Opera has officially announced its much-loved web browser will be appearing on Sony TVs and Blu-ray players. There's no specific details, but it given its low-key presence at CES a few weeks ago (Sony Insider grabbed a video of it in action on the show floor -- embedded after the break -- unfortunately hampered by slow connection speeds) it will spread at least across the company's 22 new connected HDTVs. Since the browser is based off of the Opera devices SDK backbone, it's also not a stretch to imagine that Opera-enabled web applications, widgets, or other content using standards like HTML5 (no Flash, at least not yet) could piggy back onto Sony gear at some point. The real elephant in the room though is how this move relates to the Japanese tech giant's Internet TV initiative that's powered by Google TV. While we can't imagine it signals Mountain View's solution is destined for a dumping, between this and a similar move by Samsung including a browser in its own Smart TV platform, a little bit of jealousy could be just the kick Google needs to fix some glaring issues -- which we're all for, especially if it spawns a new round of potato based cajoling.
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Opera chosen by Sony for LCD television and Blu-ray Disc players
Oslo, Norway, and Tokyo, Japan, January 19, 2011
Opera Software today announced to deliver its world-class browser on Sony BRAVIA televisions and Blu-ray Disc (TM) players. Opera aims to deliver more "lean-forward", interactive components to connected home users by offering Opera's solution to Sony's state-of-the-art devices.
The Opera Devices Software Developer Kit (SDK) is the cross-platform, standards-based backbone of Opera for connected TVs and Blu-ray Disc players. As a robust, open platform for creating web-standards-based solutions, Opera Devices SDK forms the ideal foundation for developing full web browsers and user interfaces. Opera brings customization and ease of content distribution to global markets by enabling the delivery of web applications, widgets, full web browsing and emerging standards such as HTML5, HbbTV and OIPF.
Previously, consumers were required to have multiple devices to surf the Internet while watching television. As more connected home electronics devices arrive in living rooms, Internet use is changing. The Internet is becoming more closely connected with people's everyday life, such as the ability to enjoy video on-demand services on television, exchange opinions with friends through social networks about the program they are watching, and buy online directly from their televisions the items seen on TV dramas.
"The Web as we know it is evolving, and we are committed to making it more accessible across diverse devices," said Christen Krogh, Chief Development Officer, Opera Software. "Our ability to address key hybrid broadcast-broadband initiatives in numerous markets makes us a natural fit with Sony. By delivering both a global viewpoint and the necessary technology, we are able to stay on the cutting edge of the industry." About Opera Software ASA
Opera Software ASA has redefined web browsing for PCs, mobile phones and other networked devices. Opera's cross-platform web-browser technology is renowned for its performance, standards compliance and small size, while giving users a faster, safer and more dynamic online experience. Opera Software is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices around the world. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at http://www.opera.com/.
Here's what we know: the Samsung Galaxy S 4G is coming to T-Mobile's HSPA+ network (we heard as much this morning from the carrier itself, actually, but now Samsung's got an announcement all its own). There's a Super AMOLED screen of unknown size and Android 2.2 Froyo. Here's what we don't know: anything else, unfortunately. We'd guess pretty strongly this is the Vibrant 4G since that was Big Magenta's nomenclature for the 3G version, but no one is officially uttering that name. Press release after the break. O Barcelona, where art thou?
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T-Mobile to Deliver Fastest Smartphone Running on America's Largest 4G Network
Galaxy S 4G Offers Rich Entertainment Experience at Lightning-Fast Speeds
BELLEVUE, Wash., and DALLAS - Jan. 20, 2011 - T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.1, today revealed the Galaxy S™ 4G, exclusively from T-Mobile.
According to T-Mobile, the Galaxy S 4G will be the fastest smartphone running on America's Largest 4G Network™. Powered by Android™ 2.2 (Froyo), the Galaxy S 4G is T-Mobile's first smartphone capable of delivering theoretical peak download speeds of up to 21 Mbps, delivering rich entertainment experiences at even faster speeds through its brilliant Super AMOLED touch screen display.
T-Mobile's 4G network, America's largest 4G network, is currently available in 100 major metropolitan areas, reaching approximately 200 million people nationwide. With aggressive plans to expand and double the speed of its 4G network in 2011, T-Mobile expects that 140 million Americans in 25 major metropolitan areas will have access to these increased 4G speeds by midyear.
"With Galaxy S 4G, T-Mobile will deliver its fastest smartphone yet on America's largest 4G network, providing rich entertainment virtually whenever and wherever consumers want," said Cole Brodman, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. "And with 4G data plans from $10 per month, we're making blazing-fast 4G speeds and super smartphone experiences easily accessible to the millions who crave them."
More information on the Galaxy S 4G from T-Mobile will be available in the coming weeks.
T-Mobile's HSPA+ 4G network not available everywhere. See coverage details at T-Mobile.com. 4G used in connection with the Galaxy S™ 4G product name refers to the fact that the Galaxy S™ 4G is designed with HSPA+ technology.
# # #
About T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. wireless operation of Deutsche Telekom AG. By the end of the third quarter of 2010, approximately 130 million mobile customers were served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom group - 33.8 million by T-Mobile USA - all via a common technology platform based on GSM and UMTS, the world's most widely-used digital wireless standards. Today, T-Mobile operates America's largest 4G network, and is delivering a compelling 4G experience across a broad lineup of leading devices in more places than competing 4G services. T-Mobile USA's innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile USA among the highest in numerous regions throughout the U.S. in wireless customer care and call quality. For more information, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com. T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG. For further information on Deutsche Telekom, please visit www.telekom.de/investor-relations.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the current views of Deutsche Telekom management with respect to future events. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project" and "should" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates, and projections, and therefore you should not place too much reliance on them. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond Deutsche Telekom's control, including, without limitation, those factors set forth in "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" contained in Deutsche Telekom's annual report on Form 20-F filed on February 28, 2010. If these or other risks and uncertainties materialize, or if the assumptions underlying any of these statements prove incorrect, Deutsche Telekom's actual results may be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Deutsche Telekom does not intend or assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 174,000 people in 193 offices across 66 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.
