Free Swine Flu Tracker app for iPhone geeks

Although we published a way to track online the movement of the Swine flu pandemic using Google Maps a few days ago, it is by no means the only way to follow news of the new H1N1 virus and its spread. Tech savvy, or more specifically iPhone (and iPod Touch) users, will soon be able to download an app called the Swine Flu Tracker off the App Store. While, it is still currently in queue to be approved by Apple, there is no doubt that the developer IntuApps will be quickly credited by popularity for creating this app amongst all the Swine flu craze.

Using this Swine Flu Tracker app, you will be able to see the current threat level for the disease, other features include a map showing confirmed and suspected cases. The app also tells you the symptoms you would get if you were to have the flu and there’s also an alert page for breaking news regarding Swine Flu. 
 
While it is true that regular winter flu has always had a much more higher mortality rate (at least compared to Swine flu so far), all the hype should not be underestimated due to the fact that H1N1 is something relatively new and that the last outbreak was over 40 years ago. Though the trouble it has caused outside of Mexico seems minimal at the moment, we reckon once this Swine Flu Tracker app is out, it should prove to be useful for those who are required to travel frequently. We do wonder however, what the next tech savvy tool to capitalise on this viral outbreak could be, who knows, we’ll keep you posted.

NEW Acer Aspire Revo PC revealed - first NVIDIA Ion nettop

Acer officially announces their first NVIDIA Ion platform nettop today: the Aspire Revo, together with an 11.6 inch Aspire One and a new range of Aspire all-in-ones.

The Aspire Revo features an Intel Atom 230 1.6GHz processor, up to 4GB DDR2 memory, up to 250GB of storage, 4 in 1 memory card reader, six USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, both VGA and HDMI outputs, Wi-Fi and Windows Vista Home Premium or Basic. Models with dual-core Intel Atom processors are expected to be released later in the year.
All of the powerful spec described above comes in a compact 7.1 x 7.1 x 1.2 inches box. The Aspire Revo has been equipped with NVIDIA ION graphics, providing one of the most impressive graphic resolution at an affordable price not available from other brands on the market. The system is 5-10 times faster than traditional PCs with integrated graphics. Plus, the Aspire Revo can handle a wide variety of computing needs including high definition video, gaming, sharing digital photos, surfing the web, and other tasks consumers expect from full-size systems.

Although no official information on pricing and availability yet, the Ion-based desktops are expected to be priced around $300, perfect for those who feel put off by the credit crunch.

The Press Release:
Acer AspireRevo: Nettop Meets Games Console
A Revolution in Your Multimedia Entertainment

2009-04-08 - New York With the enormous success the netbook brought, in very little time a new market segment was created that revolutionized the arena of the portable computer. The world of desktops has now also taken a step up with the introduction of the nettop. These are computers of reduced dimensions and at a lower cost than traditional PCs which are ideal for satisfying all basic requirements of surfing the Internet, downloading and watching rich content, playing videos and games , running typical office programs or communicating with VOIP using the optional webcam.

Today, Acer changes the industry landscape by introducing the Acer AspireRevo, the new nettop that offers advanced graphic capabilities for full enjoyment of multimedia contents in high definition. AspireRevo is a true entertainment center for the entire family, not only offering immediate access to music, video and images, but can also transmit and stream HD content and be used as a gaming console.

The AspireRevo is, in fact, the first small form factor PC to offer the NVIDIA® ION™ platform that combines the Intel® Atom™ 230 processor with the NVIDIA ION graphics processor. Apart from its low energy consumption and reduced dimensions, it has the graphic capability worthy of a true multimedia PC. The highly integrated NVIDIA® ION™ GPU delivers 10X faster graphics performance than other small desktop PCs, resulting in extraordinary multimedia entertainment and high-definition quality. Certified for Windows Vista Premium, NVIDIA® ION™ ensures access to complex video with full graphic support.

“The Acer AspireRevo is a bold new direction for the PC industry,” says Acer. “It is a compact, stylish, fully capable PC that uses less energy and provides a brilliant visual experience for daily digital life, games and even high definition video.”

“The Acer AspireRevo with our new NVIDIA ION GPU is a shockingly small home PC,” said Drew Henry, general manager for MCP products at NVIDIA. “You will be stunned and amazed watching HD videos, editing photos, surfing the web and playing the latest online games.”

Characterized by refined design and reduced dimensions (only one liter!), Acer AspireRevo is decisively practical and versatile and is perfectly adapted to any environment. Futhermore, thanks to a special mounting system, it’s possible to attach the device on the back of any LCD or TV panel with a VESA attachment to offer the user an All-In-One capability and increase the working or playing area. Like this, the AspireRevo can find enough space for any room, from the kitchen to the bedroom or the lounge, without any problem. The VESA mount offers vertical adjustment ensuring that the power-on button, optional webcam and memory card reader are always perfectly accessible from the top of any LCD display used.

Acer AspireRevo is also available in a bundle that comes with a game controller with 3D motion sensors offering numerous functionalities. Besides being able to be used like a pointing-device (air mouse) or remote control for the media center, the controller transforms into 3 primary different gaming scenarios from an airplane/race-car steering device, or a tennis racket/baseball bat or a shooting device with built-in trigger. The device is very sophisticated and does not only keep track of points during the game, but captures and tracks very precise user motion.

Furnished with a rich endowment of portals, the AspireRevo can be connected with ease to a wide variety of devices. The 802.11b/g (and /Draft-N on selected models) wireless or Gigabyte Ethernet network connection guarantees an ultrafast network connection into the network of other home computers. while the HDMI™ portal allows a true-to-life reproduction of Full HD video.

Its in the Living Room connected to a large flat panel TV where the AspireRevo really comes alive. The ability to use a small, quiet, and fully capable PC in the heart of the Living Room where families may view their digital photos and videos, use free MSN Messenger with the webcam in video conference mode, play family friendly physically active games and also still be able to run standard PC applications, makes the AspireRevo an indispensable asset to the modern home.

A compact, sleek desktop designed to go anywhere in your home, the AspireRevo features the incredible graphics processing power of NVIDIA® ION™ coupled with the low power Intel Atom 230/330 processor. ION enables the AspireRevo to deliver a premium Windows experience at an unprecedented price. Watch 1080p HD movies, play DirectX 10 games at great frame rates, and enjoy all the 3D capabilities of Microsoft Windows Vista Premium. This space-saving, quiet design can be used as a fully functional home office PC or as a living room PC for casual gaming on your television.

Even the hardware characteristics do not disappoint expectations. Besides being equipped with the Intel® Atom™ 230 processor and NVIDIA® ION™ GPU, the AspireRevo comes with a choice of a Serial ATA Hard Drive or Solid State Drive and up to 4GB of DDR2memory that allows quick performance without problems for all the most widely-used range of applications. A Mini PCI Express slot offers the possibility of expanding memory capacity to make space for continuously growing multimedia files

LG Arena KM990 officially announced

We only spoke about it a week ago and now LG has officially announced their latest flagship - the LG Arena KM990 at the Mobile World Congress 2009 in Barcelona. I know some have been asking us when exactly the Arena will be available in the UK, we can now confirm that it will arrive very shortly next month! Meanwhile, we’ve got an official demo video of the new and very exciting 3D cube user interface (UI) for you to see right after the break.

UK, February 16, 2009 - LG Electronics, a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, today announces the launch of LG ARENA (LG-KM900) at the Mobile World Congress 2009. ARENA is packed with the latest multimedia features and uses LG’s new and intuitive 3D User Interface (UI).

ARENA is the world’s first global handset to feature Dolby Mobile surround sound to deliver a totally new and enhanced audio experience for both video and audio content. The UI is the perfect 3D gateway to enter ARENA’s amazing multimedia environment which creates a fresh new way of delivering a portable entertainment experience. The standard 3.5 mm audio jack means ARENA can be used with any pair of headphones.
“What really makes ARENA special is the new LG intuitive 3D UI, which is unlike anything that has appeared on a phone before,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, President & CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “We surveyed consumers and found that they were unhappy with current interfaces. They wanted a simple, fast and fun way to use multimedia and additional features, but also an experience that was dynamic and interesting. We’ve done this so well with our brand new UI that it will set new standards for handsets in both functionality and fun.”

3D User Interface

Intuitive
Intuitive and 3D touch-menus take the fuss out of searching through contacts and multimedia content, perfect for anyone more comfortable with a traditional analogue experience. Reel Scrolling menus appear as if they are on a film reel, providing vivid icons for each feature that are instantly recognisable. Dragging a finger across the reels allows users to scroll through each feature option.
In ARENA’s camera mode, an intuitive on-screen dial, similar to those found on many high-end stand alone cameras, makes it easy to customise shot settings for picture-perfect results.

Fast
ARENA’s UI was designed to reinforce the advantages of touchscreen technology from the offset, eliminating any unnecessary menus and complicated navigations. At its core is a cube layout that provides four customisable home screens that provide quick access to all features by flipping the cube with just a flick of a finger. With multiple faces, the cube allows for four times more shortcuts than a single screen, making navigation easier and enhancing overall usability.
Cube layout
ARENA’s Elastic Lists make it easier to browse through contacts and other menu listings. When touched, the listed items stretch like a rubber band to provide more detailed information, options or easy editing. This eliminates the need to switch to a new screen, saving time and making it easier to browse the other options available. The smooth and quick transitions on screen are a result of a powerful AMD processor working together with LG’s 3D UI.

Fun
Colourful and vivid graphics give ARENA a sense of dynamism and fun. ARENA’s dynamically designed graphics are particularly evident in the phone’s Floating Image Gallery. When held upright, the phone displays photos neatly in rows. But flip the phone on its side and the photos automatically cascade off the screen and reappear much larger. Sliding a finger from top to bottom will show photos taken on different days. Dragging a finger from left-to-right shows photos taken on the same day.
Going one step further, its Tactile Analogue Alarm Clock and Radio Tuner make it almost feel like moving a clock’s hands or turning an actual dial.

Multimedia Features that Come Alive
Dolby Mobile surround sound technology unleashes the power of unrivalled audio for movies and video and delivers rich, resonant sound. Featuring a range of equalizer presets to fit all genres and individual tastes, further enhances the listening experience. A built-in FM transmitter allows ARENA to play music wirelessly whether it is through a car or home stereo system.

“The new LG intuitive 3D UI offers superior functionality, speed and ease of use unlike anything seen before, the LG ARENA really is taking touchscreen technology to the next generation,” says Jeremy Newing, head of marketing, LG Mobile UK. “Partnering with Dolby Mobile and its audio expertise has ensured that LG is bringing new and exciting handsets to the market, that give users the opportunity to engage in a wholly new multimedia experience.”

ARENA’s large 3.0” full touchscreen display has an incredible WVGA resolution, which is four times sharper than QVGA. With the clearest LCD screen available on a mobile phone, ARENA is ideal for watching DVD quality DivX or Xvid movies on the go.

D1 recording capabilities capture DVD resolution video content that remains crisp and sharp when played back on a large screen. ARENA allows recording up to 120 frames per second so when played back in slow motion records every detail.

ARENA has the capacity to store up to 40GBs of music, image and movie files with 8GB of internal memory and up to 32GB with an external micro SD slot. The battery life provides up to 30 hours of MP3 playtime and 300 hours of standby time.

The range of high-end camera features and excellent image quality make the ARENA’s five megapixel comparable to that of a stand alone camera; with the ability to set the camera to auto or manual focus enables the user to capture every special moment.

ARENA’s 3G HSDPA 7.2 networks and Wi-Fi capabilities allow for audio, video and photos to be uploaded easily onto social networks so users can share their multimedia experience online. ARENA provides additional support for Google Mobile Service including Google search, Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube and Google Blogs; A-GPS and geo-tagging are is also available and the multi-touch capabilities greatly enhance the web surfing experience.
All of these multimedia features are packed in ARENA’s sleek and refined silver or black titanium metal body, perfectly sized to grab and go at just 105.9 x 55.3 x 11.95 mm. A tempered glass finish protecting the screen ensures long-lasting durability, designed to keep the phone looking sophisticated and clean.

Officially launched at Mobile World Congress, LG ARENA will be available in Europe in March.