| NEC turns your arm into a touch-sensitive remote control Posted: 07 Mar 2011 10:09 AM PST You may ask yourself, why bother tapping touchscreens or physical buttons when an accelerometer can be strapped to the wrist, turning any ol' arm into a wireless touch panel? That's the claim that NEC is making today. A wrist-worn band of compact acceleration sensors divides the arm into seven sections along the upper, middle, and lower arm that can then be assigned as virtual inputs to an electronic device. No more reaching into a bag to answer the phone, no more plucking at the strings of a guitar to create song -- everything is controlled through a natural tap of the arm or clap of the hands. Once in a lifetime tech that feels the same as it ever was. Show full PR text NEC Develops Technology to Control Devices with the Tap of an Arm
Tokyo, March 7, 2011 - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) announced today the development of technologies that enable users to control consumer electronics with the tap of an arm.
These technologies consist of compact acceleration sensors that are worn on each wrist and enable users' arms to function as virtual control panels. When a user taps an arm, the sensors determine which area of the arm received contact. These areas are separated into 7 sections that each correspond to a virtual input switch that can be used to operate an electronic device.
The operation of conventional information-processing equipment requires users to stop their current activity and take action on an independent switch.
These new technologies enable users to operate devices through natural motions that only require the tap of an arm. Possible applications of these technologies include music players that can be easily operated while exercising and mobile phones that may be operated remotely while stored in a bag.
The acceleration sensors on each wrist determine which area of the arm was tapped by comparing the differences in sensor signals that are received from taps on each section of the arm. These differences in each section are used in order to designate specific device oriented controls. Commands may be input from contact with 7 areas consisting of the upper, middle and lower sections of each arm as well as clapping the palms of both hands together.
Furthermore, these simple control gestures are easy to remember and are nearly free from input errors.
Looking forward, NEC will continue to drive the development of technologies that improve the user friendliness of information-processing equipment. |
| Google Maps Navigation for Android adds real-time traffic re-routing Posted: 07 Mar 2011 09:45 AM PST Google Maps Navigation becomes more of a threat to the traditional in-car GPS business seemingly on a daily basis, and they're taking another stab at it today with the addition of traffic re-routing capability in the Android app (which, while technically still in beta, is pretty darn solid) in both North America and Europe. Of course, Maps has had access to traffic information for a long time, so this is a natural progression -- and just as Google uses an interesting combination of sources (including phones) to cull that data, it's employing some smart schemes for re-routing that take into account both current and historical information about your route. The update's available today. |
| Sony Ericsson Windows Phone 7 device said to be just an 'old prototype' Posted: 07 Mar 2011 09:24 AM PST Get your hopes up about that Sony Ericsson Windows Phone 7 slider that surfaced over the weekend? Well, then we're afraid we've got a bit of bad news. According to Mobile Review's Eldar Murtazin, it's just an " old prototype that was canceled last year." As we mentioned previously, however, that shouldn't exactly come as a huge surprise, considering that Sony Ericsson has repeatedly stated that a move to Windows Phone 7 is highly unlikely given the company's commitment to Android, and given the fact that we've already heard of a since-scrapped WP7 prototype that sounds suspiciously like the one pictured above.
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| Skype to start serving ads in US, Germany and UK ahead of upcoming IPO Posted: 07 Mar 2011 08:59 AM PST It's a common problem, not having as much cash as you want to, and Skype's solving it with a common web solution: advertising. It may come as a surprise to hear that the eminently popular voice and chat service doesn't peddle stuff to its users already, but it's now formalizing a plan to introduce a carefully controlled measure of paid-for display ads on the Home tab of its Windows desktop client. You heard that right, there's no mention of Mac or mobile services here, and it's further limited to the nations of Germany, the UK, and USA. Anonymous data may be collected as part of the new scheme to target ads to specific audiences (you can, however, opt out), while Skype promises that user experience remains paramount to its future goals, though clearly that looming Initial Public Offering isn't too far from its thoughts right now either. |
| Pay-as-you-go shocker! CDMA iPhone 4 makes its way to Cricket Wireless (via jailbreak) Posted: 07 Mar 2011 08:37 AM PST As any astute follower of the "pay-as-you-go" world knows, there are quite a few back alley Cricket dealers (and quite a few main street ones as well) that will happily flash any phone you give them for use on their network -- and not even Verizon's CDMA iPhone is immune. Ready to jump ship from "America's largest?" Of course, you'll have to jailbreak, install some third party MMS software, and trust some random dude at the Cricket store with your precious smartphone. We're not saying it's wise, but it is possible, as the video below attests. See for yourself after the break. [Thanks, Mark] |
| Samsung demos ambient light-powered transparent LCD Posted: 07 Mar 2011 08:14 AM PST Wirelessly-powered TVs are nice, and transparent displays are cool and all, but what about an ambient light-powered transparent LCD? Well, that's nothing short of awesome. Samsung showed off just such a device at CeBIT 2011 last week -- a prototype 46-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution and ten-finger touchscreen capability. We aren't sure what kind of black magic Sammy put in this thing, but it's an incredible feat of engineering to make such a large display -- and its accompanying solar cells -- efficient enough to run exclusively off the juice it pulls from surrounding light sources. No word on how the photon-powered LCD compares to existing HD monitors in terms of brightness, refresh rates, or color reproduction, but a muted picture is a small price to pay for cutting the electrical cord forever. |
| Enzyme found to make fading memories fresher, old wounds painful again Posted: 07 Mar 2011 07:53 AM PST There's something of a saying that you can only remember the things you try to forget, but if you'd prefer to hang on to those photographic moments from Thunder Mountain back in 1991, a gaggle of gurus from the Weizmann Institute of Science just might have the magic elixir you've been yearning for. According to a newly published study on long-term memory revitalization, Reut Shema and colleagues found that boosting the amount of PKMzeta could potentially help one recall memories that were on the brink of being forgotten. In testing, lowering the levels of PKMzeta caused rats to lose track of memories more quickly, but the zany part is that boosting levels on a specific day helped animals recall memories from days prior -- days where they weren't having PKMzeta jacked into their system. Heaven help our legal system should this ever get FDA approval for use in humans. |
| Fremont Motors shows off Fido electric scooter prototype Posted: 07 Mar 2011 07:31 AM PST Most scooters are generally a bit offbeat in appearance, but Seattle's Fremont Motors has truly gone the extra mile with its new, all-electric Fido prototype. That eye-catching design also incorporates a good bit of practicality, however, including wheels that are the same size and can be easily removed, a battery beneath the floorboard that can also be easily replaced (and charged indoors), and even a removable storage case under the seat that can be worn as a backpack. In terms of performance, you can expect to get a range of up to 35 miles on a charge, and hit a top speed of 45 mph. Of course, it is still just a prototype, but Fremont Motors is planning a "limited" in the third quarter of next year, with the scooter expected to run $5,000. Head on past the break for a look at the (stationary) scooter on video. [Image: orinoneill / Flickr]
