Unlimited Mobile

History hasn’t been particularly kind to the Newton. Apple’s early play at the mobile device market has largely been a source of ridicule, considered a low point in the company’s catalog. For every suggestion that the device was ahead its time, there are countless “eat up Martha” jokes. It’s not hard to see why — in spite of tenacious commitment on the part of John Sculley and co., the PDA never really took off, a fact blamed, in part, to hardware and software limitations. To mark the 20th anniversary of the device’s on-stage debut, Harry McCracken picked a first-gen MessagePad H1000 and some accessories up on eBay, living with the device for six weeks, as part of an attempt to “reconsider” the Newton. So, how does the product hold up in the harsh light of 2012? At the very least, it offered up the opportunity for great shots like the one above.

Apple Newton celebrates 20 years of eating up Martha originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Jun 2012 17:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Technologizer  | Email this | Comments

US Cellular has shuffled around its prepaid plans once again, and unfortunately, it’s a bit of a mixed bag for those without a contract. As it stands, customers may choose between three plans that range between $35 and $65 per month. Unfortunately for smartphone users, the most expensive plan is now a requirement, which really stinks. The $65 plan (which used to cost $70), brings unlimited voice and messaging, along with 2GB of data usage. The mid-tier plan has seen a similar reduction from $60 to $50, and now brings unlimited voice, messaging and 1GB of data usage. Unfortunately, it only applies to feature phones, even for those who tend to use WiFi on their smartphones. Meanwhile, the entry level plan now stands at $35, and it’ll be useful for those who keep their phone turned off most of the time: it includes 400 voice minutes, along with a 400 / 400 allotment for text and picture messages. If it’s any solace for US Cellular’s current prepaid customers with smartphones, just know that you may keep your current plan, as you aren’t required to switch to the new tier.

US Cellular reduces prepaid plan prices, increases costs for new smartphone owners originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Jun 2012 16:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Sony’s PS3 Wireless Stereo Headset made a splash when it landed last year, but there were two inescapable quirks: a lack of bass and a lack of any wired fallback for your other devices. The brand-new Pulse Wireless Stereo Headset Elite Edition should solve both. Its earcups now carry a new trick, BassImpact, that reportedly delivers the headset’s eponymous pulses and just that bit more punch at low frequencies. We also can’t help but appreciate having a 3.5mm headphone jack (and cable) to plug in an Xperia S or, if you’re daring, a device that goes without Sony’s logo. The noise-cancelling microphones and the overall headset are considerably subtler as part of the remake, to boot. Gamers will have to go without the Pulse-upgraded headset until the fall — not to mention pay a higher price, at $150 — but they can get a video overview after the break to bide their time.

Continue reading Sony intros Pulse Wireless Stereo Headset Elite Edition, lets your non-PlayStation gear feel the bass (video)

Sony intros Pulse Wireless Stereo Headset Elite Edition, lets your non-PlayStation gear feel the bass (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Jun 2012 15:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  PlayStation Blog  | Email this | Comments