Emoji Keyboard in iOS 5 for iPad

There is nothing that gives me more joy than learning something new. And today, I learned something new. I have been using iOS 5 already for few weeks without knowing that Apple added a new keyboard...

The Emoji Keyboard!

The Fujitsu Stylistic Q550 Slate

Linda Epstein has recently reviewed the The Fujitsu Stylistic Q550 Slate, a TabletPc so easy to use tha a squirrel can use it.

This TabletPc is using Windows 7 in an Atom processor, this means that it's giving up performance against battery life, in this case, 8 hours. Another point is the HDD of only 64Gb (32Gb the cheapest one). Today a HDD of that side is practically nothing. The price is not bad. The 32Gb version is $729 and the 64Gb is $849. This machine has a dual digitizer, so it's touch capable and it uses too a digital pen. The best of the both worlds. The ink experience is really good on it according to Linda.

Dell Latitude ST Windows 7 Tablet

The Dell Latitude ST is a TabletPc running a full version of Windows 7 with an Intel Atom processor.

Still there is not any other info about this device beside what is in this video.

GumDrop cases

Gumdrop cases are one of the best cases in the market. They are a little bit expensive but when you are talking about an iPad 2, with a price tag starting in the $400, my guess is that you want to be sure that's well protected.

Gumdrop cases have served numerous schools where they have survived numerous tests including smashing iPad's against the wall, dropping down, Etc., but the best reviews are the one coming from the actual owners of these cases.

"User 1: This is a great heavy duty case. I teach special education so I needed something that would protect my ipad if it were to get dropped, stepped on, or even thrown across the room. This is a great case and I would definitely recommend it."

"User 2: I've been using this case for about a month now and it is one of the best cases I've found for the iPad 2. This case is something I would have expected from otter box. The versatility of the case and the superior protection is amazing. I have a 2 year old that loves to carry my iPad around and with her dropping it and the sticky fingers this is one of the only case that protects against all of it. I love the interchangeable screen protector that just pops out when the case isn't on. Which allows you to change quickly and easily when it gets all scratched up. I would recommend this case to anyone looking for maximum protection. The only problem I've had or negative thing is that the home button is very sensitive so I accidentally press it a lot."

Apple's Security Myth

If you are one of those who think that using an Apple's product protects you of hackers and virus makers, think twice. Here is a video that proves that there are not prefect products even if they are made by Apple.

Very low price for the Asus Eee Transformer

The price for the Asus Eee Transformer has gone down a lot. Now you can buy the 32Gb model including the Keyboard/extended battery/docking station for less than $500! In my opinion, the Transformer is one of the best if not the best Android device in the market. The fact that you can use it with or without keyboard gives you the best of the two worlds. And with the keyboard which holds another battery you will get 16 hours of battery life! Two working days!

OCOSMOS OCS9 launch event!

I just got an update from Dynamism about the OCOSMOS OCS9 launch event!

Hi Frank,

I just wanted to update you on the OCOSMOS OCS9 launch event. The OCS9 and Smart O-Bar are now available for sale!

http://www.dynamism.com/top-notebooks/ocosmos-ocs9-tablet-pc.shtml

Shipments are expected by November 30th and all OCS9 orders placed through November 18th will receive a $50 instant rebate.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Best
Jason

Windows 8, sign and connect

Recently Microsoft revealed how is going to be the experience of login on to Windows 8:

After the first time a user connects your app to their Windows Live ID, the user will always have a seamless single sign-on experience from any Windows 8 PC where they are signed in with a Windows Live ID. The same extends to your website, where they get a single sign-on experience if they are signed in to their PC with a Windows Live ID or signed in to any site that supports Windows Live ID, such as Hotmail or SkyDrive.

If you are a developer click the link to the article to find some tips about how to start developing for Metro including this functionality.

And what about Office?

Recently PCWorld published a nice article about how Microsoft is redesigning all the elements in Windows 8, including the task manager.

