by Michelle Lentz

Alright. I’m jealous. I’d caved and purchased the Droid and here comes T-Mobile with the Google Phone / Nexus One. (Dear T-Mobile – how can I test one of these?)

Photo from T-Mo News.com

According to the Unofficial T-Mobile blog, the phone will be available for ordering at 9 am on Jan 5, through Google ONLY. Of course, no one is talking about pricing.

According to our sources, through an internal system T-Mobile is reporting they are getting an Android device but won’t do any support for it other than “billing, coverage, features and rate plans, as we have previously stated. All troubleshooting and exchanges will be managed by Google and HTC.

Since I’ve been hanging out in Key West, without a computer, for the last two weeks, I’m still catching up on news about this phone. I do know that Google employees got one as a holiday gift from their employer.

A recent poll has indicated that users prefer the old retweet method to the new one, instituted by Twitter within the past two months. The poll, conducted by Karen Goel, found that 64% of participants prefer the old version of retweets. Are users longing for the old retweets because of nostalgia, or did Twitter make a misstep in switching up the retweet process?

If you recall, the old retweet method simply allowed you to copy and paste a message into your tweet update box, leaving you with the responsibility of adding the “RT” at the beginning of the message to indicate that you are quoting another Twitter user. Instead of merely repeating what someone else has already said, the typical behavior was to add in your own comment even before typing in “RT.” This way, you express your own opinion, speak on the content you’re sharing, and give attribution to the originator of that shared content. It was, in fact, an all-in-one solution.

The downfall, however, was the inability to easily retweet directly from Twitter. A good portion of the retweeting actions were performed through third party Twitter apps, most of which are equipped with a retweet button. If you see a tweet that you would like to quickly and easily share with your own followers, simply hit the provided retweet button. You can still add in your own comments, but the task of copying and pasting, and adding the “RT” form of attribution was done automatically.

As Twitter has also had to monitor and regulate certain abused features on its site, however, its own rendition of retweeting took things a step further in order to preserve the attribution process. When Twitter finally did add in a retweet option, it made the process unnecessarily confusing and too automated. There is no longer an option to add in your own comments, as Twitter felt that a retweet should hold the integrity of the original comment and not have the option of being changed.

Many that use Twitter’s site directly will likely not care that they can still retweet the old fashioned way–they’ll simply use the retweet option provided by Twitter. Third party apps still have their sensible versions of retweeting, so that is a welcome relief.

But the plight of the retweets for direct use of Twitter is something Twitter should remain aware of. In lieu of frequent changes made to basic processes on major networks like Facebook, the backlash from users and pundits can leave the networks a little bruised. Finding the balance between doing what’s best for the users while also respecting their wishes and feature requests is a task that only becomes more difficult as the user base grows.

For Twitter, the openness of its forum has been the blessing and the curse for its ability to maintain the core competencies of its product, as it lends itself to feature abuse rather readily. Further tweaking the retweet process may be in the best interest for Twitter in this case, however, as it seems that weeks later users still long for the unregulated use of the feature.

What follows is a repost of my contribution to Intel’s Inside Scoop blog. As an Intel Insider, I advise the company on new media as well as share my thoughts and views on tech…

CES 2010 is the next stop for all gadget lovers and technologists. In many ways, the holidays and the slower pace that ensues serve as an excuse to recharge so that we may effectively travel the miles of booths featuring new electronics, tech, and consumer products.

It’s overwhelming, wonderful, and an easy way to start my wish list for the holidays next year.

As an Intel Insider, it’s my responsibility to not only stay current with innovation, but also to live and breathe all that inspires the next trends and those that also should have, but didn’t. Technology is part of us now and while living the digital lifestyle was once a prediction, the truth is that we tech is an extension of who we are and what we do.

As the curtains of 2009 draw to a close, I wanted to share some of the tech that propelled me through the year. So while this is less of a top gadget list, I am sharing the very products that I use and rely upon daily.

Beats by Dr. Dre

Bose has dominated the high-end, noise canceling headphone market for quite some time. It would take an unlikely alliance between Monster and Dr. Dre to create a product that rivaled Bose and also delivered the balance fidelity and noise suppression necessary to achieve a satisfying and intimately level of audio ecstasy. In fact, I was introduced to these headphones at CES last year and remain a loyal user.

Canon 5d Mark II

I carry this camera with me practically everywhere I go. In fact, this camera is, by DSLR standards, quite possibly the most incredible camera I’ve used yet – so much so, that I ended up buying a second body.

It captures stunning, detailed images with it’s 21.1 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor featuring a DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a ridiculous ISO Range of 100-6400 (expandable to ISO L: 50, H1: 12800 and H2: 25600). The other feature that inspired me to spread my wings is its ability to shoot jaw dropping, dramatic, and absolutely beautiful HD video.

To see samples, please visit my album on Flickr.

RODE Stereo VideoMic

I’m exploring the HD video capabilities with the new Canon 5D Mark II, but one thing I’ve noticed is that the internal microphone doesn’t quite match the level of cinematic beauty recorded by the camera.

After much research, I opted to purchase the Rode Stereo VideoMic to provide portable, studio-quality stereo audio while on the road. It mounts directly on the camera body using the camera-shoe mount. For those shots where you need a bit of distance between the camera and the subjects, I purchased an inexpensive cable extender and mount the mic on a stand closer to the sound source.

The X/Y configuration enables the StereoVideoMic to capture the true ambiance of the recording space, while still offering a high level of rear rejection and low noise. The StereoVideoMic offers 9V battery operation, an LED battery status indicator, high pass filter switch, and a -10dB pad switch.

Dell Adamo XPS

At only 9.99 mm, the Dell Adamo XPS is the thinnest laptop in the world. It’s simply unbelievable. This is by far the most elegant notebook running Windows. The only other laptop in the world that rivals its design is, of course, Apple’s Macbook Air.

The Adamo XPS features a 13.4-inch widescreen HD display, a full-size keyboard that seemingly disappears inside the display when folded, and a one-touch capacitive latch release that unlocks the notebook to unfold simply by sliding your finger.

It features a 1.4GHZ Intel Core 2 Duo ULV processor, runs Windows 7 flawlessly powered by 4GB 800MHz DDR3 dual-channel memory, and includes a 128GB solid state drive. Note to the potential suitors however, this notebook requires the optional extended battery which offers up to 5 hours in comparison to the sub 2 hour performance with the included slim battery.

iPhone 3GS

The iPhone 3GS is in my opinion, the first iPhone to have everything it should’ve included looking back to the first generation of phones. However, I’ve remained begrudgingly loyal over the years as it is by far the most integrated experience on the market, one that keeps up with me in everything I do, everywhere I go – almost anyway.

I wholeheartedly depend on many of the new features that are now standard in the 3GS such as the faster processor, video camera, internal compass, and also voice control. Now all we have to do is focus on improving the actual “phone” part which is something AT&T will have to address sooner than later.

HyperMac

The Dell Adamo XPS is not the only laptop in my arsenal of content creation devices. I also travel extensively with a Apple Mac Air and a 17-inch Macbook Pro. One of the greatest strengths is also one of the most challenging hurdles. The integrated batteries maximize life however on a longer flight, they’re irreplaceable. Dimming the screen and turning off wifi and Bluetooth only goes so far…I still frequently found myself without power with an hour to spare on coast-to-coast flights (mostly westbound). On international flights, I actually brought two notebooks as a means to ensuring consistent productivity.

Enter the Hypermac, an indispensable solution for keeping Macs online while on the road or in the field. Available in four different models, the Hypermac is essentially an external battery for Macbooks providing anywhere from five to over 20 hours of additional life per charge. I picked up the MBP-100 and it travels with me everywhere I go. One charge, for example, lasted from San Francisco to Frankfurt, 3 hours at the Frankfurt airport and an additional flight from Frankfurt to Stuttgart with room to spare.

Oh, and a bonus for you, it includes a USB port to power any device that can power-up via USB.

Sprint MiFi

I’ve been a vocal supporter and user of USB-attached broadband devices for portable access to the Web. The problem, if there really is a problem with having anywhere, anytime access to the online connectivity, was that the tethered devices drain precious laptop battery life.

Now that MiFi devices are becoming commonplace, do yourself a favor and get one. They are essentially portable wifi hotspots. They provide portable broadband connectivity for up to five PCs, each accessing the device via wifi. The MiFi fits in the palm of your hand and boasts its own internal, rechargeable battery.

If you want to be a popular person at the airport bar, fire it up and offer free access to all of those who buy you a drink!

iMax IMP500

Perhaps by now, it’s become quite clear that I spend a great deal of time travelling. As such, I’m an avid iPhone user, spending as much time talking on the phone as I am sending email and surfing the Web. One thing about the iPhone 3GS that you can count on is that its battery will not make it through the day with constant usage.

So, like the HyperMac for MacBooks, I picked up the iMax IMP500 as a referral from good friend Paul Greenberg. It is an external, high capacity battery that can power an iPhone for days on end. It’s a bit bigger and heavier than the iPhone, but it works. It works extremely well.

Kodak Zi8

When I can’t carry the Canon 5D Mark II around everywhere, I do carry the Kodak Zi8. Similar to the FlipCam HD, the Kodak Zi8 shoots high-definition (HD) video in a highly portable, palm-sized device featuring a pop-out USB dongle to connect content instantly to any PC. The camera includes editing software onboard to edit upon connection. And, I also use my RODE mic when I need to combine excellent video with crisp and audible audio.

Amazon Kindle 2

Say what you will about the new Barnes and Noble book, I still prefer my Amazon Kindle 2, for the time being. Why? Well first off, I was able to get one. Second, the Kindle is already in its second generation, having worked out many of the bugs and hiccups over the years.

The Kindle is thin, light, and ready to download books and blogs almost anywhere there is access to 3G, in and out of the U.S. Now if we could get airlines to amend their no electronics rule for ebook readers during takeoff and landing, I could spend more productive time reading what I want versus what lies in the seat pocket in front of me.