1 Number one mobile phone provider in the U.S claim for Samsung Mobile based upon reported shipment data, according to Strategy Analytics Q3 2010 U.S. Market Share Handset Shipments Report.
We asked for some crazy things in our vision of the car of the future, and we're learning that many of them can be found in Gordon Murray's implementation of his car of tomorrow, the T.27. EV power? Check. Odd central seating? Check. Racing-inspired safety measures? Double-check, as evidenced by these crash test photos which, as you can see, are remarkably close to the company's computer simulations. It's a tiny thing, just a little over eight feet long and weighing under 1,500lbs, though for that you'll get a top seed of about 65mph and a range of between 80 and 100 miles -- and the ability to run into a wall at a 40 percent offset without injury. Running prototypes are expected on the road in just a few months and, with any luck, production versions of this (and the gasoline-powered T.25) could be hitting the streets by next year.
T.27 Crash Test Results Are Major Break Through In Car Safety
Gordon Murray Design have conducted the first crash test of a vehicle built with their ground breaking iStream® manufacturing technology. The test was carried out at MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association) on a Gordon Murray Design T.27 Electric City Car.
The crash test was the mandatory EEC 40% offset deformable barrier front high speed impact and the T.27 came through with flying colours with zero cabin intrusion and the measured results being extremely close to those predicted by computer simulation.
This outstanding result is a great endorsement for Gordon Murray Design's iStream® manufacturing system which delivers reduced weight and cost with increased levels of safety. The iStream® composite monocoque brings Formula One technology to mass production vehicles with significantly higher specific energy absorption rates compared with conventional bodied cars.
Frank Coppuck, Gordon Murray Design's Engineering Director said:
"This crash test represents a major milestone in vehicle safety and in the history of Gordon Murray Design. It clearly demonstrates that cars built using iStream technology can achieve low weight, cost and significant reductions in energy usage during manufacturing without compromising safety."
The development of the T.27, by Gordon Murray Design and Zytek Automotive Ltd, has been made possible through a £4.5m investment from the government-backed Technology Strategy Board. With a total cost of £9m, the consortium will develop running prototypes of the vehicle by Spring 2011.
Okay, so the WP7 hacking community may not be quite as active as that working tirelessly to keep every facet of Android devices splayed to the breeze, but that's not to say there isn't a skilled group of tinkerers doing their best on Microsoft's best. ChevronWP7 is a clear example of that, and though it's been officially pulled it is still quite certainly being used. Now its functionality has been extended with a second hack that enables you to use Zune to sync your HTC handset without it getting all locked up tight again. You can find all the details on the other end of the source link below, but we'll go ahead and warn you that as soon as the next WP7 version drops this particular unlock will be disabled. Then it'll be on to the next one.
We're dying to find out more about j5 Create's line of attractive and ambitious peripherals, but we're not entirely sure they actually exist. The company's website features six different data and device sharing products -- the JUC100 Wormhole KM Switch offers keyboard and mouse functionality across two devices; the JUA230 DVI Display Adapter connects up to six monitors with three different display modes; and the JUH320 Wormhole Station brings together shared keyboard and mouse access with two USB 3.0 ports and a memory card reader. j5's website promises stylish connectivity, featuring sleek product renderings and a flash presentation that provides, ahem, inspirational insight -- swans, flutes, ballerinas -- but no talk of finished products, price, or availability. Additionally, we haven't found any of these devices for sale online, despite the fact that the brand's parent company, KaiJet, is an established manufacturer of peripherals in Taiwan. So, yes, there's a chance that someone out there is hooked up to a Wormhole Station right now, but we wouldn't bet our diamond-encrusted iPhone on it.
Way back in September 2009, we reported on an omnipotent war blimp from Lockheed Martin, now it looks like a similar dirigible could be hovering 20,000 feet above Afghanistan by this fall. (It's not clear whether or not the two blimps are one in the same, but Lockheed's craft was slated for an Afghan debut in 2011.) As part of the $211 million Blue Devil initiative, the US Air Force plans to pack the bloated beast -- which sports seven times the carrying capacity of the Goodyear blimp -- with up to a dozen interchangeable sensors and a supercomputer for processing data. It will then hover for stints as long as a week, collecting, assessing, and relaying important surveillance data to ground troops in a matter of seconds. It's a tall order, but Air Force officials hope that an on-board wide-area airborne surveillance system (WAAS), which uses 96 cameras to generate nearly 275TB of data every hour, and a supercomputer hosting the equivalent of 2,000 single-core servers will fit the bill. The aircraft isn't complete quite yet, but barring unforeseen obstacles, like a run-in with a giant needle, it should be up in the air starting October 15th. For more on Blue Devil check out our links below.
Watch the video below and you'll see that this thing is clearly not going to win any land speed records, and with nary a door it's hardly all-weather compliant. But, the RoboCar MEV from ZMP is more of a research vehicle, a self-driving car that's built on an electric microcar platform. It uses GPS and a plethora of front and rear sensors to know where it's going, an evolution of the Linux-powered 1/10 scale model we saw back in 2009. Just, you know, bigger. And pricier. Way pricier. Yes, you can buy one, but you're looking at about $35,000 for the simplest version, the Type A, which only has automatic speed control. The Type B has steering control as well and costs about $59,000, while Type C is a whopping $84,000 and adds automatic braking control along with a full suite of imaging and intertial sensors. Order now for delivery in about two months -- in Japan, naturally.
At CES and the NAIAS in Detroit this year we saw ever more powerful smartphone integration, but nothing like this. Nokia Asia teamed up with two Chinese coders, An Jiaxuan and an unnamed friend, to whip up a C7 app that controls a BMW 1 Series. They said it took them only 20 days to get things ready but we're thinking adding the remote controls to the car itself must have added some further time to that. The result is in the video below, a short test drive that Nokia promises "isn't special effects." See for yourself and let us know if you spot a meatbag driver hiding in there somewhere.
Whoa, this is kind of out of the blue: on top of the Vibrant 4G that we've already had leaked ad nauseam (though he refers to it as a "Galaxy S 4G"), T-Mobile USA CEO Phiipp Humm mentioned at an event this morning that the company is preparing an HSPA+ Sidekick -- yes, a Sidekick -- albeit with Android slotted in place of the defunct Danger Hiptop operating system. For the record, T-Mobile hasn't had any Sidekicks in its lineup since the middle of last year, though it does own the Sidekick brand -- not Danger / Microsoft -- and would undoubtedly love to bring it back to relevance. Coincidentally, Mister Android himself, Andy Rubin, came from Danger -- so the Sidekick's starting to follow him around. Kind of like... you know, a sidekick. Both products are said to be "coming soon."
If you came along for our most recent podcast you heard us discussing some of the new features uncovered in the iOS 4.3 beta, including multitouch gestures for multitasking like four-finger swipes to go between apps. They seem hugely useful on an iPad but, on an iPhone, sounded like a bit of a handful. Now we have some video evidence, with Antoni Nygaard managing to get them working on his iPhone, along with the lock/mute switch toggle as well. Given these multitouch gestures aren't coming to the iPad (yet) we're guessing it won't be hitting the iPhone either, but we can always hope.
Update: BGR has a little more information on this, including some screenshots if the video below isn't good enough for ya.
The European Commission has just completed its mid-term review of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system and -- surprise, surprise -- they found that they need an additional €1.9 billion ($2.56 billion) to finish the system. This latest budget recommendation ups the cost an extra €200 million ($269 million) since the Commission's last report, and cites larger development and more expensive launch vehicles for the increase. The EU remains optimistic that Galileo will provide a financial windfall when completed -- but given its estimated €800 million ($1 billion) per year operating costs, constant delays, and competition from Russia, China, and good old-fashioned GPS, we're not so sure we agree.
Corning, your scratch-free monopoly is coming to an end. No longer will you hold us hostage with your insanely durable and cunningly marketed Gorilla Glass. Asahi Glass is getting in on the game, introducing Dragontrail -- a name that doesn't quite give us the same connotations of incredible strength but, if you watch the video, you'll see it manages many of the same tricks as Corning's offering. Poking and prodding? Pass. Huge flexes? Bring it. Whacked with a hammer? Easy. The company indicates it's been working on the product for years now and expects sales next year to surpass 30 billion yen -- that's $365 million. For glass.
If you've been cheekily holding on to the old version of iDOS, the one that got yanked from the App Store in record time, we're sorry to say that you've got a decision to make. It's now back and available for download, and if you want to keep your old one you're going to have to update all your other apps around it. This free version has been simplified somewhat and graced with a suite of formerly freeware apps that we haven't seen since we lost our giant box of floppies back in 1999, including Wolfenstein 3D and the original Duke Nukem -- back when he was kicking butt in 2D. These are the only proggies that you can easily access from within the emulator, but we're told you can still move others into the /Apps/iDos/documents folder and run them from there. Now if only we could find our TIE Fighter floppies...
With a fantastic Bluetooth headset on the market and a pumpin' portable speaker to blast out jams, how could Jawbone improve their product lineup? Well, we still think a stereo headset might be swell... but that's not what the company delivered today. No, this is the Jawbone Era, the world's first Bluetooth earpiece with a built-in accelerometer for motion-sensing apps, and plenty more improvements where that came from. There's a new version of the company's NoiseAssassin noise-canceling algorithms that adjusts inbound volume and equalization to let you hear better, an extra-large 10mm cone speaker with a larger range of frequencies, two processors, more memory, and an hour of extra battery life compared to the Jawbone Icon, to be specific. With only two motions currently recognized -- a double-tap to begin / end / switch calls and a rapid shake to pair -- the accelerometer's a bit of a gimmick for now, but Jawbone suggests more gestures are probably on the way. In the meanwhile, the other advancements might make the Era worth the price of entry -- which is $130, by the by.
We've spent about five hours with the headset already, listening to music and taking calls, and while the accelerometer seems almost wasted at present, there's no discounting that new 10mm driver and the audio it can pump out. While no substitute for a set of quality dedicated earbuds, it sounded worlds better than the Jawbone Icon's tiny, tinny drum, and playing Pandora tracks we no longer felt an overpowering desire to take it out of our ear -- making a cyborg existence all the more bearable, we suppose. We'll bring you a full review soon, but if you're already sold, you'll find four different Era designs on sale at Jawbone's online store... oh, right about now. PR after the break.
JawBone launches the world's first motion-controlled Bluetooth® headset with hd audio: JAWBONE ERA™
Jawbone ERA is the first and only headset with a built-in accelerometer, MotionX™ technology, a multi-processor architecture, HD Audio, and a connected app platform to enable a rich new hands-free experience
San Francisco, Calif. - Jan. 20 - Jawbone, a leading innovator of products and services for the mobile lifestyle, today unveiled Jawbone ERA™. The Jawbone ERA Bluetooth® headset delivers the highest quality HD audio experience, unprecedented intelligence using motion technology, and a robust computing platform that all work together to deliver richer applications.
