iPhone Download World

Recommended: iPhone 4 trade-in prices start to drop

Before the iPhone 4S was announced, Gazelle.com was offering $225 for a 16 GB iPhone 4 ATT model in “flawless” condition; now the price is $200.

Considering trading in your iPhone 4? You’ll still do well, but prices for the phone have dropped since the new iPhone 4S was unveiled last week.

NextWorth, which had been offering a guaranteed $250 for any iPhone 4 until the day before the new iPhone was introduced Oct. 4, now is offering $200 for a 16 GB ATT iPhone 4 in “good” condition, and $215 for the 32 GB version.

Gazelle, which gives a 30-day price lock-in once you agree to trade, had been offering $250 for a “flawless” ATT iPhone 4 with 32 GB and $225 for a “flawless” ATT 16 GB model, now is offering $222 and $200, respectively. If the phone is in “good” condition, it will bring $172 for the 32 GB version and $170 for the 16 GB model.

Gazelle says that nine out of 10 iPhones they get are in “good” condition. A “flawless” phone, is one that has “no noticeable flaws, still in its package or looks like new,” has “zero scratches” and has “no dust under the glass.”)

It’s also worth noting that, for the first time, Target has teamed up with NextWorth to do iPhone trade-ins with a “price lock guarantee” in advance of the iPhone 4S’s availability on Friday. (Target also will be selling the new phone).

NextWorth’s offer of $200 for an ATT iPhone 4, 16 GB model in “good” condition.

The offer is $200 for the ATT iPhone 4 (either 16 GB or 32 GB); and $120 for the iPhone 3GS (32 GB); $110 for the 3GS (16 GB); and $101 for the 3GS (8 GB). (The other trade-in sites mentioned here will also buy your older-model iPhones.)

Target/NextWorth’s trade-in values are “based on used iPhones in good working order, rather than phones in excellent or flawless condition, so the vast majority of people will qualify” for the values listed here, Target says.

“Customers can go to 1,470 Target retail locations nationwide to lock in a trade-in value for their old iPhone model and receive the quoted value when they pick up their new iPhone 4S.”

Another trade-in site, Instantsale.eBay.com, had been offering up to $307.54 for an ATT iPhone 4 16GB several days before the iPhone 4S announcement. now the offer is $260 for the phone in “like new” condition, described “as if never used. Fully functional with no scratches or marks. must include original package and all accessories.”

BuyMyTronics has the same 16 GB phone priced at $191; the device would need to be in “excellent” condition, and traded with the wall charger, original box, cables and earbuds.

A Verizon trade-in offer on a 16 GB ATT iPhone 4.

Verizon Wireless is taking iPhone 4 trade-ins, also. You can use the money toward a new Verizon phone or get a Verizon gift card (but not cash). the carrier is offering $210 for the 16 GB model from ATT, if the phone meets these requirements: It powers up, the display works and the display is not cracked.

If you’re thinking of trading in your Verizon iPhone 4 for the new model, be aware that it will fetch less than the ATT version.

The ATT iPhone uses GSM technology, which is predominant worldwide, and best for re-selling the phones. Verizon uses CDMA technology, which is primarily used in the United States by Verizon and by Sprint. An unlocked ATT iPhone could even be used in the U.S. on the T-Mobile network (now the only major carrier not offering the iPhone).

So, it pays to check around. and sooner is probably better than later.

In a recent interview, Gazelle’s chief gadget officer, Anthony Scarsella, noted that once the new iPhone was announced, prices would “start to drop a little.” With the iPhone 4S to be released Friday, they might drop even a little more.

Related stories:

iOS 5: should you upgrade?
The early iPhone 4S reviews are in
iPhone 4S service plans: Dirty secrets, sweet deals
iPhone 4 trade-in offers promoted, some at $250

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Article source: technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/12/8290330-iphone-4-trade-in-prices-start-to-drop

Dock to micro USB connector adapter released by Apple

I think you (Mr. Schnell) are missing the point. Establishing a standard connector/charger for mobile devices will result in multiple benefits…

1. Consumers can use one charger/cable to power/connect all their mobile devices

2. Manufacturers are no longer required to ship a charger/cable with new devices (though they will probably continue to do so for a short time), and consumers no longer end up with multiple redundant chargers/cables. However, even if the consumer has redundant chargers/cables, at least they’re interchangeable and thus less likely to be discarded.

