GeekSugar

AT&T GPS For the iPhone: Don't Expect Any Freebies

GeekSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:05:05 -0700

This year during the WWDC keynote, I particularly got excited when navigation applications were announced - I'm not the best with directions. Well, AT&T has just released their TeleNav Navigation Application for the iPhone, which is a free app to download, but it is rumored to cost $10 for monthly service. Now, I really enjoyed the TeleNav Navigator on my BlackBerry when I took it for a test drive, and monthly service on that is about $10 as well. But keep in mind you don't have to pay $100 for the receiver when you are using your iPhone. . . so you save that much money right off the bat. AT&T also allows you to cancel the service at anytime - perfect for those times when you leave town or you're not using it very often.

Tourin' Around San Francisco With Sony's Latest GPS Device

GeekSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 02:00:17 -0700

How in the world did we survive before GPS, seriously? Whenever I do get behind the wheel of a car, I am always dependent on TeleNav's GPS Navigator, which conveniently works with my BlackBerry so I don't have to lug around a huge device. But when I'm in a new city, it's always good to have something with a wider screen so I can follow my route a bit easier. Today, Sony debuts a 4.8-inch GPS navigation system called the NV-U94T ($400) and I was lucky enough to take it for a test drive this past week with a Sony expert - who showed me all of its bells and whistles.

With a wide anti-glare touchscreen display, integrated Bluetooth wireless hands-free calling, and one of my favorite features - the dual view capability, which shows you detailed route information and a zoomed-out map on one screen - the NV-U94T is at the top of its game in terms of features.

To find out the other reasons why this GPS device got my attention and to check out pics of it in action, just read more.

The NV-U94T is packed full of info that will tell you new route options if there are traffic issues in a certain area, and you know how your GPS signal usually cuts out when you're in a tunnel or an area with lots of tall buildings? Well this system offers position plus that uses multiple sensors that monitor your position relative to the map, so (no word of a lie) it still works when you're in a tunnel. Other fun features include its Memory Stick Duo compatibility so you can view audio and videos on your NV-U94T, and the super suction cup that allows you to stick your device wherever you want in all weather conditions - without worrying about it falling off. Although this GPS unit is in the "elite" group of navigation systems in terms of price, you definitely get what you pay for.

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You Can Now Buy Computers From Microsoft's Online Store

GeekSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:27:44 -0700

Microsoft has had quite the week to say the least! The company not only launched its latest operating system - Windows 7 - but it also opened a new retail store in Arizona. And starting today, you can now go to Microsoft's website and buy a Windows PC directly from its website.

According to USA Today, Microsoft's addition of computers to its online store was bound to happen, as the company hopes the site will get people excited about using Windows - something that Best Buy and Wal-Mart don't really do.

Personally, I like the way that the site is set up. It's easy to navigate your way around, and you can quickly check off fields to narrow your results. What do you think? Would you now go to Microsoft's site to purchase a Windows PC, or are you going to stick to the other online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Wal-Mart?

TomTom Finding Its Way to the iPhone

PopSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:43:04 -0700

Since TomTom is probably the most recognized navigational system on the market, it's only natural that it would find its way to the smartest phone on the market. With turn by turn directions, exact drive times, and road conditions, as well as maps to show you where the nearest gas station is, you'll never get lost again with TomTom riding along on your iPhone.

Plus, TomTom is making it easy to use in the car with a kit that includes a dash holder, loudspeaker, and charger. TomTom for the iPhone will be available this Summer.

New Xbox 360 Dashboard Released Today!

GeekSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:00:23 -0800

Rolling out to Xbox systems everywhere today is the New Xbox Experience - Microsoft's dashboard update for your 360. What's the big deal, you ask? Well, it's only a big deal if you like customization, visual appeal, and an easier way to browse and stream those Netflix videos through your gaming console!

The new dashboard will feature a horizontal row of boxes to navigate through, instead of the previous side blades that acted as the menu screens for the different functions. You'll get boxes dedicated to Xbox Live, your games, music, photos, and media, as well as tabs dedicated to Xbox events, game and music marketplaces, and your friends. But what's my favorite part about the new dashboard? Find out when you read more.

My favorite (and the most newsworthy) features have to be the new avatars (which are highly customizable and I'll say it - kinda remind me of the Wii's Mii avatars), and the slick new Netflix viewer, which allows you to stream hi-def movies on-demand like you would on your computer. The New Xbox Experience is available today via a system update, but if you want a more detailed look into what you'll be jumping into, check out Joystiq's extensive look into the new dashboard in their video exposé.

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Windows' New OS 'Vista' Hits Stores Today

GeekSugar — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 10:00:05 -0800

Windows' new operating system, Vista, which is the first new operating system from Microsoft Corp. in five years, is being released today and despite controversy over whether or not certain elements of the system were "borrowed" from Mac OSX, there will be plenty of folks upgrading to the new system, which comes with moderate to good reviews. Microsoft boasts that it has managed to tighten security, increase parental controls, make media - from photos to videos to songs to cable television - easier to use and share, and linked everything even more tightly to the Internet, says the SF Chronicle. Here's a fun look at what Bill Gates likes about the new system.

