gadget news and reviews

Google Talk Gets Upgraded +

After being humiliated when a recent research analyst group’s statistics showed that Google’s product, Google Talk, held less than 1% of the Instant Messaging market share, Google released a major update. Google Talk users now have the ability to transfer files of any sizes through the client, leave each other voicemail messages, and on a fun note show your friends what you are listening to. The previous update, which was released a few months ago added in user avatars and themes.

New Google Talk Features:

• File Transfer: sent files such as videos, music, or photos via peer-to-peer technology. (unlimited file sizes)
• Voicemail: leave voice messages for users who are logged off or away. voicemail can also be left for non-GTalk users as an email attachment.
• Music Status: show GTalk friends what you are listening to on iTunes, Windows Media, Winamp, or Yahoo! Music Engine.

The best part of Google Talk was the size of the client. It took up a mere 700KB, however with the addition of these new features the program is now 1.23MB. Although this is still extremely small when compared to clients such as Skype, MSN, and Yahoo, as more features added in, the program will probably end up becoming as bulky as all the others.

Links: Google Talk | New Features
Related: Google Pack

Bluetooth Mighty Mouse Released +

On July 25, 2006, Apple released a wireless bluetooth, laser guided, and AA powered Mighty Mouse. The new and improved Mighty Mouse has many changes from its predecessor, which was released in August ‘05 and was still wired. The Mighty Mouse’s bluetooth will work up to 30 feet away, uses laser precision tracking for improved accuracy, has a touch sensitive left/right-click buttons, a 360° scroll wheel, and extra side “squeeze” buttons. All buttons can be manually programmed in System Preferences.

One problem with this product is the fact that it still requires 2 AA batteries. Most other wireless mouses these days usually have a special built-in rechargeable battery and a dock on which to charge it upon. Although this may be a wise solution for those who travel, it may not be the best for those who spend long hours on their computer. However some innovative features include the right/left-click which are detected using touch sensitivity and without any hardware buttons.

The Mighty Mouse is already available from the Apple Store and is priced at $69. The bluetooth Mighty Mouse will unfortunately only work on Mac OS X, luckily there is a cheaper ($49) USB-wired version which will work on Windows and older Mac OS machines and has most of the features.

Links: Apple Mighty Mouse | QuickTime VR
Recent: PSP Firmware v2.80 | Digg Search Widget

PSP Firmware v2.80 Released 29

As announced last week at Comic Con, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) has officially released Firmware v2.80 for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). This update comes with a variety of new features making the PSP easier to use and giving it more functionality. The updates main features include the ability to download videos through the RSS Channel and place media into new easy-to-access folders.

PSP Firmware v2.80 Features:

• Download video and image content under [RSS Channel].
• Register devices via a wireless LAN access point under [LocationFree Player].
• Play AAC files with file extension .3gp under [Music].
• Play content saved in [MUSIC], [PICTURE], and [VIDEO] folders on a Memory Stick.

The RSS Channel was originally introduced in v2.60, but was limited to only audio files. With this update, video and photo files will be recognized and displayed in the RSS Channel. Although new functionality has been offered, this update unfortunately does not offer streaming video content through the RSS Channel similarly to how the audio works. However it does allows saving videos and pictures to your Memory Stick.

The other important implementation is the new folder layout. The PSP no longer requires media files with special names if they are placed into the “MUSIC”, “PICTURE”, or “VIDEO” folders respectively. These folders are to be placed in the main directory of the PSP. Also note that previous arrangements of files will still function as usual. This feature will make it easier for newbie as well as all PSP users to organize their media.

Download: Sony PSP Update Page [or via PSP WIFI: Settings -> Network Update]
Related: PSP Firmare v2.70 Information
Links: How To Transfer Videos To PSP via WIFI

Digg Search Widget v2.00 3

On June 6, 2006, the long awaited Digg v3 went live. Along with this update came a brand new theme, new sets of feeds, and plenty of new features. To maximize compatibility we have released the Digg Search Widget v2.0, which has been rebuilt from scratch. Although the widget may look similar to the previous edition at first glance, this new widget incorporates tons of new features. v2.0 includes features such as an Advance Search, Digg v3 Themes, RSS Reader, Text To Speech, and Story Alerts. To get the Digg Search Widget you will need the Yahoo! Widget Engine installed (available for Windows & Macintosh). Please give this a try and let us know what you think. Suggestions and comments are welcome. Read More

