Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device

Posted from Ipodtree.com

Introducing Kindle™

Three years ago, we set out to design and build an entirely new class of device—a convenient, portable reading device with the ability to wirelessly download books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers. The result is Amazon Kindle.

We designed Kindle to provide an exceptional reading experience. Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper—and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot and is designed for ambidextrous use so both "lefties" and "righties" can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time.

We wanted Kindle to be completely mobile and simple to use for everyone, so we made it wireless. No PC and no syncing needed. Using the same 3G network as advanced cell phones, we deliver your content using our own wireless delivery system, Amazon Whispernet. Unlike WiFi, you’ll never need to locate a hotspot. There are no confusing service plans, yearly contracts, or monthly wireless bills—we take care of the hassles so you can just read.

With Whispernet, you can be anywhere, think of a book, and get it in one minute. Similarly, your content automatically comes to you, wherever you are. Newspaper subscriptions are delivered wirelessly each morning. Most magazines arrive before they hit newsstands. Haven’t read the book for tomorrow night’s book club? Get it in a minute. Finished your book in the airport? Download the sequel while you board the plane. Whether you’re in the mood for something serious or hilarious, lighthearted or studious, Kindle delivers your spontaneous reading choices on demand.

And because we know you can't judge a book by its cover, Kindle lets you download and read the beginning of books for free. This way, you can try it out—if you like it, simply buy and download with 1-Click, right from your Kindle, and continue reading. Want to try a newspaper as well? All newspaper subscriptions start with a risk-free two-week trial.

Kindle’s paperback size and expandable memory let you travel light with your library. With the freedom to download what you want, when you want, we hope you’ll never again find yourself stuck without a great read.

We're very proud to introduce Amazon Kindle and we hope you like it as much as we do.

- The Amazon Kindle Team

IPhone, IPod Touch Turn Into Remotes

Posted from ipodtree.com

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 4/9/2008 10:01:00 AM

Riverside, Calif. — SpeakerCraft has turned the iPhone and iPod Touch into handheld wireless-RF remotes that control its MODE multiroom-audio system.

To use a Wi-Fi-equipped iPhone or Touch as a remote, consumers need a $1,000-suggested ERS 1.0 component, which plugs into a home’s wireless Wi-Fi router via Ethernet cable to talk to the handheld devices. The ERS’ embedded Web server uses the home’s Wi-Fi network to deliver a SpeakerCraft-developed multiroom-audio user interface through the device’s standard Safari Web browser. The interface controls all central audio sources and routing.

“Soon any [in-wall multiroom-audio] keypad that isn’t emulated on a device like the iPhone will be obsolete,” claimed SpeakerCraft president Jeremy Burkhardt.

The color interface features large virtual buttons and shares the look and feel of an iPhone interface, requiring a small learning curve, the company said. In addition, users don’t have to install software on their iPhone or Touch because the interface is accessed through the device’s existing Apple Safari Web browser.

“You can have an unlimited number of iPhones operating your system and even have two simultaneously operating in multiple zones,” Burkhardt added.

The ERS also presents a multiroon-audio interface intended for display on a standard PC or Mac.

Former Security Officer Sentenced in Neiman Marcus, eBay Jewelry Scam

Posted from digidownload.org

The U.S. Department of Justice sentenced a former security officer from Neiman Marcus in Dallas to 27 months in prison, and ordered the man to pay $323,195 in restitution for transporting stolen jewelry across state lines. The Court found that losses to Neiman Marcus from the scam exceeded $400,000.

Manuel Alvarez, 37, was sentenced on April 2 in Texas. Alvarez pleaded guilty in December 2007 to stealing jewelry from Neiman's by using his security key to gain access to stock drawers and then using an accomplice to sell the goods on eBay.

Neiman Marcus vice president Gary Manson addressed the Court at sentencing to say that Alvarez had been a trusted member of the team, and that theft of property meant more than simply a financial loss to the company and its employees.

Alvarez worked at Neiman Marcus as a store loss prevention specialist and in 2004 he and an accomplice agreed to sell jewelry on eBay and split the proceeds. Alvarez would obtain jewelry from a Neiman Marcus store and then his accomplice would post the items for auction.

From February 29, 2004, to December 10, 2005, Alvarez made only three legitimate jewelry purchases, three watch straps, from Neiman Marcus using his employee discount. He also purchased three or four jewelry items, with a total value of approximately $4,000 from the Neiman Marcus catalog. All other jewelry items were stolen.

In June 2005, Alvarez approached a friend who lived in Houston and provided her items he had stolen from Neiman Marcus for her to sell on eBay. This accomplice photographed the items, placed them for auction, and mailed the items to purchasers using the U.S. Mail service.