Our favourite gadgets are continually shrinking and becoming more talkative, acting as the centerpiece of our mobile lives. Computing power available on our desktop computers only a few years ago is small enough and power-efficient to fit in the palm of our hand. Add a few flash memory chips and wireless connectivity the size of a postage stamp and you have a hardware platform capable of sharing thousands of music files, photos, videos, and the latest media we demand every day.
This month’s edition of SF Tech Sessions will examine the ways connected mobile devices blend built-in features and data with a stream of updates from the data cloud. The connected mobile gadgets Tech Session takes place from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, in San Francisco.
Speakers
Dash Navigation
Dash Navigation is launching its first product, the Dash Express, this Spring. Dash Express is an Internet-connected GPS capable of sending and receiving real-time data for a better journey to people and places of interest. A typical GPS receiver stores map and point of interest data locally, searching through data stored on a DVD or hard-drive updated about once a year (if the owner purchases the latest data). Dash connects each dashboard-mounted unit to its real-time data services available using WiFi access points or a high-speed cellular data connection. The connected Dash Express can access incremental updates to map data as they become available, real-time traffic statistics to better plan your route, and live searches of event and venue information from partners such as Yahoo!. You can even send data from your home PC, storing your next destination before you even leave your living room. As Dash-enabled devices become more common network data will also include speed and location of each Dash vehicle.
Dash Navigation will share its vision of the connected automobile.
Zing Systems
Zing software and services currently power the Stiletto music player from Sirius and will ship with the SanDisk Connect music player in March. Zing software connects your music to the Internet and your friends, creating new opportunities to download and share music while on the go. Zing utilizes local WiFi access points to download new music for free, payment, or subscription, share music and photos on your device with friends, or stream audio from Internet radio stations. As a software provider many of Zing’s features are dependent on partner implementations, such as the satellite focus of Sirius or the Windows media friendliness of SanDisk.
Zing Systems will share its vision of the connected portable media player.
OQO
OQO just launched their Model 2 compact computer, a fully featured desktop computer that fits in the palm of your hand. The model 02 is a full computer with a 5″ touch screen, a full keyboard, and both WiFi and EV-DO crammed an extremely small magnesium case. The Windows Vista capable PC can dock to your desktop equipment, powering an external display, keyboard, and optical drives when portability is less of a concern.
OQO will share its vision of the connected mobile office worker.
Event Details
Thursday, January 18
7-9 p.m.
CNET, 235 2nd Street
San Francisco
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Each speaker will have 15 minutes to talk about their product, its origins, and give a brief demonstration. You will have some time to mix with the speakers and other participants before and after the presentations, so don’t be shy.
Thanks to CNET for providing us a venue that can fit about 100 people. Attendees with an appetite are asked to donate $5 to cover pizza and bottled water either at the event or in advance using PayPal.
Please RSVP in the comments below so I may properly prepare the room and food for the event.