Archive for October, 2006

By October 12, 2006 Read More →

Parrot Photo Viewer review

The Parrot Photo Viewer could not have arrived for review at a better time. Having just returned from holiday Tracy and I have tons of photos to show off!

I have been looking at digital photo frames for the last few months and really like the idea. I wanted to get something for my desk at work but the frames tend to be rather large.

The Parrot Photo Viewer is unique in that it uses Bluetooth technology rather than a USB cable or SD card in order to upload and display pictures. Parrot have aimed this product at people with camera phones, giving them the ability to transfer their favourite photos from their phone to display them on the photo frame.

Parrot Photo Viewer

At just 8.6 x 10.6cm the frame is pretty small. It’s slim too measuring just 1.5cm deep. However these dimensions include the frame, the LCD screen has an effective diagonal of just 3.5 inches and has a resolution of 320 x 234. This may seem fairly low but on a screen of this size it works out quite well. The backlight is bright and evenly lit and can be adjusted to suit your needs.

Available in 8 frame designs the frame can be used in either portrait or landscape and what’s more, the frame has a built in sensor that can tell which way is up and rotate the images on screen to suit; a pretty cool feature.

Parrot Frame Designs

Uploading images via Bluetooth is dead easy. On my HTC TyTN I simply browse through the images I have saved and choose the one I want to send. Selecting beam file brings up a window where I can search for devices in range. Once the Parrot Photo Frame is shown on the list I click send and a few seconds later the picture is displayed on the screen.

Parrot Bluetooth

Transferring files from a PC is equally simple but gives you the added benefit of being able to send more than one picture at a time.

The Parrot Photo Viewer will accept jpeg images in a variety of sizes and will automatically scale them to fit the screen. That said, it is a good idea to resize large images on the PC before you transfer them to save space as the frame has only 32mb of Flash RAM available for images. This may not seem like a lot but if you resize jpeg down to the frame’s native resolution of 320 x 234 they end up at around 30k each. This means that you could theoretically upload hundreds of images, however, there is a limit of 125 images that you can store at any one time regardless of how small the files are – I found this limit rather odd as the 125 images I uploaded took up much less than 32mb.

The photo frame has a built in menu system that allows you to change various settings, review and delete stored images alter the backlight brightness, etc. The on screen display is really intuitive and is accessed by three buttons on the rear of the frame. You can also alter how frequently the images are changed from 5 seconds up to a few hours. One thing that I would like to see added is a random option as the photo frame will currently only display images in the order in which you uploaded them.

Photo Viewer Rear Buttons

The Parrot Photo Viewer is mains powered and comes with a slim power adapter. I would like to see a battery power option for this as it really is the ideal size for passing round to show people your photos. When most people see it for the first time they immediately want to pick it up.

The box for the Parrot Photo Viewer is also impressive and is ideal for anyone purchasing it as a gift for someone.

Parrot Photo Viewer Box

The firmware on the Parrot Photo Viewer can be updated via bluetooth. I think this is just as well as I did experience a few problems with it. Occasionally when tranfering images via Bluetooth the Photo Viewer would stop responding and the only solution is to unplug the power!

High-quality display
Featuring a high-resolution LCD screen with 320 x 234 pixels and 262 144 colours, the Parrot PHOTO VIEWER benefits from the TFT technology to guarantee you the highest level of rendering in terms of colours and sharp details.
It comes on during the day and switches off at night
An LCD screen gives off light, which can be a pain if you want to put it on your bedside table. The Parrot PHOTO VIEWER features a sensor that switches off the frame when the light level drops.

Technical and commercial specifications

Bluetooth® wireless photo viewer

  • High-resolution LCD TFT screen with 320 x 234 pixels
  • 262 144 colour display
  • Effective LCD size: 3.5 inches
  • Built-in light sensor
  • Compatible image format: JPEG (700 K to 7 M pixels)
  • 32 MB internal memory for storing over 100 photos
  • Portrait or landscape position sensor
  • Automatic image resizing
  • Menus: Slideshow, Picture, Delete, Reposition, Language…
  • Fitting: free-standing or wall-mounted
  • Power lead
  • Frame: white-leaded oak or leather (depending on model)
  • Bluetooth®

