Vodafone announces cloud-based service, Vodafone PC Backup

Vodafone has announced a new partnership with Decho Corporation which will enable its business and consumer customers to back up digital content from their computer to a remotely hosted site.

Once a customer has backed-up their digital content they will always be able to access it, even if their primary device is lost, stolen or otherwise unavailable. Customers will also be able to view and share the content from their account via the web browser of a PC, laptop or netbook in the future, reducing the need to transfer between devices.

Dubbed Vodafone PC Backup, the services will be available in consumer and business versions across several different territories over the next few months. The business version will also be supported by a web-based management console to enable an administrator to centrally control storage allocations and policies for multiple users.

Shinychris Mobile phones

Wikireader provides instant access to Wikipedia

Want to find out the origins of Halloween or when Samuel Pepys was born while walking round the park with your inquisitive six year old but don’t have an internet connection? Then the WikiReader might just be worth checking out.

A palm-sized electronic encyclopaedia designed for all ages, it contains more than three million English language entries from Wikipedia that can be immediately accessed any time, anywhere without an internet connection. Developed by Openmoko WikiReader turns on instantly and will work for months on two AAA batteries.

The large monochrome screen uses a touch interface, articles are scrolled with a stroke of the finger and hyperlinks selected with a simple tap. Updates for the WikiReader are provided quarterly and available for free download via their website. A yearly subscription plan for updated microSD cards is also available for $29.

“We created the WikiReader to be fun, easy, informative and entertaining for all ages,” said Openmoko CEO, Sean Moss-Pultz. “WikiReader is a whimsical look at the joy of learning in the digital age. It’s personal and it’s fun. We’re extremely excited about sharing our device with the world.”

Costing $99 the WikiReader is available from Amazon.com starting today.

For more information on WikiReader visit http://thewikireader.com.

Wikireader side.jpg
Shinychris Gadgets

Slim £99 camcorder from I Want One of Those

From I Want One of Those comes this slim camcorder. Costing just £99, it incorporates 8 x digital zoom as well as stabilisation and motion detection features.

Alternatively if you don’t want to shoot video you can store images or even music on the 64Mb internal memory (with the option of inserting an SD memory card for extra storage). You can connect the camera via USB to transfer pictures/video to your PC and also use the USB port to charge the device.

Shinychris Camcorders

Switch on to switch off, Virgin Media research claims

A new report commissioned by Virgin Media and carried out by The Future Laboratory claims that two thirds of the UK loves being connected at all times and feels more relaxed when connected than when not.

These people have even been given a media friendly name: 'SOSOs' – those who switch on to switch off. Apparently SOSO behaviour is not only reflected in a love of being connected to technology but also by anxiety caused by the implications of not being connected.

Over a third (35 per cent) experienced anxiety when not able to use technology to stay in touch with their family, around a third (31 per cent) was most anxious about not being able to make money/work online and 27 per cent was most concerned with not being able to connect to friends. Anxiety is also apparent when technology can't be called upon to provide advice, whether through online maps (25 per cent), dating (21 per cent) or shopping for the best deals (15 per cent).

Says psychologist Nik Simpson: "At any moment, an urgent email may ping into an inbox, a client may call, an old friend may get in touch via Facebook or a family member may want to get in touch. Therefore, to disconnect from technology may mean missing something we cannot afford to. Always being connected actually becomes increasingly essential for peace of mind, further reinforcing SOSO values."

Shinychris Polls

Amplichoir – sing Lollipop and win MTV EMA VIP tickets, maybe

Dell and MTV have joined together to produce Amplichoir. The idea is simple. You record yourself singing Lollipop (the music used in the Dell adverts of course) using a webcam and microphone and you can see and hear yourself by clicking on a thumbnail on the home screen.

Billed as the world’s biggest karaoke, it’s so far attracted around 500 people to participate. The incentive for people to take part – apart from the chance of singing a naff, but very catchy, song out of tune? The chance to win VIP tickets to the European MTV Music Awards and afterparty in Berlin on November 5th.

The prize includes flights and accommodation for you and a friend, stretch limousine transfers to and from the airport and awards, champagne and flowers in your room when you arrive, dinner for two at Fischers Fritz (the only 2 Michelin Star restaurant in Berlin), a relaxing massage in the Regent Spa, make-up/hairdresser to get you looking good for the awards and after-party, and an EMA Award presented to you on the red carpet. So what are you waiting for? Time to dust off that miicrophone and croon with the best of them.

Shinychris Competitions & Promotions, Web 2.0, Websites

TomTom car kit for iPhone

TomTom has introduced a car kit for the iPhone. Compatible with the iPhone 3G and 3GS (running OS 3.0 or later), it features a secure mount to dock the iPhone to the desired position on the car windshield or dashboard.

An adjustable mount securely rotates iPhone to either portrait or landscape mode for optimal positioning and widescreen route display. Voice instructions are provided through the built-in speaker and the integrated microphone and speaker also allow hands-free calling while driving.

TomTom claims that the built-in GPS receiver reduces the chance of signal drop out in areas where GPS reception is limited like cities with tall buildings or forested areas. Additional features include an iPhone charging facility and a facility to play music via the audio output (providing your car stereo has an audio input of course).

Shinychris iPhone, Satellite Navigation systems

LG adds solar power to its ereaders

The panel – which is 0.7mm in thickness and weighs 20gm, has been designed to fit into LG's range of 6inch panel ereaders. Apparently four or five hours of sunlight will give the ereader enough power to keep the user reading for a whole day.

Shiny E-Books