Håkon Wium Lie demonstrates a new technology which changes the way we are able to read on the Web today. This demo was given at Opera’s Up North Web. For more information, check out our developer article for information: http://bit.ly/pagedmedia

Click here to view the embedded video.

You already know I have sung the praises of the Press Reader App. Well, here’s a new reason to get excited…….there’s a contest a Foot to win 1 of 20 iPad 2′s plus a Year-Long Personal Subscription to PressReader.

All you have to do is spread the PressReader word on Facebook and Twitter.

“Like” PressReader on Facebook and complete the contest entry submission form.

OR

Follow @PressDisplay on Twitter and retweet our contest announcement:

“Follow @PressDisplay and RT this msg for a chance to win 1 of 20 iPad 2s + #PressReader #PR_IPAD2. Visit http://bit.ly/kXEdVI”

 

We’ve already had 2 winners and have 18 more to go every time we turn the counter on an additional 1,000 fans and followers we receive until July 29, 2011 or until all iPads have been awarded (whichever comes first)! Sounds good, right? Then why not double your chances by doing both!

The sooner you Like us on Facebook (and submit your entry) and follow us on Twitter (and retweet our contest announcement), the more chances you have to win – drawings will be made against our full list of fans and followers. And remember, the faster word spreads through the world of Facebook and Twitter, the faster you could be the proud owner of a brand new iPad 2, reading your favorite local, national or international newspapers using PressReader. So get liking, following and sharing the contest with friends, family and colleagues; and get them to do the same. The more people you get to Like or Follow us, the better your chances of winning! Prizes consist of 20 brand new 32Gb + Wi-Fi only iPad 2s + year-long Personal Subscription to PressReader and PressDisplay.com.

Don’t miss out!

From the EFO website:

Features

• 82 keys handheld style keyboard with Touchpad

• Real notebook Touchpad (90 degree touchpad flip, Ultra sentitive, multi-touch and scrolling bar)

• Multi-language supporting

• Special keys for supporting Google TV set top box

• Unique Page up and Page down key for presentation

• Backlighting: Makes text entry effortless even in low light.

• Plug and play: no need to install software.

• Freedom pairing

• Windows Multimedia Control

• 2.4G DSSS: Enjoy long-range wireless control from up to 10 metre (33 feet) away

• 4 in 1: Keyboard, mouse, touchpad and laser pointer 4 in 1.

• Real QWERTY full function mini keyboard with more defined buttons.

• Full Function keys (F1 to F12) and Multi-Media Key (Play, Pause, Next, Previous, Mute, Volume Up, Volume Down).

• Build-in rechargeable Li-ion batteries: Last longer  up to two weeks between charges.

• Short recharge time: Around two hours can fully charge the battery.

• Indication light: Multiple indication lights for signal, data transmission and power.

Well, pictures or nice, but here are some links to take advantage of their pre-order sale that gives a nice 30% sale (limited time only, and follow the links for more details).

l         RF ($65) :
http://efo.buy-lowest.com/keyboard-mouse-touchpad-c-77/efo-google-tv-mini-wireless-handheld-keyboard-mouse-touchpad-p-285

l         Bluetooth ($75) :
http://efo.buy-lowest.com/keyboard-mouse-touchpad-c-77/efo-bluetooth-google-tv-mini-wireless-keyboard-mouse-touchpad-p-286

The speaker unit

I spoke a couple of times with Octave Systems’ (http://www.BeatRoute.com) president, Roy Worthington, and he was the epitome of the helpful support tech. Among other things, he informed me that the target audiences were music players such as the iPod, smartphones such as the iPhone, and portable computers like the iPad.

The unit consists of a speaker unit with integral Bluetooth transceiver and a microphone, an AC adapter, and a mini-phone plug (3.5mm) cable for hard-wired connections. It will also run on six AA batteries for that portability we’ve come to treasure in our tools and toys.

Designed to remotely control your player or phone, it has buttons to pause/resume play, next song/previous song, volume control, and a multi-function power button. Paired with your phone, it can also function as a speaker phone accessory, where the buttons take on new functions. The manual covers this in more detail.

If you have an audio device that uses the A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) protocol and a phone that uses the HFP (Hands Free Profile) protocol, you can pair both of them at the same time. In that case, the speakers automatically mute the audio and go into speaker phone mode for incoming calls. (If the phone supports simultaneous use of both A2DP and HFP, it may not be possible to pair with two devices at the same time.)

Accessories

Pairing the speakers with a single Bluetooth is pretty straight forward: with the speakers off, press and hold the power button until the LED flashes red and blue. With your Bluetooth device within a one meter (three point three feet) range, set it to search for a device to pair with. Once the device finds the BTS001 speakers, send the speakers’ PIN, using the instructions of the device. Once paired, the speakers will automatically try to pair up with the last device they were paired with every time they are turned on.

Pairing the speakers with two devices is a bit more complicated: you must first pair with the audio player, then power the speakers off. Now turn off the audio player and repeat the process with the HFP device. Turn the player back on, it should pair once again with the speakers. When the speaker unit is turned on again, it will try to re-pair itself with both items. Pressing the power button and holding it to manually re-start the pairing process for the speaker unit will erase the old pairing information.

So, how does it sound? As usual, that’s dependent on the quality of the audio input. When I first paired it with my inexpensive phone, the quality was comparable to that of a portable AM radio and I was frankly underwhelmed. Later, I paired it with a friend’s iPhone, and the quality was better. Because the speakers are so close to each other, stereo separation is highly dependent on how far you are from the unit. I’d guess the stereo “sweet spot” is about two feet away.

Having access to a video projector that has an inadequate sound system, I plugged the speaker unit directly into my laptop and watched a video. The sound quality was acceptable, but don’t expect room-filling sound from a battery-powered unit.

My experience with the unit as a speaker phone was mixed. The sound quality on the speakers’ side was very good, of course. But the sound transmitted to the caller varied. One time, there was a buzzing like interference that made the voice unintelligible. Another time, it was reasonably clear, with that characteristic “hollow” sound of a speaker phone. I don’t know how dependent the clarity was on the location; it’s possible I was experiencing interference from the fluorescent lights.

Pros: if you want to share sound without passing around the ear buds or the headphones, this will work fine. The ability to automatically switch to a speaker phone while listening is a handy bonus, but the focus here is on using it as speakers, not a phone. It is highly portable, which cannot be said about most external sound systems you might plug your player into.

Cons: poor stereo separation and lower sound quality than I’d hope for with my music player. Perhaps I’m spoiled by hearing better, less portable systems? The 3.5mm cable also strikes me as fragile-looking. It says it can be used in your car, but there is no way of securing it to your dashboard.

I’d rate it at about 6.5 out of 10.

MSRP: $89.00

Specifications:
Power: 4.5 watts per channel; 2 channels
Power supply: 9VDC (6 x AA batteries or supplied AC adapter)
Bluetooth specification: V2.1

Bluetooth profiles: HSP, HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP
Bluetooth range: 33 feet (10 meters)
Bluetooth frequencies: 2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz
Working time: approximately 3-4 hours (alkaline batteries)
Stand-by time: approximately 360 hours (alkaline batteries)
Dimensions: 8.5 x 3 x 2 inches (215 x76 x 51 mm)
Weight: 9 oz. (255.6 g)—without batteries

Let’s get the official specs out of the way:

• Full color TFT display
• 7” diagonal 800×600 screen
• Android 2.0
• 256MB RAM, 256MB internal storage
• Supports ePub, PDF, TXT, PDB, HTML reader files
• MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV audio support
• MPEG-4, H.264
• JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP image support
• 802.11 b/g wifi
• Li-Ion battery – up to 10+ hours of life, 24+ standby
• 4GB Bundled SD card
• Dimensions: 7.5″x 5.6″x .57″
• Weight: a bit less than 1lb

Now we can add to these. First off, as to be expected, this isn’t the powerhouse of tablets because it’s a eBook reader first and foremost. That said, it’s far more powerful than similarly priced imports. It’s processor (brand not specified) is just 523mhz … but (unlike the some recent import tablets) it comes with GPU acceleration so the processor isn’t having to do all the work. The GPU handles the graphics and video so in operation this feels like a Motorola Droid, or perhaps a Droid Eris, in processing speed, while the graphics display remains smooth and quick. We did test internet connectivity over the Wifi and it was very quick. Unlike the imports.

Secondly the touchscreen is a resistance touchscreen. Others speculated that it would be capacitive but at this price point that wasn’t likely. That said, the screen is more responsive than other resistance touchscreens we’ve tried and since this is a eBook reader it’s more than up to the tasks required of it. There are also no buttons on the screen. The usual four Android buttons are moved to the status bar – but work very well there. The display itself is a 7″ diagonal TFT display in a 4:3 aspect ratio.

The battery life, in testing, performs well doing 6 hours of continuous video playback. Reading gives 10 hours, in standby the device will hold a charge for 36 hours! If that’s not enough – no problem. The battery is user-replaceable and behind the back panel which is easily removed. Pop out the SD card, pull out with your finger in that slot, and the panel pops right off.

In the unit we tested there was a hidden feature that we hope is in the production unit (no promises) … the Reader’s internal memory was on a user-changeable micro-SD card. So the Cruz Reader actually has an expandable internal AND an expandable external memory card!

