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Monday, September 26, 2011

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T-Mobile: 90 percent of our smartphone owners use Android, 'ball is in Apple's court for iPhone 5'

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 12:12 PM PDT

Here at Mobilize, T-Mobile's CTO Cole Brodman revealed that over 75 percent of his company's smartphones sold in 2011 were smartphones, with 90 percent of those powered by Google's green little robots (read: Android). In a sense, that's not too shocking given the carrier's current portfolio, but it's still a truly dominating figure. We're going out on a limb and guessing that the other 10 percent are enterprise BlackBerry users, mixed in with a few enigmatic renegades for good measure. When asked about other platforms, like RIM, the CTO mentioned he was hopeful for a comeback from the latest crop of Canuck-sourced BlackBerry devices. He also noted that video was responsible for over half the traffic on T-Mob's 4G network. Finally, when asked about the iPhone 5, Broadman responded coyly: "the ball is in Apple's court. [We'd] love to have the iPhone... whenever Apple lets us know." In other words, don't bank on a T-Mob iPhone early next month.
T-Mobile keynote at Mobilize 2011

T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot bringing OLED display, HSPA+ connectivity this October

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 11:45 AM PDT

It feels like just yesterday that we saw T-Mobile's original 4G Mobile HotSpot at CTIA (our review is here), and already the purgatory-presiding US carrier is ushering out a successor. Alongside the Galaxy S II and Amaze 4G, the Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot is being revealed at Mobilize, and it's hailed as the carrier's fastest ever in the category. Predictably, it'll enable five WiFi devices to hop onto T-Mob's HSPA+ 42 network, and there's a microSD card slot for handling file transfers. The wow factor comes courtesy of the embedded OLED indicator display, which shows signal strength, number of devices connected, number of unread text messages, connectivity to the internet, battery level and network connection type. Lips are zipped on pricing, but it'll be available at your nearest Magenta retailer next month.

T-Mobile makes Galaxy S II official at Mobilize: ships on October 12th for $230

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 11:45 AM PDT

Samsung might have already announced T-Mobile's variant of the Galaxy S II, but here at Mobilize the carrier's gone and revealed all the nitty-gritty details. We can now confirm that the 4.52-inch smartphone wields a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 processor clocked at 1.5GHz, eschewing Sammy's 1.2GHz Exynos found on its other stateside brethren. And much like the just announced Amaze 4G, it'll be one of the first phones to take advantage of the carrier's 42Mbps HSPA+ and T-Mobile TV functionality. The TouchWiz-covered, Gingerbread 2.3.5-sportin' superphone can be yours on October 10th for $229.99 (after a $50 mail in rebate) from Deutsche Telekom's website, or in stores and select dealers on the 12th. Stay tuned for an impending hands-on -- you can bide time by eying the PR after the break, or having a look at the gallery below.
T-Mobile announces Galaxy S II at Mobilize 2011
Show full PR text
T-Mobile Unveils Its Fastest Smartphones: HTC Amaze 4G and Samsung Galaxy S II

T-Mobile USA CMO Cole Brodman details consumer adoption of 4G technology and unveils next-generation 4G devices

SAN FRANCISCO and BELLEVUE, Wash. - Sept. 26, 2011 - Today at GigaOm Mobilize 2011, T-Mobile USA Chief Marketing Officer Cole Brodman outlined the company's ongoing efforts to fuel consumer adoption of mobile data through increased speeds of America's Largest 4G Network®, rate plans that make mobile data more affordable, and new devices that take advantage of the company's faster 4G network and value.

Unveiled during the T-Mobile keynote address at Mobilize 2011, the HTC AmazeTM 4G and Samsung Galaxy STM II will be T-Mobile's fastest smartphones and the first smartphones to take advantage of T-Mobile's faster 4G (HSPA+ 42) network technology. The new smartphones will allow customers to browse the Web faster than on the average home Internet and are showing average download speeds approaching 8 Mbps with peak speeds around 20 Mbps on T-Mobile's 4G network1. Both smartpthones are expected to be available next month.

In addition, T-Mobile today announced the T-Mobile® SonicTM 4G Mobile HotSpot, the company's fastest 4G (HSPA+ 42) mobile hotspot, providing customers with access to T-Mobile's fastest 4G speeds on up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices. America's Largest 4G Network, which is now faster than ever with the 4G technology of HSPA+ 42, reaches more than 170 million Americans in more than 150 markets throughout the United States.

"These new products unlock the full potential of our faster 4G network and deliver the best experience yet for watching video, surfing the Web, and creating and sharing content on the go," said Cole Brodman, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. "A 4G connection delivers a much improved experience, which entices consumers to do more with the devices they carry. We've seen that first hand; customers with 4G devices on our network consume roughly three times as much data compared as those with 3G devices. Smartphone buyers are increasingly looking for built-in 4G capability, and we're offering what we believe is the best 4G product portfolio in the industry."

HTC Amaze 4G
Exclusively available from T-Mobile, the HTC Amaze 4G features the most advanced camera experience of any smartphone and is the latest in T-Mobile's family of advanced camera smartphones. The HTC Amaze 4G is equipped with an 8-megapixel camera and 1080p HD video recorder, a backside illuminated sensor for improved low light performance, zero shutter lag and a dual LED flash, as well as advanced digital camera features, including:

- SmartShot, which captures five photos and creates the best shot using clear faces with smiles and no blinking.

- PerfectPics, which is a separate album in the gallery created by scoring and filtering the best photos to the surface. PerfectPics prioritizes photos by using criteria such as important calendar events, the presence of faces, and overall picture quality.

- Additional innovative camera features first introduced on the T-Mobile myTouch® 4G Slide such as SweepShotTM, ClearShot HDR and BurstShot.

The HTC Amaze 4G also enables high quality video recording with a full HD 1080p camcorder and an embedded video editor. Customers can instantly capture quality photos and videos with a dedicated camera button and T-Mobile's first direct-to-camcorder button. Sharing photos is easy with one-touch access to post to Facebook®, Picasa® or Flickr® - all at 4G speeds.
The device runs on AndroidTM 2.3.4, features a Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM S3 Processor with a 1.5 GHz dual core CPUs, and offers the HTC Sense user experience. With support for T-Mobile TV, HTC Watch and additional apps and services, the HTC Amaze 4G is excellent at keeping customers informed, connected and entertained using its gorgeous 4.3-inch qHD super LCD multi-touch display. The powerful handset will also include NFC capabilities for wireless searching, information sharing and, in the future, mobile payments.

Samsung Galaxy S II
T-Mobile today also revealed additional details about the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 Processor with 1.5 GHz dual CPUs, running on Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread) and NFC enabled, the Galaxy S II will offer T-Mobile customers speedy access to their favorite movies, TV shows, websites, games, applications and more.

The smartphone also acts as a mobile entertainment center with quick and easy access to thousands of premium movies and TV shows through Netflix®, T-Mobile TV in Mobile HD2, Samsung Media Hub and YouTube®. The Galaxy S II rich entertainment features and experience are further enhanced with a 4.52-inch Super AMOLED Plus touch screen -the largest screen available on a T-Mobile smartphone. With DLNA compatibility and HDMI out, this media powerhouse also offers the ability to view content on a compatible HD TV.

T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot
The Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot is T-Mobile's fastest mobile hotspot, providing access to T-Mobile's 4G (HSPA+ 42) network for up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices including iPads, music players, gaming consoles, laptops, cameras and eReaders, among other devices, all from virtually anywhere. Manufactured by Huawei, this sleek and ultra-portable on-the-go network hub weighs just 3.88 ounces, making it easy to slip into a pocket, backpack or purse. Whether staying connected on the go with colleagues and clients or providing a family Internet hub at a vacation spot or in the car, the T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot is a device that uniquely complements the company's existing lineup of mobile broadband devices on America's Largest 4G network.

As an added benefit, the Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot comes equipped with an SD card slot that accommodates up to 32GB of expandable memory, enabling customers to share and save photos, documents, videos and more with their family and friends also connected to the Mobile HotSpot. The Sonic 4G also features an OLED display to show signal strength, number of devices connected, number of unread text messages, connectivity to the internet, battery level and network connection type.

Availability
The HTC Amaze 4G and Galaxy S II are expected to be available in an exclusive online pre-sale via www.T-Mobile.com beginning Oct. 10 and are expected to be available at T-Mobile retail stores and select dealers nationwide starting Oct. 12. The HTC Amaze 4G is expected to cost $259.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card with a two-year service agreement and qualifying Classic voice and data plan. The Galaxy S II is expected to cost $229.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card with a two-year service agreement and qualifying Classic voice and data plan.
The T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot is expected to be available in October at T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.T-Mobile.com.

T-Mobile's HSPA+ 4G network, including increased speeds, not available everywhere. See coverage details at http://www.t-mobile.com.

1 Based on average download speeds on T-Mobile's 4G HSPA+ 42 Mbps network in four major markets.
2 Mobile HD TV can deliver a bit rate of 800kbps and 16:9 resolution; the bit rate and resolution you experience will vary based on many factors, e.g., programming, network connection, and device.

About T-Mobile USA
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. wireless operation of Deutsche Telekom AG. By the end of the second quarter of 2011, approximately 128 million mobile customers were served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom group - 33.6 million by T-Mobile USA - all via a common technology platform based on GSM and UMTS and additionally HSPA+ 21/HSPA+ 42. T-Mobile USA's innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile USA among the highest in numerous regions throughout the U.S. in wireless customer care and call quality. For more information, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com. T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG. For further information on Deutsche Telekom, please visit www.telekom.de/investor- relations.

For more information about T-Mobile's 4G products, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com.

T-Mobile reveals HTC Amaze 4G, flaunts better camera and faster HSPA+

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 11:45 AM PDT

Europe may be enjoying the Sensation XE, but today at Mobilize, T-Mobile's announced that it's getting the exclusive on HTC's Amaze 4G ($259.99 on a two-year contract), while also confirming the hardware whispers we've heard. With its 4.3-inch qHD screen and 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, it's one of the first smartphones able to connect to T-Mobile's upgraded 4G (HSPA+ 42Mbps) network and is the first HTC phone featuring an NFC chip -- something we didn't gather from those early spy-shots, but the manufacturer promised a while ago.

Pushing its photography credentials, the Amaze 4G's eight megapixel shooter can record 1080p video, with a dedicated camera button (and even a direct-to-camcorder button) to make the most of the handset's promised "zero shutter lag." Its also got that backlit sensor found in its sibling, the myTouch 4G Slide, so we're expecting admirable low-light performance, too. On the software side, it's running Android 2.3.4, coated in the inevitable Sense veneer and supporting the likes of HTC Watch and T-Mobile TV. Will it be enough to steal the network's king of Android crown away from the Galaxy S II when it ships October 12th? You tell us, as you check the PR after the break.

T-Mobile announces Amaze 4G at Mobilize 2011
Show full PR text
T-Mobile Unveils Its Fastest Smartphones: HTC Amaze 4G and Samsung Galaxy S II

T-Mobile USA CMO Cole Brodman details consumer adoption of 4G technology and unveils next-generation 4G devices

SAN FRANCISCO and BELLEVUE, Wash. - Sept. 26, 2011 - Today at GigaOm Mobilize 2011, T-Mobile USA Chief Marketing Officer Cole Brodman outlined the company's ongoing efforts to fuel consumer adoption of mobile data through increased speeds of America's Largest 4G Network®, rate plans that make mobile data more affordable, and new devices that take advantage of the company's faster 4G network and value.

Unveiled during the T-Mobile keynote address at Mobilize 2011, the HTC AmazeTM 4G and Samsung Galaxy STM II will be T-Mobile's fastest smartphones and the first smartphones to take advantage of T-Mobile's faster 4G (HSPA+ 42) network technology. The new smartphones will allow customers to browse the Web faster than on the average home Internet and are showing average download speeds approaching 8 Mbps with peak speeds around 20 Mbps on T-Mobile's 4G network1. Both smartpthones are expected to be available next month.

In addition, T-Mobile today announced the T-Mobile® SonicTM 4G Mobile HotSpot, the company's fastest 4G (HSPA+ 42) mobile hotspot, providing customers with access to T-Mobile's fastest 4G speeds on up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices. America's Largest 4G Network, which is now faster than ever with the 4G technology of HSPA+ 42, reaches more than 170 million Americans in more than 150 markets throughout the United States.

"These new products unlock the full potential of our faster 4G network and deliver the best experience yet for watching video, surfing the Web, and creating and sharing content on the go," said Cole Brodman, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. "A 4G connection delivers a much improved experience, which entices consumers to do more with the devices they carry. We've seen that first hand; customers with 4G devices on our network consume roughly three times as much data compared as those with 3G devices. Smartphone buyers are increasingly looking for built-in 4G capability, and we're offering what we believe is the best 4G product portfolio in the industry."

HTC Amaze 4G
Exclusively available from T-Mobile, the HTC Amaze 4G features the most advanced camera experience of any smartphone and is the latest in T-Mobile's family of advanced camera smartphones. The HTC Amaze 4G is equipped with an 8-megapixel camera and 1080p HD video recorder, a backside illuminated sensor for improved low light performance, zero shutter lag and a dual LED flash, as well as advanced digital camera features, including:

- SmartShot, which captures five photos and creates the best shot using clear faces with smiles and no blinking.

- PerfectPics, which is a separate album in the gallery created by scoring and filtering the best photos to the surface. PerfectPics prioritizes photos by using criteria such as important calendar events, the presence of faces, and overall picture quality.

- Additional innovative camera features first introduced on the T-Mobile myTouch® 4G Slide such as SweepShotTM, ClearShot HDRTM and BurstShotTM.

The HTC Amaze 4G also enables high quality video recording with a full HD 1080p camcorder and an embedded video editor. Customers can instantly capture quality photos and videos with a dedicated camera button and T-Mobile's first direct-to-camcorder button. Sharing photos is easy with one-touch access to post to Facebook®, Picasa® or Flickr® - all at 4G speeds.
The device runs on AndroidTM 2.3.4, features a Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM S3 Processor with a 1.5 GHz dual core CPUs, and offers the HTC Sense user experience. With support for T-Mobile TV, HTC Watch and additional apps and services, the HTC Amaze 4G is excellent at keeping customers informed, connected and entertained using its gorgeous 4.3-inch qHD super LCD multi-touch display. The powerful handset will also include NFC capabilities for wireless searching, information sharing and, in the future, mobile payments.

Samsung Galaxy S II
T-Mobile today also revealed additional details about the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 Processor with 1.5 GHz dual CPUs, running on Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread) and NFC enabled, the Galaxy S II will offer T-Mobile customers speedy access to their favorite movies, TV shows, websites, games, applications and more.

The smartphone also acts as a mobile entertainment center with quick and easy access to thousands of premium movies and TV shows through Netflix®, T-Mobile TV in Mobile HD2, Samsung Media Hub and YouTube®. The Galaxy S II rich entertainment features and experience are further enhanced with a 4.52-inch Super AMOLED Plus touch screen -the largest screen available on a T-Mobile smartphone. With DLNA compatibility and HDMI out, this media powerhouse also offers the ability to view content on a compatible HD TV.

T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot
The Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot is T-Mobile's fastest mobile hotspot, providing access to T-Mobile's 4G (HSPA+ 42) network for up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices including iPads, music players, gaming consoles, laptops, cameras and eReaders, among other devices, all from virtually anywhere. Manufactured by Huawei, this sleek and ultra-portable on-the-go network hub weighs just 3.88 ounces, making it easy to slip into a pocket, backpack or purse. Whether staying connected on the go with colleagues and clients or providing a family Internet hub at a vacation spot or in the car, the T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot is a device that uniquely complements the company's existing lineup of mobile broadband devices on America's Largest 4G network.
As an added benefit, the Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot comes equipped with an SD card slot that accommodates up to 32GB of expandable memory, enabling customers to share and save photos, documents, videos and more with their family and friends also connected to the Mobile HotSpot. The Sonic 4G also features an OLED display to show signal strength, number of devices connected, number of unread text messages, connectivity to the internet, battery level and network connection type.

Availability
The HTC Amaze 4G and Galaxy S II are expected to be available in an exclusive online pre-sale via www.T-Mobile.com beginning Oct. 10 and are expected to be available at T-Mobile retail stores and select dealers nationwide starting Oct. 12. The HTC Amaze 4G is expected to cost $259.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card with a two-year service agreement and qualifying Classic voice and data plan. The Galaxy S II is expected to cost $229.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card with a two-year service agreement and qualifying Classic voice and data plan.
The T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot is expected to be available in October at T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.T-Mobile.com.

T-Mobile's HSPA+ 4G network, including increased speeds, not available everywhere. See coverage details at http://www.t-mobile.com.

1 Based on average download speeds on T-Mobile's 4G HSPA+ 42 Mbps network in four major markets.
2 Mobile HD TV can deliver a bit rate of 800kbps and 16:9 resolution; the bit rate and resolution you experience will vary based on many factors, e.g., programming, network connection, and device.

About T-Mobile USA:
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. wireless operation of Deutsche Telekom AG. By the end of the second quarter of 2011, approximately 128 million mobile customers were served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom group - 33.6 million by T-Mobile USA - all via a common technology platform based on GSM and UMTS and additionally HSPA+ 21/HSPA+ 42. T-Mobile USA's innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile USA among the highest in numerous regions throughout the U.S. in wireless customer care and call quality. For more information, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com. T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG. For further information on Deutsche Telekom, please visit www.telekom.de/investor- relations.

For more information about T-Mobile's 4G products, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com.

Survey finds BlackBerry developers still profitable, Android Market as the store to watch

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 11:19 AM PDT

Although the BlackBerry app store may be missing a favorite app or ten, according to a report from Evans Data Corp., developers are still making money by creating apps for the OS. Although the survey feels a bit narrow in scope (just 400 working developers were polled), 13 percent of 'Berry devs said they make $100,000 or more per app -- which according to the data collectors -- is "considerably more than Android or iOS developers." So why isn't everyone dropping what they're doing to develop for RIM's OS? The problems seemed to outweigh the allure of cold, hard cash. 37 percent said app visibility was the biggest issue with the store, while others griped about the approval process and heavy restrictions. Developers were equally unenthusiastic about BlackBerry's future, as only 4.8 percent predicted it would have the top market share two years from now -- 30.2 percent went with Android and 28.4 percent voted Apple's App Store. Check out the full report at the source.
Show full PR text
Google Android Market is Top Store for Developers, though BlackBerry Developers Make Most Money

Santa Cruz, CA (PRWEB) September 22, 2011
Google's Android Market is the most used app store amongst commercial developers with 47% of commercial developers having some experience with the store compared to 43% who have used Apple's App Store, according Evans Data's new Application Distribution survey of over 400 commercial developers, conducted in August. In addition, Android Market edged out Apple's App Store as the store more developers thought would be dominant in two years. However, developers selling apps through BlackBerry App World made significantly more money than developers using either Google's or Apple's stores.

"The industry has a perception that developers are going to target either Android or Apple, and those two will define the market," said Janel Garvin, CEO of Evans Data Corp. "However, there's room for more than two. BlackBerry developers are not as plentiful but 13% make over $100,000 from the App World apps, which is considerably more than Android or Apple developers, and will help that platform continue to be compelling to developers, especially in the enterprise."

Other highlights from this comprehensive survey, conducted in August 2011, include:

---Visibility for their apps is the biggest complaint that developers have about app stores in general with 37% citing this as the biggest problem.

---Paid apps with no ads is the monetization model more developers use followed by subscriptions.

---Games are the most likely type of apps to wind up in app stores, with 27% placing that type of app in a store, followed by business apps at 21% and productivity apps at 20%.

The Evans Data Application Distribution survey examines the views and usage patterns on commercial developers and focuses on monetization models, distribution channels, app store features and policies, end user support, and also shows ratings of detailed feature sets by users of various stores of those stores.

See complete Table of Contents here:

http://www.evansdata.com/reports/viewRelease.php?reportID=31

Samsung Series 7 laptop now available for pre-order at Best Buy

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 10:57 AM PDT

About a month ago, we got handsy with a certain 15.6-inch Samsung Series 7 laptop. Now, it appears that svelte, quad-core notebook's ready to flood the mass marketplace. Up for pre-order on Best Buy, Sammy's 4G WiMAX-enabled entry for the "design conscious" will cost you about $880 -- already chopped down from its near $1,000 price tag. For that handful of Benjamins, you can look forward to a 2.2GHz Core i7-2675QM, a 1600 x 900 HD matte display, 750GB of storage, 6GB of DDR3 RAM, a couple of USB 3.0 ports, an optical disk drive and Windows 7 Home pre-installed. If you were hoping to get your game on, then we'd advise you to hold out for the company's other Series 7 family member slated to hit this fall. You can get a head start on the anorexic goods by hitting up the source link below.

Toyota breaks compressed air speed record, hits 80.3MPH with Ku:Rin

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 10:35 AM PDT

Thankfully styled like the more dashing cousin in the typically awkward-looking compressed air car family, Toyota's Ku:Rin (meaning Air-Wheel) has smashed the speed record for cars powered by (not necessarily hot) air. Sure, measuring a svelte 0.8m across, there's certainly no space for the kids or the groceries, but it can reach a maximum speed of 80.3MPH. All that driving force is generated from compressed air which acts as the fuel, expanding and powering the single motor. Don't expect air compressors to replace those petrol pumps just yet -- the range for this streamlined beauty is a meager two miles. Take a look at NHK's report in More Coverage for redefining of "blown away."

