| Sprint confirms Direct Connect Now, will offer Push-to-Talk services via smartphone app May 9th 2012, 16:17  Sprint's been rather quiet at this year's CTIA Wireless in New Orleans, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been sitting around without making any sort of noise. This morning, the Now Network let the cat out of the bag about Direct Connect Now, which is a service that will allow any regular smartphone user the opportunity to use the company's push-to-talk services in very similar fashion to devices that come with PTT already built into the hardware. How is this made possible? Simply put, there's an app for that -- or at least, there will be one coming to Google Play at an unspecified time in the not-too-distant future. This doesn't mean Sprint is giving up on hardware-based Direct Connect devices: new models will continue to be released going forward, but more smartphone users will at least have an opportunity to take advantage of the services in one way or another. More info as we receive it. Sprint confirms Direct Connect Now, will offer Push-to-Talk services via smartphone app originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 12:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | Insert Coin: Playsurface open-source multitouch computing table May 9th 2012, 15:42 In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.  A Microsoft Surface in every office? Yeah, fat chance. At $8,000, you may never see Samsung's SUR40 glow in the wild, but budget versions of the backlit HD table have begun popping up, such as the Merel Mtouch, which retails for half the price. Still, four grand is a lot to ask from casual users -- we need a bargain-basement option to help catapult the concept to success. The Playsurface could be one solution, with an open-source design and a much more affordable price tag. The multitouch computing table is the product of Templeman Automation, and its creators have begun promoting their concept on Kickstarter. In its current iteration, the Playsurface will ship in two flavors -- short, to double as a coffee table, and tall for stand-up applications -- with a $1,750 pledge netting backers a complete kit. Setting out to fulfill the goal of widespread adaptation, the creator is promising one Playsurface kit with a $1,750 pledge, including a Windows computer, a short-throw 1280 x 800-pixel DLP projector and a transparent touch surface, all housed within a self-assembled wood enclosure. There's also an infrared LED strip to aid with input recognition and something called a "Blob Board," which serves as a dedicated hardware processor tasked with touch detection and connects to the computer via USB. A $350 pledge gets you a Blob Board alone, while $650 is matched with a table (sans computer and projector) and $1,250 will net you a full kit, less the computer. There's just shy of four weeks left to go to get your Playsurface pledge in -- hit up the source link to make it happen. Continue reading Insert Coin: Playsurface open-source multitouch computing table Insert Coin: Playsurface open-source multitouch computing table originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Kickstarter | Email this | Comments | | Sprint Tri-Fi hotspot boasts LTE, WiMAX and 3G connectivity, set to ship on May 18th May 9th 2012, 15:17  If you've been on the hunt for Sprint LTE devices that won't yet function on the carrier's latest 4G network (that, ahem, isn't even scheduled to go live until this summer), May 18th seems to be the day to call in sick. The company's first LTE/WiMAX/3G hotspot will be making its way from the Sierra Wireless manufacturing line to your door for the princely sum of $99.99 (after a $50 rebate and a two-year service agreement) on that date. Data plans range in price from $35 for 3GB to $80 for 12 gigs, on whichever network happens to be available in your area. There's a 3,600 mAh battery on board, which will reportedly keep you online for up to eight hours, along with an Overdrive Pro-like info screen for displaying key stats, like remaining power and your wireless key. You'll find a hearty list of suggested usage scenarios in the press release just past the break, if for some reason you need a PR push to discover just how such a device will fit into your life. Continue reading Sprint Tri-Fi hotspot boasts LTE, WiMAX and 3G connectivity, set to ship on May 18th Sprint Tri-Fi hotspot boasts LTE, WiMAX and 3G connectivity, set to ship on May 18th originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Sprint | Email this | Comments | | Pogoplug Team lets businesses tap into their own 'personal clouds' for $15 a year per user May 9th 2012, 15:00  Last we heard from Pogoplug, it had unleashed its Series 4 hardware (its current device for making any of your drives network accessible). Today, the company, known for its pursuit to make the cloud more "personal," has shifted its gears back to software, aiming directly at businesses with a new service dubbed Pogoplug Team. On basic level, Team is similar to the software-based version of Pogoplug, enhancing the experience with goodies like multiple accounts and full customization to match your businesses' look. Interestingly, Pogoplug isn't including storage options for Team's pricing scheme, but instead charging $15 a year for each user (minimum of three required) -- meaning your users dictate the amount of storage space needed with their own computers and drives, rather than utilizing remote servers as with other major services like Google Drive or SkyDrive. Better yet, current Pogoplug users can upgrade to Team if they're interested. Curious for all the details? There's a nifty press release just after the break. Continue reading Pogoplug Team lets businesses tap into their own 'personal clouds' for $15 a year per user Pogoplug Team lets businesses tap into their own 'personal clouds' for $15 a year per user originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | |
