Rabu, 15 Desember 2010

What's new on SlashGear.com

What's new on SlashGear.com

Gmail Delegation Introduced: One Account, Multiple Users

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 02:04 PM PST

Now when you’ve got more than one account, you can view them all in one window. Now when you’ve got more than one person who’s accessing your one account, you don’t need to give them your password. Email delegation is now in full effect over at Gmail. This functionality has been in place for Google Apps accounts before, now it’s available to anyone using Gmail. This news comes right on top of another update to Gmail: Restoring Deleted Entries. This one’s more for the multitasker.

To grant access to another account through your Gmail account, simply slick the Settings link in the top right corner of Gmail. In your Accounts tab, you’ll see a brand new section where you can choose to “grant access to your account.” The account you end up adding will get a verification email that allows them to either accept or deny. Once you’ve got another account accepted into yours, (and you refresh your browser or log out and back in again) you will see a toggle arrow beside your email address in the top right corner. This will allow you to switch between accounts.

Each account will end up opening into a different window or browser tab so you can see both accounts at the same time while you’re logged into your primary account. When you sent a message from email B while you’re logged in as email A, your message will appear as “sent by A on behalf of B.” Simple!

[Via Gmail Blog]

Samsung Camera Concept with a Plug Twist

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 01:49 PM PST

Modern cameras have evolved to the point where it’s almost silly to think you’ll have to take time to process the photos, even going through the trouble of transferring them to the computer with a wire is almost passe. But what’s this? A concept that dares you to not only take a step back, but take a step sideways and have FUN with the idea that you plug in to access? Take a peek at this “UCIM Camera” by Jung Eun Park, whose main function is sharing via USB sticks.

Ports and ports and ports! I’ve never seen a camera with so many ports – and they’re basically all USB! This camera aims to take photos and plant them directly unto USB sticks which can then be given directly to a set of friends so that they might all have the photos in their original format – for sharing on the internet, for printing, for anything. Simple and lovely. Plus it looks like candy.

[Via Yanko Design]

Misa Kitara Guitar with Touch Screen Strings up for Pre-Order

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 01:28 PM PST

This is what’s called the Misa Digital Kitara multi-touch guitar and it’s the weirdest thing I’ve seen since air guitars turned into pieces of cardboard that people purchased at a store. This is no joke though, this is wild, crazy, and a completely real instrument. Not for kids! Three main components make up its mysterious whole: a full fretboard, a multi-touch touchscreen, and an onboard polyphonic synthesizer with pre-loaded effects and sounds.

Finally your guitar video game skills will come to some non-lame use: instead of strumming strings on this Kitara guitar, you use one of six buttons on the frets in combination with your hand brushing the screen below. You can set the screen to show six strings and pick each string as you would on a full-fledged normal guitar, or you can map sounds and effects in a wacky amount of ways along the x and y axes on the body (again, in the screen.)

This monster beast will ship in April of 2011, pre orders being taken now. You’ll be paying $849 for the standard version (hard plastics) or the limited edition aluminum version will run you around $2,899. I’ll be going for the Gene Simmons Axe Bass… if they ever make one, that is. I can’t wait for Jonathan Coulton to get his hands on one of these – WEEEEEEIIOWWW WONK.

[Via Electronista]

What Happened to Innovation?

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 12:38 PM PST

I frequently hear grumblings within the technology industry about the lack of innovation being observed. To many it seems like product and technology advancements are more evolutionary than revolutionary. Generally this is true as innovations spark new product opportunities and can carry a product category for some time as each new generation provides incremental and or monumental improvements.

Now although the definition of innovation can include invention, or the creation of something new, I don't think it depends on it. Something can be innovative and not necessarily be new. A fresh approach to something old or past failure can be considered innovative.

Innovation is not dead

It would be silly to say innovation is dead. A more relevant observation is that innovation is difficult and not everyone can do it. Too often in the business realm complacency is not what kills innovation itself but instead what dies is the spirit of innovation.

One of the other problems facing the industry is that too often the market rewards a lack of innovation. I'm not saying this is all together bad but it can be distracting when non-innovative products are successful simply because they are low cost. The culture of a corporation at an institutional level is what needs to change if we are to expect more innovation from those who drive the industry forward.

3M is the poster child for the model we see today, where companies like Google and many others technical employees are encouraged to take a percentage of paid time working on side entrepreneurial projects. This is creating a culture of innovation and the companies that do it are rewarded. 3M can pin a number of the companies huge successes like Scotch Tape and the Post It to that model. Google even says that 50% of the companies products come from their employees entrepreneurial time spent.

Innovation Can Come From Anywhere

It should however not just be up to companies or institutions to innovate. I think we may be on the cusp of one of the most innovative periods the technology industry has ever seen. The continual drop of component costs will mean the cost to be innovative will decline. As it becomes less expensive for anyone to get their hands on the components they need to innovate and even invent we should expect new innovations popping up from even the most unlikely of places.

As long as innovation is rewarded it will live on. Hopefully the spirit of innovation will again become commonplace in today's companies as it was during the industrial age. As I said before, it is not easy and not everyone can innovate, but innovation can come from anywhere.

What are your thoughts on innovation?

Tablet Sales in Business World to DOUBLE [iPad Right on Top]

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 12:23 PM PST

And people said the iPad wasn’t enterprise ready. Sounds like they might be changing a tune. A November ChangeWave survey of 1,641 business IT buyers shows the numbers clear as day: businesses want tablets, and they want Apple’s iPad the most. A notable 7% of businesses responding to the study said they currently provide their employees with tablet devices, while a monsterous 14% say they’ll be purchasing tablets in the first Quarter of 2011! That’s what’s called a surge.

Of those saying they’ll be purchasing tablets, a whopping 4 out of every 5 said they’d be purchasing the iPad. Dell, Blackberry/RIM, HP, and Samsung are all floating in between 4-10% of the rest of the market. These numbers seem small unless you consider some factors like, for example, the fact that RIM’s Playbook hasn’t even released yet (set for late 1st Quarter 2011.)

When asked what companies are currently using their tablets for, internet access, checking mail, and working outside the office top the charts both in an earlier study (August) and in this current one (November.) The largest jump between these two studies is the amount of people who use their tablet for laptop replacement – 25% to almost 40%, a trend that’ll definitely prove to be interesting as this next year progresses.

Finally they studied customer satisfaction in tablets, taking Apple vs HP vs Dell for a spin. Satisfaction seems to fit right in as far as Apple being on top goes. No surprises here.

[Via InvestorPlace]

Why I Don’t Have A Favorite Game Console

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 12:10 PM PST

Whenever I talk about game consoles here on SlashGear, much of the discussion reverts to arguments over which console – the Nintendo Wii, Sony's PlayStation 3, or the Xbox 360 – is best. And in many cases, gamers pick their favorites and defend it to the bitter end.

Now, it's important to note that these battles are nothing new. For decades, gamers have been picking sides and debating with their friends about why their respective console choice is better than the other's. I can still remember the heated battles that took place between Sega and Nintendo fans over which console (and mascot) was best.

But as I sit here, looking at my Wii, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, I realize that I don't have a favorite. I see all of their virtues and I'm disheartened by their many shortcomings. Is there a single console that might deliver a more viable entertainment experience to me at any given point? Sure. But when it's all said and done, I can't point to a single "favorite."

Perhaps that's why I typically sit here and think about what my "super" console would really be. I envision it having the first-party support that Nintendo enjoys, the third-party library that the Xbox 360 has, and the multimedia extras that the PlayStation 3 boasts. It would deliver some of the best features of all three consoles into a single device. And it would undoubtedly improve the overall entertainment experience that I enjoy while using these game consoles.

But alas, it doesn't seem like that super console is in the cards. Nintendo is content with what it's offering and Microsoft doesn't seem too keen on bringing Blu-ray to its console. And until Sony's PlayStation 3 starts selling better, Microsoft's offering will still probably feature some of the best third-party experiences in the industry.

Now, just because I have a favorite, it doesn't mean that I don't have a console I tend to use more than others. I'll freely admit that I spend most of my time playing games on the Xbox 360 (Xbox Live is a significant factor there), but I watch most of my movie and TV content on the PlayStation 3. The Nintendo Wii, as I've mentioned here before, has been collecting dust in my house as of late, due to the overwhelming number of casual titles that just don't appeal to me.

The Wii might not deliver the most value to me at this very moment, but the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 aren't necessarily better than Nintendo's console, in my book. It's a fine line, for sure, but it's one that must be drawn.

So, as much as I might judge video game consoles, I feel confident in saying that I don't have a favorite. And until a single device delivers everything I'm looking for, I won't.

Who's with me?

Windows Phone 7 Mango Update Coming Late 2011, Source Claims

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 11:52 AM PST

We already know that an update is coming to Windows Phone 7. In fact, there’s a pretty robust rumor floating around that suggests there will actually be two updates coming in the first part of 2011, suggested to be January in February. Those updates are supposed to be small, with the first one focusing on bringing more elements to Windows Phone 7, like Copy & Paste, while the second one in February may focus more on the developers out there. But, according to a source speaking with ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley, a huge update is coming to Windows Phone 7 in the later part of 2011.

This “huge” update will be significantly bigger than the updates in January and February. This update, which may even be called Windows Phone 7.5, is said to be bringing Silverlight support, along with HTML 5 support, to the browser. There’s also talk that the update will include support for Far Eastern languages. There will also be other features and functionality thrown in there for good measure, which some may focus on the enterprise market out there, but details are scarce at this point.

With Windows Phone 7.5, or Mango, rumored to launch at the end of 2011, it’s also being suggested that Windows Phone 8, or Apollo, will make it to handsets by the end of 2012. Granted, none of this is being confirmed by anyone at Microsoft, but it would make sense for Microsoft to be aggressive with their updates to the handsets.

[via ZDNet]

Gesture-Controlled Robot Arm Watches Video, Reacts in Near Real-Time [Video]

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 11:36 AM PST

There are several mechanical contraptions out there that use gesture-control to do what they do. But, just as with anything else, there’s always room for some sort of improvement. This new mechanical arm, which is controlled strictly by gestures, is impressive in of itself, but also because of the cameras that are used to track the movements of the human operator.

The whole system isn’t set up to let the arm just react to how the human moves, but has a video working as the middle-man. The robotic arm moves in near real-time, based on the visuals it analyzes via video stream that tracks not only the arm, but also the hand. There are two cameras involved in the process, and they track not only the position and orientation of the controller’s appendage, but also the general movements. It also tracks the shape. It manages to do all of this 100 times per second.

The technology used allows the robotic arm to squeeze a ball, or grab other objects, based on what it analyzes in the video. So, what are the scientists behind this robotic arm aiming for next? They intend to have the arm interacting with 3D displays. Check out the arm working in the video below.

[via CrunchGear]

iTunes Updates to 10.1.1

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 11:23 AM PST

While you might already have that sassy new circle logo’d version 10.1 of iTunes, perhaps you’d be interested in another dot and a one? Today marks another update to the infamous master of music iTunes, applying several bug fixes to oddball items. Feel free to download the update or wait for it to come to a computer near you in your next auto-update. Take a peek at the bug fixes below:

You knew a few days ago about the triple length previews (now 90 seconds) to the store portion of iTunes, now comes a few mendings of strange oddities:

• Addresses an issue where some music videos may not play on Macs equipped with NVIDIA GeForce 9400 or 9600 graphics.
• Resolves an issue where iTunes may unexpectedly quit when deleting a playlist that has the iTunes Sidebar showing.
• Fixes a problem where iTunes may unexpectedly quit when connecting an iPod to a Mac equipped with a PowerPC processor.
• Addresses an issue where some music videos may not sync to an iPod, iPhone, or iPad.

Of course this comes with the regular iTunes 10.1 updates you’ve already got if you downloaded the first version a few weeks ago:

• Use AirPlay to instantly and wirelessly stream videos from iTunes to the all-new Apple TV.
• Sync with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 4.2.
• Provides a number of important stability and performance improvements.

Head over to http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ today and get yerself a free update. The Beatles will be watching you.

[Via Apple]

Willow Garage Announces Expansion of PR2 Robot Community

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 11:12 AM PST

With all of the ridiculously advanced robots out there, it probably won’t be the PR2 robots that start, or finish the war between man and machines. Their duties, which border on the strictly mundane, include that of folding laundry. But that doesn’t mean even the smallest robots out there shouldn’t have plenty of people making them do those mundane things in the best possible way. Willow Garage has announced that the community focused on these small robots has expanded, and now includes 16 leading research laboratories around the world.

With the expansion, scientists, developers, and engineers will be able to come together at four different research centers, where they can put their focus on the PR2 robots, and design new capabilities for the little bots. The intention of these research centers is to make it possible to bring personal robots for usage in the home faster. The centers can be found in Korea, France, Washington, DC, and Seattle. With the new support from the scientists and researchers, personal robots may be just right around the corner (figuratively speaking).

