As announced, Apple will be launching their free cases program at the end of this week, and its already affecting different iPhone case manufactures. Some companies most likely figure that many people will be swayed to Apple's free bumper, as after all the case works well to solve the antenna issues and comes in a few stylish colors. Perhaps the most obvious and important reason is because of the price, FREE. Apple's giving all iPhone 4 users the ability to get a Bumper for free, so why would anyone pay $29-49 for a case from a different manufacturer?
Incipio is already realizing this so they're running the "We love our customers too" campaign. This promotion lets users obtain their free Bumper from Apple, then send it in to Incipio for 5 bucks off one of their premium-quality cases. Incipio figures that a $5 incentive will be good enough to keep themselves in race, and honestly their campaign is quite clever. The catch is they'll only be accepting 2 trade-ins per households, and that's U.S only. The big question though is, what's Incipio planning on doing with all those bumpers cases?
Also, other case manufacturers like Zagg InvisbleSHIELD without wasting any time, have already started promoting their cases with a study that shows that their bumper cases can resolve the iPhone4's antenna issue.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more news and info by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS feeds.
As many of us await the free bumpers and cases that Steve Jobs promised us, other companies are looking to take advantage of the situation. A new product has risen, dubbed Antenna-aid and you guessed it, its a band-aid for your iPhone 4 that claims to help prevent signal loss. Much like Consumer Report's suggestion of just using a piece of tape, this is a somewhat innovative idea that tries to get a laugh out of the situation. You can get different colors and you pay $4.99 for 6 band-aids. It isn't free like the bumpers and other cases promised by Jobs but you don't have to wait. Many people have been hopping the bandwagon for the product as well. As for us, we think we'll be waiting for the cases. What do you guys think? Drop us a comment with your opinion.
As announced on Friday, Apple is planning to provide free iPhone 4 cases (bumper cases and other models yet to be announced) to all the folks who purchased iPhone 4 and future customers, from now through September 30, 2010. Also, anyone who bought a Bumper already is due to get a refund.
Apple has since removed the bumper cases from the store shelves and the online store to prevent people from paying for something they are entitled to get for free. Multiple sources have reported that the online Apple Store had dropped the Bumpers to a price of $0 and marked them out of stock, and both Different District and iLounge are noting the absence of Bumpers from the retail stores as well.
No details yet on the refund/application setup for free cases, but it's expected that Apple will post instructions on apple.com later this week.
Stay tuned for more info on the topic by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS feeds.
As we are all aware of the iPhone 4's antenna issue, and the fix recommended by Steve Job's himself is to put bumpers/cases to resolve the issue. Folks over at ZAGG stated - that they have conducted extensive testing to determine if our products can help this problem, including internal tests, independent lab tests, and research with consumers in the wireless industry.
The test is clear in the video - "Packets go all over the place" when they don't cover up the antenna spot, then stop entirely when they do. Packets resume going "all over the place" once they release the spot. When the invisibleSHIELD is applied, one can touch the questionable antenna area all they want, but transmission seems to be unaffected.
Of course, you can wait for Apple to setup and start giving out free bumpers/cases or you can get a side-only version of the invisibleSHIELD for just $10, which is a pretty decent solution to the antenna issue, seeing as the shield is clear and fairly unobtrusive. A full front and back solution will cost you $25. Or, you can get a vinyl one with designs on it. [Zagg]
Let us know which bumper/case you pick out and your experience with it of course in the comments below.
Stay tuned for more info on the topic by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS feeds.
If you thought Nokia was pissed off at Apple's conference held by Jobs on Friday, they weren't the only ones. RIM co-CEO's Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie have issued a statement of their own. With both of them having big mouths and big egos in the wireless industry, they directly responded to Apple's Friday press conference on antenna issues with very strong words. Apple also made it rather personal for RIM because it used the Bold 9700 as a demonstration device in its attempt to prove that signal loss was a problem for phones and manufacturers from all companies, not just them, but Mike and Jim aren't pleased by Jobs' actions. Bottom line for RIM's statement says that RIM puts a lot of energy, money, and time into avoiding dropped call issues and that you don't need to use a case for any of their phones to work properly. Oh SNAP! Check out the full statement below:
"Apple's attempt to draw RIM into Apple's self-made debacle is unacceptable. Apple's claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public's understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple's difficult situation. RIM is a global leader in antenna design and has been successfully designing industry-leading wireless data products with efficient and effective radio performance for over 20 years. During that time, RIM has avoided designs like the one Apple used in the iPhone 4 and instead has used innovative designs which reduce the risk for dropped calls, especially in areas of lower coverage. One thing is for certain, RIM's customers don't need to use a case for their BlackBerry smartphone to maintain proper connectivity. Apple clearly made certain design decisions and it should take responsibility for these decisions rather than trying to draw RIM and others into a situation that relates specifically to Apple."
