Google announced an updated version of the developer SDK used for programming for the Android mobile platform yesterday. The SDK is now at version 1.6 (codenamed: Donut) and brings new hardware and software support. While the SDK is aimed at developers making changes for the platform, the upcoming user features are detailed.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (which Doug reviewed last October) was easily one of the best looking speaker docks made for the iPod, but with a $599 tag it was a bit intimidating for the average consumer. This October B&W is introducing the Zeppelin Mini, which they claim offers the same great sound in a smaller (and less expensive) package. At $399.95, the Zeppelin Mini order page says that “you get everything you love about Zeppelin – advanced acoustic technology, intelligent design, elegant connectivity – in a streamlined, compact sound dock package that’s perfect for desktops and bedside tables.”… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Resco just continues to show everyone why they are one of the favored developers of Windows Mobile utilities. Today they are announcing significant updates to two of their popular utilities: Audio Recorder and Pocket Radio. Read on for more details!… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Has anyone read the recently updated Twitter Terms of Service? Our own Thomas R. Hall has, and points you to compare the differences between the previous and current versions. Personally I think it is pretty cool that they have enough transparency to let you compare so easily. Early this year Twitter gained more popular notice due to Oprah and the CNN / Ashton Kutcher race for 1 million followers. After that, the already popular practice of pretending to be a celebrity exploded, and in response Twitter started ‘verified’ accounts.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Now here’s a device that could get me interested in a Windows Mobile…errr Windows Phone again. Leaked pictures of the upcoming device show it to be BIG! With a WVGA display of 4.3 inches it offers some serious screen real estate. With a 1GHz Qualcomm processor and has 320MB of RAM it has some serous power under the hood. Add to that the rumor that it may have a capacitive touch screen with 800 by 480 resolution and you have a totally pimped out handheld. What would I especially like to see??? This thing running Android! Two more shots after the jump..… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Once you’ve use the iPhone’s Safari browser, all other mobile browsers (and even some desktop ones) seem barely usable. The Safari browser is that good. Yes, after using an iPhone exclusively for two years I have found that trying to browse on the Blackberry Bold is, at best, an unpleasant experience. Sure, it works, but that’s about all I can say for it. Now, Opera has released a new version of their mobile browser — Opera Mini5 beta. I’ve been using it this morning, and I have to say… it’s not bad. In fact, it’s actually pretty good. No, actually, it is VERY good. In my opinion it still isn’t in… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

If you’re an iPod owning Bose loving rich person then you’ll be excited to learn that the SoundDock 10 has arrived for a mere $599. This new sound system for the iPod and iPhone looks great on your shelf, sounds great when you play it and say’s “I have a lot of money” to anyone who visits and views it on your shelf. The SoundDock 10 system is Made for iPod and Works with iPhone certified, compatible with any click-wheel iPod or iPod Touch, and the iPhone 3GS, 3G and original iPhone model. It features a new, proprietary interchangeable docking architecture, designed to “future-proof” the system and protect an owner`s investment as new media player technologies emerge. A Bluetooth® dock is offered separately and streams Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Mobile Mechatronics is introducing what they say is the first iPhone to Tripod Adapter. Whether they’re first to market or not their concept seems sound. Take a mini tripod, add a bracket to hold your iPhone and eliminate those blurred photos from shaking the camera while taking pictures or video. They’ll also soon have an iPhone application that enables picture delay, multi-picture taking with adjustable delay, time lapse and level. Mobile Mechatronics Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Being a coach and having small children means lots of sports equipment at my house.  Almost every room of the house has a few footballs and basketballs.  Our garage has two baskets full of balls for the boys to play with on the driveway or in the yard.  One problem we often have is keeping them in a spot that is both handy and convenient.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Facebook addicts will soon have another way to communicate with their online pals using voice chat. This service, offered by third party chat developer Vivox and not Facebook itself, is currently in a closed beta and allows Facebook users to have high-fidelity conversations with anyone on their friends list. In order to do so you’ll have to download Vivox’s plug-in. Once installed this plug-in works within Facebook and offers one to one or group voice chat. This seems like it will first attack the Skype market and be an option for anyone who did not want to go through the steps of creating a separate Skype account. Ultimately it remains to be seen whether people really want to chat with… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Backing up your data is important. Those of us with data loss problems will tell you, having a backup, and even a backup of your backup, can sometimes be the difference between having your wedding pictures and sleeping on the couch. When you’re on the wrong side of this situation, life can be very difficult. Gear Diary recently ran an AWESOME streaming video review on a nearly indestructible backup device from ioSafe. We were so impressed with the drive, that when they offered to sponsor a contest on Gear Diary we couldn’t wait to take them up on it. Now, you can win your very own ioSafe!… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Let’s face it, the idea of being able to wear special glasses that turn an iPhone or iPod screen into a large-screen tv is awesome. There are a number available from companies like Vizux and Myvu. The problem is… they really look dorky. Seriously how scary is THIS??? Well, finally there is a pair of video-glasses that actually look good. The just-announced Vizux 310 Widescreen Video Eyewear look slick, create an image equivalent to watching a 55 inch screen and work for up to 6 hours on two AA batteries. They will be available later fall for an MSRP of $249.5. The full release follows…… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Need an easy way to lock partitions your hard drive so others using your PC (like the kids) don’t go in and delete all of your cherished photos, your music library, or just flat out crash the computer?  Want to painlessly restore your PC when your buddy “accidentally” visits a site full of nasty viruses and malware?  USB Fever’s Windows IceBox aims to make it just a bit easier for you in a convenient USB dongle. Just plug in the Windows IceBox to an available USB port and software is automatically launched to let you customize exactly what you want to protect — or freeze.  If something is lost or if you find… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

One of the things I have come to enjoy about Apple announcing new products is is that it also means my favorite accessory companies often release new cases, cradles and more. Wouldn’t you know that is just what’s happening now that there is a new Nano in the world! iLuv has just announced a new line of graphic color cases for the 5th Generation Nano and 2nd 3rd iPod touch. The cases range in price fomr $14.99 to $24.99 and if they are anything like the iLuv cases I have reviewed in the past they will both look good and do a nice job of protecting your device. Images and details follow…… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

As Apple releases software upgrades for the iPhone OS jailbreakers are forced to wait for the jailbreak solution of their choice to be updated to work.  Such is the case with Apple’s most recent 3.1 updates. The first jailbreak solution for the newly released 3.1 software has just become available. Good news:  The iPhone Dev. Team has released it’s much anticipated jailbreak for the 3.1 firmware. Bad news:  It’s available for all devices except the iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch 3G. So if you have an iPhone 1st Generation (2G), The iPhone 3G or the iPod touch 1G and want to re-jailbreak after… Continue reading on Gear Diary …