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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

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AMD ships 16-core Bulldozer chips for servers, makes consumers wait their turn

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 11:36 AM PDT

AMD's Interlagos, its server-styled Bulldozer chip -- Mr. Opteron 6200 to you and me -- is being pushed out to retailers and OEMs ready for an October launch. AMD is calling it the first 16-core x86 processor, although as we know from the required reading, it has eight two-core shared modules rather than 16 independent ones. The chips are compatible with Socket G34 motherboards, but most of this first production run will go straight into supercomputer projects. AMD remains mute on progress of the consumer-level Zambezi, but rumors are that the company can't clock it fast enough to compete with Intel's Core i7 -- the very class that Bulldozer was designed to bury.

[Thanks, Sebastian]
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AMD Ships First "Bulldozer" Processors
First Production-Ready "Interlagos" Processor Revenue Shipments Now Underway

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -9/7/2011

Today, AMD (NYSE: AMD) announced revenue shipments of the first processors based on its new x86 "Bulldozer" architecture. Initial production of the world's first 16-core x86 processor, codenamed "Interlagos," began in August and shipping to customers is already underway. Compatible with existing AMD OpteronTM 6100 Series platforms and infrastructure, "Interlagos" is expected to launch and be available in partner systems in the fourth quarter of this year. Many of the initial shipments have been earmarked for large custom supercomputer installations that are now underway.

"This is a monumental moment for the industry as this first 'Bulldozer' core represents the beginning of unprecedented performance scaling for x86 CPUs," said Rick Bergman, senior vice president and general manager, AMD Products Group. "The flexible new 'Bulldozer' architecture will give Web and datacenter customers the scalability they need to handle emerging cloud and virtualization workloads."
About AMD

AMD (NYSE: AMD) is a semiconductor design innovator leading the next era of vivid digital experiences with its groundbreaking AMD Fusion Accelerated Processing Units (APUs) that power a wide range of computing devices. AMD's server computing products are focused on driving industry-leading cloud computing and virtualization environments. AMD's superior graphics technologies are found in a variety of solutions ranging from game consoles, PCs to supercomputers. For more information, visit http://www.amd.com.

Verizon FiOS HD DVR review (1.9)

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 11:00 AM PDT

It seems most have never learned to truly appreciate a DVR, instead thinking of it merely as a tape-less VCR. If you're like us, you love your DVR, but wait with bated breath for the next -- that might be the great one. So it was with great anticipation that we ran the new FiOS HD DVR update (1.9) through its paces. Arguably the biggest update since Verizon released a DVR, it was instantly adored by those lucky enough to have access to it, thanks to its external storage support, enhanced multi-room functionality and slick new 16x9 HD user interface. But does it meet our expectations? And can it compete with the likes of a TiVo or Windows Media Center DVR? Well, you'll just have to click through yourself for those answers.
FiOS HD DVR review (1.9)

Standard DVR disclaimer
Any time we write a DVR review we have to remind ourselves that the world we live in doesn't provide most of us the luxury of choosing our own DVR. What we mean is that most DVRs, and their software, are tied to specific providers and thus not available to everyone. So our questions in this review are two-fold: would we switch to a provider who offered this DVR? And how does it compare to third-party options like Windows Media Center or TiVo?


Hardware

The latest 1.9 FiOS DVR firmware update will run on a number of Motorola models Verizon distributes, but the one to try and get your hands on is the QIP7232 2 -- we say try because apparently Verizon is already back-ordered on filling upgrade requests. The 7232 looks much better than the older 7216, but more important than it's glossy black finish is the 500GB hard drive that lives within. Sure, this is still smaller than most hard drives on the shelf of a big box store, but it's far larger than the typical 160GB HDD found in most provider DVRs.

Motorola QIP7232

The 1.9 update does more than just revamp the user interface -- it actually makes the eSATA port work. Until now, FiOS customers could only stare at this unused port when they ran out of disk space. Now they can grab virtually any external hard drive they want and add some extra recording space. Verizon will only officially support the Western DVR Expander line, but admits that just about any drive will work. But if it doesn't, there's no way to determine why, as there are no logging or troubleshooting tools available to help you find your way. When it does work it's pretty simple: enable the feature, wait for the DVR to restart, then plug in your drive and follow the prompts. At this point your recording gauge will show more free space and new recordings will be on made on your external drive. If, for whatever reason, your DVR dies, your recordings on your external drive die with it, and obviously toting your drive to a friends house will only lead to an opportunity to erase your recordings upon connecting it to their FiOS DVR. And yes, we connected it to our PC only to discover our computer didn't even recognize the partition table.

Motorola QIP7232 ports

Our only complaint with the new set-top box is the LED display, but even this is more of a gripe than a real complain. While we love to have another clock in the house or the ability to check the channel at a glance, the display is very bright and there's no way to tone it down.

Verizon FiOS TV DVR display


There is a recording indicator, though, which although very small is still appreciated. Control freaks will be disappointed that there isn't a two-way RS-232 socket or IP control, but there is at least an IR port to save you from trying to get an IR blaster to stick to the front.
Motorola QIP7232 FiOS DVR

Remote

This is our least favorite part of the Verizon FiOS offering, but that shouldn't be a surprise because we don't believe anyone makes a good remote. Of them, TV providers' are some of the worst, and the FiOS DVR's is no better. It is barely programmable, has few backlit keys and is home to way too many buttons. The biggest offenses are the keys that don't serve any function at all, but next on our hate list are the buttons that we could live without -- do we really need keys for FiOS TV, On-Demand and Options? We're all for quick and easy ways to navigate a menu, but keeping it simple wins in our book -- especially when you do what TiVo does and provide documented shortcuts instead of extra buttons. In fact, we'll go so far as to say the remote is one thing TiVo and Microsoft both do better than any cable provider.

We admit that we don't really hold the remote against Verizon, as we're likely to just use a third-party programmable, but there's still a catch. Have you ever seen an "options" button on a programmable remote (without soft-buttons)? Well, the FiOS user interface is built for the remote, so just replacing the remote isn't the answer here as you'll still have to live with the way the box works. Ultimately, we wish there were fewer buttons on the remote and better ways to perform the same functions via the onscreen display, but there are worse things in life.

Verizon FiOS TV remote

User interface

The 16x9 HD interface on Verizon's Interactive Media Guide looks really good and is head and shoulders above the previous versions of the IMG -- and Verizon has shown that good-looking doesn't have to mean slow, as it's generally very speedy. Most of the menus are an Xbox blade like interface that really doesn't take advantage of the full screen, but instead dedicates a good portion of the screen to a video window -- video that can't be paused while you are in a menu. This is another pet peeve of most provider's DVRs, that persistent video window. It isn't that we never want to be able to attempt to multitask by watching TV and navigating a menu at the same time, it is that we don't always want to. We call it the spoiler window, because while your favorite show is recording and the other show your watching ends, you get to discover the big twist thanks to the video window popping up. There are of course workarounds for the diligent, you just have to be mindful, and quick, to hit exit and then pause.


Aside from the spoiler window and the inefficient use of space in the menus, we really like the overall look of the UI, the colors are look good together and the text is easy to read. The channels logos help spice up the info screens, but the lack of thumbnails for anything except premium on-demand options is disappointing. The general lack of advertising throughout the UI is greatly appreciated, though. Ultimately, the menus don't get in the way and while they could still be better, we like them.


To us, though, the main point of a DVR is to watch what we want, on our schedule. So that starts with discovering content and while we'll hold off on talking about the guide, discovering through search works well, as the B button hot key lets you search from just about any menu. There's also two kinds of text input to make this a smooth ordeal, including a keyboard and number pad. Search is accelerated thanks to filters and the ability to go back to recent searches, and even save searches for later. However, we are greatly saddened by the fact that our custom channel favorites are not among the 16 different search filters such as HD, Flex View, Sports, Now, DVR or even Games. This of course makes as much sense as a marketing email without an unsubscribe link, as it helps Verizon ensure that shows on channels we don't subscribe to will be returned in the results. But don't worry, the DVR will let you schedule recordings on channels you don't subscribe to. They won't actually record, of course, but perhaps the rage from this experience will encourage you to subscribe to all the channels -- you know, as a workaround to this minor problem.


After we found something we wanted to record, we were happy to be to do so with a single press of a button, or press it twice to record the entire series. At this point we can also choose to record the series with options, but thanks to the ability to set our preferred default series recording options, this isn't always necessary -- a smart feature every DVR should have. Among the options are HD, SD and even 3D, or if you aren't particular, you can leave it set to all. Overall the FiOS box excels as a DVR with almost no check boxes unmarked, and comprehensive management abilities like Recorded Status to see how much space you have left, history to see what you might've missed and why, scheduled to ensure your favorite shows on are deck, and a series manager to make sure your DVR's priority matches your's. There's even a recently deleted list which sadly lacks the required retina sensor to tell who deleted your favorite show -- in lieu of that, the time it was deleted would've been nice.


Playback works as expected, as you select your show from a drab list of your recordings that are always in folders and are only sorted by recorded date. The list does change the text from white to yellow to indicate that you've have watched a portion of and it displays the original air date as well as the date recorded, which are both key in ensuring you watch your shows in the proper order. You can even search your recordings and play them back directly from the results. After making your selection, you're met with the usual transport controls, and the scrub bar is integrated in with the info screen. We appreciate the easy access to the current time, show info, and both the current time and the exact time remaining. What we really missed, though, was having the scrub bar show up every time we hit a transport button. It shows up when you hit play, pause, fast forward or rewind, but not when you skip forward and back. Not sure why Verizon would do this, but hopefully they'll address it in a future update.

While the developers are making changes, we'd also like to suggest that they make the default replay 10 seconds instead of 30. To be fair, this really isn't a complaint since it can easily changed be in settings, which also gives you the option of stretching the replay time to one minute or even five. If you need to skip large portions of the show, we find the chaptering feature more useful than changing the skip settings. Basically, the chapter feature breaks your show up into three- or 10-minute chapters and usually adds thumbnails to make them more easily recognizable. It's an odd name for the feature considering it doesn't actually break up your shows in a way makes sense -- you know, like plot lines -- but it is an easy way to quickly jump around your recordings. TiVo skips to tick and Media Center's direct access work better, but then again, we can't think of another provider DVR that has anything like this.


Guides

If you're a check-the-guide-first-and-everything-else-second type, then you're going to love the Verizon FiOS IMG 1.9. This is because it actually has four different ones and we have to say that they are all fabulous in their own right. First off, they all make great use of the HD display. It's easy to select your two favorites and set one to your primary and another to your secondary guide. A single press of the guide button will take you to your primary guide, a second press, to your secondary guide and a third back to where you were. You can also easily access the half-screen and mini-guide by hitting up or down, respectively, while watching live TV. All four share the same filters that thankfully includes two customizable favorites as well as an HD filter and subscribed -- the one we really wish we could apply everywhere.

Each guide is so good, we're going to go through them one by one. First up is the classic grid, which Verizon calls the full guide. The video preview window is pitifully small, but we don't care because it shows seven channels of data and two and a half hours, which means it stretches from edge to edge. It even has a scrub bar across the top to easily see how far along a show is. The skip buttons easily jump two hours, the channel buttons page up and down and the fast forward and rewind buttons skip a full 24 hours. The channel logos on the left are nice, as is the way the current channel automatically expands out to see the details of the selected show.


The channel guide is next and it's our favorite. It reminds us of everything we love about TiVo's list guide -- it's easy to see what's on for hours and easy to discover content. But it's T menus are a much better idea than TiVo's, and we love how we can quickly see the next six shows on on each channel. The space on the bottom left of the T is a nicely sized video window with the opposite side showing the details of the selected program. The buttons are a bit different but you can still easily skip days or channels to see what's on.


The half-screen guide is like nothing we've ever seen and is perfect for a 16x9 display with its large video preview window. It doesn't display as much information as the previous two, but it does indicate what's on six different channels and still manages to fit in the info and channel logos, but only shows what's on right now.


We've always been big fans of mini guides and this one might be the best ever. It of course shows you the show info of what you're watching as well as how much time is left, but it also gives super easy access to the next three shows on the current channel. The three channels listed on the left make it intuitive to know that you can navigate up or down to explore other channels.


Overall, all four guides are quick and responsive and well suited for traditional TV viewing and some old-fashioned discovery, but Verizon doesn't appear to be spending much time trying to redefine how people discover shows. There are social widgets, but no social integration to see what your friends are watching. There isn't a way to rate shows and thus it doesn't make suggestions. There isn't an easy way to jump from one show to another based on actor or director, and the only "More like this" button in the info screen takes you to video on-demand options. There is a way to bookmark video on-demand offerings, but this feature is mostly a workaround for the web and mobile apps, which offer limited control over the DVR. In other words, it's not exactly a neat queue of shows to watch.

Multi-room viewing

The great American pastime -- watching TV, obviously -- has a lot of modernizing to do and the DVR is the stepping stone to that end. There are little rocks in between those stones and the latest from Verizon is just that. What we mean is that the multi-room DVR is a solid step toward changing the way people watch TV, but we're sad to say that the IMG 1.9 doesn't realize our multi-room dreams. That dream is a DVR that provides the exact same experience no matter what room we're in. The same recordings, the same ability to record, the same everything. Why should it matter where we're sitting? We just want to spend a few minutes to take in our favorite show.