Around the edges of the Reader you’ll find volume controls, power button, headset jack, power jack, mini-USB port and a pair of stereo speakers. The whole Reader fits nicely in one hand like a small hardback, or trade paperback, book and feels exactly right.

Velocity Micro tells us that this was designed completely in-house by their engineers.  They also have big plans for their tablet line which begins with the Cruz Reader and the Cruz Tablet (we will cover the Tablet in the next week or two).  Check out our exclusive first-look gallery of pictures below and our video.

Price $199 MSRP

http://www.cruzreader.com/reader.php

This report was prepared by Kermit Woodall and Michael Prost – Video, Images and Text may be reproduced with proper attribution.

Click here to view the embedded video.

July 2010 – Modena, Italy – IK Multimedia is pleased to announce that the
iRig™ guitar and bass interface adapter for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad is
now shipping worldwide. The new iRig interface allows guitar and bass
players to plug their instruments directly into the headphone/microphone
input jack on their mobile Apple device and access the new world of mobile
guitar and bass tone – AmpliTube for iPhone.

iRig features:

- ¼” jack mono instruments input with Hi-Z impedance adapter – suitable
for guitars, bass, synthesizers, mixing consoles
- 1/8” mini-jack stereo output can be connected to headphones,
amplifiers, powered speakers
- Compatible with iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, iPod Touch 2nd and 3rd generation,
iPad
- Ultra-low latency (down to 128 samples) for real time playing with
AmpliTube
- Feedback cancellation and noise filter available in AmpliTube
- Works also with any other apps like tuners, recorders, etc…

iRig + AmpliTube for iPhone – Your Guitar Tone On Your iPhone

Combined with the AmpliTube for iPhone app range (FREE, LE and FULL versions
already available on the iTunes app store) the iRig interface adapter allows
everyone to plug their instrument into their iOS mobile device and play
anywhere with real effects and amplifier tones, just like a traditional
guitar or bass stage rig!

In the app, your signal chain can consist of up to 3 simultaneous stompbox
effects plus amplifier, cabinet and microphone, all reconfigurable with the
touch of a finger. Choose from 11 stompbox effects (including fuzz,
distortion, overdrive, delay, wah, envelope filter, chorus, flanger, noise
filter, phaser and octave) 5 amps (clean, crunch, lead overdrive, modern
hi-gain and bass), 5 cabinets and 2 microphones to create your custom
portable rig.

Additional Tuner, Metronome and Backing-Track player with loop-points allow
for play and practice anytime, anywhere.

The iRig is the ideal companion not only to the AmpliTube mobile app range,
but also works with any other recording, processing or tuning app.

Plus, you can also use the iRig with line level signal sources such as
synthesizers, keyboards or mixing consoles.

Pricing and availability

AmpliTube iRig — Retails for $39.99/€29.99 MSRP (exc. VAT) and is now
available for shipping from the IK online store, as well as from all select
IK retailers and distributors worldwide.

AmpliTube for iPhone app is available in 3 versions from the iTunes app
store: FREE, LE and FULL.

- AmpliTube Free: Includes 3 stompboxes, 1 amp + cabinet, 2 microphones
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amplitube-free/id373309342?mt=8

- AmpliTube LE: Includes 5 stompboxes, 1 amplifier + cabinet, 2
microphones for $2.99/€2.39. (More gear through in-app purchase for as low
as $2.99/€2.39)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amplitube-le/id373507300?mt=8

- AmpliTube FULL: Includes the entire collection of available gear with
11 stompboxes, 5 amps + cabinets and 2 microphones for $19.99/€15.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amplitube/id373524000?mt=8

A dedicated iPad version of AmpliTube app is also expected to be available
soon. For more information: http://www.amplitube.com/irig

Satellite A665 and Satellite M645: These feature-packed entertainment
laptops are crafted in all-new Fusion X2 finish. Both are equipped
with latest high-performance, multi-core processors from Intel and
AMD and introduce two new features: Toshiba Sleep-and-Music, which
allows users to play music through the laptop speakers while it is
powered down, and Resolution+ DVD Upconversion, which upconverts
standard-definition movies to instantly improve pictures to look and
feel more like HD. Select models feature NVIDA GeForce 310M and
GeForce GT330M graphics processors which include NVIDA Optimus
technology – this intelligently optimizes the laptop to provide
outstanding graphics performance when needed, as well as extended
battery life for longer enjoyment. The Satellite A665 starts at
$799.99 and Satellite M645 at $729.99, with both available in two
screen sizes – 16″ and 14″.

