CntrStg is gaining Status with Companies

For most influencers, scheduling times at CES is often a difficult process because you end up traveling from one end to the other of CES as well as those appointments that are on the strip at all the hotels. The travel time alone limits us to the number of folks we can visit and often times an appointment is missed because of the difficulty of getting from one place to another. Because of that, I would try to see as many companies as I can at CNTRSTG. CNTRSTG came about because a group of high ranking influencers had so much difficulty meeting with a large group of companies. Their idea has been well received and has companies like HP, AMD, Skooba and ProClip to name a few that are taking advantage of it.


Imagine, rather than a company meeting 20-30 times in a day giving the same briefing, having the ability to meet with a group of influencers and present once or twice. Novel idea, huh? It saves those giving the presentation the repetition of doing it 20-30 times a day and for the influencers, they have just one place to go. In the final analysis, the influencers will not be run down, tired and annoyed trying to get to a half dozen places all over the strip. They will be fresh, relaxed and more apt to be more receptive to really listening to the ideas presented to them and then writing good solid news items.

So guess where I am going this year during the CES:

CntrStg the place to be.

Stay up to Date with CntrStg through http://www.cntrstg.com/feed and www.twitter.com/cntrstg

ProClip is able to lower their prices just in time for the Holiday season

ProClip USA ( http://www.proclipusa.com/ ) is going to lower their prices back to the original prices due to the increase of the Dollar value in the recent month. This of course is a great holiday opportunity to get you loved ones the custom in-vehicle solution for their mobile devices and promote safer driving. The prices for the vehicle mounts are reduced from $34,99 to $29.99 and the Tilt Swivel holders for the Mobile devices are reduced from $39.99 to $ 34.99.

Please check out the latest reviews of our ProClip Solutions
http://experiencemobility.net/?p=1350
http://www.mobilejaw.com/reviews/2008/11/custom-in-car-mounting-system-from-proclip-reviewed/
http://www.t4show.com/?p=3333
http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/proclip3g.php

Happy Holiday’s from ProClip USA

The official Windows Mobile 6.1 SMTP fix is here

For many months now we have had problems with the SMTP functionality of the POP and IMAP accounts on the Windows Mobile 6.1 devices. Due to changing towers and service, from provider to provider it would mess up the SMTP functionality within Windows Mobile 6.1. There were some small fixes around which would help(or not) temporary. Thanks to the MVP community Microsoft was brought to the attention of this problem and came out with this fix:



http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=d9d71b2e-d2dd-44f2-86e5-1e53aad7fb7a&displaylang=en&tm



Hopefully this will solve all these problems. Time will tell.

CntrStg is shaping up

Earlier I posted about this great new event CntrStg @ CES. This event takes place during all the days of CES in January at the Wynn in Las Vegas. The location has been chosen to be close to the Convention center and they even have free shuttle transportation with GPS tracking running for all attendees between CntrStg and the convention center.



The days are going to have themes, in which attendees decide which days to give priority to come, meet and greet the all other online influential community leaders and the special presentations from companies.



They will have special Breakfast, lunch, Dinner sessions and even special evening events. Ofcourse the lounge will provide one of the fastest internet access available in Las Vegas.
During the events they will have prices to win as well



If you know of any other Blogger, Online Influential Community Leader please let them know to register for free at http://www.cntrstg.com/ This way they don't miss the place to be at CES 2009.
A list of registered attendees is available at the registration page

I hope to see you there. I am definitely going to !

Iphone and Ipods need to be redesigned for EU

Last Month a new European law went into effect which must allow an easy removal of batteries from mobile devices. This was done so recycling of these batteries would be easier and actually will happen

As we all know the Apple line of mobile devices don't have the easy removable batterry covers. So now they have to. Perfect timing......since the news just came out from a major Apple share holder that their mobile line lost their edge. You see the Ipods and Iphones now everywhere and they aren't that hot anymore.

We are ready for new inovative I-products. But Windows Mobile is still trying to catch up.

CntrStg at CES 2009 Facilitates Face-to-Face Meetings and Improves Communication Between Companies and Influential Bloggers

Did you ever feel like you had to run around major trade shows to meet all the people you wanted to. Attend 3 dinner in one night. CntrStg is a new event which will bring the influential Online Community leaders together with the companies at one great location.

Below is the press release of their first event @ CES Las Vegas in January 2009.

If you would like to attend for free, don't forget to register.

Austin, TX —Sept. 17, 2008— The 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, marks the launch of CntrStg, (http://www.cntrstg.com/, pronounced “CenterStage”), an independent blogger lounge designed to promote focused discussions and improved communication on the topics that matter most to both bloggers and technology companies. Not only will CntrStg be the single place for bloggers and corporations to meet face-to-face during CES 2009, it is expected to become a standard feature of all large industry events and tradeshows.

Founded by 15-year veteran blogger Steven Hughes, and fellow online community leaders, Eric Hicks, Mike Temporale and Johan van Mierlo, CntrStg is a proactive, community-led effort that strives to match up influential bloggers with representatives of products and companies in order to drive meaningful interaction, discussion and word-of-mouth referral. CntrStg actively represents the wants and needs of bloggers, allowing them to better interact with companies, their products and associated messages. CntrStg also provides a centralized, controlled environment for companies and product managers to share their message with interested and engaged audiences through direct, meaningful interaction.