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| Intel's 1.66GHz Atom N570 slips into refreshed HP Mini 110 and 210 Posted: 07 Mar 2011 07:09 AM PST Remember that elusive Atom N570 that popped up here and there in machines debuting last month? At long last, the spec wizards over at Intel's headquarters have seen fit to divulge a few more details surrounding the new silicon, and it goes a little like this: the chip runs at 1.66GHz, supports four threads and touts 1MB of L2 cache, an 8.5W TDP and DDR3-667. It'll also start shipping this month, and should emerge soon on low-power machines from ASUS, Lenovo and Samsung. Meanwhile, HP has apparently seen fit to jump the gun a bit by refreshing its Mini 110 and 210 (shown above) netbooks, both of which are making their debut with the new processor over in Japan. It'll be interesting to see how much traction such a chip gets now that AMD's Zacate E-350 is out and about, but as mama always said, competition makes everything just a wee bit better. |
| Veho's Mimi all-in-one HTPC controller attempts to be a gamepad, looks overwhelming Posted: 07 Mar 2011 06:47 AM PST So you've done it. You've bought a top-of-the line computer and turned your once-scary basement into the home theater of your dreams. But, since the HTPC is well, a computer, you're probably still using the age-old mouse and keyboard combo. Veho, a company that once claimed to have the world's smallest camcorder, recently announced a device called the "Mimi wifi Keyboard & Air Mouse with game controller." A long name indeed, but suitable considering the number of buttons found on this Xbox 360 gamepad lookalike. It's got everything you'd expect in an all-in-one computer-controlling unit -- including a motion sensor to control the mouse, separate buttons for left- and right-clicking and a range of around 33 feet. The controller is compatible with both Windows and Mac via a USB dongle, but the customizable buttons will only work on a Microsoft machine. If you're ready to take computing and gaming, along with your dignity, to a whole new level, hit up the source link to drop around 150 bones (£90) for this hybrid gadget. |
| Nissan Leaf delayed in UK, backup warning signal to blame Posted: 07 Mar 2011 06:26 AM PST Surprise of all wonders, the Nissan Leaf has suffered another delay, but this time there's at least an amusing anecdote to quote while you wait. You see, The Northern Echo quotes a Nissan spokeswoman as saying that the Leaf's backup warning signal emits a loud beep, but UK law requires that such sounds be disabled between the hours of 11PM and 6AM. "The audible system on the Leaf did not allow for that to be done, so the beeping sound is being removed entirely before the cars can be driven on roads in this country," Nissan said, which will result in a "slight delay" in shipping the cars from the company's Japanese plant. Amusingly, US law actually requires electric cars to make noise these days. |
| Phosphor's Reveal wristwatch uses Swarovski crystals to tell time, bedazzle you Posted: 07 Mar 2011 06:00 AM PST The Phosphor brand has usually been associated with E Ink watches in the past, but they're taking the off-the-beaten-path timekeeping technology in a very different direction this time around with the introduction of the new Reveal line. Of course, glittery little stones are no strangers to the surfaces of watches around the world, but with the Reveal, they play an active role: Phosphor is using what it describes as "proprietary Micro-Magnetic Mechanical Digital technology" to rotate Swarovski crystals into place to form digital time readouts on the thoroughly encrusted face. Think of it like an extremely low-res E Ink, we suppose... but with shiny rocks in place of electrically-charged granules of white and black pigment. The models are available in six styles -- four for women, two for men -- starting today from $199 and up. Follow the break for the full press release. Show full PR text Phosphor Debuts Phosphor Reveal Watch with Mechanical Digital Technology
New watch line incorporates Swarovski crystals and Micro-Magnetic Mechanical Digital technology
(Dallas – March 7, 2011) – The American watch brand, Phosphor (www.phosphorwatches.com), announces the launch of its newest innovation-The Phosphor RevealTM line. Phosphor Reveal marks the world's first mechanical digital watches utilizing its proprietary Micro-Magnetic Mechanical DigitalTM (M3D) technology.
The Phosphor Reveal watch line skillfully blends design and technology to craft the ultimate fashion timepiece. Driven by M3D technology, the Phosphor Reveal watch utilizes miniature-sized rotors adorned with Swarovski crystals that revolve to reveal numerical or chronological information. With each changing minute, an electrical pulse generates an electromagnetic field that changes the position of the crystals on the face of the watch, to elegantly display the passing time, while producing a distinctive sound unique to the Phosphor Reveal digital watch line.
"In the last 20 years, we've seen a proliferation of technologies that have enhanced our lives in a million different ways, but many of these have bypassed the watch category," Phosphor's Managing Director Donald Brewer said. "The Phosphor Reveal line is changing that - using technology to create an elegant and distinctive fashion timepiece."
While the current line of Phosphor Reveal watches are adorned with crystals, M3D technology allows for any number of materials, such as precious metals, woods or ceramics, to be affixed to the rotating segments, creating an the possibility for an endless number of unique watch faces.
The Phosphor Reveal line offers six style choices: pink, red, white and black patent leather for women with crystal-adorned face frame, and two black matte leather men's band choices with or without adorned top ring. The basic "time" mode features a 12-hour display, with the hours positioned above the minutes on the face. The watch face also offers a 'seconds'mode and 'off'mode, showing an entire face of crystals with no time display.
PHOSPHOR REVEAL FEATURES
Micro-Magnetic Mechanical DigitalTM (M3D) technology enables a new generation of innovative watch designs with the following display benefits:
Striking Watch Face Design – By adorning the face of the watch with rotating crystals, the Reveal watch offers an elegant and striking appearance, exclusive to the line of watches.
Infinite Display Appearances - The rotating segmentscan be oriented in a variety of different layouts. Any material can be affixed onto these rotatable segments ranging from Swarovski crystals, to precious metals or gems, to almost anything imaginable.
Ultra High Contrast Display: Depending on material or paints affixed to the revolving rotors, the M3D display technology can achieve the highest contrast of any digital display available today.With some configurations, the watch face can even match the clarity and appearance of ink on paper.
Low Power Consumption: The M3D display technology is bi-stable, meaning that the display requires no power to maintain an image, as power is only needed when transitioning from one time to another.
Wide Viewing Angle: With a viewing cone of 180 degrees, the M3D technology overcomes the disadvantages of conventional displays when it comes to off-axis viewing. Together with its high contrast, it allows the user to read the time at a glance from any angle.
Phosphor is now selling the Phosphor Reveal line from its website (www.phosphorwatches.com) and through selected retailers starting at $199. |
| HP TouchPad emerges from the Vietnamese wilds, sporting SIM slot (video) Posted: 07 Mar 2011 05:42 AM PST We've seen the HP TouchPad up close and personal, but only under strict supervision -- and now that we find Tinhte has been playing with a prototype for hours on end, you can only imagine our jealousy. Anyways, without those meddlesome PR representatives to keep them from prying at ports, the Vietnamese gadget hounds discovered that the slate has a slot for a SIM card. While we can't attest to the vintage of this particular prototype -- and thus say whether the TouchPad will still have a SIM when it ships -- it's safe to assume that HP was at least considering GSM frequencies at some point during its development. Video after the break. [Thanks, Nguyen The Bach]
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| Samsung prices 950 Series 3DTVs in Korea, rest of the world soon to follow Posted: 07 Mar 2011 05:21 AM PST We've been keenly tracking the progress of these 3D displays from Samsung, from their pre-CES tease -- where we were first told they were TVs, then monitors, then it turned out they were monitors with optional TV tuners -- through their official launch and now to their first pricing and availability. South Korea is the unsurprising debut market for the 950 and 750 Series, both 27-inchers, discernible by their design, which in the 950's case is asymmetric and in the 750's is all about the thin bezel. A 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 2ms response time, 1080p resolution, and a litany of input ports await the buyer of either one, but he'd better bring a well-fed wallet to this party -- the 27TA950 reportedly costs 890,000 KRW (nearly $800) whereas the 27TA750 is an 840,000 KRW outlay (just over $750). Not exactly value models, but those prices will likely change when the pair go international at some point later this month.
