With the advent of all these uber cool mobile phone handsets, we want some phone OS love too. Yes, we have the iPhone OS and Android, but Windows Mobile 6 seems to be shrouded by complexity. Head on over the The Inquirer and check out this video of the new, super cool, Windows Phone OS. It looks like their Zune interface, but made all nicey nicey for mobile phones. It was also pretty exciting to hear that it'll be offered as an upgrade on the likes of the HTC Touch Diamond 2. The second surprise is that we should see it just before Christmas 2009.
Intego update Remote Management Console
Austin, TX, April 20, 2009: Intego, the Macintosh security specialist, today announced an update to Remote Management Console, a program that allows administrators to manage and configure Intego security software on Macintosh computers across a local network or via the Internet. With Intego Remote Management Console, an administrator can manage Intego programs on any number of Macs. The administrator can connect to client computers via Bonjour or by entering an IP address, and set configurations and preferences for the following programs:
- Intego VirusBarrier X5: Protects Macs from all known viruses
- Intego ContentBarrier X5: Protects children from the dangers of the Internet
- Intego NetUpdate: Updates Intego programs, and their virus definitions and filters
Intego Remote Management Console allows administrators to create and load settings files, configure individual settings and functions, and make changes to Intego programs on all computers quickly and easily. Settings for these programs can be managed individually or in groups, and administrators can apply the same settings to all users or apply templates with preset configurations to specific users. With Intego Remote Management Console, administrators can connect to Macs anywhere in the world by applying a uniform security policy to all the Macs in a company, school or university.
This update, version 10.4.5, includes new features and enables the management of ContentBarrier X5, the latest version of Intego’s parental control software. In this new version, administrators can add computers to Remote Management Console’s Workstation list by entering a range of IP addresses to be scanned; can import and export presets, to apply them on different administration Macs; and client Macs can be set to notify specific administration servers and download settings from them.
Intego Remote Management Console features:
A clear, easy to use interface—Intego Remote Management Console presents interfaces similar to the Intego products being managed
Provides system and hardware information for client computers
Lets the administrator view the current settings for Intego programs
Lets the administrator update and change settings on client computers
Presets allow the same settings to be used on multiple Macs
Groups allow simple application of security policy across computers
Logs record all activity
Remote Management Console can only be used if the client computer authorizes remote management
System requirements:
Remote Management Console Admin requires Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later.
Remote Management Console Client requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.
Remote Management Console is available from Intego via the company’s website.
Orange brings Blackberry 8120 PAYG to UK
Orange announced last week that it will be bringing the BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8120 to its Pay As You Go (PAYG) customers. The smartphone, which provides exceptional phone; email, messaging, organiser, web browser and multimedia capabilities, will be priced at £145, with customers now able to take out a BlackBerry® Internet Service that provides email, messaging and web access whilst on the move. The new offering comes as a result of the growing demand for a BlackBerry® smartphone with PAYG service.
The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 allows users to connect to Facebook®, MySpace®, Flickr™ and Windows Live Messenger (MSN® Instant Messenger), meaning you’ll never miss out on a friend’s update or party invitation. Webmail users are also catered for, with easy access to Hotmail®, Yahoo!® Mail and Gmail®.
To take advantage of the Orange PAYG BlackBerry smartphone offer, customers must first purchase the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 for £145, which is exclusive to Orange in indigo. They can then choose one of Orange’s existing PAYG Animal packages, offering a choice of free rewards before taking out Orange’s PAYG BlackBerry Internet Service for just £5 per month, on a monthly rolling subscription. I am new to the Blackberry service, but will be picking one up to try. Also hoping that the £5 per month gets me unlimited use of Facebook, Flickr and Messenger. I have also asked Orange when this will be available to order, as the website still says coming soon. I will update this post when I have the info.
Griffin announce iTrip Universal
Griffin Technology Inc., creator of all things iPod and iPhone, today announced the availability of iTrip Universal, the newest addition to Griffin's iTrip family of FM transmitters. iTrip Universal is compatible with most portable audio players and is the first iTrip to feature a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
iTrip Universal allows audio to be played through the FM stereo at home or in the car using any portable audio source that uses the common 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone jack, including iPod, Sansa, Zune, portable CD players and more.
iTrip Universal's internal battery can be recharged through any USB port, and then connects to the player with the included stereo audio cable. Three user-programmable presets save the best frequencies. In addition, stereo/mono output modes are also user selectable.
iTrip Universal Features:
Streams music to any FM radio
Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Quick set-up and easy frequency selection
Three-station memory and backlit LCD screen
Compatible with Samsung, Creative, Sansa, Sony, iPod and any audio source that uses a 1/8" headphone jack
Pricing and Availability
Griffin's iTrip Universal is priced at $39.99 and is now shipping and available. For more information, please visit www.griffintechnology.com/products/itrip-universal
Lexar Media - Expanded Crucial Ballistix DDR3
Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, today announced immediate availability of Crucial Ballistix® PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333MHz) and PC3-14400 (DDR3-1800MHz) high-performance memory modules. These new modules expand on the award-winning Crucial Ballistix DDR3-1600 and DDR3-2000MHz product offering. As part of its commitment to the PC enthusiast and gaming community, Lexar Media continually seeks to bring new memory offerings to market and enhance its product lines.
Specific Crucial Ballistix modules, such as the DDR3-1600MHz, -1800MHz, and -2000MHz modules, have enhanced performance profiles within the module programming that when paired with a supported platform, provide users with an option for easy setup and configuration instead of a manual process that may require trial and error or advanced system knowledge. The modules also support manual configuration in the event the user wants to maintain full control.
