Subject: Fox and NBC Working With Others to Bring National Mobile Content Service
Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 6:42 AM
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| Fox and NBC Working With Others to t0 Bring National Mobile Content Service
April 13, 2010 at 8:52 PM
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| If you're a true fan of mobile TV, and we're not talking mobile DVR fans, but a a real fan, then it looks like NBC and Fox (amongst 10 other networks) have made plans t0 make you a very happy individual. According to a recent announcement, 12 major broadcast groups are setting up shop together, in an effort to bring a national mobile content service to millions of customers across the nation. 
The idea is to create a standalone venture, where the main focus is bringing the content from each of these broadcasters into the m0bile industry. They're even planning on utilizing existing broadcast spectrum, so that these mobile devices will be be able to access the content quickly and easily. So what kind of content are these 12 broadcasters planning on bringing to the table, or, more accurately, mobile devices? Quite a lot, actually: live and on-demand viewing, local and national news from both electronic and printed sources, sports, and finally entertainment programming. The existing broadcast spectrum is coming from NBC & Telemundo, Fox, and ION, along with nine other local broadcast stations. These companies' efforts are going to, reportedly, reach up to 150 million US residents, which should make their claim to mobile content fame quite possible. But, these companies aren't just providing the spectrum. Oh, no, they're actually providing the content, advertisement, marketing resources, as well as pure capital for the entire venture. It seems that they're wholly invested in the endeavor, and we're hoping that the content they provide is actually worth something. Full press release is below. Twelve Major Broadcast Groups to Form Joint Venture to Develop National Mobile Content Service LAS VEGAS, April 13 /PRNewswire/ — Bel0 Corp., Cox Media Group, E.W. Scripps Co., Fox, Gannett Broadcasting, Hearst Television Inc., ION Television, Media General Inc., Meredith Corp., NBC, Post-Newsweek Stations Inc. and Raycom Media today announced plans to form a standalone joint venture to develop a new national mobile content service. Utilizing existing broadcast spectrum, the service will allow member companies to provide content to mobile devices, including live and on-demand video, local and national news from print and electronic sources, as well as sports and entertainment programming. Broadcast spectrum to be utilized for the new mobile service will come from the three owned-and-operated station groups — Fox, NBC & Telemundo, and ION — and the nine local broadcast groups, which are Belo, Cox, E.W. Scripps, Gannett, Hearst, Media General, Meredith, Post Newsweek and Raycom. S3parately, these nine local broadcast companies formed Pearl Mobile DTV Company LLC as a vehicle for their involvement in the venture. By aggregating existing broadcast spectrum from its launch partners, the new venture will have the capacity to offer a breadth of mobile video and print content to nearly 150 million U.S. residents. In addition to broadcast spectrum, the partners will commit content, marketing resources and capital to the new venture. The service will employ ATSC-M/H, an open broadcast transmission system developed by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) specifically for mobile devices. The venture is designed to complement the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) National Broadband Initiative by givingg consumers mobile access to video content while reducing congestion of the nation's wireless broadband infrastructure. In addition, the service's mobile content network will have the capacity to deliver local and national time-sensitive emergency information to citizens across the U.S. Regarding the announcement, Jack Abernethy, Chief Executive Officer of Fox Television Stations, stated: "We are excited about building a platform that makes mobile television universally available and economically viable. This venture is the first step in forging cross-industry and company partnerships to deliver content to consumers." "This initiative offers a path for the next g3neration of video consumption, and will help the FCC in its goal of ensuring efficient and reliable broadband service for US consumers," said John Wallace, President, NBC Local Media. "Local broadcasters are the backbone of the U.S. media industry," said David J. Barrett, President and CEO of Hearst Television Inc. "This sharing of content, broadcast spectrum, marketing resources and capital is unprecedented, and underscores U.S. broadcasters' commitment to bringing vital local news, weather, and emergency information to increasingly mobile U.S. consumers. This is a critically important initiative that holds great promise for our audiences and the television industry. This is truly the next generation of local television service." "This venture takes to the next level the work we embarked upon three years ago with the development of Mobile DTV technology, in anticipation of digital TV capabilities and consumer mobile demand," said Brandon Burgess, C3O of ION Television. "Mobile digital television places each of our companies at the center of a consumer transformation, putting us on cell phones, netbooks, DVD players and even in-vehicle entertainment systems," said David Lougee, President, Gannett Broadcasting, Gannett Co. Inc. "And it's the consumers who are the big winners. From news and entertainment to emergency information, virtually all U.S. consumers will soon be able to bring their most valuable content with them wherever they go." Information regarding a dedicated management team that will focus on securing additional content, spectrum and distribution partnerships for the venture will be made available at a later date. SOURCE Brainerd Communicators
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| FLO TV to Begin Offering 1nteractive Features andd Time-Shifted Viewing
April 13, 2010 at 8:28 PM
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| Ever felt like you needed TV while you were on the go? After all, you've got pretty much everything else right there in the palm of your hand, so why not the stuff that gets streamed to that big ol' TV set in your living room? While there are all sorts of ways for you to do this, FLO TV might be the best way to get it done. And now, with some additional features heading down the pipe, it looks like they are getting a lot better. 
For example, you'll be able to interact with the advertisements you see while watching your FLO TV. If you want to know more about a particular show, you g0 ahead and navigate your way through the advertisement. And, if somewhere in there you find something you'd actually like to purchase, you'll be able to do all of that right from the interactive ad. On top of that, you'll also be given the chance to pay-as-you-go, which should offer up some flexibility for users out there. Which means if you're not a fan of subscription-based TV, but you really want to catch that latest episode of that really great series, you'll be given the chance to pay for it in one shot, and watch it at your convenience. But, probably best of wall, is the time-shifted viewing, which means you'll get the same features as a DVR. That's right: pause, rewind, and fast forward (obviously, from a previous position, or to catch up to "live" TV). You'll be able to store your shows on a FLO TV mobile device, which will give you the ability to watch your favorite shows, even if you're not in a coverage area. There's no word in the presser which currently running devices will get the fantastic upgrade, but we've got our fingers crossed that they'll figure out a way to get it on at least most of them. We should start seeing more details some time in the second half of this year, so keep your ear to the ground. Full press release just below. FLO TV to Expand its Offering with Interactive Caapabilities, On-demand Content and Time-shifted Viewing LAS VEGAS, April 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — FLO TV Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), today announced at the 2010 NAB Show in Las Vegas (Booth #SU1424) that it is working to enhance its mobile TV service with new applications that integrate video with Web-based content and social media tools. The expanded capabilities are in response to the ways in which consumers today are simultaneously viewing and interacting with content. "With consumers' mobile entertainment habits evolving rapidly, FLO TV will be integrating its current live linear video with relevant, on-demand content and interactive features that complement the programming viewers are watching in real-time," said Bill Stone, president of FLO TV. "Our innovative, nationwide multicast network is at the heart of this solution and will allow us to distribute live mobile TV and rich mobile media services to a range of new devices – from smartbooks to e-readers and tablets." In addition to integrated experiences, FLO TV announced an expanded suite of mobile TV services, including interactive capabilities, pay-per-day and event passes, and time-shifted viewing options. The new features will be aavailable on the FLO TV™ service across a range of mobile devices in the second half of 2010. New service applications will include: * Interactive features that will enable users to interact with programming and advertising, allowing consumers to click for more information about a show or click to buy an advertised product.
* Pay-per-day passes designed to offer pay-as-you-go flexibility, providing consumers the ability to watch the FLO TV service without committing to a recurring monthly subscription. Event passes will provide an easy way for existing FLO TV subscribers to add premium content such as limited engagement, special events to their programming lineup.
* Time-shifted viewing, or 'catch-up TV,' that will allow popular shows to be stored on FLO-enabled mobile devices, thereby granting viewers the ability to watch their favorite shows on-demand, even outside of a coverage area. At a time when mobile devices such as smartphones, e-readers and tablets are proliferating and data consumption is increasing, FLO TV's nationwide network can alleviate cellular network congestion to meet the growing co0nsumer demand for mobile media access across a wide range of devices. The FLO TV service is currently available on multiple platforms, including mobile handsets and the recently launched FLO TV Personal Television, the first-ever portable digital television with a dedicated network. In collaboration with Audiovox, FLO TV also offers FLO TV Auto Entertainment, an in-vehicle entertainment system that delivers high-quality mobile TV. Service not available everywhere. Programming subject to change / blackout restrictions. Service subscription required. "Live mobile television" means the FLO TV service transmits channels in real time; no downloading, sideloading or buffering. About FLO TV The FLO TV service combines the best content, an intuitive user interface and a superior multicast network to deliver a true quality TV viewing experience for consumers. FLO TV offers full-length simulcast and time-shifted programming from the world's best entertainment brands, including ABC Mobile, Adult Swimm Mobile, CBS, CNBC, CNN Mobile, COMEDY CENTRAL, Disney Channel, ESPN Mobile TV, FOX Mobile, FOX News Channel, msnbc, MTV, NBC 2Go and nickelodeon. Based in San Diego, Calif., FLO TV Incorporated is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated. Further information is available at www.flotv.com. Follow us via Twitter: www.twitter.com/flotv and Facebook: www.facebook.com/flotv. Qualcomm is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. FLO and FLO TV are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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| Microsoft Arc Comes 1 in White Thanks to Amazon
April 13, 2010 at 4:58 PM
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| When we brought up the Microsoft Arc keyboard earlier this year, we questioned whether or not its durability would be a deciding factor to those that wanted to pick it up. With the ability to store the 2.4 GHz wireless dongle while you're on the move, we're of the mind that Microsoft still would like to market this to the traveler, rather than the stay-at-home business owner. Then again, with how comfortable and sexy as this thing looks, we could be wrong. 
First, we've got to mention that Microsoft calls that wireless dongle a "nano transeiver," and we think that's just about the coolest thing we've ever heard. At least, when it comes to wireless dongles, anyway. As for other tricks the Arc has, y0u can turn the wireless feature on and off as you see fit (which should save on the battery life), and as you can see, it's got a gentle, yet noticeable curve that should help with the comfortability. 
But, the surprise isn't in anything you've heard before. The surprise comes thanks to Amazon, who have recently put on the market the upcoming availability of a white version of the Arc keyboard. White and lime, to be exact. And, while the black keyboard may be the most notorious of typing accessories on the market, we have to say that the white/lime combination makes for a pretty attractive piece of equipment. We'd happily bring that with us to places. Now, all we need is a white Arc wireless mouse, and we'll all be set. If you want the black one, you can pick it up for $59.95, but the white one isn't quite available yet. [via Amazon]
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| Palm CEO talks webOS, Verizon & 1 tablet licensing
April 13, 2010 at 12:53 PM
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| Find yourself talking to Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein, and the furore of speculation, leaks and general rumors are bound to come up. "They've been incessant since I joined the company" Rubinstein told SlashGear today, as we talked to the chief executive about the possibilities of takeovers, webOS devices of tomorrow and how Palm has learnt from the poorly handled Verizon launch. Media-savvy, confident about his company's future and bracingly honest about Palm's shortcomings, the picture Rubinstein paints is one of a plucky little firm with an exciting product roadmap to come. 
Unfortunately – and unsurprisingly – Rubinstein wouldn't be drawn on the contents of that roadmap, nor the sort of timescales it covered. Still, he he maintains that Palm are looking to "continue to enhance the family" with a small handful of clearly related devices and a "great webOS experience in every product we do." Just as Microsoft have targeted their new Kin platform at the mass-market, Rubinstein sees the Pixi – which he uses as his daily phone – as positioned for entry-level smartphone users, while the Pre Plus occupies the flagship spot. We pushed him on whether the company plans to flesh out the top-end next 0r somewhere else along the line, but he refused to be drawn; what we can expect, however, is a faster, more responsive delivery of new devices. Rubinstein blamed the lengthy delay before the GSM Pre's launch on the company's relatively small size and limited resources, paired with the diffi! culty in prepping the first UMTS device running webOS; now that's been done, however, relationships with operators cemented and testing gone through, the company can "move more rapidly in future." It's not just hardware that Palm recognises it needs to work on; the sales experience is also a point they're keen to address. Rubinstein has previously criticised Verizon's handling of the Pre Plus and Pixi Plus launch, and it's something he reiterated today. Palm ensured there was plenty of Verizon inventory – certainly enough to cover the Chinese New Year shut-down period – and they "would've liked [it] to move quicker." There's anecdotal evidence that the steps both parties took in the aftermath – bringing in Palm employees to better train Verizon salespeople on the nuances of webOS, preloading devices with tutorial videos and tips – have been working, Rubinstein insists, and that the experience has already helped them in launches with other carriers. He agrees that perhaps the core issue! is demonstrating webOS' strengths better; it's "a matter of giving people training" on the platform, both those selling it and those considering buying devices based on it. Part of that is emphasising the potential of the hardware on offer. Rubinstein reckons that the Pre Plus is faster than the iPhone 3GS in terms of raw hardware, and webOS is the only other platform on the market capable of immersive 3D gaming. Now that the App Catalog in Europe finally has paid software support, and together with the recently ann0unced Unreal engine on the platform, Palm are looking to promote the Pre Plus among developers and buyers alike as a gaming device. Part of that is certainly looking at what Apple are doing with Game Center in iPhone OS 4.0, and "watching closely" the movement in iAd too. Mobile advertising is an "evolving space", Rubinstein agrees, and one Palm is certainly looking into. Still, the focus now is on the push into Europe, with O2, SFR and Vodafone partnerships to offer the Pixi Plus and Pre Plus in various markets. webOS' growing App Catalog is definitely a part of that, and Palm are working with developers not only in the US but Europe to make sure the 1,000+ titles in there are soon joined by others. While he wouldn't comment on the buy-out speculation, Rubinstein did tell us that keeping webOS to itself was "not something we're religious about." Palm is chasing objective scale when it comes to platform market share, and if they were approached by a company, could build a good working relationship and business model, licensing webOS "would make sense."! ; With the iPad fresh to the market, and talk of a a Google-branded rival running Android, we also asked about Rubinstein's opinion on the burgeoning tablet segment. While Palm are focusing on smartphones right now, he did tell us that webOS was designed to be a "mobile device OS" rather than solely a smartphone platform, suited to a broad scale of devices up to tablets and even larger. Describing larger-scale touch computing as "an exciting area," Rubinstein said that Palm were watching the tablet market and that "we – or licensees – could look at entering that in future." Since we reckon webOS' interface – especially its background notifications system – bests those of iPhone OS 4.0 or Android, that's a direction we particularly hope somebody chooses to follow. Is Palm going to turn around and announce a partnership deal, a buy-out or a licensing arrangement in the next days or weeks? You'd better believe that Jon Rubinstein is far too media-polished to let that slip. Still, he describes Palm's current path as a "transformation story", suggesting that while commentators love to presume that the smartphone market – and Palm's place in it – is settled, in actual fact it's in its infancy. "Everyone wants to go "it's over"," Rubinstein says, "there are all kinds of rumors. But we're at the beginning of the mobile device story."
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| Intel port Android to Atom in in attempt to undercut ARM
April 13, 2010 at 10:57 AM
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| Intel's mobile plans aren't limited to MeeGo at IDF 2010 this week; the company is also looking to take a big bite out of ARM's market share when it comes to Android-based hardware. The company has confirmed that they've ported Android t0 x68 hardware – including Atom-based smartphones – and that manufacturers have expressed interest in using the new system. 
The move follows Acer's own project putting Android on an Atom based Eee PC, for which the company had to do their own development work to get the Google OS running on Intel silicon. Dell have also been experimenting with Android, but are y3t to release any netbook products preloaded with it. According to Renee James, general manager of Intel's software and services group, the company is actually "enabling all OSes for Atom phones" rather than just Android. Currently ARM processors are found in the majority of the chipsets used for Android devices, both smartphones and smartbooks such as Lenovo's Skylight. [via Android Community]
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| Next-gen Wii challenge 1s making generic hardware "unique" says Miyamoto
April 13, 2010 at 10:46 AM
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| It's not just the 3DS that Nintendo are thinking about; the company have also been looking to the Wii's replacement, and the focus seems to be not so much on the very latest hardware but how the company could make the Wii 2 distinctive against their rivals. According to Nintendo designer Shigeru Miyamoto, "in the next generation of hardware, the challenge is how unique and different a product Nintendo is able to make," pointing out to Games TM magazine that "technology is available to all equally today." 
That equality of access means that it's not enough to simply bolt together the best components currently available on the shelf, but "how we decide to make use of that technology and in what format is what will make our hardware unique in comparison to the hardware from other manufacturers." Miyamoto declined to comment on speculation that Nintendo are planning a "Wii HD" or "Wii 2″, or even a brand new console. [via Neowin]
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| Internet-enabled Messenger D0g concept is brilliantly bizarre [Video]
April 13, 2010 at 10:31 AM
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| Most people are familiar with the idea of a rescue dog, that rushes up into mountains to find lost and injured hikers, sustaining them with a small barrel of liquor strung around its neck, but only Laura Boffi has bothered bringing the concept up to speed with the internet generation. Her Messenger Dog system basically involves strapping a weatherproof internet-connected coat to a dog, sending it running around refugee camps and disaster zones and allowing survivors to send text, voice and video messages to their loved ones. 
Video demo after the cut. As Boffi says, "In those very first hours of fear and displacement, people may just want to send a message to their beloved ones only saying that they are alive and safe, hoping the same for them as well." The working prototype is based on an iPod with NADA Mobile, but the idea is that an accelerometer would be used to turn 0n the system when it sense the dog sitting down by a person. Of course, you'd also need to train the dogs so that they didn't just run away, taking your expensive telecoms-encrusted jacket with them. Flippancy aside, this sounds an ideal project for Nokia's mobile technology for development projects. [via The Raw Feed]
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| Magic Charger concept is a a power generating Rubik's cube
April 13, 2010 at 9:25 AM
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| The Rubik's Cube was very popular when I was a kid and that means I seemed to get one every Christmas for a few years. Mostly they were given by relative who I suspect hated me. The Rubik's Cube was the single most frustrating gift I ever received, and that counts the 1400 piece puzzle printed on both sides I had. 
A new charger concept called the Magic Charger has turned up that uses a cube design and has symbols you try and match, just like the Rubik's Cube. The big downside I see here is that the Magic Charger doesn't use stickers like the old Rubik's Cube did. That means you can't cheat and peel the stickers off. The concept uses all the motion generated by turning the different sections of the device to generate power. Exactly how much energy it could generate is unknown, it is a concept after all. You can pull the top layer of blocks up to reveal a USB port for charging devices.
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| RipCode allows iPad too play Flash video
April 13, 2010 at 9:16 AM
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| There are many iPad and iPhone owners that would agree the biggest single shortfall of the new iPad and the iPhone is the lack of support for Flash video. Apple is adamant that Flash will not be supported and until HTML5 is more common in video streaming many iPad, users can't view the content they desire. 
A company called RipCode has announced a new clientless Flash video codec that allows the video to play on the iPad in a seamless fashion for the end user. The codec allows the video to play at a number of resolutions ranging from QVGA to 1080p. The RipCode V6 transcoding appliance aalso supports other file formats like QuickTime, MP4 Progressive Download, Apple's MPEG-TS Adaptive Progressive Download for file-based and live content, Microsoft Smooth Streaming, and RTSP. This sort of transcoding could eliminate the issues with iPad and streaming video for many users.
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| Full HTC Incredible specs leaked from Verizon
April 13, 2010 at 9:15 AM
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| Verizon's HTC Incredible looks set to cast even the carrier's imminent Google Nexus One into the shade, and going by this leaked spec sheet that found its way into the BGR's hands, we're wondering who exactly would pick the Nexus. The Incredible has a 1GHz Snapdragon chipset with 8GB of internal memory, an 8-megapixel autofocus camera and EVDO Rev.A. There's also a 3.7-inch WVGA OLED capacitive touchscreen and WiFi b/g/n. 
The whole thing measures 4.63 x 2.3 x 0.47 inches, which actually makes it a little smaller than the Nexus One too. It'll also come with HTC's Sense interface running on top of Android 2.1. All in all, we can't wait for this smartphone to hit the market, and only the HTC EVO 4G really stands a chance of besting it in the near future.
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| Sony debuts new NWZ-W252 water a resistant Walkman
April 13, 2010 at 9:01 AM
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| As a child of the 80's every time I hear the Walkman name I immediately think of those big yellow cassette players that were popular when I was a a kid. Sony has evolved the Walkman band over the years and has turned the series into a line of digital media players that have been around for a while now. 
Sony has announced a new addition to its W-series called the NWZ-W252. The new player is a water resistant design that has all the parts in a behind the neck design aimed at fitness enthusiasts. The new player is light and can be used in the rain for extended periods. Tracks can be synced to the player from a PC or iTunes library as long as the tracks have no DRM. The capacity of the device is 2GB and it can hold 470 tracks 4 minutes long at 128kbps. The player can run for 90 minutes after a scant 3-minute charge. The device will ship this month for around $60.
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| Apple MacBook Pro gets Core i5/Core i7 update new
April 13, 2010 at 8:45 AM
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| The Apple Store is back, and as expected there's a range of new MacBook Pro notebooks on offer complete with Intel's Core i5 and i7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics. The 15- and 17-inch MBPs are updated this time around, with the former kicking off at $1,799 with an Intel Core i5 2.4GHz CPU, 320GB hard-drive and GeForce 320M 256MB GPU, while the 17-inch MBP starts at $2,299 with the 2.53GHz Core i5, 500GB hard-drive and GeForce 320M 512MB GPU. 
Step up to $2,199, however, and you can get a 15-inch MacBook Pro with Core i7 2.66GHz processor, 500GB of storage and GT 330M 512MB GPU. All of the models also have Intel HD graphics for prolonging battery life, and the 15-incher can be specified with an optional high resolution 1680 x 1050 display. There's also a choice of new 128GB, 256GB and 512GB solid state drives. As for the 17-inch MBP, you'll be looking at $2,499 if you want the 2.66GHz Core i7 CPU, and the standard model gets 4GB of RAM and a glossy 1920 x 1200 display; a matte finish panel is a $50 option. Meanwhile the 13-inch MacBook Pros get updated Core 2 Duo processors, 4GB RAM, a 10-hour built-in battery and the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor; the entry level machine has a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 250GB hard drive, and is priced at $1,199, while $1,499 gets you a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 320GB hard drive. Press Release: Apple Updates MacBook Pro Linee Faster Processors, Next-Generation Graphics & Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life CUPERTINO, Calif., April 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Apple® today updated the MacBook® Pro line with faster processors, powerful next-generation NVIDIA graphics and even longer battery life. The popular 13-inch MacBook Pro features the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor for up to 80 percent faster graphics and a groundbreaking 10-hour built-in battery.* The new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models feature Intel Core i5 and i7 processors and Apple's new automatic graphics switching technology that toggles seamlessly between powerful NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and energy efficient Intel HD Graphics processors. "The new MacBook Pro is as advanced on the inside as it is stunning on the outside," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "With faster processors, amazing graphics and up to three more hours of battery life, the new MacBook Pro delivers both performance and efficiency." All 13-inch MacBook Pro models now include faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 4GB RAM, a 10-hour built-in battery and the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor. With 48 processing cores, the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M is the fastest integrated graphics processor on the market, ideal for graphics intensive applications or high performance games. The 13-inch MacBook Pro is available in two configurations: one with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 250GB hard drive priced at $1,199; and one with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 320GB hard drive priced at $1,499. The new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models are up to 50 percent faster than the previous systems.** Using Intel's state-of-the-art 32 nanometer process, Intel Core i5 and i7 processors integrate the memory controller and Level 3 cache for faster access to system memory. Hyper-Threading technology improves data throughput by creating virtual processing cores, while Turbo Boost optimizes performance between the two processor cores, accelerating the system from 2.66 GHz to 3.06 GHz for intensive dual core tasks, and up to 3.33 GHz for single core tasks. All 15-inch and 17-inch models include two graphics processors, the new NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M for peak performance and Intel HD Graphics for energy efficient operation. More than twice as fast as the GeForce 320M, the powerful new GeForce GT 330M provides incredibly smooth, crisp on-screen graphics for the most demanding 3D games, creative software and technical applications. Apple's automatic graphics switching determines which graphics processor an application needs and switches instantly between processors to deliver peak performance and long battery life. Tightly integrated hardware and software allow the new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro to deliver 8 to 9 hours on a single charge. The new 15-inch MacBook Pro is available in three models: one with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and 320GB hard drive at $1,799; one with a 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and 500GB hard drive at $1,999; and one with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and 500GB hardd drive at $2,199. The new 17-inch MacBook Pro features a 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and 500GB hard drive for $2,299. The MacBook Pro glass Multi-Touch(TM) trackpad now supports inertial scrolling, an intuitive way to scroll through large photo libraries, lengthy documents and long web sites. All MacBook Pros feature bright, LED-backlit wide-angle displays with a broad color gamut. The 17-inch MacBook Pro includes a high resolution 1920 x 1200 display, and the 15-inch MacBook Pro is now available with an optional high resolution 1680 x 1050 display. Customers can also upgrade their MacBook Pro with new 128GB, 256GB and 512GB solid state drives. As the industry's greenest notebook lineup, every Mac® notebook achieves EPEAT Gold status and meets Energy Star 5.0 requirements, setting a new standard for environmentally friendly notebook design.*** Each unibody enclosure is made of highly recyclable aluminum and comes standard with energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. Mac notebooks contain no brominated flame retardants, are PVC-free and are constructed of recyclable materials. Apple uses advanced chemistry, intelligent monitoring of the system and battery, and Adaptive Charging technology to create a notebook battery that delivers up to 10 hours of wireless productivity on a single charge and up to 1,000 recharges.**** The built-in battery design results in less waste and depleted batteries can be replaced for $129 or $179, which includes installation and disposal of your old battery in an environmentally responsible manner. All Macs come with Mac OS® X Snow Leopard®, the world's most advanced operating system, and iLife®, Apple's innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features iPhoto®, to easily organize and manage photos; iMovie® with powerful easy-to-use new features such as Precision Editor, video stabilization and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand® which introduces a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar. Pricing & Availability The new 13-inch MacBook Pro, 15-inch MacBook Pro, and 17-inch MacBook Pro are now available through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The 2.4 GHz, 13-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US), includes: – 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;
– 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;
– 1066 MHz front-side bus;
– 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to0 8GB;
– NVIDIA GeForce 320M integrated graphics;
– 250GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion
Sensor;
– a slot-load 8X SuperDrive® with double-layer support (DVD+/-R
DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
– Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI and HDMI adapters sold separately);
– AirPort Extreme® 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
– Gigabit Ethernet port;
– iSight® video camera;
– two USB 2.0 ports;
– one FireWire® 800 port (FireWire 400 compatible);
– SD card slot;
– combined headphone/line in (analog/digital);
– glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
– built-in, 63.5WHr lithium polymer battery; and
– 60 Watt MagSafe® Power Adapter. The 2.66 GHz, 13-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes: – 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;
– 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;
– 1066 MHz front-side bus;
– 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
– NVIDIA GeForce 320M integrated graphics;
– 320GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion
Sensor;
– a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R
DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
– Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI and HDMI adapters sold separately);
– AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
– Gigabit Ethernet port;
– iSight video camera;
– two USB 2.0 ports;
– one FireWire 800 port (FireWire 400 compatible);
– SD card slot;
– combined headphone/line in (analog/digital);
– glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
– built-in, 63.5WHr lithium polymer battery; and
– 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter. Build-to-order options for the 13-inch MacBook Pro include the ability to upgrade to 8GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a 320GB 5400 rpm or a 500GB 5400 rpm hard drive, a 128GB, 256GB or 512GB solid state drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare® Protection Plan. The 2.4 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US), includes: – 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;
– 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5 with 3MB shared L3 cache;
– 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
– integrated Intel HD Graphics + NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M discrete
graphics with 256MB of VRAM;
– 320GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion
Sensor;
– a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R
DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
– Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI and HDMI adapters sold separately);
– AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
– Gigabit Ethernet port;
– iSight video camera;
– two USB 2.0 ports;
– one FireWire 800 port;
– SD card slot;
– audio line in (analog/digital);
– audio line out/headphone (analog/digital);
– glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
– built-in, 77.5WHr lithium polymer battery; and
– 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter. The 2.53 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes: – 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;
– 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5 with 3MB shared L3 cache;
– 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
– integrated Intel HD Graphics + NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M discrete
graphics with 256MB of VRAM;
– 500GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion
Sensor;
– a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R
DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
– Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI and HDMI adapters sold separately);
– AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
– Gigabit Ethernet port;
– iSight video camera;
– two USB 2.0 ports;
– one FireWire 800 port;
– SD card slot;
– audio line in (analog/digital);
– audio line out/headphone (analog/digital);
– glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
– built-in, 77.5WHr lithium polymer battery; and
– 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter. The 2.66 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,199 (US), includes: – 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;
