Gear Diary » Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com Everyone can understand technology; sometimes it just takes a little translating. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:00:45 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Still Waiting for NFC & Mobile Wallets? Mopay Gives Businesses Mobile Payment Options Nowhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/27/still-waiting-for-nfc-mobile-wallets-mopay-gives-businesses-mobile-payment-options-now/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/27/still-waiting-for-nfc-mobile-wallets-mopay-gives-businesses-mobile-payment-options-now/#comments Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:55 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=166357

  Still waiting on the latest and greatest new phones to come along and support NFC mobile payments?   One solution available today is direct-to-carrier billing from mobile.  One of the leaders in that space is Mopay, who is already in use in 80 countries and over 300 carriers worldwide today. Does the thought of making purchases from your phone -- then having the transaction tied to your carrier phone bill -- make you a bit squeamish?   I was a bit wary of the idea too, until a recent chat with Mopay's managing director Kolja Reiss put the option into perspective.   Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/27/still-waiting-for-nfc-mobile-wallets-mopay-gives-businesses-mobile-payment-options-now/feed/ 0 Slacker Radio Premium Subscription Giveaway!http://www.geardiary.com/2011/07/21/slacker-radio-premium-subscription-giveaway/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/07/21/slacker-radio-premium-subscription-giveaway/#comments Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:27 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=154305

    Slacker Radio is really one of my 'can't live without' services.   It's one of the first things I put on any smartphone or tablet.  I use it on the PC and Mac.   I stream music from custom stations in the car, at work, home -- and just about everywhere in between.   What's great about Slacker -- besides being able to use on any Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Windows Phone (yes, your WP7 and your WinMo 6.5 phones), webOS and Nokia Symbian -- is that the basic service is 100% free.  Listen to custom stations based on the artists or songs you like.  Choose Slacker stations based on types of music with minimal ads.    Maybe you need a bit more to kick back and really enjoy the remainder of your summer. Maybe your next BBQ or party could benefit from some Slacker love?  Maybe, just maybe you could use a Free Three Month Slacker Premium Subscription? We got those.  And we're giving 'em away! That's right, we'll be giving away a total of Five 3-Month Slacker Premium subscriptions to Gear Diary readers.    Read on to find out how to enter. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/07/21/slacker-radio-premium-subscription-giveaway/feed/ 1 Gear Diary Review: Logitech Alert Makes Your iPad a Home Security Solutionhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/06/25/gear-diary-review-logitech-alert-makes-your-ipad-a-home-security-solution/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/06/25/gear-diary-review-logitech-alert-makes-your-ipad-a-home-security-solution/#comments Sat, 25 Jun 2011 19:00:56 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=150650

Now  that summer is here, you're probably gearing up to enjoy some much-needed vacation time.   Before packing up and hitting the road, one thing none of us likes to stop and really think about is how to keep watch over our home or business while away.   Luckily, Logitech has come to the rescue with an easy and portable solution that doesn't require us to own a private jet to maintain digital home security.

Does it do the trick?  Can Logitech Al turn an iPad into your private watch dog?  Let's jump right in and see.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/06/25/gear-diary-review-logitech-alert-makes-your-ipad-a-home-security-solution/feed/ 13 Poynt Hits the BlackBerry PlayBook in a Big Wayhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/05/04/poynt-hits-the-blackberry-playbook-in-a-big-way/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/05/04/poynt-hits-the-blackberry-playbook-in-a-big-way/#comments Wed, 04 May 2011 16:15:56 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=142858

One of the applications I love -- not only on the BlackBerry, but on iOS, Android, webOS and Windows Phone 7 -- is Poynt.   It is my favorite do-all location-based search utility.   I'm fortunate to get to test different phones and tablets, and Poynt is one of those apps I always load up when I am taking a device out for a test drive.   That's why when I started using a PlayBook recently, I was very pleased that the app was already optimized for the BlackBerry tablet's QNX operating system. Whether you're looking for the cheapest gas prices (and these days, who isn't??), trying to find a new restaurant close by, or Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/05/04/poynt-hits-the-blackberry-playbook-in-a-big-way/feed/ 0 BlackBerry World 2011: Is RIM Knocking It Out of the Park or Lobbing Soft Balls?http://www.geardiary.com/2011/05/03/blackberry-world-2011-is-rim-knocking-it-out-of-the-park-or-lobbing-soft-balls/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/05/03/blackberry-world-2011-is-rim-knocking-it-out-of-the-park-or-lobbing-soft-balls/#comments Tue, 03 May 2011 19:00:40 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=142821

