Palm Pixi Arrives

Palm releases its second WebOS device, the Palm Pixi, and again it's exclusively on Sprint: The Now Network.

The Pixi has a cool form factor and is slimmer than the Palm Pre. The obvious difference between the two is the lack of a slide out keyboard on the Pixi. Instead, the device is all in one with the screen and keyboard, similar to a Blackberry or Treo. According to Palm, the Pixi is aimed at a different audience than the Pre. They're going for a younger audience with less money on hand and less need for productivity functionality. For starters, WiFi is no included with this device like the Pre. You could say that with Sprint's EVDO data speeds, you really don't need the WiFi, but it still seems silly to take it out. The camera is 1 megapixel lower than the 3MP Pre, the screen is a little smaller, and the processor is a little slower as well. All this to keep costs down.

The Pixi is obviously not intended for every user, especially not for those who already have a Palm Pre. It does introduce another WebOS device to the market though, and at a price of $100 from Sprint, it's quite affordable. Looks like Walmart is selling the Pixi for $50:

UPDATE: Looks like Amazon is letting it go for $25!!
Via http://Twitter.com/engadget: Palm Pixi one step closer to free, now $25 on Amazon http://bit.ly/2jbq4R

For a full review of the Palm Pixi, head on over to Pre|central.net and check out their write up. Videos are included as well.

Palm Pre WebOS 1.3.1 Available Now

Another major update from the folks at Palm. I'm downloading it as we speak.

Here is a list of the included changes, though some of these are hidden features not made known in the change log.


Enjoy:
Speed Improvements:

- Photo app switching between individual photos by swiping left to right is faster in portrait and landscape

- Scrolling in the photo app is definitely much faster

- Music app speed improvements. Switching in and out of screens within the app is much faster.

- Scrolling in contacts has become much smoother and it doesn't get stuck quite as often.

- Browser scrolling has improved. Seems much smother zooming in and out.

- Google maps loads much quicker.

Phone App:

- Contacts logo in the top right has been changed to match the contacts app logo.

- Answer calls and hanging up is much smoother less buggy.

- New option to allow international calling. In phone > Preferences you can slide option left to right.

Contacts App:

- When linking accounts to a contact it no longer changes the default profile to the most recently linked contact.

- Two more options have been added to Contacts > Preferences & Accounts: Company & first name, Company & last name

Calendar App:

- When you tap and hold an event without moving your finger, then lift, you can edit the title of that specific event.

Photo App:

- Options are now displayed at the bottom of the screen.

- Photos are now only displayed in their respective folders. There is no 'All Folders' view anymore.

- Screen captures no longer takes two screen shots when pushing the hot key combo one time.

Launcher:

- Default applications app is there and you can change the default app for phone, emails, addresses, or web links as well as different file types. (This option is greyed out)

Messaging:

- When you tap on a single message in the messaging app you now have the options, Forward, Copy Text, and Delete.

- If you set a custom tone for the messaging app it will only play it when the card is not in focus. Otherwise it plays the default notification.

Music App

- Now when listening to a song in the music app you can bring the drop down menu up and choose to add that song to a Pandora playlist, Search it on YouTube, or search it on Amazon MP3.

- You can now bookmark your place in multiple songs. Any songs or podcasts you start on in the music app will now all be saved afterwards. In 1.2.1 Palm added the feature that allows your music app to remember where you last left off but only for one track.

Email:

- Empty trash button is now available.

- You can now search for folders in the search option on email by simply typing that folders name.

- You can now use short cuts to complete some specific tasks while viewing an email.

Examples:

Gesture + M = Move To Folder

Gesture + G = Set Flag

Gesture + S = Show Recipients

Gesture + K = Mark as Unread

These commands can also be found in the drop down menu.

- New Gesture hot keys are also available while writing a message.

Examples:

Gesture + J = Set as High Priority

Gesture + D = Discard Message

Gesture + S = Save as Draft

These commands are also available under the drop down menu.

Browser:

- Under preferences there is a new 'Default Search Engine' option. (Google is the only choice right now)

System:
- WebOS 1.3.1 has laid the groundwork for Adobe Flash's soon to be released Flash 10.1. Place holders are now in locations where Flash content is.

- WebOS 1.3.1 has laid the groundwork for video recording by including the Linux binaries needed to record video that is compatible with the stock media player. (Via Precentral)

- When 'Data Usage' is turned off in phone > preferences WebOS will not stay connected to your WiFi even when the phone is locked. If 'Data Usage' is turned on WiFi will automatiically turn off when the screen is locked.

- When you are out of space while trying to download a new app there is a new message. 'There is not enough memory in the application storage area'. (Please Palm fix this by the time the App Catalog is out of BETA)

- When the Palm Pre is now on a Touchstone charger you can set the screen to lock after a certain time.

- When you restart or shutdown your phone there is a new circle symbol on the screen.

- Shutdown screen now has additional options. You can hold down the power button and tap power and choose to reset or power off.

- Airplane mode as the small (i) next to it which will link you to the help menu about Airplane mode.

- LEDs on the center button no longer flash when you lock the phone.