– 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7 with 4MB shared L3 cache;
– 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
– integrated Intel HD Graphics + NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M discrete
graphics with 512MB of VRAM;
– 500GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion
Sensor;
– a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R
DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
– Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI and HDMI adapters sold separately);
– AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
– Gigabit Ethernet port;
– iSight video camera;
– two USB 2.0 ports;
– one FireWire 800 port;
– SD card slot;
– audio line in (analog/digital);
– audio line out/headphone (analog/digital);
– glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
– built-in, 77.5WHr lithium polymer battery; and
– 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter. Build-to-order options for the 15-inch MacBook Pro include the ability to upgrade to 8GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a high resolution 15-inch 1680 x 1050 display in glossy and antiglare, a 500GB 5400 rpm or 500GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB, 256GB or 512GB solid state drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan. The 2.53 GHz, 17-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,299 (US), includes: – 17-inch widescreen LED-baacklit 1920 x 1200, glossy display;
– 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5 with 3MB shared L3 cache;
– 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
– integrated Intel HD Graphics + NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M discrete
graphics with 512MB of VRAM;
– 500GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion
Sensor;
– a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R
DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
– Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI and HDMI adapters sold separately);
– AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
– Gigabit Ethernet port;
– iSight video camera;
– three USB 2.0 ports;
– one FireWire 800 port (FireWire 400 compatible);
– ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
– audio line in (analog/digital);
– audio line out/headphone (analog/digital);
– glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
– built-in, 95WHr lithium polymer battery; and
– 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter. Build-to-order options for the 17-inch MacBook Pro include a 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB 1066 MHz DDR3 memory, a 500GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB, 256GB or 512GB solid state drive, antiglare display, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual- Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan. *Testing conducted by Apple in March 2010 using preproduction 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo-based 13-inch MacBook Pro units with NVIDIA GeForce 320M and production 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo-based 13-inch MacBook Pro units with NVIDIA GeForce 9400M. **Testing conducted by Apple in March 2010 using preproduction 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7-based 15-inch MacBook Pro units with NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and production 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo-based 15-inch MacBook Pro units with NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT. ***EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net. ****A properly maintained MacBook Pro battery is designed to retain 80 percent or more of its original capacity during a lifespan of up to 1,000 recharge cycles. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. For more information visit www.apple.com/macbookpro/battery. Apple ignited the personal computer revolution with the Apple II, then reinvented the personal computer with the Macintosh. Apple continues to lead the industry with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system, and iLife, iWork and professional applications. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store, has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices. © 2010 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, MacBook, Multi-Touch, Snow Leopard, iLife, iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, Apple Store, SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, iSight, FireWire, MagSafe and AppleCare are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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| MeeGo details spill: UIs f0r netbook & smartphone, more
April 13, 2010 at 8:25 AM
|
| Intel's developer conference kicked off in Beijing this week, and among the announcements there's talk of their MeeGo collaborative platform with Nokia. That includes some UI examples – for both netbooks, as seen here, and mobile devices, which you can see after the cut – together with feature lists and roadmaps. Nothing specific in terms of actual device releases, of course, but Intel have confirmed that MeeGo v1.1 should land in late October 2010. 
Netbooks running MeeGo will get an updated UI that splits the desktop into various content chunks, linked to social networks, calendars, internet widgets and more. The preloaded browser will be Google's Chrome (with Chromium as backup) while Firefox slips to being an option, and there'll be plenty of connectivity support including WiMAX, WiFi and 3G. Multitouch and gestures will be supported in the underlying middle-ware. As for mobile devices like smartphones, Intel are saying there'll be the Fennec browser, tight social network integration and cloud data sync. VoIP is also onboard, together with 3G voice and data, plus location-based services. As for the UI shots, they show a device potentially running in both portrait and landscape orientation. Plenty more information and analysis at Carrypad. [via Carrypad]
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| Sony Optiarc offers a new external DRX-S77U and internal AD-7260S DVD burners
April 13, 2010 at 8:20 AM
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| Sony Optiarc has announced a couple new DVD/CD burning optical drives for different user groups. One of the drives is an internal and the other is an external slim burner. Both are available to purchase online and at retailers now. 
The DRX-S77U is a lightweight external slim drive that can burn up to 8X DVD+/-R discs. It can also write to DVD+RW discs and read DVD-RAM discs. It connects to the host PC via USB 2.0 and comes in several colors including black, white, pink, and gold. The drive seems to be aimed at Sony netbook users. The company has also unveiled a new AD-7260S internal DVD/CD recorder. It has a 24x max burn speed for CDs and DVDs. The drive has buffer under-run technology and offers LightScribe technology for disc labeling using compatible media.
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| Nintendo talks 3DS, gives no new insights
April 13, 2010 at 8:07 AM
|
| The Nintendo 3DS was announced awhile back and pegged for a launch this fiscal year for Nintendo. We know few hard details on the device right n0w other than it will allow the playing of 3D content without needing glasses. 
BusinessWeek has interviewed Nintendo America President Reggie Fills-Aime about the new portable. The console will be landing in the current fiscal year, as we already knew. We won't get full details until June at E3. Fills-Aime still declined any further details on the console other than reiterating the device will not need glasses. He likens the 3DS debut in importance for the portable gaming market to when Nintendo went from the Game Boy to the DS. Nintendo is predicting a decline in sales of its game consoles including the Wii and the DS along with a decline in software sales. The company's net income will drop 18% because of the sales slump. The 3DS is expected to help improve sales, the current DS is a major income maker for Nintendo.
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| Envivio shows off 1080p MVC encoding for 3D TV at NAB
April 13, 2010 at 7:46 AM
|
|  There are lots 0f 3D TVs and other home entertainment gear on the market today for 3D in the home. The big catch so far is that there is very little 3D content on TV. That will be changing this year as satellite and cable providers ramp up 3D programming options.
A company called Envivio has demonstrated a new 1080p MVC encoding platform for 3D TV at the NAB conference in Las Vegas. The encoder is called 4Caster C42 (C4 squared) Three Screens video encoder. It can deliver full 1080p stereoscopic 3D content. The big difference in the new encoding platform compared to existing side-by-side and over-under split image technologies for 3D is that the new 4Caster allows full original image resolution to each eye. The new encoder also promises to consume less bandwidth than streaming two 2D streams at once to get 3D content. The new platform is also compatible with 2D receivers.
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| Earloomz Bluetooth headsets add style t0 functionality
April 13, 2010 at 7:36 AM
|
| Most of the Bluetooth headsets we see hit the market are very similar in design and style. They all tend to be black devices with designs leaning more to usability than how they look. Some users want a headset that looks good and suits their personality.
The Earloomz line of Bluetooth headsets have surfaced with a myriad of designs. The headsets have all sorts of artwork, flags, and music themed images that can be had on the outer housing of the headset. Under the fancy artwork, the Earloomz Bluetooth headset is your basic hands free device. Bluetooth v2.1+EDR is supported and the device uses and internal rechargeable lithium polymer battery. It can be paired to two devices at once and has about 8 hours of talk time. Standby time is 120 hours and two ear hooks and three different ear buds are included. The Earloomz headsets sell for about $60 each and are available now.
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| Apple Store Down, New MacBooks incoming
April 13, 2010 at 7:28 AM
|
| Apple fans have waited a long time for the MacBook line of notebooks to get some needed upgrades. Rumors were swirling last week that the update to the new 2010 Intel processor line was set for today. The Apple Store is down right now and reports are that the long awaited new MacBooks are coming. 
AppleInsider reports that someone close to the new machines has stated that each new model will ship with 4GB of RAM and the 13-inch machine will have 2.4GHz and 2.66GHz CPU options. The 15-inch MacBooks are claimed to have 2.4GHz, 2.55GHz, and 2.66GHz CPUs options. The 17-inch MacBook reportedly gets a 2.53GHz CPU. The line will also get new screen options including Glossy, high res glossy, and high-resolution glossy with anti-glare. Some of the models will also reportedly have a 512GB SSD option.
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| Gigabyte offers On/Off Charge drivers for charging iPad
April 13, 2010 at 7:20 AM
|
|  Some iPad owners are finding out that their PC USB port will charge the iPad when the iPad is turned off and not in use but won't change if turned on. The issue is reportedly because the power requirements for the iPad when it is running is more than some mainboards can support.
Gigabyte announced that it has a new driver for some of its popular AMD and Intel mainboards that will allow the iPad owner to charge the device when the iPad is on or off. The new driver is called the On/Off Charge driver update. It is on the gigabyte website now for download. The new drive supports a ton of gigabyte mainboards including those for the Intel X58, P55, H55, and H57 chipsets. AMD 800 chipset mainboards are also supported by the update.
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| Sharkoon unveils SATA and IDE HDD combo docking station
April 13, 2010 at 7:08 AM
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| We have seen lots of docks where you can plug in a SATA drive turning it into an external HDD via USB or eSATA connectivity. Sharkoon has offered up a new docking station today called the QuickPort Combo eSATA docking station. 
The docking station can support SATA drives by plugging them into the dock like a cartridge. Below the SATA HDD slot are ports for connecting IDE HDDs to the docking station as well. The dock connects to the PC via eSATA or USB 2.0 connectivity. The dock has slots that work for both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA HDDs. Other features include LEDs to show drive access, required cables and more. The dock measures 71 x 133 x 95mm and weighs 545 grams. The dock is available now for 36.90 EUR.
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| Multitoe multitouch floor system promises walkable interface [Video]
April 13, 2010 at 6:50 AM
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| Multitouch tables are passé; your feet are where it's at. Over at Professor Patrick Baudisch's Human Computer Interaction lab at the Hasso Plattner Institute they've been experimenting with using feet to control multitouch systems, but this is far more interesting than the walking piano Tom Hanks played in Big. In fact, the Multitoe system can not only differentiate between general footsteps and control steps, it can track multiple users and identify them by their feet. 
Video demo after the cut Rather than relying on users wearing special shoes, Multitoe uses a frustrated total internal reflection mat that can recognize not only points of contact but measure pressure. It's the pressure that helps identify between taps and steps, as well as letting the system identify different shoes by their sole patterns, while head tracking and balancing are also used to add to the control. Apparently it's precise enough to allow for text entry with an on-floor QWERTY keyboard, together with all the usual pop-up rotary controls and contextual menus. We're not entirely sure what sort of installation Baudisch and his team envisage for Multitoe, but they reckon it's better than a regular multitouch table like Microsoft's Surface because it extends the usable area beyond the reach of your arm. [via Designboom; images by Kay Herschelmann]
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| Apple Store down: new MacBook Pros incoming?
April 13, 2010 at 6:39 AM
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| The Apple Store is down, and given the persistent rumors about a MacBook Pro line refresh you can't really blame us for hoping there's some Core i7 action happening. These updates always get the rumor mill churning – and occasionally for no good reason, with nothing new to show for it – but April 13th is a date we've heard mention of repeatedly in connection to a new line of MBPs. 
The update is expected to include Intel's Core i7 chips and span a price range of around $1,799.99 to $2,299.99 according to some leaks from online retailers. Apple's current MacBook Pro line is well overdue a refresh; they were initially expected to be among the first to use Intel's mobile Core i7 processors. We'll be keeping an eye on the Apple Store, but we're not expecting any change – based on past behavior – for 90 minutes or so. Anybody been saving up for a new Core i7 MacBook Pro?
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| Lenovo Skylight delay down to iPad intimidation?
April 13, 2010 at 6:15 AM
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| Lenovo's decision to delay the Skylight smartbook wasn't exactly explained in any detail; the company merely confirmed that the expected April release has been pushed back to sometime in June 2010, giving them time to "finalize the product." According to DigiTimes, however, it's not just finalization they have in mind but reworking the smartbook to better compete against the iPad. 
Their notebook sources reckon that Lenovo have got cold feet over the Skylight's smoothness and general performance, after deeming that it fell short against the iPad's browsing experience. No specifics, but given both devices prioritize web access while mobile, it seems likely that Lenovo are looking at things like rendering speed, website compatibility and other aspects. Of course, the Skylight potentially has more functionality than the iPad, helped no small amount by its physical keyboard, and it's possible that Lenovo are looking to make better use of its hardware advantages.
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| Google "Developer Advocate" for Gaming tips new focus
April 13, 2010 at 6:04 AM
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| With talk of a Google-branded tablet, the Nexus One already on sale, and the various other projects the search giant has its sticky fingers dabbling into, it comes as little surprise to see them turning their attention to gaming. Google have appointed Mark DeLoura as "developer advocate for games", the company's first solely gaming-focused position, and one which DeLoura describes as "both inward- and outward-facing." 
"I personally feel that Google hiring someone specifically to focus on games is a signal from the company that they recognize the growing importance of games as a medium" Mark DeLoura, Developer Advocate for Games, Google
DeLoura has most recently been working as a game tech consultant, together with writing about game engines and other industry topics, and in the past was lead engineer at Nintendo of America. Although he has not specifically named any individual projects he will be involved in, DeLoura has pledged to make "game development simpler and more accessible" together with looking to push gaming access of mobile platforms and social networks. "In this time of great disruption in the game industry, there are a huge number of opportunities for developers. It can be difficult for traditional games companies to navigate the new possibilities provided by mobile platforms, social networks, and alternative business models. I'm looking forward to working with both traditional games companies and new game developers to talk about how Google can help, and the platforms and projects Google is working on" Mark DeLoura, Developer Advocate for Games, Google
One possibility is that Google could be looking to boost Android's reputation as a gaming platform, taking on the iPhone and iPod touch in the process. Recent devices – such as the Nexus One – are certainly comparable in processing capability to other platforms, and Google's more open ethos with Android means it's potentially more straightforward to developers to add in online multiplayer functionality. Of course, Apple have also announced their own Game Center which will debut in iPhone OS 4.0. [via Gizmodo]
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| Palm Pre Plus & Pixi Plus O2 Germany launch on April 28th
April 13, 2010 at 5:37 AM
|
| Having been spotted last month tiptoeing through the GCF in GSM form, the Palm Pre Plus and Pixi Plus have been confirmed for launch on O2 Germany. Announced with a tweet from the carrier's account, the two webOS smartphones will apparently go up for sale on April 28th. While there's no word from O2's other European arms, the assumption is that the two handsets will see similar launches in Spain, Ireland and the UK. 
The biggest change between the Plus handsets and their regular predecessors is the increase in internal storage – the Pre Plus gets 16GB, the Pixi Plus 8GB, though neither has a memory card slot – but the Pre Plus also has more RAM. It remains to be seen whether the MiFi-style connection sharing app available on the Verizon CDMA versions makes it through to the European handsets. [via Unwired View]
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| Google tablet runs Flash & Chrome browser tips Schmidt
April 13, 2010 at 5:22 AM
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| We don't know who it is that's inviting Google CEO Eric Schmidt to parties, topping up his glass frequently, and then encouraging him to talk about upcoming Android-based hardware from the company, but we hope they carry on. After the report yesterday that suggested Schmidt had told friends that Google were developing an own-brand tablet, further details have emerged from others apparently attending the same party; Schmidt supposedly confirmed that the device will run Adobe Flash content and games. 
The exec is also said to have gone on to admit that "Google might not get it right the first time" but that Apple probably wouldn't manage that either with their first-gen iPad. He then apparently alluded to "some better features coming with the second generation of iPad" although those features have not been specifically detailed. Schmidt expects that Google and Apple will have "the next two to three years to figure it out." As for the Google tablet itself, further sources within the project have apparently confirmed that it will most likely use Google's Chrome browser, rather than the standard Android version. However the engineers and software teams responsible are "still wrestling with several parts of the project".
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| IdeaPad U1 Hybrid "coming soon" reiterates Lenovo
April 13, 2010 at 5:12 AM
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| Having confirmed yesterday that only their Skylight smartbook launch was delayed, and that the IdeaPad U1 Hybrid is still on track, Lenovo have quietly put up a pre-information page for the distinctive notebook. The page doesn't confirm anything we don't already know about the U1 Hybrid, aside from reiterating that it's "coming soon". 
Last we heard, that "soon" translated into a June 2010 release, with a price tag of around $999. While that might sound a little on the expensive side, you have to remember that you're in effect getting two machines in one: a Snapdragon-based capacitive touchscreen tablet and a regular notebook. The main notebook packs an Intel Core 2 Duo CULV processor and 128GB SSD, and runs Windows 7 Home Premium, while the slate section has its own Linux-based OS and a 16GB SSD. The U1 Hybrid turned out to be one of the more interesting devices at CES 2010, and even with the iPad on the market we're still keen to get our hands on a production model. Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid hands-on: [Thanks Riccardo!]
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| Nokia C3, C6 and E5 QWERTY phones unveiled
April 13, 2010 at 4:16 AM
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| Nokia has announced three new social networking and messaging handsets, the Nokia C3, C6 and E5. Each packing a full QWERTY keyboard, the C3 runs S40 while the C6 and E5 each get Symbian though with a consumer and business focus, respectively. All of the devices have IM, email and social networking support. 
The Nokia C3 has a 2.4-inch QVGA display, 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, FM radio, 3.5mm headphone socket and a microSD card slot (happy with up to 8GB). It also gets 1-click access to various social networks, including image uploads, via Nokia's Communities app, though you'll probably want to be near a WiFi b/g network since it tops out at EDGE only. It's expected to arrive in Q2 2010 priced at €90 ($122) before taxes/subsidies. As for the Nokia C6, that has a 3.2-inch touchscreen, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, WiFi b/g and quadband UMTS/HSPA. There's also a 5-megapixel camera, IM and email support, together with Ovi Maps with free navigation, a front-facing camera for video calls, FM radio, Bluetooth and A-GPS. It runs S60 5.0 and will go on sale in Q2 2010 for €220 ($299) before taxes/subsidies. Finally, the Nokia E5 slots into the company's business range, running S60 3rd edition, FP2, with a full QWERTY keyboard, WiFi b/g, triband UMTS/HSPA, A-GPS and Bluetooth. It too has Ovi Maps with navigation, IM and email, but throws in Exchange sync as well, together with a 5-megapixel full-focus camera with LED flash and Ovi Store access. It'll be available in Q3 2010, priced at €180 ($245) before taxes/subsidies. Press Release: Social networking and messaging brought to life with the Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5. Espoo, Finland – Nokia has announced three new handsets – the Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 – designed to put better messaging and social networking tools in the hands of more people around the world, at affordable prices. These new handsets feature full QWERTY keyboards, and enable access to a range of different email accounts, IM communities and social networks. "Our messaging device range is very successful," said Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia's Head of Markets. "Services that provide easy access to the world's consumer and corporate email and instant messaging are really popular on our QWERTY smartphones such as the Nokia E71 and Nokia E63. People want the best messaging and social networking experience on an affordable device, whether it's sending a simple text or instant message, an email, or a direct message from their Twitter account. The Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 are made for just that." The Nokia C3 is the first device to bring a full QWERTY keyboard to the world's most popular mobile phone platform – Series 40 – and is the first in the range to enable access to social networks directly on the homescreen. People can view, comment, update their status and share pictures to their favorite social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. At an estimated price of EUR 90, before taxes and subsidies, the Nokia C3 also comes with Ovi Mail and Ovi Chat, meaning first time users can set up email and chat accounts straight from the device, without the need for a PC. Other notable features are the Wi-Fi connectivity, a two megapixel camera, rich color 2.4 inch screen and support for up to an 8GB memory card. The Nokia C3 is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010 in a variety of appealing colors, including golden white, slate grey and hot pink. The Nokia C6 is a Symbian-based smartphone combining the benefits of a 3.2 inch touch screen with a full slide out keyboard. The large screen provides a great Internet experience, as well as offering access to Facebook feeds directly on the homescreen. A full suite of email and social networking capabilities means the Nokia C6 is perfect for people who want to stay up to date while on the go. Expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010 at an estimated price of EUR 220, before taxes and subsidies, the Nokia C6 has an impressive feature set including a high quality five megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, and Ovi Maps with free walk and drive navigation. In addition, thousands of apps – from games and videos to news aggregators and web services – are available in the Ovi Store. Rounding off the trio is the latest addition to the Nokia Eseries range, the Nokia E5. Designed for those that want to be productive in both their professional and personal lives, the Symbian-based Nokia E5 follows the successful blueprint of devices such as the Nokia E72 and Nokia E63. The Nokia E5 combines high quality business features with all of the personal networking and entertainment capabilities that a busy professional expects from a smartphone. The Nokia E5 is perfect for managing busy schedules with a variety of productivity applications available in the Ovi Store. And with direct access to over 90 percent of the world's corporate email through Mail for Exchange and IBM Lotus Notes Traveler, it's easy to keep in contact from anywhere.
Estimated price of the Nokia E5 is EUR 180, before taxes and subsidies, with expected availability in the third quarter of 2010.
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| Flip SlideHD gets official: $280 for touchscreen 720p camcorder
April 13, 2010 at 4:02 AM
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| After having been leaked, discussed and even sold early, the Flip SlideHD camcorder is finally official. Priced at $279.99, the SlideHD's most distinctive feature is its sliding, tilting 3-inch touchscreen, but it can also record up to four hours of 1280 x 720 30fps 8.8Mbps video to its 16GB of integrated storage.
While the top display is a resistive panel, there's also a capacitive touchstrip on the bottom section that can be used for whizzing through video timelines. As well as an HDMI output and swing-out USB 2.0 plug, there's also a 3.5mm headphone socket so that you can privately review your video on the move. 720p with a basic 2x digital zoom and neither optical or digital image stabilization doesn't seem especially impressive for $279.99, and we can't help but wonder whether Flip – or their parent Cisco – simply saw all the touchscreen furore of late and decided they simply had to include one in their new model. It's available to buy now.
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| Sony Ericsson Zylo & Spiro Walkman phones debut
April 13, 2010 at 3:44 AM
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| Sony Ericsson have announced two new Walkman-range cellphones, and they seem to have been looking in the Pokémon book of names for the duo. The Sony Ericsson Zylo with Walkman and Spiro with Walkman each support FLAC lossless audio together with TrackID, but also throw in social networking integration with Twitter and Facebook. 
The Zylo gets a 3.2-megapixel camera, 2.6-inch QVGA display, Bluetooth A2DP and a microSD card slot to augment the onboard 260MB of storage. It has UMTS/HSPA together with quadband GSM and an FM radio, though no hardware GPS as far as we can see. As for the Spiro, that has a mere 2-megapixel camera, a 2.2-inch QVGA display and no 3G, but keeps the Bluetooth and FM radio. You'll definitely want a microSD card for it, however, as it has just 5MB of onboard storage. Both the Zylo and the Spiro will arrive in "select" markets come early Q3 2010, with Sony Ericsson yet to announce pricing. We can't say they're the most exciting phones we've ever seen, frankly, but we'd expect them to certainly lean toward the cheap side. Press Release: Sony Ericsson Zylo™ with Walkman™ and Sony Ericsson Spiro™ with Walkman™, Sony Ericsson's next generation of Walkman™ phones, offer an affordable entry point into Sony Ericsson's Communication Entertainment portfolio April 13, 2010 – London – Sony Ericsson today announces a new duo which continues the iconic award-winning* Sony Ericsson Walkman™ phone legacy. With more than 130 million Walkman™ phones sold worldwide, Sony Ericsson now adds two affordable Walkman™ phones to its portfolio – without compromising on features. Sony Ericsson Zylo™ and Sony Ericsson Spiro™ provide consumers with the best music experience they have come to expect from Walkman™ phones but go one step further and marry music with social networking. From Twitter™ to Facebook™, consumers can catch up with friends at just a touch of a button while still listening to their favourite music on the Walkman™ player. Another key function available on both phones is TrackID™ – which allows consumers to access the name and artist of a track they hear playing wherever they are. This function has proved popular with music lovers world-wide with 129million TrackID™ lookups in 2009 alone. Sony Ericsson Zylo™ and Sony Ericsson Spiro™ also feature the human curvature design that is now consistent across the whole Sony Ericsson portfolio. Beautiful and timeless human curvature also incorporates an ergonomic keypad which makes the handset easy to use. "The Sony Ericsson range of Walkman™ phones has seen tremendous success since it was first launched in 2005 having sold more than 130 million handsets to date – and we are still seeing a great appetite from consumers. Today's announcement aims to satisfy this demand by making the Walkman™ phone range available to a wider audience." Said Jenny Maltesson, Marketing Business Manager at Sony Ericsson. "By combining the best of the Walkman™ functionality with a myriad of social networking capabilities, Sony Ericsson Zylo™ and Sony Ericsson Spiro™ offer consumers the chance to access and get a taste of what our Communication Entertainment portfolio has to offer," concluded Maltesson. Sony Ericsson Zylo™ with Walkman™ Bought a song and dying to share it with friends? Consumers can play their favourite tune in the background while chatting away on their handset. The Sony Ericsson Zylo™ with Walkman™ also comes preloaded with sounds so consumers can pretend they are still at work, walking on the street or in a restaurant. The FLAC format, which debuts on this handset, allows consumers to experience superb sound. Iconic Sony Ericsson Walkman™ music player
Superb sound with clear audio experience
High definition FLAC format – best sound quality ever on a mobile phone
TrackID™ – name that tune
PlayNow™ – shop in a music store 24/7
Stay connected with Facebook™ and Twitter™
Share photos on Flickr® and Picasa™
Upload video clips to YouTube™ with two clicks Sony Ericsson Spiro™ with Walkman™ Enjoy best-in-class music experience with the Sony Ericsson Spiro™ with Walkman™. With the press of a button consumers get instant access to TrackID™ where they can discover millions of songs in seconds. Fancy a chat? Log onto Facebook™ or Twitter™ or chat via SMS with its easy-to-read conversation bubbles. Iconic Sony Ericsson Walkman™ music player
Tunes on the go – 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth™ stereo and FM radio
TrackID™ – name that tune
Download the music from PlayNow™
Catch up with friends on Facebook™ and Twitter™ Sony Ericsson Spiro™ with Walkman™ supports GSM GPRS/EDGE 900/1800 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/1900 and will be available in selected markets from early Q3 in the colours Contrast Black, Sunset Pink, Spring Green and Stealth Black. Sony Ericsson Zylo™ with Walkman™ supports UMTS HSPA 900/2100 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS HSPA 850/900/1800/1900 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and will be available in selected markets from early Q3 in the colours Jazz Black, Chacha Silver and Swing Pink Log on to The Sony Ericsson Product Blog for more information: http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products *W910 Walkman™ phone Best Handset at the GSM Association's 13th Global Mobile Awards 2008. – ENDS – Sony Ericsson Spiro™ with Walkman™ Camera 2.0 megapixel camera
2x digital zoom
Video recording
Music Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
TrackID™
PlayNow™
Walkman™ player
Web
Bookmarks
Obigo Q7 web browser
Communication
Call list
Facebook™ application
Speaker phone
Twitter™ application
Vibrating alert
Messaging
Conversations
Picture messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Sound recorder
Text messaging (SMS)
Design
Picture wallpaper
Torch functionality
Wallpaper animation
Entertainment
FM radio with RDS
Java
Media browser
Organiser
Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Flight mode
Notes
Phone book
Stopwatch
Tasks
Timer
Connectivity
3.5 mm audio jack
Bluetooth™ technology
Micro USB connector
USB mass storage
USB High Speed 2.0 support
Screen
262,144 colour TFT
2.2 inches
240 x 320 pixels (QVGA)
Accessories In-Box: Sony Ericsson Spiro™ with Walkman™
Battery
stereo portable handsfree
Charger
User documentation Optional: Outdoor Wireless Speaker MS500 Hi-Fi Stereo Headset MH710 Facts 1)2) Size: 92 x 48 x 16.75 mm Weight: 90 grams Phone memory: Up to 5 MB
Memory card support: microSD™, up to 16 GB Supported audio file formats: MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAc+ Talk and standby times will be communicated through our product sites online at the time of launch.
Availability and versions Networks
GSM GPRS/EDGE 900/1800
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/1900 Available in selected markets from Q3 2010
Colour Contrast Black
Sunset Pink
Spring Green
Stealth Black Sony Ericsson Zylo™ with Walkman™ Camera 3.2 megapixel camera
2x digital zoom
Geo tagging
Photo feeds
Photo fix
Send to web (photos and videos)
Video recording
Music Album art
Automatic playlist creation
Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
Clear bass
Clear stereo
PlayNow™
SensMe™
Shake control
TrackID™
Walkman™ player
Walkman™ styles
Web
Access NetFront™ web browser
Bookmarks
Google™ Search
Web feeds
Communication
Facebook™ application
Speaker phone
Twitter™ application
Vibrating alert
Video calling (main camera)
Messaging
Conversations
Email
Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync®
Instant messaging
Picture messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Sound recorder
Text messaging (SMS)
Design
Auto rotate
Gesture control
Picture wallpaper
Wallpaper animation
Entertainment
3D games
FM radio with RDS
Java
Media browser
Music call
Music Genie
Video streaming
Video viewing
Walk Mate
YouTube™
Organiser
Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Flight mode
Notes
Phone book
Stopwatch
Tasks
Timer
Location-based services Google Maps™
Connectivity
Bluetooth™ technology
Modem
Synchronisation
USB mass storage
USB High Speed 2.0 support
Screen
262,144 colour TFT
2.6 inches
240 x 320 pixels (QVGA)
Scratch-resistant
Accessories In-Box: Sony Ericsson Zylo™ with Walkman™
Battery
Stereo portable handsfree
Charger
User documentation Optional: Motion Activated Headphones MH907 Snap-on Speaker Stand MS410 Facts 1)2) Size: 103 x 52 x 11.5 (16) mm Weight: 115 grams Phone memory: Up to 260 MB
Memory card support: microSD™, up to 16 GB Supported audio file formats: MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAc+/WMA/FLAC Talk and standby times will be communicated through our product sites online at the time of launch.
Availability and versions Networks
UMTS HSPA 900/2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS/HSPA 2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 Available in selected markets from Q3 2010
Colour Jazz Black
Chacha Silver
Swing Pink
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