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- New Xbox 360 Bluetooth headset unlocks business casual achievement (video)
- Graphing calculator web browser lets you visit your favorite sine wave fan sites (video)
- Walmart brings Vudu into the fold, still can't stream you tube socks
- HTC Puccini tablet shots leak out with AT&T branding, may sport stylus functionality
- DARwin-OP does the up, down, left, right DDR shuffle (video)
- Gingerbread comes to T-Mobile G2x, users feel loved again
- Stanford researchers create transparent battery, dream of a see-through iPhone (video)
- RadioShack ditches T-Mobile for Verizon, switcheroo happens September 15th
- Mysterious Samsung shows up in dev center sporting Gingerbread and 1280 x 768 screen
- New Sony Walkman pops up on UK retail site
- Netswipe turns your webcam into a credit card reader, brings POS payments to the desktop
- HP's AMD-powered Pavilion dm1-3010nr arrives at Verizon with LTE, $600 price tag
- Mozilla planning a Chrome OS-like operating system for phones and tablets
- Man builds DIY Segway for $434, begins casting 'Arrested Development' fan film (video)
- HTC CFO says it's time to 'figure it out' with Apple
- Canon launches X Mark I Mouse Lite, pairs ten-digit calculator and Bluetooth laser mouse (video)
- Samsung's LTE-equipped Galaxy Tab 10.1 comes to Verizon on July 28th
- ARM alchemy turns ubiquity into gold, profits up 25 percent
- MIDI Mobilizer II stores your musical stylings, plays nice with CoreMIDI apps
- Fisker Karma boss nabs first set of keys, s'pose we'd do the same
- Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound 5 Encore redefines 'affordable,' looks good doing it (video)
- SanDisk Ultra SSD heading to retailers, brings youthful exuberance to aging PCs
- Verizon's Blackberry Bold 9930 unveiled early thanks to website blunder
- Onkyo remote app ushers in a new era of losing Android phones in the couch
- Griffin's StompBox available to order, virtual guitar shredding now a go
- Avatar Kinect hits Xbox Live, your own virtual talk show starts today
- Apple patent application takes the hard keys out of the keyboard, promises a flat surface solution
- A new BlackBerry to be unveiled tomorrow, or so Facebook would have us believe
- Clearwire announces $99 Clear Spot 4G Apollo hotspot
- Ripple updates its Look nettop with Fusion E-Series chip, leaves its handsome design alone
- Scientists prove cosmological speed limit, time travel moves a little further out of reach
- Virgin Media testing 1.5Gbps internet for lucky Londonites
- Dell UltraSharp U2412M display features 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution and IPS, doesn't cost $999
- Snail Mail My Email outsources your emotions to foreign hands
- HTC exec Horace Luke leaves company for 'personal reasons'
- Netflix rises to 25 million subscribers in Q2, thinks DVD business has already peaked
- Amazon briefly pulls Cosmo Black Nintendo 3DS due to 'inventory issues,' reinstates it moments later
- Sprint details Q4 CDMA Direct Connect launch plans and handsets, quietly waves goodbye to iDEN
- Casio's Bluetooth 4.0 G-Shock is water and shock-resistant, FCC-approved
- Canon's second quarter profits dip 20 percent amid supply constraints, strong yen
| New Xbox 360 Bluetooth headset unlocks business casual achievement (video) Posted: 26 Jul 2011 11:38 AM PDT  [Thanks, Jason] |
| Graphing calculator web browser lets you visit your favorite sine wave fan sites (video) Posted: 26 Jul 2011 11:15 AM PDT  |
| Walmart brings Vudu into the fold, still can't stream you tube socks Posted: 26 Jul 2011 10:52 AM PDT  VUDU Announces Full Integration on Walmart.com Thousands of VUDU Titles, including New Releases and "99-Cent Movie of the Day," Can Now Be Instantly Streamed at www.walmart.com/vudu SANTA CLARA, Calif. and BRISBANE, Calif. – July 26, 2011 – Demonstrating its commitment to e-commerce and goal of offering customers "one continuous shopping" channel, Walmart today announced the integration of its popular movie streaming service, VUDU, on Walmart.com. Customers can now shop for thousands of digital VUDU titles, including the hottest new releases, and purchase and/or rent them directly on Walmart.com at www.walmart.com/vudu. As customers shop for movies at Walmart.com, they now have the option to select the digital VUDU title and/or the physical title (DVD or Blu-ray Disc). Those who select the digital title complete their transaction through Walmart.com's checkout, and then can easily stream the movie directly from Walmart.com, VUDU.com, or from one of more than 300 VUDU-enabled devices, including select HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players and the PlayStation®3. "At Walmart, one of our key priorities is to provide a continuous channel for our customers, from our stores to our powerful e-commerce and social media platforms," said Steve Nave, SVP and general manager, Walmart.com. "With VUDU becoming increasingly popular among our customers, we're providing them more access to enjoy this digital entertainment experience directly online at Walmart.com." "This integration allows us to introduce more Walmart.com customers to digital entertainment and give them access to thousands of new release and popular movie titles immediately through VUDU's high-quality streaming service," said Edward Lichty, general manager, VUDU. "By incorporating digital movie content into the Walmart.com entertainment shopping experience, we're enabling customers to easily choose how they want to enjoy their entertainment content – whether that be through a physical DVD, digital streaming or both." Customers Vote for this Friday's 99-cent Movie of the Day To celebrate this launch on Walmart.com, VUDU is inviting fans on Walmart's Facebook page to vote for a new release title that will be available to rent for only 99 cents. The titles to choose from include: "Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules" (PG) "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" (PG-13) "Gnomeo and Juliet" (PG) Customers can vote now by "liking" their pick at www.facebook.com/walmart. The new release title with the most votes by 5 p.m. EDT tomorrow will be available to rent for just 99 cents on Friday, July 29. The integration on Walmart.com is one of many ways VUDU is introducing Walmart customers to digital entertainment. VUDU recently launched the first digital movie card, which allows customers to purchase a VUDU movie in Walmart stores and view the movie digitally through VUDU. The streaming service is also available on almost all of Walmart's Internet-capable HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players, with several models featuring a "one touch" VUDU button on remote controls. About VUDU A leader in HD streaming, VUDU offers the world's largest selection of HD movies, including thousands of blockbusters, Hollywood classics and indies available in stunning HDX 1080p with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound. Movies are available the same day they are released on DVD or Blu-ray, and can be rented or purchased without a subscription. VUDU is available on Internet-capable HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players from FUNAI Electronics (Magnavox, Sylvania), LG Electronics, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, SANYO, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba and VIZIO, and on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system from Sony. VUDU is a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Stores, Inc., and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. For more information, visit http://www.vudu.com/. About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at 9,029 retail units under 60 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://www.walmartstores.com. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com. |
| HTC Puccini tablet shots leak out with AT&T branding, may sport stylus functionality Posted: 26 Jul 2011 10:26 AM PDT  |
| DARwin-OP does the up, down, left, right DDR shuffle (video) Posted: 26 Jul 2011 10:07 AM PDT  |
| Gingerbread comes to T-Mobile G2x, users feel loved again Posted: 26 Jul 2011 09:39 AM PDT  [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] |