[via UberGizmo]

Chrome for a Cause Donates to Charities for Each Opened Tab

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 10:56 AM PST

Google’s probably not done with vast projects, even if one of their larger ones has been a bit delayed. This new idea from Google wants you to surf the Internet. A lot. And, if you want to participate in the new charity program called “Chrome for a Cause,” you’ll be able to make a big difference in the world just by browsing to your favorite websites (like SlashGear), all the while opening new tabs to do it.

The new movement is something that people who want to get involved with, have to opt-in. You can do that right here. It works by users downloading a specific extension to Google Chrome. After the user downloads the extension, it will be able to track your tab opening activity. At the end of each day, the extension will tally up how many tabs you’ve opened, and allow you to choose which charity you want to donate to.

Here’s how it breaks down:

10 Tabs opened means 1 tree planted, or one book published and donated
25 Tabs opened will equal one vaccination treatment
100 Tabs will mean you help build 1 square foot of shelter
200 Tabs will help give one person clean water for a year

The charities involved include The Nature Conservancy, Doctors Without Borders, Room to Read, and Un Techo para mi Pais. The whole deal is set to kick off on December 15th, and run all the way to December 19th. In total, Google is ready to donate up to one million dollars on behalf of the users who participate in the program. Head through the source link to find more details, and sign up.

[via Google; thanks, Warrio!]

Call of Duty: Black Ops Receives Patch, Infuriates PS3 Owners

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 10:44 AM PST

Despite the fact that the same game may be released on multiple consoles, that doesn’t necessarily mean that specific console owners are getting the same experience that others are getting. It’s become a well known, and much-maligned, belief that the Microsoft Xbox 360 version of the recently released Call of Duty: Black Ops is the superior edition, while the PC and PlayStation 3 variations got the shaft, more or less. To drive this point home, PS3 owners have been vocal about the deteriorating condition of their games, even with each new patch that developer Treyarch releases.

And this latest patch, even if it is the biggest and most feature-rich of the patches released so far, doesn’t seem to be making matters any better for PS3 owners. The official forum for the PS3 version of the copy has been filling up with angry players, all complaining about the same thing: network issues. Whether it’s lag, all-out freezes, or just plain bad connectivity to other players, the trials and tribulations of these gamers seem to run the gamut of things that could possibly go wrong.

The patch, v1.04, includes plenty of extras for the game itself. This inclues 400 new contracts for players to take part in while playing multiplayer. New AI bots in offline mode, and a new multiplayer video editing mode called “Dolly Cam.” Treyarch also says they’ve reduced some aspects of the “knife lunge,” but from the forums, it seems that PS3 owners are still being harassed by this particular bug. As far as connection issues go, Treyarch believes that they are getting better at solving the continuous problems suffered by PS3 owners, but that not everything is going to get fixed right away. They’re constantly updating the title, and plan on updating the game into the far future.

So far, the updates seem to be making the game worse for PS3 owners. If you have a PS3 and Black Ops let us know in the comments how your experience has been with the game, especially with the patches the developer has released.

[via Joystiq]

Google Fiber Project Selection Process Delayed

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 10:12 AM PST

One of Google’s more ambitious projects, the Google Fiber Project, seems to be hitting some small snags. While Google wanted to get everything up and running as quickly as possible, it looks like a few unforeseen variables have caused the teams taking part in the project to slow everything down, and even delay the selection process for cities that expressed interest in running the Fiber Project. With an announcement originally scheduled for the end of the year, Google has instead decided to wait a bit longer.

Milo Medin is Google’s new Vice President of Access Services, and in a new blog post at Google’s official blog, says that Google is now aiming for an “early 2011″ selection date. However, just because they’ve extended the amount of time to select the right place(s) to launch Google Fiber, that doesn’t mean that the selection process is opening up again. Quite the opposite, as Medin points out that the process is still closed, so no new entries will be considered.

A very limited trial of Google Fiber was launched at Stanford, to be used by Stanford University professors. In total, there are 1,100 different cities around the United States that tossed their hat into the selection process. With that many cities to consider, it’s really no surprise that this is taking Google a little bit longer to select where they want to launch their high-speed infrastructure.

[via Google Blog]

SEGA Toirettsu Brings Video Game to Men’s Urinal [Video]

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 09:58 AM PST

Over the years, there’s been all sorts of additions to men’s urinals to “help” those using it stay in the urinal, and not make a mess of the floor (or themselves). While there are still some urinals out there that feature cute little designs near the bottom, like that of a bee, it seems that Japan is still having some major issues, and now they’re doing what they should have done right from the start: made it a game.

It’s designed by SEGA, and it’s called Toirettsu. It works by including a sensor inside the urinal itself, which can determine when it is being peed on. Not only that, but it can actually tell how hard it is being peed on, too. The result? A set of mini-games that are featured on an LCD display that’s about eye-level, above the urinal. As a guy is relieving himself, they’ll be able to play cute little games, all depending on how they’re going. Games include putting out fires, or shooting milk out of a character’s nose at other people who may be using the urinals next to you. (That’s right, there’s multiplayer!)

Unfortunately for those in Japan, these games haven’t been installed in any actual restrooms yet. It has just been shown off at trade shows, which you can watch on video below. No confirmation as to when Japanese men should expect to find these games in bathrooms at their favorite restaurant, but hopefully it’s sooner than later.

[via OhGizmo!]

Apple May Incorporate NFC Into Many Products

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 09:42 AM PST

Near Field Communications, or NFC, seems to be all the rage right now. With Google making it one of the shining features of their latest and greatest Android device, the Nexus S, it looks like major companies are banking on the idea that people want to be able to access, interact, or purchase items right from their phone, without having to open an application. Thanks to the ability of the NFC chip inside devices to offer short-range authentication, with the right information in a particular device, a world of possibilities is open. And, according to one expert, it looks like Apple is ready to jump on the bandwagon as well, and not only introduce NFC into the next iteration of iPhone, but as well as many other Apple products.

Gerald Madlmayr is an NFC expert based out of Vienna. He believes that, due to the wonder that is NFC and the possibilities it offers, Apple is surely getting ready to introduce plenty of new gadgets in the near future that have the chip built in. For example, he points out how cool it would be just to put your next generation iPad next to an AirPort wireless router, and have it connect (with full security in place), without having to do any further configurations. All of this could happen in a blink of an eye, thanks to the NFC technology in place.