Instead, like its competitors, each Verizon FiOS DVR has its own list of shows, depending on where they were recorded, and some features like chapters don't work when watching content from other rooms. Worse, if the tuners in the room are booked up, you have to walk to another room to resolve the conflict. That's not to say we don't appreciate the improvements this update brings, since previous FiOS DVRs couldn't stream to another DVR at all, but it isn't quite where it needs to be. The good news is that you can stream one HD show from any DVR on any TV in the house at a time, and that experience is very snappy and responsive. You can have up to seven boxes working together so if they were all DVRs that would give you 14 tuners and 3.5 terabytes of storage! The resume does work between DVRs and setup is easy, but the lack of conflict resolution or even a single list of recordings leaves us wanting more. Not even our custom channel favorites sync between DVRs -- but hey, at least the parental control pin can.


Android and iOS apps

Tablets and smartphones have a real place in the living room so any modern DVR can't be complete without a few points of integration. We found the Verizon FiOS Mobile app very useful for things like scheduling recordings or checking to see what's on without letting video take over the big screen, but it leaves a lot to be desired after you've tried something like TiVo Premiere for iPad. The main missing piece here is the ability to control the DVR with a tablet, instead of the regular remote. Sure, you can always bring up an image of the old school remote on the screen, but that isn't exactly what we had in mind. What we actually wanted was to do things like play a recording from a list on the tablet screen, or to select and start a video on-demand offering without navigating any on-screen menus. The bottom line is we found ourselves switching back and forth between the tablet and the trusty remote, which isn't ideal. Our favorite part was scheduling recordings from the tablet's guide, which worked great whether we were searching or browsing and, at least on the iPad, we could quickly switch between other apps.
Verizon FiOS Mobile iPad app
Verizon FiOS DVR Manager iPhone app

On-demand content

One of the most compelling reasons to use a provider's DVR is the free and premium video on-demand options, since they simply aren't available if you bring your own DVR. But while free is always good and the quality here was at least acceptable (don't expect Blu-ray), finding content was anything but easy. Verizon actually does a pretty good job getting the premium content in front of you, but if you want the HD freebies, you're going to have to dig a little. The layout of the free content is arranged in long lists that can be searched but not filtered. The only thing we do like about the presentation is the ability to bookmark things to make them easy to find later. And, you can bookmark from Verizon's website, a tablet, a smartphone or another set-top. So while we appreciate the free options, we wish as much effort was put into helping us to discover content as was put into selling premium on-demand programming. After making a selection, the experience is consistent with watching recorded content, but with only the ability to pause and fast forward or rewind at 2x, it can be hard to jump to a specific spot.


Wrap-up

If you're a current FiOS DVR user, the 1.9 update is well worth the wait and probably the most significant update from Verizon since launching its FiOS TV service. If you're thinking of switching to Verizon and are worried that the DVR isn't as good as the one you got from your current provider, don't, because it is much better. In fact we'd say the Verizon FiOS DVR is the best provider DVR we've ever tried -- except maybe DirecTV, which is one of the few DVR's we've never reviewed. Of course, another great thing about Verizon FiOS if you have another choice; bring your own DVR. So at $19.99 a month for the first multi-room DVR and $15.99 each additional, TiVo and Windows Media Center make compelling cases at a competitive price. So while we really like the work Verizon has done here, we're not ready to crown it the best DVR out there, even if you are lucky enough to live somewhere Verizon FiOS TV is available.

Orange / Deezer strike mobile music streaming deal

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:44 AM PDT

When it comes to music subscription services, Spotify isn't the only game in town -- but you knew that already. Here in the States we've got Rhapsody and Rdio to name but a couple, and in Europe, Deezer has been making a bit of a name for itself over the past few years. The French service will likely be expanding its reach in the UK, thanks to a deal struck with Orange. Deezer is now available as part of the carrier's Panther plan -- Orange customers on other plans will have to pay £9.99 a month to get their stream on. Press release after the break.
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Music to your ears: Orange unveils partnership with premier music streaming service Deezer

Orange today announced an exclusive partnership for their customers, with music streaming service Deezer. The launch of Deezer Mobile which is exclusively available to Orange pay monthly customers means that for the first time customers can stream music on their phones as part of their tariff.

Deezer will be offering a standalone service at £9.99 per month which gives customers access to millions of music tracks and albums, as well as 30 radio channels in 12 music genres, 30,000 artist based radio channels and thousands of artists' discographies, biographies and reviews on their mobile or PC. However, Orange mobile customers will be able to get an exclusive mobile only package, Deezer Mobile, included as part of their tariff which means they can stream up to 13 million tracks from all major labels without the interruption of advertisements, as well as the ability to download music and play it offline1.

"We know that our customers love music, and so we're really excited about being the only network to be able to give them access to their favourite artists on their phones wherever they are," Pippa Dunn, Chief Marketing Officer, Orange UK.

Deezer is fast becoming the music streaming service of choice, having launched in France and already boasting 20 million users worldwide, 6 million unique visitors to their website per month and more than 1.2 million premium subscribers. Offering hints and suggestions through reviews, bios and more as well as unlimited streaming of an impressive catalogue., In addition, Deezer features a dedicated editorial team who live and breathe music. Easily accessible reviews, artist bios and more allow users to discover brand new artists and genres as well as share their favourite tracks, playlists and albums with friends. Deezer's ambition is to become the number one destination for all UK music fans.

Streaming music packages to be introduced will include:

Deezer Mobile - This exclusive mobile package is available for Orange pay monthly customers on Panther as part of their existing tariffs, offering unlimited access to Deezer's full music catalogue via mobile-only, with enhanced sound quality and no ads

Deezer Premium+ - For music lovers looking for seamless music enjoyment between their PC and mobile, this premium service is available for £9.99 per month

"Deezer has always aimed to put fans in control of their own music – whether at a desk or on the move," said Mark Foster, MD Deezer UK. "We're delighted to be partnering with Orange to offer a truly flexible mobile music experience, and look forward to seeing all the tapping feet on the tube."

Deezer will be available to Orange customers from the 6th September. For more information visit your local Orange store.

Iridium AxcessPoint turns your satellite phone into a mobile hotspot

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:24 AM PDT

Iridium AxcessPointHello there traveler. Have you discovered that you sorely miss being connected to the internet while wandering the desert or adrift at sea? Sure, you could buy a satellite modem, but after dropping a cool grand on a satellite phone you're probably not looking to break the bank just to check your e-mail. Iridium's new AxcessPoint may be just what you're looking for. Sure, the $200 asking price for this deck-of-cards-sized device isn't exactly chump change, but it's far cheaper than other solutions. Simply plug it into a compatible Iridium phone and you've got an instant mobile hotspot. Yes, the speeds are going to be of the sub-dialup variety and you'll have to fork over $1 for every minute of data used, but it's a small price to pay for being able to check your latest Groupon offers while floating in the middle of the Sargasso Sea. Check out the PR after the break.

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Iridium Force(TM) -- A New Vision for Global Communications -- Designed to Enhance and Expand the Way People and Organizations Connect Everywhere
Iridium Introduces New Products and Services That Demonstrate the Power of Iridium Force

MCLEAN, Va., Sep 7, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Iridium Communications Inc. IRDM +3.45% today announced its vision for the future of personal mobile satellite communications, Iridium Force(TM). This vision uses the power of the world's furthest reaching network to accelerate the development of enhanced personal communication capabilities for people and organizations everywhere. Iridium Force breaks the mold of traditional satellite industry go-to-market strategies by making Iridium technology more accessible and cost-effective for partners to develop a wider range of Iridium-based products and services. This new vision opens the licensing of core Iridium technologies as well as the company's most fundamental offering -- global connectivity.

Five key tenets guide the Iridium Force strategy:

-- Extend beyond satellite phones: Iridium is enabling communications where
people need them most, and in more ways than they expect, and connecting
to Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as smartphones (BlackBerry(R), Android(R)
or Apple iPhone(R)), tablets and laptops, as well as favorite
applications, far beyond the reach of terrestrial networks;
-- Simplify connections: Iridium is investing in making its technology more
accessible and cost-effective for partners to embed across an
ever-widening range of services;
-- Drive innovation: Iridium is opening and licensing its core technologies
and its network so it can collaborate with a broader set of innovators
to create new solutions for expanding new markets;
-- Enable location-awareness: Iridium is integrating GPS location-based
services for on-the-go location-specific applications and personal
security capabilities; and
-- Perform without compromise: Iridium continues its promise to provide
tough, dependable, truly mobile devices and services that work reliably
everywhere on the surface of the planet.

"Iridium pioneered the satellite phone industry more than 10 years ago with the first handheld, commercial satellite phone," said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. "With Iridium Force, we are leading an industry transformation once again by significantly extending the universe of handheld connectivity options. Iridium Force is our strategic vision for rapidly connecting more people in ways never thought possible -- even going beyond the limits of our own devices. Iridium Force is more than the launch of a new satellite phone; it signifies our commitment to enable powerful new capabilities including those devices that are already in customers' hands to work on the Iridium network -- today and in the future."

New product and service offerings being announced today encompassing Iridium Force include:

Voice and Data Products

-- Iridium Extreme(TM) -- Iridium Force has inspired the introduction of
the most advanced, rugged satellite handset on the market. Iridium
Extreme is the smallest and lightest Iridium handset model, with the
ability to precisely locate users anywhere on the surface of the planet.
It meets stringent U.S. Department of Defense Military Standard 810F for
durability and is rich in capabilities, featuring the first dedicated,
two-way emergency SOS button on a satellite phone. The phone leads the
market in its offering of online tracking portals, with fully integrated
GPS and location-based service (LBS) capabilities for web-based location
identification and tracking of friends, loved ones or employees. Iridium
Extreme delivers reliability, safety and peace of mind everywhere.

-- Iridium Core 9523 --This voice and data module is the "brains" of the
Iridium Extreme satellite phone. The Iridium Core 9523 is a
sophisticated and flexible device packaged into a small and
cost-effective platform for partners to develop new Iridium-based
handheld solutions. Iridium is licensing this core technology to
innovators who require the building blocks to develop their own
Iridium-based global voice and data communication devices and solutions.
A number of our partners are already developing products and services
surrounding the Iridium Core 9523.

Location-Based Services (LBS) Data Offerings

-- Iridium Tracking Portals -- Customers can now access location
monitoring, messaging and safety tools enabled by the Iridium Extreme
satellite phone. More than 17 of our partners are creating customized
online tracking portals developed using Iridium's open software
platform. Portal features include tracking an Iridium Extreme user's
real-time status and location, zooming to street level via online maps,
scheduling regular check-ins, providing emergency services,
"geo-fencing," and sending free-form, canned and social networking
messages.

Wi-Fi Products and Services

Iridium is also introducing new products and services that will allow Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones, tablets and laptops to connect anywhere on the Iridium global network.

-- Iridium AxcessPoint -- Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones, tablets and laptops
will be able to connect anywhere through the Iridium network. Iridium
AxcessPoint is a portable and lightweight Wi-Fi hotspot accessory that
easily connects BlackBerry and Android devices to the Iridium network
using an Iridium Extreme or Iridium 9555 satellite phone. iPhone, iPad
and iPod Touch devices, and Windows and Mac laptops, will need to
download the new, free Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web application.
Iridium AxcessPoint is expected to be available in fourth quarter of
2011 with a suggested retail price of less than $200 (USD).

-- Iridium AxcessPoint Connect -- Created for Iridium phone users
travelling with laptops, this downloadable application for use with the
Iridium Direct Internet software connectivity tool turns any Windows
laptop into a global Wi-Fi hotspot when connected to an Iridium Extreme
or Iridium 9555 satellite phone. Iridium AxcessPoint Connect enables
Wi-Fi compatible devices, such as smartphones, to synchronize and
respond to email or use the Internet over the Iridium network. Users can
download Iridium AxcessPoint Connect and Direct Internet applications
free of charge.

Standard airtime charges apply for use over the Iridium network for the solutions listed above.

"A satellite-based hotspot and product suite will empower today's enterprise and consumer users, who demand ubiquitous connectivity on devices they are familiar with," said Yankee Group Analyst John Keough. "For multinational organizations, such a suite provides a simple global alternative to navigating the complex roaming agreements currently found on terrestrial networks."

For more information on Iridium Force and the products and services announced today, visit www.iridium.com .

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ever-expanding ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. The company has a major development program underway for its next-generation network -- Iridium NEXT. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbols IRDM (common stock) and IRDMW ($7.00 warrants). For more information about Iridium products, services and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not purely historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the timing of the development and introduction of new products and services by Iridium and its partners, anticipated improvements in accessibility and cost-effectiveness for partners to develop a wider range of Iridium-based products and services, and the development and deployment of the Iridium NEXT system. Other forward-looking statements can be identified by the words "anticipates," "may," "can," "believes," "expects," "projects," "intends," "likely," "will," "to be" and other expressions that are predictions or indicate future events, trends or prospects. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Iridium to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties regarding the health, capacity and content of Iridium's current satellite constellation, Iridium and its partners' ability to develop and market new products and services, and the development of and transition to Iridium NEXT, as well as general industry and economic conditions, and competitive, legal, governmental and technological factors. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements include those factors listed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 7, 2011, and in the company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, filed with the SEC on August 8, 2011. There is no assurance that Iridium's expectations will be realized. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Iridium's underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Iridium's forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Iridium undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: Iridium Communications Inc.