Sprint TV:

- App UI has been changed

Netflix Coming Soon to PS3

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/10/ ... station-3/


Attention, PlayStation 3 owners: want to watch a movie streamed instantly from Netflix via your PS3? I've got terrific news for you; very soon you'll be able to do just that.


We're excited to announce today that Netflix and Sony have partnered to bring you thousands of movies and TV episodes streamed instantly from Netflix to your TV via your PS3 system at no extra charge. When the application launches next month, you'll be able to access and watch thousands of Netflix choices directly through the XMB. We think that the nearly nine million PS3 enthusiasts and 11.1 million Netflix members in the U.S. will make quite a match.

If you want to get a head start on your PS3 Netflix experience, you can sign up today at http://www.netflix.com/ps3.

For more information, check out the press release below (or click here), and stay tuned to the PlayStation.Blog for further updates on the rollout.


*****

COMING SOON: NETFLIX MEMBERS CAN INSTANTLY WATCH MOVIES AND TV EPISODES STREAMED TO TVs VIA THE PLAYSTATION®3 COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM

With Movies Streamed Instantly from Netflix, Blu-ray/DVD Playback and Downloadable Videos via the PlayStation®Network, the PlayStation 3 System Offers The Industry's Most Comprehensive Options for Watching Movies and TV Shows

FOSTER CITY and LOS GATOS, Calif., October 26, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) and Netflix, Inc. [Nasdaq: NFLX] today announced that they are joining forces to make thousands of movies and TV episodes from Netflix available to be streamed instantly to TVs via the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. Netflix expects to begin streaming via the PS3 system next month at no additional cost to Netflix members in the United States who have a PS3 system.

Today's announcement pairs two of the most popular and fastest growing home entertainment brands in the U.S. The PS3 system's installed base has reached close to 9 million units in the United States, and Netflix recently reported 11.1 million U.S. subscribers as of September 30.

The partnership further solidifies the PS3 system as the most complete home entertainment hub on the market today, enabling consumers to play high-definition games, watch Blu-ray movies, listen to music, view photos, browse the Internet, and download content from PlayStation®Network − from exclusive games to blockbuster movies and popular TV shows. PS3 system owners will soon enjoy an unparalleled experience watching their favorite movies and TV shows streamed instantly from Netflix, downloading from the PlayStation Network or watching Blu-ray/DVD media. The Netflix offering expands on the entertainment experience delivered to PS3 system owners via PlayStation Network.

For only $8.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed to their TVs and computers via Netflix ready devices such as the PS3 system and can receive unlimited DVDs delivered quickly to their homes.

"The PlayStation 3 system has always been about more than just gaming, and it will soon be the only platform in the industry to offer consumers such a variety of convenient options for enjoying movies and TV shows," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "Whether you want to watch content on Blu-ray disc and DVD, download it from the PlayStation Network's video delivery service, or stream videos instantly from Netflix, the PS3 system is the only solution that offers it all."

"As instantly watching movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix becomes an increasingly popular way to enjoy the Netflix service, our goal is to rapidly expand the devices that stream to our members," said Netflix CEO and co-founder Reed Hastings. "As a leading game console and Blu-ray disc player, bringing Netflix to the PS3 system is a real win for both Netflix members and PS3 system owners."

Initially, watching movies instantly streamed from Netflix via the PS3 system will be enabled by a free, instant streaming Blu-ray disc that is being made available to all Netflix members. The free instant streaming disc leverages Blu-ray's BD-Live™ technology to access the Internet and activate the Netflix user interface on the PS3 system, which must be online via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Netflix members simply slide the disc into their PS3 systems to reveal movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly. These titles are conveniently organized into a variety of categories based on members' personal preferences, popular genres, new arrivals and members' individual instant Queues. Members can use the Netflix Web site or navigate directly on their PS3 systems to add movies and TV shows to their Queues. With the PS3 system's Wireless Controller, members can choose a movie to watch from their instant Queues or just play directly from any of the lists. They also have the ability to read synopses and rate movies. In addition, they have the option of fast-forwarding and rewinding the video stream via the Wireless Controller.

Netflix members and PS3 system owners can now reserve a free instant streaming disc for PS3 systems by going to http://www.netflix.com/ps3. Upon availability, the instant streaming disc will be delivered for free by first-class mail, generally one business day after members request it.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game consoles, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its digital services which include the PlayStation®Network and the PlayStation®Store.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one® game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, and the PlayStation 3 and PSP systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

About Netflix, Inc.

Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) is the world's largest online movie rental service, with more than more than 11 million subscribers. For only $8.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed to their TVs and computers and can receive unlimited DVDs delivered quickly to their homes. There are never any due dates or late fees. Netflix members can exchange DVDs as often as they want using a postage-paid return envelope. Members can choose from a vast selection of DVD titles and a growing library of movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly. Netflix is partnering with leaders in consumer electronics to bring to market a range of devices that can instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to members' TVs. These devices currently include Blu-ray disc players and new Internet TVs from LG Electronics; Blu-ray disc players from Samsung and Best Buy's Insignia brand; the Roku digital video player; Microsoft's Xbox 360 game console; TiVo digital video recorders; and, soon, the PS3 system and Internet TVs from Sony and VIZIO.