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| British property search engine Rightmove will soon list broadband speeds alongside standard home info Posted: 07 Mar 2011 04:56 AM PST The internet, it's kind of a big deal. So much of a big deal, in fact, that UK property search site Rightmove is said to be planning to list broadband speeds as part of its standard information package for homes up for rent or sale. This would be done in partnership with BT, reports the Daily Telegraph, though neither company is yet ready to make the deal official. BT would have little trouble providing the data in question since most of the UK is connected to its ADSL lines -- every ISP in the country outside of Virgin Media just resells BT's copper wire -- or newfangled Infinity fiber optic services. Part of this new agreement will involve Rightmove displaying whether or not homes are capable of connecting to the newer, faster Infinity network -- which mirrors Virgin's efforts at informing people whether they're covered by its cable internet through deals with independent estate agents. Soon there should be no excuses for Brits getting stuck in a picturesque home with a grotesquely slow web connection. |
| Dell ultra-slim laptop gets Cougar Point tease, Sandy Bridge Inspirons next week Posted: 07 Mar 2011 04:31 AM PST While the Adamo brand might be dead, Dell's quest for the ultimate ultra-slim laptop is anything but buried. The boys from Tejas just let us in on their plans to unveil a new "ultra-slim" consumer laptop in April guaranteed to "excite and delight" with its "beauty and brawn." Naturally, the new slimster will be riding the reintroduced Cougar Point chipset and Sandy Bridge processors from Intel, as will some new Dell Inspiron systems on deck for an announcement next week. Of course, Dell will also be shipping Cougar Point options for business customers soon, including Sandy Bridge Latitude laptops, Optiplex desktops, and laptops and desktops from its Precision lineup. But hey, we know most of you are only interested in the ultra-slim and its "innovative new form factor." Read the calculated tease from Dell after the break. Show full PR text ROUND ROCK, March 7, 2011 – Dell today announced that it will introduce additional new Sandy Bridge-equipped systems next week, building on its already large portfolio of products featuring the Intel 6 Series chipsets (Cougar Point).
The new products, which will roll out in the next six weeks, will be found in the company's leading Inspiron product line and a new ultra-slim notebook that will combine beauty and brawn in a form factor that will excite and delight.
Dell already is shipping the broadest array of Sandy Bridge-equipped systems of any PC manufacturer. Dell, in fact, was the first to reintroduce the revolutionary Intel 6 Series chipset (Cougar Point) to the market on Feb. 21 with the launch of new high-performance XPS 15 and 17 laptops as well as an XPS desktop. In just the last two weeks, Dell rapidly expanded the number of Intel 6 Series-equipped systems to include Alienware desktops and laptops and a small-business Vostro desktop.
"Everyone from hard-core gamers to professional users and small-business owners can now choose Intel 6-equipped systems from Dell, delivering the ultimate performance they need to do more," said Sam Burd, vice president of Dell's consumer and small/medium business product group. "We are committed to the technology, and will be incorporating the architecture into additional products in the coming months, including our award-winning and popular Inspiron series and an innovative new form factor that will debut this spring."
In addition to the Inspiron systems and ultra-slim notebook, Dell soon will begin shipping Sandy Bridge (Cougar Point) options for business customers, including several Latitude laptops, OptiPlex desktops and Precision workstation desktop and laptop options.
"We are committed to expanding upon the broad array of Intel 6-equipped products we are currently offering," Burd said. "In addition to being the first company to reintroduce the Sandy Bridge technology, we offered the broadest array of options for our customers who were initially affected during the original stop-ship."
Following the Intel announcement, Burd noted that Dell immediately put pending shipments on hold; offered affected customers an array of options, which included the ability to return affected units, keep affected units until a replacement was made, or keep their current order open until the reworked systems were available. This rapid communication to customers, Burd noted, is ingrained in Dell's heritage of listening to its customers and engaging with them directly through various social media platforms liked Direct2Dell, Facebook and Twitter, and also through retail partners worldwide. Dell's products, in fact, are found in more than 65,000 retail outlets worldwide.
Further details about the new Inspiron systems will be announced next week; the new ultra-slim consumer notebook will be revealed in April. |
| Sony VAIO S arrives stateside, brings along an advanced extended battery Posted: 07 Mar 2011 04:00 AM PST Oh, you were worried Sony wasn't going to release its new VAIO S ultraportable in the US? Okay, so it has taken the company a bit longer to prep the 13.3-inch laptop for its American debut, but it's here and it looks like it was well worth the wait. While Sony is holding that it will not replace the VAIO Z Series, which has just recently gone out of stock on Sony's website, there's no denying that it fills a similar high-end ultraportable spot. Don't be fooled by its inch-thick profile, it packs a serious amount of horsepower -- like the UK version, it will be configurable with Sandy Bridge Core i5 and i7 processors, AMD Radeon HD 6630 graphics with 1GB of VRAM (sadly, there's still a physical toggle for switching), Blu-ray, and a range of SSDs. As you can tell from the image above, the design drops the circular hinge of previous VAIOs, but the 3.9-pound machine is still made of magnesium and aluminum, has a backlit keyboard, while also sporting the option of a unique slice battery that meshes with the overall aesthetic. However, that $150 extended cell isn't just any old battery -- it's said to provide a total of 15 hours of battery life when latched onto the bottom of the system as it can actually charge the primary integrated battery. Additionally, it comes with its own AC adapter so it can be charged separately from the entire rig. Yep, this one is filled to the brim with the latest and greatest, and even better it doesn't seem terribly overpriced -- the $979 starting model packs a Core i5-2410 processor, those aforementioned AMD graphics, and a 320GB hard drive. It should be available for pre-order later today and we're hoping to bring you a full review of it soon, but until then we have a few hands-on shots of the laptop back at CES below. Show full PR text SONY PACKS PERFORMANCE IN THE NEW THIN AND LIGHT VAIO S SERIES LAPTOP
SAN DIEGO, March 7, 2011 – Sony Electronics today announced the VAIO® S Series laptop featuring the powerful performance of a larger full-sized PC packed into a thin one-inch profile design and 13.3-inch screen form factor. Incorporating all the mobility of VAIO laptops, this new line delivers ultimate portability and performance with the second generation Intel® Core™ i5 and Core i7 processor coupled with Hybrid Graphics as well as dual channel solid state drive options (select models).
Select S Series models sport a premium and elegant design in Black or White with magnesium and aluminum materials, and all of them incorporate a built-in lithium polymer battery that when coupled with the all new and advanced large-capacity optional sheet battery, you can stay mobile and unplugged for up to 15 hours. Intelligent charging enables you to charge the optional sheet battery separately and attach it to the system without shutting down for maximum flexibility.
"We continue to raise the bar when it comes to the mobile computing experience," said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Networked and Technologies and Services Division at Sony Electronics. "The VAIO S Series laptop makes no compromises by offering the ultimate, full-featured ultra-mobile PC."
Ultra Mobility and Performance
Performance is top priority with the second generation Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors that deliver even more performance automatically when you need it with a better visual PC experience built-in. With Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, the processors increase speed automatically delivering the performance needed for multitasking.
AMD Radeon™ HD 6630 1GB Hybrid Graphics card (select models) gives a performance boost to your day-to-day processor functions for a faster, more optimized overall computing experience while lowering power consumption.
For maximum performance and mobility, select models features dual channel solid state drive with RAID 0 technology.
The S Series laptop comes with one-touch VAIO, ASSIST and WEB buttons, for launching Media Gallery™ software, VAIO Care™ software and access to the web without full boot-up into Windows, all with a touch of a button.
All models incorporate backlit keyboards, illuminating the lettering for typing in low light situations. The built-in web camera powered by an "Exmor" sensor also allows for great low-light performance. And with the built-in microphone you can video message with family, friends and coworkers. Face tracking technology allows the camera to automatically adjust focus and follow you as you move around while video chatting.
