Here’s a Magic Mouse clone for Windows
Why do Mac users get all the cool magic accessories? Well that’s about to change, thanks to the T6 Wireless Touch Optical Mouse from Rapoo. Like Apple’s Magic Mouse, the T6 does away with buttons and a scroll wheel. Users control the mouse by pressing on the device’s touch sensitive surface, or by using one or two-finger gestures, below. Sure, that’s not quite on par with Apple’s Magic Mouse, and the T6 relies on a USB dongle, not Bluetooth, but so far this is one of the better options for Windows users aching for a magical Apple-like accessory.
No word on pricing or availability of the T6 yet, but the device won FCC approval today suggesting that China-based Rapoo plans to bring the mouse to the US soon.
Apple’s iPhone 4S hits the FCC with Bluetooth 4.0, world phone capabilities
Apple unveiled the iPhone 4S at its Let’s Talk iPhone keynote in Cupertino today, and just a few hours later the iPhone 4S, known by the model number A1387, won FCC approval. FCC filings don’t provide much detail, but they do confirm that the device will support both GSM and CDMA bands, making it a true world phone. Another interesting note is like the Macbook Air, iPhone 4S will support Bluetooth 4.0 – a low power version of the spec.
Earlier today a new version of the iPhone 4 made an appearance on the FCC, with a few slight design tweaks. And of course what’s most notable is what didn’t appear on the FCC today – the iPhone 5. Contrary to rumors, we’ll be waiting a bit longer before Apple unveils the next gen iPhone.
Updated Apple iPhone 4 hits the FCC, features new WiFi, Bluetooth modules
While Apple was in the middle of its “Let’s Talk iPhone” keynote, a new version of the company’s iPhone 4 made its way through the FCC. Interestingly, this does not appear to be the iPhone 4S – Change Notices didn’t make any mention of a new processor or world phone capabilities that would be present on the iPhone 4S. Instead, FCC filings note that the updated iPhone 4 will feature a WiFi/Bluetooth module that’s soldered onto the main printed circuit board, above. The device also has the same model number, A1332, as the original iPhone 4. Perhaps this is a less expensive version of the iPhone 4 that will take the place of the iPhone 3GS?
Update: Apple will be offering an 8GB iPhone 4 for $99 on contract, and this is likely it. The company will continue to offer the 3GS for free on contract.
The company also published images of the iPhone 4 under testing, below.
Unlocked iPhone 4 now available from Apple for $650
It has taken a year, but US customers can now get the Apple iPhone 4 unlocked directly from Apple’s Online Store. Without AT&T’s subsidy, the 16GB iPhone 4 costs $650 while the 32GB iPhone 4 costs $750. That’s not a great deal if you just want to use the device on AT&T without a contract – if that’s your plan you’re better off just buying the phone with a contract and paying the early termination fee – but the unlocked iPhone 4 is a good solution for those of you that want to take the phone abroad to another carrier.
The iPhone 4 supports GSM bands 850, 900, 1800 and 1900, as well as WCDMA bands 850, 900, 1900 and 2100. That means the phone will work on many 3G networks in Europe, Asia and South America. Unfortunately, without support for the 1700 WCDMA band, you won’t be able to use the iPhone 4 on T-Mobile USA’s 3G network. Of course, with only GSM support the unlocked iPhone 4 can’t be used with any CDMA carriers, either.
Pick up your unlocked iPhone 4 from Apple’s Online Store here. Both Black and White colors are available.
Chinese laptop dock provides PC users with relief from MacBook envy
Are you a PC user that’s secretly pining for a MacBook? Well with the JK31UA laptop dock from Shenzhen BCT Technology Co., Ltd. you can get the best of both of Mac and PC worlds…or at least a cheap Chinese keyboard dock that shameless rips off the MacBook’s keyboard design.
The JK31UA, which passed through the FCC today, has a cooling stand that supports the back of your laptop. The dock’s keyboard then connects to your laptop via USB cable. The end result is an unholy union of PC and Mac design in what appears to be a very awkward and unstable laptop dock.
No word on where or when you can get a JK31UA, or why you’d want one.
Cydle i30 case brings OTA digital TV to the iPhone
Cydle wants to turn your iPhone into a portable TV. The company’s i30 case features an antenna that can receive ATSC digital TV signals, allowing users to watch free, live TV on their iPhone anywhere they can receive an ATSC signal.
The i30 case covers the back and bottom of the iPhone, and attaches to the phone via 30-pin dock connector. The case has an internal rechargeable battery that provides up to 3 hours of TV viewing. The i30 also comes with a car kit, including a windshield mount and power adapter, so you can watch TV in the car – ideally when you’re not driving.
To watch TV with the i30, just download and open Cydle’s free MobileTV app. The app automatically scans the air for available channels, so users don’t have to manually check which channels are available. Interestingly, the i30 streams video to the iPhone via WiFi connection, not via the iPhone’s 30-pin dock connector.
The i30 seems like a valuable accessory for the iPhone, especially during the NFL season. Unlike placeshifting systems, the i30 doesn’t require a fast data connection, so you can use the device even in areas where you don’t have five bars. It is a bit bizarre that the i30 uses your WiFi connection, especially since this means you won’t be able to connect to a WiFi network at use the i30 at the same time.
No word on pricing or a release date for the i30 yet, but the device won FCC approval today, suggesting a launch is soon. Cycle’s free app is also currently available on the iTunes app store, although it won’t do you much good without the i30 tuner.
