Selasa, 04 Januari 2011

What's new on SlashGear.com

What's new on SlashGear.com


ASUS Unveils The Eee Slate EP121, The World’s Most Powerful Tablet

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 03:11 PM PST

Today at its press conference in Las Vegas, ASUS has introduced a full windows tablet boasting a “No Compromise” solution for business users. The Eee Slate EP121 features an impressive 12-inch (1280×800) multi-touch display and will run full Windows 7 Home Premium.

ASUS wanted to provide users with multiple input options for the large device. You can use the Wacom pen, multi-touch, or a Bluetooth attached keyboard making it ultra-versitile. Text input from the stylus was flawless and very responsive and accurate.

From the demo, we saw the Eee Slate EP121 bring up a 1080p video with no lag while doing some extensive photo editing in Adobe Photoshop CS5. Initial impressions of the device was that it was incredibly powerful. Being described as “desktop-like speed” for the first time on a tablet, its being said to be the Worlds Most Powerful Tablet.

The device will be based on the Intel Core i5 and will run Windows 7 Home Premium. Shipping in January the EP121 will sell for $999-$1099.

ces2011_asus_slate_1 ces2011_asus_slate_2 ces2011_asus_slate_3 ces2011_asus_slate_4 asus_eee_slate_ep121_3 asus_eee_slate_ep121_2


ASUS Unveils EeePad MeMO

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 03:03 PM PST

ASUS has just unveiled its new Eee Pad MeMO. The 7-Inch tablet was designed with cloud computing in mind making it perfect media device for the upcoming year as ASUS shifts its focus on the cloud. Coming with a built-in stylus, the MeMO has been optimized for a pen experience.

The device will run on Qualcomm Snapdragon and will be based on the Android operating system. With two cameras onboard, the device will be a great ultra-portable device and with its onboard pen, it will be a completely new experience for users.

MeMO features a 7-inch IPS multi-touch screen and will ship for $499-$600 in June.

asus_ces_2011_4_28810 asus_eee_pad_memo_3 asus_eee_pad_memo_2 asus_eee_pad_memo_1


TeleNav teams up with QNX

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 02:49 PM PST

Today TeleNav Inc. announced their merge with QNX Software Systems. Their plan is to integrate connected GPS navigation to sync with the QNX car application platform. This will vastly expand the possibilities of automakers to help integrate 3D turn-by turn navigation and voice/audio prompts” to a much wider audience.

Both TeleNav and QNX will be demonstrating their latest innovations to the industry at this CES in Las Vegas.

TeleNav and QNX Team to Demonstrate Navigation and Search
TeleNav's Connected Navigation and Local Search to Work with the QNX CAR Application Platform

LAS VEGAS, NV — (MARKET WIRE) — 01/04/11 — TeleNav, Inc. (NASDAQ: TNAV), one of the largest global wireless navigation services providers, andQNX Software Systems Co. today announced that QNX and TeleNav have partnered to enable connected GPS navigation to work with the QNX CAR™ Application Platform. Automakers and Tier One suppliers using the QNX CAR Application Platform will soon have the ability to offer connected navigation and search, providing drivers with 3D turn-by-turn navigation and voice/audio prompts, along with real-time information like up-to-date maps, business listings, local places, traffic information, gas prices and more. QNX and TeleNav will demonstrate connected navigation and search in the QNX CAR Application Platform this week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV.

“A key goal of the QNX CAR Application Platform is to leverage the latest innovations in mobile devices and consumer electronics in a way that is appropriate for in-vehicle use,” said Andrew Poliak, director of automotive business development, QNX Software Systems. “It just made sense to partner with TeleNav to make sure our products work together to offer the best in navigation technology.”

“QNX is clearly a leader when it comes to automotive operating systems,” said Hassan Wahla, vice president of business development for TeleNav. “We look forward to working with the QNX team to bring OEMs and Tier One suppliers high quality, customized connected navigation and comprehensive local search capabilities.”

QNX Software Systems is the global leader in operating systems and middleware for the in-car telematics and infotainment market, and has licensed its technology for use in more than 20 million in-vehicle systems worldwide. The QNX CAR Application Platform is designed to help the automotive industry reduce the cost and effort of building in-car infotainment systems. It allows customers to evaluate a rich set of pre-integrated technologies.


OnLive slash MicroConsole by 33%; promise SRS 5.1 Surround Sound in early 2011

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 02:29 PM PST

OnLive has slashed pricing on its MicroConsole TV adapter, discounting the streaming gaming device to $66 for the duration of CES 2011. Meanwhile, the company is also demonstrating the incoming SRS 5.1 Surround Sound upgrade, which is expected to arrive as a free update to all OnLive users early in 2011.

The 33-percent discount on the MicroConsole is valid until Sunday Jan 9 at 11:59 PM PST; buyers still get a free game and free PlayPack Beta. OnLive has also confirmed that games will be resumable across the various devices supporting the platform; so, you’ll be able to start a title on your MicroConsole, pause it, then pick up again on the iPad client, the PC or Mac client, or even one of Vizio’s new OnLive-compatible VIA HDTVs.


Softkinetic motion-controlled STB brings Kinect-style tech to HTPC

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 02:20 PM PST

First ASUS tried to borrow Microsoft’s Kinect motion-tracking cleverness for their oddly named WAVI Xtion; now Softkinetic is punting its own gesture-based home entertainment experience. The Softkinetic system uses the company’s iisu (“the Interface Is U”) 3D gesture recognition software with a 3D/RGB/Audio camera from Optrima to control an Atom CE4100 based STB.

According to Softkinetic, TV viewers will be able to access interactive television and movie channel navigation, web browsing, video conferencing and gesture-based video games, all using natural gestures and movements. The Optrima OptriCam camera uses near-infrared light and captures over 100fps motion in RGB.

It seems that Softkinetic and Optrima won’t be pushing the iisu-based system to consumers directly; instead it appears they’re looking for STB vendors to recognize that Kinect-style motion control has a place outside gaming, and that people are more interested in waving their arms than they are thumbing button-encrusted remotes.

Press Release:

Softkinetic Presents Fully Integrated Gesture-Based TV Experience on Intel® Atom™ Processor CE4100 at the Consumer Electronic Show 2011

3D Gesture Recognition Leader to Demonstrate New Consumer Electronics Experience using Optrima 3D camera

BRUSSELS – January 4, 2011 – Softkinetic, the leading 3D gesture recognition software and solution provider, today announced it will reveal a complete new interactive consumer experience utilizing the Intel® Atom™ Processor CE4100 during the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Softkinetic has adapted its iisu™ ("The Interface Is You") middleware to the Intel® Atom™ Processor CE4100 to enable a natural gesture experience for a wide variety of consumer applications, including interactive television and movie channel navigation, web browsing, video conferencing and gesture-based video games.

"Our strategy is to deliver the best possible natural gesture interaction experience for consumers. We're very proud to be working with the Intel Digital Home Group to offer personalized, interactive consumer electronics devices based on the Intel processor," said Michel Tombroff, CEO, Softkinetic. "The CE4100 delivers the necessary extra performance to enable stunning interaction. Gesture recognition offers a highly compelling, intuitive and engaging experience for interactive television entertainment and beyond."

iisu™ is the de facto standard in gesture recognition middleware, with over seven years of research and development behind its creation, and is open and compatible with all depth-sensing technologies available on the market. The fully integrated TV experience presented at CES is a framework built with consumers in mind: users will be able to interact with their television through natural and simple hand gestures—without the need of a remote control—to navigate TV channels, watch movies, browse the Internet, play games, make video conferences and access their social networks.

"Gesture-based interaction is a very compelling answer to organizing and delivering so much content on the connected TVs in an intuitive ways," said Mike Tyson, marketing manager at Intel. "As a pioneer and leader in the field of 3D gesture recognition, Softkinetic has reached a major milestone to help make truly interactive TV a reality using the power of Intel CE processors."
This brand new gesture based TV experience will be powered by the recently announced world’s first time-of-flight consumer 3D/RGB/Audio camera from Optrima, strategic partner to Softkinetic.


Angry Birds hits Intel AppUp center for notebooks & netbooks

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 01:59 PM PST

Angry Birds is hitting PSP and PS3 this week, and now Intel is getting into the action as well. Rovio has announced that Angry Birds for notebooks and netbooks is landing in the Intel AppUp center, the chip company’s download store, today, regularly priced at $9.99 or £5.99, but currently discounted to just $4.99.

The AppUp center is preinstalled on certain notebooks and netbooks using Intel chips, but it’s also available as a free download for Windows XP and Windows 7 machines. Since most netbooks and notebooks don’t have a touchscreen, unlike the smartphones Angry Birds is more commonly found on, it uses the trackpad instead to catapult birds at precarious towers of green pigs.

