The iPad Ecosystem: Economics, Elitism, And Advertising
A number of iPad-related stories broke over the last couple days; we've rounded up some of the larger topics into a single news post. First up, graphic designer Paul Threatt took exception to some of Apple's iPad advertisements, several of which purported to show the device running Flash without a hitch. In the screenshot below, the iPad is surfing the New York Times and displaying a slideshow that's only viewable on a browser with Flash installed. Threatt didn't just complain to the company, he filed suit with
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Broadcom To Integrate Bluetooth 3.0 + HS Into Mobile/Notebook Chips
SuperSpeed USB seems to be the hot transfer protocol these days, mostly because the coming out parties at IDF and CES went over really well. Tons of companies are voicing their support for the next-generation USB solution, and it should only be a few more months before we see a number of machine shipping with USB 3.0. But a protocol that many seemed to have forgotten about is Bluetooth 3.0.We get the feeling that it will be brought back to our attention in a big way at Mobile World Congress, which starts in
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S1Digital Intros Media Center-Integrated 100-Disc Blu-ray Changer
There are media center PCs, and there are Blu-ray players. Rarely do the two every intersect in any meaningful way, but S1Digital has managed to create the first Blu-ray Disc Changer that is actually fully integrated with Media Center.The device itself (titled the S1Digital Blu-ray Disc Changer) is a real beast; it holds one hundred Blu-ray Discs--which will probably take quite awhile to collect--and would much rather be connected to a Windows Media Center PC (Vista, Win7 or Windows Home Server) than directly
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Intel Core vPro Processor Family and PCs Announced
Business PCs Arrive with New Intel Core vPro Processor Family Intel Also Unveils Other Products and Services for Businesses of All Sizes NEWS HIGHLIGHTS Business PCs based on 2010 Intel Core vPro processors with Intel Turbo Boost meet growing office performance demands, include enhanced security, management features. 2010 Intel Core i5 vPro processor can run business productivity applications up to 80 percent faster, multiple applications twice as fast, and encrypted material three times quicker.
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Intel Core vPro Processor Family and PCs Announced
Business PCs Arrive with New Intel Core vPro Processor Family
Intel Also Unveils Other Products and Services for Businesses of All Sizes
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
- Business PCs based on 2010 Intel Core vPro processors with Intel Turbo Boost meet growing office performance demands, include enhanced security, management features.آ
- 2010 Intel Core i5 vPro processor can run business productivity applications up to 80 percent faster, multiple applications twice as fast, and encrypted material three times quicker.آ
- New Intel Core vPro technology features integrated "keyboard-video-mouse," Remote Encryption Management, new data and asset theft deterrents.آ
- New notebook technology for system builders, entry-level workstation for the channel, wireless adapters perform up to speed
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 4, 2010 – Intel Corporation today unveiled its 2010 Intel Core vPro processor family to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes for PCs with greater, more flexible performance, theft prevention and cost savings in a rapidly changing business computing environment. These and several other capabilities are at the heart of many new Intel-based business laptop and desktop computers beginning to roll out from computer manufacturers worldwide.
The Intel Core vPro processors arrive as business computing evolves with the emergence of video, Internet telephony, social networking and other heavyweight applications – in many cases running at the same time – making a computer's performance an even bigger priority.
"Businesses, particularly those that haven't purchased PCs for several years, face a computing environment that no longer handles the applications many workers and IT are adopting," said Rick Echevarria, vice president, Intel Architecture Group, and general manager, Business Client Platform Division. "The integration of intelligent performance along with smart security and cost-saving manageability features in the Intel Core vPro processor family provide IT and SMBs a no-compromise platform. We also are excited about how Intel vPro Technology gives IT the flexibility to look at client virtualization, consumerization and rich cloud applications."
The platform based on the 2010 Intel Core vPro processor family includes the new Intel Q57 Express chipset, and new Intel 82577LM Gigabit Network Connection for notebooks and Intel 82578DM Network Connection for desktop PCs.