"We're taking wearable devices to an entirely new level," said Jawbone CEO and founder Hosain Rahman. "We've perfected a complete in-bound and out-bound audio experience that is so rich it is almost addictive - whether you are listening to your favorite song or a phone call. On top of the HD audio, the integrated sensors and intelligence enable magical new ways to interact with device and apps through natural, intuitive motion control, changing forever the way we use headsets. It's really exciting to embark on this new journey with our users."
Jawbone ERA brings HD Audio
Jawbone ERA delivers the richest, most life-like and clear sound to date. It boasts a 25% larger wideband speaker that brings Hi-Definition audio as you talk on the phone, listen to music, watch movies and play games.
It also builds on Jawbone's legacy of noise-cancelling expertise with the latest version of military-grade NoiseAssassin® 3.0 technology. It can detect your surroundings and adjust the inbound volume and intelligibility, whether you're in a restaurant, ball game or traffic to give you the clearest, richest sound, automatically without any user intervention. You can always hear and be heard wherever you are.
Jawbone ERA: The First Headset with a Built-In Accelerometer and MotionX™ for a New Control Paradigm
Jawbone was the first company to integrate sensors to enhance the audio experience, and now is delivering the most accurate motion sensing technology on the market. Jawbone teamed with Fullpower-MotionX, the leaders in motion technology, to create the first headset with a built-in accelerometer integrated with the patented MotionX™ platform.
"The next era of personal technology is about products that adapt to the way we live," continued Rahman. "The best technology will reliably and seamlessly take the friction out of any experience. That's why we chose to adopt the Fullpower-MotionX™ technology platform: it is far and away the most accurate and effective solution out there."
Jawbone ERA detects your natural movements when you interact with it. Out of the box, users can simply "Shake Shake®" the Jawbone ERA into pairing mode, and "TapTap®" it to answer or end a phone call. And this is just the beginning. Jawbone has a full roadmap of innovation and enhancements under development with its partners at Fullpower-MotionX.
"Like MotionX, Jawbone pushes the innovation boundary, so we are natural partners," explains Philippe Kahn, Fullpower CEO. "MotionX integrated with the Jawbone ERA makes for a phenomenal user experience. This is the first step in a roadmap of continued innovation for years to come."
Jawbone ERA: More Processing Power, Richer Apps like Caller ID by Name
Jawbone ERA headset is a tiny computer on the ear, complete with multi-processor architecture and serial flash, paving the way for innovative applications on the headset down the road. Today, users can take advantage of several new apps, including Caller ID that will identify callers by name in a friendly, non-robotic voice. As with all Jawbone products, Jawbone ERA can be updated via the MyTALK platform, ensuring that it will get richer over time.
Jawbone ERA is available in four sophisticated designs: Shadowbox, Smokescreen, Midnight and Silver Lining. The new line is available today on Jawbone.com for $129, and at Apple Stores, AT&T and Best Buy stores on Sunday, January 23.
Jawbone Headsets are the First and Only Ones that come with a Free Voice Communication Service for Utility and Productivity: THOUGHTS
Jawbone THOUGHTS is the first and only free iPhone app for your headset that lets you send voice messages to friends and groups without typing or calling. It is a new productivity and utility tool for headsets that combines the speed of texting, the group collaboration of email, and the rich intonation of voice all into one. THOUGHTS can be found under "Jawbone" in the iPhone App Store.
Become a fan on Facebook: Facebook.com/jawbone Follow us on Twitter: @Jawbone See our videos on YouTube: YouTube.com/AliphJawbone
Nokia has to do something big if it wants to crack the US smartphone market. We can agree on that, right? And believe us, Nokia wants this -- nothing will make the mighty Finns (and the company's global investors) prouder than to gain some traction in the home of Apple pie and Google desserts. So how will the company do it? With Symbian? Oh, hell no. By introducing another MeToo handset? Nope, with MeeGo on a rockin' platform like the rumored N9 slider pictured above.
Nokia announced its hardware plans for Maemo 6 a long time ago. At that time, the company was clear that it would continue using TI OMAP processors. Much has changed since then, however. In addition to several keyleadershipchanges including a new Canadian-born CEO who spent much of his time working in the US, Nokia has joined Intel to roll up Maemo 6 and Moblin into MeeGo with Nokia's first Maemo 6 MeeGo/Harmattan handset pushed into 2011. Simultaneously, Intel has also been doing its best to show its new Moorestown platform as a powerful ARM alternative, even showing off MeeGo handsets exploiting a Lincroft SoC and Atom processor core. And Intel has said that Medfield-based smartphones (Moorestown's successor) would arrive in the middle of 2011.
So why the build-up? Well, we've just been tipped to a claim by Prosessori, a respected Finnish technology magazine, that the Nokia N9 will launch with a 1.2GHz Atom processor. Better yet, it could be unveiled as soon as Mobile World Congress in February, presumably during Stephen Elop's keynote. Do we believe it? Not entirely, but it is possible given the chain of events that have taken place. And you can bet that the first commercially available Intel smartphone with a brand new Nokia user experience would certainly grab headlines in the US and around the world. Something that should translate into high-end market share (and profits) if it's as "exciting" as Elop claims.
Think of a traditional hybrid and you probably think of a Toyota Prius. Then, after you've woken from your nap, you probably envision some complex system of batteries and electric motors and gears to capture power when braking and spit it back out when accelerating. Chrysler is now looking to deploy a different way, a seemingly much simpler way that's all based on hydraulics. The vehicle is outfitted with a low-pressure reservoir of hydraulic fluid and a high-pressure chamber filled with nitrogen gas. When braking, pumps move the fluid into the nitrogen chamber to compress it and then, when accelerating, that compressed gas is used to push the fluid and drive the wheels. It's a setup that was actually developed by the EPA and is currently in use by some commercial vehicles, most notably UPS trucks, but a hybrid Town & Country minivan could bring it to consumers -- though not until 2012 at the earliest. Now, there's a good chance the idea of a hybrid minivan is threatening to put you back to sleep, so we wish you pleasant dreams.