Video: Gates On Vista

For reasons why you should considering upgrading, just read more
According to Microsoft, these are the Top 5 Reasons to Buy Vista

Windows Vista features a breakthrough design and easy-to-use organizational tools that make it simpler to get things done and get on with life! Find what you need instantly, on your PC or on the web, with Instant Search. Bring more clarity to your tasks with the spectacular Windows Aero user experience and Windows Flip 3D, allowing you to see everything you're working on at a glance.
Navigate and play your music collection with just the click of a remote control! Windows Media Center and a compatible remote control let you quickly search and select tracks visually by album art, or by artist, album title, song, year, or genre. Share your Media Center screen and remote and give everyone the chance to mix and play their favorites.
Windows Vista provides better protection for your PC, your personal information, and your family than any previous version of Windows-with new security tools like Windows Defender, anti-spam and phishing filters, and Parental Controls. Automatic backups, Performance Self-Tuning, and built-in diagnostics help you keep your data protected and your PC running smoothly.
The breakthrough design of the Windows Aero user interface brings new clarity to your PC experience. With spectacular visual effects, like translucent glass-like menu bars that let you see behind your application window, you're one click away from everything you're working with.
All-new search and organization tools in Windows Vista will help you quickly find what you need on your hard drive or on the web. Instantly find and launch a document, photo, e-mail, song, video, file, or program on your PC with Instant Search.

Check out the rest of Microsoft's list of reasons to upgrade to Vista. I also recommend going into an electronics store and testing it out yourself. Some online stores are offering special deals today.

New Blackberry 8800 Is Thinner Than Ever

GeekSugar — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:30:34 -0800

AT&T introduced the thinnest BlackBerry handset yet last week and I have to say, it was about time. The BlackBerry 8800 incorporates a full QWERTY keyboard, and all the functions of the beloved 8700 Blackberry, which Jennifer Aniston is a huge fan of. AT&T will be the first wireless carrier in North America to launch the BlackBerry 8800 and will begin offering it across its wireless retail and business channels on February 21.

The BlackBerry 8800 has a premium, dark blue finish and Push To Talk on the handset. It features a built-in Global Positioning System, a new trackball navigation system for fast and intuitive navigation, as well as a media player and a microSD expandable memory slot for storage of music and videos. For more about it, read more

The BlackBerry 8800 also comes with a complement of accessories - headset, travel charger, holster, and USB cable - that are included in the box. It will be available for $299.99 with a two-year commitment. You can get unlimited corporate email access via BlackBerry for $44.99 a month with a voice contract.

When GPS Leads You Astray . . .

GeekSugar — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 07:00:31 -0700

Is it just me, or are the numbers of GPS horror stories increasing? Who can forget the man who drove his truck into a cherry tree, or the woman whose GPS led her directly into a river?! Crazy but all true!
Well, here's another one for you (it looks serious, but thankfully there weren't any major injuries). According to the Seattle PI, a driver of a bus carrying a girls softball team hit this nine-foot bridge when a GPS navigation system routed him the wrong way. And yes, the driver just so happened to miss the ginormous yellow clearance sign on the side of the bridge (the bus measured 11 feet, eight inches high).

GPS units have certainly gotten me lost a few times, but - knock on wood - I haven't had any accidents because of them! Have you?

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Human Car: Would You Drive it?

GeekSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:01:57 -0800

I like the idea of going to work in an environmentally-sound vehicle - especially one that can get me a great workout! But this one, dubbed the Imagine LMV does bring to mind a certain Stone Age family who have been sporting this kind of ride for ages. Starting at $15,000, this human powered gem has you rowing your way to a greener earth. But instead of messing up your pedi, a la Wilma Flinstone, your upper body is what gets you moving.

However, other differences between this human-powered car and the Flinstone's hot rod are pretty futuristic. A standard electric/human-powered hybrid motor (recharged by you, of course) can take you up to 30 mph while you and your pals head off to the stone quarry, er, I mean work. Plus with add ons like an iPod adapter, navigation system, internet connectivity, and biometric devices (so you can see how hard you're rowing, natch) really does make it an eco-lover's dream! With the Imagine LMV hitting the streets just in time for Earth Day 2008, would this human-powered car be something that you would drive?

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RIM Makes Wi-Fi BlackBerry Smartphone Official

GeekSugar — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:56:02 -0700

Okay, so we already told you WiFi was coming to the new RIM BlackBerry, but it's finally official.

The device, which RIM called the "first dual-mode cellular and Wi-Fi BlackBerry Smartphone" in a press release, will be thinner than the BlackBerry Pearl and feature a full QWERTY keyboard, large and bright display (320 x 240) and user-friendly trackball navigation system.

The BlackBerry 8820 also includes built-in GPS (Global Positioning System), RIM's latest media player enhancements, and a expandable memory slot that can support current and future generations of microSD memory cards. Most importantly, the device will combine EDGE/GPRS/GSM cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity for data access and voice support through UMA (unlicensed mobile access) for fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) service offerings from various wireless carriers around the world.