CntrStg is not only a lounge for bloggers to relax, but also a place to network and get work done. Most important, CntrStg features a presentation space that enables companies chosen by the community to speak on topics and products that are important to them. Sponsored by HP, CntrStg provides a location for corporate marketers to make live announcements to bloggers who will then share the news with established audiences.

“The bloggers and influencers are the ones who drive the buzz and get CES news out to the buying public,” said Hughes. “CntrStg ensures a steady flow of content to bloggers and secures a ready outlet for companies’ news. Through the setting and process we have designed, CntrStg places the spotlight on both those presenting, as well as the influencers attending, by providing focused discussions and improving communication.”

CntrStg attendees will select the companies to present at CntrStg by polling the community, ensuring all interactions return value to both the blogging community and the selected product marketers. By streamlining the process of reaching bloggers and offering the additional benefit of chartered transportation, CntrStg makes it easy to arrange a time and place for bloggers and companies to meet.

Influential community leaders, bloggers, and podcasters are welcome to register for free at the CntStg web site, the place for bloggers and corporations to meet during CES 2009. To register or learn more, please visit http://www.cntrstg.com/.

Experience Mobility has Moved

One of our friends Jack Cook has been running his site Experience Mobility with many great articles.In last couple of months he was starting to have some problems with Hidden Spam.

This is what he had to say;

Sad but true, I’m starting over after finding that Experience Mobility was infiltrated with a serious amount of hidden SPAM within my blog. Evidently there was a vulnerability that was exploited at sometime and no matter what I did to remove it, it kept coming back. I suppose I could have left it there but it was just the point of having it that bothered me. Because it was not only in the blog but was also riddled through my database, it was decided that the best tact to take was to start fresh.
So what about all my previous posts and reviews? I am not going to make an attempt to retrieve the old posts but over time, I will try to bring back my reviews but that will be a time consuming project and I am thinking it may well be a great Winter project.
I do feel bad that there will be a lot of lost links … but life does go on.
So Experience Mobility has changed to http://experiencemobility.net/ and that the NEW RSS feed is http://experiencemobility.net/?feed=rss2.

The Mugen Power battery for the HTC Kaiser aka TyTN II ,AT&T Tilt & P4550

Last Month I received an extended battery from Mugen Power . This extended battery is 3000mAh compared to the standard 1350mAH that comes with the HTC Kaiser.

What attracted me to this battery was not only to have more juice available to me, but also the nice looking battery cover that comes with it. The battery cover is not like any others where you have a bulging top or bottom on the device. No, this cover was straight from top to bottom. The cover has many features as the original cover has as well. The opening for the camera is in a chrome finish with an opening for the lens and a speaker like shield for the speaker. The only thing I am missing is a clear lens cap that covers the hole for the camera. Now dust can get on my original lens easily and also into my device. The cover has a nice shiny black finish to it and also a WiFi and Bluetooth logo printed on it. If you use an external GPS antenna, you still can with removing the rubber cap also in this cover. Since that the cover is straight al over the device you will have some empty space under the cover where the battery is not located.

Now the performance! They clearly make a statement that you have to use it to drain the battery as much as possible before recharging. You have to do this a couple of time to reach the maximum capacity.

In the first couple of days of using this battery it indeed didn’t give me the 3x more power as I had hoped for. However this started to increase dramatically after a couple of days. I have Emoze (Push E-mail) constantly running on my device and I use my phone heavenly many other ways in receiving data. Now instead of really only 8 hours of use, I can go to a trade show early in the morning and continue on to late in the evening without any worries.

This extended battery makes your device a little heavier and clunky, but for those long days I really need it. The unit still fits in the original holster but unfortunate it does not fit in my custom car holder due to the extra thickness all over the length of the device.


Recently I have upgraded my device with a new radio and the drain of my battery has dramatically been reduced. I am now able to go 2 full days with my original battery and almost a week with this extended battery from Mugen Power Batteries.

Mugen Power Batteries is your source for the extended battery of your device. Please check out their website and see their whole line up of extended batteries for most mobile devices.

A proud papa

I Just wanted to share this with you all. My son Matthijs just gave a speech at his 5th grade class about money and credit, O boy can we learn from him, enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOpwJsHI-CE

10% Savings from ProClip Until July 1

Here is some savings information from ProClip which should come as good news to anyone who needs an in-vehicle device mounting solution…


During the months of May and June everybody is looking forward to a great summer and their upcoming travels. ProClip USA will offer a special 10% discount in these months on their great in-vehicle custom mounting solutions for many mobile devices like GPS Systems, Mobile Phones and Portable Music Players.
ProClip USA solutions are a perfect gift for Mothers, Fathers and Graduates.
Just enter the following code in the AC-field during the check out process and select apply.
This Mothers, Fathers and Graduate 2008 AC promotion number = 071508
This offer will expire on : July 1, 2008

Review: Jabra BT8040 headset

Review: Jabra BT8040

In the last of couple of years I have been trying many Bluetooth headsets. But my main problems with them are that they are clunky and uncomfortable. During the 2008 CES Jabra Launched their new BT8040 which is small and has an in ear comfortable fit using, according to the size of your ear, flexible loops/rings.

Many in ear headsets never worked for me since I have smaller ears and always had to use the extra provided around the ear loop. Even though I had a good fit they were still very uncomfortable.

Last week during the CTIA I met with the people from Jabra and had the opportunity to take a closer look at the BT 8040 headset and try it on my impossible ears. Instantly I had a very comfortable feeling of this very light weight headset. They were kind enough to provide me a sample for use with a longer period.

