Buried in what occasionally reads like a love letter to Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg, Fortune is the latest to proclaim that the iPhone is headed for Verizon, despite Seidenberg himself all but shooting down the possibility last month.

That so many Americans covet Verizon iPhones “is partly a testament to the efforts of Ivan Seidenberg,” insists Fortune, though in really it’s mostly a “testament” to AT&T’s inability to complete phone calls in the New York and San Francisco markets. Between blowing kisses, Fortune reconstitutes rumors already seen elsewhere, such as Apple and Verizon fighting over control, and the fact this first Verizon iPhone will be CDMA, not LTE:

…people familiar with its development say it is a fait accompli. Verizon, sources say, will sell its own version of the iPhone 4, which will work on Verizon’s CDMA-based 3G network. Unfortunately for globe trotters, the first version of the phone likely won’t be built to work outside the U.S. it probably won’t carry a special chip that can turn it into a “world phone.” However, it may have some of the features on the iPad distributed in Verizon’s stores, like live TV for customers of the FiOS cable service.

Apple supposedly won’t even consider an LTE iPhone until 2012, preferring to wait until initial headaches and battery life issues can be negotiated into the iPhone’s traditionally slim form factor.

That may not be a bad thing for say unhappy AT&T iPhone customers that just signed a long term contract to get the iPhone 4. Given AT&T’s new $325 ETFs are pro-rated (slowly reduced each month), waiting for an LTE Verizon iPhone would make more financial sense; assuming you’re an AT&T iPhone customer that can actually make phone calls with the device.

In other words, if Verizon does get the iPhone, expect the subscriber hit AT&T takes to be staggered and more pronounced in 2012, and expect AT&T to repeatedly proclaim the loss as “no big deal” during 2011. AT&T’s remaining confident in the face of non-exclusivity in part due to their new higher ETF, but also because they believe many subscribers are on family and business plans and can’t (or won’t) defect.

Link to the original article…

I love gadgets. I hate wires. I’ve said it numerous times on this blog. And when I travel, I have take along enough chargers to probably alert TSA on multiple levels.

Inductive charging, when one device is designed to receive power from another device that sends power (think of the connections on a Sonicare Toothbrush) and do so without the need of wires. It’s not a new technology, but to finally see folks like Energizer get into the act, it’s definitely something I can get behind.

Designed in cooperation with WPC co-founder ConvenientPower, the first generation of the Energizer Inductive Charger is designed to conveniently charge up to three devices at one time. It features two large inductive charging zones that don’t require locking the device into a precise position, so consumers can simply set down their phone and be sure that it will be charged and ready to go. It also has a USB port so it’s easy to charge an additional device such as a phone, headset, mp3 player, camera or GPS. Two LED charge lights indicate that the device is charging.

The Energizer Inductive Charger will be introduced with a Qi Sleeve for the iPhone 3GS/3G and a one-time replacement Qi Door for the BlackBerry Curve 8900, so consumers can enjoy the convenience of Qi right away. Soon, consumers can expect to have Qi built right into many of their devices.

With the addition of the Qi standard, any Qi-enabled device (the list is growing daily) will charge without incident. I just can’t wait to see this for more devices that I currently own take the hint, Energizer.

The Energizer Inductive Charger will be available at retail starting this October with a suggested retail price of $89. The removable Qi sleeve for the Apple iPhone 3GS/3G and the Qi door for the BlackBerry Curve 8900 will be sold separately for $34.99 each.

[ Links: Energizer Inductive ]

Hitachi-LG Data Storage Inc. (HLDS), a global leader and technology innovator in optical disc storage (ODD) revealed to introduce SAT 6.0Gbps based 2nd Generation, ‘Hybrid Drive’, as a successive product to ODD Hybrid Drive 1st Generation introduced in Taiwan last June which was loaded with SSD(Solid State Drive) for the first time in the world, at CEATEC 2010 held in Makuhari Messe, Japan, from October 5 to 9.

The 2nd Generation, ‘Hybrid Drive’, is an innovative product equipped with SATA III(6.0Gbps) based improved speed, and a comprehensive SATA port, by accumulating ODD & SSD circuits in a integrated PCB. This is a perfect reincarnation of the previous ODD structure, and users of all PC products can utilize HDD, ODD, SDD at the same time without having to change the entire system, by just exchanging the previous ODD.

Differentiated functions have been added to the Hybrid Drive such as the Green Playback; a low electricity- Title playing technology, and a comparison of real functions between Hybrid Drive applied products and non applied products of AIO(All-in-one) PC, Mini PC, HTPC, Gaming/Premium Notebook, will be introduced at this CEATEC 2010.

PC News Media K-Bench(www.kbench.com) and Editor of Betanews(www.betanews.net), who recently progressed Benchmark of the 1st Generation Hybrid Drive, foresaw that 256 GB supported 2nd Generation, ‘Hybrid drive’, will play big roles in the distribution of SSD, as SSD will be seen as a tool for driving OS & Application through Hybrid Drive, such as for decreasing PC Booting time and Performance increase, no longer as just a simple saving apparatus.

To support this, according to the Benchmark progressed by PC News Media ‘Betanews’, there seems to have been discrete differences between 1st Generation ‘Hybrid Drive’ and general Hard Disks, in PC System( Windows 7 64bit Ultimate Edition) Booting time where each respectively recorded 16 sec and 29 sec, in Starcraft 2 Battlenet Loading time where each respectively recorded 20 sec, 38 sec, etc. (PC System Specification : 1st Generation ‘Hybrid Drive’ and 2.5inch 5,400RPM 320GB Hard Disk each on Intel Celeron Core SU2300, DDR3 4GB Memory , ION Based ITX System) In addition, relations explained that results will become more dramatic once various Applications are installed in the PC.

[ Link: HLDS, Aving News ]

Given their decision to milk copper and stick with VDSL, AT&T is continually juggling last mile bandwidth capacity, managing user demand for HDTV streams, broadband and voice using compression and prioritization (as in: reducing your Internet speed if your entire house starts watching HD programming). Aside from their inability to match cable’s 50-100 Mbps service speeds, the company has done fairly well at this balancing act offering top speeds of 24/3 Mbps, while also offering 3 HD streams.

Those three streams will soon be four:

Speaking at the event, held in Newport Beach, California, Stankey tried to dispel early concerns about whether AT&T had enough capacity to fuel its IPTV service, announcing that the company intends to introduce four HD streams per home by the end of the year, up from the current three, thanks to a combo of more efficient compression and more bandwidth.

As noted in July, that additional bandwidth is coming courtesy of VDSL channel bonding, which allows AT&T to offer slightly more bandwidth at an additional 1-2,000 feet from the VRAD using additional copper pairs. However, AT&T’s putting that additional bandwidth toward video, not user data speeds. AT&T says being unable to meet cable speed tiers faster than 24 Mbps down 3 Mbps up is ok, since most people don’t buy it anyway:

While AT&T has found the capacity to beef up its managed IPTV service, Stankey downplayed the company’s positioning against DOCSIS 3.0-based cable modem services, which typically outpace U-verse’s top tier. He questioned whether there’s much demand for D3 speeds. “The fact of the matter is we sell 18- and 24-meg products. The bulk of our customers choose not to buy that,” he said, noting that most see the value in AT&T’s 6-Mbit/s tier.

Stankey omits AT&T’s specific weakness at offering upstream bandwidth (their website likes to do that too), or the fact that millions of distance-constrained or un-upgraded AT&T customers only have the choice of 6 Mbps, which is magically why so many AT&T customers choose it.

Of course today’s power user is tomorrow’s average user – and come tomorrow – AT&T’s still going to have to find a way to increase speeds further. Barring getting into rocket pigeon connectivity, they’ll either have to finally bite the bullet and install last mile fiber (which investors won’t approve because it requires waiting for returns), or keep their fingers crossed that some of these ultra-fast DSL variants being cooked up in the Alcatel Lucent labs (though still distance constrained) arrive sooner rather than later.

Link to the original article…

After seeing such Apple iPad and iPod Touch accessories like a jacket just for carrying an iPad or even putting an iPad into the front of a shirt, I figured it was going to be no time that it would be used as a wall-mount.

I didn’t have to wait long:

iPort®, the inventor of the world’s first in-wall system for the Apple iPod®, is once again poised to advance the integration of Apple products into the home. Since its inception, the iPort brand has helped consumers experience Apple’s products in new and exciting ways allowing them to listen to, and experience their music and video libraries throughout their home. As Apple’s products have evolved from entertainment sources to intuitive touchscreens with the iPhone® and iPad™, iPort has continued to innovate new ways to incorporate them into consumers’ lifestyles.

Continuing the tradition, iPort has introduced two new products in its Control Mount Series for the Apple iPad and iPod touch®. The CM2000 Control Mount for iPad and the iPort CM100 Control Mount for iPod touch both integrate the handheld Apple touchscreen products in an attractive in-wall frame, transforming them into in-wall touchscreens for display of weather, news, stocks and many other preferred Apps.

The CM100 also transforms the iPod touch into an in-wall Internet radio source, and easily connects to any stereo or audio/video receiver. Users can download their choice of any Internet radio apps available in the App Store and play the audio back through any connected stereo system.

The CM100 for the Apple iPod Touch mount kit costs $250 and the CM2000 mount kit for the Apple iPad costs $499.

[ Link: iPort ]

As noted back in January, MagicJack was gearing up to offer a new femtocell product that will allow users to make cheap calls using a GSM-based mobile phone. There’s still very limited technical details about the product, outside of the fact it detects a compatible phone within eight feet of the USB femtocell device, and allows users to make VoIP calls with it.

Back in January MagicJack said the device was supposed to go on sale right around now (present time) for somewhere between $20-$40.

More recently the company started telling blogs that the product is still expected to come out this year but with a new wrinkle: the company’s partnering with an as-yet-unnamed mobile carrier. Except given the technology is GSM based, here in the States obviously the company would have to partner either with AT&T or T-Mobile.

But according to a new article by Peter Svensson of the AP, the project is now “on hold” as finding that partner has apparently proven difficult:

Borislow said plans for the device are now on hold. The device had to use low signal power levels to get around legal restrictions on the use of licensed spectrum, but that also shortened the range and reduced sound quality. He’s now looking for a carrier partner that would allow him to turn the power up.

In other words, neither AT&T or T-Mobile were interested in promoting a technology that could cannibalize their own business models. Of course MagicJack creator Dan Borislow has something else cooked up: he’s launching a software version of MagicJack this week called MagicTalk that offers free calls to landlines or cellphones in the U.S. or Canada.

Link to the original article…

It’s been already noted that Motorola is building an Android-based tablet to be sold by Verizon later this year, with functionality tied to FiOS TV. Now come reports that HTC is building a Chrome-driven tablet computer for Verizon that will launch on November 26.

Tablet mania has clearly infected many ISPs, who will either be offer TV Everywhere Internet video apps for tablets (Comcast, Cablevision, AT&T, Time Warner Cable) or offering tablets themselves later this year. Much like the recent netbook craze, expect ISPs to give these things away at a subsidized price point if you sign a long-term wireless broadband contract.

Update: Verizon today also expanded on their iPad application ambitions today in great detail.

Update: Seems like this was a hoax. Damn.

Link to the original article…

It all started with Microsoft registering “arctouchmouse.com” in March of this year that started the speculation that Microsoft had indeed conjured up a touch variant of their Microsoft Arc Mouse. Now just a few months later, it seems like Microsoft has a bit of a leak and some of the product pictures have surfaced on the Internet, showing their upcoming multi-touch Arc Touch Mouse.

The unconventional looking mouse sports touch-based scrolling, replacing the scroll wheel with a sensor running between the buttons, and like a traditional mouse it can glide over flat surfaces using BlueTrack technology. As its name implies, the device has an arching palm rest to comfortably fit your hand, but the real kicker is that it can also flatten out for easier transportation. There’s also a battery level indicator and ultra-compact nano-transceiver for 2.4GHz wireless connectivity that disappears when not in use in the battery compartment.

Set to go on sale in October – looking like it might be released in Europe first, then the US – for around $69.95, the same price as the Apple multi-touch Magic Mouse.

[ Links: TechSpot, I Started Something ]

OtterBox, makers of some seriously protective gadget cases has finally announced cases for the Apple iPad. Their Defender and Commuter series of cases promise to keep your case safe from minor drops and scuffs and the like.

Drop-proof your magical, new must-have gadget with the OtterBox Defender Series for Apple® iPad™! This cutting-edge case incorporates three layers of hardcore protection plus some advanced features. Stowing your iPad away for the night or for your commute? Simply remove the back polycarbonate cover and snap it over the face for ultimate touch screen protection.