[image via Yahoo News]

  This week's BlackBerry World Conference is meant to show off the latest and greatest BlackBerry products and software offerings -- as well as give a sneak peek into what RIM, the makers of the popular BlackBerry smartphones and PlayBook tablet -- have planned.    Unlike many prior years (where the conference was branded as the Wireless Enterprise Symposium, or WES for short), there is a sense that RIM is struggling with the challenge of reinventing its brand and platform. Recent announcements such as the new crop of BlackBerry smartphones and PlayBook updates are...to be blunt, falling a bit flat.   A touchscreen Bold running OS 6.1 Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/05/03/blackberry-world-2011-is-rim-knocking-it-out-of-the-park-or-lobbing-soft-balls/feed/ 0 RIM Pulls an Oprah, Gives All BlackBerry World Attendees a Brand New PlayBook Tablethttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/05/03/rim-pulls-oprah-gives-all-blackberry-world-attendees-a-brand-new-playbook-tablet/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/05/03/rim-pulls-oprah-gives-all-blackberry-world-attendees-a-brand-new-playbook-tablet/#comments Tue, 03 May 2011 17:52:11 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=142864

While attendees were Tweeting, BBM'ing and trying not to nod off during Mike Lazaridis's keynote address during this year's BlackBerry World Conference, a jolt of enthusiasm swept through the crowd as RIM announced every attendee would receive a complimentary 16GB BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Suh-Weet!   Gauging the rabid excitement of the crowd, the news was very well received.   Hopefully by the time attendees have it in hand, all those pesky software updates for the native Facebook app will be installed.   Since there's no native email on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet (until another software update brings native PIM features to the tablet 'sometime this Summer' per RIM), all I can say is thank Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/05/03/rim-pulls-oprah-gives-all-blackberry-world-attendees-a-brand-new-playbook-tablet/feed/ 2 Adventures in Customer Service – Apple’s A+ Business Teamhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/03/15/adventures-in-customer-service-apples-a-business-team/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/03/15/adventures-in-customer-service-apples-a-business-team/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 23:00:38 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=135996

Image courtesy of waymarking.com

Last Friday, I found myself -- like many others -- in line waiting to pick up an iPad 2.    I wasn't even going for myself, either.   See, where I work, we have embraced the iPad in a very big way.   It is very rare to walk into a meeting and not see at least a few iPads in use.  So, for a lucky group of our executives we decided to spring for their iPad 2s.   A few of us scattered about the city of Atlanta to find the holy grail iPad 2s just before 5pm that Friday.   Not exactly an easy task since most locations were sold out within minutes. While we did get a few, what truly impressed me was the team at a specific Apple Store location... Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/03/15/adventures-in-customer-service-apples-a-business-team/feed/ 2 Review: Tycoon Windows 7 Tablethttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/03/15/review-tycoon-windows-7-tablet/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/03/15/review-tycoon-windows-7-tablet/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:00:37 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=135784

It's been quite some time since I last mentioned Tangent's Tycoon Tablet.   Part of the challenge with also getting to often evaluate technology during my 'day job' is that I'm often not the only one who needs to work with it during any given time.  After it got the once over by a few of my colleagues, I (finally) got it back and can now give you my full review.   So how does this Windows 7 Professional tablet stack up to the competition?   While I don't believe you'll be rushing to exchange your shiny new iPad 2 for the Tycoon, I was very pleasantly surprised by this tablet.   It's aiming for a different audience, for sure.   The Tycoon has its sights squarely on the enterprise. So let's see the Tycoon up close and personal.  While it may not have the fan fare that Apple's iPad 2 has received, it is certainly worth a very close look for businesses.  Let's take a closer look...

