All posts by Scott Meisner

Sony Ericsson readying for battle

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With the Apple iPhone, HTC G1 (the “Google phone”), and Blackberry devices taking over the smartphone industry by storm (no pun intended, Blackberry), it’s time for Sony Ericsson (SE) to step up to the plate and offer a sleek device with updated hardware and a state-of-the-art user interface.  And from the looks of it, it seems as if SE has done just that with their new handset code-named Rachael.  Although the actual images of the cell phone may be artist rendering (or fakes for all we know), the user interface revealed in the embedded video above is very real and very exciting.  The SE Rachael will run of Google’s Android open-source platform, with its own customized user interface layered on top.  The polished UI seems to include a “unified messaging interface that displays Facebook, Twitter, email, SMS, and calls all from one screen.”  Now all we can do is wait patiently for SE to officially announce the new handset and sleek UI; they better do this quickly because smartphone platforms like the iPhone are not slowing down their progress anytime soon.  Look after the break (click “more…”) for images of the Rachael device. Continue reading Sony Ericsson readying for battle →

Google announces Chrome OS

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After hearing many rumors about Google concocting an operating system of its own, the company has officially given word that it is indeed creating a full-fledged operating system extending from its Chrome web browser.  According to the official developer blog, “Google Chrome OS is an open source, lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks” and “most of the user experience takes place on the web.”  “That is, it’s “Google Chrome running within a new windowing system on top of a Linux kernel” with the web as the platform.”  It will be capable of running on Intel Atom chips and ARM processors.  Google responded to the current rumors about its mobile Android OS making a jump from cell phones (think T-Mobile G1) to netbook computers (think Eee PCs):  “…choice will drive innovation for the benefit of everyone, including Google.”  Google plans on releasing the new OS onto netbooks in the second half of 2010.  Until Google reveals more information and the overall plan for the Chrome OS, there is not much else to say on this matter.  One thing’s for sure, though–with Google plunging into the OS wars with Microsoft, Apple, and Linux, only good things can come from competition like this.  So exciting!

[Via Engadget; Gizmodo; GoogleBlog]

Sci Fi mutates into Syfy

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“Sci Fi Channel has a new name, but it sounds the same: Syfy.”  As of Tuesday, July 7th, the Sci Fi channel rebranding is in full effect.  Sci Fi is now Syfy, and the tagline is now “Imagine Greater.”  The decision to make the change came in March 2009 when the cable giant decided it was time for a broadening of its viewership.  Don’t worry Sci Fi fans; although there is a name change and an overhaul of the branding and website, the new Syfy keeps the same programming lineup as before, with a new addition: Warehouse 13 and Caprikia, the prequel series to Battlestar Galactica.  On a personal note, I happen to enjoy the “Twilight Zone” marathons they air from time to time.

[Via SeatlePi]

I smell new Chocolate, I can almost…

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LG is teasing the latest iteration of its Chocolate handset.  The LG Chocolate series of phones is LG’s most popular and best-selling handset to date.  Officially, LG has only unveiled shadowy images the “second generation LG Chocolate.”  More information will sprout between now and its supposed August release.  Engadget was told: “The new LG Chocolate will be a disruptive force in conventional mobile screens in an effort to maximize usability while inheriting the original minimalist-inspired style and iconic design of its predecessor.”  Sounds delicious to me.

Update:  Engadget has received word of some specifications from the usually reliable source Tweakers.net:  “[The LG Chocolate] will become the first of its kind with a 21:9 aspect ratio display.  We’re also told that the model number will be BL-40, the screen resolution will be pegged at 800 x 345, the display itself will be over 3-inches diagonally, the inbuilt camera will be 5 megapixels, and HSDPA will be included.”  Check out some additional (and official) images after the break. Continue reading I smell new Chocolate, I can almost… →