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 Line2 - Revolutionize The Way You Talk

With a monthly plan starting at just $9.95, you can take your phone number where every you go.  With no contracts and no termination fees, you get to experience unlimited texting and calling!  With the new Line2 application, you can work in any WiFi Hotspot and turn your iPad into a powerful communication tool.  In the video, you can see that you can make calls, add multiple callers, browse your contact list, text, and e-mail without having to go through multiple screens.  From the video below you can tell that your most important part of the application is still visible in the background and that everything else you do wiill be through a pop up window.  

Don't have much else to say until July 28th!  Enjoy the video and sign up here for more updates:  http://www.line2.com/

Another day another phone.  Just a little over a year later, a new toy comes out.  Best part is, I paid $100 for it.  I was able to trade in my old HTC Evo for $150 off the new customer $200 price, but was taxed at the phone's $500+ price, making it about $100.  Not a bad deal.

The phone is actually not the first of it's kind (LG Optimus 3D.) None the less, this is a pretty awesome phone.  One of the strongest reasons I got this phone was it's screen size, 4.3", perfect as my GPS as I hate getting lost in San Francisco (walking or driving!).  The front camera doesn't work too badly, I use it mostly to do video chat on Qik with my girlfriend.  It's not the clearest, but it's better than no image.  The 2 back cameras are for the 3D effect.  It's actually quite amazing and creates a moment of nausea.  It takes some getting used to, however, the 3D video removes that nausea and replaces it with 'awesome'.  It comes preloaded with The Green Hornet 3D and for it to be played on a phone, the video is breathtaking.  3D games can also be purchased, but buyers be warned, it is a headache waiting to happen.  

More updates to come? Who knows?  Let me know if you have any questions or want a more detailed opinion about the device! 

Peace

So it's been quite a while since I've been blogging about what I find interesting in the tech world.  Definitely been keeping busy with my studies and working on a iOS application! But let's get back to what that picture is above!

Line2, a VoIP based telephone number that allows your smart phone to carry 2 phone numbers in a single device.  But so what?  Skype, Fring, and other applications can do that too - or can they?  With Line2, you can utilize three different networks to help you make calls where ever you are!  This application accomplishes this by using your cellular network, 3G/4G network, and WiFi.  Unlike other applications, you are restricted to only WiFi.  So imagine that you're stuck in 3 stories below ground and you need to make a call.  As long as you have WiFi, you can dial out to any number in the US or Canada for free!  This is especially important for those who go home and have bad reception with their current carrier.  As most people now have WiFi at home, missing a call is going to be a thing of the past - ahem iPhone users on AT&T.  Going on vacation or going on a business trip outside of the United States?  If your phone has access to WiFi at the hotel you're staying at or you happen to find a starbucks nearby with WiFi, you can make calls back home without the international costs.  Not much of a caller? Well, texting is also included with your Line2 number.  

Pretty cool, huh?  This is all included in a $9.95 /month plan.  That means you can lower your texting and minute plans to it's minimum in exchange for a $9.95 service to give your self unlimited calls and texts.  Do the math, you'll end up keeping more money in your pocket.  

What's also cool is that you can install this application on your iPod Touch, iPad, and other Android tablets and turn those devices into working telephones.  Technology is definitely finding new ways to connect the world.  

So why am I talking about this other than this is a cost saving and innovative application?  I'm currently employed here.    Drop me an e-mail or visit us at www.line2.com if you have any questions!

The cost of hardware has been plumetting... Who would have thought you could purchase a tablet for just $75? Well, with the XO-3 you can.  The XO brand was established by One Laptop Per Child and they've been digging deeper to make sure every child has the tools and knowledge to be a part of this ever growing technological driven world.  

So what is the difference anyway?  As it seems that most electronics are made up of HDMI ports, display ports are breaking its way through the market as vendors try to cut costs.  What most people do not know is that HDMi is a proprietary device and vendors must pay a royalty fee to the makers of HDMI as opposed to Display ports which prides itself in being free.  

HDMI is comprised of 3 video channels and audio channels all with a common clock.  Display port, however, has 4 channels all with its own independent clock.  Beyond that, I feel that they're almost identical and I haven't really preferred one over another.  You can find out more information between the two on this site here:  http://www.cepro.com/article/displayport_vs_hdmi_similarities_and_differences/

Just saw this on-line.  Not sure if this is bad or good, but I guess there's no such thing as bad publicity? 

 I am now a part of this project that moves SFSU's college of business websites from Cold Fusion to Drupal.  It's a summer project that is being done remotely so it still gives me time to do whatever I need during the day.  

So what is Cold Fusion?  No, not the nuclear fusion of atoms, but the the programming language based on HTML called Cold Fusion Markup Language (CFML) by Adobe.  With the budget in the education system in California, we are forced to be more innovative and more cost efficient when it comes to providing top level services.  By switching from Proprietary to Open Source Software, the university is able to save much needed funds.  So what is Drupal?

Drupal is an open source software full of amazing modules and completely free to use.  In fact, this website is running on Drupal (notice the little banner on the bottom left?).  Some may argue that open source software cannot provide solutions at the enterprise level.  However, I tell them this:  "Did you know the White House website is running on Drupal?  At an enterprise level, it doesn't get any higher than the White House!"  

The differences and advantages are arguable and can be perceived differently from one admin to another, however, this is a great learning experience for me and I can't wait to dig deeper into Drupal this summer.  As the project comes along, I will definitely add more details to the advantages that I find.  

Thanks to Davonna and Kathy at Sprint of San Leandro, I was able to receive my HTC Evo on the last day of my 30 day return policy with Sprint.  So now, I have this amazing device that I can't wait to hack at.  Time to fire up that Android SDTK.

A new device pushed by Toshiba.  The Libretto W100 has dual screens and runs on Windows 7 Home Premium (None of that Windows & Starter nonsense).  The 7" dual screens have a resolution of 1,024-by-600 which are also touch based from Haptic Technology and only has three physical buttons: Power, Home Key, and another button that cycles through 6 different virtual keyboards.   Both screens can be  used to extend the primary screen or as a virtual keyboard that is similar to that on an iPhone. TThe difference with this virtual keyboard is that it has all the keys at your disposal.  

Being only 1.9 lbs, it also carries 5 hours worth of power from its 8-cell battery.  According to Toshiba, the fan and heat cops from the top half of the dual screen allowing your lap to stay cool.  As an E-reader, it squashes competition with its 1 USB port - something iPads don't carry.  Along with the USB input, there is the standard 3.5mm headphone jack.  

Inside is a 1.2Ghz intel pentium U5400 CPU with a maximum memory capacity of 2GB.  Two HDD options are available: 320GB spinning hard drive, or a 62GB solid state drive.  

Interested in getting one?  Toshiba will be announcing its release date soon, however, the Libretto W100 will be in limited quantity with a sticker price of $1,099.00.