Google Voice Guilty Of Traffic Pumping?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is investigating Google Voice for blocking telephone calls from users that use Google Voice to call telephone numbers in certain rural areas.
From Google Blog: The reason we restrict calls to certain local phone carriers’ numbers is simple. Not only do they charge exorbitant termination rates for calls, but they also partner with adult sex chat lines and “free” conference calling centers to drive high volumes of traffic. This practice has been called “access stimulation” or “traffic pumping” (clearly by someone with a sense of humor). Google Voice is a free application and we want to keep it that way for all our users — which we could not afford to do if we paid these ludicrously high charges.
LaCie Sound2 USB Speakers
Designer Neil Poulton created the look of LaCie’s portable hard drives, and now he has a hand in designing the new Sound2 USB speakers too. The speaker features 30 total watts of peak power, Cabasse audio system, open AC outlet, and cost $100.
Source: LaCie Teams up with Cabasse to Bring Hi-Fi Sound Quality to Your Mac, PC or iPod
Microsoft Zune HD Commercial
Check out the first Zune HD commercial. It does not tell you much. Where are the features?
Microsoft Announces New Zune HD
Microsoft Zune HD touch-screen media player is now available at retail with a black 16GB version for $219.99 and a platinum 32GB version for $289.99. The device will have an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) multitouch screen, an NVIDIA Tegra HD processor and HD Radio capabilities with software advancements such as the new Quickplay menu, a well-featured Web browser, and engaging music and video playback features to deliver a new portable listening and viewing experience.
Zune HD features 3D games such as Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition, Vans Sk8: Pool Service and Audiosurf Tilt. Microsoft will later release Twitter for Zune and Facebook for Zune. Games can be added to Zune HD via Zune Marketplace over the Wi-Fi connection or when connected to the Zune PC software.
Users will soon receive instant HD Video streaming from Zune on the XBox 360.
Press Release: Microsoft introduces a powerful new Zune media player, PC software and online services
Zune HD Promotion Video
See what Microsoft has to offer with the new portable music Zune HD device.
New iPod Nano Deconstructed
Apple has only announced the 5th generation iPod Nano, and it only took a day for iFixit to totally deconstruct the device. Painful to watch but do check it out.
Source: iPod nano 5th Generation Teardown
Apple Unveils New iPod Touch
Apple introduces the new iPod Touch with the new addition of a 64Gb model and faster processing for the 32GB and 64GB models.
From press release: iPod touch features Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch™ user interface, a gorgeous 3.5-inch widescreen glass display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a built-in accelerometer and speaker—all in an amazingly thin metal design that slips easily into your pocket. The 8GB iPod touch is now available for just $199, along with new models which deliver twice the capacity for the same price, with the iPod touch 32GB model for $299 and 64GB model for $399.
Apple 4th Generation iPod Nano Ad
Apple has added video recording, mic and speaker to the new iPod Nano.
From press release: The new iPod nano features an ultra-thin and sleek design with a larger 2.2-inch color display and gorgeous polished aluminum and glass enclosure. iPod nano also features a built-in FM radio with live pause and iTunes Tagging, as well as a built-in pedometer. The new iPod nano is available today in an 8GB model for $149 and a 16GB model for $179, and comes in nine brilliant colors including silver, black, purple, blue, green, orange, yellow, (PRODUCT) RED and pink.
Apple’s Steve Jobs Returns To Introduce New iPods And iTunes
Apple CEO Steve Jobs officially ends his sick leave and put himself on stage at the 2009 Apple Music Event introducing new iPods and iTunes 9. Steve delivered the keynote speech announcing several upgrades to the iTunes service, as well as a new line of video-recording iPod Nanos.
Here are the features:
- iTunes 9 – added genius bar to App Store, ring tones and iTunes LP.
- iPod Nanos – added video recording capabilities, FM radio, and pedometer that synchs with the Nike Plus system.
The new Nanos will retail at $160 for the 8 GB model and $180 for the 16 GB model.
Apple’s Music Event Unveiling Soon
Apple’s annual music event is almost upon us. The event will be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco at 10:00 am on September 9, 2009.
There will probably new information on new iTunes 9, iPods and iPod Touch with camera, Cocktail Album and more. Will Steve Jobs speak in the event? And will he reveal the Apple tablet?
