Nelson Wong Life Blog

Skype For iPhone Now Available in the US, Has VoIP over 3G With 3.0 Firmware

Apple’s just about finished rolling out Skype for iPhone, and now US residents can go download the VoIP app for themselves.

Our quick test showed that voice quality is quite good—definitely on par or better than actual 3G calling over AT&T’s network—and connects rather quickly. It’s unfortunate that 2.2.1 doesn’t have background notifications, so there’s no way somebody could Skype you unless you had the app open all the time.

In an iPhone to iPhone Wi-Fi call test, Phone A heard Phone B perfectly clear, but the person on Phone A sounded like a robot with enunciation problems from Phone B’s side. iPhone to Laptop worked perfectly fine, however.

What’s also interesting is that voice calling only works when you’re on Wi-Fi in the 2.2.1 firmware, popping up a restriction message if you’re on 3G, but it works just fine in the 3.0 firmware. Not sure whether that’s because the 3.0 developer’s beta is less locked down, but it’s one pretty good reason to risk the upgrade. We suspect that this hole is going to be locked down REAL soon, lest AT&T lose out on a bunch of minutes.

Iron Man vs Bruce Lee

T-Mobile webConnect 3G/Wi-Fi USB Stick

T-Mobile’s 3G laptop USB sticks are finally here. We just fondled their webConnect dongle, trying out its 3G capabilities from inside our home. Things look good.

First off is the speed test. 952kbps down and 318kbps up isn’t too bad when you consider that T-Mobile’s network is fairly new, and I was connecting from inside my house. The device itself is an L-shaped swivel that can hit up EDGE, 3G (HSDPA/UMTS), or Wi-Fi, if you’re on a T-Mobile Hotspot. There’s a slot for 8GB of microSD/SDHC memory, and comes with a male to female USB extension cable in order to avoid USB crowding.

The only downside now is that it’s Windows-only, with OS X support “available in the coming months.” It’s always good when someone releases a 3G dongle, especially T-Mobile, who can definitely use more.

Best Buy Staff got Bonuses to Deny Legit Guaranteed Price Matches

Best Buy, like many other stores, has a public “price matching” policy. But HD Guru reports that according to internal docs, personnel are trained to deny price-matches and even paid bonuses for shutting them down.

This all comes out of a lawsuit that was just granted class action status. Internal documents, plus depositions from past and current Best Buy employees reveal just how evil Best Buy is. A price match is when, say, Circuit City advertised a Sharp HDTV for cheaper than Best Buy, Best Buy’s public policy is to match that price.

But Best Buy actually trains employees in New York how to deny legitimate price match requests, and the average Best Buy store denies 100 price matches a week. You even get paid bonuses based on how many price matches you deny!

Here’s how it works, according to Phil Britton, a member of Best Buy’s Competitive Strategies Group:

What is the first thing we do when a customer comes in to our humble box brandishing a competitor’s ad asking for a price match? We attempt to build a case against the price match. (Trust me, I’ve done it too). Let’s walk through the “Refused Price Match Greatest Hits:

"Not same model? Not in stock at the competitor? Do we have free widget with purchase? Is it from a warehouse club (they have membership fees, you know)? Limited Quantities? That competitor is across town? We've got financing! Is it an internet price? It's below cost!….."

If you live in NY state, and you’ve been screwed by Best Buy’s anti-price matching, HD Guru has further info on the attorney to contact so you can take a piece out of Best Buy. What a bunch of scum.

Concord C1 QuantumGravity Watch

We first told you about the QuantumGravity tourbillion back in January, but now this physics-defying watch is ready for consumption by 10 very, very rich individuals with messed up priorities.
We already knew that the Concord C1 QuantumGravity could counteract the forces of gravity thanks to 18th century technology that involves the escapement and balance wheel being mounted inside a rotating cage—but it appears that the mechanism also includes a “liquid featuring green phosphorescent nanoparticles” encased inside a vertical tube. Apparently, this fluid is used to indicate the power levels remaining in the 3-day reserve. To be perfectly honest, the press release describing the watch and its mechanisms is is pretty damn convoluted (unless you are a master watchmaker), but it will undoubtedly prove popular when it is unveiled at the Baselworld 2009 show next week.

Free Fishing Day 2009

Worth more then $10 in most states….

Free Fishing Day 2009
Free fishing days nationwide. Enjoy free fishing without having to purchase a license. Many states use the first weekend in June. Also, look into National Hunting and Fishing Day in late September. Be sure to check your specific state’s regulations for details and Dates and further information. Some states still require special stamps to fish for trout, salmon, etc. on free fishing days or restrict free fishing to freshwater/saltwater. Other states allow free fishing year-round to disabled veterans, senior citizens, children, etc. This is a great way to introduce a husband, wife, child, friend to fishing.
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How to Stick It To Big Box Gadget Retailers That Don’t Honor Price Match Policies

Not surprisingly, big box retailers like Best Buy and Office Depot don’t always honor their own price matching policies. The guys at HD Guru have exposed the problem, and offered up a few tips.

After reading a recent article in Laptopmag that claims Office Depot associates are told to prevent customers from buying sale laptops unless they pick up extras like software, warranties and in-store setups, HD Guru visited three Best Buy locations in the New York area and discovered similar shady shenanigans. Despite having a competitor’s advertisement that featured a Panasonic TV for $700 less than Best Buy’s retail price, the salesman at all three stores denied to price match on the grounds that the tv “was on sale for three days and Best Buy’s price match policy exempts limited time sales.” It is important to note that Best Buy does not have a “limited time sales” exemption in their policy.

After one of the managers was confronted with this information, he decided to make an “exception” and go ahead with the price match—although they later cited another non-existent policy to deprive the purchaser of the advertised free delivery on any HDTV $999 and up.

According to an HD Guru inside source, Best Buy employees have been pressured by management to deny price matches to increase slim profit margins. As we have already seen, it pays to know the store policy and be ready to call them out on it if you should run into problems. It is also a good idea to establish that the store has the item in question in stock before discussing a price match. Talking up a need for add-ons like warranties, cables, and accessories (whether you want them or not) may also turn the tides in your favor.

Wacom Dips Toe In Club Scene With Nextbeat Wireless DJ Controller

Wacom, the tablet and touchscreen company that’s made a name for itself in graphic design circles, is about to enter the club scene.

The entry is called Nextbeat, a music controller that lets prosumer DJs mix and manipulate their beats with a variety of touchscreen controls and a portable “pod” that docks with the main unit. In theory, it could allow DJs to leave the booth and enter the dance floor maelstrom, if they so choose.

The Nextbeat is slated for release in Europe (surprise) and Japan this summer. No pricing info was available, nor was there any mention of this portable beat box making an appearance Stateside. It will be on display, however, from March 24-28 in Miami Beach at the Winter Music Conference. Pacifier and glow sticks are not included