Samsung Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 gets priced, goes on sale in UK

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 10:14 AM PDT

Sure, it may not be as exciting as those two LTE beasts from Samsung that we saw earlier today, but the Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 has crept on sale in the land of crumpets, Coldplay and some Middleton couple (we jest!). According to reviews on Amazon UK, it appears a lucky few have already got their hands on one, but they're now available en masse; expect to fork out just shy of £200 ($310) for the five-inch media player. The Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 already feels a bit smaller after seeing the giant 5.3-inch Galaxy Note in action, and the software is a bit dated, arriving with Froyo-flavored Android. There's no news about a Gingerbread update hitting this one just yet (though we've been told it's upgradable), but Android 2.2 should be more than enough to tackle its veritable smorgasbord of app-based delights, alongside some smartphone-esque tech specs like Bluetooth and, naturally, WiFi.


[Thanks, Cliff]

ZTE Smart Tab 7 reveals its Google back tattoo for the FCC

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 09:53 AM PDT

Another day, another Android tablet on the FCC's site. This is the ZTE Smart Tab 7 -- or the back of it, at least. We don't know a lot about the tablet, beyond what's available in the above drawing, including the Bluetooth, WiFi and 3G logos. It's also rocking the Google tramp stamp on its lower back and what appears to be a rear-facing camera at the top. Judging from the chosen name, it seems likely that the device will offer up a 7-inch display, and given the recent announcement of the Vodafone Smart Tab 7 and Smart Tab 10 at IFA, we might be gawking at a rebranded version of that device for the States. Time shall tell, no?

Update: A tipster sent a link to this new tablet from ZTE. Could this Android 3.2 slate be the one in the above drawing? The similarities are certainly hard to deny.

Fujitsu-Toshiba unveils waterproof Arrows Z ISW11F handset with 13 megapixel CMOS sensor

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 09:32 AM PDT

Toshiba may be bowing out of its mobile joint venture with Fujitsu, but not without bestowing this Gingerbread-munching flamingo upon the Japanese market. The Wimax-enabled Arrows Z ISW11F, unveiled today by Japan's KDDI au, is juiced by a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, sports a 4.3-inch 1280 x 720 LCD and, most notably, rocks a 13 megapixel CMOS sensor. It also features a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera and supports 1080p video, along with your standard suite of 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. Oh, and to top it all off, it's waterproof, too. No word yet on pricing, but KDDI plans to bring this bubblegum to the Japanese market sometime in November. Doggie paddle past the break for more information in the translated presser.
Show full PR text
For Fall 2011 lineup of au

September 26, 2011

KDDI, Okinawa Cellular since early October 2011, Smartphone au "IS series" au mobile phone models and three models of six new lineup, one tablet models, one model will launch a communications terminal sequence.

This "IS series" is a high-speed communication model can be equipped with WiMAX and tethering of six models four models. To experience the ease and comfort models with dual core CPU, and mobile wallet waterproof ® , available in Japan We offer an unsurpassed model of such infrared-enabled. This well enjoy web and video viewing pleasure, we provide user-friendly operability.

In addition, au mobile is slim and stylish design to achieve while dealing with waterproof and dustproof, and models with a camera capable of shooting high-speed fast start, for corporate customers, the loss of the event We also offer various security features models with or stolen.

Further, both Mobile WiMAX and Wi available 3G-Fi router and a business tablet. Business tablet, the impact resistance against water and dust can also take advantage of outdoor activities.

This time the "IS series" is, E-mail features, in addition, all models also correspond to the Earthquake and Disaster Message Board. In addition, the total support safety / security of the smart phone, "Security Pack confidence," we offer.
In addition, automatic photo backup service for smartphones au "au one Photo Air powered by Eye-Fi" and integrated communications services "au one Friends Note", such as providing, you can choose to enjoy more freedom to communicate easily.

Smartphones for WiMAX, WiMAX high-speed communications for your stay in more customers, minutes available from 1st January 2012, October 2011, "+ WiMAX" monthly fee of 525 yen (tax included) The campaign to free.

See separate sheet please visit. As for the models announced today, from 30 September 2011, KDDI Designing Studio (Harajuku, Tokyo), from 27 September 2011, au NAGOYA (Nagoya) starts in Chicago.

Google puts the Dead Sea Scrolls in the cloud, promises they won't dissolve when you touch them

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 09:12 AM PDT

You think your finger grease does bad things to your smartphone's touchscreen? Just imagine the horrors it would wreak on some ancient documents. As promised, Google has saved history the heartbreak of succumbing to your grubby paws by digitizing the Dead Sea Scrolls. Like pretty much everything else these days, the software giant has added the oldest known biblical manuscript to the cloud. Five scrolls are now available as hi-res images, which really you give the feel of their long-dead animal skin parchment. Google is also offering up English translations of some of the documents and is letting users add comments, because apparently historians weren't too keen on letting people pencil in the margins of the real thing.

Dish CEO muses about partnerships and acquisitions, possibly Sprint or Clearwire

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 08:51 AM PDT

We've already heard that Dish Network was in the mix for a possible Hulu acquisition (which still isn't off the table), but it looks like the company could also setting its sights even higher. Speaking with Bloomberg, Dish CEO Joseph Clayton talked a bit about the possibility of getting involved with a wireless carrier, noting that it will "look at partnerships, acquisitions, all of the above." When asked if that could include an acquisition or partnership with Sprint or Clearwire, Clayton reportedly said, "could be," and added a "stay tuned" when asked more generally about the possibility of a Dish wireless network (which could benefit from some of the company's existing spectrum holdings). Head on past the break for a video of the interview.

ZTE Tania joins Windows Phone Mango brigade, says Ni Hao to Chinese market

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 08:32 AM PDT

With Mango finally on its very official way -- that'd be one day away for certain AT&T owners -- it's hardly surprising to see OEMs jumping on Redmond's mobile bandwagon. ZTE's joined the allied Windows Phone 7.5 ranks, outing its Tania phone at the China International Postal and Telecommunications Exhibition 2011. The modestly specced 4.3-inch device runs Microsoft's latest OS atop a single-core 1GHz processor, with 512MB of RAM, 4GB of storage and a 5 megapixel rear camera on-board. It's certainly no HTC Titan, but then again, not every smartphone needs to be a roided-up beast. Let's just hope MS gets those regional marketplace availability issues squared away before this handset's Chinese launch. After all, what fun is a live-tiled phone without the apps?

Fusion Garage's Grid 4 smartphone sails through the FCC, Grid OS details flow from user manual

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 08:11 AM PDT

Go on, Fusion Garage -- get down with your bad self. While we'd previously heard that the outfit's $399 Grid 4 smartphone wouldn't hit shelves until "closer to Q4," a surprise stop by the FCC this morning makes us cautiously optimistic that it'll happen -- at least in the US -- sooner rather than later. For those who've forgotten, this guy's packing a 4-inch 800 x 480 LCD, dual-core Qualcomm CPU, 16GB of storage and dual cameras to boot. Moreover, the included user manual sheds a ton of light on how Grid OS will act, and it's the first real in-depth look at how it'll differ from what's already out there.

We're told that there's a built-in web browser, Grid Launcher, support for Yahoo / Google data importing, a contacts app that'll suck names in from just about anywhere, full integration with email / Facebook / Twitter and a "GridDesktop" application that's used to load media from your PC or Mac onto the device. The guide also talks up the status bar, which is located at the top of the Grid 4 screen in order to show "indicators and widget controls for wireless networks, notifications, music playback and volume control." The oddly-named TaoBar is described as a "unique feature that shows details on your current notifications, events and ongoing sensor information, while also offering suggestions that might be of interest." Examples? Things like similar artists whilst listening to music, or pinging you with lunch recommendations when noon rolls around. Eager to see what else the feds put your future unlocked phone through? Give that source link a poke.

Update: We've added a gallery of the FCC's teardown images below.
Fusion Garage Grid 4 smartphone torn down at FCC

Google Drive could finally be ready for launch, may just be rebranded Docs

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 07:46 AM PDT

Google Drive
GDrive, GDisk, Google Drive - whatever they're calling it these days - is coming. At least according to our friends over at TechCrunch. The service has not just been a rumor, but an actual product since 2007. Sadly though, it never made it past the dogfooding stage. The internal cloud storage tool for Googlers has been highly anticipated, but in 2010 it seemed like the final nail was put in its coffin when Docs was turned into a makeshift replacement with the ability to store any file. Well, Google Drive still exists, and speculation is that Google Docs will eventually be rebranded as Drive and relaunched with non-Docs file storage moved to the forefront. What's more, it's rumored that there will be a desktop syncing component, similar to Dropbox. Of course, the image above (from a Google-sponsored presentation) and recently discovered mentions of Drive.Google.com in Chromium don't necessarily mean anything. But, if Google actually plans on taking this Chrome OS thing seriously, Drive seems like a natural companion service. For now though, we're just going to have wait patiently to see what, if anything, comes of these latest rumblings.

Amazon Prime getting Fox content, adding the Bluth family to its streaming offerings

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 07:23 AM PDT

Clearly Amazon chief Jeff Bezos just couldn't wait for Wednesday to tell the world about the company's new streaming deal. The online mega-retailer will be adding 2,000 Fox TV shows and movies to its online offerings this fall, including the likes of Arrested Development, Office Space, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, and The Wonder Years. Access to the content comes with the company's $79 a year free-shipping Prime membership. Man, that content would sure look great on an Amazon tablet, wouldn't it?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]


Show full PR text
AMAZON ANNOUNCES DIGITAL VIDEO LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

Prime instant video now offers customers more than 11,000 movies and TV shows

Sept. 26, 2011 -Amazon.com today announced a licensing agreement with FOX that will allow Amazon Prime members to instantly stream a broad selection of popular movies and TV shows from the FOX library. This deal will bring the total number of Prime instant videos to more than 11,000 movies and TV shows later this fall.

FOX titles available to Prime members will include contemporary movies such as, "Speed," "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Doctor Dolittle," "Last of the Mohicans," and "Office Space," as well as classics like "The Longest Day," "All About Eve," "9 to 5," and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." FOX also brings to Prime members a selection of popular TV series including "24," "The X-Files," "NYPD Blue," "Arrested Development," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Ally McBeal," and newly available on digital video, "The Wonder Years."

"We have received very positive feedback from Prime members about Prime instant videos. Customers love the instant access to thousands of movie and TV favorites," said Steve Oliver, director of Video at Amazon.com. "Since the launch of Prime instant videos in February, we have more than doubled the library to 11,000 titles and will continue to add more of our customers' favorite movies and TV shows to Prime instant videos."

About Prime Instant Video
Prime instant video is a benefit for paid Amazon Prime members. Prime members get unlimited, commercial-free, instant access to more than 11,000 movies and TV shows at no additional cost. Since the launch of Prime instant videos, Amazon has secured licensing deals from partners such as CBS, Fox, NBCUniversal, Sony, Warner Bros. and many more.

