Is that the XP1 Power Pack, or are you just happy to see me? Alright, so I’m really not sure why the first image on the XP1 is of two women who aren’t even using any electronics, but this is what the power pack actually looks like:

I’m hoping to get my grubby hands on a cable for testing later on, but here are the details for now. The power pack is essentially an iPhone cable with a backup battery added somewhere in between the two plugs. The battery claims to hold 2500 mAh and charges via USB. I think it could be a seriously cool product, depending on how it weighs and how big the battery pack portion really is. Many other portable charging solutions keep the cables and the batteries separate, so the XP1 could reduce the clutter in your accessory bag if it turns out to be awesome. I still don’t know what those women are smiling about, though.

Ever wish you could design your own front and back skin for an iPod or iPhone? Well, if you submit your own creation to Tatskinz.com during the month of November you could have a chance to see your design manufactured  and win your choice of $1000 or a white MacBook. Click here for the contest details. If you don’t have a design of your own, you can still take part by helping to choose the winners here.

I’ll also add a disclaimer that I am one of the guest panel judges, although I don’t do anything until the end…at which point I will proclaim something along the lines of “I like that one!” which will help choose the winner of the grand prize.

You can’t get enough of all the Droid coverage, and you are waiting for one more reason to jump onto the Android? OK, look at this: free turn by turn navigation app from Google, on v 2.0 Android devices only.

The Official Google Blog has today revealed the new “Google Maps Navigation for Android 2.0”, which, in brief, will give the Droids an always updated, 3G driven, turn by turn navigation software. The benefits of such a system are highlighted by Google in its blog post:

Since 2005, millions of people have relied on Google Maps for mobile to get directions on the go. However, there’s always been one problem: Once you’re behind the wheel, a list of driving directions just isn’t that easy to use. It doesn’t tell you when your turn is coming up. And if you miss a turn? Forget it, you’re on your own.
Today we’re excited to announce the next step for Google Maps for mobile: Google Maps Navigation (Beta) for Android 2.0 devices.
This new feature comes with everything you’d expect to find in a GPS navigation system, like 3D views, turn-by-turn voice guidance and automatic rerouting. But unlike most navigation systems, Google Maps Navigation was built from the ground up to take advantage of your phone’s Internet connection.
Here are seven features that are possible because Google Maps Navigation is connected to the Internet:

The most recent map and business data
When you use Google Maps Navigation, your phone automatically gets the most up-to-date maps and business listings from Google Maps — you never need to buy map upgrades or update your device. And this data is continuously improving, thanks to users who report maps issues and businesses who activate their listings with Google Local Business Center.
Search in plain English
Google Maps Navigation brings the speed, power and simplicity of Google search to your car. If you don’t know the address you’re looking for, don’t worry. Simply enter the name of a business, a landmark or just about anything into the search box, and Google will find it for you. Then press “Navigate”, and you’re on your way.
Search by voice
Typing on a phone can be difficult, especially in the car, so with Google Maps Navigation, you can say your destination instead. Hold down the search button to activate voice search, then tell your phone what you want to do (like “Navigate to Pike Place in Seattle”), and navigation will start automatically.
Traffic view
Google Maps Navigation gets live traffic data over the Internet. A traffic indicator light in the corner of the screen glows green, yellow or red, depending on the current traffic conditions along your route. If there’s a jam ahead of you, you’ll know. To get more details, tap the light to zoom out to an aerial view showing traffic speeds and incidents ahead. And if the traffic doesn’t look good, you can choose an alternate route.
Search along route
For those times when you’re already on the road and need to find a business, Google Maps Navigation searches along your route to give you results that won’t take you far from your path. You can search for a specific business by name or by type, or you can turn on popular layers, such as gas stations, restaurants or parking.
Satellite view
Google Maps Navigation uses the same satellite imagery as Google Maps on the desktop to help you get to your destination. Turn on the satellite layer for a high-resolution, 3D view of your upcoming route. Besides looking cool, satellite view can help you make sense of complicated maneuvers.
Street View
If you want to know what your next turn looks like, double-tap the map to zoom into Street View, which shows the turn as you’ll see it, with your route overlaid. And since locating an address can sometimes be tricky, we’ll show you a picture of your destination as you approach the end of your route, so you’ll know exactly what to look for.

[…]

The first phone to have Google Maps Navigation and Android 2.0 is the Droid from Verizon. Google Maps Navigation is initially available in the United States. And like other Google Maps features, Navigation is free.
Visit google.com/navigation to learn more and browse a gallery of product screenshots. Take Google Maps Navigation for a spin, and bring Internet-connected GPS navigation with you in your car.