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/03/15/review-tycoon-windows-7-tablet/feed/ 1 Poynt Now Lets You Share Your Location via Facebook and Twitterhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/15/poynt-now-lets-you-share-your-location-via-facebook-and-twitter/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/15/poynt-now-lets-you-share-your-location-via-facebook-and-twitter/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:00:26 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=132013

One of my all-time favorite mobile applications is Poynt, the location-based search juggernaut that helps you find businesses, people, movies, gas, restaurants, events -- or even just the weather.   All from a single app so you don't have to clutter your phone with five or six different options.  As soon as I pick up a BlackBerry, iPhone, or Android device (I swap between devices quite frequently ;) ), Poynt is one of the first apps I load. Today, the Poynt team announced the ability for BlackBerry and Android users to share their locations and searches via Facebook and Twitter directly within the Poynt application. The feature is currently  for Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Australia.  Hit the jump for the full scoop on this enhancement.  With the various ways to tell your friends where you are -- Foursquare, Facebook, etc. -- will  you be using Poynt as your all-in-one solution? Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/15/poynt-now-lets-you-share-your-location-via-facebook-and-twitter/feed/ 8 Turn Your iPhone Into the Ultimate Wireless Media Remote with Twonkyhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/15/turn-your-iphone-into-the-ultimate-wireless-media-remote-with-twonky/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/15/turn-your-iphone-into-the-ultimate-wireless-media-remote-with-twonky/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:33:36 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=131993   Recently, I wrote about the Android app Skifta that lets you access personal media you have stored on your computer -- or in the cloud -- and stream it to your TV, stereo or other DLNA enabled device.    iPhone users may have felt left out in the cold, but no more.   Twonky now brings media sharing to to your iPhone, turning it into the ultimate wireless remote control.  What's great about apps like Twonky and Skifta is that you are not confined to the storage space on your phone.   Whether you have 8 gigabytes or 32 gigabytes of phone storage, you can now access, share and stream all of the photos, music and videos you've stored on your computer.  Twonky will stream that content to your TV or stereo and let you access much more than you can store with internal phone or even SD card storage.  In addition to DLNA, as of today Twonky will also use Apple's Airplay and UPnP -- so you can even stream media to your AppleTV,  Xbox 360 or Sony PS3.    Twonky is a $2.99 application available for iPhone.  If you install TwonkyManager or TwonkyServer, you can also wirelessly copy media fromyour network onto your phone -- or vice versa -- if you want to take photos or music you just downloaded to your phone and want to copy that media to your home computer.   Hit the break to see Twonky in action. 

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/15/turn-your-iphone-into-the-ultimate-wireless-media-remote-with-twonky/feed/ 4 Cardstar Now Gives You Location-Based Deals with Groupon Integrationhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/10/cardstar-now-gives-you-location-based-deals-with-groupon-integration/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/10/cardstar-now-gives-you-location-based-deals-with-groupon-integration/#comments Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:00:11 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=130939

CardStar has come a long way since first hitting the scene and simply giving users the ability to store loyalty cards on their smartphones.    First they brought Foursquare check-ins to their application -- and helped show local businesses the huge impact of location-based sales.  That's one reason I am an avid user of Groupon.  I'll get daily updates on my phone about various deals specific to my city.  But the one thing I've always missed is a way to get automatic deals when I travel.   As of today, I now have that convenience -- thanks to CardStar's brand new Groupon integration. When I travel from Atlanta to New York (or to any of the other 160-plus cities supported), I'll  now get automatic deals on my phone based on my location.  No time wasted searching or finding coupons.  Even better -- I get all of this direct within  CardStar's application , so I don't even have to manually  switch between applications on my phone.    Fast.  Easy.  Convenient.  It gives you deals based on the city you're in -- when you're in it.    And it SAVES you money. If you use an iPhone or Android smartphone, you're going to want to have CardStar.  I'll pause while you go download it from MyCardStar.com.  When you're set, be sure to hit the jump for more info! Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/10/cardstar-now-gives-you-location-based-deals-with-groupon-integration/feed/ 3 GD Quickie: A Sneak Peak at the Tycoon Windows 7 Tablethttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/02/gd-quickie-a-sneak-peak-at-the-tycoon-windows-7-tablet/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/02/gd-quickie-a-sneak-peak-at-the-tycoon-windows-7-tablet/#comments Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:00:42 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=129983

