Image Source: YankoDesign.com
I came across this slot design power strip on Gizmodo. The strip uses slots instead of holes so you can fit more plugs. This also reduces the need to shuffle cables around for a new odd sized power brick. Now where can I find one of these!
Netbook News reports Asus will be shipping the EP101TC Eee Pad (what a product name!) with the Android OS instead of an embedded version of Windows CE. The posting claims that Asus is wating for Android 3.0 to ship the tablet. The expected launch date is in the first quarter of 2011 with a preview of the product at CES.
Hopefully we will start to see some of these tablets come to market. There have been a lot of product announcements and prototypes, but very little has actually has been released.
Image Source: TechOn
TechOn reports Brother Industries has developed small vibration powered generators that can be used in place of AA or AAA low power batteries. The generators are capable of producing 10 to 180mW power. While you can't use these in a digital camera or remote control car, these should work fine in TV remotes or even small LED flashlights.
CrackBerry.com has released this offical statement from Research In Motion, in response to Apple's iPhone 4 press conference.
"Apple's attempt to draw RIM into Apple's self-made debacle is unacceptable. Apple's claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public's understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple's difficult situation. RIM is a global leader in antenna design and has been successfully designing industry-leading wireless data products with efficient and effective radio performance for over 20 years. During that time, RIM has avoided designs like the one Apple used in the iPhone 4 and instead has used innovative designs which reduce the risk for dropped calls, especially in areas of lower coverage. One thing is for certain, RIM's customers don't need to use a case for their BlackBerry smartphone to maintain proper connectivity. Apple clearly made certain design decisions and it should take responsibility for these decisions rather than trying to draw RIM and others into a situation that relates specifically to Apple."
- Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie
The Black iPhone 4 bumper is on the apple store, but is currently unavailable. The bumper is now listed as free with iPhone 4 purchase.
Apple started their iPhone 4 press conference playing the above video. Steve Jobs announced that Apple has sold 3 million iPhone 4s since it was launched. Jobs also showed a chart of other popular phones that have the same problem (Blackberry Bold & HTC Droid). Apple was aware of the effect of holding the iPhone (and any other smartphone) a certain way and they plan to contribute efforts to help address the issue. The iPhone 4 drops slightly more calls than the iPhone 3GS. The increase in dropped calls is less that 1 additional call per 100. Steve Jobs believes this may be due to the lack of cases for the new iPhone. 80% of new iPhone 4 sales are sold without a case. There was a large selection of cases available for the 3GS when it was released.
Apple has implemented the below solutions to address user's signal issues:
