Those of us that use Microsoft MyPhone may have noticed the quick note from Microsoft that the service will be down from Monday 05-Oct-09 to Tuesday –

Microsoft My Phone Service Upgrade

On October 5^th, 2009 at 5AM (Pacific Daylight Time) (check your local time here) the Microsoft My Phone service will be unavailable while we upgrade the service.  The service will come back online on October 6^th, 2009 Tuesday morning PDT.  Stay tuned for more information.  You can also  follow us on http://twitter.com/msmyphone for updates.

An extended outage is not anticipated, so everything should be good to go for the WM 6.5 Launch on 06-Oct-09.

Hot on the heels of Palm’s major update to WebOS last week, they are now pushing a much smaller update, WebOS 1.2.1 to Palm Pre users.  So, what does this one do that the previous update missed?  Sure, there are a few minor bug fixes in there, but the real reason for this update is buried somewhere in middle of the list of updates.  It is a one line bullet, and you would be forgiven if you missed it:

Resolves an issue preventing media sync from working with latest version of iTunes (9.0.1).

Of course, the issue with iTunes syncing this one resolves is that Apple keeps intentionally breaking it, requiring Palm to continue “resolving” the issue.  Personally, I have never been much of a fan of iTunes, and never tried syncing my Palm Pre with iTunes at all.  But that does not mean a lot of you will not welcome this update.  

So, in the on-again, off-again tale of Palm Pre-itunes syncing, it looks like we are now on-again.  I suggest you sync quickly if you plan to do so, because I am sure iTunes 9.0.2 is on its way, and you can bet Apple will fill whatever gap Palm has exploited this time. 

Oh, but in case you are interested, here is the complete list of updates in WebOS 1.2.1:

• Resolved an issue where after installing the 1.2.0 webOS update some customers running Exchange 2007 could no longer synchronize with their Exchange account for Email, Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks.
• Resolves an issue preventing media sync from working with latest version of iTunes (9.0.1).
• Media sync now synchronizes photo albums, maintaining the album structure in the Photos app.
• Media sync now allows for synchronizing photos without requiring the full-resolution originals. This provides faster display of high-quality full-screen images and enables users to store more photos on the phone.
• Resolved an issue where if a user tried to play streaming music or video, the media stream might drop out or have a long delay before starting.
• Addresses a security issue encountered by webkit developers. This issue did not impact end users.

Individuals interested in contacting Palm to report suspected security issues can find more information at palm.com/security .

Recently the new Motorola H17 Flip Bluetooth headset was announced, and today it arrived at JAMM!!

Here you can find a few pictures of the device, while a full review will be posted in the next week.

If you would like to check something in particular, please leave your requests in the comment area and stay tuned with JAMM for the review!

SPB Quads for Windows Mobile Professional

Last week we announced that SPB Software released a new game, SPB Quads.  Today we’re pleased to present you with JAMM’s review of Quads.  SPB Quads is an evolution of their SPB Quadronica game, with a few interesting twists added to the gameplay.  I’ve spent some time trying out the complimentary copy of SPB Quads on my handheld.  Grab yourself a glass of iced tea and join me to see how well the game fairs.

Installation of SPB Quads reveals that the program does consume quite a bit of storage memory, weighing in at near 12 MB.  For this reason, I recommend installing on the storage card of your device unless you have a phone with lot’s of memory to spare.  Once installed, you will find the shortcut to run the program nicely tucked into the Games menu in Programs.  First launch of Quads reveals very slick graphics consuming the full screen, with a musical score playing in the background.  Initially you’ll be greeted with options for two different modes of game play, a leveled mode called “Time Quad” and an unlimited “Ever Quad”.  Additionally, an entry for options is present, where you can refine some aspects of game play, including music and sound effects.  The demo version of SPB Quads is time limited allowing only about 180 seconds of play before the game expires and makes you relaunch, keeping each game to a minimum amount of time before automatically closing on you.  This is a bit of a nuisance at first, but you should be able to tell very quickly whether Quads is your type of game or not.

Jumping into game play presents a screen full of different colored blocks, with the occasional unique item filling a space. The screenshot below illustrates the game field as presented in SPB Quads.

While the game layout might look very familiar, you will find that the game play itself is interesting as it presents a logical problem.  To clear sections of blocks, use either your stylus or finger to select an area enclosed by four blocks of the same color.  The screenshot below illustrates an area enclosed by by shapes of like color in the corners.

As soon as you have selected an area, the section clears.  New blocks cascade down ala Bejeweled or Tetris, keeping the game play flowing. SPB Quads has interspersed a few unique game blocks that when included in the selection have some different results.  Each of these have a different effect on the game board when interacted with.  Descriptions of each is provided in the help option for SPB Quads.  The screenshot below illustrates an example help screen.