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Chrysler Group LLC and U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Announce new Research Project for Hydraulic Hybrid Powertrain
New business-government research project to include design and development of experimental hydraulic hybrid powertrain
Chrysler Group to focus on controls and packaging of hydraulic hybrid system adapted to current minivan Research efforts aim to produce running demonstration vehicle in 2012
January 19, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a partnership to determine the possibility of adapting a hydraulic hybrid system for large passenger cars and light-duty vehicles.
The announcement was made at the EPA laboratories in Ann Arbor, Mich., following a meeting with Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler Group CEO, and Lisa P. Jackson, Agency Administrator for the EPA.
"In addition to creating the jobs of the future, clean energy benefits the U.S. economy by ultimately making energy costs more affordable for consumers – especially if their dollars stay in America," Marchionne said. "Hydraulic hybrid vehicle technology is one more promising path worth pursuing in the effort to reduce our carbon footprint, and we are excited to partner with the EPA to push forward on this track."
"Hydraulic hybrid vehicles represent the cutting edge of fuel-efficiency technology and are one of many approaches we're taking to save money for drivers, clean up the air we breathe and cut the greenhouse gases that jeopardize our health and prosperity," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "The EPA and Chrysler are working together to explore the possibilities for making this technology affordable and accessible to drivers everywhere. This partnership is further proof that we can preserve our climate, protect our health and strengthen our economy all at the same time."
The hydraulic hybrid system, developed by the EPA's lab in Ann Arbor, is well known and currently used in industrial applications, including large delivery trucks and refuse trucks across the country. The technology has shown substantial increases in fuel economy when compared with traditional powertrains in the same type of vehicles. Working together, both parties hope to reduce the size and complexity of the hybrid system and produce a technology that is sensitive to the needs of drivers for smooth and quiet operation.
The research project will focus on adapting the hydraulic hybrid system to a Chrysler Town & Country minivan equipped with a 2.4-liter, inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. Components of the hydraulic hybrid system include a 117 cc engine pump, a 45 cc drive electric motor and a two-speed automatic transmission. Fluid for the system will be stored in a 14.4-gallon high pressure accumulator.
The system produces power with engine torque driving a hydraulic pump that charges the high pressure accumulator of up to 5,000 p.s.i. The high-pressure accumulator delivers the pressure energy to the axle hydraulic motor, giving the vehicle power to drive the wheels. The gas engine will remain off if the accumulator charge is sufficient to drive the motor.
"In this hydraulic hybrid project, the Chrysler Group and EPA will evaluate and, hopefully, validate fuel-efficiency gains and greenhouse gas reductions," Marchionne said. "One of the aims of Chrysler Group's integration efforts will be to meet driver expectations for smooth and quiet operation, so that Americans will want to buy and will enjoy driving vehicles with this technology."
The Chrysler Group has actively adopted fuel-saving technologies including cylinder deactivation on V-8 engines, a new MultiAir system that is being introduced on the Fiat 500 today and will introduce an eight-speed transmission in the 2011 Chrysler 300 that will be introduced later this year. Chrysler Group also will introduce 150 Ram 1500 trucks with a plug-in hybrid system in the coming months as part of a project with the U. S. Department of Transportation.
The Challenge: predict seven key metrics of Apple's fiscal success over the past quarter -- such as sales numbers, profit margins, and gross revenue -- with the highest accuracy. The Competitors: In the blue corner, a bunch of amateur finance bloggers, and in the red corner, a cabal of professional analysts making mad dough at banks and trading houses. The Conclusion: whatever you're paying for your "expert" advice on the future financial wellbeing of Apple, or any other tech stock for that matter, stop. Just... stop.
We're sure that a time will come when we're slightly less amazed by Kinect hacks but, right now, we're still just seeing one more impressive than the last -- and we're certainly OK with that. This latest comes to us from a group of students at the University of Washington, who had the bright idea to pair Microsoft's device with some of the robotic surgery projects currently being developed by the university's BioRobotics Lab. That combo isn't quite the sentient, Kinect-enhanced robo-surgeon you may have feared, though. The students are actually using Kinect to provide force-feedback to the actual, human surgeons controlling the robotic equipment -- something that would have been a $50,000 proposition without Kinect. As you might expect, however, the Kinect-based system isn't quite ready to be used for actual surgery as it is -- while it gets the job done as a proof of concept, the students note that the sensors will need to be scaled down, and the resolution improved in order to be deemed suitable for surgical use.
Cisco has continued its push to make home entertainment wire-free with its latest E-Series wireless router, the Linksys E4200. Cisco's new dual-band 802.11n rig enters a high-end market segment currently occupied by the TRENDnet TEW-692GR. Both routers utilize a 3x3 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) configuration for a max throughput of 450Mbps on the 5GHz band, and while the E4200 only reaches speeds of 300Mbps at 2.4 GHz (as compared to the TEW-692GRs 450Mbps) it should still be quite the video streaming powerhouse. As we've seen in previous Cisco offerings, the company's latest has USB connectivity and UPnP media server capabilities to add network storage and share all of your movies and music. Additionally, the E4200 packs technology similar to that seen in other routers, which allows users to prioritize bandwidth for movies, voice, or music. To keep everyone connected, it has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, six antennas, and several internal and external signal amplifiers to provide coverage for even the most palatial of estates. For those itching to pair a performance router with their new internet capable TV, the E4200 is priced at $179.99 and is currently available at Best Buy.
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Cisco Supercharges Home Networking With New Linksys Maximum Performance Wireless Router
New Linksys E4200 Dual-Band Router with Innovative Design Gives Consumers the Speed and Range for the Ultimate Wireless Entertainment Experience
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cisco today unveiled its best-in-class wireless home router – the Linksys® E4200 Maximum Performance Dual-Band Wireless-N Router. Designed for optimum home theater performance, the E4200 works seamlessly with the latest entertainment devices, including Internet TVs, iPad tablets, game consoles, smart phones, e-readers, and VoIP devices. This new router not only helps boost performance and range in the home, it provides industry-leading speed of up to 450 Mbps* for smooth streaming of video and music and uninterrupted gaming. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110119/LA32205)
Building on the decade of leadership and innovation from Linksys, this latest state of the art router features simultaneous dual-band wireless-N, four gigabit ports, and a 3x3 antenna configuration that help give it unparalleled speed and range. Additionally, a combination of internal and external amplifiers coupled with six antennas help increase the signal strength across greater distances, providing improved home network coverage and reducing dead spots. The E4200 also features a next-generation industrial design that combines sleek contours with advanced functionality.
"Cisco's Linksys line continues to lead the industry with innovative technology for the growing number of wireless-enabled homes", said Simon Fleming-Wood, vice president of marketing, Cisco Consumer Products. "The new Linksys E4200 router is ideal for home entertainment enthusiasts who want to equip their homes with the latest wireless technology or anyone who wants the reassurance of outfitting their home with the best router on the market today."
The research firm, IDC reports that worldwide shipments of wireless-N routers are expected to grow 158% from 2010 – 2014 and the number of household with multimedia networks will grow 103% over the same time period. (IDC, Worldwide Home Networking 2010-2014 Forecast Update, Doc.# 225479, Nov. 2010) These growth projections emphasize the need for high performance routers like the Linksys E4200 that will provide the speed and range connectivity throughout the home.
New Features for Storage, Sharing, and Simple Setup
The E4200's new USB feature makes it easy to add external storage to the network and since it is an UPnP Media server as well, consumers can easily store, share and stream movies, music and games to other devices around the home. The USB port also has plans for converting to a Virtual USB port which will also enable printers to easily connect to the network so all users in the home can print wirelessly. The included Cisco Connect software continues to provide simple three-step setup and network management tools such as parental controls and guest access.
Product Details
Performance: Maximum performance of up to 300 Mbps (2.4) and up to 450 Mbps (5.0GHz)* Simultaneous dual-band (2.4 and 5.0 GHz) with four 10/100/100 gigabit ports 3X3 internal MIMO special stream configuration on the 5.0 Ghz band for ideal performance for streaming HD videos, gaming and voice Internal and external amplifiers for maximum speed at greater distances for added in-home mobility Six antennas for maximum range
Features: Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing bandwidth for movies, voice or music UPnP media server for adding on storage to serve your Internet-enabled TVs or media server PCs USB port for easily adding external storage drives New design
Software: Advanced security: WPA and WPA2 and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) Firewall Plans to support IPv6 in the spring Cisco Connect software for enabling simple setup, network management tools (parental controls, guest access) and optional advanced settings
Pricing and Availability: The Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Dual-Band Wireless-N Router is immediately available for an MSRP of $179.99 at Best Buy, Bestbuy.com and the Linksys store at http://homestore.cisco.com. The E4200 will roll out to other retail and online retailers over the next few months. For more information about Linksys and the E4200, please visit: http://home.cisco.com/e4200
That's right, the 787 Dreamliner, which has airlines all aflutter over promises of increased fuel efficiency, has been delayed yet again. Boeing announced yesterday that customers can expect to see the plane in the third quarter of 2011: one in a long line of setbacks that have put it three years behind schedule. However, despite delays, it seems customer confidence hasn't waned. In fact, the New York Times reported that 787 buyers still find a summer release perfectly practical, leading to a three percent rise in Boeing stock. Trouble for the 787 started back in 2008, with the FAA warning of hacker vulnerability, followed by a 2009 discovery of structural weakness, and an on-board fire last November. Even with delays, and cancellation of at least 60 orders, the 787 still has about 850 pre-orders: more than any other mid-size commercial liner in history. So what's keeping the 787 Dreamliner afloat? Well, mostly promises of a 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency, thanks to a design that's 50 percent composite materials. Clearly, testing the 787 hasn't been a dream, but it seems nothing can keep this plane grounded for good.
Reaching two million downloads in a year may seem paltry considering Apple's app store delivered 1.5 billion downloads in its first year, and the Mac app store passed one million downloads on opening day. Still, it's the largest number we've seen from a TV maker, and when you factor in that Samsung's store just passed one million downloads back in November, it seems the Korean tech giant has a good thing going. Naturally, we knew the company was serious about apps when it announced the Free the TV contest late last summer to lure developers to the platform, and today the app store is available in over 120 countries and features roughly 380 applications, 259 of which are free. It also doesn't hurt that the brand has already sold boatloads of Smart TVs and plans to ship 12 million more in 2011. The question is, when the store hits the 10 million mark, can Samsung possibly pull off a new interpretive dance that tops its 2011 CES keynote? We certainly hope so. For the full announcement, check out the press release after the break.
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Samsung Smart TV Leadership Reaches Milestone with 2 Millionth Application Downloaded (SEOUL=Korea Newswire) January 17, 2011 -- Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd. today announced that Samsung Apps, the world's first application store for the television, has reached its two millionth TV application download globally. The milestone is the latest in Samsung's Smart TV category leadership, which was on full display at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month. Samsung reached the 2 million mark within a year of the launch of Samsung Apps and the number of apps downloaded has doubled since November, when it reached one million downloads.