| Stanford researchers create transparent battery, dream of a see-through iPhone (video) Posted: 26 Jul 2011 09:34 AM PDT  |
| RadioShack ditches T-Mobile for Verizon, switcheroo happens September 15th Posted: 26 Jul 2011 09:08 AM PDT  Well, it looks like T-Mobile is no longer on friendly enough terms with Radio Shack to call it "The Shack." The retailer announced today that it's ending its partnership with the carrier in favor of a new one with rival Verizon, which will be joining current partners AT&T and Sprint. The last day to buy a T-Mobile phone or service plan at The Shack will be September 14th, with Verizon moving in and setting up shop the very next day. As Reuters notes, however, the move isn't all that surprising -- the partnership has apparently been both an unprofitable one and a rocky one, with Radio Shack recently alleging that T-Mobile had "materially breached" its contract. While that's a bit of a blow for T-Mobile, the move seems to be working out quite well for Radio Shack -- its stock has already shot up more than 20 percent today on the news. |
| Mysterious Samsung shows up in dev center sporting Gingerbread and 1280 x 768 screen Posted: 26 Jul 2011 08:46 AM PDT  |
| New Sony Walkman pops up on UK retail site Posted: 26 Jul 2011 08:24 AM PDT  |
| Netswipe turns your webcam into a credit card reader, brings POS payments to the desktop Posted: 26 Jul 2011 08:00 AM PDT  Credit card fraud costs the banking industry billions of dollars every year, and with companies yet to find an entirely secure system for processing payments online, there's no end in sight for unauthorized transactions. Jumio hopes to bring both security and convenience to the world of online payments, however, with its webcam-based Netswipe secure card reader solution. The system replicates the point of sale (POS) transactions you experience when making in-store purchases, prompting cardholders to scan the front on their credit card, then enter their CVV code using a tamperproof mouse-controlled interface. We're not sure how the software is able to distinguish a physical credit card from, say, a photocopy of a card, but it certainly sounds more secure than the standard input form we use today. It also reduces card number theft from insecure forms and website spoofing, by verifying details through a live video stream. Jump past the break for the full press release, along with video overviews of Netswipe and Jumio, which recently secured $6.5 million in initial funding and is backed by Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. Jumio Turns Any Webcam into a Credit Card Reader, Creating the World's Most Secure Way to Pay Online Company Launches Patented Netswipe Solution to Reduce Fraud for Merchants; Makes Online and Mobile Payments Easier and More Secure than Ever MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – JULY 26, 2011 - Payment company Jumio today unveiled a new technology solution for businesses to increase security and ease of use for online and mobile credit card payments. Jumio's patented Netswipe solution turns a webcam into a secure credit card reader that allows merchants to more easily and efficiently accept payments online. "Jumio bridges the gap between the security and trust of credit card payments at the point of sale and the availability and convenience of modern day online transactions," says Jumio founder and CEO Daniel Mattes. "Consumers love the ease-of-use and the smooth experience associated with completing a transaction. At a time when both consumers and businesses are looking for more efficient and safe ways to make credit card purchases, Netswipe promises to usher in a new era of disruption that makes online payments easier than ever before." Bringing Card Present Transactions Online Jumio developed a technology that utilizes any webcam as a credit card reader to offer consumers a quick and easy way to make purchases online. Netswipe is the first and only solution that enables online card-present-transactions: Checking out just like at the point of sale (POS). To complete a transaction, consumers briefly hold their credit card in front of their webcam. Through secure videostreaming, the credit card details are being recognized and verfied. No snapshot image is being taken, no data is stored on the computer that is used for the payment. A More Efficient Payment Technology for Merchants Business owners can implement Jumio's Netswipe service into their payment process to reduce fraud and increase sales due to a heightened user experience. "During our pilot phase, we have conducted a customer survey with a focus group who have used Netswipe. Amongst other impressive numbers, the churn rate decreased significantly from 52% to 21%." (Mattes) With the launch, Jumio has introduced three products for merchants that simplify the online payment process: Netswipe Start, Netswipe Scanning and Netswipe Processing. Additional products including a mobile solution will be released later this year. Partners, High Profile Board of Directors Jumio's pre-launch negotiations attracted an impressive list of partners. Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, member of the Jumio board of directors, previously led a Series A funding round of US$ 6.5m and will oversee Jumio's rollout into the Asian market. Says Saverin: "I am very excited to be involved with Jumio, which has developed a ground breaking technology that fulfills two of the most important aspects of payments processing: heightened security and a simplified user experience." Additionally, Jumio's advisory board includes former executives from Google, Amazon and NASA. About Jumio Jumio offers an advanced technology that increases security and ease of use for online and mobile credit card payments. Jumio is the inventor of Netswipe, a patented solution that turns any webcam into a credit card reader. Jumio's advisory board includes Zain Khan, former Google executive, Mark Britto, former Amazon executive, Thomas Jungreithmeir, managing director of TJP and Bjorn Evers, former gaming industry CEO. Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin has a seat on the board of directors. Jumio Inc. is headquartered in Mountain View, California and operates a development center in Linz, Austria. The company was founded in 2010 by Daniel Mattes and employs 35 people. More on www.jumio.com |
| HP's AMD-powered Pavilion dm1-3010nr arrives at Verizon with LTE, $600 price tag Posted: 26 Jul 2011 07:36 AM PDT  It's Verizon Wireless' first LTE-powered laptop, but is it really anything to write home about? The familiar HP Pavilion dm1 -- which emerged last year on Big Red's 3G network -- has undergone a minor revision, this time surfacing with a 4G radio and a far more respectable processor. The dm1-3010nr is expected to ship two days from now (you know, alongside that grotesquely overpriced Galaxy Tab 10.1 LTE), with an 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) LED display, 1.6GHz AMD Zacate E-350 APU, 320GB hard drive, 2GB of DDR3 memory, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, a VGA webcam, multi-format card reader and a 64-bit copy of Windows 7 Home Premium. It measures in at 1.2-inches thick and weighs 3.52 pounds, and so far as we can tell, the $599.99 asking price doesn't require a constricting two-year data agreement. We're awaiting specific word from VZW to confirm, but as of now, it looks as if you can get 5GB per month for $50, or 10GB for $80. Looking for that $30 / 2GB plan? Tough luck, bub -- she ain't available here.Update: We've confirmed with VZW that no two-year contract is required with that price. You buy it outright, and then pay month-to-month for data. Verizon Wireless Introduces First 4G LTE Powered Notebook BASKING RIDGE, NJ - Verizon Wireless today announced the HP Pavilion dm1-3010nr Entertainment PC with 4G LTE will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com on July 28. Previously announced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show and powered by Verizon's 4G LTE network, the HP Pavilion dm1-3010nr allows customers to stream high-definition content; play games; video chat; and download music, photos and videos within seconds rather than minutes. Measuring less than 1.2-inches thin, the HP Pavilion dm1-3010nr offers the performance of a notebook with the mobility of a netbook. The notebook's HP CoolSense Technology combines advanced hardware and intelligent cooling software for a notebook that feels noticeably cooler. Key features: * 4G LTE – customers can expect download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G mobile broadband coverage areas * Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit * 11.6-inch High-definition HP BrightView LED Display (1366 x 768) * 1.60 GHz AMD Dual-Core Processor E-350 * 320 GB hard drive with HP ProtectSmart hard drive protection * Memory: 2 GB DDR3 RAM * Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n * VGA webcam with integrated digital microphone * Multi-format digital media card reader for SD cards and multimedia cards * Weight: 3.52 lbs Pricing and availability: * The HP Pavilion dm1-3010nr will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com for $599.99. * Customers will have the option to choose one of the following mobile broadband data plans: o $50 monthly access for 5GB monthly allowance o $80 monthly access for 10GB monthly allowance |
