LG Projector Phone For Everyone!* (*=Business Customers Only)

As I was watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation tonight, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw a commercial for an awesome looking phone called the LG eXpo.

Now normally I wouldn’t be all excited about the release of a phone (unless it was the iPhone for Verizon) BUT I saw an interesting feature on the LG eXpo that caught my eye.

Yes…thats right…that is a projector on the back of that phone.

The phone itself runs Windows 6.5 and has the S-Class interface overlayed on to it.  The projector itself is basically an accessory that clips onto the back of the phone.  Some of the other features are a 5 megapixel camera, microSD card slot for increasing storage as well as the usual Wi-Fi connectivity.

This would be a great idea when you have a fun video to show a group of friends or when you have some free time and no TV or computer…..think again.

The LG eXpo is only available for Business Customers.

Why AT&T and LG chose to make it exclusively for business customers I will never know, but I do know it is a dumb decision….although personally….I would probably never use the projector.

Here is a video showing a quick review and demonstration of the projector:

What do you think about it?

Publishing Power Houses Combine For E-Publishing Venture

In recent news, there has been a lot of talk regarding e-publishing.  A great deal of companies have already stated that they are working on projects that will revolutionize the industry and take it into a new era.

This video from a collaboration between The WonderFactory and Time Inc. shows an AMAZING concept of what e-publishing could eventually (hopefully) be:

I know that this is simply a concept, but just looking at it and seeing the possibilities gets me excited.

That being said, this past week the biggies in the publishing sector, News Corp, Conde Nast, Hearst, Time and Meredith, announced a new and exciting venture.

They announced a digital publishing venture that will strive to develop new standards in the online news and magazine industry.  They are working to develop an online store that will try to focus on giving end users access to content via  portable digital devices. (AKA Tablets)

This is exciting news because why would these HUGE companies be putting time and money into developing this new type of store front if they didn’t have any inside info regarding the release of a tablet like device.  Honestly, hurry up already.

They are hoping to create an application that will attempt to retain the look and feel of the original publications.  They also want to offer a platform that will work for numerous different devices and screen sizes, which will give readers an extensive selection.

“For the consumer, this digital initiative will provide access to an extraordinary selection of engaging content products, all customised for easy download on the device of their choice, including smartphones, e-readers and laptops,” says John Squires, the venture’s interim MD. “Once purchased, this content will be ‘unlocked’ for consumers to enjoy anywhere, anytime, on any platform.”

The five publishers have an equal share in the new venture, which makes it even if this venture fails….and I don’t think it will- We just need to see the devices they plan on publishing for.

The JooJoo, Apple Tablet, Microsoft Courier, and My Obsession With All of Them UPDATE

Over the past few months there has been an explosion of rumors regarding the ever elusive tablet PC (or Mac).  I am growing more and more anxious as the days roll by as to when we will actually see these coveted pieces of modern technology.

Here is the most recent information regarding all the rumored tablets:

The Apple Tablet-

There have been countless (and I mean COUNTLESS) rumors circulating the web regarding this amazing piece of (unconfirmed) technology.  The hype being created for the tablet could mean huge sales for Apple if they ever decide to release it.  The rumors have come from manufacturing data, filed patents, and analysts, but we still have had no word from Apple regarding the existence of a tablet.

Most Recent Rumor:  Via Gizmodo

Citing his investigation into Apple’s supply chain, analyst Yair Reiner claims that Apple will ramp up production of the wonderdevice in February 2010. His date for the Second Coming of the JesusTablet: March or April. And apparently, it’ll kill Kindle.

Let’s hope he is right.

UPDATE- We have a video that has surfaced (clearly a fake, but I like to dream) of the Apple Tablet:

The Microsoft Courier

First, I must say that I was enthralled with the idea of an Apple Tablet…because we all know that Apple makes amazing products, but when I saw the Microsoft Courier…I became a Microsoft Fan Boy (for this product ONLY)

The Microsoft Courier is a product that is (maybe) being developed by Microsoft and has dual 7-inch screens that are said to be multitouch.  The device is being designed for writing, flicking, and drawing with a stylus, in addition to finger gestures.  The screens are connected by a hinge that has an “iPhone-esque” home button.  The device is also supporting a camera on the outer cover.

I personally feel that this is one of the coolest devices I have ever seen.  Yes, there are netbooks out there that are small and portable, but this is in the shape of a BOOK.  How many movies have there been where we’ve seen people from the future using devices like this?? Exactly.

Looking forward to hearing more about this device as soon as humanly possible.

The JooJoo (or the artist formally known as CrunchPad)-

The JooJoo is the only device of the three that has actually been held by human hands.  This device is an browser based device that is basically for internet usage.  The screen is a massive 12.1 inches and is supposedly in full HD.  The touchscreen has different finger gestures for making your way through different apps or web pages and looks to be like a pretty solid device.  Other than the $500 price tag for a device that only offers a way to get on the internet…this is a pretty interesting piece of technology.

UPDATE– The JooJoo has officially gotten some press shots and is now available for pre-order through their website, thejoojoo.com.

Here are some of the amazing press shots:

UPDATE- JooJoo Pre-Order Violates PayPal Rules

A few days ago someone pointed out (here)that the pre-order going on right now over at TheJooJoo.com is in clear violation of PayPal rules.

Right now when you pre-order the JooJoo it says that they should be shipped with 8-10 weeks, but according to PayPal user agreement…thats not possible:

ll.4 – Prohibited Transactions. [...] You also agree not to use your PayPal account to sell goods with delivery dates delayed more than 20 days from the date of payment, or to sell securities, business opportunities, franchises or multi-level marketing or goods with delivery delayed more than 20 days from the date of payment.

This is another road bump in the already bump road of the JooJoo (aka CrunchPad)- It is a little discomforting to put down that much money and only have PayPal to do it.  I hope they figure this out ASAP because I still have high hopes for this piece of technology.

UPDATE- Notion Inc. Enters Tablet Wars

The people over at Slashgear.com have released some information regarding a new tablet device that is making its way into the ongoing tablet wars.

This device is of course being shown of in its render stage, but it still is enough to spark my interest (and I’m sure yours)

Stuffed into this device is a GPS, a digital compass, accelerometer and proximity, and ambient light and water sensors.  t’ll be available in 16GB and 32GB SSD options, and will have an SD card slot too. The Pixel Qi display measures 10.1-inches, and offers 1080p resolution video playback and connection wise it has a USB, HDMI, 3.5mm jack and microphone input. With Wi-Fi b/g and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.

These are some pretty amazing specs and it looks like we will see more of it at CES 2010 in January.  I would keep my eyes and ears open on this one.

————————

I needed a chance to clear my head of all these rumors and broken promises.   These devices could revolutionize the way we access and share information.  I will constantly keep my eyes and ears open for new rumors and update as much as possible.

I can’t wait until these devices become reality…until then…I will just have to survive on rumors.

Shoot on over to Gizmodo.com, Engadget.com, or Wired.com for the full reviews, hands on, and rumors galore for each device and more.

Social Media: Where Interaction Reigns Supreme

Social Media is a medium where conversations and interactions between brands, individuals, companies, and even pets (http://twitter.com/chevythelab) take place.

In essence, Social Media is a world of its own:

Businesses, for example, are able to take advantage of the millions (even billions) of visits consumers make to social media sites each day.

Many consumers see companies with Facebook Fan pages, Twitter accounts, the occasional blog post, and typically nothing else.  A social media marketing program is relatively cheap to develop in the workplace. Many companies feel that they are taking advantage of social media by having a Facebook Fan Page or Twitter account and monitoring the amount of conversation regarding their product or service…but this is not the case.

Businesses need to realize that in order to get every drop of usefulness out of social media and to gain real value from their social network, they have to…no, they MUST interact with individuals. Businesses need to use the resources available to them in order to find out exactly what people are saying about them, where people are getting information about them, and the impact social media is having on their image.

