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Beam saved videos to your flat-screen with Pocket's iOS update
No matter how pixel-packed your iThing's display is, watching video clips on a bigger screen is usually way more comfortable. Pocket has added AirPlay and Apple TV support to its free bookmarking app with just that in mind. That would be pretty cool on its own, but the outfit has also tailored the application to keep broadcasting video even if you exit it -- you know, to check Facebook or bang out an email. If you have a stack of unwatched Vimeos (or perhaps that Kristen Bell flick), this could be the perfect time to finally start watching 'em.
Ben Heck fashions a pocket computer with an Xbox Chatpad and Arduino Uno
It's great to see Ben Heck focus his efforts of do-gooder projects like that foot-controlled wheelchair, but we'll always have a soft spot for the modfather's more nostalgic undertakings, like this BASIC pocket computer. Heck created the device for the latest episode of his web show, and if you're following along at home, you'll need the Chatpad from an Xbox 360 controller, an Arduino Uno and a LCD display -- a Hitachi HD 44780, in this case. The modder-turned-host is quick to point out that the project's purpose isn't solely nostalgic -- you can also use it to control real world objects, which in the Heck's case means a ghost on a pinball playfield. Check out a video of the invention in action after the break.
GameBoy Advance Phone caught in the wild (by the guy who built it)
Perhaps if there was some sort of Brundlefly-style gadget mix-up five years ago, the outcome would look like this: an HTC Hermes jammed inside a GameBoy Advance housing. This prototype, presented by Windows Phone Hacker, features some fun changes that make it feel more like your beloved handheld gaming console, and less like your dated Windows Mobile Pocket PC, including a startup GIF animation of the original GameBoy Advance boot screen, custom software that keeps the OS in landscape mode, and custom notifications and ringtones from the Mario games. Also included is PocketGBA emulator for playing GameBoy Advance ROMs on the phone itself. Of course, this is just the beginning of the project: we look forward to seeing a version where the buttons work! In the meantime, check out the thing in action after the break. [Thanks, Juan]
Entelligence: Happy 10th birthday, Pocket PC
Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide. Microsoft introduced the world to Pocket PC on April 19th, 2000 at a relatively small gathering in Grand Central Station in New York City. Pocket PC was the company's response to Palm, which at that time was leading the PDA market -- for many geeks, using a personal digital assistant was indeed a public display of affection. I was at the launch event -- in fact, I was even quoted in the press release. Microsoft introduced four devices that day with their partners: the Casio EM500, the HP Jornada 545 & 548, the Symbol Technologies PPT2700, and the Compaq iPAQ. The iPAQ was the flagship of the Pocket PC line and the hottest handheld you could buy at the time: it had a slim form factor with "sleeves" that could be attached to add functionality such as Compact Flash or PCMCIA cards, a "fast" ARM processor and a killer indoor/outdoor screen. Availability was limited and prices on eBay quickly topped $1,000 for the scarce unit.
Update: Lenovo leaks Pocket Yoga mystery netbook pics
The mysterious netbook that Engadget Chinese hepped us to from the floor of Lenovo's Beijing office now has a name -- if little else. Images have surfaced on the company's photostream with this bad boy in a number of compromising positions, showing off its convertible design and touchscreen stylus capabilities. Tantalizing, yes? That's it for details, but be sure to hit up that gallery for those red hot pics.Update: The mystery is solved, folks. According to Johnson Li, the director of Lenovo's Beijing Innovation Center, the device is a two-year-old laptop design concept that features a leather exterior and detachable keyboard. You know what? We still want one. [Via Electronista, Thanks Luigi]
Commodore impresses with prototypes at IFA, really
While the idea of Commodore showing off some early prototype devices isn't exactly the sort of thing that'd normally get many folks' hopes up, the never-say-die company looks to have managed to impress the doubters at IFA, where it had a number of intriguing-looking concepts on hand in addition to that soon-to-be-released netbook we saw yesterday. That includes two Pocket PC devices -- one with a sliding QWERTY keypad and one that opts for a folding design (pictured above) -- as well as a much slicker-looking netbook than the one that is actually going to be released, naturally (check it out after the break). Of course, specs for any of those are virtually non-existent, although there's apparently some talk that the Pocket PCs could sell for between €100 and €150 (or roughly $220 to $290) whenever they're actually released. Be sure to hit up the gallery below for plenty more shots courtesy of Engadget Spanish. Gallery: Commodore impresses with prototypes at IFA, really
E-TEN glofiish X650 in the FCC's mix
Like the just-announced glofiish X600 but wanted that certain something extra? You know, that intangible feature that could've set the X600 well apart from the crowd. Okay, here's an idea: how about an FM transmitter? Yep, the X650 goes all Fusic on us by taking the X600's formula, changing the color scheme just a smidge, and adding an FM transmitter for sending its tunes onto whatever radio in the vicinity that's tuned to the right frequency (according to the filed user's manua. Unfortunately, the X650 gains no 3G advantage over its cousin, but we're hearing it might rock a VGA display versus the X600's QVGA -- and if that's the case, screw the FM transmitter, 640 x 480 is the real reason to get this sucker.