Press Release:

Rovio Mobile announces Angry Birds for Intel AppUpSM center

The Intel AppUp center version marks the first time Angry Birds is released and available for netbooks and consumer laptops

Jan. 4, 2011 – Espoo, Finland – Today, Rovio is happy to announce Angry Birds in the Intel AppUpSM center. In 2010, Angry Birds became a worldwide mobile phenomenon, with 50 million downloads in just one year. Now the game is available for netbooks and consumer laptops everywhere through the Intel AppUp center.
Angry Birds puts you in charge of a quirky flock of birds who go on an intense assault on the hungry pigs who have stolen their eggs. In the game, you use a slingshot to send the Angry Birds smashing into the pigs and their puzzling constructions. The netbook version includes 195 levels packed with hours and hours of gameplay, with free updates lined up for the future, just like with the mobile version.
"We're excited to offer Angry Birds through the Intel AppUp center," says Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio. "Netbooks and consumer laptops are an untapped market for Angry Birds and a huge platform for casual gamers. Rovio looks forward to taking advantage of the innovative consolidated marketplace for PC apps Intel has provided."
"We love Angry Birds. It's one of our favorite games, so Intel is thrilled Rovio is bringing Angry Birds for the first time ever to netbooks and consumers laptops via AppUp.com," said Peter N. Biddle, general manager of the Intel AppUp center at Intel. "Intel is beyond excited to work with Rovio and deliver a version of Angry Birds that takes advantage of larger screens and faster processors. It's gonna rock."
Angry Birds costs $9.99/£5.99/€7.99 to download in the Intel AppUp center at www.appup.com. Customers can expect free updates and enhancements to the game, free of charge. Initially, there will be a special promotion period where Angry Birds will be offered at $4.99 for a limited time.
For more news and information on Rovio products and updates, follow RovioMobile on Twitter and like Angry Birds – Rovio Mobile on Facebook.
About Rovio
Rovio is an award-winning Finnish game developer, and one of the leading independent developers of mobile games worldwide. Since 2003, Rovio has produced over 50 titles for multiple different mobile platforms. To visit Rovio, go to rovio.com.


Lenovo Unveils Versatile Docking Android LePad Slate

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 01:12 PM PST

Lenovo has just unveiled it’s new Android 2.2-based slate. Sporting a 10.1-inch display and weighing just under two pounds the device will ship in a variety of color options and will have the option to dock to make it more of a notebook with added power as it docks.

Coming in scarlet, white, and brown and black textured leather the LePad will be an impressive option for anyone looking for an ultra-versitile Android-based media device. The device will be able to dock into the clamshell case complete with full keyboard and additional power to provide for a more laptop-like experience.

Once docked with the IdeaPad U1 Hybrid, the device will sport an Intel CULV Processor, which is a Core i5 clocked at 1.2 GHz. Other tablet features include a front-facing camera for video chat, WCDMA and EVDO connections, 1280 x 800 10.1-inch display, a 320 GB HDD, and 1GB RAM when using the slate, and 2GB RAM when you’re in notebook mode.

You can pick up the slate for about $520 and the IdeaPad U1 Hybrid base will retail for $1,300 when it’s made available first quarter 2011.

U1_Hero_03-463x600 LePad_Keyboard_Dock_01-580x564 lenovo_lepad

[Via GottaBeMobile]


Samsung Capacitive Sensor Works with Thin Gloves [Video]

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 01:08 PM PST

Capacitive touchscreen devices have always been a hassle when it’s cold and you’re wearing gloves. Many phones have trouble picking up any input from anything that is not skin to screen. However, late last night it came to our attention that the Samsung Nexus S has an extreme sensitivity level and will even pick up input through cloth such as a sweatshirt or gloves.

We ran many tests with the device and came to the conclusion that you can get input through some cotton gloves or even thick cotton material. This seems to be the case with most current-gen Samsung devices such as the Nexus S, Samsung Focus, and Galaxy Tab. Our initial tests with the Nexus S shows truly how responsive the screen is, it works flawlessly, as if you were giving the device direct finger contact.

We do not know how Samsung has produced such an impressive and responsive screen, or even if they’re aware of how responsive the device is when not receiving direct fingertip contact. You can check out the video below, and see the pink glove in action as it utilizes the Nexus S’ display.

[via Android Community]


HP webOS Special Announcement Scheduled for February 9th

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 12:15 PM PST

The first part of the year is always a busy one companies, and with as much talk about what HP is bringing to the tablet for not only smartphones, but tablets as well, in the year 2011, an announcement from HP that they’ve got a special announcement coming up in just over a month comes as a welcomed surprise. Of course, the invitation is scant on the details, save for the date and time we should make ourselves known, but that’s not going to stop the speculation train from leaving the station.

Rumors about what Palm and HP have up their sleeves are pretty vast. They cover the gamut of devices, ranging from smartphones to tablets, and encompass plenty of different aspects. Device names, rumors that Palm will unveil the “PalmPad” at CES 2011, and analysts chiming in. They all point to the possibility that, this special announcement from HP, which will have us “Think Big, Think Small, Think Beyond,” will not only see one product announcement, but several different ones. Thinking big means we’ll probably land ourselves a webOS-powered tablet, and any smaller than that we’re more than likely looking at a new smartphone.

Anyone want to take a stab at what they think HP will announce? Any thing they want HP to announce?


BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet OS SDK Shown Off on Video

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 11:28 AM PST

The PlayBook is seeing quite a bit of video love today. Earlier, we saw how Flash and HTML5 work on the tablet device from Research In Motion, along with the Browser having some time in the spotlight. And now, thanks to RIM’s Developer Relations Team, we get to see what the tablet OS Software Development Kit will look like, for those who want to take some time and develop applications for the device.

The video is straight forward in the presentation. It’s meant to show the features that developers should expect when they load up the SDK, and start developing for the tablet. The Relations Team want developers to be able to see how to create apps, so that by the time the tablet device releases early this year, there are plenty of applications ready to go. You can check out the video below.

[via BlackBerry YouTube]


Nintendo Announces More Than 34 Million Wii Consoles Sold in the United States

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 10:09 AM PST

Even if some people may be bored with the first-party titles that Nintendo has released for the Wii videogame console, there’s no doubt that the Nintendo-branded consoles have a way of flying off the shelves and into the homes of millions of people. In the United States, Nintendo is happy to announce that they’ve managed to continue their sales strengths with not only the Wii console, but also the DS handheld videogame console.

According to Nintendo, the company has sold 47 million total DS handheld consoles in the United States since the console’s launch in November of 2004. As Nintendo puts it, this makes the DS the best-selling videogame console in the nation — of all time. However, Nintendo’s not finished with the announcements — the Wii is selling just as well, and in the last three years has managed to move 21 million consoles.

In total, the Wii has sold 34 million consoles, total, in the United States alone. This marks the third consecutive calendar year that Nintendo has managed to sell more than 7 million consoles per year. With these sales numbers, it could go to say that the newer portable gaming console, the 3DS, will see the same kind of sales. At least, Nintendo can hope.

Press Release

Nintendo DS and Wii Set New U.S. Sales Records in 2010

Nintendo DS Becomes All-Time Best-Selling Video Game System; Wii Sells More Than 7 Million for Third Consecutive Year

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The close of 2010 produced two sales milestones for Nintendo in the United States.

"When we look ahead to 2011, we see new portable technology and more great Wii games that need to be seen to be believed."
According to Nintendo's internal sales figures, the Nintendo DS™ family of portable video game systems has sold more than 47 million in the United States since the original model launched in November 2004. That tally makes Nintendo DS the nation's best-selling video game system of all time.

For the second major milestone of 2010, Nintendo's internal figures show that the Wii™ home console marked its third consecutive calendar year with U.S. sales of more than 7 million – a feat never before accomplished in the history of video games by a home console. To date, the Wii system has sold more than 34 million in the United States alone.

"When we look back at 2010, we see consumers time and again turning to the value and enjoyment of our products," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "When we look ahead to 2011, we see new portable technology and more great Wii games that need to be seen to be believed."

Nintendo is set to release its new Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system in the United States in March. The portable system lets players see 3D content – without the need for special glasses. More details about the system will be announced in the future.

Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://wii.com. For more information about Nintendo, visit http://www.nintendo.com.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.5 billion video games and more than 577 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and PokĂ©mon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at http://www.nintendo.com.

Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at http://press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please contact Deanna Talamantez at 213-438-8742 or dtalamantez@golinharris.com. Users can receive instant Nintendo information by subscribing to the site's RSS feed.


Google NFC payment & ad system could launch this year tip insiders

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 09:51 AM PST

Google’s NFC contactless payment ambitions have leaked, with sources supposedly close to the project suggesting that the payment and advertising system could launch as early as sometime this year. According to BusinessWeek‘s sources, the system would be built on top of Android, which added native NFC support in the recent 2.3 Gingerbread release.

That OS is running on the Nexus S, Google’s second own-brand Android smartphone, and the only Android device on the market presently with NFC. As we’ve suggested before, part of Google’s intention with the Nexus S is to encourage other manufacturers of Android smartphones to fit NFC, just as the Nexus One did with high-speed mobile processors.

The NFC payment plans would be use Google acquisition Zetawire, a start-up which developed an e-wallet system called Walleto. The search giant also has investments in mobile-payment companies. Back in November, Google’s Andy Rubin suggested that one day users would “be able to walk in a store and do commerce. You’d bump for everything and eventually replace credit cards.” Google has declined to comment on these specific payment rumors.


Toshiba Satellite C655D takes AMD Fusion to 15.6-inches

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 09:33 AM PST

Toshiba has outed a 15.6-inch notebook running one of AMD’s new Fusion APUs. The Toshiba Satellite C655D uses the 1.5GHz single-core AMD E240, paired with up to 4GB of DDR3 memory and a 320GB hard-drive.

There’s also a DVD burner and WiFi b/g/n, together with a full-sized keyboard and separate numeric keypad. A webcam and the usual ports round out the key specs. Toshiba estimate up to six hours runtime from a single charge – less than some of the other Fusion APU machines we’ve seen today, like the HP Pavilion dm1 – but then again it’s a bigger machine with a larger screen.

The Toshiba Satellite C655D will be priced at under $400 when it goes on sale later in 2011.


