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- Samsung applies for patent on emotional recognition, wants to feel out how you're feeling
- Best Buy Connect no longer accepting new activations, service to end June 1st
- Google Translate now serving over 200 million people per month
- DirecTV Everywhere brings streaming movies, TV shows to Android right now, iPhone keeps waiting
- Former Nokia Exec: Elop is struggling, shouldn't focus so heavily on Windows Phone
- Acer's Q1 2012: World's fourth biggest PC maker made just $11.2 million in profit
- Sony Tablet S gets a wedge of Ice Cream Sandwich
- Google sells SketchUp to Trimble Navigation for undisclosed sum
- Samsung Galaxy S Advance gets April 30th release date in UK, needs more suffixes
- Griffin outs SmartTalk Solar helps you drive off that moon tan
- Spinach-based solar cells get $90,000 development funds from EPA, Popeye delighted
- ... It's... ... ... ... Python Bytes (video)
- Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx hitting the UK in mid-May, available for pre-order now
- Congress to examine government's dominance in wireless spectrum
- Chrome OS and Google Drive to get intimate in version 20
- Sony Xperia U gets torn to pieces, FCC destroys something beautiful
- House passes bill that would call for a single website tracking federal spending
- O2 UK launches new wallet service, helps you empty yours (video)
- Nintendo confirms that it's selling 3DS at a loss, expects that to change
- Netgear's R6300 router is first to use Broadcom 802.11ac chipset, will ship next month for $200
- Google bringing extra bytes to Hawkeye State with $300 million data center
- Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin hits the web, with HUD in tow
- DIY hack uses Google Calendar to automate home heating system (video)
- In Ticketing increases options for venues and promoters, as long as they're using iOS
- MetroPCS announces Q1 2012 results: total revenues up, new subscriber growth shrinks
- Star Wars Arcade gets fan made mini-me, weeps tears of joy (video)
- NZXT's Cryo E40 laptop cooler sends a pleasant breeze wherever you like
- Google asks car makers 'Ullo John, wanna self-driving motor?'
- Samsung intros 'world's thinnest' external DVD writer, tries to convince you to pack it with your tablet
- EnStream to bring mobile wallet to Canadians, make loonies obsolete (video)
- Box releases new API for developers, announces 15 more OneCloud apps
- TSMC 2012 Q1 results: profits down again as 20-nanometer process proves expensive
- Google's gunning for web spammers, bans us from mentioning Bieber
- Panasonic Eluga now available unlocked in Europe, yours for £369 or €460
- HP's On-Screen Display Utility released, aims to alleviate Envy 15 screen color complaints
- Nintendo posts first annual loss of $460 million, predicts turnaround next year
- Square's feeling good, on pace to take $5 billion in payments per year
- Sky considering launching Sky Sports 3D, one channel too small for three dimensions
- Friendster reborn as a gaming site, wishes Facebook cared
- Columbia's GPS Pal app for Android and iOS logs your hikes, geotags memories (video)
| Samsung applies for patent on emotional recognition, wants to feel out how you're feeling Posted: 26 Apr 2012 11:35 AM PDT
Samsung might not give off the immediate impression of a warm, fuzzy company, as it really comes off more like a faceless device-manufacturing juggernaut, but that doesn't stop it trying to get a handle on what people are feeling. According to a recent patent application, the company is putting together a method of recognizing the emotions of an individual based on action units (AUs). And what exactly are those? They're components of a facial action coding system: something designed to reference the contractions of facial muscles. With a total of 30 units, several AUs combine to form a string (shown above) that's then detected by some unmentioned Samsung tech and matched to an emotion label that best fits the string. Hardware-wise, it's relatively vague -- par for the course with patent applications -- but would require a processor and memory, with no mention of a camera sensor to capture all that facial gurning. Samsung's keeping up its |
| Best Buy Connect no longer accepting new activations, service to end June 1st Posted: 26 Apr 2012 11:11 AM PDT
Remember Best Buy Connect? If so, you'll soon have a few more megabytes of humanized DDR3 freed up, as it appears that the retail giant is ready to put the kibosh on its own branded mobile broadband service nearly two years after it was first unveiled. According to the internal memo shown in the above screenshot, new activations are no longer allowed effective immediately, and the service for legacy customers will be cut off on the first of June. So why the change of heart? Apparently Connect is the victim of a reshuffling of priorities, and the company determined that it "can achieve greater growth by delivering mobile broadband support in ways other than an exclusive Best Buy-branded service." Of course, this is bound to upset more than a handful of folks who have been relying on Connect for their data needs, and the retailer isn't leaving them completely in the dark: to help smooth out the transition, all Early Termination Fees will be waived, and all customers will receive a $125 or $150 gift card via email to curb the cost of moving to a different carrier. WiMAX Connect users, additionally, will also be given the option to switch over to Clear service. We're still awaiting official confirmation from Best Buy -- as of this moment, the official website remains up and running as if it's none the wiser -- but we'll update as soon as we hear more. [Thanks, Anonymous] |
| Google Translate now serving over 200 million people per month Posted: 26 Apr 2012 11:00 AM PDT
This may surprise you, but as Google keeps adding languages to its translation service's repertoire, the number of folks using it continues to increase accordingly. Google Translate's about to celebrate its 6th anniversary of machine translation, and now boasts over 200 million users each month -- with 92 percent of those folks coming from outside the US. Keep up the good work fellas, and as long as you expand Translate's beatboxing abilities, we're sure the online interpreter will be serving 300 million folks monthly in no time. |
| DirecTV Everywhere brings streaming movies, TV shows to Android right now, iPhone keeps waiting Posted: 26 Apr 2012 10:39 AM PDT
DirecTV's still-in-beta "Everywhere" streaming package only arrived on the iPad a month ago, and now the company has updated its app for Android phones with access to the same set of video-on-demand streaming movies and TV shows for viewing wherever subscribers might be. Interestingly this feature is arriving on Google powered devices before it hits the iPhone (neither one so far has added the in-home live TV streaming feature from the iPad app, however the iPhone does have a player for the Nomad transcoder which Android and the iPad lack), in opposition to the usual trend of video streaming apps from cable and satellite TV providers, often for DRM and compatibility reasons. On Google Play the app was still installable on our various tablets and phones alike, although YMMV on what happens when you select the "Watch on Phone" tab to stream from HBO, Cinemax, Starz, Encore or DirecTV Cinema. Of course the usual DVR scheduling and remote control features are still present and accounted for, so hit the link below to grab the free app and try it out yourself. |
| Former Nokia Exec: Elop is struggling, shouldn't focus so heavily on Windows Phone Posted: 26 Apr 2012 10:26 AM PDT
Former Nokia executive Lee Williams admits that he's a bit of an "arm chair quarterback," but won't let such labels stop him from offering up some seriously pointed criticism of Stephen Elop, telling CNET that the CEO is "struggling," due in part to a lack of "overarching vision." Williams cites the company's shift in focus to Windows Phone as a cause of the companies woes, adding,
Not that Williams is advocating backing just Symbian either. "One size does not fit all," he explains, "and I think technology religion is dangerous in a good products company. You cannot marry yourself to any one technology or way of doing something." More furniture football in the source link below. |
| Acer's Q1 2012: World's fourth biggest PC maker made just $11.2 million in profit Posted: 26 Apr 2012 10:16 AM PDT
Acer's Q1 financial report reveals that the fourth biggest PC maker in the world is feeling weak after posting a very modest profit -- three months after it declared a $212 million loss for 2011. Turnover for the first three months of this year was NT$113 billion ($3.8 billion) and profits after tax were NT$331 million ($11.2 million). In context, the company suffered an 11.4 percent decline in revenue quarter-on-quarter, but still made NT$118 billion ($40 million) in profit during Q1 2011, a spectacular collapse of 72 percent year-on-year. Reuters is suggesting that the problem is in part due to increased hardware costs caused by the Thailand floods, but the company isn't giving anything away. Instead its terse announcement just advised that the company grew its global PC market share by 0.8 percent to 10.9 percent, while in the EMEA region it grew 2.4 percent to 13.5 percent, adding that it is the only one of the "big five" that's seen any increase at all. You can read the scanty details for yourself, after the break. [Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons] 26 Apr 2012 Acer Inc. Q1 2012 Financial Results TAIPEI, TAIWAN Consolidated Revenue NT$113B (US$3.8B), Operating Income NT$138M (US$4.7M), PAT NT$331M (US$11.2M), EPS NT$0.12 Acer Inc. Board of Directors today announces the Q1 2012 financial results: consolidated revenues reached NT$113B (US$3.8B), operating income reached NT$138M (US$4.7M), profits-after-tax (PAT) reached NT$331M (US$11.2M), and earnings-per-share (EPS) was NT$0.12. The financial figures for consolidated revenue of Q1 2012 represented 11.4% decline quarter-on-quarter (QOQ), in line with expectations; while operating income was slightly better than Q4 of last year. In addition, PAT included non-operating income. According to preliminary data from the market research firm, Gartner Dataquest, Acer's global PC market share rose from 10.1% in Q4 of last year to 10.9% in Q1 of this year. Moreover, in the EMEA region, Acer's PC market share rose from 11.1% in Q4 of last year to 13.5%, and is the only company with growing shipments in the local top five brands. |
| Sony Tablet S gets a wedge of Ice Cream Sandwich Posted: 26 Apr 2012 10:05 AM PDT
We're not gonna act all surprised, or anything -- Sony's been talking up Android 4.0's arrival on its Tablet S for some time now. For those who have been waiting with bated breath for the Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade on their oddly-shaped tablet, however, that time is now. Connect your device to WiFi and a system upgrade should prompt you to join the wild world of 4.0. Video of the two in action after the break. |
| Google sells SketchUp to Trimble Navigation for undisclosed sum Posted: 26 Apr 2012 09:48 AM PDT
While we're probably more accustomed to Google buying assets than selling them 'round here, every now and again the search giant does shed some skin. El Goog's 3D modeling platform, SketchUp, is to be sold to Trimble Navigation for an undisclosed sum reports Reuters. Trimble says it's hoping to use the acquisition to enhance its office-to-field platform. The two firms will also work together to develop SketchUp's online repository of 3D models for designers to use, share and contribute to. SketchUp's blog reassures users that the free version won't change under the move. The deal should get the final nod in Q2 this year. |
| Samsung Galaxy S Advance gets April 30th release date in UK, needs more suffixes Posted: 26 Apr 2012 09:39 AM PDT
Pitched spec-wise somewhere between Samsung's first Galaxy S and its very popular sequel, think of the Galaxy S Advance as the original, reimagined for a new generation -- a generation that remembers only a few years back. The attractive Super AMOLED display with dual-core bones caught our eye at MWC a few months earlier and will finally arrive on rain-soaked British shores on April 30th at the like of Phones 4u and Vodafone. The bad news? It's still toting that Touchwizzed Gingerbread, and arrives just days before Samsung shows what it's been hiding in its top-spec drawers.
UK AVAILABILITY OF SAMSUNG GALAXY S ADVANCE ANNOUNCED Latest Galaxy device set to hit shops on 30th April
26th April 2012, London, UK – Samsung Mobile UK has today announced the Galaxy S Advance will be available in the UK from 30th April. Joining Samsung's Android-powered Galaxy portfolio, the Galaxy S Advance boasts the same sleek and stylish design of the award-winning Galaxy S II.
Simon Stanford, Vice President, UK & IRE Telecommunications & Networks Division, Samsung UK and Ireland said: "We've been pleased with the response we've had from customers, partners and media since announcing the Galaxy S Advance in January. As with many of our smartphones before it, the Galaxy S Advance features a screen which uses our Super AMOLED technology so anyone that buys one will experience unparalleled colour and vivid clarity when viewing any content on the device."
A dual-core 1.0GHz processor and HSPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity means owners of the Galaxy S Advance can enjoy a highly responsive interface and super-fast speeds when browsing the web and downloading content, as well as smoother screen transitions and faster image processing.
Featuring Android Gingerbread and Samsung's TouchWiz user interface, the Galaxy S Advance allows users to stay connected at all times through Samsung Hubs which offer access to music, books and games. Samsung's own cross-platform communication service ChatON offers easy instant messaging and group chatting and allows content to be shared in multiple formats to make messaging simpler and more intuitive. Owners of the device will also benefit from its Find My Mobile feature, a lost-phone management system that enables customers to trace their missing device directly via the Internet or even delete the device's data remotely – ensuring personal information remains safe.
The Galaxy S Advance will be available in the UK across a variety of networks including Phones 4u and Vodafone. |
| Griffin outs SmartTalk Solar helps you drive off that moon tan Posted: 26 Apr 2012 09:30 AM PDT
Griffin is launching the SmartTalk Solar, a hands-free speakerphone for the car that draws its energy from that orange glowing thing in the sky. A transparent sled with suction cups sticks it to your windshield, connecting to any Bluetooth-enabled cellphone you have on your person. Calls are answered at the push of a button and it'll also act as a microphone for your voice dialing or Siri-based shenanigans. If you're planning a intra-state road-trip, you'll be able to access the company's DriveSafe app, which offers up information about local distracted driving laws to ensure you don't get pulled over by a state trooper. It's available for $70 from today and we've got a beauty shot of the device out of its natural environment after the break. Griffin Launches SmartTalk Solar, the Solar-Charged Handsfree Speakerphone for Smartphones Nashville, TN – April 26, 2012 – Griffin Technology, one of the world's foremost creators of technological innovations for everyday life, is excited to announce the latest edition to their lineup of DriveSafe products: SmartTalk Solar, a handsfree solar-charged speakerphone for smartphones. "Staying focused while driving is harder than ever with all the distractions that can come from smartphones," said Mark Rowan, President of Griffin Technology. "Griffin's DriveSafe products and new SmartTalk Solar make it easy to stay connected on the road while maintaining safe driving habits." Compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled phones, SmartTalk Solar's motion-sensing Auto Connect links to paired smartphones as soon as you enter the car. The multipoint pairing feature conveniently allows connection of two different phones simultaneously. Intuitive and easy to use, SmartTalk Solar mounts to the windshield with the solar panel facing the glass, keeping the internal battery charged for extended talk time. Answer and place calls using a single large button, or activate the smartphone's voice command features to keep your hands on the wheel when making or receiving calls. SmartTalk Solar is the perfect addition to Griffin's DriveSafe App, which provides quick access to local laws governing handsfree phoning and texting use around the country, keeping users informed and compliant with local laws. For additional information about Griffin's DriveSafe initiative and product lineup, visit www.griffintechnology.com/drivesafe. SmartTalk Solar, $69.99, is now available at http://store.griffintechnology.com/smarttalk-solar. |
| Spinach-based solar cells get $90,000 development funds from EPA, Popeye delighted Posted: 26 Apr 2012 09:21 AM PDT
[Thanks Brandon] |
| ... It's... ... ... ... Python Bytes (video) Posted: 26 Apr 2012 09:02 AM PDT
When not wearing women's clothing and hanging around in bars, the crew at Engadget towers enjoys nothing better than chomping down on an albatross while watching Monty Python. Heuristic Media has released Python Bytes, the first of six apps that bring together the best clips from each of the four series, Holy Grail and Life of Brian*. You'll be able to watch (say no more, nudge, nudge) the back-story of each sketch and you'll even be able to create your own personalized playlists. It's available right now, costing £1.99 / $2.99. Now, let's all get back to learning how to identify trees from quite a long way away: there's an instructional video after the break. *All of which are also available unabridged from iTunes.