I have been wearing and using this headset for a week now and I clearly have to say that it is very comfortable small and light without losing the quality of sound and the ease of use. The small round button is easy to find and feel to answer a call or to start the voice command for starting a call. Two smaller buttons on the top and bottom have different tones indicating the volume. The lower tone is volume down and higher tone is volume up. Even thought the microphone is further away my callers didn’t notice any of this and the noise reduction did eliminate many background noises on the streets of Las Vegas.

The Jabra BT8040 also is great for listing to your music on your phone via A2DP and has great quality. The transfer from listening to music to an incoming call is great and is no hassle at all. After the call is finished it continues with the music where it left off.

In the short time I have been using this great headset. I can’t compare the ease of use, comfort, quality and design to any other headset out there.

The box includes:

- Jabra BT8040 with internal rechargeable battery
- 6 Jabra ear gel (2 small, 2 medium, 2 large)
- Illustrated user
- Quick start Guide
- AC power supply
- USB charging cable

The Jabra BT8040 retails for $ 99.99 but many lower prices can be found online.

The specifications are:

Microphone
Sensitivity –44 dB ± 3 dB (1kHz, 0db=1V/Pa)Omni-directional 4 mm Omni-directional microphone

Speaker
Type 11 mm electro-dynamic receiverSensitivity 110 dB ± 3dB rel. to 1 mW at 1.0 KHzImpedance 16 Ω ± 2.4 Ω at 1.0 KHz 0.2 V

Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
Noise reduction on transmitted and received audio, Noise dependent volume control, Automatic volume adjustment on received audio, Acoustic shock protection

Operating temperature
-20° C to 60° C

Storage temperature
-20° C to 45° C

Waterproof
No

AC power supply
5VDC, 0.25A output, 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz input

Charging plug
Micro USB B – 7.4 x 2,7 mm

BT8040 materials
Polycarbonate (PC), Polycarbonate/Acryl Butadien Styren (PC/ABS), TPE, Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC)

Pairing code or PIN
0000 ( 4 Zeros )

Features
Auto pairing, Answer/end call, Voice dial*, Last-number redial*, Reject call*, Call hold/ call wait*, Mute, Multipoint, Play music, Quiet mode (turns light off after 1 minute)

Bluetooth compliance
Qualified for Bluetooth Specification version 2.0 + EDR (enhanced data rate)

Supported Bluetooth profiles
Headset and Hands-free Profiles for phone conversations and Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for streaming music

Compatibility
Jabra BT8040 is compatible with other Bluetooth devices with Bluetooth 1.1 (or higher) specifications and supports the Bluetooth headset, hands-free audio and / or advanced audio distribution profiles

Security
128 bit encryption

Operating range
Up to 33 feet

Paired devices
Up to 8 devices - connected to 2 at the same time (multi point)

Talk time
Up to 6 hours

Standby time
Up to 200 hours

Charging time
Approximately 2 hours

Weight
Less than 10 g (approximately 1/3 oz)

Dimensions
L1.54 x W.71 x D.47 inches

VelocityMobile a new player on the Windows Mobile platform phones

What do you get when you cross a Windows Mobile proffesional Phone (Touch Screen) and a Blackberry.

"A VelocityMobile 111 phone with all those benefits"

Some previous i-mate employee started up their own company and at CTIA they where giving private showing of their new phones. The Microsoft booth had also one on display.

A touch screen, qwerty keyboard, trackball with mouse pointer on screen and internal GPS on board. This is going to be very interesting.

Just take a look at the specifications

This phone is being set for launch in Q3 but their 103 phone should be coming already in Q2....which can be any day now.

Let's see who has this one first for review.

Microsoft MVP award - Windows Mobile

Ok here is some quick news I want to share with you all.

While I am here in Las Vegas at the CTIA walking the floor and recovering from the late nights I got a nice e-mail yesterday form Microsoft.

"Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2008 Microsoft® MVP Award! The MVP Award is our way to say thank you for promoting the spirit of community and improving people’s lives and the industry’s success every day. "

This definitely feels great to be awarded for all the activity I have been doing since the first iPaq came out.

Now back to my walk to the CTIA

WM 6.1 Rumor mill

Maybe WM 6.1 will soon be here...



Microsoft was ready to release the new Windows Mobile 6.1 version during the 3GSM in Barcelona last month. But nothing happened.



Now the rumor mill is giving us another date, and yes it is April 1st. Hmm... April fools day.



Anyhow, many screenshots are out there and it should be released pretty soon.



April 1st is also the first day of the CTIA show in Las Vegas. It would be a prime opportunity now no other major company has any announcements planned.

MobilityMinded Group in LinkedIn

We added a MobilityMinded group within LinkedIn.



This group will show their extensive interest and experience in the world of Mobility Technology. Networking together will create a strong community that can share each others interest and opportunities.



If you have a LinkedIn profile and would like to join, just follow the link below



http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/77457/6E02A2425C80

Getting ready for CTIA

As this week goes by the hundreds of e-mails are rolling in for possible meetings at the CTIA with many new, just started companies.

With all these possible appointments they are actually now direct calling to set appointments instead of just e-mails.

Besides some meetings I have set up do any of you have any request of who I should visit.

The show is only 3 days and I actually have to work at a booth too. So time will be pressing...but this should not tire me out as the CES in the beginning of the year.

I will try to blog on the road and keep you all updated with some exciting news.

