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HP has unveiled their B8550 Photo Printer with its 5-ink system and extra large feed tray. With a 2.4-inch display, it has a maximum print resolution of 1200 x 1200, 128MB internal memory, and can print photos up to 13 x 19-inches. Attachable by USB, it also features a multi-format memory card reader and can copy 33ppm in black and 31ppm in color. Look for the B8550 soon with a $299.99 price.
Read More 
| Ubergizmo
Facebook version 2 for iPhone hits App Store
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Internet, Software,
If you’re into Facebook, and you own an iPhone, you’ll be pleased to know that Facebook version 2 for iPhone is now available on the App Store. The original Facebook app had been referred to as “Facebook Lite” by many a user, specifically because there were very few interactions with the service that you could do on the phone, when compared to the full web experience. Not one to sit on their laurels, the Facebook team got to work on this new version, and has packed in a plethora of new features:
- Address book lookup
- Facebook Chat
- People Search
- Message Search
- Message Attachments
- Notifications
- Photo Tags
- Faster photo uploads
- Friend Requests
Those are the ones that caught our eye, but there are even a few more than what we listed, including a new UI, and a bunch of bug fixes. Definitely some good stuff, other App Store developers might wanna take notice of a full-blown app done right by studying this release, seriously. Go hit the App Store to grab Facebook version 2, it’s free. Oh, and feel free to hit me up on Facebook.
Read More | Facebook iTunes Link
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Apple readying CDMA iPhone?
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Rumors,
The rumor mill has been buzzing today with whispers that Apple may be readying a CDMA version of the iPhone, which would have EVDO support. So, when would this one be announced? Apparently, at MacWorld 2009 in January. Unfortunately, we are gonna have to call shenanigans on this one. After all, Verizon Wireless was supposed to get the iPhone originally, but were too wrapped up in a traditional cell carrier mindset to see that it would be a boon to their business. Then, AT&T came in and signed a multi-year exclusivity contract in the USA. Plus, it’s not like Apple needs more distribution for the iPhone to make it a success, it’s doing just fine. We think they’d rather focus their iPhone staff on the next iteration of the phone, rather than going sideways to make one that will work on Verizon’s network. Sure, we could be wrong, but…nah…we don’t think so.
Read More | 9to5Mac
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RHT Study Reveals Customers’ Silly Questions
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Misc. Tech,
Robert Half Technology, provider of IT pros, conducted a survey by phone with 1,400 CIOs to find their oddest requests. Executive director Katherine Spencer Lee claims, “These unusual requests highlight the need for technical support personnel to also demonstrate patience, empathy and a sense of humor.”
We guess so, after reading the list. Here are a few of the sample questions:
“Can you rearrange the keyboard alphabetically?”
“How do I read my e-mail?”
“My computer is telling me to press any key to continue. Where is the ‘any’ key?”
“Can you reset the Internet for me?”
“How can I block e-mail from my manager?”
“Can I open the bank safe using my computer?”
“How long does it take to bake a potato in a microwave?”
“I’d like to stop receiving e-mail on Fridays.”
“Where can I get software to track UFOs?”
“How do I get my computer’s coffee-cup holder to come out again?”
Read More | Robert Half Technology
We really thought that this was one of those gag articles meant for April Fool’s Day. Researchers of the ASE (Association of Space Explorers) say that a killer asteroid may be coming in the next 15 years. Sure enough, not only does the organization exist, it has come up with a study that suggests that the U.N. assume responsibility in the way of a global information network using data from ground and space telescopes to let us know if/when the big one is coming. A second project should plan how to destroy or deflect it. NASA is currently watching 209 NEOs (Near Earth Objects,) although none of them are considered dangerous.
Read More | ABC News
Next time you are waiting for that brew to come to you rather than you going to the fridge, you can be happy in the knowledge that you have the R/C Drinks Cooler. At a size of 35 x 30cm, the device works with a battery operated remote (batteries not included) and can carry up to 12 cans or 3 wine bottles. It also has a carry strap and folds up when not in use. You can pre-order the Cooler for $101.96 and expect to receive it in October. Come to think of it, it may be so cold by then, you can insert a bowl instead of ice and use it to trot out all that leftover Halloween candy.
Read More | Latest Buy
Text Messaging While Driving Verboten in CA
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Transportation,
The Governator signed a bill in July that requires Californians to use hands free devices when driving and using a cell phone. He has now gone one step further by banning text messaging while driving. The SB28 makes drivers keep their “hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road,” Schwarzenegger said in a written statement. Other states have already adopted the law and considering the statistics about how dangerous the practice is, we hope they all do.
Read More | SF Gate
Karaoke fans can now sing along with their MP3 player with the Memorex SingStand. Consisting of a 3.5mm line-in and dual mic inputs for those important duets, it has AVC built-in as a vocal guide and 2 4W speakers built into the base of the stand. There is also an input for keyboard and you can add echo and voice control to make you sound like the, er, professionals. The SingStand comes with one dynamic 10 ft. microphone, a PMP/mic holder, and a 3 piece adjustable pole. Sing away for $69.99.
Read More | Memorex
Nintendo to Release new DS
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Rumors, Video Games, Wireless / WiFi,
Rumor has it that Nintendo has plans for a new DS that will come out in time for the holidays. The DS2 will take pictures and play tunes. Also equipped for wireless application, it is expected to be less than ¥20,000 (~$189.00) when it is released in Japan. Although the DS is doing better globally, the PSP is outselling the DS there. We have no doubt that this move will make it more popular for those want the addition of the new features.
Read More | Reuters
Nintendo Possibly Readying New DS This Year, with New Features [UPDATED]
Posted by Alex Lifschitz Categories: Hardware, Nintendo, Nintendo DS, Rumors,
According to Japanese business site Nikkei Net, Nintendo may be prepping to release a brand new Nintendo DS (not pictured) by the end of this year. Supposedly, the new and improved DS will feature build-in music playback, better wireless performance, and, most interestingly, and onboard camera, all for less that 20,000 yen. There has not been an official press release by Nintendo, so you’ll want to wait and see how this develops, but it means that the new DS may integrate some of these features into new games, a la Final Fantasy: Before Crisis (which had you use your cell phone camera to craft materia). If past indicators hold true, it should arrive just in time for your Christmas shopping blitz, which would be fortunate, since the Wii has been perpetually sold out each holiday season - and I think that we’re all contractually obligated at this point to throw our money at Nintendo with every re-launch of a system.
UPDATE: Looks like we were right on this one, as Nintendo just announced the new Nintendo DSi!
CNet