About Amazon Instant Video
For customers who are not Prime members, or who are looking to instantly purchase or rent movies and TV shows, Amazon offers Amazon Instant Video. Amazon Instant Video is a streaming video service that provides more than 100,000 titles including new release movies, TV shows the day after they air, as well as contemporary and classic videos in SD and HD. Customers can instantly watch movies and TV shows from Amazon Instant Video or Prime instant video on a Mac, PC or directly on a TV with any of the 300 compatible devices.

About Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon's developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon's own back-end

technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. Kindle, Kindle 3G, Kindle with Special Offers, Kindle 3G with Special Offers and Kindle DX are the revolutionary portable readers that wirelessly download books, magazines, newspapers, blogs and personal documents to a crisp, high-resolution electronic ink display that looks and reads like real paper. Kindle 3G, Kindle 3G with Special Offers and Kindle DX utilize the same 3G wireless technology as advanced cell phones, so users never need to hunt for a Wi-Fi hotspot. Kindle is the #1 bestselling product across the millions of items sold on Amazon.

Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, www.amazon.it, and www.amazon.es. As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to competition, management of growth, new products, services and technologies, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfillment center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, inventory, government regulation and taxation, payments and fraud. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings.

Leaked AMD roadmap reveals Q1 2012 launch for Trinity APU

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 07:01 AM PDT

Some leaked AMD presentation slides are doing the rounds and they look just about arcane enough to be genuine. Assuming they are, and bearing in mind that they're already a few months old, then the key news is that the Trinity APU could swing into full production as early as January. This successor to the immensely successful Llano range of mobile APUs will be based on "Piledriver" CPU cores, which themselves are variants of the Bulldozer cores in AMD's imminent desktop refresh. Suddenly that Llano-powered laptop you've been ogling doesn't look like such an obvious purchase. Check out the gallery below for more slides, including intriguing references to post-Trinity "Kaveri" and "Kabini" APUs planned for 2013.
Leaked AMD slides


[Thanks, Alexandre]

Senator Schumer blasts OnStar for 'brazen' privacy violation, calls for FTC investigation

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 06:43 AM PDT

Last week, OnStar issued a privacy notice informing customers that it would continue to collect data on vehicles still connected to its servers, even for those who have already canceled their subscriptions. The move elicited a chorus of protests from Democratic privacy advocates in the Senate, including Chris Coons, Al Franken and, most recently, Charles Schumer, who wrote a letter to the FTC yesterday calling for an investigation into what he sees as a bold violation of consumer rights. "By tracking drivers even after they've canceled their service, OnStar is attempting one of the most brazen invasions of privacy in recent memory," the New York Senator said. "I urge OnStar to abandon this policy and for FTC to immediately launch a full investigation to determine whether the company's actions constitute an unfair trade practice." Find out more about OnStar's new policy, after the break.

According to the company, the information it collects -- including data on a car's location, speed and accident history -- could be used to alert ex-customers to dangerous weather and product recalls, or for internal "quality, research, or troubleshooting purposes." OnStar insists that the only people who could have access to these data are "law enforcement or other public safety officials, credit card processors and/or third parties [contracted for] joint marketing initiatives." Joanne Finnor, vice president of subscriber services, went on to point out that although OnStar reserves the right to sell this information to third parties, it has yet to do so, and doesn't plan to, either. Former customers, moreover, can always disconnect their vehicle by contacting an OnStar agent, but Schumer counters that consumers shouldn't be forced to opt-out of the feature if they've already discontinued their subscription. OnStar, for its part, acknowledges that it didn't do a great job of communicating these changes to its customer base and seems committed to making a change. "We apologize for creating any confusion about our terms and conditions," Finnor said. "We want to make sure we are as clear with our customers as possible, but it's apparent that we have failed to do this... We will continue to be open to their suggestions and concerns."

First Nokia app appears on Windows Phone store, suggests you buy more apps

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 06:21 AM PDT

Nokia is still hammering out the hardware for its premier Windows Phone, but here's a taste of what the beleaguered phone giant will be adding in the way of exclusive apps. Posted on the Zune marketplace, Top Apps turned up a few days ago and we managed to get a screen grab in case it disappears. It appears to be Nokia's "fun and quick" interpretation of a curated app portal, all pretty similar to the stock Windows Phone offering. Looks like we'll have to wait just a little longer to see exactly how much creative freedom Nokia manages to wring from Microsoft's (previously stringent) Windows Phone UI.

Toshiba outs 'new' Canvio 3.0 portable HDDs, extends USB 3.0 to its Basics range

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 06:00 AM PDT

Monday morning is hardly the time for philosophical questions, but here's one anyway: should manufacturers refresh product lines if they're not adding anything new? Toshiba's Canvio 3.0 external HDDs announced today have pretty much identical specs to the Canvio 3.0 Plus drives already available on Amazon: capacities from 500GB to 1TB, prices from $90 to $140 and the inclusion some cloud backup software worth around $40. The pocket-sized drives come in a range of colors and it's hypothetically possible that they'll look better than their predecessors, but we can't be sure until we get product photos instead of the plain render you see on the right. Meanwhile, things get relatively more interesting when we come to the Canvio Basics range, which make a few sacrifices to come in $10 cheaper and which at least now come with USB 3.0. Enough with the nihilism already.
Show full PR text
TOSHIBA UNVEILS CLOUD-BASED BACKUP CAPABILITY FOR CANVIO®3.0 PORTABLE HARD DRIVES, ADDS USB 3.0 VERSION OF CANVIO BASICS

Continues the Canvio tradition of fast, easy, and reliable backup of digital content for consumers wanting to protect their most important documents and files

IRVINE, Calif.- Sept. 26, 2011 - Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced its Canvio® 3.0 portable hard disk drive (HDD) line featuring cloud-based backup capabilities1. With storage capacities of 500 gigabytes (GB), 750GB or one terabyte (TB2), the new Canvio 3.0 line also features simple plug-and-play operation, pre-loaded backup software, and is compatible with personal computers and other devices equipped with USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 ports.

Designed to meet the needs of consumers who increasingly rely on the cloud for digital storage, the Canvio 3.0 drives are pre-loaded with Windows™-based NTI® BackupNow EZ™ software that provides step-by-step and fully-customizable backup capabilities to the cloud and to the drive. Users create a cloud account with NTI® BackupNow EZ™ where they can backup specific folders, certain file types, and conduct a complete system backup to the Canvio 3.0. The backup software also scans the user's system and files and recommends which files to backup to cloud-based or on-device storage.

Toshiba also announced the expansion of the Canvio Basics family to include the support of USB 3.0, enabling Canvio Basics users to take advantage of the faster data transfer speed of USB 3.0-enabled devices. The Canvio Basics 3.0 features a new compact design and is also available in 500GB, 750GB and 1TB capacities. With a black satin finish, the Canvio Basics 3.0 is the most recent addition to Toshiba's entry-level storage line to store valuable documents and digital content.

"Digital consumers need to quickly backup high resolution photographs, important documents, high definition videos and large music files in a seamless storage system. HDDs with cloud-based backup capabilities offer consumers a digital safety net against system failure," said Maciek Brzeski, vice president of HDD retail products, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "With cloud-based backup, Canvio 3.0 offers consumers a simple and easy backup solution for all types of digital files that need reliable storage."

For advanced users, the Canvio 3.0 also offers complete password protection with up to 256-bit data encryption to prevent unauthorized access to data; an on-screen Drive Space Alert monitor also sends an alert when storage space is running low. The internal Shock Sensor and Ramp Loading Technology protect the drive during daily movement from a pocket, desk, bag, or beyond.

The stylish Canvio 3.0 product line also continues Toshiba's high quality industrial design, including its pocket-sized, rounded rectangular form factor and sleek high gloss finish. The Canvio 3.0 is available in black, white, silver, red, green, and blue3. To provide users with peace of mind, the Toshiba Canvio 3.0 includes a three year limited warranty.

Toshiba Canvio products have been designed and manufactured in accordance with Toshiba's high quality product standards, incorporating the latest technology and user-interface, while ensuring best-in-class performance, quality and workmanship. The Canvio 3.0, Canvio Basics 3.0, and the complete lineup of Canvio Portable Hard Drives may be found at major retailers within North America and online outlets. For a full list of retailers, please visit www.us.toshiba.com.

Pricing and Availability
The Canvio 3.0 and Canvio Basics 3.0 are available today on www.toshibadirect.com, national retail stores, and online retailers.

Manufacturer's Estimated Single Unit Price (ESUP) by capacity:

· $89.99 for 500GB Canvio 3.0
· $109.99 for 750GB Canvio 3.0
· $139.99 for 1TB Canvio 3.0
· $79.99 for 500GB Canvio Basics 3.0
· $99.99 for 750 GB Canvio Basics 3.0
· $129.99 for 1TB Canvio Basics 3.0

Deluxe Power Grip bulks up your 3DS with extended battery life, charges over USB

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 05:42 AM PDT

The Nyko Power Pak+ does an admirable job of keeping Nintendo's 3DS out of the red, but what if you want an extended battery that won't fit in your pocket? Look no further than CTA Digital's Deluxe Power Grip, the 3DS cradle that doubles your console's bulk to match its newly extended battery life. The grip's form mimics that of an Xbox 360 controller, replete with a 2600mAh battery pack and a game-card storing kickstand. The peripheral's grips seem to lend better access to the handheld's awkwardly positioned D-pad, but its real triumph comes in the option to charge the unit via USB; folks looking for a standardized charging solution can kick Nintendo's official AC adapter to the curb. Comfy grips and USB compatibility will set you back about $30. Not convinced? Barrel roll past the break for the official PR and a cheesy overview video.


Show full PR text
CTA Digital Introduces New Deluxe Power Grip for Nintendo 3DS
New product allows comfort, extra battery life.

Brooklyn, NY - CTA Digital (http://ctadigital.com) announces its new Deluxe Power Grip for Nintendo 3DS, designed to solve the problem of short battery life and extend playing time for gamers while adding comfort during longer playing sessions. This stylish grip snaps on quickly and easily converts a 3DS system, which already uses console style control placements, to a more home-style console gaming experience.

The ergonomic shape helps players endure long gaming sessions, while the textured grips fit fully into a player's hands for a secure grasp even during rapid and aggressive play. The 3DS controls, headphone jack, sliders and game slots all remain within easy reach, making the
game-plus-grip combination a natural and intuitive experience. The silicone material keeps the grip comfortable, but is tough enough to resist scratches and bumps, and adds a layer of protection for the system. A lock-on latch keeps the grip mounted to the 3DS securely.

The grip is charged using the included USB cable or the original 3DS AC Adapter which effectively doubles the 3DS battery life. The LED light on the power grip will turn from red to blue when the grip is fully charged. Many users reported issues with the battery life of this console, and can now play longer hours without worrying about charging their systems too often.

When players need to rest their hands but don't want to stop the action, a convenient built in stand folds out to hold the system upright for easy tabletop play. Not only does the stand base snaps into two positions to adjust the game playing angle for player preference, it also has a slot for storing an extra 3DS game.

San Diego Supercomputer Center launches world's largest academic cloud storage system

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 05:24 AM PDT

A new cloud storage system may not exactly be big news these days, but it is certainly a bit more noteworthy when it's the San Diego Supercomputer Center (or SDSC) behind it. That new service, simply dubbed the SDSC Cloud, also isn't your ordinary cloud storage system -- it's designed specifically for academic and research use, and it's said to be the largest of its kind in the world. That title comes from an initial raw capacity of 5.5 petabytes, which the SDSC notes is scalable by "orders of magnitude to hundreds of petabytes," and which is accessible at sustained read speeds from 8 to 10 gigabytes per second (also promised to be improved over time). Those interested in signing up can do so right now through an application process, with rates starting at $3.25 a month for 100GB of storage. Additional details are in the press release after the break.
Show full PR text
SDSC Announces Scalable, High-Performance Data Storage Cloud

Web-based System Offers High Durability, Security, and Speed for Diverse User Base

SDSC Cloud

The San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) at the University of California, San Diego, today announced the launch of what is believed to be the largest academic-based cloud storage system in the U.S., specifically designed for researchers, students, academics, and industry users who require stable, secure, and cost-effective storage and sharing of digital information, including extremely large data sets.

"We believe that the SDSC Cloud may well revolutionize how data is preserved and shared among researchers, especially massive datasets that are becoming more prevalent in this new era of data-intensive research and computing," said Michael Norman, director of SDSC. "The SDSC Cloud goes a long way toward meeting federal data sharing requirements, since every data object has a unique URL and could be accessed over the Web."

SDSC's new Web-based system is 100% disk-based and interconnected by high-speed 10 gigabit Ethernet switching technology, providing extremely fast read and write performance. With an initial raw capacity of 5.5 petabytes – one petabyte equals one quadrillion bytes of storage capacity, or the equivalent about 250 billion pages of text – the SDSC Cloud has sustained read rates of 8 to 10 gigabytes (GB) per second that will continually improve as more nodes and storage are added. That's akin to reading all the contents of a 250GB laptop drive in less than 30 seconds.

Moreover, the SDSC Cloud is scalable by orders of magnitude to hundreds of petabytes, with aggregate performance and capacity both scaling almost linearly with growth. Full details about the new SDSC Cloud can be found online.

Conceived in planning for UC San Diego's campus Research Cyberinfrastructure (RCI) project, the initiative quickly grew in scope and partners as many saw the technology as functionally revolutionary and cost effective for their needs. At launch, users and research partners include, among others, UC San Diego's Libraries, School of Medicine, Rady School of Management, Jacobs School of Engineering, and SDSC researchers, as well as federally-funded research projects from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes for Health, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

"The SDSC Cloud marks a paradigm shift in how we think about long-term storage," said Richard Moore, SDSC's deputy director. "We are shifting from the 'write once and read never' model of archival data, to one that says 'if you think your data is important, then it should be readily accessible and shared with the broader community.'"

"UC San Diego is one of the most data-centric universities in the country, so our goal was to develop a centralized, scalable data storage system designed to meet performance, functionality, and capacity needs of our researchers and partners across the country, and to evolve and scale with the needs of the scientific community," said Dallas Thornton, SDSC's division director of cyberinfrastructure services. "Developing this resource in-house atop the OpenStack platform allows for highly-capable and flexible, yet extremely cost-effective solutions for our researchers."

OpenStack is a scalable, open-sourced cloud operating system jointly launched in July 2010 by NASA and Rackspace Hosting, which today powers some of the largest public and private cloud computing services using this scalable and proven software.

Durability and Security
Data stored in SDSC's new cloud is instantly written to multiple independent storage servers, and stored data is validated for consistency on a round-the-clock basis. "This leads to very high levels of data durability, availability, and performance, all of which are of paramount importance to researchers and research organizations," said Ron Joyce, SDSC's associate director of IT infrastructure and a key architect of the system.

The SDSC Cloud leverages the infrastructure designed for a high-performance parallel file system by using two Arista Networks 7508 switches, providing 768 total 10 gigabit (Gb) Ethernet ports for more than 10Tbit/s of non-blocking, IP-based connectivity. The switches are configured using multi-chassis link aggregation (MLAG) for both performance and failover.

"This network configuration allows us to unshackle extreme-scale/extreme-performance storage from individual clusters and instead make data available at unprecedented speeds across our university campus and beyond," said Philip Papadopoulos, SDSC's division director of UC systems. "In addition to incredibly fast data transmission speeds, our goal was to build a high-performance storage system right from the start that was completely scalable to meet the evolving needs and requirements of the campus, as well those within industry and government."

The environment also provides high-bandwidth wide-area network connectivity to users and partners thanks to multiple 10Gb connections to CENIC (Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California), ESNet (Energy Sciences Network), and XSEDE (Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment). This allows huge amounts of data, such as sky surveys or mapping of the human genome, to be rapidly transported simultaneously to/from the SDSC Cloud.

In addition to large storage capacity and high-speed transmissions, the SDSC Cloud provides:

* Cost advantages: Standard "on-demand" storage costs start at only $3.25 a month per 100GB of storage, and there are no I/O networking charges. A "condo" option, which allows users to make cost-effective long term investment in hardware that becomes part of the SDSC Cloud, is also available. Users will soon have the option to have additional copies of their data stored offsite at UC Berkeley, one of SDSC's partners in the project.
* Anywhere, anytime accessibility and wide compatibility: Every data file is given a persistent URL, making the system ideal for data sharing such as library or institutional collections. Access permissions can be set by the data owner, allowing a full spectrum of options from private to open access. The HTTP-based SDSC Cloud supports the RackSpace Swift and Amazon S3 APIs and is accessible from any web browser, clients for Windows, OSX, UNIX, and mobile devices. Users can also write applications that directly interact with the SDSC Cloud.
* Enhanced security: Users set their own access/privacy levels. Users know and can coordinate precisely where their data is stored in the cloud, including replicated copies. In addition, a HIPAA and FISMA compliant storage option launches on October 1st in partnership with the Integrating Data for Analysis, Anonymization and SHaring (iDASH) program at UC San Diego, a National Center for Biomedical Computing (NCBC) project funded in 2010 under the NIH Roadmap for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

Working in Tandem with Other SDSC Storage Systems
The SDSC Cloud is configured to work in tandem with other innovative storage technologies at the supercomputer center. One is the Data Oasis system, a Lustre-based parallel file system designed primarily for high-performance, low-latency scratch and medium-term project storage, ideal for researchers conducting data-intensive operations on SDSC's Triton, Trestles, and Dash high-performance computing (HPC) systems.

SDSC's Data Oasis is currently capable of speeds of 50GB/s, meaning that researchers can today retrieve a terabyte of data – or one trillion bytes – in less than 20 seconds. By early 2012, Data Oasis will be expanded to serve SDSC's Gordon, the first supercomputer within the HPC community focused on integrating large amounts of flash-based SSD (solid state drive) memory. As Gordon enters production in January 2012, SDSC will double the speed of Data Oasis to 100GB/s, making it one of the fastest parallel file systems in the academic research community. While Data Oasis is used for in-process HPC storage, the SDSC Cloud is designed to accommodate any storage needs either prior to or afterward, delivering durable, secure storage that can be shared within SDSC or across the country with ease.

About SDSC
As an Organized Research Unit of UC San Diego, SDSC is considered a leader in data-intensive computing and cyberinfrastructure, providing resources, services, and expertise to the national research community including industry and academia. Cyberinfrastructure refers to an accessible and integrated network of computer-based resources and expertise, focused on accelerating scientific inquiry and discovery. SDSC supports hundreds of multidisciplinary programs spanning a wide variety of domains, from earth sciences to biology to astrophysics to bioinformatics and health IT. With its two newest supercomputer systems, Trestles and the soon-to-be-launched Gordon, SDSC is a partner in XSEDE (Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment), the most advanced collection of integrated digital resources and services in the world.

Broadcom unveils smaller, more power efficient 40nm NFC chips

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 05:03 AM PDT

NFC
Broadcom is really throwing its weight behind this whole NFC thing. Its new family of BCM2079x chips have moved to a 40nm manufacturing process which cuts power use by 90-percent and board size by 40-percent. Broadcom claims they're the smallest and most power efficient NFC chips on the market -- and we're not in any position to refute that assertion. The company's Maestro tools have also been upgraded to let their NFC chips speak to a device's Bluetooth and WiFi radios. This could be used to quickly pair with other gadgets using Bluetooth or stream media to a connected television. For more details check out the PR after the break.
Show full PR text
Broadcom Introduces First NFC Chips in 40 NM to Drive Next Generation of Mobile Payments and Consumer Electronic Connectivity

Industry's Smallest and Most Power Efficient NFC Solution with Seamless Connectivity to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Opens Doors for Next Evolution of Wireless Innovation

News Highlights
New BCM2079x solutions are the industry's first near field communications (NFC) chips manufactured in 40 nm CMOS process for smaller size and the industry's lowest power consumption
Supports multiple embedded secure elements and/or SIM cards for contactless payment and secure applications.
Enables simplified connectivity with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for new innovations in device-to-device data/video transfer, pairing and connections

BEIJING, Sept. 26, 2011 – P&T Expo Comm – Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today unveiled a new family of NFC chips designed to drive the mass deployment of NFC in consumer electronics devices. With a powerful combination of power, size and functional requirements, the new chips provide the advanced capabilities required by OEMs to ignite NFC adoption in consumer electronics. Visit Broadcom.com for more news from the show.

Manufactured in 40 nm CMOS technology, the new Broadcom® BCM2079x family slashes power consumption by more than 90 percent, uses 40 percent fewer components and has a 40 percent smaller board area, making it the smallest and most power efficient NFC solution on the market. The NFC controllers are platform agnostic with support for multiple secure elements or SIM cards – or both at the same time. In addition, Broadcom's advanced MaestroTM middleware allows new NFC applications to utilize Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities in the device to spur new innovations in user interface and media sharing.

An accelerated adoption of NFC could transform the use of smartphones, advancing beyond contactless mobile payments and ticketing to enable radically simplified connectivity between the handset and other devices like Bluetooth headsets and Wi-Fi-enabled digital televisions. The proliferation of NFC has the ability to expand the usefulness of smartphones and inspire a range of new applications built on the ability to create simple, secure connections between devices and enable services with a touch of the phone.

