Month: December 2009

Litl : Unique and Innovative Webbook

The 'Litl' Webbook
In preparing for my first ever trip to the Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, as it’s commonly referred, I stumbled upon a company called Litl.
Litl makes a webbook. A webbook is a type of laptop computer that only has access to the web, and provides applications and other resources that require the internet. In some ways, Litl has done what Google will be doing down the road with their Chrome OS.
According to Litl, “…the litl webbbok was created with a fresh approach that makes enjoying online photos and using the web, simple, enjoyable, and fun.” 
This approach involves some unique features in design, usability, and the overall experience.
The Litl features a 12 inch screen, and can be used in laptop form, or in “easel” form, as illustrated in the photo.  In easel form, the Litl can be used to watch videos, photos, or even use it in the kitchen to look at a recipe while cooking.
Litl has partnered with several companies to create “channels” for the Litl. These channels can be used to display content in new ways. The Litl has a channel for Flickr and Shutterfly, enabling you to organize your photos, view your photos, and share them with family and friends. There is also a channel for Facebook that allows you to view your friends status updates and photos in new ways. The team at Litl has created a video about the Facebook channel, and I’ve included below for your viewing pleasure.
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7964300&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1
According to Litl, they are going to have a Software Development Kit available soon for any developers interested in creating channels for the Litl. No firm date has been set for release of the Litl SDK.
I’m going to be meeting with the folks from Litl at CES in January. I’ll have more details to share about the Litl in January. Until then, the Litl is available today at the Litl Store, store.litl.com

24 Hours with Zune HD

Zune HD LogoOn Black Friday, I went to the Microsoft Store in Scottsdale to check out their Black Friday deals and to chat with the store’s general manager about an unrelated matter.

While in the store, I couldn’t help playing with a Zune HD while I waited to speak with the manager (who as it turns out, I missed by about 15 minutes). As I was playing with the Zune HD, I was approached by a store employee and we began to chat about the device and its software, and then he mentioned a sweet deal. Buy a Zune HD and get a $100 gift card for use at the Microsoft Store. After he mentioned that, I was hooked. I purchased right there on the spot, and I even spent a little extra to have a custom skin made for my Zune HD.

The Zune HD uses the NVidia Tegra processor which allows for 720p HD output (which requires an optional dock). Also used is flash memory instead of standard hard drives, which help to keep the device small and lightweight. According to Microsoft, the Zune HD weighs 2.6 ounces, and I can definitely say that it is lightweight. I could barely feel it in my pocket.

Once I brought my new Zune HD home, I downloaded the software from Zune.net, and then connected the Zune HD. The software told me that my Zune needed new firmware, so about 5 minutes later, my Zune was all set to have content loaded. I loaded about 1000 songs, and a few movies. I also configured my Zune HD for wireless syncing so I don’t have to use the cable to sync content.

One very cool thing that I noticed was that since  my Zune was configured to connect to my wireless network, the Zune loaded information about my content. For example, I listen to the Eagles. When I selected the Eagles in my artist list, not only did it show me the albums on my Zune, it also showed me their entire discography, bio, and related artists.

Something else that I like is the screen. The screen on the Zune HD is downright beautiful. It’s an OLED screen, requires no backlight, and colors look stunning.

So far I’m very impressed with the Zune HD. I’m working on a detailed review, and should have it and pictures up by the end of this weekend.