| Mozilla planning a Chrome OS-like operating system for phones and tablets Posted: 26 Jul 2011 07:14 AM PDT  The jury is still out on whether Chromebooks will sell like hotcakes (we're guessing not), but no matter to Mozilla. The organization behind Firefox has plans to develop its own operating system for mobile devices -- a clear shot across the bow at Google's browser-based Chrome OS. In a page on Mozilla's own wiki, a handful of senior developers announced their intentions to create a "complete, standalone operating system for the open web" running HTML5 apps. The OS, codenamed "Boot to Gecko," will be designed with tablets and handsets in mind, says Mike Shaver, the foundation's VP of technical strategy. And here's the fascinating part: the OS will rely on Google's own Android drivers and kernel to boot the device. In a Google Groups discussion thread, the lead devs said they chose Android over a Linux stack since so many device makers have focused their efforts on Android, and it makes sense to "reuse its lower layers." Still, they insist that they otherwise intend to borrow from it as little as possible. Obviously, don't hold your breath for Firebooks, as the project's very much in its infancy, but in the meantime there's some mighty interesting conversation happening in that discussion thread about Mozilla's lofty end game: breaking "the stranglehold of proprietary devices over the mobile device world."[Thanks to everyone who sent this in] |
| Man builds DIY Segway for $434, begins casting 'Arrested Development' fan film (video) Posted: 26 Jul 2011 06:52 AM PDT  This is Petter Forsberg. He's just like you or me, with one important difference: he built his own Segway for €300 ($434). Granted, it doesn't look quite as slick as Dean Kamen's off-the-shelf self-balancing electric vehicle, but if the videos are to be believed (and there are plenty of hi-def ones to choose from), the two-wheeler moves pretty well, particularly when spinning atop old stone structures or beneath a Swedish flag. Forsberg has a breakdown of the project over on his page, which you can find in the source link -- but be sure to check out the video below before heading over. It's not the first DIY Segway we've seen, but darn if it doesn't make us want to find some electric scooters to tear apart. |
| HTC CFO says it's time to 'figure it out' with Apple Posted: 26 Jul 2011 06:26 AM PDT  HTC's CFO Winston Yung appears ready to make a deal with market rival and patent nemesis Apple. The Taiwanese company has had some rather harsh words for the Cupertino crew, and it hasn't seemed any more conciliatory after getting slapped by the ITC. That may be starting to change, as Yung told Bloomberg, "we [Apple and HTC] have to sit down and figure it out." He went on to say that the house that Sense built was open to discussions with Jobs and co. but did not venture to guess what a final agreement might look like. Of course, it's worth pointing out that this is absolutely standard practice, and we'd expect nothing less. In fact, HTC really only has two options here: plead for licensing cooperation, or go into gummy bear sales. |
| Canon launches X Mark I Mouse Lite, pairs ten-digit calculator and Bluetooth laser mouse (video) Posted: 26 Jul 2011 06:00 AM PDT  Have you ever looked longingly at your mouse, noting its underutilized input device real estate? Canon has, replacing that excessive unused space with a built-in calculator in its X Mark I Mouse, announced today for folks in the US. (If you'll recall, we spent a few quality moments with this guy in Germany last year at Photokina.) The combo device provides users with both a physical ten-digit adding machine and a numeric Bluetooth 2.0 keypad, which you can use seamlessly with a variety of apps, replacing the number pad now absent on many desktop and portable keyboards. The company's camera design team helped to create the hybrid input device, which also includes a trio of mouse buttons and laser tracking. Canon also announced its X Mark I Keypad, a full-size calculator with Bluetooth support that's powered by either AAA batteries or a built-in solar panel. Both devices will be available for $60 in August and September, respectively, and will ship in both black and white. CANON U.S.A. ANNOUNCES NEW DESKTOP ACCESSORIES FOR TODAY'S BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS New Products Expand Canon Technology into New Markets LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 26, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, has strengthened the X Mark I series of products today with the launch of two new desktop business accessories, the X Mark I Mouse Lite and the X Mark I Keypad. Designed with input from Canon's Camera design team, these sleek and stylish products are the ideal extension to a laptop's standard keyboard, helping to improve overall work efficiency for business professionals working remotely. "The addition of the X Mark I Keypad and X Mark I Mouse Lite marks Canon's entry into a new product category," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "Canon recognizes that business professionals are always on the search for tools that help improve work efficiency and we feel these new products will certainly accomplish this task." The three-in-one Canon X Mark I Mouse Lite combines the functionality of a laser mouse in addition to a keypad and 10-digit calculator making it ideal for the traveling business professional along with anyone interested in minimizing the number of accessories in a workspace. Available in either black or white, the X Mark I Mouse Lite is compatible with Windows PC or Mac laptops, has three mouse buttons and Bluetooth 2.01 connectivity. In addition, this new mouse has a low battery indicator to avoid running out of power unexpectedly. Designed for the on-the-go business professional, the Canon X Mark I Keypad provides users with a two-in-one keypad in addition to a 10-digit Semi-Desktop Calculator that can be easily paired with either a Windows PC or Mac laptop through Bluetooth 2.01. Powered by solar and AAA batteries, the X Mark I Keypad is available in black or white. The Canon X Mark I Mouse Lite will have an estimated selling price of $59.99 and is expected to become available in August while the Canon X Mark I Keypad will have an estimated selling price of $59.99 and is expected to ship in September. |
| Samsung's LTE-equipped Galaxy Tab 10.1 comes to Verizon on July 28th Posted: 26 Jul 2011 05:42 AM PDT  Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 With 4G LTE Available At Verizon Wireless 4G LTE and Wi-Fi Models Available; 8.6 Millimeters Thin and Weighing in at 1.25 pounds BASKING RIDGE, NJ - Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced that the Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 with 4G LTE will be available July 28 in either Metallic Gray or Glossy White in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com/SamsungTab4GLTE. Key features: * 4G LTE – customers can expect download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G Mobile Broadband coverage areas * Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n * Android™ 3.1 Honeycomb platform – supports Google™ Mobile Services including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Talk™, Google Search™, Google Maps™, Google Movies™, Google Books™ and Android Market™ * Adobe® Flash® 10.3 technology * NVIDIA® Tegra2 dual-core 1 GHz application processor * 10.1-inch HD touchscreen display with WXGA 1280 x 800 resolution * 3-megapixel rear-facing camera and 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat capabilities * 1080p HD video playback on a HD TV or other 1080p HD device * Samsung Media Hub – offers a vast lineup of critically acclaimed films and TV programs for rent or purchase. Media Hub has been redesigned, allowing customers to playback Media Hub content on their TV through an HDMI adapter (sold separately). Purchased content can be shared with up to five devices enabled with Media Hub at no extra cost. Pricing and data plans: * Verizon Wireless will offer two 4G LTE Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 models both priced with two-year customer agreements: $529.99 for the 16GB model and $629.99 for the 32GB model. * Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 customers will have the option to choose one of the following mobile broadband data plans: o $30 monthly access for 2GB monthly allowance o $50 monthly access for 5GB monthly allowance o $80 monthly access for 10GB monthly allowance * A 16GB Wi-Fi-only Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will also be available online at www.verizonwireless.com on July 28 for $499.99. The Wi-Fi-only model will be available in Metallic Grey. Samsung Media Hub Credit: * For a limited time, Verizon Wireless customers will get a free $25 Media Hub credit from Samsung with their Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 purchase, good towards TV program purchases. Restrictions apply, see inbox insert for additional details or visit www.samsung.com/VerizonTabPromo. |
| ARM alchemy turns ubiquity into gold, profits up 25 percent Posted: 26 Jul 2011 05:19 AM PDT  |
| MIDI Mobilizer II stores your musical stylings, plays nice with CoreMIDI apps Posted: 26 Jul 2011 04:45 AM PDT  Much music making progress has been made since we first saw Line 6's MIDI Mobilizer -- namely, Apple put MIDI APIs in iOS and iPads started slinging super funky synthesized songs on the regular. In order to embrace the Cupertino-curated CoreMIDI standard, Line 6 has unveiled the MIDI Mobilizer II dongle. It looks like the original and uses the same MIDI Memo Recorder app to store and dispense your sonic musings, but this $70 piece of kit only works with the 3rd and 4th gen iPod touch, the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, and the iPad and iPad 2. Most importantly, the MIDI Mobilizer is compatible with GarageBand and all the latest CoreMIDI apps the kids are crazy about. Still not sold on the device's ability to help you make a dope digital ditty? Peep the PR and video after the break to learn more. Line 6 Unveils MIDI Mobilizer™ II Portable MIDI Interface For Apple® iPhone® and iPad® Connect any MIDI keyboard to GarageBand® for iPad® and other music apps Anyone with an iPhone or iPad and a MIDI controller can connect MIDI Mobilizer II and be recording and playing music in seconds Calabasas, CA (PRWEB) July 25, 2011 Line 6, Inc. (line6.com), the industry leader in digital modeling technology for musicians, introduces MIDI Mobilizer™ II, its latest portable MIDI interface that connects all classic and modern MIDI equipment to Apple® iPhone® and iPad®. Descended from the first-generation MIDI Mobilizer (the world's first MIDI interface for Apple iOS devices), MIDI Mobilizer II is the ideal MIDI interface for GarageBand® for iPad® and other CoreMIDI music apps. "MIDI Mobilizer II makes portable music production easy," remarked Chris Grigg, Line 6 mobile products manager. "Anyone with an iPhone or iPad and a MIDI controller can connect MIDI Mobilizer II and be recording and playing music in seconds. And with new apps being developed all the time, users can access an incredibly wide variety of instruments, software and more." MIDI Mobilizer II is compatible with CoreMIDI, the new standard for iOS music apps. This allows users to connect their MIDI gear to the latest crop of music apps like GarageBand for iPad and many other exciting music creation and education apps from developers all over the world. MIDI Mobilizer II plus MIDI Memo Recorder, an app created by Line 6 that's free on the App StoreSM, allow users to record, play and back up any MIDI data. MIDI Memo Recorder features a streamlined interface for easy storage and recall of MIDI recordings, patches and more. Users can back up and transfer MIDI data into replacement keyboards, classic and modern MIDI equipment and a variety of Line 6 guitar amplifiers and multi-effect processors. MIDI recordings can also be opened in any digital audio recording software that supports the SMF (Standard MIDI File) format. MIDI Mobilizer II is compatible with iPod touch (3rd and 4th generation), iPhone (iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4), iPad and iPad 2, and is powered through the device – no batteries required. The first-generation MIDI Mobilizer interface is still available and the perfect choice for older iOS devices. It is compatible with iPod touch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation), iPhone (iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS), iPad and iPad 2. MIDI Mobilizer does not support CoreMIDI. For more information, visit http://www.line6.com/midimobilizer. Suggested retail price $69.99 Apple, iPod touch, iPhone, iPad, and GarageBand are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Line 6 and POD are registered trademarks of Line 6, Inc. MIDI Mobilizer is a trademark of Line 6, Inc. |
| Fisker Karma boss nabs first set of keys, s'pose we'd do the same Posted: 26 Jul 2011 03:31 AM PDT  |
| Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound 5 Encore redefines 'affordable,' looks good doing it (video) Posted: 26 Jul 2011 02:20 AM PDT  Bang & Olufsen Launches BeoSound 5 Encore Digital Music System Presenting a window to the world of digital music with patented playlist technology and convenient "plug and play" operation Arlington Heights, IL - July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Bang & Olufsen, the worldwide provider of exclusive, custom made audio and video products, announces the arrival of its BeoSound 5 Encore – a digital music system that allows for easy navigation to one's preferred digital music library, access to over 13,000 internet radio stations and a high quality listening experience featuring an award winning playlist technology, intuitive graphical user interface, and an interactive, convenient operation for the end user. BeoSound 5 Encore is the new addition to the BeoSound 5 digital audio family. It is Bang & Olufsen's plug-n-play answer to a growing demand in the era of digital music, as it allows for easy access of one's music library without a complicated navigation process. BeoSound 5 Encore acts as an all-consuming sound hub with content conveniently and instantly arranged by album, artist, track, or 'favorites' category. It can be used as a stand-alone audio system or in a multi-source/multi-room application. "BeoSound 5 Encore represents the first step into the new digital world where both permanent and temporary devices constantly change," states Zean Nielsen, President of Bang & Olufsen America, Inc. "We believe BeoSound 5 Encore acknowledges the different customer levels – in terms of familiarity with the digital music paradigm – and will appeal to both the technologically advanced and those that prefer a more simplistic way of interacting and navigating with ones preferred digital music library." A variety of sources and genres BeoSound 5 Encore offers easy access to more than 13,000 internet radio stations from all over the world, and with every possible genre and language represented. The quality of the stations is monitored and constantly updated automatically by Bang & Olufsen. In addition to internet radio, BeoSound 5 Encore can browse and play music from a plethora of sources; a connected hard