Technology Advantages:

Reduces power consumption:

o Low power target detection mode, which leverages Broadcom's innovative low-power techniques, reduces polling power consumption by more than 90 percent for longer battery life
o Support for field power harvesting allows the chip to draw energy from the environment so it can support transactions even if the phone battery has expired

Reduces board space requirements and design complexity:
o Industry's smallest size chip integrates more external components, reducing total solution bill of materials (BOM) costs
o Easily pairs with Broadcom's InConcert® BCM4330 Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and FM combo chip for comprehensive connectivity solution
o Complete Broadcom software stack including MaestroTM middleware rounds out end-to-end solution for reduced design complexity, creative connectivity options and faster time to market

Provides support and flexibility for all business models and future wireless innovation:
o Only NFC controller to integrate transaction-based Application ID (AID) routing for simultaneous support of multiple secure elements (both SIM and non-SIM) within a single device
o Multiple SWP (single wire protocol) interfaces allow for standards-based SIM and embedded secure element integration
o Broadcom is also working closely with the NFC Forum to define and drive standards to ensure interoperability with other NFC devices

Craig Ochikubo, VP and GM, Wireless Personal Area Networks, Broadcom Corporation
"Broadcom is committed to making NFC as ubiquitous as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are today. These solutions provide the features and performance that enable disruptive innovation that will reshape the mobile consumer experience. Our leadership and proficiency in wireless connectivity influenced the architecture of these new chips to meet the performance required by OEMs, allowing them to more easily add NFC to their designs."

Resources:
http://www.broadcom.com/products/?industry_id=2

About Broadcom
Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a FORTUNE 500® company, is a global leader and innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom® products seamlessly deliver voice, video, data and multimedia connectivity in the home, office and mobile environments. With the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and embedded software solutions, Broadcom is changing the world by Connecting everything®.

For more information, go to www.broadcom.com.

Another alleged HTC Vigor leak: HD display, 1.5GHz dual-core, Beats Audio (update: more pics)

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 04:42 AM PDT

We know the high-end HTC Vigor exists, but we're still in the dark about its precise specs -- not least because a previous 'leak' turned out to be double Dutch. Now an Italian dude by the name of Fabio Mele reckons he's gotten hold of Verizon's ROM for the Vigor and extracted a ton of information, including tutorial videos (which yielded the render above) and key hardware credentials. And they're some credentials: a 4.3-inch screen with 720 lines of LG-rivalling HD craziness, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 1GB RAM and an 8MP rear camera. The reported ROM also contains HTC's much-hyped Beats Audio software, which we've experimented with on the Un-American Sensation XE. We're taking all this with a pinch of salt if you don't mind, Signor Mele, but we want to believe you, we really do.

[Thanks, Giuseppe]

Update: That elusive Vigor tutorial vid has popped up online and shows the handset from all angles, including what lies beneath its battery cover (hint: it's a SIM slot for what we presume to be LTE access). Check it out after the break.

Update 2: And now some real photos of the Vigor have shown up online, too. Check out a couple after the break, and get the full spread over at Android Central.


Samsung's Omnia W: Mango, 3.7-inch Super AMOLED, 1.4GHZ processor

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 04:15 AM PDT

Samsung just took the wraps off its Omnia W, which looks like a non-US variant of the Focus Flash we've already heard about via AT&T. The handset will debut in Italy and start spreading across the Old World and Latin America from next month. It'll sport Windows Phone 7.5 out of the box, a 3.7-inch 800x480 Super AMOLED display, 1.4GHz processor, VGA webcam on the front and rear 5MP shooter with 720p video recording. We expect it'll go head-to-head with HTC's 3.8-inch Radar when the War of the Mangoes finally kicks off.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Samsung Omnia W
Show full PR text
Samsung delivers a unique smartphone experience with Omnia W, a unique phone that puts people first

First Samsung device utilizing the latest release of Windows Phone offers power, social connectivity and stunning visual experience with vivid SuperAMOLED display

SEOUL, Korea – September 26, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a leading mobile phone provider, today announced the launch of the Samsung Omnia W, its first Smartphone based on the latest release of Microsoft's Windows Phone, code-named Mango. Featuring an elegant design, a vivid SuperAMOLED display as well as an enriched content and social communication experience enabled by People Hub, the Omnia W is a different kind of phone that puts people at the center of everything.

"We are excited about the potential for Windows Phone and the possibilities it opens for Samsung customers. Mobile consumers increasingly expect to be socially networked through their phones anytime, anywhere, and instantly. They are looking for high-performance devices that are easy and intuitive to use, look great, and enable them to create and share rich multimedia content with ease. The Samsung Omnia W delivers on every count," said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung's Mobile Communications business.

Stunning Performance in Vivid Clarity with SuperAMOLED Display

The eye-catching Omnia W sports a minimalist contemporary design featuring a metallic finish. A rich 3.7" SuperAMOLED display provides stunning visuals ensuring that photos and videos captured with the device's 5MP camera can be enjoyed with vivid clarity.

A powerful 1.4GHz processor delivers seamless performance, allowing a fast and hassle-free user experience. This is further enhanced by the device's integrated 14.4Mbps HSPA+ connectivity, enabling high-speed data browsing and ensuring that videos and pictures can be instantly shared with friends and family hassle-free.

Enhanced Windows Phone Usability

Windows Phone has been developed to provide an easy, intelligent and socially connected smartphone experience. Users can easily connect and share experiences with their friends using a variety of communication mediums, while a superior Web browsing experience is further enhanced with the integration Internet Explorer9 and Bing.

Mango's unique and intuitive user interface lays out applications in mosaic 'Live Tiles' which flow and move on the screen in response to the users touch. The interface provides the benefits of a user environment usually associated with a larger display within the portability of a smartphone screen, delivering a flexible and intuitive experience.

The six specialized Microsoft applications provide an engaging content and communication experience. The Windows Phone People Hub is integrated with social networking services built-in Windows Live, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, ensuring that users always stay in touch with their social community.

Office Hub provides enhanced productivity on-the-go and includes access to Windows Live Sky Drive, which provides 25GB of free storage and allows documents and media files to be easily stored and accessed anywhere. Users can also create and edit documents through mobile versions of Microsoft Office Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as utilize One Note, a note-taking platform allowing the easy sharing and storage of voice memos, images and text-based notes.

Seamless access to entertainment is afforded by the integration of a Picture Hub, Music & Video Hub – powered by Microsoft Zune – and Game Hub, which provides the latest in social gaming experiences through Xbox live, meaning that friends can chat with each other while gaming. Windows Phone Marketplace provides access to over 30,000 apps to meet customer needs across entertainment or productivity.

The Exclusive Samsung Experience

The overall Windows Phone experience is significantly enhanced with the inclusion of a set of Samsung-exclusive productivity apps. This includes Samsung AllShare, which provides seamless content transfer between the smartphone and other DLNA-enabled devices such as HDTV's, monitors and digital cameras. Video Call is an easy-to-use app which allows ultra-fast vivid 3G video conversations with friends and family. Additionally, Mini Diary enables users to capture their experiences in multimedia formats and create their very own personalized digital journal while on the go. Meanwhile, an upgraded Samsung eBook client is available from Samsung Zone.

Users can stay up-to-date with the latest news and events through the Now 2.0 app, which provides up-to-the minute current affairs, stock market and weather information on the go. RSS Time allows RSS feeds for newspapers, magazines and blogs to be downloaded onto the device and read in an easily digestible format, while eye-catching articles can instantly be shared via email or Facebook.

The device features enhanced social network integration, with Twitter and LinkedIn weaved throughout the Omnia W in addition to Facebook. This means that photos and videos can be instantly shared across a variety of social networking sites hassle-free.

The Omnia W will be commercially available starting in Italy from end-October and gradually rolled to globally including Europe, CIS, Latin America, Africa, South East and South West Asia.

For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com/.

Julius Blank, chip-making pioneer and Fairchild co-founder, dies at 86

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 03:59 AM PDT

Somber news coming out of Palo Alto today, where Julius Blank, the man who helped found the groundbreaking chipmaker Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation, has passed away at the age of 86. The Manhattan-born Blank (pictured third from left, above) began his engineering career in 1952, when he joined AT&T's Western Electric plant in New Jersey. As a member of the engineering group at the plant, Blank helped create phone technology that allowed users to dial long-distance numbers without going through an operator. It was also at Western Electric where he met fellow engineer Eugene Kleiner. In 1956, Blank and Kleiner left AT&T to work at the lab of Nobel Prize-winning physicist William B. Shockley, but departed just one year later (amid to start Fairchild, alongside a group of six other computer scientists that included future Intel Corporation founders Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore. At their new labs, Blank and his peers developed an inexpensive method for manufacturing silicon chips, earning them $1.5 million in capital from a single investor. As the only two with any manufacturing experience, Blank and Kleiner were charged with bringing the dream to fruition -- a task that required them to build the chips from scratch, beginning with the machinery for growing silicon crystals. They succeeded, of course, and in 1969, Blank left Fairchild to start Xicor, a tech firm that Intersil would later buy for $529 million, in 2004. But his legacy will forever be linked to those early days at Fairchild, where, as Blank described in a 2008 interview, he and his colleagues were able to experience the unique thrill of "building something from nothing." Julius Blank is survived by his two sons, Jeffrey and David, and two grandsons.

[Photo courtesy of Joan Seidel / AP 1999]

BMW's Active Sound Design is like putting your head under the hood of the new M5

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 03:19 AM PDT

We know EVs of the future will lose their ability to silently kill, but how about replicating engine noise for the enjoyment of bonafide petrolheads? Eagle-eyed readers will note that's a promised feature of the upcoming (but ever-delayed) Fisker Karma, but here beating it to market is BMW's upcoming M5 -- sort of. München's implementation coined "Active Sound Design," won't blast engine machinations on the outside, but instead internally overlays the harmonic soundtrack of the twin turbo V8 over internal speakers as you drive. That audial racket is based on throttle position, engine revs and speed, and gets even louder when the car is set in Sport or Sport+ modes. No word on if you'll be able to customize with other soundtracks (a la Karma), but there's nothing a little enthusiast hackery can't fix...

Samsung announces Galaxy S II LTE and Galaxy S II HD LTE handsets for Korean market

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 02:40 AM PDT

There's some pretty big news coming out of South Korea today, where Samsung has just announced the Galaxy S II LTE handset, along with its even more alluring cousin, the Galaxy S II LTE HD -- the first member of the Galaxy S family to rock an HD display. The new device, pictured on the right, boasts a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED HD screen with 1280 x 720 resolution, which translates to about 316 pixels per inch. Other than that, its specs are identical to those of the Gingerbread-laced S II LTE, which is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and features 16GB of internal memory, an eight megapixel camera that supports 1080p HD video and the usual collection of WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and NFC capabilities. No word yet on pricing or availability, but the Galaxy S II LTE will be available exclusively on SK Telecom, while the HD variant will be available on all three Korean carriers -- SK Telecom, LG U+ and KT. Full PR after the break.
Show full PR text
Samsung opens the door to the high speed, high resolution 4G era by unveiling new LTE smartphone line up in Korea

SEOUL, Korea, September 26th, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of 'GALAXY S II LTE' and 'GALAXY S II HD LTE' in Korean market.

