January 22nd, 2010

The Kindle will finally become more than an ebook reader

Posted by Joel Evans @ 7:21 am

Categories: Kindle, MP3 players, ebooks

Tags: Developer, Amazon.com Inc., RIM BlackBerry, E-book, Ebook Reader, Kindle Development Kit, E-books & E-Readers, Personal Technology, Joel Evans

My co-author, Matt Miller, is a huge ebook reader fan. As a result, when Amazon announced the Kindle Development Kit he was less than excited, since he prefers to read on his ebook reader, and would rather have Amazon spend its time making even more formats work on the Kindle. Other folks at ZDNet have been weighing in, too with opinions both in favor of and against the expansion of the Kindle’s functionality.

As an App developer for multiple mobile platforms, though, I welcome the coming of the KDK (Kindle Development Kit). When I first got the Kindle, I struggled with why I would pay an upfront premium to have my content delivered digitally. Secretly I had hoped that Amazon would one day expand the Kindle to something more than just an ebook reader. Then I discovered the Experimental area, which includes a rudimentary web browser, MP3 player and Text-to-Speech. The Experimental area showed that Apps were possible, and actually weren’t so terrible on the e-ink screen. The Experimental area hasn’t seen many additions since its inception, but now it’s poised for some huge growth, thanks to the KDK.

Before you start saying that you have no interest in expanding the functionality of the Kindle, think about the early days of the BlackBerry. The first Blackberries ran on the Mobitex network and initially only did two-way messaging. Granted, they did it well, but what was interesting was that as the screen size of the BlackBerry increased, developers started making games and utilities. The games themselves were not incredible first person shooters, but they were addictive enough to grab your attention and provide a necessary break in the day. As for the utilities, the calculator was one of the first and completely transformed the way people used a device that was originally made for the purpose of sending messages.

The reason I bring up the BlackBerry is because it was a single purpose, black and white device that even in its old form, was expanded to offer a whole lot more than just messaging. Now we have the Kindle as a new platform to play in.

Instead of thinking, “we don’t need another device that does Apps”, think about it from a developer’s perspective. The Kindle offers some great tech, including connectivity to 3G with the device lasting days on a single charge. Currently we don’t know what development language will be used, but what’s clear is that Amazon will offer a simulator, sample code, documentation and a development environment that will run on Mac, PC, and Linux desktops. In addition, Amazon plans to offer the option of delivering Active content for free, a one-time purchase, or a monthly subscription, with the developer getting 70 percent of the sale price.

It would be easy to say that Amazon is offering the KDK in response to competitors–especially the Android-based nook–but I think they’re doing it just to see what developers can come up with. After all, the company has this quote on the sign-up page for the KDK limited beta: “We are excited to see what you invent for Kindle.”

Think beyond what you know and imagine the Kindle as a new playground, ripe for developers to play in. The possibilities are endless and I’m expecting that we’ll see the Kindle doing things that we never thought possible a few months from now.

January 12th, 2010

Zune HD to get Smart DJ, new video codec support, Facebook in early 2010

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 8:12 am

Categories: MP3 players, Microsoft, Mobile software, Zune

Tags: Video Codec, Consumer Electronics Show, Facebook, Microsoft Zune, Video, Corporate Communications, Marketing, Matthew Miller

My inbox was crazy last week during CES and as I was cleaning it out early this morning I saw an email from the Zune PR team talking about some updates coming soon. Microsoft was actually showing off demos of this at CES, but my schedule was already packed so I didn’t get a chance to see these new features. Sometime this spring we will see Smart DJ and additional video content support with Facebook coming during the early part of this year.

Smart DJ on the Zune PC software and Zune.net is a very cool feature that mixes up the music for you and plays it just like a live DJ. The Smart DJ functionality on the Zune HD will work by pulling music stored on your Zune HD, along with music from the Zune Marketplace when you are conneced via a WiFi network.

The additional video support will roll out with MPEG-4 part 2 Advanced Simple Profile support. Popular codecs implementing this standard are DivX, Xvid, and Nero Digital.

Now that CES is over and I spent a few days walking several miles I jumped back on the workout regime last night while rocking tunes on my Zune HD placed into my DLO Action Jacket. I look forward to the Smart DJ functionality and will let you know when the update is available.

December 17th, 2009

Video walk through the Zune HD Twitter app

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 5:07 am

Categories: MP3 players, Microsoft, Mobile software, Zune, mobile services

Tags: Twitter Inc., Microsoft Zune, Video, Corporate Communications, Keyboards, Marketing, Hardware, Peripherals, Matthew Miller

About midday yesterday we saw the Twitter application appear on the Zune HD and I quickly installed it on my Zune. I also mentioned that the ads were removed from the four non-game applications on the Zune HD. I spent some more time over the past day using the Twitter application and recorded the below video so you could see it in action.

The Zune HD Twitter application actually looks quite nice on the Zune HD and gives you most all of the support and functionality you want on a small WiFi-connected device. The limitations I found at this time is the inability to Retweet something and the lack of support for lists. To be fair though there are very few apps that support lists and this is a fairly new feature for Twitter so I really don’t count that against them with this current release client.

Since this is a Zune HD media player, I did like seeing that a single tap of the note icon puts the song title and artist of what you are listening to right into your Tweet so you can quickly and easily share what you are listening to at that time.

I don’t quite understand why there is even a settings option since all it does is give you some basic stats and the ability to logout. I was looking for an automatic refresh interval and number of Tweets to download on a single page by default. Then again, this is a Zune HD so I can’t imagine too many people living in this Twitter app and needing automatic refresh capability.

The predictive text keyboard is actually pretty good and I am getting better the more I use it. It is important to remember that you need to tap the X to the right of the predictive line if you enter something not accurately predicted rather than the space bar or the predicted text will be entered and appear in your Tweet.

I read on Engadget that Microsoft censors your Tweets so that swear words will appear with ** in them. This isn’t an issue for me since I never swear on Twitter, but I really don’t think it is Microsoft’s job to be the filter for Twitter and am sure this will get people up in arms. Unlike what the folks at Engadget were seeing, my Twitter experience was pretty fluid and stable, as you can see in my video above.

Let me know if you have any questions about the application. With the more capable browser provided in the recent November update, I am using my Zune more for couch surfing and this Twitter app helps with that practice.

December 16th, 2009

Hands-on: Twitter comes to the Zune HD, Facebook should be next

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 1:17 pm

Categories: Gadgets, MP3 players, Microsoft, Mobile software, Zune, mobile services

Tags: Facebook, Twitter Inc., Microsoft Zune, Wireless LANs, Wireless And Mobility, Matthew Miller

I am extremely pleased with my Zune HD (see my hands-on) and have been enjoying the 3D games provided last month by Microsoft. We were told that more apps, such as Twitter and Facebook, would be coming to the Zune HD and true to their promise Microsoft released the Twitter app today. Visit the Zune Marketplace on your Zune HD or PC to download the new application.

I used my Zune HD connected to the Verizon MiFi to download the new Twitter app and take it for a spin. The following functionality is supported by the Zune HD Twitter app:

• Post a Tweet/update your status
• View your Twitter timeline
• View @ replies
• Search Twitter
• DM followers
• View favorites

Like all apps on the Zune HD there is a short ad after you tap to launch the application. The first time you run the app you need to enter your Twitter credentials. Only a single Twitter account is supported, but that should be fine for most people. After logging in you are taken to your Twitter timeline. The app looks great (I’ll shoot a video later), is snappy, and works just in portrait mode. There seems to be about 25 Tweets loaded by default, but there is a More button at the bottom to continue reading more Tweets. There is a Refresh button on the top of your timeline too.

When you have new Tweets, the number appears in red above the left person icon. You will also find in the Zune Marketplace that there is a new category in the other apps section for Social Networking.

Being that this is a Zune HD, you can actually Tweet out the song you are listening to with a simple tap of the note icon when writing a Tweet.

As a moderate Twitter user who carries around my Zune HD, I can see using this from time to time while couch surfing and while on the train. However, you need a WiFi connection via a local network or something like a MiFi to use Twitter on the go. Is that really something that people need or will do that often? I suppose if they do it all the time on their iPod touch then they will on their Zune HD too.