Needless to say, this applies to the average user as well (in a different sort of way).  Social Networks, such as Twitter or Facebook, are meant to be used as a new and exciting way to converse and interact with other people.  That’s why its called SOCIAL Media! This new age concept and social interface has become a way to network and connect people in similar industries, with similar likes, and with similar backgrounds.

Interaction is essential to social media…without it…it wouldn’t be called social media

RUMOR: Apple’s Black Friday Ad Leaked

Dear sweet, innocent baby Jesus, please make this true.  Thanks to Boy Genius Report for the heads-up:

Thats right:

30% off all iPods

25% off all Macs

15% off all Accessories

If you have been holding off on making the switch to Apple or buying the new Magic Mouse…I suggest waiting until Black Friday….although your local Apple Store will probably look like this due to everyone trying to get in:

Either way, if you have been waiting, what’s a few more days?  If not, you are back to where you started

[via Boy Genius Report]

Nvidia CEO Spills About Tablet; Undying Love for Apple

[via Gizmodo.com]

In a recent interview, Nvidia CEO reveals 2 very important pieces of information.

One:

This alone would have been enough.  I can’t tell you how badly I want one of these devices.  With this, hopefully, coming to market soon, I may have to hold off on getting the Microsoft Courier (but who knows when the hell that will be released) This tablet looks exactly like what we all THINK the Apple Tablet should look like.

Now the only reason I (or anyone else) would think this has anything to do with Apple is because for the rest of the interview with Nvidia’s CEO, he declared his undying love for Apple and their computers.

Two: [In my home we are] all Apple. Apple uses the best technology for their [computers]. Apple says to their customers: if you buy a computer from us you can be sure we have selected the best technology inside for you. That is their promise to consumers. Their promise to consumers isn’t we’ve selected the best technology for you with the exception of what Intel allows us to use. That’s not their promise. And that’s why Apple uses the best technology where they want whenever they want. And that’s why I’m all Apple! At home it’s just Macs everywhere. It’s Nvidia’s technology in all of them but I use Macs. My son has two Macs, my daughter has a Mac, there’s an extra Mac just in case and my wife has a Mac. It’s just Mac, Mac, Mac! Because I know it’s got the best stuff inside.

Final Tally:

Apple = 5x

Mac = 9x

So,

5x + 9x = Chapped Lips and a Brown Nose

I love Apple too, but damn.  I’m still hoping for this tablet to be released directly to me.  and only me.

Dell Adamo XPS Hands On…Well Not My Hands

What I wouldn’t give to work at a “Gizmodo” or an “Endgadget” simply to be able to work with and review some of the most amazing products to come to market.

That being said…Gizmodo and Endgadget…If you happen to read this…I would LOVE to work for you.

Moving on….

Gizmodo, as well as Endgadget, just released their versions of hands on with the Dell Adamo XPS.

This thing is amazingly/freakishly thin….It opens with a heat sensitive sensor…and looks like a computer straight from Q’s lab.

The Dell Adamo XPS is going to be available for THIS HOLIDAY SEASON at a competitive $1800.  Here are some of the specs in the form of a press release:

DELL ANNOUNCES ADAMO XPS, A DAZZLING GIFT IDEA FOR STYLE-MINDED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
· World’s Thinnest Laptop is 0.4-inch thin

The pencil-thin Adamo XPS weighs just over 3 pounds** and measures 13.39 x 10.71 inches. Dell expects to begin taking orders and shipping the Adamo XPS with Microsoft® Windows® 7 pre-installed in time for the holidays. The Adamo XPS is priced starting at $1799. More information is available at www.adamobydell.com

· Adamo XPS Reinforces Dell’s Commitment to Craftsmanship and Design

· Advanced Head-Turning Design Offers Full Feature Set for On-The-Go Computing

ROUND ROCK, Texas, Nov 5, 2009 … Last spring Dell set the computing industry abuzz with the introduction of its Adamo brand, and along with it the world’s thinnest laptop PC. Today, the world meets a new champion of thin: The Dell™ Adamo XPS™, measuring 9.99mm or just four-tenths of an inch. Both laptops set new standards for craftsmanship, design and engineering excellence.