Simply Everything by Sprint Nextel

Remember the old battle between MCI and ATT for their long distance land line unlimited calls.
It seems now that this battle is happing big with the wireless carriers.


ATT, T-Mobile and Verizon came all with their unlimited voice calls for one set fee(around a $100). Of course you add on extra's for your data plan, some had text messaging included........


But as of tomorrow Sprint Nextel is offering "simply everything" unlimited play which includes all the following:

1. Unlimited Voice calls anywhere in the states to any line.



2. Unlimited Data



3. Unlimited Text messaging



4. Unlimited E-mail (is Data)



5. Unlimited Web Surfing (is Data)



6. TV (is Data)



7. Music (is Data)



8. Direct Connect



9. Group Connect

And this all for $100 per month.
Read more...

Blu-ray is gaining ground

After the announcements of Netfix, Best Buy and Wal-mart decision to only sell the Blu-ray products, Toshiba is giving up on their HD DVD players and recorders. However they will keep supporting their current customers with their HD DVD products.
It looks like the Blu-ray and HD DVD battle will be shorter as the battle we had with VHS and Betamax video tapes.

You can read more here

Live TV on your PND Navigation System is on the way

The next step in the PND navigation systems is the integration of live TV capabilities using your data connection of your Phone/laptop or even maybe with an integrated Mobile Data Connection(Sim data card). See below the press release and the full specs of this new AvMap PND

AvMap introduces Geosat 6 TV, the world’s firstPND featuring DVB-H TV, connected navigation and tri-band GSM phone options

AvMap, the Italian GPS company, today presented the most complete and versatile stand-alone GPS unit in the market: the new Geosat 6 TV. Geosat 6 TV is a Do-It-All Personal Navigation Device (PND) featuring DVB-T and DVB-H TV (Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld) on the move, connected navigation, a tri-band GSM phone and multimedia player functions. Geosat 6 TV includes an unmatched integration of technologies and functions in a single all-in-one GPS device. The multimedia engine and TV middleware are provided by Cidana Corporation and the device will also feature digital maps and content from Tele Atlas. AvMap is previewing the world premiere of the Geosat 6 TV at the 2008 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona at the Tele Atlas stand, Hall 2, Booth 2B69.

“Geosat 6 TV is a connected device capable of enriching the navigation experience with dynamic information on-the-go.” said Simone Lazzarini, Managing Director of AvMap “Geosat 6 TV represents the result of the most advanced converging technologies and it opens the way to limitless opportunities of partnerships with location-based services (LBS) and content providers to offer innovative solutions for the mobile user.”

“Rich, live mobile TV is the next key feature for navigation devices,” said Ioannis Katsavounidis, Chief Technology Officer of Cidana. “Geosat 6 TV is the first of a new breed of devices that combine portable navigation with live media entertainment. Its light-weight form factor and GPS location-aware features, coupled with the many services that DVB-H TV signals carry, will make it a natural success. Cidana is excited to provide our universal DVB-H/DVB-T and PMP solutions to AvMap for the Geosat 6 TV.”

“Consumers seek a content-rich experience from their mobile multimedia devices, so it is natural they will also want to leverage navigation information and features as a part of their complete on-the-go environment,” said Jack Reinelt, Tele Atlas’ Managing Director and Chief Operating Office of Europe, Middle East and Africa. “We’re pleased to partner with leading companies such as AvMap, which are focused on providing innovative solutions for the mobile user.”

Advanced GPS Navigation

The new Software by AvMap makes navigation easier thanks to advanced functions such as the stop planner, the trip computer an FAQ and on board user guide.

Dynamic contents

Find out how connected navigation makes the difference when planning your journey: receive real time weather info, then take a look at the gas prices to decide where to stop and refuel, look for free parking and get some tips on events to plan your night in town. Geosat 6 TV will be the first connected navigator in Europe of its kind, finally bringing Location Based Services capabilities into a PND device.

GSM and emergency Calls

With Geosat 6 TV, AvMap enters the mobile phone market. Thanks to the built-in tri-band GSM, Geosat 6 TV works as a mobile phone. The SW interface includes a quick access button for emergency calls, which can be configured for special services (such as car insurance support).

DVB-H and Multimedia Functions

Geosat 6 TV includes numerous mobile entertainment applications. Geosat 6 TV is equipped with a DVB-H and a DVB-T module to ensure an optimal reception of Digital TV in any condition. This portable multimedia device also includes a picture viewer and an Mp3 and Mp4 player.

Hardware & specs

AvMap Geosat 6 TV is 100% designed and made in Italy. The new stylish design features a slim metallic case which is robust and elegant. The large, high-resolution 4.8” wide-screen ensures recognition at a glance and can be viewed in horizontal or vertical mode. The innovative smart magnetic holder holds the navigator with 4 powerful magnets and lets you rotate the navigator from landscape to portrait mode with a simple gesture to choose the best point of view on navigation.

The AvMap Geosat 6 TV features a 520 MHz processor, a Sirf Star III GPS receiver, sensor for automatic brightness control and a master/slave USB port.

Preloaded with the Tele Atlas maps for 34 European countries and with more than 2 million POI’s (Points of Interest), Geosat 6 TV comes with text-to-speech technology that announces street names and live contents with the AvMap dynamic info service. AvMap Geosat 6 TV adds a digital media player to play Mp3 and Mp4 files.