In conclusion, SPB Quads proposes a logical twist on a classic board clearing game.  Game play is simple with a slight mental challenge, allowing you to train you visual and spatial skills.  High scores can be uploaded to SPB Software’s server, allowing you to check your intellect in comparison with fellow Quadsters from the world over, so you can almost incorporate a two player aspect to the game, perhaps adding to the challenge for you.

DETAILS:

• SPB Quads is available for purchase for $9.95.
• A free trial is available here.
• More information is available here.
  

There is nothing greater than having tripod at the ready for those great low-light photography shots, and likewise, there is nothing more aggravating than catching blurry pictures, after getting a portrait set up!

This new line of Tripods, Monopods, and Gimbal Heads will be a professional photographer’s dream (and also for amateurs like the rest of us )  and will assist in getting the right shot in almost any situation.

Check out the Press Release for details on the new Induro Product Line:

Press Release:

Elmsford, NY October 1, 2009 –Continuous innovation and a dogged commitment to quality has kept Induro a leader in the premium quality tripod and support gear market. As a result, professionals and enthusiasts around the world reach for an Induro when they head out on assignment or board an airplane for a vacation or holiday trip. One look at the new generation of Induro products and you will understand why Induro is the finest tripod money can buy.

To maintain this quality, the Induro U.S. design team looked at every aspect of the product line and, utilizing their extensive resources, came up with new designs from top to bottom. The engineers started with the spider – the heart of any tripod – and designed it with a wider stance, reinforced cross braces and engineered it to be machined out of high strength Magnesium alloy. Refinements such as ergonomic leg locks, oversized center column lock and enhanced leg angle locks all contribute to a tripod system with measurably greater stability, rigidity and higher load capacity. And, each leg angle has been selected for maximum performance.

Changes in the leg lock make locking and unlocking the legs fast and easy – a quick half turn is all that is needed – and the ergonomic, rubberized locks fit your hand perfectly, even if you’re wearing gloves. In addition, the innovative dust and moisture-resistant seals assure reliable performance in virtually any environment.

Induro tripods are available in a wide range of sizes for any shooting situation. Whether you’re working in a studio, or in the field, Induro has a tripod for every photographer.

“The new Induro Carbon Fiber 8X CT-Series tripods are the strongest, most stable tripods ever offered,” states Jeff Karp Induro Product Marketing Manager. “Unlike most companies, we have the ability to fabricate our own carbon fiber tubing. And we take it one step further than other companies, by using eight layers of Carbon Fiber to produce the strongest legs in the industry — up to 60% stronger overall than conventional carbon fiber material.”

Induro AT-Series Aluminum Alloy tripods are made from the highest grade materials and are designed to offer the uncompromising quality, strength and durability demanded by professionals and serious photographers, at a reasonable price. Like all tripods in the new Induro family, the AT-Series incorporates enhancements that make them more rugged, stable and capable of handling higher load capacities. And the range of features and included accessories is unequalled in the marketplace.

For the photographer who wants a tripod with matching head, the Induro Adventure Series Tripod Kits have become one of the most popular products on the market today. While they were conceived with the budget-conscious photographer in mind, a close look will show that no compromises were made in the materials, design or construction. The AKB kits include an aluminum and magnesium tripod with quick lock legs and a single-action ballhead with quick release plate. Built to the same standards, and having the same enhancements as top-of-the-line Induro professional tripods, Induro has created an outstanding tripod outfit for an outstanding price.

Induro Monopods have also become very important equipment for photographers. They offer support in tight spaces, plus the mobility needed in fast shooting situations. The new Carbon Fiber and Aluminum alloy models take full advantage of the latest refinements and have up to twice the load capacity of earlier models. They’re ideal for photographers on the move – Sports, Nature, Landscape, Travel – and in the studio.

With the introduction of the new BHD-Series, Induro has brought the professional ballhead to a new level. These dual-action ballheads offer increased load capacities, large ergonomic locking knobs, adjustable drag and tension control, independent panning control and much more. To provide maximum strength and lighter weight, the new BHD-series ballheads are made of precision-machined Magnesium alloy. In response to photographers’ requests, the latest Induro ballheads have an Arca-Swiss style quick release plate system for maximum compatibility and flexibility.

“The Induro Gimbal Head is an exciting new product.” states Karp, “These heads allow you to position your long, heavy telephoto lenses at their center of gravity so they are essentially “weightless.” This makes vertical and horizontal tracking of fast moving objects fast and easy – providing a level of control and freedom of movement not possible with any other support systems.

A visit to your dealer or to InduroGear.com will give you the information you need, including new videos, to make an informed decision.

###

MAC Group represents the following professional brands: Creative Light, EIZO, Induro, Mamiya, PocketWizard, Profoto, Sekonic, Tenba, Toyo-View, X-Rite and Benro. We firmly believe in having your permission to contact you, and do not engage in SPAM. You may opt-out at any time using the link below. Privacy Policy.