Monty Python's Flying Circus Python Bytes App Now Available on the App Store London, UK - Thursday 26 April 2012 And now for something completely different. Today, the Monty Python's Flying Circus Python Bytes App for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch makes its debut on the App Store. Developed by Heuristic-Media Ltd, with full support from the Pythons, the app captures the anarchy that has made the Pythons internationally successful and is a must buy for Python fans the world over. The Python Bytes App includes 22 of the Python's best sketches totalling 55-minutes of madness from the first series of the legendary Monty Python's Flying Circus, first broadcast in 1969. Also included are new and exclusively recorded back-stories from John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, about the creation of these legendary sketches. Each sketch can be selected within the contents page to make a personalised show or can be randomly selected by shaking the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Each clip is preceded by one of three famous Python interstitials. Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam will be demoing and signing the app at a 'Meet the Filmmakers' event introduced by Edith Bowman at the Apple Store on Regent Street, London at 6.30pm on Thursday 3rd May 2012. The app includes a unique 'Autograph' feature that enables users to get their app signed by the Pythons and either save it to their photo library or share with a friend. Richard Loncraine of developer Heuristic says; "I first met Michael (Palin) when I directed him in a film in 1982. The start of the filming was in the wilds of Central Africa and to the day I die I will never forget bouncing along in the back of an open Landrover, surrounded by elephants, giraffe and wildebeest as Michael performed one Python sketch after another. My personal Python. He's kept me laughing ever since. I'm now delighted to be in the position to bring the Python genius to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with Heuristic." Terry Gilliam comments; "I never knew shaking hands could be this funny, until I saw "Python Bytes". Why waste money making calls, laughs are cheaper." The Monty Python's Flying Circus Python Bytes App is available for £1.99/ $2.99 from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore. |
| Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx hitting the UK in mid-May, available for pre-order now Posted: 26 Apr 2012 08:44 AM PDT
We were aware of Motorola's plan to send the husky member of the Droid RAZR lineup on an overseas quest next month, but aside from telling us it was heading to Europe, we hadn't heard any specifics -- at least until now. Earlier today, Moto announced the Droid RAZR Maxx will bring its long-lasting powers to the UK, with expected availability around mid-May and pre-orders commencing today. Currently, this 4.3-inch, Gingerbread handset is up for grabs from Clove and Expansys for £430.80 and £429.99, respectively, while Amazon is also planning to offer the device. If that kind of cash isn't an objection, you can hit up either of the source links below to snag one for yourself. Motorola Mobility Brings RAZR™ MAXX to the UK Up the ante with Motorola RAZR MAXX - giving you the longest talk time of any smartphone1 April 26, 2012 BASINGSTOKE, UK – April 26, 2012 – When it comes to buying a new smartphone, pocket appeal and a long battery life are two of the top priorities according to a recent report from Strategy Analytics2. So step in the Motorola RAZR™ MAXX – which delivers this and so much more! With its impossibly thin and lightweight design, this iconic handset boasts features with the wow factor and a battery that can handle even the most demanding lifestyle. The Android™-powered Motorola RAZR MAXX is expected to be available in the UK from mid-May, so you can start talking, texting, typing, watching and more... for even longer. RAZR MAXX delivers up to 17.61 hours of talk time so you won't spend your day plugged into the wall. Similarly, its 1GB RAM combined with a dual-core 1.2GHz processor and Android operating system will ensure you are always entertained, delivering a lightning-fast user interface and the power to multi-task like never before. You can rock your playlists while checking email, breeze through photos – all day, every day, all at the same time. Still seriously thin at just 8.99mm, RAZR MAXX is the exact opposite of frail. It's made strong with KEVLAR® fibre, while Corning® Gorilla® Glass defends the hyper-vibrant 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Advanced display from scratches and scrapes. And every part of the Motorola RAZR MAXX is protected by a splashguard coating, which even extends to the electrical boards inside, ensuring a go anywhere, do everything attitude. Smart Actions, the remarkably intelligent application exclusive to Motorola Mobility, pushes the limits even further by automating everyday tasks based on triggers like time of day, location, battery levels and more. Never forget to put your phone on silent in meetings, turn up the volume when your boss calls and even maximize your last ounce of power by dimming the display and turning off power hungry services. Motorola RAZR MAXX also comes preloaded with the Motorola MotoCast™ app3, giving you the power to stream or download content from a home or work computer straight to the device so your docs, pics and music are always available – anytime, anywhere. No uploading to a third party means no wasted time or forgetting to upload that crucial presentation, and everything stays protected, right on your computer. "Since we re-imagined the iconic RAZR brand, the Motorola RAZR has wowed consumers across the globe by combining the pinnacle of design with mind-blowing power," said Victoria McManus, UK marketing director, Motorola Mobility. "RAZR MAXX builds on those same principles, delivering an incredible battery life that is perfect for people who want to push their smartphone to the limits and banish the low battery beep to history." Motorola smartphones offer some of the industry's most powerful enterprise features available, and Motorola RAZR MAXX is no exception, including government-grade encryption and productivity tools that rival the capabilities of desktop PCs. Collaborate in real time with GoToMeeting® and create and edit files right on your phone with QuickOffice®. Availability Motorola RAZR MAXX will be available for pre-order from Clove, Expansys, Amazon.co.uk and other Motorola authorised resellers, with an expected delivery date of mid-May. For more information on Motorola RAZR MAXX click here. |
| Congress to examine government's dominance in wireless spectrum Posted: 26 Apr 2012 08:29 AM PDT
The US federal government is, by far and away, the largest user of wireless spectrum in the States -- much of which is spoken for by the Department of Defense. A new Congressional committee will, however, be re-examining that position with the goal of freeing up airwaves for public and commercial use. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), who will co-chair the group, hopes the effort will ultimately end up saving taxpayers money and satiating the country's "exploding demand for mobile broadband services." Of course this isn't the first time the idea has been broached, but the bi-partisan collective suggests that an actionable plan to ease the spectrum squeeze might not be too far off. Let's all hope that the findings don't become quite as contentious as some of the other issues currently being debated in Congress's hallowed halls. |
| Chrome OS and Google Drive to get intimate in version 20 Posted: 26 Apr 2012 08:10 AM PDT
When Google finally announced its shiny new cloud-based Drive service, many people will have been glad to see an extra bit of storage tacked onto their daily gadget lives. Some, however, spin out a generally more nebular existence, and that'd be the Chrome OS faithful. If you find yourself amongst their number, you'll be pleased to know that Sundar Pichai, SVP for Chrome, revealed in an interview with Wired that the next iteration of its slight operating system will come with Drive tightly sewn into the fabric. The idea is that the service will operate as the local file system, and all the core OS functionality will use Drive for storing data. Third party apps like VMware are already baking in Drive functionality, and expect more to follow when it lands in version 20. |
| Sony Xperia U gets torn to pieces, FCC destroys something beautiful Posted: 26 Apr 2012 07:52 AM PDT
There's not much we don't already know about Sony's Xperia U (formerly the Kumquat), the entry-level Gingerbread handset for the company's revamped mobile offerings. Fortunately, those brave boys down in the FCC's underground bunker decided to dissect the handset and delve into its internals, where we can still see some of that Ericsson branding -- presumably it doesn't see any harm in using up some of its old parts if they're hidden from view. Old-timey livery issues aside, the appearance of the handset bodes that all is on schedule for arrival in the second quarter of the year. |
| House passes bill that would call for a single website tracking federal spending Posted: 26 Apr 2012 07:34 AM PDT
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| O2 UK launches new wallet service, helps you empty yours (video) Posted: 26 Apr 2012 07:13 AM PDT
This may not be the UK operators first attempt at dipping its
O2 today announced the launch of O2 Wallet - a seamless and secure digital wallet service that will deliver the benefits of mobile money to more UK consumers than any other product or service currently available. O2 Wallet is the new way to send and receive money, compare prices and shop via your mobile; and you can use it whether you're with O2 or not - meaning anyone can take advantage of its numerous features. O2 Wallet uniquely combines the following functions: Money Message – O2 Wallet enables consumers to securely transfer money to any UK mobile phone number as easily as sending a text. Money Messages allow consumers to make daily transfers of between £1 and £500; and will make lending, borrowing or repaying money to friends and family easier than ever. James Le Brocq, Managing Director at O2 Money, said: "O2 Wallet delivers the benefits of mobile money to more UK consumers than any other product or service currently available. With O2 Wallet, it's easier to transfer money, track expenditure and pay swiftly and securely, all using your mobile. We believe it will transform the way people manage their finances and spend money." Additional functionality will soon enable consumers to use O2 Wallet to top-up mobile airtime, buy train tickets and make mobile contactless payments via NFC technology. James continues, "We recognise that security is absolutely key. O2 Wallet has been trialled internally for months and has undergone extensive 'stress-testing' with security experts. In additional to PINs and passwords, all personal details and financial data are held on remote central servers rather than on the mobile device itself. This, we believe, is the safest and most secure way to deliver mobile payment services." Sandra Alzetta, Senior Vice President of Mobile at Visa Europe, adds: "We welcome the launch of O2 Wallet and are delighted to be enabling the m-commerce experience with a Visa prepaid card. The new service creates an easy and efficient online payment experience for mobile device users, supporting the continued growth of m-commerce in the UK, as well as encouraging contactless payments among those users who choose to take a physical card. This announcement is another step towards an integrated future where the way we pay reflects the full potential of these new technologies." O2 Wallet is compatible with the majority of smartphones as well as iPads. Even those without a smartphone can use various features of O2 Wallet – for example Money Messages – providing they have web browsing capability on their handsets. O2 Wallet has been developed by a team of 250 experts from a variety of specialist fields including financial payments and e and m-commerce. In addition, O2 has worked with a number of specialist partners including global e-payments company Wave Crest; global banking and payment technology provider FIS; digital banking solutions provider Intelligent Environments; G&D for its contactless payment cards; IDT Financial Services Limited which is providing an interim e-money licence and BIN sponsorship whilst O2's own e-money licence is approved; Cogenta for its product search and promotion capabilities and Visa Europe for the payment brand and contactless payment technology. The launch of O2 Wallet will come as good news to the millions of consumers who already use their mobile to manage their money and shop on the go. The proportion of people using mobile banking increased from 9.7% in 2010 to 20.4% in 2011 ; whilst shopping on mobile devices is set to increase by 53% in the next 12 months hitting £4.5bn and making Brits the biggest mobile shoppers in Europe. |
| Nintendo confirms that it's selling 3DS at a loss, expects that to change Posted: 26 Apr 2012 06:54 AM PDT
Ever since Nintendo slashed the price of the 3DS, there's been plenty of speculation that the gaming giant has been selling the portable console at a loss. The company acknowledged that fact during its disappointing earnings report, stating, "its hardware has been sold below cost because of its significant price cut in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012," something that's uncharacteristic of the company's past operations. But as with its fairly unfortunate financials, the company plans to turn things around, adding, "Nintendo expects to cease selling it below cost by the middle of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013." |
| Netgear's R6300 router is first to use Broadcom 802.11ac chipset, will ship next month for $200 Posted: 26 Apr 2012 06:29 AM PDT
NETGEAR Announces the R6300 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Router based on Broadcom's 802.11ac router platform delivering Internet Speeds Up To Three Times Faster than 802.11n SAN JOSE, Calif., April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today announced the availability of the NETGEAR R6300 WiFi Router; the first 802.11ac dual band gigabit WiFi router enabling 5th generation WiFi (5G WiFi) at gigabit speeds. The router is also backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n which provides optimum interoperability with legacy WiFi devices. The NETGEAR R6300 WiFi Router, powered by Broadcom's 5G WiFi IEEE 802.11ac chips, is up to three times faster than today's 802.11n routers. With an elegant new design that fits perfectly in consumers' living spaces, the router increases the coverage area for HD streaming in the home. The NETGEAR R6300 WiFi Router has speeds of up to 1300 Mbps on 5GHz and 450 Mbps on 2.4GHz enabling consumers to download web content from any device in the home in a fraction of the time it would take on a similar 802.11n device. The upcoming 802.11ac wireless standard is the world's fastest WiFi, providing gigabit WiFi speeds allowing for web content to download faster, and large video or music files to synch more quickly. The increased speed of 802.11ac technology is ideal for mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets, by providing three times the performance for a similar amount of battery consumption of devices utilizing the current 802.11n WiFi standard. Other advanced features of the NETGEAR R6300 WiFi Router include: NETGEAR Genie®: This free app for PCs, Macs, iOS and Android smartphones and tablets enables home users to control, monitor, repair, and manage their home networks easily through a simple, elegant dashboard. NETGEAR customers can download the utility at http://www.netgear.com/genie or from the Google Play or App Store. NETGEAR MyMedia™: The NETGEAR Genie mobile app feature provides the ability to find photos, video or music files anywhere on the network and play them on a DLNA media player. AirPrint ™ Support: The NETGEAR Genie app enables users to print on any USB or networked printer directly from an iPad or iPhone. Guest network access: The NETGEAR Genie app makes setting up a guest network simple. Guests and visitors can go online through the router without the need for secure login information. The guest network