Samsung Apps allows users to purchase and download applications from a wide variety of content and service providers, directly from their Smart TVs. Samsung Apps boasts around 380 applications designed for Smart TV, of which 259 are free. The store is currently available in 120 countries around the world.
"This achievement and the short period in which it was achieved demonstrate the rapidly growing popularity of applications and content for Smart TVs," said Mr. Sangchul Lee, Senior Vice President of Samsung's Visual Display Business. "Samsung's leadership role in this category has paid off and allowed us to provide new experiences for consumers that are more rich and integrated than any before."
Interest in applications on Smart TV increased at a tremendous pace during the holiday season. When Samsung Apps reached one million downloads in November, it had been just 268 days since the store's launch. The two million-mark was reached just 53 days later.
Some of the most frequently downloaded applications from Samsung Apps are YouTube, Hulu Plus, ESPN Next Level, AccuWeather, Google Maps and Texas Holdem, showcasing global demand for Samsung Smart TV entertainment experiences across popular consumer hobby areas – sports, movies and gaming. After reaching one million downloads, consumers have downloaded an average of 100,000 applications every five days.
To spur Smart TV innovation, Samsung is also working closely with the developer community to bring new applications to the Samsung Apps library. Throughout 2010, Samsung held "Free the TV Developer Days" around the world, bringing together developers and notable leaders across the connected TV ecosystem to discuss and plan for the next era of Smart TV. Accompanying the Developer Days were contests such as the "Free the TV Challenge" (http://www.freethetvchallenge.com/) in the United States, which announced its winners earlier this month at CES.
"The developer community is a critical component to maintaining the momentum and growth of Samsung Apps for the TV," said Mr. Kyungshik Kevin Lee, Vice President of Samsung's Visual Display Business. "These talented individuals will bring depth and personalization to an environment built initially with our industry-leading partners."
Samsung announced a series of high-level partnerships during a keynote address by Visual Display Business President Boo-Keun Yoon, including alliances with cable television leaders Comcast and Time Warner as well as online video leaders Hulu and Adobe.
Oh look, even more evidence that the next generation iPad will be equipped with cameras. The image above showing the three new iPad apps was discovered in the iOS 4.3 beta 2 by MacRumors. To be effective, the iPad's Camera and FaceTime apps would require both back- and front-facing cameras just like the iPhone 4. The Photo Booth app is new to iOS but already ships on Macs running OS X -- it could, presumably, use either camera to record snapshots (with filters) and video. And really, at this point, with such overwhelming evidence the only surprise would be for Apple to announce a new iPad without a camera.
Amazon has just announced it has agreed terms to buy up all the remaining shares of Lovefilm it didn't already own. The British outfit operates a subscription-based movie rental and streaming service in its home market along with Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, and should give Amazon a very solid base from which to build its presumably Netflix-besting ambitions. Lovefilm has been just about the closest thing Europe has had to the ridiculously successful North American movie distributor and Amazon is arguably getting in just in time, given Netflix's overtures toward expanding into the UK. Customary closing conditions will need to be met before the final stamp of approval is applied, but the acquisition is expected to complete by the end of Q1 of this year. Amazon's wading into yet more content distribution, who'd have thunk it?
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Amazon to Acquire LOVEFiLM International Limited
LUXEMBOURG CITY and LONDON, January 20, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire the remaining shares in LOVEFiLM International Limited (http://www.LOVEFiLM.com). LOVEFiLM is a leading European subscription entertainment service which combines the benefits of online DVD and games rental-by-post as well as streaming films and TV shows instantly over the internet to PCs, internet enabled TVs and Playstation(R)3. LOVEFiLM operates today in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Amazon already has a significant minority shareholding in LOVEFiLM and does not itself operate any similar business in Europe.
"LOVEFiLM has been innovating on behalf of movie rental customers across Europe for many years and with the advent of the LOVEFiLM player, they are further delighting customers by streaming digital movies for their immediate enjoyment," said Greg Greeley, Amazon's Vice President of European Retail. "LOVEFiLM and Amazon have enjoyed a strong working relationship since LOVEFiLM acquired Amazon Europe's DVD rental business in 2008, and we look forward to a productive and innovative future."
"The deal is a winner for the members who love LOVEFiLM because of its value, choice, convenience and innovation in home entertainment," said Simon Calver, Chief Executive of LOVEFiLM International. "With Amazon's unequivocal support we can significantly enhance our members' experience across Europe."
The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011.
About Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon's developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon's own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. Kindle, Kindle 3G and Kindle DX are the revolutionary portable readers that wirelessly download books, magazines, newspapers, blogs and personal documents to a crisp, high-resolution electronic ink display that looks and reads like real paper. Kindle 3G and Kindle DX utilize the same 3G wireless technology as advanced cell phones, so users never need to hunt for a Wi-Fi hotspot. Kindle is the #1 bestselling product across the millions of items sold on Amazon.
Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including http://www.amazon.com, http://www.amazon.co.uk, http://www.amazon.de, http://www.amazon.co.jp, http://www.amazon.fr, http://www.amazon.ca, http://www.amazon.cn, and http://www.amazon.it. As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Sony Ericsson has just made its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2010 official and the highlight, at least for milestone lovers like us, is the figure of nine million Android-based Xperia handsets shipped since the family's launch. Now, the language used here is important, as Sony loves to report shipments to retailers instead of actual sales, but it's still a pretty grand number of Xperia X10, X10 Mini, X10 Mini Pro, and X8 handsets out and about in our big wide world. Hell, it's even more impressive when you consider that those phones have spent most of their lives riding the ancient Android 1.6 as their operating system. In terms of actual currency figures, however, SE has fallen short of expectations, reporting a moderate €35 million pre-tax profit for Q4, which the company is turning into a positive by noting that it marks its fourth consecutive quarter of being in the black. If the new crop of Xperia Androids are anything to go by, we can probably expect this habit to continue for a good long while.