The OtterBox Defender Case for the Apple iPad offers three layers of protection:

• Complete interaction of the iPad’s functions
• Built-in stand for viewing convenience
• Bottom silicone grip pads keep your iPad in place
• Silicone plugs provide coverage for all ports
• Snap-off access for optional iPad dock

The OtterBox Defender Case for the Apple iPad is priced at $89.95, I truly suggest that if you’re a tad bit clumsy, go buy this for your Apple iPad to avoid breaking your gadget if you were drop it.

[ Links: OtterBox, OtterBox Defender iPad Case ]

I’ve covered OQO news in the past, anticipated the OQO Model 02+ which was to come with their first Intel processor but somewhere along their timeline to come out with that model, OQO went out of business. Or did they?

From out of nowhere, OQO.CC has come forth with news about how they are/were the Chinese arm of the American OQO firm that went out of business officially in April of 2009, before the release of the OQO Model 02+. There are even official sounding specs on the device:

Operating system: Windows 7
Processor: 2.0 GHz Intel Z550
Memory: SSD 128GB
Memory: 2GB
LCD: 4.8-inch bright LCD screen (supports 1024X600)
Touch mode: Multi-touch
Graphics: Intel GMA500
Sound Performance: Built-in speaker and microphone
Communication: Wireless LAN, Bluetooth 2.0 chip, 3G, Ethernet (optional), etc.
Computer Interface: High-speed USB2.0 port headphone jack DC power input port HDMI port
Interface expansion slots: Power input port VGA port Ethernet interface (optional)
Input Devices: Built-in keyboard pointer keys
Battery Type: Polymer lithium battery
Power adapter: V AC 12 V DC/100-240
Supplied Accessories: Standard Battery Double the battery power adapter
Price: 31,888 yuan

While it looks very official and even has an official release date of Q3, 2010… that price is a killer. 31,888 Yuan translates to about $4700 USD. Ouch!

Guess my old OQO 01+ will have to wait to get replaced after all.

[ Links: OQO Chinese ]

GM/Chevrolet is putting their best effort to make autos like the Chevrolet Volt part of the American future by trying to make it affordable, attractive and now… dependable. With their 8 year, 100,000 mile battery warranty, the Chevrolet Volt just leap-frogged every single battery dependent item from the cellphone to even the Tesla Roadster.

The Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range will provide customers with an unprecedented, standard, eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on its advanced, lithium-ion battery. It is the automotive industry’s longest, most comprehensive battery warranty for an electric vehicle, and is transferable at no cost to other vehicle owners.

“The Chevrolet Volt’s batteries have exceeded our performance targets and are ready to hit the road,” said Micky Bly, GM executive director, global electrical systems. “Our customers are making a commitment to technology that will help reduce our dependence on petroleum. In turn, we are making a commitment to our customers to deliver the highest standards for value, safety, quality, performance and reliability for an unprecedented eight years/100,000 miles.”

The Volt’s comprehensive battery warranty covers all 161 battery components, 95 percent of which are designed and engineered by GM, in addition to the thermal management system, charging system and electric drive components.

I want one now, don’t want to wait until later this year.

[ Links: GM Volt Battery Press Release, Chevrolet Volt ]

The naming of the Adesso bluetooth enabled mouse, iMouse S100, is rather dubious but cool given that Adesso isn’t the famous company named after the fruit and has a CEO with the first name of “Steve” - I think it’s awesome. But it looks to be a rather capable bluetooth enabled mouse that doesn’t seem to cramp up your hand like the Magic Mouse does since that mouse is just so low-profile. I like my mice to fit into my hand, slightly cupped.

The Adesso Bluetooth mini optical scroll mouse allows you break away from your notebook’s touch pad and experience reliable, receiver-free wireless connection with a range distance of 30 feet.

• Transceiver-free wireless connection to a Bluetooth-enabled PC
• On/Off button to extend battery life
• Auto-sleep function
• Optical technology
• 1000DPI for dynamic resolution

Ideal for the laptop user that wants to carry only a mouse, a laptop and no dongle. Just make sure your laptop or PC is bluetooth enabled first. Retails for about $30.

[ Links: Adesso, Adesso iMouse S100 ]