Sony Ericsson PlayStation Phone Shows Off Android 2.3, New Logos

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 09:30 AM PST

While we’re left waiting for Sony Ericsson to make the PlayStation Phone official, we’ll just have to accept the continuous leaks of the device that keep popping up. This time around, the lucky owner manages to have two on hand to show off. However, we do get to see what version of Android the device, which will be known as either the Zeus Zi or Xperia Play (more than likely) when it launches, is running — along with a new logo on the bottom-left of the slide-out board.

Unfortunately, there aren’t a flood of details herein. We do get to see that the handset, featuring that unique slide-out gamepad, is running Android 2.3 — which is in line with the Gingerbread rumors, and not necessarily the version number we had been hearing about in the past. As for the logo on the bottom-left, the four button Sony PlayStation logo can be seen clearly. Plus, the XPERIA branding is clear as day. We’ll have to wait for Sony Ericsson to pull the curtain off this device for a bit longer, it seems.

[via Android Community]

PlayStation-Phone PlayStation Phone2


OCOSMOS OSC1 and OSC9 gaming tablet get tweaked ahead of debut

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 09:26 AM PST

OCOSMOS has already confirmed it will be bringing its OSC1 Windows 7 handheld along to CES 2011 this week, but some new renders have left us even more curious about the company’s wares. NetbookNews has been sent shots and specs of the seemingly-updated OSC1, now without the slide-out QWERTY keyboard, together with the OSC9, a larger gaming tablet with a wireless touchscreen control pad.

The OSC9 is said to have a 9-inch, 1024 x 768 capacitive touchscreen, 1.5GHz Intel Oak Trail processor, 2GB of RAM and a 32GB or 64GB SSD. There’s WiFI b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, a 3.0-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel front camera, and a microSD card slot, while like the OSC1 it runs Windows 7. The separate, wireless control pad can be used with gaming buttons or a QWERTY keyboard, and slots into a carrying pouch – along with the tablet itself – that also hides a rechargeable battery.

Whether either of these renders will actually spawn a production model or even a prototype to show off this week remains to be seen, but we’d certainly be interested to see OCOSMOS take on the OSC9.

ocs9_20_back ocs9_30_battery_pouch_controller ocs9_23_pcgame ocs_ocs1_back ocs_ocs1_front ocs9_24_powerpoint


Iomega ScreenPlay DX HD and TV Link DX HD Media Players sneak out

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 09:14 AM PST

Two new Iomega media streamers have shown up for a CES 2011 debut, though the company isn’t talking about them quite yet. The Iomega ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player and Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link DX HD Media Player each pack network connectivity, HDMI and multiple USB 2.0 ports, as well as a QWERTY-equipped remote control.

According to the ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player product page, the box has a 2TB hard-drive inside and comes with a WiFi USB dongle for wireless network connectivity. There’s also up to 1080p Full HD playback, DLNA support and an optical digital output. Supported file types include H.264, WMV, RMVB, MPEG-1/2/4 (part 2, ASP), DivX, DivX Plus HD (MKV),  XviD, AVI(Xvid, AVC, MPEG1/2/4), ISO, VOB, MP4, MOV and MKV.

We can’t spot a product page for the ScreenPlay TV Link DX HD Media Player, but it has fewer output options and no USB device port; we’re guessing that means it lacks onboard storage. Iomega will likely make these two media players official any time now, so we’ll update when we known more.

5321188121_ab3ba1048d_z 5321840532_b193b7a007_z 5321840270_4d63596577_z 5321240283_1b07ae4844_z 5321187267_0f2852fd57_z 5321787772_16738f7893_z


Iomega Personal Cloud promises easy online access to data backup

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 08:59 AM PST

Iomega has launched its new Personal Cloud Technology system, complete with online access and of content stored on the company’s network-connected 2011 external drive range. It’s kicking off with the Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition, a pair of drives – one 1TB, one 2TB – which support gigabit ethernet and the contents of which can be quickly shared via the online interface.

The new cloud-edition drives get iTunes server and UPnP DLNA support, along with automatic posting of photos and video to Facebook, YouTube and Flickr. It’s also possible to do device-to-device copying, either locally or remotely, and there are two USB 2.0 ports for adding external drives. If you have a Mozy or Amazon S3 cloud storage account, you can link those in too.

Iomega’s Boxee-based Iomega TV also uses the same system, and can also link in with the Personal Cloud Technology setup. The Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition drives will arrive later in January 2011, priced at $169.99 for the 1TB and $229.99 for the 2TB.

5321160295_a979829cc0_z 5321160045_28ce981d6c_z 5321760578_9da271d8f9_z

Press Release:

Iomega Announces Exciting New Personal Cloud Technology And New Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition

Iomega Personal Cloud turns your Iomega NAS into a Cloud Server that:
Enables you to backup remotely to your own Personal Cloud
Host your own Cloud to share with friends, family or for business
Free remote access
All this and more with every Iomega NAS Drive in 2011

SAN DIEGO, January 4, 2011 – — Iomega, an EMC company (NYSE: EMC) and a global leader in data protection, today announced the new Iomega® Personal Cloud technology, the ultimate data protection and remote access solution for small businesses and consumers that gives you the control of your own Personal Cloud without complexities and extra costs.

Iomega’s Personal Cloud is a revolutionary web-based computing architecture that connects your Iomega network storage device to other individuals and/or devices via the Internet. Unlike most public and private cloud applications, Iomega’s Personal Cloud technology is completely self-owned – the content and accessibility is always under your control. Best of all, there are never any usage fees or subscription charges; instead, Iomega gives small businesses and consumers a great value for cloud access and protection.

“Iomega’s new Personal Cloud is an innovative technology that separates our network storage products from the competition,” said Jonathan Huberman, president of Iomega. “Utilizing the expertise of EMC, the world’s leader in cloud technology, we have transformed our next generation NAS devices into cloud servers that users can access anywhere, anytime. In addition, by buying two or more of our NAS products, you can remotely backup your onsite data to an alternate location – be it your office, home or some other location – giving consumers and small businesses the ideal disaster recovery plan that’s easy to implement and economical, too. You’re not going to find this level of innovation or value from any of our competitors.”

Iomega Personal Cloud will be available worldwide beginning this month with the launch of the new single-drive Iomega® Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition.

Iomega Personal Cloud is also a built-in feature in the new Iomega TV with Boxee, launching in February.

“There are tremendous opportunities in 2011 for NAS device OEMs to refine easy-to-use basic features as well as integrate innovative technologies”, said Benjamin S. Woo, Program Vice President, WW Storage Systems, IDC. “Iomega’s new Personal Cloud technology brings news and innovation to the consumer and small business NAS markets that will differentiate from competing NAS devices. The Personal Cloud functionality will accelerate the adoption and growth of the consumer and small business NAS markets.”

Iomega is unveiling its new Personal Cloud technology for the first time this week, January 6-9, 2011, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Iomega’s tradeshow booth is located in the South Hall 3 (booth # 31553).

How the Iomega Personal Cloud Works
Users of Iomega’s new NAS devices can create their own Personal Cloud in just minutes. The onscreen Personal Cloud setup page asks you to name your Personal Cloud and then confirms creation of your Personal Cloud. You can invite up to 250 members (devices) into your Personal Cloud, giving your business contacts, co-workers or personal friends and family around the globe the ability – determined by you – to copy and share files directly between computers as though they were all together on a local network.

Benefits and Features of the using the Iomega Personal Cloud
Simple. No IT expertise is needed to set up and manage your Personal Cloud. Set up in minutes! When you invite others into your Personal Cloud, they receive an email with a link and an authorization code that automatically installs the Iomega Storage Manager which creates a shared drive letter on their desktop. Simply click on the drive letter for access to the Personal Cloud.

Affordable. For zero additional investment outside purchasing an Iomega StorCenter network storage device, Iomega’s Personal Cloud is the most economical way for a small- to medium-sized business to protect and share their data, and for consumers to share their digital life with family and friends.

Synchronization. Users around the globe can sync files directly between computers as though they were on a local network. Many SMBs still keep key files on local hard drives; Iomega’s Personal Cloud means no more sneaker-net or emailing files around the office.

Collaboration. Business users can view and edit documents (such as spreadsheets, presentations and word processing documents), which helps geographically dispersed workers collaborate in real time. Consumers can immediately share their family photos, videos and other digital files.

Secure transfer of large or confidential files. Large video, audio, and graphic art files can quickly choke a small company’s e-mail system. E-mailing sensitive files can raise security concerns. Iomega Personal Cloud offers drag-and-drop functionality that makes it easy to securely transfer large or confidential files.

Security and a Disaster Recovery Plan. At smaller companies, locally stored files are at risk from theft, fire, software problems, and hardware failure. The Iomega Personal Cloud offers built in redundancy at every level: hard drive, server, and datacenter. Should disaster strike, with two Iomega StorCenter devices and the Personal Cloud backing up your company storage offsite, you have a disaster recovery plan that allows easy copying of files so that you are up and running in no time.

Secure Access. Data is accessible only on the Personal Cloud by those who have the appropriate permissions to access it. Safeguards, such as AES 128-bit encryption, can be enabled to protect your data while in transit on the Internet. Secure logins also protect your data stored in the personal cloud from being accessed by the unintended recipients and hackers while in transit on the Internet.

Low Maintenance. Once the system is set up there is almost no maintenance. You still have to manage user accounts, but jobs like array maintenance and monitoring the health of your data storage are no longer needed.