November 11th, 2009

3D gaming comes to the Zune HD, video of all 6 new games

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 6:30 am

Categories: MP3 players, Microsoft, Mobile software, Portable gaming, Zune

Tags: 3D, Microsoft Zune, Ferrari, Games, Personal Technology, Matthew Miller

This past weekend I mentioned the Zune HD firmware 4.3 update that added predictive text and a better browsing experience. As part of that update, Microsoft announced that support for 3D games and apps was added as well and it didn’t take long for them to deliver as we now have six new games in the Zune Marketplace. You will find Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition, Audiosurf Tilt, and Vans Sk8: Pool Service for 3D gaming and Checkers, Lucky Lanes Bowling, and Piano for more standard gaming. All the games are FREE, with a short ad at start up. I don’t mind the ads if the games are good and as you will soon see in the video I am shooting and will be posting below the games are pretty dang good and game play is fluid. The 3D transitions and scenery in PGR are excellent and I see no pixelating going on.

Here is a description of each of the games from Microsoft:

• Audiosurf Tilt: Audiosurf creates a rollercoaster ride from any song. Choose any song from your music collection and watch Audiosurf turn it into a unique roller coaster track for you to ride. The song you choose determines the shape, the speed, and the mood of each track. Tilt your Zune like a steering wheel to collect colored blocks and avoid speedbumps. Unlock more than 30 designs, each with its own special theme and color palette.
• Checkers: Enjoy the classic game of Checkers in a beautiful outdoor park setting. Play against the computer or against a friend.
• Lucky Lanes Bowling: Bowl in different game modes: exhibition, blackjack, golf. Play in five different bowling alleys with unique themes, all with the swipe of a finger. Choose from twenty different bowlers and twenty two different ball styles. You can play against the computer or play with up to four friends.
• Piano: Play your own tune, or play along with your favorite music on this electronic piano.
• Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition: Tear through the streets of London, Tokyo, and New York in the Ferrari of your choice using multi touch controls and the built in accelerometer.
• Vans Sk8: Pool Service: From the Admiral to the old abandoned rec center pool, Bucky Lasek and Omar Hassan know a good bowl to skate. Hit the pools and put these Vans skaters to the test with all the tricks in their bag and achieve hero status once you unlock their pro model skateboards.

They also mentioned that Twitter and Facebook are still planned for a release soon.

November 7th, 2009

Zune HD firmware 4.3 adds predictive text and desktop mode

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 8:02 pm

Categories: Gadgets, MP3 players, Microsoft, Mobile software, Zune

Tags: Desktop, Mobile, Microsoft Zune, Web Browser, Firmware, Web Browsers, Keyboards, Internet, Hardware, Peripherals

I was messing around with adding devices to my GDGT list today and discovered this discussion about new Zune HD firmware. I then fired up my MSI Wind with Zune desktop software, connected my Zune HD and walked through the 4.1 (191) upgrade. A couple of the key upgrades include a much faster web browser, desktop or mobile controls in the browser and predictive text support with the keyboard.

Here are all the updates I could find people mentioning since Microsoft hasn’t posted a comprehensive list of what was upgraded:

• Faster web browser
• Option in browser for desktop or mobile sites
• Predictive text in the keyboard
• Auto capitalization
• Larger landscape keyboard
• Toggle between seek or presets for radio
• Support for future 3D games
• Other minor updates and improvements, not specifically identified

You can check out the below video for some improvements to the browser and landscape keyboard.

As I mentioned in my Zune HD browser post the mobile only support drove me nuts so I am very pleased to see the option to toggle between desktop or mobile sites. While I can now view my full ZDNet blog (not the mobile version) and go to the full YouTube site, there is still no support for Flash so you cannot watch YouTube videos on the Zune HD. I would also like to see browser history support. The browser is definitely better though and I will probably use it more for casual couch surfing than I did before.

The update may not have essential new features, but it is a worthy point upgrade and I haven’t heard any reports of issues with the update.

November 3rd, 2009

Review: tapSTICK gives you back control of your iPod shuffle

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 6:49 am

Categories: Gadgets, MP3 players, Review

Tags: Headphone, Apple iPod, Shuffle, Headset, Apple iPod Shuffle, tapSTICK, Scosche, Morgan, Digital Music, Digital Media

Apple recently launched a new iPod shuffle, but made a major design change that limits you from using your own personal headphones. They moved the basic controls from the device to the headset so you have to use the Apple headphones or buy some made specifically for the iPod shuffle with integrated controls. Scosche has a solution for new iPod shuffle owners so you can use your own high end headphones without having to buy another expensive set with the controls. The tapSTICK is a slim, sleek case that slides over the iPod shuffle to give you back controls on the unit so you can use ANY headset you desire with the shuffle.

Since I don’t have my own new iPod shuffle, I had a buddy with one take it for a spin for a couple of weeks to test out. Morgan is an avid runner and has a set of sweat proof headphones, actually the same as the JayBird ones I tested out in August. Overall, he was quite pleased with the tapSTICK and prefers to use it over the standard Apple headphone that do not stay in your ears well while running.

The tapSTICK retail package includes the tapSTICK and a 3 foot 3.5mm audio cable so you can connect to a car stereo or other compatible speaker system with 3.5mm port. There are three large rubberized buttons on the tapSTICK to control volume, play/pause, skip tracks and activate VoiceOver. You still have to double-tap to advance the songs so it would have been great to have seen one more button used for advancing songs since double tapping can be a bit of a pain while running and is one of the most common functions you perform.

The tapSTICK fit over the headset jack and connects through the headset jack so that the controls can be activated. This actually offers a bit more protection for the shuffle from sweat and I have heard of iPods failing due to sweat in the headset jack before so this is a real benefit. The polycarbonate tapSTICK also offers some protection of the shuffle when it comes to wear and tear. One aspect of the way the tapSTICK fits over the shuffle is that there is no way to control the power button on the shuffle so you will need to turn it on before placing it in the tapSTICK case.

The tapSTICK is a $29.99 accessory available in either white or black. If you have a set of headphones you like to use for working out and want a new iPod shuffle then this is definitely an option to consider.

November 1st, 2009

Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Digital Media Players

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 9:20 pm

Categories: Apple, Gadgets, Holiday Gift Guide, MP3 players, Microsoft, Portable gaming, Sony, Zune

Tags: Device, Apple iPod, Archos, Microsoft Zune, Apple iPod Nano, Apple Inc., Video, Archos 5 Internet Tablet, Pixel Resolution, Sony X-Series Walkman

For this Digital Media Player Holiday Guide we will be taking a look at the best devices that offer a complete music playing and video watching experience. There are still some devices that specialize in one or the other, but the capability has improved in most of them so that both types of media content can be enjoyed. Last year we looked at both MP3 players and portable digital video players in two Guides, but are merging them this year since most perform both functions well. Some of these devices can be used for web browsing, 3rd party application usage, and gaming, but we will focus on the music and video support while mentioning some of these more advanced capabilities.

You will see some of the same brand names in this Holiday Guide, but you will also see that updated models continue to improve on the media experience and for the most part you can’t go wrong with these players. You will see that the Guide is arranged in order from highest price device to lowest price device since price is a major factor when you look at one of these media players to purchase.

Archos 5 Internet Tablet

The Archos 5 Internet Tablet is powered by the Google Android operating system and is focused on the media experience with Internet browsing also being a prominent feature. Archos has been know at excelling in portable video playing capability and the Archos 5 continues that tradition. You can view HD video content and photos on the 4.8 inch 800×480 pixel resolution display. The Archos 5 Internet Tablet supports the following video formats; MPEG-4 HD (up to 720p), MPEG-48, H.264, WMV, MKV, and M-JPEG. Supported audio formats include MP3, WMA, AAC+, Ogg Vorbis, and Flac. There are some optional plug-ins available to further enhance support on the Archos 5.

In addition to the various hard drive capacities, the Archos 5 has a microSD card slot with support up to 32GB, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, FM receiver with RDS, and FM transmitter. There are a couple additional accessories to extend the functionality of the device to your TV as well.

With the Google Android operating system you will find that many third party apps seen on Google Android smartphones also work on the Archos 5 Tablet.

