The Apple, Mac, iPod, and iPhone News

LG shows first LTE chip for 4G phones

2008-12-11T13:52:00.017-08:00

LG this morning said it has developed the world's first practical chip for 4G-grade cellular access using Long Term Evolution (LTE) as its standard. The 13mm square (0.51in) modem is small enough to fit in a cellphone but is capable of the theoretical peak speeds of LTE, which LG says tops out at 100Mbps downstream and at 50Mbps for uploads. A testbed Windows Mobile device has successfully reached bandwidth of 60Mbps down and 20Mbps up in a real-world example and should lead to slim cellphones with fast data performance, according to LG.

The speed is deemed a breakthrough and should result in phones with Internet performance rivaling better landline connections today. Assuming peak speeds, a 700MB video file would download in less than a minute; four 1080p HD movies could also stream simultaneously, the company says. Separately, LTE is also known to generate much lower latency than most existing forms of 3G and has been deemed more practical for two-way video calling and multiplayer online gaming.

LG doesn't outline its exact plans but expects the first phones based on LTE to ship in 2010 and also intends to launch a notebook adapter card for the standard in the future. The public availability of either will depend heavily on access to LTE networks, though these are expected to be relatively easy to deploy for existing 3G carriers and, in North America, are known to be available sometime in 2010 from carriers such as Bell, Telus and Verizon and will likely include AT&T and Rogers.

BlackBerry Storm for Telus in limited shipping

2008-12-11T13:52:00.015-08:00

Telus today officially became the first Canadian carrier to start selling the BlackBerry Storm. The carrier notes that "limited" numbers of the touchscreen smartphone should be in its stores today and will sell for the promised $250 on a three-year plan and $600 when contract-free. Telus' version clings to the reference version's 3.2-megapixel camera, hybrid CDMA/GSM with matching 3G, and 1GB of internal memory. Telus' version is more conspicuously pitched against the iPhone and comes with an 8GB microSDHC card preloaded with music from the Arts & Crafts label.

The launch however reinforces concerns of a stalled Canadian launch, according to tips from BGR. Telus is reported to have just 2,500 phones for all of Canada as part of the launch and accordingly will only have larger quantities by January, effectively shutting the company out of any significant holiday sales and handing sales of touchscreen phones to Rogers' adaptation of the iPhone 3G. A collection of promos on the touchscreen LG Dare as well as the BlackBerry Curve and Pearl are believed to exist to shore up sales.

Bell Canada has yet to announce a ship date of its own for the Storm and may not begin its own sales until January as well.

The delays have resulted in both carriers launching the Storm at least a full two months after their respective original announcements and is believed to stem in part from the rough state of the launch firmware for Verizon and Vodafone, both of which have had to issue rushed firmware updates to fix issues with lag and crashes.

New MacBook Pro faced with NVIDIA defect?

2008-12-11T13:52:00.013-08:00

Apple's latest-generation MacBook Pro systems may face the same material defect in their dedicated graphics hardware as encountered by earlier models, according to an investigation by the Inquirer. A dissection of the GeForce 9600M chip shows the part using the same non-eutectic (higher melting point) soldered contact bumps as the GeForce 8600M, suggesting the graphics hardware is prone to the same long-term heat damage risk as the GeForce 8400M and 8600M series chips, producing the blank screens and other video errors that have triggered recalls of previous MacBook Pro revisions as well as wider-still recalls by Dell, HP and others.

The integrated GeForce 9400M chipset, which is used across all of Apple's new MacBooks as well as a handful of newer Windows systems, is shown to use proper eutectic (low melting point) bumps and so shouldn't be prone to the same issues. The related 9300M and the low-end 6400 lineup should also be reliable.

It's unclear whether the issue affects all MacBook Pros, though the sample used to reach the findings was a retail example from just after the official launch in mid-October. Numerous reports have surfaced in Apple's support forums of screens going black in graphics-intensive games and of excessive heat in other conditions, though NVIDIA is already understood to be transitioning over to the true eutectic bumps for all its video hardware.

The discovery contradicts statements by NVIDIA investor relations head Michael Hara, who told the investigators in October that the 9600M was using the newer material. Presented with the newer findings, he now says the particular material mix is different and thus that the dedicated part still shouldn't be prone to the same failures as the earlier 8M hardware, though he doesn't explicitly deny the use of non-eutectic content.

If consistent, the revelation would suggest continued problems for NVIDIA, which posted a $120 million loss earlier this year related specifically to the graphics defects and which has been repeatedly pushed to acknowledge that more of its video chipsets have been affected by the choice of non-eutectic material. At first, the company only acknowledged that a small number of HP notebooks were affected.

8MP Samsung cameraphone for T-Mobile US spotted

2008-12-11T13:52:00.011-08:00

Blurred images of an 8-megapixel Samsung handset that is expected to be offered at wireless provider T-Mobile have surfaced on Monday, all but confirming an earlier report. The touchscreen handset is expected to be called Memoir and feature the same TouchWiz interface as the current Samsung Behold handset. The handset is on course to be the first subsidized cameraphone in the US with an 8-megapixel shooter, which also has autofocus, a built-in flash and optical zoom, as well as video recording capabilities.

Other features that are expected, but not confirmed, include 3G data network access and a corresponding full HTML browser, along with a GPS sensor and stereo Bluetooth support. [viaTmoNews]

Reports claim FCC head has anti-cable bias

2008-12-11T13:52:00.009-08:00

A new US House Committee on Energy and Commerce report (PDF) published today accuses current FCC chairman Kevin Martin of unfairly biasing policy against the cable industry. The government body head is specifically accused of overriding others' views and is said to have reversed a finding that exempted cable providers from offering à la carte rules as well as attempting to force through a report that would have accused the cable industry of greater than 70 percent control of the market, allowing Martin and the FCC to regulate the field.

The official is also blamed for allowing through a large increase to video relay fees for the deaf as well as of using his position to force reassignments and vet new hires based on employees' agreements with his personal beliefs. Such oversight has created a "climate of fear" at the FCC where some staffers are afraid to speak out, the report says.

An official FCC response defends Martin and claims that nothing illegal was discovered as part of the findings. It also reinterprets the video relay fee hike as a benefit to the deaf and says that messages from the deaf were "appalled" that a rate cut was possible and would allegedly stifle service.

Martin has been well known for advocating open access rules in telecommunications, including conditions placed on the 700MHz and white space wireless auctions this year, but has also been accused outside of the report of unfairly favoring traditional phone companies. Rumors had the chairman accepting Verizon lobbying while the carrier tried to block open access rules for the 700MHz space, though Martin later agreed to the terms citing the need for competition. [viaArs Technica]

Dell launches UltraSharp 1909W

2008-12-11T13:52:00.007-08:00

Computer builder Dell has begun selling the UltraSharp 1909W, its latest LCD monitor. Measuring 19 inches in a 16:10 ratio, the screen supports resolutions up to 1440x900, with a a 5ms response time and brightness rated at 300cd/m2. Contrast is measured at only 1,000:1, and the viewing angle is limited to 160 degrees; a number of ports are provided however, including four for USB devices, one for VGA input, and another for DVI video. The last is HDCP-enabled for protected HD content.

As with a number of Dell monitors, the 1909W allows tilt, pivot, swivel and height adjustments, and can be detached from its stand for wall mounting. Dell is selling the 1909W for $239.

ARM, Sony Ericsson, more join Open Handset Alliance

2008-12-11T13:52:00.005-08:00

The Open Handset Alliance today said it has added 14 new members to its group in a move that will bolster support for Google's new Android operating system. The new roster includes phone manufacturers such as ASUS, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba as well as prominent chipmakers like ARM and Atheros as well as carriers Softbank and Vodafone. GPS device maker Garmin is also included in the list.

Every member is expected to support Android and the concept of open phone platforms in at least some capacity, including supporting the launch of Android devices, writing code to add to Android, or developing hardware based on Android itself.

The expansion puts most major phone manufacturers on Google's side following previous additions that involve HTC, LG, Motorola and Samsung. All of these either are or are planning to make phones based on Android in the near future. Sony Ericsson in particular has made plans to drop its Symbian-based UIQ platform in favor of Android for some phones by late 2009.

With the move as well as multiple Android phones now scheduled for 2009, Google's software will be one of the larger contenders for mobile market share. World sales are currently dominated by Symbian, courtesy of Nokia, but have also seen Symbian decrease in influence after the launch of the iPhone and heated competition from other smartphone-focused platforms like the BlackBerry OS.

DirecTV announces end of HDPC-20 HD tuner project

2008-12-11T13:52:00.003-08:00

A DirecTV spokesperson recently announced the company has discontinued any and all development work on the HDPC-20 tuner that promised to link DirecTV's high-definition content with Windows Media Center. The HDPC-20 was first introduced at CES in 2006, or nearly three years ago. The decision to end the project was reportedly made after DirecTV missed the August 2008 update for Windows Media Center software and timing of the next release.

Putting an end to any future doubt about the project's existence regarding a release in Windows 7, the spokesperson said the driver listed in the pre-beta version of Windows 7 for the HDPC-20 tuner was placed before the decision was made to pull the plug on the project.

The spokesperson says DirecTV will look for other ways to integrate the company's services with Windows-based PCs in the future, and promises it will announce any concrete plans or products when appropriate. [viaGearlog]

GeForce 9400M coming to Intel Atom soon?

2008-12-11T13:52:00.001-08:00

NVIDIA is in the process of porting the technology behind the GeForce 9400M to mainboards meant for Intel's Atom processors, alleged sources from PC builders claim. The MCP79 chipset, which sits at the heart of both the 9400M in newer MacBooks and the lower-powered 9300M, is said to be in conversion for the mini PC platform with the aim of improving graphics over Intel's existing but relatively limited GMA video. NVIDIA would first focus on hardware for nettops but would potentially expand to netbooks later on.

It's unclear which companies specifically plan to use the future hardware and when, though ASUS, GigaByte and MSI have all reportedly expressed interest. Of the three, ASUS is the most heavily invested in nettops and produces both the stand-alone Eee Box and the all-in-one Eee Top in the category.

If accurate, the claim would mark a partial contradiction by NVIDIA, which said it would hold off on netbooks and accordingly downplayed beliefs that it would get involved with Atom hardware. The company publicly states that the field is young but has also criticized Intel for slower graphics performance that puts gaming and HD video out of reach of these smaller systems.

Although one of the biggest backers of MCP79 and rumored as interested in netbooks, Apple has been at least as cautious and has labeled the netbook field a young market that may not necessarily last and which may need to mature.

Lenovo discounts IdeaPad S10 netbooks

2008-12-10T18:09:00.001-08:00

Desktop and portable PC maker Lenovo on Tuesday reduced prices for its IdeaPad S-series range of netbooks by between $50 and $80, depending on model. The basic black or white IdeaPad S10s now cost $349 and sport 10.2-inch LED-backlit LCD screens along with Intel's 1.6GHz Atom CPU. The custom-colored S10s have dropped from $439 to $359.

Both share other specs as well, including 80GB hard-disk drives pre-loaded with Windows XP home, a Wi-Fi module and 512MB of RAM. The recently-introduced 160GB high-capacity versions with twice the virtual memory have dropped to $399 for black or white and $409 for the user-defined color versions. All are powered by 3-cell batteries.

Lenovo is following in the footsteps of other netbook makers, as just yesterday, HP dropped pricing on its Mini 1000 to $360 from $400, as well as doubling RAM to 1GB. Dell likewise recently dropped prices for one of its netbooks, the Inspiron Mini 9, which now costs $300. [viaEngadget]

Jabra intros two multiuse Bluetooth headsets

2008-12-10T18:07:00.003-08:00

Bluetooth headset maker Jabra on Tuesday announced the launch of a pair of multi-use headsets with the M5390 USB and BT530 USB. Either can pair up with up to eight devices including cell phones and Internet-connected PCs for VoIP or soft-phone use. Additionally, both can pair up to two devices simultaneously, allowing users to answer the device that is ringing. Users can answer either their cellphone or a PC-based VoIP call thanks to the included USB dongle.

The devices offer a variety of wearing options, with the M5390 USB capable of either earhook or headband attachment, while the BT530 USB can be worn with or without the included earhook.

The M5390 USB sports a wideband audio-compatible and noise cancelling microphone and plug-and-play Bluetooth support of PC and VoIP connections. Jabra software bundled with the headset allows VoIP functionality for Skype, Cisco and Microsoft Office Communicator programs. Battery life is rated at six hours of talk time and 60 hours of standby, and range is fixed at 200 feet.

The Jabra BT530 USB features the company's Noise Blackout feature that reportedly minimizes noise without distorting voice quality. It includes a Bluetooth adapter for plug-and-play compatibility with PC applications and soft-phones, and includes the same software as the M5390. The battery is good for 5.5 hours of talk time and 250 hours of standby time, with a range of 33 feet.

The M5390 USB will ship in January, priced at $191, while the BT530 USB is available now, priced at $129.

Jabra M5390 USB

Jabra BT350 USB

Lenovo discounts IdeaPad S10 netbooks

2008-12-10T18:07:00.001-08:00

Jabra intros two multiuse Bluetooth headsets

2008-12-10T15:16:00.009-08:00

Jabra M5390 USB

Jabra BT350 USB

Jabra intros two multiuse Bluetooth headsets

2008-12-10T15:16:00.007-08:00

Jabra M5390 USB

Jabra BT350 USB

Lenovo discounts IdeaPad S10 netbooks

2008-12-10T15:16:00.005-08:00

Lenovo discounts IdeaPad S10 netbooks

2008-12-10T15:16:00.003-08:00

Jabra intros two multiuse Bluetooth headsets

2008-12-10T15:16:00.001-08:00

Jabra M5390 USB

Jabra BT350 USB

Nokia teases handset with gesture-driven UI

2008-12-09T13:52:00.013-08:00

Nokia reportedly unveiled this advertisement for an unnamed, next-generation handset at a Capital Markets Day presentation in Brooklyn on Thursday. Little is known about the cellphone other than what the photo reveals, which is a touchscreen that covers nearly the entire face of the handset with no hard buttons visible. The cellphone breaks from Nokia tradition as it forgoes the use of any form of a conventional keypad or keyboard and instead relies nearly entirely on what the phone maker calls a Direct UI interface.

The ad has sparked numerous comparisons of the new handset to Apple's ubiquitous iPhone, which would be a logical competitor. Thus far, the one leg up on the iPhone Nokia is expected to offer with this device is the Direct UI interface that promises to allow gestures to control the handset's operation. Nokia has a patent for such technology,

It's not known whether the released advertisement represents an actual working prototype or an early look at a model soon to be released. [viaSlashGear]

Microsoft brings in ex-Yahoo exec for ads, search

2008-12-09T13:52:00.011-08:00

Microsoft has hired an ex-Yahoo executive to run its Online Services Group, the company has announced. Qi Lu -- who until recently was the executive VP of engineering for the Search and Advertising Technology Group at Yahoo -- will assume his new role on January 5th, where he will report directly to CEO Steve Ballmer. His responsibilities should involve directing Microsoft's efforts in online search and advertising, which are centered around Windows Live.

The move is notable mainly due to the intense rivalry between Microsoft and Yahoo, stemming from a failed attempt by the former to buy the latter earlier in the year. Yahoo's stock has since plunged along with the economy, and company co-founder Jerry Yang recently stepped down as CEO in the aftermath. Microsoft is believed to have wanted Yahoo as a foil to Google, which it sees as its chief rival in many fields, including not only search and advertising but work applications and cellphones.

As a search engine Windows Live is continuing to struggle for acceptance, ranking third behind Google and Yahoo, with Google occupying a clearly dominant position.

American Xperia X1 delayed past Christmas

2008-12-09T13:52:00.009-08:00

Americans should not expect to Sony Ericsson's Xperia X1 smartphone anytime soon, according to indications. Best Buy is said to have changed the online status of the phone from "Pre-Order" to "Coming Soon," and Sony's own Sony Style website has moved the release date to January 12th of next year. Those who have already pre-ordered through Best Buy are reportedly being sent multiple e-mails, warning of stock delays. The phone has been on sale in Europe since the end of September.

The reason for the postponement is unknown, but Sony Ericsson ran into parts shortages at launch, which may have persisted through subsequent months. A large shipment quantity could be important for the X1, which is widely perceived as a rival to the Apple iPhone due to its unique touchscreen interface and slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Sony Ericsson first announced the phone in February of this year.

Google launches fully unlocked Android Dev Phone

2008-12-09T13:52:00.007-08:00

Google today catered to Android developers either outside of T-Mobile coverage or eager to avoid restrictions with the Android Dev Phone 1. Essentially a carrier-neutral T-Mobile G1, the new model is completely unlocked for both its SIM card slot and hardware features to let users test the device on other GSM networks, including AT&T. The The change lets any owner run Google's reference firmware as it appears. The black design also sports a unique back engraving with a fractal-like pattern and the Android logo.

The phone remains true to HTC's stock design and carries a three-megapixel camera, GPS, Wi-Fi and quad-band GSM with EDGE for data. It's not known whether the Dev Phone 1 supports 3G outside of T-Mobile USA's network.

Buying the phone requires a one-time $25 registration as an Android developer as well as the $399 price of the phone itself. Google is careful to note that it will ship the handset only to one of 18 countries (including Canada and the US), that it limits the phones to one per developer, and that regular users may not get the support they would for the T-Mobile G1. [viaEngadget]

Dell leak reveals 16:9 ratio Inspiron 1545 notebook

2008-12-09T13:52:00.005-08:00

Dell has unwittingly revealed a major revision to its Inspiron notebooks courtesy of a company-hosted technology guide discovered late yesterday. The Inspiron 1545 will be one of Dell's first truly mainstream notebooks with a 16:9 aspect ratio display and should switch from today's 15.4-inch LCD to a more movie-friendly 15.6-inch, 1366x768 (WXGA) screen with the option of an LED backlight. It should also mark a jump to Centrino 2 that carries anything from a 2GHz Celeron to a 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo and will bring GMA 4500MHD integrated video as a result.

Little else is known from the leak, though the baseline RAM will be doubled to 1GB while the enclosure appears headed to a darker, glossy look versus the silver tones of the existing Inspiron 1525. Dell also makes clear plans to ship the system with an Ubuntu Linux option in addition to the expected Windows Vista choice.

When the 1545 or a smaller equivalent like the 1445 would appear hasn't been divulged with the leak, though the proximity to the holidays without a matching announcement may point to an early 2009 update. [viaEngadget]

Logic3 launches i-Station25 iPhone, iPod speakers

2008-12-09T13:52:00.003-08:00

The UK's Logic3 has recently launched its i-Station25 portable speakers meant to work with Apple's iPhone and iPod touch. The i-Station 25 includes an accelerometer that will adjust the output of the speakers to output at the correct left and right separation when users turn it 90 degrees to better view photos or videos stored on their connected Apple device. The four built-in speakers deliver a total of 8W RMS of power, and each is sized at nearly 1.6 inches. The buzzing noise heard in speakers right before an incoming call is suppressed with the use of TDMA noise distortion circuitry.

The i-Station25 also has a composite video output, allowing videos stored on the Apple device to play on a user's TV set as well. The included remote control will control the speaker system's operation, as well as basic functions of the iPhone or iPod. An auxiliary input lets users connect a wider range of portable audio players, including MP3 and CD players. Power for the i-Station25 comes either via an AC adapter or four AA batteries.

The i-Station25 is available in the UK market now, priced at the equivalent of about $102. [viaMacworld]

AT&T may use Symbian as main smartphone OS

2008-12-09T13:52:00.001-08:00

AT&T may focus almost exclusively on Symbian for its smartphones in the future, company director of next generation services Roger Smith said in a presentation later on Thursday. The executive says AT&T has grown frustrated with the splintering of most of the smartphone market and that the carrier is likely to settle on a single, very flexible operating system like the soon to be open-sourced Symbian platform rather than attempt to code for multiple platforms.

Until now, AT&T has attempted to bridge the gap by using Java as an intermediary layer common to most platforms, Smith says. However, the inherently abstracted nature of Java is said to have led to some poor code management on AT&T's part as well as to limitations for developers, who can't take advantage of deeper OS-specific features and so can't write certain types of apps.

Smith is already allaying fears that the iPhone would be threatened under this strategy and tries to justify the distinction by characterizing the Apple handset as an outside device; the iPhone is a third-party smartphone that just happens to use AT&T's voice and data networks, he claims. Any move to Symbian or another platform would primarily apply to fully carrier-branded devices, implying that devices like BlackBerries would also be exempt from the policy.

While no definitive plans have been announced, a move to Symbian would chiefly benefit Nokia and Samsung, the two main cellphone manufacturers to use the operating system. It would also potentially damage the hopes of Google for its Linux-based Android operating system, which has been embraced to varying degrees by T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon but has yet to receive any particular endorsement by AT&T.

Acer set for own smartphone in early 2009

2008-12-07T16:16:00.011-08:00

Acer is on track to release its first smartphones in the early part of next year, the company says. Following up on its buyout of cellphone company E-TEN in the spring, the PC builder now says it hopes to have the first phones under its own name to ship before the end of March and hopes to launch them first within Western Europe and Russia, with other areas following later.

Details of the number of models or the phones themselves are unavailable, though E-TEN had previously been making Windows Mobile smartphones and had focused heavily on extras like GPS and live TV.

Acer chairman JT Wang has also revealed that his company plans to aggressively expand into phones and will make them a "major growth driver" within the next three to five years. In addition to taking control of the smartphones themselves, Acer plans to rely on as many as 500 staffers just for its phone effort and is effectively stripping E-TEN of its phone business by transferring 200 of its employees.

Holiday pricing on electronics from across the net

2008-12-07T16:16:00.009-08:00

Online retailers have begun to drop prices on a variety of electronics with the holiday season upon us. Buy.com has cut prices on everything from MP3 players and digital photo frames to GPS units and notebook computers. Prices are slashed on everything from wireless routers and printers to wireless mice and Bluetooth stereo headphones at HP.com.

SonyStyle.com is offering deals on notebooks, iPod docks, game consoles, digital cameras, HDTVs and more as well as gift cards this holiday season. Until December 31st Newegg.com is offering specials on their HDTV collection and until December 11th enter to win a $5,000 Newegg gift cirtificate in the Holiday Wishlist Sweepstakes. Deals on notebooks, monitors, iPod docking stations, and Bluetooth headsets can be found at OnSale.com. The Holiday Superstore at RefurbDepot.com has great gift ideas from digital cameras to desktop computers at a range of prices.

Argentinian company offers OpeniMac clones

2008-12-07T16:16:00.007-08:00

An Argentinian company is the latest computer maker to defy Apple and release Mac clones. Customers can choose from two models, OpeniMac and OpeniMacPRO. The standard version features a 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, and a 320GB 7200RPM hard drive. The Pro clone integrates a 3.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, 500GB 7200RPM hard drive, NVIDIA GeForce GS 1GB GPU, and a 20-inch LG widescreen monitor.

The OpeniMac carries a price of $990 alone or $1330 with a 19-inch monitor, while the OpeniMacPRO with the monitor is priced at $1765. The company is likely targeting a local market, as the website does not have an option to purchase. Instead, customers must enter their information into a contact page.

Florida-based Psystar sells a similar product to the OpeniMac with a monitor, but prices the package $500 below the Argentinian equivalent. The American company is involved in a heated legal battle with Apple, with a lawsuit that claims violations of the Mac OS EULA and illegal circumvention of copyright methods.

Acer set for own smartphone in early 2009

2008-12-07T16:16:00.005-08:00

Acer set for own smartphone in early 2009

2008-12-07T16:16:00.003-08:00

Holiday pricing on electronics from across the net

2008-12-07T16:16:00.001-08:00

Argentinian company offers OpeniMac clones

2008-12-07T16:15:00.005-08:00

Acer set for own smartphone in early 2009

2008-12-07T16:15:00.003-08:00

Holiday pricing on electronics from across the net

2008-12-07T16:15:00.001-08:00

Argentinian company offers OpeniMac clones

2008-12-07T15:27:00.005-08:00

Sprint to carry hybrid CDMA, WiMAX handsets

2008-12-07T15:27:00.003-08:00

Wireless provider Sprint Nextel will offer handsets that can switch from the existing CDMA network to the WiMAX mobile broadband network currently being built up across the United States by Sprint's recent partner, Clearwire. Apart from the handsets, Sprint will carry other WiMAX products and services, including the first hybrid CDMA/mobile WiMAX modem. All will be branded as Sprint 4G, replacing the existing Xohm brand name for the existing high-speed mobile broadband gear.

The first such hybrid modems for data use will launch in Baltimore, MD before the end of 2008, which is where Xohm, the first WiMAX network, launched in September. Currently, Sprint offers an Xohm-branded desktop modem, ExpressCard modem and a USB card modem in Baltimore that are mobile WiMAX capable.

Clearwire has not announced any of its own planned WiMAX devices, though it will offer the high-speed services branded under the Clear brand, according to last week's announcement. Sprint 4G and Clear will use the same WiMAX network, and may both be offered in the same markets. [viaRCR]

Sprint to carry hybrid CDMA, WiMAX handsets

2008-12-07T15:27:00.001-08:00

Sanyo R227 Internet radio coming to the US

2008-12-06T17:09:00.025-08:00

Sanyo's R227 Internet radio, announced to ship at the end of October in Canada, will soon be available for US customers, the company announced on Thursday. The R227 connects to the Internet via its Wi-Fi module or a wired Ethernet connection and allows users to search for Internet radio stations from around the world by country or genre. There are no fees associated with accessing the stations. The R227 can access secured wireless networks via a key entry interface.

Internet radio stations or podcasts in the supported files formats, including AAC, AIFF, MP3, WAV and WMA, can be played back on the R227, which also has eight Internet radio station presets. If an Internet station is not in the Sanyo R227's database, users can add it.

When or where Internet access is not available, the R227 functions as a digital FM stereo receiver, capable of storing eight favorites as presets. Users can also connect personal MP3 players via a stereo jack, while an output allows them to connect it to external speakers or home theater systems. Networked computers can also share music files with the R227, allowing it to function as a sort of media extender. An alarm clock can be set to wake users to a pre-set radio station from the Internet or FM tuner. The web interface can also access Internet streams of many AM and FM stations that support it. Each speaker is rated at 2W RMS.

The R227 will begin shipping in the US in January, priced at nearly $170.

AT&T slashes 12,000 jobs, shifts to wireless

2008-12-06T17:09:00.023-08:00

AT&T today announced one of the larger job cuts in the midst of the US recession and said it would drop 12,000 employees, or about 4 percent of its total worker base. The effort is attributed both to the poor economy as well as to a "changing business mix" that has left its traditional landline service in decline. Much of that business is shifting towards cellphones and other wireless services, the company says. It also plans to reduce its overall capital spending at the same time but won't have details until January.

Accordingly, the firm also says that some of the job losses will be offset by new hirings in areas that are growing, such as its cellular division as well as its Internet access and video services, such as U-verse. The telecom giant is nonetheless making the cuts following a 4,600-person cut targeted at its management and after it had announced a general reduction in headcount by 10,000 workers over three years.

The drops follow a quarter in which AT&T had the largest number of monthly phone subscribers in its history but at the expense of its profit margins, as the launch of the iPhone 3G squeezed profit margins well below what would have otherwise been expected. AT&T is known to be heavily subsidizing the up-front cost of the Apple phones with hopes that the higher monthly revenue per person for data use will more than offset the difference.

World's first HSPA+ network goes live

2008-12-06T17:09:00.021-08:00

Telstra today said it has switched on the world's first HSPA+ network. Also known as HSPA Evolution, the early 3.5G network promises to be about three times faster in downloads than the best regular HSPA networks, which top out at 7.2Mbps in peak conditions. The Australian carrier's service should theoretically allow downloads as quick as 21Mbps and should also help with uploads; the speed is enough to rival many landline Internet connections, the company and its launch partner Ericsson boast.

The provider's HSPA+ service has so far been activated in Brisbane but will begin a wider trial throughout December that should lead to full commercial use by early 2009. No details have been given regarding the cellphones or data cards that will use the extra speed.

Telstra's early implementation is considered half the full speed of HSPA+ and should double to 42Mbps later in 2009 to match the official specification, which also permits upstream speeds as high as 11Mbps. In the US, an upcoming upgrade will bring 20Mbps AT&T service and will largely need only a software upgrade on the American carrier's network to bring its infrastructure to the new technology.

Acer and DisplayLink release 22-inch USB monitor

2008-12-06T17:09:00.019-08:00

Acer, in conjunction with DisplayLink, announced on Friday the availability of a new USB computer LCD monitor which, despite the dependence on the CPU rather than a graphics chipset, still supports Windows Vista's Aero Glass interface as well as other 3D functions. The 22-inch B223 display features a 1680x1050 resolution and DisplayLink's DL-160 network display chip that lest users connect up to six of the monitors to a single PC or notebook via their standard USB 2.0 ports.

Thanks to the DisplayLink plug-and-play technology, users can quickly connect the screen without having to install drivers without having to install drivers in Windows; DisplayLink offers separate Mac drivers for USB monitors but hasn't said whether the B223 is supported. The B223 offers 32-bit, true-color graphics and 5ms response times. The monitor, along with a keyboard and mouse, can be added to notebooks via a single USB cable, creating a mobile workstation. The B223 has height, rotation and swivel adjustments, allowing users to set it up to their liking.

The Acer B223 is now available now in Europe, priced at the equivalent of about $430.

Sanyo R227 Internet radio coming to the US

2008-12-06T17:09:00.017-08:00

Sanyo R227 Internet radio coming to the US

2008-12-06T17:09:00.015-08:00

AT&T slashes 12,000 jobs, shifts to wireless

2008-12-06T17:09:00.013-08:00

AT&T slashes 12,000 jobs, shifts to wireless

2008-12-06T17:09:00.011-08:00

Sanyo R227 Internet radio coming to the US

2008-12-06T17:09:00.009-08:00

World's first HSPA+ network goes live

2008-12-06T17:09:00.007-08:00

World's first HSPA+ network goes live

2008-12-06T17:09:00.005-08:00

AT&T slashes 12,000 jobs, shifts to wireless

2008-12-06T17:09:00.003-08:00

Sanyo R227 Internet radio coming to the US

2008-12-06T17:09:00.001-08:00

AT&T slashes 12,000 jobs, shifts to wireless

2008-12-06T17:08:00.051-08:00

World's first HSPA+ network goes live

2008-12-06T17:08:00.049-08:00

Acer and DisplayLink release 22-inch USB monitor

2008-12-06T17:08:00.047-08:00

AT&T slashes 12,000 jobs, shifts to wireless

2008-12-06T17:08:00.045-08:00

Acer and DisplayLink release 22-inch USB monitor

2008-12-06T17:08:00.043-08:00

Acer and DisplayLink release 22-inch USB monitor

2008-12-06T17:08:00.041-08:00

Sanyo R227 Internet radio coming to the US

2008-12-06T17:08:00.039-08:00

Sanyo R227 Internet radio coming to the US

2008-12-06T17:08:00.037-08:00

World's first HSPA+ network goes live

2008-12-06T17:08:00.035-08:00

Sanyo R227 Internet radio coming to the US

2008-12-06T17:08:00.033-08:00

Sanyo R227 Internet radio coming to the US

2008-12-06T17:08:00.031-08:00

Denon set to unveil first universal Blu-ray player

2008-12-06T17:08:00.029-08:00

Denon has recently shown off what it claims is the world's first truly high-end and universal Blu-ray player, the DVD-A1UD. Apart from the capability of playing Blu-ray and DVD video discs, the player also supports DVD Audio, SACD and standard DVDs and CDs. A built-in SDHC memory card will let users play files on the reusable media, with support for WMA, MP3 audio, DiVX 6 video and JPEG images. A built-in audio-restorer function improves the quality of compressed music. Denon's 4th-generaiton Link port promises integration with the company's amplifiers, including the AVP-A1HD and AVC-A1HD, as well as any future Denon products.

Remaining connections for other home theater components include a pair of HDMI 1.3 inputs, component video, S-video, composite video, optical and coaxial digital audio, balanced two-channel stereo analog audio and an Ethernet port. When it ships, the player wont support BD-Live content, but future firmware updates should address that shortcoming. The DVD-AU1D supports Dolby TrueHD decoding and DTS-HD Master Audio, with analog 7.1-channel audio.

The player also has proprietary Denon technology that will enhance standard definition source material. Advanced AL32 Processing uses DACs to deliver 32-bit, 192kHz audio, and there is a vertical stretch function that will eliminate the black bars of anamorphic aspect ratio source material.

Due for a release in late January of 2009 in Japan, the white or black Denon DVD-A1UD is due to cost the equivalent of $5,800. [viaImpress]

AT&T slashes 12,000 jobs, shifts to wireless

2008-12-06T17:08:00.027-08:00

Acer and DisplayLink release 22-inch USB monitor

2008-12-06T17:08:00.025-08:00

World's first HSPA+ network goes live

2008-12-06T17:08:00.023-08:00

Acer and DisplayLink release 22-inch USB monitor

2008-12-06T17:08:00.021-08:00

AT&T slashes 12,000 jobs, shifts to wireless

2008-12-06T17:08:00.019-08:00

AT&T slashes 12,000 jobs, shifts to wireless

2008-12-06T17:08:00.017-08:00

World's first HSPA+ network goes live

2008-12-06T17:08:00.015-08:00

Acer and DisplayLink release 22-inch USB monitor

2008-12-06T17:08:00.013-08:00

Acer and DisplayLink release 22-inch USB monitor

2008-12-06T17:08:00.011-08:00

Acer and DisplayLink release 22-inch USB monitor

2008-12-06T17:08:00.009-08:00

Acer and DisplayLink release 22-inch USB monitor

2008-12-06T17:08:00.007-08:00

World's first HSPA+ network goes live

2008-12-06T17:08:00.005-08:00

Dell now charging $150 to use XP on new PCs

2008-12-06T17:08:00.003-08:00

Dell has returned a Windows XP option to some of its home systems but is now charging as much as $150 for the privilege. The company's Inspiron 1525 notebooks and Inspiron 530 regular and slimline desktops now all have an option to configure a system with Windows XP that uses a surcharge to take advantage of Microsoft's "downgrade" loophole intended for business PCs. Dell gives users a pre-installed copy of Windows XP Professional in exchange for paying to upgrade to Vista Ultimate.

The feature is unusual for home systems, which in many cases were the first to become Vista-only regardless of the PC firm. Dell has already been offering XP for its business PCs but often charges a lower $99 by letting these buyers opt for Vista Business, which is normally off-limits to the home Inspiron line.

Dell's quiet introduction suggests a continued reaction by customers against Vista. The company had initially been pushed to restore an XP option as early as April 2007 and had introduced the business downgrade only when Microsoft's self-imposed late June cutoff date for regular XP sales pushed Dell to use an alternative method.

The experience is commonly believed to reflect a wider experience among PC makers. In Electronista's experience with Toshiba's Laptop Experts advice service, users are now regularly asking about installing XP over Vista on computers where the newer operating system has normally been the only choice.

Microsoft has regularly stressed its belief that many of these buyers are operating on assumptions based on early compatibility and performance issues with Vista and that later updates have largely addressed these problems. The company's current $300 million ad campaign is meant both to restore positive discussion about Windows in general and to counteract what it believes are stereotypes of Vista's behavior. [viaAlley Insider]

Dell now charging $150 to use XP on new PCs

2008-12-06T17:08:00.001-08:00

Denon set to unveil first universal Blu-ray player

2008-12-06T14:51:00.003-08:00

Denon set to unveil first universal Blu-ray player

2008-12-06T14:51:00.001-08:00

Iomega adds two new eGo portable HDDs

2008-12-05T14:52:00.003-08:00

Iomega on Tuesday announced two new models to its range of eGo Portable Hard Drives, including the ultra-secure Encrypt with hardware-based encryption for double data protection, and super rugged BlackBelt with Drop Guard Xtreme data protection. The eGo Encrypt uses the advanced 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to protect its 320GB of content from unauthorized access.

The full-disc hardware encryption requires a password anytime the external hard disk is connected to a PC. When users disconnect the drive from a PC, it will automatically lock and prompt users for the password again. Encryption software is pre-loaded onto the drive.

The rugged black-on-black eGo BlackBelt drive sports a 250GB capacity from its 2.5-inch HDD and, apart from its smaller capacity, unique black-on-black finish, OS support and lack of 128-bit AES encryption, is identical to the eGo Encrypt.

Both drives feature Iomega's Drop Guard Xtreme feature that protects data in case of drops from as high as seven feet. The feature includes Iomega's rubber Power Grip that wraps around the case. Either also comes preloaded with EMC Retrospect Express HD software for automatic back-ups of content. EMC's Mozy online back-up service is also included, allowing users to upload 2GB of data for online backup. Both drives transfer files and are powered by USB cables, making AC power adapters superfluous

The eGo Encrypt portable hard drive is compatible with Windows 2000, XP and Vista, while the BlackBelt adds Mac OS X 10.1 or newer support. Both are available in North America now, with the BlackBelt priced at $120 and Encrypt costing $150.

Iomega eGo Encrypt Portable Hard Drive

Iomega eGo BlackBelt Portable Hard Drive

Nokia warns market share may drop again

2008-12-05T14:52:00.001-08:00

Nokia this morning sent notice that it was again issuing a warning and says that it will lower its estimates for both its own cellphone shipments as well as the larger industry for the fall. The company had previously recorded a drop to 38 percent share for its summer quarter but now says there is "insufficient visibility" for it to say whether its market share will increase or even remain flat over the three-month span between October and December, suggesting the possibility that its market share will drop again.

