Smartphones & Gear

Cignias NAO Symphony Wireless Music Station Review

Reviews December 23, 2009

Cignias NAO Symphony Wireless Music Station Review

If you enjoy “cutting the cords” and being able to play your music wirelessly, then we’ve got a treat for you.  Cignias was kind enough to loan us a review unit of their NAO Symphony Wireless Music Station.  One thing to quickly note is that you can still take advantage of a big pricing discount Cignias is running if you want to snap one of these up for a last minute special Christmas gift ;). I’ve been using the NAO Symphony Noir model for over a week, and I can safely say that I’m sad to send it back.  The…

PocketMap Navigator 2010 Released

News & Features December 18, 2009

PocketMap Navigator 2010 Released

Space Machine, the makers of Pocket Map navigation software for PNAs and Windows Mobile, have released Pocket Map Navigator 2010. This release doesn’t add any major new features, but rather the big news with this release is that they’ve included the newest updated Navteq maps and they’ve improved some of their routing. PocketMap Navigator has been a long-time favorite of mine on the Windows Mobile platform due to its excellent interface.  You can read my review of PocketMap Navigator here. PocketMap Navigator is available from the PocketMap store.  The price is now only$59.95 for the full USA version.

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Reviews December 14, 2009

Seidio Innocase Snap Case for iPhone 3G/3Gs Review

The Seidio Innocase Snap Case for the iPhone 3G and 3Gs is a snap on back cover style case that comes in a variety of colors. The case retails for $19.99 and is available here. Seidio was kind enough to give me a case to review.

Richard Solo rs1800 for iPhone Review

Reviews December 14, 2009

Richard Solo rs1800 for iPhone Review

There’s no hiding Gear Diary’s love of the Mophie Juice Pack Air.  All the editors own one for their iPhones, and we just gave one away to a lucky Facebook friend. There’s also no hiding the lackluster performance of the iPhone’s battery.  For power users, like us, it’s often times impossible to get through a single day without having to “plug-in” at least once. Anyone who knows me knows I have a love of cases for the iPhone.  If there’s one single thing that bothers me about the Mophie Juice Pack air it’s the fact that it’s a case.  Yeah,…

The Synaptics Fuse Mobile Phone Concept is Squeezalicious

Events December 14, 2009

The Synaptics Fuse Mobile Phone Concept is Squeezalicious

Go ahead … give the Fuse’s rubbery-looking case a squeeze as you prepare to experience its multiple interface technologies, namely “multi-touch capacitive sensing, haptic feedback, 3-D graphics, and force, grip, and proximity sensing.” I think that it’s amazing how you can tilt the Fuse to scroll, squeeze it to stop, and do other touch-based actions to make it respond. Bear in mind that this isn’t a retail item yet, but it shows the technology that is coming to retail devices … maybe sooner than you think! The best way to get a sense of it is to watch the video,…

Slide2Unlock2 Gets Updated to v2.20!

News & Features December 11, 2009

Slide2Unlock2 Gets Updated to v2.20!

Slide2Unlock2, or more commonly known as S2U2, is a simple lock/unlock application which has the iPhone style slide unlocking for Windows Mobile. It can be used as a screen-saver when your device is idle. It has a CallerID function (but it may not work on some devices, so try it before using it daily); S2P control plugin; and volume control. S2U2 shows various system information items, even without unlocking and is highly customizable. Changes of v2.20 Removed the option “lock the device after any phone call when Bluetooth is on”. Added option “InCall Lock” (S2U2 Settings -> General) Added option…

Proporta Antimicrobial Silicone Case for iPhone 3G/3Gs Review

Reviews December 9, 2009

Proporta Antimicrobial Silicone Case for iPhone 3G/3Gs Review

Ever since the H1N1 virus made national headlines, it seems more and more people are becoming uber-germ conscious.  I can’t seem to turn my head without spotting another bottle of hand sanitizer strategically placed near the front of some store or by the check out lines. Computer keyboards and mobile phones are some of the worst offenders when it comes to spreading germs around.  According to Proporta the average mobile phone has close to 26,00 germs on it per square inch!  Yuck! To help protect you from these germs they’ve released an Antimicrobial Silicone Case for the iPhone 3G and…

