Posted: 22 Jan 2011 10:30 AM PST I'm a firm believer in Google TV. I think the platform has more promise than any other software running on set-top boxes today. With the right vision and some fulfilment on promises Google has made in the past, I think it's quite possible for the company's platform to entirely change the way we enjoy entertainment in the living room.  But in its current form, Google TV isn't there. Content providers aren't playing nice with Google and running the platform in tandem with your cable provider's DVR won't deliver the same appeal that DISH customers enjoy. I view the software more as a proof-of-concept than a nicely thought-out implementation. Realizing that, I just can't see why Logitech continues to sell its Revue set-top box for a whopping $300. Yes, I know that it's running Google TV, and the platform can do more than, say, the software running on the $99 Apple TV, but it's clear now that the excitement everyone had about Google TV has died down. And it's being viewed as what it really is: an under-performing entertainment platform. As far as I'm concerned, the Logitech Revue should be selling for $150 at most. At that price, the company will be able to drum up some demand for the device, hopefully get most of its investment back, and at least have an installed base in place for when Google gets serious about its platform. But the need for a price cut goes beyond demand. Earlier this month, Vizio, currently the second-largest TV maker in the U.S., announced that it will offer Google TV in some of its sets going forward. In addition, reports surfaced last week claiming ARM-based Google TV devices are scheduled to launch "soon." With the help of ARM, vendors should be able to offer lower-cost technology, pushing down the average price of Google TV products. Logitech continues to feel pressure outside of the Google TV market, as well. Apple announced in December that it hit 1 million unit sales of its Apple TV. The figure isn't staggering, but it effectively highlights that the platform is catching on. And let's face it: Logitech doesn't enjoy the same brand recognition that Apple does. Moreover, Roku's set-top boxes, which can be purchased for as little as $60, continue to sell well. So, I'm a little confused by Logitech's insistence on maintaining its $300 price tag on the Revue. I understand that it wants to get every last dime out of its investment and I think it believes that the device will offer more value when Google updates its platform, but by then will it be too late? At least right now, the Revue is somewhat new and relevant. In a few months, it could be just another forgotten toy that failed to catch on with the mainstream. Say what you will about Logitech and the future of home entertainment, but unless the company starts realizing that it's not as well-positioned as it could be, and it understands that the competition is offering cheaper and more compelling alternatives, it simply won't see success in the set-top box space. |
Posted: 22 Jan 2011 01:17 AM PST As of today, 10 billion apps, thats ten BILLION individual apps have been downloaded from the Apple App Store. The person who fired off the ten billionth download will be receiving a $10,000 USD iTunes Gift Card that can be redeemed for anything in the iTunes store or the App Store including apps, music, audiobooks, television shows, and movies. Supposing the 10 billionth person was a person buying up every app in the world in order to be the magic number last, can you imagine them even having anything left to buy, much less $10,000 worth of digital downloads?  Another bonus the final person might be receiving is either a $1,000 or $5,000 gift card from MacPhun supposing they downloaded either a photo app or specifically the FC Photo Studio app – what are the chances it’s either one of these? We imagine the chances are slim. Good sales tactic then, eh? And lets talk for a moment about the number 10 billion. That’s huge, especially considering the only comparable number to be coming from the Android Marketplace which, if current projections are right, should be at right around 2,750,800,000. Will the marketplace ever eclipse the market? Currently it appears that another thousand apps are downloaded every 9 seconds in the Android Marketplace while every 3 seconds another 1,000 apps are downloaded in the App Store. Is this accurate? I’d say sort of. The counter on AndroLib appears to be going at a more random rate than Apple’s did, which I’d guess is closer to the truth, but is also based on an estimate. What do you think – will the Android Marketplace ever overtake the App Store? Press Release: Apple's App Store Downloads Top 10 Billion        |
Posted: 21 Jan 2011 08:36 PM PST Evidence pointing toward an upcoming Qualcomm cellular baseband inside the code for Apple’s iTunes software has been found by a hacker by the name of Zibri. This evidence, if proven real, could mean incorporation of Qualcomm’s baseband into the next generation of Apple mobile devices such as iPad 2 and iPhone 5. Zibri claims the code he’s presented is a “definitive answer” to rumors that Qualcomm would be the baseband provider for iPhone 5, this also lending water to the idea that the company is already providing radios for the Verizon CDMA iPhone 4.  Specifically, Zibri mentions the files “partition.mbn” and “AMSS.MBN,” both of which he’s located in the hacked iTunes code, both of which he says mean “only one thing: QUALCOMM. Those files are the building blocks of any Qualcomm baseband.” The version Zibri is hunting through is the same version that’s currently in the homes of computer owners the world over, pointing toward the idea that the devices on which this possible baseband is being used are already going through the testing process. Take a peek back at the post by the title Apple “A8″ processor & Qualcomm baseband for iPhone 5? This post was made on the 14th of this month, and was sourced back to Apple Daily. Once we get several sources from seemingly completely different directions coming together to say the same thing, things start adding up. Perhaps Qualcomm it is? [Via Apple Insider] |
Posted: 21 Jan 2011 07:50 PM PST First order of business, we need a writer! Take a peek at the SlashGear Tech Writer Wanted! post and pass it on if you know someone slick! And make sure they or you are as dedicated to writing as this man is to Verizon, because that’s what SlashGear loves! There is one thing SlashGear doesn’t love though, and that’s lawsuits – Android Faces Massive Lawsuit at Hands of Oracle and Verizon Files for Appeal on Net Neutrality Light – nasty stuff. On a lovelier note, Angry Birds Valentine’s Day Edition was announced today! And do you love updates? How about updates to your beloved Nexus S, Nexus One, and Samsung Vibrant? All the updates in the world today, and MORE here on The Daily Slash!  R3 Media Network Editor’s Choice Soundminer Trojan steals data by listening [SHHH] AppsGeyser turns any web content into an Android app [WELL PLAYED] Fruit Ninja gets update with arcade mode [WAAAH] iPad and iPhone 4 get XBMC media center hack too [Video] [HAX] iPad 2 suppliers boosted to handle Q2 2011 demand? [CHURN EM OUT] EVO WiMax Issues? Check your RSA Keys With This Simple App [SO BROKE] Android Music Mixtape Involves Kanye West, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, and More [BUMPIN BEATS] Nexus S Android 2.3.2 System Update Pushing Now (SMS Bug Fix? UPDATE: Yes!) [NO MORE RANDOMNESS] SlashPhone Apple new iPhone Bumper Fit in Verizon and AT&T iPhone Sony Ericsson X10 Multi-Touch Update for All iPhone Won't Be Available Via T-Mobile in Near Future Android Community Soundminer Trojan steals data by listening Fruit Ninja gets update with arcade mode AppsGeyser turns any web content into an Android app Sub-$100 Android and $10 data plan as T-Mobile takes on iPhone churn Android Market now checks for touchscreen use as Google TV debut nears T-Mobile Dell Streak 7 rumored pricing incorrect claims carrier Notion Ink's Adam tablet gets official unbox treatment Eric Schmidt Tweets Resignation as Google CEO, Larry Page Takes Over April 4th Google States Honeycomb is a Tablet Operating System [ERRR DUH] Android Music Mixtape Involves Kanye West, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, and More Nexus S Android 2.3.2 System Update Pushing Now (SMS Bug Fix? UPDATE: Yes!) Nexus One Gets FRG83G Update Samsung Vibrant 2.2 Update Today Disputed HTC EVO Shift 4G Now $89.99 on Amazon ShootMe Screenshot App on Android – Root or No Root? Motorola XOOM is Lead Honeycomb Product, So Says Google Samsung Gem Announced, Possibly Heading to Verizon ClockworkMod Crew Warns of Bad 2.0 recoveries, Notes Official Release Lumigon T1 to be Released with Android 2.3 Angry Birds Valentines Day Edition Coming SOON Xperia x10 Users Rejoice: All in One FlashTool Released Android Faces Massive Lawsuit at Hands of Oracle LG Optimus 2X Gets Demoed in 20-Minute Official Hands-On LG Optimus Me Images Surface G-Slate Will Not Feature Glasses-Free Display? Verizon Disagrees With FCC's Net Neutrality, FIles an appeal Motorola XOOM Bluetooth Keyboard Pointing to February 14th Release? Froyo for Samsung's Epic 4G is 'Still in the Works' Motorola Atrix 4G Gains FCC Approval EVO WiMax Issues? Check your RSA Keys With This Simple App SlashGear NRO launches secret satellite with Delta IV super-rocket Logitech Couch Mouse M515 sets sights on your sofa FujiSoft PALRO robot learns English [Video] iPad 2 main camera just 1-megapixel resolution? bModo 12G Windows 7 tablet gets video demo Verizon iPhone 4 advert: the wait is almost up [Video] Sabio DM2-PT packs 2TB of RAID into tiny aluminum chassis Google Offers trial to take on Groupon iPad and iPhone 4 get XBMC media center hack too [Video] Tweet Rings put Tweets on a metal band Razer Onza Xbox 360 controller up for pre-order Holocube gets human sized and much, much creepier Navy Free Electron laser Program is 9-months ahead of schedule NVIDIA Tegra 3 to launch at MWC? UMTS Forum predicts a billion connected devices by 2016 Spotify US deal with Sony Music reportedly final MacPhun offers additional $5,000 to person who downloads 10 billionth app T-Mobile LTE plans suggest spectrum partner by 2015; 10% leave for AT&T iPhone Antec and Asetek team up for Kuhler H2O 620 CPU cooler iSkin unveils full line of fashion bags for gadgets Grace Digital WiFi Bookshelf internet radio thinks it's time to split up Google TV Android Market access incoming as touchscreen apps now filtered? AG Findings unveils new cases designed to fit Verizon iPhone 4 Das keyboard mechanical keyboard gets colored keys tops for gamers iPad 2 suppliers boosted to handle Q2 2011 demand? New Apple security screws block unofficial fixes: replacing old screws on repaired iPhones Apple TV XBMC hack makes $99 STB a 1080p HD media center Dell Streak 7 pricing leak an incorrect "technical error" says T-Mobile USA Notion Ink Adam gets official unboxing SlashGear Tech Writer Wanted! Zynga Continues Domination by Transforming Area/Code into New York Studio Three Tons of Mammoth Tusks Confiscated by Authorities Pure Sun Uses Sun's Rays to Provide Green Light Entire Film Shot with iPhone Camera Use Firefox? Time to Block that Skype Toolbar Duke Nukem Forever Epic Trailer Released Today iOS Accounts for 65% of Apple's Current Sales Verizon Tattooed on Mans Hand, Forhead Next (Really!) [Video] Japan Losing Vending Machine Edge? Angry Birds Valentines Day Edition Coming Up Next ASUS Eee Slate EP121 gets official unboxing & walkthrough [Video] Ferrari FF is a 208mph 4WD four-seater with love-it-or-hate-it style VUDU 2.0 UI released today: HDTVs, Blu-ray, PS3 & Boxee Box to benefit Android code copying evidence lends weight to Oracle suit Duke Nukem Forever to finally arrive May 3 2011 FlipIt! USB charger makes an AC sandwich HTC confirms tablet plans, predicts blockbuster Q1 2011 Turnstyle record player concept only glow-wire away from Tron Schmidt Google unrest kicked off by China censorship? iPhone 4 Universal Bumper suits Verizon and AT&T handsets To see more Daily Slash posts, click here: [The Daily Slash] or here: [SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up] |
Posted: 21 Jan 2011 04:08 PM PST SlashGear is looking for a new writer to join the team, helping us report at the front line of consumer electronics. We need a flexible early-adopter, passionate about technology, with a strong grasp of written English and the creativity to contribute to editorial and unique content.  An adaptable schedule and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and under pressure are essential. You’ll need to be able to quickly acclimate to the ever-changing world of online reporting, and have a solid understanding of the technology landscape and the major players and themes in the industry today. Being based in the San Francisco or NYC areas is a plus but not essential. If you think you’ve got what it takes, email us at jobs@slashgear.com with your bio and CV for more information. "The lot of the many is to have as a profession, for the earning of their living and the satisfaction of society's claim on them, a more or less soulless labor in which they can give out little or nothing of their human qualities, because in that labor they have to be little better than human machines. ;Yet no one finds himself in the position of having no possible opportunity of giving himself to others as a human being. ...No fate can prevent a man from giving to others this direct human service side by side with his lifework. If so much of such service remains unrealized, it is because the opportunities are missed." ...Albert Schweitzer |
Selasa, 25 Januari 2011
Qualcomm Baseband Evidence for iPhone and iPad Found by Hacker and Dear Logitech: The Revue Is Overpriced
Langganan:
Posting Komentar (Atom)
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar