Archive

Sony to Deliver BBC News App to 2011 BRAVIA TV Range in UK

Andrew Edney

-

Jan 6, 2012

Sony to Deliver BBC News App to 2011 BRAVIA TV Range in UK

Sony have announced that it is bringing the BBC News App to its 2011 BRAVIA TV range here in the UK.

Watch news from the UK and around the world on-demand, at the touch of a button
The app joins iPlayer on Sony Entertainment Network
24/7 dedicated editorial news team updating content throughout the day

Sony is proud to announce that the new BBC News app will be joining the iPlayer on the Sony Entertainment Network, providing UK consumers with news from the UK and around the world, straight to their living rooms, at the push of a button. The application provides viewers with news throughout the day, selected and constantly updated by a dedicated team in the newsroom.

The app is designed to give the viewer an on-demand TV news channel experience, presenting video and text content in an easy-to-view TV friendly format, with content drawn from BBC News operations in the UK and around the world.

Edd Uzzell, Sony category development manager, said: “The News app provides another great way for people to keep on top of what’s going on at a time that suits them. We continue to add new and exciting partners to the Sony Entertainment Network, ensuring there is always something great to watch.”

This app will be available on all Sony BRAVIA Internet TVs (CX520, CX523, EX320, EX523, EX524, EX723, EX724, NX723, HX723, HX823 and HX923 models)

LOVEFilM App on Samsung Smart TV Upgraded

Andrew Edney

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Jan 6, 2012

0

LOVEFilM App on Samsung Smart TV Upgraded

According to Samsung, LOVEFiLM has upgraded it’s app on their Smart TV’s.

This is what Samsung tweeted:

Let us know if you have a Smart TV and if you have got the update.

Xbox LIVE Mobile Games Coming to iOS?

Andrew Edney

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Jan 6, 2012

0

Are Xbox LIVE Mobile games coming to iOS? The answer could be yes given a job advert that Microsoft has put out.

The job is for a position called Software Development Engineer, Senior-IEB-Xbox Live Mobile.

This is what the job posting says:

Xbox LIVE Mobile team is looking for a passionate and experienced developer to join us brining Xbox LIVE entertainment experiences to various mobile platforms. As the team inside IEB (Interactive Entertainment Business) dedicated to mobile experiences, we work closely with console software team and Xbox LIVE services team to bring the latest and greatest gaming and entertainment experience to mobile platforms including Windows Phone, iOS and other mobile platforms. Combining Xbox LIVE experiences together with mobile devices has enabled many new opportunities and interesting user scenarios such as location based gaming and social networking, avatar with presence, etc. As a software development engineer on the team, you will have the opportunity to help define and design the experiences for the project, you will get to work with a team of energetic and talented developers, and you will have the luxury to work with all sorts of mobile devices to create the official Xbox LIVE mobile experiences.

Responsibilities of this role include:
Working with PM and test team to define, design and implement Xbox LIVE mobile experiences on Windows Phone, iOS and other platforms
Providing technical assessment and feasibility analysis on product requirement
Working with Microsoft internal teams to deliver customized Xbox LIVE experiences to mobile devices
Investigate and prototype on new mobile technologies

Microsoft have been producing more and more iOS apps, so this looks very promising.

Gametel Announces Support for Apple iOS Devices

Andrew Edney

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Jan 6, 2012

0

Gametel Announces Support for Apple iOS Devices

Back in November we introduced you to a company called Gamtel who had developed an Android controller. Now they have announced support for iOS devices too.

We really liked the controller and it worked very well – we are looking forward to trying it out on iOS.

Here is the press release:

Wireless gaming peripheral now compatible with iPhone and iPad

6th January 2012. Fructel, a gaming peripheral company, announces the Gametel now supports iOS devices. Previously only compatible with Android smartphone and tablets, the Bluetooth controller now transforms your iPhone and iPad into portable games console, delivering a level of gameplay accuracy and immersion never experienced on Apple devices.

Compatible with Apple iPhone running iOS 4.0 or later and Apple iPad running iOS 3.2 or later, Gametel supports hundreds of arcade titles from the iCADE suite, including classics like Missile Commander, Asteroids, Centipede, Pong, Super Breakout, Lunar Lander and Warlords.

Alongside these retro titles, other selected iOS games, such as No Gravity, Silverfish, Super Crossfire HD and Terra Noctis, are also available to download from Apple’s iTunes App Store.

Bo Nyman, CEO of Fructel says: “Gametel has proved popular among Android users but we’re pleased to bring support for the Apple iPhone and iPad. Now users can experience even more immersive gameplay using the Gametel’s console-style controls – freeing the touchscreen from fingers.”

Gametel connects to the device via Bluetooth while a built-in adjustable spring-loaded clamp allows secure docking of any Android handset and iPhone. Once paired the Gametel automatically connects to the device every time it is powered on.
With a familiar controller design, Gametel’s D-pad, quartet of buttons and two shoulder triggers replicate console-style gaming controls; an impressive nine hour battery life provides more than enough playing time for long journeys and weekly commutes.

Learn more from the Gametel website

Amazon’s LOVEFiLM Expands Content with ITV and BBC Worldwide Deals

Andrew Edney

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Jan 6, 2012

1

Amazon announced today that LOVEFilm had struck a deals with ITV and BBC Worldwide to delivery new content to it’s subscribers.

Here is the press release for ITV:

SEATTLE, Jan 06, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –LOVEFiLM, an Amazon (Nasdaq:AMZN) company, has partnered with ITV to enable its members to instantly watch TV titles from the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster.

The subscription video on-demand (SVOD) agreement will give LOVEFiLM members access to ITV’s vast archive of shows, including a selection of recent popular content such as Marchlands and Above Suspicion, as well as classic crime series Prime Suspect and Inspector Morse and much loved British dramas such as Cold Feet and Secret Diary of a Call Girl.

The renewed deal with ITV will add further premium TV content to the LOVEFiLM Instant service – Europe’s leading TV and movie subscription streaming service available on a range of internet-connected devices including the PC, Sony PlayStation(R)3, Apple iPad, web-enabled TV sets and Blu-ray players and Microsoft Xbox 360 – and strengthen its existing offering of ITV programmes.

LOVEFiLM Instant gives members immediate access to TV and movie content from major broadcasters and studios including Entertainment One, Disney, Lionsgate, Momentum, STUDIOCANAL, Warner Bros. and BBC Worldwide direct to their living rooms.

Simon Calver, CEO of Amazon’s LOVEFiLM, comments:

“LOVEFiLM’s partnership with ITV is the icing on the cake of our LOVEFiLM Instant service as it brings more top TV content together with world class movies, delivered across multiple platforms, all for one low monthly price.”

Martin Goswami, Director of Pay and Distribution added: “We are delighted to be working with LOVEFiLM to bring a wide range of ITV’s best loved programmes to their subscribers. Partnering with LOVEFiLM’s Instant service is a great example of how ITV is starting to drive new revenue streams by distributing its content across multiple platforms.”

Here is the press release for BBC Worldwide:

SEATTLE, Jan 06, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –LOVEFiLM, an Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) company, has partnered with BBC Worldwide in a deal that will give its members streaming access to world-renowned content from the BBC’s vast archive of shows, plus celebrated programmes commissioned by other British broadcasters.

The subscription video on-demand (SVOD) deal includes some of the greatest British programming of all time. TV titles will include the nation’s much loved Doctor Who, the critically acclaimed Life On Mars, spy drama Spooks, highly-acclaimed mini-series Whitechapel, as well as some of the public and critics’ favourite documentaries including the breath-taking Planet Earth.

This is the latest content deal to add further TV content to LOVEFiLM Instant – Europe’s leading TV and movie subscription streaming service available on a range of internet-connected devices including the PC, Sony PlayStation(R)3, Apple iPad, web-enabled TV sets and Blu-ray players and Microsoft Xbox 360.

LOVEFiLM Instant gives members immediate access to TV and movie content from major broadcasters and studios including Entertainment One, Disney, Lionsgate, Momentum, Sony Pictures, STUDIOCANAL, Warner Bros. and ITV direct to their living rooms. Members will also continue to benefit from physical DVD rentals with the ever-growing LOVEFiLM by Post service.

Simon Calver, CEO of Amazon’s LOVEFiLM, comments:

“We are thrilled to be bringing together great British TV content with Europe’s leading film subscription service. This gives LOVEFiLM an even more powerful, unique offering of instant programming for our members to view across a growing number of platforms, for one low monthly price.”

Lisa Rousseau, Head of UK and Ireland, Sales & Distribution, BBC Worldwide added: “We’ve had a content partnership with LOVEFiLM for several years now and it’s great to see this evolve digitally. We’re delighted to give LOVEFiLM’s subscribers the opportunity to instantly watch their favourite British shows, wherever and whenever they wish, alongside a diverse range of great programmes and films.”

This is yet more good news for LoveFilm which see’s its content going from strength to strength.

Samsung Announce New Monitors for CES 2012

News
Tech

Andrew Edney

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Jan 6, 2012

0

Samsung have announced some new monitors making their debut at CES next week – the series 9 and series 7 monitors.

Expect pictures and pricing information next week!

Series 9

Here is the press release:

Samsung Delivers PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE, Premium Style and versatility FOR DISCERNING CONSUMERS with new Series 9 Monitor

Samsung’s Natural Colour Expert technology gives advanced consumers best-in-class colour calibration wrapped in an ergonomic aluminium design

London, UK, 5^th January 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co. UK Ltd, today unveils a new generation of premium monitors with its visually striking Series 9 monitor. With over five years of global market share leadership, the new Series 9 monitor incorporates the best Samsung has to offer in monitors, including its exclusive Natural ColourExpert technology, providing a richer viewing experience for discerning consumers working with photo and video content. The new 27-inch Series 9 monitor (S27A970) will be shown for the first time at Samsung’s press conference at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in the Central Hall booth #12004 from the 10^th – 13^th January.

Neil Sawyer, Head of IT Marketing at Samsung UK, said: “Interest in user-generated content and a premium computing experience is growing as consumers are demanding productsthat allow them to better view, edit and share their photos, videos and entertainment content. The new Series 9 monitor, with Samsung’s exclusive Natural Colour Expert technology, answers the need for higher resolution and meticulous detail editing, regardless of the job. Its unique minimalist design draws users in for truly immersive computing and delivers Samsung’s signature best-in-class viewing experience.”

Pro-Grade Panel; Premium Picture Quality

With customisation and attention to detail in mind, the new Series 9monitor utilises Samsung’s exclusive Natural Colour Expert technology for maximum panel performance. This includes hardware colour calibrations within the monitor to ensure there is no displayable loss of tonalities on screen.This feature shows colours as they were intended to be seen, more than one billion to be exact, creating a more immersive experience and making sure that memories taken with a digital camera or camcorder stand out in vivid detail. This feature is enhanced by Samsung engineers who tune the colours in everySeries 9 monitor by hand in the final stage of production.

The Series 9 monitor also features Samsung’s exclusive professional-grade Plane Line Switching (PLS) panel technology. This offersaccurate colour reproduction with over one billion colours that can be viewed at wide horizontal and vertical angles. Featuring an ultra crisp, quad high-definition (QHD) resolution (2560 x 1440), four times higher than that of previous conventional HD monitors, the Series 9 monitor now provides professional capabilities to the consumer, regardless of the user’s application. With more and more consumers delving into photo and video editing and graphic design for personal use, the Series 9 monitor allows them to comfortably manage editing applications without having to worry about screen real-estate or overlapping windows and palettes.

Elegant Styling and Support Features

Designed to look as good as the images it reproduces, the Series 9 monitor’s integrated display appears as if it is effortlessly floating in mid-air. It features an anti-glare edge-to-edge glass display and a super slim profile built on an ergonomic height-adjustable aluminium stand. The Series 9 monitor incorporates an adjustment range that offers a fluid 3.94 inches of vertical movement and atilt feature that allows users to simply angle the display to their desiredviewing position.

All of the Series 9 monitor’s internal components have been moved to a round aluminium base, which features all I/O ports and a USB hub to provide users with a streamlined installation and help to keep work areas clear of cable clutter. It also supports DisplayPort, Dual Link-DVI and HDMI video connections and featuresbuilt-in 7W stereo speakers and a Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) for MHL-enabled smartphones and tablets.

By linking an Android MHL-compatible smartphone, users can enjoy content from their mobile devices directly onto the much larger screen and with the benefit of rich, built-instereo audio. Users can also keep an eye on their smartphone, seamlessly browse through it and even charge the device for added convenience.

Series 7

Here is the press release:

Samsung redefines easy wireless Computing and Modernises Mobile integrations in new Series 7 Smart Station and HDTV Monitors

Second generation unified desktop hub and premium quality HDTV monitor increase productivity, versatility and offer mobile connections for users on-the-go

London, UK, 4^th January 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announces today the next evolution of its award-winning Central Station, the Samsung Series 7 Smart Station, as well as a redesigned Series 7 HDTV monitor for a whole-home solution. Part HD monitor, part wireless docking station, the second generation Series 7 Smart Station(CB750) now integrates with mobile devices in addition to notebook PCs, peripherals, networks and AV products, providing users with a simple and convenient way to increase productivity. The new Series 7 HDTV monitor (TB750) includes HDTV functionality with a built-in TV tuner and integrated wireless display (WiDi) technology from Intel® as well as integrations with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets for added versatility. The Series 7 Smart Station and Series 7 HDTV monitor, both available in 24 and 27-inch configurations, will be on display during the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas at Central Hall booth #12004, 10^th-13^th January.

Neil Sawyer, Head of IT Marketing, Samsung UK, said, “The PC market has been slowly evolving as users move away from desktops in favour of laptops, tablets and even smartphones. By doing this, users are limited to comparatively smaller displays, touchpads, limited keyboards and multiple peripheral connections. The new Series 7 Smart Station and Series 7 HDTV monitor combine the convenience of a laptop or mobile device with the traditional advantages of a desktop PC”

Series 7 SmartStation, simple solution

Screen size has become an increasing concern as more users consume digital content on their tablets and smartphones. With the Series 7 Smart Station’s new Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) users can now enjoy content from their mobile devices directly on the larger screen and with the benefit of rich, built-in stereo audio, by linking their Android MHL-compatible smartphone. Users can more easily keep an eye on their smartphone, seamlessly browse through it and even charge the device for a truly unified experience.

Expanding upon the unique auto wireless detection feature included in the original Central Station, Samsung’s new Series 7 Smart Station can find a laptop equipped with the included wireless USB adapter once it is moved within a 5-foot radius of the device. A new Mobile Control feature is included allowing users to simultaneously connect to a tablet or smartphone, granting them complete control over their mobile device via the Series 7 Smart Station’s unified hub interface and a traditional mouse and keyboard. Users can quickly and seamlessly browse between their laptop and smartphone interfaces to reply to incoming SMS messages or alerts on their mobile devices and return to more involved tasks on their laptop within seconds.

Sporting an updated, sophisticated design, the Series 7 Smart Station features smooth lines and Samsung’s attention to aesthetic style is apparent with a wide-angle viewing panel and new base-mounted connection ports that reduce desktop clutter.

Series 7 HDTV Monitor: a multimedia workhorse

Enhancing the multimedia experience of your smartphones and tablets, the Series 7 HDTV monitor allows users with MHL-enabled smartphones and tablets to use it as an external display with the Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) feature. Users have the ability to easily share image and video content while taking advantage of the bigger display and built-in-speakers. For compatibility with nearly anydevice, the Series 7 HDTV monitor incorporates dual HDMI ports and a VGA port.

The Series 7 HDTV monitor also incorporates Intel’s wireless display (WiDi) technology. By downloading the Intel® WiDi widget to your PC, users can stream video and audio wirelessly to the Series 7 HDTV monitor enabling them to cut down on the amount of wires in their homes or offices.

Along with theaddition of the HDTV tuner, the Series 7 HDTV monitor includes Samsung’s SmartHub function providing users with a unique opportunity to access a suite of downloadable apps for accessing additional content like Hulu Plus, Netflix, games and many more. These features make it more than just a monitor and an integral part of the connected home or office environment.

The new Series 7 HDTV monitor features the innovative asymmetrical design introduced in the 2011 950 Series. With the neck placed to the right of the display, the screen hovers over its slim stand and its slim profile tilts to the user’s optimal viewing angle. It also features Samsung’s innovative and exclusive MagicAngle feature to optimise the image based on the users’ position.

The integratedpicture-in-picture (PiP) display allows users to even continue working while simultaneously viewing television, further cementing the Series 7 HDTV monitor’s role within the connected office or home.

Elegant, efficient styling

Samsung’s new Series 7 Smart Station sports an elegant single-hinge base, providing an easily adjustable monitor and simplifying the silhouetteinto a minimalist desktop display.

Featuring three USB ports (two USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0) for ultimateconnectibility; the Series 7 Smart Station boasts fast, versatile data transfer and device communication with ports on the sides of the monitor’s base for easy access. In addition, the Series 7 Smart Station includes an HDMI input, enabling users to connect Blu-ray players, set top boxes, or gaming devices in order to take full advantage of the 1080p LED backlit display. Users can also enjoy sound from their connected Blu-ray player or laptop through the integrated speakers, or via external speakers through the audio out port.

Sporting an updated, sophisticated design, the Series 7 HDTV monitor sets a new bar in design excellence. It features a stunning asymmetrical design with a slim high-resolution panel that entices users to engage in an unparalleled viewing experience.

Designed with sleek ergonomics and superior viewing in mind, both the Series 7 Smart Station and the Series 7 HDTV monitor feature Samsung’s hallmark Magic technologies, ensuring crisp, detailed images and bold colour from any vantage point.

Hot Deal : HP ProLiant MicroServer N40L for $199.99

Tech

Andrew Edney

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Jan 6, 2012

3

Amazon.com have the HP ProLiant MicroServer N40L for just $199.99 plus shipping.

I love the MicroServer – you can put anything on it you like, including Windows Home Server!

Thanks to Dieharder for the heads-up!

Apple’s 12 Days of Christmas : Day 12 – Foo Fighters 12 Days of Christmas

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Jan 6, 2012

0

Apple’s 12 Days of Christmas : Day 12 – Foo Fighters 12 Days of Christmas

Apple’s annual 12 Days of Christmas continues, and for Day 12 it’s the Foo Fighters 12 Days of Christmas single.

You and your friends can download a fantastic selection of songs, music videos, apps and books for free. Each download will only be available for 24 hours. Get our special 12 Days of Christmas app to make it even easier to access your gifts while you’re on the go. Don’t have an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch? Don’t worry. Come back 26 December to download gifts from your computer.

You need to download the app and then each day for 12 days there will be something free.

Day 12 – Foo Fighters 12 Days of Christmas Single

And that’s it for another year!

QNAP TurboNAS 3.6.0 Beta Available

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 6, 2012

0

QNAP released a beta for TurboNAS 3.6.0 on December 22nd. Read on for details.

QNAP recently released a beta version of their TurboNASs firmware, now at 3.6.0 beta. I missed this while on vacation; sorry to be a bit late reporting it!

Here are the release log details:

[What’s New]
– VPN Service (with OpenVPN and PPTP services)
– LDAP Server
– Photo Station
– Music Station (with web streaming and USB speaker support for local playback)
– QPKG Center (with revamped UI for easy online installation)
– MyCloudNAS 1.2 (with Email invitation and password reset functions)
– Enhanced Web File Manager (with public file sharing link feature and advanced upload function for over 2GB file
– Experimental Windows ACL (with Windows native user permission settings)
– Windows Utility: NetBak Replicator 4 with Email notification
– Windows Utility: QNAP Finder with iSCSI /Samba Plug & Play for easy connection
– Windows Utility: MyCloudNAS Connect for quick remote VPN connection
– (QPKG) Squid proxy server 3.1.16
– Add Multimedia Station, Photo Station, Music Station, Download Station, UPnP Media Server, and iTunes Server for TS-x79 series
[Enhancements]
– Added RTRR & Rsync bandwidth control
– Updated the built-in UPnP TwonkyServer to 6.0.38
– Added Surveillance Station camera support for the following new IP cameras: AXIS 241S, VIVOTEK IP8330, PZ7151/ 7152, Brickcom CB-100Ae, CB-100Ap, CB-102Ap, FB-100Ae, FB-100Ap, FD-100Ap, FD-130Ap, OB-100Ap, VD-130Ae, VD-100Ap, VD-130Ap, WCB-100AP, WFB-100Ae, WFB-100Ap
[Bug Fixes]
– HDD standby mode will be interruptted daily by UPnP router port forwarding service.

