AT&T USBConnect 881 bringing 3G over USB to PCs and Macs everywhere

Posted by Sparky Categories: Apple, Broadband, Internet, PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Wireless / WiFi, USB,

AT&T just announced their USBConnect 881 - an HSDPA/HSUPA modem for Macs and PCs that connects via USB. The minuscule 1.25oz modem claims to give an average download speed of 600kbps to 1.4Mbps, with uploads clocking in at 500kbps and 800kbps in HSUPA markets. While it may not be as slim and sexy as an Expresscard modem this looks like a great option for those with an older laptop, or a Macbook looking to quench their hankering for high speed laptop data on the go.

Available now for $50 with a 2 year contract, or for $299 without a commitment to AT&T.

Read More | AT&T

Nokia Releases N82

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

The latest in the long line of Nokia products to come out is their 5 megapixel N82. With Carl Zeiss optics and Xenon Flash for low light, it’s all about the camera. The phone/cam also features high-quality video recording, an orientation sensor, and can send pictures instantly. A successor to its N95, it comes with a 2 GB microSD memory card for 900 images or 84 minutes of video. The N82 also has WiFi capability and comes equipped with Nokia Maps. Count on a price of €450 (~$658.00.)

Read More | Nokia

DVR Pen Does More Than Write

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Misc. Tech, Portable Audio / Video, Science, Wireless / WiFi,

For spies on the go, the DVR Pen has a wireless, low-power digital recorder and a microphone stuffed into an 0.55 x 5.7-inch pen. You can record 320 x 240p at 30 fps on flash memory or microSD and transfer data to PDA or PC via Bluetooth. The pen features 5 different motion detection sensitivity levels for low light targets and can send an alarm when movement occurs. And yes, it even writes. Still a prototype, Pacific Defence foresees a target date next March.

Read More | gizmag

Zune Announces Changes, New Accessories

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Home Entertainment, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi,

Beginning November 13, Zune users will be prompted for a one-click update of its software. It will include new features such as Wireless Sync and new styles for its Marketplace and Social page for music, photos and video sharing. They also have a new crop of accessories, such as a car pack, gear bag, premium earphones, and a Home A/V Pack. With a $99.99 price tag, it includes a dock and wireless remote, so that you can integrate it with your home entertainment or stereo system.

Read More | Zune

Control Your Loved Ones

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Home Entertainment, Misc. Tech, Toys, Wireless / WiFi,

Ever feel like using the remote on your spouse/partner like Adam Sandler did in his movie “Click?” These devices will comically say what you are thinking without your better half knowing that deep down inside, you truly mean them. Control Your Man says 18 witticisms such as “What about my needs?” and “What were you thinking?” The male version commands, “Feed me” and “Clean up on aisle four!” Each remote also features sound effects and runs on 2 AA included batteries. Get one for $17.95 or the pair for $29.95 and you may not have to speak for yourself until halftime.

Read More | Baron Bob

Make Your Car Wifi Source

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi,

WAAV’s AirBox CM3 can turn your car into a mobile WiFi unit. The broadband cellular router plugs into your car lighter by Ethernet or wirelessly and will keep the connection up to speeds of 100 mph or up to 300 feet when you are parked. Its 3G digital cell phone network seeks out EV-DO, which is comparable to cable Internet or DSL connection. If that fails, it will find an available 2G network. Available for $499.99,  you still have to pay for a data plan but at least you won’t have to seek out the nearest Starbucks when a communicative mood strikes you.

Read More | WAAV

BluePhoneElite 2: Your Mac and your phone, together at last

Posted by Sparky Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Internet, Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop, Software, Wireless / WiFi,

Gear Live has long been a fan of BluePhoneElite, and the new version 2.0. BluePhoneElite allows users to send and receive SMS messages via Bluetooth from the comfort of their computer, dial and receive calls, and generally provide solid integration between Apple’s iLife applications and a Bluetooth phone.

The new version fully supports Symbian and Windows Mobile devices, but sadly only supports the headset profile on the iPhone due to the closed nature of the platform. A new license BluePhoneElite 2 costs just under $25 and offers a 2 week trial so you can take it for a test spin. Current BluePhoneElite version 1 customers will get the new functionality as a free upgrade.

Read More | Mira Software via TUAW

Wayfinder is Mini-Weather Station

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Science, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi,

We have found a rather unique device for those long road trips. The Wayfinder Z7500 has a digital compass with graphic heading indicator, an atomic clock with time and date, an altimeter, and barometer. It will also forecast the weather for the next 12 to 24 hours. With a backlit screen for night time viewing, the device mounts to your windshield by suction cup, and runs on an included lithium battery. The Wayfinder is available for $89.95.

Read More | Sky Mall

Nokia Bluetooth Headset is Ergonmically Correct

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

Nokia has unveiled their lightweight BH-101 at SEMA in Vegas this week. You can get up to 8 hours of talk time and 180 of standby on the Bluetooth headset. The ear piece can function with EDR 2.0, Handsfree v1.5, and Headset 1.1. It features an adjustable earloop for use on either side and Nokia reports that the headset will be out just in time for the holidays with an estimated €30 (~$43.00.) We find now that when we see folks walking around in public with an earpiece that they become as instantly annoying as those who speak extra loudly on their cell phones.

Read More | Nokia

I-Mate working on Foleo competitor

Posted by Sparky Categories: Smartphones, Design, Handhelds, Internet, Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Wireless / WiFi,

While the Palm Foleo died on the vine, the concept may live on. I-Mate, makers of many fine Windows Mobile based smart phones is rumored to be working on a “shell” to go with their new Ultimate line. While the new shell would not contain any processor or memory of it’s own, it would feature a 1024x768 screen and a full sized keyboard to act as a dock for the smart phone. It is still unknown if the shell would feature batteries to increase runtime, but if it does that could be a killer feature for todays power-hungry HSDPA chipsets.

This seems like it would be a better approach than the Foleo. It would be cheaper, provide similar functionality, and allow a user to select which form factor they want (laptop vs. cellphone) at any given time as simply as clicking the phone into the larger frame. If this comes to market in a timely manner and offers a good user experience it could signal a new style of cellphone based computing—and a step into the “world of tomorrow”.

Read More | UberGizmo via Gizmodo