  • Built-in Bluetooth receiver
  • Bluetooth version 1.2
  • Bluetooth profiles supported: FTP, OPP and BIP
  • Receives pictures from up to 10 metres away
  • Pairing: not required with this product
  • Software updates by Bluetooth
  • Dimensions and Weight

  • Width: 8.6 cm Height: 10.6 cm Depth: 1.5 cm
  • Weight: 260 g (not incl. frame)
  • Processor

  • ARM 9 + 64 MB SDRAM
  • Storage memory: 32 MB NAND Flash
  • Conclusion
    I like this Parrot Photo Viewer and now have it sitting on my desk at work, it’s ideal for those photos that I have on my mobile and for uploading those holiday snaps to. However, I think it’s just a bit too small to use at home, it would be lost in my lounge or dining room. It’s a great idea but I’d like to see some things fixed/updated in a new firmware release.

    Matt

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    Posted in: Reviews
    By October 11, 2006 Read More →

    New HTC Artemis review

    The first review of the new HTC Artemis (HTC P3300) has appeared on mobile-review.com we like this website as they are always very thorough with their reviews.

    HTC Artemis

    “The device’s appearance looks out of place when compared to other HTC-branded solutions – one can readily figure out new concepts, unseen before in the company’s products. In my opinion, it’s the way of getting mature for the company, developing a more austere design. The P3300’s outlook is very distinctive and original – I could hardly force myself to call it a clone of something. The only thing beyond my grasp is why they would need to adopt Nokia 6680/6681’s silver side-framings”.

    HTC Artemis is based on now quite old HTC Prophet/HTC Wizard platform, thus their performance and lifetime tests are quite similar, sometimes even alike. Should we consider HTC Prophet (Qtek S200) as the starting point, we will have the following differences between these models:

  • Embedded GPS – the main innovation;
  • Embedded FM-radio;
  • Completely revamped design (the model has a unique face), new materials used, the device is thinner and lighter than the predecessor;
  • Unique HTC RollR controls;
  • Installed AKU 3.0 update pack;
  • New socket for wired headset;
  • Better camera quality, though without macro-mode;
  • MicroSD instead of SD/MMC, maximum capacity is smaller, no hot swap feature.
  • Check out the full review HERE.

    Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
    By October 10, 2006 Read More →

    Google buys YouTube for £900 million!

    This story is going to be everywhere and will go on and on, however it’s too big not to post!

    Google is buying video-sharing website YouTube for $1.65bn (£883m) in shares after a weekend of speculation that a deal was in the offing.
    The two companies will continue to operate independently, Google said as it announced the news on Monday.

    YouTube, launched in February 2005, has grown quickly into one of the most popular websites on the internet.

    It has 100 million videos viewed every day and an estimated 72 million individual visitors each month.

    Matt

    Source: BBC News

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    Posted in: News
    By October 9, 2006 Read More →

    HTC S310 appears on Expansys

    The HTC S310, better known as the HTC Oxygen, has just appeared for sale on the
    Expansys website. In stock for £214.95

    HTC S310 - HTC Oxygen

    The HTC S310 Smartphone (AKA – HTC Oxygen) features Windows Mobile 5.0 Direct Push technology for immediate synchronization of email, calendar and notes plus document viewers for PDF, Word, Excel® and PowerPoint®. It’s the ideal choice for busy people on the road who only want to carry one small device.

  • Processor/Chipset – TI OMAP 850, 200 MHz
  • Memory – ROM: 64MB – RAM: 64MB
  • LCD Module – 2.0″, 176×220 color TFT LCD- LED back light
  • GSM/GPRS/EDGE Functional Block – GSM Quad-band: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
  • Device-to-Device Connectivity – Bluetooth 2.0
  • Digital Camera – 1.3 mega-pixel CMOS image sensor
  • The HTC S310 is not a high-end phone, having only a 176×220 screen and no 3G connectivity, but for the price its a very solid and attractive unit, suitable for knocking around in most people’s pocket.

    Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
    By October 8, 2006 Read More →

    Windows Mobile “Crossbow” OS

    Sketchy information about Microsoft’s new Windows Mobile OS, codenamed “Crossbow” have been leaked.

    Windows Mobile Crossbow

    This is one slick looking screenshot! I cant wait to see more about the new OS.