Thanks to Apple's iPad juggernaut, just about everyone is planning on putting out a tablet this year.   While CES confirmed that most will be running Android (3.0/Honeycomb) to battle the current iPad and upcoming iPad2, don't count out the non-Apple or Google branded tablets.   Today, I received the Tycoon tablet from a Tangent.  The Tycoon runs Windows 7, and is targeted direct at the enterprise business user who wants full office application access in a portable tablet form. I'll be putting the Tycoon through its paces over the coming days to see how it stacks up against some of the other tablets available -- namely the iPad and Samsung Galaxy S.   Interestingly, one of my Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/02/gd-quickie-a-sneak-peak-at-the-tycoon-windows-7-tablet/feed/ 7 Skifta Frees Your Media by Streaming to Phone, PC, TV and Beyondhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/31/skifta-frees-your-media-by-streaming-to-phone-pc-tv-and-beyond/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/31/skifta-frees-your-media-by-streaming-to-phone-pc-tv-and-beyond/#comments Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:15:31 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=127737

Our smartphones are very rarely 'just phones' for making phone calls these days.  More and more, we are using our smartphones as one of our primary means to access and share our media.  One of the biggest constraints, as a consumer, is having to take your music, photo or video collection and figure out how to share content between multiple devices. Apple gave iOS device users AirPlay, giving the ability to stream content from iPads and iPhones to their Television via AppleTV.  Skifta took this concept a step forward at this year's CES, by showing how their Android application can stream digital media to certified DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) devices like TVs, IP-connected stereos, Playstation®3 consoles, and Windows 7 PCs.    Forget having to purchase or Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/31/skifta-frees-your-media-by-streaming-to-phone-pc-tv-and-beyond/feed/ 8 Vlingo + BlueAnt Wireless at CES = Beautiful, Free Voice Integrated Appshttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/06/vlingo-blueant-wireless-at-ces-beautiful-free-voice-integrated-apps/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/06/vlingo-blueant-wireless-at-ces-beautiful-free-voice-integrated-apps/#comments Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:00:31 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=125489

Back in the 'old' days of 2009, you typically had your smartphone then paid for a separate voice-application to give yourself some hands-free capabilities. One of those applications has been the very popular Vlingo. Now, just like the Plantronics and Dial2Do partnership that came last year, Vlingo and bluetooth device manufacturer BlueAnt have come together at CES to show a wonderful marriage of hardware and voice-integrated software. So, beginning Q2 of 2011 if you purchase a BlueAnt bluetooth headset or speakerphone you will be getting Vlingo's features for free. What's great about that is it will work regardless of whether you use an Android phone, BlackBerry, iPhone or just about any other smartphone out there today. You'll be able to do voice searches, update your social networks without typing a keystroke, have your emails read back to you via text-to-speech and even open 3rd party apps on your smartphone. Upgrade your phone? No worries. All those features are now right in your bluetooth equipment. Pair it to your new phone and you're all set. And no extra apps to purchase! Read on to view the full press release and feature list. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/06/vlingo-blueant-wireless-at-ces-beautiful-free-voice-integrated-apps/feed/ 1 NAVTEQ and NNG Demonstrate iGO My way Beta Application for Standalone GPS at CEShttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/06/navteq-and-nng-demonstrate-igo-my-way-beta-application-at-ces/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/06/navteq-and-nng-demonstrate-igo-my-way-beta-application-at-ces/#comments Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:00:55 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=125349

GPS saves me a lot of hassle. I'm certainly not a human compass, and -- especially if traveling to an unfamiliar city -- chances are I will get lost at least once if I don't have a GPS device or very good directions. Looking around for street signs and calculating turns is fine, but what if your GPS was so smart it knew to turn at a specific building or shopping center? That's exactly what NAVTEQ and NNG are showing at CES. The iGo My way uses NAVTEQ Natural Guidance™ to give you directions in a more intuitive method, rather than the linear "turn right in 300 feet" option that so many of our GPS Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/06/navteq-and-nng-demonstrate-igo-my-way-beta-application-at-ces/feed/ 0 Dolby Hits CES To Deliver PC Surround Sound Like Never Beforehttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/05/dolby-hits-ces-to-deliver-pc-surround-sound-like-never-before/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/05/dolby-hits-ces-to-deliver-pc-surround-sound-like-never-before/#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:30:50 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=125267

Chances are if you own a television, stereo, or any type of home theater equipment you know that Dolby is synonymous with "blow-you-out-of-your-La-Z-Boy-recliner" surround sound.  During this week's Consumer Electronics (CES) show in Las Vegas, Dolby is showing off their latest audio improvements, including new PC surround sound technologies to help bring your entertainment to life right on your computer.