"We're pleased to offer gaming enthusiasts a full spectrum of DDR3 product speeds and densities that will satisfy their system and over-clocking requirements," said Jeremy Mortenson, Lexar Media's senior DRAM product marketing manager. "Crucial customers can now select from a wide variety of award-winning DDR3 offerings to best suit their needs, while experiencing advanced performance and stability."
The new Crucial Ballistix DDR3 memory modules are available in 1GB modules and 2GB kits at www.crucial.com/ballistix, www.crucial.com/uk/ballistix or www.crucial.com/eu/ballistix.
iPhone 3G - New pouch & StickiT Protector Pre-Order
With the new iPhone launching on the 11th July in 22 countries, it is important that you pop your little baby into a nice carry pouch. The GeekPouch is available for Pre-Order now, with shipping very soon after the iPod 3G launch. It comes in black corduroy, red faux suede and leopard fur effect fabrics and will keep your iPhone protected from light bumps and scrapes. Pricing is very simple, just £5.99 (inc. UK delivery) or £10.99 (inc. worldwide delivery) with a little saving on offer if you buy two.
If you are really worried about your new gadget, then you should pop a StickiT on the back. The nice glossy finish to the new iPhones is bound to attract dust and scratches. This thin film will keep the back of your new iPhone nice and shiney. The price is cheap too, just £2.99 (inc. UK delivery) or £5.99 (inc. worldwide delivery). Again, these will start shipping hopefully within a week of the iPhone 3G launch.
Both of these products have been available for a long time now, for the whole range of iPods and the current iPhone. They have proved very popular to date.
Canon debuts SD750 & SD1000 ELPH cameras
There's also the DIGIC III Image processor, and ISO as high as 1600, but everybody comes for the basics: 3x zoom, 7.1 megapixel CCD and a 2.5-inch LCD in each shooter. The $300 SD750 gets a bit fancy on form factor, but manages to be a mere 0.75-inches thick, while the 4.5 ounce SD1000 keeps the the classic ELPH look and also retails for $300.
Skype Pro Launched in Europe
Skype have just launched Skype Pro, a new subscription based service that tags onto your existing (or new) Skype account. The initial 5 month subscription will cost £9.20 which includes approximately £3.40 of calling credit, after the 5 months introductory period is over £1.50 per month is deducted from your balance.
What Pro offers is that you pay a 3p connection fee per call to UK landlines, but nothing for the minutes you use. You also get free voicemail, plus a discount on a SkypeIn number. The regular Skype-to-Skype computer based calls remain free.
The new Pro service will roll out to the rest of the world late 2007.
Forthcoming product reviews
A mid-month update for you to let you know what product reviews you can read on the Geekanoids website. Well, it is an exciting two weeks ahead, with the Griffin iKaraoke review being put online tomorrow, followed by the Archos 404 Cam later in the month.
Here is a complete rundown of reviews, so keep checking back regularly:
- Griffin iKaraoke
- Lindy UK Scart cable
- Crumpler Sticky Date bag
- Lindy UK Optical cable
- Downsize Apple Mac application
- Griffin Xpress Optical cable
- JVC Everio GZ-MG77 HDD camcorder
- Samsung 215TW 21-inch TFT monitor
- Crumpler McBains bag
- Herman Miller Celle chair
- Overflow Apple Mac application
- Archos 404 Cam media player
- DocumentWallet Apple Mac application
- RapidWeaver Apple Mac web design application
- Griffin iMic
- Cinematize2Pro Apple Mac application
- IRISCard Pro scanner
Geekanoids Podcast Number 2
We are pleased to announce that the 2nd Geekanoids Podcast is now available on iTunes and via the links below. To subscribe to our iTunes feed click this link (or the picture above).
Subscribe to the Podcast Feed or get the MP3 file here.
Read the full show notes here.
News on Technology, Gadgets & All Things Macintosh... ps. you don't need to be a geek to take a look.
Geekanoids podcast 002, for February 14th 2007... News on technology, gadgets and all thing Mac... Welcome to this very first Geekanoids audio podcast. I am the editor of www.geekanoids.co.uk where we cover all the latest Macintosh and gadget related news. Last week we bought you a screencast review of Toast 8 Titanium. Email us at geekanoids@gmail.com
News: Xtorrent, Blackberry 8800 announced, new Firefox add-ons site, cool Biohazard watch over at Tokyoflash. Tulip Ego Lifestyle Love Edition laptop, Samsung L77 Digital Camera.
Reviews: The Razer Pro Click V1.6 Mouse review. Previous screencast review Toast 8 Titanium application from Roxio.
Tips & Emails: Richard in London with iPod problem. How to reset. Apple Youth Workshops.
Remember to keep an eye on www.geekanoids.co.uk which is updated throughout every day. And a reminder of how to get in contact, drop us an email or an audio comment to geekanoids@gmail.com
Subscribe to the Podcast Feed or get the MP3 file here.
Be Broadband Extends Coverage
Be Broadband is now available to 33% of UK households, with plans to improve this percentage by June. Be offers connections of 24Mb/s, with up to 2.5Mb/s upload speeds. Packages start at £14 per month, which seems a very good price if your area is covered.
Meizu M8 iPhone-a-like
Meizu have unveiled their new M8 MP3/PMP/Phone/PDA unit, a real challenger for the Apple iPhone. I say challenger, when clone may be a more appropriate description. The M8 will run WinCE 6.0 so may not be every Apple users cup of tea. It has a 3-megapixel camera which is pretty good, a 3.3-inch, TV output, GSM support and a whole lot more. It certainly seems like Apple has started something, now let's hope that they finish it.