share music wirelessly, BYOE (bring your own earphones)

The TechtalkRadio Product of the Week is the i2i Stream.

You can watch Andy's Tech Tuesday segment that was on KOLD at http://www.techtalkradio.com/koldtv/koldtv.htm (Tech Tuesday airs every Tuesday around 5:40am. His latest KOLD website column is at http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?s=8900102)

The i2i Stream allows you to broadcast to other i2i Stream devices...

Each unit comes with a neck lanyard, and a belt/pocket clip. Plug an audio player into the bottom of the i2i Stream, earphones into the top, and you can broadcast what you are listening to to other i2i Stream receiving units.

Every i2i Stream can broadcast or receive music via 2.4 GHz (that is useable up to 30 feet between units). There are seven channels to broadcast with, so if there can be at least seven people broadcasting seven different types of audio in the same area.

The sound quality is like that of CD audio: 10Hz-24kHz frequency response, and a 16bit @ 48ksps Stereo bit rate.

The rechargeable batter life is 5 to 7 hours, and is charged via a USB cable.

Inside the i2i Stream Two Pack box:
2 i2i Stream units
2 12” Audio Cables
2 28” Audio Cables
2 USB Charging Cables
2 Neck Lanyards
2 Belt/Pocket Clips

An i2i Stream One Pack is in the works:
i2i Stream
12” Audio Cable
28” Audio Cable
USB Charging Cable
Neck Lanyard
Belt/Pocket Clip

emergency preparedness

After the earthquake in California, AT&T sent some good advice and suggestions via Twitter:

We are seeing network congestion on both the wireline and wireless networks, which is very common after an Earthquake.

During this high volume calling period, AT&T recommends that people only make emergency or urgent calls.

In times of emergency, AT&T asks customers to use text messaging to let friends and family know you are okay.

Texting is the most reliable form of communication during peak use and keeps lines open for emergency personnel.

Tip sheets and more from AT&T on disaster preparedness available at http://att.com/vitalconnect...

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Their "Emergency Communications Planning Tips" document suggests:

Be sure that you have at least one corded telephone that is not dependent on electricity in case of an electrical power outage.

...that you have a working, battery-operated radio...

Develop an emergency communications plan, including communications methods and individuals to call. Post it on the refrigerator, keep a copy with emergency supplies and provide copies to each family member.

Agree on a physical and virtual meeting place such as a voice mailbox or online chat site. 

Forward your home number to your wireless number in the event of an evacuation...

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Their "Family communications planning" document has templates for cards that you can print for your wallet/billfold/purse/etcetera, and complete with emergency contact information.

The "Holiday Season Safety Tips" document has information about decorating, poisonous and toxic materials, fire safety, dangerous toys, older adult safety, food preperation and safety, alcoholic beverages, and how to avoid stress.

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Buh-bye, Boost

July 1, Virgin Mobile USA will launch a new $79.99 per month unlimited prepaid plan.

I noticed they also have a "pay as you go with roll forward" plan:  "As long as you buy another Minute Pack within 30 days, any unused minutes will roll forward for the next 30 days (up to 5000 minutes). If you don’t purchase another Minute Pack within 30 days, your unused minutes will expire at the end of the 30 days."  For $20 per month, you get 200 minutes with additional calls at $.10 per minute.

To that, you can add unlimted text and messaging ("pix, email, and IM") for $20 per month.

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T-Mobile, $100/month unlimited (text included)

...This offer will be available beginning Thursday, Feb. 21...

...domestic roaming and long distance charges are included. Unlimited messaging includes text messages (SMS), picture messages (MMS) and instant messages (IM).

iPhone credit

"...we have decided to offer every iPhone customer who purchased an iPhone from either Apple or AT&T, and who is not receiving a rebate or any other consideration, a $100 store credit towards the purchase of any product at an Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. Details are still being worked out and will be posted on Apple's website next week..."

Steve Jobs
Apple CEO