AvMap Geosat 6 TV will be compatible with Geosat Updater the desktop application that helps people manage their GPS maps, Points of interests, Welcome images, Voices and other content and easily synchronize it to their devices. The Geosat Updater allows free download of the latest software release, helping customers to keep their AvMap devices up-to date. Through the Geosat Updater, which is a free download from http://www.avmap.it/ , AvMap customers can personalize and expand their GPS experience.

Availability

AvMap Geosat 6 TV will be displayed at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, 11 – 14 February 2008 in the Tele Atlas stand in Hall 2 at booth B69; visitors to the AvMap corner of the stand will be able to view demonstrations. AvMap Geosat 6 TV ships in Q2 2008 with a smart magnetic mount, a cigarette lighter power supply cable, A/C power supply cable and USB data cable.

Gmail and Google/a IMAP accounts work now with WM6

Since Google launched IMAP for Gmail and mail for Google for your own Domain there where many problems with the WM6 devices where the body of most of the e-mails were blank.

But with some changes on the Google servers evrything should work now.

Visit Google's IMAP configuration information for Windows Mobile 6

Sharper Image to offer Unlocked Phones with WM6

I just opened my e-mail box this morning and a unlocked phone from Sharper Image is looking at me. Of course I noticed the Windows Mobile 6 screen on it, so I looked a bit more at this one.
According to the site this phone has indeed Windows Mobile 6 on it, but also integrated GPS. The phone sells for $499.95 and is available at Sharper Image.

This PocketPC Executive Pack includes a Bluetooth® mini headset and features:

• 240 x 320 TFT 2.8-inch touch-screen LCD with 65K colors


• 2MP camera with Flash


• MP3


• Windows Media Player with MPEG 4 video


• Wireless Bluetooth® compatibility


• Tri Band (hmmmm just Tri)


• Polyphonic ringtones


• Microsoft® Office Mobile, Direct Push and Windows Mobile 6 Pro


• Voice memo


• Speakerphone


• Built-in GPS receiver


• Text messaging (SMS/MMS)


• Games


• Calculator


• Alarm clock


• USB 1.1


• PDF viewer


• Smart dialing


• GPRS


• WAP


• JAVA


• Enjoy up to 7 hours talk, 20 hours of music/video, 240 hours standby on a single USB charge


• On-board 128MB memory with Micro SD slot, expandable to 2G


• Speed codec HR/FR/EFR/AMR

Measures 4.3" x 2.3" x 0.6"; weighs 4.3 oz.

One-year warranty. A Sharper Image exclusive.*For subscribers to T-Mobile, AT&T/Cingular and other service providers that use a removable SIM card with all your phone data. Your SIM card will work perfectly in any Sharper Image® "Unlocked" Phone.

Google in the race for the 700 MHZ auction !

According to an article from Reuters press office Google has entered the race to become a service provider on the mobile market.

Communications regulators have cleared Google to bid in an upcoming auction of coveted wireless airwaves, according to auction documents released by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday.

Google was among a list of potential bidders released by the FCC to require up-front payment and be cleared to take part in the high-stakes 700MHz wireless auction.

The auction is scheduled to begin on Jan. 24 and expected to raise at least $10 billion for the U.S. government from airwaves being returned by television broadcasters as they move to digital from analog signals in early 2009.

The list of qualified bidders also included U.S. wireless providers AT&T and Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group, as well as ventures involving EchoStar, Cablevision, Qualcomm and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

The 700MHz signals are valuable because they can go long distances and penetrate thick walls.
The spectrum is to be auctioned off in several different blocks, ranging from smaller regional blocks to large, nationwide ones.

Up-front payments for the spectrum licenses can range from several thousand dollars to more than $100 million, depending on the size of the license a company is seeking.

The auction is seen as a last opportunity for a new player to enter the wireless market. Google and other Silicon Valley leaders see the wireless spectrum as a way to create more open competition for mobile services and devices than those available on existing networks.

CES 2008 -Fuel Efficiency and Emission Reduction

Mtech Inc. (www.moletech.us), an innovator of automotive and transportation fuel savers, introduced its innovative Moletech Fuel Saver at the CES. The technology was first launched in Australia and now makes its introduction here in the US. A universal system, the Moletech Fuel Saver can deliver fuel savings and emission reduction to all fossil fueled engines.
he Moletech Fuel Saver is the end result of 10 years of research and development, over 25 million miles and three years of exhaustive testing on 300 vehicles in the U.S., Taiwan and China. Moletech Fuel Saver’s molecule reaction technology works together with a vehicle’s fuel, cooling and air filter systems to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.


In July 2007, the California Environment Engineering (CEE) Center for Environmental Research tested the Moletech Fuel Saver using Federal Test Procedures (FTP).

Results from the CEE concluded, “Analysis indicated a reduction in the tailpipe emissions and an increasing improvement in fuel economy using the Moletech Fuel Saver device. This included a significant reduction in Total Hydrocarbons (THC) and Carbon Monoxide (CO). The results of the limited but decisive test series is considered noteworthy and verifies with a high level of confidence the viability of the technology, while indicating that more dramatic improvement could be expected and achieved with time. The device, as tested, provided results that are more dramatic than similar technologies previously evaluated.”

Mtech’s molecular technology incorporates Molecule Reaction Technology to reduce fuel usage and decrease harmful emissions. Key features of the Moletech Fuel Saver include:
· Saves up to 20% on gasoline
· Saves up to 10% on diesel
· Saves up to 15% on LPG
· Improves horsepower
· Reduces harmful exhaust pollutants
· Lowers greenhouse gases
· Removes the engine’s carbon build up
· Easily fitted at Authorized Installers
· Lasts for more than 10 years

Easily installed in any vehicle, the Moletech Fuel Saver is a simple solution for fuel saving and emission reduction. The Fuel Savers are small enough to fit in a pocket, yet deliver certified results.