also prevents users from seeing and accessing a household's computers, printers, storage devices and other home network devices. ReadySHARE® Printer: Makes it easy to turn any existing USB printer into a fully functional networked printer that is fully compatible with Macs and PCs. Media Server-DLNA: The R6300 Router is DLNA ready and can stream to any DLNA compatible device in your house, including the latest Smart TVs, Blu-ray players, media players, game consoles, handheld devices, tablets and more. NETGEAR Live Parental Controls: Centralized, flexible, and reliable parental control solution for all the devices on the network, including Macs, Windows PCs, smartphones and tablets, for a safe online environment for children and teenagers. No subscription is required. Automatic WiFi Security: Comes with wireless security turned on out-of-the-box, complete with a pre-configured network name and password, protecting home WiFi networks by default. Easy Installation: No CD required so users can set it up with smartphones, tablets, ultrabooks, and even MacBook Air. 2 USB ports: To simultaneously support USB storage and USB printer on the router. Pricing and Availability The NETGEAR R6300 WiFi Router will be available in May starting at $199.99. |
| Google bringing extra bytes to Hawkeye State with $300 million data center Posted: 26 Apr 2012 06:02 AM PDT
You're a multinational search company that has just rolled out a new cloud storage offering. You've also just given your millions and millions of email users an extra 2.5GB of storage, free of charge. What do you do next? Build another data center. The big G has announced its intentions to raise a $300 million information barn in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Construction on a 1,000 acre plot will begin immediately and, for its efforts, the Search Sultan will be gifted with a handful of tax incentives totaling over $9 million. Google is no stranger to the mean streets (we're not sure if they're actually mean) of Council Bluffs, though, as the company already operates a $600 million data facility within that city's limits. For those of you keeping track at home, that's a $900 million stimulus for the Hawkeye State. Update: Robert commented to remind us that Iowa is the Hawkeye State. Apologies to the all the Hawkeyes and Buckeyes out there. We've updated the post. |
| Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin hits the web, with HUD in tow Posted: 26 Apr 2012 05:40 AM PDT
It's here! Precise Pangolin or, as it's officially known, Ubuntu 12.04 LTS. Canonical's latest is now available in its final(ish) form and ready for you to download, burn and install. While LTS (Long Term Support) releases are generally more conservative in their application of new features, Pangolin does include some rather notable tweaks. The most immediately noticeable will be the new log in screen which, while largely the same, does have the slick new trick of changing wall papers to match the selected user. A more subtle change is revealed once you've logged on and press alt -- HUD. The new search-based menu system is quite a departure from traditional interaction models, and one that will come as a relief to those who constantly forget where a particular option is buried. Perhaps the most welcome change, though, is the vastly improved performance and power management. Ubuntu, for all of its finer points, has never been particularly battery friendly. But Canonical is promising that is going to change. We'll have to wait to find out once we get this bad boy installed on some machines of our own. You know the drill, hit up the source link to download it for yourself, for free. Update: Well, looks like all you Ubuntu fanatics have taken out the site temporarily. We're sure it'll be back soon but, in the meantime, you can still download the latest version of the OS here (magnet link). Update 2: And they're back! Also, we've now got PR after the break. Ubuntu 12.04 LTS aims to conquer the enterprise desktop ● Aimed at the enterprise desktop, the new Ubuntu 12.04 LTS is the only operating system to combine a free, open-source platform with five years of guaranteed updates and the option of commercial support. ● Thanks to Unity, its unique GUI, plus native office apps and support for leading desktop virtualization solutions, it enables users to work more productively on the latest PCs, laptops and thin clients. London, April 26th 2012: Canonical today launches Ubuntu 12.04 LTS for the desktop. It marks the fourth long-term support (LTS) release of the world's favourite free operating system, with maintenance updates guaranteed for five years. Ubuntu 12.04 LTS includes support for desktop virtualisation from Citrix and VMware, alongside Microsoft RDP 7.1. This means enterprise users now have a three-way choice for office productivity: remote delivery of desktop applications, browser-based cloud solutions like Google Docs or the native, Microsoft-compatible LibreOffice suite that comes pre-installed. For organisations faced with expensive upgrades to Windows 7, Ubuntu 12.04 LTS represents a far more cost-effective alternative. "For large enterprise deployments with long-term planning proce sses, Ubuntu 12.04 LTS is our best desktop yet," said Jane Silber, CEO of Canonical. "Thanks to our expanded hardware partnerships, we'll make regular updates to support new PCs from certified partners like Dell, HP and Lenovo. And we'll support even more companies that make the switch to Ubuntu on their desktops." New to those upgrading from the last LTS release will be Unity, Ubuntu's unique user interface. Following many hours of user testing, it has been refined even further, to improve day-to-day productivity for novices and experts alike. "The migration of all existing users from Ubuntu 10.04 to the Ubuntu 12.04 LTS release is something we are looking forward to rolling out and reaping the benefits of the improved ease of use and additional functionality built-in to the Unity-based desktop" - Pawel Zieba, Senior IT Innovation Consultant at Capgemini BPO. Canonical provides optional commercial support for Ubuntu 12.04 LTS in the form of Ubuntu Advantage. The programme gives enterprise customers a choice of two levels of support, alongside access to the time-saving administration tool, Landscape, which includes audit, compliance and ongoing management features for large desktop deployments. Unlike other Linux distributions, Ubuntu customers have the choice to include their entire deployment in the support agreement, or just a subset they select. Thanks to Canonical's close relationships with the top OEMs, Ubuntu 12.04 LTS is already certified to run on over 20 laptops and desktops, with many more to follow in the weeks to come. Rigorous policies have been implemented to optimise key parts of the code in the last two years. As a result, Ubuntu 12.04 LTS is more robust than ever, booting even faster than its predecessor and extending laptop battery life significantly. · Download Ubuntu 12.04 LTS today at: www.ubuntu.com/download · Take the Ubuntu 12.04 LTS tour at: www.ubuntu.com/tour · Learn what's new in Ubuntu 12.04 LTS at: www.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/whats-new · See key Ubuntu 12.04 LTS features and screenshots at: www.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/features · See a list of certified machines at www.ubuntu.com/certification Canonical is the commercial sponsor of the Ubuntu project and the leading provider of support services for Ubuntu deployments in the enterprise. Ubuntu is a free, open-source platform for client, server and cloud computing. Since its launch in 2004, it has become a natural choice for users of all kinds, from Fortune 500 companies to hardware makers, content providers, software developers and individual technologists. With developers, support staff and engineering centres all over the world, Canonical is uniquely positioned to help its partners and enterprise customers make the most of Ubuntu. It also operates Ubuntu One, a cross-platform personal cloud service for consumers. Canonical is a privately held company. |
| DIY hack uses Google Calendar to automate home heating system (video) Posted: 26 Apr 2012 05:22 AM PDT