To recap:

• The most recent map and business data
• Search in plain English
• Search by voice
• Traffic view
• Search along route
• Satellite view
• Street view

… not too bad for a free app!

If you are hurrying up to a Verizon local store, calm down, and give a look at the video below instead. Then, after a good cup of the beverage you like, you are allowed to evaluate your next smartphone purchase.

Via: Official Google Blog

Barnes & Noble will be showcasing another eReader at their stores and on-line, the Que (pronounced ‘Q’).  This ereader is a Plastic Logic device, and they are also the company that designed the Nook for B&N.  However, the Que is not competition, but instead designed for a whole new market.  The Que is specifically designed for business users.  It will even have its own store that will be powered by B&N.  It packs quite a punch with its shatter-proof plastic display, and loads of features.  Check out this list:

- Supports PDF, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint files

-Has the largest touchscreen user interface at 8.5″ x 11″

-1/3 of an inch thick

-Lightweight

-Wireless enabled

The Que will be making its world debut at CES in January 2010.  I know I will be interested to see if there is a need for a separate business specific reader.  I would think that you could get away with just one, but time will tell.

Press Release:

QUE™ proReader by Plastic Logic to be Sold in Barnes & Noble Stores
 
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA and NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 27, 2009 – Plastic Logic and Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world’s largest bookseller, today announced that QUE™ (pronounced “Q”), the first proReader designed for business professionals, will be sold through Barnes & Noble’s nationwide network of stores and online at Barnes & Noble.com (http://www.bn.com).
 
The distribution agreement marks an expansion of the relationship between the two companies. Earlier this year, Plastic Logic and Barnes & Noble announced a strategic partnership through which Barnes & Noble will power the online store for QUE, which is coming in 2010 (information can be found at http://www.QUEreader.com). QUE will also be featured near the recently announced nook™, the Barnes & Noble eBook reader, on free-standing displays with signage offering Barnes & Noble customers choice based on their reading needs.
 
Scheduled to premiere January 7, 2010 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (Central Hall of Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth 11840), QUE is the first eReader designed to support the lifestyle of modern business professionals. More than an eReader, QUE means business.
 
“We are very excited to name Barnes & Noble as our first retail distribution partner and to have QUE featured prominently in its stores,” said Richard Archuleta, CEO of Plastic Logic. “QUE was designed from the ground up as a tool for busy business professionals, expanding the eReader market as its first and only proReader.”
 
QUE provides access to a file cabinet’s worth of documents, ranging from business and professional newspapers, periodicals and books – with over 1 million eBooks available through the QUE store, powered by Barnes & Noble. It supports the document formats business users need (including PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel documents and more). Extra thin, lightweight and wireless-enabled, QUE is the size of an 8.5 x 11 inch pad of paper, about a 1/3 inch thick, and weighs less than many periodicals. QUE stands out in a crowd because it’s a business reader, but it’s also unique for its shatterproof plastic display, which is based on Plastic Logic’s pioneering plastic electronics technology. QUE also distinguishes itself with the largest touchscreen in the industry, an intuitive touchscreen user interface, and powerful tools for interacting with and managing a range of content.
 
“We’re excited to expand our relationship with Plastic Logic to include not only an eBookstore, but also a physical presence in our bookstores nationwide and on BN.com,” said William J. Lynch, president of BN.com. “QUE is an incredibly innovative product and a great device for business professionals. Carrying nook and QUE allows us to provide consumers a one-stop destination in Barnes & Noble stores to demo and buy two of the best eBook readers on the market. It also supports our digital strategy to offer customers choice, expand the market overall, and deliver on our promise to provide any book, any time, anywhere.”
 
Full product specifications, availability and pricing of QUE will be announced on January 7, 2010 at CES.

Someone whispered in Boy Genius’ ear that not one, but TWO Android phones may be released by Verizon on November 6th. These are the long awaited Motorola Droid and the HTC Droid Eris. It still seems somewhat unclear as to what the Motorola phone may be called, as latest rumors seem to have the entire Verizon Android lineup being referred to as “Droid”.

The Motorola definitely seems to be a power device as shown in BGR’s previous preview, but just as interestingly, the HTC Eris appears like it might just be Verizon’s version of the Hero, running the HTC Sense UI in all its glory.

We’ll be very curious to see the full reviews start pouring in along with consumer’s reactions to these exciting devices!