Not Quite Ready For A Post-PC World

More than a year later and I’m still unsure what problems the iPad solves for me. Here’s what I blogged back in January 2010 as the original iPad was announced: I’m undecided at this point. The iPad 1.0 looks promising, but I don’t see it replacing my 13″ laptop and/or my 3.5″ iPhone. Which means … Read more

The Droid Eris Gets an Underwhelming Update

Well color me stunned. I’d pretty much written off the idea that my Verizon Droid Eris would get any updates ever again, so imagine my surprise yesterday when my phone informed me an OTA update was ready for download. Sadly, the HTC update didn’t include Froyo, but it did fix some bugs and make a … Read more

More Video Goodness Headed To iPad (NCAA, BBC)

As I’ve proclaimed several times these last few months, smaller media consumption devices are poised to become our kitchen or den “televisions.” Of course, the tablet with the richest third party ecosystem is Apple’s iPad. And I don’t see that changing any time soon, despite possibly stifling some development via their recent subscription commission policy change. … Read more

Virgin TiVo: Inactive 3rd Tuner & Sluggish?

Our very own US-based TiVo Community has launched a dedicated area to discuss the new Virgin Media TiVo. And, thus far, commentary seems somewhat and eerily familiar to feedback from TiVo Premiere early adopters (running the Flash-based, high definition user interface). First up, whereas our hardware features a dual core processor that actually runs on a single … Read more

Find Your Missing Android Phone with Plan B

Nobody ever thinks they’re going to lose their phone… until they do. And that means that many “find my phone” apps are next to useless, because if you don’t install them on your phone and keep them running all the time, how are you supposed to find your phone when it’s stolen or goes missing? … Read more

Deal of the Day: iPad 1 @ $350

Arguably the best tablet available for purchase today just received a 30% price cut. Assuming you’re OK with last generation iPad hardware and knowing it’ll be a refurbished unit. The iPad 2 looks pretty sweet… But if the extra processing power and cameras don’t do much for you or, like me, you’ve been on the tablet … Read more

Time to Give Up My Android Tablet Dream?

In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, Steve Jobs took the stage at a scheduled Apple event and announced the iPad 2. We already have an iPad 1 in the house, so I’ve been holding out for an Android tablet to round out the gadget portfolio. Unfortunately, my purchase has been postponed a lot … Read more

My iPhone Is My Apple TV?

Like many of you, I took in Apple’s iPad 2 announcements today. As expected, given the rumormill, this iteration of the 10″ tablet clocks in with a thinner body that houses a faster processor and a pair of cameras. Not to mention a new option for Verizon 3G data services, although monthly pricing wasn’t disclosed. As part of the festivities, iOS 4.3 was also announced. And while AirPlay sees some improvement, I’m still not very impressed with its (in)ability to beam video to Apple TV hardware.

But Apple also happened to reveal a Digital AV Adapter this afternoon. This new dongle provides HDMI output, both audio and video (in addition to incorporating data/power pass-thru). Unlike the currently limited AirPlay and even official component cables, it’s a “true mirrored video output” that “works with all apps.” Meaning your iPhone (or iPad or iPod Touch) will immediately exceed just about every set-top box you own when it comes to online audio and video. Well, assuming you can deal with lower resolutions and no remote control.

Watching Netflix, Hulu, Adult Swim, The Onion, etc with an iPhone and this cable on a television may not be practical on a daily basis, but the possibilities are interesting. And, as small as my Apple TV and Roku are, I’d much rather travel with just one extra cable… and not have to worry about punching holes through a hotel’s firewall.

Update: True “mirroring” is only supported from the iPad 2 according to Apple’s fine print.

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