The Moletech Fuel Saver is a universal product that can be easily installed in any fossil-fueled vehicle including automobiles, motorcycles, diesel engines, trucks, fleet vehicles, agricultural vehicles, and boats. The Fuel Saver is available in eight different models for all vehicles from scooter to semi vehicles. The model is determined by engine size and fuel-type including the following:
Model #M1027 – gasoline engines under 3 liters
Model #M1058 – gasoline engines between 3-6 liters
Model #M1010 – gasoline engines between 100cc-1100cc
Model #M1003 – gasoline engines up to 100cc
Model #M1034 – diesel engines under 6 liters
Model#M1041 – diesel engines over 6 liters
Model #M1089 – LGP engines all models
Model #M1096 – LGP and gas (dual fuel) engine all models

When the Moletech Fuel saver was professionally installed in the testing vehicles, the increase of the vehicle’s horsepower and reduction of carbon build-up, fuel consumption, and reduction of toxic and greenhouse exhaust emissions was notable and impressive.
With today’s gas prices and new laws, the Moletech Fuel Saver is a cost-effective and simple solution for anyone environmentally minded or trying to save money.

Now let see if the car companies are going to snatch this up if it s working as they have tested. It would be a small price to pay for the huge environmental benefit.

Moletech Fuel Saver will be available nationwide in 2008 at select dealers and stores. For additional information on this revolutionary product, visit http://www.moletech.us/.

BlueAnt meets Furbie

BlueAnt launched during the CES a couple of new products. One very interesting one is after the succes of the Z9 the new V1. The V1 bluetooth headset is using a new technology from Sensory called the BlueCenie Voice Interface.

The BlueAnt V1 Voice Controlled Headset allows users to easily control most functions of their headset using the revolutionary ‘BlueGenie™ Voice Interface*’ from Sensory, Inc.Talk to it – and it will talk to you. Ask it for assistance –and it will assist you in getting the right command. This headset eliminates the combinations of button pushes, button holds and flashing lights synonymous with advanced Bluetooth devices. One activation button provides you with total control of the V1’s entire function menu system via an easy to use voice interface.

The V1 also incorporates dual microphones allowing for BlueAnt’s patented Voice Isolation Technology™’, a revolutionary proprietary Digital Signal Processor (DSP) software solution.Voice Isolation Technology™ uses advanced techniques to separate theuser’s voice signal from all other sounds,enhancing and isolating all frequencies that affect voices coming into and out of the headset resulting in outstanding environmental noise reduction, echo cancellation and wind noise protection.Fitting into BlueAnt’s premium headset range, the V1 is small and lightweight and clips neatly onto a tie, shirt or jacket when not in use.

Another great new product the have is the Supertooth 3 which is the follow up on the Supertooth light. I wasn't able to get the specifics yet. But don't worry they will come.

For motorcyclist they als have a new Blue Ant Interphone wireless headset. And as last they have demonstrated the M1 powerfull Bluetooth speakers.

These BlueAnt M1 gives hardened audiophiles the quality sound they have
been waiting for. Packing a mammoth 28 watts RMS, the BlueAnt M1 Bluetooth Stereo Speaker delivers phenomenal performance in a small stylish form factor. Its’ rich sound provides amazing body and balance to both low end bass heavy music and the subtle tones of an acoustic guitar. It displays the same great naturalness to soft intimate voices as in-your-face vocal
attacks. Today’s music lovers demand quality products and the BlueAnt M1 is engineered to enhance the lower midrange while maintaining crisp and clear high frequencies. Blueant have added an inbuilt powerful subwoofer that utilizes antidistortion circuitry, all of which results in highly detailed reproduction of any music type. Compatible with all A2DP enabled devices, cell phones, PDA’s, PC’s or Macs, the M1 is an easy to carry, take
anywhere device. Being wireless, portable and rechargeable the M1 can be used in the car, on the beach, and even as your homes main stereo system. Additionally you can plug in any MP3 player or iPod and get wired if you want.

For more information and all the press releases you can go to :http://www.blueantwireless.com/resources/media2.htm

BLUETOUCHmusic – we hold the car door open for any phone and MP3 player

At one of the press events during the CES. Pieker Acustic was showing of their Bluetouch at the Show Stoppers Event. This carkit has so many options with an easy to use interface. It requires an installation, but onces installed it will be so multifunctional and easy upgradable.

With BLUETOUCHmusic, the car door is open for any phone and MP3 player. The multimedia system from PEIKER acustic and ALAC supports all of the cult favorite cell phone’s functions. From telephony to music – all of the features can be operated conveniently and confidently via touch screen and voice.

Universality and ongoing optimization are the terms that best describe BLUETOUCHmusic. And rightly so: Free software updates published regularly on the homepage ensure that this development from PEIKER acustic and ALAC is always up to date. Its USB connection makes it all possible, enabling not only compatibility with the latest mobile phones, but also the integration of a whole spectrum of new functions. So it comes as no surprise that BLUETOUCHmusic is one of the first multimedia systems to fully support the Windows Mobile 6 devices. Users can talk on the telephone conveniently via Bluetooth, and thanks to the new software, rapid telephone book downloads via SyncML are now also possible. Another new feature is the telephone book search function. Any entry in the entire address book of the mobile phone that is hooked up can be found quickly. Depending on the mobile phone, a pop-up screen also indicates when a new SMS message has been received. Seamless communication is the guiding principle.

