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Pinnacle’s USB-HDTV tuner |
Part of the fun of tracking information technology for construction is that there
are more potentially useful products outside the tool box than in it. At a recent technology show in New York City, several candidates were noted.
One service popping up from several vendors gathers voice mail messages and applies voice recognition software to convert them into text messages or e-mail. Subscribers can “read” a voicemail on their cell phone or Blackberry screen without having to make a call, and text a reply, return the call, or ignore it. Since calls are presented with the caller’s number on the memo line, users can cherry-pick rather than listen to them all, unlike voicemail. Some services also index and archive calls with audio recordings in a mailbox on the Web. See Simulscribe.com, Spinvox.com and Callwave.com for examples. Simulscribe has a strong network. Spinvox is expanding with English, French, Spanish and German service. Callwave is in Beta, and for now, it’s free.
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Casio’s G’zOne Type-S phone
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Solio H1000
hybrid charger
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Another eye-catcher was Casio’s second-generation G’zOne water and shock-resistant cell phone, coming out Nov. 1. Offered though Verizon, the phones are tough. The new model includes push-to-talk technology, which should endear it to contractors. It also has a 2-megapixel camera that can e-mail shots from the jobsite, although Casio representatives said one client they would not name ordered 10,000 with no cameras for distribution to workers on high-security sites.
Solar chargers are hot. With so many devices needing dedicated chargers these days, a universal, solar-based alternative with an on-board battery reserve is a nice idea. Better Energy Systems’ “Solio” line of portable chargers, starting at $79, definitely appeals. See solio.com.
Finally, a tiny USB, High-Definition television tuner from Pinnacle Systems—a company that also sells video editing software—is a head turner. It connects to cable or, with a telescoping antenna, pulls in HD or analog TV from the air. Available for Mac or PC, in ENR’s tests it performs beautifully—although the construction function is less clear. But hey, you can’t work all the time. One last note: a new, feature-rich version of Pinnacle’s video editor for PCs is offered for free “to build interest,” company representatives say. Get it now at videospin.com.
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