Packed with Multimedia
Sony knows entertainment is always at the forefront and the VAIO S Series delivers. Whether you're watching a stunning Blu-ray Disc™ movie (select models) or enjoying video captured from your compatible camcorder. The versatile Blu-ray Disc drive on the VAIO S Series laptop (select models) combines the power of HD video playback with the convenience and utility of DVD and CD read/write functionalities. Providing the best picture and the best sound with stunning clarity, Blu-ray Disc technology is the ultimate way to enjoy your entertainment.
With Intel® Wireless Display 2.0, you can sit back and experience your favorite videos, photos and music on your TV. Stop crowding around a laptop screen and view and share content from your hard drive, home network or the internet wirelessly on your HDTV utilizing the adapter (sold separately).
Pricing and Availability
The VAIO S Series laptops are available for pre-sale today at www.sonystyle.com/sseries starting for around $970, and the optional sheet battery for around $150.
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Editor's Note: For complete specifications and digital images, members of the news media are invited to visit Sony Electronics' news and information web site at www.sony.com/news. For all things VAIO visit www.sonyelectronicscommunity.com. For information on ®, Sony's in-store VAIO PC services and repairs division, log on to www.sonystyle.com/backstage. |
| Western Digital drops $4.3 billion to acquire Hitachi GST, enter staring contest with Seagate Posted: 07 Mar 2011 03:35 AM PST Yow. Western Digital -- the company responsible for shipping the planet's first 1TB 2.5-inch hard drive way back in 2009 -- just announced a monstrous deal to acquire one of its primary competitors, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies. Both outfits have actually shown quite a few interesting HDD designs in recent months, and it's pretty clear that WD would rather not go at it alone any longer. Granted, these types of deals aren't entirely unheard of -- in fact, Seagate swallowed up Maxtor back in 2005 for a cool $2 billion. Under the deal, which is a mix of $3.5 billion in cash and $750 million in WD common stock, the two will combine in a way that sees the Western Digital brand and headquarters surviving, while Steve Milligan, president and chief executive officer of Hitachi GST, will join WD at closing as president. Hard to say what this will mean for consumer pricing and competition, but we're pretty certain the powers that be will be looking it all over for fairness before they hop in the blender during Q3. Full release is after the break. Show full PR text Western Digital to Acquire Hitachi Global Storage Technologies
Combination of Hard Drive Companies Will Create Industry's Broadest Product Portfolio and a Significant Pool of Resources for Innovation
IRVINE, Calif. and SAN JOSE, Calif., March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Western Digital (NYSE: WDC) and Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT / TSE:6501) announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby WD will acquire Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $4.3 billion. The proposed combination will result in a customer-focused storage company, with significant operating scale, strong global talent and the industry's broadest product lineup backed by a rich technology portfolio.
Under the terms of the agreement, WD will acquire Hitachi GST for $3.5 billion in cash and 25 million WD common shares valued at $750 million, based on a WD closing stock price of $30.01 as of March 4, 2011. Hitachi, Ltd. will own approximately ten percent of Western Digital shares outstanding after issuance of the shares and two representatives of Hitachi will be added to the WD board of directors at closing. The transaction has been approved by the board of directors of each company and is expected to close during the third calendar quarter of 2011, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. WD plans to fund the transaction with a combination of existing cash and total debt of approximately $2.5 billion.
WD expects the transaction to be immediately accretive to its earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis, excluding acquisition-related expenses, restructuring charges and amortization of intangibles.
The resulting company will retain the Western Digital name and remain headquartered in Irvine, California. John Coyne will remain chief executive officer of WD, Tim Leyden chief operating officer and Wolfgang Nickl chief financial officer. Steve Milligan, president and chief executive officer of Hitachi GST, will join WD at closing as president, reporting to John Coyne.
"The acquisition of Hitachi GST is a unique opportunity for WD to create further value for our customers, stockholders, employees, suppliers and the communities in which we operate," said John Coyne, president and chief executive officer of WD. "We believe this step will result in several key benefits-enhanced R&D capabilities, innovation and expansion of a rich product portfolio, comprehensive market coverage and scale that will enhance our cost structure and ability to compete in a dynamic marketplace. The skills and contributions of both workforces were key considerations in assessing this compelling opportunity. We will be relying on the proven integration capabilities of both companies to assure the ongoing satisfaction of our customers and to bring this combination to successful fruition."
"This brings together two industry leaders with consistent track records of strong execution and industry outperformance," said Steve Milligan, president and chief executive officer, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies. "Together we can provide customers worldwide with the industry's most compelling and diverse set of products and services, from innovative personal storage to solid state drives for the enterprise."
Hiroaki Nakanishi, president, Hitachi, Ltd. said, "As the former CEO of Hitachi GST, I always believed in the potential of Hitachi GST to become a larger and more agile company. This is a strategic combination of two industry leaders, both growing and profitable. It provides an opportunity for the new company to increase customer and shareholder value and expand into new markets. Additionally, it is important to us that WD shares common values with Hitachi GST to create a more global company that is well positioned to define a broader role in the evolving storage industry."
WD's exclusive financial adviser on the transaction is Bank of America Merrill Lynch; its lead legal adviser is O'Melveny & Myers LLP. Goldman, Sachs & Co serves as financial adviser to Hitachi, Ltd. and Hitachi GST. Legal advisers to Hitachi, Ltd. and Hitachi GST are Morrison Foerster LLP and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates, respectively. |
| Judge in Sony vs. Geohot orders YouTube and others to give up users' personal info Posted: 07 Mar 2011 03:11 AM PST  Remember when Sony sued Geohot and demanded that YouTube hand over the user info of all the folks who posted comments to Geohot's PS3 jailbreak video? Well, score a victory for SCEA, as the judge overseeing the case's jurisdictional discovery process has ruled that Sony can get what it wanted -- information from: Bluehost (who hosts Geohot's website) regarding who downloaded the jailbreak, Twitter regarding any tweets made by Hotz, Google Blogspot regarding comments made on his blog, and the aforementioned YouTube user data. Keep in mind that Sony's getting this information to show that many of the downloaders and commenters are from Northern California and that Hotz's hacking efforts were aimed at Californians -- meaning the case should remain in the Bay Area instead of moving to New Jersey where Geohot hacked his PS3. With this new information at its disposal, Sony's better equipped to oppose Hotz's motion to dismiss in a hearing early next month, but this doesn't mean the company will succeed in its bid to keep the litigation a West Coast affair. We'll have to wait and see if this latest victory helps Sony win the war. Stay tuned. |
| Microsoft's Windows Phone 'mango' update to miss 2011 target? (updated) Posted: 07 Mar 2011 02:40 AM PST  Paul Thurrott has been a trusted insider on all things Microsoft for as long as we can remember. As such, it's worth paying attention to a recent article he published on Windows IT Pro that calls for Microsoft's first " NoDo" Windows Phone 7 feature update to hit as early as this week. Of course, Steve Ballmer said it was coming in " early March" so that's not much of a prediction. What really caught our attention are Paul's comments about "Mango" -- the big WP7 feature update that Microsoft says will bring multitasking, IE9, and Twitter integration to Windows Phone handsets later in 2011. According to Thurott's sources, Mango won't be finalized until the end of the year making a release to consumers in 2011 a "near impossibility." Ouch. How this might affect Nokia's Windows Phone 2011 launch plans hopes -- rumored to be waiting for Mango -- remains to be seen. Update: Mary Jo Foley, who's got a few Microsofties in her own back pocket, says that she's hearing that Microsoft recently promised OEMs and carriers Mango by " early fall at the latest" -- just in time for a holiday consumer launch. It's real life he-said she-said rumor flagellation folks! |
| Samsung Galaxy Pro combines 2.8-inch touchscreen with a portrait QWERTY keyboard, modest specs Posted: 07 Mar 2011 01:58 AM PST Samsung has just taken the veils off yet another Android handset in its rapidly expanding portfolio, this one targeting those BlackBerry-addicted portrait QWERTY keyboard lovers. The Galaxy Pro squeezes a four-row button array beneath a set of Android keys and a 2.8-inch touchscreen, while its insides are filled with an 800MHz processor of an unspecified variety and a 3 megapixel cam with autofocus skills. UK carrier Three has already confirmed it'll be offering this Froyo handset -- via an unlisted YouTube video we've embedded for you after the break -- and others should soon be coming out with their own announcements and, eventually, pricing. Update: Samsung has sent along its official press release and a full spec sheet. See them after the break. [Thanks, GeForce]
Show full PR text Samsung Launches Latest Device in the Galaxy Family
Android powered Galaxy Pro comes packed with entertainment and social media features
LONDON, UK – March 7, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a leading mobile phone provider, today announced the Galaxy Pro Smartphone. Featuring Samsung's integrated Social Hub Premium and innovative dual-input control via a touch-screen and full QWERTY keyboard, the Galaxy Pro is also the perfect business partner and social secretary.