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Reviews December 9, 2009

iClassic Review: iPod Classic Emulator for iPhone OS

While it’s true the iPod which is bundled on the iPhone and iPod Touch is pretty slick, sometimes you just have to break it down “old scho0l.” Check out my video demo of “iClassic” for jailbroken iPhones, which emulates the iPod Classic in every which way right on your iPhone. It’s just amazing.

AT&T Wants to Know about Your Network Problems

News & Features December 7, 2009

AT&T Wants to Know about Your Network Problems

AT&T has released a new program for the iPhone called “AT&T Mark the Spot”. The purpose of the program is to help you, as an AT&T customer, report network outages, issues, and dead spots. In this release AT&T makes it really simple to report problems. It will capture your GPS location or you can submit about a location not specifically where you are at. The app has some basic things it wants to know: Is it a dropped call, failed call, no coverage, data failure, or poor voice quality problem? Does it happen once, seldom, often, or always? You can…

NFL Quarterback Challenge for iPhone OS Review

Reviews December 2, 2009

NFL Quarterback Challenge for iPhone OS Review

As a youngster I can remember watching various NFL quarterbacks compete in challenge events during the off season.  Often times the events took place in Hawaii or some other tropical paradise and I had dreams of being my favorite signal caller competing in the various challenge events. The NFL and ProAppSports recently announced the immediate availability of NFL Quarterback Challenge game for the iPhone OS.  The game allows you to test your QB skills and accuracy as you navigate the QB of your favorite NFL team through a series of challenges just like those old TV specials.  NFL Quarterback Challenge…

The Motorola T215 Bluetooth Car Kit Speakerphone Review

Reviews November 30, 2009

The Motorola T215 Bluetooth Car Kit Speakerphone Review

Laws are continuously evolving to deal with technology and the potential hazards of using it while driving. As a consequence, it is now considered unsafe in many states – or it has been made illegal – to drive without some kind of hands-free solution when using a mobile phone. Many people are wearing headsets, but there is another option if you aren’t yet ready to embrace your inner Borg – a Bluetooth speaker system for your automobile. Say hello to the Motorola T215 Bluetooth Car Kit Speakerphone; let’s take a look at the hardware, and then I’ll tell you how…

Universal iPhone/iPod Cradle from USBFever Review

Reviews November 29, 2009

Universal iPhone/iPod Cradle from USBFever Review

iPhone and iPod docks are great.  They keep your device upright while charging and syncing which allows you to easily access them.  They look cleaner on your desk and there’s no fussing with cables or connector plugs that might become damaged from overuse. But docks are not without flaws.  Many docks are device specific.  One that you purchase for your iPhone may not fit your iPod Classic and so forth.  Another problem is cases.  Most of us carry our devices protected in some sort of case.  Often these cases prevent the device from fitting properly on the dock which means…

PowerPak Wall Charger and Battery Combo - Review

Reviews November 29, 2009

PowerPak Wall Charger and Battery Combo – Review

Larry talks a lot about the importance of device convergence. As we are packing for vacation, I am overwhelmed by the number of different chargers and cords I need to bring with me; he is more correct than I realized. In order to have the music and reading material I want during my five days in the sun. For example – to make sure my iPhone is fully usable, I’ll need the charge/sync cord, the wall adapter and my Mophie Juice Pack Air. Add to that the accessories I’ll need for my Kindle, my camera and my Bluetooth headphones, and suddenly…

