Earlier today, at CES, DXG announced their new line of cameras, and I have to say that I am pretty impressed.  I am not going to say too much here because I think these specs will speak for themselves.  The upcoming DXG-A80V features:

· Highest video capture with true 1080p at 30fps, or 1080i at 60fps

· 5X optical zoom

· Impressive 10 megapixel still camera

· Built-in Gyro sensor for electronic image stabilization

· 3-inch LCD touch screen

· Auto and manual focus

· Supports SDHC up to 32GB

· Outfitted with an HDMI interface and package includes an HDMI cable

Wow.  Just wow.  Of course, specs only go so far, so we will be putting this one through its full paces soon,and we will see how the real thing stands up to these specs.  I will say, however, that I am pretty excited by the prospect of true HD video capabilities, and those touch screen controls.

In addition to announcing this new flagship camera, DXG also previewed a few other cameras which they expect to release later in the year.  These include:

· DXG Sportsters: DXG creates true waterproof HD video capture technology – with features such as 1080p HD video recording, a built-in 12 megapixel still camera, and waterproof design up to 10 feet, the Sportsters line will be perfect for any water adventurist.

· DXG QuickShots: Combining key design and performance features for easy video capture at a budget price, QuickShots will be the ideal gadget for video enthusiasts seeking quality and affordability.

· New Luxe Collection: DXG will be adding chic new designs to its popular Luxe line of couture high-definition camcorders. New styles will include the Chelsea Series (houndstooth designs), Paisley Series (paisley designs) and the Kensington Series (tartan designs) with vibrant color combinations.

The DXG-A80V is the first entrant in DXG’s new Pro Gear line of cameras.  It is available now from a variety of retailers for $299.99.  For more information, check out DXG’s website (www.dxgusa.com)

In a surprise announcement today, mobile developers SplashData announced its acquisition of Iambic.  I have to say that I am pretty excited by this news.  Both Iambic and SplashData date back to the early years of mobile technology, having each developed powerhouse packages for the original Palm OS.  While both continued developing for Windows Mobile, Iambic was never able to achieve the cross platform support for its apps, including its flagship Agendus, that SplashData enjoyed.  By acquiring Iambic, SplashData offers significant resources to the continued development of the aging PIM program.  I am excited to see what this news will mean for products from both companies.  Hopefully, we will see some big developments coming to a mobile device near you.  Keep reading for the full press release.

Today at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), smartphone application developerSplashData, Inc. announced the acquisition of Iambic, Inc., a pioneer in the development of mobile productivity software. Iambic’s flagship application, Agendus, is an award-winning calendaring and time management solution for iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Palm OS and Symbian devices.

SplashData’s acquisition of Iambic combines the resources of two of the most respected and established developers of mobile productivity software.

"We are excited to welcome Iambic’s talented team and products to the SplashData family," said Morgan Slain, CEO of SplashData. "We have already begun investing in the further development of Agendus, and we look forward to expanding the Iambic line to the latest smartphone platforms, including iPhone, Android, and webOS."

Iambic will retain a separate website, user forum, and brand, but SplashData will start cross-promoting the two lines of applications. Justin Cepelak, VP of Product Management at SplashData, will oversee the operations of Iambic.

Iambic, founded in 1994 as a developer of applications for Apple’s Newton devices, complements SplashData’s lineup of productivity-enhancing software applications for smartphones and personal computers. Both companies have established reputations as innovative developers for all major mobile platforms, including Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, webOS, and Windows Mobile. Iambic titles include Agendus, the award-winning integrated solution for calendar, contacts, to-do’s, and more, EasyNotes, TinySheet, TripTracker, Vehicle Manager, and YourCall.

For more information about SplashData, visit www.splashdata.com. Iambic’s website iswww.iambic.com.

HTC announced today a new compact touch device with an intuitive user experience based on HTC Sense technology. This is a fully customizable Smartphone with Qualcomm’s Brew Mobile Platform, providing a higher end device at a reasonable price.

This is a nice looking device, and we’re curious to find out more regarding the Brew implementation.

Check out the full Press Release below:

HTC smart defines a new category of

smartphones for the masses

HTC Smart’s friendly, compact design and integration of HTC Sense will

appeal to a broad range of people all over the world

LAS VEGAS, Consumer Electronics Show (CES) – Jan. 7, 2010 – HTC Corporation, a global smartphone designer, today unveiled HTC Smart, a new type of smartphone that creates a new category of easy-to-use, connected smartphones that are accessible by people all over the world. The HTC Smart will be available this spring across Europe and Asia.

“HTC has always focused on listening to customers and setting the stage for new mobile categories, and HTC Smart is the response to customer demand around the world for an easier-to-use, affordable smartphone,” said Peter Chou, chief executive officer, HTC Corporation. “Just adding a touch interface doesn’t mean a phone is a smartphone. The integration of HTC Sense brings an unparalleled smartphone experience for people looking to do more on their phone.”

Bringing HTC Sense to the Masses

HTC Smart begins with a friendly, compact touch design and integrates an intuitive user experience that is centered around HTC Sense, an HTC design philosophy that puts people at the center by focusing on three core areas: Make It Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected. HTC Smart enables personal customization of each person’s own phone experience. It also provides a quick and easy way to see what friends are up to via various social networks as well as quickly communicating over the phone, through text messaging or e-mail.

“HTC Smart breaks new ground in delivering the powerful, in-demand smartphone features that consumers want on a more accessible device for global markets,” said Paul Jacobs, chief executive officer, Qualcomm Incorporated. “We are pleased to be supporting HTC as they utilize the capabilities of Qualcomm’s Brew Mobile Platform open operating system to offer high-end capabilities and a compelling mobile user experience at mass-market price points.”

Qualcomm Brew Mobile Platform (Brew MP)

HTC Smart utilizes Qualcomm’s Brew MP, a popular mobile operating system that enables smartphone devices to be offered at more aggressive price points, providing HTC with the flexibility to deliver smartphone features on devices across multiple tiers.

About HTC

HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry and continues to pioneer industry-leading mobile experiences through design, usability and innovation that are sparked by how the mobile phone can improve how people live and communicate. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.

# # #

The names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

All you have to do is get your ball from one side of the maze to the other.  Sounds pretty easy, I know.  But if it was as easy as it sounded, I would not have already wasted over 100 hours (and counting) trying to get that silly ball out the exit.  Well, to be fair, it is not just one ball, but 72 of them.  Seventy-two different mazes in three different environments: Forest (easy), Desert (medium), and Water (hard).

Now that you know the basic concept, let’s check out the game.  Each level consists of a series of platforms, creating a maze leading from the beginning to the exit (that white arrow is like a compass, always pointing toward the exit).  Just tilt your iPhone (or iPod Touch) to start the ball rolling.  As you might expect, the more you tilt it, the faster your ball will roll.  Tapping the screen will cause your ball to jump to the next platform…the longer you hold that tap, the higher and longer the jump.

Once you get past the introductory levels, it seems like just moving from platform to platform can become a real challenge.  So, of course, the game takes advantage of this opportunity to throw in some additional obstacles.  Things like mines, which explode on contact, slipper slopes, and blowtorches.  Be careful, or these obstacles will send you straight back to the beginning (or the last checkpoint you passed).  Some will destroy your ball on contact, while others will just make things much more difficult for you.

Your final score on each level is based upon how long it takes you to complete the level.  In an interesting twist, the clock does not restart after a fall.  If you get sent back to the beginning, the clock keeps right on ticking.  Don’t worry, though, that stick comes with a carrot as well.  Speed through the level and you will be rewarded with a bronze, silver, or gold medal.

I have to say that I found this game to be surprisingly entertaining.  With such a simple concept, I expected to play for it for a day or two and then get bored and move on.  Fast forward a few weeks, and I have yet to get bored.  Every time I think I have mastered the game, I uncover a new obstacle to master.   The best part of the game, though, is that you can play it for a few seconds or a few hours.  This makes it a perfect option to fill all those random free moments you encounter during the day.

Funky Ball was developed byGamelion,and published to the iTunes App store by Handmark.  It is available from the the iTunes App Store for $0.99.

SBSH PhoneWeaver 2 Profile Popup

I’m all about making my HTC Touch Pro work harder for me, allowing me to do less so that I can get on with the business of enjoying my life.  SBSH‘s recently introduced PhoneWeaver 2 allows for just that.  I’ve spent some time using the complimentary copy of the program that they provided and want to share with you how it will help to ease the load on your plate.  Grab yourself a glass of iced tea, and join me below.

So, you ask, what IS PhoneWeaver 2?  Basically, it is a profiling application that integrates into the Windows Mobile operating system at a really low level.  It allows you to create custom profiles that can control all aspects of your phone:  the volume, backlight levels, and different communications states (radio, wifi, bluetooth, data connection, etc.).  Pretty cool, right?!

SBSH PhoneWeaver 2 Profile Popup

Now you ask, so how does PhoneWeaver 2′s controlling of my phone’s features actually ease my daily burden?  Well, it’s actually quite simple.  You can create profiles based on time, allowing your phone to automatically turn on and off at pre-determined times.  I don’t know about you, but this eases my burden just a bit in the morning as I don’t have to check that my Touch Pro is on before I depart for work.  It’s also great as my phone turns off in the evening, just in time for my daughter’s bath and bedtime.  It also keeps my phone from ringing while spending quality time with my wife.  Additionally, profiles can be triggered by scanning your phone’s calendar.  I’ve configured profiles to watch different categories of events, sending my phone into silent / vibrate mode just a bit before I reach work or church.  PhoneWeaver 2 then dutifully restores my volumes as soon as the events have passed.  Rest assured, there are other profile triggers as well, including cell tower ID’s, and GPS coordinates so that you can trigger a profile based on your location or proximity to an area.

Additionally, PhoneWeaver 2 monitors your various phone communications, allowing you to see at a glance how many texts, voice messages or emails you have.  This can be monitored via the well thought out task bar icon or today plugin.

SBSH PhoneWeaver 2 Displaying Communications Popup

SBSH PhoneWeaver 2 Displaying Today Plugin

In conclusion, I’ve got to highly recommend PhoneWeaver 2 for Windows Phone.  It makes managing your communications simpler, thus making life just a bit less hectic.

PhoneWeaver 2 Information

SBSH WebSite:  http://sbsh.net

PhoneWeaver 2 Product Page (downloads / more information):

http://sbsh.net/products/windows_mobile_pocket_pc/phoneweaver

Price:  $14.95
Version:  2.0