Starting out directly by aiming at the iPhone 4's infamous "Death Grip" situation by kicking off the event with the "iPhone 4 antenna song" music video, Steve Jobs took the stage at Apple's press conference earlier today in Cupertino; promising to answer the longstanding questions about the iPhone 4's antenna dilemma.
"You know, we're not perfect. We know that, you know that. And phones aren't perfect either," Jobs said, after noting the record sales and the popularity of the iPhone 4. "But we want to make all of our users happy. If you don't know that about Apple, you don't know Apple. We love making our users happy. We've been working on this for just 22 days," Jobs said, suggesting that "Antennagate" caught Apple off guard the same way it caught everyone else as well. Jobs said that Apple "first learned that this doesn't just happen to the iPhone. Nokia, Motorola and other phones have this issue..." while citing internal tests (for some reason YouTube clips weren't adequate). He demonstrated how the BlackBerry Bold 9700 and the Samsung Omnia II similarly lose bars when held improperly, basically trying to make it clear that the iPhone 4 wasn't alone in the world of Death Grips.
This is life in the smartphone world. Phones aren't perfect. It's a challenge for the whole industry. Every phone has weak spots
"We had a reporting error," Steve Jobs said, finally bringing up the algorithmn and showing off the highly advanced $100 million facility in which the iPhone 4 was tested and re-tested over and over again. "We screwed up on our algorithm. Some of these other phones may be too generous. Our choice was to put the correct algorithm in. And we did that with the new update. You'll still see a drop as we haven't figured out a way around the laws of physics yet." He went on to note that "just one half of one percent" of iPhone 4 users have actually complained about the Death Grip, implying that the problem of the media going crazy over the issue was a bigger problem than the antenna issue itself. Comparing it to the iPhone 3GS, Jobs revealed that "in the early days of the iPhone 3GS, return rates were 6%, So for the iPhone 4, you think half the people must be returning their phones with what you read online. Well it's 1.7%, less than a third of the 3GS returns."
Jobs did admit (barely) to not being perfect either, indicating that While Apple believes the iPhone 4 is superior to the 3GS antenna, it actually drops more calls per 100 than the 3GS. "We're being transparent," he said, observing that the exact dropped call data can't be revealed as its within AT&T's discretion to withhold that info from competitors. But... "This is hard data... the iPhone 4 drops less than one additional call per 100 than the 3GS. Less than one." Here is what he said exactly about the issue:
Now when we look at this data, it's hard to escape the conclusion that there is a problem, but that problem is affecting a very small number of users.
So the big question arose: What is Apple going to do to try and resolve the big issue?
Steve Job's answer: iOS 4.0.1 (which was released JUST yesterday) AND.... free bumpers for all!
Here is what he said about the ordeal:
We think this has been so blown out of proportion. It's fun to have a story, but it's not fun on the other side. So here's what we're going to do to make our users happy. The first part is the software update, that fixes the way the bars report and other bugs, that's out now. Second, people said the bumper fixes everything... 'why don't you give everybody a case'? Okay -- we'll give you a free case.
Adding...
If you got one, we'll give you a refund.
For those of you wondering about what will happen if there aren't enough bumpers, he addressed that issue as well:
We're going to send you a free case. We can't make enough bumpers. No way we can make enough in the quarter. So we're going to source some cases and give you a choice. And if you're not happy, you can bring the phone back. We'll give you a full refund within 30 days. No restocking fee. We want to make everyone happy, and if we can't make you happy we'll give you a full refund.
To top it all off, Jobs mentioned that these cases will be shipped to you and the ability to order one will start late next week. Nearing the end of the conference Jobs mentioned news of the White iPhone 4 being available at the end of July. Hoping that the white iPhone 4 will be the biggest news from now on as opposed to more "Death Grip" situations. If reading all about it isn't enough, you can watch a video of the press conference which is now posted on Apple's site. Stay tuned for more info on the topic by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS feeds.