Computer manufacturers worldwide, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Toshiba, are rolling out business PCs based on the 2010 Intel Core vPro processor family. In addition, developers of software solutions for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprises such as Bomgar, Kaseya, LANDesk, Level Platforms, LogMeIn, Microsoft, RealVNC, Spiceworks, Symantec and WinZip will support the new features in their upcoming products. IT service providers, including AT&T Tech Support 360 and PlumChoice, plan to adopt Intel Core vPro Technology capabilities into their SMB offerings.
Thinking Fast
The processors are based on Intel's award-winning "Nehalem" microarchitecture and manufactured on Intel's groundbreaking new 32-nanometer process. Intel has integrated high-definition graphics in its processors for the first time, and incorporated Intel's second-generation high-k metal gate transistors that help increase computing speed and battery life.
The 2010 Intel Core i7 processors and Core i5 processors feature Intel Turbo Boost Technology and Intel Hyper-Threading Technology for adaptive, "smarter" computing. Intel Turbo Boost Technology automatically adjusts the speed of the processor when it senses a workload change – faster when the user, for example, is multitasking or watching a video, and slower, more energy-efficiently when the worker goes for coffee and only background applications are running.
Contributing to the industry-leading speed and energy efficiency of the processors, Intel Hyper-Threading Technology interconnects multiple processor cores with multiple "threads" that enable faster processing of instructions in parallel.
Using standard benchmarks, a notebook with the 2010 Intel Core i5 vPro processor can run business productivity applications up to 80 percent faster1, multiple applications up to twice as fast1, and protect confidential data up to 3.5 times quicker1 compared to a 3-year-old mainstream notebook.
Outsmarting Evil Doers
Intel Anti-Theft Technology, available with Intel vPro Technology frustrates thieves by locking access to a PC if a central server or built-in intelligence concludes it is lost or stolen. New Intel Anti-Theft Technology version 2.0 (Intel AT 2.0) enables encryption solutions to disable access to cryptographic keys through hardware to completely block access to data, and also makes it simpler to reactivate a PC once in rightful hands. Also, a custom message can be displayed in a pre-OS screen of the disabled PC for anyone who tries to access the computer. Many computer makers plan to support Intel AT 2.0, such as Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo and Panasonic, and such security companies as Absolute Software, PGP, Phoenix and WinMagic.
Thinking Straight on Management
The new Intel Keyboard-Video-Mouse Remote Control (KVM Remote Control), features available with dual-core Intel Core i5 and i7 vPro processors work in conjunction with Intel integrated graphics, bringing a stop to IT administrators' frustration with having to ask users, "What do you see?" Instead, they will see users' displays just as the users do and have full control of the PC, even if the operating system is inoperative. Previously, KVM functionality required appliances that cost as much as $200 and more per PC.
As encryption becomes more prevalent in business PCs, Intel has added features that avoid productivity slowdowns. First, Intel incorporated new instructions for the Advanced Encryption Standard into the hardware, speeding up encryption and decryption. Second, new Intel Remote Encryption Management enables distant IT personnel to manage PCs with encrypted hard drives by more securely unlocking those drives, making all of the Intel vPro Technology capabilities available.
Another new feature, PC Alarm Clock, can wake a PC from off at a predetermined time to perform maintenance, security and other tasks on its own.
Boost for Small-, Medium-sized Businesses …
Today, Channel OEMs and system builders, including ASI, Equus and Seneca Databegan introducing notebooks for SMBs based on the 2010 Intel Core processor family and other Intel building blocks. The full-featured line of notebooks, supported by an Intel enablement program called "Spring Peak," are being developed by original design manufacturers such as Gigabyte and Pegatron, and sold through Intel channel distribution. The Spring Peak platform offers distinctive design, docking station, 15.6-inch LED LCD performance notebook and supports Intel Anti-Theft Technology.
... and Enterprises
Intel launched a workstation platform based on the new Intel Core i5 processor and the Intel 3450 chipset. The platform creates an innovative category of entry-level workstations that delivers workstation efficiency, power and reliability at near-traditional business PC prices. The platform is aimed at SMB and enterprise users who run such applications as digital-media creation or entry-level computer-aided design. The platform takes advantage of new Intel HD graphics and has been certified on applications from ADOBE, Autodesk and others. Workstations based on the platform are being introduced by Intel channel providers, including Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo and NEC.
For wireless performance that complements the speed of the new Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors, Intel unveiled the Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 and Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 802.11n WLAN adapters. The adapters offer advanced 802.11n multi-stream capabilities, dual-band support, consistent coverage and higher speeds (up to 450 Mbps for the 6300 and 300 Mbps for the 6200). Intel also introduced the Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 adapter, which offers up to 20-Mbps WiMAX and advanced 802.11abgn (up to 300 Mbps) WiFi for maximum versatile coverage. All three adapters support Intel vPro Technology.
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S1Digital Intros Media Center-Integrated 100-Disc Blu-ray Changer
There are media center PCs, and there are Blu-ray players. Rarely do the two every intersect in any meaningful way, but S1Digital has managed to create the first Blu-ray Disc Changer that is actually fully integrated with Media Center.The device itself (titled the S1Digital Blu-ray Disc Changer) is a real beast; it holds one hundred Blu-ray Discs--which will probably take quite awhile to collect--and would much rather be connected to a Windows Media Center PC (Vista, Win7 or Windows Home Server) than directly to your TV. The reason? When linked to Media Center, all one hundred of the Blu-ray Disc titles can be scanned and loaded into your computer, where metadata can be downloaded and attached. Once this is done, users can easily scan their BD collection on their PC (a far more elegant solution than thumbing through BD cases on a dusty rack) and hit the play button on their PC.
Moreover, S1Digital's bundled software takes care of all the work, as "every movie and audio disc will automatically be stored on the hard drive, catalogued and metadata and cover-art will be downloaded; as each movie or album is stored, it is immediately available on the customer’s home network from any S1Digital Media Center (or other PCs and certain media streaming devices) for playback."
It's shipping now for big home movie buffs, but it's not even close to cheap. At $1499, you're probably buying this only if buying 100 Blu-ray Discs didn't significantly hurt your wallet.
S1DIGITAL INTRODUCES FIRST BLU-RAY DISC CHANGER FULLY INTEGRATED WITH MEDIA CENTERآS1Digital continues to grow its digital entertainment ecosystem with the introduction of a Blu-ray Disc Changer.آNew Rochelle, NJ – February 3, 2010 – S1Digital,the leader in digital entertainment solutions, today announced thelaunch of the S1Digital Blu-ray Disc Changer. The changer can hold 100discs and seamlessly integrates with any S1Digiral Entertainment Serveror Media Center.آWhen connected to anS1Digital Media Center or any third party Microsoft Windows 7 or VistaPC that includes media center, customers are able to load up to 100Blu-ray and/or DVD movies into the S1Digital Bly-ray Disc Changer.Using the included playback software, each disc will be scanned andmetadata and cover-art automatically downloaded to the server. Oncecatalogued, users can view more information about the movie, or watchthe movie by selecting the appropriate cover-art, which is allavailable on the familiar and easy-to-use media center interface. Thechanger is simple to use and enables almost instant access to movieswithout having to physically find and load each movie.آ“No other solution currently on the market integrates a Blu-ray changer with media center,†said Paul Heitlinger, president of S1Digital. “For customers that want instant and direct access to their movie discs, this is the only solution.â€آWhen connected to anS1Digital Entertainment Server or any third party Windows Home Server,customers can automatically archive their Blu-ray,DVD and CD discs to the server*. With the included software, everymovie and audio disc will automatically be stored on the hard drive,catalogued and metadata and cover-art will be downloaded. As each movieor album is stored, it is immediately available on the customer’s homenetwork from any S1Digital Media Center (or other PCs and certain mediastreaming devices) for playback.آ“A typical Blu-ray disc can take an hour or more to archive,†continues Paul Heitlinger. “Withour solution, you simply load up the changer and hit go. You don’t haveto load each disc one by one. The changer will automatically move fromdisc to disc so customers don’t have to worry about spending daysmanually storing movies and music.â€آThe S1Digital Blu-ray Disc Changer is currently shipping and available for an MSRP of $1499 from http://www.s1digital.com/S1Digital_Blu_ray_disc_ . Dealer and reseller enquiries are welcome by contacting sales@s1digital.com or by calling (201) 402-1920.changer_p/bdc.htm آFor more information on S1Digital, visit www.S1Digital.com.
