iFruit iOS 7.1

Apple has released iOS 7.1, the latest iterative version of its mobile software for its smartphones and tablets.

The software was made available for download on Monday, a week shy of six months after a radically redesigned iOS 7 was released.

The latest software version is compatible with iPhone 4 and later, iPad 2 and later, and iPod touch (5th generation) devices.

Users of iOS 7 and older versions can upgrade compatible devices over-the-air by navigating to "Software Update" in the "General" section of the device's settings.

iOS 7.1 includes a number of bug fixes that have plagued some early adopters, along with user interface design tweaks, such as visual changes to the phone dialer and power-off features.

SXSW News

It's a bittersweet day in Austin, Texas, for Aereo. The company's remote DVR service, which allows users to stream or record over-the-air broadcasts, just launched in the city this week against the backdrop of SXSW, making it Aereo's fourth market in the state. But there's a storm cloud hanging over this celebration; a recent legal hiccup with the state of Utah that saw it shut down service in Denver, Colo., and Salt Lake City, Utah. Aereo, however, is no stranger to this courtroom drama. The company's been engaged in a copyright battle with broadcasters that'll either cement it as a content licensee (along the lines of a Netflix), and potentially cripple its business growth, or as a provider of cloud DVR storage. It's a fight Aereo's waging all the way to the Supreme Court and has so far been winning, except for today.

   

The timing, then, for an intimate chat with Aereo CEO Chet Kanojia here at SXSW couldn't be better. Kanojia kicked things off by immediately addressing the service disruption in Utah and Colorado saying, "That's why it's raining." All joking aside, Kanojia's aware the Supreme Court's decision could have grave consequences for Aereo's future, but shrugged off concerns of a possible legal defeat. "I haven't thought about it, " he told us. "I don't focus on it." That could just be willful denial on Kanojia's part, but his company does have other pressing concerns to focus on, like continued market expansion and back-end service improvements.

Etón Review

By George Harding

I first encountered Etón some years ago when they gave to each press member attending CES a free survival radio, which I still have.  It was designed to let you escape or avoid disaster by listening to NOAA radio, short wave, and AM/FM, have a light and siren and have the ability to charge certain small devices. Etón was joined by Red Cross in the effort to help people.

Since that time, Etón has dramatically expanded their product line. They still have the survival radio line, called FRX, a nifty appliance for your home called the Blackout Buddy CO, the Ruckus line of radios, and a line of AM/FM/LW/Short Wave radios. Each is handsomely crafted, durable and of high quality.

FRX line includes the series 5 through 1, each with differing features. The FRX5 has these features: AM/FM and NOAA radio, alerts with light, sound and text display, charger for smartphone and tablet, charging by solar, crank, battery and USB, flashlight and beacon, and alarm clock. When you run out of sunlight and battery power, the crank can be used for temporary power. One minute of cranking can provide 4 minutes of talk time. It is rugged and esthetically pleasing in its design.

The Blackout Buddy CO is one of the cleverest devices I’ve seen in a while. It warns you of toxic levels of carbon monoxide and plugs into a wall socket. Since CO is heavier than air, it accumulates from the floor upward, so a detector must be at a low level to protect you effectively. When a deadly level of CO is detected, the device sounds an alarm and flashes its light. It contains a lithium ion battery, which turns on its light when the power goes out. You can use the light to help you as you maneuver around the house in what would otherwise be the dark.

The Ruckus line is radios designed for high-quality sound in the out of doors. Each is rugged and water-resistant, is solar or AC powered, can charge your smartphone or tablet and enables NFC pairing.

The radio series provides AM/FM/Short wave and aircraft band reception. The tuning is digital, making it easy to tune the exact frequency you want. There are 700 spaces for station memory! Power is provided by AC or by C batteries. There are four radios in this line.

So, for survival and other radios, see Etón.

Etón Corporation         
 www.etoncorp.com    
Prices vary by model

DigiPals Review

By George Harding

Here's a nifty product for kids! It gives a handy place to store your cell phone, MP3 player or small camera.

The interior of the storage compartment is lined with micro-fiber cloth that not only keeps the screen from being scratched, but also cleans the screen while the device is inside.

The storage pouch has a zipper closure, keeping the device inside safely secured.

In addition, there is a small zipper pocket for incidentals - school IDs, money, ear buds and the like.

There are four versions of this mobile device companion in animal figures - Monkey, Owl, Turtle and Penguin.

The unit is covered with a soft, velour cloth to make it more "touchable."

This would be a great gift for a "young-un" or even an "old-un."

DigiPals by Falcon Safety Products, Inc.        
www.digipalsusa.com        
Price about $18

Pentax Firmware Update

Pentax has just released a host of new firmware updates in order to add support for the Pentax 1.4x Teleconverter in 10 of its most recent cameras.  All K-mount bodies launched in 2010 or later will fully support the teleconverter, in addition to the Pentax K-7 from 2009.  Older DSLRs will still be compatible with the new teleconverter, though they will not support some of the enhanced features that the Pentax teleconverter offers over third-party offerings.

Apart from the teleconverter support, these firmware updates do not add any other new features, though the usual "stability improvements" are of course included.  Therefore, we always recommend updating to the latest version for the best overall performance.  Please note that Pentax firmware updates are cumulative and include the contents of all prior updates, so you only need to update your firmware once even if you've never updated before.

For the full camera list and instructions go to:

http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/new-firmware-adds-support-for-14x-teleconverter.html

Wilson Electronics Purchases zBoost

Wilson Electronics has purchased competitor zBoost in an effort to consolidate the cell phone signal booster category. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but both brand names will stay intact while Wilson pursues a “dual-brand strategy.”

In an exclusive interview with CE Pro, Wilson CEO Robert Van Buskirk outlined the strategy behind the acquisition, which officially took place in mid-January.

“The cell signal booster market is poised for tremendous growth and we recognize that industry consolidation is coming. In this case, it’s a good thing from our perspective. We have taken one of our competitors off the market and enhanced our own competencies and capabilities,” says Van Buskirk. For instance, zBoost has strong connections in the retail market that will be beneficial to acquire.

But most importantly, Van Buskirk says the acquisition allows St. George, Utah-based Wilson to pursue a “dual-brand strategy” and bring a “better/best product family” to the market. While the specific details of the niche strategy are still being worked out, Van Buskirk says the idea would be, perhaps, that zBoost become the value residential brand while Wilson’s product lines gravitate to be the premium brand for integrators.

News from Think Tank Photo

NO MORE FUMBLING FOR YOUR TABLET

The App House 8 and App House 10 allow quick access to small- or standard-size Apple tablets either as shoulder bags or mounted on belts. Streamlined and secure, their small size, removable shoulder strap, and double-lock belt-mount make it practically effortless for you to carry and access your tablet and stay connected around town or when traveling. Key features include:  

• Dedicated pockets for carrying a smart phone, device accessories, plus other small items.
• Premium materials: YKK® RC Fuse zippers, antique nickel-plated metal hardware and durable, long lasting, nylon fabric.
• A dedicated, easily accessible smart phone pocket with soft liner.
• An internal organizer with elastic and zippered pockets for connection cables, card readers, power cables, portable charger, pens, or other personal items.
• 4-way stretch pocket on front for rapid access to lens caps, memory cards, batteries or other items.
• Removable and adjustable shoulder strap with non-slip pad.
• Double-lock belt attachment for added security.
• Grab-handle on top for quick pickup.
• Seam-sealed rain cover included in zippered compartment on bottom.
• Think Tank's "No Rhetoric" Warranty...period.