PC Gaming accessory vendor Razer has been teasing everyone for months but has finally announcd its Starcraft II series of gaming peripherals. Amongst the lineup is the Razer Spectre gaming mouse, the Razer Marauder gaming keyboard, the Razer Banshee gaming headset, all of which boast a Starcraft-themed design complete with blue LEDs and the game-friendly touches you'd expct from razer. 100 Hz Ultrapolling / 1 ms response on the keyboard, 5600 dpi resolution and the button foce adjustment on the mouse, and a detachable mic ont he headset. Those are just some of the many features of the new devices but of course they all demand a bit of a premium price as well. The Spectre mouse will run you $80 and the Marauder keyboard and Banshee headset will set ou back $120 each when they roll out third quarter of this year (probably near Starcraft II launch). You can check out the full press release and the gallery of pictures below:
Razer Gives Gamers A First Look At Gaming Peripherals For Blizzard Entertainment's Starcraft II Tuesday, 15 June 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RAZER™ GIVES GAMERS A FIRST LOOK AT GAMING PERIPHERALS FOR BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT'S STARCRAFT® II: WINGS OF LIBERTY™
Carlsbad, Calif. – June 15, 2010 - Razer, the world's leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle peripherals, has joined forces with Blizzard Entertainment, a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games, to introduce an entire suite of peripherals designed specifically for the release of Blizzard Entertainment's highly anticipated real-time strategy (RTS) game StarCraft® II: Wings of Liberty™. Featuring a look and feel inspired by the StarCraft universe, this line of peripherals includes the Razer Spectre™ StarCraft II Gaming Mouse, the Razer Marauder™ StarCraft II Gaming Keyboard and the Razer Banshee™ StarCraft II Gaming Headset.
"We are all huge StarCraft players here at Razer, so we are really excited to give gamers a first glimpse at the StarCraft II gaming peripherals," said Robert "Razerguy" Krakoff, president, Razer USA. "The peripherals were created with our newly developed APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System™ and feature a gaming-optimized design inspired by the StarCraft universe to complement the on-screen action."
The Razer Spectre, Razer Marauder and Razer Banshee are all packed with features designed to enhance gamers' play experience. All of the Razer StarCraft II gaming peripherals feature an APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System that provides the gamer with feedback on performance, providing a fully integrated gaming experience that responds directly to the player's performance and speed. Each peripheral also features a gaming-optimized design with an emphasis on portability for tournament play, and is stylized with design elements from the StarCraft universe.
Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse
Tournament-ready and designed for StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, the Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse is a lightweight, five-button mouse designed to provide precision and control for RTS gamers. The Razer Spectre features the newly developed APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System with a multi-color LED that provides real-time performance feedback through changing lighting hues and adjustable mouse button force settings for optimal mouse click speed and control. Equipped with a powerful 5600dpi Razer Precision™ 3.5G laser sensor and a 1000Hz Ultrapolling™ 1 ms response time, the Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse gives gamers exactly what they are looking for in an RTS mouse. PRICE:US $79.99; Europe €79.99; Korea 94,800 WON
FEATURES:
* Gaming-Optimized Design inspired by the StarCraft universe * Lightweight, Fingertip-Grip 5 Button Mouse * 5600DPI Razer Precision 3.5G laser sensor * Backlit Mouse with APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System * Mouse Click Button Force Adjustment * 1000Hz Ultrapolling/1ms response * Hardware Configuration Utility
AVAILABILITY: Razerzone.com: Q3 2010 USA – Q3 2010 Europe – Q3 2010 Korea – Q3 2010
Razer Marauder StarCraft II Gaming Keyboard
Designed for StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, the Razer Marauder StarCraft II Gaming Keyboard is a full-featured, tournament-ready keyboard maximized for compact design. The Razer Marauder features a multi-color backlit keyboard with an APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System that provides real-time performance feedback through changing color hues to complement the gaming experience. Enhanced with elevated keys for rapid command input and improved gaming performance and a dedicated on-the-fly macro recording system, the Razer Marauder is built with a gaming-optimized design inspired by the StarCraft universe. PRICE: US $119.99; Europe €119.99; Korea 142,800 WON
AVAILABILITY: Razerzone.com: Q3 2010 USA – Q3 2010 Europe – Q3 2010 Korea – Q3 2010
Razer Banshee StarCraft II Gaming Headset
Designed for StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, with a focus on maximum performance, comfort and sound isolation, the Razer Banshee StarCraft II Gaming Headset features a newly developed, multi-color APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System™ that provides real-time feedback on player performance. The Razer Banshee is equipped with a configuration utility for customized adjustments of equalizer, pitch and volume. Other special features include a detachable microphone boom for easy transport and a comfortable circumaural construction, all in a gaming-optimized design inspired by the StarCraft universe. PRICE: US $119.99; Europe €119.99; Korea 142,800 WON
FEATURES:
* Gaming-Optimized Performance & Comfort * StarCraft-inspired Design * Backlit Headset with APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System * Circumaural Design with 50mm Driver Units * Built-in Volume & Mic Control Buttons * Detachable Microphone Boom * Hardware Configuration Utility
AVAILABILITY: Razerzone.com: Q3 2010 USA – Q3 2010 Europe – Q3 2010 Korea – Q3 2010
Razer StarCraft II Zerg Edition Messenger Bag The Zerg Edition of the StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Messenger Bag features artwork from the game and is designed to protect gaming gear in style.
PRICE: US $89.99; Europe €89.99; Korea 10,880 WON
FEATURES:
* Tear-resistant, weather-proof heavy duty 1680D ballistic nylon outer shell * Single shoulder sling design for added mobility * Easy one-handed release chest clasp enables quick and convenient access * Built-in compartments for laptops, gaming peripherals and portable gaming device * Padded inner lining protects electronic devices and provides ample shock absorbency while on the road
AVAILABILITY: Razerzone.com: Q3 2010 USA – Q3 2010 Europe – Q3 2010 Korea – Q3 2010
About the Razer Group: Razer™ is the world's leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming products and peripherals that are designed "For Gamers. By Gamers™". Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Razer's award-winning line up of products includes desktop speakers, headsets, keyboards, mice, software, and gaming surfaces. Since 1998, Razer has collaborated with leading professional gamers to develop, manufacture and market cutting-edge gaming peripherals using proprietary technologies that give gamers the competitive edge. Razer products offer the best in precision, sensitivity, usability and distinctive product design and have a reputation for being leaders in gaming peripheral technology.
For more information, please visit http://www.razerzone.com/. About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.: Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (http://us.blizzard.com/), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment's track record includes eleven #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players
Just a few hours after the official announcement about the release of the new iPhone 4, the first accessories for the phone are also being announced. One of the first companies to do so was Case-Mate, which has already announced a whopping 26 new accessories specifically for the new iPhone 4, all on display at the company's website.
The new iPhone, which is slimmer than current models but has lost the tapered edges, sports new features such as an LED camera with flash on the back, a forward facing camera for video chats, and a high-resolution screen is unlikely to fit into an older iPhone case. Again, if you don't know, the iPhone 4 becomes available on June 24, at $200 and $300 with a two-year contract. THe new iOS 4 software will be available on June 21 for existing iPhones and iPod Touches.
The Case-Mate cases are made of cork, plastic, and textiles which can be customized with your artwork. Some cases incorporate a batter to extend your iPhone's talk time as well. The price ranges from $20 to $100. The company has mentioned that the first of its new covers will become available around the same time as the iPhone. You may wonder as a consumer, how they can be assured that a case designed before the release of the phone will fit, especially since Apple has swathed the new iPhone in secrecy (despite all the leaks). Shannon Swallow, Case-Mate Vice President for Global Communications said there were "a lot of different ways" to get the secret design dimensions in advance but declined to elaborate, "because it is competitive information." So what do you guys think? For those of you who are getting the new iPhone 4, will you be going with a Case-Mate case?
When HP acquired Palm, rumors of HP products running the webOS were about, but it turns out that’s actually part of the plan. HP CEO Mark Hurd told analysts that the webOS would hit a “verity of form factors, including slates and web-connected printers” on the company’s Q2 financial results call today. webOS tablets were obviously a no-brainer, but printers are slightly more intriguing in a way. While we’re not surprised that HP wants to leverage webOS on its line of advanced touchscreen printers. We’re curious to see what that looks like in practice though, a printer with synergy level Facebook integration for easy photo printing? Or a priner that can play 3D games? A multitasking printer? The possibilities are endless if you think about it. HP’s printing and imaging division is a $6.4 billion dollar business, so the money and motivation to push this idea into strange new places are certainly there. Speaking of money, HP’s doing well so far. Profits were up 25% this quarter to $2.9 billion on total revenues of $30 billion, so Palm certainly has the money and resources it desperately needed. Now it just needs some new products and sharper execution.
Barbara Craig, Seagate’s senior product manager confirmed rumors that the company will be releasing a massive 3TB drive later this year. Unfortunately XP users will need to upgrade, as the drive will require a 64-bit OS.
The 3TB drive jump had its own fair share of obstacles as the current LBA (logical blocking addressing) standard set in 1980 only supports capacities up to 2.1 TB. Craig said that the drive’s full power will only be accessible with 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Vista, as well as some modified versions of Linux.
Seagates determination to go big rather than going home was definitely something to admire. Craig only said to expect an announcement “later this year,” which should give everyone plenty of time to start hoarding any and every file you can get your hands on. What are your thoughts of the big news? Share your thoughts and comments below.
SanDisk has just released two licensed Xbox 360 USB Flash drives, one being 8GB and other 16GB. These USB flash drives allows gamers to store their profiles, game saves, demos, downloaded games and other data from Xbox 360 console and use them whenever they want. These USB sticks are priced at $34.99 for 8GB and $69.99 for 16GB. Along with these USB drives, customers also get a one-month subscription to Xbox Live Gold.
Don’t be fooled by the ‘Offical’ element; any old USB stick you’ve got will be able to work with your faithful system. Just it won’t be ‘Licensed’ or ‘Official’.
Press Release:
SANDISK SHIPS LICENSED XBOX 360 USB FLASH DRIVE
Pre-configured USB Drive Delivers Best Experience On Xbox 360 Console
Milpitas, Calif., May 5, 2010 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today announced that it is shipping the Xbox 360® USB Flash Drive by SanDisk for the Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment console. The new drive makes it easier than ever for gamers to take their gamertags, saved game progress, map packs, Arcade game downloads and bonus content with them for fast and convenient access on another Xbox 360 console† .
The Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive by SanDisk delivers the best experience on the Xbox 360 console. Pre-configured for seamless plug and play action, the drive eliminates the need to format storage or download an initial software update for an Xbox 360 console. For gamers looking to get in on the fun or for those with existing accounts who want to extend their play, a one-month Xbox LIVE Gold membership is included with purchase of the drive†† .
“Xbox LIVE contains a world of content for gamers to explore and download, including full-length games, movies and music,” said Shuki Nir, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Retail, SanDisk. “The Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive by SanDisk is specifically engineered to deliver a great user experience and maximum compatibility with the console, offering gamers greater freedom and flexibility in how they store, manage and enjoy their favorite files.”
“SanDisk has a proven track record of creating high-quality storage solutions,” said Ilan Spillinger, Vice President, Xbox Hardware and Technology, Microsoft. “The Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive by SanDisk provides a great solution for gamers who need portable storage for their Xbox 360 content. It’s plug and play simple.”
Pricing and Availability
The Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive by SanDisk is available now on SanDisk.com and at major retailers. The drive is available in 8 gigabyte (GB)1 and 16GB capacities, carrying suggested retail prices of $34.99 and $69.99, respectively.
Would you possibly be interested in an Apple branded car kit for your iPhone or iPod Touch? TUAW recently reported that iPhone OS 4.0 includes a new application that makes use of a new “iPod Out” feature that could possibly be used to control the iPhone or iPod Touch when used in a car.
According to the sources that TUAW spoke to, the “iPod Out” functionality is built over the iPod Accessory Protocol (IAP). The report claims that the application contains references to several strings like IAPSImpleRemoteCarButtonNotification and IAPSimpleRemoteCarButtonTypeKey that hints at the use of the “iPod Out” functionality in vehicles.
According to TUAW’s source:
"the application might be used in an Apple-branded car kit, where the user docks his iPhone or iPod touch and gains full access to the onboard audio libraries (no video at this time). The car kit could include both a video screen to show the menus and custom physical buttons that would produce the notifications to allow the user to move through those menus, and select from them.