3. Manufacturers of related peripherals/accessories will be encouraged to adopt the MicroUSB standard for connectivity/charging purposes

Personally, I think it’s an awesome idea. when I travel, I can carry a single charger with a USB socket, a mini-USB cable, and a micro-USB cable, and those will allow me to charge/connect all my mobile devices… my phones, my MP3 player, my eReader, my Bluetooth headset, and my wireless headphones.

Why would Apple create an adapter rather than change their connector? because of all the vendors that have created products that feature a built-in, non-interchangeable Apple connectors. Yes, the iPod alarm-clock docks, the iPod boom-boxes, the iPod BMW audio system connectors, your local gym’s treadmills and elliptical machines with iPod docks… the list is ENDLESS. Apple’s custom connector has been adopted by virtually every manufacturer that makes a product large enough to hold an iPod/iPhone.

Yes, this new law now requires Apple to create an adapter, but that won’t add to the problem, because – let’s face it – iPod/iPhone consumers are incredibly brand loyal, so they’ll never NOT have an iPod/iPhone, and thus the adapters will never be discarded.

Now, if someone decides to upgrade (or downgrade) from an HTC phone to an iPhone, they won’t need to throw away their old charger, they can just buy the Apple adapter, and there’s one less item in the trash!

AT&T: ‘tremendous, tremendous demand’ for iPhone 3GS

With the iPhone 3GS now available for free with new cell phone contracts, are people still interested in the aging device? After all, the 3GS has been on the market for more than two years, eclipsed by the iPhone 4 and, most recently, the 4S. Turns out the answer is an emphatic yes, according to AT&T.

AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega said in a statement that the iPhone 4S is selling like hotcakes. But in a discussion with analysts to talk about AT&T’s most recent financial report, de la Vega is also very positive about the contributions Apple’s iPhone 3GS continues to make to his company’s bottom line.

In a Q&A with analysts, de la Vega said:

I also mentioned in my notes that we have another device that I think is going to dramatically change those people that are on smartphones and quick messaging devices, the 3GS, which is free with a 2-year contract. We’ve seen a tremendous, tremendous demand for that device even though it’s a generation old. And actually, we’re getting more new subscribers coming on the 3GS on the average than other devices. So we also have an inventory sold out on that device. So I’m very, very optimistic on what the fourth quarter is going to look like in terms of smartphone growth.

Why Apple Isn’t Going to Release a 7-inch iPad

Fresh rumors are suggesting that Apple could be working on a small form factor tablet to share shelf space with the iPad and iPad 2. Specifically, a Taiwanese website called the United Daily News reported Tuesday that Apple has received samples of 7.85-inch displays based on the iPad’s 1024 x 768 resolution.

This latest rumor follows a wave of speculation fueled by Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White. Last week, in a statement positing that Apple is working on a lower-priced iPad, the analyst wrote, “Essentially, this ‘iPad mini’ will also fend off the recently announced Amazon Kindle Fire that addresses the low-end tablet market with a $199 price tag.”

White was careful to add that this “iPad mini” may only be “mini” in terms of its $199 price tag, but at that point a new iPad mini meme had been released into the wilderness, and rumor mongers couldn’t resist the bait. Just do a search for iPad mini, and you’ll find story after story using White’s loosey-goosey language as substantiating evidence in support of a 7-inch iPad release.

And now for the reality check: although the release of a small form factor iPad is possible — and come on, just about anything is possible — conventional wisdom very strongly suggests that a small form factor iPad is not the “Apple way.”

“We expect Apple to maintain its premium price point on tablets,” wrote Forrester analyst Sarah Rotman Epps in an e-mail. “Apple will not allow Amazon to dictate the terms of competition — Apple makes its own rules.”

Ross Rubin, an analyst with NPD, also believes a 7-inch iPad isn’t in the cards: “Based on Apple’s past comments, it is unlikely that we will see a 7-inch tablet from Apple, which has decried the screen size as too small. the company is enjoying strong sales with the iPad, and it could be difficult for developers to make their iPad-optimized apps look at home.”

Bloggers were speculating on the possibility of a small form factor iPad in late 2010, almost immediately after it became apparent that the iPad was a transformational device. but the latest wave of speculation keys into anticipation for Amazon’s Kindle Fire, a 7-inch device that has renewed interest in the mini-tablet form factor, which had largely been abandoned by Apple competitors in the wake of the 9.7-inch iPad’s runaway success. because the Kindle Fire is being celebrated as the first tablet with the goods to seriously challenge the iPad, it’s spurred a lot of talk that Apple could break into — and quickly overwhelm — the smaller tablet arena.

