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Why Is it Wise For Carriers To Introduce Smartphone Data Usage Cap?

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:32:27 +0000

While data usage caps may not make customers happy, the caps may be necessary. Data caps limit the amount of data a phone user can use each billing cycle. Designed to slow down the effects of the rise in data consumption by smartphone users, caps are a way for phone providers to keep data usage under control. Data usage has risen to its highest levels over the last two years and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

Credit: appneta.com

Data Limits

Data caps are set by the package the customer buys for their phone. Each package has a different data cap, with packages with higher caps costing more. Lower caps are around 2GB each month, while higher caps may reach 10GB or more. Some carriers offer low-priced packages for users who use less than 2G each month.

A user isn’t allowed to exceed the cap for their data package and will incur extra charges for any data they use over the package limit. The limits may be confusing to some users, as other types of home connections, such as high speed internet, have much higher data caps that the average household never reaches. Some carriers warn phone customers who are approaching their data cap before the limit is reached.

Initially, many phone carriers offered unlimited or very high data caps. In recent years, phone carriers have moved away from unlimited data plans with no caps and on to tiered or menu data packages with limits instead. Some carriers allowed customers to keep old unlimited plans even if the plans were no longer being offered to new customers.

Throttling

The term, ‘throttling’ is used to describe the slowdown of data transfer speeds to specific phones by the phone carrier. Carriers may throttle users when data traffic is high or to restrict routinely heavy data users. Since a small percentage of heavy users can affect networks during peak times, carriers use throttling to prevent speed problems throughout the entire network.

Mobile internet feels a traffic impact more than traditional internet sources, such as high speed internet. In order to keep data speeds fast for the majority of the users, a carrier will throttle those customers who are using the largest percentage of data, to keep the majority of its customers happy.

Bandwidth

When data plans were first introduced, customers were using basic applications and performing more routine tasks, such as checking email, on their cell phones. Carriers did not need as much bandwidth to support their networks. Since mobile technology has improved, the games and apps available today consume significantly more data.

Phone carriers only have so much bandwidth to offer smartphone users. If a carrier offering unlimited data service has a significant percentage of heavy data users, the cost of maintaining a network that offers decent speeds despite the data burden may drive the carrier out of business. The additional expense of maintaining a large network at all times would drive up phone plan prices, costing customers for the carrier.

Although data caps may be frustrating, phone carriers don’t have much of a choice. With the flood of data-consuming devices that have entered the market over the last few years, carriers must find a way to keep speeds up for most users at all times. Poor service can damage a carrier’s reputation and eat away at its customer base.

Plantronics Unified Communications Solutions for Mobile and Skype

admin — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 06:21:44 +0000

With Unified Communications on the rise within the corporate world Plantronics is staying ahead of the curve with hot new wireless USB headsets. Plantronics wireless USB headsets easily connect to PC computers and provide leading hands free technology for your computer. Plantronics computer headsets also work well with Skype and other soft phone applications including Microsoft Office Communicator. This blog will cover some of the best computer headsets that Plantronics currently offers on the market.

Credit : plantronics.com

The new Plantronics B230 wireless USB headset is very popular with built in Bluetooth Technology for connectivity. Connecting easily to your PC computer with USB connection you can also pair the computer headset with your Bluetooth mobile device as well. The Plantronics B230 includes a 33 foot roaming range which is the standard distance for Bluetooth Technology. Built in Wind Smart noise reduction technology ensures clarity while blocking out most of your surrounding background noise. The Plantronics B230 wireless headset is perfect for telecommuters using VoIP communications through their computer. Built for all day comfort the B230 includes a compact and lightweight over the ear design with 6 hours of non stop talk time. Easily switch between your computer and Bluetooth mobile device. The Plantronics B230 wireless computer headset works excellent with Skype and Microsoft Office Communicator 2007.

