If you received an iPod Touch for the Holidays but weren’t sure about it’s VoIP capabilities, then you’re in luck. New firmware 2.2 allows iPod Touch users to partake in VoIP capabilities by upgrading the recording capability and allowing users to record from third party microphones, which can be connected through the iPod Touch’s dock port.

If you’ve tried integrating VoIP with your iPod Touch in the past and were unsuccessful, you may want to try again. Error messages that had appeared on the iPod Touch have been taken care of, so users can now use VoIP technology to the fullest of its ability on the iPod Touch.

In addition, you can download Nimbuzz through the iPhone App store and call, chat, and send or receive messages from any of the following applications:

• Yahoo! Messenger
• MySpace
• Windows Live Messenger
• Skype
• Facebook
• AIM
• Google Talk
• Jabber
• ICQ

Seagull Scientific has recently released version 9.0 of their popular BarTender label and RFID software.  Packed with new modules and features, version 9.0 is Seagull Scientifics biggest release in over 10 years.  New features include:

• Printer Maestro- an application that provides centralized printer management for every printer and queue, no matter what size the network
• Printer Media Usage Tracking- on-screen “meters” show the quantity of labels and ribbon remaining for each printer
• Inventory Control- inventory of media and parts, including print heads, memory and font cartridges can be monitored with the Inventory Module
• BarTender System Database- allows you to log more detailed information about print jobs
• History Explorer- easily navigate and view past print jobs
• Reprint Console- easily replace lost or damaged labels even if the original data is no longer available
• And more

You can download a Free Trial Version for 30 days and start creating labels and testing out the new features now.  For more information on the new features and practical applications for them, you can read the detailed White Paper “What’s New in BarTender 9.0.”

Intermec has just announced that their line of CN3 products is now available with Microsoft’s Windows Mobile (WM) 6.1 operating system.  This is the first rugged mobile computer to offer the WM6.1 platform.  This latest mobile computer platform option will provide users with:

• Enhanced memory support
• Improved user interfaces
• Ability to integrate into Microsoft’s System Center Mobile Device Manager (SCMDM) platform
• Support for IEEE 802.11d standards

Customers who already own a CN3 or CN3e also have the option to upgrade the operating system on their existing handheld computers.  Intermec is still offering the option to purchase Windows Mobile 5.0 with their CN3 devices as well.  They will issue a notice of discontinuance a minimum of 12 months in advance if the WM 5.0 option is to reach the end of manufacturing.

NiceLabel recently released version 5.2 of their professional labeling software.  This upgraded version promises more than 500 improvements in their two products (Standard and Enterprise Series).  NiceLabel has been providing solutions to numerous industries for years and the improvements make this labeling software a logical choice for any design or printing requirements.  Some of the new features include:

• Improved Design Options- The standard version now allows you to place text in curved positions on labels
• TWAIN Support- Now images can be acquired from any TWAIN supported device and used in labels
• Support for EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance)- Turn your ordinary RFID labels into anti-theft devices
• Support for EPC TDS (Tag Data Standard)- You’ll keep up to date with the latest EPC Global standards

Download the NiceLabel Demo version to try it out for yourself.  If you’d like more information about either NiceLabel Standard Series or NiceLabel Enterprise Series label software please contact me at ehodges@barcode.com.

Now it’s easier than ever to store URL’s on your mobile phone… simply capture them.  The new Firefox Mobile Barcoder add-on created by Duncan Sample generates 2D QR Code barcodes of the URL of the current page you’re viewing in your browser.  When you right click on a link it is displayed in your browser as a QR Code barcode.  The picture at left displays what the barcode looks like when it is generated.  Simply scan the code with your QR Code enabled camera phone and the URL is captured and stored.  Forget keying in long URL’s.  Now when you find a page that interests you, all you have to do is press a button to have it stored for future access.  Click here to download this Firefox add-on.