Study Debunks The TiVo Effect
According to a recent study from Duke University, the use of TiVo and other DVRs hasn’t hurt television advertising or changed consumers’ buying behavior. In fact, Carl Mela, a professor in Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, said the ability to fast-forward through commercials has had no effect on buying behavior. Mela also noted that not as many people fast-forward through television commercials as originally thought. Years ago, some people thought that digital video recorders such as a TiVo,
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WD's TV Live HD Media Player Streams Content To HDTVs
WD wants you to know that its TV Live HD media player is the first network media player compatible with Windows 7. By using the Windows 7 Play To feature, you can stream video, music, and photos to the WD TV Live HD media player and home entertainment systems from any Windows 7-based PC on your network. When streaming content, you'll get full-HD 1080p video playback and navigation capabilities as well as the ability to play a variety of file formats. WD TV Live HD Media Player is the First Network Media Player
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Clearwire Will Offer Two 3G/4G Phones This Year
While announcing its first-quarter results, WiMAX carrier Clearwire said that it plans to offer two dual-mode 3G/4G handsets by the end of this year. One of the new handsets will be made by Samsung, while the other will be made by HTC. Clearwire didn't offer up a lot of details concerning the new phones, but it did say that the Samsung phone will run on Android and will be "optimized for heavy video and video communications use." Additionally, both phones will feature Wi-Fi. It's possible that the upcoming 3G/4G
Read More ...
Modder Ports Android to iPhone 3G
At least until iPhone OS 4 ships, probably the single biggest complaint with Apple's smartphone is its inability to multitask. That will change in the coming months, and so too will several other shortcomings be addressed (like managing apps with Folders), but if you just can't shake that Android-envy on your new iPhone 3G, you're not completely out of luck. David Wang, better known as "planetbeing," has ported Google's increasingly popular Android platform over to the latest iPhone. Within a few days, Wang
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ClamCase Converts Your iPad into a Laptop
Burn us at the stake (please don't) or take away our PC geek cred membership card (never mind, we'd rather be burned at the stake), but we have no problem admitting we like Apple's iPad. It's fun, it's functional, and it makes an awesome bedside or couch companion, lack of Flash support be damned. But one thing we're not so keen on is typing on the iPad's virtual keyboard, at least not for any kind of real work. Sure it's serviceable for hammering out a quick email or typing in a URL, but beyond that, it really
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ClamCase Converts Your iPad into a Laptop
Burn us at the stake (please don't) or take away our PC geek cred membership card (never mind, we'd rather be burned at the stake), but we have no problem admitting we like Apple's iPad. It's fun, it's functional, and it makes an awesome bedside or couch companion, lack of Flash support be damned. But one thing we're not so keen on is typing on the iPad's virtual keyboard, at least not for any kind of real work. Sure it's serviceable for hammering out a quick email or typing in a URL, but beyond that, it really kind of sucks.While we're complaining about things we don't like with the iPad, we might as well moan about the $40 protective case Apple sells. It feels flimsy and even a little ghetto when you're shoving the iPad into it, but it beats scratching up your $500+ gadget.
It doesn't have to be that way, folks. Now that the iPad has been on the market for over a month, more and more third-party manufacturers are stepping to the plate with add-on devices, and one of them is ClamCase. The ClamCase consists of a chiclet style Bluetooth keyboard with tactile feedback, but it also serves as a case and stand. The all-one-solution essentially transforms your iPad into a notebook lookalike.
The case is made of high quality ABS plastic and shields against falls, breakage, dust, and dirt. From the pictures we've seen, it all looks pretty slick, and is perhaps what Apple's case should have been in the first place. No word yet on how much it will cost, but according to the company's YouTube video (see here), you'll be able to pick one up this Fall.
Improve the Magical iPad® experience by enhancing protection, efficiency and ease of use with the ClamCase™ the all-in-one: keyboard, case and stand with a sea of features under its shell.
*Patent Pending
BLUETOOTH® KEYBOARD
The chiclet style Bluetooth® keyboard offers a tactical feedback allowing you to compose and type quickly.
Your iPad® easily connects to ClamCases wireless Bluetooth® keyboard
The only physical hardware keyboard solution with a case
Manual power on and off button with blue LED indicator light and automatic power save mode.
Connection to other HID compatible Bluetooth devices such as Sony Playstation 3®,
Tivo® and HTPC (home theater PC) to give you the ultimate wireless keyboard experience.
Bluetooth® technology enables the 30-pin dock connector to be free for charging, syncing and other hard wired functions.
360 DEGREE CASE
The 360-degree torque hinges enable greater flexibility and fixed angles for featured modes of operation as the simple and sleek design of the ClamCase™ protects your iPad® from dents and dings.
Made of high quality ABS plastic to ensure long lasting protection.
Shields against falls and breakage, dust and dirt.
ClamCaseâ„¢ closed position guards against accidental openings and falls.
Smooth yet grippy rubberized exterior texture of the 360 degree hinge provides a more user-friendly hold for confident handling.
POSITIONING STAND
Designed to enhance the iPad® experience by providing a you-decide stand with an endless combination of positions to accommodate your desired tasks.
Flip-back keyboard to expose the rubber hinge grip and enjoy your iPad® in tablet mode.
Watch movies at the perfect angle with the uniquely designed ClamCaseâ„¢ stand which can position into an infinite number of viewing angles.
Manipulate the iPad® touch screen and use your favorite apps at just the right angle.
The unique positioning of the ClamCaseâ„¢ allows users the capability to display a digital picture frame slideshow in both portrait and landscape views.
More information at http://www.clamcase.com
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HotHardware Welcomes Baby IKC with TurboCute
You know, it's not often we actually get a little giddy around here about something new but when it comes to something (or someone) brand-spanking new like this, we just can't help our occasional over-exuberant ways. World, say hello to HotHardware's latest addition to the family, Baby IKC with on-board TurboCute (TC) technology!
Isabella Kathleen Chiappetta - Baby IKC Unveiled
Congrats Adrienne and Marco!!
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Cool Webcast
If you're interested in Linux ,or just want to laugh at a couple of Linux geeks, check out the latest Linux Action Show.
I thought this was an exceptional episode, with a lot of topic relevant to things we've discussed recently here on HH, like H.264, Steam for Linux, VirtualBox, Ubuntu 10.04, etc.
[View:http://www.youtube.com/user/jupiterbroadcasting#p/a/u/1/YZyZbzBirYg]
(http://www.youtube.com/user/jupiterbroadcasting#p/a/u/1/YZyZbzBirYg)
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Super Talent USB 3.0 Flash Drives Offer Performance Boost For USB 2.0 Ports
Super Talent's latest flash drives are designed for USB 3.0. However, even if your computer doesn't support the latest USB standard you can still benefit from these new drives. According to the company, the latest flash drives also offer measurable performance improvements as USB 2.0 drives. The USB 3.0 flash drives are based on a quad-channel design which Super Talent has found offers the best performance the company has seen from a USB 2.0 port.
Tomorrow's Technology Provides Measurable Benefits Today
Super Talent USB 3.0 flash drives offer outstanding USB 2.0 Performance
San Jose, California - May 6, 2010 - Super Talent Technology, a leading manufacturer of Flash storage solutions and DRAM memory modules, today announced a new discovery; our latest flash drives, designed for USB 3.0, also offer measurable performance improvements as USB 2.0 drives.
The majority of performance USB 2.0 flash drives utilize dual-channel architectures. Our USB 3.0 flash drives are based on quad-channel designs and beyond. This architectural difference enables Super Talent USB 3.0 drives to achieve a measurable performance increase even on the USB 2.0 bus.
"The multi-channel architectures we've integrated into our USB 3.0 drives enables enhanced performance even when utilized with a USB 2.0 port. Customers looking for performance flash drives now have a 'future proof' alternative. Super Talent USB 3.0 flash drives not only provide the fastest USB 3.0 flash scores but also the best performance we have seen from the USB 2.0 port as well. It's a win/win for our customers" said Super Talent COO, C.H. Lee.
| Drive | Test | USB 3.0 | USB 2.0 | ||
| READ | WRITE | READ | WRITE | ||
| Â MB/S | MB/S | Â MB/S | MB/S | ||
| USB 3.0 RAIDDrive 128GB | Sequential | 317.8 | 160.9 | 43.67 | 36.33 |
| Random 512K | 260.5 | 149.5 | 42.77 | 35.78 | |
| Random 4K | 13.89 | 15.28 | 7.037 | 7.067 | |
| USB 3.0 SuperCrypt Drive 256GB | Sequential | 233.9 | 161.3 | 43.65 | 35.96 |
| Random 512K | 174.2 | 165.1 | 43.23 | 35.24 | |
| Random 4K | 15.42 | 24.39 | 8.18 | 7.86 | |
| USB 3.0 Express Drive 32GB | Sequential | 131 | 45.07 | 43.35 | 29.82 |
| Random 512K | 126.8 | 19.08 | 42.62 | 15.46 | |
| Random 4K | 10.09 | 1.01 | 6.26 | 1.09 | |
The company's USB 3.0 RAIDDrive, Express and SuperCrypt drives use Super Talent patented technology and are protected under US Patent # 7457897.
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Study Debunks The TiVo Effect
According to a recent study from Duke University, the use of TiVo and other DVRs hasn’t hurt television advertising or changed consumers’ buying behavior. In fact, Carl Mela, a professor in Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, said the ability to fast-forward through commercials has had no effect on buying behavior. Mela also noted that not as many people fast-forward through television commercials as originally thought.
