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B&N Nook beats the Kindle and Sony Reader, here's why
Barnes & Noble recently announced their upcoming Nook ebook reader and IMHO it beats the Kindle and Sony Reader for several reasons. These include the ability to share books, access... Continued »
Category: iPhone
October 27th, 2009
Roku adds 2 new players, including the HD-XR with 802.11n support
I have been a Netflix user for some time, but a few months ago I discovered the Roku player that lets me stream “Watch Instantly” Netflix content to my TV and jumped on the $99 device. There is no additional cost to you to stream this content to your TV with your compatible Netflix account. I was then able to downgrade my Netflix account to one DVD out at a time and my family has been extremely pleased with the Roku functionality. The Roku is dead simple to hookup and operate while giving you access to Netflix streaming content and your Amazon Video on Demand content. Last week I was sent a new Roku HD-XR box that adds 802.11n (the previous Roku had 802.11b/g) and a USB port (for future use).
Here is a breakdown of the two new Roku players added to the existing Roku HD player:
- Roku SD player (new): $79.99, connects to your TV via composite video outputs with L/R RCA audio. An ethernet port is present, along with 802.11 b/g WiFi.
- Roku HD player: $99.99, product that is currently shipping today w/ HDMI, component, composite, s-video and L/R RCA and optical video outputs along with Ethernet and Wi-Fi b/g. This model supports HD streaming from partners, currently including Amazon Video On Demand.
- Roku HD-XR (new): $129.99, same video and audio outputs as Roku HD player that also includes Wi-Fi n/b/g and a USB port for future use. The Roku HD-XR is the first Netflix streaming device to incorporate 802.11n connectivity protocol.
802.11n gives you greater range and better signal strength than 802.11b/g, but there shouldn’t be much of a difference in speeds since content partners have limits on the streams. Fortunately, my main 37 inch LCD TV is in the next room only about three feet from my WiFi router so I have never had an issue with signal strength.
All the Roku players have the same black box dimensions, with different ports on the back that set them apart.
I understand Roku is working with more content providers and we should see some interesting additions in the coming weeks.
iPhone app: While the Roku is not necessarily a mobile device, it is very compact and something you may want to travel with to enjoy your Netflix content in hotel rooms on a larger display rather than your small laptop screen. I also found a 99 cent iPhone application (seems there are really apps for just about everything today) called DVPRemote (iTunes link) that gives you a full Roku remote control right on your iPhone/iPod touch so you can use it to control your Roku device.
After installation of the app, you simply make sure WiFi is enabled and then tap the button to discover your Roku player. You can then name your Roku player and give it a location (such as the home theater room). After saving this setup you can then control your Roku player and leave the included remote control in the drawer.
If you want to use a Roku player on a TV that is far away from your WiFi router then you might want to consider upgrading to the HD-XR. We don’t yet now what the USB port is for, but maybe it will be used to let you access content stored on a hard drive. Remember that you will also need to have an 802.11n router in place and last weekend I tried a Belkin one that didn’t work out. I may pick up an Airport Extreme router or some other model soon to try out.
My family thoroughly enjoys the Roku HD player and if you are a Netflix subscriber I highly recommend you pick one up to enjoy. There are actually hundreds of movies and TV shows that are available and my Instant Queue is much larger than my physical DVD Queue so content is not lacking.
October 20th, 2009
B&N Nook ebook reader revolutionizes the ebook world with sharing between friends and more
Rachel posted about the leaked details of the Nook and then I found that Engadget posted the full press release. After reading way down in the details and FAQs I saw that the Nook supports the ePub format so will work with local library ebooks so I just pre-ordered mine for $259. If you go to the pre-order page you can see all the details on this pretty amazing ebook reader that has me quite excited. You can also lend books to friends for up to 14 days at a time. This capability really turns the ebook world into a world almost the same as a paperback and is HOT!
Here are some of the specifications of the Nook:
- Support for AT&T and WiFi networks (free WiFi access at B&N stores)
- 2GB storage with microSD card slot
- 3.5 inch color touchscreen lower display
- MP3 player with integrated mono speaker
- Removable and rechargeable battery
- MicroUSB connector for charging
- Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches and 11.2 ounces
- Integrated Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary
- Ability to read content on iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry, PC, and Mac
- Based on Android operating system
With the Android-based OS I wonder if developers will be able to customize the device to add even more functionality? I also wonder if there will be ebook clients for Google Android or other mobile phones beyond the iPhone and BlackBerry.
I was all ready to purchase this and just needed confirmation of all the formats and then found this FAQ buried deep down:
Can I put other files on my nook?
Yes, you can transfer files from your computer to your nook using a USB connection. You can transfer ePub and PDB files, as well as MP3s, PDFs, and JPGs.
Support for ePub sold me on the ebook reader so stay tuned for my full Nook review as soon as it arrives, hopefully in November.
BTW, there is some great reading buried down in the FAQ support page where you can see you can redownload your content as many times as you like from your library.
September 14th, 2009
Shortcovers has ePub ebooks for reading enjoyment on several platforms
While there are now thousands of applications for the Google Android platform, one area that has very few alternatives is the ebook reader category. Several months ago I did find the Shortcovers application and ebook store. At the time I tried it though you needed a connection to read books on the Android since only a certain number of pages were available. That has appeared to change now with downloadable books, but even better for me personally is that I read on MobileRead that you can now browse, purchase, and download books in ePub format for the Sony Reader and several other dedicated ebook readers. To compete with Amazon, Shortcovers even offers many of the latest and greatest books for just US$9.99 and I think I have found my new online ebook store to use across multiple platforms.
Their ePub books can be loaded onto the following devices using the Adobe Digital Editions free software from your Mac or PC:
- Sony Reader (PRS-300, 600, 505, 700)
- Asktak EZ Reader or EZ Reader Pocket Pro (see my review)
- BeBook (One, Mini)
- Bookeen (Cybook Opus, Gen 3)
- COOL-ER Classic
- Elonex eBook 600
- HanLin eBook (V3, V5)
- REX Digital Reader 1000S
- Neolux NUUT2
You can also read these ePub title on your PC or Mac using the same Adobe Digital Editions software that you use to transfer the books to your dedicated reader. As you can see the folks at Shortcovers want to enable you to read your ebooks on just about any platform available, unlike the Amazon Kindle format currently just for Kindle devices and iPhones/iPod touches.
In addition to the ePub formatted books for download and installation on your ebook reader, they currently have mobile clients for the iPhone/iPod touch, BlackBerry, Google Android, and Palm WebOS platforms with clients for Symbian and Windows Mobile under development.
August 11th, 2009
Review: JayBird Endorphin and Tiger Eyes headphones
As we continue to enjoy decent weather in the summer months and look to get and/or stay in shape there are a ton of headphone options out there that allow you to take your music on the go. In particular I have been looking for a pair of Bluetooth headphones that I could use while running. A reader sent me a link to the Jaybird Freedom Bluetooth headphones so I contacted them to see if I could evaluate that model. Jaybird told me they had a couple other newer products they wanted me to try out first so they sent along the Endorphins and Tiger Eyes. One aspect of these that particularly appealed to me was their 100% warranty against sweat because I sweat a lot when I workout or play sports and need something that isn’t going to fail due to this type of moisture.
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Jaybird Endorphins
If you have ever played sports or worked out with me you would know that I sweat like crazy. I can never work out in the same shirt twice and need a pair of headphones that can stand up to this type of environment. The Jaybird Endorphins are the only pair of headphones I have been able to find online that specifically have a lifetime warranty against sweat so it was a perfect product for me to try out.
The packaging was very well done with a durable box that contained the headphones lying in a bed of foam. You will find the earphones, rugged carrying case, cable manager, optional earhooks, and six pairs of eartips to fit your ear size perfectly. The case is a small round case with two net pockets inside and a durable zipper closure. The cable manager is a piece of rubber designed with cutouts for you to wrap the headset cable around and keep your cable and earphones organized. The optional earhooks are pieces of black rubber that have a channel cutout to feed your cable through and back around your ear.
The Endorphins are designed to go in your ear with the cable leading up over your ear and around to the back of your neck. With all of the different eartips you can find Read the rest of this entry »
April 28th, 2009
Amazon buys Lexcycle, is Kindle content coming to Stanza on the iPhone?
I am very happy with my Kindle 2 device and even more happy that I can read my Kindle content on the iPhone. As I pointed out in my iPhone Kindle application review the application is fairly basic and not the best ebook reader application for the iPhone. Stanza is arguably the best iPhone ebook application and yesterday we heard that the developers of Stanza, Lexcycle, was acquired by Amazon. The Lexcycle blog states that the application will continue to be offered and customers can still buy content from partners to use with Stanza.
There is no word that Amazon will update their Kindle application with Stanza or offer Kindle content through Stanza, but I am sure most iPhone owners sure are hoping this will be the case in the near future. It makes logical sense that this would happen eventually since Amazon wants to sell Kindle ebook content. I think this is great news for Lexcycle since it is highly unlikely that Amazon bought them to shut down the best ebook reader on the iPhone, but to expand their Kindle content to more mobile devices.
April 25th, 2009
MobileTechRoundup show #170, Viliv S5, Quickoffice for iPhone, 1 billion App Store downloads
Listen here (MP3, 29.4 MB, 32:00 minutes)
Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)
Kevin and I both have the MSI Wind netbook and don’t agree with Apple’s statement about them being junky, nor do millions of others, as we talked about at the start of MobileTechRoundup show #170. James has been looking at the Viliv S5 ultra portable and his articles have me quite interested in the device. He actually found it so impressive and useful that he decided to buy on for himself. We also chatted about QuickOffice for the iPhone along with apps that each of us use on each of our iPhone devices every day. Apple passed the 1 billion application download mark this past week too, which is quite an accomplishment no matter how you look at it.
March 6th, 2009
MobileTechRoundup show #164, Kindle on iPhone and ebook moves
Listen here (MP3, 29.2 MB, 31:50 minutes)
Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)
We really tried to move onto another topic this week, but Amazon was quick to release the iPhone Kindle applications so James, Kevin, and I chatted a bit more about ebooks in MobileTechRoundup show #164. We then discussed content and partnerships with Apple, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Fictionwise. There seems to be a lot happening in the ebook space and James is a bit worried about his content. We also talked about Android on a netbook and the BlackBerry App World pricing.
Please let me know if you have anything you would like us to cover and discuss on the show and I’ll try to work it into a future podcast.
February 27th, 2009
MobileTechRoundup show #163, Kindle 2, Android, and awesome freeware
Listen here (MP3, 27.1 MB, 29:30 minutes)
Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)
The availability of the Kindle 2 was the big tech news of the week and James, Kevin, and I chatted about my Kindle 2 and our thoughts on the new ebook reader in MobileTechRoundup show #163. We also chatted about the ebook options on the iPhone and other mobile devices, including Stanza and eReader. Priced Android apps are also now available, but it sure seems like hardware and software is progressing slowly here. James introduced a new freeware, Doubletwist, that actually looks like a lifesaver for me and all my mobile devices as it brings you the capability to transfer media content from your Mac to a number of mobile devices, with conversion integrated in the software. BTW, DVD Jon is a part of this software so that tells you something.
Please let me know if you have anything you would like us to cover and discuss on the show and I’ll try to work it into a future podcast.
December 29th, 2008
For the 2nd year in a row iPhone and HTC coverage topped the charts
Looking back at my 2007 end-of-the year wrap-up post for this blog we saw that the iPhone and HTC posts were the most discussed and most popular of 2007. Interestingly, the iPhone and HTC devices again dominated the most popular categories here on this blog for 2008. In September, ZDNet split off the mobile phone topics of this blog to my new Smartphones and Cell Phones blog so at the end of 2009 we will see quite a different list of most popular and most discussed posts here on this blog as I try to focus on mobile gear to go such as GPS, digital media players, portable gaming devices, and other gadgets.
The iPhone 3G and 2.0 firmware update took 4 of the top 10 most popular posts, HTC devices took 3 spots, while the REDFLY, OMNIA, and Treo 800w each took one of the top 10 spots in popularity. Here are the results for most pageviews in 2008:
- Congratulations Apple, you made the iPhone less stable than Windows Mobile
- The new iPhone 3G data plan/monthly fee will rise $10/month on AT&T
- Can the REDFLY Windows Mobile Smartphone Companion succeed where the Foleo couldn’t?
- The HTC Diamond takes Windows Mobile to the next level
- Samsung OMNIA first impressions show that Windows Mobile can beat the iPhone
- Review: HTC Advantage X7510 with 16GB flash drive, haptics keyboard and Windows Mobile 6.1
- What is the best method for picking up an iPhone 3G on July 11th?
- Sprint announces HTC Touch Diamond and Touch Pro, is there really going to be a Touch HD?
- Updated my iPhone to firmware 2.0 and setup hosted Exchange account
- First impressions of the Palm Treo 800w with integrated WiFi and GPS
The same post topped my most viewed and most commented on for 2008. iPhone related topics were 4 of the top 10 most discussed, my XPERIA X1 coverage at Mobile World Congress secured 2 of the top 10 spots, and various other topics took the other 4 spots. Here are the results for most discussed posts in 2008:
- Congratulations Apple, you made the iPhone less stable than Windows Mobile
- One week with the HTC Touch Diamond; panoramic photos, VGA, and more experiences
- Lame hands-free law goes into effect in WA State on 1 July 2008
- Samsung OMNIA first impressions show that Windows Mobile can beat the iPhone
- The iPhone 3G honeymoon seems to be over for some folks
- MWC08: Sony Ericsson announces XPERIA X1 Windows Mobile device
- iPhone 3G announced for July 11th availability, but lots of questions remain
- What is the best method for picking up an iPhone 3G on July 11th?
- MWC08: The XPERIA X1 is one slick Windows Mobile device!
- What’s up with the MacBook Air single USB port and where is the flash card reader?
Please feel free to chime in and let me know if you had any personal favorites in 2008. Also, I would love to know what you would like to see covered or reviewed here in 2009.
December 22nd, 2008
MobileTechRoundup show #158, Wrapping up 2008 and predictions for 2009
Listen here (MP3, 47.7 MB, 41:30 minutes)
Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)
Kevin, James, and I decided to make MobileTechRoundup show #158 a bit longer since it will be our last one of 2008. You can listen to our thoughts on what we thought was the best of 2008 in the mobile space. We also offered up some predictions for 2009. Look for shorter, more focused podcasts in 2009 too since we realize that people’s time is precious and 30 to 40 minutes per show may be too much for casual listening. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Please let me know if you have anything you would like us to cover and discuss on the show and I’ll try to work it into a future podcast.
Matthew Miller is an avid mobile device enthusiast who works during the day as a professional naval architect in Seattle. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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