disc, a NAS server, a computer, a USB stick or a handheld device. It supports music in lossless quality; therefore it is possible to enjoy the full qualities of one's favorite music tracks. BeoSound 5 Encore is an excellent and simple solution for those wanting to clean up the mess of a physical, CD-based music collection. Simply connect Encore to a pair of Bang & Olufsen speakers and the setup is complete. It can work as your primary music system connected to the internet (either wired or wirelessly) with access to internet radio and music on a server, or a USB connected hard disc. Additionally, it can also act as an access point for your secondary music devices. The customer can connect up to eight BeoSound 5 Encores to the same server, with the added benefit of being able to play different music content in different rooms at the same time. Resulting in less arguments with the family about what to listen to, and where. Everyone can simultaneously enjoy their favorite tunes in the comfort of their own room, be it internet radio or digital music files, and the music is still stored in one place. Re-inventing the wheel BeoSound 5 Encore conveniently presents a rich choice of content in a well-organized way, appealing to those who desire simplicity and easy access. Visually it proudly displays its design heritage from BeoSound 5 with a unique mixture of mechanical tactile elements and a strong graphical expression. BeoSound 5 Encore features a 10.4" full graphical display and a magical wheel that easily scrolls through even the greatest of music collections at the spin of a finger. With a number of different options for wall, table or floor placement, BeoSound 5 Encore will easily fit into any home decor. Additionally, it has been specially designed with permanent sockets hidden for concealed and elegant cabling. Also, sockets for temporary devices such as USB sticks, portable players or headphones are easily accessible below the display. Automatic playlist with a high IQ The patented MOTS 'More of the Same' algorithm, is an award-winning Bang & Olufsen technology. It automatically captures the unique musical identity of a track and then builds a playlist of similar music – based on parameters such as sound, dynamics, and rhythmic aspects of a particular track. Being the intelligent playlist of the future, MOTS automatically generates a playlist when the user accesses the content of a USB or WLAN/LAN connected device, leaving the end user with more time to rediscover the music collection, instead of manually having to select a number of tracks every time. It is a fast and convenient way to set the musical scene for any mood or setting, (i.e. a dinner party or a laid-back evening on the couch). Additionally, the customer can select a particular favorite playlist offered by MOTS, by simply saving the track initially selected, and then the customer can listen to the specific playlist whenever desired. With the launch of BeoSound 5 Encore, Bang & Olufsen is now able to offer customers two different state-of-the-art digital audio solutions which – with their individual advantages – are designed to exceed the expectations of any discerning customer eager to take the next step into the world of digital music. BeoSound 5 Encore is available for purchase in all Bang & Olufsen showrooms in August 2011. It retails at $3350.00. Bang & Olufsen was founded in Struer, Denmark, in 1925 by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen, two innovative, young engineers devoted to high quality audio reproduction. Since then, the brand has become an icon of performance and design excellence through its long-standing craftsmanship tradition and the strongest possible commitment to high-tech research and development. Still at the forefront of domestic technology, Bang & Olufsen has extended its comprehensive experience with integrated audio and video solutions for the home to other areas such as the hospitality and automotive industries in recent years. Consequently, its current product range epitomizes seamless media experiences in the home as well as in the car and on the move. For more information on Bang & Olufsen, please visit www.bang-olufsen.com. |
| SanDisk Ultra SSD heading to retailers, brings youthful exuberance to aging PCs Posted: 26 Jul 2011 12:58 AM PDT  SANDISK ULTRA SOLID STATE DRIVE (SSD) SHIPS TO RETAILERS New SSD Extends the Life of Desktop and Notebook PCs-Faster and More Reliable Than a Hard Disk Drive SanDisk Ultra® solid state drive (SSD) MILPITAS, Calif., July 25, 2011 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, today introduced the SanDisk Ultra® solid state drive (SSD) for the retail market. The new SSD can extend the life of desktop and notebook PCs, and offers greater performance, durability and power efficiency than a hard disk drive. The SanDisk Ultra SSD is a convenient drop-in solution for technology enthusiasts looking to upgrade their own PCs for an enhanced user experience. The new SSD features: * Fast performance: the drive's up to 280 megabyte per second (MB/sec)1 sequential read and 270 MB/sec sequential write speeds deliver fast data-transfer rates; up to 3 Gb/s random speeds surpass other SATA II SSDs and enable faster system boot and application launch times * Power efficiency: the drive's low power consumption extends battery life, and with no moving parts, the SSD offers silent operation * Long-term reliability: Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)2 of up to 1,000,000 hours "Replacing a computer's hard disk drive with the SanDisk Ultra SSD is more cost effective than buying a new PC," said Kent Perry, director, product marketing, SanDisk. "Our new SSD delivers greater speed and reliability than a hard disk drive at an affordable price." The drive comes in 60 gigabyte (GB)3, 120GB and 240GB capacities carrying MSRPs of $129.99, $219.99 and $449.99, respectively. Consumers in the United States can order the drive now from online retailers such as www.newegg.com. |
| Verizon's Blackberry Bold 9930 unveiled early thanks to website blunder Posted: 26 Jul 2011 12:09 AM PDT  [Thanks everyone who sent this in] |
| Onkyo remote app ushers in a new era of losing Android phones in the couch Posted: 25 Jul 2011 10:52 PM PDT 
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| Griffin's StompBox available to order, virtual guitar shredding now a go Posted: 25 Jul 2011 09:32 PM PDT  Griffin Technology Announces the Availability of StompBox for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch 25 Jul 2011 StompBox stage-worthy multi-functional foot controller and practice rig Nashville, TN – July 25, 2011 – Griffin Technology Inc., makers of innovations for everyday life, is excited to announce that StompBox is now available. StompBox is a programmable multi-functional foot controller that enables virtual guitar effects. Designed to work with any instrument that takes a 1/4-inch jack such as a guitar, bass guitar, electric violin and keyboard, StompBox was created to work with Frontier Design's iShred LIVE app. The combination of StompBox and iShred LIVE allows musicians to switch effects with their feet, without taking their hands off the instrument. StompBox is packaged with the Griffin GuitarConnect cable to enable simultaneous connection to instruments, headphones and an iOS device. Using iShred LIVE, the individual foot switches can be assigned to control different effects within the app, turning your device into a stage-worthy effects rig. Features and functions of StompBox include: 4 button foot controller – brings professional quality foot-switch functionality to iPhone, iPad or iPod touch Assignable foot-activated switches – easily assign StompBox's switches for instrumental performance or for presentations 1/4-inch jack – accommodates variable input pedals like volume or wah-wah 1 meter heavy-duty dock connector cable – easily link StompBox to iPad, iPhone or iPod touch GuitarConnect cable – three-connector cable for simultaneous connection to iOS device, instrument, and headphones, PA or amp StompBox is not just for musicians. Its programmable controls also work with Qscript, Griffin's teleprompter app for iPad. Using StompBox with Qscript you can control text scrolling and other presentation functions with one foot. Pricing & Availability StompBox is available for $99.99 from Apple Retail Stores, www.apple.com or from www.griffintechnology.com. iShred LIVE App for iPad, iPhone or iPod touch is available for free from the App Store at www.itunes.com/appstore. Qscript App for iPad is available for $7.99 from the App Store at www.itunes.com/appstore. |
