Posts Tagged by accessory
iCarte accessory turns iPhone into NFC/RFID reader
| November 19, 2009 | Posted by Jessica Moreno under Apple, Electronics, Gadgets, iPhone, Tech News |
Apple wants iPhone users and potential customers to know that there is an app for just about everything that you might want to do. That is true, I have yet to want an app for something and not be able to find one. If what you are wanting is to turn your iPhone into a near field communications or RFID reader there is an app (and a hardware accessory) for that too.
The new Wireless Dynamics iCarte accessory plugs into the charge and sync port of the iPhone and allows the device to read RFID and NFC. A smart chip embedded in the device allows the iPhone to become an electronic wallet to support contactless payments.
The accessory can also transmit the NFC or RFID data to enterprise databases in real-time over WiFi or 3G connections. The iCarte operates at 13.56MHz and supports ISO14443A/B and ISO15693 tags including NXP MIFARE and I-CODE SLI. The device works with the iPhone 3G and 3GS running OS 3.0 or higher. The iCarte also as a miniUSB port built-in that allows the iPhone to charge without unplugging the reader.
Ballmer confirms Xbox 360 Blu-ray accessory
| October 23, 2009 | Posted by Alyssa Duval under Electronics, Tech News |
One of the ongoing frustrations for Xbox 360 owners is the absence of a Blu-ray accessory; they keep pestering Microsoft for one, and Microsoft keep rolling out the same “we have no plans” excuses. Now, finally, the company appears to be changing its tune, though it takes some between-the-lines reading of outspoken CEO Steve Ballmer in order to fathom it. Talking to Gizmodo, Ballmer told interviewer Wilson Rothman that “you’ll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories”.
“Well I don’t know if we need to put Blu-ray [into the Xbox 360] – you’ll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories” Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft
Being the skeptical sort, Rothman followed up with Microsoft PR to get clarification on Ballmer’s comments. They pretty much told him that they have nothing to announce about physical Blu-ray drives, referring instead to their streaming plans:
“Our immediate solution for Blu-ray-quality video on an Xbox 360 is coming this fall with Zune Video and 1080p instant-on HD streaming. As far as our future plans are concerned, we’re not ready to comment.” Microsoft PR
That’s enough for Gizmodo to suggest that an add-on Blu-ray drive might be on the cards at some point down the line, similar in fact to Microsoft’s ill-fated HD-DVD drive for the 360. Alternatively, it could mean that Microsoft will allow third-party manufacturers to develop their own Blu-ray accessories.
One of the ongoing frustrations for Xbox 360 owners is the absence of a Blu-ray accessory; they keep pestering Microsoft for one, and Microsoft keep rolling out the same “we have no plans” excuses. Now, finally, the company appears to be changing its tune, though it takes some between-the-lines reading of outspoken CEO Steve Ballmer in order to fathom it. Talking to Gizmodo, Ballmer told interviewer Wilson Rothman that “you’ll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories”.
“Well I don’t know if we need to put Blu-ray [into the Xbox 360] – you’ll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories” Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft
Being the skeptical sort, Rothman followed up with Microsoft PR to get clarification on Ballmer’s comments. They pretty much told him that they have nothing to announce about physical Blu-ray drives, referring instead to their streaming plans:
“Our immediate solution for Blu-ray-quality video on an Xbox 360 is coming this fall with Zune Video and 1080p instant-on HD streaming. As far as our future plans are concerned, we’re not ready to comment.” Microsoft PR
That’s enough for Gizmodo to suggest that an add-on Blu-ray drive might be on the cards at some point down the line, similar in fact to Microsoft’s ill-fated HD-DVD drive for the 360. Alternatively, it could mean that Microsoft will allow third-party manufacturers to develop their own Blu-ray accessories.
