Linc Smartphone Walkie Talkie

So I'm still not sold on buying an add-on radio for a smartphone that I'm going to replace every couple of years, but I have to admit the Linc solution is pretty cool. It does FRS/GMRS, but what makes it interesting is the amateur radio options:

Linc Smart Walkie Talkie is also great for Amateur radio operators! Unlock the dual band (2m & 70cm) feature with your verified callsign and gain access to APRS tracking and Packet Radio capabilities. Linc can join your existing gear and help make some fun projects!

• Packet Radio

• Repeaters

• RoIP Repeaters

• Beacons

• Tracking devices (APRS)

• High altitude ballooning

• Long range mesh networks

• Scanning public safety frequencies

• Weather stations

• And much more!

Linc Smart Walkie Talkie operates on 2m & 70 cm band!

Phablet

Demand is growing for Phablets in Asia. I didn't even know what a Phablet was.

Alianza DXB

The Alianza DXB by Bricom Solutions
(Alianza= latin for 'Alliance') (DXB = Docking Cross Breed Technology)

It isn't bad looking and cool in a way, but I cannot imagine throwing several hundred dollars after a docking accessory that "turns your smartphone into a full working traditional multi-band walkie-talkie." You'd have to be very committed to your iPhone 5 if you were going to keep it and the DXB. The KickStarter site for the DXB is here. I think their timeline is very aggressive, too.



You only get UHF, but the Runbo X5 might be a better alternative.

Via Hans

Samsung Galaxy S III

A review of the Samsung Galaxy S III... it is huge, but has some innovative features including:

"Smart Stay. The phone’s front-facing camera looks for your eyes. When you look away, the screen dims to save power; it brightens back up when you return your gaze."

"Buddy Shot. The Galaxy’s face recognition software knows whose face is in the scene. The first time you take a photo of someone, you can type in the subject’s name — your mom, for example. Thereafter, whenever you take her photo, one tap sends it to her without your having to fuss with entering an address."

"Direct Call. If a texting conversation is getting too complicated, just lift the phone to your ear. It calls your texting partner, no taps needed."

"Tap to top. Swat the top edge of the phone to jump to the top of a list."

"Instant muting. Mute audio and video playback by covering the screen with your hand, as though to say, “Shhhh!” Mute incoming rings and notifications by turning the phone face down on the table — in a meeting, for example."

"Palm swipe capture. Save an image of the screen by wiping the edge of your hand across it, as though you’re the scanner of a photocopying machine."

And my favorite:

"There’s another crazy-great idea in TecTiles: small, embedded-circuit stickers ($15 for five). When your phone gets near a sticker, it activates some task that you’ve selected from a list of dozens in the free TecTiles app: make a call, send a text, adjust a phone setting and so on. "

I'd put one in my usual pew at church to automatically silence my phone.

The Influence of the iPhone

Digeratii Before and after the iPhone: pic.twitter.com/wz9TpipCFri, Feb 03 01:42:44 from Photos on iOS retweeted by asymco

Droid Hams

So I tried to join the Droid Hams Yahoo Group, but I missed the fine print (see below) and was denied.

Description
Droid users that are licensed hams
If you want to join present your call sign otherwise you will be denied

Since I tried to sign up using my Brick account and without mentioning my call, my request was denied. I don't dispute the group owner's right to restrict access, but I think the more open groups have a better chance of success. My supporting data... this group had one message in August and one message so far in September. Not too active.

Android Users are Data Hogs

It isn't just me according to this Business Insider chart. Also, I am above average!

Droid Data Usage

According to the Verizon usage monitoring app, I have used over 750 meg of data this month from my Droid Pro. Maybe I shouldn't be posting this from my phone.