Change the Log On Screen In Windows 7

Tired of having the same logon screen as everyone else with the same OS? A standard ctrl+alt+del image too boring for you? Well, now you can change all that.

Windows 7 does not really have an option to change it, but the background can be changed with some simple registry work.

Edit the registry key located here:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background

Change the value from 0 to 1.

Copy any potential background image to:

C:\Windows\System32\oobe\info\Backgrounds (must create folder)
(Images must be less than 256Kb and must be named: BackgroundDefault.jpg)

If done correctly, your background image for all Windows screens will be changed to the picture you selected.

T Mobile Looses Sidekick User Data

Ouch…so apparently life on a cloud isn't too pleasant. The T-Mobile Sidekick works on cloud computing. This means that all user data is stored on the T-Mobile servers and data is synchronized whenever the phone is rebooted. Recently T-Mobile lost all its customer data in a catastrophic server crash – and here's the best part – they had no backup system.

Early word was that T-Mobile could not recover any of the data and they encouraged users not to reboot their phone. At current time Microsoft has said that they can recover most, if not all the data, for users. T-Mobile now seems to be confident that they can recover all the data and they are offering $100 to anyone whose data cannot be recovered.

Class action lawsuits have already been filed for people who suffered losses. One lawsuit claims that T-Mobile misled customers into thinking their data was safe. Another lawsuit says that the T-Mobile's advertising did not disclose the fact that T-Mobile had no backup solution for this data. Sidekick user Maureen Thompson alleges in a lawsuit filed in federal district court in San Jose, California that one of the major selling points of Sidekicks was that users always had access to their personal data, and that such data would and could properly be entrusted to the defendants to maintain and retain, safely, securely and always available.

Thompson claims she "suffered a complete and catastrophic loss of all data", including appointments and contacts. Her daughter, an aspiring model and singer-songwriter, lost photos and lyrics she wrote that she had stored on the device.

Thompson's lawyer, Michael Aschenbrener of Kamber Edelson claims that Thompson and her daughter chose Sidekick to avoid the very scenario that occurred.

It looks as though T-Mobile has been working around the clock to get data restored and it now appears that minimal users will suffer data loss (whatever "minimal" means). I'd be terrified if I were a Sidekick user.

Today I Leave Windows Mobile

A couple weeks ago I got a new phone, an HTC Touch Pro. The phone was pretty cool, but there was one major flaw – Windows Mobile. I've always preferred WinMo for my smartphone or pocket PC needs but I've become quite frustrated with their lack of innovation. The OS has been essentially the same since the year 2000. 9 years is just a tad too long to keep any OS on the market with little to no changes along the way.

Over the past 5 years alone, between WinMo 5, 6, and then 6.1 (6.5 coming later this year and still no significant changes) WinMo has brought nothing to the table other than small cosmetic differences. Their touchscreen phones are plagued with slow and unresponsive actions, unintuitive applications and "features, buttons that require the use of a stylus pen, small scroll bars, a terrible web browser, and the dreaded pocket-dial failure. The Verizon Touch Pro even went as far as including a horrible keyboard flaw when they placed the up arrow key in between the N and M. Seriously? What idiot thought of that?

Windows Mobile used to be fun to me because anything I didn't like on the phone, I could change via registry hacks or 3^rd party software. I guess I've grown tired of trying to improve on something that should have been done already. I've had the Palm Pre for a while, and I'm at wits end with WinMo, I've decided to go with a Blackberry Tour for my work phone.

Just got it today:

I'm getting it all charged up, and Enterprise Activation is complete, so let's see how this works out.

Goodbye Windows Mobile. Maybe we can reconnect after WinMo 7 comes out?

10 Most Brilliant Products of 2009: Palm Pre

Popular Mechanics releases its 10 Most Brilliant Products of 2009 and the Palm Pre made the list.

"Most breakthrough innovations make their greatest contributions when they become products people can buy. Here, Popular Mechanics awards the top 10 most brilliant gadgets, tools and toys that you can buy in 2009."

Published in the November 2009 issue.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/upgrade/4332407.html

Here's what they had to say about the Pre:

The Palm Pre (which costs $200 with a contract from Sprint) doesn't break ground with any one engineering advance. Instead, it sets a new standard by putting all the best available technologies together. Most cellphones—even high-end ones—excel at some tasks, while utterly ignoring others. The Palm Pre's features read like a gadget geek's wish list: optional inductive charging, a full keyboard, the ability to sync with iTunes—and it can run multiple applications at once. Sometimes more is more. 

Way to go Palm! If you haven't heard me say it yet, I really like my Pre! I'm glad that the phone is getting some of the recognition it deserves. Palm hit it out of the park with WebOS and as time goes on, things just keep getting better, more developer support, which leads to more apps, and more functionality brought to the phone via over the air updates. Oh and just to be fair, the price of a new Pre is $149.99 now, not $200.