Another really nice wireless USB headset for hands free mobility for your computer, Bluetooth mobile and desk phone are the Plantronics Savi series. The Plantronics W710 wireless computer headset not only works with your PC computer but also your desk phone and Bluetooth mobile device. Allowing to use a single telephone headset for all of your communication devices is an excellent solution for bringing hands free communication to your office or call center. The Plantronics Savi wireless headsets operate on DECT 6.0 Technology in include a 350 foot roaming range which is much further than the standard Bluetooth roaming distance. Multiple wearing styles are available with Plantronics Savi wireless office headsets and the W710 includes a durable over the head wearing design. Built in noise cancellation makes these telephone headsets excellent solutions for high volume, busy call centers. Plantronics Savi breakthrough technology was released earlier in the year and truly took the industry by surprise.

Plantronics also offers a variety of computer headsets strictly for your PC with stereo USB technology. The Plantronics CS50 wireless USB headset is one of the more popular headsets designed to work with PC’s only. The CS50 USB headset was built after the popular Plantronics CS55 which works with desk phones. There is a built in 300 foot roaming range and wireless DECT 6.0 technology. The CS50 computer headset also features a convertible wearing style that include two designs to choose from over the head and over the ear. Plantronics is one of the leading manufactures in the telecommunication industry and provides the best there is in wireless technology. Plantronics has been providing call centers telephone headset solutions for more than a decade.

Author Bio:
Brian Woodson – Author and Blogger specializing in Plantronics wireless headsets and telecommunication equipment.

Amazing OttLite F48K28 Natural Day Light Modern Lamp

admin — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:04:12 +0000

OttLite F48K28 Lamp

If you are looking for a Modern Stylish and Unique Desk lamp then OttLite F48k28 Desk Lamp will be your first choice. Only for $34.95 you can get beautiful lamp which features the ottLite 508 Illumination technology , It works to minize the heat and provide balanced brightness like natural daylight using 13-Watt OttLite HD bulb.

OttLite F48K28 Lamp Backside

Celluon Magic Cube Laser Virtual Keyboard For Apple Devices

admin — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:51:15 +0000

The Cube Laser Virtual Keyboard is unique rectangular device which put laser red light to make virtual keyboard on any surface and it works perfectly like a physical keyboard. This device can used as mouse when changed in mouse mode. You can this Cube Laser virtual keyboard works with all mobile gadgets such as Ipad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android and windows phone. You can buy it from ThinkGeek on this product page.

Cube Laser Virtual Keyboard

Celluon Magic Cube Laser Virtual Keyboard

3D Glasses free 52″ HDTV announced in Japan

admin — Tue, 24 May 2011 07:59:44 +0000

These days everybody love to watch and enjoy 3D TV and 3D movies , but the big problem is you have to wear 3D Glasses all the time to enjoy 3D feature. Now Nissho Electronics in Japan has just announced the 3D Glasses free 52″ HDTV BDL5231-32R. This model comes with Full HD resolution. This 3D Glasses free HDTV will be shortly available in Japan for estimated price $20,850.

3D Glasses Free HDTV BDL5231-3D2R

Jaguar C-X75 Next Generation Hybrid Super Car

admin — Tue, 17 May 2011 18:28:57 +0000

Jaguar company has a plan to build new hybrid super car named Jaguar C-X75. This car will be build with together Williams F1 team. In Special features of Jaguar C-X75 , 0 – 60mph in less than 3 seconds and 0 – 100mph in 6 seconds.

Read More about Jaguar C-X75

Jaguar C-X75

Jaguar C-X75 On Road

Jaguar C-X75 Back side

Motorola Xoom vs iPad 2 | Complete Comparison

admin — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:45:50 +0000

Apples iPad 2 was born with a big boom. There were many expectations about its release. For a common man, Apple’s products have a special dignity. The design and the integrity of Apple products are well priced. But it was not expected that a product of Motorola, to have more rating than Apple’s iPad 2. Quite interesting, but it is a simple fact, Motorola Xoom have much more sound features than that of Apple’s iPad 2. Let us compare these two devices.

Performance
The most vital point of any product is its performance. Processor and memory is the key part when dealing with the performance of the devices like these. The processor of Xoom is NVIDIA Tegra 2, a dual core processor with one Giga hertz processing speed, while the ipad 2 is having A5 1GHz dual-core processor. You will be wondering which among them is the best since both are of same speed. Basically both are almost the same in case of performance. But Xoom points well with the memory. iPad 2 is having 512 MB of RAM where Motorola Xoom is having 1GB RAM for the processing. This aids the Xoom to load heavy apps and processes like games, multitasking, etc with ease. So when analyzing the performance, Xoom is better than iPad 2.

Motorola Xoom VS iPad 2

Camera
Just like in the big budget tablets, both ipad 2 and Motorola Xoom have front-facing and rear cameras. The front camera of ipad 2 is a VGA quality one where the Motorola Xoom is loaded with 2 mega pixel camera which is enough for that position. The rear camera of Apple’s iPad supports 720p video, its high definition. This helps to shoot videos in good quality. But when talking about the photo quality, it looks like an around 1.5 MP camera. Motorola Xoom is having a 5 Mega Pixel camera in the rear. There is also a LED flash present to increase the photo quality, and features like auto-focus, etc. This makes Motorola Xoom better than Apple iPad 2 when comparing the camera.

Price
The most attractive part of any device is its price. Apple is a company which usually produces quality products. But a major disadvantage is its heavy price which won’t suits a common man. Apple is aware of this and they tried to make a difference in their new product – iPad 2. Yes, iPad 2 is really cost effective when considering the vast features it offers. iPad 2 starts with USD 499 in the market. The least price of the Motorola Xoom is USD 599. Also with almost same resources, iPad 2 is always less costlier than Xoom. Here iPad 2 wins over Xoom.

Screen
The Screen is an important section which iPad2 doesn’t undergo any revolutions. It is the most forgotten module of iPad 2 by its developers. Apple iPad 2 is having a LED backlit 9.7 inch screen. The screen of the Motorola is 10.1 inch. The resolution of apple iPad 2 is 1024 x 768 when Motorola Xoom supports 1280 x 800. iPad 2 is having display aspect ratio of 4:3 only, which is an old school one. Xoom is having a better aspect ratio of 16:9. This helps Motorola Xoom to have a better view of High Definition videos in a widescreen mode. Here Xoom heavily overruns iPad 2.

Overall
You can compare two phones in different ways. It is all up to your needs and focus. When comparing these two competitive products, you will be most probably rating Motorola Xoom over iPad 2. Both are two fabulous products, each wins over others in some aspects. But Xoom have the upper hand in many key points there and hence we can conclude with Motorola Xoom as the better option than Apple’s iPad 2.

Motorola Xoom vs iPad 2 Video Comparison

Amazing Wireless USB Digital Microscope

admin — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:07:22 +0000

Wireless products are the most significant blessing from the latest technology. This new Wireless USB Digital microscope provides you more flexibility on where to use it without worrying about how long the wire is. You can see all the hidden components and structures of all the everyday objects.

Wireless USB Digital Microscope

The Wireless USB Digital Microscope allows you explore and capture digital images without any interference from wires hanging from the top of the microscope. Simple USB connection (for base wireless receiver) and rechargeable batteries make this microscope easy to use. The magnification is adjustable from 20x to 200x, giving you a wide range of viewing possibilities. This device is great for examining electronics, circuit boards, jewelry, small parts, quality control, or just learning and teaching.

It makes use of 2.4 GHz wireless signals with a switch on the cradle for choosing one of the 4 channels. It has 8 white LEDS for added illumination. It runs on a built-in Lithium-ion battery.

