Twitter, the social networking site which allows individuals to update their followers with short 140 characters messages on what they’re up to seems to be experiencing some sort of outage. Many users across Twitter are reporting their Twitter feeds not being updated over the last few hours.  I’m seeing all my own tweets (messages) post to my time line but none of the tweets from the people I’m following appear. Tweets are getting posted to the Twitter servers though.  Just check out the time line of one of the people you follow and you’ll see their recent tweets, they just don’t show in your personal time line.  The problem seems to be related… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Agent 18 makes some really unique cases for the iPhone.  They launched a new line of cases for the iPhone 3G and 3Gs this fall and we reviewed several of them. If you were thinking about adding one of the new cases to your collection now might just be the time. For a limited time, when your purchase an Agent18 case for the iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPod Classic  you can add a StandHear travel stand for the special discounted price of $15.  The StandHear is the perfect stand for holding your Apple device while viewing videos.  Its handy headphone splitter makes it possible for … Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Hoya Robot, A South Korean company, is developing a robot that one day might just help save the lives of both victims and firefighters.  The Firefighter’s Assistant Robot can enter burning building and size up the scene as well as check for victims who may be trapped inside. The unit can operate for up to 30 minutes and withstand temperatures of up to 320 degrees F.  Weighing in at only 3 pounds the robot is water resistant and it can survive falls of up to 6 feet.  It’s small enough that it can fit in the palm of your hand. The super speedy robot can cover over one foot per second and can be remote controlled from 54 yards away.  It’s meant to quickly enter a fire scene… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Mindjet, the popular desktop mindmapping application for both PCs and Macs recently released their iPhone application.    If you are not familiar with Mindjet or mindmapping in general, the application lets you quickly and easily compose visual diagrams perfect for planning and tracking your tasks, projects, or even brainstorming new ideas. Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Yesterday T-Mobile unleashed the news that their MyTouch3G is going to have a new sibling in time for the holidays. The special edition MyTouch 3G will sport a 16GB memory card and be decked out in authentic 1977 era fake plastic wood. Rather than list this as “family station wagon brown” T-Mobile will slap a 3.5mm headphone jack (which should have been on the device from the start) and co-market it with guitar maker Fender. Rock on. T-Mobile MyTouch 3G – Fender Limited Edition Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I am still a bit surprised by AT&T’s sudden decision to allow VOiP over 3G. Happy but surprised. Sure the decision might just be an attempt to deflect some of the mounting criticism over lousy service (30% of calls in NYC are dropped!!) and numerous conflicts over apps like Google Voice and Slingbox. But no matter what the reason, I’ll take. AT&T has had a good couple of week. First they finally got MMS pushed out to iPhones. Now 3G VOiP. What’s next?? Perhaps tethering? NOPE! Don’t expect it any time soon. Here’s why… According to a Wall Street journal post, when asked about the possibility that tethering would be… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Research in Motion have updated their popular BlackBerry Messenger application to allow BlackBerry users to instant message each other by way of a unique device identifier known as a PIN number. The new version adds several features such as ability to create an avatar, group messaging, add friends by scanning a bar code, share pictures/videos/voice with multiple contacts.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

There’s no denying it.  Rock Band is popular.  Even my children who are 9,6,3 head down to the playroom on a somewhat regular basis to fire up the Wii and get a little band going. EA, one of the premier application developers for the iPhone OS, announced at the CITA conference that they’ll be releasing a version of Rock Band for the iPhone OS.  The game will feature down loadable tracks as well as the ability to play along side up to four players wirelessly. Not much more detail than that so stay tuned. Check out a trailer of the Rock Band 2 game. Via 9to5Mac. Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Last night I spotted this awesome HTC Here theme (screenshots) that I purchased and installed on my BlackBerry Bold. It can be used on BlackBerry 85xx, 96xx, 88xx, 9000, 95xx, 8900 devices running OS 4.6+. The changes are nothing short of remarkable with the theme copying heavily from the design of the popular HTC Hero’s Sense UI. Your BlackBerry desktop displays a retro flip clock and weather icon (weather icon provided by the free BlackBerry Weatherbug application). Installation is done entirely over the air and except for a couple tricks (pull the battery, double click the main screen menu button twice to refresh) the installation was a snap. The downside? Cost is $6.99 and the theme requires… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