Oh, there's no need to act like you're surprised, fellow Brits. As promised, HTC's going to dish out its latest budget Froyo Android and flagship WP7 slider to the UK next month. Just a quick recap: the "pearl white" Gratia -- which is the international version of the Aria -- sports a humble 600MHz processor, along with a 3.2-inch 480 x 320 LCD and a 5 megapixel camera with VGA camcorder. As for the 7 Pro, it packs the bog standard WP7 specs (1GHz Snapdragon, 8GB storage, and 5 megapixel camera with 720p recording), as well as a slide-and-tilt 3.6-inch 800 x 480 display that reveals a landscape QWERTY keyboard underneath -- the tilting part still a first for WP7. Sadly, it doesn't look like any carriers have picked up either handset yet, nor has HTC shed light on their standalone costs, but hey, patience is priceless.
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HTC 7 PRO AND HTC GRATIA TO COME TO THE UK IN FEBRUARY LONDON, UK – January 20, 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, today announces the launch of HTC 7 Pro and HTC Gratia in the UK from February 2011.
"We are proud to be able to add two new phones to our already diverse UK product portfolio," said Jon French, executive director, HTC UK, Ireland and South Africa. "Both phones offer the stand-out design and innovation for which HTC has become renowned. With the fresh and exciting mobile experience of the Windows Phone 7 platform, HTC 7 Pro is for users who want to combine the ultimate in business efficiency with the ability to take full advantage of their leisure time. The elegant HTC Gratia is designed for those people looking for a compact yet powerful Android smartphone."
HTC 7 Pro
HTC 7 Pro combines powerful business features with multimedia performance and flexibility that make it the ideal phone both during and outside of work hours. The screen slides open and tilts to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard for fast, comfortable typing, while productivity features such as the ability to sort, scan and manage Outlook email, open and edit the latest Office documents and keep track of the markets with HTC's stocks application, offer new ways to get more out of the business day.
With a tilting 3.6" screen, the power of a 1Ghz processor and cutting edge technology such as Dolby MobileTM and SRS WOW HDTM, the HTC 7 Pro delivers a rich multimedia experience. The integratration of many popular Microsoft services such as Xbox LIVE, Windows Live, Bing and Zune makes this handset the ideal companion for business users who want to take their entertainment with them wherever they go.
The unique Hub and Tile interface of Windows Phone 7 makes information quick and easy to access by grouping it into Hubs such as People, Pictures, Games, Music & Video, Office and Marketplace content and displaying the most up-to-date information on the homescreen Tile. Users will also be able to access exclusive applications and utilities through the HTC Hub. These include a weather and stocks application and a photo enhancer that enables special effects to be applied before sharing photos with friends.
HTC Gratia
Available in Pearl White, the HTC Gratia is sleek and lightweight – measuring just over four inches in length, weighing 4.06 ounces and featuring a seamless, rubberised and beveled back cover that opens to show a vibrant yellow inner chassis.
This user-friendly and powerful smartphone runs Android 2.2 and the acclaimed HTC SenseTM - offering an experience that makes your phone work in a more personal and natural way. HTC Sense offers a number of unexpected features designed to bring a smile to your face, such as making the phone ring louder if it is in your bag or your pocket, but automatically decreasing the ringer volume when you pick it up to answer a call.
HTC Gratia also comes with Friend Stream – an application that helps you keep in touch with friends and family by bringing all of your Facebook, Twitter and Flickr updates into one single, organised flow of updates.
Availability
From February 2011 the HTC 7 Pro will be available in the UK through HTC's distribution partner Brightpoint GB and Brightstar with HTC Gratia available through Brightstar only.
You might not know Greg Bell by name but you've certainly been affected by his work. The man who directed Logitech's amusingly creepy Lonely TV viral ads has returned with a series of videos meant to promote Android. The premise is, of course, absurd: middle manager, trapped beneath a fallen vending machine, continues to work because his Android powered smartphone allows him to be productive even without the full use of his hands. In a bit of video magic, the handset with a 32-day battery is the Nexus S running Gingerbread... but only when shot from the front. Otherwise it's a Nexus One when shot from the back, presumably because this was filmed before the S' launch. Regardless, the result is a series of clever videos encapsulating an everyman's transformation into nerd superhero, El Vendor -- we dare you to not click all five.
The European Commission has just completed its mid-term review of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system and -- surprise, surprise -- they found that they need an additional €1.9 billion ($2.56 billion) to finish the system. This latest budget recommendation ups the cost an extra €200 million ($269 million) since the Commission's last report, and cites larger development and more expensive launch vehicles for the increase. The EU remains optimistic that Galileo will provide a financial windfall when completed -- but given its estimated €800 million ($1 billion) per year operating costs, constant delays, and competition from Russia, China, and good old-fashioned GPS, we're not so sure we agree.
We're sure that a time will come when we're slightly less amazed by Kinect hacks but, right now, we're still just seeing one more impressive than the last -- and we're certainly OK with that. This latest comes to us from a group of students at the University of Washington, who had the bright idea to pair Microsoft's device with some of the robotic surgery projects currently being developed by the university's BioRobotics Lab. That combo isn't quite the sentient, Kinect-enhanced robo-surgeon you may have feared, though. The students are actually using Kinect to provide force-feedback to the actual, human surgeons controlling the robotic equipment -- something that would have been a $50,000 proposition without Kinect. As you might expect, however, the Kinect-based system isn't quite ready to be used for actual surgery as it is -- while it gets the job done as a proof of concept, the students note that the sensors will need to be scaled down, and the resolution improved in order to be deemed suitable for surgical use.