The Finnish company primarily attributes the uncertainty to the weak economy and attempts to mitigate the concerns by noting that it's already implementing job cuts and has a relatively low number of fixed expenses that let it trim costs without hurting its core business.

Nokia also believes it won't be alone in the future and anticipates both the total cellphone industry shipping less than the estimated 330 million phones for fall 2008 and for world shipments to dip by as much as 5 percent for all of 2009 versus the ultimate total for 2008.

The forecast arrives just as Nokia suffered its first year-on-year shipment decrease in the summer credited largely to the absence of its own credible alternative to the iPhone or to BlackBerries. However, Nokia is optimistic that it can regain smartphone share in particular and expects an overall increase in 2009 helped in part by its first touchscreen smartphone, the N97.

NVIDIA in wait-and-see stance on netbooks

2008-12-05T13:52:00.019-08:00

NVIDIA is taking a cautious approach on netbooks and is unlikely to involve itself in that field anytime soon, company officials have said at the Credit Suisse technology conference. Company CFO Marv Burkett acknowledges that it could ultimately produce graphics chips and other hardware for the mini notebooks but is waiting for netbooks to "evolve" before taking any initial steps into the field, which was effectively born with the launch of the Eee PC 700 line late in 2007 and is just now gaining traction.

Executives at the event haven't specifically said how the company would get involved but makes it clear that graphics would likely be the main reason for expansion into netbooks. Most current netbooks use an Atom processor and the accompanying Intel integrated graphics, the combination of which is often too slow to decode HD video or play modern games. Integrating a faster graphics core would restore this as an option, according to NVIDIA investor relations VP Michael Hara.

Notebook builders such as ASUS have already experimented with including conventional dedicated graphics as a stopgap measure, such as the GeForce 9300M GS in the N10.

The statements shelve any public near-term plans for particularly advanced netbooks and may quash current hopes for an Apple netbook. The company is relying heavily on NVIDIA's GeForce 9400M all-in-one chipset to provide much faster integrated graphics for its MacBooks and has promised to work with NVIDIA in the future, but without a netbook option would be forced to use other solutions or else keep to larger portables.

RIM warns of lower subs despite Storm

2008-12-05T13:52:00.017-08:00

Research in Motion late Tuesday warned that it expects the number of new subscribers to its BlackBerry push e-mail service to fall significantly below its original estimates. The Canadian smartphone company now expects to add just 2.6 million users instead of the originally predicted 2.9 million and also expects its earnings per share and gross margins to drop as a result. The company blames the dip both on the later launches of phones like the Bold for AT&T and the multi-carrier release of the Storm.

The news reinforces previous downbeat news for RIM, which in the summer was overtaken by the iPhone despite the BlackBerry range's significantly longer presence in the smartphone market and its lead among business users. New subscriber additions only represent a subset of the total number of BlackBerries sold but reflect the relative growth of the company's overall user base; lower numbers point to more sales skewing towards existing owners than towards converts or first-time owners.

RIM is nonetheless hopeful for the current quarter, which ends in February, and says that it generated a "record level" of daily subscriber additions on the BlackBerry Storm's November 21st launch and has seen similar results in the weeks since the touchscreen model's introduction. RIM believes there is a "growth opportunity" once it ships more products.

The company plans to announce its final results on December 18th.

Hynix develops first 2Gb mobile RAM

2008-12-05T13:52:00.015-08:00

Hynix on Wednesday boosted its Mobile Memory line and said it has developed the world's first two gigabit (256 megabyte) mobile RAM chip. The use of a smaller 54 nanometer manufacturing process has let the company double its previous best capacity while also improving the performance over past chips. Bandwidth for the outside world has been stepped up to 400 megabits per second, while the chip can process 1.6 gigabytes per second internally.

The breakthrough will be important for cellphones, portable media players, and other devices that depend on small and power-efficient memory. New classes of portable computers such as Mobile Internet Devices and ultra-mobile PCs should particularly benefit from the doubled RAM count, according to Hynix.

Mass production has been given a broad timeframe and should start sometime in the first half of 2009. Hynix hasn't named any particular customers for the new technology but supplies a large portion of the electronics industry.

Monster intros Dr. Dre in-ear headphones

2008-12-05T13:52:00.013-08:00

While Monster Cable hasn't yet officially announced the in-ear version of its Beats by Dr. Dre, the rapper-influenced headphones have appeared at the Apple Store. The design makes use of a unique, nearly 4-foot long flat cable that features a Duraflex jacket claimed to be tangle- and knot-free. The headphones deliver sound with a low-mass, wide bandwidth driver and also include three pairs of eartips as well as two pairs of triple-layer flanged tips, dubbed Airlocks, for more customizable sound insulation.

Monster Cable also touts its usual attempts to improve sound reproduction and believes its magnetic FluxTube design, MicroStrand conductors and 24K gold contacts in the new Beats help improve their sound. The headphones are also designed with Apple's Sound Check auto-balancing volume feature in mind to produce an appropriate sound range for tracks operating outside of their normal volume levels.

The Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Tour headphones are now available via the Apple Store for $150.

Boxee update adds Netflix, interface tweaks

2008-12-05T13:52:00.011-08:00

Boxee has released an updated alpha version of its media player software adding support for the Watch Instantly video streaming feature from Netflix as well as MTV music videos, the WB network and photos from the Boston Globe. The move comes two weeks after the startup secured its first round of venture capital funding, hoping to license the XBMC-based software for use in set-top boxes and other devices.

The new version also includes interface improvements for Hulu, CNN, Flickr and Picasa. An updated YouTube module features improved browsing and playback and adds support for higher-quality H.264 video streams from the Google-run website.

Although the software has been adapted for use on Apple TVusing a USB flash drive, the new Netflix module does not yet work because of "hardware limitations" with the Apple device. Boxee says it is working hard to fix the problem.

Boxee is designed to display virtually any format of digital video, photos and music and includes social networking features that allow users to share recommendations. Users can sign up as testing candidates to potentially download the alpha Mac software for free. A Linux version is also available, and the company says it will soon begin testing a Windows version.

WiebeTech releases ToughTech mini pocket drives

2008-12-05T13:52:00.009-08:00

WiebeTech has released two ToughTech mini pocket drive enclosures, both designed to fit 2.5-inch SATA drives. The aluminum housing is a scaled-down version of the larger ToughTech devices for 3.5-inch drives. ToughMount anti-shock protection is used to absorb shock and reduce noise. The mini enclosures feature the Oxford-924 chipset that is claimed to optimize data transfer speeds using either FireWire or USB 2.0 connections.

Both enclosures feature one USB 2.0/eSATA combo port, while the FS mini has two additional FireWire 400 ports, and the XE mini provides two backwards-compatible FireWire 800 ports.

The ToughTech mini drive enclosures can be purchased directly from the company, either empty or with an installed drive. The plain FS enclosure is priced at $80; pre-installed drive options range from a 160GB 5,400RPM HDD model for $165, to a 320GB 7,200RPM package for $325. The XE mini enclosure can be obtained for $120, while the 160GB 5,400RPM option costs $205 and the 320GB 7200RPM bundle carries a price of $365.

The ToughTech mini drive enclosure can also be purchased at Buy.com for $75.24.

Adtec intros palm-sized VGA projector

2008-12-05T13:52:00.007-08:00

Japan's Adtec recently introduced its AD-MP15A liquid-crystal on silicone (LCoS) mobile projector good for resolutions of either 640x480 or 800x600 and a native aspect ratio of 4:3. Meant for quick, on-the-go presentations, its battery life is rated at 40 minutes. Brightness is rated at 15 lumens, while the contrast ratio is set at 200:1.

The projector can be placed anywhere between 5.5 inches to nearly 8 feet from the screen or wall. The AD-MP15A's LED light source is rated at 20,000 hours. Connections include a composite video input, an analog RGB port and a VGA adapter. A built-in 0.3W mono speaker connects via a mini audio jack.

When it reaches the Japanese market in mid-December, the AD-MP15A will cost the equivalent of about $430. In late January, a black version of the device is expected to come to market. [viaImpress]

Rogers first with GSM Diamond in North America

2008-12-05T13:52:00.005-08:00

Canada's Rogers wireless provider is now offering the HTC Touch Diamond to customers, becoming the first North American provider to carry a GSM version of the Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro handset. The Touch Diamond features HTC's signature TouchFLO 3D user interface for its 2.8-inch, 640x480 touchscreen, allowing users to personalize their main screen with commonly-used applications.

The Rogers Touch Diamond has the same e-mail support as CDMA versions of the handset, as well as the Opera Internet browser. In addition to Internet and e-mail access, users can connect to Mobile TV services or an integrated YouTube application over Rogers' 3G data network or wireless networks thanks to a built-in Wi-Fi module. The Touch Diamond also sports a 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera, has assisted GPS capabilities and support Bluetooth devices. The Touch Diamond has 4GB of built-in memory for storing videos, music and other files.

Rogers is offering the HTC Touch Diamond for nearly $200, after a $300 promotional discount and with a three-year contract that includes a minimum $45 per month plan.

Faster Bluetooth 10x, 100x due out in mid-2009

2008-12-05T13:52:00.003-08:00

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has announced it will introduce two new Bluetooth standards, called 10x and 100x, by the middle of 2009, according to a Thursday report. The former, 10x, will work together with WLAN for faster data transfer rates, while Bluetooth 100x will have use USB-like speeds, although without wires. Currently, Bluetooth 2.0 is capable of a maximum of 3Mbps. The new 10x standard should increase that cap to 30Mbps, while the 100x, as the name implies, up to at least 300Mbps.

The new speeds should allow for wireless video streaming or printing via mobile devices, though handsets will need to have WLAN or ultra wideband (UWB) radios. Bluetooth 10x will make the debut initially because current handsets have the necessary built-in Wi-Fi (WLAN) modules to support its data link feature, while the fastest Bluetooth 100x will need to wait for the more widespread integration of faster UWB radios to accommodate the higher Bluetooth speeds.

RED details EPIC X bundle, prices Scarlet 8X kit

2008-12-05T13:52:00.001-08:00

Camera-maker RED has detailed the specifications of its upcoming EPIC X bundle, and outlined pricing information for the basic Scarlet kit with an 8X optical lens. The EPIC X package, built on the 30mm by 15mm S35 sensor, will include a CF recording module, I/O module and battery module, bundled in a package that carries the same $28800 price tag as the sensor alone. As a bonus, the X package data-rates will be higher than the individually-purchased EPIC S35, featuring REDCODE 250 instead of REDCODE 225.

The Scarlet 2/3-inch camera kit with a fixed 8X lens will cost $3000 for the Brain and lens, or $3750 for the complete kit. The 2/3-inch body will enter the market with a price of $2500. The most expensive Scarlet Brain, with the FF35 Mysterium Monstro sensor, has dropped in price by over $2000, falling from $12000 to $9750. The version with an S35 sensor will cost $7000.

In an attempt to adhere to the "Obsolescence Obsolete" slogan, CEO Jim Jannard outlined several upgrade options for owners of RED ONE. The company will offer the original purchase price, $17500, as a trade-in credit toward the EPIC X package or the EPIC FF35, 645 Pro, and 617 Pro Brains.

The latest sensors will further expand the greater-than-HD capabilities of RED products, with scaling options ranging from 3K to an astounding 28K. The RED ONE module currently offers resolution up to 4K, although sensor upgrades will be available in the near future to bridge the gap.

The Scarlet 2/3-inch and S35 bodies are estimated to begin shipping in late summer 2009, while the 8X lens kit will arrive in the fall, and the FF35 body will trail the group with a release likely to come in the winter.

The EPIC X bundle will ship to RED ONE customers first, beginning in the summer or fall of 2009. The EPIC FF35 will have to wait until winter, while the 645 Pro and 617 Pro variants are not expected until spring 2010.

Written and researched by Justin King

SageTV back with HD Theater media extender

2008-12-04T14:52:00.019-08:00

SageTV has launched a new HD extender over the weekend, called the HD Theater or HD200. The HD200 has many of the same functions of the HD100 it replaces, including the same video and audio format support. The HD200 will connect to home networks or directly to PCs preloaded with software that makes them DHCP servers via an Ethernet jack. It has a rear- and front-panel USB port for connecting external drives or USB flash drives for local streaming to users' HDTVs.

SageTV offers users a choice of user interfaces via downloadable STVs and applications it calls STVi, or SageTV Imports, that include plug-ins that will play Internet audio streams or cable-box-like program reminders, among others.

The HD200 will support AVI, VOB, MPEG1, 2 and 4 video files, along with 1080p H.264 and WMV9/VC-1 formats. Audio support consists of MP2, MP3, AAC, WMA, stereo-only Ogg Vorbis, stereo down-mix/pass-through AC3, FLAC and pass-through DTS. A fanless design makes the operation of the HD200 silent.

Video connections include one each of an HDMI, component, composite and S-video ports while audio outputs are composed of one pair of RCAs and an optical jack. Via an optional SageTV Version 6 software and HDTV tuner, users can watch, pause and record live HDTV programming.

The HD200 is priced at just shy of $200, or the same price as the outgoing HD100, despite being smaller, sporting a faster processor and holding more memory. [viaGeektonic]

BenQ launches 10.1-inch Joybook Lite netbook

2008-12-04T14:52:00.017-08:00

BenQ has released its Joybook Lite U101 netbook in its home market of Taiwan. The netbook sports a 10.1-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio screen with an LED backlight unit that provides a resolution of 1280x800 pixels and a response time of 8ms. It uses an Intel Atom CPU rated at 1.6GHz and can be ordered with either 120GB or 160GB hard disks or 4GB or 16GB solid state drives preloaded with either Linux or Windows XP Home. Graphics processing is handled by the onboard Intel 945GSE chipiset while built-in memory is rated at 512MB, upgradeable to 1GB.

The Joybook U101 is also already shipping to China, and BenQ will also sell it through wireless network providers to sell it bundled with data plans. The Lifebook U101 has HSUPA wireless data module in addition to built-in Wi-Fi. Bluetooth 2.0 support will be built into later versions of the netbook, the company says. To take advantage of its connectivity options, the netbook also sports a 1.3-megapixel camera for video chats.

The company says the keyboard is 90 percent the size of a regular PC's, improving the comfort of typing for long periods, and that the whole system weighs just 2.4lbs. No optical drives are included, but buyers do get a pair of 1.5W speakers built in as well as a 4-in-1 memory card reader. For expansion, there are three USB ports and a VGA port for adding an external monitor.

While it is known BenQ is expecting to ship more than 3,000 U101 netbooks to Taiwan before 2009 and 20,000 units to China. In Taiwan, the Joybook Lite U101 starts at the equivalent of about $500. It is not known whether or not the Joybook Lite U101 is expected to come to North America. The Lifebook Lite U101 is available in blue, white or black. [viaDigiTimes]

BlackBerry Storm on Telus gets price, no date

2008-12-04T14:52:00.015-08:00

Telus today priced out its version of the BlackBerry Storm. Contradicting some early rumors, the Canadian carrier says it will offer the Storm at promo pricing for $250 CAD ($200 US) on a three-year plan, or closer to (but still above) the cost of the iPhone 3G on Rogers. The phone will also be available on shorter terms and should sell for $600 when contract-free. More details should be available shortly, the company says.

Telus' version is relatively close to the reference BlackBerry and carries both EVDO Rev. A and Europe-only HSPA for its 3G services, GPS and 1GB of internal memory; in its Telus-specific trim, the phone will come with a microSDHC card preloaded with 15 songs and 10 music videos from music label Arts & Crafts.

However, the company has yet to provide a release date and so far only hints at a release this month through the end of the promo pricing, which finishes on Christmas Day. No reason has been given for the delay over the American version that shipped for Verizon on November 21st, though the Storm is known to be suffering from multiple bugs with interface lag and short battery life that have hampered the smartphone since its US launch. Research in Motion is known to be readying a fix that is increasingly likely to be available with or shortly after the Canadian debut.

Nokia outs networked radio, 3G modem, more

2008-12-04T14:52:00.013-08:00

Simultaneous with the launch of the N97, Nokia today launched a trio of companion devices. The Home Music is Nokia's first Internet radio and provides both Ethernet and Wi-Fi to either stream online content (in unspecified formats) or else music from local computers that support UPnP sharing. It also supports USB and an aux-in jack to directly connect portable media players and other devices and also has FM radio as a traditional fallback.

The Internet Stick CS-10 in turn is Nokia's latest USB modem and supplies both 7.2Mbps HSPA 3G and slower EDGE data in the 850MHz North American band as well as both 2,100MHz HSPA for Europe and the remaining 900MHz, 1,800MHz and 1,900MHz bands for EDGE alone. Like many newer modems, no separate driver disc is necessary and the modem will work with Mac OS X as well as Windows XP and Vista.

A final device, the Extra Power DC-11, is intended to keep multiple phones charged and will power as many as two devices that use either micro USB or Nokia's proprietary 2mm jack to draw power.

Nokia hasn't announced prices or ship dates but should be making these devices available to North America.

Clockwise: Home Music, Internet Stick, Extra Power

HTC buys US designers to bolster phone look

2008-12-04T14:52:00.011-08:00

HTC today revealed that it will buy American design house One & Company for an undisclosed amount. The move makes permanent a collaboration that started with the Touch Diamond and should see One & Company become HTC's regular designer for its smartphones in the future. Most of HTC's newest Touch series phones already draw on the US firm's influence, including the MAX 4G and Touch HD.

The buyout reflects the elevated success HTC has had with its most recent phones. The Taiwan-area phone maker has recently had to improve its shipment estimates for the Touch Diamond as well as the G1 after early sales proved better than expected.

HTC is also increasingly dependent on appealing to more design-conscious home users than its previous core of corporate users and is facing competition from similar moves by Apple and RIM, both of whom are focusing on slimmer and more aesthetically pleasing devices rather than just strict functionality.

Nokia E71 hits Rogers with $100 price tag

2008-12-04T14:52:00.009-08:00

Rogers today became the first North American carrier to pick up the E71, Nokia's top fixed-QWERTY smartphone. The S60 candybar is virtually identical to the reference model and supports 3G on the Canadian provider's HSPA network as well as GPS, Wi-Fi and push data that includes Microsoft Exchange support. A 3.2-megapixel camera with flash also translates directly to the Rogers E71.

The carrier goes beyond Nokia's implementation by bundling a 2GB microSD card in the box and promises to sell the phone in stores today for $100 on a three-year plan with voice and data worth $45 or more.

TiVo silences hopes of early Amazon HD video

2008-12-04T14:52:00.007-08:00

TiVo has quickly silenced claims of HD Amazon videos coming to its DVRs by issuing a response to SlashGear. The electronics company claims that the appearance of a menu for HD content from Video on Demand was simply an example of "testing" interface options and wasn't an indication of any near-term plans. The link should already have been pulled, a spokesperson says, though the company doesn't explicitly deny any plans.

"At this time we have nothing to announce, and dont expect to making an announcement on this subject in the near future," the official says.

While dampening expectations, the company is currently one of the only to directly support Amazon's video purchasing and rental service beyond computers and so is the only immediate home for any HD video features from the online retailer.

T-Mobile Shadow II makes FCC appearance

2008-12-04T14:52:00.005-08:00

The previously leaked HTC Shadow II slider handset is that much closer to being available for purchase as it has just undergone testing at the FCC. The Shadow successor introduces the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system along with a faster CPU and a softened up, more rounded design. The FCC papers reveal the quad-band handset has a separate battery rating for GSM and UMA, the latter of which is GSM-to-WiFi call bridging made possible via T-Mobile's HotSpot@Home service.

Apart from these differences from the original, specs are otherwise the same, with a 2.6-inch 320x240 display, Wi-Fi module, 2-megapixel camera and a microSD memory card slot. Previously believed to become available by October 15th, a current release date is not known. The T-Mobile Shadow II is expected to cost $150 on a two-year term when it does launch, however. [viaPhonescoop]

Logitech ships its one billionth mouse

2008-12-04T14:52:00.003-08:00

Logitech on Wednesday announced that is has shipped its one billionth mouse for personal computers, with the news coming, appropriately, one week ahead of the fortieth anniversary of the very first public demonstration of a computer mouse by Doug Engelbart. Logitech manufactured its first mouse prototype, the P4, back in 1982, and sold the first mouse in 1985. Back then, a mouse was mainly an interface device for CAD applications. The company believes its MX Air mouse and hybrid diNovo Mini keyboard are hints as to the type of products customers can expect from the company in the future.

Within the last five years, Logitech introduced the first laser mouse, a hyper-fast scroll wheel and the nano receiver. The company builds an average of 376,000 mice daily and sells them in over 100 countries.

To celebrate the milestone, Logitech is launching a worldwide contest that will have people follow the billionth mouse, affectionately named Billie, from its birthplace on a production line in China to its final destination contestants will have to figure out. More details are available on Logitech's blog.

Acer iMac rival, 10in netbook details slip

2008-12-04T14:52:00.001-08:00

Acer will kick off the new year with both an all-in-one desktop and a larger netbook, tips sent to TGDaily would indicate. Corroborating some previous mentions, the alleged information has Acer producing an all-in-one system that would compete against both Apple's de facto leader of the category, the iMac, as well as ASUS' new Eee Top, which brings the basic concepts of a system like the iMac to nettops with very low-power Atom processors and prices at or near $500.

It's unclear whether Acer will lean more closely to ASUS' approach or if it will use more traditional features. A recent leak has pointed to both Acer and Apple sharing new Core 2 Quads for all-in-one systems in January and would push Acer's systems closer to traditional desktop features and prices.

The Taiwan-area PC builder is also said to be readying a 10.2-inch netbook as a superior to its current, 8.9-inch Aspire One models. The system would be closer to a traditional netbook and would ship with traditional 2.5-inch notebook hard drives up to 320GB and would come preloaded with Windows Vista rather than XP. Besides these and the Atom chip, other hardware details are unavailable. However, pricing will reportedly jump to $500, or as much as $150 over a typical Aspire One.

Voyager docks SATA drives, features quad interface

2008-12-04T13:52:00.019-08:00

NewerTech has announced the quad-interface Voyager SATA I/II Hard Drive Docking Station, supporting SATA, FireWire 400/800 and USB 2.0 connections. The dock accepts any SATA-based hard drive in either 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch sizes, in capacities up to 2TB. Upon inserting a drive in the dock and connecting it to a Mac or PC, the drive is detected on a user's desktop via plug-and-play. The dock also supports hot-swapping drives.

The station has an LED power and activity readout, an eject button for removing a hard drive in use, and a weighted base with non-skid rubber feet. It arrives bundled with cables for all four interfaces, and uses an auto-switching power supply, supporting 100 to 240V.

The new docking station is available at Other World Computing for $100. It works with Mac OS X 10.2 or higher, and is also compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2000, NT and 98.