Adamo XPS is a stunning laptop whose design provides a unique experience. With the swipe of a finger, the keyboard appears from under the display as the system is open. The feature set challenged engineers to build the latest technology into a compact space, including:

· 4GB* DDR3 800 memory;

· Intel Core 2 Duo (1.4Ghz) ultra-low voltage processor;

· Thin 128GB SSD for faster, cooler, quieter and more durable storage than traditional hard drives;

· A 13.4-inch high-definition display.

The attention to detail is apparent in the black, jewelry box-like packaging that is as striking as the laptop itself. A tug on a cloth loop reveals the Adamo XPS and assorted accessories that accompany the system. The Adamo XPS was recently recognized as the hottest Windows 7 product by leading technology analyst Rob Enderle with Digital Trends.

Adamo, derived from the Latin word meaning “to fall in love,” is a flagship in a line of products created to disrupt the personal computing space with the combination of new design aesthetics, personalization choices and sought-after technologies.

The Adamo by Dell brand was launched last March with the first Adamo laptop, which combined high-performance technologies in a finely-machined aluminum case only .65-inch thick.

For the full hands on, head on over to Gizmodo or Endgadget…get ready to be amazed.

Microsoft Courier Leaked Interface; Makes Me Want It Even More

It has been a few days since my last post and I must apologize…I was deathly ill…and by deathly ill, I mean I had a cold and didn’t feel much like typing But there is NEWS TODAY!!!

The Microsoft Courier….I have to have one.

Ever since Gizmodo [http://gizmodo.com/5365299/courier-first-details-of-microsofts-secret-tablet] had the exclusive on the Microsoft Courier back in September, I have wanted one of these with a passion.

I have also been waiting for some kind of update since I first laid my eyes on this beauty…and that day is today.

Gizmodo has released a document that goes over the entire Microsoft Courier Interface.

http://gizmodo.com/5381011/microsoft-couriers-swipes-snips-and-scribbles-the-leaked-interface

It looks like the most amazing scrapbook I have ever seen.  I must have one and thanks to Gizmodo…I can now curb the urge to write Microsoft an angry letter expressing my need for more info.

Thank you, Gizmodo…for staying my pen.

Enjoy.

Windows XP Phone: Half Tablet, Half Phone

Here is a first look at the Windows XP Phone’s Touch Screen Interface:

Gizmodo has posted the configuration:

Configuration
• CPU: AMD Super Mobile CPU
• Memory: 512M/1G
• SSD: 8G/16G/32G/64G
• HDD: 30G/60G/80G/120G
• LCD: 4.8′ TFT Touch-screen LCD 800*480
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP
• Network: GSM/GPRS/EDGE/WCDMA (HSDPA/HSUPA)
• CDMA/CDMA2000 1X/CDMA1X EVDO,TD-SCDMA，TD-HSDPA
• Wireless: WiFi 802.11b/g,WiMax(optional),Buletooth,Stand-alone GPS
• Camera Specifications:CMOS, 300k/1.3 Million
• Ports: 1 x earphone jack, 1 x microphone jack,Docking Connector (includes VGA output signal ), 1 x USB 2.0, SIM Slot
• Battery: Removable Lithium-ion
• Talk time: about 5 hours,Stand by time: about 5 days
• Real life: about 7 hours(Standard), about 12 hours(Large)
• Talk time: Standby time，Operation time may vary depending different usage.
• Weight: 400g (include battery)

I am all for the half tablet half phone aspect of the XP Phone, but I only hope there is no blue screen death anywhere on this phone.

HTC Droid Eris Will Be The Cheaper Step-Brother of the Motorola Droid

Lets face it. The media has been eating up the Motorola Droid.  Although, the next phone in Verizon’s Droid line-up will be the HTC Droid Eris:

This phone looks pretty good, I will say that. One of the few things we know about this phone is that it will be $99, which is $100 less than its older brother, the Motorola Droid.

We do know, however, that the HTC Eris will feature Wi-Fi and 5MP camera, which is comparable to the Droid.  I just hope that the lower price will give this phone a boost because the Motorola Droid looks badass