I got so much inspiration from the presenters and other attendees at the conference; getting back to basics and realizing that you need to be the driving force behind ideas is what it’s all about. Don’t wait for the requirements of your projects to innovate, you’ll never get what you want out of that, unless you get lucky with a few here and there. What I really learned was that the fun lies in the exploration of new concepts and teqhniques, not in the “this doesn’t fit my current project, so I wont look at it” attitude. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve skipped over something just because I didn’t think I could use it right then and there. Keeping the big picture in mind – innovation, integration, and imagination – is key for me.

Here’s a link to the talks that were there. You can follow the links to get back to phparchitect, and all the awesome presenters that were there! If you’re a coder, you have to go to this thing next year, it was quite alot of fun!
http://cw.mtacon.com/schedule/city/new-york

Sure enough, this lovely gem should be annouced officially by Verizon today for release to their customers. I am always a fan of the fixed keyboard, and that’s what really kept me away from the iPhone (although I officially recognize its awesomeness). This offering from Motorolla shapes up to be a real beauty; too bad I don’t have upgrade ready – maybe I’ll be lucky enough to have the retail price under $300.

Here are a few more links for ya! Nice site Phandroid.com!

http://phandroid.com/2009/05/28/verizon-android-phones-are-officially-coming/

http://phandroid.com/2009/10/06/verizon-to-make-an-android-announcement/

Sure, sure, the kids are all excited about iTunes LP and their fancy “lyrics” and “album art.” You know what we’re psyched about? Finally being able to manage our iPhone apps directly from iTunes 9. It works pretty much exactly as you’d expect, although we were able to make it do some minorly wonky things — and we’re psyched about the AutoFill-esque music sync feature that fills any remaining space on your phone with music.

We’re also pumped about the new Home Sharing fearture in iTunes 9, which lets you transfer content between five different machines directly without screwing around with network shares or USB drives. We’ve seriously been waiting for a feature like this since iTunes sharing was first launched — it also works exactly like you’d expect, and we think it’ll make managing media across multiple machines much, much easier.

Iomega just expanded its StorCenter NAS line with the new-four bay StorCenter ix4-200d. Just like the smaller ix2, the ix4 can handle pretty much whatever you throw at it: filesharing over a laundry list of protocols, streaming to iTunes, an Xbox 360, handling your Time Machine backups — it can even take video directly off Axis-brand IP surveillance cameras. On the hardware side, you’re looking at dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, three USB ports for printer sharing and additional storage, and a “QuikTransfer” button that’ll let yo copy files directly from a flash drive to the NAS without a computer. The downside? You’ll have to pay for all that power: the 2TB version costs $700, and the top-of-the-line 8TB model will set you back a whopping $1,900. Yes, you can just get a dedicated server for that kind of money, but then you wouldn’t be able to say you were rolling with NAS, now would you?

Isn’t it a little sad to be living out your boyhood fantasies of excitement and danger vicariously, behind the wheel of your ’92 Buick Roadmaster station wagon? On the other hand, perhaps you’re ready to put away your childhood dreams and hit the road in a manner more befitting your average schlub.

The official Homer Simpson voice skin for the TomTom GPS features the voice of the iconic cartoon dad, including such gems as “Take the third right. We might find an ice cream truck! Mmm…ice cream.” Psyched? We bet you are. Hopefully, there is a “Doh!” when you miss that turn on a one way street without another turn for a quarter mile.

Oh god, I’m in viewing bliss. After buying a 22″ widescreen from Acer just weeks ago, I saw this baby at costco yesterday for only $10 more, and it’s got speakers! Forget about paying $400+ for a small lcd tv, just buy this thing and you’re good to go!

It’s got hdmi, vga, and dvi in, and wouldn’t you know it, they ship it will ALL THREE cables. I’ve had a smile on my face all day. Do yourself a favor though and put it at least 3 ft from you, it’s a little overwhelming at closer distances.

I just realized the other day that the amount I’ve spent on Logitech Equipment in the last few years would buy me almost two new laptops (Acer Aspire I @ $300/ea). Beyond the fact that this is a fantastic company that has produced phenomenal interface equipment, I found it interesting how much money I’ve spent not so much with this one company, but that my spending on devices and gadgets has gone through the roof over the last few years. I just read about a new development in the ‘Cloud Computing’ field of modular components for all gadgets, and realize how ludicrous that market is going to become in the next 3-5 years.

The article I read mentioned that there are a few companies working on modular components for all electronic devices, such as battery, cpu/processor modules, etc. I consider that great news, as I’ve gotten quite sick of how compartmentalized the device market has been ever since its inception. I mean, seriously, how many different connector types do they have to make to send essentially the same charge voltage to a Lithium-Ion battery on a cell phone? It’s things like these that need to go: charge chords, connectors, adapters, etc.

I look forward to the days that may lie ahead, where I won’t have a cellphone, mp3 player, remote, streaming media device, etc to have to keep track of, all I have is my other ‘Brain(s)’. For home, you can stack a few of the CPU and memory modules together for extra power serving up HI DEF media throughout the house, as well as using a (GACK) chord to just tap right into your home electrical service. From there, for recharging the portable module batteries – inductive surfaces (which can also be used for all of your movable kitchen accessories: blender, coffee maker/grinder, etc).

Market adoption of a set of standards for this which uses all current technologies as a base would be sweet, but I can’t hope too far in that area. If anyone has 500M they’d like to drop on me, I’d be happy to help

This is the log of the LG Voyager, Star Date… ok sorry just saw the new Star Trek, forgive me. The Story of how I came to Verizon recently and picked up this phone is interesting, however random. Do you really want to hear the story or do you want me to talk about this phone? Something tells me you’re here to learn about the phone

First off, after using this phone for the better part of a week, I really have sacrificed great software (Android) for great hardware. And that’s almost an even trade: the HTC G1 hardware is like a Ford Taurus, if that Ford Taurus broke in one year not 5. I was already on my first replacement G1 after only 4 months, and that one was starting to fail as well.

So that’s the short version of the story… although during this review I will be lavishing great praise on the Android platform; if the Voyager had a version of it, I would be in sweet phone tecchie bliss

The phone is lightweight but large enough to have a nice screen, the touchscreen feels solid, love the well done QWERTY touchscreen keys on the top display. The dual displays and Env. format of foldout to full QUERTY is well done and I can see LG made lots of improvements to the idea of the Env. The multiple volume control settings are great, almost overkill; QWERTY keyboard is spectacular, flip open phone for automatic speakerphone awesome, and I like the mouse nav on the foldout keyboard for browsing. I certainly miss the Androids Web Browser, I’m almost half tempted to keep the G1 as just an Internet device for now, but it’s too hot on the market to justify hanging onto its shoddy hardware that’s worth $300 +

The Voyager also has a nice 2 MP camera, which utterly destroys what is most likely the crappiest modern cellphone camera on the G1. Its fairly large, but feels good up to your ear, not the bulkiness of the IPhone or G1. I am utterly dazzled with the camera and video settings, very well done! Side keylock feature is great, and the construction of the shell is solid; you really feel like you have a $400 phone in your hands. (I got it for 1c on amazon)

Now onto the software: LG, please hire some designers, I feel like i’m looking at 1995 here. The touchscreen market is hyper competitive so step up to the plate and see what you can do. The reason I’m so critical of the design is b/c that’s really the main point I find lacking: menu system is good, it’s easy to find what you need to tweak in settings, get to web/email, text, etc, so that’s mostly there. Touchscreen controls can be a little off, but this phone is certainly no slouch on all around solid construction, excellent hardware, and ease of use. I would say the #1 thing I miss besides the easier web nav on the G1 is the lack of support for apps: Google maps wont run on this beast, laaaaame! (but the reason is Verizon wants extra money from you for the VZ nav, although it’s really worth it). There also does not appear to be any WIFI support, although I could be wrong. This is not as big of a deal though, as I’m now on the best 3G network, and paying less than half of what Tmobile was charging me to be on theirs. Paying more than twice as much for half as much? now you know why they lost a customer

Overall, If you want a new phone for elegant touchscreen features, either wait until android opens up to other phones, or get an Iphone. Att’s services are slightly more expensive, but they also have great 3G coverage, and the rollover minutes are always good.
I am going to miss android for while (as soon as this thing sells on ebay), but It wont be too long until it opens up to other hardware.

I was reading the new GameInformer and saw this newsclip about a new console. *Sigh* right? Not exactly. Go watch this movie and then come back. I really dont need to say much about this ‘console’ and basicly new way of playing games, other than YESSSS!!!!! Here’s why I think it’s gonna redefine gaming for everyone, not just console users:

1. Portability
   Anywhere there is broadband there is the service. Forget about toting around your console and games, they’re all online.
2. Upgradeability
   I haven’t researched the hardware in any great depth yet, but it looks like the games are delivered as a service, so you dont have to worry about your hardware going out of date as quickly as the consoles appear to (at least with XBOX).
4. Integrated Community
   PC and Console users together (at last?)
5. Easier to preview and purchase and/or rent games

More demos, A service which (I belive) allows you to play On-Demand style.

So if i said or hinted at anything incorrectly here’s a few links for you to check out.
NerdWorld, GameInformer

Either way this thing is Doooope! Hope it’s not a jillion dollers because I’m gonna want one!

Just read in the new Maximum PC about EFI now being available for OSX on any PC, sawwweeet! The price isn’t too too bad, considering what you will have access too, but I would honestly wait until it drops down as it takes more market share. Here’s the retail link to buy, keep an eye on this good stuff! I would honestly even look into buying the Motherboard combo from that company, looks like a solid deal all around. For the Uubernerds out there, check this article out from Intel. If anyone buys this hardware please add your comments here I’d love to hear about it! Happy OsX’ing!

Man am I glad I went onto torrents a few weeks ago and grabbed the ISO for the W7 beta, almost makes the $120 I wasted on Vista Home Premium in a Panic worth it!

But Before you read this, I’m going to make an OSX plug: There is a new portable technology out there called EFT (Extensable Firmware Tech) that allows you to run OSX on ANY PC build! So seriously, after reading this, check out this link before you start planning on renewing your subscription to the Windows Colossus.

First and foremost, this OS is w/o doubt a nice improvement over XP. The sad and depressing (and all too typical of Microsoft) thing is that it took ALMOST TEN YEARS and Billions of dollars to accomplish. This is a pathetic failure, and although this OS is usable, ie not like Vista, it is a sad day in the history of this company that they are only now just barely beginning to approach the shadow of competition with apple’s awesome port of BSD Unix (OSX).

W7 64B has clean support for non-64B programs, very well done. So far, very very little will not run on this machine. I have recently taken a shining to Aptana Studio, which doesn’t seem to work right (yet), but other than that, I have plenty of other IDE’s I use and enjoy, so this certainly doesn’t hold me up. There are two folders, one for X86, and one for 64Bit. So far, the only 64B install I have is Photoshop, and honestly, I dont see a huge improvement in speed over 32B. But I think having an OS that takes advantage of hardware that’s been available for years can’t hurt, and the boys at redmond seem to be finally getting the memory and resource thing figured out; I have encountered far less hangups on this machine in the time I’ve been using W7.

One thing I really like about W7 is the windowing system. Here’s a nice shot of the neat rollover previews you now get when your shortcut icons have an active item or items open:

This also works well with multiple folders open as well:

Even cooler, rolling over the rollover previews shows you a quick view of the window w/o having to go into it! On a sidenote, I’ve been told Vista Does this already, but it’s either not available in home premium, or I just never enabled it, etc. W7 came out of the box like this, although I do have ultimate.

Another feature I really like is libraries, which allow you to keep track of directories or groups of directories and files, which I use quite a bit for projects. Let’s say you have your code files, your legal documents, spreadsheets, etc, all in distinct places, but want quick views by project to those files. Libraries helps you get that done very easy by adding library folders with references to each top level directory or file you want to have in that particular group. Good stuff.

For drivers, I haven’t really had any trouble with any devices I’ve installed, and you’re talking about a whizzbang tecchie Uubernerd with serious gadgetItis, so that’s saying something If you’re holding back on XP b/c of this, I would say jump right in, the waters fine; however, some older programs and hardware might have a little trouble.

All in all, honestly I do feel W7 is worth the purchase this coming fall, however, I would really love to check out OSX w/o having to get locked into a Steve Jobs nightmare box I can’t tweak the hardware on! (yes i know about the G5, i dont have 3 grand or whatever ridiculous amount they charge to get a PC-like box, lame!)

If you haven’t upgraded from XP yet b/c of the bad Vista news, I would say 7 is the one for you. If you already have Vista like my sorry arse, and feel ripped off like I do, download Release Candidate 7 and enjoy it free for a year!

Skype is coming to the iPhone on Tuesday and BlackBerry devices in May. While we’ve seen plenty of Skype-capable apps on the iPhone, the poor, often echo-infected calls should be easily bested by the official Skype App that doesn’t need the extra audio transcoding workaround required by the existing crop of unofficial apps. The Skype app works over WiFi only (not over EDGE or 3G data) and supports calls to SkypeOut contacts in addition to many of the other features you’ve used from the desktop client. iPod touch owners will require earphones with an embedded mic to talk. CNET has a hands-on preview of the App which you can view by clicking here.

While still unoffical and a rumor, GigaOM reports Skype for iPhone client will be launched as early as next week, and with CTIA kicking off on April 1st, we’d say the timing is just about ideal. Of course, we’ve already seen a variety of alternatives for bringing Skype and other VoIP apps to Apple’s phone, but by and large, they’ve been very unimpressive. We believe this is even more plausable due to the new push improvements and iPhone Os 3.0 around the corner. There’s no word on pricing (we’re hoping for free) or any other tasty tidbits, but you can bet we’ll be keeping tabs on this one.

Much of the iPhone OS 3.0 news seemed developer-centric, but there are certainly plenty of consumer implications down the road, along with long-awaited functions like copy and paste, A2DP, MMS and universal Spotlight search. Improvements include:

App and developer functionality

• Peer-to-peer connectivity over Bluetooth for gaming and other info-swapping.
• Paid apps will have the potential to be subscription fee-based, and can include optional paid content that can be bought from right inside the app.
• Developers can now build apps that call out to Google Maps, and can also finally bring Apple-blessed turn-by-turn to the phone.
• Devs can also connect with hardware accessories over in their apps now, such as a blood pressure monitor — or perhaps a keyboard? Connectivity works through the dock connector or over Bluetooth.
• Long-promised push functionality will at last be included, but apps won’t run in the background.
• Developers can add streaming video and audio to their apps, along with in-game voice use.

General functionality

• Cut, copy and paste. At last! You can shake the phone to undo and redo the action, and it works with both text and photos, allowing Mail to send multiple photos at a time.
• MMS, along with forward and delete for multiple messages.
• A2DP stereo Bluetooth.
• Unlocked Bluetooth functionality on 2G iPod touch.
• Spotlight has been added to a new home screen page to the left of existing pages, allowing for universal search on the phone.
• Tethering is built into 3.0, and Apple will work with carriers on that — who will have the last say on its implementation, most likely.
• App Store will be available in 77 countries.
• Parental controls for TV shows, movies and App Store apps.
• Auto-login for WiFi hotspots.

Apple apps

• A new app called Voice Memos which lets you record notes and reminders.
• A revised Stocks app, with news stories and a landscape view.
• Landscape view available for Mail, Text and Notes.
• CalDAV support has been added to Calendar, along with subscriptions support in the .ics format.
• Apple’s major apps have all been expanded with search functionality.
• Note syncing to Mac and PC.
• YouTube account support.
• Form auto-fill.
• Phishing protection.
• Shake the shuffle iPod playback.

A developer beta of OS 3.0 is available today, and the 3.0 update will be coming to consumers this summer as a free update to all iPhone 3G customers. It’ll also work for 1st gen iPhone owners, though they won’t receive A2DP or MMS due to hardware limitations. iPod touch owners will be able to update for $9.95, just like last time.

iPhone OS 3.0 Presentation

Check out the apple presentation here if our copy of the video is not working.

Samsung are suggesting that their SSD “Awesomeness” test rig was intended to show the flexibility and speed of solid-state drives. I think they just want to prompt screenshots like this one, with twenty-four 256GB SATA-II SSDs spilling out of a massive RAID setup, offering 6TB raw capacity and 2121.29MB/sec sequential read and 2000.195MB/sec sequential write speeds. Video after the break.

The stats are pretty darn impressive: the test rig is capable of loading the entirety of Microsoft Office in half a second, while ripping a full 700MB DVD took a little longer at 0.8 seconds. Opening 53 full apps took place in 18.09 seconds.

Of course, if you want to set up your own system using 24 of Samsung’s 256GB SATA-II SSDs, you’ll need to have a fair amount in savings. Final pricing for the drive hasn’t been announced, but previous estimates have pegged it at roughly $500 per unit; that means $12,000 on storage alone, before you take into account the rest of the RAID hardware needed.

This week at the Geneva auto show, experimental car company Rispeed unveiled its new model: the iChange.

What’s so interesting about this car? For one, it has no doors. It can be accessed through the roof. An iPhone controls the locks and ignition, so it also doesn’t require keys.

The car is fundementally a one seater, but at the push of a button can transform into a three seater. The idea is that the car will be more efficient and help cut down on energy costs and emissions if it is more streamlined and aerodynamic.

The iChange is completely electric. Perhaps it looks like a sports car at the moment, but this technology just might be the future of the auto industry.

Michigan is currently one of the states suffering the hardest from the failing automotive industry and its heavy-handed attempts to receive bail out money. I would love if they used some of that monetary relief to start fresh and incorporate new, inexpensive ideas so that they public can start purchasing cars once again.

Besides all the work going into putting the finishing touches on Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft is keeping itself busy preparing for Office 14. Whereas you’ll get IE 8 as a free download, and pay a pretty penny for Windows 7, the company looks like it’s splitting the difference for Office 14, revealing that it will be available in a version supported by embedded advertisements.

Microsoft said that a version of Office with ads would be a solution to the problem of how to make money off the millions of people pirating its products. If people are going to be using the software without paying for it up front, the company at least wants them watching the ads, letting it generate an ongoing stream of revenue from advertisers.

While that sounds like an innovative solution, and certainly seems better than doing nothing at all about piracy, it doesn’t look like it adds up into a sound strategy. The plan was mentioned as an additional revenue stream to traditional licenses, suggesting that if the plan takes off, it will be released separately from the full, paid version. It’s pretty safe to assume that the ad-supported copy would be somewhat stripped down from full functionality, as a lack of ads alone doesn’t seem enough to drive sales. Pirates being pirates, even if there’s a free option available, they’re likely to continue copying the paid version.

We’re curious to see if Microsoft actually follows through with the plan, though as Office 14 won’t be out until 2010, we’ve still got a bit of a wait in store. Unfortunately, we do not yet have a screenshot but will post one once we do. Feel free to drop a line and let us know your opinion.

Every office dwelling geek knows that you just can’t blow away the competition with a stock piece of equipment. Nerf warfare is no different. These guys from HNet Inc. did what they had to do to become the dominant force in their offices Nerf wars. They built their own high power Nerf rifle. Using some PVC, a sprinkler valve, and a bicycle pump, they made a Nerf gun that can fire roughly 300 feet. You can see a video of it in action after the break.

Wired reports “Panasonic has figured out a plan how to sell off its $70,000, 103-inch TVs in a tough economy. Sell them to companies in the business of building other niche applications, and have them put together a gadget that an even fewer number of people can appreciate.

That doesn’t sound economically feasible at all, you say. But I bet you didn’t take this into account: The plan’s begat a multi-touch version of air hockey! Sounds like a great plan to me.

First previewed at the Integrated Systems Europe 2009 show in Amsterdam last week (the European version of CEDIA), Multi-Touch Air Hockey is a venture between Panasonic and U-Touch. The hardware tweak was supplied by U-Touch, adding multitouch-capabilities, and the software was built by London-based ui Centric.

The way you play is by ‘holding on’ to a virtual air hockey mallet using your fingers, just like you would with the regular grip for air hockey. Already, some people have noted that the mallets don’t react fast enough to hand movements and that you probably don’t get the same satisfaction from hitting like in the real game.

What’s interesting about this is that using a touch screen changes up the spectator tension originally present in the game. Before, you’d watch in the off-chance that a hard-hit disc would spin out of the table and smack someone in the head. Here, players will inevitably use their upper body to put a lot of pressure on each of their touches, which will surely lead to fractured screens and too-excited players plunging through.

At the moment, the touch hockey game will be used as a demo at various functions to show off the technology. It isn’t yet on sale.

And to be fair, Panasonic actually has been more successful selling this giant TV in the last year than we’re letting on. They’ve fit in perfectly in various Las Vegas casinos, sports stadiums, and big-company headquarters. So don’t cry for them yet, and instead pressure them into building an ever bigger version of the table with their 150-inch TV. Giant touchscreen pong anyone?”

There’s yet another case of heavy handedness from Apple in rejecting potential apps from the iPhone store. The creators of South Park have put almost all of their back episodes online at South Park Studios for Flash-based streaming, and last year it was announced to fans that they would be putting together an iPhone app to give mobile users access to that content.

Now Boing Boing is reporting that the app is “dead in the water” because Apple has rejected it twice for being “potentially offensive.” Goodness knows there’s a lot of offensive content on the App Store, so it’s really hard to see how Apple is holding any kind of line of good taste here (if that even applies in this case). Boing Boing’s original post from last year announcing the app reveals something of how nice the interface was going to be. I can’t help but hope that the evolving standards of the app store that eventually allowed in applications like RSS Player (which was previous banned as Podcaster) will come round for the South Park app. I can’t wait for the backlash in one of the many episodes from now to 2011 being produced.