Sure, Google Calendar is helpful, but ultimately it's on you to get yourself to that meeting. Wouldn't it be nice if the utility could handle some of the to-do list itself? Hack A Day scoped out an example of it doing just that, after a home owner named Shane posted a video of his DIY system that uses Calendar to control his heater. First, he connected a USB-powered mbed microcontroller with an ARM Cortex M3 processor to the internet via an Ethernet cable. As it happens, the mbed also has a temperature controller and solid state relay for turning the heater on and off. On the software side, he took advantage of a feature in the Google API that let him sync the mbed's network time, with the mbed able to "see" in advance what temp changes are scheduled on the calendar. In other words, if turning on the heater is on the schedule, the mbed system knows it and makes it happen. In a brilliant act of disaster prevention, Shane also tweaked the on-board temperature controller to not go above a certain number of degrees. For more technical details, check out the video below and the photos at the source link. |
| In Ticketing increases options for venues and promoters, as long as they're using iOS Posted: 26 Apr 2012 04:53 AM PDT
Converting a cellphone into a credit card reader is nothing new, but transforming one into a box office for live events could shake things up a bit -- or, at least provide a bit of friendly competition for NFC-based alternatives. In Ticketing has just launched InHand Box Office software for use at live events. The company claims to be one of the greener ticketing outfits out there, and plans to turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a device capable of wirelessly processing payments (and printing out paper receipts, unlike Square or PayPal Here) at independently run concerts or festivals. Potentially reducing time spent in line and preventing congestion at the entrance translates into more people inside the venue, and using your phone instead of a difficult-to-establish credit card merchant account should reduce the friction in throwing such an event. As long as you tend to carry the appropriate iDevice with In Ticketing's new app installed, you can marry it to that iAPS Sled you see above to create your own personal CC processing machine. The only issues? Convincing Gotye to play your house party instead of Coachella next year, and that awkward lack of support for Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone. In Ticketing Launches InHand Mobile Box Office for Mobile Ticketing at Live Events SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In Ticketing (www.inticketing.com), the World's only official green ticketing business and leader in online ticketing, introduces the InHand Mobile Box Office, a revolutionizing, wireless, box office point-of-sale solution for iPhone® and iPod touch®. InHand leverages the In Ticketing market-proven online ticketing system and box office ticketing software with the iAPS® sled from Daily Systems, which adds credit card swiping and ticket printing to the already feature-rich Apple handhelds. Producers can now use mobile ticketing for their entire box office ticket sales, producing sale-to-receipt transactions as well as processing will call tickets wirelessly from the iPhone or iPod touch, using Wi-Fi, 3G, and 4G MiFi networks to communicate. The all-in-one, mobile ticketing solution promises to increase ticket sales while preventing long lines at entrances. The InHand Mobile Box Office is powered by the In Ticketing mobile app, available in the ITunes app store at no cost to event organizers registered with InTicketing.com. "By teaming up with Daily Systems, we have created the ideal mobile ticketing solution for onsite box office operations, which will provide event producers an immediate ROI" "Through our partnership with In Ticketing, we are tapping into a new market, where a mobile ticketing point-of-sale solution is a perfect fit," says René Oliver, CEO of Daily Systems. "By combining the versatile iPhone and iPod touch with the iAPS sled, In Ticketing customers get access to a more feature-rich and affordable ticketing solution than ever before and event guests will spend less time in line." In Ticketing leads the event ticketing industry through innovation and technology in ticketing software and ticketing solutions, making it easier, less expensive and more fun for promoters, box office managers and fans to pass through the event main gates. With the launch of InHand, In Ticketing becomes the only ticketing company to offer instantaneous, portable, real-time credit-card sales and ticket confirmation printing on the spot. The InHand mobile ticketing solution fits in the palm of your hand, does not require any extra cables, peripherals, external power or hardware. It allows organizers to quickly add more capacity and reduce waiting times. The equipment does not require any installation and is cost-efficient to ship and maintain. About In Ticketing: About Daily Systems: |
| MetroPCS announces Q1 2012 results: total revenues up, new subscriber growth shrinks Posted: 26 Apr 2012 04:34 AM PDT
Regional network MetroPCS has announced total revenues of approximately $1.3 billion for Q1 2012, up from $1.2 billion in the last quarter and up seven percent from the same period in 2011. Users on contract now total 9.5 million, with 16 percent of them making the move across to a smartphone. Net income has, however, dropped 63 percent since Q1 2011, with cost per user up 16 percent compared the same period last year. MetroPCS puts down to "retention expense" and the roll-out of its 4G network. The fifth biggest US carrier added over 131,000 new subscribers, but growth continues to slide -- it's down from 190,000 in Q4 2012. On the positive side, users are creeping onto the carrier's 4G network, with 580,000 LTE subscribers nowmaking up six percent of its total subscription base -- regardless of those creeping costs for unlimited data. MetroPCS Reports First Quarter 2012 Results First Quarter 2012 Highlights Include: Quarterly consolidated total revenues of approximately $1.3 billion, an increase of 7% over the first quarter of 2011 DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS), the nation's leading provider of no annual contract, unlimited, flat-rate wireless communications service, today announced financial and operational results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. MetroPCS reported quarterly Adjusted EBITDA of $262 million for the first quarter 2012 and ended the quarter with approximately 9.5 million subscribers. "Definition of Terms and Reconciliation of non-GAAP Financial Measures" Roger D. Linquist, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MetroPCS, said, "Our first quarter results highlight our continued focus on getting affordable 4G LTE smartphones into the hands of our customers. We upgraded 16% of our subscriber base, 40% of which went from a feature phone to a smartphone, and we reported churn of 3.1%, matching the all-time low for the Company. However, the significant number of upgrades at a higher promotional handset cost during the quarter resulted in higher costs and as a result both Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margins were pressured significantly. "The wireless industry is rapidly moving towards 4G LTE and while the first quarter presented us with challenges, we believe we remain well-positioned for long-term growth and success. In wireless, speed does matter and our 4G LTE network will provide a significant enhancement in the customer experience when compared to our current 3G CDMA experience. Our service plans offer the predictability, affordability and flexibility our customers have come to expect, and with all taxes and regulatory fees included, and no contract, we believe we continue to offer the best deal in town," Linquist concluded. Key Consolidated Financial and Operating Metrics March 31, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of service revenues (1) For a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the section entitled "Definition of Terms and Reconciliation of non-GAAP Financial Measures" included at the end of this release. (2) Number of covered POPs covered by MetroPCS Communications, Inc. network increased 2.5 million from 3/31/11 to 3/31/12 to 102 million. Quarterly Consolidated Results Consolidated service revenues of approximately $1.2 billion for the first quarter of 2012, an increase of $109 million, or 10%, when compared to the prior year's first quarter. |
| Star Wars Arcade gets fan made mini-me, weeps tears of joy (video) Posted: 26 Apr 2012 04:20 AM PDT
Arcade fan (and genius) Le Chuck got up one morning and thought "Why not build a perfect replica of Atari's Star Wars Arcade, at 1:6 scale?" The result is this amazing 12-inch cabinet with a fully working Atari-yoke, handmade from aluminum and a pair of potentiometers. Tucked inside the box is a modded Caanoo running MAME4all, which has been tweaked to boot straight into the game when activated. The whole project took him over 80 hours to put together, but we think it was time very well spent. If you want to see the thing in action (and sing along to the 8-bit version of the theme) then head on past the break. |
| NZXT's Cryo E40 laptop cooler sends a pleasant breeze wherever you like Posted: 26 Apr 2012 03:58 AM PDT
NZXT is pretty good when it comes to avoiding unnecessary flourishes and providing straight-up PC hardware. Its Cryo E40 laptop cooler is no different, forgoing HDD slots and magic elixirs in favor of two 80mm fans that clasp magnetically to the underside of its steel mesh. These can be plucked off and moved around to suit your lappie's particular hotspots -- so long as you're using a 15-incher or smaller. The E40 rises to 60mm above the surface of your desk, covers an area 420mm wide by 300mm deep, and is powered via a USB cable that can also be shifted to the left or right to suit your ports. The price of all this flexibility? That'd be $28, please, with availability from next month. |
| Google asks car makers 'Ullo John, wanna self-driving motor?' Posted: 26 Apr 2012 03:29 AM PDT
Larry Page's tenure as Googler-in-chief has heralded the death of many ambitious experiments, but even he refuses to kill the self-driving car. His project head, Anthony Levandowski, has now asked the car makers of Detroit to sign up with Mountain View for hardware testing, saying that if driverless cars are not ready by the next decade, then it's "shame on us as engineers." There's still some way to go before the tech is road-worthy, but Google is already working with insurers to work out how your car is going to handle making that call to Geico when things go wrong. |
| Posted: 26 Apr 2012 03:08 AM PDT
Generally, a new optical disk drive is nothing to write home about, but how about one that's specifically purposed for tablets and Ultrabooks? That's the pitch Samsung is selling for its SE-218BB DVD / CD writer, which the company claims is the world's thinnest external ODD -- because what better to go with your svelte computing devices than more pluggable doohickeys? Cynicism aside, Samsung says this $60 add-on is just 14mm tall, "18 percent thinner than conventional DVD writers" and eight percent less weighty than its standard DVD ODD. The bus-powered unit connects via USB, and it'll work with Macs, PCs and devices running Android 3.1 and up. Oddly fascinated? The drive is currently on sale worldwide if you're willing carry it along with you. You'll find full details in the press release after the break. Samsung Introduces World's Thinnest Optical Disc Drive for Ultrabooks and Tablets SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a worldwide leader in digital consumer electronics and information technology, announced today its new slim external DVD writer, the SE-218BB optical disc drive (ODD) that sets the industry standard for ultra portable drives. "With its ultra small footprint, consumers will appreciate the SE-218BB sleek drive as an ideal companion for ultrabook users that quickly connects and is USB powered to access content wherever they are" Built to accompany a new generation of ultrabook and slim laptop designs, the SE-218BB features a compact size that is 18% thinner than conventional DVD writers and is the world's thinnest external optical disc drive with a 14mm height. The drive is 8% lighter than Samsung's conventional DVD writer and built to accommodate today's mobile lifestyle. "With its ultra small footprint, consumers will appreciate the SE-218BB sleek drive as an ideal companion for ultrabook users that quickly connects and is USB powered to access content wherever they are," said Maverick Choi, ODD senior manager, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. "Through its AV connectivity mode, the drive is also ideal for Tablet PC users that want to view or hear content from a disc." Using Smart Power technology, SE-218BB connects through its single USB port to power the drive and provide AV connectivity to PCs and notebook computers. For Tablet PCs with a built-in USB port and supporting Android Honeycomb OS 3.1 or above, the SE-218BB allows users on-the-go to watch DVD content on their tablets. The SE-218BB DVD writer is engineered to be compatible with all major operating systems, including Win7 and Mac OS. Featuring Buffer Under Run technology, the drive works to prevent errors that result from writing speeds that can exceed data transfer speeds, while also enabling PC multi-tasking. The SE-218BB DVD writer is an eco-friendly product, manufactured with lead-free soldering technology that eliminates harmful materials such as Pb, cd, cr+6, Hg, PBBs and PBDE. The external DVD drive is capable of reading and writing files at a variety of speeds across different data media types including: 24X CD-ROM, 24X CD-RW, 8X DVD±R recording, 5X DVD-RAM recording, 6X DVD+R Dual Layer recording, 6X DVD-R Dual Layer recording, 8X DVD+RW recording and 6X DVD-RW recording. The SE-218BB is available now worldwide at online retail outlets with a MSRP of US$ 59.99. For more information please visit www.samsungodd.com. |
| EnStream to bring mobile wallet to Canadians, make loonies obsolete (video) Posted: 26 Apr 2012 02:50 AM PDT
A joint venture of Canadian carriers Rogers, Bell and Telus called EnStream is in final talks with the country's leading banks (likely CIBC, TD, RBC, Scotiabank and BMO) to bring a mobile wallet solution to the Great White North within six months. The system, which was demoed at the CWTA Wireless Showcase last September, enables mobile payments by storing a user's financial credentials on the SIM located inside their NFC-capable phone. It aims to replace credit and debit cards at first -- perhaps even driver's licenses and loyalty programs down the road. Carriers plan to charge banks a flat rate instead of a per-transaction fee. According to Almis Ledas, EnStream's COO, "banking machines will become the payphones of the future". While we command this attempt to standardize mobile payments in Canada, the time frame seems rather optimistic in light of the slow progress AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have made with Isis in the US so far. Different countries, different rules of course -- still, we think it's going to take quite a while to make loonies obsolete. Maybe this is the perfect window of opportunity for Google Wallet and Square to jump across the border, eh? Time will tell. Check out EnStream's mobile wallet in action on video after the break.
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| Box releases new API for developers, announces 15 more OneCloud apps Posted: 26 Apr 2012 02:27 AM PDT
It's been quite a week for cloud storage, with Dropbox rolling out a significant new update, Microsoft's SkyDrive getting a new Windows Phone app, and Google Drive making its long-awaited debut. Now Box is getting in on the act, announcing the release of a brand new API that is says makes it easier than ever for developers to integrate the Box platform into their products. Along with it, the company has also announced 15 more Box OneCloud apps for iOS devices, and teamed up with the NYC-based General Assembly and TechStars in an effort to "drive innovation in enterprise software." You can get a quick rundown of the new API in the video after the break, and find all the details on how to get started with it at the links below.