The Aspire Ethos multimedia notebooks and Aspire Z-Series PCs will be the first to feature Dolby's new surround sound enhancements.  Whether you're gaming, listening to music, watching movies, or streaming  your Hulu or Netflix on your computers, Dolby is enriching your entertainment value by bringing that rich, full sound to your computers and devices.  Why sacrifice entertainment just because your not in your barcalounger?

Read on to see even more that Dolby's showing at this year's CES event.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/05/dolby-hits-ces-to-deliver-pc-surround-sound-like-never-before/feed/ 0 TekTrak Brings Free Lost iPhone Tracking to iPhone 3GShttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/05/tektrak-brings-free-lost-iphone-tracking-to-iphone-3gs/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/05/tektrak-brings-free-lost-iphone-tracking-to-iphone-3gs/#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:30:15 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=124978

TekTrak is launching a free version (previously $5) of their iPhone app this week that will allow anyone with a iPhone 4 or 3GS to locate their phone, track its previous locations and remote ring the handset from any web browser.  While Apple recently made its Find My Phone feature free for iPhone 4 users,  iPhone 3GS users didn't have free options.

Unlike some other options that provide a free 'trial' of 30 or 60 days (which only helps if you happen to lose your phone during that specific period), TekTrak allows anyone who downloads the app two free sessions at any time that can be used to  locate their phone -- plus, get your friends involved and you can earn unlimited additional free uses just from the referrals.  nd for any friend they refer the app to they can earn additional free uses- making sure the service is available for you when you actually need it.

TekTrak shows last known location and a plotted map of  previous locations.  Even if your phone's battery dies you still have the last known location, helping you get your phone back.  Read on for more features, video and to get the free download!

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/05/tektrak-brings-free-lost-iphone-tracking-to-iphone-3gs/feed/ 10 Isabella Products Unveils ‘Mini’ Cellular Connected USB for Photo-Sharing at CEShttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/05/isabella-products-unveils-mini-cellular-connected-usb-for-photo-sharing-at-ces/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/05/isabella-products-unveils-mini-cellular-connected-usb-for-photo-sharing-at-ces/#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:10:07 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=124955

Smartphones, tablets, and computers are great for sharing your photos with friends and family.  But what do you do when you want to share the latest photos of the kids with Aunt Sarah -- who's never even heard of Facebook, Flickr or Picassa, much less uses a computer?   Believe it or not, there are still 'unconnected' people in the world.

If you are  a company like Isabella Products, you bring those features to the masses with products that make it simple to share your photos regardless of whether your family or friends are a bit, ahem, digitally challenged.   Isabella currently makes the Vizit photo-sharing digital photo frame, and even has a kid-friendly tablet in the works for later this year.  What they're unveiling at CES, however, is the Mini™ -- a USB stick that will turn any regular, run-of-the-mill Digital Photo Frame (you know, the one you gave Aunt Sarah last year) into a dynamic photo sharing solution. Don't have a Digital photo frame?  Don't worry, the Mini™ will also work with LCDs and those new-fangled TVs with USB ports -- for when Aunt Sarah wants to show off those photos on the big screen. When she wants to share her photos with you, she just logs into VizitMe and loads her photos up -- then you'll see all of her updated snapshots on your digital frame or TV, too. Read on to see even more ways that Isabella's Mini™ will help you share your memories with friends and family. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/05/isabella-products-unveils-mini-cellular-connected-usb-for-photo-sharing-at-ces/feed/ 1 iZup Aims to Prevent Distracted Drivinghttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/10/izup-aims-to-prevent-distracted-driving/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/10/izup-aims-to-prevent-distracted-driving/#comments Fri, 10 Dec 2010 18:15:19 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=121039

iZup (pronounced, ingeniusely enough, 'Eyes Up') is a mobile application developed by Illume Software that aims to help drivers avoid distractions caused by their mobile phones.  iZup holds text messages, e-mails and calls while you’re driving, yet always allows unlimited access to 911 and a list of authorized phone numbers.  Incoming calls are directed straight to voicemail and incoming texts are held while a vehicle is in motion.  Application use and web browsing are also prohibited while driving.   If texting or use your mobile phone while driving is too much of a temptation for you to bear, this may be the solution for you and your loved ones. Being software based, there's no expensive equipment or installation required -- and this is where iZup differentiates from many other safe-driving alternatives.  iZup is currently available for BlackBerry and Android smartphones.  Illume Software has been targeting parents, employers, and insurance agencies with their solution; recently partnering with Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation to make iZup available at a discounted price for their policy holders.   To make it even more appealing, there's currently a holiday special allowing you to use iZup for $0.99 per month (typically $2.95 per month for a single user, or $5.95 per month for up to five phones). Interested?   Read on for a full list of features.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/10/izup-aims-to-prevent-distracted-driving/feed/ 7 Dial2Do & Plantronics Bring Advanced Hands-Free Voice Control To Your Phonehttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/10/dial2do-plantronics-bring-advanced-hands-free-voice-control-to-your-phone/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/10/dial2do-plantronics-bring-advanced-hands-free-voice-control-to-your-phone/#comments Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:15:51 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=121008

Click here to view the embedded video.

During last year's CTIA conference I saw a voice service from a company called Dial2Do.   There have been, and continue to be, a sea of voice applications -- ranging from offerings from Vlingo, DriveSafe.ly, to Google's own Android integration of voice-to-text, voice search, and application control.  So what is special about Dial2Do?   Their service can be used with any bluetooth-enabled phone and does not rely solely on an application running on your mobile phone. Plantronics recently partnered with Dial2Do, branding their joint service as Vocalyst and featuring it on two of their latest bluetooth headsets:  the Plantronics Savor M11o and the Plantronics Voyager Pro+.   Sure, you can listen to your email, send a text or even tweet hands-free -- but even better is that if you are a user of applications like Evernote, Remember the Milk, Toodledo, Wordpress or Xpenser you can send reminders or updates to those services using nothing but your voice. Change phones?   No problem!  The service is device agnotstic, so you can use it for your iPhone today and then not miss a beat if you were to change to an Android smartphone later.  So put down your phone, stop texting and typing at those emails behind the wheel.  Sound good?  Let's take a closer look at the service with the Savor M110.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/10/dial2do-plantronics-bring-advanced-hands-free-voice-control-to-your-phone/feed/ 3 RIM Rebrands Annual WES Conference as BlackBerry Worldhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/09/rim-rebrands-annual-wes-conference-as-blackberry-world/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/09/rim-rebrands-annual-wes-conference-as-blackberry-world/#comments Thu, 09 Dec 2010 23:15:04 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=121073

RIM announced the name change from to annual Wireless Enterprise Symposium, aka WES, conference.  Now it will simply be 'BlackBerry World'.   This change marks a further move away from focusing only on the enterprise, or business customer.    Typically the yearly conference is filled with Sales and IT staff from companies all over the world learning about the latest product and server-side offerings.

Expect much more of a consumer focus at the BlackBerry World event as RIM tries to further push the BlackBerry brand against the Apple and Google Android Behemoth's who are infiltrating business use due to the volume of users, demand and the updates both Apple and Google have made to support enterprise

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/09/rim-rebrands-annual-wes-conference-as-blackberry-world/feed/ 4 Remote Desktop App PocketCloud Reaches 250k Users, Updates Android Applicationhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/09/remote-desktop-app-pocketcloud-reaches-250k-users-updates-android-application/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/09/remote-desktop-app-pocketcloud-reaches-250k-users-updates-android-application/#comments Thu, 09 Dec 2010 18:30:40 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=120969

Today Wyse, a cloud computing powerhouse behind the PocketCloud mobile virtualization suite announced they're bringing the desktop to 250,000 users across Android and iOS devices.   Wyse has also brought updates with version 1.1 that improve performance, security encryption and an improved UI for Android devices for both the PocketCloud Free and Pro. Virtualization is key, because all those people you see around you on their shiny iPads or Galaxy S Tabs want to leave their laptops behind.   They don't want to lug a laptop around the next time they travel.   They want to be able to access all the documents and applications they run at their desk while they're sitting in that board meeting.  They want to be able to retrieve files and updates real-time. Smartphones and tablets continue to shine with innovation and help us further the mobile lifestyle of being able to access our information anytime, anywhere -- but there's always that last minute spreadsheet update or request from the boss to update that important document and get it out to the team asap.    Boot up a computer?  That's so 2009.     If you have PocketCloud, you and your co-workers could simply access all of that information through your iOS or Android device, make the update and send it out without getting off the couch to fire up that PC or Mac.  Add to that mix security encryption and you have a solution that protects your company's data -- and that's something your IT department can get behind. Direct from Wyse:
Wyse PocketCloud allows IT administrators and end users to securely access their PC and virtual desktops remotely through the convenience of their iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. For IT administrators that manage large numbers of computers, PocketCloud allows quick and easy access to an end-user machine from anywhere on the road. For remote users needing secure access to their computer, PocketCloud is a simple and effective way of "taking" their computer with them in the palm of their hand.
Read on to see PocketCloud in action. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/09/remote-desktop-app-pocketcloud-reaches-250k-users-updates-android-application/feed/ 4 How ‘Just a Big iPod’ Changed Our Computing Lives!http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/01/how-just-a-big-ipod-changed-our-computing-lives/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/01/how-just-a-big-ipod-changed-our-computing-lives/#comments Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:00:30 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=117605

