Geekly Update - July 21 2010

The AskBobRankin Geekly Update

Apparently it's no big deal that Microsoft supplied the Russians with Windows source code... because Alexey Karetnikov, a recently deported Russian spy, was helping to write it anyway.

The keyboard player in the band Squeeze can probably get his synthesizer to simulate a piano, but you have to admit using his iPad as one is a pretty nifty trick.

Navigationally challenged? T-mobile's new Android-powered Garminfone smartphone has real-time traffic, weather and gas prices, onscreen and voice guided directions, and access to thousands of apps. The price is $129.99 after rebate, contract, and ritual pinky swearing.

Consumer Reports is not thrilled with the new iPhone and have decided not to recommend it. They cited the reason as the faulty antenna that "misbehaves" on the lower left side and suggests covering it with tape.

Last year's LG Mobile Worldcup was such a success that participants in 20 countries will be vying to see who can text the fastest. It was won last year by Portugal's Pedro Matias who texted 264 English characters in just under two minutes, setting a world record and earning $100,000.

Macy's helped push the Kinect on consumers this week with a free demo at 13 of their stores July 15. If you missed that but can't wait to get one before the Nov. 4 debut, you can sign up for a chance to win one from August 12 - September 10.

Want to build your own app but don't think you have the right skills? Google has created App Inventor, a site that you can use to visually design apps for your Android device.

Barnes & Noble will be launching NOOKstudy, a free app for students this August. Intended for both Mac and PC owners, users can manage e-books, including seeing multiple books at once, and adding highlights, notes and slides.

While there seem to be less notebooks out there these days, Juniper Systems has come up with one for outdoorsy types who tend to be tough on their electronics. The Mega Rugged Notepad comes in Standard, Geo and Geo 3G, the latter two with built-in GPS, camera and Geotagging ability.

Sony's Handycam NEX-VG10 is a first in that it has interchangeable lenses. The HD camcorder features a 4-capsule mic, an additional microphone input, a headphone output and can be preordered for $1999.