The Samsung Social Hub Premium gives one-touch access to emails, instant messages and social networking accounts and benefits from the speed and control of the Galaxy Pro's dual-input interface. Powered by the Android™ 2.2 'Froyo' platform, the Galaxy Pro has access to over 150,000 high-quality apps and services from Android Market™, such as the latest games for entertainment, up to date interactive maps and news feed services.
Simon Stanford, Managing Director, Samsung Mobile UK and Ireland said: "The Samsung Galaxy Pro is the perfect device for everyone looking to manage their busy work and social lives. The Social Hub Premium provides a simple way for our customers to stay in touch with their friends and colleagues – via work and personal emails, Facebook, Twitter and text messages. You get it all in one inbox, which is so much more efficient. Running on Android 2.2 and with brilliant entertainment features it's another great addition to the Galaxy range."
Samsung Social Hub Premium is ideal for juggling work and personal communications, managing multiple social networks and receiving high volumes of messages and emails. The Social Hub Premium brings together email, SNS and IM accounts to a single inbox, for simplified, instant access to all communications. Twitter feeds and Facebook updates, work and personal emails and text messages are collated in one central contact list. Furthermore, the Galaxy Pro is equipped with the "Think Free" Office Document Editor, for viewing and editing MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents on-the-move.
The Samsung Galaxy Pro's dual-input is a combination of a touch-screen and QWERTY keyboard, for swift, accurate typing, the QWERTY keyboard provides desktop-computing accuracy, while the touch-screen offers fast fingertip control. Together, they provide an efficient and enhanced user experience.
The Samsung Galaxy Pro is equipped with a 3.0 Megapixel camera for still image or video capture. Pictures can be viewed on the clear and bright 2.8" display before being uploaded online, supported by WiFi and Bluetooth capability.
The Samsung Galaxy Pro will be available during the second quarter in the UK market followed by other European countries, Middle East, South East Asia and India.  |
| Nokia sells Qt commercial licensing and services business to Digia Posted: 07 Mar 2011 01:32 AM PST  Now that Nokia has shifted to a Windows Phone-centric smartphone strategy, it's only natural for the company to divest itself of responsibility with regard to the Qt framework at the heart of Symbian and MeeGo development -- a platform Nokia acquired from Trolltech back in January of 2008. We just got word that Digia will acquire the Qt commercial licensing and services business from Nokia, including the transfer of some 3,500 desktop and embedded customers actively using Qt today. Sebastian Nyström, Nokia Vice President, Application and Service Frameworks, had this to say about the agreement: "Nokia will continue to invest in developing Qt as a cross-platform framework for mobile, desktop and embedded segments, focusing on open source development and expansion, we wanted a partner who can drive the commercial licensing and services business around Qt. Digia has proven, in-depth Qt expertise, operational excellence and a keen interest in growing and improving the overall Qt community and so well positioned to expand the Qt Commercial licensing and services business." So, if you're interested in developing in Qt commercially, Digia will be your contact just as soon as the transaction completes sometime later this month. [Thanks, Nisse] Show full PR text Digia to acquire Qt commercial licensing business from Nokia
Digia to support broader use of Qt in consumer electronics, industry machines, and other embedded and desktop software solutions.
Helsinki, Finland 7.3.2011. Digia Plc. (DIG1V) has signed an agreement with Nokia to acquire the Qt commercial licensing and services business. Through the proposed acquisition, around 3500 desktop and embedded customer companies from various industries are targeted to be transferred to Digia. The transaction is expected to be closed by the end of March 2011. Nokia will continue to invest in future development of Qt for the benefit of all users, both Commercial and LGPL.
As a result, the commercial licensing and service operations business is to be run by Digia, with existing and new commercial customers, who will benefit from the continuity of development of desktop and embedded Qt functionality and new service models. Building on Digia's leading Qt expertise, this acquisition further accelerates Digia's direction towards international, product based business and significantly widens Digia's Qt customer base. To further strengthen its global presence, Digia will establish subsidiaries in USA and Norway as part of the transaction.
Global growth with Qt Commercial (Qt commercial licensing and services)
The use of Qt as an application and UI framework has been growing since Nokia's acquisition of Trolltech in 2008. Qt is actively used by around 3500 desktop and embedded customer companies which will be transferred to Digia upon closing. The commercial customers represent a broad range of industries, e.g. consumer electronics, finance, aviation, energy, defence and media. Qt usage has increased the need for solid commercial support and services executed with strong focus. Digia's additional investment in Qt Commercial licensing and services business on top of Nokia's significant Qt development work creates a solid foundation and additional boost for creating business solutions with Qt, and opportunity for customers to benefit from Digia services.
"Qt continues to be an important technology for Nokia and it is critical that Qt's growth and success can continue. While Nokia will continue to invest in developing Qt as a cross-platform framework for mobile, desktop and embedded segments, focusing on open source development and expansion, we wanted a partner who can drive the commercial licensing and services business around Qt. Digia has proven, in-depth Qt expertise, operational excellence and a keen interest in growing and improving the overall Qt community and so well positioned to expand the Qt Commercial licensing and services business," says Sebastian Nyström, Vice President, Head of MeeGo, Qt and Webkit at Nokia.
"We are excited to extend our Qt business to serve our new customers. Building on our in-depth Qt expertise and experience from demanding mission critical solutions, we will offer world-class commercial licensing and support services to Qt Commercial customers. We also look forward to driving further the evolution of Qt by bringing in new features and services," says Harri Paani, Senior Vice President from Digia.
Use of Qt in mission critical solutions reinforced – with proven experience
Digia has an ideal background for growing the Qt commercial licensing business and meeting the needs of current Qt commercial customers. Digia's unique position for Qt commercial business stems from the combination of long track-record in Qt projects since early 2000, creating and operating mission critical business solutions for several industries and commercial software licensing business models. In addition to avoiding open source license restrictions, many customers prefer a commercial relationship that provides professional, responsive support and services ensuring success in their mission critical business solutions.
Digia is a recognized Qt innovator
Digia is dedicated to continuing and growing the Qt commercial relationships and to contributing innovation to the overall Qt community. Digia has stood out in the market as a profitable growth company and recognized Qt innovator, bringing to life the latest Qt technologies in the forefront of the market. With hundreds of Qt experts, Digia is a leading provider of Qt solutions and services.