There are so many other options for the technology, that it seems hard to believe that companies, as well as other businesses, wouldn’t want to jump on board. Madlmayr believes the same thing, saying that the technology is “poised to take off.” We know that Google is invested in the technology, and we know that Nokia is looking at NFC for their phones coming out in 2011. However, like the Nexus S, it won’t be just the NFC chip inside that makes the device compelling enough to purchase.

One other cool feature for an NFC chip? Instead of pulling out your smartphone and opening up the FourSquare application, all you’d have to do is enter a business, locate the RFID chip, and swipe your phone next to it. The chip, and the device would take care of the rest for you, allowing you to check in automatically. Of course, purchasing things from businesses with just a swipe of your phone is great, too, especially with the added security that the technology features.

With Google, Nokia, and now Apple expected to push the NFC train forward, do you believe that business won’t want to get in on the action?

[via Cult of Mac]

Apple-iPhone-5 NFC


Olivetti OliPad Tablet Features 10-Inch Display, Android OS

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 09:18 AM PST

The tablet market is an obviously profitable one, so when a company comes forward and announces that they’ve got their own tablet device heading to consumers, no one is really shocked anymore. But, while it may make sense for other companies to launch tablets, it’s when you hear news that a company that was previously invested in typewriters, or programmable calculators, that you know the tablet market is seen as a sure-fire hit for companies. Whether or not the tablet amounts to anything, though, is where it all comes down to. Olivetti, a name that’s been hanging around for many, many years now, has just unveiled their plans to bring a tablet of their own into the world, called the OliPad.

Olivetti is an Italian company that has seen success in not only typewriters, or programmable calculators, but also the personal computing space. Competition made it harder for the company to sell their wares, though, and they were almost made bankrupt for their efforts. However, the company is back, now owned by Telecom Italia. While the new OliPad will have a perfect fit in the enterprise market, which Olivetti has focused on in the past, the OliPad should also be made available to the general public.

Olivetti will be putting a major focus on applications that can help those in the enterprise market. Courtesy of the Olivetti Application Warehouse, the tablet will see many applications that are geared specifically towards small or medium-sized enterprises. Applications like the ability to have companies share content within the company, as well as to partners. They are even including the fashion market, with a digital catalog being developed for the tablet as well.

As for specifications of the OliPad, there are a few details still missing. However, we do know that the tablet will feature a 10-inch touchscreen display, and work with integrated WiFi and cellular connections. The price is said to be somewhere around $400. No word on when the device will be made available, either. They also confirmed that the tablet will feature Google’s mobile Operating System Android, however there’s no word on what version of the OS it will use, or if there will be any modifications made to the User Interface.

[via Technology Review]

Verizon and Sprint Windows Phone 7 launches in January 2011?

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 08:45 AM PST

CDMA carriers Verizon and Sprint have been left out in the cold when it comes to Windows Phone 7 so far, but all that’s apparently set to change in January 2011. While so far both networks have only confirmed that WP7 devices are headed their way sometime in the new year, a Neowin source has tipped a January release for each.

The exact handsets themselves are unconfirmed, but a leaked flyer from earlier this year did suggest that Verizon would be offering the HTC 7 Trophy. Meanwhile Sprint is expected to offer the HTC 7 Pro. Microsoft is also expected to release a firmware update for Windows Phone 7 at the turn of the new year, along with a second at MWC 2011 in February.

SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: December 15 2010

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 08:30 AM PST

Today take a trip down fibber lane with Chris Davies as he informs the world about The Convergence Con. Next check out the $200 Pioneer BDR-206MBK BDXL burner that’ll let you make your own Blu-ray disks (at $100 a pop, even if you mess em up!) See a Facebook intern Facebook Maps the World via social networking relationships. And don’t forget! Take a peek at both of our SlashGear AND our Android Community giveaways of the Google Cr-48 Laptop! Free! So freaking free! All this and more on none other than your friendly neighborhood SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up!

R3 Media Network

Editor’s Choice
Google Launches Nexus S Into Space to Test Sensors at 30,000+ meters [BYE BYE]
Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg named TIME's Person of the Year 2010 [ZUCKERBERRRRRRRG!]
FBI backdoors in OpenBSD claims covert coder [RUH ROH]
Nike Air Zoom Alpha Talon cleats & Pro Combat Uniforms debut [GEEEEAR]
Fossil watch concept uses Bluetooth to pull info from your smartphone [LOOK FAMILIAR?]

Android Community
GMail Creator Predicts Android Will Eventually Kill Chrome OS
Honeycomb Won't Require Physical Buttons, Home and Navigation Built into the UI
Google Launches Nexus S Into Space to Test Sensors at 30,000+ meters
HTC LTE handsets coming H2 2011, Mecha anyone?
Broadcom outs new Android platform for mass-market smartphones
O2 Dell Streak Froyo update releasing today
Andy Rubin at D: Dive Into Mobile Interview Video Available Now
Swiftkey Updated, 5 new languages and HD skin included

SlashGear
CrucialTec ultra-slim Optical TrackPad wants your finger
Apple GPU supplier Imagination promise "cinema quality 3D" after ray-tracing acquisition
Gigabyte and SOYO AMD Zacate mainboards leak
Quik Pod gets longer and works with DSLR cameras
Sanyo PLC-HF1500L large venue projector has 15K lumens
Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg named TIME's Person of the Year 2010
HTC LTE smartphones inbound for second half of 2011
The Convergence Con [COLUMN]
Notion Ink Adam pre-order status slips to mid-January 2011 [Update: only 50 customers affected]
Smartphone Coasters hold your smartphone up on the cheap
Silicon Power debuts tiny microSD card reader
Fossil watch concept uses Bluetooth to pull info from your smartphone
Verizon iPhone sales will come mostly at AT&T's expense says analyst
MIC Store unveils 3-in-1 iPad Camera Connection Kit
Urbanears Tanto headphones get better
Broadcom outs new Android smartphone platform
AirPlayer opens Macs to AirPlay streaming from iOS [Video]
XFX outs new HD 6970 and HD 6950 video cards
FBI backdoors in OpenBSD claims covert coder
Apple TV 4.1.1 update fixes picture problems & download errors
VIA EPIA-P830 Pico-ITX board promises 1080p HD in tiny footprint
Three pushes true unlimited data on refreshed The One Plan
Pioneer BDR-206MBK BDXL burner is $199 world's first
Novatel MiFi 4082 WiMAX mobile hotspot clears FCC
Toshiba denies Apple Retina Display plant investment
Facebook for Android updated: Chat and push notifications
AMD Radeon HD 6970 and HD 6950 get official
Nike Air Zoom Alpha Talon cleats & Pro Combat Uniforms debut
Facebook Maps the World via Social Networking Relationships
HP ENVY 17 3D Laptop Hands-On and Unboxing [FEATURED]

To see more wrap-up posts, follow the following tags: [The Daily Slash] or [SlashGear Morning Wrap-up]

T-Mobile eye Long Term HSPA Evolution for 650Mbps 4G networks

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 08:28 AM PST

T-Mobile USA may have thrown in with HSPA+ as their push for next-gen mobile networks, but that doesn’t mean they’ll always be trailing Verizon’s LTE. The carrier has just announced a partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks to drive Long Term HSPA Evolution (LTHE), a development of HSPA with theoretical peak data rates in excess of 650 Mbps.

The benefits of LTHE include backward compatibility with existing WCDMA and HSPA mobiles and networks, which would mean a more straightforward evolutionary path than LTE and WiMAX. Meanwhile Nokia Siemens Networks’ RAN platforms are already prepared for the new standard, it’s claimed, which supports combination of up to eight carrier frequency bands and HSDPA Multipoint transmission for combining signals from multiple antennas. There’s also dual-antenna transmission support, which doubles uplink peak data rate; with 2×4 MIMO antennas, meanwhile, it’s claimed that over a 100-percent increase in average user data rates can be achieved, due to beam forming gain and four receive antennas in the base station.

Carrier and hardware company claim that, once standardized, Long Term HSPA Evolution could be ready for commercial deployment by 2013. Given HSPA+ theoretically tops out at 42Mbps, LTHE could dramatically open up T-Mobile USA’s top-end data capacity; still, if the standard wants to succeed then it will take more than one carrier adopting it. Nokia Siemens, meanwhile, is hedging its bets: the company will continue to produce both LTE and LTHE hardware.

Press Release:

T-Mobile USA, Nokia Siemens Networks drive evolution of HSPA

Mobile leaders promote standardization of Long Term HSPA Evolution to unleash speeds of more than 650 Mbps

Operators would be able to achieve peak data rates of more than 650 megabits per second (Mbps), thanks to an HSPA standard being driven by T-Mobile USA and Nokia Siemens Networks. Long Term HSPA Evolution would improve mobile broadband with speeds matching those promised by LTE Advanced. T-Mobile USA and Nokia Siemens Networks are driving the technology's standardization aiming to make it available for commercial deployment by 2013.

The proposed key features of Long Term HSPA Evolution were accepted during the plenary meeting of 3GPP RAN held on 7-10 December, 2010*.

"We strongly believe in continued HSPA evolution in parallel to the further development of LTE and LTE Advanced," said Neville Ray, chief technology officer, T-Mobile USA. ''Long Term HSPA Evolution will allow us to enhance our 4G mobile broadband network beyond its current and planned near term capabilities, and provide room for considerable growth and speed enhancements. As customer demand for wireless data increases, we are well positioned to compete based on the speed, breadth and evolution path of our mobile broadband service."

"The demand for higher data rates and mobile broadband growth continues to push the need for advances in both HSPA and LTE technologies," added Keith Sutton, head of the WCDMA business line for Nokia Siemens Networks. "We are thus equally committed to both technologies. As a leader in HSPA evolution, we have already demonstrated data rates exceeding 100 Mbps at the Mobile World Congress earlier this year. Today, we also have the largest number of HSPA customers with nearly 200 operators worldwide. Driving the standardization of the new technology is a natural extension of our efforts to realize the full potential of HSPA."

Nokia Siemens Networks' Single Radio Access Network (RAN) platform is already prepared for Long Term HSPA Evolution. Operators would have a smooth evolution path to handle increased network traffic along with controlling costs with the introduction of the new technology.

In addition, all Long Term HSPA Evolution features are backwards compatible and can be used together with existing WCDMA and HSPA mobiles on the same carriers.

MetroPCS 4G LTE turned on in Boston, NYC and Sacramento

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 08:07 AM PST

We may have been all over Verizon’s LTE offering in recent weeks, but let’s not forget that MetroPCS got there before them. The carrier has turned on its 4G coverage in three new markets – Boston, New York City and Sacramento – though it still only has a single device you can actually access it on, the Samsung Craft.

The new launches bring MetroPCS’s LTE service to a total of nine areas, with Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa all planned for either later this year or in early 2011. The Samsung Craft is available in-store or online for $299 plus tax after a $50 instant rebate, while unlimited talk and text plus web access is $55 per month.

Press Release:

MetroPCS Launches 4G LTE Services in the Boston, New York City and Sacramento Metropolitan Areas

New Network and Entertainment-Rich Handset, the Samsung CraftTM, Offer Unlimited Affordable 4G Services for All in Three Additional Markets

DALLAS – (Dec. 15, 2010) – MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) today announced the expansion of its unlimited, no annual contract 4G LTE services into the Boston, New York City and Sacramento metropolitan areas. Accessible on the Samsung Craft™, the world's first commercially available 4G LTE handset, MetroPCS' 4G LTE network allows consumers to do more with unlimited talk, text and enhanced entertainment and web browsing features for an affordable price starting at $55 per month including taxes and regulatory fees.
"As the only no annual contract, pay-in-advance wireless service provider offering 4G LTE services, we continue to build our network to allow more customers to experience our unparalleled value and flexible, affordable service," said Roger D. Linquist, president, CEO and chairman of MetroPCS. "By offering customers the ability to do more with easy access to their social networks, exclusive MetroSTUDIOSM content and expanded web browsing capabilities, we are giving our customers what they need – a way to stay connected, without sacrificing time or money."
The Samsung Craft is available in-store or online for $299 plus tax after a $50 instant rebate, while supplies last. Customers can take advantage of all MetroPCS 4G LTE has to offer with the Samsung Craft, including:
MetroSTUDIO, powered by RealNetworks and available on the $60 service plan, delivers full-track downloads, ringtones and ring-back tones, as well as premium video content from NBC Universal, Black Entertainment Television (BET) and Univision, available on-demand from one easy-to-use application.
A social networking and instant messaging application which harnesses notifications, friends and content from Facebook, MySpace and Twitter and AIM, MSN and Yahoo! IM clients into a single interface that's accessible with one click.
Upgraded MetroNavigator® feature includes new voice-activated GPS and turn-by-turn directions.
The Samsung Craft features a brilliant 3.3 inch AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) screen for a better video experience and comes with a 2GB MicroSD card pre-loaded with Paramount Pictures' hit movie "Star Trek – The Future Begins." The Samsung Craft also contains a combination touch screen, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, Samsung's TouchWiz™ user interface to surf and text message, 3.2 megapixel camera with flash, a camcorder and is Wi-Fi capable.
With today's launch in the Boston, New York City and Sacramento metropolitan areas, MetroPCS' 4G LTE services are available in nine metropolitan areas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and San Francisco. MetroPCS has plans to expand its 4G services into more metropolitan areas later this year and into early 2011, including Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa.