That looks to be a pretty comprehensive update; if you have an eligible unit and want to try out the beta, go ahead and download it! The button below will take you to the download site where you can get the package for your unit.

TurboNAS 3.6.0 Beta Announcement

Corning to Show Gorilla Glass 2 at CES

Gadgets
Tech

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 6, 2012

1

Corning announced that they would show the newest version of Gorilla Glass at CES. Read on for details.

Gorilla Glass is used in many mobile devices, such as Andrew’s iPhone4 and my Moto Droid 2, to protect the screen. Any improvements to that glass is good news to buyers of mobile devices. Here is what Corning had to say:

Corning to Showcase Glass Innovation for
Consumer Electronics Design at CES 2012

New Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2 to be introduced

CORNING, N.Y., January 05, 2012 – Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) today announced its plans for the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week. The Corning booth, #12642 Central Hall, will showcase the critical role of highly engineered specialty glass in addressing emerging trends highlighted at CES 2012, including: increased functionality from smaller form factors; touch technology; connected devices in new application spaces; and sleek, durable large-format design aesthetics.

A key feature of Corning’s CES exposure will be the introduction of Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2, the next generation of the popular, damage-resistant cover glass for consumer electronic devices.

“Corning Gorilla Glass has been a tremendous success for Corning, enjoying excellent market acceptance across mobile device industries. Handset and tablet device manufacturers are clearly driving toward higher functionality from thinner designs. Corning’s latest innovation in Gorilla Glass technology is very well positioned to meet these challenges and enable broader touch technology penetration,” said James R. Steiner, senior vice president and general manager, Corning Specialty Materials. Product details will be included in an announcement planned for Monday, Jan. 9.

CES attendees can engage with Corning experts and technologies featuring the latest applications and benefits of Corning Gorilla Glass innovations. “As we did last year, we’ll provide consumers and customers visiting the Corning booth the opportunity to test first-hand the outstanding damage resistance and flexibility of this industry-leading, ultra-thin, and tough specialty glass,” Steiner added.

Corning Gorilla Glass, the technology that made Corning one of the most talked-about companies at CES 2011, is currently featured on more than 30 major brands and designed into more than 575 product models, spanning more than 500 million units worldwide.

The Corning booth will also explore the benefits of Corning Gorilla Glass in larger format, touch displays for education, entertainment, auto, and home appliance applications featuring new design possibilities. These include:

An 82-inch advanced multi-touch LCD display prototype featuring Corning Gorilla Glass as a durable, touch-sensitive, and elegant cover glass.
Touch-enabled automobile interior and home appliance center simulators demonstrating the enhanced user interface experience that thin, durable glass can enable in new design applications.
A centerpiece, Gorilla Glass-covered video wall, flanked by Gorilla Glass fabricated sound speakers, projecting the latest in Corning specialty glass technology news.

Additionally, Dr. Peter Bocko, Corning’s chief technology officer for Corning Glass Technologies and one of the foremost glass experts in the display industry, will be a panelist in the “Beyond the Flat Screen” session on Thursday, Jan. 12, 1:30 p.m. PST. He will discuss the latest advances in screen resolution, viewing angle, sunlight performance, and power consumption in an effort to isolate new products and opportunities.

About Corning Incorporated
Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) is the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics. Drawing on more than 160 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, Corning creates and makes keystone components that enable high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences. Our products include glass substrates for LCD televisions, computer monitors and laptops; ceramic substrates and filters for mobile emission control systems; optical fiber, cable, hardware & equipment for telecommunications networks; optical biosensors for drug discovery; and other advanced optics and specialty glass solutions for a number of industries including semiconductor, aerospace, defense, astronomy, and metrology.

If you are planning on being in Vegas for CES, like Andrew is, make plans to stop by their booth and check this out!

Corning News Release

Kindle WiFi 6″ E Ink Display In-Depth User Review

Reviews

Dan James

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Jan 6, 2012

3

Kindle WiFi 6″ E Ink Display In-Depth User Review

Amazon Kindle WiFi

Back in March 2011, we reviewed the old Kindle WiFi, and gave it a big thumbs up. Back at the end of 2011, Amazon launched a new version of the Kindle WiFi, and I bought one. Consequently, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill press review – I’ve been using the “Kindle WiFi, 6″ E Ink Display” heavily for a couple of months now and am going to give you my impressions as a user. Amazon aren’t giving their various Kindle generations catchy titles, so to be clear, I’m talking about the WiFi-only version without a physical keyboard, launched in late 2011. Concurrently with this one, Amazon also have the Kindle Keyboard 3G, which I’m not reviewing here, although I will be making some comparisons of the pros and cons of having 3G or not, and having a keyboard or not.

I’ve always been a sporadic reader. When I start reading a book, I usually read it very quickly, reading for hours at a time, but then it’s usually several months before I pick up another. I do think that’s been largely because I rarely make time to go to bookshops to browse, and so would only read books I specifically sought out. My Kindle has changed that completely. I’m now a complete bookworm (or should that be kindleworm?). There’s something about it that has reawakened the thrill I remember having as a young teenager when I first started to read novels. I remember sitting in my English classroom after school reading Carrie’s War and Tales of Earthsea until I was turfed out by the caretaker. With my new Kindle in my hands, I experienced the same thrill again. Millions of books to choose from, right there waiting, and a vast number completely free.

Free books

There are so many free books because of the way copyright works. Copyright on a work lasts until a set number of years after the author’s death, after which time the content of the work is considered public knowledge; open-source, if you like. In the UK, publishers can charge for printing costs, cover designs and so on, but not for the content. This is why classics are so cheap in print now (in the UK at least), and free to download. You’ve never read Treasure Island, Pride and Prejudice or a Tale of Two Cities? Now you can for free.

My Initial Experience

Kindle in its shipping box

My Kindle arrived on a Friday, and I read all weekend, barely stopping to sleep. The box is slim enough to fit through a letterbox (mail slot), so there’s no need to be at home for your delivery. For the first couple of weeks, I flitted from book to book, having several on the go at once. I read A.A.Milne’s Winnie the Pooh, Captain Cook’s journals, and Steven Fry’s The Fry Chronicles. I’ve since read Steve Jobs’ biography, and several books giving accounts of special forces operations, including the excellent SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper.

My main first thoughts about the Kindle were about the screen and the (lack of) weight. The “E Ink” display is, quite frankly, magical. It reminds me of Arthur C. Clarke’s statement that any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Amazon have somehow made it look like a printed page of printer’s ink on paper has been trapped under the screen. It even has the texture of paper if you hold it at an angle to the light, and I swear they’ve made it so it looks like you can just see the text of the next page showing through slightly as with a real book. My octogenarian grandmother genuinely asked me how you get the paper into the Kindle. The advanced technology didn’t phase her though, as she successfully used it to read the Queen’s Christmas Address on Christmas Day. She doesn’t understand WiFi or the internet, but she could turn the pages and enjoy reading on it just the same. Accessibility is a big bonus with the Kindles as any book can be made into a large print edition just by changing the text size. It’s important to realise that the screens on Kindles aren’t backlit. Just like a book, you need a lamp, candle, torch-under-the-duvet, or daylight to read by. After using so many backlit devices like mobile phones and tablets, it takes a little while to get used to the sensation of looking at an unlit screen. Get used to that feeling though, and you realise that it’s so much more comfortable that way – again, just like a book.

Kindle - Display Options

Kindle Text Closeup

Kindle vs Books

As I said, my other thought was around the weight. The Kindle weighs about the same as a medium-weight paperback, and certainly a lot less than books like The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which are pretty darned heavy to hold for hours on end. Of course, the biggest factor to do with the Kindle’s lack of heft, is the fact that it weighs a mere fraction of the small library of books and magazines you can carry around in it. Were they all available in Kindle format (which the majority probably are), I don’t doubt you could fit most, if not all, the books I’ve ever read on one Kindle at once. Not surprising in the Information Age, but still amazing to be able to carry around all your books with you if you want to.

Gibson Guitar and Onkyo Create Strategic Partnership

Gadgets
Tech

Jim McCarthy

-

Jan 6, 2012

0

Gibson Guitar and Onkyo Create Strategic Partnership

Gibson Guitar announced yesterday a deal to to enter into a strategic partnership with Onkyo in Japan. Read on for details.

Gibson Guitar, a privately-owned manufacturer of musical instruments like the classic Les Paul electric guitar, announced an interesting venture with Onkyo. Here is the news release:

Gibson Buys Stake in Onkyo Japan and
Majority Interest in Onkyo USA

Forms Strategic Alliance to Take Consumer Audio Experience to a New Level

Nashville, TN. January 04, 2012: As part of its continued diversification into the music and audio lifestyle arena, Gibson Guitar Corp., the world’s premier musical instrument manufacturer, today announced a strategic partnership with Onkyo Corporation, a worldwide leader in consumer audio. With a reputation of excellence for high quality audio equipment and home theater systems, Onkyo offers Gibson’s newly-formed Pro Audio Division substantial technology resources. Gibson will provide Onkyo with its marketing resources and expertise. The result will be an ability to deliver a far superior audio experience to the consumer who has become more and more used to hearing only inferior compressed music through inexpensive ear bud headsets.

Through this venture, Gibson will acquire a majority of Onkyo USA (Onkyo’s exclusive distributor for North America and a distributor for Central and South America) and become the second largest shareholder in Onkyo Corporation. Gibson will make a strategic investment in the company, and Gibson Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz will be given a position on the Onkyo board of directors. Likewise, Onkyo will invest in Gibson, and CEO and President Munenori Otsuki will take a position on the company’s Board of Directors. Together, the two entities will form a Hong Kong-based joint venture focusing on design and development of unparalleled consumer audio products. Through this alliance, Onkyo USA becomes the latest addition to the Gibson Pro Audio division, which already includes KRK, Cerwin-Vega! and Stanton.

“Onkyo makes some of the world’s best audio equipment, and this partnership will give Gibson the ability to bring a deeper and more enhanced audio experience to music lovers around the world,” says Juszkiewicz. “While people may be listening to more music, they are listening to it primarily in a severely compressed format. The aural disparity between a real system and compressed sound is vast, and as a result, they are simply not hearing tremendously rich sounds. With Onkyo, our goal is to bring the same exceptional experience artists demand in the studio to a larger consumer base.”

“This partnership has significant positive implications for Onkyo as we are always seeking ways of creating new value,” says Otsuki. “Gibson is a leading global company with a massive fan base, best-in-class products and superior marketing skills. Coming together in this way opens the door for amazing opportunities for both companies and, more importantly, fans of Onkyo and Gibson.”

All agreements are subject to Japanese regulatory clearance, negotiation of definitive agreements and financing approvals of lenders.

ABOUT GIBSON GUITAR CORP.

Gibson Guitar Corp. is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, and banjos. The Gibson Les Paul Guitar is the bestselling guitar of all time and is a tribute to the late, famed musician of the same name. Collectively, the Gibson Robot Guitar, Gibson Dark Fire, Gibson Dusk Tiger and the Gibson Firebird X represent the biggest advances in electric guitar design in more than 75 years. Through the Gibson Foundation, Gibson Guitar Corp. has become equally known for its philanthropic efforts on behalf of music, education, health and human services. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, MI, and headquartered in Nashville, TN, since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.’s family of brands includes Epiphone, Cerwin-Vega!, Dobro, Kramer, Onkyo, KRK Systems, Steinberger, Tobias, Echoplex, Electar, Flatiron, Slingerland, Stanton, Valley Arts, Maestro, Oberheim, Baldwin, Sunshine Piano, Take Anywhere Technology, J&C Fischer, Chickering, Hamilton, Wurlitzer and Gibson Pro Audio. Visit Gibson’s website at www.gibson.com. Follow Gibson Guitar at www.facebook.com/gibsonguitar and www.twitter.com/gibsonguitar.

ABOUT ONKYO

Since 1946 Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to created award winning products that are lauded by many of the industry leading audio publications. The company’s philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. The results can be seen in the obviously high quality of any Onkyo-manufactured product, even before it is turned on. Visit Onkyo’s website at www.onkyousa.com. Follow Onkyo USA at www.facebook.com/OnkyoUSA.

It will be interesting to see what products result from this alliance. The release specifically says this:

The result will be an ability to deliver a far superior audio experience to the consumer who has become more and more used to hearing only inferior compressed music through inexpensive ear bud headsets.

With a reputation of excellence for high quality audio equipment and home theater systems, Onkyo offers Gibson’s newly formed Pro Audio Division a stronger foothold in the ever-growing consumer electronics market, specifically in the areas of amplification, receiver and speaker technologies.

I look forward to seeing what new products result from this alliance!

Gibson Guitar News Release

Google TV Adds LG

Gadgets
Tech

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 6, 2012

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Google announced today that they are adding LG to the Google TV family, along with several other Google TV news items. Read on for details.

Google TV’s blog announced that LG will sell Google TV-enabled devices and will show several at CES. Here is what Google had to say:

From the Las Vegas Strip to your living room: Google TV partners at CES

Last October, we launched an update to Google TV: a simpler interface, a new way to discover great web and TV content, a more TV-like YouTube experience, and Android Market. Since launching the update, we’ve seen our activation rates more than double. New features and new apps are coming to the living room via Google TV almost every day. We now have more than 150 apps which developers have specifically built for TV with thousands more Android apps from the mobile world available to deepen your living room TV experience. We’ve also been working with our hardware partners to bring new Google TV-powered devices to consumers. Next week is the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Here are some of the Google TV partners to look out for at CES and throughout 2012:

LG – We’re thrilled to welcome global consumer electronics leader LG to the Google TV family. LG will showcase a new line of TVs powered by Google TV running on their own L9 chipset at CES.

Marvell – Also new to the Google TV family this year is Marvell, an innovative worldwide leader in chipsets. Marvell will be showcasing a new generation of Google TV solutions which will help bring more products across more price points to consumers.

MediaTek – We’re also excited to partner with MediaTek, the leading Taiwanese chipset designer. MediaTek chipsets will power yet another wave of Google TV devices.

Samsung – We’re excited to work closely with Samsung to bring Google-TV powered Samsung devices to market in 2012.

Sony – We’re happy to build on our partnership with Sony. At CES, Sony will unveil new devices for the US and plans to offer Google TV powered products in several countries around the world in 2012.

Vizio – Last year we announced our partnership with Vizio at CES. This year we’re excited to join Vizio as they hold private demos at CES showcasing their new line of Google TV-powered products.

As we’ve said before, Google TV is about bringing new entertainment and innovation from the Web to TV and our team along with our partners are pleased to bring more Google TV powered products to more people, across more devices in more countries in 2012.

Personally, I have been turned off on Google TV by the lack of content and the bugginess of the initial release software, but it is good to see Google keep at it and adding more partners to grow the platform. If you are interested in Google TV in 2012, it looks like you will have some more options!

Google TV Blog Post

Skype and Tely Labs Partner to Bring HD Video Calling to TVs Using telyHD

Andrew Edney

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Jan 5, 2012

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Skype and Tely Labs Partner to Bring HD Video Calling to TVs Using telyHD

Have you wanted to use Skype in your living room on your TV but don’t have a computer connected? Well now you can with telyHD!

telyHD is a revolutionary new device that delivers video calling to your living room in stunning high definition.

Instantly connect with the people you care about no matter how far away they might be!

What you need to know about telyHD:

720p HD video, high quality audio
Talk to anyone who uses Skype on any Skype compatible device
No computer required
No monthly fees
Designed for the living room
Works with any TV with an HDMI port
Easy to set up, in less than 10 minutes!

Here is the press release:

Skype and Tely Labs today announce a partnership in which Tely Labs will offer Skype’s globally popular communications software in their powerful, yet compact, video calling device – telyHD, allowing everyday consumers to experience free Skype video calling with big-screen impact and high-definition clarity. Now, the entire household can use their TV to instantly and easily connect face-to-face with family and friends worldwide through Skype – whether on a computer, tablet, smartphone or TV. telyHD – which doesn’t require a computer and is compatible with most HD TVs – is well-priced, sets up in minutes, uses industry-leading Skype and Android technologies, and allows for video calls to take place in a comfortable, naturally social setting – your living room.

“telyHD fundamentally redefines the video calling experience and, in a larger sense, how we connect and communicate with people across the globe. We acknowledge the potential of video calling and the power of Skype as we evolve it beyond the computer screen and onto an HD TV that closely resembles immersive, real-world interaction. What’s truly exciting is that we make this next-gen video interaction possible with telyHD, an extremely simple-to-use device designed and priced for everyday consumers,” said Sreekanth Ravi, CEO of Tely Labs.

“We are proud of our work with Tely Labs, because it demonstrates how pioneering companies can integrate the Skype platform into our users’ daily lives in compelling new ways providing our community with the widest possible range of video calling options. We are excited that, with telyHD, our users will have an entirely new way to enjoy HD big-screen interaction with their friends and family,” said Manrique Brenes, Skype’s senior director of platform business.

Skype in HD Moves into the Living Room
telyHD gives consumers the freedom to share moments big and small with friends and family around the world. Unlike traditional computer-based web cameras, telyHD is designed for the living room with a wide-angle camera that zooms, pans and tilts to capture an entire room and all the participants in stunning HD video.¹ By opening up the living room to Skype, consumers can interact in a more natural, social way. Anyone on Skype can receive a telyHD video call, whether using Skype on a computer, tablet or smartphone, and can enjoy the improved telyHD video regardless of whether or not they have their own telyHD system.

When both parties have telyHD systems, they can take advantage of even more capabilities including video mail − a messaging system feature that allows users to record a video message such as a birthday greeting for friends or family that are not available to chat. Additionally, participants can share photos together while interacting on a telyHD video call. Users can even download a favorite photo right to a USB memory stick or SD card that plugs into the telyHD system as they video chat.^*

Simple, Affordable, and Complete System
An all-in-one system, telyHD includes everything necessary to initiate a video call in minutes. The single-box solution features a wide-angle HD camera, four microphones with noise cancellation, built-in Wi-Fi or wired Internet connectivity, an easy to use remote control, and all necessary cables. telyHD does not require a computer or any additional hardware; users simply link it to their home network and plug it into their HD TV via HDMI. The telyHD unit sits discreetly on top of the TV or can be placed on a nearby shelf or tripod. It has a fully adjustable clamp so that it will fit perfectly on any size TV.

Extensible Android-Based Entertainment Platform for the Future
When a consumer purchases telyHD today, they benefit from the immediate Skype video calling capabilities and also buy into a system that is designed for the future. The telyHD system is built on the powerful, extensible Android OS and uses the high-performance Tegra 2 Dual-Core ARM A9 processor from NVIDIA. With this solid foundation, telyHD users will be able to use the system for an array of compelling home entertainment activities in the future − from social networking and gaming to video streaming and more. Tely Labs is already working with the Android developer community to identify new apps that extend the ways consumers can use and enjoy telyHD in the home.

Pricing and Availability
telyHD will be available beginning January 5, 2012 through online retailers Amazon, Tely.com and Skype.com. The telyHD system is priced at $249 with no monthly fees and no PC required.

About Tely Labs:
Founded in 2010 by the successful entrepreneurial team Sreekanth Ravi (president and CEO) and Sudhakar Ravi (CTO), Tely Labs is a pioneer in developing simple, affordable next-generation entertainment and communications systems that fundamentally change the way consumers communicate across the globe. The company’s flagship product, telyHD, will be publicly unveiled at CES 2012 in Las Vegas. Built on the fast-growing Android OS and Skype software, telyHD delivers full HD Skype video calling to the living room on an HD TV allowing everyday consumers to experience free Skype video calling with big-screen impact and high-definition clarity. Tely Labs is based in Menlo Park, California.

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