It's interesting to see in that article something that IT professionals know very well, Outlook is a monster sucking resources. In overall, the whole Office Package is the most inefficient software from the point of view of how it uses the PC resources.

So the question to Microsoft is, is not time to do the same with Office?

BoxWave stylus now just $10

After testing few capacitive styluses I ended permanently using one made by BoxWave which price is now $10, that's 9 dollars cheaper than when I bought it. By buying this product you are helping to support this blog. Thanks.

OCOSMO OCS9

OCOSMO OCS9 is a new TabletPc that's about to be released by Dynamism. This machine will come with Windows 7 installed and there is where all the problems start. Despite the really short booting time, check the video at Dynamism, having Windows 7 in this machine is wrong! The machine comes with a 16Gb or a 32Gb SSD. This means that there won't be almost any space left in the 16Gb one after installing Office 2010 on top of whatever version of W7 comes in that machine. That will push many users to go with the 32Gb one. The 32Gb one will run into the same problem in few months. Whoever has used an 16Gb iPad will tell you that all it takes is few 3D or simulations games to run out of storage space. In Windows World everything uses more space. I have a TabletPC with 60 Gb HDD and I had a lot of problems last week trying to free 9Gb to backup my iPad before the iOS 5 upgrade.


Even when the idea is that a TabletPc should be used as a complementary machine and never as your main one, the fact is that that does not apply to an immense number of users. Today a machine running Windows and having a storage capacity of less than 100Gb is almost useless for huge percentage of users. Definitely, it's not recommended for college students.


Another problem is the Atom processor used in this machine. Just check the video include at Dynamism and you will notice that the Launching interface included in the OSC9 does run smooth. You may say that the games are but games sometime are tricky because you are running them at a lower resolution. The fact is that the OSC9 have issues running a graphic interface in the native resolution. Is this important? No, unless you want to mimic a Tablet or you are a gamer. But definitely is something to be consider.


Now, keep in mind that I have not seen or tested the machine. I checked the specifications and watched a demo video. I would wait for a real owner review before scratching it from your Christmas list. The external design to this machine is really appealing.

iOS 5 update, a catastrophe

If you search in Google, you will find it in mostly all Mac/Apple forums, but, I do not know why, may be paying respect to Jobs, only few important pages are talking about the bad planned iOS 5 upgrade. And what worries me now is the question, is Apple ready to handle the whole traffic that iOS 5 will create with the new "Backup in the Cloud" concept and the coming new upgrades? It seems to me that they are not prepared. I could install iOS 5 in my iPad only 12 hours after the release and activate the Backup in the Cloud option only after 36 hours. And I still cannot create my first backup. The servers are so slow that took me more than 4 hours to download the 707Mb iOS file. The speed was comparable with the one we had in a old 56kb Modem.

What can I say about iOS 5?
There are few neat new features like the Tabs in Safari.




The Reader option in some pages.




The split keyboard that makes easier typing with two fingers.



But, let's be realistic. Nothing out the ordinary or innovative.

Wi-Drive for iPad and iPhone

The Wi-Drive is one of those accessories that is not perfect thanks to the ridiculous restrictions imposed by Jobs to Apple's products. This accessory is an external SSD that allows you to share information with your iPad or iPhone. In this way you do not have to use the space in your iPad with movies and other files that you can easily access via WiFi from the Wi-Drive. Why is not perfect? Because thanks to Apple's restrictions you cannot copy files from your iPad to this device.

This is part of the legacy left behind by Jobs. These cases make me believe that in the same amount that Jobs contributed in the technology progress, he is also responsible for making this progress slower.

Navigation App for Windows Phone 7

NAVIGON Launches First On-Board Navigation App for Windows Phone 7 Smartphones Premium GPS App for Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) Provides Turn-by-Turn Directions without a Cell Phone Signal, NAVIGON also Releases Free traffic4all App

Hamburg, Germany, October 11, 2011,--NAVIGON AG, a leading provider of mobile phone on-board navigation, today announced the launch of the first on-board navigation app for Windows Phone 7 smartphones. NAVIGON's app is available for Windows Phone 7.5 users and takes advantage of new features made available to developers with this new release such as the ability to save an address to the start screen. In addition, NAVIGON also launches a free traffic app for Windows Phone 7, traffic4all.

