Archive for December, 2007

Sony release new PSP firmware

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

Sony PSP

If you have a Sony PSP, then you may be interested in the new Streaming Audio feature available in the latest PSP firmware, v3.80. This new feature can be used for listening to Internet Radio on your device. Also of interest, an update to the RSS reader means it can now display images too. The video player has also been updated with a video scene search feature.

It’s not clear if this firmware is released for UK PSPs yet, but if not, it won’t be long before it is.

Apple issues fix for keyboard problems

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

Macbook keyboard

If you’ve been suffering from keyboard problems with your MacBook or MacBook Pro running Leopard, then Apple has just released a fix which may help. Although it appears to have not fixed all the problems (such as missing the first character typed), the keyboard locking up for minutes on end problem seems to have been fixed.

Pocket Surfer 2 on special offer today…

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

PocketSurfer 2

If you are looking for a Pocket Surfer 2 for a Christmas pressie for someone, it’s currently on special offer at Aria, saving a few pounds, although stocks are running out fast.

Slingplayer and Slingplayer Mobile on 3 Review

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

Slingbox

As part of the Gold X-Series service from 3 UK, you can get a Slingbox and use the Slingplayer Mobile on your Symbian phone to remotely access the TV pictures. Ben from the 3 X-Series blog has had a thorough and in depth review published at SMS Text News, which is well worth a read here.

Dell PCs to become available from DSG

Tuesday, December 18th, 2007

Dell PC

Dell has entered into a deal with DSG bringing a retail presence to Dell in the UK. The deal with DSG covers PC World, Currys and Currys.digital stores, as well as Dixons online store. Although a major departure from Dell’s traditional sales model, this may help stimulate sales as people will be able to touch and feel the devices before purchasing.

From Pocket-Lint

3 release limited edition USB Modems

Tuesday, December 18th, 2007

3 USM Modem Black

3 have released a couple of limited edition versions of their USB Modem. The hardware and mobile broadband plans are the same, but the modem is now available in pink and black. These two new colours are available now, and at the same price as the original white.

3 mobile broadband 3GB

Google launch Google Sync for Mobile

Tuesday, December 18th, 2007

Google Sync Mobile

Last week Google launched Google Sync for Mobile, an application for keeping your mobile phone in sync with your Google Calendar. This is a BlackBerry only solution at the moment, although there are plenty of alternatives for smartphones, such as GooSync, which will work with any SyncML client. Once downloaded and installed, it automatically keeps your BlackBerry calendar in sync with your Google Calendar.

If you have a BlackBerry, and want to try it out (and have the ability to browse and install new applications), then head to http://m.google.com/sync on your BlackBerry browser.

BBC iPlayer now supports Mac and Linux

Monday, December 17th, 2007

BBC iPlayer

When the BBC first launched the iPlayer service, it was Windows only. Now the BBC have announced support for Mac and Linux, with programmes being streamed using Flash. However, some programmes are only available for download, as opposed to watching via a stream, and the download solution is still Windows only. However, it’s a step in the right direction.

Thanks to Roo Reynolds for the story and pic.

Last chance for the 3 SkypePhone competition…

Monday, December 17th, 2007

3 * 3 SkypePhone

Don’t forget, today is the last day to enter 3mobilebuzz’s competition to win some 3 SkypePhones. More details in our original article here.

Apple relents on custom ringtones

Monday, December 17th, 2007

iPhone

After blocking it before, and then making it just downright difficult, Apple have now relented and provided instructions on how to make ringtones for your iPhone. This support article for GarageBand, includes instructions on how to use it to create the ringtone. For non-Mac users, there are still plenty of methods available as before. You’ll need the latest iPhone firmware, the latest iTunes, and the latest GarageBand for this one though.

From TUAW [Via Screencastsonline]

Friday special; not available in the UK: UPOP U48S

Friday, December 14th, 2007

As a bit of light hearted relief for a Friday afternoon, we’re going to try a special article each week on a Friday, and highlight some gadget not available in the UK which we think should be!

This week, the UPOP U48S…

UPOP PMP

This is a PMP, but in a UMPC form factor. It features Windows CE 5.0, comes with 30Gb or 60b, SD card slot, WiFi, and a 4.8″ screen. It is also said to be compatible with Word, Excel and Powerpoint, which we assume are the Windows Mobile versions. It supports a wide range of video playback formats too.

There are no plans to bring the device to the UK at this time.

TomTom Link

Friday, December 14th, 2007

TomTom Link

The TomTom Link 300, or TomTom Work has just passed through the FCC. This device adds extra functions to a TomTom SatNav device by allowing you to read and select orders from your Head Office, exchange text messages with your Head Office, and register your working time and your breaks. The office can send delivery / pickup requests to the device, and the driver can send back status updates. In essence a range of functions useful to delivery drivers and anyone driving a vehicle for business purposes.

No pricing available as yet, and although it’s unlikely to be a piece of technology most of us will ever need, it’s a nice example of integration improving functionality. It will be interesting to see how simple or how advanced the Head Office systems needs to be to support this device.

Revo expand Blik range

Friday, December 14th, 2007

Revo Blik

Revo have already a couple of models in the Blik range; the Blik DAB (£49.95) and the Blik Wi-Fi (£99.95). These provide a DAB/FM radio or an Internet/FM radio. Now, Revo have added the Blik Radiostation to the range. This combines the two together, creating a DAB / Internet / FM radio in one. On top of that, it’s an Alarm Clock, and can act as an iPod / mp3 player speaker system too. The Blik Radiostation sells for a few pennies shy of £150, and should be available from next week.

Picasa Web Albums now formatted for iPhone / iPod Touch

Thursday, December 13th, 2007

Picasa Web mobile version

Google announced yesterday that they have updated their Picasa Web Albums (mobile version) to better support the iPhone / iPod Touch, with a completely redesigned and optimized the interface specifically for these devices. They have also added an iPhone-only slideshow feature.

Orb supporting iPhone

Thursday, December 13th, 2007

Orb on iPhone

Orb will, on the next few days, announce that it now has support for iPhones / iPod Touchs. Orb allows you to access your songs and playlists on your home PC wherever you are. Orb have managed to achieve this without needing any applications on the iPhone / iPod Touch itself, using the built in browser to access the functionality.

Fed up with the car mount for your TomTom…

Wednesday, December 12th, 2007

Carcomm TomTom x20 Mount

If you are fed up with the car mount for your TomTom, Carcomm have a range of mounts for a variety of devices, but they include the new TomTom x20 range (520, 720, 920). This new mounts includes a TMC extension cable, allowing better positioning of the mount and the TMC antenna. PocketGPSWorld have reviewed this new mount here.

Site Updates

Tuesday, December 11th, 2007

UK Gadgeteer on iPhone

As well as publishing our first review (3 SkypePhone review), we’ve also added a new feature to the website. If you access the site via an iPhone or an iPod Touch, you will get a dedicated website theme designed exclusively for these devices, as seen above.

3 SkypePhone review published

Tuesday, December 11th, 2007

3 * 3 SkypePhone

We’ve just published our review of the 3 SkypePhone here.

iFON for iPhone and iPod Touch

Tuesday, December 11th, 2007

FON

FON Labs, a division of the Community WiFi FON Project have released iFON, an applet which helps connect your Apple device to the FON network of WiFi Hotspots. It’s available via AppTapp. This should work with both the standard UK FON network, and also the BTFON network.

VOIP on iPod Touch

Tuesday, December 11th, 2007

iPod Touch

TUAW (The Unofficial Apple Weblog) has information on the first SIP VOIP phone call for the iPod Touch. Although it’s still early days in the application, it’s looking interesting.