And yet the factor for which BLUETOUCHmusic is most popular is its music function: Users can play their favorite songs in MP3 format directly from USB sticks or SD cards. Those who prefer their music the old-fashioned way can connect their music sources using a 3.5-millimeter stereo jack. And the Bluetooth A2DP profile (if it is supported by the cell phone) makes it possible to transmit songs directly and wirelessly to the car’s own stereo system.

BLUETOUCHmusic makes pulses quicken, particularly among fans of the Apple iPod. All of the current models, including the new iPhone®, fit the specially developed interface. Once the device is connected, the user can use the touch screen or voice commands to browse titles, artists, albums, and playlists. The iPod or iPhone also charges at the same time. With features like this, you can feel right at home even in your car.

This is a multimedia car kit that supports almost any possible inputs.



For more information you can go to MyBluetouch.com

CES 2008 Slogan should be...

Many thoughts are going through my mind after returning from the CES in Las Vegas. But as one my co-editors Steven Hughes at BostonPocketPC is recapping the show in a few words that says it all.

"Evolutionary but not Revolutionary"

With many things to see nothing was that exciting that would give the vibes. A Lot of the technology out there was put towards new and good uses.

For example:
- Live HD radio captioned for the hearing impaired.
- Live video conferencing for the hearing impaired. Maybe next year they will probably be joining together and the hearing impaired will be able to conference with anyone in any way and it won't be a handicap anymore.

With the technology out there that we always wanted, this was the show where the applications using these technologies were able to catch up before a new technology will replace it and everyone can go back to the drawing board.

Pioneer is Talking ahead

Today at the CES Pioneer announced at their press conference a brand new in or on dash system which will compete with many other multimedia in dash systems. The Pioneer AVIC-F500BT Hybrid Navigation improvements on other is in short:

• recapturing lost quality in music files


• Their own voice command technology


• and a new navigation system ( Looks like it's running on I-go, Nav N go software)

Another announcement made was "Rock does beat Paper" in using Basalt rock to create the fabric for their speaker systems. Which creates more durability and higher Volume.

At last the announced the development of the future line up for Plasma TVs. The KURO project. We probably won't be seeing these until 2009 though:

• True Black (no discussing anymore on color aspect ratio)
• Just a 9 mm 50" plasma flat screen TV

Right now I am off to the next press conference

Still a little quiet on the strip

I arrived yesterday at the CES 2008 and met up with my co-editors of the Bostonpocketpc.com (namely Steven 'FYIGUY' Hughes and Eric Hicks). I also met up with my Dutch friends Vincent Everts (for the dutch newspaper "de Telegraaf", Gonny van der Zwaag and Jean Paul Horn ( for PocketInfo.)

The Press and Blogger room's are set up greatly and should give us the opportunity to stay up to date with you whenever we can. But the amount of press here is overwhelming.

Yesterday we had a first look at CES Unveiled. To tell you the truth.... not spectacular yet. We saw some good uses for are hearing impaired among us.
Live HD radio with subtitles and Live video phone. So actually putting technology at good use. Also some great new toys for the kids where on display and some simple fuel economy solutions

Well we will keep you up to date

Of to the CES in Las Vegas

As of tomorrow I will be leaving for the CES in Las Vegas. I will be there with some fellow colleauge's of other sites to find the most interesting things to report back to you.

Hopefully I am able to post so stuff during this week if it works out.

But my scenery for tomorrow night will be:

Pharos Delivers Breakthrough Way to Track Photos and Trips with GPS

This morning, Pharos unveiled Trips & Pics, a geo-logger that enables consumers to record trip and photo locations and display them on a map quickly and easily. Trips & Pics provides an entirely new way for consumers to organize and share trip routes and photographs, track and improve athletic training times or generate precise trip statistics for personal or professional use. Trips & Pics works with any digital camera and will be available at major retail outlets later this month for $89.95. Trips & Pics is the first such product to be introduced by an established GPS player and Pharos has drawn on their expertise to design and deliver a complete software and hardware solution in a portable, attractive and affordable device.

By combining Pharos’ award winning iGPS-500 receiver with a sub-pocket-sized battery unit and easy to use geo-logging software, Trips & Pics offers a complete solution for GPS-enabled photo and trip tracking. To use Trips & Pics, a user simply carries the GPS receiver and battery unit along on a trip. At the end of the journey, the user removes the iGPS-500 from its sled, connects it to the personal computer via the supplied Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, and follows download instructions. Step-by-step instructions allow the user to easily export digital photo or location files and display them on the map of choice, such as Microsoft Streets & Trips, Google Earth, Google Maps or Pharos’ own maps. Trips & Pics supports Geographic encoded Really Simple Syndication (GeoRSS) to allow blog sites to push location data feeds.

Trips & Pics software allows users to track time, location, heading and speed, and pinpoints locations on the map. Users can select variable logging intervals from one second up to five minutes. Further, the GPS receiver is controlled in the field with an on-off switch, meaning it logs only while activated, saving power and extending field life to more than 45 days. Trips & Pics portability and long battery life are of particular benefit to professionals such as real estate agents, geologists and news photographers. In the near future, Pharos will provide an upgrade option for customers who already own Microsoft Streets and Trips with GPS Locator or Pharos Bluetooth GPS and wish to add Trips & Pics functionality.