Sony – Micro Vault Tiny 3

On July 11, 2006, Sony Electronics announced an extremely small thumb drive called the Micro Vault Tiny. The Micro Vault Tiny, which is only a half-inch wide and an inch long, will be offered in capacities of up to 4GB. The drives are “color-coded” by capacity: 256MB (orange), 512MB (violet), 1GB (blue), 2GB (green) and 4GB (purple). Sony has also pre-installed compression software called Virtual Expander, which “expands” the capacity of the drive by compressing and decompressing files. The Micro Vault Tiny is now shipping in sizes 256MB to 2GB; however the 4GB model will not be available until later this year.

No specific price for any model has been set yet, but suggested retail is between $29.99 and $199.99 depending on capacity. Although these drives look fashionable, are extremely small, and are a brand-name product, they are way too over priced for the practical consumer. For example a no-name bulky 2GB USB 2.0 thumb drive, which may actually be more durable, will probably cost less than half of what Sony is charging.

Links: Sony Press Release
Related: Sony E Series Walkman

Free International Skype Calls 1

In May 2006, Skype officially announced that all “Skype Out” calls to any landline phone in the United States would be free. To offer users another bonus, Skype will offer free international calls for three consecutive weekends. Starting this weekend, any Skype user located in the United States or Canada can call phone in the United Kingdom for free. The calls will be free on weekends as follows: U.K. on July 15-16, Mexico on July 22-23 and Japan on July 29-30. No action on your part is required, just login to Skype on the days mentioned above and make a call!

“This free international calling offer is yet another way Skype is making it easy and affordable for people in the U.S. and Canada to try Skype and discover the benefits … ” – Don Albert, General Manager

Skype, which is now a part of eBay, has become one of the most successful VoIP services. The free application is now available around the world in 27 languages and is constantly gaining more new features. Skype will run on Windows, Macintosh, Linux, and some Mobile OSs. By offering incentives to customers such as free “Skype Out” days, Skype has successfully attracted millions of users. Lets just hope Skype remains free of cost and advertising. And be sure to try this offer when it become available.

Links: Offical Skype Announcement | Get Skype
Related: Skype Out Calls Now Free (USA)

Verizon Wireless: Chaperone 1

Last week Verizon Wireless announced a brand new service, entitled “Chaperone”, which is intended to help parents keep track of their children. The new “chaperone” service works by tracking the child’s phone by using the GPS technologies, which the majority of new phones have. This service goes a step further by plotting their child’s location on a real-time map which is accessible either from Verizon’s website or from the parent’s phone. Another neat feature called Child Zone, permits parents to set boundaries of where their child should be at different times of the day. If their child were to leave the set boundaries, an alert would be issued to the parent’s phone.

“Chaperone gives parents an added tool for keeping in contact with their children,” – Lee Daniels, Verizon Product Director

The tracking service will work with phones such as the LG Migo, which is meant for young children, however will also work with many standard phones such as the Motorola RAZR. The only drawback with the service is the price. The basic locating services will cost $9.99/phone and the Child Zone services will cost $19.99. The service would definitely be more popular if plans were cheaper than they currently are.

Links: Verizon Wireless Press Release
Related: Verizon Moto Q Released

Upcoming DS & PSP Games: July 1

The following is an offical list of games that will be released for the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) and the Nintendo Dual Screen (DS) in North America for June 2006. Note: This was the accurate list of games as of 05.29.06, games may be removed and new ones may be added later. Check PlayStation and/or Nintendo for the most accurate information. You may also wish to search our archives for previous release lists and reviews.

Sony PlayStation Portable:

• Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light – NIS America
• Carol Vorderman’s Sudoku – Empire
• Def Jam®: Fight for NYâ„¢: The Takeover – Electronic Arts
• Miami Viceâ„¢ – Vivendi Games
• NCAA Football 07 – Electronic Arts
• Payout Poker and Casino – Namco
• Stackedâ„¢ with Daniel Negreanu – Myelin Media
• Tekken®: Dark Resurrection – Namco
• Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth – Square Enix

Nintendo DS:

• Contact – Atlus
• Freedom Wings – Natsume
• Micro Machines V4 – Codemasters
• Monster House – THQ

Links: Nintendo DS Game List | Sony PSP Game List