Price: $499.99 MSRP for 500GB unit, $399.99 for 160GB, and $379.99 for 32GB Flash drive

[Check out review pages for the 500GB and 32GB models]

Go to the next page »

October 14th, 2009

Review: Zune HD & AV dock and Zune Premium Car Pack

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 5:10 am

Categories: Gadgets, MP3 players, Microsoft, Zune

Tags: Car, Microsoft Zune, Zune HD, Zune Premium Car Pack, A/V, HD FM-radio, Cable, Corporate Communications, Network Technology, Telecommunications

I purchased a regular platinum 32GB Zune HD on the 15 September launch day from Amazon and a few hours later order a Zune Originals device that just recently arrived. Along with the launch of the Zune HD, Microsoft rolled out a few Zune HD accessories. I purchased the DLO Action Jacket from Best Buy so I could go running with my Zune HD and will post some thoughts on that in a couple of weeks. Microsoft sent along a couple of other available accessories for me to try out. You can check out my extensive image gallery and full take on the Zune Premium Car Pack and Zune HD & AV dock below.

	Image Gallery:Check out these new Zune accessories that work well with the Zune HD.

Zune Premium Car Pack

I have a rather small personal music collection and thus the ability to listen to and download unlimited music to my Zune HD with the Zune subscription is quite compelling. I also use my Zune to listen to my favorite podcasts. The Zune HD has no integrated speaker or Bluetooth radio so I was looking for a way to enjoy my Zune HD content in the car when I run my daughters around to all of their activities and spend time waiting in various parking lots. I saw that Microsoft has a new FM transmitter solution for the Zune HD and was sent one to evaluate. I tested each of the available methods to connect your Zune HD to your car stereo system with two of my cars so I will comment on the setup and performance of each method below.

The Zune Premium Car Pack came in a sturdy box with the auto adapter and a small simple directions card. The main part of the unit is long, approximately 4 inches, with a cigarette lighter/DC plug adapter on one end and an indicator light on the other end. When the unit is plugged in and active a Zune logo appears in white on the end. Towards the plug end you will find a 3.5mm audio out port that is designed to let you plug in a 3.5mm cable and then plug the other end into an audio jack or cassette adapter in your car for direct audio playback without using the FM transmitter. At the indicator light end of the unit you will find a USB port designed to let you charge up a second Zune or maybe even a mobile phone.

The second part of the unit is the FM transmitter/Zune connector piece that is at the end of a 3 foot cable. The small dongle has large Read the rest of this entry »

October 13th, 2009

Almost a month later and my custom Zune Originals HD arrived

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 5:40 pm

Categories: Gadgets, MP3 players, Microsoft, Zune

Tags: Microsoft Zune, E-mail, Web Site Development, Web Technology, Online Communications, Internet, Matthew Miller

As I wrote in my Zune HD review I ordered a platinum Zune HD from Amazon and received it promptly on launch day. I was so impressed with the Zune HD hardware that I ordered a custom Zune Originals model that day from the Zune Original website. Little did I know that I would be one of 7-8 customers, out of thousands, to suffer from a major ordering glitch that had my order stuck in limbo for just about a month. I am very pleased to report that my custom blue Zune HD arrived today and have some photos below showing it off.

The order seemed to go through fine in the beginning and I promptly received my order confirmation email and order number. It then was lost in the process and my order status never changed from “Order received” the entire time. I was pretty surprised when the manager of the Zune Originals business, Jason Reindorp, stepped in and posted in the Zune Forums that they were giving early buyers a $15 Marketplace credit and that the process was getting his personal attention. This solved most everyone’s issues, but my order still was stuck in limbo. I actually received a personal email from Jason and he worked hard to get my Zune HD order processed as fast as possible. The delay for a while was due to the fact that the blue model I ordered was sold out by the time my order was found in the system. Jason went out of his way to help me out and did everything he could to get my order through the system.

My Zune HD was ordered on 15 September and arrived on 13 October. I am actually more pleased with it than I thought I would be since the blue is a better blue color than what appeared on the website. I am loading it up with all my content now and will have a review of a couple of Zune HD accessories here on the blog tomorrow.