Technical Specifications:

GPS Receiver: SiRFStarIII, 20-channel GPS receiver
Antenna: Built-in internal antenna
Battery: 1100mAh Li-Ion rechargeable/replaceable
Operation time: Approximately 24 hours
Weight: 2.12 ounces
Dimensions: 2.81” x 1.85” x 0.89”

eWallet 6.0 review

WebIS just announced a couple a weeks ago their partnership with Ilium Software. With their partnership they also announced the new version of eWallet 6.0. many of use have so much information to keep up with to access e-mail accounts, web site, bank accounts, you name it. eWallet will give you a secure, organized and synchronized way of managing your information.

The following list will give a quick overview of their major improvements followed by a short review

• iPhone/Web version currently in beta.


• Sync your info where you want - to any PC, Windows Mobile or Palm OS device, USB thumb drive, a laptop, even your server at work - there is no limit


• Stronger security - AES FIPS and 256-bit encryption


• Encrypted file attachments


• Sync securely to remote locations using SFTP and other remote syncing options


• Access your data from remote computers using Iomega iStorage


• Prevent intrusion by locking your wallet after a certain number of failed login attempts


• Make online purchases safely! With eWallet's SmartCopy your credit cards and personal info won't be left in the clipboard for keyloggers to find


• Fill in passwords online without typing using AutoPass - protect yourself from keyboard logging in an easy and secure way


• Personalize your cards with background images


• Customize the card design with options for displaying icons on the card, square or round corners, card borders, and more!


• Use eWallet on your U3 USB Smartdrives


• Get Step-by-Step Instructions for basic tasks with the eWallet Companion


• Four free icon packs

Both the desktop version and the Windows Mobile version have exactly the same feeling and handling. You are able to purchase either version or together. I love the fact that if you have both versions they synchronize with each other and you personal data is easy accessible.

Opening up the application on your device or PC will bring instantly to the password protection. This is optional but is great and works as quick as your pin does.

You are able to make categories to have an easy navigation in finding the information you need. If you have many different items stored on your device the application also also a "Find" function.

It's easy to create new categories and change the look and feel of them.

The items within the categories has the same functionality as the categories, but more different icons are available.

The detailed information is visible in two different ways

• As Credit card image with notes


• Flex view which is just line items.

The background colors can in both views can be adjusted to familiar color of your credit card, social security card, etc. The new version allows you to give more nicer radiant color option that are transferred onto your device. But these color can also be selected on your device when creating a new card.

There are over 30 templates to choose from which makes it easy to get the right information together. Ones chosen a template you can rename any fields to make it custom for you.

By default you can have pin/passwords hidden, but by tapping the link of your pin/password your info will appear.

The new version allows you to give more nicer radiant color option that are transferred onto your device. But these color can also be selected on your device when creating a new card.

The new version allows you to give more nicer radiant color option that are transferred onto your device. But these color can also be selected on your device when creating a new card.

Both version will also have a back up version and an export to text option to make sure that all the information can be used again if the application ever fails. In previous uses of eWallet I entered all my information and lost due to....who knows... and I was hesitant re-entering all this information again.

The desktop version has also an import wizard which lets you import information form other competitve software like:

• CodeWallet


• Spb Wallet


• SplashID


• TurbuPasswords


• and ofcourse FlexWallet

However it misses the option to re-import your exported text file.

below is a picture of the eWallet 6.0 desktop version.

Besides these options there are many options I probably haven't played with yet.

Availability

Trail downloads of eWallet 6.0 are available for a touch and non-touch screen and can be purchased for $29.95 ($16.95 for an upgrade if you have a previous version) at Ilium Software

Conclusion

With both the PC and device version you have an automatic back-up (besides their own back-up feature) of your valuable info. Ones entered in all the information (could be alot of work) you will have your information secure, categorized and easy available when you need to.

No Need for wireless service in a Bugatti Veyron EB16.4

I know this is maybe a little bit of topic. But who doesn't want to try this gadget. It's on a Dutch site, but the video is in English from the great  British show Top Gear.

Just imagine!!

Just some thoughts on mobile data rates

First of all, as a guest editor I'd like to take the opportunity to wish you all the best for 2008 and that this new year will be packed with new technology and mobile devices to make our lives easier. 

As of tomorrow, Vodafone NL has some new mobile data rates. The old rates were quite pricey: You got a 200 MB bundle for 39 Euro's (that is currently about 56 US dollars) with HSDPA speeds up to 3.6 Mbit. That is quite fast, but with a bundle of 200 MB you probably won't make it till the end of the month. Now there is a significant price drop to 20 Euro's (about 29 US dollars) for the same 200 MB bundle. On the other hand: T-Mobile NL offers flat fee mobile data for 9,95 Euro's (about 14,50 U$) but the speed is only 64 kbps. So you have a fast connection with limited data amounts on one side and a slow connection with unlimited data on the other side.

Which connection would you prefer ? What is your current data plan and does it suit your needs ? Just let me know ! 

Happy New Year

This is the start of a great new year.

Many new devices will hit the market this year. Even new Platforms (Google's Android) and we probably see the improvement of real 3-d navigation systems.

Some states will start to apply the "No suction cup" in the front windshield laws that are already effective in MI and CA.

I will be going to the CES in Las Vegas at the end of this week to see if some more drastic news will change our way of communicating.

I promise you , that there will be enough to write about to help you to make the right decision for you.

Again, A Happy New Year to you all