Carrier News

Wirefly and AT&T have teamed up to offer you a chance to win a trip for 2 to L.A. to see American Idol live on May 5 and May 6. There will be 6 winners total – 5 will win American Idol Family Viewing Packs & the grand prize gets the trip.

To enter head over to http://sweeps.wirefly.com and fill out the form – it only takes seconds to submit.

While no purchase is necessary, any customer purchasing a new AT&T phone through Wirefly by the deadline of April 23rd will be automatically entered. This sweepstakes runs from April 8, 2009 through April 23, 2009, winners will be notified on April 24th.

What is your background as an inventor/designer?

Since I was a kid, I always enjoyed making stuff with my hands. After my A level, I did an art foundation in Paris (Atelier de Sèvres) and then went to London to start a BA in product design at Central Saint Martins. I’m in my final year now. The foundation really gave me the taste for making things, and studying product design was, I think, the right choice.

Tell us about the “Watts Maker” cell phone charger

The Watts Maker allows you to charge your cell phone while you’re cycling. You don’t spend a penny on it, only sweat. The Watts Maker is not a final product, there is no real design on it. I would call it more a DIY piece. An idea that has to be turned into a real product. It is something I did in my spare time without sketching or anything. I just used what I had at home.

How does it work?

I opened a bicycle dynamo and plugged my phone charger on it. The result is quite simple, as you cycle, instead of lighting the bike torch, it charges your phone. Luckily, the dynamo produces enough power for the phone to charge.

What inspired you to create the “Watts Maker” cell phone charger?

I think it happened one morning when I arrived at uni and realized I forgot to charge my phone, I couldn’t use it for the whole day. And the same day, when cycling home, I had to turn my dynamo on because it was dark. I just realized that if my legs could produce enough power to light a torch, could there be enough power to charge my phone?

What will the future hold for this idea?

Well, what I like about it and the reason it is on my website is that it shows that some eco problems can be solved quite easily. It would be fantastic to find a producer interested in it, and work along together to make it “real”.

For more information about Oscar Lhermitte or the “Watts Maker” bicycle cell phone charger – read this.

I’m writing this post using Windows Mobile… on my 42” TV screen. It’s made possible by using the VGA output on the REDFLY mobile companion from Celio. What is it, you ask? The REDFLY device is like a miniature laptop without the hard drive or processor. Well, heck, it’s pretty much just an 8” screen with a keyboard, two USB ports, VGA output, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Although this device is only as powerful as your Windows Mobile phone, it will still impress mobile-heads who are content with the power of their devices. Think of the REDFLY mobile companion as something that could help make your next flight more enjoyable. Browsing the web and writing or replying to e-mails on an 8” screen makes a big difference. The bottom line is if your phone can do everything you need, a laptop is unnecessary and the REDFLY device should serve you well for only $199.

I enjoyed using REDFLY with Google maps while driving; I installed it on my HTC Mogul 6800 and it worked surprisingly well. With the device in my passenger seat, I was able to glance at it occasionally (without squinting at my phone this time) and navigate the infamous one-way streets of Washington D.C. without getting the bird! Thanks Celio.

Read more…

Ever thought you found the most ridiculously good deal in a store, only to realize after the fact that you could’ve saved more by shopping online – or vice versa? Yeah, it’s happened to all of us.

It would be nice if you could know at that very last moment before purchasing if you were getting the best deal, right? Now you can – thanks to your cell phone and a sweet little idea called Frucall.

Read more…

The utility of text messages continues to amaze. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike last month, I received an automated text message from a political campaign seeking help for a non-partisan cause – the message invited me to donate $5 to the Red Cross, and made it easy. I replied to the incoming message, and, in less than thirty seconds, had done a tiny, tiny part in aiding victims of this year’s hurricane season.

The anecdote is notable for two reasons, I think. First, the ability to communicate short messages to huge groups of people via text message is something we’re only beginning to appreciate. It’s taken hold in this year’s presidential campaign, but is still just in its infancy. Keep an eye on this method of mass communication.

Secondly, I chipped in $5 for a cause when I otherwise might not have thought to do so. I was spurred into action through that intimate, convenient text message reminder.

And there’s more good news.

Read more…

I’ve been online for 837 hours straight … now that I have Nimbuzz.

This all-in-one communication tool has convinced me that it’s the miracle mobile app of 2008.

If being able to login to Skype, Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, Yahoo IM, AIM, Jabber and ICQ all at once from your phone isn’t enough for you already, how about being able to login to an additional 23 social networks, including MySpace and Facebook?

At the time of this writing, Nimbuzz is growing at the speed of light, supporting over 500 phone models from 20 different manufacturers. It’ll be interesting to see how Digsby, another booming all-in-one communication client, deals with their lack of mobile support.

I can’t stress how much I’m impressed with the performance of Nimbuzz on my HTC Mogul.

Most people in states such as California, New York and New Jersey are aware by now that holding a cell phone to your ear while driving can get them into legal trouble. Drivers in states with limited cell-phone driving restrictions — such as prohibiting teen drivers from using cell phones — may be somewhat aware of the restrictions and accompanying penalties. (If you’re unsure about your state’s laws, view this list of current state-by-state regulations.)

But, if you don’t live in one of the states or cities that have enacted hands-free cell phone driving laws, you probably haven’t given it much thought.

You still drive around care-free chatting away on your cell phone, daring the gods of traffic to send a tree branch in the middle of the road your way. But, if you plan any kind of road travel this summer, you better perk up your ears, put that cell phone down and listen up. Read more…