Years ago, some people thought that digital video recorders such as a TiVo, which lets users record TV programs and make it easy to fast-forward through commercials, would kill TV commercials all together. That's obviously not the case today: If you watch TV for a few minutes, you're bound to see a commercial.
“Companies are afraid of a ‘TiVo effect’ and are changing their media spending as a result,†says Mela. “But we find no change in people’s shopping patterns when we compare a group that has TiVo with a group that doesn’t. The manufacturers’ fears seem to be overstated.â€
Mela explains the lack of impact on consumer spending in a few ways. First, he points out that about 95 percent of people watch live television. As a result, these users cannot fast forward through commercials. Secondly, Mela notes that even users who don't have a DVR can skip commercials by flipping channels or walking out of the room for a minute.
Furthermore, users who fast-forward through commercials when watching a recorded show still tend to watch the screen so they know when to resume playback. In doing so, these users are still being exposed to the advertisements. Finally, users tend to watch more TV if they have the ability to record a show and watch it on their own schedule.
Interestingly enough, Mela began the study with the intentions of measuring how bad DVRs were for commercial advertisers and consumer product manufacturers. He couldn't do it: “We tried a vast array of methodological approaches to find a DVR effect. And we just couldn’t,†he says.
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WD's TV Live HD Media Player Streams Content To HDTVs
WD wants you to know that its TV Live HD media player is the first network media player compatible with Windows 7. By using the Windows 7 Play To feature, you can stream video, music, and photos to the WD TV Live HD media player and home entertainment systems from any Windows 7-based PC on your network. When streaming content, you'll get full-HD 1080p video playback and navigation capabilities as well as the ability to play a variety of file formats.
WD TV Live HD Media Player is the First Network Media Player Compatible With Windows 7
Consumers Can Use 'Play To' Feature to Stream Music, Videos and Picture Files Stored on Their PCs and Home Network to Their Big Screen TVs
LAKE FOREST, Calif., May 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- WD® (NYSE: WDC), the world's leader in external storage solutions, today announced that the WD TV Live HD media player, featuring network capability and Full-HD 1080p resolution, is the first network media player compatible with Windows 7. The WD TV Live HD media player makes it easy for anyone to play media stored on USB and network drives, any PC on the home network, as well as content from popular websites, on the biggest screen in their home -- their big screen television.
Using the Windows 7 Play To feature, users can initiate and control the streaming of video, music or photos to the WD TV Live HD media player and home entertainment systems from any Windows 7-based PC on their network. Any compatible media file accessible from the PC – located either on the PC or the network – can be played to the WD TV Live by right clicking on the file name in the folder or directly from within Windows Media Player 12 and choosing the WD TV Live HD media player as the playback device.
Current users of the WD TV Live will need to update their WD TV Live HD media player to the latest firmware in order to use the Windows 7 Play To feature. Instructions for updating the WD TV Live HD media player can be found here: http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/updates/?family=wdfwdtv_live
"Microsoft is pleased that Western Digital has earned the Compatible with Windows 7 logo and is supporting the Play To feature with WD TV Live HD media player," said Mark Relph, senior director, Windows Ecosystem Product Management at Microsoft Corp. "Now more than 100 million Windows 7 customers will have an affordable and easy way to play files to their HD TVs and other devices from their PC."
"We regularly engage with WD TV Live enthusiasts in our online community. Â Many have been asking for a way to "push" media from their PCs to their TV or home theater system, especially from laptops. With the new Windows 7 Play To feature, users can select music or movies from their laptop and play it on an HD TV connected to a WD TV Live HD media player, whether the HD TV is across the living room or in a different room altogether," said Dale Pistilli, vice president of marketing for WD's branded products group. "WD worked closely with Microsoft on this exciting new feature to ensure the seamless compatibility of the WD TV Live HD media player with Windows 7 PCs and deliver WD TV Live users what they want."