Other hints in the application point to hands-free phone integration as well (kCTCallStatusChangeNotification). Incoming phone calls would be routed into the same system, allowing users to answer calls without having to pick up their device."
Below is the demo of the new application in iPhone OS 4.0 with the “iPod Out” feature:
An Apple branded car kit would truly change the way users consume audio content from their iPhones when in cars.
It will be interested to see if Apple ends up unveiling the car kit, which makes use of this new application when iPhone OS 4.0 is released this summer. Stay tuned for more iPhone OS 4.0 info by following us on Twitter, and subscribing to our RSS feed.
Despite Skype talking a lot about HD webcams, there wasn't any to be seen until now. Freetalk's Everyman HD (Talk-7140) features on-board H.264 hardware encoding for up to 720p video at 22fps, with the minimum system requirements of Windows XP, 1GB RAM, and a dual core 2 GHz CPU. Apparently Mac users (using OS X 10.4 or better) can expect VGA quality at 30fps. This badboy will be available soon and you can pre-order yours now for $50 if you are interested.
We all got the picture when Sprint first released the virtues of WiMAX in an ad featuring the iPhone on Sprint's 4G network, and now Sprint is giving away a special "4G" iPad case for free with the purchase of an Overdrive from BestBuy. To be sure, the tote features a special pouch for your new mobile hotspot as well. No word yet on if placing a 3G iPad in the case creates from singularity from which no nearby object can escape (or get reception, for that matter). I think we all got the picture of Sprint wanting the US drooling over an iDevice hitting the internet at 4G speeds.
Don't you get tired of pulling out cables from your bagpack and plugging it to your iPod\iPhone then to your computer, just so your music players will work? Luckily, the folks at Scosche decided to make life easier by creating ReviveLite II—an iPod\iPhone charger, nightlight and an additional USB charging port, in one. The second-generation model features a smaller form than its predecessor, while improving stability when plugged into an outlet.
It might be a bit bulkier than the normal iPod\iPhone AC chargers but this has more to offer. It packs a flip-down holder with a glowing night-light. This device has two power outlets since it has a side-saddle design. All you have to do to make this work is to plug it in and flip down the dock connector. Along with the charging capabilities, the device also integrates a switchable LED nightlight. The dock connector is placed on a spring-loaded door that folds into the main housing when not in use.
The ReviveLITE II is now available directly from the company for $25.
Since iPad got a release date of April 3rd, accessories have started flooding the market. One in particular is the iPad case, no one knows how they will utilize this device but its safe to say a proper case is a must have. There are also some economical choices that we've listed a few days ago.
Vaja is one of my all time favorites - known for its custom made leather design cases has decided to portray the same elegance and sheer beauty to their new iPad case. I previously owned a Vaja case for my iPhone and I must say it was very dependable and worth the hefty price tag.
All of the iPad options have not been revealed by Vaja, they have yet to announce any customizations or a release date of the iPad case. (The Retro Slim Jacket is the only one available right now) it also has a padded protection, a .925 Silver Logo, Flexible ABS structure and Magnetic snap closure it will put you back $120. For any customization it will take up to 25 days.
To those of you who are looking for a webcam upgrade or an addition to your laptop or desktop, Microsoft might have the answers to your quest.
Microsoft has launched three new Lifecams that will boast 720p resolution, the company's new TrueColor technology promises to provide a "superior color and brightness in even the worst lighting conditions."
Despite the optical wizardry, the webcams provide all the basic features you'd expect, it features auto focus and face tracking, a flexible base on the HD-5000 and HD-5001 that can be adapted for use on a desk, or attached to a laptop or desktop monitor the HD-6000 is designed for laptop use only.
Press Release:
Microsoft’s New TrueColor Technology Brings Color to LifeThree new LifeCams feature Microsoft Hardware’s latest technology and 720p HD sensors.
REDMOND, Wash. — March 16, 2010 — Microsoft Corp. today brightens your video calls with TrueColor Technology, a groundbreaking new image processing technology that provides superior color and brightness in even the worst lighting conditions. TrueColor Technology automatically adjusts the picture quality to provide a more colorful video whether out on the porch with bright sunshine in the morning or in the living room with low light in the evening. This technology will be available in three new webcams launching today, the LifeCam HD-5000, LifeCam HD-5001 and LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks. These LifeCams will also feature 720p HD sensors and Auto Focus technology at a value price. In addition, TrueColor will be available with the recently launched LifeCam Cinema through a software update.