Product Features:

Transmits image to base via wireless connection

Wireless range approximately 2 meters

Base connects to computer via USB connection

Adjustable magnification: 20x – 200x

8 white LEDs for illumination

Built-in Li-ion batteries

Battery charges via USB

Wireless 2.4GHz with 4 channel options

Works with Windows 2000/ME/XP/Vista

Includes: microscope, base, USB cable, USB charging cable, two focusing rings, software CD, user guide

Samsung Monte Stylish TouchScreen Phone

admin — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 09:04:48 +0000

Samsung Monte is a stylish touchscreen phone that keeps you connected to the word at any time, any place with social networking sites, Multi IM and internet through Wi-Fi and 3G. Samsung Monte also features an enhanced touch user interface that facilitates easy navigation and intuitive operation and leads them to a world full of multimedia entertainment.

Display and Design:

The phone is easily pocketable and all the controls are comfortable to use. The Monte measures 108.8 x 53.7 x 12.4mm and weighs in at only 92 grams. All curves and rounded edges, the phone designed to fit in your palm. Apparently the phone is slim and stylish. The phone features 3.0 inch TFT capacitive touchscreen displays with a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels and supports up to 256K colors. Its capacitive technology is very sensitive and responds to even a very light touch.

Samsung Monte

There are three hardware buttons below the display: Call and End keys obviously and the center button. The center button brings up the main menu or toggles between the active app (if there is one) and the main menu. The buttons are not big in size and almost flat at the level of screen, but they’re comfortable enough to use. The mic pinhole is located further down below the keys. On the left side of the phone volume rocker is present while on the right side you will find lock key, shutter key and microSD card slot covered with a plastic lid.

User Interface:

The Samsung S5620 Monte runs TouchWiz 2.0 Plus it’s much like the older TouchWiz interfaces but with many Bada touches to it. The TouchWiz homescreen is widget-based and you can put as many of them as you can fit, but you only get three homescreens and you can’t add more. A strange blunder from the Samsung S5620 Monte is the lack of proper Task management. The phone can still multitask, but switching between apps is impossible. This unfortunately means that you have to go back to the shortcut for the app to switch back to it.

Connectivity:

The phone allows you world wide connectivity with quad band GSM support. It also features 3G support at the 900/2100 bands. There’s 3.6Mbps HSDPA support for faster downloads. The phone also supports Wi-Fi for web connectivity. Bluetooth and microUSB are for local connectivity and data transferring.

Like other Samsung phones the Monte has the new WebKit-based Dolfin web browser. With Flash support and one-finger zooming, it is one of the better web browsers on a feature phone.

Camera:

The Samsung Monte is equipped with a 3 megapixel fixed-focus camera that can take photos with a maximum resolution of 2048×1536 pixels. The camera has a number of nice built-in features like smile shot, preset scenes, viewfinder gridlines, geotagging and panorama mode. The camera offers video recording too, but it can only manage QVGA at 15fps.

Multimedia:

The Monte comes with social integration in the shape of four neat homescreen widgets: MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Bebo, and MySpace and Facebook get dedicated apps as well.

Samsung Monte TouchScreen

Along with the standard 3.5 mm audio jack and the microSD card slot, the Monte music functionality is harmonized by the great music player usually found on Samsung devices. The music player allows filtering tracks by author, album, and genre. Automatic playlists (recently added, most played etc.) are also generated and can subsequently be used as filters. If that doesn’t seem enough, you can create your own custom playlists. Monte equalizer offers the standard presets like pop, jazz, classic, as well as widening, dynamic and surround effects. The Samsung Monte features an FM radio with RDS. The radio app works with Find Music too, which is great if you missed the name of the song playing on the radio. FM broadcast records are in the MP3 format, 192Kbps 32KHz for High quality (that results in about a megabyte for each recorded minute). You can also pause the recording if you want to skip the commercials or anything else.

Key Features:

Network: Quad-band GSM/EDGE, UMTS 900/2100, HSDPA 3.6 Mbps

Display: 3″ capacitive TFT touchscreen of WQVGA resolution, 256K colors

User Interface: TouchWiz 2.0 Plus user interface with multitasking support

Storage: 200 MB onboard storage

Expansion slot: swappable microSD card slot (up to 16GB)

Camera: 3 megapixel camera with smile detection

Video recording: QVGA video @ 15fps

Secondary video-call camera

WLAN: Wi-Fi connectivity (b/g)

Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, USB v.2.0

Dimensions: 108.8 x 53.7 x 12.4mm

Weight: 92 gram

Others:

GPS receiver with A-GPS; Free GPS navigation with NAVTEQ maps

microUSB slot (with charging support)

Standard 3.5 mm audio jack

DNSe sound enhancements

Find Music recognition service

FM radio with RDS

Office document viewer

Smart unlock

Social networking integration with direct file uploads

Accelerometer for auto screen rotate, turn to mute

Unique Optimus Maximus Keyboard for Professionals

admin — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 08:20:13 +0000

The Optimus Maximus is a product of the Art. Lebedev Studio, a design firm in Russia. It is the first keyboard comes with OLED screens. The OLED based Optimus Maximus keyboard is considered as best keyboard with 113 customizable OLED screens as an input and has a high price tag of $1,600 that is out of range of the average consumers. There is obviously something unique and appealing. Optimus Maximus gives you customizable keys so you have complete control on keys’ appearance, even for gamers, designers and those who demand more from their input hardware.

The keyboard is bit unsophisticated than a standard keyboard. Its 6.75-inch depth and 1.25-inch height isn’t that extraordinary, but at 21.25 inches wide, the Optimus Maximus is only one quarter of an inch less broad than Logitech’s older G15 gaming keyboard, which is the widest modern keyboard. The device has removable keys, easy to clean and replace. These tightly packed keys make for lots of mistaken presses and also slow down your words per minute.

Optimus Maximus Keyboard

Optimus Maximus requires a few extra steps for installation even as a basic typing device. It requires special drivers and softwares from Art Lebedey, which come with the keyboard or in a small package of 2.7MB that available online and quick to install. Its software allows you customize the image on each tiny display. The default layout provides a standard alphanumeric layout, but through the downloadable configuration software you can change the color, font, and size of the letters. You can alter the background color, you can type words, reassign commands, and even tie image and video files to display on individual keys, or across multiple keys.

As the Optimus Maximus works with both Windows PCs and Macs, it will recognize each operating system automatically and load up the familiar Windows icon and Apple command keys by default, depending on the system. The default settings reside on an included 512MB SD Card, and you’ll find an SD Card slot on the back of the keyboard. This lets you save custom layouts and bring them with you if you move the Optimus Maximus between different computers.

Product Specifications:

Keyboard Dimensions: Length 537 mm, Width 173 mm, Height 38 mm

Key Dimensions: 20.2 x 20.2 mm

Display Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.1 mm viewable area on each key

Display Resolution: 48 x 48 pixels per key

Frame Rate: 10 FPS

Color Depth: 65,536 Colors

Viewing Angle: 160 degrees

Product Features:

Keyboard features a tiny OLED screen on each key, 113 screens total.

Each key can be individually programmed to perform a series of functions, open an application or run an Applescript (Mac only)

Various System Monitor functions can dynamically display on a key including CPU usage, CPU temperature, Network Speed, and Memory Usage

Play a GIF animation or Quicktime movie on a Key

Paint images across all keys at once in your image editor of choice

Key sets can be linked to an application, so whenever you open that app the appropriate keys come up

Powerful layer function allows you to combine existing key sets in different ways

Use any language with the appropriate key images including Cyrillic, Ancient Greek, Georgian, Arabic, Quenya, and Hiragana.

Display notes, numerals, special symbols, HTML codes, math functions or any other special symbol.

Any key (or to be exact, a unit consisting of a cap, a microchip and a display) can be easily removed by hands to be cleaned or replaced

Built in USB hub

SD Card Slot for Storing keyboard Settings

System Requirements:

PC with installed OS Windows XP or Vista, with a USB 1.1 (or better 2.0) port; Mac OS X 10.5.1 or higher.

At least 20 MB of free space on hard drive.

At least 256 MB of RAM