Verizon XV6700 out of stock, XV6800 launch imminent?
We haven't the foggiest what's been holding them up here, but the long-outdated XV6700 has finally gone out of stock on Verizon's site, suggesting that the XV6800 -- Big Red's version of the HTC Titan -- might finally be getting ready to go live. Sprint's variant went live ages ago, and let's not forget that we first heard about the XV6800 back during the Triassic, so we think Verizon's got some splainin' to do.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
T-Mobile inexplicably brings back MDA
So, we imagine it went something like this: some dude at T-Mobile USA's headquarters was crawling through the attic. Maybe he was looking for some classic Jamie Lee Curtis promo shots to throw up on eBay, maybe he was seeking out a replacement battery for his trusty Ericsson T68; the purpose of his adventure is pretty irrelevant. Anyway, he stumbles upon this giant flippin' stash of dusty MDAs. You know, HTC Wizards -- the things T-Mobile sold back in the day before the Wing reigned supreme. What's a company to do? They can't rightfully dump 'em in the local landfill, it just wouldn't be right. May as well sell the whole lot off for a song ($79.99 apiece, to be exact) on the corporate website! If you simply must get in on this circa-2005 action, we might recommend you do it soonly 'cause there's really no telling how long these relics are going to be available the second time around.[Thanks, Cesar G.]
HP's new iPAQ lineup surfaces with fresh photos
Hot on the heels of those blurry, low-quality photos of the upcoming HP iPAQs, come these shiny new pics sure to have waiting fans foaming at the mouth. As you can see, the new handhelds are definitely a reality, and now we've got details on added models to the lineup, as well as rumored release information. First and foremost is the iPAQ 914 (pictured), a Windows Mobile smartphone with a 3-megapixel camera, GPS, WiFi, and HSDPA support. HP is also intro'ing the 614, another Windows Mobile device (this one presumably with a touchscreen), plus GPS, WiFi, and HSDPA -- both new phones are said to be selling for around $800. The company is also introducing the 314, a GPS navigator with custom HP software, and the iPAQ 214 and 114 ($500 / $430), two Windows Mobile-based PDAs without any phone functions (though they have WiFi, allowing for VoIP). All of the devices are said to be hitting shelves in October, save for the 914, which is due (supposedly) in November. Feel free to hit the read link for more info, though we warn you, it's in Swedish.[Via Unwired View]
DIY pervasive health monitor keeps tabs on your vitals
If you think your heart rate-monitoring wristwatch is hot stuff, a homegrown creation from the Berkeley Institute of Design is apt to put that to shame. Dubbed the pervasive health monitoring system, this project involves a TI microcontroller, a Bluetooth interface, audio amplifier, and a trio of low power "instrumentation amplifiers," which creates an apparatus that can communicate wirelessly with your Windows Mobile-based handset (and PC, too). The device is rigged up to record ECG (heart rhythms), EMG (muscle tension), GSR (skin resistance), body temperature and movement information, and while we could certainly attempt to transcribe the creator, why not take a look at the informative video posted after the jump for all the data you could ever desire about this (admittedly fresh) invention.[Via Hack-A-Day]
HTC self-brands retro Panda as P6300
If you're still hung up on 2.5G data and Windows Mobile 5... well, first, we recommend you consult a professional. Failing that, though, check out HTC's P6300, the self-branded version of the throwback "Panda" that looks straight outta 2004 and has a feature set to match: tri-band EDGE data, Windows Mobile 5 Pocket PC Phone Edition, and SD / MMC slot. Mercifully, internal Flash is a more 2007-ish 256MB, and the WiFi and 3.5-inch QVGA display certainly helps round this one out. You can already grab this one on O2 as the Xda Argon, but it looks like folks elsewhere should be able to pick it up now too -- if you're into that sort of thing.[Via Pocket PC Thoughts]
HTC P4550 "Kaiser" reviewed
Paul from MoDaCo has our envy today, having recently taken possession of HTC's pièce de résistance -- the HTC "Kaiser" -- which looks to make a self-branded debut bearing the model number P4550. As he points out, HTC left virtually nothing out of the P4550 as Windows Mobile-based QWERTY sliders go; the 256MB of onboard Flash, 128MB of RAM, 3 megapixel cam, HSUPA, and trick flip-up display all set new marks for lustworthiness in the category. What's more, the device is said to be really snappy with Windows Mobile 6 and a 400MHz Qualcomm MSM7200 core, picture quality from the camera is superb, and voice quality is apparently top notch. The conclusion? "It's quite simply awesome." Too bad it's also quite simply not available yet.