On September 26th, Samsung Electronics holds a Media Day event in Seoul, hosted by JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung's Mobile Communications Business. At the event, Samsung Electronics set to launch GALAXY S II LTE, its first LTE smartphone in Korean market.

"Using the advanced technologies it has as the leader of the domestic smartphone market, Samsung Electronics will enable consumers to enjoy a truly smart life with the LTE smartphone. The company will continue to release innovative LTE smart devices in the domestic market, thereby leading the LTE market", said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung's Mobile Communications Business.

GALAXY S II LTE

The GALAXY S II LTE is Samsung Electronics' first LTE smartphone launched in Korean market, showcasing LTE communication technology on top of the cutting-edge smartphone features offered by GALAXY S II, the company's global hit model.

The portability has been enhanced with a slim design (9.5mm), while offering powerful smartphone performance, including Android 2.3, the latest version of the Android platform, 4.5-inch WVGA (800×480) SuperAMOLED Plus, and 1.5GHz dual core AP.

The GALAXY S II LTE supports LTE with transmission five times faster than 3G, allowing the user to download 138 music files (4MB), 110 eBooks (5MB), and six HD games (90MB) in a minute.

Multimedia functions have also been substantially improved including the 8 megapixel camera, 1080p-level full HD video, and TV-OUT function based on the MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) adapter.

The phone also supports other cutting-edge smartphone functions. They include embedded 16GB memory, large battery capacity of 1850mAh, NFC (Near Field Communication), WiFi a/b/g/n support, and Bluetooth 3.0＋HS.

GALAXY S II HD LTE

Samsung Electronics declared the launch of the Mobile HD era by unveiling the world's first LTE smartphone with the HD Super AMOLED GALAXY S II HD LTE.

With HD (1280X720) resolution, the HD Super AMOLED is the first AMOLED display to feature 316 pixels per inch (ppi), higher than the standard 300ppi, resulting in substantial improvements in screen sharpness and readability.

A wide variety of high-resolution content services that are provided via the LTE communication network, such as high-resolution video telephony, real-time VOD services, and network games, can be enjoyed more vividly thanks to the HD SuperAMOLED.
The GALAXY S II HD LTE will serve as an 'HD theater in hand' by offering an optimal environment for watching films, including the large 4.65-inch screen, screen ratio of 16:9, 110％ natural color reproduction, and 180-degree viewing angle that ensures a clear image from far left or right.

The phone supports multiple modes including LTE, HSPA＋ (for SKT and KT) and Rev.A (for LGU＋), and WCDMA/GSM (roaming), enabling a domestic user to seamlessly access the fastest high speed wireless Internet.

Substantial improvements were made to the design as well. The narrow bezel technology was employed for the front to make the frame of the 4.65-inch AMOLED display as thin as possible. Emphasis was thus placed on a slim, refined design. The slim feature (9.5mm) ensures a more comfortable grip.

Other cutting-edge smartphone functions are provided, including a large battery capacity of 1850mAh, NFC (Near Field Communication), flash support, 8 megapixel camera, WiFi a/b/g/n support, and Bluetooth 3.0＋HS.

※ The LTE speed specified above is based on theoretical value (LTE bandwidth of 10MHz each). The actual speed may differ according to the LTE bandwidth, communications standard, and usage environment. Areas where LTE services are provided may differ among operators.

Rover App-Controlled Spy Tank gives your cats another reason to hate your iPad (video)

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 01:06 AM PDT

If the only thing standing between you and the purchase of an iPad is the existence of a large, remote controlled spy tank, we've got some rough news for your bank account. Brookstone is offering up the Rover App-Controlled Spy Tank, an iPad / iPhone / iPod touch-controlled toy tank that can capture audio and video and send it back to your iOS device. The tank can be controlled at distances of up to 200 feet and works around walls. The app is available as a free download and the tank will run you $150. That price includes six AA batteries, but apparently won't cover therapy for distressed house pets.

NYT: Netflix strikes deal with Dreamworks, will begin streaming movies, TV specials in 2013

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 12:10 AM PDT


It looks like those rumors of a streaming deal between Netflix and Dreamworks Animation were as good as advertised. Details are still fuzzy at this point, but the New York Times is reporting that the two parties have reached an agreement to stream Dreamworks' movies and TV projects, as part of a deal worth an estimated $30 million. Under the contract, which replaces a similar pay TV pact between Dreamworks and HBO, Netflix will begin offering exclusive access to the studio's new films in 2013, with Antz, Kung Fu Panda and other titles from its library slated to become available for streaming sometime thereafter. The company won't be confined to selling digital copies of Dreamworks' movies within a specific period, either, drawing a major distinction between itself and HBO, which requires studio partners to halt digital sales outside of an exclusive window. HBO probably isn't too thrilled to see Netflix strike what Dreamworks chief exec Jeffrey Katzenberg called a "game-changing deal," but it also has a new partnership of its own with Summit Studios, which it brought on board after letting Dreamworks out of its contract a full two years early. We're still waiting for official confirmation of Netflix's latest deal, but we'll let you know as soon as we get it.

Update: Now with the official press release, included after the break.
Show full PR text
Netflix and DreamWorks Animation Announce Multi-Year Premium Pay TV Window Agreement in the United States
Netflix Members To Enjoy Instantly Watching High-Quality Animated Content From DreamWorks Animation
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. and GLENDALE, Calif., Sept. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) today announced a new multi-year licensing agreement that will make Netflix the exclusive subscription television service for first-run feature films and select television specials from DreamWorks Animation, the award-winning creators of such beloved franchises as "Shrek," "Madagascar," "Kung Fu Panda" and "How to Train Your Dragon."

Beginning with its 2013 feature films, new DreamWorks Animation titles will be made available for Netflix members to watch instantly in the pay TV window on multiple platforms, including television, tablet, computer, and mobile phones. Under the agreement, certain critically lauded and commercially successful DreamWorks Animation catalogue titles – including "Kung Fu Panda," "Madagascar 2," "Chicken Run" and "Antz," among others – will also be made available to Netflix members over time.

"DreamWorks Animation is one of the few family entertainment brands that really matters. The studio is brilliantly creative, technologically innovative and incredibly successful at making films and TV shows that delight people of all ages," said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer of Netflix. "This agreement strengthens the lineup of great family content Netflix members will be able to watch instantly and also increases the number of hit first-run films we'll have available in the pay TV window."

"Netflix has emerged as an innovative brand with an impressive track record for attracting high-quality content providers to its service and we look forward to making DreamWorks Animation titles available to over 24 million Netflix members in the U.S.," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer of DreamWorks Animation. "This arrangement allows us to get more value for our content while giving us a greater degree of flexibility in how we distribute it across multiple platforms in today's evolving digital world."

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Netflix

With more than 25 million members globally, Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) is the world's leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows. For $7.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed over the Internet to PCs, Macs and TVs. Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are Microsoft's Xbox 360, Nintendo's Wii and Sony's PS3. consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, Internet-connected TVs, home theater systems, digital video recorders and Internet video players; Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Apple TV and Google TV. In all, more than 700 devices that stream from Netflix are available in the U.S, Canada and Latin America.

About DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series, live entertainment properties and online virtual worlds, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE® Magazine for three consecutive years. In 2011, DreamWorks Animation ranks #10 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation's feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 22 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of "Shrek," "Madagascar," "Kung Fu Panda" and "How to Train Your Dragon."

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This document includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company's plans, prospects, strategies, proposals and our beliefs and expectations concerning performance of our current and future releases and anticipated talent, directors and storyline for our upcoming films and other projects, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry in which we operate and management's beliefs and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive, technological and/or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of the business of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. These risks and uncertainties include: audience acceptance of our films, our dependence on the success of a limited number of releases each year, the increasing cost of producing and marketing feature films, piracy of motion pictures, the effect of rapid technological change or alternative forms of entertainment and our need to protect our proprietary technology and enhance or develop new technology. In addition, due to the uncertainties and risks involved in the development and production of animated feature projects, the release dates for the projects described in this document may be delayed. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and our most recent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. DreamWorks Animation is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

SOURCE Netflix, Inc.; DreamWorks Animation

Huawei makes Honor official, forgets to mention its other virtues

Posted: 25 Sep 2011 11:14 PM PDT

Sure, we love it when phones and spec lists leak out into the wild, but there's nothing like an official announcement to set the record straight. When we last saw the Huawei Honor, it claimed to have a single-core 1.4GHz processor, a 4-inch FWVGA (854x480) capacitive screen, and a radio primed for European and Asian bands. The official word? It's got all of that, but it's also packing an 8 megapixel rear facing camera (2MP up front), 512MB of RAM (with 4GB ROM memory, and expandable up to 32GB) and a hefty 1900mAh battery. The Gingerbread powered handset is a hair thicker than we expected as well, measuring in at 10.9mm at its thinnest point. What else is new? Oh, just a handful of new frequencies, including GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 /1900 and the WCDMA/HSPA+ 900 / AWS / 2100 bands (compatible with T-Mobile's US 3G). No word on price just yet, but the DLNA-certified powerhouse should be hitting Asia-Pacific, China, Russia, and the Middle East in "Classic Black" the fourth quarter, with more colors (and hopefully, regions) dropping sometime during the Christmas season. Want the full PR and official spec list? Skip on past the break.
Show full PR text
Huawei's latest smartphone Honor packs a punch with its 16M true color HD display and three-day battery life, the longest in its class

Shenzhen, 26 September 2011: Huawei today officially unveiled the Huawei Honor, its latest Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread smartphone that features a 16M 16:9 true color high-definition (HD) 4-inch FWVGA capacitive touch screen. Powered by a 1,900 MAh battery, Honor frees consumers from the inconvenience of searching for an electricity source, allowing them to share and connect for up to three days1 on a single charge – the longest battery life among smartphones in the 4-inch screen range. With a 1.4 GHz processor, an 8-megapixel HDR2-enabled camera and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, Honor is a powerhouse in a sleek 10.9 mm-thin body and weighs just 140g.

"Huawei Honor encapsulates the Huawei brand – it features simple-to-use, advanced technology that allows people to share and connect easily. Honor provides a package of features that elevates the smartphone user experience, including an ultra-long battery life, so critical to the performance of smartphones but yet is often downplayed," said Victor Xu, chief marketing officer of Huawei Device. "Consumers now have a high-performing smartphone that lets them communicate, connect, entertain and share content for an extended period of time without compromising on looks, technology or style."

Honor comes with an exclusive Huawei user interface which is easier to customize and manage, as well as a dynamic weather widget. Honor also features a Gyroscope which enables a better gaming experience. The smartphone is DLNA-certified which ensures interoperability with other DLNA-certified devices such as digital cameras, game consoles and TVs. This makes it easier for consumers to share their digital photos, music and videos between different DLNA-certified devices. The DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a non-profit organization with more than 250 member companies in the mobile, consumer electronics, PC, and service provider industries. According to ABI Research data, as of 2010, more than 440 million DLNA-certified devices have been installed in homes.