LifeCam HD-5000
“Color quality and brightness are critical aspects of video calls. Through our research we know that a large number of video calls are held in either low light conditions or uneven lighting, and these are challenging situations for any webcam and represent a common pain point for webcam users,” said Daniel Anguiano, product marketing manager for Microsoft Hardware. “Our engineers at Microsoft Hardware created TrueColor Technology to improve the video experience, combining software and firmware to help people look bright and natural in virtually any lighting situation.”
True Colors Shining Through
Microsoft’s new image processing technology analyzes the user’s environment and automatically adjusts the LifeCam settings to provide brighter and more colorful video. It does this through a carefully designed proprietary combination of software and firmware technology to deliver a great experience. To achieve these results, TrueColor Technology includes face tracking technology developed by Microsoft Research, which can detect a person’s face and help ensure it’s not overexposed or underexposed, so the video call picture looks great even in the most challenging lighting scenarios.
LifeCam HD-5000
Launching with Microsoft’s new TrueColor Technology, the LifeCam HD-5000 offers best-in-class video quality in most lighting scenarios and is the only webcam on the market to offer 720p HD widescreen video and Auto Focus for an estimated retail price under $50.1 The LifeCam HD-5000 also features a flexible attachment base that bends to fit on most surfaces, including on top of flat-screen monitors and notebook screens, or directly on the desk, so people can use it at home on the desktop or with their notebook while on the road.
Best Buy will launch an exclusive version of this product, called the LifeCam HD-5001, that includes all the same great features as the LifeCam HD-5000, but will have a custom design with a white faceplate.
LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks
Also launching today is the LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks, which includes TrueColor Technology, 720p HD widescreen video, Auto Focus and a design just for notebooks. The LifeCam HD-6000 features a 360-degree rotation view so people can point the webcam in any direction to share more with friends and family. With a compact design, short three-foot cord and carrying case, the LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks is the perfect webcam for sharing life on the go.
Pricing and Availability
The LifeCam HD-5000 and the LifeCam HD-5001 will be available later this month for the estimated retail price of $49.952 and the LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks will be available in May for the estimated retail price of $59.95.2 The LifeCam HD-5000 and LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks will be available for pre-sale on Amazon.com and Buy.com starting today. TrueColor Technology will be available via a software download for LifeCam Cinema, which is already broadly available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/downloads/default.mspx.
Microsoft backs these products with a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty. More information about these and other Microsoft Hardware products can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.
About Microsoft Hardware
For more than 27 years, the Hardware Group has employed innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering, industrial design and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable computing experience. More information about Microsoft Hardware is available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware and http://www.microsofthardwareblog.com.
iLounge and Macworld have reported that Apple has banned the sale of film-based screen protectors for its iPhone\iPodTouch and Mac lines in its retail stores.
In communications with vendors that have been ongoing for some time now, according to one company, Apple has said that it will remove both film-only solutions from its stores, as well as any case or other accessory that includes film protection as part of its package, such as cases that include film screen protectors.
According to sources, the ban will impact all forms of screen film, including completely clear film, anti-glare film, and mirrored film, regardless of whether the purpose of the film is protective, decorative, or both.The reason for the removal of film-based screen protectors is still unknown.
Do you use screen protectors on your iPhone\iPodTouch device? Share your experience and comments with us.
Why spend more, when you can buy iPad-friendly accessories at your local corner store, or Staples?
Here are some suggestions:
Fellowes - Worcester Study Stand (chrome) retailing for just $5.99, the study stand provided both excellent portrait and landscape presentation at a user-friendly angle. It barely obscured the screen and occupied a minimum of desk space. Best of all, the stand folds. Though the holder tips remain slightly extended from the base, the rest of the stand flattens out and makes the entire package backpack friendly as well.
Why spend more, when you can buy iPad-friendly accessories at your local corner store, or Staples?
Here are some suggestions:
Fellowes - Worcester Study Stand (chrome) retailing for just $5.99, the study stand provided both excellent portrait and landscape presentation at a user-friendly angle. It barely obscured the screen and occupied a minimum of desk space. Best of all, the stand folds. Though the holder tips remain slightly extended from the base, the rest of the stand flattens out and makes the entire package backpack friendly as well.