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| TSMC 2012 Q1 results: profits down again as 20-nanometer process proves expensive Posted: 26 Apr 2012 02:15 AM PDT
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. has offered up its first quarter results for the year, revealing yet another middling quarter. While turnover was NT$105.51 billion ($3.6 billion) and net profit was NT$33.47 billion ($1.1 billion), that's still 7.7 percent down on the NT$36.28 it made in the same quarter last year. On the upside, the chip foundry, which produces silicon for plenty of the world's biggest electronics companies, managed to claw back some of those profit dips from Q4 of last year, suggesting milder climes may lie ahead. The company is also encouraged by strong demand for its new 28-nanometer chips, which should offset the $8.5 billion spent on developing them, alongside a forthcoming 20-nanometer facility. 28-nanometer hardware still only equates to 5 percent of overall revenue, which should grow as companies use up their older inventory. If you've got a currency convertor to hand, head on past the break for the detailed breakdown. TSMC Reports First Quarter EPS of NT$1.29 Year-over-year, first quarter revenue increased 0.1% while both net income and diluted EPS decreased 7.7%. Compared to fourth quarter of 2011, first quarter of 2012 results represent a 0.8% increase in revenue, and a 6% increase in both net income and diluted EPS. All figures were prepared in accordance with R.O.C. GAAP on a consolidated basis. In US dollars, first quarter revenue increased 2.7% from the previous quarter and decreased 1.3% year-over-year. Gross margin for the quarter was 47.7%, operating margin was 33.6%, and net margin was 31.7%. 28-nanometer process technology accounted for 5% of total wafer revenues, 40-nanometer was 32%, and 65-nanometer accounted for 26%. These advanced technologies accounted for 63% of total wafer revenues. • Revenue is expected to be between NT$126 billion and NT$128 billion; Due to stronger demand for TSMC's 28-nanometer technology and the pull-in of a 20-nanometer R&D process line, our estimate for 2012 capital expenditure is raised and is in the US$8-8.5 billion range. |
| Google's gunning for web spammers, bans us from mentioning Bieber Posted: 26 Apr 2012 01:58 AM PDT
Google's changing its search algorithm to punish sites that emphasize search-engine optimization over quality. Mountain View's data centers will exclude sites that offer no useful content, have articles written in keyword-sprinkled gibberish or only link to sites within a cluster. If the computers find it, the site's pagerank will be demoted, with the company expecting to affect around three percent of all English language queries when it goes live later this week. The company isn't providing more details (lest it help those trying to game the system), so just get all of those gratuitous Justin Bieber references out of your system before Friday, okay? |
| Panasonic Eluga now available unlocked in Europe, yours for £369 or €460 Posted: 26 Apr 2012 01:27 AM PDT
Wouldn't ya know it, but Panasonic was spot on with its announcement of the Eluga smartphone's European arrival this month. The elegant, waterproof handset is now available unlocked from Expansys, where it retails for £369 and approximately €460, with slight variations among countries. While the phone supports quadband GSM, its UMTS / HSPA connectivity is limited to the 2100MHz and 900MHz bands, which makes it less than ideal for North American use -- though, if you really want one, it seems safe to peg this one in the $600 territory. Similarly available through NTT DoCoMo as the P-04D, we first managed to get a hands-on with the Eluga at Mobile World Congress. For those in need of a quick refresh, the phone features a TI OMAP 4430 SoC with a dual-core 1GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of built-in storage, a 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display, an 8 megapixel rear camera and a rather paltry 1,150mAh battery. The Eluga includes a heavily-skinned version of Android 2.3.5, although an upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich has been pegged for release this summer. The phone represents Panasonic's return to the smartphone arena, and while it's a bit behind the curve, it's no doubt a fine starting point. |
| HP's On-Screen Display Utility released, aims to alleviate Envy 15 screen color complaints Posted: 26 Apr 2012 12:57 AM PDT
Back when we reviewed HP's latest Envy 15, we found a glaring issue with its otherwise spectacular 1080p IPS display -- namely, its less-than-pleasing color reproduction. Making good on a promise it made back in March, HP has finally released its On-Screen Display Utility software for the machine in hopes of quelling user complaints. If you'll recall, HP stated that the displays are of a higher quality than other laptop panels, which can make colors look odd in comparison. That said, while this gesture is certainly welcome, at least one tipster wrote into complain that he "wasn't able to get a satisfactory change. It's basically just gamma adjustment and r/g/b sliders." Of course, we've only cited one anecdote here, so if you've got an Envy 15 you'd like to test this on, hit up the source link below. Be sure to let us know your results in the comments. [Thanks, Anthony] |
| Nintendo posts first annual loss of $460 million, predicts turnaround next year Posted: 26 Apr 2012 12:37 AM PDT
Nintendo has announced its first annual operating loss following an initially lukewarm response to its new 3DS handheld and an aging Wii console -- set to be replaced later this year. Nintendo made an operating loss of 37.3 billion yen ($459.54 million) from 2011 to 2012, but intends to spin it around to a 35 billion yen operating profit in the forthcoming year. Net sales dropped by 36.2 percent compared to 2010-2011 , despite price cuts on its existing hardware like the 3DS and Wii. The Japanese games manufacturer has also seen increased competition from new rivals on Apple and Android hardware, as mobile gaming continues to go from strength to strength. Nintendo also laid some of the blame at the feet of the weakened yen, but expects the incoming Wii U, cheaper 3DS production and incoming titles like New Super Mario Bros. 2, Brain Training and Animal Crossing will all help turn its fortunes around. Nintendo intends to stop selling the 3DS "below cost" (that is; at a reduced manufacturing cost) by the middle of the next financial year, after strong sales from the substantial price cut last year. The company sold 13.53 million 3DS devices and 36 million 3DS games, compared to 80.2 million on the original DS. The original DS still managed to sell 5.1 million units in the last year. Nintendo's main console, the Wii, sold 9.84 million units in the last year, with 102.37 million games sold. |
| Square's feeling good, on pace to take $5 billion in payments per year Posted: 26 Apr 2012 12:34 AM PDT
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| Sky considering launching Sky Sports 3D, one channel too small for three dimensions Posted: 26 Apr 2012 12:02 AM PDT
Sky is reportedly considering splitting its stereoscopic programming into separate Sports and Entertainment channels as its content stable swells. Speaking to Pocket-lint, movie bosses Simon Rexworthy and Ian Lewis confirmed that they don't have enough time in the schedules unless sporting coverage is hived off to a distinct "Sky Sports 3D". After the split, Sky 3D would only broadcast films, factual and TV content, with the caveat that they're prioritizing quality over quantity. Lewis mentioning that one recently-released flick has been blacklisted from the service after making the testers sick, although he neglected to mention its title. |
| Friendster reborn as a gaming site, wishes Facebook cared Posted: 25 Apr 2012 11:39 PM PDT
Friendster's as good as dead to the western world (it hasn't really crossed our radar since 2005), but Forbes reports that the site is still huge in Southeast Asia -- though not for the reasons you might think. It was the original social network when in launched in 2002, but its acquisition by e-payment provider MOL Global in 2009 led to its reincarnation as a top online gaming destination for countries such as India, Indonesia and Malaysia. The new Friendster just officially emerged from beta as a game-centric site, and the remaining vestiges of its social networking past -- you can still add friends, after all -- are gamified with reward points. Moreover, owner MOL Global has added e-payments to the mix, letting users buy Friendster Coins to purchase virtual goods. Given predictions that the Asian gaming community will exceed 1 billion by 2016, the site's future is looking rosier than ever. That might lessen the sting of being plum blown out of the social networking game by the big dogs. |
| Columbia's GPS Pal app for Android and iOS logs your hikes, geotags memories (video) Posted: 25 Apr 2012 11:13 PM PDT
Move over, My Tracks -- you've got serious company. Google's own adventure tracking app just got majorly one-upped by a company that also happens to make heated jackets. Columbia's just-launched GPS Pal app is not only available on both Android and iOS, but it's actually designed to be used with a user account so that activity logs are neatly housed in a searchable, organized portal. It's free to download, and aside from monitoring your hikes and treks via GPS, it also syncs photos, videos, and trail information to a web journal automatically, complete with pinpoint geotagging information on each piece of media. As for data points? It'll keep track of elevation changes, current speed and distance traveled, and it makes sharing said trips to social networks quite the lesson in simplicity. Naturally, you'll need a data connection in order to upload media while on the trail -- something that's often hard to find -- but at least the app tells you how poor (or great) your GPS signal is at all times, which is all that's required to keep track of your actual steps. Head on past the break for a promo video, or hit the links below to grab it for your platform of choice. |
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