours of standby time. Virgin plans to release the phone in September with the mini-price of $34.99 as part of their RE* Generation plan to raise awareness for at-risk and homeless youths by teaming with other companies such as LG.

Read More | PR Newswire

Cell Phone Numbers Made Public

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Internet,

Intelius, the online people search site for names, addresses, phone numbers, background checks and more is now selling cell phone numbers at $15.00 a pop. The company claims it has 90 million such listings now and will have an additional 70 million in the coming weeks. How many senators and representatives will get constant phone calls before they decide to pass a bill making this illegal? None, we think. Although cell phones are seemingly the last bastion of privacy, it seems more likely that this will go the way of landlines, where you have to pay to be unlisted.

Read More | ABC

Mario, Luigi, and Dr. Gonzo Gelaskins

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Design, PC / Laptop, Portable Audio / Video,

The Mario Brothers certainly have done their share of partying according to this GelaSkin, constructed of 3M vinyl anti-scratch, anti-UV coating. The skins are easy-on/off for your iPod

, RAZR, or iPhone, with prices of $12.95 and $14.95. The company also features laptop covers for $29.95, including this one that was done by Ralph Steadman, the illustrator for “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” Check out their site which features other coverings by classic and contemporary artists.

Read More | GelaSkins

Nokia Recalls Cell Phone Batteries

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Storage,

Nokia is recalling 46 million of their Matsushita cell phone batteries and are offering free replacements. They feature the inscription BL-5C which were purchased between December 2005 and November 2006 and have caused about one hundred instances of overheating during charging. If you believe that you may have one of the offending items, look at the one in you have, but remember to write down your contacts, since this usually wipes them out in your phone. Nokia has more info for the models that may be affected on their site.

Read More | The inquirer

Micro SD/Flash Card Readers Lucky?

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Misc. Tech, Music, PC / Laptop, USB,

These ultra-slim Micro SD/Flash Card USB 2.0 readers hook right up to your notebook, cell phone, digital cam, PDA or MP3 player and read and write your files at a full 480 MPS rate. With simple plug and play, it supports Windows 98/200/ME/XP at a size of 28 x 15 x 2 mm and a weight of only 3 grams. With a price of only $11.50 at Brando, it makes the copper coin attached a bonus, and maybe good luck next time you play the lottery.

(Thanks, Fanny)

Read More | USB Brando

Bluetooth Helmet Adds New Dimension to Extreme Sports

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Smartphones, Wearables, Wireless / WiFi,

If you’re into snowboarding (or any extreme sport), we’ve found a gadget bound to make it even more fun. It’s the Burton RED Tantrum G1 Bluetooth Audex, and awfully long name for such a simple concept. It’s basically a helmet that utilizes Motorola Bluetooth techonology, allowing you to receive/make telephone calls or listen to your music player wirelessly. Wear the helmet and jam to Linkin Park while riding a half-pipe—and then seamlessly call your fellow boarders to hook up for a brew later. The helmet’s DJ-style headset is even removable, for when you’re just chillin’ in the ski lodge. Compatible with Bluetooth 1.1 and 1.2 phones, and any iPod, MD, CD or even cassette player! Available in 4 colors for $200 USD.

Read More | Snowboards for Sale

Advantek Networks Speaker Multi-Tasks

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Portable Audio / Video, Transportation, Video Games, Wireless / WiFi,

Advantek Networks has a new portable Bluetooth ABT-SPK-A8 speaker that will stream sound from MP3 players, CD/DVD players, and handheld gaming devices for up to 10 hours of play on its rechargeable battery. With its built-in mic, it provides hands free conversation through VOiP via Skype, MSN IM, or Yahoo Messenger with DSP noise cancellation technology so that you can hear clearly over that rush hour road rage. The device will automatically cut off when a call comes in and will auto-return to the music after it ends. If you want to take it with you during a long commute, it comes with a sun visor clip and a flip-out leg stand. You can find the speaker at Ayagroup for $89.95 and other online retail outlets.

Read More | Advantek Networks

Nokia Goes Triangular

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Smartphones, Music,

Geometry fans will appreciate Nokia’s Prism Cell Phones, which feature triangular shapes, including their keypad buttons. Available in 7500 and 7900 models, both include a music player for MP3/WMA/AAC and a 2 megapixel cam. The 7900, featured on the left, also has 3G connectivity, quad-band GSM, and 1GB of storage. Arriving in Europe within the next month, the 7500 will carry a MSRP of $289.99 while the price on the 7900 is a humongous $549.99. Check Nokia for a preview and availability in your area.

Read More | Sci Fi Tech

Plusmo Offers Free Widgets for iPhone Users

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Internet, Portable Audio / Video,

Get excited, new iPhoners. Plusmo, the free widget folks, is now available for your new toy. With them you can get news feeds, traffic reports, store locators, games, sports, daily cartoons, and more. Around since 2006, Plusmo now has more than 20,000 widgets created by users and you can get yours by downloading and registering from your iPhone, Blackberry, cell phone, or other mobile device. The service, currently available in beta service, also allows you to create your own widget and share with others.

Read More | Plusmo

The Bleeding Edge 176: The Ultimate iPhone Interface Walkthrough

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Features, Handhelds, Podcasts, Portable Audio / Video, Videocasts, Videos,

Read More | The Bleeding Edge