PhotoCopy Mobile by Wizcode for Windows Phone Review

Reviews November 25, 2009

PhotoCopy Mobile by Wizcode for Windows Phone Review

Most of you usually use your device’s in-built camera for catching some quick shots of friends and phone numbers, but have you ever thought of using it as a scanner? Honestly, I never really had until not too long ago when Wizcode released their latest application, PhotoCopy Mobile. PhotoCopy Mobile uses your Windows Phone’s in-built camera as a scanner, allowing you to ‘scan’ documents on-the-go, converting them into PDF files, which you can then archive or email. Features:- Archive and share documents on the go Photocopy text, magazine pages or other printed materials Scan business cards, recipes, meeting memos or…

First Impressions of the HTC HD2 Windows Phone

Reviews November 22, 2009

First Impressions of the HTC HD2 Windows Phone

While at Mobius I had the opportunity to take a look at some of the cool phones other members were carrying. The iPhone 3G and 3GS were popular with many of us (that’s Alex‘s lovely wife gracing his iPhone’s screen), and the Motorola Droid (that’s Vincent with his beautiful wife Lynnsie, on his) was popular with quite a few others — even if nearly all of them were complaining about its keyboard. But the phone that every one of us was salivating to hold was the new HTC HD2; John Starkweather was kind enough to allow us all a little…

Rescue Razzle for iPhone OS Review

Reviews November 19, 2009

Rescue Razzle for iPhone OS Review

Sunstorm Interactive is at it again with a new game for the iPhone OS.  The company is quickly becoming one of my favorite game developers for the iPhone OS.  With titles at only 99 cents a piece many of them are finding a permanent place on my phone. Rescue Razzle is a brainteasing, puzzle game where you are charged with rescuing a helpless rat named Razzle. Razzle is stuck inside a cage at the top of pyramid of wooden crates and other cages.  The goal is to remove all the surrounding items allowing Razzle to safely to the ground. It’s…

Flight Commander by ColorStone for Windows Phone Review

Reviews November 17, 2009

Flight Commander by ColorStone for Windows Phone Review

Introduction Have you ever wonder what it’s like to work as an air traffic controller?  Well, Flight Commander by Color Stone Ltd now gives you a taste of what it’s like by putting you in charge of airport landing fields. Features:- Insanely addictive Beautiful graphics 2 airports for different strategies 2 additional game modes for eve more gaming pleasure Real life airport recordings

Living With A Motorola Droid: My First Week

Reviews November 16, 2009

Living With A Motorola Droid: My First Week

Actually, make that “Living With Motorola Droids.”  Yes, Droids, plural.  My initial intention was to post my first impressions of the Motorola Droid after just a few days with it.  However, the first Droid that I picked up started locking up and spontaneously resetting itself on the first day I had it, and it continued to do so two or three times per day.  A few times it wouldn’t power on at all, and I had to pull the battery in order to get it to restart.  The upside, if there is one, is that none of the resets seemed…

iPhone 3G/3Gs Razor Skins from JAVOedge Review

Reviews November 16, 2009

iPhone 3G/3Gs Razor Skins from JAVOedge Review

JAVOedge has released a new case for the iPhone 3G and 3Gs.  The Razor Skin is a lightweight silicone style case that’s rubberized texture offers a good grip and slip protection yet it remains soft to the touch. The case is available in two unique styles.  Blossom and Cortex.  Each style features a laser cut out etched pattern on the back that includes a translucent layer which allows your iPhone to shine through the back. JAVOedge was kind enough to give me both cases to review.  Here are my thoughts.

Otterbox Commuter and Commuter TL Colors for iPhone 3G &3Gs Review

Reviews November 15, 2009

Otterbox Commuter and Commuter TL Colors for iPhone 3G &3Gs Review

A few weeks ago Dan and I took a look at two new cases for the iPhone 3G & 3Gs from Otterbox. The Commuter and the Commuter TL both offer Otterbox’s tremendous quality in a slimmer, less bulky manner than Otterbox’s most famous case, the Defender. When the cases first launched they were both available in only black with the promise of various color options to come. Fast forward to today and the color pack add-on backs for the Commuter and the colored Commuter TL cases are now shipping.