2nd Generation Pogoplug

If you’ve ever contended with a VPN, the idea of plugging in a drive directly to a router and accessing it from anywhere a Web connection is present might seem like fairytale. However, Pogoplug is an incredibly affordable and easy to use device that let’s you access and share the content from an external drive – even a USB drive – over the Web. Think music, movies, files, etc. It’s all there, ready when you are.

Sonos S5

The Sonos S5 is an all-in-one wireless music system. One system. One jukebox. One experience. Now you can play a world of music–from iTunes and the Internet–throughout the house or office. This little box can fill the room with rich sound and warmth. Sound travels from one device to multiple devices without wires. Each system can either play music simultaneously or serve as its own musical hub in each room.

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By Marissa Louie

Almost as important as the Christmas celebrations are New Year’s Eve plans.

Two Silicon Valley startups, GoPlanIt and HeroEx, have teamed up to continue the ALIST New Year’s Eve celebration this year. ALIST has been a grand San Francisco tradition for nearly 10 years, but this year, GoPlanIt and HeroEx are adding value.

How? We’re going to launch a Twitter app that asks, “What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?”

Just kidding.

ALIST “Passport to the World” is a New Year’s Eve tradition in SF.

Jokes aside, if you are hopping on a plane to join us in San Francisco for the celebration:

GoPlanIt (which launched at TechCrunch 50 in 2008) will help you plan your trip.

Also, HeroEx will be delivering tickets for the event for just $9 across all of San Francisco.

So you won’t have to wait in line for hours in the freezing cold just to pick up your ALIST tickets at the ticket booth.

Steve Chen, CEO of GoPlanIt and my Co-host of ALIST, said, “We anticipate over 2500 ticket sales for ALIST, and over 200 ticket deliveries through HeroEx.

Read more about the event here, and purchase tickets here. The friends and family discount price is just $135 for general admission if you get them through me.

Secret’s out – I’ve been partying with Steve for 6 years, and every ALIST party I’ve been to has been a smash hit.

And maybe, just maybe, I will throw an epic afterparty until 5am. Or 8am. Who sleeps before 10am anyway?

As my friend Will.I.Am says: Fill up my cup – Mazeltov!

Marissa

Marissa is the CEO and Co-founder of HeroEx, a new 1 hour delivery service that delivers almost any item for just $9-12, to anywhere in San Francisco.

She is a frequent conference speaker and has made a recent keynote speech or presentation at Web 2.0 Expo New York, The Mobile Marketing Summit, and O’Reilly ETech.

Marissa blogs at BusinessWeek, Adotas, and here at Bub.blicio.us.

Find her on Twitter: @malouie

Contact her at (510) 375-1941 or Email her at marissa@heroex.com.

Would you subscribe to free broadcast television? Rumors are spreading of a possible subscription option from Apple, bringing you programs from the likes of CBS to AppleTV and iTunes. For $30 per month you may soon be able to get your favorite television programs ad-free and on-demand. But is the world ready for the cable model to be applied to regular broadcast television?

It’s an option that many consumers would be willing to pay for, as they would no longer have to find themselves in front of a television to watch the latest program. They would also be able to view their favorite programs on their iPhone or iPod whenever and wherever they want.

Similar to the direction in which print media had to go, making content mobile is a sheer necessity in this day and age. Several options have already begun to arise when it comes to remote consumption of major broadcast television programing, with on-demand options as well. You can pay a few dollars extra to your cable or satellite provider if you would like to enjoy a few more on-demand options for your favorite TV shows. Other online initiatives such as Hulu have made it easier than ever to view your favorite programming for free, on-demand.

TiVo is another company that has been struggling to make strides in the arena of offering content in the manner for which consumers would prefer, with several recent initiatives taking full advantage of the cooperative options that have become increasingly available to the service provider. It’s this level of cooperation between companies like TiVo and the major broadcast networks that has stalled the development of products and services that could be of greater benefit to the end consumer, as major broadcasters need to know how such options can be monetized prior to fully signing on.

Yet the dominance and ever-growing presence of Apple and its products could help to revolutionize major broadcasting across the entire industry, becoming a haven of sorts in an era where traditional media is still finding a way to fit into the new consumer models that are aptly available. What Apple does is provide the devices as well as the monetization and the distribution for any media company to leverage, becoming a more attractive model than other companies with less pull.

Nevertheless, the growing reliance on Apple for the distribution of media is also becoming an integral part of our current culture. The dangers of which include an inability to efficiently search for content, receieve personalized recommendations and easy access to the longtail of possible content without the use of third party applications.

An additional issue could be the limit of pricing flexibility around the content, if Apple monopolizes partnerships with major broadcasters for any impending subscription deals. This is an issue that prevailed with the music industry in the past couple years, with dissonance between the music industry, Apple and several other store providers including Wal-Mart and Amazon.

Regardless of these issues, Apple is still in a good position to take the lead on any upcoming industry trends for personalized media distribution. Having the ability to establish standards around this could ultimately be in the best interest of consumers, and that’s the idea, right?