Satellite A665 3D Edition: This is Toshiba’s first 3D-ready laptop
for the US market – equipped with the NVIDIA 3D Vision kit (software,
pair of wireless active shutter glasses, emitter), it enables users
to view 3D content quickly and easily. It delivers enthusiast-class
performance and features with the processing power of the Intel Core
i7 quad-core processor with TurboBoost technology, plus the NVIDIA
GeForce GTS 350M GPU with 1GB of GDDR3 video memory. Its 3D
technologies are paired with built-in harman/kardon speakers and
Dolby Advanced Audio, making it the premium entertainment and gaming
center. Pricing starts at $1,599.99.

Satellite T200 Series: This line offers up comfort-driven design and
performance geared for everyday mobility at mainstream price points.
The Satellite T235 comes with a 13.3″ screen and acts as a great
netbook alternative. The Satellite T215 offers up an 11.6″ screen and
is ideal for consumers looking for a better light-weight option to
standard notebooks. Measuring just an inch thin and weighing less
than four pounds and available in a wide variety of various color
options, these laptops are ideal for traveling in style. Pricing
starts at $469.99.

Satellite C600: Starting at sub-$500 price points, these laptops are
designed for budget-conscious consumers and back-to-school shoppers
looking for a quality entry-level PC. This series strikes an ideal
balance of style, performance and cost. Toshiba’s durable Trax
textured finish is key, as it helps resist fingerprints. This series
is designed to be environmentally conscious, meeting the rigorous
requirements of the EnergyStar 5.0 standard and achieving
industry-leading EPEAT Gold status.

Satellite L Series: This is an expansion of Toshiba’s current
L-series of everyday value laptops, now providing consumers with more
screen size choices, more color options and more configurations
featuring powerful processors from Intel and AMD at affordable price
points. Featuring Toshiba’s glossy Fusion Finish with the new Helios
pattern in Steel Grey, Black, Red, White and Brown, the laptops also
now include premium flat keyboards and wide multi-touch touchpads.
This series includes the Satellite L635 (starting at $619.99), the
Satellite L645 (starting at $515.99), the Satellite L655 (starting at
$569.99) and the Satellite L675 (starting at $599.99).

Written by Devin

We should soon be getting a sample of Orb Audio’s latest and greatest, consisting of their Super Eight or Uber Ten subwoofers with the Mod speakers. In the mean time be sure to check out Orb Audio’s website.

Written by Devin

iPod Classic Cases - Renowned for manufacturing premium portable device cases from the most coveted leathers in the world, Sena is famous for designing exceptional details to enhance device functionality. Available in a variety of colors, the new iPod 6th
generation is available for both the 80GB and 160GB models. Styles include: The Dockable, which allows the case to remain on when docking the device; Premium Stand, a self-standing case making hands-free video watching a breeze; the MagnetFlipper, a
magnetic flip cover case that protects operating controls. Priced at $50.00.

SENA CASES ICOLLECTION – 2
iPod Nano Cases – One of the most petite in the iPod family, the Nano is sleek and small. Available for generation three, Sena’s UltraSlim case offers a slim presentation with ultimate protection. Priced at $18.00. Purchase selected styles at Apple stores nationwide or the entire Sena Collection is available online at www.senacases.com.

ABOUT SENA CASES
Sena Cases(tm) is a leading designer and manufacturer of slim, functional, and elegant leather cases for PDAs, phones, smartphones, MP3 players and cameras. The perfect marriage of form, function and style, Sena’s designer cases are custom created for devices by HP, Apple, Palm, Blackberry, Motorola, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, Samsung, Siemens, Sony, Dell, and more. All cases are individually handcrafted and constructed of full-grain, top quality, genuine calfskin leather. Known for their slim design and detailed functionality, Sena’s cases offer device protection with a fashion-forward style. For more information on Sena Cases, visit www.senacases.com.

Written by Gary

Finally the UHS headphones come with a gold plated 1/4 inch (3.5mm), four-band connector that fits with the iPhone’s audio jack. Devices can be attached via the standard 1/4-inch (3.5mm) gold plated connector or a 1/8-inch (2.5mm) adapter that fits most audio component output ports.

Altec Lansing’s Upgrader Series will be available in August 2007 at major retailers and www.alteclansing.com.

Written by Devin

I just got a press release from the happy folks at Socialight that their site is ready for testing out.

This is their Press Release: Socialight is a community that lets you connect in new ways – by creating, sharing, and discovering virtual Sticky Notes placed at specific locations using your mobile phone or the web.Since our initial launch in the fall of 2005, thousands of people have used Socialight to tag thousands of locations and make personal connections centered on “geo-tagged” real-world places. Socialight lets both individuals and publishers post location-aware content that can be “pulled” via search or “pushed” as part of a spam-proof, opt-in channel exactly when and where it’s most relevant.

During the past few months, we’ve done a comprehensive overhaul that we’re quite excited about. Here’s a quick overview of some of the new features:

Written by Cecilia