“the Amazon Kindle Fire is catching consumers’ attention and pre-selling well because it is priced very competitively, not because it is just smaller,” says Desiree Davis of Resolve Market Research. indeed, according to a recent Resolve study, only 9 percent of consumers are looking for a 7-inch tablet, while two-thirds want a 10-inch device.

Davis has it right: the 7-inch form factor just isn’t that appealing to consumers. Screen real estate does make a difference in the mobile space, and a 9.7-inch iPad will always provide a more luxurious experience than a 7-inch Fire. but there are also three other reasons why chasing a 7-inch tablet doesn’t make sense for Apple.

First, developing a product just to upend a competitor is not in Apple’s DNA. Apple strives to create new markets (or at least new product tiers) that it can own in dominant fashion. Just look at the iPod, iPhone, the MacBook Air, and of course, the iPad. no, none of these items were the “first” in their respective areas, but Apple innovated products so unique and with so much style, it almost seemed like these devices were entirely new inventions.

Desktops, traditional notebooks and monitors are computing staples, yes, and Apple makes those too. but in recent years, the iPod, iPhone, Air and iPad lines have been Apple’s shining stars, carving out new niche segments that leave competitors playing catch-up. Bottom line: Apple has more to gain by creating new product spaces than chasing Amazon into the unproven territory of 7-inch screen real estate.

Second, Apple has a carefully curated app store stocked with software specifically designed for the 3.5-inch display of the iPhone and iPod touch, and the 9.7-inch display of the iPad. Adding a 7-inch display to the lineup would create problems for app developers. Even though a 7- or 8-inch display could comfortably clock in at 1024 x 768, existing iPad apps may not look good (or be user friendly, or feel quite as natural) on these smaller screen sizes.

“There would be a lot of interface changes,” said indie iOS developer Zac Witte with respect to converting an iPhone or iPad app to a 7-inch screen size. “I don’t think Apple would ever do that. they wouldn’t want to create noise. That’s a very Android thing to do.”

Just ask Android app developers about the difficulties of accomodating all the various screen sizes in the Android line-up, which includes a 3-inch mini phone, 4.5-inch uberphones, and tablets at 5, 7, 8.9 and 10.1 inches. Apple has avoided this “screen fragmentation” problem by offering only two screen sizes for iOS devices. A third size, care of a 7-inch tablet, would require app creators to explore a third track of development to reconfigure U.I. and other visual elements.

“There’s a big difference between building apps for the iPad and for the iPhone. A 7-inch device would have its own set of activities and applications, [and be] more gaming and utility focused,” iOS developer Brian Fino said.

Sure, iPhone apps could be ported to a 7-inch iPad, as has been done in the past with popular apps (like Facebook) that lacked an iPad-only option. but this approach isn’t graceful, and wouldn’t leverage any unique benefits of a miniature iPad form factor.

Third, the iPad already has a solid, ostensibly intractable foothold in the tablet space. the iPad basically is the tablet market. People want an iPad, not just any tablet, and competitors are resorting to dire price-slashing measures to carve out a slice of the tablet space.

Oh, and here’s a bonus fourth reason why Apple won’t develop an iPad mini: Steve Jobs emphatically stated that 7-inch tablets are too small for a pleasant touchscreen experience.

I think that if Apple does reach out to the budget market, it would use a similar approach to its iPhone strategy. It would dramatically reduce the price of the original iPad (maybe down to $200), slightly reduce the price of the iPad 2, and then offer a full-priced iPad 3. That’s just fanciful what-ifing, though. Sales of both the iPad and iPad 2 are still going strong at full price. Apple would only reduce their prices if it looked like user adoption would skyrocket thanks to bargain prices.

Photo: Jim Merithew/Wired.com

Hands on Review: Samsung Galaxy Mini

If you are going to carry a phone around, there’s almost no reason why it should not be a smartphone. for the one time you might need that extra functionality, having one in your pocket, purse or on your hip may make that decision all worthwhile.

What holds some people back besides not seeing a need is often the cost and being locked into a contract. So I had the opportunity to test-drive a low-cost no contract device, the new Samsung Galaxy Mini, (SGH T-499) which sells, in Canada for $169.99 through Mobilicity.

Inside the box are an instruction manual, a standard battery, and a USB cable (with a microUSB connector on one end) that you can use to charge or connect to your computer as well as an AC charger.

It has a lightweight, plastic construction, weighing in at 108g and measuring 110.4×60.6×12.1mm thick. It actually fits nicely in the palm of your hand, comparable to many other devices on the market.

It comes with a 3.14” QVGA (240×320) touchscreen (262,000 colours) and a 3 mega-pixel (2048×1536) camera with a camcorder and voice recording capabilities. It has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 and 512MB internal memory (181MB is user). It comes with a 2GB Micro SD Card as well as a Micro SD Card adaptor, so you can insert or read it in a standard size reader.

Android 2.2 Upgradeable

For an operating system, it ships with Android 2.2 (Froyo) but it is upgradeable to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). As for apps, you can get selections from the Samsung Market as well as the Google Market. It comes preloaded with a Clock, Memo, Calendar, Gmail, Media player and more – all those standard utilities you’d expect to see on a smartphone, including ThinkFree Office, GPS and mapping capabilities.

Turning it on and booting it up, you see a friendly and intuitive interface. It doesn’t have the consistency of an iOS device, but I found it fairly easy to navigate around without even looking at the manual. Configuring your Internet connection

Cobra Tag, now where did I leave those Keys

Why is it that whenever you have lost something and you’ve turned your home, car and garden over looking for it that it eventually turns up in the last place that you look? Well, all that is set to change with Cobra’s innovative GPS Tag.

How have they done it? Well, of course, like so many modern-day technological fixes it has to involve a Smartphone somewhere and Cobra’s Tag certainly does that. Using an app that is available both through Android’s Market and Apple’s App Store, the Tag makes use of GPS and Bluetooth in a very clever way to assist in finding lost objects.

A small GPS-enabled tag can be attached to a set of keys or perhaps placed in an item of luggage which can then be monitored by means of the app on an iPhone or Android phone. this means that the set of keys or suitcase can be located at any time, giving you peace of mind as you will always know precisely where your precious item is.

The Cobra tag can also be used to trigger an alert when the tagged item finds itself outside of a certain radius. this works two ways, so if your phone has disappeared, the tag can be used to call it meaning that you can easily locate it again. a very useful phone lock feature can also be activated in the event that it is stolen.

So now, your mislaid stuff will always be found in the first place that you look!

Penny-pinching secrets to look amazing

Opt for simple patterns, which are nearly impossible to mess up. STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Ten savvy ways to appear high style while keeping your costs low
Turn a potential buy inside out and check the high stress points to ensure quality construction
Shop smart on the web using flash-sale sites and mobile apps

(RealSimple.com) — Become a Fabric Expert

Your best bet is a natural fiber. “If it’s not from the earth or from an animal — think silk, cotton, and wool — the material often looks inferior,” says Beth Amason, a fabric coordinator for New York City clothing manufacturer Vandale Industries who has sourced materials for Anthropologie and Topshop. still, not all finer fabrics are necessarily fine; make sure the material is soft and smooth and has a nice luster. to test the resilience of silks and knits, pull the fabric across its width and lengthwise. Lesser-quality materials will sag, an effect that will get more pronounced after multiple wearings, says Amason.

But don’t rule out all synthetics. Textile manufacturing has improved dramatically since the 1970s, the era of leisure suits — it’s now possible to find polyester, nylon, and rayon that resemble natural fibers. Polyester versions of satin and chiffon can be especially luxurious, as long as they’re not too shiny or stiff. when it comes to blends of natural and man-made fibers, like silk-and-nylon, check the tag, which lists the proportions of each. “Make sure that there’s a higher percentage of the natural fiber,” says Amason.

RealSimple.com: How to dress for any occasion

Choose your Color (and Pattern) Carefully

Wear one neutral head to toe. Going monochromatic can instantly elevate a look, according to New York City–based celebrity stylist Amanda Sanders, who says black, ivory, taupe, and gray are particularly sophisticated. The shades don’t have to match exactly — unless you’re pairing black with black, in which case mismatched shades cheapen the outfit, says Samantha von Sperling, a stylist and the director of Polished Social Image Consultants, a wardrobe-advising service in New York City.

Expand your palette with deep tones. go for burgundy, eggplant, or indigo instead of pastels and brights. “With dark tones, you focus on the silhouette, and imperfect details tend to disappear,” says Leah Feldon, the author of Dress like a Million (On Considerably Less) ($14, amazon.com). but you can add any color in small doses — with a scarf, a necklace, or a cardigan.

Stick to classic prints. Opt for simple, uniform patterns — stripes, polka dots, plaids, or color blocking — which are nearly impossible to mess up. Splashy florals and abstract designs have the potential to look like projects from an amateur art class.

RealSimple.com: Find your style inspiration in fashion icons

Be Picky About Embellishments

Subtle is safest. Zippers, small sequins, and beading with a matte finish usually pass for good quality even when made inexpensively. “A button covered in fabric looks more couture,” says Phillip Bloch, a Los Angeles–based stylist and the author of The Shopping Diet ($15, amazon.com). he also gives a thumbs-up to buttons that match the color of the garment or have a mother-of-pearl–esque sheen. another flourish that looks fancy, not tacky: “Fabric manipulation — pleating, ruching, draping — is a designer touch that can be done well with synthetics,” says Rachel Roy, a designer of both upscale and affordable fashion lines. unless you’ve dropped big coin on the garment, fake-gem embellishments tend to look like something plucked out of a gum-ball machine — particularly if they’re plastic. The same holds for shiny buttons, large sequins, and lots of logos, which are meant to advertise luxury but tend to have the opposite effect.

Construction is Key

Turn a potential buy inside out. That’s where you’ll most likely find loose or jumbled threads (commonly at the hemline) and seams that aren’t perfectly straight, says Christian Siriano, who designs a line of shoes and bags for Payless. Also, make sure that the lining doesn’t look bubbly or hang lower than the hem of the garment.

Check the high-stress points. Clothing that has been tried on over and over again may be damaged before it leaves the store. Inspect each item for holes in the underarms, a stretched neckline, torn tops of pleats, pulled seams at the waistband, or threads dangling from buttons and buttonholes.

You Can’t go Wrong With Simple Shapes

Think clean lines. A-lines, shirtdresses, wrap styles, sheath dresses, and straight-leg pants always look polished. Generally, the more complicated the design, the greater the margin for error in the execution. if you have to choose between a sleek pencil cut or something with a more elaborate structure, such as a tulip skirt or a trendy jumpsuit, “go for the basic silhouette every time,” says Von Sperling. Even if, say, military is all over the runways, buyer beware: “Things like epaulets and too many pockets can get very gaudy very fast,” warns Feldon.

RealSimple.com: Avoiding wardrobe blunders

Fit is Everything

Alterations can make an average piece outstanding. Even a $1,000 Prada creation looks sloppy if it’s ill-fitting — so imagine the effect with a $30 dress. Luckily, you can upgrade a budget buy with a relatively low-cost visit to the tailor. Keep in mind: you have more leeway Lowering the hem. The most flattering skirt hemline is at the knee. if you have two inches folded at the hem, a tailor will be able to extend the length by an inch.

Narrowing a bodice. There shouldn’t be excess fabric under the arms or the bust.

Stitching up bulging pockets. Have the linings removed and the slits sealed for a streamlined look.

Shortening pant hems. They should stop just short of kissing the floor.

Taking in a saggy waist. You should be able to slide only two fingers inside the band.

Tacking up long shirt cuffs. Full-length sleeves should hit your wristbones.

But don’t bother with these pricey fixes: A droopy crotch area, too-big shoulders, and any problem that’s in an area with a zipper or pleats. These will require a complete overhaul, which in the end will cancel out the money you’re saving.

Find Costume Jewelry that Wows

When in doubt, go with the best imposters. You’ll have the most luck with reproductions of turquoise, coral, abalone shell, black jet, and silver-tone metal. Weigh your options: Jewelry that is heavier hangs better.

Hold the rest to the highest standards.

Artificial pearls: Choose resin, ceramic, or glass (anything but Disney-princess plastic). “A nice strand of medium-size globes, about half an inch in diameter, looks more expensive than small or oversize ones,” says New York City–based jewelry designer Katharine Sise, who has her own line and has collaborated with Target. Avoid pure white pearls in favor of ivory, beige, or even black, says Bloch.

Beads: Hold them at arm’s length. if you can tell they’re plastic from that distance, ditch them. or buy a piece that mixes beads with other materials — fabric, rope, metal, resin — all in a restrained monotone color scheme, suggests Sise.

Gold-tone metal: Make sure it’s not too glitzy or yellow. Slightly distressed and burnished “gold” will seem more authentic.

Imitation gemstones: Smaller (less than one carat) is more believable. Opt for crystal, which “looks more realistic than cubic zirconia or plastic, because it’s natural,” says Von Sperling. and pay attention to the setting. obviously, you shouldn’t see any glue.

RealSimple.com: old clothing gets a second life

Bags and Shoes Speak Volumes

Quality is paramount. Beware of peeling fabric, frayed edges, and visible glue, which scream “junky.” but if your budget permits, follow the advice of designer Vera Wang: “Spend more on an investment handbag and fabulous shoes that will last.”

Faux can be ok. Just wear it wisely. “Microsuede doesn’t look like suede up close,” says Von Sperling. that means artificial suede is doable for shoes, not bags. Pleather, on the other hand, works for either, if it’s distressed and has some heft. “Bad fake leather is really smooth and lightweight, and that’s a dead giveaway,” says Amason. other convincing options are synthetic patent leather and mock crocodile. Roy suggests pieces that combine textures: “When I create an inexpensive accessory, my rule is to mix fabrics so the eye doesn’t focus on one shoddy material.”

Surprise! Classics are classy. Opt for the tried-and-true, such as peep-toe pumps and cap-toe ballet flats. Bypass flashy hardware, lots of straps, and chunky plastic heels, says Siriano. The same is true for obvious knockoffs. (No one is fooled by your wannabe Birkin.)

RealSimple.com: New uses for things in your closet

Shop Smart on the Web

Sign up for flash-sale sites. Members-only websites, like Gilt.com, Ideeli.com, and RueLaLa.com (Real Simple readers can join immediately at ruelala.com/realsimple), offer discounts of up to 60 percent on designer labels, such as JBrand and Michael Kors, for a very limited period of time (36 to 48 hours). Inventory goes quickly, so get there when the sales start (each day at 11 a.m. EST for RueLaLa and Ideeli; 12 p.m. EST for Gilt).

Ebay is not just for vintage. The auction site is rife with big-ticket purchases from shoppers who splurged and regretted. Search for items labeled NWT (new with tags) or NWOT (new without tags). Fear being outbid by voracious eBayers? Sign up for eSnipe.com: Enter the most you’re willing to pay, then eSnipe bids for you in the auction’s last six seconds (and charges 1 percent of the auction price if you win).

Check out social media and mobile apps. Follow designers on Twitter or Facebook to hear about exclusive deals, says Andrea Woroch, a Santa Barbara–based consumer-savings advocate and a frequent contributor to Fox News. one of her favorite apps is Coupon Sherpa. “You type in your store, click on a coupon, and present it on your phone to the cashier when you’re making your purchase.” For comparison shopping, Woroch likes Amazon’s iPhone app called Amazon Remembers, which has a feature that allows you to take a photograph of something while shopping, upload it, then get a roundup of similar items along with their prices.

Know How to Put it all Together

Follow the 70/30 rule. The ideal ratio is 70 percent nicer clothing and accessories to 30 percent cheap thrills. according to Wang, you want a mix of pieces — say, cultured pearls and Coach pumps to elevate an H&M dress.

Mask unfortunate details creatively. Swap a chintzy sash with a smart leather belt. Cover an elastic waist with a long tunic. Trade garish buttons for refined ones. Hide a cheesy logo with a brooch.

Think like a stylist. The reason everything looks cooler in magazines? Fashion stylists layer to add depth to basics. try a blazer over a cardigan with a camisole peeking out. A little attitude helps, too: Push up your sleeves; roll up your cuffs; pop a collar.

Add one more accessory before leaving the house. Contrary to the old adage, moderation in accessorizing can read as mediocre. go for the extra bangle and push your outfit to the next level.

Glam it up with red lipstick. take a cue from perpetually crimson-lipped Gwen Stefani, who can make a Hanes tank top seem like the height of fashion.

RealSimple.com: Dress to flatter your figure

Get a FREE TRIAL issue of Real Simple – CLICK HERE!

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Quote of the Week: ‘Phone bills shouldn’t cost more than the rent’ • The Register

QuotW This was the week when neither rumours of a new smaller iPad nor the huge sales of the iPhone 4S were enough to stop Apple’s fourth fiscal quarter earnings from dipping below estimates.

Samsung and Google teamed up to launch the Samsung Galaxy Nexus/Nexus Prime along with the hotly anticipated Android OS 4.0, nicknamed Ice Cream Sandwich, after postponing the event last week, purportedly as a mark of respect to the death of Steve Jobs.

And it was the week when the patent wars between Apple and Android were really hotting up, with fighting talk from Android partners who’d had recent legal decisions go against them. First Samsung, in a statement:

In light of these violations, Samsung believes the sale of such Apple devices should be banned.

And then HTC, in a statement from general counsel Grace Lei:

This is only one step of many in these legal proceedings. We are confident we have a strong case for the ITC appeals process and are fully prepared to protect our intellectual property.

Vodafone was running into trouble with the Advertising Standards Authority for claiming its network is built for data use, as Glaswegians complain they’ve had six months of dicky service, with one particularly pissed off party posting on a support forum thread:

A smartphone without 3G is an expensive paperweight and I am fed up paying £30 a month for this one.

Baby+YouTube+iPad was a winning combination, inspiring one reader to come up with a Dad joke to mark the occasion:

Tired of playing with daddy’s shiny iPad? There’s a nap for that.

The Web 2.0 summit in San Francisco was a wealth of tech titans slagging each other off, as 4chan founder Chris Poole said Facebook and Google+ had fundamentally misunderstood how we use identity:

Google and Facebook would have you believe that your online personality is a mirror of who you are. in fact it’s more like a diamond; you show difference facets of your personality to different people. Facebook has tried to force a fast-food industry approach to identity.

And Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said Android was cheap and too complex and the new line of Windows Phones for Christmas could easily beat Android and Apple, so there:

The biggest advantage we have over Android is that you don’t need to be a computer scientist to use a Windows Phone. but the cheapest phones will be Android, and we are going to have to look at bringing the cost of our handsets down.

The summit also did well in providing the tech community with acres of marketing splaff, including this gem from Google co-founder Sergey Brin that explained that the company was cutting back on some of the areas it works in and focusing on more integration:

At Google there’s always been a culture of letting a thousand flowers bloom. Once they do, then you have to put them together in a bouquet.

Meanwhile, it emerged that the Obama administration had seriously considered using cyber warfare in the conflict with Libya, with one official saying:

These cybercapabilities are still like the Ferrari that you keep in the garage and only take out for the big race and not just for a run around town, unless nothing else can get you there.

Also in the US, the wireless association CTIA, which includes big operators like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA, agreed to warn customers before they rack up huge mobile phone bills, in probable response to pressure from the Federal Communications Commission and President Obama, who said:

Far too many Americans know what it’s like to open up their cell-phone bill and be shocked by hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unexpected fees and charges. our phones shouldn’t cost us more than the monthly rent or mortgage.

On the other side of the Atlantic, BT’s head of Internet Policy had something to say about the Digital Economy Act’s attempt to make BT and other ISPs responsible for blocking websites that infringe copyright.

Communications systems are inherently designed to deliver communication.

Audio News for October 21, 2011

7.1 Surround Sound now in Video Streaming Services; Marantz Two-Channel Hi-Fi Series Grows; SiriusXM & Pandora News

Published on October 21, 2011

7.1 Surround Sound now in Video Streaming Services – Netflix streams certain titles in Dolby Digital plus 5.1- a codec better than standard DD 5.1 but not lossless as with Dolby HD on Blu-rays. A number of terrestrial TV broadcasters, IPTV services, cable operators and satellite services have also followed suit on some titles. 7.1 surround is a further step because not that many movies have used the 7.1 channel codec (only about 30 total so far), with two surround back channels (which we feel are next to useless, frankly). but VUDU, the Wal-Mart-owned subscription-free VOD streaming movie service has been offering Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: on stranger Tides in Dolby Digital plus 7.1; they have been doing DD-Plus 5.1 for several years.

Marantz Two-Channel Hi-Fi Series Grows – Let’s dispense with 5.1 of those 7.1 channels to report on Marantz’ basic two channel series. they have added the CD6004 CD player at $499 and the PM6004 integrated amp at $599. The player adds a USB port to the features of their $349 player; it streams from an iPod, iPhone, connected hard drive or a USB drive. it plays MP3/WMA CDs, stereo SACDs, and displays metadata and CD Text if available. The integrated amp, whose power was not listed, joins two other integrated amps in the Hi-Fi series, and has a torroidal transformer, current-feedback amplication and HDAM circuitry, as with Marantz’s higher-level Reference amps. it has five line inputs, two line outputs, and a MM phono stage.

SiriusXM & Pandora News – Satellite radio service SiriusXM has launched at Best buy stores its first tuner compatible with its new v2.0 service. it will also expand distribution to 2500 retailers nationwide by the holiday shopping season. The $139 tuner receives 22 additional channels, including more Hispanic-oriented channels. Additional programming will be announced in the coming months. it will include additional comedy channels and more live sports talk programming, as well as Krishna Das Yoga Radio. The additional services are included in the SiriusXM $12.95 per month subscription plan, and are also available thru the company’s smartphone apps and their Internet-streaming service. The company claims that new modulation and compression techniques effectively deliver 25% more bandwidth capacity without reducing the broadcast quality on existing channels. The unit’s including car-docking kit hooks it up with a car stereo system and an optional home-system-docking kit is also available. The unit is called The Edge and it allows pause, rewind and replay for up to 30 minutes of live satellite radio, displays artists’ names, song titles and channel information. A one-touch jumping feature lets users jump to a traffic and weather channel for a particular area, and then jump back to a previously listener channel.

Meanwhile, Pandora Internet Radio—which is free if you don’t mind a few infrequent short commercials—is being offered in more aftermarket car audio head units (Alpine, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony), and recently was added to Buick’s IntelliLink Infotainment system. The Buick system uses either Bluetooth or USB to connect a Pandora-equipped smartphone to a 7 or 8-inch color touchscreen radio to access the user’s personalized Pandora stations (voice commands can also be delivered). Other 2012 cars with Pandora include certain models of Chevy, Mustang, Lincoln, Hyundai, Toyota, GMC, Ford Fiesta, Mini, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

NuForce BT-860 Stereo Bluetooth V2.1 Headset review – Appletell

Provides: Bluetooth audio/mic Developer: NuForce Minimum System Requirements: Computer/device with Bluetooth support Review Device: iMac 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 13” Macbook Pro, iPhone 4, iPad Price: $79.00 Availability: Out now

My experience with Bluetooth audio has been limited to ear pieces that give you sound in tinny mono, adequate for phone calls in the car but not much else. So, when I hooked up the BT-860 headphones, I was amazed by the stereo sound quality: rich sound, good bass, and the ability to watch video with few or no sync problems. the headphones, which also work as a headset for phone calls, are stylish and comfortable, and give you an excellent listening experience, free of cables.

The headphones feature five buttons on the right side: track forward/back, volume up/down, and a power button that controls all the other functions: on/off, pairing mode, pausing music, and answering/hanging up. Syncing is painless, simply hold the power button down until it flashes red/blue and pair it using your device. the 860 automatically tries to sync with the last device it paired with, but I was able to switch it between my iMac, Macbook Pro, iPhone, and iPad quickly; the only time I had any problem it was quickly solved by simply putting the headphones back into pair mode.

As headphones, the BT-860s are great. the sound is very rich (especially when compared with Apple’s earbuds), with good bass. When playing music, they do a good job of blocking outside noise without leaking sound themselves. Listening to podcasts or other spoken word tracks, however, you’ll notice more outside noise, especially on crowded or noisy situations like a bus ride.

The five buttons are easy to navigate; simply find the raised power button in the center of the right earphone, and the other four are arrayed around it: forward and backward a track on top, volume up and down below. You can answer calls (or activate voice control) by pressing the power button, but when used as a phone headset, the 860 switches to a different Bluetooth protocol (and activates the built-in microphone). the sound and voice quality drops noticeably from the stereo setting, by which I mean it sounds like your typical Bluetooth headset, and the microphone has that familiar voice-activated effect where a tiny portion of the beginning of words are cut off. but as I say, it sounds like a typical Bluetooth headset: it’s only bad because the stereo is so good. And since it’s Bluetooth, it works with all my devices: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and both my Macs. And if my wife needs make a hands-free call on her Bluetooth, it works with that, too.

NuForce advertises eight hours of battery life while playing music, my usage put it at about 7 hours. they recharge using an unconventional cable that’s USB on one end and a long prong on the other (also included is an adapter for plugging the cable into a wall socket). So, be careful not to lose it. the headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods, and unlike other Bluetooth headsets I’ve used, it worked well even while watching video. Netflix and iTunes movies played with no syncing problems, though YouTube videos could be hit-or-miss.

After years of using Apple earbuds (and cheap ones that I grabbed in airports to replace them), and watching movies on my tiny Macbook Pro, I’d grown used to bad sound. with the BT-860, I can get great sound quality at an affordable price, the ability to control my iPhone wirelessly, and I don’t have to untangle cords.