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Broadcom To Integrate Bluetooth 3.0 + HS Into Mobile/Notebook Chips
SuperSpeed USB seems to be the hot transfer protocol these days, mostly because the coming out parties at IDF and CES went over really well. Tons of companies are voicing their support for the next-generation USB solution, and it should only be a few more months before we see a number of machine shipping with USB 3.0. But a protocol that many seemed to have forgotten about is Bluetooth 3.0.We get the feeling that it will be brought back to our attention in a big way at Mobile World Congress, which starts in just a few weeks in Spain. Many new cellphone and mobile technologies are expected to be showcased, and Broadcom is a huge player in the mobile space. What's so special, you ask? Broadcom has just announced a huge, sweeping support effort for the next generation of Bluetooth, which promises to hasten transfers between short-range devices. The company has just announced that Bluetooth 3.0 + HD specification has been adopted in their Bluetooth and InConcert combo chips/modules, which means that a whole slew of mobile devices will soon be able to transfer files across short distances at speeds of up to 24Mbps.
Best of all, it's now in production with ODM partners in a mini-PCIe combo module for notebook computers and a combo single chip based SIP module targeting smartphones. To us, that sounds as if BT 3.0 could even make its way over to laptops and netbooks in the short term, which would definitely open up the transfer capabilities. Bluetooth 3.0, USB 3.0 and Intel's Wireless Display Technology could make for a wicked trio--even the promise of these will make it awfully tough to buy into a machine now knowing what is just across the horizon.
Broadcom Ships Bluetooth(R) v3.0+ High Speed Functionality Across Its Bluetooth Portfolio
The Broad Availability of the NewStandard will Drive the Adoption of Bluetooth for High-Speed DataSynchronization, File Transfer and Remote Control Applications
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 2/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader insemiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced that ithas added support for the recently adopted Bluetoothآ® v3.0 + HS (High Speed)specification broadly across its Bluetooth and InConcertآ® combo chips andmodules. The new standard greatly enhances the capabilities of Bluetoothtechnology in smartphones, personal computers, netbooks and other devices by enablingfile transfers at speeds up to 24 Megabits per second (Mbps), utilizing anavailable 802.11 wireless LAN (WLAN) radio. By implementing Bluetooth 3.0 + HSacross its Bluetooth and WLAN portfolios, Broadcom is helping drive novelapplications such as remote control while also delivering ease-of-use and speedfor other common applications such as File Transfer and Synchronization.
Broadcom'sBluetooth v3.0 + HS compliantآ technology is now in production with ODMpartners in a mini-PCIe combo moduleآ for notebook computers and a combosingle chipآ based SIPآ module targeting smartphones.
Highlights/Key Facts:
آ·آ آ آ آ آ آ آ آ Personal computers,netbooks, smartphones and other consumer electronics (CE) devices are addingBluetooth v3.0 + HS wireless functionality to extend the user experience andfacilitate high-speed file transfer and synchronization among devices.
آ
آ·آ آ آ آ آ آ آ آ As a leading supplierof both Bluetooth and WLAN technology, and a leader in combination ('combo')chip products that combine both radios in a single chip design, Broadcom is ina unique position to drive Bluetooth v3.0 + HS adoption, further expanding theutility of Bluetooth in CE devices by enabling users to easily move large datafiles from their mobile phones to PCs and digital TVs.
آ
آ·آ آ آ آ آ آ آ آ Several of Broadcom'ssilicon, software and combo chip solutions have achieved Bluetooth v3.0qualification, including:
آ·آ آ آ آ آ آ آ آ The Broadcomآ® BCM2070,BCM2075, BCM43225 and BCM4325 chips, along with the BCM94312 half mini-cardBluetooth + WLAN solution.
آ
آ·آ آ آ آ آ آ آ آ Key versions ofBroadcom's advanced Bluetooth software including BTE-Mobile 3.15.2, BTW 5.6,and BTW 6.3.
آ
آ·آ آ آ آ آ آ آ آ To ensure strongperformance of its Bluetooth solutions, Broadcom has recently upgraded itsinnovative InConcert co-existence technology to add additional features thatmitigate RF interference issues between Bluetooth and WLAN radios, especiallyfor 'combo' chips and modules targeting small form factor devices. Broadcom'sInConcert co-existence complements Bluetooth v3.0 + HS functionality to ensurehigh speed Bluetooth data transfer while simultaneously servicing otherBluetooth peripherals such as the mouse or headset.
آ
آ·آ آ آ آ آ آ آ آ In addition, with itsInConcert Maestro software platform, Broadcom continues to simplify the usageof Bluetooth and Wi-Fi solutions, allowing application developers and end usersto enjoy the convenience of converged wireless functionality and newerstandards such as Bluetooth v3.0+HS without having to deal with the complexityof understanding the technologies and making them work together.
آ
آ·آ آ آ آ آ آ آ آ Key features of thenew Bluetooth v3.0 + HS standard include:
oآ آ آ 10 times the transmission speed over previous Bluetoothspecifications.
oآ آ آ Expanded capabilities for remote control applicationsfeaturing Unicast Connectionless Data (UCD) functionality that enables lowpower operation and reduced latency for CE remote control applications.
oآ آ آ Enhanced powerful security capabilities with support forthe new Read Encryption Key Size feature that allows Bluetooth applications toensure an appropriate level of communications security.
oآ آ آ Bluetooth v3.0 + HS is currently shipping in PCs andsmartphones. The InConcert Maestro platform that allows application developersto exploit the high speed function in novel ways is available to early accesspartners.
آ
Supporting Quote:
Craig Ochikubo, Vice President & GeneralManager, Broadcom's Wireless Personal Area Networking line of business
"We are a strong supporter of the new Bluetooth v3.0 + HSstandard and are making its innovative features available in multipleconfigurations for a wide variety of applications. With our unique InConcerttechnology, which makes Bluetooth and WLAN work well together, we can offersilicon and software solutions that decrease the complexity of adding multiplewireless systems to innovative new consumer devices."
آ
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Get VPN! Full anonymous surfing!
Click here to get VPN service! Anonymous surfing Using our service you'll be fully anonymous in the Internet. Hide your IP address, and nobody will know that strange visitor from Germany ( Great Britain, Estonia and so ), is you. Full access to network You can use any services, access any sites and use any software with us. BitTorrent, Skype, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Pocker .. we have no restrictions. Traffic protection Don't worry, from this moment all you data will be protected using 256 bit Blowfish encryption algorithm. Nobody can access your internet data. Wide variety of countries You can choose one of over twenty high speed servers located in different parts of the world, from South America coast to islands in Indian Ocean. Related keywords: anonymous surfing review proxy server vpn anonymous secure surfing proxy vpn anonymous vpn free internet explorer vpn vpn dial up ssl vpn Traffic protection anonymous surfing freeware anonymous surfing software vtunnel anonymous surfing vpn best anonymous browser surf the web anonymous best anonymous surfing anonymizer anonymous surfing review firefox anonymous surfing Virtual Private Networks Free Vpn Client Software anonymous surfing software anonymous surfing software anonymous proxy
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Open-PC: The Atom-Powered Nettop For Linux Lovers
Windows has long dominated the desktop and notebook scene; even today,the Microsoft-built operating system holds over 90% of the market sharefor PCs globally. Nearly 9 out of every 10 computers in the entireworld run on some form of Windows, which means that there isn't toomuch space left for the "other guys" to fight it out.Apple currently holds between 5% and 6% of the share, while a greatvariety of lesser-known systems hold down the rest. Linux is a big namein the tech enthusiast circle, but outside of that, not too many peoplegive it a fighting chance. Good for you, though, because you'reprobably in that camp that actually gives a darn about an open sourceOS that has provided the world with something to tinker with whenWindows and OS X have both driven you to the brink.
The Open-PC is a new nettop of sorts that runs on Linux, and everythingthat ships with the PC works without drivers and without anyproprietary software. It is truly designed to be ran on Linux, and itjust might be the perfect fit for you if you are into this whole"counter-culture" PC movement. The tiny box is equipped with a 1.6GHzAtom N330 dual-core CPU, 3GB of RAM, an ASRock mainboard, 160GB harddrive, Intel GMA950 integrated graphics, a mini-ITX case, 250-wattpower supply and a Linux/KDE-based OS that is pre-installed andpre-configured to work with the given hardware lineup.It should ship at the end of this month in Europe for 359 Euros, with10 Euros from each sale benefiting KDE. Talk about supporting theLittle Guy!
Open-PC is a completely open computer. Only components with complete technical specifications, as provided by the manufacturers, were used. Everything works with free drivers and no proprietary software is needed.
آ آ آ
The Open-PC
آ آ آ * Atom N330 1,6GHz Dual-Core Processor
آ آ آ * 3GB RAM
آ آ آ * 160GB Harddisc
آ آ آ * ASRock Mainboard
آ آ آ * Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
آ آ آ * Mini ITX-Case
آ آ آ * 250watt power supply
آ آ آ * expandable hardware
آ آ آ * size: 345mm x 100mm x 425mm
آ آ آ * Installation support (telephone and email)
آ آ آ * 10,- EUR of every PC is donated to the KDE project
آ آ آ * Linux/KDE based operatingsystem installed and preconfigured
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Shocker: Consumers Hate Waiting For Web Pages To Load
Well, wouldn't you know it? Consumers hate, hate, hate waiting for web pages to load, and they have no sympathy whatsoever if the site isbeing hammered during a "peak time." That's the conclusion drawn by asoon-to-be-published survey by Gomez, which found that while consumerswere more than willing to wait in long checkout lines in retail storesduring the holidays, they had little to no patience for waiting indigital checkout lines as sites get slammed during the end-of-yearrush. A curious world we live, yes?The survey, which was conducted in December of 2009, found that thevast majority of consumers expected web pages to load quicklyregardless of what time of year the site was visited, and that goes fortravel, retail and most any other type of "serious" site. If it's abusiness, and it's online, consumers expect near-instant page loads.Anything less, and all sorts of bad things begin to happen.
Around 1500 people were consulted for the study, each of which werefamiliar with conducting online transactions during "peak" periods.Over 2/3rds of those polled said that they had no more tolerance forslow page loads for peak times compared to normal times, and 78% of thegroup said that they would click over to competing sites if theyencountered slow page loads or other associated errors. Even morestartling was this: 88% of those questioned said that they would beless likely to return to a slow performing site, with most of themadmitting that they had other options and thus no real need to stickaround and wait things out.
Are you one of those impatient ones? Do you give a site a second chanceif they're slammed during a peak season? How much tolerance do you havesites that load sluggishly?
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Buffalo Goes Tiny With Dual-Drive LinkStation Mini NAS
Buffalo may not hold the same level of household recognition comparedto a LaCie, Seagate or Western Digital, but in the NAS world, it's atrusted name. Network Attached Storage solutions have been thiscompany's wheelhouse for years now, and for those looking to getstarted in a simple way with a reliable face in the industry, there'shardly a better option on paper than the LinkStation Mini.Designed not for the SMB crowd, but for the home users who need a morereliable way to backup and access their archived data, this new sleek,compact dual-drive device features an increase in performance, silentoperations and a revamped UI compared to the previous model. There'salso support for RAID 0 and RAID 1, which should be plenty for the(basic) target audience.
The device can hold two 2.5" (notebook-sized) hard drives, and thewhole box measures just 1.57" x 3.22" x 5.31". It's fanless in natureand is geared for use in streaming situations. The new solution isavailable in 500GB and 1TB versions, and the USB port on the rear canoffer added expansion if you outgrow that. The 500GB version will shipfor $229.99, and the 1TB version for $329.99.
As a DLNA CERTIFIED â„¢ media server, the LinkStation Mini streamscontent to any DLNA compatible media device, including PlayStation 3and Buffalo’s LinkTheater products. The LinkStation Mini is also aniTunesآ® server, seamlessly integrating with and allowing iTunes accessto music files stored on the server’s hard drives. Support for Appleآ®Time Machineآ® and Apple File Protocol (AFP) make it well suited for anyMacآ® environment. And for anyone on-the-go, Buffalo’s free Web Accessfeature makes it a cinch to store, share and access files from any webbrowser via a PC, Mac or iPhoneآ®.
“Buffalo strives to provide consumers with intuitive solutions that aresimple to install and use, so that protecting digital assets is almostautomatic,†said Ralph Spagnola, vice president of sales at BuffaloTechnology. “With the compact dual drive LinkStation Mini, Buffalo hasdelivered a powerful yet compact network attach storage drive that canquickly and securely protect data, photo, video, and music files from acentral location with the automatic protection of RAID 1.â€
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AT&T Caves And Allows 3G Streaming For Sling Player Mobile App
We have been saying that AT&T could be in big trouble, particularlywith its biggest competitor (Verizon Wireless, don't you know?) gettingevery major smartphone platform on its airwaves save for the iPhone.And even still, the iPhone could be painting itself Red before toolong. It seems that the pressure could be getting to "America's Fastest3G Network," as the carrier has just done something that's completelyout of character given their prior stances on these things.First, a little backstory. Sling Media introduced the SlingPlayerMobile app for the iPhone awhile back, but even before then, the sameapp was already out on a variety of other mobile platforms. Beforecoming to the iPhone, users were always able to use the app over a 3Gconnection. If you aren't in the Sling loop, the SlingPlayer Mobile appgives you the ability to watch your television via your home SlingPlayer on your phone. The iPhone version was limited to viewing over Wi-Fi, which obviously caused a great deal of fuss. The issue was thatAT&T was clearly against letting millions of iPhone users streamlive television from their own Slingbox devices, and given thecompany's struggles to manage even the current strain of 3G datademand, we guess we can understand their concern.
Still, that didn't sit well with customers. AT&T was in an enviableposition though, as iPhone users were locked to their serviceregardless of how they felt about AT&T's 3G/Sling Player stance.However, with the possibility of Verizon getting the iPhone becomingmore and more likely, it seems as if AT&T is now more willing tobend their wishes in order to make peace with the existing user base.After all, AT&T wouldn't want hordes of iPhone customers fleeingfor Verizon once the Verizon iPhone finally lands (if it lands), right?
According to a new press release, all of the parties involved have beentesting an "optimized for 3G" version of the app, which now allowsstreaming over 3G as well as Wi-Fi. We get the feeling this decisionwas made in order to garner some positive press in the wake of all thisnegativity, but whatever the motive, we're just glad to see AT&Topening up. Unfortunately, something like this could actually causetheir 3G networks to become even more strained, so we certainly hopeappeasing the crowd doesn't lead to even worse service levels in majorcities. We've also heard that AT&T is working around the clock tobolster their existing 3G networks, so hopefully that is indeed thecase. Only time will tell, but this is certainly a move in the rightdirection from a consumer standpoint.
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