Archiving. Archiving older files to a remote StorCenter frees up space on your primary StorCenter device for day-to-day business needs. Less capacity required for primary storage saves you money.

New Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition
Launching worldwide this month in 1TB* and 2TB capacities, the new single-drive Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition is the latest generation of the award-winning original that makes it easy for home users and small businesses to share work files, photo slideshows, music libraries and other files with co-workers, friends and families anywhere in the world (with an Internet connection).

With improved performance, easy menus and settings, and lots of new features over the previous generation of the product, the new model is the ideal centerpiece of any home or small office network that also can benefit from having its own economical cloud. Iomega’s new Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition is so simple to use that even those who have never used network storage will find it a breeze to set up and impossible to do without.

Benefits and Features of the new Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition
The new Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition utilizes the acclaimed EMC LifeLine™ software, a fully-developed Linux operating environment and suite of applications designed for seamless cross-platform support with Windows®, Mac® and Linux computers.

Among the many features of the new Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition:

Gigabit Ethernet connecting directly to your router
Remote access from anywhere in the world
Built-in iTunes® server for easy playback
UPnP™ DLNA Certified AV Media Server provides the ability to stream photos, audio content and videos to a variety of media devices, such as game consoles (Microsoft Xbox® 360, Sony PlayStation® 3), audio bridges, iTunes® players, networked TVs and digital picture frames, Iomega® ScreenPlay™ products and more.
Automatically post files to your Facebook®, YouTube® & Flickr® accounts
Device-to-device Copy Jobs for data protection allows you to define a job to copy and/or synchronize files to and from the connected USB drives or any other shared storage on your network.
One-touch copying with the QuikTransfer button on the front panel.
Low power, fan-less design, with drive spin-down feature
Public cloud connections to Mozy and Amazon S3 online storage
Two USB 2.0 ports to add storage capacity connecting external USB drives
Device-to-device replication for data protection allows you to define a job to copy and/or synchronize files to and from the connected USB drives or any other shared storage on your network. Print Serving with intelligent print sharing capability for up to two USB printers.
Time Machine support allows Apple users to easily backup any Mac computers running OS X (10.5 or later) using Time Machine.
Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) provides no touch, automatic transfer of photos from digital cameras via one of the two USB ports.
Availability and Warranty
Iomega Personal Cloud technology will be available worldwide beginning this month with the launch of the Iomega® Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition. Iomega Personal Cloud is also a built-in feature in the new Iomega TV with Boxee, launching in February.

The new Iomega® Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition will be available worldwide later this month in two capacities: a 1TB model for $169.99, and a 2TB model for $229.99. (All pricing is U.S. suggested retail.)

For more information on the new Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition, please go to www.iomega-personal-cloud.com/.


Forrester up tablet forecast: 1/3 of US online consumers to have a tablet by 2015

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 08:39 AM PST

Forrester has revised its tablet sales estimates for 2011, claiming to have been “too conservative” with their forecast last year, and now predicting that 24.1m units will be sold in 2011. That’s more than double the 10.3m estimate Forrester has put on 2010, and the research company expects Apple’s iPad to hold the lion’s share of sales through 2012. In fact, by 2015 Forrester expects 82 million US consumers – one-third of US online consumers – will be using a tablet.

Interestingly, part of Forrester’s change in forecast is down to how often it believes owners will choose to upgrade their tablets. Originally, the idea was that it would be a similar timescale to that of a PC, but now the assumption is that it will be more in line with smartphone replacement cycles, as “lifestyle devices.”

We spoke to analyst Ben Bajarin, who tells us that he believes Forrester’s predictions for 2011 are still far too low. He’s forecasting 2011 US sales of 50-52 million units, as iPad rivals such as the BlackBerry PlayBook and various Android slates reach the market.


BlackBerry PlayBook gets browser demo: Flash, HTML5, more [Video]

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 08:25 AM PST

RIM has outed another BlackBerry PlayBook demo video, this time showing the QNX tablet’s browser in action. As well as streaming HTML5 video, the demo shows Flash-based gaming and social networks like Facebook, including support for things like Facebook chat.

Video demo after the cut

As you’d hope, being an official demo, the PlayBook puts in a good showing. Pinch-zooming is smooth, even when pages are rendering, and in-page video clips from sites like YouTube work as you’d expect. We’re still reserving judgement until we can have a play ourselves, but so far things are looking solid.

[via MobileBurn]


Tesla Model S and BMW pick Tegra for high-power infotainment systems

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 08:07 AM PST

Tegra isn’t just finding its way into smartphones and tablets; NVIDIA has also sealed deals with Tesla and BMW to power the two marque’s infotainment, navigation and instrument-cluster systems. The Tegra-based systems will include a huge 17-inch touchscreen center console in the Tesla Model S, complete with 3D graphics and live-traffic updates for PND functionality.

The Model S will also get a second display, slightly smaller at 12.3-inches, for the instrument cluster, which will feature 3D graphics about the electric car’s systems. Each display will get a Tegra CPU of its own to drive it.

As for BMW, they’ll be a little more conservative than Tesla, but plan on using Tegra to drive a 1280 x 600 display in upcoming 7-Series, 5-Series, 3-Series, Mini Cooper and X-Series ranges. They’ll also get real-time traffic reporting and navigation information, all controlled by BMW’s iDrive knob.

Press Release:

NVIDIA GPUs TO BE THE INFOTAINMENT CENTERPIECE ACROSS BMW'S NEXT-GENERATION OF CARS

From the 7 Series to the Mini Cooper, NVIDIA Powers BMW State-of-the-Art Graphics, Enabling Focus on Safer, More Enjoyable Driving

BMW of North America and NVIDIA today announced a partnership that puts NVIDIA® GPUs in navigation and vehicle-information systems across all next-generation BMW cars worldwide. NVIDIA GPUs will power BMW's in-car navigation systems to deliver vivid graphics with detailed terrain models, landmarks and a stunning new interface. NVIDIA processors will be found throughout BMW's range of models, including the 7-Series, 5-Series, 3-Series, Mini Cooper line and X-Series of sports activity vehicles.

Tesla Motors' Model S to Feature NVIDIA Tegra Processors
Power-Stingy Tegra to Run All-Electric Sedan's Infotainment, Navigation, Instrument-Cluster Systems

NVIDIA announced today that NVIDIA® Tegra™ processors will power the infotainment, navigation and instrument-cluster systems in the Tesla Model S, the first sedan built from the ground up as an electric vehicle. Built around the driver, the Model S is the premium sedan, evolved. Its infotainment system features a 17-inch touch-screen center console – the largest display ever in a car – providing vivid 3D graphics. In addition to its unrivaled graphics capability, the Tegra processor provides exceptional energy efficiency, a critically important feature for electric cars. One processor will be used to power the infotainment and navigation systems, and another for the instrument cluster.

NVIDIA GPUs TO BE THE INFOTAINMENT CENTERPIECE ACROSS BMW'S NEXT-GENERATION OF CARS

From the 7 Series to the Mini Cooper, NVIDIA Powers BMW State-of-the-Art Graphics,
Enabling Focus on Safer, More Enjoyable Driving

Las Vegas — CES 2011 ­— Jan. 4, 2011—BMW of North America and NVIDIA today announced a partnership that puts NVIDIA® GPUs in navigation and vehicle-information systems across all next-generation BMW cars worldwide.

NVIDIA GPUs will power BMW's in-car navigation systems to deliver vivid graphics with detailed terrain models, landmarks and a stunning new interface. NVIDIA processors will be found throughout BMW's range of models, including the 7-Series, 5-Series, 3-Series, Mini Cooper line and X-Series of sports activity vehicles.

BMW's iDrive will feature high resolution visuals, real-time traffic reporting and navigation information. iDrive is the intelligent control concept that makes it intuitively simple to use a BMW's in-car features. Its ability to clearly show the most relevant details and make anticipatory decisions to assist the driver will allow BMW owners to drive more safely and focus on the joy of driving.

Highlights / Key Facts:
· Powered by NVIDIA GPUs, the BMW iDrive system provides:
o Visually rich, next-generation user interface
o Advanced state-of-the-art graphics for navigation and vehicle-information systems
o High resolution display (1280×600)
o Fast user-interface response time

· At CES 2011, see a sneak preview of the BMW 5-Series, showcasing the very latest graphics technologies at NVIDIA's outdoor exhibit – Central Plaza booth # CP7.

Quotes:
· "A year ago we had a vision to deliver the most advanced intuitive state-of-the-art navigation system. In our quest for superior graphics performance, no one came close to what NVIDIA brings to the table. Our partnership represents the beginning of an exciting new phase for BMW drivers."
- Elmar Frickenstein, Executive Vice President Electrics/Electronics and Driving Experience Environment at BMW

· "BMW has built their reputation on creating the ultimate driving experience. They are taking that to an entirely new level with NVIDIA GPUs."
- Dan Vivoli, Senior Vice President at NVIDIA

Useful Links:
www.bmwusa.com
www.nvidia.com
http://www.nvidia.com/object/tegra_automotive.html

About NVIDIA
NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA
) awakened the world to the power of computer graphics when it invented the GPU in 1999. Since then, it has consistently set new standards in visual computing with breathtaking, interactive graphics available on devices ranging from tablets and portable media players to notebooks and workstations. NVIDIA’s expertise in programmable GPUs has led to breakthroughs in parallel processing which make supercomputing inexpensive and widely accessible. The Company holds more than 1,600 patents worldwide, including ones covering designs and insights that are essential to modern computing. For more information, see www.nvidia.com.