Similar to a standalone navigation device, NAVIGON for Windows Phone 7 works in areas without a cell phone signal, so users can get directions and information anytime, anywhere. Other navigation apps for Windows Phone 7 are dependent on a cell phone connection to download map and routing data. Therefore, no cell signal can render navigation useless or interrupted until a connection is reestablished.

"We are pleased to bring our award-winning navigation app to Windows Phone 7," said Gerhard Mayr, NAVIGON vice-president of worldwide mobile phones and new markets. "The app includes many of the same signature features that have made NAVIGON's apps successful on other platforms, such as Android and iPhone. The user interface is fully customized to the Windows Phone 7 experience, so users of this platform will feel right at home."

NAVIGON for Windows Phone 7 includes spoken turn-by-turn directions, visual lane guidance, live traffic information and rerouting, among many other features. NAVIGON's new app runs on Windows Phone 7.5 and also takes advantage of new features made available to developers with this new release. These features include the augmented reality function Reality Scanner, which provides an instant and effortless way of identifying nearby destinations while on foot; an option to select address information directly from the phone's contact list; and the ability to save a favorite or home address as a shortcut on the start screen.

NAVIGON for Windows Phone 7 features include:
· NAVIGON MyRoutes: The app includes routing technology built upon NAVIGON's 20 years of experience in the navigation industry, so users get the most reliable routes available. The MyRoutes feature provides customized route suggestions with up to three different choices based on the user's driving style.
· Reality View Pro and Lane Assistant Pro: Reality View Pro feature clearly displays photo-realistic views of actual highway/interstate signs, exits, and lane guide markers so users can see lane changes and exits in advance. Lane Assistant Pro prepares drivers to make an upcoming exit or turn with a lane map complete with arrows and actual road geometry.
· NAVTEQ® maps: NAVIGON for Windows Phone 7 uses one of the most robust and accurate geographic databases in the world, providing the most accurate map data and points-of-interest information. The superiority of NAVTEQ® maps is defined by its verified accuracy, content richness, and its breadth of coverage data.
· Traffic Live: NAVIGON for Windows Phone 7--using real-time traffic information available from industry leader INRIX--alerts drivers to traffic problems and automatically calculates alternative routes so they can avoid congestion and save time.
· Reality Scanner: Reality Scanner is an augmented reality feature, providing an instant and effortless way of identifying nearby destinations. Users simply point their smartphone in any direction to see points-of-interest icons appear directly onto a live camera view, making it easy to find destinations on foot.
· NAVIGON Shortcut: Save any address as a shortcut to the Windows Phone 7 start screen. This allows users to start navigating, for example to their home address, with only one click.
· Speed Assistant: Drivers can potentially avoid costly tickets by receiving alerts when they're speeding and getting notified of speed and red light cameras before they pass them.

Additional features include Google Local Search, which allows users to find local points-of-interest instantly; one-tap access to help users find critical services such as hospitals and police stations in case of an emergency; and the ability to select address information directly from the phone's contact list.

NAVIGON traffic4all Windows 7 App
In addition to its turn-by-turn navigation app for Windows Phone 7, NAVIGON also announced a free traffic app: traffic4all helps drivers to avoid gridlock and save time by providing a clear overview of traffic conditions. NAVIGON developed an intuitive user interface that displays traffic incidents on a map with a single hit of a button. Colored road overlays indicate traffic flow, ranging from green for normal to red for traffic congestion or black/white for blocked roads. The app also allows users to plan ahead and look up traffic forecasts by entering a specific time and location.
traffic4all uses traffic information from NAVIGON's partner INRIX. The leading traffic expert covers more roads than any other provider, delivering real-time traffic information that extends beyond major highways and interstates covering more than two million miles in North America and Europe.

Pricing and Availability
NAVIGON for Windows Phone 7 includes on-board NAVTEQ maps for the USA and is available for $49.99 in the Windows Marketplace. NAVIGON offers a special introductory price of $29.99 until November 15, 2011.
NAVIGON traffic4all is available at no cost in the Windows Phone Marketplace. An upgrade option for $1.49 turns off the integrated ads. For more information, please visit: www.navigon.com.

Find NAVIGON on:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/NAVIGON_US
Facebook:www.navigon.com/facebook
Flickr: www.navigon.com/flickr
YouTube: www.navigon.com/youtube

About NAVIGON AG - a GARMIN company: Germany-based NAVIGON AG was founded in 1991 and is a leading supplier of satellite navigation products. In July 2011, the company was acquired by Garmin Ltd. and operates as a fully owned subsidiary. The NAVIGON brand offers mobile navigation devices (PNDs), smartphone navigation applications, and solutions for the automotive OEM industry.

Netflix, what the heck is going on?

Let me start with a copy of the email that I received today and after that I'll post my comment on it.

Dear FRANK,

It is clear that for many of our members two websites would make things more difficult, so we are going to keep Netflix as one place to go for streaming and DVDs.

This means no change: one website, one account, one password…in other words, no Qwikster.

While the July price change was necessary, we are now done with price changes.

We're constantly improving our streaming selection. We've recently added hundreds of movies from Paramount, Sony, Universal, Fox, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, MGM and Miramax. Plus, in the last couple of weeks alone, we've added over 3,500 TV episodes from ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, USA, E!, Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, ABC Family, Discovery Channel, TLC, SyFy, A&E, History, and PBS.

We value you as a member, and we are committed to making Netflix the best place to get your movies & TV shows.

Respectfully,

The Netflix Team

Is there anyone at Netflix thinking for a minute before taking decisions and make them public? Is there anyone at Netflix conducting customers' surveys asking simple questions like "Do you want to see two separate bills coming from what's now one service"? Is there any one at Netflix using what is call common sense?

I was about to cancel my DVD subscription when I received the email about the separation of the two services (by the way, who is the one coming with these names!? Qwikster?).

It seems to me that somebody needs to be fired at Netflix to end all this chain of bad decisions that have ended aggravating customers. I understand that Netflix is trying to make money, but I really believe that these bad marketing decisions have resulted in a complete opposite reaction. Is anyone at Netflix checking the number of accounts cancelled per month or even weeks? Is there a Marketing Department or everything is coming from a Micromanager AKA CEO?

I hope that everything ends here because Netflix is no longer the only streaming and DVD source available.

Ink in Windows 8

One of the features that I like most in a TabletPc is the "ink". So this report coming from WinTablet.info made my day. The post and video at the end of the page are in Spanish, but it's not that hard to understand what is all about. It seems that he recognition which is working in English only is not as good as in Windows 7 at least for now. There is a new version of Journal that "recognizes" better than the old one. The Recognizer Pad has been redesigned. New color, new buttons layout.

Steve Jobs has died

Steve Jobs has died. It's all over the news. The person who invented the fonts but was better known for those ideas that never gained a position in the market and thanks to him became best sellers, has passed away. The hole he will leave in Apple was noticed yesterday in the Keynote. Will Apple survive his dead? I really do not know. Many thing will change now in Apple without his dictatorship. That's for sure.

Anyway... Rest In Peace, Steve. You will be missed.

What browser are you using?

Recently I was checking the news and I found an interesting poll which result was that only a little bit more than 9% of users still was navigating the web with IE. I do not know Betanews so I can not give any opinion about them but I think that if we publish a poll in a page dedicated to MacOS, probably the winner would be Safari. Do not you think? And that does not mean that Safari is dominating the market.

To prove my point I went and checked the statistics of one of my pages.

IE 1224 users 43.1%
Firefox 686 users 24.1%
Other 346 users 12.2%
Chrome and Opera 226 users 7.9% each
Netscape 3 users 0.1%

43% is not that good but is not 9%! Polls sometime are tricky and far from representing the reality.