Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

The most surprising thing about the iPhone 4S is that people were surprised by the iPhone 4S, for there is ample precedent to the company both confining upgrades largely to a speed bump and to saying no to a host of potential new features. As to the former, the iPhone 4S is straight out of the playbook of Apple’s successful upgrade of the Apple 3G to the 3GS, although the competition wasn’t as strong as it is today.

Similarly, when Apple first lowered the price of the iPod touch below 0 in 2009 amidst widespread speculation that it would add a front-facing camera for FaceTime (which it did in the next generation), the company noted that it didn’t think the product needed any more “stuff.” So, what, then, defines the iPhone 4S? The differentiators can be thought of as four “Ses.”

Continue reading Switched On: The four Ses of the iPhone 4S

Switched On: The four Ses of the iPhone 4S originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

This January, Vizio became the second major TV manufacturer to announce its support for Google TV at CES 2011. Samsung and LG also rallied behind the idea of “smart TV,” with the former announcing results of a “Free the TV” competition designed to encourage television app development. After years of serving mostly as a display for other development platforms such as video game consoles and TiVo, it seems the TV is ready to serve as a connected platform of its own, not wholly unlike the PC and smartphone.

However, there are two things standing in the way of the television as a platform to lead interactivity in the home — a lack of access to the core video assets, and the separation of user interface from display.

Continue reading Switched On: A screen too far

Switched On: A screen too far originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget

by Ross Mayfield

Question by Falloutgirl: What is your favorite cleaning tool or gadget?
and why?

Best answer:

Answer by Laurie F
Comet is one of my favorite cleaning products. It cleans just about anything, without any harmful vapors.

The “tool” I use the most is probably just old rags. I tear up just about any old t-shirt or towel into 12″x12″ squares. I use them on everything! And when it’s dirty, I just put it in the “dirty rags” laundry pile.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

by Ross Mayfield

Question by R C: Is there a gadget that turns off tv automatically when you fall asleep?
I am looking for a holiday gift for my dad who tends to fall asleep in front of tv.

Best answer:

Answer by Mandi
Never heard of one – but most televisions do have “sleep timers!!”

Add your own answer in the comments!

Tom Ross shows off his updated Naya build being run by much of the ChannelFireball.com squad. Ross finished the 10 rounds of Standard at 9-1, and Luis Scott-Vargas piloted the deck to a perfect 10-0 record. Complete Pro Tour-San Diego coverage: www.wizards.com 1 Raging Ravine 2 Terramorphic Expanse 4 Arid Mesa 5 Forest 2 Mountain 2 Plains 2 Stirring Wildwood 3 Misty Rainforest 1 Rootbound Crag 1 Tectonic Edge 1 Sejiri Steppe 4 Ranger of Eos 4 Wild Nacatl 4 Noble Hierarch 4 Bloodbraid Elf 2 Stoneforge Mystic 4 Knight of the Reliquary 1 Scute Mob 1 Dauntless Escort 2 Birds of Paradise 2 Ajani Vengeant 1 Behemoth Sledge 1 Basilisk Collar 1 Path to Exile 2 Oblivion Ring 3 Lightning Bolt Sideboard 1 Basilisk Collar 4 Cunning Sparkmage 1 Stoneforge Mystic 1 Behemoth Sledge 2 Qasali Pridemage 2 Manabarbs 3 Dauntless Escort 1 Goblin Guide

by Ross Mayfield

Promotional Gadget Generating Higher Customer Response Towards the Company

Every company spend huge amount of money on marketing and advertising campaign to spread the name of the company far and wide. The marketing strategy of the company are planed in such a manner that company’s name and logo is printed on every item of the company. Various products are selected to distribute among the people bearing the name and message of the company that also act as the promotional product. Hence this concept was originated and it gain immense popularity and more and more companies use this strategy to promote their product and services.

There are plethora’s of items and products that can be customized and gifted to clients and customers and will act as a great source of promotion. Useful promotional products such as promotional gadget increases one customers loyalty and the selection of right promotional gadgets will propagate the message of the company worldwide. There are varieties of promotional gadgets that help a company to build an image and brand recognition. Gifting the right promotional gadget will increase the loyalty of the customers and one can choose the right promotional gadget by keeping in mind few things. One should always choose a promotional gadget that proves to be useful to customers, that has some relations with the business and are good in quality and have attractive look.

Various types of promotional products can be used to publicize one business but it won’t draw as much response of the customers as an expensive promotional product such as electronics gadget can draw.  It is a fact that expensive promotional gadget generates higher customer response towards the company that also do wonders to promote the company on the broad scale. Hottest promotional gadget that is quite popular this year is USB flash drives and other latest technology based gadget. With reduce in price of the electronic gadgets they are more and more considered as the promotional gadget. 

Other high technology based promotional gadgets includes SIM card reader, mobile phone kits with battery charger and earpieces, mobile holders and cradles, which are imprinted with company’s name and message. Promotional gadget are used at trade fairs, exhibitions, seminars, where they draw huge attention of associated clients and this certainly help one to increase the goodwill of the company among the clients and customers. Brand name imprinted on these promotional gadget always remind the recipient of the company and if ever required it will tempt the customers to take the service of the company which has gifted them such an expensive gadget. There are varieties of promotional gadgets that help a company to build an image and brand recognition.

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