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 336 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 100 MINI passenger car dealers, and 31 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

###

Tesla Motors' Model S to Feature NVIDIA Tegra Processors

Power-Stingy Tegra to Run All-Electric Sedan's Infotainment, Navigation, Instrument-Cluster Systems

Las Vegas — CES 2011 ­— Jan. 4, 2011—NVIDIA announced today that NVIDIA® Tegra™ processors will power the infotainment, navigation and instrument-cluster systems in the Tesla Model S, the first sedan built from the ground up as an electric vehicle. Built around the driver, the Model S is the premium sedan, evolved. Its infotainment system features a 17-inch touch-screen center console – the largest display ever in a car – providing vivid 3D graphics.

In addition to its unrivaled graphics capability, the Tegra processor provides exceptional energy efficiency, a critically important feature for electric cars. One processor will be used to power the infotainment and navigation systems, and another for the instrument cluster.

The infotainment and navigation systems feature:
17-inch high resolution display, the largest display ever in a car
Responsive touchscreen with a fully intuitive user interface
Connected navigation with live traffic, points of interest and weather
Touchscreen-based climate-control system

The all-digital instrument cluster features:
Ultra high-resolution, driver-friendly 12.3" LCD display
Advanced 3D graphics providing data about the vehicle

CES 2011 attendees will be able to view the Model S outside the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Central Plaza, booth # CP7.

Visit NVIDIA's booth in South Hall 3, booth # 31431 to learn about how NVIDIA is working with Tesla Motors to bring visual computing to tomorrow's cars.

Quotes:
· "Model S is designed for performance-oriented efficiency. NVIDIA allows us to use the highest graphics with the lowest energy use."
- JB Straubel, chief technology officer at Tesla Motors

"The Model S is a modern marvel – a blend of beauty, performance and efficiency. Tegra's combination of graphics power and energy efficiency make it a perfect match for the Model S."
- Dan Vivoli, senior vice president at NVIDIA

About Tegra
NVIDIA Tegra is the world's first mobile superchip, with eight dedicated computing cores. These include the ARM Cortex-A9 CPU, the world's only ultra-low power NVIDIA GeForce® GPU and the world's first mobile 1080p HD video processor.

These features enable it to offer extremely realistic 3D graphics and advanced multimedia functionality and premium-quality accelerated user interfaces. Its auto-grade version has undergone specific testing for the automotive market and passed the industry-standard AEC-100 qualification for reliability, adhering to certain operating temperature ranges. It also offers a complete toolset for engineers to quickly build visually-appealing user interfaces.


Sleek by 50 Cent carbon fiber headphones previewed

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 07:55 AM PST

It looks like 50 Cent is the next music star to slap their brand on high-end headphones, with Sleek Audio giving us a sneak preview of the headphones they plan to announce later this week at CES 2011. We don’t have any hardware details on the Sleek by 50 Cent headphones that we can share, but there certainly appears to be plenty of carbon fiber involved in their construction.

As we’ve seen on previous Sleek Audio earphones, the company has been working with a military composite specialist (that’s also responsible for producing drones for the US government) to produce carbon fiber components, so we’re guessing this is the real-deal. Otherwise there’s not much to go on; we can’t see any physical controls, but that’s not to say they’re not lurking on the other ear-cup.

We’re catching up with Sleek later in the week and will hopefully find out all the details then, including pricing for the new Sleek by 50 Cent headphones.


Samsung SH100 WiFi digicam gets remote Galaxy S control

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 07:44 AM PST

Samsung has unveiled its latest WiFi-enabled digital camera, the Samsung SH100, with a 14.2-megapixel CCD sensor and a 3-inch LCD preview display. It’s the wireless connectivity that makes the SH100 particularly impressive, however. Not only can you use it to upload photos and video direct to Facebook, Picasa and YouTube, among others, you can also pair it with a Samsung Galaxy S and use the smartphone to remotely preview the frame, snap the shot and even GPS tag it.

Meanwhile there’s DLNA streaming support, for easier sharing of photos onto TVs and media STBs, while the PC Auto Back-up function uses wake-on-LAN to turn on your PC remotely and then offload shots from the SH100′s memory card. Control is all via touchscreen, and there’s a 5x optical zoom, image stabilization, face-recognition and various auto modes.

There are a few limitations, unfortunately, such as the fact that only 2-megapixel stills or 720p HD video can be streamed via DLNA; more details in the gallery below. The Samsung SH100 is expected to go on sale in March 2011, priced at $199.99.

SH100_T_B_Global SH100_F_B_Global2 SH100_FT_B_Global SH100_B_B_Global sh100_specs

Press Release:

Samsung's New SH100 Brings Your World Closer

New Wi-Fi-enabled camera delivers ultimate connectivity on the move

CES, Las Vegas – January 4, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of the new SH100, a compact Wi-Fi enabled camera that delivers great shots that you can share over the internet and social networks with your friends and family, from wherever you are in the world. The SH100 is set to be Samsung's leading fully connected camera in 2011, building on the success of the company's wirelessly connected cameras to date and allowing Samsung to take a dominant position within this growing market.

Samsung's pioneering steps within the connected camera market can be seen in the SH100's unique innovation, which allows you to connect wirelessly to your other devices with ease. You can use Wi-Fi to connect to your Android® powered Galaxy S™ smartphone, so you can view the shot you're about to take in real time on your phone. If you're not happy with it, you can zoom in and out to get the best picture, and then activate the shutter remotely when you're ready to pose. This innovation means that the days of running between your camera and your subject, trying to line up the perfect group shot, are over. Users now have total control of their camera in the palm of their hand, from wherever they are in the shot. Users can even use their phone's GPS to record exactly where they were when they captured their favorite memories.

The SH100's built in Wi-Fi can also automatically back up your shots to your PC by only pushing two buttons, or by using DLNA to wirelessly connect to your HDTV and see your photos and videos right away. Wi-Fi enables you to upload your pictures instantly to your social networking sites such as Facebook, Picasa or Photo Bucket, or email them to individual email addresses straight from the camera. The people you care about can now enjoy your experience from wherever they are. You can also record HD video and share your favorite moments over sites such as YouTube™. To make the upload process of large files easier and quicker, the SH100 includes an account with mobile hotspot provider Boingo™, giving you access to over 200,000 Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide.

The SH100 is the latest example of Samsung's user-focused innovation and design. The company has always carefully researched its target audience, and in 2011, Samsung is applying this research to create unique products for a younger, more digitally connected generation of camera users. The company is also leveraging its strength in other product areas, such as mobile phones, to make emerging camera technologies, such as Wi-Fi, accessible to all camera buyers, even those on smaller budgets.

"At Samsung, we are always striving to innovate and you can see this in every product we release," said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. "From our in-depth consumer research, we know that younger users have different needs from their digital camera. They don't want to wait until they get home to share their favorite moments with their friends, they want to be able to do this instantly from wherever they are. The SH100 gives young people the chance to bring their world closer, by drawing on Samsung's technological strength to deliver total connectivity in a compact camera, at an accessible price. Through the SH100, we hope to provide the best product for people looking for ultimate connectivity from their camera, and strengthen Samsung's leadership in the compact camera category."

Experience the Convenience
The SH100 uses built in Wi-Fi capability to deliver unique new experiences for all camera users. By selecting the PC Auto Back-up function, your camera will automatically find your PC and download the latest photos onto it, even if the PC is turned off. This feature is compatible with the Wake-on-LAN (WoL) system which many modern home PCs are already equipped with.

Innovation in Control Helps you Capture the Moment
The Wi-Fi capability on the SH100 also allows you to use your smartphone as a remote control and viewing device for your camera. If you're shooting over a crowd at a concert, you can enable the Remote Viewfinder function, meaning that you can hold your camera high over your head while you see a preview of the picture in real time on your phone screen. It's also ideal for taking self shots as you can zoom in and out using the 5x optical zoom, and access basic menu functions including parameters and shooting modes. When you're happy with the shot, you can operate the shutter remotely too, and the camera will record the GPS information for photo geo-tagging.

Seamlessly Simple
Samsung has also used its strength in the smartphone market to develop a new Smart Access user interface (UI) for all of its new compact cameras. The touch based UI works in the same quick, intuitive way as many smartphones. Advanced functions, such as sharing content wirelessly, can be done simply by a few touches of the buttons on the large, clear 3" LCD screen. The Smart Access UI enables users to drag, click and control 'app-style' icons, easily flip through photos, and control a range of the camera's features.

The Heart of your Digital Home
The SH100 features Samsung AllShare, which uses DLNA technology to allow you to connect to your HDTV and stream content wirelessly. For instance, when you get home from a concert, you can now watch the videos of your favorite songs instantly on your TV.

Android and Youtube are registered trademarks of Google Inc. Boingo is a registered trademark of Boingo Wireless, Inc


HTC EVO Shift 4G goes head to head with EVO 4G, Motorola DROID 2 [Video]

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 07:32 AM PST

Sprint’s HTC EVO Shift 4G is official, and retailer Wirefly has wasted no time in putting up a demo video of their own to encourage would-be WiMAX buyers to opt for their pre-order rather than buying from Sprint direct. In a ten minute video they demo the EVO Shift 4G’s main features and then pit it against an HTC EVO 4G and some other QWERTY Android devices to see how it compares.

Video demo after the cut

While we would’ve liked to have seen a larger display than 3.6-inches – something closer to the original EVO 4G’s 4.3-inches would be perfect – the keyboard does look reasonably well spaced. We’ll have to wait until we can have a play ourselves at CES 2011 this week before deciding whether the EVO Shift 4G is a worthy successor.

[via Android Community]


Garmin GTU 10 GPS tracker squeals your location via AT&T

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 07:19 AM PST

“Every step you take, ever move you make, I’ll be watching you” sang a creepy Sting, instantly earning a place at the wedding receptions of those who don’t really think about what his stalker lyrics are actually suggesting. If only Sting had been able to pick up Garmin’s new GTU 10 GPS locator, a waterproof tracking box fitted with a GPS chip and an AT&T modem, that updates its location on Garmin’s Tracking site.

As well as casual check-ins, the GTU 10 supports up to 10 geofences (virtual boundaries) which trigger an email or text message notification when the tracker moves outside. The battery is good for up to four weeks of use, and sends out low-power alerts when it’s running short.

The Garmin GTU 10 is priced at $199.99 with a year’s worth of access, allowing for 10 points of daily track history. Standard Tracking renewals are $49.99 for a year’s subscription, or you can upgrade to 7 days of track history access for $4.99 per month.

Press Release:

Garmin® GTU 10: New GPS locator helps you track what's important

OLATHE, Kan./January 4, 2011/Business Wire — Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today that it is entering a new market – personal and property tracking – with the introduction of its innovative GTU 10 GPS locator and web-based Garmin Tracker™ service for computers, smartphones and compatible Garmin nĂĽLink devices. GTU 10 will be showcased in the Garmin booth (South Hall #35831) at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.

"For more than 20 years, Garmin has been the go-to name for location-based technology and our new GTU 10 broadens the scope of ways that we can help our customers in their everyday lives," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "Whether you're keeping an eye on your children after school, your pets or your property, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you can easily and affordably track the locations of the things that matter most to you."

How It Works

Small (3"x1.3"x.8"), lightweight (1.7 oz.), waterproof and packaged with a carabiner clip and pouch, GTU 10 is easy to attach to a backpack, dog collar or anything else you want to track. Once you register your GTU 10 at my.Garmin.com, the tracking service is enabled. Tracking data is delivered across AT&T's wireless network. When you're on your computer, Garmin's Tracking website helps you manage your GTU 10 and map its location. For even more convenience when you're on the go, you can download the Garmin Tracker™ application for your mobile device to see the location of GTU 10 and how it relates to your current location. For another level of connectivity, compatible Garmin nĂĽLink devices can automatically route to the GTU 10's location with turn-by-turn directions.

GTU 10 owners can create up to 10 geofences (virtual boundaries) for your device so that when it enters or exits a geofenced area, Garmin can send an email or text message notification to you or authorized friends and family members. It's also easy to view a track history of where your GTU 10 has been. And because there are numerous ways to use GTU 10, it's easy to customize battery settings for optimal performance. The built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery can last up to four weeks between charges, and low battery/powered off notifications through the tracking service let you know when it's time to recharge or when the device has been turned off.

Make It Yours

"While GTU 10 was being developed, countless uses evolved as different people saw different possibilities," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "Our role is to provide the technology and make it intuitive and reliable, how you use it is up to you.1"

Among some of the many potential uses for GTU 10:

• Parents: Know that your child arrived at the babysitter's house after school, or track your teenager when he/she borrows your car.
• Cyclists and runners: Let loved ones track your whereabouts, or let friends track your progress on race day.
• Property owners: Attach GTU 10 to your prized possessions, such as boats, tools, farm machinery, construction equipment, etc. – or hardwire it into your car – and keep an eye on your valuable goods from anywhere.

And the list goes on, depending on what you want to track, and how you choose to track it.

Tracking options

GTU 10's tracking capabilities are a result of combining high-sensitivity GPS with a connection to AT&T's nationwide wireless network. GTU 10 has a suggested retail price of $199.99, which includes one year of Standard Tracking. Providing access to 10 points of daily track history, Standard Tracking can be renewed at an annual rate of $49.99 after the first year of complimentary service. For those who want a more detailed history, the Deluxe Tracking service plan ($4.99 per month) can access 7 days of track history. Each service plan includes the option to automatically renew upon expiration, and there are no early termination fees, no activation fees and no contracts.

Since its inception in 1989, Garmin has delivered 72 million GPS enabled devices – far more than any other navigation provider. Garmin's market breadth in the GPS industry is second to none, having developed innovative products and established a leadership position in each of the markets it serves, including automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, outdoor recreation, tracking, and wireless applications. For more about GTU 10 and Garmin's other products and services, go to www.garmin.com, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/garmin.

Use of the GTU 10 is subject to applicable laws and regulations.


Netflix one-click remote buttons promised by Sony, Toshiba, Roku & more

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 07:14 AM PST

As smart TV options get more and more comprehensive, actually deciding which service you’re going to use takes some planning. Netflix has sensibly decided that the best place to be isn’t just on a menu but as a dedicated button on the remote control, and so has agreed deals with various manufacturers to get placement on their TV, Blu-ray and media streamer controllers.

Best Buy’s own Dynex brand, Haier, Memorex, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony and Toshiba will all slap a Netflix button on certain remotes for select models of their Blu-ray players, while Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba also will place the Netflix one-click button on remote controls for select new Internet-connected TVs. Finally, the Boxee, Iomega and Roku STBs will get Netflix buttons on their remotes as well.

The service itself will be unchanged, but Netflix is obviously hoping that more straightforward access to the service will gain them extra mind-share. Oh, and before you ask, that janky remote control mock-up above is the handiwork of Netflix. For shame!

Press Release:

Streaming From Netflix Will Soon be Even More Convenient With Netflix One-Click Remotes Introduced by Major Consumer Electronics Makers

Members to Benefit with a Netflix One-Click Button on Remote Controls for New Internet Connected TVs, Blu-ray Disc Players and Other Devices that Stream from Netflix

LOS GATOS, Calif., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) today announced that streaming from Netflix on TVs will soon be as easy as one click of a remote control as a number of the world’s leading consumer electronics companies have joined in a development effort to place Netflix-branded one-click buttons on remotes that operate Internet connected TVs, Blu-ray disc players and other devices that connect the Internet to the TV.

Beginning this Spring, buttons that specify “Netflix” – including some featuring the iconic red Netflix logo – are planned to be situated prominently on remote controls that operate certain new Blu-ray disc players from a variety of companies including Best Buy’s in-house Dynex brand, Haier, Memorex, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba. Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba also will place the Netflix one-click button on remote controls for select new Internet-connected TVs. Remote controls for the Boxee, Iomega and Roku set-top boxes also will feature the Netflix one-click remote.

“For members who want even more convenience when instantly watching TV shows and movies streaming from Netflix, the answer is about to be right in their hands,” said Netflix Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt. “No more turning on the TV, going to a home screen and searching for the Netflix icon. With the Netflix one-click remote, it’s simply a matter of pushing the Netflix button to instantly watch any of the vast selection of TV shows and movies available to stream from Netflix.”

The Netflix one-click remote is the latest in a series of rapid technological advancements by Netflix to enable Netflix members to instantly watch TV shows and movies streamed by Netflix over the Internet. Today there are more than 250 Netflix ready devices on the market.


Verizon LTE 4G Android “suite” promised for Jan 6 2011

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 07:05 AM PST

Verizon has promised a strong Android LTE 4G showcase at its CES 2011 keynote on January 6, with the carrier’s latest teaser suggesting the event will offer “a sneak peek of a suite of consumer-oriented Android-based devices for its 4G LTE network” along with a showcase of “more than 40 new solutions” using LTE connectivity. The exact devices or manufacturers aren’t specified, but are likely to include HTC, Samsung, Motorola and LG.

It’s not the first time that Verizon has promised an LTE showcase, but it’s confirmation that Android and LTE will be the carrier’s key strategy moving forward. Where that leaves the rumored LTE iPhone 4 remains to be seen, however.

[via Android Community]

Press Release:

Verizon Wireless Shows What 4G LTE Means For Consumers At CES

Wide Range of Ecosystem Partners Demonstrate Products and Solutions that Take Advantage of the 4G LTE Network

LAS VEGAS and BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless said today that its first-ever exhibit booth at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will show off the consumer and enterprise capabilities of its new 4G LTE network with the products, services and solutions that take advantage of the blazingly fast speed and low latency of the new wireless network. On Jan. 6, the company will also offer a sneak peek at a suite of Android-based LTE consumer devices at a news conference.

Visitors to the exhibit booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, #35216) will see firsthand how the nation's fastest 4G LTE network can fundamentally change how consumers manage their daily lives and how businesses interact with each other and with their customers.

Working with nearly 50 different technology ecosystem partners, the Verizon Wireless booth will highlight more than 40 new solutions that take advantage of the fast speeds and low latency of the new 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network. Demonstrations will range from connected home and cars to gaming and entertainment to consumer devices. The demos will also feature new ways to do mobile collaboration for retail, customer service and other industries; home and energy management; and consumer entertainment, including multiplayer gaming, all of which leverage the 4G network in innovative ways. Verizon Wireless and its partners will also feature remote security and health care options and a car that shows different applications coming from the automotive industry.

Many of the solutions being highlighted are the result of collaborations fostered at Verizon Wireless' LTE Innovation Center. The LTE Innovation Center, established in 2008 and located in Waltham, Mass., provides an environment for dozens of diverse companies to work collaboratively to develop innovative products and solutions that leverage 4G LTE technology.

Sneak Peek at Consumer Devices
Verizon Wireless' news conference will provide a sneak peek of a suite of consumer-oriented Android-based devices for its 4G LTE network and will include remarks from senior Verizon Wireless executives and key ecosystem partners. The news conference will be webcast live; visit www.verizonwebcasts.com/ces/2011/news to register.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, launched in December 2010, is the fastest, most advanced 4G network in the United States, providing speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless' 3G network. Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network currently reaches one-third of all Americans, with plans to expand the network to the company's entire 3G coverage area over the next three years.

For more information about the LTE Innovation Center and Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network, visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte. For more information about Verizon Wireless at CES, visit www.verizonwireless.com/ces and follow the company on Twitter at http://twitter.com/verizonwireless.


Amazon Kindle apps for Android & Windows tablets promised

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 06:48 AM PST

Amazon is looking to spread its ereader wings even further, promising to launch tablet-centric versions of its Kindle app for Android and Windows based slates in 2011. The announcement follows the release of the Kindle for iPad app in 2010, which tailored the ereader software’s UI to suit the larger display of the Apple tablet.

As with the other Kindle apps – and indeed the Kindle hardware ereaders themselves – the new Android and Windows tablet versions will support Whispernet sync, making sure you can resume reading at wherever you left off no matter which device you were last using. The apps will also allow for direct purchase of new ebooks from Amazon’s Kindle store.

Press Release:

Amazon to Introduce Free Kindle Apps Tailored for Android and Windows LCD Tablet Computers

New tablet computers coming in 2011 will have access to Amazon's free "Buy Once, Read Everywhere" apps that let readers choose from over 775,000 Kindle books and read them across the most popular devices and platforms

SEATTLE – Jan. 4, 2011– (NASDAQ: AMZN)– For over two years, Amazon has been building and introducing a wide selection of free "Buy Once, Read Everywhere" Kindle apps to enable customers to read their Kindle books on the most popular devices and platforms. Last year, Amazon tailored a Kindle app specifically for the size, look and feel of the iPad and it has become a top ten free app for iPad. Today, Amazon announced that Kindle apps will also be tailored specifically for Android and Windows based tablets to enable customers to access the Kindle Store, and with it the largest selection of the books people want to read. Like all Kindle apps, the new Kindle apps built for Android and Windows tablet computers will let customers "Buy Once, Read Everywhere"—on Kindle, Kindle 3G, Kindle DX, iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, Mac, PC, BlackBerry, and Android-based devices. For more information about the free Kindle apps, go to www.amazon.com/kindleapps.

"Kindle is light weight, easy on the eyes with a paper-like Pearl e-ink display, and has a full month of battery life. It's purpose-built for reading. Many people are buying both a Kindle and an LCD tablet computer," said Dorothy Nicholls, Director, Amazon Kindle. "We're very excited to support the upcoming Android and Windows LCD tablet computers with free Kindle apps that we'll tailor for the particular devices. Our Whispersync technology makes it simple to move back and forth between devices. Read on your Kindle, read on your tablet, read on your phone. We'll keep track of your last page read, and make it easy."

The Kindle Store offers the largest selection of books people want to read, including 100 of 110 New York Times Bestsellers and New Releases from $9.99. Millions of older, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books are also available to read. Kindle books offer readers many additional unique advantages, including:
"Buy Once, Read Everywhere" apps let you sync and read your books, last page read, bookmarks, notes and highlights across Kindle devices and the most popular devices and platforms
Amazon’s Worry-Free Archive automatically backs up your books and highlights online in your Kindle library where they can be re-downloaded wirelessly anytime on any Kindle device or app
Amazon.com customer reviews, personalized recommendations and editorial reviews
Instant 1-click buying using your Amazon account information

For over two years, Amazon has been building and introducing a wide selection of free "Buy Once, Read Everywhere" Kindle apps for iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, Mac, PC, BlackBerry and Android-based devices that let customers read and sync their reading library, bookmarks, notes, and highlights with the device or platform of their choice. Learn more about Kindle apps at www.amazon.com/kindleapps.


Sprint HTC EVO Shift 4G and Novatel 3G/4G MiFi get official

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 06:34 AM PST

Sprint has officially announced the HTC EVO Shift 4G, as well as the carrier’s MiFi 3G/4G mobile hotspot by Novatel Wireless. The HTC EVO Shift 4G will land on January 9 2011, priced at $149.99, while the 4G-capable MiFi hotspot will follow on February 27 for $49.99.

The Sprint HTC EVO Shift 4G has a 3.6-inch capacitive touchscreen, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 5-megapixel camera, 720p HD video recording and runs Android 2.2 with HTC Sense. It also offers Sprint Mobile Hotspot, with support for up to eight connected clients.

As for the MiFi, that supports up to five WiFi-connected clients and has a battery good for up to 4hrs of active use or 60hrs of standby. It also gets a microSD slot, good for up to 32GB cards, which can be used to share files with all connected users.

htc_evo_shift_4g EVOShift_Back EVOShift_Front EVOShift_Open QWERTY Flat EVOShift_Side EVOShift_Top novatel_wireless_sprint_3G-4G_mifi_2 novatel_wireless_sprint_3G-4G_mifi_1

Press Release:

Sprint's 4G Leadership Extends into 2011 with Introduction of Second Generation of Industry-Leading 4G-Capable Devices

HTC EVO Shift 4G with slide-out QWERTY available exclusively from Sprint on Jan. 9 for $149.99; MiFi® 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Novatel Wireless debuts on Feb. 27 for $49.99, bringing Sprint 4G connectivity to up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), January 04, 2011 – As the first national wireless carrier to launch 4G in 2008, Sprint (NYSE:S) wrapped up 2010 with a lead in 4G wireless device innovations. Further extending that lead, the company today introduced the upcoming availability of two products in Sprint's second generation of 4G-capable devices: HTC EVO Shift™ 4G and MiFi® 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Novatel Wireless. With these two devices, Sprint has now introduced 17 4G-capable devices for consumers and business, including three phones, a 4G netbook and notebook from Dell, numerous USB modem options, and several mobile hotspots and routers.

"Sprint will continue to set the bar for feature-rich and customer-friendly 4G devices into 2011," said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. "Our proven leadership as a 4G pioneer has allowed our customers to enjoy 4G from Sprint first, and these new products exemplify Sprint's commitment to put industry-leading performance and capabilities in the hands of our customers."

A Feature-Rich 4G Phone with QWERTY

As the 16th 4G-capable device from Sprint, HTC EVO Shift follows in the footsteps of the award-winning HTC EVO™ 4G, bringing customers an attractive, compact design and an impressive list of features with the addition of a sliding QWERTY keyboard. Beyond the highly acclaimed HTC Sense user experience, HTC EVO Shift also boasts the power of 4G, Android 2.2™, a 5MP camera, 720p HD camcorder and a 3.6-inch capacitive touchscreen display with pinch-to-zoom capability.

Additional key features include:

HD Video Recording
Wi-Fi®
Sprint Mobile Hotspot (supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices)
Android Market™ with access to more than 100,000 apps
Messaging – Personal and business e-mail, IM and text messaging
Social Networking Integration – Facebook®, Twitter™, Flickr® and more
Visual Voicemail
Google™ Mobile Services, including YouTube™, Gmail™, Google Talk™, Google Voice™ and Google Maps™
GPS Navigation
Stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology
microSD slot (supporting up to 32GB memory card)
The Web browser on HTC EVO Shift is optimized for convenient mobile use and a full Internet experience with functions like pinch-to-zoom and automatically reflowing text. Adobe Flash technology ensures that rich Internet content, such as embedded video and animation, are displayed the way they are meant to be seen. The slide-out QWERTY keyboard makes staying in touch with friends and family through messaging and social networking quick and easy.

Priced at the lowest cost at launch for any current 4G phone, HTC EVO Shift will be just $149.99 (excluding taxes) after a $100 mail-in rebate and activation on a new two-year service agreement (or eligible upgrade), and activation on a data plan with the required $10 Premium Data Add-On. It will be available in all Sprint retail channels, including www.sprint.com and 1-800-Sprint1, on Jan. 9. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/shift.

Big on Power, Small on Size

With the unveiling of Novatel Wireless' (NASDAQ: NVTL) ultra-compact MiFi® 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, Sprint brings customers the portability of the MiFi design with one-touch connectivity for up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices, including tablets, eReaders, laptops or gaming consoles. Delivering a true wireless experience with no cables or software installation required, MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot has battery life of up to four hours of usage and 60 hours of standby time. MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot easily supports all the needs of a family household, a frequent traveler who wants to avoid Wi-Fi charges, or even a small business team with a form factor about the size of a credit card.

MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot's predecessor, 3G MiFi® wireless hotspot by Novatel Wireless, was one of the industry's most popular intelligent mobile hotspots. MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot adds 4G accessibility, an external display with status indicators for battery, signal strength and number of connected devices, and shared storage capability through a MicroSD slot for up to a 32GB memory card. It supports Windows, Macintosh and Linuz operating systems.

As the 17th 4G-capable device from Sprint, MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot will be just $49.99 (excluding taxes) after a $50 mail-in rebate activation on a new two-year service agreement (or eligible upgrade). It will be available nationwide on Feb. 27 at all Sprint retail channels, including www.sprint.com and 1-800-Sprint1. Visit www.sprint.com/4Gmifi for more information.