Honor will be commercially available in "Classic Black" in Asia-Pacific, China, Russia and the Middle East in Q4, 2011. Honor will be released in more colors closer to the Christmas holidays.

Technical Specs
  • Android Gingerbread 2.3.5 OS
  • 1900mAh battery
  • 1.4 Ghz processor
  • 4.0 inch 16M 16:9 true color FWVGA capacitive touch screen
  • 8 megapixels auto focus camera supporting HDR, with 2 megapixels front-facing camera
  • 2G Network (operating band) GSM 850/900/1800/1900
  • 3G Network (operating band) WCDMA/HSPA+ 900/AWS/2100
  • Measures 10.9mm (0.43 inches) at its thinnest point and weighs around 140g (0.3 pounds)
  • Support Class 10 GPRS and EDGE
  • 3G HSPA+ DL 14.4 Mbps/UL 5.76 Mbps
  • WiFi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth V2.1 with A2DP
  • 512M RAM + 4G ROM memory with a memory card slot up to 32GB
  • Micro USB 2.0 port

Additional Features
  • Assisted GPS support
  • FM radio
  • Dual MIC, compass and gyroscope
  • G-sensor, proximity sensor and light sensor
  • Exclusive Huawei user-interface with a dynamic weather widget
  • 160GB network capacity CloudDrive
  • DLNA-certified enables sharing with other DLNA-certified devices

Colors and Availability
  • Classic Black available in China, Russia and the Middle East from Q4 2011 with other colors to follow

Google+ app update welcomes iPhone users to Hangouts

Posted: 25 Sep 2011 09:28 PM PDT

Looking for someone to hang out with today? Grab your iPhone and slurp up the latest update to the Google+ app. Released on Friday, this refresh introduces Hangouts functionality to the iOS crowd, bringing them up to speed with Android users. The app's Huddle feature, meanwhile, has been renamed as "Messenger," and supports photos, as well. Plus, iPhone wielders can now +1 comments from their handsets, while using a slate of more granular controls to customize their notification settings. Intrigued parties can grab the update now, at the source link below.

How would you change HTC's Droid Incredible 2?

Posted: 25 Sep 2011 07:32 PM PDT

It's borderline crazy to think that we posed this very question about the original Droid Incredible in June of 2010, yet here we are again. Same question, different day, and (mostly) different phone. Verizon Wireless has been pumping out Android devices like it's its job -- and really, it sort of is -- and HTC's DI2 is certainly one of the more polarizing options. Loaded with Sense and plenty of VZW "extras," we're anxious to see if the things that bothered us also bothered you. Is the screen size adequate? Are you still better off with Sense than without? Would you change the form factor or software in any way for the inevitable third iteration? Holler in comments below -- we're all ears.

QReo is for cookie, that's good enough to scan (video)

Posted: 25 Sep 2011 06:18 PM PDT

The medium is the message. That's really all you need to know about this junk food marketing. Integrated ad agency RedPepper, which prides itself on communication via "human-centered, highly-spreadable 'things'," assembled a group of stoners employees to answer the age-old question: can cookies convey QR codes? No, never pondered that ultimate mystery before? Well, bust out the smartphone and get to scanning this collection of 441 black and gold Oreos for the answer. We won't ruin the URL-directing surprise for you, but prepare to be minorly underwhelmed -- it's not like the company's heralding the return of glorious trans fat. Curiosity piqued? Then head past the break for the how'd they do that? hyper-speed video and its Daft Punk backing track. (Disclaimer: No cookies were harmed in the filming of this project, only consumed.)

Switched On: No new wires, one new caveat

Posted: 25 Sep 2011 05:14 PM PDT

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

In the decade that WiFi has blanketed home networks across the United States, several technologies aimed at using existing wiring in the home have met with limited success. These have included MoCA (Multimedia over Coax, which has been adopted by some service providers for implementing multi-room DVRs) and HomePNA (originally for phone lines but later expanded to coax cable as well). At least three dueling standards have also sought to bring high-speed connectivity over electrical wiring. HomePlug, the most successful of these, has had several iterations. The latest – HomePlug AV – is rated at a theoretical throughput of 200 Mbits/sec. However, power line technologies have been held back by high prices and occasional interoperability problems.

But a new approach seeks to be the one protocol to rule them all, operating over phone lines, power lines or coax. Dubbed G.hn, the ITU standard promises up to 1Gbps theoretical throughput, with real-world usage over electrical lines expected to reach between 250Mbps and 400Mbps. If that sounds appealing to you, you're not alone. Service providers like the idea of G.hn since it allows them more flexibility than previous efforts. In fact, they like it so much that -- despite G.hn's capacity -- they have insisted on quality of service standards that could limit or prevent consumers from installing it themselves after they buy adapters from retailers.

Let's say your local pay-TV provider outfits your home with G.hn power line adapters to stream high-definition shows between two DVRs. A few months later, you purchase a couple of G.hn bridges to hook up your bedroom PC to your living room Blu-ray player to stream your own high-definition videos. The G.hn adapters that the service provider installed will recognize the new equipment. The service provider may then request that you call them for permission to install, may provide a portion of the bandwidth available over the power lines, or may even flatly tell you that you can't use the adapters. G.hn equipment providers are working with service providers to encourage a more relaxed stance, but operators reserve the right to do what they want.

Savvy home networkers will find a few ways to work around the service provider prerogative and still tap the bandwidth of cables already in the home. If, for example, the service provider chooses G.hn using coax cables, you are free to use one of the other two methods (phone line or power line) without restrictions. Or you could still use a technology other than G.hn. Going back to power line, the next version of the HomePlug standard is expected to coexist with G.hn. Finally, you could opt for a pay-TV provider that doesn't use G.hn if you have a local choice available.

G.hn is expected to appear in devices before the end of the next year, rolling out to service providers first, consumer electronics companies second, and finally to networking products aimed at retailers and consumers. It could deliver a promising complement to WiFi; but if your service provider puts it in your home before you do, remember to put sugar on top of your "pretty please" when you try to install it.

Ross Rubin (@rossrubin) is executive director of industry analysis for consumer technology at market research and analysis firm The NPD Group. Views expressed in Switched On are his own.

Rogers getting Samsung Galaxy S Glide in time for the holidays

Posted: 25 Sep 2011 04:37 PM PDT

Sure, Rogers will soon be launching its flagship Samsung Galaxy S II LTE, but sometimes you just gotta have a tangible keyboard. That's where the Galaxy S Glide comes in: the folks at MobileSyrup were able to take a brief tour of the device, and discovered that this previously unannounced phone has a four-row QWERTY with a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, 1.2GHz dual-core CPU and 8MP rear / 1.2MP front-facing cameras. Not quite up to par with its 4G-equipped older brother, but anyone not needing the fanciest toy on the market but craving high performance may find this option particularly intriguing. It's expected to show up sometime between now and the end of the year (that narrows down the timeframe quite a bit) and has no established price point as of yet. We could see the device hovering around the mid-range for now, at least, and will likely be much more popular than the tragically-unrelated Samsung Glyde.

[Thanks, TheMetrix]

Inhabitat's Week in Green: Solar Decathlon, hydrogen jet and a solar LED installation

Posted: 25 Sep 2011 03:01 PM PDT

Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.
This week an incredible crop of sun-powered prefabricated houses popped up in Washington DC for the 2011 Solar Decathlon, and Inhabitat was on the scene to bring you exclusive coverage of this year's stunning homes! We took a look at all 19 of this year's ultra-efficient projects, we rounded up seven stellar teams set to take the competition by storm, and we'll continue to keep you posted as the results roll in, so stay tuned. We also highlighted several inspiring projects from MIT's $1,000 house challenge, we saw a massive solar LED installation light up the night in Croatia, and we spotted plans for a futuristic floating island paradise at sea.

Green transportation got things rolling this week as Chicago launched a lush green subway car filled with plants, and Edison unveiled an electric version of their X-Prize winning Very Light Car. Two-wheeled transportation took off as well as an all-electric Tron Lightcycle hit the streets for the first time and researchers developed a nylon bike that is as strong as steel using satellite technology. We also took a spin in the 2012 Honda Insight Hybrid and we showcased plans for a Lockheed Stratoliner hydrogen jet that can travel anywhere on earth without refueling.

As September winds down schools across the county are now in session, but if you're still scrambling to pick up a few last-minute supplies don't miss our roundup of 14 green gadgets for back to school and ten solar-powered designs to charge your life. We also saw eco-fashion go high-tech as researchers developed a smart t-shirt that can monitor hospital patients' vital signs, designers created a motion-sensing interactive window display and a Star Wars fan made a remarkably realistic stormtrooper helmet entirely from Adidas sneakers. Finally, we shined a light on a Swedish daycare center's plans to track kids with GPS tracking devices.

Motorola's Xoom 2 tablets pair up for a portrait, both at around 9mm thick

Posted: 25 Sep 2011 01:20 PM PDT

There's nothing like a family portrait, and the Xoom 2 brothers have paired up for this year's Christmas card shot -- or at least for an anonymous tipster's latest leak. These pictured tablets give us a better look at the rear-facing buttons we heard about last week, which appear to be a power button and a volume rocker. The smaller sibling sports the same "Fleming" moniker we saw in yesterday's images, the same 8.2-inch screen size as previously reported, and appears to be about as thick as a 9.3mm iPhone 4. Combining with This is My Next's intel, it appears that both tablets are of very similar thickness. Around back? A few stickers, again spelling out the smaller tablet's codename and outing LTE compatibility.

Interestingly, our tipster tells us that both slates share the Fleming codename, along with Android 3.2 goodness and five-megapixel HD cameras on the rear, though both prototypes are also "buggy as all hell, with frequent reboots and crashes." This could mean that we're still some time away from seeing the original Xoom's successors, so for now, check out our gallery below to get an eyeful for yourself.

Update: Our tipster has confirmed LTE for both devices.

[Thanks, Anonymous]
Motorola's second-gen Android tablets leaked

Murata wants to take couch potatoes by the hand and do the remote control twist

Posted: 25 Sep 2011 01:16 PM PDT

We've seen Murata's marketing future and it involves either Chubby Checker, or that '90s Helen Hunt movie. The Japanese electronics maker's cooked up a flexible sensor device that'll let you twist and shout bend your way to remote television control. Dubbed the Leaf Grip Remote Controller, the prototype UI design makes use of a special pyroelectric effect-free piezoelectric film that translates twisting into channel changing, rapid twisting to swap video inputs, bending for volume control and rapid bending to power the set on / off. The company's also outfitted the non-clicker (which we'll henceforth refer to as "the Twister") with a photovoltaic cell, giving it the ability to charge -- from your man cave? Kinks in its planning aside, sample shipments are expected to be delivered sometime next spring. But, before they rush this product out to market, may we suggest the inclusion of a sports-induced rage-proof mode?
at 12:27 PM

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