Unless you’ve been under a rock, no doubt this week you’ve heard about the ongoing shenanigans between Apple, AT&T, and applications utilizing Google Voice.   Then the FCC entered the fold.  Then AT&T responded to the FCC, and effectively through Apple under the bus.  Exciting times.  It doesn’t look like things may be all puppy dogs, fluffy clouds and rainbows for the iPhone companies right now.   One thing is for sure, though, consumers and developers alike are fuming.  How is the backlash going to play out?  Is this going to ripple into other industry “game changers” within the current wireless/telecom and mobile application ecosystems?   Will folks begin to — gasp! — stray from their iPhones bit by bit and move to Android (or other platforms) as more handsets come out next year? Is this all simply much adieu about nothing? Let’s take a some time to look back at the events of this week, while highlighting some more of Gear Diary’s best. Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Welcome back to the GearGames weekly video game release feature here at Gear Diary! After last week’s blockbuster release of Wii Sports Resort, this week is a bit of a let-down. Another Fallout 3 DLC, another movie tie-in, some budget priced ‘shovelware’, and the game set I’m featuring, the Hannah Montana PSP Pack. Why is that featured? Read on and see!… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Everything goes better with Bluetooth… or so you would think with the proliferation of Bluetooth enabled devices. One of the more innovative uses of the technology isn’t a headset but it does extend your cell phone.  . Here’s the scenario- you don’t have your phone in your pocket and can’t be seen holding it in your important meeting. Unfortunately you also are expecting an important phone call. What are you to do? Well, with the Bluetooth Bracelet from LM Technologies you can slip on the bracelet and, so long as you are no more than 30 feet from your phone, you will silently be notified when a new call comes in. From there it is as simple as excusing yourself for a moment. MobileFunUK was kind enough to send one to this side of the pond so we could take a closer look.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Don’t you just hate it when someone’s peering over your shoulder to see what message you are reading?  So what if you’re checking the big game scores during the staff meeting, responding to a text, or just updating your Facebook status?  Then, in your nonchalant way of blocking Nosey Nellie’s view, you drop your phone and scratch up the screen.    Nice. Well, my friend, 3M has you covered — literally. Continue reading on Gear Diary …

This Nokia E75 is available right now via the Dell Home web site for $285 ( $144 off the normal price of $429). You’ll receive a 4GB MicroSD card with this device which is running Symbian OS 9.3 / Series 60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2. Because the phone is unlocked you can pop in any active SIM from a GSM based carrier supporting 850/900/1800/1900 GSM frequencies. Bluetooth 2.0 EDR is supported as is Wi-Fi via 802.11 b/g. Not a bad price for a phone that also packs a 3.2 MP camera. Dell Nokia E75 – $285 Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I’ve already migrated nearly all of my voice calling over to Google Voice. Since I use a new cell phone a maximum of about 6 months before trying another – I’m finding it very useful to have one phone number that any of my contacts can reach me at. Even better that the number also works for texting (both receiving and sending). Google now has an offer for Google Voice account holders. Get a free 25 pack of business cards by logging into your account and clicking the logo in the lower left. Google Voice Continue reading on Gear Diary …

AT&T was quick to respond to the FCC inquiry into Apple pulling apps that work with Google Voice and rejecting Google’s own version of the app. They said “AT&T does not manage or approve applications for the App Store. We have received the letter and will, of course, respond to it.” Case closed? Right? Not by a long shot. In fact, AT&T’s response is nothing short of a bold-faced lie. Lie? you ask? That’s a pretty strong accusation isn’t it? Yes, it is. But their own words prove it.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Sometimes the pot has to be stirred.  Sometimes you have to “go big or go home” about your products.  Sometimes you just have to rekindle your Hatfield versus McCoy feuding to maintain relevance and spark some excitement. Neither Microsoft nor Apple are known for subtleties — but for MS to say Windows Mobile 6.5 is going to have a “much better experience” than the iPhone?   That’s some big talkin’. Continue reading on Gear Diary …

This is only a mock up but… boy does this look sweet. Getting excited yet? via 9to5Mac Continue reading on Gear Diary …

The summer’s almost over. Are you just getting started with that diet you swore you’d start three months ago? If dieting is on the agenda for you – or someone you know – you may be interested in hiring a cop to patrol your fridge to ensure dietary compliance. This officer goes for only $14.95 and each time the light comes on he’ll shine his flashlight right in your face and yell “get back or you’re going down”. Guaranteed authentic right down to the donut in Officer Fridge’s left hand. Fridge Patrol – $14.99 Continue reading on Gear Diary …

The iPhone has grown to become a great gaming platform.  While many of the new games are ports from console games, puzzle games have always been great for the phone.  One reason I have found puzzle games to be great is the casual nature of the games.  Sitting in a waiting room, riding a bus, bored with five minutes to kill… Many reasons casual games are well suited for iPhone users.  Match 3D Flick Puzzle takes this very full genre and adds a refreshing twist.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Some of you may know that my “real” job is being a high school history teacher and coach.  What some of you may not know is that coaches are in constant search of information, ideas, drills, plays etc…  I have a rather large library of football and basketball playbooks, instructional books, videos and hand drawn plays on napkins.  We may not be necessarily searching for the next big thing, but knowledge on every offense and defense.  I want to understand what my opponent is doing so I can adjust what I am doing.  There are many websites, books and DVDs available, but never has there been an app to assist coaches and players.  23 Ways To Destroy Your Defender opens a new genre for the iPhone and touch. … Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Fieldstone software just released their Taskjot to-do list management software which synchronizes wirelessly with online To-Do list management site Toodledo.com. The BlackBerry Curve, BlackBerry Pearl, BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Storm are initially supported. There’s a free trial available to test the software on your model of BlackBerry. To get the most out of the wireless sync with Toodledo.com you’ll need to have a subscription ($14.95) to that service as well as purchase Taskjot for $25.95 (standard) or $35.95 (pro – adds search and subtasks). A future release will add support for notebooks and integration with BlackBerry calendar, todo list and memo pad. Pricing Update: Starting price point for TaskJot is now $14.95. Also, TaskJot supports all Blackberry… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

What if you could turn someone into anyone you wanted; give them a new personality, new memories, a new life…and then with the flick of a switch, take it away and leave them blank until you add a new one? Sound intriguing? That’s the basic conceit of Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse. Season 1 is now on sale at Amazon.com for 29.99; the list price is 49.99. If you haven’t caught this show, or you saw the first few episodes and couldn’t get into it, give it another shot. The last 8 episodes improved immensely, and the DVD has both the unaired original pilot and an unaired 13th episode that sets up the mythology for the rest of… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Those with minimal space to setup a full AeroGarden may want to check out this SpaceSaver 6 which is on sale for $49 ($100 savings) in the AeroGarden outlet online. Why pay for herbs in the grocery store when you can grow them on your kitchen counter. Not a cook? Think of how much fun your cat will have chewing on these plants! Comes complete with grow bulbs and a Mediterranean Herb seed kit (parsley, mint, oregano, cilantro, marjoram, and chives), everything you need to get growing right out of the box! AeroGarden Outlet Continue reading on Gear Diary …