Compass 597 EVDO USB Rev A Modem

Sierra Wireless today introduced the latest, and the smallest, addition to its USB modem product ine. Scheduled for commercial availability early in the second quarter of this year, the Compass(TM) 597 USB modem combines high-speed mobile broadband ccess to EV-DO Revision A networks with a microSD card slot for convenient storage, all in a cleanly designed USB stick that is smaller than any available today.
The Sierra Wireless Compass 597 USB modem is remarkably small and yet feature-rich, with TRU-Install(TM) software installation to simplify setup(*)and a microSD memory card slot for expanded functionality. The Compass 597 USB modem is also the only product in its class to include a connector for n external antenna, allowing users in remote areas or fringe network coverage to extend and strengthen their connection to the network.
"The Compass 597 USB modem combines high-speed mobile broadband and expandable storage in an attractive device that installs its own drivers and software and is small enough to hide in the palm of my hand, making it an easy choice for customers looking for a practical, simple way to work or stay in touch while on the go," said Trent Punnett, senior vice president, Marketing and Corporate Development, for Sierra Wireless.Sierra Wireless Compass 597 USB Modem.
* Potential data speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps (megabits per second) on the downlink and 1.8 Mbps on the uplink, on the latest
EV-DO Revision A networks, but also backward compatible with earlier network technologies for seamless connectivity in areas yet to be upgraded
* Built-in GPS antenna design and Sierra Wireless TRU-Locate(TM) technology to support mobile operator Location Based Services (LBS)for accurate and fast time-to-signal fix
* TRU-Install software installation technology steps first-time users through quick installation of the drivers and full software client
directly from the modem, with no CD required
* Convenient, flexible usage options, with an external antenna connector for users working in remote or network fringe areas, and a lanyard loop to allow the modem to be clipped to the inside of a bag.

KEY FEATURES

* Wireless download speed up to 3.1 Mbps and upload to 1.8 Mbps
* Familiar USB connection
* Small, durable, fixed design
* microSD™ memory expansion slot
* TRU-Install automatic software installation

KEY BENEFITS

* Portable from desktop to notebook computers
* Wireless connectivity in more places than Wi-Fi, offering greater mobility
* High-speed access to transfer large files easily
* Solid product reliability so users can work efficiently on the road

Sierra Wireless will showcase the Compass 597 USB modem at CTIA Wireless 2008, to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from April 1 to 3. Please visit the company's booth (No.249) for more information on solutions for mobile broadband connectivity in a variety of consumer, enterprise, and M2M applications.Source

Google Gears Goes Mobile

For those of you who aren’t exactly sure what Google Gears is capable of or what it is – it's an open source browser extension that lets developers create web applications that can run offline. Gears provides three key features:

• A local server, to cache and serve application resources (HTML, JavaScript, images, etc.) without needing to contact a server
• A database, to store and access data from within the browser
• A worker thread pool, to make web applications more responsive by performing expensive operations in the background

What this essentially means is that in case you’re one of those people who like to take their work with them wherever they go and that would include places that have no access to the net, Gears will allow you workaholics to get things down without being connected.At the moment since it's still in a developmental stage, Gears is being designed for only Windows mobile devices that run on a Windows Mobile 5 and 6 OS. This mobile version supports Internet Explorer on Windows Mobile handsets and is restricted to just such devices. The devices would also have to have applications that are compatible with Gears in order for it to function correctly. Considering this is just an early phase, I’m sure it wont be too long (hopefully) before they’re able to adapt Google Gears for other Operating Systems and handsets.
This means that other smartphone users, such as those using Apple's iPhone, or people using other popular mobile browsers, such as Opera, won't be able to use Google Gears. But Google has said that it plans to expand support to other browsers and cell phone platforms, including its own Android software.Source

Wireless Stereo Headset for Net by Logitech at CeBIT 2008

Today at CeBIT, Logitech unveiled its first wireless stereo headset designed for Internet calling with a PC.
The Logitech ClearChat PC Wireless enables people to move freely up to 33 feet (10 meters) from their computer. The headset features 2.4 GHz wireless technology and the included USB transmitter, the headset connects to a PC or Mac computer right out of the box. It also features proprietary laser-tuned audio driversa and a noise-canceling microphone on a flexible boom that adjusts to the desired distance from the mouth. Volume and microphone mute controls are located on the right earpiece and the microphone automatically mutes when rotated to an upright position. The microphone emits a soft, red glow when muted.
The ClearChat PC Wireless headset features a padded headband and plush ear pads and works with Internet calling applications, including Skype, Windows Live, Yahoo!, Google Talk and AIM and will be available in the U.S. and Europe in May for a suggested retail price of $99.99.Source: Tech2

Sony Ericcson Stylish Slider at CeBIT 2008

Sony Ericsson has unveiled the T303, an attractive phone that is small with a high-end feel as it has a mirrored screen, metal housing and chrome finish. This slider has features that include Bluetooth and USB connectivity, Sony’s TrackID feature and an integrated FM radio. It also supports GPRS. The T303 is equipped with a 1.8 inch display that has a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to support any external memory."The T303 is a great addition to the Sony Ericsson T-line of products, combining premium finish and materials with a good feature-set to deliver ‘style with substance’." said Lykke Tærsbøl, Senior Designer at the Sony Ericsson Creative Design Center. "Our aim was to create a phone that would function equally as a daily companion as well as something to show off on a night out."

The T303 will be available in selected markets from mid 2008, though there's no mention of any pricing yet.Source: Tech2

Guinness Book Introduces Gamer's Edition

High scores (gaming scores actually) have a new home! Guinness World Records has launched its first ever compendium of videogaming achievements titled "The Guinness Book of World Records Gamer's Edition 2008". Released in partnership with Twin Galaxies, the book has already been launched in the UK and France; though it will launch elsewhere sometime this month. There's no date yet for the India release. A first for Guinness, the "Gamer's Edition 2008" is expected to feature all things gaming that includes high scores, the biggest tourneys and the largest cash prizes, the most successful games, gaming strategies, tips and tricks, bizarre facts, and so on. As per sources, the book contains record entries like "Daggerfall has the most NPCs in any RPG with 750,000", et al. It is said to mention a record finish of 7 minutes and 30 seconds for the game, "The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind" with comments from users that such a feat is next to impossible. Meanwhile, all those who're staring in disbelief, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1IRxTN-_kU and http://speeddemosarchive.com/Morrowind.html and check out for yourselves. Further, the book mentions the highest selling game on the PlayStation to be the original Gran Turismo with record sales of 10.85 million units; the longest running adventure series of all time as the Legend of Zelda; the best-selling first person shooter of all time as Half-Life (no surprises there; the first gaming clan to legally bind their players as SK Gaming; the most successful film based on a video game as the first Tomb Raider that grossed $274,703,340 in cinemas worldwide. While the book isn't available in Indian stores, those dying to know more about it can go to: http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com. What's more, if you think you've broken a gaming record or are about to break one, click on 'Set a Record' on the Web site. And here's what a tweety bird told us: you can actually buy the book from http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/home.do for a cool GBP 9.50, or on Amazon.com for $13.57...Source