Sony's F65 CineAlta 4K camera now available for a paltry $65,000

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:02 AM PDT

Sony's F65 CineAlta camera now has a price tag to match its name -- and its girth. The imager, which was first unveiled at this year's NAB Show, has now been officially released ahead of this week's IBC conference in Amsterdam. The newest member of the CineAlta family captures images in 4K (4096 x 2160) resolution and features a speedy 20.4 megapixel, Super 35mm CMOS sensor, capable of reaching up to 72fps at 4K resolution and 120fps on 2K. The F65 also comes boasts 16-bit RAW output at 19Gbps on 4K and WiFi connectivity that allows you to manipulate it from the comfort of your tablet. The shooter won't start shipping until January, but filmmakers or production houses with lots of disposable income can order one now, for a mere $65,000. More details await you in the press release, after the break.
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Sony Launches F65 CineAlta Camera and Unveils End-to-End 4K Workflow for Digital Cinematography

Breakthrough Price and IT-based Open Platform Technology Deliver Unprecedented Levels of Production Flexibility for Content Creators

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Electronics officially raised the curtain on its F65 CineAlta™ digital motion picture camera system, ushering in a new era of digital cinematography. Before a select audience of American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) members, press and high-profile industry professionals, Sony screened new F65 footage shot by leading DPs, demonstrated new features and announced its roll-out plan for the revolutionary camera, including availability and a surprisingly accessible price of just $65,000 (with viewfinder).

Announced here only days before the F65 will be shown to a worldwide audience at the IBC conference in Amsterdam, the new camera clearly signals Sony's commitment to the Hollywood community and to developing the production technologies content creators need.

The F65 derives true 4K resolution – and beyond – at the point of image capture. "4K" resolution is 4096 x 2160, which is more than four times greater than the full HD (1920x1080) spec. Its unique 8K image sensor, with approximately 20 total megapixels, offers higher image fidelity than any other digital cinema production camera. With 16-bit Linear RAW File output capability, the F65 creates the gateway to an end-to-end 4K file-based mastering workflow.

"This is the camera Hollywood has asked for, designed specifically for filmmakers," said Alec Shapiro, senior vice president of Sony's Professional Solutions of America group. "The ability to shoot content in true native 4K resolution lets filmmakers capture more of what they're seeing through the lens to fully realize their vision. The F65's incredible imager captures more data, which translates to more information that can be put up on the screen. And access to an open and inclusive platform enables the integration of an F65 file-based workflow into other systems, creating truly exciting, and limitless, production opportunities."

Sony first announced the F65 at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in April, and the camera has already distinguished itself by offering superb resolution, incredible dynamic range and the truest color reproduction of any available camera.

With its latest enhancements and features, the F65's capabilities now include:

• 14 stops High Dynamic Range with much wider color gamut
• Rotary shutter model (F65RS) to remove motion artifacts; four ND Filter built-in with rotary shutter.
• Wi-fi operation for remote control operation from tablet devices (including the Android-based Sony Tablet S and Apple iPad)
• HD-SDI output with viewing LUT for on-set monitoring with focus assist zoom
• 60 Minutes of 16 bit Linear RAW file recording onto a 1TB SRMemory card at 24FPS

Sony also introduced a dockable SRMemory recorder – model SR-R4 – which attaches to the camera to record directly to an SRMemory card of 256 GB, 512 GB or 1TB capacity with data security and sustained throughput of 5.5 Gbps.

Sony is now unveiling a powerful new capability for the F65/SR-R4 combination – the ability to switch recording between 16-bit linear RAW File and MPEG-4 SStP File modes. Users can configure the camera on a project-by-project basis, selecting either 16-bit linear RAW File for ultimate quality acquisition or high speed operation at up to 120FPS, or MPEG-4 SStP File (HDCAM SR native) for exceptional quality HD recording. MPEG-4 SStP File also provides full compatibility for viewing, offline and post production using either the free Sony PC or MAC viewer or products using the new Sony Software Development Kit.

The F65 is in high demand by the motion picture production industry, and Sony is now taking orders for the new camera. The first rental company in Hollywood to take delivery will be Otto Nemenz International.

"The F65 is more than just a new camera; it's a complete system and a revolutionary approach to the digital production workflow," said company president Otto Nemenz. "My customers are looking for the latest and greatest, and this technology more than fits the bill. I'm proud to be the first to carry this camera."

New CineAlta(TM) Branding

Since its introduction more than 10 years ago, the CineAlta brand has come to represent the benchmark for the highest quality digital cinematography acquisition. Now, to coincide with the launch of the F65, Sony is introducing a new CineAlta logo, signifying acquisition quality at "Beyond HD" resolution and reflecting the open nature of the F65 and its file based approach.

The new logo is designed to resemble the symbol for infinity, as the F65 with its new image sensor makes true 4K production real today and provides viable image acquisition for many years and future applications to come. The logo will be applied to all Sony system components that enable digital imaging beyond the 1920 x 1080 HD format.

"From the success of Sony 4K projectors which are driving digital cinema in movie theaters and creating demand for 4K content, to the staggering creative possibilities offered by the F65, no other company can deliver the total 4K lens to theater experience that Sony can," Shapiro said. Sony has already installed more than 9,000 4K projectors in cinemas worldwide.

The F65 digital motion picture camera line-up is scheduled to be available in January direct from Sony: The F65, with viewfinder for $65,000; the F65RS (Built in Rotary Shutter Model), with viewfinder for $77,000; and SR-R4 dockable recorder for $20,000. All will also be available through Sony authorized resellers.

iCloud Communications drops lawsuit against Apple, decides to change name instead

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:41 AM PDT

iCloud Communications seemed mighty confident back in June, when it filed a lawsuit against Apple over the name of Cupertino's online storage service. But the Arizona-based company has now dropped the suit altogether, opting to change its own name, instead. On Thursday, the VoIP provider filed a notice of voluntary dismissal with a US District Court, effectively bringing an end to litigation. CNET is also reporting that the company appears to have changed its name to Clear Digital Communications -- a firm that, according to its Facebook page, is located at iCloud's exact same Phoenix address. A wall post from last month, moreover, reads, "iCloud is now Clear Digital Communications," while iCloud's site, Geticloud.com, now displays a message confirming that "this website is coming soon." Neither Apple nor the ostensibly erstwhile iCloud have commented on the development, but it certainly looks like the clouds of controversy have cleared away.

Velocity Micro Cruz T410 Gingerbread tablet will run you a penny under $300

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:22 AM PDT

Looks like the T408 has company. Velocity Micro today announced the Cruz T410, the bigger brother to the recently unveiled eight-inch T408. The 10-inch tablet rocks similar specs as its smaller sibling, including a 1GHz Cortex A8 processor, Android 2.3, a front-facing camera, WiFi, and pre-loaded Amazon content. The budget Android tablet will be available this month, running $299.99 -- $60 more than the T408, but still fairly affordable in the tablet world. Press release is after the break.
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Velocity Micro Announces the Availability of Two Remarkably Affordable New Android Tablets

RICHMOND, VA - September 7, 2011 - Velocity Micro, the premier builder of award winning enthusiast desktops, laptops, peripherals, and the remarkable Cruz tablet, announces the availability of two new Android tablets - the 8" Cruz T408 and the 10" Cruz T410. Designed by Velocity Micro's team of world class engineers to emphasize speed, content, style, and value, these newly announced Cruzes provide all of the features consumers are craving while still hitting an attractive pricepoint, making them the perfect devices to tap into a new market of value conscious shopper. The T408 and T410 will retail at $239.99 and $299.99 respectively.

"With these new tablets, we've leveraged our years of expertise in building premium, award winning desktops to create two new devices that are fast, feature rich, and amazingly affordable," said Randy Copeland, President and CEO of Velocity Micro. "Making expensive, jaw dropping products is easy – speed and value are what we focused on with these new devices. We've succeeded in both regards with the T408 and T410. They're really fast and very affordable."

The 4:3 aspect ratio 8" Velocity Micro Cruz T408 is thin and lightweight, the perfect size for on the go users unwilling to sacrifice on power or functionality. At just $239.99, it's the first 8-inch tablet to offer a premier customer experience at a mainstream value. Featuring a lustrous design with smooth, clean lines and thin bezels for a sleek appearance, the 16:9 ratio 10" Velocity Micro Cruz T410 has all the look and feel of a premium Android tablet but at $299.99, comes at almost half the price.

Key features and specs of both the Cruz T408 and T410 include:

Ultra responsive capacitive touch screens
1GHz Cortex A8 processors
Front facing cameras
802.11n Wi-Fi
A premium software suite including full versions of Angry Birds Rio and QuickOffice™
Content via Amazon® Kindle™ for Android
Downloadable Apps from the Amazon Appstore preinstalled - access to thousands of pretested applications
A fully licensed version of Adobe® Flash® Player 10.3
Android™ version 2.3 (Gingerbread)
1-year parts and labor warranty with premium 100% US-based, non-tiered support

IBM and 3M join forces to fab 3D microchips, create mini-silicon skyscraper valley

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 08:59 AM PDT

3D hype is fast wearing out its welcome, but there's at least one area of industry where the buzzed about term could usher in true innovation. Announced today as a joint research project, IBM and 3M will work towards the creation of a new breed of microprocessors. Unlike similar three-dimensional semiconductor efforts by Intel, the two newly partnered outfits plan to stack up to 100 layers of chips atop one another resulting in a microchip "brick." Under the agreement, IBM will contribute its expertise on packaging the new processors, while 3M will get to work developing an adhesive that can not only be applied in batches, but'll also allow for heat transfer without crippling logic circuitry. If the companies' boasts are to be believed, these powerhouse computing towers would cram memory and networking into a "computer chip 1,000 times faster than today's fastest microprocessor enabling more powerful smartphones, tablets, computers and gaming devices." That's a heady claim for a tech that doesn't yet exist, but is already taking swings at current faux 3D transistors. Official presser and video await you after the break.
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3M and IBM to Develop New Types of Adhesives to Create 3D Semiconductors


ST. PAUL, Minn. and ARMONK, N.Y., Sept. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 3M and IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that the two companies plan to jointly develop the first adhesives that can be used to package semiconductors into densely stacked silicon "towers." The companies are aiming to create a new class of materials, which will make it possible to build, for the first time, commercial microprocessors composed of layers of up to 100 separate chips.


Such stacking would allow for dramatically higher levels of integration for information technology and consumer electronics applications. Processors could be tightly packed with memory and networking, for example, into a "brick" of silicon that would create a computer chip 1,000 times faster than today's fastest microprocessor enabling more powerful smartphones, tablets, computers and gaming devices.

The companies' work can potentially leapfrog today's current attempts at stacking chips vertically – known as 3D packaging. The joint research tackles some of the thorniest technical issues underlying the industry's move to true 3D chip forms. For example, new types of adhesives are needed that can efficiently conduct heat through a densely packed stack of chips and away from heat-sensitive components such as logic circuits.

"Today's chips, including those containing '3D' transistors, are in fact 2D chips that are still very flat structures," said Bernard Meyerson, VP of Research, IBM. "Our scientists are aiming to develop materials that will allow us to package tremendous amounts of computing power into a new form factor – a silicon 'skyscraper.' We believe we can advance the state-of-art in packaging, and create a new class of semiconductors that offer more speed and capabilities while they keep power usage low -- key requirements for many manufacturers, especially for makers of tablets and smartphones."

Bonding entire wafers is a goal

Many types of semiconductors, including those for servers and games, today require packaging and bonding techniques that can only be applied to individual chips. 3M and IBM plan to develop adhesives that can be applied to silicon wafers, coating hundreds or even thousands of chips at a single time. Current processes are akin to frosting a cake slice-by-slice.

Under the agreement, IBM will draw on its expertise in creating unique semiconductor packaging processes, and 3M will provide its expertise in developing and manufacturing adhesive materials.

"Capitalizing on our joint know-how and industry experience, 3M looks forward to working alongside IBM – a leader in developing pioneering packaging for next-generation semiconductors," said Herve Gindre, division vice president at 3M Electronics Markets Materials Division. "3M has worked with IBM for many years and this brings our relationship to a new level. We are very excited to be an integral part of the movement to build such revolutionary 3D packaging."

Adhesives are one of 3M's 46 core technology platforms. 3M adhesives are precisely engineered to fit customers' needs and are ubiquitous -- used in a multitude of diverse products and industries including high-tech applications, such as the semiconductor industry, consumer electronic devices, aerospace and solar applications.

For more information about 3M Electronics Markets Materials Division, its products and services visit: www.3M.com/electronicbonding.

Did Netflix just start limiting users to one movie stream at a time? No

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 08:37 AM PDT

Over the last couple of days, some Netflix users have reported getting error messages whenever they tried to view Watch Instantly video streams on two different devices at the same time. While some reports have suggested that along with instituting a price hike September 1st it also decided to start cracking down on multiple streams, it turns out there's a simpler explanation. According to spokesman Steve Swasey, the policy is still the same and no Netflix member is limited to less than two streams at once. The messages people are seeing indicating otherwise? An "error" the company is correcting. Glitches suck, and are becoming a bit too routine on the service for our liking -- Hacking Netflix reports another blip caused S1 of Star Trek: TNG to disappear temporarily over the weekend -- but the rumors of a change in policy just aren't true, so keep that subscription canceling finger holstered for now.

MSI's GT683DXR and GT780DXR shred pixels with NVIDIA's GTX 570M (hands-on)

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 08:00 AM PDT

We might still be smitten with a certain svelte ebony beaut, but we're aware some of you require absolute maximum performance from your "portable" gaming rig. Here to heed your call for blistering frame rates is MSI, which has gone and refreshed two laptops from its gaming lineup: the 15.6-inch GT683DXR and its big brother, the 17.3-inch GT730DXR. While both retain the Core i7-2630QM from their forebears, the duo now feature NVIDIA's beefy GTX 570M with 1.5GB GDDR5. And just like their predecessors, either can be stuffed with up to 16GB of RAM, dual 500GB or 750GB drives and a Blu-ray burner. Also on board is a premium sound system from Dynaudio, four USB ports (two of the 3.0 variety), Gigabit Ethernet, VGA and HDMI sockets and, of course, 802.11b/g/n WiFi.

They're on sale now, starting at $1,699 for the 15-incher and $1,799 for the 17-inch variant. MSI was kind enough to send us the smaller and lighter of the two, so hop on past the break for our brief impressions.

The first thing that strikes you about the GT683DX is its heft -- at 7.7 pounds, this is a serious piece of kit. We found the 15-incher solid, but were perplexed by its fingerprint-prone glossy display and plastic build when the 17-inch model comes with an aluminum chassis and a matte display for only $100 more. Performance, on the other hand, was exemplary as we were able to blaze through a few matches of Starcraft II with the graphics set to their maximum (Ultra) at 1920 x 1080.

Our only other quibbles in our brief time with MSI's new rig were with its keyboard and trackpad. We like the chiclet keys, but we were dismayed by the board's squishiness and the hollow noise that emanated from the keys as we typed. Here's hoping the 17-incher's backlit SteelSeries keyboard won't suffer similar issues. And as for the touchpad, one could argue its shortcomings don't really matter, seeing as most gaming laptops are permanently jerry-rigged to external mice for most of their lives -- but for what it's worth, we found tracking was subpar and occasionally even jumpy. It would even appear that MSI feels the same way, as it's offering buyers a SteelSeries Kinzu mouse gratis for systems bought from Newegg in September. Either way, we doubt it'll steer away shoppers, but we feel trackpads are something that should just work on any laptop, especially those at this price point. Interface issues aside, the GT683DX is a capable machine with some serious horsepower, so check back in the coming weeks as we find out just how powerful it really is.
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MSI Fortifies Arsenal of G Series Gaming Laptops Featuring NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570M

Unparalleled gaming performance shatters benchmarks and delivers highly immersive experience

City of Industry, Calif. – September 7, 2011 – MSI Computer Corp, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, unleashes the GT780DXR and GT683DXR, two mobile gaming powerhouse laptops featuring the NVIDIA© GeForce© GTX 570M graphics processing unit (GPU) and optional Blu-ray burner. Part of MSI's renowned G Series family of gaming laptops, the new units are designed for the serious gamer seeking unmatched power with an unprecedented immersive experience.

Leading the fleet, the GT780DXR comes in a brushed aluminum chassis with 17.3-inches of Full HD Non Reflection display and SteelSeries programmable backlit keyboard. In addition to its high performance NVIDIA© GeForce© GPU and Intel® CoreTM i7 processor, the gaming workhorse is supported by 12 GB of DDR3 system memory and 1TB of hard disk with Raid 0 or no redundancy. For gamers craving even more dominance, the unit can be amped up with Blu- ray burner, 1.5TB of hard disk and 16GB of DDR3 memory.

"As the market leaders in gaming notebooks, MSI prides itself in delivering performance machines that meets and exceeds the expectations of even the most advanced gamers," said Andy Tung, vice president of sales, MSI US. "The latest additions to MSI's G series, especially by incorporating NVIDIA's top of the line graphic cards, reinforces our commitment to the genre."

"MSI G Series notebooks have the power to max out game settings, and do it on the go," said Rene Haas, General Manager of Notebook Products at NVIDIA. "As the first company to offer GeForce GTX 570M GPUs, MSI is arming the G Series notebooks with killer gaming performance and advanced gaming technologies like NVIDIA PhysX and DirectX 11."

Similar to the GT780DXR, the 15.6-inch Full HD Glossy GT683DXR model also comes equipped with impressive specs, including the NVIDIA© GeForce© GTX 570M GPU and an Intel® CoreTM i7. A similar suped up version of the model is also available with Blu-ray Burner and 16GB of DDR3 memory. In addition, both models are packed with the following:

- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570M: Latest generation GPU improves overall performance by up to 20 percent for an intense gaming experience
- MSI's Exclusive Turbo Drive Engine (TDE) Technology: Provides a 3-5 percent boost in graphics performance to accelerate video decoding
- MSI Cooler Boost Technology: Instantly increases airflow to cool down the engine for better performance
- Dynaudio Speakers with THX Surround Sound: Professional quality speakers with built- in sub-woofer to accurately reproduce THX's surround sound experience

To provide gamers with a more complete portable gaming package, MSI and Newegg have teamed up to offer a free SteelSeries Kinzu gaming mouse with the purchase of any GT780DXR-099US and GT683DXR-427US notebook throughout September. Engineered for the serious gamer, the ambidextrous Kinzu provides a scalable pointer speed of up to 3200 Counts Per Inch (CPI), is compatible with all types of gaming surfaces and has gaming grade correlation optical sensor for incomparable stability and reliability. For more information visit Newegg.com.

All models are protected by a 2 year Manufacturer's Limited Warranty starting at $1699.99 MSRP on Newegg.com and Amazon.com.

AT&T introduces Huawei Impulse 4G, available September 18th for $30

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 07:45 AM PDT

If the Impulse name sounds familiar but you just can't put your finger on it, allow us to break out the iron and get the confusion straightened out. Two weeks ago we reported that a rumored device called the Samsung Impulse 4G might be on its way to guide AT&T into its new era as a LTE powerhouse. Turns out it was partially true: this morning, the carrier announced the Huawei Impulse 4G, which in reality is a rebranded Ideos X5 that will act as an affordable ($30 on two-year contract) HSPA+ device cooking up faux-G speeds at a max of 14.4Mbps. Unfortunately, that's not exactly the LTE radio we were pining for. The Impulse also has a 3.8-inch WVGA display, an 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7230 CPU, Android 2.2 and 5 megapixel image-snapper with 720p video capture. It'll be hitting stores on September 18, and we'd say the specs line up with what we'd expect from a $30 Android phone. Follow below for the full press release.

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Suffering from Smartphone Envy? Upgrade to Impulse 4G™ Without Breaking the Bank

Feature-rich Android smartphone available for $29.99 from AT&T

Dallas, Texas, September 07, 2011

Working 9 to 5 during the summer season can make anyone reluctant to spend that hard-earned money. Now, smartphone customers can have a cutting edge smartphone at an exceptional value -- the Impulse 4G™ from AT&T*.

Key Facts

Beginning Sept. 18, the Impulse 4G will be available for $29.99 with a two-year contract through AT&T stores, online at att.com and through select national retailers.
The Impulse 4G from AT&T offers unbeatable value for those wanting to take advantage of the capabilities of an Android™-powered smartphone at a lower cost. The Impulse makes it possible to surf the web, watch videos, check emails and stay engaged with social media from a phone at an affordable price.
Impulse 4G includes a 3.8" touchscreen and the ability to record HD video.

Appearing in AT&T TV spots starting Sept. 18 and notably AT&T's first smartphone from Huawei, the Impulse 4G doesn't skimp on features despite its unbeatable value. Running the Android 2.2 platform and sporting HD video recording, a full touch screen and 5-megapixel camera, Impulse 4G meets mobile needs and can be paired with a Data Plus plan, with 200 MB of data for just $15 dollars.

Device Specs and Key Features

3.8" Capacitive WVGA Touchscreen
Operating System: Android 2.2
5MP Camera with auto-focus, flash, and 720p HD video record
Wi-Fi with access to AT&T's Hotspots
GPS Navigation
Dimensions: 120mm x 65mm x 11.6mm

Quotes

"Smartphone sales are exploding as consumers realize the value of having the Internet and a wide array of apps available at their fingertips," said Avi Greengart, Research Director for Consumer Devices at Current Analysis. "However, the economy is challenging, and some consumers simply can't afford a flagship smartphone. The Huawei Impulse 4G from AT&T is priced like a budget smartphone but brings a much larger display and higher resolution video recording than other Android phones at this price point."

"These days we're all looking for ways to get the most for our money and the Impulse 4G from AT&T does exactly that," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "The Impulse 4G gives consumers another option to enjoy the benefits of a smartphone at an exceptional value."

"This is an important milestone for Huawei," said Cui Jiangao, President of Huawei Device USA. "As we introduce our first smart phone for AT&T, we believe the Impulse 4G will allow consumers to experience the best of AT&T's applications. We are committed to working with AT&T to create influential devices that will provide user-friendly mobile experiences."

Google Takeout comes to Voice, get your SMS and voicemail to go (video)

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 07:21 AM PDT

Google Takeout for Google Voice
Those militant leftists at the Data Liberation Front are at it again, bringing their tool for fomenting revolution, Google Takeout, to Google Voice. With the information emancipating service, users will be able to download their call history, voicemail and text messages, recorded calls, and even greetings. All audio is delivered in MP3 format, while SMS is spit out as an HTML file. Check out the video below for a brief, if not entirely informative, announcement from the guerrilla data warriors.

Velocity Micro Cruz T408 8-inch tablet gets its FCC credentials, goes on sale at $240

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 06:59 AM PDT

The T408 has been loitering around pre-order pages for a while now, but without a nod from the FCC it was going nowhere. Fortunately, it's just been given a clean bill of 802.11 b/g/n health and can be yours for $240 from Best Buy Amazon. That outlay gets you an 8-incher with a front-facing camera, 4GB of built-in storage and a microSD slot. Watch out though: like previous Cruz tablets, it omits Android Market support out of the box, which tells you something about its target audience.

Update: Looks like the T408 isn't available from Best Buy, at least not yet. But, you can put in your pre-order over at Amazon if you so desire.

[Thanks, Nathaniel]

Sonnet announces RackMac mini Xserver, makes Apple desktop IT life seem more legit

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 06:37 AM PDT

We're sure a few of you have made that recently revamped Mac mini your office server, but now you can give it the look of a grown-up server room. Thanks to Sonnet, you'll soon be able to rack mount your Thunderbolt sportin' dainty PC within a 1U shell. The company has announced that, upon the system's expected arrival in November, it'll be decked out with a PCIe 2.0 X4 slot, a 75W power supply and a Thunderbolt daisy-chain port. This Apple speed-port adapter will enable use of that massive Thunderbolt display even in server or metadata controller mode. For more use scenarios, hit the full PR below or peruse the product page via the coverage link.
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Sonnet Introduces Rackmount 1U System with PCIe 2.0 Expansion Slot for Thunderbolt™ Technology-enabled Mac® mini Computers

Sonnet's RackMac™ mini Xserver Enables a Mac mini with Thunderbolt Technology to Become a Full-Function Metadata Controller and More

IRVINE, CA-September 6, 2011-Sonnet Technologies today announced that it will introduce the RackMac™ mini Xserver Rackmount 1U System with PCIe 2.0 Expansion Slot for Thunderbolt™ Technology-enabled Mac® mini computers at IBC 2011. This system securely mounts a Mac mini inside a specially designed 1U enclosure, which also contains one PCIe 2.0 x4 slot, a 75W power supply plus a Thunderbolt daisy-chain port. This system enables users to connect one half-length PCIe 2.0 adapter card to the Mac mini via a Thunderbolt cable, while allowing the connection of additional Thunderbolt peripherals to the daisy-chain Thunderbolt port. The enclosure also delivers strategic airflow cooling to the computer, provides a front panel power button and USB port and can automatically power on/off the PCIe Expansion Slot in unison with the Mac mini.

The RackMac mini Xserver supports one half-length, x16 (x4 mode), PCIe 2.0 card to enable the use of professional video capture cards, 8Gb Fibre Channel cards, 10-Gigabit Ethernet cards, and RAID controller cards with a racked Mac mini all in 1U rack space. This enhanced connectivity boosts the computer's potential as a server in a big way. Thunderbolt provides the path for expansion, and Sonnet's system takes it.

With the addition of a Fibre Channel adapter card plugged into the integrated PCIe 2.0 slot plus an Ethernet adapter (either connected to the computer's USB port or to the second Thunderbolt port via Sonnet's Echo™ ExpressCard™/34 Thunderbolt™ Adapter) RackMac mini Xserver can transform a Mac mini into a full-function metadata controller for an Xsan®, or metaSAN metadata master. Racking up a second RackMac mini Xserver provides two redundant metadata controllers occupying a total of just 2U of rack space and costing a fraction of available alternatives.

RackMac mini Xserver can expand a Mac mini's potential uses in many other ways. Install a high-performance video capture card and connect a Sonnet Qio™ Professional Universal Media Reader through Sonnet's Echo ExpressCard/34 Thunderbolt Adapter to the extra Thunderbolt port to deploy video capture services to a workgroup. With the addition of one or more storage systems connected to a high-performance RAID controller, users can deploy virtually unlimited RAID-protected shared storage across the network.

"With the discontinuation of Apple's Xserve there has been a gap in the market that the Mac mini Server has not been able to address by itself. The RackMac mini Xserver gives the Mac mini Server the ability handle a new range of services. This powerful computer can now meet its full potential as the heart of mission-critical server environments," said Robert Farnsworth, CEO of Sonnet Technologies. "The possibilities are nearly limitless."

The RackMac mini Xserver is expected to be available at the end of November, with pricing to be announced at a later date.

More information about the RackMac mini Xserver is available at Sonnet's Website at .

LG, Sharp and Philips to build developer's kit, create Smart TV app standard

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 06:34 AM PDT

A triumvirate of television titans -- LG, Sharp and Philips -- are joining forces to create a development kit, defining a common standard for their Smart TV apps. The power play addresses the problem of fragmentation, since developers will only need to make one version of an app for it to work across all three of the 'tubes operating systems. Based on open standards like HTML5, CE-HTML and HbbTV, developers should get their hands on a beta version by early October, with the finalized version due by the end of the year. The better question now is whether the Romanesque trio can drum up enough developer support to beat out competitors in an app-tastic coup d'etat, or if the likes of Vizio, Sony and Samsung will eventually join in. Needless to say, we'll be digging for more at CEDIA later this month.
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LG ELEC GDR'REGS'/ : LG, PHILIPS AND SHARP JOIN HANDS TO OFFER MULTI-PLATFORM SMART TV APPS 2011-09-06

Write Once, Run Everywhere: TV Manufacturers Cooperate to

Maximize Effectiveness of Smart TV Offerings

BERLIN, Sep.01, 2011 –- LG, Philips and Sharp have agreed to work together to define common technical requirements for their Smart TVs, based upon open standards such as HTML5, CE-HTML and HbbTV. The group's first step will be to introduce the first beta version of a common Software Development Kit (SDK), which highlights the need to define the technical requirements that would allow content developers to create a single application that can run on Smart TVs from LG, Philips and Sharp Aquos Net+.

The initiative aims to simplify the way applications are developed and offered, increasing productivity of the application ecosystem for the Smart TV industry. Currently, application developers must spend much time and effort porting and testing their applications on different platforms. By simplifying this step, developers will be able to spend more time actually creating applications such as movies-on-demand, music services,

games and social networking services. And developers will be able to maximize their reach across Smart TV's on different TV platforms, giving more consumers access to a wider variety of content.

"This cooperation is nothing less than a watershed in the brief history of Smart TVs," said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. "By working in partnership with two innovators in TVs, we've taken a major step towards creating an app market every bit as inventive and dynamic as the one that exists for smartphones."

LG, Philips and Sharp invite other Smart TV makers and application developers participate in the initiative and provide ideas for simplifying the development process while improving the user experience.

The beta version of the common SDK will be released in early October.

Droid Bionic arrives at Verizon tomorrow, we go hands-on today (video)

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 05:30 AM PDT

It's been a very, very long time since Verizon and Motorola together announced the Droid Bionic -- the better part of a year, in fact. Since then the phone's gone into hiding, perhaps hitting the gym and training for this moment, it's final and formal unveiling. The frequently-spied device finally ships tomorrow, and we have the full details plus early impressions right here, after the break.
Droid Bionic hands-on


The Bionic seems like it's just the Droid X2 with LTE, and in many ways it is. The styling is somewhat similar, there's a 4.3-inch qHD LCD up front, and a dual-core 1GHz processor inside. This time it's a TI OMAP chip spinning in there and 32GB of storage (16 internal, 16 on microSD), but it's the new wireless compatibility that really sets the Bionic apart. This is the company's first dual-core LTE smartphone, the quickest yet. It's also the thinnest such device on Verizon's network -- though it is considerably chubbier than the X2 that sired it.

Early impressions are those of a very nice phone. The styling is a bit drab, to say the least, but it's a sophisticated looking thing, and seemingly quite solidly built, too. The Gorilla Glass up front has a bevel around the edge that does give a bit of flare, but also succeeds in being an exceedingly effective lint trap after just one trip into a pocket.


Performance on the phone seems exceptional so far, but we'll withhold full judgment until we've run our suite of tests. We'll also be trying out the range of accessories, including the $300 Lapdock, which we've seen previously on the Atrix, the $99 HD Station, a little dock that adds a couple of USB ports to the device, and the $30 Webtop Adapter, which is the cheapest way to gain access to the Webtop interface and get yourself a little Firefox on your phone.

We'll be back with the full review ASAP, but for now, enjoy the video above and maybe, just maybe, plot a course to your nearest Verizon Wireless store.

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VERIZON WIRELESS AND MOTOROLA RAISE THE BAR WITH DROID BIONIC™ BY MOTOROLA

Unsurpassed Power, Speed and Entertainment

On the Fastest, Most Advanced 4G LTE Network in America

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI), today announced DROID BIONIC™ by Motorola will be exclusively available beginning Sept. 8.

DROID BIONIC is the first Verizon Wireless smartphone to combine 4G LTE with the power of a dual-core 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM and a stunning 4.3-inch qHD display – all in a sleek form factor that makes it the thinnest 4G LTE smartphone from Verizon Wireless. Customers can expect to fly across the Web on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network with download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G LTE mobile broadband coverage areas.

DROID BIONIC introduces a host of groundbreaking applications and accessories that turn the device into a multi-media hub, a ruler of remote access and a purveyor of virtuality. DROID BIONIC introduces ZumoCast™ by Motorola, an application that lets customers bring their digital world of videos, music, pictures and documents stored on their computers to their handset via remote access. With its revolutionary Webtop application, DROID BIONIC can beam a full-featured Firefox® Web browser, email or documents to a TV or monitor, like the separately purchased Lapdock™ with a 11.6" screen, keyboard and integrated trackpad.

Accessories such as the HD Station let DROID BIONIC users turn the phone into an entertainment center or home office. Customers can view pictures, video, and content from the DROID BIONIC on any HDTV or monitor by connecting a separately sold HDMI cable. They can also take a conference call while editing documents and surfing the Web. And, of course, the DROID BIONIC lets customers share their 4G LTE signal with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices when they activate the Verizon Wireless Mobile Hotspot. The device of the future today, the DROID BIONIC also includes the following features:

Powered by Android™ 2.3.4 Gingerbread

Dual-core 1 GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM

4.3-inch qHD screen using scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass and dual-layer anti-reflective coating

8-megapixel autofocus camera with flash and 1080p HD video capture

Front-facing camera for video chat over 4G LTE, 3G or Wi-Fi

MOTOPRINT app to print via Wi-Fi-enabled printers

Mirror Mode with HDMI out (HDMI cable required) supporting 1080p HD video playback

Multi-window options for multitasking with ease when using the Webtop application

Business Ready with advanced security policies; resizable and scrollable email, calendar and task widgets; device and SD card encryption; and Citrix® GotoMeeting® and Citrix Receiver™

Adobe® Flash® pre-loaded

HTML 5 capable

32 GB memory: 16 GB on board and 16 GB microSD™ card pre-installed (actual formatted capacity is less)

Support for up to 32 GB microSD cards

Supports wireless charger

Pricing and availability:

DROID BIONIC by Motorola will be available in Verizon Wireless Communication Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com on Sept. 8 for $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

Customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 for 450 minutes per month and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

Verizon Wireless Mobile Hotspot data plans are available beginning at $30 for 2 GB.

For a limited time, customers who purchase a Lapdock with the DROID BIONIC can receive a $100 mail-in rebate when subscribing to a $50, 5 GB data plan or higher.

Available accessories:

The Lapdock will be available for $299.97, the HD Station will be available for $99.99 and the Adapter for Webtop Application will be available for $29.99.

Vehicle Navigation Dock delivers easy access to maps, favorite contacts, hands-free calling, music, navigation and more and supports streaming of audio and music via the 3.5 mm audio jack, if available, to play through vehicle speakers. The Vehicle Navigation Dock will be available for $39.99.

The Battery Dock with standard battery is a pocket-sized accessory with an extra battery included to charge both DROID BIONIC and an extra battery at the same speed as a wall charger. The Battery Dock will be available for $49.99.

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. For more information on accessories, visit www.verizonwireless.com/accessories.

HP announces an avalanche of all-in-ones, slims down its TouchSmarts (video)

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 05:09 AM PDT

At some point earlier this year, all-in-one desktops became a thing. Companies like Toshiba that had never before taken an interest in the space suddenly started selling 'em, beefing up a market that HP, Dell and Apple had owned for years. You could tell what HP executives were thinking. Months earlier, the outfit had announced its TouchSmart 610 -- you know, the one with the sprawling, tilting display. It's as if the company had to prove it's the real deal when it comes to all-in-ones -- or, at least, that it could come up with something that'll eat up less desk space than the 610.

Okay, we just put a lot of words into HP executives' mouths, but really, what else could this deluge of all-in-ones mean? The company just spat out seven new models for the US market, the highest-end of which have a markedly more minimalist look. The 20-inch TouchSmart 320, 21.5-inch 420 and the 23-inch 520 all boast the kind of free-standing display display you see in that photo up there -- a screen that tilts 30 degrees, and leaves enough space underneath for you to stow the wireless keyboard. The lot have starting prices ranging from $600 to $800, with the highest-end 520 matching the 610, which will still be around for the foreseeable future. Moving along, HP also trotted out the similar-looking 7230, its first TouchSmart for the small business market, along with the Pro 3420, a non-touch model. That will start at $600, with the touchscreen pushing the 3420's price northwards of $850. And, just to make sure it had its bases covered, the company introduced two plain-Jane models, the 20-inch Omni 120 and the 21.5-inch Omni 220, which steps up to Beats Audio, Sandy Bridge processors and a more striking design. These will each be available before the end of the month, starting at $400 and $800, respectively. Oodles of glossy press shots below and a short video after the break.
HP TouchSmart 520 hands-on
HP Omni 120 and 220, TouchSmart 320, 420, 520 and 7230 and Pro 3420


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HP Introduces All-in-One PCs for Everyone
Company launches largest all-in-one portfolio in its history for consumers and businesses
PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 7, 2011 – HP today revealed its largest investment in the all-in-one desktop PC market to date, unveiling a new portfolio of products that offers consumers, small businesses and enterprises powerful and sleek PCs and award-winning customer service and support.

All-in-one PCs deliver a smaller footprint along with the power and multimedia features expected from a two-piece computing solution. IDC research shows that among commercial PC users worldwide, the intent to purchase all-in-one solutions will rise from 9.9 percent to 15.7 percent in the next 12 months.

Additionally, NPD Group reported that 34 percent of consumer desktop purchases in the month of July were all-in-one PCs. To support this growth, HP offers a broad range of screen sizes and premium features, such as multitouch, to meet the needs and budgetary requirements of every consumer and business.

"The popularity of the all-in-one form factor continues to grow, and HP's contribution to this market is significant," said Todd Bradley, executive vice president, Personal Systems Group, HP. "We continue to expand our portfolio to remain the global leader in Windows-based all-in-one PCs, introducing innovation that matters to business customers and consumers alike."

Affordable, stylish home computing
The space-saving HP Omni series PCs provide an ideal combination of form, function and affordability. Two new models, the 20-inch diagonal HP Omni 120 and 21.5-inch diagonal HP Omni 220 PCs, offer ample storage, built-in speakers and vivid high-definition (HD) displays. They also feature HP LinkUp, which lets users view and interact with content from a notebook PC on the Omni PC. Changes are saved directly to the notebook, so there are no file transfer hassles.

The HP Omni 120 PC features an elegant easel design that integrates up to 750 gigabytes (GB) of hard drive space and a choice of the latest AMD or Intel® processors and graphics.

The HP Omni 220 PC offers a streamlined cantilever design. Select models offer Beats AudioTM and second-generation Intel quad core processors and graphics for a PC that sounds and performs as good as it looks.

The HP TouchSmart advantage
The 20-inch HP TouchSmart 320, 21.5-inch diagonal HP TouchSmart 420 and the 23-inch diagonal HP TouchSmart 520 PCs are designed for consumers who demand a premium multimedia and touch experience. These TouchSmart PCs feature a free-standing display that tilts up to 30 degrees, complementing its environment instead of defining it. The floating form is minimal and elegant with enough space between the stand and display to hide the keyboard when not in use.

The newest version of HP's exclusive TouchSmart software provides the most intuitive, immersive touch experience to date. Users can conveniently access Windows® apps, desktop icons and built-for-touch applications within the same desktop environment. Additionally, users can experience content and programs from a notebook PC on the TouchSmart PC's Magic Canvas with HP LinkUp for a more comfortable, entertaining and productive experience.

Music lovers will enjoy a premium listening experience with integrated Beats Audio technology on HP TouchSmart PCs. The optional HP Pulse Subwoofer, paired with the TouchSmart 520 or 610, adds depth to music, movies and games, filling the room with penetrating bass.

First HP TouchSmart designed for small businesses
The HP TouchSmart Elite 7320 All-in-One Business PC offers small businesses the productivity, reliability and touch technology they need for a competitive edge. The sleek and modern design rotates up to 30 degrees vertically, enabling it to be deployed in very small spaces.

The HP TouchSmart Elite 7320 includes a 21.5-inch diagonal, full HD, widescreen, LED back-lit touch display; second-generation Intel CoreTM i3, i5 and i7 processors; and the HP TouchSmart Suite, providing a powerful computing package that empowers businesses.

The HP TouchSmart Elite 7320 also provides access to the HP Elite Premium Support program, delivering 24/7 Elite-accredited support to maximize return on investment for growing businesses.

Versatility and style in a business all-in-one
The HP Pro 3420 All-in-One is designed for small businesses with demanding workloads looking for a versatile PC that is ready to perform right out of the box. Ideal for customer-facing work environments or businesses with virtual collaboration needs, the HP Pro 3420 is equipped with integrated webcams and premium stereo speakers for instant face-to- face communication with remote employees.

It features a 20-inch diagonal screen and includes the latest Intel Core i3 processors with up to 8 GB of memory and up to 2 terabytes (TB) of storage. It also offers the easy-to-use HP ProtectTools security suite to help secure access and communication of confidential information.

Enterprises choose all-in-ones to engage customers and employees
Enterprise customers from the Ronald McDonald House to Disney choose HP business all-in-one PCs for their sleek design and powerful performance.

HP's recently announced HP 8200 Elite All-in-One Business PC completes the company's new all-in-one portfolio, delivering enterprise, midmarket and public sector customers a no-compromise combination of performance and style.

Featuring second-generation Intel Core vProTM processors, it offers robust performance, enterprise security remote management and easy serviceability, as well as integrated collaboration tools that allow businesses to connect to coworkers at the office, across town or on the other side of the globe.

Pricing and availability
- The HP Omni 120 PCs are expected to be available on Sept. 21 in the United States at a starting price of $399.99.
- The HP Omni 220 PCs are expected to be available on Sept. 11 in the United States at a starting price of $799.99.
- The HP TouchSmart 320 PCs are expected to be available on Oct. 2 in the United States at a starting price of $599.99.
- The HP TouchSmart 420 PCs are expected to be available on Sept. 11 in the United States at a starting price of $699.99.
- The HP TouchSmart 520 PCs are expected to be available on Sept. 11 in the United States at a starting price of $899.99.
- The HP Pulse Subwoofer is expected to be available on Sept. 21 in the United States at a starting price of $149.99.
- The HP TouchSmart Elite 7320 PCs are expected to be available on Sept. 21 in the United States at a starting price of $850.
- The HP Pro 3420 PCs are expected to be available in October in the United States at a starting price of $599.

Shareholder calls for RIM to sell itself or its patents, in critical open letter

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 04:47 AM PDT

Things just keep getting bleaker for RIM. With its revenues stagnating and smartphone market share dwindling, the BlackBerry maker is now facing new financial pressure from Jaguar Financial Group -- a Canadian merchant bank and RIM shareholder that's calling upon the company to do one of two rather unpleasant things: sell itself, or sell its patent portfolio. In an open letter to RIM's board of directors, Jaguar CEO Vic Alboni criticized the manufacturer for failing to "inspire consumer enthusiasm" for its products, and for bringing its devices to market too late. And, as share prices continue to drop, Alboni thinks it's time to make a change:

The status quo is not acceptable, the company cannot sit still. It is time for transformational change. The directors need to seize the reins to maximize shareholder value before more market value is lost.

Jaguar didn't specify the size of its RIM stake, but claimed to be calling for upheaval on behalf of "other supportive shareholders" who, in total, hold less than five percent of the company. The Ontario-based firm is hoping that a new line of QNX-based smartphones will curtail its slump, but Alboni doesn't sound so optimistic. "You cannot put all your eggs in one basket," he told Bloomberg. "The board should be saying, 'What if these products don't pan out?' You don't want RIM to turn into another Nortel." A RIM spokeswoman, meanwhile, declined to comment on the letter. Hit up the source link below to read it for yourself.

MSI X370 with AMD E-450 upgrade arrives stateside

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 03:58 AM PDT

Strip out the old E-350 Zacate APU from MSI's thin-and-light X370, replace it with a brand new 1.65GHz E-450 Llano engine with around 20 percent higher CPU and graphics benchmarks, and what do you get? The X370-205US, that's what, or equally the 206US white variant. The 13-incher just popped up at Amazon and Newegg with exactly the same $579 price tag as its vanquished predecessor, the same 1366x768 resolution, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, up to ten hours' stamina and an easy-going 3.11 pound weight that will only hurt your chiropractor.

Flybus consortium puts the brakes on energy waste, throws it back to the asphalt

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 03:01 AM PDT

For anyone who's logged time city bus surfing, you know there's a heckuva lot of power in those screechy stops and starts. So, it stands to reason there'd be a way to harness that kinetic energy and shuffle it right back to the auto, itself. Well, that's exactly what the Flybus consortium aims to do with a prototype that uses a Ricardo Kinergy flywheel to store energy created from braking, and redistribute it via a continuously variable transmission. The hybrid setup is purportedly much cheaper to produce than current, pricier EV rigs, and would also go a long way towards reducing fuel costs for commercial vehicles. Gearheads eager for a peek at the group's design can get a look-see when it's shown off this month at the Low Carbon Vehicle event in the UK. For everyone else, there are the source links below.

Google's South Korean offices raided over alleged antitrust violations

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 01:45 AM PDT

Google's South Korea offices have been raided by federal authorities once again -- this time, over alleged antitrust violations. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) stormed Google's Seoul offices on Tuesday, amid claims that the company unfairly stifles competition by making its search engine the default option on Android handsets. South Korea's largest mobile search operators, NHN and Daum Communications, filed a complaint with the KFTC in April, claiming that Android is "systematically designed" to discourage users from switching to different portals, and that Google excludes competitors by delaying OS certification for phone manufacturers that attempt to pre-load devices with other search engines. Similar charges, as you may recall, fueled an FTC investigation in the US, where anti-competitive allegations have been flying around for a few months, now. Google neither confirmed nor denied that yesterday's raid took place, but a spokesperson said the company would "work with the KFTC to address any questions they may have about our business," adding that its OS does "not require carriers or manufacturers to include Google Search or Google applications on Android-powered devices."

NVIDIA CEO sees major growth in mobile processing, quad-core tablets coming this year

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 12:49 AM PDT

During a sitdown with reporters yesterday, NVIDIA Chief Executive Jen-Hsun Huang discussed his company's near- and long-term financial outlook, while providing some insight into the chipmaker's quad-core future. According to Huang, NVIDIA expects to rake in between $4.7 and $5 billion in revenue during fiscal year 2013, with revenue from its mobile chip unit projected to mushroom tenfold by 2015, to a whopping $20 billion. Huang acknowledged that these predictions could be affected by external factors, including the ongoing patent wars between tablet and smartphone manufacturers, but didn't seem too concerned about their immediate impact. "At this point, it looks like it's much ado about nothing," he said. In fact, Huang foresees rather robust growth in the mobile processing sector, estimating that there are about 100 million devices that will need chips this year -- a figure that could soon rise to one billion, on the strength of more affordable handsets, efficient ARM processors and the rise of ultra-thin notebooks. And, despite his recent disappointment, Huang expects Android tablets to comprise a full 50 percent of the market in the near future, claiming that NVIDIA's Tegra chips can currently be found in 70 percent of all slates running Google's OS, and about half of all Android-based smartphones.

In the short-term, meanwhile, NVIDIA is busy developing its quad-core mobile processors -- which, according to the exec, should appear in tablets during the third or fourth quarter of this year (quad-core smartphones, however, may be further down the road). Huang also sees room to develop wireless-enabled, Snapdragon-like processors, thanks to NVIDIA's recent acquisition of Icera, but he hasn't given up on GPUs, either, predicting that demand for graphics performance will remain stable. The loquacious CEO went on to divine that Windows 8 will support apps designed for Windows 7 (implying, perhaps, that Microsoft's Silverlight platform will play a major role in future cloud-based developments), while contending that smaller, "clamshell devices" with keyboards will ultimately win out of over the Ultrabook strategy that Intel has been pursuing. For the moment, though, Huang seems pretty comfortable with NVIDIA's position in the mobile processing market, citing only Qualcomm as primary competition. "We're the only people seriously on the dance floor with Qualcomm," he argued, adding that companies without a solid mobile strategy are "in deep turd." You can find more of Huang's insights at the source links below.

Is this Nintendo's 3DS joystick add-on?

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 11:42 PM PDT

Reports from the Japanese end of the internet are claiming that Famitsu magazine has the scoop on that Nintendo 3DS analog add-on we heard about last month. A page from the magazine (above) shows a rather meaty cradle hugging the sides of the stereoscopic clamshell, reportedly adding an R2 button in addition to a starboard circle pad. The plump peripheral may have been designed specifically for Monster Hunter Tri G, an unannounced (and unconfirmed) game that was leaked in the same issue. Famitsu made no mention of the reported hardware refresh that accompanied the last analog add-on rumor -- and price, release date, and official confirmation from Nintendo area still AWOL, of course.

MSI's reverse fan tech keeps dust out, graphic cards chilled

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 11:07 PM PDT

We've all been there, trying in vain to remove dust caked onto the fans of componentry inside our rigs. It's mostly a fruitless endeavor, but here to save us from the horde of dust bunnies invading our graphics card is MSI's dust removal technology. Available on the company's "Lightning Xtreme" edition of the GTX580, soot is annihilated by spinning that card's fans at full throttle in reverse for thirty seconds after boot. That's apparently an effective method for flinging accumulated grime off the spinners and (hopefully) into a spot you can actually reach. Unconvinced it'll work? Well then, mosey on over to the source link bub, and prepare yourself for video proof of the fan-powered filth evisceration.

Silverback's Starke city bikes charge your gadgets, firm your thighs

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 10:21 PM PDT

Cyclists have a lot to be proud of -- what with their terrific gams, above average lung capacity and eco-friendly locomotive choice. But tech isn't exactly an area that falls under their outdoors-y province, unless they're sporting one of Silverback's Starke bicycles. The line of city bikes offers up four models for the two-wheel enthusiast, but it's the Starke 1 and 2 that's caught our gadget-obsessed attention. Included in the head tube of either bike's frame is a USB port powered by a hub dynamo that'll play nicely with any of your low-voltage devices. If you're looking for an electric motor-assisted cruise, you'll have to opt for the Starke 1, but otherwise both nine-speeders share the same nickel alloy frame and weigh in at roughly 30lbs. Sound like your kind of 21st century ride? Then hit the source link below for your personal Tour de high-tech bikes.

TiVo Premiere Elite will bring quad tuners, 2TB storage to retail this year

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 09:01 PM PDT

When TiVo announced its first quad tuner DVR, the Premiere Q, fans were devastated to learn it would only be available via cable operators, and that it featured a smallish 500GB hard drive. Fortunately, the company has rectified both of those issues by announcing the TiVo Premiere Elite, a quad tuner Series 4 DVR with 2TB of storage built that will be available through TiVo.com, Best Buy's Magnolia stores and authorized home theater installers. There's no word yet on price or an exact release date, as all of this is still pending a waiver from the FCC allowing TiVo to sell the box without any OTA or analog cable tuners, making this a digital cable (or Verizon FiOS) only experience. It's also THX Certified and most of the press release is dedicated to focusing on the high end nature of the hardware TiVo is unleashing. Also unmentioned so far is any retail edition of the TiVo Preview multiroom extender box, but we should get some hands-on time with this quad tuner edition very shortly during CEDIA 2011. For now, just check out the press release, included after the break, and for our European readers Engadget Spanish has you covered on the launch of the TiVo Premiere for ONO in Spain.

Update: The official TiVo.com/elite page is live, and reveals the price as $499 "with service", $499 additional for a lifetime subscription. [Thanks @PhilipSaad]
TiVo Premiere Elite quad tuner DVR
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TiVo to Unveil TiVo Premiere Elite, the World's Most Advanced Set-Top Box Featuring Unprecedented Recording Capabilities and Entertainment Value

Four tuners, Two Times More Recording Space and THX Certified DVR Offers Unlimited Entertainment Possibilities for High-end Integrators and Home Theater Enthusiasts

ALVISO, CALIF., September 7, 2011 – TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO), the creator of and leader in advanced television services including digital video recorders (DVRs), today announced its TiVo® Premiere Elite set-top box, offering four digital tuners and an unprecedented two-terabyte hard drive for unmatched recording capabilities, as well as THX certification for optimal sound and video fidelity. The TiVo Premiere Elite builds upon the Series4 TiVo Premiere platform, the first and only set-top box to seamlessly combine the best of broadband and broadcast entertainment through one stunning HD interface. The TiVo Premiere Elite is intended for use with digital cable systems only and does not work with analog cable or over-the-air antennas. It will be on display and available for demonstration at the TiVo Booth (Booth # 2140) at CEDIA 2011 in Indianapolis September 8-10, 2011.

The new product is TiVo's first and only DVR with four tuners allowing for simultaneous recording of four different shows while viewing a fifth recorded program. Plus, its industry-leading two-terabyte hard drive allows for up to 300 hours of recorded HD programming, that's two times more recording space than current offerings. The TiVo Premiere Elite maintains TiVo's gold-standard, easy to navigate user interface, integrating Web entertainment from Netflix, Pandora, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, and much more.

"We are please to announce the TiVo Premiere Elite at this year's CEDIA show as this product was designed specifically for the high-end custom home theater integrator or enthusiast looking to complete their home entertainment system with a best-in-class TV experience. Only TiVo Premiere Elite seamlessly combines digital cable programming with the best of Web entertainment, in full 1080p HD, and with 300 hours of HD recording space," said Doug Bieter, Vice President of Retail Sales for TiVo Inc. "With the added distinction as a THX-certified DVR, the TiVo Premiere Elite offers a high-end solution for premium quality installers looking for an improved way to get the most out of a customer's high definition television and cable subscription."

Unprecedented Expansion and Integration Capabilities:
TiVo Premiere Elite's quad-tuner design enables users to dramatically vary their program recordings and create a library of personalized entertainment content suitable for any viewer. This flexibility, and the mind-bending 300 hours of HD recording space, ensures that no program has to be deleted for the sake of space.

Further enhancing the TiVo Premiere Elite's appeal as an all-encompassing entertainment hub is its ability to send content to other TiVo devices in the home, or integrate seamlessly with home automation remotes. TiVo Premiere Elite offers MoCA as a networking option in addition to its integrated Ethernet connectivity. By integrated MoCA support, custom installers can use the coaxial cabling within the home to connect the TiVo Premiere Elite to the home network in setups where an Ethernet connection is not available to the DVR. Home theater installers and custom integrators will also appreciate the TiVo Premiere Elite as an exceptional solution through its compatibility with some of the most popular home automation controllers, including Creston, Control4, and RTI. This compatibility allows installers to seamlessly incorporate the TiVo Premiere Elite into existing home controls.

Unrivaled Browsing Experience:

Harnessing the power of the world's first Smart DVR, the TiVo Premiere Elite offers an intuitive search and browsing experience that enables users to quickly and easily search and browse television and broadband programming from a convenient unified screen. When searching for a particular program, TiVo scans across cable channels, on demand services like Netflix and Amazon Instant Video, as well as web-based entertainment sites like YouTube to offer users an easy way to select and schedule recordings.

The TiVo Premiere Elite is also compatible with the TiVo Slide remote with a QWERTY keyboard as well as TiVo's integrated apps for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. The TiVo App brings intuitive remote control operations to the tips of users' fingers with simple gesture-based controls. Users can quickly uncover program guides and information, view, schedule and manage recordings, get recommendations, or even explore an actor's entire career with a single tap.

First-time installers and high-end integrators will appreciate this level of customization and control, further distinguishing the TiVo Premiere Elite as a premium product for the connected home. Training family members or a client is simple and intuitive, allowing installers to connect with clients on a more personal basis and provide a more thorough level of service.
TiVo Premiere Elite Box Specifications:
  • TiVo Series4TM architecture
  • Supports digital cable, high-definition digital cable and Verizon FiOS®
  • THX-certified DVR, offering optimal video and audio fidelity
  • Outputs: HDMI, Component video, Composite video, Optical audio, Analog audio
  • Video output modes include: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
  • Inputs: CableCARDTM, Cable coax, Ethernet
  • Additional support for USB 2.0 (2 ports), eSATA for external recording space, TiVo Wireless N or G Network Adapter
  • 2 Terabytes of recording space for up to 300 hours of recorded programming
Pending FCC approval of TiVo's request to waive a requirement to include analog tuners, The TiVo Premiere Elite will be available by the end of the year through tivo.com, authorized home theater installers and Magnolia stores nationwide. The TiVo Premiere will be on display at CEDIA 2011 in Indianapolis September 8-10 at Booth # 2140. For more information on the product and to sign up for notifications of availability please visit www.tivo.com/elite.

Seagate plays the 4TB card with its GoFlex Desk external HDD, shipping now for $250

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 09:01 PM PDT

That tangled mess of a backup solution feeling a little cramped? Yeah, join the crowd. Seagate's looking to give you a dash of capaciousness -- a dash that you could desperately used -- with its newest desktop HDD. The GoFlex Desk line is about as sleek as it gets for a non-mobile drive, with 1/2/3/4TB options being made available. The stock model ships with USB 2.0 / 3.0 support, a required AC power adapter (blah) and support for OS X and Windows platforms. The entire unit weighs but 2.38 pounds and checks in at 6.22- x 4.88- x 1.73-inches; true to the GoFlex name, the lower base can actually be swapped out for those who'd prefer a different interface (you know, like FireWire or Thunderbolt), and there's a four-LED capacity gauge on there as well. In our limited testing, we consistently saw USB 3.0 burst rates top 100MB/sec, while sustained transfers hovered closer to 60MB/sec. When used on a USB 2.0 rig, we saw reads and writes hover between 30MB/sec and 40MB/sec. As for pricing and availability? The 4TB flagship can be found right now at Seagate's site for $249.99, while the GoFlex Desk for Mac -- which touts both Firewire 800 and USB 2.0 -- will be available in Apple stores by the end of the month. We're told that Thunderbolt will be supported once that GoFlex adapter is let loose, but an ETA isn't quite ready for public eyes.
Seagate 4TB GoFlex Desk hard drive hands-on
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SEAGATE IS THE FIRST MANUFACTURER TO BREAK THE CAPACITY CEILING WITH A NEW 4TB GOFLEX DESK DRIVE

New Design, New Capacity, and a New Home for the Media You Love

CUPERTINO, Calif. - September 7, 2011- Seagate (NASDAQ:STX) today announced it is shipping a new 4TBGoFlex® Desk external hard drive – the highest capacity hard drive in the industry. This latest addition to the GoFlex Family of external hard drives showcases Seagate's new desktop design. The streamlined industrial design delivers a smaller footprint and better reflects the aesthetic of today's modern offices while still providing all of the benefits of previous generations of the GoFlex drives. The new 4TB GoFlex Desk is now available from www.seagate.com and will be available from select online retailers next month for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $249.99 USD. The entire line of GoFlex Desk products will also adopt the new industrial design in the coming weeks. The GoFlex Desk for Mac featuring both Firewire 800 and USB 2.0 will be available in Apple stores by the end of the month..

"Yet another industry first for Seagate, we have reached a new high-capacity in the 3.5-inch hard drive form factor. At Seagate, we are committed to pushing the limits for our customers and will continue to adapt and innovate our products based on customer needs," said Patrick Connolly, vice president and general manager of Retail products for Seagate. "This latest GoFlex® Desk drive offering with its new industry-leading capacity point is a statement of our continued commitment to meet consumer needs."

As more of our entertainment and personal data become digitize, the significance of greater access to local storage becomes increasingly more valued. The new GoFlex Desk 4TB drive has the space to contain over 2000 HD movies. This new GoFlex desk comes at a time when people are archiving more of their memories in the form of digital photo and video.

"IDC foresees there being an increase in global demand for personal storage capacity driven by the growing creation and acquisition of digitized videos, photos and music," said Liz Conner, Sr. Research Analyst, Storage Systems, IDC.

Debuted in May of 2010, the award-winning GoFlex Family of hard drives provide an alternative approach to external storage solutions by allowing users to change interface adapters to stay current with the latest in interface technology. With USB 3.0 still undergoing adoption and the emergence of Thunderbolt in the coming months, the GoFlex adapter concept has been proven as an idea that works and Seagate will continue with this design for future iterations of the company's external hard drives. The GoFlex drives are also Windows and Mac OSX compatible and have the flexibility to go between both operating systems. In addition to cross-platform compatibility, the GoFlex Desk can also be utilized with the GoFlex Home adapter if one chooses to use it as a network drive.

With the pre-loaded back up software, the GoFlex Desk external drive provides automatic, continuous back with encryption for all your files. The included USB 3.0 adapter also works with USB 2.0 ports making it easy to connect to your Windows or Mac computer. The adapter also features an illuminated gauge to display available space on the drive.

Samsung Stratosphere makes its obligatory FCC visit, confirms membership in Verizon's LTE club

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 08:04 PM PDT

We know, the image above is hardly as detailed as the ones we glanced at this morning, but it has its measure of significance nonetheless. It's a rough diagram of the Samsung SCH-i405 -- a phone known to us as the Stratosphere -- as it appears in FCC filings approved today. The documents' mention of LTE band 13 (as well as CDMA / EVDO) seems to confirm rumors that suggest the aforementioned device will be coming to Verizon's 4G network, likely sooner rather than later. If you've been eager to see an Epic 4G-esque QWERTY slider on the largest carrier in the US, this will be your golden opportunity. Of course, this may prove to be a drop in the bucket when compared to an impending flood of even more tempting handsets.

AT&T may get a discount if T-Mobile bid concessions prove too expensive

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 07:18 PM PDT

When the DOJ blocked AT&T's deal to snatch up T-Mobile, did you think Ma Bell would end up shelling out some ridiculous sum to lock things up? Well, the opposite may be the case -- according to Bloomberg, the company can get a reduced rate if regulator's requests become too pricey. A discount of sorts would be available to AT&T if the remedy to-do list surpasses 20 percent of the deal's original $39 billion price tag (about $7.8 billion). Also of note here: the company could leave the proverbial table altogether if the concessions top the 40 percent mark, only owing a break-up penalty... and shelling out the $3 billion contingency fund to Deutsche Telekom AG.

Angry Birds speakers are too adorable to slingshot

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 07:02 PM PDT

Okay, we admit it, we want one of these Angry Birds speaker docks from Gear4 seen on the floor of IFA here in Berlin. They're available in both iPod dock varieties (pigs) and as plug-and-play speakers (angry, angry birds). Both will begin shipping in the next few weeks in Europe and the US. The non-dock version should sell for around €69. They'll likely hit the spot for those casual gamers who aren't getting enough of the irate fowl between their web browser, set-top box, e-reader, university and local Philharmonic.
Angry Birds Speakers
Angry Birds Speakers

Researchers demo full-duplex wireless: double the throughput with no new towers

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 06:38 PM PDT

Melissa Duarte, Rice UniversityBack in February researchers at Stanford first taunted us with the possibility of simultaneous, two-way data transmission on the same frequency. Now some folks at Rice University are edging full-duplex communication closer to reality. By the time carriers get around to rolling out 4.5G networks, engineers could potentially double throughput without adding more cell towers and using only existing mobile hardware. With an extra antenna and some fancy software tricks, which allow the device to ignore locally produced signals, the Rice team was able to produce a connection ten-times stronger than previously published studies. Since the technology is based on existing MIMO setups, it may also prove the shortest route to asynchronous full-duplex transmissions. That means you'll be able to upload ill advised videos of your drunken antics (and suffer the consequences) that much faster, without having to pause the latest Maru clip. Check out the PR after the break.

[Image credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University]
Show full PR text
Rice breakthrough could double wireless capacity with no new towers
Rice's 'full-duplex' technology requires little hardware, could be ready for 4.5G networks

HOUSTON -- (Sept. 6, 2011) -- The days of waiting for smartphones to upload video may be numbered. Rice University engineering researchers have made a breakthrough that could allow wireless phone companies to double throughput on their networks without adding a single cell tower.

Rice's new "full-duplex" technology allows wireless devices like cell phones and electronic tablets to both "talk" and "listen" to wireless cell towers on the same frequency -- something that requires two frequencies today.

"Our solution requires minimal new hardware, both for mobile devices and for networks, which is why we've attracted the attention of just about every wireless company in the world," said Ashutosh Sabharwal, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice. "The bigger change will be developing new wireless standards for full-duplex. I expect people may start seeing this when carriers upgrade to 4.5G or 5G networks in just a few years."

In 2010, Sabharwal and Rice colleagues Melissa Duarte and Chris Dick published the first paper showing that full-duplex was possible . That set off a worldwide race to demonstrate that the technology could actually be used in a real network. This summer, Sabharwal and Rice's Achaleshwar Sahai and Gaurav Patel set new performance records < http://arxiv.org/abs/1107.0607> with a real-time demo of the technology that produced signal quality at least 10 times better than any previously published result.

"We showed that our approach could support higher throughput and better link reliability than anything else that's been demonstrated, which is a plus for wireless carriers," Sabharwal said. "On the device side, we've shown that we can add full duplex as an additional mode on existing hardware. Device makers love this because real estate inside mobile devices is at a premium, and it means they don't have to add new hardware that only supports full duplex."

To explain why full-duplex wireless was long thought impossible for wireless networks, Sabharwal uses the analogy of two people standing far apart inside an otherwise empty arena. If each shouts to the other at the same time, neither can hear what the other is saying. The easy solution is to have only one person speak at a time, and that's what happens on two-way radios where only one person may speak at a given time. Cell phones achieve two-way communications by using two different frequencies to send and listen.

Rice's team overcame the full-duplex hurdle by employing an extra antenna and some computing tricks. In the shouting analogy, the result is that the shouter cannot hear himself, and therefore hears the only other sound in the arena -- the person shouting from far away.

"We send two signals such that they cancel each other at the receiving antenna -- the device ears," Sabharwal said. "The canceling effect is purely local, so the other node can still hear what we're sending."

He said the cancellation idea is relatively simple in theory and had been proposed some time ago. But no one had figured a way to implement the idea at low cost and without requiring complex new radio hardware.

"We repurposed antenna technology called MIMO, which are common in today's devices," Sabharwal said. "MIMO stands for 'multiple-input multiple-output' and it uses several antennas to improve overall performance. We took advantage of the multiple antennas for our full-duplex scheme, which is the main reason why all wireless carriers are very comfortable with our technology."

Sabharwal said Rice is planning to roll its full-duplex innovations into its "wireless open-access research platform," or WARP. WARP is a collection of programmable processors, transmitters and other gadgets that make it possible for wireless researchers to test new ideas without building new hardware for each test. Sabharwal said adding full-duplex to WARP will allow other researchers to start innovating on top of Rice's breakthrough.

"There are groups that are already using WARP and our open-source software to compete with us," he said. "This is great because our vision for the WARP project is to enable never-before-possible research and to allow anyone to innovate freely with minimal startup effort."

Sabharwal's team has gone one step further and achieved asynchronous full-duplex too – that is one wireless node can start receiving a signal while it's in the midst of transmitting. Asynchronous transmission is import for carriers wishing to maximize traffic on their networks, and Rice's team is the first to demonstrate the technology.

"We've also developed a preliminary theory that explains why our system is working the way that it is," Sabharwal said. "That's also important for carriers and device makers, because engineers aren't likely to implement something like this without a clear understanding of fundamental tradeoffs."

###

Rice's research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the Roberto Rocca Education Program and Xilinx Incorporated.

How to turn a spare LCD panel into a working monitor for $33

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 05:29 PM PDT

We know how it is. You have a laptop or monitor that's finally bought it, so you decide to salvage it for parts that you'll use someday. Well, here's one decidedly inexpensive option for any spare LCD panels you might have lying around. As noted by Make, you can now buy a simple LCD controller on eBay for just $33, which will turn that panel (assuming it's compatible) into a fully functional monitor without too much skill required on your part -- you're on your own to make it presentable, though.

Scientists develop the world's smallest single-molecule electric motor

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 04:33 PM PDT

Bigger is certainly not better when it comes to the world's first single-molecule electric engine, which measures in at one nanometer wide -- for perspective, that lash hanging from your left eye is around 60,000 times larger. Single-molecule engines have been used for years, but the new method uses a low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope to power and control the molecule more effectively. In the future, scientists could use the technology for things like lab-on-a-chip devices, miniature medical testing equipment that require a motor to push fluid through tiny pipes. Tufts researchers responsible for the discovery warn that a practical application is still a ways off, but are hopeful that they'll snag a Guinness world record, regardless. After hearing the news, both Pinky and The Brain are feeling entirely more confident about their lifelong goals.

THX Media Director coming to Star Wars Blu-ray discs

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 04:08 PM PDT

While you were tastefully voicing your concerns over the latest changes to the original trilogy, THX exec Rick Dean let slip that the upcoming Star Wars Blu-ray release will feature the company's new Media Director. The technology offers up metadata on the disc, allowing THX Media Director-enabled home theater devices like TVs and Blu-ray players to adjust to the appropriate settings. The decision to offer up the technology for the Star Wars release first is all about "keeping it in the family" for Lucasfilm, says Dean -- because if there's one thing Star Wars knows, it's keeping it in the family, right? The Blu-ray release is set to September 16th.

NEC's MultiSync P241W Monitor packs more 'e' than your LCD

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 03:38 PM PDT

NEC MultiSync P241W
We know, it's kind of tough to get excited about yet another 24-inch IPS panel. But, what if we told you that NEC's MultiSync P241W was packing something special... namely, the letter 'e.' No wait, don't go. Look, this 1920 x 1200 e-IPS actually delivers serious, professional-level color reproduction and viewing angles for a price that's not too shabby ($749) given the target audience. In addition to the 8ms response time, ambient light sensor and ECO Mode options, the monitor includes a USB hub with DisplaySync Pro, which allows you to use a single keyboard, mouse and monitor across two PCs. The P241W will start shipping later this month, and check out the gallery below and the PR after the break for more specs.
NEC MultiSync P241W
Show full PR text
NEC DISPLAY SOLUTIONS ADVANCES THE MULTISYNC P SERIES WITH NEXT GENERATION 24-INCH DESKTOP DISPLAY
CHICAGO - September 2, 2011
Widescreen P241W Offers Entry-Level Professional Graphics Users an Affordable Alternative

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the first model in the new generation of the MultiSync® P Series with the 24-inch widescreen MultiSync P241W desktop monitor and added the P241W-BK-SV to the renowned SpectraViewII™ Series.

Ideal for web graphics and photography applications, the P241W utilizes an e-IPS panel for great imaging performance. This sRGB monitor offers users working in color-critical environments the opportunity to take advantage of professional-grade desktop display features without breaking budgets. Its widescreen real estate, USB hub with DisplaySync Pro™ and completely customizable Picture Modes greatly improve user productivity.

The P241W-BK-SV features hardware color calibration using the NEC SpectraView kit to deliver accurate color in a simple to use and affordable package. The kit, which is compatible with both Apple Mac and Microsoft Windows operating systems, includes an optimized calibration sensor based on the highly acclaimed X-Rite Eye-One Display2 and award-winning SpectraViewII calibration software. To learn more about how to calibrate your NEC display with SpectraViewII, watch this YouTube video from Art Marshall, Product Manager for Professional and Medical Displays at NEC Display Solutions.

"The new MultiSync P Series combines reliable, accurate screen performance with all the cutting-edge technology included in the MultiSync PA Series at a budget-friendly price," said Marshall. "One of the more unique features of the P241W is the ability to utilize two computers simultaneously through DisplaySync Pro and the integrated USB hub, which functions as a KVM device. This capability is invaluable to graphics professionals, and we're excited to introduce this feature into the MultiSync P Series."

A partial list of features of the MultiSync P241W includes:

e-IPS LCD technology provides for the widest viewing angles available with minimal off-angle color shift
16:10, 1920 x 1200 native resolution
96.7% sRGB color gamut, 71.4% NTSC coverage
1000:1 typical contrast ratio
8ms response time (G to G)
360 cd/m² typical brightness, 250 cd/m² with Digital Uniformity Correction enabled
XtraView+™ (89°U/89°D/89°L/89°R) viewing angle, which provides the widest viewing angles with minimal off-angle color shift
Internal 14-bit 3D programmable lookup tables (LUTs)
DisplayPort, VGA and two DVI-D inputs
Built-in USB hub (2 up, 3 down) with DisplaySync Pro to control two computers with only one keyboard and mouse
Picture in Picture and Picture by Picture capabilities, which allow two video signals to be viewed simultaneously in a secondary window configuration
ICC Profile Emulation for quick access to alternate color spaces
Color Vision Emulation, which allows a real-time preview of Type P/D/T color vision deficiencies in support of Color Universal Design
Touch capable
AmbiBright™ ambient light sensor, which automatically adjusts the display's brightness based on external lighting conditions
ECO Mode™ and carbon footprint reduction
Four-way ergonomic and quick-release stand (tilt, swivel, pivot and 150mm height adjust) with locking base
SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution, which includes software and colorimeter to provide automated monitor matching and calibration for accurate, consistent and repeatable color performance (included with P241W-BK-SV)
Optional accessories include SpectraViewII software (SVII-SOFT), colorimeter (MDSVSENSOR), complete SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution (SVII-PRO-KIT) and hood (HDPA212426)

The P241W features a 4-year limited parts and labor warranty with 48-hour Advanced Exchange, including the backlight, and will be available for September 2011 shipment with an estimated street price of $749. The P241W-BK-SV with SpectraViewII color calibration sensor and software will be available in September 2011 with an estimated street price of $999.

About NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc.
Headquartered in Itasca, Ill., NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc., is a leading designer and provider of innovative desktop LCD monitors, commercial- and professional-grade large-screen LCD displays, a diverse line of multimedia and digital cinema projectors, and integrated display solutions. NEC Display Solutions develops leading-edge visual technology and customer-focused solutions for a wide variety of markets, including enterprise, healthcare, education and digital signage. For additional information about NEC Display Solutions of America monitors, consumers can call (866) NEC-MORE, or visit the website at www.necdisplay.com. For digital images, please visit http://www.necdisplay.com/products/digitalmedialibrary/.

File Expert Android app taps NFC to hasten your Bluetooth data transfers

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 02:59 PM PDT

What may seem like technology thought up for insert-some-Bond-flick-here, the File Expert Android app has added NFC functionality to its latest build -- making single-tap transfers a new reality. Like the previous rendition, it uses Bluetooth to send data, but a friendly bump replaces the traditional pairing process, speeding up the exchange dramatically (like we said, perfect for overworked spies). We've seen magic like this before, and we'll certainly see more like it as NFC becomes more ubiquitous, but what's next? NFC-to-NFC file transfers, no middleman required. Fist bump to that.

[Thanks, Binoy]

Vizio rolls out Tablet software update, promises performance boosts aplenty

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 02:37 PM PDT

No, it's still not Honeycomb, but Vizio has just rolled out an update for its 8-inch Tablet that promises quite a few improvements, including better graphics performance, faster UI navigation, and better battery life. Home theater-minded folks will also no doubt be pleased with the updates to the company's Universal Remote Control app, which now boasts support for "up to 95 percent of all CE devices in North America."
Show full PR text
VIZIO's Breakthrough 8" Tablet Delivers Enhanced Performance for Easier and Faster Access to Your Favorite Entertainment

- New update for the VIZIO Tablet includes feature enhancements that boost performance, UI speed, battery life, universal remote compatibility, and graphics

Irvine, CA - September 6, 2011 - VIZIO, America's #1 LCD HDTV Company*, announced today a new update for the VIZIO 8" Tablet with Wi-Fi that delivers enhanced performance and feature enhancements that further optimize the VIZIO Internet Apps Plus™ experience. The update enables more nimble operation of the UI including faster scrolling and menu navigation (helpful to those with lots of Apps from Android Market™), along with improved graphics performance, battery life and an expanded set of devices that can be controlled from the VIZIO Universal Remote Control App.

This latest update to the VIZIO VTAB1008 8" Wi-Fi Tablet follows the recently announced support for Hulu Plus™ subscription service app. With hundreds of thousands of apps in Android Market, avid users will now find it easier than ever to scroll through their collections and launch their favorite apps. Increased speed, graphics rendering, and battery life will allow VIZIO Tablet users to better enjoy content on this gorgeous 8" slate anywhere there is Wi-Fi.

Not only will the update give users a performance boost, but it also includes added device compatibility for VIZIO's Universal Remote Control App, enabling your VIZIO Tablet to become the central hub of your entertainment experience with control of up to 95% of all CE devices in North America. Gamers will benefit from the update too, as the update includes a boost designed to improve gaming performance with better graphics and a faster rendering of content. From channel surfing to gaming, the VIZIO Tablet has the speed and technical capability to put the best premium content on the web at your fingertips.

"VIZIO's dedication to providing Entertainment Freedom For All™ has led us to continually work to develop faster and more accessible ways for consumers to enjoy their content," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The VIZIO Tablet is a great platform for innovation and we are excited to be able to continually deliver enhancements that will set the VIZIO Internet Apps Plus™ user experience apart from any other."

This update demonstrates VIZIO's commitment to the product and its promise to deliver the best experience and value to its users. Designed with Entertainment Freedom™ in mind, the Wi-Fi enabled VIZIO Tablet comes equipped with unique features like a three-speaker configuration for enhanced audio in landscape or portrait modes, built in universal remote app for home theater control and a HDMI® port for HD playback on the big screen. These feature enhancements and recent updates of the sub-$300 VIZIO Tablet make it one of the most fun and affordable media centric Android-powered Tablets on the market.

Android and Android Market are trademarks of Google, Inc.

* Source: IHS iSuppli Corporation Research Q3 2011 Market Tracker Report of Q1 & Q2 2011.

About VIZIO

VIZIO, Inc., "Entertainment Freedom For All," headquartered in Irvine, California, is America's #1 LCD HDTV Company. In Q2 2007, VIZIO skyrocketed to the top by becoming the #1 shipping brand of flat panel HDTVs in North America and in Q3 2007 became the first American brand in over a decade to lead in U.S. LCD HDTV shipments. Since 2007 VIZIO LCD HDTV shipments remain in the top ranks in the U.S. and were #1 for the total year in 2009 and 2010. VIZIO is committed to bringing feature-rich consumer electronics to market at a value through practical innovation. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning consumer electronics. VIZIO's products are found at Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, Walmart, Target, BJ's Wholesale, and other retailers nationwide along with authorized online partners. VIZIO has won numerous awards including a #1 ranking in the Inc. 500 for Top Companies in Computers and Electronics, Fast Company's 6th Most Innovative CE Company of 2009, and made the lists of Ad Age's Hottest Brands, CNET's Editor's Choice, CNET Best of CES 2011 - Television, IGN Best of CES - Television, Bluetooth.org Best of CES, Good Housekeeping's Best Big-Screens, PC World's Best Buy, Popular Mechanics Editor's Choice and OC Metro's 10 Most Trustworthy Brands among many other prestigious honors. For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit on the web at www.VIZIO.com.

The V, VIZIO, VIZIO Internet Apps (V.I.A.), Theater 3D, Full Array TruLED, Edge Lit Razor LED, 240Hz SPS, 480Hz SPS, Entertainment Freedom and Entertainment Freedom for All names, logos and phrase are registered or unregistered trademarks of VIZIO, Inc. All other trademarks may be the property of their respective holders.

AT&amp;T fires back against Sprint over T-Mobile acquisition suit

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 02:17 PM PDT

Well, that didn't take long. Sprint today revealed that it has filed a suit against AT&T's proposed T-Mobile purchase -- and now AT&T is hitting back with some less than flattering words. An AT&T spokesperson told Engadget, "this simply demonstrates what we've said all along -- Sprint is more interested in protecting itself than it is in promoting competition that benefits consumers." AT&T went on to promise a "vigorous fight" and reiterated that such a merger would ultimately prove beneficial to the industry and consumers, improving wireless service and solving spectrum concerns.

HP TouchPad gets multitouch drivers for Android courtesy of Team-Touchdroid

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 01:52 PM PDT

TouchPad mania has been in full effect since the slate went on blue-light special a few weeks ago. Yet, with the future of webOS in flux, crowds have clamored to get Google's green bots on the woebegone tablet. Last week, Team-Touchdroid gave the TouchPad a slice of Gingerbread, and now it's delivered full 10-point multitouch as well. Of course, the video below only shows it doing the trick on a testing app, but it's a good start. Shouldn't be long now before you TouchPad owners can get touchy-feely with any Android app your hearts desire.

Engadget HD Podcast 264 - 09.06.2011

Posted: 06 Sep 2011 01:34 PM PDT

This week's Labor Day podcast is here, squeezed between IFA last week and CEDIA this week. Of course, all those balls in the air gave us plenty to talk about, not the least of which included definitive word on the status of Media Center in Windows 8. DirecTV's new UI in testing and latest channel addition also made for interesting discussion as well as expansions internationally by Hulu and Netflix. IFA dumped some unexpected 3D hardware in our laps in the form of Toshiba's ZL2 and Sony's HMZ-T1 -- we'll see which one is the bigger draw this holiday season. We've got all that and plenty more so before you sit down to watch the NFL kick off later this week, press play and give us a listen.

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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)

Producer: Trent Wolbe

00:02:05 - Microsoft confirms Media Center will be in Windows 8
00:10:09 - DirecTV's new HD UI revealed to testers, is prettier and faster than the current one
00:16:03 - DirecTV adds AMC-HD next week, too bad Mad Men is still six months away
00:22:09 - Dish Network's Tailgater brings you portable satellite TV, won't cool your beer (video)
00:24:45 - Dish reportedly launching Blockbuster movie streaming service next month
00:28:25 - Starz ends renewal negotiations with Netflix, will pull movies from streaming in February
00:39:58 - Hulu launches streaming in Japan for about $20 US monthly
00:46:35 - Netflix lands in Brazil, 43 other Latin American countries within the week
00:47:25 - Sony's new internet TV box, projector and Blu-ray player make an appearance at IFA
00:51:00 - Haier's mind control TV prototype hits IFA, we go foreheads-on (video)
00:52:47 - Sony's head-mounted 3D visor is real, HMZ-T1 arrives in Japan November 11th
00:57:47 - Sony HMZ-T1 headset hits IFA, we go hands-on (video)
00:59:03 - Toshiba's glasses free 3D TV launches in Europe as the ZL2 this December
01:02:09 - Must See HDTV (September 5th - 11th)

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