In addition to acquiring the business responsibility over Qt Commercial licensing and services, Digia also plans to employ 19 persons from Nokia's technical consulting services team and global Qt Commercial sales and marketing teams. That is targeted to ensuring that the customers will continue to deal with the people they already know.
Digia will invest in the development of Qt as a commercial framework. In particular the plan is to emphasize Qt in the desktop and embedded environments and to examine new support models and functionality requests. Digia will provide commercial customers with improvements in support and functionality for older platforms that were not on the Nokia development roadmap. The holders of a Qt commercial license will be informed about the details separately.
This acquisition will further accelerate Digia's direction towards international, product based business and significantly widens the customer base for Digia's Qt business. It also provides Digia's Enterprise Solution business a world-class offering that has strong synergy with Digia's Mobile Solution business and expertise.
For more information, please contact:
Digia Communications, Sampsa Koskenalho
Tel. +358 400 858 460
Email: sampsa.koskenalho@digia.com
Digia in brief
Digia's driver is the desire to succeed. It offers its customers success, through inventive solutions that enhance operational efficiency, improve user experiences and increase sales. Digia helps its customers become forerunners. With almost 1,600 top experts, Digia enables its customers to benefit from changes in the market, making the future a mutual success. Digia is known for swiftly embracing new technologies, to its customers' benefit.
Digia's offering includes ERP systems, and mobile and user experience services and solutions. The company's customers are businesses and organisations from various industries, with an emphasis on public administration, industry, mobile industry, retail, services, banking and insurance. Digia operates in Finland, Russia, China and Sweden. The company is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki exchange (DIG1V).
www.digia.com |
| Lenovo posts ThinkPad X220 specs online, includes IPS display, SSD, and 23-hour battery options Posted: 07 Mar 2011 12:32 AM PST Go to Lenovo's online store looking for an X Series laptop to call your own and you'll be greeted by the familiar X201. But go to Lenovo's spec sheet repository and you'll find a lush PDF file detailing a new ThinkPad X220 model that seems set to become available very shortly indeed. Sized at a somewhat unconventional 12.5 inches, this fresh contender will feature a new "buttonless" touchpad -- though it retains the mouse keys in support of the TrackPoint navigator -- while offering the sweet nectar of a 1366 x 768 IPS display, up to a 2.7GHz Core i7-2620M CPU, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and a choice of Intel SSDs ranging up to 160GB. The 9-cell battery is rated to last you 15 hours and there's an additional external battery pack that will keep you tether-free for 23 hours. Click past the break for the full specs. [Thanks, Chris] Update: Hello! The X220 Tablet is listed on Lenovo's site as well. Thanks, Joe! This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Superheadz Necono 3 megapixel kitty camera might tolerate you (video) Posted: 07 Mar 2011 12:01 AM PST Wait, this isn't a crapgadget, although you couldn't be blamed for thinking as much about this three megapixel Necono digital camera from Japan's Superheadz. Hell, that's what we thought before digging into the feature list a bit. Based on a design from Lisa Larson, the cat features magnetic feet and a self-timer for creating whimsical self-portraits. A mic and CMOS sensor combine to record VGA videos or 3 megapixel JPEG images to microSDHC cards. The camera is available now for a tax inclusive price of ¥15,750 -- converted, we're talking a whopping $192, a price that doesn't even include the dedicated LCD dock which won't ship until May at the earliest. Sure, it won't be the best digital camera for your money but there's no denying its pure, unadulterated gadget appeal to kitty fetishists or any demographic that hops in place while clapping. See it in action after the break. |
| ODROID-A tablet fits 1366 x 768 res on a 10-inch screen, dual-core Exynos inside transparent shell Posted: 06 Mar 2011 11:04 PM PST Samsung might not have quite enough Exynos 4210 processors to sell a tablet of its own based on that Cortex-A9 dual-core beastie, but it's found a few to hand over to Korean partner Hardkernel for this here ODROID-A reference platform. It's strictly a dev kit, and as such is unlikely to find its way to your local Best Buy any time soon, but we have to admire the specs on offer. First up is the delightfully dense 1366 x 768 resolution, a rare sight on a 10-inch display, followed by a transparent rear panel that bests anything out on the market right now in terms of sheer sex appeal, and then there are also two MicroSD slots, a HSPA+ modem, HDMI output, a USB 2.0 port, cameras on the front and rear, and a crazy 9000mAh battery. How all this is supposed to only cost $750, we don't know, but then we also don't know how to qualify to get one when it becomes available later this month. So many mysteries. Jump past the break for some hands-on and benchmarking video action.
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| VeriFone puts money near mouth, says it'll include NFC in all new POS terminals Posted: 06 Mar 2011 10:02 PM PST Well, here's a bold step forward for NFC -- payment solution provider Verifone says its new batch of point-of-sale terminals will come standard with the touch-to-pay wireless technology. That's the word from Near Field Communications World, who quizzed the company just a few days after CEO Douglas Bergeron called on the payments industry to foot the NFC bill, saying "The retail point of sale represents a point of convergence for smartphone-initiated payments, social networking and electronic couponing, but it won't happen if retailers are expected, on faith, to absorb the costs of making it work." Sounds like a company that's very keen on letting us pay by swiping our phone. Unfortunately, he didn't say when such technology might roll out. Show full PR text VeriFone Says Merchant Buy-In Key to Success of Mobile Commerce
Service Providers Must Shoulder Acceptance Infrastructure Costs to Successfully Bridge Gap Between Mobile Phones and Retailer Point-of-Sale
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VeriFone Systems, Inc. (NYSE: PAY), the leading payment solutions provider in the U.S., today urged aspiring mobile payment service companies to engage with retailers in determining market requirements to enable mobile phone-initiated payments and services at the retail point of sale.
"Emerging mobile payments platforms represent a leap forward in electronic payment transactions, but those who want to claim leadership in this space have to reconcile merchant resistance to the imposition of costs to implement new infrastructure that will be managed an increasingly complex environment"
Responding to growing interest from major industry players intent on claiming a stake in emerging mobile commerce opportunities, VeriFone CEO Douglas G. Bergeron articulated key guidelines to ensure that mobile payments don't follow the path of previous alternative payment schemes that only succeeded in alienating merchants. VeriFone supplies a large majority of card payment solutions employed in the U.S. by retailers large and small and over the past 30 years has led the way in retail adoption of new payment technologies.
"Emerging mobile payments platforms represent a leap forward in electronic payment transactions, but those who want to claim leadership in this space have to reconcile merchant resistance to the imposition of costs to implement new infrastructure that will be managed an increasingly complex environment," Bergeron said.
"The retail point of sale represents a point of convergence for smartphone-initiated payments, social networking and electronic couponing, but it won't happen if retailers are expected, on faith, to absorb the costs of making it work," Bergeron added. "This isn't just an issue of adding an NFC reader, it requires deep software richness at the point-of-sale to interact with the smartphone and manage a services-based model encompassing new applications and deployments without disrupting operation of existing card systems."
Bergeron outlined six key "rules" that industry participants need to adhere to in order to ensure success of mobile commerce:
Rule #1: "Deployment and management of complex NFC technologies will require significant ongoing services from the retailer's payment systems provider. Until retailers are assured of receiving real value from mobile commerce, service providers who stand to gain from either carrier fees, advertising revenue or transaction charges must be willing to bear the costs of this highly disruptive paradigm shift."
Rule #2: "Mobile commerce must add value to the consumer. Tapping a phone is a gimmick, no different from tapping a card or fob. In addition to providing the ability to pay for stuff by phone, service providers and retailers need to provide real additional value –- such as coupons, loyalty rewards and discounts -- for consumers to leave their wallets at home.
Rule #3: "Mobile commerce must be streamlined with existing POS services and managed well for the retailer. Retailers won't tolerate the need for multiple methods of acceptance to accommodate what will become a wide array of mobile commerce schemes. All ideas, regardless of where or who generates them, must converge at a unified point-of-sale."
Rule #4: "Mobile commerce must go from zero to 90 mph in five seconds. Consumers will not embrace mobile commerce without the confidence that it is being widely accepted. If it only works at a few select retailers, it dies a quick death. Ten percent acceptance is not sustainable."
Rule #5: "Mobile commerce must be integrated with other forms of payment. Mobile commerce won't lead to the quick death of plastic cards and must work with existing payment systems that are certified by all major processors and installed in the vast majority of large and small retailers."
Rule #6: "Mobile commerce must be ironclad secure. Security, both real and perceived, is imperative to the adoption and sustainability of mobile commerce. Even minor setbacks in security could compromise consumer adoption and stop the movement in its tracks.
Bergeron's rules are based on years of experience working with retailers to implement payment technologies and adapt to changing security requirements. As the trusted supplier of payment solutions, VeriFone has the ability to work with retailers and service providers in assessing market requirements and integrating existing infrastructure with complex new technologies required to make mobile commerce work smoothly. |
| Denmark professor crafts a robotic twin: behold the Geminoid-DK (video) Posted: 06 Mar 2011 08:19 PM PST
Uncannily realistic telepresence humanoids aren't just for the Japanese -- this week, it was revealed that Denmark is home to a brand-new Geminoid -- the Geminoid DK. Modeled after professor Henrik Scharfe at Aalborg University, this Geminoid-F derivative was constructed by Kokoro and ATR, the very same organizations that built the last few we've seen. The more things change, the more they stay the same: DK pulls off the beard quite nicely, but it still looks downright creepy when it smiles, blinks and breathes. See for yourself in plenty of video footage, both above and after the break. |
| Sprint's Nexus website is 'coming soon' Posted: 06 Mar 2011 06:47 PM PST Just to throw a little more fuel on the fire, it turns out that directing your browser to now.sprint.com/nexus takes you to a landing site where you're told that "this page will be ready soon." Certainly sounds more likely than ever that Sprint's preparing to launch its own variant of the Nexus S -- and if our sources are correct, it'll be called the Nexus S 4G, likely with both CDMA and WiMAX on board. Interestingly, both now.sprint.com/evoview and now.sprint.com/evo3d -- the other two devices in our rumor three-pack from earlier today -- redirect to Sprint's home page rather than giving you an HTTP 404 error, suggesting they're also real. CTIA kicks off in just over two weeks' time where these things are likely to be revealed, but who knows? Maybe they'll give us a little tease ahead of the show. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] |
| Inhabitat's Week in Green: ice castles, cardboard columns, and the Geneva Auto Show Posted: 06 Mar 2011 05:00 PM PST Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.
This week Inhabitat showcased several jaw-dropping feats of architecture, starting with a series of amazingly complex computer-designed cardboard columns that boast between 8 and 16 million facets. We were also struck by a stunning new net-zero Solar Academy in Germany, and we showcased a Swiss chalet that is the world's first apartment building to be heated entirely by solar thermal energy. On the cooler end of the climate spectrum, a Minnesota man has created a series of soaring ice castles using water from his geothermal heating system. The Geneva Auto Show also kicked off with a bang this week as Koenigsegg unveiled its supercharged Agera R racer and SAAB rose from the ashes with a futuristic PhoeniX hybrid. We also heard big news from some of the world's most luxurious automakers as Bentley rolled out a biofuel-powered supercar that can go 200 MPH on ice and Rolls-Royce unveiled their all-electric 102 EX Phantom. Two-wheeled transportation also took a leap forward as Daymak unveiled the world's first wireless electric eBike and Los Angeles approved plans for 1,690 miles of bikeways. We also kept on the cutting edge of consumer tech with a look at the green credentials of Apple's iPad 2, and we brought you researchers' plans for a hot new breed of batteries made from "frozen smoke". Finally, we learned from a recent study that cellphone signals actually boost brain activity, and we shared a fresh new line of iPod nano watch straps just in time for spring. |
| Switched On: Padded Windows Posted: 06 Mar 2011 03:30 PM PST Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. At the launch of the new iPad – superior for video chat, group presentations, and cutting cake -- Apple didn't miss a few opportunities to rub salt in the open air vents of Microsoft's tablet efforts. Apple noted that sales of the iPad have exceeded those of every other tablet PC ever sold, and that Microsoft (along with other competitors) were chasing doomed strategies that extended outmoded models. Microsoft has been clear that it will continue to use its "desktop" operating system – Windows – rather than its mobile operating system – the device-specifying Windows Phone 7 – as its operating system for tablets. Considering the critical importance of an intuitive touchscreen UI on tablet -- where Windows Phone 7 excels and desktop Windows has struggled -- this seems risky on its face. But it is important to remember from Microsoft's perspective that the question is not whether Windows is the best choice for tablets but whether it is a better choice for Microsoft than Windows Phone. While the company faces an uphill battle regardless of which OS it chooses, its flagship could be the better answer for several reasons. Differentiation. It's funny to think back to the launch of the first iPad and all the snickering about how the 9.7-inch slate was just an oversized iPhone. Now, smartphone OS competitors such as Android and webOS are making the jump to tablets. If one accepts that tablets are – as Apple noted at the iPad introduction – something between laptops and smartphones, why is the approach of a streamlined desktop OS less valid than the idea of a beefed-up mobile one? Microsoft's top-down approach sets the stage for a differentiated approach to the market.
Multiple Personalities. As Steven Sinofsky noted at the announcement that Microsoft would support ARM processors with the next version of Windows, the venerable OS has proven incredibly flexible in dealing with many different hardware form factors (and, indeed, input methods) over its history. Whereas Microsoft is tapping Nokia to expand Windows Phone 7's hardware support, many third parties are highly motivated to port Windows drivers to the next version of the operating system due to the OS's massive installed base.
Mac iPadification. Steve Jobs has drawn a line in the sand between tablets and PCs, but at the same time has moved to bring many iPad features to the Mac line including interface elements such as Launchpad and multitouch gestures. True, Apple uses the trackpad for these gestures rather than the screen, citing the need to avoid arm fatigue, but what if the screen shifted down to a less tiring angle just as the new HP TouchSmart does? A svelte PC like the MacBook Air could be reconfigured to competitive tablet dimensions. Form factor creep. If tablets will be the "cars" of computing and PCs the "trucks," Microsoft cannot afford to relegate Windows to 18-wheelers. | As CES, Samsung showed off a notebook with a sliding keyboard that ran desktop Windows while ASUS showed off an Android tablet – the Eee Slate Slider -- that ran Android. As the tablet market grows, it's likely that we will see some of the hardware variation we've seen in the smartphone market where some touchscreen devices have QWERTY keyboards and others don't. As this becomes the case, it muddies the waters for Microsoft to have Windows Phone 7 on some devices with a netbook form factor and desktop Windows on others. If, as Steve Jobs has said, tablets will increasingly be the "cars" of consumer computing devices and PCs will be the "trucks", Microsoft cannot afford to relegate Windows to 18-wheelers. Apps close the gap. It was clear from the iPad 2 launch that Apple is not shying away from throwing processor-intensive apps such as GarageBand and iMovie – two of the most processor-intensive products from the Mac's iLife suite – at the iPad. If tablets are really migrating from being primarily content consumption devices to content creation devices, then Microsoft can make a strong case for an OS with more mature capabilities to facilitate this next generation of apps. Apple's addition of video-out mirroring capabilities also shows that we may be demanding more of tablets in terms of the interconnects that Windows already supports. None of this is to say that Microsoft will win in the tablet space. The company has much to prove in terms of whether it can make tablets running Windows competitive with others in terms of battery life and whether it can create an experience that feels more optimized than some of the other offshoots of Windows throughout the years. Microsoft may have good cause to believe, though, that tablets are ready to pronounce, "I'm a PC."
Ross Rubin is executive director of industry analysis for consumer technology at market research and analysis firm The NPD Group. Views expressed in Switched On are his own.
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| D-Link outs hybrid powerline / wired / wireless router, does Atheros proud Posted: 06 Mar 2011 02:24 PM PST Many moons ago, Atheros had a dream, of a future where a single device could simultaneously extend Ethernet, WiFi and powerline connectivity to any part of your home. Well, gents, the future is now, as D-Link has taken the idea (and presumably a presumably paid a hefty licensing fee) to bring just such a device to market. The $130 D-Link DHP-1320 does 802.11n WiFi at up to 300Mbps, sends up to 200Mbps through your house's electrical system and sports three 10/100 LAN jacks as well. Oh, and never you mind that Netgear did something similar a couple months ago. PR after the break. Show full PR text D-Link® Hybrid Wireless-N PowerLine Router Now Available
200 Mbps Combination Wi-Fi and PowerLine Router, Along with PowerLine Adapters and Switches, Enable Consumers to Work, Play, View, and Share Anywhere in the Home
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Mar 02, 2011 - D-Link® today announced its Wireless-N PowerLine Router (DHP-1320), a combination networking solution for extending wired and wireless home networks throughout the house by tapping into a home's electrical wiring, is now available. This combination IPv6-ready network solution merges PowerLine 200 Mbps technology with a Wireless-N router and Ethernet ports, offering consumers two connectivity options to extend home network coverage and enjoy high-bandwidth applications, including HD video content, multimedia, VoIP calls, and more.
"As the amount of high-bandwidth Internet-based content viewed and shared in today's homes continues to grow exponentially, superior network coverage is essential," said Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of consumer marketing, D-Link North America. "With this combination router and D-Link's line of PowerLine accessory products, we're able to provide consumers with a simple way to extend their networks into 'dead zones' where wireless coverage has previously been limited or spotty, such as a basement, an upstairs bedroom, or other hard to reach locations."
Wired and Wireless Network Coverage Anywhere in the Home
The DHP-1320 extends wired and wireless networks to all devices in the home with optimal speed and bandwidth for a range of HD video-on-demand, gaming and other applications. Essentially turning a home's existing electrical system into an Ethernet network, PowerLine's extended coverage can be obtained without any drilling, difficult installation or messy cables. Simply plug the DHP-1320 into an electrical outlet and the technology distributes broadband to Internet-connected devices both wirelessly and through the electrical wiring in a home. D-Link® PowerLine adapters then plug into outlets anywhere in the home to extend wired coverage to additional rooms and devices where coverage is limited.
The DHP-1320 also provides IPv6 support, enabling consumers to future-proof their home networks for the next-generation of the Internet, ensuring connectivity with new wireless devices for years to come.
Additional features of the Hybrid Wireless-N PowerLine Router (DHP-1320) include:
HomePlug AV certified with up to 200Mbps throughput
Wireless N 300
3-Port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Ports
Wi-Fi® Protected Setup™ (WPS) for Simple Push-Button Wireless Network Configuration
Atheros Hy-Fi™ technology expands coverage, improves performance and simplifies network set up and management
Built-in QoS Engine Enhances Internet Experience
Supports Secure Wireless Encryption Using WPA™ or WPA2™
Supports 128-bit AES Encryption For PowerLine Network Security
PowerLine Sync Connection (ENY) Button
Plug & Play Installation
Also shipping are a number of 200 Mbps PowerLine accessory products, including the PowerLine AV 4-Port Switch, Wireless N Extender, and Network Starter Kit. Combining these products with the DHP-1320 allows consumers to create the ultimate wired and wireless home network.
Availability and Pricing
The DHP-1320 Hybrid Wireless-N PowerLine Router is now available throughout D-Link's vast network of retail and e-tail outlets in North America, and at the company's online store, http://www.dlinkshop.com, with an MSRP of $129.99.
The following 200 Mbps PowerLine products are also now available:
PowerLine AV 4-Port Switch (DHP-346AV); $99.99
PowerLine AV Wireless N Extender (DHP-W306AV); $119.99
PowerLine AV Network Starter Kit (DHP-307AV); $139.99 |
| Plug In Launcher for Android makes things happen when you connect USB or headphones Posted: 06 Mar 2011 01:06 PM PST Plug In Launcher is a free Android app that does just one thing, and it does it well -- it launches any app of your choice when it detects power or a connected pair of headphones. In fact, it can pair one app to your phone's 3.5mm headphone jack and another to your USB port, letting it launch, say, a music player when you plug in headphones, and perhaps an alarm clock while you're charging it overnight, saving you a button press (note: the "Would you like to launch" message is optional) each time. All it asks in return is a pair of running processes that eat up 5.7MB of memory (as of this writing) and the ability to restart itself when you reset your phone. Sure, the app's a little limited compared to context-aware suites like Locale or Nokia Situations, but free is free, and this one's useful. |
| Sprint announcing Nexus S 4G, EVO 3D, and EVO View tablet at CTIA? Posted: 06 Mar 2011 11:50 AM PST The media -- yours truly included -- has been trying to figure out why Sprint has booked an insane two-and-a-half hour slot at CTIA later this month. That's not the kind of event you throw together just to rehash the devices you've introduced over the last half year -- something's up, and if our source is correct, they're up to something big. First, we're hearing that the carrier will launch the Nexus S 4G from Samsung, and judging from the name, the phone should be something akin to a Nexus S with WiMAX. It seems this one could be either the SPH-D600 or SPH-D720, both of which have recently received certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance, though the SPH-D720 is more likely; the D600 shows WPS support, which is available in TouchWiz-skinned devices but not in stock Gingerbread. You might recall that Sprint came very, very close to launching its own version of the Nexus One before dropping it in favor of the EVO 4G last year, so maybe they're ready to do the deed this time. Next, a couple that we don't have much detail on: the EVO 3D, which is... well, a 3D-capable EVO of some sort. 2011 is certainly shaping up to be the year of 3D phones and tablets, so that wouldn't be much of a surprise. The other unit in the mix is the EVO View, a tablet that we're guessing will shape up to be something of a CDMA-powered Flyer. If this all pans out, it's looking like Sprint could own this show. CES was a bit of a dud for them, you might recall -- the EVO Shift 4G was the only handset announcement there -- so they're overdue. [Thanks, anonymous tipster] |
| Sony Ericsson Windows Phone 7 prototype caught in the wild? Posted: 06 Mar 2011 10:38 AM PST Sony Ericsson was named a Windows Phone 7 partner a year ago, but -- like another we could name -- seemingly scrapped plans to produce a device and chose another OS instead. Or did it? Pictures of what looks to be a Sony Ericsson prototype running Windows Phone 7 recently surfaced at Lizhecomb, and it could be that SE's looking to try again... but probably not. You see, rumor had it that Sony Ericsson did produce a prototype sliding WP7 handset -- the Julie -- much like the one above, and this one certainly looks a little prototypical compared to contemporary designs. What it may add up to is Sony Ericsson and ASUS in the same boat -- two WP7 launch partners that failed to launch, but each with hardware to show for it. |
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