For the second time in two days I was giving a technical talk: one at night in a public setting, the other to a project team at work. In both cases I needed to note some questions, discussions, take contact info and jot down some ‘to do’ tasks and follow ups. It was only when someone said something in each case that I even realized – all I brought with me was my iPad. It has been nearly 8 months since the release of the iPad, and I cannot imagine going anywhere without it. Through numerous discussions I know that many of the other Gear Diary folks feel the same way Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/01/how-just-a-big-ipod-changed-our-computing-lives/feed/ 11 Apigee Launches API Consoles for LinkedIn, PayPal, Foursquare, Twilio and SoundCloud APIshttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/11/apigee-launches-api-consoles-for-linkedin-paypal-foursquare-twilio-and-soundcloud-apis/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/11/apigee-launches-api-consoles-for-linkedin-paypal-foursquare-twilio-and-soundcloud-apis/#comments Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:00:15 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=117153

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video:  Apigee Shows How To Use The API Console to Add FourSquare Check-Ins to Your Own Application

We've covered Apigee before.  They make it easy to integrate application programming interfaces, or APIs, into your own application.    So, what does that mean?    If you want to create your own application that can take advantage of FourSquare location-based check-ins, integrate PayPal for payments, or take advantage of Twillio for SMS and Voice applications, Apigee gives you that power.  Oh, and don't forget their previous APIs that let you easily implement Facebook and Twitter into your apps.

Before you would have to code hundreds of lines of code while sitting in your parent's

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/11/apigee-launches-api-consoles-for-linkedin-paypal-foursquare-twilio-and-soundcloud-apis/feed/ 7 Gear Diary First Look: Motorola ES400 Enterprise Digital Assistanthttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/10/05/gear-diary-first-look-motorola-es400-enterprise-digital-assistant/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/10/05/gear-diary-first-look-motorola-es400-enterprise-digital-assistant/#comments Tue, 05 Oct 2010 21:00:03 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=112359

The regular onslaught  of weekly smartphone announcements highlighting the latest offerings running Android or the upcoming Windows Phone 7 OS, it's very easy for Motorola's ES400 to get lost in the mix.   The device doesn't immediately scream 'sexy' and it's running Windows Mobile 6.5.   Yes, I said 6.5!

So why on earth should you even care about the ES400?   Read on to see why this semi-rugged and enterprise-ready handheld may be exactly what your business needs.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Let's be clear who the target audience for the Motorola ES400 is.   It's not the tween texter.  It's not

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/10/05/gear-diary-first-look-motorola-es400-enterprise-digital-assistant/feed/ 2 Review: iGo Charge Anywherehttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/10/05/review-igo-charge-anywhere/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/10/05/review-igo-charge-anywhere/#comments Tue, 05 Oct 2010 19:00:49 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=112402

No matter how long you think your mobile devices can maintain a full day's charge, you're going to be put to the test.   It's always  going to be a race to find an outlet or to boot up your computer  as your phone's battery starts to fade out completely.   It's happened to me plenty of times.   When I'm at a conference.   When I'm at a meeting.   When I'm rushing to catch a flight.   No time is a good time, either.   When that battery does go, you're in a lonely world.   No email, no calls, no texts, no twitter or Facebook updates. Let's face it.  Our mobile devices are our lifelines to friends, family and colleagues.   They can help Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/10/05/review-igo-charge-anywhere/feed/ 2 Apigee Premium Gives Your Apps The Same Power as the Big Guyshttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/22/apigee-premium-gives-your-apps-the-same-power-as-the-big-guys/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/22/apigee-premium-gives-your-apps-the-same-power-as-the-big-guys/#comments Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:30:26 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=110706

We've covered Apigee's services before.   They focus on giving developers the power to use Application Programming Interfaces, or APIs.    That may sound too 'techie' but the bottom line is that Apigee gives you the ability to more easily integrate your program with the likes of Twitter, Facebook, and much moremore.   Think of Apigee as the key that can open the doors to give you more 'Bang!' for your buck by making it easier to implement robust web services on your site or application. Today marks some big announcements from the company, with the announcement of a new beta Premium service.  The Premium beta gives you the ability to learn, test and debug APIs (making you a ninja-level API developer with much less pain!).  You can also protect your data by limiting service rates and access.  The Premium service joins Apigee's exisisting Free platform and their top-of-the-line Enterprise service used by companies ranging from MTV Networks, TransUnion, Comcast and GameSpy. Read on to become one of the Premium beta users, and to get the full scoop and see Apigee action! Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/22/apigee-premium-gives-your-apps-the-same-power-as-the-big-guys/feed/ 2 Review: DryPaks Protect Your Gear for That Last Summer Beach Flinghttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/04/review-drypaks-protect-your-gear-for-that-last-summer-beach-fling/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/04/review-drypaks-protect-your-gear-for-that-last-summer-beach-fling/#comments Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:00:35 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=108462

Alas, this weekend brings the end of Summer for those of us in the U.S.    Like many others, I'm trying to cram in three days of beach fun into this Labor Day weekend.   Unfortunately, duty still often calls and I still need to be 'connected' for work even while trying to grab some relaxation with friends and family.  Unlike last summer's shenanigans, I made a point to take precautions and bring extra protection. See, last summer a good friend found their phone, iPod touch and digital camera claimed by the angry sea while boating (OK, maybe it was merely the fact that electronics and water still don't mix or play nice together).   Since my summer Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/04/review-drypaks-protect-your-gear-for-that-last-summer-beach-fling/feed/ 2 Get Custom Coupons on Your iPad from CardStarhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/08/31/get-custom-coupons-on-your-ipad-from-cardstar/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/08/31/get-custom-coupons-on-your-ipad-from-cardstar/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:30:15 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=107831

Everyone can use a little extra money in their pockets.  One way to save is to use coupons whenever you go shopping.  Now, I don't know about you but I am horrible at this process.   Couponing requires you to sift through the weekly circulars and papers to dig out the coupons you would actually use.  Then you have to cut them out,  and remember to have them with you when you go out shopping.

There are a lot of people out there that are so highly organized that this is a regular habit.  Sadly,  I am not one of those people.  When CardStar announced that their new CardStar application for

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/08/31/get-custom-coupons-on-your-ipad-from-cardstar/feed/ 6 South-Pak Gives Gear Diary the Full Tour for Protective Case Needshttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/07/29/south-pak-gives-gear-diary-the-full-tour-for-protective-case-needs/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/07/29/south-pak-gives-gear-diary-the-full-tour-for-protective-case-needs/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:00:12 +0000 Jason Reese http://www.geardiary.com/?p=103325

Click here to view the embedded video.

The video above shows Norry Leibman of South-Pak demonstrating a case panel 'torture' test.   South-Pak is  a company that carries  custom cases for just about every possible item you could imagine.   Have a trade show coming up and need a reliable way to ship your LCD screens?   Have to travel with delicate (and expensive) medical equipment?  Do you require the best protection for your photo and video equipment? Are you an emergency service responder needing to protect your gear in the most treacherous of conditions?   Regardless of your needs, South-Pak has what you will need -- or they'll custom make it for you.

If you regularly stop by Gear Diary, you've probably picked up on the fact that many of the writers  -- especially Larry --test and use just about every type of case that is available on the market.   When the team at South-Pak contacted Larry to offer Gear Diary a full tour of their facilities, it definitely an offer that couldn't be refused.   The only catch was that Larry's in PA, and South-Pak's located in Norcross, GA.   Luckily for me, that's right in my neck of the woods.

So let's take a look at a business that can create just about any type of protective case you'll ever need...

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/07/29/south-pak-gives-gear-diary-the-full-tour-for-protective-case-needs/feed/ 1