Sony today announced the introduction of the new premium Sony® dock for iPod®/iPhone® (RDP-X50iPBLK). Following on the immediate success of the recently released portable dock (RDP-XF100iP), this powerful speaker dock for iPod® and iPhone® is 3G certified and charges your device while you listen. The sleek, streamlined design houses a Bass Reflex Speaker System and features Tuned Stereo speakers for rich bass tones plus a digital amplifier, delivering the superb sound quality music aficionados demand.  Available for $200, users can control the iPod® or iPhone® from across the room with the included full-function wireless remote control.  In addition, an auxiliary audio input lets you connect other digital music players for easy access to your music.  Currently upon looking at the Sony Style store it is not yet available.  Although it is available through JR.com which is part of the Sony Retailer Network.

Features
- 40-Watt (20W + 20W) sound Output – For 3G certified, compatible with select iPod or iPhone models
- Charge while you listen – Rich, full sound that goes where you do
- Soft touch controls – With the light touch of a button, easily operate the multiple functions for personalized listening
- Mega Bass – Bass boost circuitry provides high-quality bass performance
- Intuitive Remote Control – Control your iPod or iPhone from across the room with the included full-function wireless remote control
- Power ON Display – There’s never any question if the unit is ON thanks to the lighted power button
- Other sources welcome – An auxiliary Audio Input lets you connect select Digital Music players to the clock radio for easy access to your music (cable included)

Specifications
- Frequency Response: 150 Hz-10,000 Hz
- Sound Enhancer: Selectable Audio Emphasis: MEGA BASS
- Audio In: Audio In jack (3.5 mm Stereo minijack)
- Input(s): iPod 30-pin Interface
- Input Voltage: DC IN 20 V
- Impedance: 4 Ohm
- Woofer Size(s): Approximately 7.6 cm (3 inches) diameter
- Dimensions (Approx.): Approximately 356.0 mm x 158.1 mm x 151.9 mm (w/h/d) / 14 1/16 inches x 6 1/4 inches x 6 inches
- Weight (Approx.): Approximately 1.53 kg (3 lb 6 oz)

Dial2Do is a voice activated, handsfree messaging service aimed at drivers who want to safely and legally stay connected while behind the wheel.  Dial2Do lets drivers use their voice to send emails, text messages and post content to more than 30 websites, like Google Calendar, Evernote and others. You can also listen to incoming emails and text messages, so it’s a true 2-way messaging service. Users speak messages which are converted into text by Dial2Do and sent to the recipient. The service launched in January of this year.  Dial2Do works with any phone but features additional functionality when used with smart phones such as Blackberry or Android.

There are two versions available – a free and a Pro version.  The free version gives you access to the reminder service as well as a 30 day trial to Dial2Do Pro.  The Pro version gives you access to everything the Handsfree Assistant can do which can be of great value for only $3.99 a month or $39.99 per year.  For a complete list of features see http://www.dial2do.com/pricing.  Sign up today and give Dial2Do a test drive.

If you are the kind of person that can remember every phone number, account number and password, then this review is not for you.  Actually, if you could leave a comment as to how you do that, I would love to know.  I’m lucky I can remember at night, what I did that morning.  Today’s world is dominated by online user log-ins and passwords.  Our lives are one big scramble of account numbers, credit card numbers, membership accounts numbers and the list goes on and on.  I know I am in need of finding a way to keep all of this information organized and secure. I turned to SplashID for Android by SplashData. 

Performance & Usability 

SplashID Desktop Panel View

 One of my favorite things right from the beginning, is that you can get both a mobile and desktop client for SplashID.  SplashData was nice enough to provide me with a copy of the desktop version, and I purchased the mobile program via the Android market.  What’s so great about having both options?  Well, it is just so much easier to input data via a normal keyboard.  If you are a super mobile texter, then maybe you just need the one version, but for me having both options was key.  Plus, the desktop and mobile client work seamlessly with each other.  You can have the two update via bluetooth with 3 options on how to do it – desktop overwrites mobile, mobile overwrites desktop, or synchronize.  Synchronize will look to see if a file/record has been updated on both the desktop and the mobile, if they have, then a copy of each will be saved to allow you to determine which file to keep.  That is a great idea to keep you from accidentally overwriting new info with old info.  Plus, the desktop data is automatically backed-up on your hard drive, and from having devices die in the past, I can attest to the fact that multiple copies is always a good idea.  

Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of the software.  Security!!!  That is the name of the game when it comes to protecting banking, health, and other personal data.  Identify theft is everywhere and you can never be too cautious.  Before you can even start using SplashID, you must set-up a password.  You will be required to enter this password anytime you open the program.  SplashID will then encrypt your data using 256-bit Blowfish encryption to ensure data security.  The password is required if you are using the desktop or mobile version, but it is the same password for both.  

Data Edit Screen

Once your security is in place, it is time to get that information entered.  I was just amazed as to how easy this software was to use.  SplashID gives you options to practically customize everything.  The screenshot above shows the edit screen for updating or entering data.  Even the fields above that are already labeled can be changed.  You can change the icon, like the small Earth one, to about 30 choices, or upload your own.  You also have the option to attach a file if needed to view later.  Maybe an ID picture.  The drop down menus of type and category are also customizable.  There are 17 default categories, and unlimited room to add your own.  

Ready for some stylish protection for your Kindle 3?  WaterField Designs is releasing 5 new case designs that ship on September 1, 2010.

From the official press release:

“We’re offering Kindle™ users multiple options to serve different needs," explained owner and chief designer, Gary WaterField. “We try to cater to people’s varied needs for protection, style and taste.”

The Ultimate and EXO SleeveCases offer the most protection, with the Ultimate designed for the naked Kindle™ and the EXO for the Kindle™ within the Kindle Leather Cover from Amazon. The sporty Slip Case provides quick access and the Suede Jacket protects against screen scratches. The Travel Case keeps the Kindle and its accessories organized in one place so users can take off without worrying about missing items.

The Ultimate SleeveCase for the Kindle™ 3 protects the device with high-grade neoprene combined with a sturdy, black, ballistic nylon shell, and a lightly padded closing flap. An impact resistant, screen-protecting insert keeps the e-reader safe and an Ultrasuede® liner cleans the screen each time it is inserted and extracted from the case. A rear, open-top pocket stows USB cable, ear buds, etc. With the optional Simple or Suspension Shoulder Strap, users can wear the case on its own, or toss it into a tote bag. Optional trim colors include grey-checked Indium or distressed brown leather.

The EXO SleeveCase for the Kindle™ 3 looks and feels similar to the SleeveCase (without the screen insert and Ultrasuede® liner), but is designed to hold and protect the Kindle™ 3 when it is inside another case. The EXO offers the same options as the SleeveCase: a shoulder strap and two trim options.

The Slip Case for the Kindle™ 3 sports a choice of five vibrantly colored, water-resistant materials on its exterior, a lightly padded, scratch-free liner, and an impact-resistant plastic insert to protect the screen. The open top provides quick, yet secure access to the e-reader.

The Suede Jacket Case for the Kindle™ 3 provides scratch-free protection in a minimalistic Utrasueude® pouch that doubles as a screen cleaner.

The Travel Case for the Kindle™ 3 is designed with padded, internal compartments to keep the Kindle™ 3, the power adapter, the clip light, and any additional accessories tangle-free and organized while in transport. Self-locking zippers on a front pocket and the main compartment ensure that contents stay in. Available in five vibrant colors, the water-resistant case maintains its thin, compact shape, even when fully packed. Users can toss the case in a bag or opt for a removable shoulder strap to carry it as a stand-alone case.

Wanna know what’s new with Astraware?  Astraware has been writing for WebOS and is now pleased to announce Astraware Sudoku and OddBlob. 

Both games are live on the Palm App Catalog now and for a limited time only are priced at $2.99 (regular price $4.99).

From the press release:

Astraware has a long and successful history of working closely with Palm. Zap!2000 was the first color game released for Palm OS and for several years Palm smartphones offered at least one Astraware game bundled along with it. Now that Palm has released their PDK development kit, which allows developers greater access to some of the core functions of webOS, Astraware is able to continue that relationship by bringing some of their best-selling games to the platform.

Astraware Sudoku is a multi-award-winning version of the worldwide smash puzzle game. It is packed with features that avid Sudoku players love, including the unique Puzzle of the Day feature, which sees in excess of 20,000 users regularly downloading the daily puzzles and uploading their times on the global leader board. First released for smartphones earlier this year, OddBlob is a cute puzzle-arcade game entirely created from modeling clay, and featuring online leader boards for players to post their high scores in both Strategy and Panic modes.

“We’re delighted to be re-establishing our long-term relationship with Palm, and supporting the new platform with a range of great casual games,” said Howard Tomlinson, CEO of Astraware. “Our experience at supporting well-featured devices in a range of sizes and resolutions has helped us to make our first webOS games a pleasure to play, and we look forward to bringing many more titles to the platform.”

Astraware intends to bring a number of their own-IP games to the webOS platform as well as working with their premium licensor partners to add to the range of quality casual games available in the Palm App Catalog.

“Palm has a rich history with Astraware, and we’re excited to see that relationship continue with the webOS platform,” said Ben Galbraith, director of Developer Marketing, Palm, Inc. “Astraware’s popular titles are a welcome addition to the breadth and quality of webOS games in the Palm App Catalog.”

Congrats Astraware on the new releases!  I still enjoy Astraware Sudoku on my Windows Mobile devices – now Palm users won’t be left out on a most excellent game.