Logitech Revue update released: Netflix & Dual View improved [Video]

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 07:38 AM PST

Logitech has pushed out the first update for their Revue Google TV box, and it’s addressed two of the biggest complaints about the media streaming STB. The new firmware allows Revue users with Netflix accounts to search for content and update their queue from within the Google TV app itself; additionally, the Dual View picture-in-picture window (which shows both the current TV program and a browser window) can now be moved around the screen and resized.

Update: More on the firmware update – which is available for Sony’s Google TV devices as well – at Google’s blog.

Video demo after the cut

They’re the two biggest changes, but Logitech hasn’t stopped there. There’s a new movie search landing page, including all films associated with the title and links to its availability – whether on TV, online or from Netflix or Amazon Video on Demand – and shortcuts to cast member landing pages with details of their other appearances.

Logitech units should automatically update with the firmware themselves, but Revue owner Scott Greczkowski has shared some video and screenshots for those still waiting.

GoldenEye: Source multiplayer mod for Half Life 2 ditches beta

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 07:27 AM PST

GoldenEye: Source, the fan-made conversion modification of Half Life 2, has been knocking about for years, but the team responsible for the redressed retro multiplayer has finally ditched the beta label and released the fully optimized mod. Now up to v4.1, the conversion consists of 22 maps – both the classics from GoldenEye on the N64, and new revisions – and eleven characters, together with over 50 custom music tracks.

There are eight game modes and teamplay combinations, along with a total of 80 achievements. There’s no shortage of detail, either; among the changes made in 4.1 are resizings of the PPK bullet casings, which players had complained were slightly too small in the previous beta. Unfortunately for those with a particular fondness for the GoldenEye story mode, GoldenEye: Source is multiplayer-only. You can find the download torrent here.

[via Slashdot]

CrucialTec ultra-slim Optical TrackPad wants your finger

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 07:10 AM PST

Touchscreens are great, but if you’ve ever found yourself tapping repeatedly at tiny onscreen links on your smartphone then you’ll probably know that mouse-style precision can still be welcome. CrucialTec isn’t a name consumers are likely familiar with, but your thumb may well have got up close with their hardware. The company produces optical trackpads, and they’re making a push in the US with their latest ultra-slim model.

Usually to be found nestling underneath a smartphone display, the CrucialTec units have also been adopted in Samsung, LG and Sharp MIDs and it’s there that significant growth is expected. As tablets running Android and other platforms proliferate, the touchscreen isn’t always the best interface: games, for instance, benefit from keeping your hands away from the screen, while it’s also generally easier to walk and use a slate while holding it at the edges and using your thumb to navigate.

As owners of recent BlackBerry handsets have discovered – many of which already use the company’s units – optical trackpads are also generally more reliable than their trackball counterparts, and CrucialTec says their ultra-thin module is compatible with Android, Windows, Symbian, Linux and just about any OS. Expect it to start spreading across US devices through 2011; touchscreens aren’t the only way to make mobile devices finger-friendly.

Apple GPU supplier Imagination promise “cinema quality 3D” after ray-tracing acquisition

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 06:55 AM PST

Imagination Technologies – PowerVR SGX graphics chip supplier for Apple’s iPad, iPhone 4 and iPod touch ranges – has picked up ray-tracing specialist Caustic Graphics for $27m. The deal will give Imagination access to Caustic’s real-time interactive ray tracing hardware and software technologies, which promise “radically” cheaper and power-frugal ways to produce “cinema quality 3D” renders.

Ray tracing has traditionally been an non-real-time process, given the high processing requirements to produce the “near photographic realism” video and 3D graphics. Imagination says the Caustic technologies will be “efficiently added” to the current PowerVR SGX range, as well as developed for future chipsets; while there’s no mention of Apple in the release, the company does hold a 3.6-percent share in Imagination.

[via Apple Insider]

Press Release:

Imagination Technologies plc – Acquisition Announcement

Imagination to acquire Caustic Graphics, developer of real-time ray-tracing graphics technology, for $27 million

Imagination Technologies Group plc (LSE: IMG, "Imagination" or "the Group"), a leading multimedia, communications and embedded processor technology company, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Caustic Graphics Inc. ('Caustic'), a developer of innovative and state-of-the-art real-time interactive ray tracing graphics technology for a cash consideration of $27 million (c.£17.1 million).

Caustic and ray tracing

Ray tracing is a technique for rendering three-dimensional graphics with complex and more natural lighting models to achieve cinema quality 3D and a level of near photographic realism that is impractical with traditional 3D graphics techniques.

To date ray tracing has been used in specialised applications such as special effects and computer animated movies, industrial design, mechanical and architectural modelling to create life-like and photorealistic imagery.

Caustic has developed unique and patented hardware and software technologies to radically lower the cost and dramatically increase the efficiency and performance of ray tracing. This opens up the potential of highly photorealistic computer generated animated imagery to a host of new real-time applications and markets not possible previously.

The ray tracing approach has the added benefit of substantially simplifying the process and cost of content creation. Caustic technology also allows the coexistence of traditional polygon based rendered objects (e.g. objects created using OpenGL ES) and life-like ray-traced elements in the same scene.

Strategic rationale

Imagination gains access to unique and patented technology which enables real-time ray traced and cinema quality 3D graphics to be implemented in a novel and highly cost-effective manner
This capability can be efficiently added to the Group's highly successful POWERVR Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)
Caustic technology operates fully in conjunction with and complements Imagination's existing graphics processing IP
Helps ensure Imagination stays at technological forefront, driving major innovations in the growing 3D graphics market
Acquisition enables Imagination to bring further disruptive technologies, as part of its roadmap, to its mainstream graphics markets across mobile, embedded, console and computing segments
Acquisition provides access to professional and specialised markets that take advantage of Caustic's much more efficient photo-realistic and cinema quality graphics solution
The combined technologies from Imagination and Caustic will dramatically change the price-performance point of these solutions and enable real-time operation
Acquisition will enable Imagination to extend its ecosystem to include very advanced graphics content and tool developers, and ultimately bring such content and tools to mainstream markets
Hossein Yassaie, Chief Executive Officer, Imagination said:

"The most exciting consumer technologies have always started in the professional industry until someone finds the right way to cost engineer and optimise power consumption of those technologies.

"We have a proven track record of disrupting markets by bringing new and high-end technologies to consumer and embedded products, such as our POWERVR graphics IP cores.

"Ray tracing is a key additional technology that traditionally has been regarded as the exclusive domain of specialised markets and non real-time applications. We intend to change that.

"We are therefore delighted to have reached agreement to acquire Caustic with its outstanding engineering team. The acquisition will enable us to accelerate our plans to be the leading supplier of all forms of graphics technologies in all markets and to continue our mission of delivering the most advanced graphics technologies to mainstream markets."

Chip Stearns, Chief Executive Officer, Caustic said:

"Our vision is to enable cinema quality computer graphics at new cost and power consumption design points. We are excited at the prospect of becoming part of the Imagination team as we bring ray tracing to a much broader base, and utilize their extensive resources and partnerships to bring our technology to every consumer screen."

The Group has today published its half-year results for the six months to 31 October 2010 (see separate release).

Background to the acquisition

Caustic (www.caustic.com) has developed a unique method for implementing ray tracing technology that allows real-time interactive ray tracing with new levels of efficiency, performance and cost. Ray tracing is a technique for rendering three-dimensional graphics with complex lighting to achieve a level of near photographic realism that is impractical with traditional rasterized 3D graphics techniques.

Because ray tracing requires both enormous computing power and also management of a very complex database, it has mostly been a tool for professional designers and animators using powerful and expensive computing systems that could take many seconds or even minutes or more often hours to create a single frame. As such it has been unsuitable until now for interactive consumer applications. Caustic's unique patented hardware and software technology will lower radically the cost and increase the efficiency and performance of ray tracing.

Caustic is still in the early stages of commercialising its technology. In the 12 months to 31 December 2009, Caustic generated $140,000 (c. £89,000) in revenue and a loss before tax of $6.2 million (c. £3.9 million). As at 30 June 2010, Caustic had a net debt position of $3.1 million (c.£2.0 million). Caustic had gross assets of $1 million (c.£630,000) at 30 June 2010 (all dollar amounts have been converted at an exchange rate of £1 to $1.58).

Funding and financial effects of the acquisition

The total consideration is $27 million (c. £17.1 million) in cash. The cash will be financed from Imagination's existing resources. After completion Caustic will have no financial liabilities.

Caustic expects to generate revenue both by the sale of PC cards containing Caustic hardware technology from which it will derive royalty per unit sold and software revenue through the sale of initial and renewal licenses for OpenRL™ SDK (Open Ray Tracing Library) and Brazil for Developers™ APIs to vendors of 3D graphics platforms and applications.

Caustic expects royalty and software revenue to build in the second half of Imagination's financial year ending 30 April 2012.

In the medium term Caustic technology will be integrated in a range of Imagination GPUs as part of the Group's overall graphics roadmap which will target many mainstream markets.

Subject to revenue performance and the timing of sales of the PC card incorporating Caustic technology, Imagination currently expects Caustic to make a positive contribution to earnings in the year ending 30 April 2013.

Terms of the agreement

Imagination and Caustic have entered into a definitive acquisition agreement under the terms of which Imagination intends to acquire Caustic for $27 million in cash. The agreement is subject to various conditions which are set out in the acquisition agreement and which Imagination expects to be satisfied before the end of the calendar year. Following completion Caustic will be debt free.

Gigabyte and SOYO AMD Zacate mainboards leak

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 06:29 AM PST

Motherboards from two manufacturers using AMD’s Zacate Fusion APU have leaked, headed to low-cost desktop PC systems in 2011. Gigabyte’s GA-E350V-USB3 mainboard showed up at X-bit labs, while the SOYO brand has seemingly been revived for an unnamed Zacate ‘board spotted at Expreview. Both use the 1.6GHz dual-core AMD E350 CPU.

Of the two it’s the Gigabyte which seems more advanced. It allows for memory overclocking – from 1333MHz to 1800MHz – along with USB 3.0 support, multi-channel audio, VGA and DVI-I ports, and SATA connections for up to four drives; it also has a PCI Express x16 slot. The SOYO lacks the USB 3.0 support, but has six SATA ports, four USB 2.0 and HDMI/DVI/VGA outputs, along with PCI Express x16, PCI Express x1 and PCI slots

As for the E350 Zacate chip itself, that incorporates the dual 1.6GHz Bobcat cores along with a Radeon HD 6310 GPU with 80 stream processors. It also gets a UVD 3.0 engine and has an 18W TDP.

soyo amd zacate 2 soyo amd zacate 1 Gigabyte GA-E350V-USB3


Quik Pod gets longer and works with DSLR cameras

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 06:09 AM PST

Way back in 2007 we talked a bit about the Quik Pod device that was for small point and shoot cameras. The Quickpod is a monopod that you can attach your camera too so you can get a photo of you and others without having to ask someone for help to shoot the photo.

The company has announced that it has a model for DSLR cameras as well now and that the Quik Pod is now longer and can be extended to more than four feet high. The only downside I can see to this thing for shooting pics is that you can’t see what you are shooting on most cameras since the lens will be facing towards you rather than the LCD.

It will be hard to align the image since you can’t see the viewfinder or screen. The Quik Pod for DSLRs is $49.95 and can be purchased now. The normal Quik Pod is under $30 and is available now as well. Check out a video below of the Quik Pod for DSLR users.

Sanyo PLC-HF1500L large venue projector has 15K lumens

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 05:56 AM PST

When it comes to projectors, different models are good for different things. If you have small room and want a big picture, you need a short throw projector. If you have a large room, you need a bright projector and there are all sorts of other offerings to meet needs of any user on the market today.

Sanyo has unveiled a new projector that is aimed at use in large venues the projector is called the PLC-HF15000L. The projector has 15,000 ANSI lumens and supports really high resolutions as well with more than full HD and an inorganic 2K LCD panel. The projector has four 380W lamps inside with unique cooling technology.

The inputs on the projector include HDMI 1.3; DVI-D; D-sub 15 pin RGB; BNC for RGBHV and CV/Y-Pb/Cb-Pr/Cr; and S-Video, with optional boards available for HD/SD-SDI and Dual Link SDI. Other features include power zoom and motorized lens shift. The only thing that is bad about this projector is the price. The projector will ship this month for $44,995.

Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg named TIME’s Person of the Year 2010

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 05:53 AM PST

TIME magazine has named Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg its Person of the Year 2010, suggesting that the site which “started out as a lark” has now gone on to change “the way human beings relate to each other.” The news will undoubtedly come as a disappointment to those who see Facebook’s growth eroding real-world interpersonal relationships and point to the ways the site leverages its users’ personal data for financial reward.

“In less than seven years, Zuckerberg wired together a twelfth of humanity into a single network, thereby creating a social entity almost twice as large as the U.S. If Facebook were a country it would be the third largest, behind only China and India. It started out as a lark, a diversion, but it has turned into something real, something that has changed the way human beings relate to one another on a species-wide scale. We are now running our social lives through a for-profit network that, on paper at least, has made Zuckerberg a billionaire six times over.” TIME

Admittedly, TIME editor Richard Stengel does at least acknowledge some of the controversy around Facebook, crediting Zuckerberg for “creating a new system of exchanging information that has become both indispensable and sometimes a little scary.”

TIME’s runners-up include The Tea Party movement, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, president of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai, and the thirty-three Chilean Miners trapped underground for seventy days. Meanwhile, noted for their “15 Minutes of Fame” are exasperated ex-Jet Blue steward Steven Slater, the Old Spice Guy and Paul “Double Rainbow” Vasquez.

HTC LTE smartphones inbound for second half of 2011

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 05:45 AM PST

With Verizon, launching its LTE networks in several major markets already there are lots of people out there counting the days until they can get an LTE smartphone. If you are the sort that like Android and Windows Phone 7 HTC’s Peter Chou has giving an indication when we might expect to see HTC offerings with LTE support.

Chou says that the company will have LTE handsets on the market in the second half of 2011. He also notes that HTC will continue to support both Android and Windows Phone 7 allowing the user to decide what works best for them.

The best thing about this little tidbit on LTE coming in the second half of next year is that the statement gives us a bit to go on for when we might see the cool HTC Mecha running Android and supporting LTE. If the handsets are due in H2 2011 and the Mecha is already leaking, it’s a safe bet that the Mecha will be one of the first LTE devices from HTC.

Via Android Community

The Convergence Con

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 05:30 AM PST

Tablets, iSuppli tells us, are the new epicenter for convergence, part smartphone and part notebook. It’s not a new story; every few months the convergence debate rears its head, suggesting the latest and greatest device category is pulling together the disparate threads of modern digital life and blurring the overall lines between segments in the process. Yet, despite the soothsaying, the “converged” experience still falls well short of the holistic ecosystem we’ve been promised: we have more devices than ever before, and they seldom talk well to each other.

“The definition of convergence has changed over time,” iSuppli analyst William Kidd explains, “with the latest version describing it as voice, video and data services being delivered to the home vis-à-vis broadband networks and the new services that would result from this confluence.” He reckons the tablet form factor is “a tangible representation of that convergence, since it is part smart phone and part notebook.” It’s not just hardware, either; “mobile OSes enable interconnectivity between connected devices,” Kidd promises, “and thus generate even more new use cases.”

Now, I won’t argue that I’m not an early adopter, of sorts. I probably have more devices on the go at any one time than most regular consumers might. But, it’s also not unusual for any one person to have a smartphone, at least one computer – whether PC, Mac or otherwise – and, increasingly, a tablet in-between, and share their usage among them. That – even if you keep resolutely in-ecosystem, such as only buying a MacBook, iPad and iPhone 4 – opens the door to multiple user frustrations.

We’ve grown used to having our Gmail or Exchange Mail synchronized across multiple devices, but email is no longer the extent of our messaging. Twitter, Facebook and other services all ping out the latest missives; it’s up to the user to read them or dismiss them on each device. For example: my Android smartphone buzzes to let me know about a new Twitter reply in Seesmic, so I check the message there. Problem is, the Galaxy Tab has also buzzed with the same reply, also in Seesmic, only there’s no way for it to know I’ve already read it. Meanwhile, push notifications on iOS devices like the iPad also pick up the fresh reply and trigger their own pop-ups.

It’s not just Twitter, of course; that’s just one example. I can’t be alone, though, in glancing at the notification bar on Android or the unread message notifiers on iOS apps and wondering whether they’re actually new updates or in fact just remnants of previous conversations I’ve already dealt with.

The standalone-versus-managed debate brings its own problems. Apple has been criticized for the extent to which the iPad relies on iTunes on your Mac or PC in order for its management, with Android tablets praised as being far more autonomous. Neither, though, addresses the real management shortcoming: that is, a single user identity that pervades all devices and services. Exchange or Google Sync does a little of that, keeping email, contacts and calendar entries harmonized over multiple platforms (though you’ll still get calendar alarms flagged up on each one, even if you’ve dismissed it elsewhere), and there are standalone services for different sync silos, such as files in Dropbox, but no overarching digital identity, no “Exchange for Life”.

Arguably the tablet is a poor center-point for convergence. Oversized in comparison to smartphones, under-functional versus a proper notebook (or, in many cases, even a netbook) it’s less likely to travel with you wherever you go. There’s an argument for a centralized identity device – a Sony Ericsson LiveView that’s the hub of your digital life, rather than one Bluetooth-tethered branch of it – but the perennial issues of battery life and compatibility raise their heads.

Instead, I need a single protocol respected by all devices, all services, all apps. My “Exchange for Life” would bypass duplicated messages, old versions of files, even things like routing incoming calls, texts and voicemails to the device that’s currently active. It would be intelligent enough to tailor that information to the limits of the gadget on which I’m consuming it, without necessarily limiting future usability: if I’m sent a photo gallery, I want it resized down to suit the smartphone or Bluetooth watch screen I first view it on, without losing the full-resolution versions that I might later browse on my tablet or HDTV. That resizing should all happen server-side, too, rather than relying on my device’s CPU and the vagaries of the wireless network – and, potentially, unnecessarily counting toward my data bundle – by being processed locally. I’d prefer it if devices were clever enough to use P2P local transfers if, say, my tablet had a high-res photo I wanted to view in low-res on my phone, rather than having to re-download it from the original server.

Convergence is, I think, easy if you only look at it from a device perspective. Tablets obviously offer a better browsing and video experience than a smartphone does, and the various app stores out there are bulging with compelling titles. As iSuppli predicts, content creation on tablets is also likely to catch up, as manufacturers and OS developers get to grips with the new paradigm. What’s seemingly overlooked is the fact that few people actually pick up a single converged device and abandon all others in its favor. Instead, tablets have to live within an ecosystem already populated with smartphones, notebooks, servers and services. Picking out the latest and greatest in hardware is easy; getting it to work in a fully integrated way with the rest of your digital life is still beyond us.
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