Digital Lifescapes

Google announced the most anticipated mobile phone since the Apple iPhone launch. The Nexus One is based on Google's open source mobile operating system (Android), and their OS has clearly received strong support from manufacturers and mobile operators. In-Stat says that it believes the smartphone stakes are high. Gone are the days when the basis of competition was solely defined by hardware. Software is becoming the key in defining the user experience. However, the focus is now shifting from the OS to the device application software. In fact, enabling third-party applications has increased importance in the competitive mobile OS landscape. In-stat believes that when independent software developers create or port-over applications, that can greatly impact the success of the handset platform and the market opportunity for the carrier. If, however, a particular mobile phone OS does not garner enough independent developer support, then the result could be disastrous. In fact, as ment...

At the CES 2009 event, earlier this year, there was no shortage of iPod accessory makers, cell phone case manufactures and companies making add-on solutions for every gadget you can imagine. As the proud owner of a new 4th generation Apple iPod nano -- a gift from a family member -- I was on the lookout for useful accessories that would improve my mp-3 player usage experience. That said, two products caught my attention. The nano player is small and thin, and it looks really delicate -- it's the kind of item that would be easy to damage, especially if dropped on a hard surface. Clearly, there's lots of ways to protect this little device from harm, and I chose the Impact Series case from OtterBox . This thin, skin-like design that's made from silicon rubber provides protection against bump and shock to your device. The nano controls and connector slot are all accessible through the case, and the inner corners are designed to dissipate impact away from your music player. I r...