| Avatar Kinect hits Xbox Live, your own virtual talk show starts today Posted: 25 Jul 2011 08:13 PM PDT  Microsoft has been touting Avatar Kinect, since CES way back in January, and you can now finally it try out for yourself. The Kinect Fun Labs Gadget is available as a free download for all Xbox Live Gold members starting today, and even non-paying Live members can try it out during a limited trial that runs until September 8th. So just what is it? Partly a tech demo showing off things like new facial expression capabilities, but mostly another way for you to hangout with a few friends online -- up to seven in this case, in your choice of 24 virtual environments. Those looking to try something else a little different with Kinect will also be able to download the Kinect Sparkler 3D finger painting application this Thursday, although it'll cost you 240 Microsoft Points. Avatar Kinect and Kinect Sparkler Light Up Kinect Fun Labs on Xbox LIVE This Week Avatar Kinect launches worldwide today as the newest Gadget in Kinect Fun Labs on Xbox LIVE, home to the latest Kinect innovations and never before seen Kinect technology. And the imaginative fun continues when Kinect Sparkler launches worldwide in Kinect Fun Labs this Thursday, July 28. Kinect Fun Labs is available in all Xbox LIVE-enabled countries. Available today, Avatar Kinect is a new social entertainment experience that brings your avatar to life. Avatar Kinect captures your facial expressions and voice so when you smile, nod or speak, your avatar does the same. Invite up to seven friends to join you in 24 imaginative virtual stages – discuss the latest celebrity gossip or news on the Talk Show Stage, try out your hysterical comedy routine on the Performance Stage, or wager who will win the big game in the Sports Party Stage. Share the fun by capturing animated videos you can post online for your family, friends or fans to enjoy. The Kinect sensor can record your session with a producer's editorial eye, following your performance, zooming and panning, just like a real TV production! Share your video recording with friends by uploading it to KinectShare.com and downloading it to your computer, and from there, posting it to your favorite social networking sites, like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and more. Avatar Kinect is available for free to all Xbox LIVE Gold members, but to celebrate its release, Avatar Kinect has been unlocked for all Xbox LIVE members (Free or Gold) to enjoy from July 25 – September 8. Starting Thursday, the Xbox Facebook page is also hosting a special Avatar Kinect contest, featuring an online comedy festival with some of Hollywood's funniest stand-up comedians. Watch the comedians perform through Avatar Kinect and vote for your favorite video for a chance to win an Xbox 360 and Kinect bundle. On July 28, the Kinect innovation continues when Kinect Sparkler launches in Kinect Fun Labs. Kinect Sparkler transforms simple finger painting into an aerial light show, using brand new Kinect technology such as background removal and detailed finger tracking. Use your body as a stencil and your fingers to paint with light or write with sparklers, turning your room into a canvas. You can draw in 3-D, moving the sparklers in front of and behind your foreground image, and then view your creation from multiple angles by moving your head. Share your masterpiece with friends and family by uploading it to KinectShare.com. Kinect Sparkler will be available in Kinect Fun Labs for 240 Microsoft Points. What are you waiting for? Check out all the fun that is waiting for you on Xbox LIVE! |
| Apple patent application takes the hard keys out of the keyboard, promises a flat surface solution Posted: 25 Jul 2011 07:05 PM PDT  |
| A new BlackBerry to be unveiled tomorrow, or so Facebook would have us believe Posted: 25 Jul 2011 06:01 PM PDT  |
| Clearwire announces $99 Clear Spot 4G Apollo hotspot Posted: 25 Jul 2011 05:17 PM PDT  We just spotted it at the FCC earlier this month, and Clear customers will now soon be able to get their hands on the company's new Clear Spot 4G Apollo mobile hotspot. Clearwire announced today that the device will be available for $99 (or leased for $6 a month) in "late July," which should mean any day now unless our calendars are off. Built by Gemtek, the hotspot allows for up to eight simultaneous connections, and promises up to six hours of continuous use from its built-in rechargeable battery -- plans to go along with it start $35 a month, with unlimited mobile data running you $45/month (with no long-term contract, of course). Press release is after the break. CLEARWIRE INTRODUCES NEW CLEAR SPOT 4G FOR MORE WAYS TO CONNECT TO CLEAR 4G SERVICE CLEAR's Uncapped Mobile Broadband Experience Available For Netbooks, Notebooks, Gaming, Entertainment, Social Media, and Numerous Other Devices and Services KIRKLAND, Wash., July 25, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clearwire® (NASDAQ: CLWR), a leading provider of wireless broadband services, today announced the upcoming availability of a the CLEAR Spot® 4G - Apollo, a new personal hotspot that offers super-fast speeds, unlimited** 4G usage plans, and compatibility with millions of mobile devices. Clearwire helped pioneer the adoption of the 4G personal hotspot category with the launch of its first CLEAR Spot in early 2009. The CLEAR Spot 4G - Apollo brings 4G connectivity possibilities to a wide range of Wi-Fi-enabled laptops, netbooks, smartphones, and other connected devices - without the worries or hassles of tiered or capped usage plans. The CLEAR Spot 4G offers the speed and flexibility of a personal Wi-Fi hotspot and can simultaneously connect up to eight Wi-Fi devices at 4G speeds. "With our new CLEAR Spot 4G - Apollo, surfing, streaming, gaming and entertaining are all possible this summer in over 70 markets coast to coast," said Dow Draper, senior vice president of marketing and products for Clearwire. "This device is the ultimate Internet surfing machine and offers today's mobile user, and the millions of Wi-Fi products in use across the country, even greater access to CLEAR's super-fast and affordable 4G Internet service." With CLEAR® super-fast mobile Internet service, users can experience average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps with bursts up to 10 mbps*, using Clearwire's 4G network. Unlike service plans from traditional wireless carriers which cap data usage, CLEAR offers unlimited** 4G usage plans that do not require long-term service contracts. In most markets, unlimited** 4G coverage from CLEAR starts at $35/mo.*** for the home, while unlimited** mobile plans start as low as $45/mo.***. Bundled services such as Home and On-The-Go plans and Home and Voice plans start at $55 per month***. CLEAR service is currently available in areas of the United States where approximately 130 million people live. A detailed map of service availability can be found at www.clear.com/coverage. The New CLEAR Mobile Hotspot The CLEAR Spot 4G is a personal mobile hotspot allowing users to easily and securely share unlimited** super-fast Internet access, anywhere CLEAR has coverage, simultaneously with up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including laptops, smartphones, and portable gaming devices. The CLEAR Spot 4G - Apollo is manufactured by Gemtek and costs $99 (plus tax) or can be leased for $6 per month (plus tax). The device is 3.4" square, weighs less than five ounces, and runs on a rechargeable battery that provides up to six hours of continuous use.**** The CLEAR Spot 4G - Apollo will be available for purchase from select retail stores and dealers, as well as online at www.clear.com/devices/details/id/105 beginning in late July. For more information about CLEAR, visit www.clear.com. Company information about Clearwire is available at www.clearwire.com. For press and broadcast: Product images, video footage and company logos can be downloaded from the Clearwire Newsroom. To subscribe to Clearwire's RSS news feed, click here. |
| Ripple updates its Look nettop with Fusion E-Series chip, leaves its handsome design alone Posted: 25 Jul 2011 04:29 PM PDT  We don't cover nettops a whole lot around these parts, but we were powerless not to gawk when Ripple Korea unveiled the Look, a shapely nettop with a slick paintjob to match. At the time, it packed a dual-core Atom processor and integrated Intel graphics, in keeping with nettops' reputation for not being the most powerful PCs on the shelf. The next generation might be a bit more capable, though -- Ripple just refreshed it with an AMD Fusion E-350 ("Zacate") chip, which means you can almost certainly expect a bump in graphics performance this go 'round. Other than that, the specs haven't changed much: like the previous generation, it comes with 2GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive. No word on pricing, though if the Fusion version is like its Atom-powered predecessor, you'll have your best chances of nabbing one if you make the pilgrimage to Seoul. |
| Scientists prove cosmological speed limit, time travel moves a little further out of reach Posted: 25 Jul 2011 03:48 PM PDT  |
| Virgin Media testing 1.5Gbps internet for lucky Londonites Posted: 25 Jul 2011 03:01 PM PDT  Virgin Media delivers world's fastest cable broadband Virgin Media, the UK's leading broadband provider, is successfully delivering internet speeds up to 240 times faster than the national average to triallists in London. Using Virgin Media's unique cable network, broadband speeds of up to 1.5Gb are being enjoyed around Old Street, an area known as 'Silicon Roundabout', including by members at TechHub, a community and workspace for technology entrepreneurs. The 1.5Gb download and 150Mb upload trial uses the same infrastructure and technology as Virgin Media uses to provide residential customers with speeds of up to 100Mb, already being rolled out to over half of all UK homes. The 1.5Gb trial is the world's fastest cable connection and more than 240 times faster than the national average broadband1. Jon James, executive director of broadband at Virgin Media, said: "As people are simultaneously connecting more gadgets to the internet and doing more online than ever before, we wanted to explore what our unique fibre optic network is capable of. At speeds of up to 1.5Gb, Virgin Media is delivering some of the fastest broadband in the world and, thanks to our ongoing investment, we're able to anticipate and lead the way in meeting growing demand for bandwidth as future services and applications come online." Virgin Media is celebrating the success of its 1.5Gb trial with an event at TechHub today. TechHub members will be showcasing their products, exploring how to make the most of technology, now and in the future, and guests will be given the chance to try out the world's fastest cable connection for themselves. Communications Minister Ed Vaizey attended the event and said: "It is fantastic to see the fastest internet speeds in the world over cable being trialled here in the UK. "This exciting development will help attract new companies and entrepreneurs to the area, bringing new jobs and growth to this part of the capital. "Last year the Prime Minister set out our ambition for London's East End to become a world-leading technology city to rival Silicon Valley. Developments like Virgin Media's will help make this ambition a reality." Elizabeth Varley, co-founder and CEO at TechHub, said: "TechHub members are having great fun with the super speeds and are looking forward to trying out new ideas and applications. Superfast broadband is critical to continued innovation across the UK and Virgin Media's 1.5Gb trial is a great opportunity to explore the future potential." TechHub members are tech entrepreneurs and startup teams, producing interactive applications, software and other products exploring innovative uses of content and technology to develop new businesses and ideas. Other businesses taking part in Virgin Media's 1.5Gb trial include BespokeBanter.com, an online media outfit, and soproductions.tv, a video production company. These superfast speeds are possible because of the £13 billion of private investment made by Virgin Media which means that every cable home is connected to a state-of-the-art fibre optic network by a high-grade coaxial line. As the pace of technological change increases, Virgin Media's future-proofed infrastructure means consumers will be best placed to access future interactive entertainment and public services, such as remote healthcare and online education, as they're developed. The DOCSIS2 technology used throughout Virgin Media's network provides a future-proofed platform with theoretically near infinite capacity. Virgin Media is able to bond multiple downstream and upstream channels together to be used at the same time by a single subscriber to deliver faster speeds. DOCSIS 3.0, the current standard used throughout Virgin Media's network, also incorporates support for Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). |
| Dell UltraSharp U2412M display features 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution and IPS, doesn't cost $999 Posted: 25 Jul 2011 02:32 PM PDT  Sure, 1080p HDTVs aren't exactly an ultra luxury these days, but a 1920 x 1200-pixel IPS panel on your desk? That's a privilege often enjoyed by HD film editors, graphic designers, and those of us who know how to beat the technology ordering system at work. Luckily, Dell's new UltraSharp U2412M isn't ultra expensive, delivering over 2.3 million pixels with its 24-inch LED-backlit display. It also features in-plane switching (IPS) with a wide viewing angle, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, DisplayPort and DVI connectivity, a built-in USB hub, and height adjustability. Oh, and it retails for $399. That price tag may make you reconsider spending an extra $200 per inch for Apple's new $999 Thunderbolt Display, though Dell's 24-incher notably lacks a built-in webcam, and is somewhat limited in the connectivity department. Still, we like to see HD monitors that don't cost more than many all-in-ones, and, knowing Dell, you should be able to find the U2412M for less than retail, assuming you're willing to test your patience with that 17-inch CRT for a few more weeks. |
| Snail Mail My Email outsources your emotions to foreign hands Posted: 25 Jul 2011 01:59 PM PDT  |
| HTC exec Horace Luke leaves company for 'personal reasons' Posted: 25 Jul 2011 01:36 PM PDT  |
| Netflix rises to 25 million subscribers in Q2, thinks DVD business has already peaked Posted: 25 Jul 2011 01:19 PM PDT  Other details include confirmation it will not look into purchasing Hulu, and that it's still negotiating a renewal of its deal with Starz. While the DVD business may have peaked, it's not quite dead yet and Netflix indicated it will start marketing that feature again in the fourth quarter. Click the source link to paw through the PDF yourself, we'll be keeping an ear tuned to the investor call later to find out exactly what the company's executives are thinking. |
| Amazon briefly pulls Cosmo Black Nintendo 3DS due to 'inventory issues,' reinstates it moments later Posted: 25 Jul 2011 01:05 PM PDT  Turns out, "as soon as possible" meant "three minutes later." As of this very moment in time, the handheld is available and in stock over at the world's most recognized e-tailer, with the outfit confirming to us that sales "have been reinstated." At any rate, we suppose this serves to clarify one thing while bringing about a totally separate question -- there's nothing physically wrong with the 3DS so far as Amazon's concerned, but how on Earth is its inventory team reacting that quickly? |