    Pieter Knook, a Microsoft Sr. VP, has commented that Microsoft plan to release an upgrade to their mobile platform yearly which is interesting and could mean a new OS with every yearly upgrade for pay monthly contracts. Knook has also commented that Crossbow will have strong links with Office 2007 and Exchange 12 as well as including the mobile version of Office Communicator, an Instant Messenger tool for enterprises.

    Google cache caught a leaked presentation which told us that Crossbow will be released to manufacturer in Q4 2006 ready for release in Q1/Q2 of 2007 and that the next operating system (codenamed “Photon”) will be released to manufacturers in Q4 2007 ready for release in Q1/Q2 2008 (Photon is set to include a new, flexible shell with modular containers and utilise the “Yamazaki” CE kernel).

    Thanks to Brody over at www.msmobilenews.com for the heads up!

    Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
    By October 7, 2006 Read More →

    HTC Herald Photos

    The new HTC Herald has shown its face on the web appearing on solapalmari.com

    HTC Herald

    At the moment the details of the device haven’t been confirmed. There hasn’t even been any official confirmation from HTC that the device even exists. However it’s thought to be virtually the same as the HTC Hermes but being just 18mm thick.

    This is the unconfirmed basic specification:

  • Mobile Windows 5.0
  • TIOMAP850 200 MHz CPU
  • RAM 64 MB – ROM 128 MB
  • QVGA
  • miniSD
  • Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
    By October 6, 2006 Read More →

    Brando case for Hermes

    Brando Workshop have just released a metal case for the HTC Hermes, available in both Silver and Black.

    Brando HTC TyTN case
    Brando Orange SPV M3100 case

    Brando WorkShop aluminium hard case is specially designed for your HTC TyTN. Aircraft grade aluminium is used to make this case strong yet light in weight. All our cases are finished and examined by hand before leaving our workshop. Neoprene lining and 360 degree swivel belt clip are also added to make our cases unique, stylish, handy and innovative.

  • Thin, Lightweight and strong
  • Neoprene inner lining for extra protection and shock absorber
  • Easy access to all buttons and features
  • Aircraft grade aluminium used
  • Aluminum prevents from scratches
  • Removable 360° degree belt clip included
  • Matching finish
  • Cutouts give easy access
  • Easy to install
  • Looks like a good buy at just $28!

    Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
    By October 5, 2006 Read More →

    Mobile Phone sales slow

    According to research firm Informa Telecoms and Media, the battle now will be persuading users to upgrade their phones regularly.

    New services such as mobile TV will compete with improved cameras, more memory and cutting-edge design.

    But the long-awaited switch to 3G could be some time off, the report said.

    The report predicts that only a quarter of all mobile phones sold by 2008 will be 3G – which might not be quite the news operators, desperate to recoup the money they spent on third-generation networks, wanted to hear.

    Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
    By October 4, 2006 Read More →

    HTC Trinity Neutered?

    We just heard from our friend Fabien that the HTC Trinity is likey to ship with its GPS receiver disabled!

    “HTC discovered very late in the game that the GPS subsystem didn’t play nice with Qualcomm’s GSM chipset; rather than hold the release, they decided to disable the nav functionality for the time being and press on with the launch. Worry not, early adopters; a software update is promised for early next year that’ll iron everything out, making the Trinity a solid alternative to its GPS-enabled (but 3G-impaired) Artemis sibling.”

    Personally I would prefer to wait until all the bugs have been ironed out before I spent my hard earned cash on this.

    Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
    By October 3, 2006 Read More →

    Battery life on US networks

    As many of you will know, I have been in Florida for the past 9 days. As I have to keep in contact with work at pretty much all times I had to take my phone with me and I’m currently using my HTC TyTN.

    When I arrived in Florida I turned the phone on as I left the airport and within a few seconds it had automatically switched over to Cingular, even offering me 3G coverage. This was excellent news.

    I used my phone about the same amount as I would at home, collecting email using push from my exchange server and taking/making a few calls per day.

    I found one thing rather puzzling: During my time there I had to charge the battery twice, averaging about 4 days standby on each charge, at home I have to charge it at least every other day!

    Is there something about the US networks that means there is less drain on the battery or could this be put down to the warm weather in florida? Any ideas??

    Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
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