WD TV Live HD Media Player
Features of the Windows 7-compatible WD TV Live HD media player include:
- Full-HD 1080p video playback and navigation with the included remote control and crisp, animated navigation menus;
- Play a wide variety of file formats including support for the most popular file formats with no need to spend time transcoding;
- Play videos, music and photos from the Internet on your big screen TV and discover new music with Pandora® Internet radio or listen to thousands of radio stations via Live365 Internet radio;
- Ethernet port for wired or Wi-Fi® connection(1) to access files anywhere on the network to play movies, music, and photos from any PC or drive on a home network;
- Turns a USB drive(2) into an HD media player and plays content from most popular USB drives, and digital cameras, camcorders, and portable media players that can be recognized as mass storage devices;
- Unlimited media collection, just add more USB drives for more space;
- Two USB ports for seamless media playback from multiple USB drives and ability to access them simultaneously while a media library feature collects the content on all the drives into one list sorted by media type;
- Transfer files by copying, moving or deleting files stored on a USB drive, a network drive, Â a camcorder, or a camera to the attached USB drive using the on-screen menus;
- Picture Transfer Protocol support to show photos and movies directly from digital camera or video camera and/or any digital imaging device that supports Picture Transfer Protocol;
- Advanced navigation options including thumbnail and list views, media library and search;
- Photo viewing to create custom slide shows, zoom and pan and search;
- Movie viewing with fast-forward, rewind, pause, zoom and pan, view subtitles, and search;
- Music playback with fast-forward, rewind, pause, shuffle, repeat and search;
- File copying between USB devices;
- HDMI® 1.3 port, composite video and component video output(3) for the highest quality HDTV or home theater;
- SPDIF digital output that sends digital signals to your AV receiver for the best surround sound experience; and,
- Ultra-compact design to fit easily into a home entertainment center.
Pricing and Availability
The WD TV Live HD media player is available now at select retailers and online at shopwd.com. Covered by a 1-year limited warranty, the MSRP for WD TV Live HD media player is $149.99 USD.
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Asus Ion-Powered Eee PC 1201N Review
The proliferation of NVIDIA's Ion GPU has been a long time coming. We've been talking about its merits for the better part of this year, but only recently has it been able to find its way into more than a handful of mainstream, shipping netbooks. We recently had a look at HP's Mini 311 with Windows 7 Home Premium, and while the Ion definitely enabled smooth HD playback where it was previously impossible with a paltry 1.6GHz Atom N270 and Intel IGP, the CPU bottleneck held back the entire system. Today, however, we're taking a look at a much more powerful system.
Asus has come a long way since the launch of its original Eee PC. 7" and 8" netbooks are no longer the norm, and the availability of 12" netbooks is on the rise. The newest member of the stylish Seashell lineup is the Eee PC 1201N, which easily bests any other netbook we've tested in terms of specifications. It's also one of the larger netbooks out, blurring the line between the netbooks of old and the ultraportables of today. Featuring a 12.1" HD display, dual-core Atom 330 CPU, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, Windows 7 Home Premium, an HDMI output and NVIDIA's Ion GPU technology, there's not much to dislike about the newest Eee PC based on its build sheet...
Asus Ion-Powered Eee PC 1201N Review
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Clearwire Will Offer Two 3G/4G Phones This Year
While announcing its first-quarter results, WiMAX carrier Clearwire said that it plans to offer two dual-mode 3G/4G handsets by the end of this year. One of the new handsets will be made by Samsung, while the other will be made by HTC.
Clearwire didn't offer up a lot of details concerning the new phones, but it did say that the Samsung phone will run on Android and will be "optimized for heavy video and video communications use." Additionally, both phones will feature Wi-Fi.
It's possible that the upcoming 3G/4G handset from HTC is the EVO 4G which has already been announced by Sprint and targeted for a summer release. As you'll recall, the EVO 4G has been touted as the world's first Android-based 4G phone. It has a 4.3-inch touchscreen, 8 megapixel camera, HD video capture capabilities, HDMI output, and the HTC Sense user interface. The EVO 4G also has a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and built-in mobile hotspot functionality that lets you share the 4G connectivity with up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices.
Clear's network boasts average mobile download speeds of 3Mbps to 6Mbps with bursts exceeding 10Mbps. Currently, users can get 4G service through a variety of devices including a 4G desktop modem, a 4G USB modem, 3G/4G USB modem, and WiMAX-embedded laptops.
In addition to the announcement that Clearwire will add service for a number of cities this summer, the company also said the following markets should receive service by the end of 2010: New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Denver, Minneapolis, the San Francisco Bay area, Miami, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
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Modder Ports Android to iPhone 3G
At least until iPhone OS 4 ships, probably the single biggest complaint with Apple's smartphone is its inability to multitask. That will change in the coming months, and so too will several other shortcomings be addressed (like managing apps with Folders), but if you just can't shake that Android-envy on your new iPhone 3G, you're not completely out of luck. David Wang, better known as "planetbeing," has ported Google's increasingly popular Android platform over to the latest iPhone.
Within a few days, Wang will have put together packaged binaries and instructions for 3G owners to follow in his footsteps, and when he does, you'll be able to use the Android OS to do everything from download/install/run apps from the Android Market, to sending and receiving text messages. In addition, Wang said there have been a few improvements since the original port designed for the regular iPhone, including an improved Wi-Fi driver and an Android icon added to the boot menu.
There isn't any audio support yet, but Wang promises to address this issue within the next few days. You can also expect better power management and backlight control by the time this is ready for mass consumption. In the meantime, check out Wang's YouTube video below.
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