| Sprint details Q4 CDMA Direct Connect launch plans and handsets, quietly waves goodbye to iDEN Posted: 25 Jul 2011 12:51 PM PDT  The Kyocera DuraMax and DuraCore will be joined by an unannounced Motorola smartphone, all of which should be rugged enough to handle the expected field work. Furthermore, Sprint will be adding international push-to-talk (alongside "additional capabilities") in early 2012, and users should see a marked improvement in in-building coverage. Finally, we're told that voice and data capacity is expected to increase significantly as Sprint leverages its spectrum holdings in 800MHz, 1.9GHz, and -- through its relationship with Clearwire -- 2.5GHz. And with that, we'd say your iDEN handset stash just became quite the collector's item. Full details are tucked away in the PR just past the break. Sprint Prepares for 4Q Launch of Sprint Direct Connect with Feature-Rich, CDMA Handsets First phones come packed with broadband capabilities and next-generation functionality; New phones will operate on push-to-talk footprint that's triple the size of Sprint's current one OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), July 25, 2011 - Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced the initial phones it plans to deploy in the fourth quarter when the company launches its next-generation, push-to-talk service powered by Sprint's broadband CDMA network. The new service – Sprint® Direct Connect – will deliver higher bandwidth capacity to keep up with customers' data demands and is expected to extend the company's push-to-talk coverage to almost triple the square miles of the company's current push-to-talk offering. The Sprint Direct Connect phones to be introduced this fall will be the Kyocera DuraCore and the Kyocera DuraMax. As previously announced, a third handset -- a Motorola smartphone -- will be described closer to the launch of Sprint Direct Connect. The devices will feature most of the capabilities available on current Sprint push-to-talk phones plus next-generation, push-to-talk applications and functionality. Specific availability dates and pricing for each device will be released later. "Sprint is thrilled to launch Sprint Direct Connect with a strong starting lineup of phones," said Fared Adib, Sprint vice president of product development. "These devices represent the new gold standard in push-to-talk technology." Devices in 2011 Kyocera DuraMax brings customers advanced technology wrapped in a rugged exterior with a clamshell form factor. It offers military-grade durability, including water resistance when submerged up to one meter for up to 30 minutes. DuraMax comes with an integrated 3.2-megapixel camera and camcorder. The 32GB expandable microSD memory card slot provides the storage capacity required to manage large files on-the-go. Additional key features include: * 2.0-inch QVGA TFT main display * Military standard 810G specifications for dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, blowing rain and immersion * Encased in rubber, non-slip Dura-Grip® material for sure hold and extra durability * Stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology * 2.5mm stereo headphone jack (supports PTT headsets) * 1GB microSD memory card * Large-font menu option * GPS navigation enabled * Supports SMS and MMS messaging and third-party data applications Kyocera DuraCore is an affordable, high-impact solution for a mobile workforce that relies on push-to-talk. Additional features of this rugged, clamshell-style phone: * Military standard 810G specifications for dust, shock and vibration * Encased in rubber, non-slip Dura-Grip material for sure hold and extra durability * Bi-directional speakerphone * Bluetooth wireless technology * 2.5mm mono headphone jack (supports PTT headsets) * Large-font menu option * GPS navigation enabled * Supports SMS and MMS messaging and third-party data applications In addition to Direct Connect® and group calling options, the devices are expected to enable Land Mobile Radio (LMR) interoperability, simultaneous data and push to talk, and availability notification. In early 2012, Sprint Direct Connect will offer additional capabilities, including international push-to-talk. Sprint continues to involve developers in the creation of new applications through its Sprint Gets Rugged application developers program. The program provides information, support and tools needed for developers to port applications to Sprint Direct Connect devices and to create innovative applications. Sprint Gets Rugged application developer program also will be featured at the Sprint Open Solutions Conference, Nov. 2-4, in Santa Clara, Calif. For more information or to register for the conference, please visit http://developer.sprint.com/devcon2011. More information on the Sprint Gets Rugged application developers program can be found at http://developer.sprint.com/SprintGetsRugged. Better Coverage and Capacity Sprint Direct Connect marks a tangible initial benefit of Network Vision, Sprint's blueprint to deploy a cost-effective and innovative network. Announced in December, Network Vision is expected to consolidate multiple network technologies into one seamless network, resulting in enhanced coverage, quality and speed; better network flexibility; reduced operating costs; and improved environmental sustainability. The plan includes a complete upgrade of Sprint's wireless networks accompanied by changes in device chipsets and network infrastructure. The expected benefits of Network Vision to Sprint's push-to-talk customers will be wide-ranging: * Push-to-talk coverage footprint is planned to increase to nearly 2.7 million square miles and is expected to cover a population of 309 million (with the addition of 1xRTT and roaming coverage) – an increase from the iDEN network's 908,370 square miles covering a population 278 million. * In-building coverage is expected to improve significantly through investment in the most advanced CDMA technology and radio equipment. * Voice and data capacity is expected to increase significantly as Sprint will be able to fully leverage its industry leading spectrum holdings in 800MHz, 1.9GHz, and – through its relationship with Clearwire – 2.5GHz. "Our customers are asking for broadband push-to-talk now," said Paget Alves, president-Sprint Business. "We've seen steadily increasing demand for faster data speeds, better and broader coverage, and more applications on push-to-talk devices. Sprint Direct Connect is designed to solve for all three and is expected to come with sub-second push-to-talk call setup time initially in Sprint CDMA Rev. A (3G) coverage areas. Sub-second call setup is expected to expand across the United States with the implementation of Network Vision." During the nationwide implementation of Network Vision, Sprint expects to continue operating the iDEN network at current best-ever performance levels. As the customer base shifts to more broadband-centric push-to-talk applications on the CDMA network and Sprint launches Sprint Direct Connect, iDEN cell sites are expected to be phased out in 2013. Sprint account executives will work with customers to provide a smooth transition with personalized upgrade assistance. Sprint also plans to offer current Nextel Direct Connect customers attractive device pricing to help transition to Sprint Direct Connect. |
| Casio's Bluetooth 4.0 G-Shock is water and shock-resistant, FCC-approved Posted: 25 Jul 2011 12:32 PM PDT  |
| Canon's second quarter profits dip 20 percent amid supply constraints, strong yen Posted: 25 Jul 2011 12:11 PM PDT  Canon had some good news and some bad (but not unexpected) news in its second quarter earnings released today. On the upside, the company has raised its profit outlook for the rest of the year, and says that the recovery from the earthquake that forced it to halt camera production has been "quicker than expected." That halt to production did take a considerable toll on the company, however, and contributed to a 20 percent drop in net profits to ¥53.86 billion, or $685.7 million, compared to a year ago -- a figure that was compounded by a strong yen that further cut into its earnings overseas. That revised profit outlook comes in part from an updated shipment forecast for interchangeable lens cameras -- it now expects to ship 7.3 million instead of seven million, although its forecast for compact cameras remains unchanged at 20 million. Could that also include a few mirrorless models? Perhaps, although all indications are than an actual release will have to wait until sometime next year. |
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