TechBytes: Kindle Adds Apps
Palm Pre Plus review, wireless light-bulb speakers and texting helps reading.
Jan. 22, 2010— -- Amazon is planning to offer apps for its Kindle electronic book reader later this year. Potential programs include interactive textbooks, games and live ratings and review guides. The apps will be limited by the Kindle's slow speed and black-and-white screen.
Verizon Wireless begins selling an updated version of Palm's smartphone, the Pre, Monday. USA Today's Ed Baig gives the Pre Plus high marks and says it has one killer feature that sets it apart.
"You can actually turn your device into a Wi-Fi hotspot that can be shared by up to five additional devices," Baig said. "I tested it with an iPhone and four computers and it really worked pretty well. Now, you'll have to pay $40 a month on top of Verizon's voice-data plans, which are already more expensive than Sprint. But for those who travel a lot, it's well worth the money."
To read his full review, check out USAToday.com
There's a new wireless speaker system that's about as easy to set up as screwing in a light bulb. The Klipsch LightSpeaker System is a speaker and LED lamp in one. It simply screws into an existing light fixture -- no wiring required -- and can transmit music from a computer, iPod or other device. The system is not cheap. though. The starter kit, which includes a transmitter and two speakers, costs $600.
If you think texting will lead to generations of kids who can't spell, think again. British researchers have found that kids who use more "text speak" had strong reading and spelling skills. The researchers say texting requires the same awareness needed to learn correct spelling. So the next time your kids are texting too much, just think of it as homework.http://www.britac.ac.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/14