OtterBox has always been one of my favorite case manufacturers.  I use their Defender Series case for my iPhone 3GS religiously.  My review of it was the very first article I wrote for Gear Diary.  There’s no denying the Defender Series is a bulky case.  While it provides an unparalleled level of protection for your device it also increases the overall size of your phone substantially. I realize the Defender series isn’t for everyone and OtterBox does as well.  For this reason the company has just recently released two new cases, under their new Commuter line.  The cases, the Commuter and the Commuter TL, provide the sort of protection you’d expect from an OtterBox case in a much slimmer profile. OtterBox was kind enough to send both Dan and myself review-keeper samples of each case. In this review we’ll both give our comments.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Clinton Fitch is somewhat of a legend in the handheld device world. A long-time Windows Mobile MVP and owner of clintonfitch.com, he has made a name for himself as one of the best, most knowledgeable people in the world of Windows Mobile. But here is the thing. Technology is always changing. Our device needs are always changing. As a result, no matter how devoted we are to a particular device or platform there may come a time when we open our eyes to something better suited to our current needs. I mean, heck, did I ever think I would be carrying a Blackberry and LIKING IT?? So yes, Clinton has made a change.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Slacker offers a popular radio service for BlackBerry and iPhone that allows users to select and create a wide variety of free music channels. This week they’re demonstrating versions for two new platforms, Android and Windows Mobile, at the CTIA show in San Diego CA. There is no set timeline for when the applications will be available for those platforms. You can create a free account and listen to Slacker on the web at the link below. Slacker Continue reading on Gear Diary …

One of the most important accessories I carry day in and day out is the Mophie Juice Pack Air for iPhone 3G and 3GS. ($79.95) It is light, doubles as a protective case, and its 1200 mAh battery adds up to 270 hours of standby time, for 4.5 hours of talk time (on 3G) and more. It is a great accessory to keep around, especially on days such as today, when I will be out and about for the next 12 to 14 hours. There is, however, one problem with the case/battery- it adds just enough bulk and weight but I don’t always want to carry it in my pocket the way I would the iPhone in something like the Agent18 SlimShield. That is where Mophie’s new Hip Holster 6000 for Mophie Juice Pack comes in rather handy. I was recently sent a review sample, so let’s take a look –… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Remember when a BlackBerry was simply a “pager?” Those days have been long gone for some time, yet I still know many people who don’t embrace their BlackBerry’s full potential.  Even though many folks at Gear Diary, myself included, often carry a few different devices, I can assure you that you can use your BlackBerry as your primary MP3 player. Today’s BlackBerry devices sport excellent features — and I’m gonna go there — sound just as good as an iPod or iPhone (sans dropped calls, of course ).  While the stock music player does a great job, today we’re going to look at a few other options for media players for your BlackBerry — and battle it out to find the best of the best player for your own ‘Berry. Let the smackdown begin…… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

The hot topic of conversation at my house is what to buy my kids for their birthday next month. I think I’ve just found it. Imagine their delight when they notice this picture (frame sold separately)  I’ve hung in their bedroom changes from normal to horrific as they walk to bed after brushing their teeth. The perfect quirky wall accessory for any home. Chose from a variety of photos that change from “normal” to evil as you pass by them. No batteries required – this is one of those trick photos that look different as you view from other angles. Also available: Cousin Harold, Restless Spirit, Midwest Patricide, Little Ruthie (striking resemblance to Linda Blair in… Continue reading on Gear Diary …