Sprint Mogul review roundup
We thought the Sprint Mogul was a little bit of alright, but do the 'nets agree? By and large, yeah, it seems the bottom line is that this is the must-have upgrade for PPC-6700 owners. Mobile Tech Review points out that an MMS client is notably missing and picture quality on the 2 megapixel camera could be better, but hey, it's still an improvement over the Apache's 1.3 megapixel unit. Boy Genius Report found that the ridges on the phone's posterior were a little funky, too; just like the Mogul's crazy bright yellow UI, it's probably an acquired taste.[Via Pocket PC Thoughts]Read - Gear Diary ("...leaps and bounds above the PPC-6700 that it replaces...")Read - Boy Genius Report ("...the device is a pleasure to use...")Read - Phone Scoop ("... flashier design, updated operating and higher resolution camera...")Read - My iTablet (3.75 / 5 stars, "...a worthy upgrade from the PPC-6700...")Read - Mobile Tech Review (4 / 5 stars, "A very strong offering from Sprint, and a worthy, if not overdue, successor to the PPC-6700")
Engadget Mobile meets, greets Sprint Mogul
For our Mobile squad, no smartphone launch is complete until we've touched it, analyzed it, and -- knowing our butterfingered selves -- dropped it on a concrete surface (just kidding, our Mobile editors would sacrifice life and limb for the safety of a handset). But when said smartphone happens to be a frickin' CDMA device from HTC... well, that's like a once (or twice) in a lifetime event. Head on over to Mobile for our first impressions of Sprint's Mogul by HTC with a full gallery to boot. Heck, it's almost as good as actually buying one!
Hands-on with the Sprint Mogul by HTC
Known as the Titan, the PPC-6800, and the XV6800 in its various forms, Sprint's Mogul from HTC represents arguably the most anticipated piece of CDMA hardware so far this year. Why? Well, for starters, its direct predecessor -- the PPC-6700 "Apache" -- isn't getting any younger. Don't get us wrong, the PPC-6700 was a well-loved device that held its own for a good long while, but let's be honest: aerial antennas and Windows Mobile 5 are getting a little passé (to put it lightly). We've had the good fortune to be able to spend a few quality minutes with a production Mogul this weekend, so let's have a closer look, shall we?%Gallery-4052%
Mio GPS-enabled A702 sees light of day
The Mio A702 -- the replacement for the tweaked-looking Mio A701 Digi-Walker -- was unveiled amid much fanfare and smiling people in fancy outfits. Upgrade details include a bump to Windows Mobile 6 Pro, a 3.2 megapixel camera, MicroSD slot, and a jog wheel for speedy navigation. Connectivity also sees a bit of upgrading with the inclusion of WiFi (was lacking in the A701), Bluetooth, and we can only hope that the radio front reveals quad-band GSM with a few HSDPA frequencies thrown in for good measure. Official specs were not on the table at the unveiling, so expect an update post as soon as we hear more.[Via Slashphone]
Gigabyte follows up g-Smart i300 with i350
Shown recently at Taiwan's Computex shindig, the g-Smart i350 appears to be the most incremental of upgrades to its i300 predecessor, especially in light of the fact that the i300's been signed up to get a Windows Mobile 6 upgrade. Both rock a 2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, 802.11b/g, and integrated GPS, so it seems like the biggest boost for the i350 might be the move from a 2.4 inch QVGA to 2.6 inch VGA display (okay, we admit, that's a pretty big difference) and the addition of a fourth band of GSM support. We're not sure we're feeling the handset's sparkly white exterior, but we suspect it's one of those things you have to see in person before passing judgment.[Via Pocket PC Thoughts]
Slide deck surfaces for Sprint's HTC Mogul
We admit it's nowhere near as cool as a PPC-6800 / Mogul launch (which as far as we can tell is still months away), but hey, we'll take what we can get. This slide deck -- or perhaps "decklet" is a better term, seeing how it's only two slides -- found its way onto PDAPhoneHome.com with a couple large, lovely pictures of what promises to be Sprint's flagship smart device when it finally hits stores. The launch delay has been attributed to the decision to drop Windows Mobile 6 Professional on it right out of the gate rather than offer an upgrade down the road, a theory that seems to be validated by the obvious presence of Microsoft's latest release in the pics. Otherwise, the specs on the second slide are pretty much what we expected: EV-DO rev. A upgradeability, a 416MHz core, 256MB onboard storage, and 64MB RAM.[Thanks, Brad]
Acer's Ferrari c500 Pocket PC spotted in the wild
The folks over at The Inquirer sneaked up on an Ferrari-branded Acer c500 and snapped this grainy picture before getting kicked out of the booth by the camera-shy Acer peoples. At least we're almost positive it's the c500, The Inq wasn't able to get any specs or a model number, but this shiny bugger looks to be the exact unit we saw hit the FCC a few weeks ago, which features WinMo 5, a 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen, a 300MHz Samsung 2442 processor, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS and a decent complement of storage and RAM. We're guessing we'll know more about this sucker soon enough, Acer was never one to keep a random and possibly ill-conceived Ferrari-based concept under wraps for long.