More Options in 4G Products

Sprint already offers an extensive and impressive portfolio of 4G-enabled devices and routers. Stand-outs include Dell™ Inspiron™ Mini 10 (1012) netbook and Dell™ Inspiron™ 11z notebook, the first 3G/4G embedded devices offered by a wireless carrier in the United States. Both come pre-loaded with Windows Live Essentials 2011 and deliver 4G speeds on a mobile PC without the need for connection cards or hotspots to access the Internet.

Consumers have also been enjoying the award-winning HTC EVO 4G and Samsung Epic™ 4G, America's first 4G-capable handsets. Both phones have received high praise from industry analysts, customers and media, including CNET, TheStreet.com, LAPTOP Magazine, POPULAR MECHANICS and PCWorld.

Business customers can take advantage of Sprint 4G technology with these devices and others, including CradlePoint MBR1200 Failsafe Gigabit N Router, which extends corporate security policies and failover technology, or CBA750 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Adapter to helps businesses stay connected during wireline outages.

The Sprint 4G portfolio of existing 4G-capable modems, mobile hotspots and routers all enhance productivity by enabling mobile downloads of large files, high-quality streaming video, online presentations and high-speed Web browsing. The advanced network also lets customers take advantage of robust applications and services, such as wireless voice-over-IP (VoIP), high-speed video telephony, music on-demand and video messaging. For a list of Sprint 4G devices, visit http://newsroom.sprint.com.

Unlimited 4G Plans With No Data Caps

Sprint customers get more with unlimited 4G data on their monthly plan, which means real simplicity and value. Sprint offers simplicity and savings vs. competitors, making it easy for customers to get the most out of their phones without worrying about costs or data usage. Sprint's Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on for select smartphones – a savings of $39.99 per month vs. Verizon's plan with unlimited talk, text and Web, and $35 per month vs. AT&T's plan with unlimited talk, text and just 2GB of data.

Further, the Sprint Free Guarantee is the only full money-back guarantee on service plans in the wireless industry today, allowing customers to try a new line of service with Sprint for 30 days. If a customer isn't completely satisfied, they can cancel service and return their device to be reimbursed for the device purchase and activation fee, get the early termination fee waived, get a full refund for monthly service plan recurring charges incurred and get all associated taxes and fees waived. In addition, Sprint will waive the restocking fee for new customer exchanges as part of this policy. Refund excludes usage not included in the service plan, premium content, third-party billing and international charges.


MMT Monitor2Go 15.4-inch USB secondary display ideal for road-warriors

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 06:30 AM PST

MMT has outed a new USB external monitor intended for road-warriors desperate for extra screen real-estate. The MMT Monitor2Go is a 15.4-inch, 1280 x 800 folding, twisting secondary display using DisplayLink’s virtual GPU technology to hook up via your laptop’s USB port rather than a graphics output. It has a built-in stand or can be propped in portrait or landscape orientation.

Monitor2Go

A further two USB ports allow you to daisy-chain up to six displays from a single host USB on the notebook, though as we’ve seen with previous DisplayLink implementations it’s the strength of your CPU and RAM which generally decides how many screens one laptop can manage. The Monitor2Go weighs 4lbs and supports both PCs and Macs.

MMT expect the Monitor2Go to be priced at $279 when it goes on sale. That’s more expensive than a regular LCD screen of the same size, true, but considering we’ve seen 7-inch USB sub-displays priced at the $200 point you’re getting plenty more pixels for your money.

semi turn 1 keyless closed computerlines computerlines2 flower bottom2 flower top front hero off copy keyless front stand front view1 open laptopmode screen down over keyless semi turn 1 keyless side close2 side stand (screen) slight open stand diff stand hero tablet top closed topopen semi turn 1 keyless

Press Release:

DisplayLink USB Virtual Graphics
Power Elegant, Portable Monitor2Go

Industry's first 15.4-inch, high-quality, truly take able-wherever-you-travel display

PALO ALTO, Calif., and BOSTON, Mass., Jan. 4, 2011 – Consumers and computing enthusiasts who enjoy using two or more full-size PC monitors at their desks can now get that same multi-monitor convenience and productivity while on the go.

DisplayLink and Mobile Monitor Technologies today announced MMT's Monitor2Go – the first totally portable, yet desktop-quality, 15.4-inch display that's easy for people to pack up, plug in, and put to use wherever they are. Another innovation to use DisplayLink USB virtual graphics, Monitor2Go combines a large display screen with a slim, lightweight clamshell design to give users true portable productivity.

The two companies will unveil Monitor2Go during the International CES show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 6-9, 2011. At an estimated retail price of $279, Monitor2Go will be available to consumers later this quarter.

"Monitor2Go will be one of the most useful products shown at CES and that consumers can buy," said Larry Pensack, MMT's president. "It's a high-quality, full-size display that can be used with virtually any notebook or desktop PC, and that you can be hung, stacked or set just about anywhere to expand your visual workspace and get more done faster. And with DisplayLink's USB virtual graphics technology, there's no connectivity or cable hassles."

"Most multi-monitor fans are frustrated when they have to leave their desktop set-up behind and are limited to one screen while traveling," said Dennis Crespo, DisplayLink executive vice president of marketing and business development. "By having a USB-connected portable display that is the same size as some of the most popular notebooks on the market, there is no more compromise necessary."

Monitor2Go comes with a built-in stand that allows the screen to sit at eye level, like a notebook display, and to be positioned in either portrait or landscape mode. The device is also designed for hanging. Additionally, up to six screens can be daisy-chained off a host computer's single USB port to create an instant video wall.

Besides being easy to connect via USB, other Monitor2Go features include a light weight of four pounds, a durable design to withstand travel rigors, and a sleek profile to slide into backpacks and briefcases. The 15.4-inch diagonal LED-backlit display provides a crisp 1280×800 resolution, and works with both PCs and Macs (beta).

Private Monitor2Go demonstrations are available at the DisplayLink CES booth, MP25231 in the South Hall Lower Level of the Las Vegas Convention Center. To schedule a meeting, contact tradeshow@displaylink.com.

About MMT
Multiple displays have been proven to provide as much as 35% more productivity than computing on a single display. Mobile Monitor Technologies, based in Massachusetts, specializes in portable displays for the accounting and financial industries with its Field Monitor Pro series. Its first entry into the consumer market, Monitor2Go will bring the same high quality, productivity optimized displays to the home and office.


Eye-Fi Direct Mode shuttles pics straight from camera to phone/tablet

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 06:28 AM PST

Eye-Fi knows that when it comes to gratification, digital photographers want it instant. Hence the latest addition to the Eye-Fi X2 range of WiFi-enabled memory cards, Eye-Fi Direct Mode, a way to funnel photos straight from your camera to a nearby tablet or smartphone rather than send it via Eye-Fi’s servers.

The update will use an Eye-Fi app on the device itself, though the company hasn’t confirmed which platforms it will be releasing software for. We’re guessing iOS – for the iPhone and iPad – as well as Android would be sensible options for the first wave of app releases.

Eye-Fi is billing Direct Mode as a way to get instant access to photos – for sharing on online galleries or via social networks like Facebook and Twitter – without having to rely on the usually lower-quality cameras fitted to smartphones. The functionality will be pushed out as a free update to Eye-Fi X2 cards later this year.

Press Release:

Great Images and Instant Gratification with Eye-Fi's Direct Mode – THE Mobile Solution

New Card Technology and Eye-Fi App Enable Consumers to Get the Best of their Digital Cameras and Mobile Devices; Further Expands Eye-Fi's Connected Ecosystem

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., January 4, 2011 — Eye-Fi Inc. (www.eye.fi), makers of the world's first wireless memory card, today announced Direct Mode at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Leveraging a combination of new technology in Eye-Fi cards and new Eye-Fi mobile apps, Direct Mode enables consumers to bring together the imaging quality of a digital camera and the connectivity of a smartphone or tablet in an unprecedented way. This innovative solution wirelessly connects the camera to the mobile device to provide a seamless experience between the moment a memory is captured and when consumers want to browse, edit, save and share their memories.

"For anyone who has ever had to choose between taking great images with their digital camera and the instant gratification of sharing with a smartphone, Direct Mode is the answer," said Jef Holove, CEO of Eye-Fi. "New technology in the card combined with a free Eye-Fi app on a mobile device means consumers no longer have to compromise between rich, lifelike memories and saving or sharing those memories from anywhere."

With Direct Mode, photos taken with your digital camera can immediately be sent to your smartphone or tablet. They can be viewed, used with myriad apps on the device, or uploaded and shared.

In addition, photos and videos can automatically and wirelessly be backed up and organized in the consumer's private Eye-Fi View account. From there, they are accessible for viewing and sharing from any Internet connected device – regardless of which camera they were taken with.

"We have a diversity of devices we use for different purposes," continued Holove. "Digital cameras are just plain better at taking photos and videos, especially when lighting, action, or zoom distance affect the shot. But, there's no doubt that the apps, touch interface and always-connected nature of mobile devices are compelling. With this new technology, we are bridging the gap between the camera and mobile, bringing the best of all the devices that we own to the capture and sharing of memories."

Eye-Fi also extends the browsing and sharing experience by providing a seamless connected imaging experience through its own ecosystem of partners – from leading digital camera makers like Canon, Nikon and Sony to 45 popular photo sharing sites like Facebook, Flickr and Picasa. The result is millions of photos and videos being effortlessly shared from cameras each month.

Direct Mode will be available as a free upgrade to all Eye-Fi X2 cards later in 2011.

To see more, Eye-Fi will be demonstrating this new capability at CES at booth #3615 in the "Living in Digital Times" section of the North Hall.

For more information, visit www.eye.fi.


Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar