Apple’s Steve Jobs Resigns, Future is Applelicious

Silicon Valley legend Steve Jobs Wednesday resigned as chief executive of Apple Inc in a stunning move that ended his 14-year reign at the technology giant he co-founded in a garage in 1976. Saying he can no longer meet expectations as CEO.

The company named 13-year Apple Veteran Tim Cook, its previous chief operating officer, to the post.

He and along with Steve Wozniak created the world’s first personal PC, the Apple II, that had a mouse, icons, color and drop down menu’s. Today we take these features for granted but back then it was cutting edge technology that was the norm in the computer world.

Contrary to popular belief IBM did not enter the market until four years later.

In 1986 Jobs acquires from Lucasfilm, a little known division later named Pixar Animation Studios for $10 million and later sells it to Disney for . In 1991 Apple actually invented the modern laptop computer called the PowerBook. It is the first laptop that had a TFT screen, the modern LCD screen. It was the first laptop that pushed the keyboard up creating palm rests and had an integrated pointing device called a Trackball.

Later inventions like the iPod, iPhone and iPad continued to make Apple the leader in cutting edge, easy to use personal gadget devices.

What’s next, the launch of the iPhone5 this fall & iPad3 early 2012.

Is Angry Birds the New Mario?

Lovable Mario, would even say “Mama Mia,” when it comes to Angry Birds, the most addictive puzzler game ever. No I don’t mean the angry birds from the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds. Mario of course is the king of cute gaming characters, but gamer’s today are not just connected to the Wii, but and more into mobile gaming.

Case in point, have you have ever wondered why people are so glued to their iPhone, iPad or smartphone screens? It’s easy, they are playing what many are calling “one of the great runaway hits of 2010″, and “the largest mobile app success the world has seen so far”.

Give thanks to Finland-based Rovio Mobile who developed the game from an inspiration of a sketch of stylized wingless birds, the game was first released for Apple’s iOS in December 2009. Since that time, over 12 million copies of the game have been purchased from Apple’s App Store, which has prompted the company to design versions for other touchscreen-based smartphones, such as those using the Android operating system, among others. The game is also offered as an app for the Windows/Mac web browser, Google Chrome. This means a combined 300 million downloads and growing across all platforms and including both regular and special editions. Once downloaded you get numerous free updates that add additional game content, and the company has even released stand-alone holiday and promotional versions of the game.

To make matters worse, people are so addicted to Angry Birds it has become a problem for many companies as productivity suffers. Play it safe at work, just play it on your break ok. As a bonus you get to sharpen your eye hand coordination for a better aim.

According to the Rovio website “The survival of the Angry Birds is at stake. Dish out revenge on the green pigs who stole the Birds’ eggs. Use the unique destructive powers of the Angry Birds to lay waste to the pigs’ fortified castles. Angry Birds features hours of game play, challenging physics-based castle demolition, and lots of replay value. Each of the 120 levels requires logic, skill, and brute force to crush the enemy.”

Playing is easy, a 5 year-old can do it. Just control a flock of multi-colored birds (my daughter loves the black birds best because they are tough and they explode in a timely fashion) that are attempting to retrieve eggs that have been stolen by a group of evil green pigs. Just pull back the slingshot (with your mouse or finger) to launch birds at pigs stationed on or within various structures, with the intent of destroying all the pigs on the playfield. (No real pigs where harmed in this game). As players advance through the game, new birds appear, some with special abilities that can be activated by the player.

Soon we will have Angry Bird conventions, ala Star Trek and Comic-Con. The sky is the limit even in this bad economy for Angry Birds. After all, where we all need to blow off some steam in a fun way.

Web links:

http://www.rovio.com/index.php?page=angry-birds

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/angry-birds/id343200656?mt=8

http://angrybirdsonline.cc/

http://chrome.angrybirds.com/

http://www.angrybirdsnow.com/

Sharper Gifts, no matter the Season

Christmas is over but gift giving is year round. New Year’s is right around the corner, and we can’t forget a popular holiday, January 6th, The Feast of the Three Kings (el dia de los Reys Magos) also known as the Epiphany which takes place every year on January 6th. Children of Latin famlies here in the United States, Cuba, Puerto Rico and around Latin America traditionally, believe that this day is very important.

The story goes on the feast of the Epiphany, the Three kings visited the newly born Christ Child in Bethlehem bearing him gifts. This tradition is repeated and reflected in present day with the belief that on this eve the 3 Kings will visit every good child to deliver them gifts.

In other words it’s also good for the post-Christmas shopping retail crash.

Hope you enjoy these fun gift ideas. Happy New Year!

The Sharper Image: (All items available at sharperimage.com)
Super Juicer
The Super Juicer has a super powerful yet quiet 700-watt motor. The stainless steel Super Juicer is easy to rinse and is dishwasher safe. The wide mouth opening accommodates whole fruits while the stainless steel blades and micro filter ensure ultra clear juice. The dual position spout locks into place allowing for easy pouring and clean up. $80

Stick Blender
The Stick Blender is the ultimate, multitasking kitchen tool. It has a heavy-duty 2-speed motor and comes with a 3 cup mixing/measuring cup, blender and wisk. The chopper/grinder attachments turn the blender into a mini food processor. It has a 7 inch immersion depth and blade guards to protect and eliminate messes. $60

Electronic Wine Chiller
The electronic wine chiller enhances enjoyment of all varieties of wine. The attractive, brushed stainless steel device contains an electronic thermostat which brings wine to the optimal serving temperature. Just enter in the type of wine and the chiller quickly brings the bottle to the ideal temperature for enjoying that grape. Get the single for the single varietal lover and the dual for the wine enthusiast who can’t choose just one! single$90, dual $130

Motorized Wine Opener
The Motorized Wine Opener effortlessly removes both natural and synthetic cork with a simple one-touch operation! The ergonomically designed opener has an attractive, brushed metal finish with a rubberized comfort grip. It also comes with a built in foil cutter making opening a bottle a breeze. You’ll never have to struggle with another wine bottle with this fully rechargeable opener. $40

iHome Audio: (All items are available at ihomeaudio.com)

iP1 Speaker System for your iPod/iPhone: (Retails $299.99) The iHome Studio Series is the first ever home audio system to feature the Bongiovi Acoustics digital power station. The iP1 featuring 100 watts of power will fill your room with stunning sound. It will even make your iPod/iPhone video content come alive on any TV. iPhone Interface Features: Plays and charges iPhone and docking iPod models, Universal dock with inserts to ﬁt docking iPod models. Remote Control controls iPhone and iPod menu functions certiﬁed by Apple.

iP88GDual Dock Clock Radio & Audio System for iPhone & iPod(Retails $149.99)
The iP88 is an innovative clock radio for iPhone & iPod that features two docks allowing you to charge both your iPhone and iPod simultaneously. The iP88 has several unique features, including a remote control, digital AM/FM presets, EQ controls, and even 3D sound for an enhanced audio experience. The iP88 also allows you to wake to your custom iPod playlist at different times on different days with our 7-5-2 feature, programmable snooze settings, and triple alarm. You’ll also enjoy phenomenal sound around the clock with our Reson8 stereo speaker chambers.

Simmons Jewelry Co:

Men’s Steel Collection: Style DPG1573 Diamond pattern stainless steel dog tag on 30” bead chain. Retail $150.00, Available at Kay Jewelers
Hello Kitty by Simmons Jewelry Co: Style HWL155W “Happy” rubber watch in 5 delicious colors at a very giftable price of $75, Available at Zales.com

Hershey’s Kiss Jewelry:
Hershey’s Kiss Jewelry, an exclusive white diamond and white gold alternative to the heart pendant available in various sizes and the retail price point ranges from $499.00- $7,999.00. Also available in sterling silver, price range: $49-$100. www.HersheysKissJewelry.com

Easter colors for Apple Shuffle for $129

The new Shuffle available in candy colors for $129

Tired of your Apple 3g Shuffle in grey and black.

You don’t have to stress about it anymore.

The folks from Computer Choppers love to color anodize and metallic plate anything and everything that can be anodized or plated.

You can get any of the colors pictured for $129, a $50 premium over the stock iPod shuffle. Those aren’t your only options, you can also get copper, rose gold and platinum, which can push the price up to $200.

Standard Color Anodized 4GB Shuffle (pictured above): $129
Polished Color Anodized 4GB Shuffle: $159
Plating
- Chrome 4GB Shuffle $149
- Copper 4GB Shuffle: $169
- Black Nickel 4GB Shuffle: $169
- 24kt Gold 4GB Shuffle: $179
- White Gold 4GB Shuffle: $199
- Rose Gold 4GB Shuffle: $199
- Platinum 4GB Shuffle $199

These colors are much more durable than paint, and electrochemically bound to the metal so they won’t flake over time.

Makes a great Easter or Mother’s Day gift, to order go to the Computer Choppers site.

CES 2009: M&M’s for your ears, almost!

LAS VEGAS – Maxell famous for iPod accessories, blank DVDs and other gadgets, now has a product that melts in your mouth.

No just kidding, the M&M’s candy-looking ear buds, was one of the fun portable electronics I saw at CES 2009.

The company teamed with candy company Mars to unveil M&M’S Stereo Ear Buds in the Maxell booth.

The clever eye catching packaging, might confuse young kids. It has an inscription saying ‘Sweet Sounds’, which in an attempt to classify the product as music and not the mmmmmm melt in our mouths candies.

Then there is another warning ‘Not candy’, which won’t help you if you grab one at the check put aisle. You’ll probably end up scratching your head, wondering what in the world is this doing in an electronic store!

Just like the real candy, these buds come in multiple colors: Red, pink, blue, orange, and white.

Makes a cute Valentine’s gift, but you probably need to put a warning on it, saying “Do not eat me”!

At $10, they’re super cheap, it does say “Not candy!” but could be choking hazard for the home with a curious toddler. Parents need to watch what their very young kids put into there mouths and ears.

A definite collector’s item for people who love to collect M&M branded products. And it will not be surprising if a large part of that demand are from kids and teens.

Available “soon,” every where, hopefully “NOT” in the candy aisle.

(Note: Product previews & reviews on the GadgetsAndGifts4U blog do not certify any endorsement of the product, but rather provide informative details on new products which might be of interest to consumers of all ages.)

(Photo Credit: Maxell, Roy Bassave)

OtterBox protects BlackBerry Curve 8350i

OtterBox 1937 Yellow for BlackBerry Bold Defender Series™

OK you bought an expensive smart-phone, and oops you dropped it. Unless you pay a replacement fee to your cell phone company, your out of luck. Replacing it can come on your dime.

At Showstoppers, Las Vegas 2009, I visited OtterBox and loved the new products that will protect many smart-phone gadgets.

Here is an alternative, which combines the need for sleek style and protection from the elements, OtterBox launches an innovative case to safeguard the BlackBerry® Curve™ 8350i smart-phone from Research In Motion (RIM).

The new OtterBox 1937 Yellow or Black, $ 49.95, case for the BlackBerry Curve 8350i provides users with interactive protection in the popular Defender Series design to shield against drop, dirt and scratches.

Three layers of protection provide added security*:

Layer 1:
- Thermal formed protective clear PVC membrane covers the keypad from dust and dirt (layer optional)
- Built-in PC windows protect the screen and camera from scratches and dust intrusion
Layer 2: Hi-impact polycarbonate shell
Layer 3: Silicone skin absorbs bump and shock

OtterBox products @ ShowStoppers, Las Vegas 2009

“The new BlackBerry Curve 8350i will allow customers to work virtually anywhere with email, web access, data services and Push-to-Talk features; but those working in harsh environments need protection from the elements and that’s where the OtterBox case comes in,” said Curt Richardson, CEO of OtterBox. “This Defender Series case safeguards from jobsite mishaps like drops and scratches adding longevity to the smartphone.”

The OtterBox for BlackBerry Curve 8350i smartphone allows use of all functions such as the trackball, camera and flash. Sync/charge jack is accessible through a silicone plug. Sound clearly transmits through acoustic vents so users can use headset and speaker. Push-to-Talk features usable through a silicone button. An included holster style swivel belt clip offers hands-free carrying.

Otter Box @ ShowStoppers, Las Veags 2009

Environmental Protection:

Drop and Shock: Protection against drop, bump & shock
Water Protection: Not tested or recommended for water protection
Dust Intrusion: Dust does not enter in a sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of equipment

Colors: