IT-Code-News: IT News HeadLines (HotHardware) 14/05/2010

1 In 4 Households Have Cut The Cord & Switched To Cell Phones
According to data reported by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four households has traded in their landline telephone for a cell phone. As you may expect, this trend is increasing. In the beginning of 2006, just 11 percent of homes had only a cell and no landline. This move away from traditional landline phones has had a far-reaching effect. Telephone companies are not the only ones affected, either. Polling firms and government agencies that gather data also face additional challenges
Read More ...

Bugged GeForce Drivers Improve Image Quality
One of the fun things about being a hardware analyst is that every now and then, research and comparison between products turns up something both interesting and unexpected. In this case, we were testing and comparing image quality between ATI's 5970 and the GeForce GTX 480 as part of a system review when we stumbled across an officially confirmed antialiasing bug in NVIDIA's 197.41 drivers. Unlike some "bugs" that artificially inflate benchmark performance or lower detail levels, this one improves image
Read More ...

Time Warner & Verizon To Launch Online TV Content
Time Warner and Verizon are teaming up to give Verizon's FiOS TV customers free, unlimited online access to content from Time Warner's Turner networks, namely TNT and TBS. The companies also have plans to bring the same content to mobile devices in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future. Once the content is available for FiOS subscribers, programs will be available for viewing within 24 hours after an episode airs. Turner expects to launch additional networks sometime this year. Additionally, Verizon is working
Read More ...

Gateway Introduces Revamped NV Line Of Notebooks
Gateway may not have the clout they once had, but don't you dare count them out. The company is rolling along in 2010 with more than a few significant announcements, and the new NV Series certainly hangs with the big boys in most every respect. The newly updated line reflects the changes that come with a new line of Intel CPUs, and we have to confess that the spec sheets look rather exciting. The NV line consists of two models: the 15.6" NV5 and 17.3" NV7. Both feature a high definition LCD widescreen, with
Read More ...

Common Cents Mobile Brings No-Frills Pre-Paid Service To Walmart
Earlier in the month, Sprint let the world in on a little secret: they would soon be launching yet another pre-paid brand. This is in addition to Boost Mobile, Assurance Wireless and Virgin Mobile, mind you. Today, the cat was let out of the bag, and bargain hunters might just find what they've been searching for in a wireless carrier by visiting their local Walmart. Common Cents Mobile isn't the greatest naming convention of all time, but it gets right to the point: this is a pre-paid wireless operator who
Read More ...

LG Ally Comes To Verizon May 20 For $99.99 On Contract
LG has been rather quiet when talking specifics about their new Ally smartphone. Ever since Iron Man 2 became the most promoted thing in America, the company has been dropping hints here and there about what exactly the Android-powered phone would bring. Today, Verizon Wireless moved to remove the mysteries surrounding it, but given that the HTC EVO 4G was also officially revealed today, we'd say the timing here could have been a little better. If you're committed to VZW and have no interest in testing the 4G
Read More ...

HTC's EVO 4G May Be The Most Expensive Smartphone Ever
4G smartphones have been around; HTC made one for Russia's Yota carrier around two full years ago. But 4G as a whole is new to America, and while just a few cities have the service now, even those within a 4G area could only use mobile data devices to take advantage. Sprint and HTC announced the EVO 4G back at the CTIA trade show in March, promising America's 4G smartphone on an Android-based device that is seen by many as the iPhone 3GS killer. Tonight in an event in New York City, both Sprint and HTC finally
Read More ...

Samsung To Bundle Boingo Service With Camera
Samsung's new ST5500/CL80 Wi-Fi enabled digital camera will now come with pre-loaded with Boingo software and three months of free Boingo service. With this offering, users will be able to connect to 125,000 Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide to share their photos and videos while on the go. With Wi-Fi connectivity, Samsung ST5500/CL80 users will be able to share memories via social networks such as Facebook and YouTube directly from the camera. The ST5500/CL80 is a point-and-shoot model with a 14.2 megapixel sensor,
Read More ...

Valve Officially Reveals Steam For Mac: Download For Free Today
It's sort of tough to believe it took this long, but finally, Mac users are getting equal treatment when it comes to digital distribution of games. Valve has today launched a program that has not only been long-awaited, but highly rumored. Steam for Mac. Those three words pretty much say it all, and judging by the slow download rates that many eager Mac users are seeing, it seems to be a big hit already. Many PC gamers have been getting their games exclusively via Steam for years now, as it's far simpler than
Read More ...

ZOMM Puts Your Cell Phone on a Leash
How many times did your mother tell you growing up that you'd lose your head if it wasn't screwed on? As it turns out, she was feeding you a line of bull, but what she should have said instead is that if you're not more careful, you'll end up misplacing your pricey smartphone. It happens to all of us, whether it falls out of our pants pocket in a cab or we leave it on the table in a restaurant. Or maybe you walked out of the house without your phone. It's situations like these where ZOMM's digital leash could
Read More ...

Apple's iPhone Likely Staying Put with AT&T through 2012
Sorry folks, but for those of you who found yourselves getting excited at the prospect of owning an iPhone on Verizon's network, we have to burst your bubble. The outlook doesn't look good, no matter what rumors you might have read (and there have been plenty of them) -- the truth is, AT&T and Apple are locked into a contract until 2012, no matter how much everyone wishes it wasn't true. News that Apple and AT&T had entered into a 5-year exclusivity contract first broke in 2007 not long before the original
Read More ...

T-Mobile To Get Garminfone In June
In April, we told you about T-Mobile's plans to carry the Garminfone. Now, we're getting closer to an official launch. Although the phone was originally scheduled to ship this spring, Garmin is now saying the Garminfone will be available in select T-Mobile U.S. retail outlets in June. The company also gave us official pricing information. As expected, the phone will be available for $199.99 with a qualifying voice and data plan on new two-year agreement. The Garminfone is an Android-powered smartphone with Garmin's
Read More ...

OWC Reveals 480GB Mercury Extreme Pro 2.5" SSD
Just yesterday Mushkin pushed the 2.5" SSD sector up a notch with a 240GB option, which is far larger than many standard hard drives that are shipping with notebooks today. Now, OWC is taking it to another level: 480GB. Yes, 480GB on a single 2.5" solid state drive. The bar has been raised in terms of capacity, that's for sure. The company's new Mercury Extreme Pro SSD range is now available, with units ranging from 60GB to 480GB in size. According to the company, these feature "sustained data rates of 285MBps,"
Read More ...

Bugged GeForce Drivers Improve Image Quality

One of the fun things about being a hardware analystÂ is that every now and then, research and comparison between products turns up something both interesting and unexpected. In this case, we were testing and comparing image quality between ATI's 5970 and the GeForce GTX 480 as part of a system review when we stumbled across an officially confirmed antialiasing bug in NVIDIA's 197.41 drivers. Unlike some "bugs" that artificially inflate benchmark performance or lower detail levels, this one improves image quality by performing supersampling AA (SSAA) across the entire image...

Bugged GeForce Drivers Improve Image Quality

1 In 4 Households Have Cut The Cord & Switched To Cell Phones

According to data reported by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four households has traded in their landline telephone for a cell phone. As you may expect, this trend is increasing. In the beginning of 2006, just 11 percent of homes had only a cell and no landline.

This move away from traditional landline phones has had a far-reaching effect. Telephone companies are not the only ones affected, either. Polling firms and government agencies that gather data also face additional challenges as a result of the decrease in landlines. Additionally, 911 service providers have had to find additional options when it comes to locating people who are in need of help.

Today, just 15 percent of households have a traditional landline telephone and no cell phone. As you may guess, the majority â€“ 6 in 10 households â€“ have both a landline and a traditional cell phone. This figure has remained pretty consistent since the beginning of 2007.

Other interesting facts from the report:

More than a third of people under age 35 have only cell phones. In contrast, only about 1 in 20 people age 65 and older rely solely on cell phones.
More than 4 in 10 renters had only cells. This is about triple the rate for homeowners.
Adults living in the Northeast were less likely to have only a cell phone and no landline. In this group, 15 percent of adults relied solely on a cell compared to other parts of the country which ranged from 22 to 26 percent.

Time Warner & Verizon To Launch Online TV Content

Time Warner and Verizon are teaming up to give Verizon's FiOS TV customers free, unlimited online access to content from Time Warner's Turner networks, namely TNT and TBS. The companies also have plans to bring the same content to mobile devices in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future.

Once the content is available for FiOS subscribers, programs will be available for viewing within 24 hours after an episode airs. Turner expects to launch additional networks sometime this year. Additionally, Verizon is working with content providers to make additional online programming available from content providers such as FOX News, CBS, MTV Networks, Hallmark Channel, Smithsonian Channel, the Tennis Channel, and more.Â

Time Warner Inc. and Verizon to Launch Online TV Content

Verizon's FiOS TV Customers to Get Expanded Online Video Programming From Time Warner's Turner Networks TNT and TBS; Other New Online Video Content Coming Soon

LOS ANGELES, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Time Warner Inc. and Verizon announced on Wednesday (May 12) at The Cable Show 2010 that the companies are making new television programming available online to Verizon's FiOS TV customers. Â As Time Warner expands its online TV content, the company is partnering with Verizon to bring FiOS TV subscribers the entertainment they want, wherever and whenever they want it.

Beginning in June, FiOS TV customers will automatically receive free, unlimited online access to popular content from Time Warner's Turner networks â€“ TNT and TBS â€“ with plans to bring the same content to mobile devices in the near future. Â Verizon is working with a number of content providers to test and make available soon to FiOS customers a significant amount of additional online programming from a variety of content providers, including FOX News, CBS, MTV Networks, Hallmark Channel, Smithsonian Channel, the Tennis Channel and more. Â These channels will join other online video services already available to FiOS customers. Â These services include Time Warner's HBO, which launched HBO Go to FiOS customers in February.

"Consumers want to access video any time, any place, and Verizon continues to expand our high-quality entertainment services, providing FiOS customers with access and control," said Mike Ritter, chief marketing officer for Verizon. Â "We will continue to work with companies like Time Warner and other early adopters to remain a leader in delivering the best content over the best network."

Time Warner Inc. Chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, "Verizon has been a great partner as we've explored new ways for their subscribers to access and interact with our popular networks.Â TNT and TBS will now be available online to FiOS subscribers at no added cost. Â In less than a year, we've been able to launch our vision of delivering TV Everywhere to nearly 20 million customers nationwide."

Once the new Turner content launches for FiOS subscribers, programs like "The Closer," "Southland," "Leverage," Lopez Tonight" and more will be available free of charge within 24 hours after an episode airs on live television. Â These programs will be available with HD video quality for the consumer. Â Turner expects to launch additional networks during the remainder of the year.

FiOS customers who subscribe to both FiOS TV and FiOS Internet will be able to watch the programs on their personal computers or laptops â€“ at home or away â€“ using any broadband connection. Â Using their Verizon Online user names and passwords, FiOS customers will be able to access the online programming at either www.verizon.com/fiostvonline or soon-to-be launched TNT and TBS websites. Â After successfully completing their initial login, consumers do not need to sign in again for up to 30 days. Â Online programming from additional content providers also will be accessible via FiOS TV Online or the provider websites.

Verizon has been delivering high-quality video entertainment online to its FiOS and High Speed Internet broadband customers since 2005, with online services like Starz Play, ESPN3, Disney Connection and YES Network. Â FiOS TV subscribers were the first to get online access to premium services from HBO GO and EPIX.

In addition, V CAST Video from Verizon Wireless brings more than 200 full-length TV series and live sporting events from leading broadcast and cable providers to wireless phones. Â These top-rated and most-watched programs rotate with the television season, with episodes available on V CAST within hours of their first airing on television.

The Verizon multi-screen experience also includes bringing online content to TV sets. Â FiOS TV customers have the unique ability to use their TV screens to search and enjoy online videos from YouTube, blip.tv, Dailymotion and Veoh. Â Plus, FiOS offers TV subscribers the ability to interact with friends and followers on top social media sites Facebook and Twitter.

FiOS TV offers a broad collection of programming, with more than 565 all-digital channels including up to 140 HD channels and 18,000 monthly video-on-demand titles.Â FiOS also provides next-generation interactive services including an advanced interactive media guide; social networking, news and entertainment widgets; remote DVR management via broadband or cell phone; and more.

For the latest news, updates and information about FiOS TV, visit www.verizon.com/newscenter and http://www.verizon.com/athomeblog.

HTC's EVO 4G May Be The Most Expensive Smartphone Ever

4G smartphones have been around; HTC made one for Russia's Yota carrier around two full years ago. But 4G as a whole is new to America, and while just a few cities have the service now, even those within a 4G area could only use mobile data devices to take advantage. Sprint and HTC announced the EVO 4G back at the CTIA trade show in March, promising America's 4G smartphone on an Android-based device that is seen by many as the iPhone 3GS killer.

Tonight in an event in New York City, both Sprint and HTC finally announced the final details surrounding the phone. Namely, a price and release date, but they also threw a twist in that no one saw coming. For starters, the smartphone will ship on June 4th for $199.99 after rebate and a 2-year contract agreement. That's not so far off, and it's almost certainly prior to Apple announcing the next generation iPhone.

And while this price is par for the course when it comes to revealing a new "superphone," there's a little more red tape to get to. Unlike existing smartphones, all of which surf at a 3G maximum, this phone will utilize the newer WiMAX standard where available. In order to pay for that, users will be forced to pay another $10 per month for WiMAX access. This extra fee enables users to watch high quality YouTube clips right on the phone (or on an HDTV via HDMI), as well as engage in video chats using the front-facing camera. There's also the promise of simultaneous voice and data capability in 4G areas, and if you want to use the mobile hotspot feature--which provides 4G/3G access to up to eight Wi-Fi devices--that's another $29.99 per month.

So the EVO 4G may be your ultimate smartphone, but it'll definitely drain your wallet quickly.

HTC EVO 4G features the latest version of the increasingly popular Android platform, Android 2.1, offering more than 35,000 apps, as well as a mind-blowing list of features, including:

Â Â Â * Simultaneous voice and data capability in 4G and Wi-Fi coverage areas, enabling Web surfing and more while the conversation continues.
Â Â Â * Offering a new way to search with pictures instead of words, Google Goggles(TM) works with everything from books, DVDs and barcodes to landmarks, logos, artwork and wine labels.
Â Â Â * Superfast 1GHz Qualcomm(R) Snapdragon(TM) processor, ensuring a smooth and quick movement within phone menus.
Â Â Â * Two cameras - an 8.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera.
Â Â Â * Built-in mobile hotspot functionality allowing up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices to share the 3G or 4G experience on the go with a laptop, camera, music player, game unit, video player, or any other Wi-Fi enabled device.
Â Â Â * Integrated HD video capture with the ability to capture and share live video via the Qik Web site, Facebook, YouTube or Twitter(TM).
Â Â Â * Ability to easily watch video with the device on an HDTV via an HDMI cable (sold separately).
Â Â Â * Custom Web browser optimized for the 4.3 inch display and Sprint 4G speeds to deliver a full, no-compromise Internet experience.
Â Â Â * A handy kickstand built into the back, making it easy to watch videos on-the-go.
Â Â Â * Adobe Flash technology ensures that rich Internet content, such as embedded video and animation, are displayed the way they are meant to be seen.
Â Â Â * Pinch-to-zoom and automatic text reflowing provide easy Web page views.

T-Mobile To Get Garminfone In June

In April, we told you about T-Mobile's plans to carry the Garminfone. Now, we're getting closer to an official launch. Although the phone was originally scheduled to ship this spring, Garmin is now saying the Garminfone will be available in select T-Mobile U.S. retail outlets in June. The company also gave us official pricing information. As expected, the phone will be available for $199.99 with a qualifying voice and data plan on new two-year agreement.

The Garminfone is an Android-powered smartphone with Garmin's automotive GPS features. The phone will come with a car mount and a charger in the box. In addition to the typical points of interest and navigational options, the Garminfone is tightly integrated with Google Voice Search, letting you speak instructions to move through point of interest information. The phone will also have Garmin Voice Studio, which lets you record custom voices as your navigation prompts.

Specifications

Valve Officially Reveals Steam For Mac: Download For Free Today

It's sort of tough to believe it took this long, but finally, Mac users are getting equal treatment when it comes to digital distribution of games. Valve has today launched a program that has not only been long-awaited, but highly rumored. Steam for Mac.

Those three words pretty much say it all, and judging by the slow download rates that many eager Mac users are seeing, it seems to be a big hit already. Many PC gamers have been getting their games exclusively via Steam for years now, as it's far simpler than riding out to a store (lazy generation, we know). Valve has also stated that new slate of games will becoming available each Wednesday, with this week's titles listed below. Let the games begin, as they say!

STEAM FOR MACAVAILABLE FORDOWNLOAD

VALVE OFFERS PORTALFOR FREE AS ASPECIAL LAUNCH OFFER

May 12, 2010Â - Steam for the Mac is now availableforimmediate download at www.steamgames.com.

Each Wednesday a new group of games highlighting an area of Steamfunctionality will be released. This week's titles, which show offÂ SteamPlay, include:

And Yet It Moves

Atlantis Sky Patrol

Bejeweled 2 Deluxe

Bob Came in Pieces

Bookworm Deluxe

Braid

Brainpipe

Chocolatier: Decadence by Design

Chuzzle Deluxe

City of Heroes: Architect Edition

Civilization IV: The Complete Edition

Cooking Dash

Diaper Dash

The Dig

Diner Dash: Hometown Hero

DinerTown Detective Agency

DinerTown Tycoon

Dream Chronicles: The Chosen Child

Escape Rosecliff Island

Fairway Solitaire

Fitness Dash

Football Manager 10

Galcon Fusion

Gemini Lost

Guns of Icarus

Hotel Dash Suite Success

Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

KrissX

Loom

Luxor

Luxor 3

Luxor: Mahjong

Machinarium

Mahjong Roadshow

Max and the Magic Marker

My Tribe

The Nightshift Code

Nightshift Legacy: The Jaguar's Eye

Parking Dash

Peggle Deluxe

Peggle Nights

Portal

Professor Fizzwizzle and the Molten Mystery

Quantz

Sam & Max: The Devil's PlayhouseÂ Â

Tales of Monkey Island Season 1

Toki Tori

Torchlight

Trijinx: A Kristine Kross Mystery

Unwell Mel

Valarie Porter and the Scarlett Scandal

Wandering Willows

Wedding Dash 2: Rings Around the World

World of Goo

Zenerchi

Zuma Deluxe

Gamers who download Steam between now and May 24th will also receive afreecopy of Valve's game of the year award-winning Portal.

"The Mac is a great platform for developers," said Gabe Newell,president of Valve. "And it's also great that we now have the ability toconnect with Mac gamers via Steam. This is the beginning of agroundswell ofgames coming out for and fully utilizing the openness and power of theMac."

For more information on Steam, please visit www.steamgames.com.

About Steam
The leading online service for games and digital entertainment,Steamdelivers new releases and online services to over 25 million gamersaround theworld. For more information, please visit www.steamgames.com.

Steam for Linux - IT'S OFFICIAL (maybe).

This just might be the best thing to ever happen to Linux:

According to several sites that have been breaking the Steam for Mac news: "Valve has also confirmed that it will make Steam available to Linux users in the coming months." [emphasis mine] (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7715209/Steam-for-Mac-goes-live.html)

It's speculated that it will arrive at the end of the summer. Analysis of Steam has already identified several existing Linux-native games are already in the store and waiting, including UT4, World of Goo, ET:QW, and Doom 3. And, all of Valve's Source games are said to be coming in native format (as they did for Mac).

Linux actually already performs better than comparably equipped Apple systems when it comes to OpenGL, and things are only going to get better now that there will be more feedback to the driver/card manufacturers on their proprietary driver performance and bugs.

I can't find any more details or sources at the moment, other than the always blissfully hopeful guys at Phoronix, but this seems legit... unless this is some kind of circular thing where Telegraph has been reading and misunderstanding older Phoronix news. I'll keep looking for something official on Valve's site.

Gateway Introduces Revamped NV Line Of Notebooks

Gateway may not have the clout they once had, but don't you dare count them out. The company is rolling along in 2010 with more than a few significant announcements, and the new NV Series certainly hangs with the big boys in most every respect. The newly updated line reflects the changes that come with a new line of Intel CPUs, and we have to confess that the spec sheets look rather exciting.

The NV line consists of two models: the 15.6" NV5 and 17.3" NV7. Both feature a high definition LCD widescreen, with the first having a Core i3 CPU, integrated webcam, 1366x768 panel and starting price of $799.99. The bigger brother has a 1600x900 resolution, HDMI port and an optional Blu-ray player, not to mention ATI Radeon graphics, Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet and your choice of a Core i5 chip or one of AMD's Athlon/Turion processors. Both feature up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, and there's a 320GB or 640GB hard drive and a multi-format card reader included as well. Full specifications are listed below.

GATEWAY NV SERIES BRINGS ELEGANT DESIGN TO CINEMATIC ENTERTAINMENT NOTEBOOKS

Style and the latest technology features elevate the Gateway NV Line;
Dedicated one-touch button for social networking links customers to their favorite sites

IRVINE, Calif., May 13, 2010 â€“ Gateway today debuted its newly-updated Gateway NV Series of notebooks with new models featuring the latest technology to boost productivity, first-rate cinematic entertainment and seamless social networking capabilities.

The Gateway NV line features models in two different sizes â€“ the NV5 Series with a 15.6-inch display and the NV7 Series with a 17.3-inch display. All models feature a High Definition Ultrabright LCD widescreen display with resolutions that deliver vivid lifelike details, vibrant color and superior image quality.

The first model in the new series is available now â€“ it is the Gateway NV59C09u, with a 15.6-inch HD Ultrabright LCD display, Blu-ray drive, Intel Core i3 processor and an integrated HD webcam for only $799.99. Additional models in the line will be available at retailers nationwide over the coming weeks.

The new Gateway NV Series includes models ranging from all-around performance for students and families on a budget, to systems bursting with the latest technology for video editing and casual gaming. In all cases, the new Gateway NV Series models are well-equipped to deliver excellent performance with processors from Intel or AMD.

"Mobile entertainment means something entirely different today than it did just a few short years ago -- more often it comes in the form of video clips, photos and updates on friends' and fan pages by using popular social networking sites and tools," said John Nguyen, senior product marketing manager for Gateway notebooks and netbooks. "The Gateway NV Series notebook line is well-equipped to let customers have quick access to their entertainment and social networks with easy-to-use technology, such as the latest Wifi and HD webcam."
Ready for Entertainment, Social Networking
The Gateway NV Series features an integrated "social networking" button that allows customers to access their social networks, including Facebook, YouTube and Flickr, with a single touch of a button. With it, customers can see real-time network updates on their status feed, as well as provide updates to their own sites with information, images and video.

The Gateway NV Series' High Definition LED-backlit TFT Widescreen displays deliver compelling lifelike video with vibrant images that are crisp and detailed. The NV5 15.6-inch display models boast a 1366x768 resolution, while the Gateway NV7 Series will impress viewers with its image-enhancing 1600x900 resolution. Both provide a true cinematic viewing experience thanks to their 16:9 aspect ratio that is perfect for HD movies and video. Support for high definition audio and two built-in stereo speakers further enhance the overall experience. Also, the HDMI port lets customers use a convenient, single cable connection to deliver crisp high-quality visuals and high-fidelity audio to a home theater or external LCD.

Select models in the new Gateway NV Series feature extras for even more entertainment capabilities. Blu-ray video players are featured on select models in both the NV5 and NV7 Series lines for movie-viewing in incredible detail, paired with DVD and CD recording capability. Also, the Gateway NV7 Series will feature models with ATI Mobility Radeon HD graphics for enhanced graphics capabilities when viewing the latest PC games.

To further customers' ability to have fun and stay in touch with their social networks, the Gateway NV Series comes with 802.11b/g/n WiFi Certified connectivity. The integrated High-definition webcam allows web chats and video emails in incredible clarity thanks to its 1280x1024 resolution. Also, Gigabit Ethernet LAN connectivity ensures a fast wired online connection.

Latest Technologies, Including Easy-to-Access MyBackup
The Gateway NV line delivers the latest in technology and features, starting with reliable processing technology including Intel Core i3 and Core i5 processors as well as AMD Athlon and AMD Turion processors. The notebooks have up to 4GB of DDR3 memory that is upgradeable to 8GB, so performance is further promoted. The notebooks also feature media card readers that accept popular media cards (Secure Digital, Multimedia Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro and xD) as well as large-capacity hard drives ranging from 320GB to 640GB of capacity,(1) so customers will be able to easily and quickly access, download, store and share their digital media content.

To protect these media files, photos and video while on the go, the Gateway NV Series includes MyBackup functionality that gives customers a way to quickly and easily back-up all important files. Easily accessible with the integrated software, customers can conveniently back up files to another location such as a USB drive, external hard disk drive, or another hard drive partition. The notebook line is incredibly easy to use with a multi-gesture touchpad, touchpad lock, and dedicated numeric keypad.

Ergonomics Meet Stylish Elegant Design
Designed with special attention to ergonomics, the Gateway NV line has a slim and sleek profile that is easy to enjoy and transport. The glossy-black interior houses a comfortable palm rest and keyboard surround. The intuitively recessed touchpad provides the right amount of feedback and control for customers' web-browsing, photo-editing and extended typing. The multi-gesture touchpad further enhances control, allowing customers to scroll through documents, pinch to zoom in and out, as well as rotate and flip photos and other media files. The wide size of the notebooks provides room for an ample keyboard and dedicated numeric keypad.

Ideal for today's style-conscious mobile PC users, the new Gateway NV Series models feature an elegant and modern design that is crisp and uncluttered. The systems feature a subtle wave pattern on the matte chassis lid. Plus, the combination of matte and glossy finishes create a contemporary blend of contrasts.

Gateway NV Series Availability, Price and Configuration
The well-equipped NV Series will be available in a variety of configurations to meet a range of budgets at manufacturer's suggested retail prices starting at $529.99. The first model to be available will be the Gateway NV59C09u, a multimedia powerhouse that will deliver incredible responsiveness for entertainment and staying in touch.

Model Number: Gateway NV59C09u; MSRP: $799.99
â€¢ IntelÂ® Coreâ„¢ i3-330M Processor (2.13GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 3MB L2 cache) 2
â€¢ WindowsÂ® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
â€¢ 15.6" HD Widescreen Ultrabrightâ„¢ TFT LCD Display
â€¢ Mobile IntelÂ® HM55 Express Chipset
â€¢ 4096MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1066MHz Memory Packaging and Documentation
â€¢ IntelÂ® Graphics Media Accelerator HD
â€¢ 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
â€¢ 4X Blu-ray Discâ„¢/DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive
â€¢ 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIEDâ„¢
â€¢ 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port)
â€¢ High-Def Webcam (1280 x 1024)
â€¢ Two Stereo Speakers
â€¢ Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
â€¢ One HDMI port and three USB 2.0 Ports
â€¢ Multi-Gesture Touchpad
â€¢ Dedicated Numeric Keypad 3
â€¢ 6-cell Li-Ion (4400 mAh) Battery; up to 4.5-hours of battery life(2)
â€¢ Notebook weight: 5.72 lbs

Gateway Limited Warranty, Service and Support
The Gateway NV Series notebook PCs are backed by a one year warranty.(3) Gateway's commitment to quality and reliability is evident in its award-winning line of PCs as well as in its exceptional service and support programs. In addition to the company's standard limited warranty options,, its extensive online support center helps customers maximize their PC investment; it gives them easy access to customer support representatives and information on important issues such as warranties, technical issues and upgrading.(4)

Common Cents Mobile Brings No-Frills Pre-Paid Service To Walmart

Earlier in the month, Sprint let the world in on a little secret: they would soon be launching yet another pre-paid brand. This is in addition to Boost Mobile, Assurance Wireless and Virgin Mobile, mind you. Today, the cat was let out of the bag, and bargain hunters might just find what they've been searching for in a wireless carrier by visiting their local Walmart.

Common Cents Mobile isn't the greatest naming convention of all time, but it gets right to the point: this is a pre-paid wireless operator who knows their customers value low-cost over all else, and there are certainly no frills here. No 4G WiMAX. No Android phone options. Just bottom-line prices and lots of flexibility. Designed to cater to those who rarely use their mobile, the carrier offers pre-paid plans that include $0.07/minute and $0.07 text messages, which is about as cheap as it gets without a contract.

On the data front, users can get unlimited data for $20/month or pay for data access per-day at $1/megabyte. Adding to monthly balances is accomplished by buying Refill cards or by registering a credit or debit card or PayPal account online at CommonCentsMobile.com, and there are never activation or termination fees to worry over. No long-term contracts are involved, but the phone selection is very simple: there's the LG101 for $19.77, the Samsung M340 for $39.77 and the Kyocera S2300 for $69.77.

The carrier "goes live" on May 15th in over 700 Walmart stores across America, and one of the stand-out features is "Round Down." As you would expect, this means all calls in the seconds are rounded down, so a call that's 2 minutes and 59 seconds will only bill for 2 minutes. Nice touch!

NEW COMMON CENTS MOBILE ANSWERS THE CALL FOR PAY-AS-YOU-GO INNOVATION WITH UNIQUE ROUND DOWNâ„¢ MINUTES

Sprint and Walmart launch no nonsense prepaid service with industry-leading 7-cent minutes and 7-cent text messages ideal for budget-conscious, no-frills customers

WARREN, N.J. (May [13], 2010) â€“ Now more than ever, Americans are searching for smart and simple ways to cut unnecessary costs. Sprint (NYSE:S) and Walmart [NASDAQ:WMT] today announced the launch of Common Cents Mobile, the newest member of Sprint's powerhouse prepaid portfolio with 7-cent minutes that Round Down and 7-cent text messages to provide the greatest value for budget-conscious consumers. The new brand, part of Sprint's prepaid multi-brand strategy, debuts May 15 exclusively in more than 700 Walmart stores in markets such as Birmingham, Ala., Detroit, Houston, Orlando, Fla., and more.
"In recent months, consumers seeking no-frills, pay-by-the-minute plans have been somewhat overlooked with the popularity of unlimited plans in the market," said Dan Schulman, president of Sprint's prepaid group. "These customers want to stay connected -- to a point -- but don't want to waste time or money on services they don't use. The addition of Common Cents combines easy-to-use handsets with a simple pay-by-the-minute service that can save them money."
Unlimited monthly plans without contracts helped re-energize the prepaid business last year but pay-by-the-minute customers still represent the majority [63 percent] of prepaid market share, and almost half [49 percent] of prepaid gross adds.

Unique new features
Round Down â€“ Exclusive to Common Cents Mobile, Round Down minutes offer straight-forward pricing as consumers pay only for what they use â€“ or less. The concept is simple: other carriers round up to the nearest whole minute; if you talk, for example, for 1 minute and 46 seconds, you will pay for 2 minutes for the call.

But Common Cents will "Round Down" your call of 1:46 minutes to 1 minute, allowing consumers to pay for less than what they actually use. With minutes that Round Down after the first minute, not up, consumers get more minutes for their money.

Handsets - Common Cents Mobile offers handsets with simple, basic functions â€“ voicemail, text messaging, caller ID â€“ that appeal to cost-conscious consumers. The easy-to-use, affordable and stylish units are priced to highlight the 7-cent-minute pricing and include the LG101Â® priced at just $19.77, the SamsungÂ® M340 at $39.77, and the KyoceraÂ® S2300 for $69.77.

Offers â€“ Developed for consumers who seek ease and simplicity, Common Cents Mobile lets customers activate and add money to their account with two service options:
â€¢ $20 Refill card = 30 days of service, up to 565 minutes of talk
â€¢ $30 Refill card = 60 days of service, up to 848 minutes of talk

Consumers may also add unlimited messaging for $20 per month and data access for $1/megabyte per day. Adding to monthly balances is accomplished by buying Refill cards or by registering a credit or debit card or PayPal account online at CommonCentsMobile.com. With Common Cents Mobile, there are no activation or termination fees and no long-term contracts.

As part of the launch, Common Cents Mobile will introduce a new regional ad campaign and "jingle" that speaks to turning back to a simpler time, like the Common Cents Mobile plans.

Handsets and Refill cards will be available beginning May 15 at select Walmart locations. For more information or to locate a Walmart store that carries Common Cents Mobile, please visit the store locator.

LG Ally Comes To Verizon May 20 For $99.99 On Contract

LG has been rather quiet when talking specifics about their new Ally smartphone. Ever since Iron Man 2 became the most promoted thing in America, the company has been dropping hints here and there about what exactly the Android-powered phone would bring. Today, Verizon Wireless moved to remove the mysteries surrounding it, but given that the HTC EVO 4G was also officially revealed today, we'd say the timing here could have been a little better.

If you're committed to VZW and have no interest in testing the 4G waters, LG's Ally isn't a bad option. Featuring a large 3.2" touch screen (with vibration feedback), a silver-and-black case, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, microSD card slot, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 (with unlimited pairing and support for the following profiles: headset, hands-free, object push, stereo, audio/visual remote control, file transfer, phonebook access, basic printing and instant sharing of photos and videos), a built-in MP3/WMA music player and one-touch speakerphone, it's got pretty much everything one would expect from an Android handset.

There's also a 3.2MP camera, five customizable home screens, a proximity sensor and a video record mode. Unlike most Android phones coming out today, this one will retail for $99.99 (as opposed to $199.99) after mail-in rebate and on a new two-year contract, with pre-sales starting today and shipments starting May 20th.

Key features:

Â Â Â * Ergonomic silver-and-black outer case
Â Â Â * Large 3.2â€ tempered glass touch screen featuring touch vibration for tactile feedback
Â Â Â * Full slide-out QWERTY keyboard with simultaneous touch screen capabilities
Â Â Â * microSDâ„¢ slot for up to 16 GB of memory
Â Â Â * Wi-Fi EnabledÂ® (802.11 b/g/n)
Â Â Â * BluetoothÂ® 2.1 capabilities with unlimited pairing and support for the following profiles: headset, hands-free, object push, stereo, audio/visual remote control, file transfer, phonebook access, basic printing and instant sharing of photos and videos
Â Â Â * Built-in MP3 and WMA music player with music library, repeat and shuffle features, as well as stereo sound via headset or Bluetooth
Â Â Â * One-touch speaker phone and speaker-independent voice commands

Additional features:

Â Â Â * Five customizable home screens with shortcuts to text messages, e-mail, apps, favorite social networking sites and widgets
Â Â Â * Access to up to 38,000 apps from around the world in Android Marketâ„¢
Â Â Â * Luminous sensor designed to adjust LCD backlight brightness depending on light conditions
Â Â Â * Proximity sensor instantly locks touch screen buttons while talking on the phone
Â Â Â * S-GPS support for enhanced location accuracy in addition to turn-by-turn directions from Google Mapsâ„¢
Â Â Â * Access to updates on Twitter, MySpace, FacebookÂ®, etc.
Â Â Â * 3D App launcher and Live Wallpaper
Â Â Â * 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera and camcorder with flash that includes:
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â o Five different camera resolutions and three different video resolutions
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â o Zoom up to 4.0 times
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â o Macro Mode for detailed, up close pictures
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â o Panorama for three guided sequential shots
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â o Scene mode for auto, portrait, landscape, sports and night settings
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â o Image editor with zoom, rotate, resize, crop, added frames and stamps
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â o Customize brightness, white balance, shutter sounds, color effects and use a self-timer
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â o Choose between mute and unmute to record video with or without sound
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â o Optimize video quality with normal, fine or super camcorder settings
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â o Video recording time up to 16 GB

Pricing and availability:

Â Â Â * The LG Ally will be available for pre-order online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning May 13. It will be in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on May 20. Pricing will be $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
Â Â Â * LG Ally customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk Plan and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access. Email and Web for Smartphone plans start at $29.99 for unlimited monthly access.
Â Â Â * For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

ZOMM Puts Your Cell Phone on a Leash

How many times did your mother tell you growing up that you'd lose your head if it wasn't screwed on? As it turns out, she was feeding you a line of bull, but what she should have said instead is that if you're not more careful, you'll end up misplacing your pricey smartphone. It happens to all of us, whether it falls out of our pants pocket in a cab or we leave it on the table in a restaurant. Or maybe you walked out of the house without your phone. It's situations like these where ZOMM's digital leash could save the day.

The concept is pretty simple. Just attach the silver-dollar sized device to your keychain or anything else you always keep on your person and pair it with any Bluetooth enabled phone. Wander off too far from your phone and the ZOMM device will alert you via vibration, flashing lights, or by sounding an alarm, the company explains.

ZOMM is accepting pre-orders now, which runs $80 for the device and will begin shipping this summer.

ZOMM ShowcasesÂ BluetoothÂ Wireless Technology in Worldâ€™s First Wireless Mobile Phone Leash
Bluetooth SIG Recognizes ZOMM as â€œOne to Watchâ€
KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) today recognized the makers of ZOMM^TMÂ for its one-of-a-kind application ofÂ BluetoothÂ® technology in the worldâ€™s first wireless leash for mobile phones that also features call notification and personal security capabilities. Capturing a 2010 Best of Innovations Award at CES, this device has been recognized by the Bluetooth SIG as â€œOne to Watchâ€ because of its multiple use case scenarios, broad consumer appeal, and conventional application of wireless technology.
â€œZOMM is the solution to a common problem of losing oneâ€™s mobile phone and has become a must have accessory for the many Bluetooth enabled mobile phone users around the globe.â€
ZOMM features simple functionality and convenient use case scenarios. UsingÂ BluetoothÂ Core Specification Version 2.1+EDR, ZOMM detects if its wirelessly connected mobile phone is a certain distance from it â€“ if so, it alerts the owner via vibration, flashing lights and even sounds an alarm. The device also features call notification and speakerphone capabilities that allows users to answer calls directly from the device. Additionally, ZOMM contains a panic alarm that can call emergency assistance from anywhere in the world with just the push of a button.
â€œThrough the use ofÂ BluetoothÂ wireless technology, ZOMM provides an array of convenient applications for users,â€ said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. â€œIts simple application ofÂ BluetoothÂ technology appeals to the masses â€“ nobody wants to lose their mobile phone.â€
â€œZOMM revolutionized theÂ BluetoothÂ wireless peripherals market by taking a new concept and coupling it with existing technology,â€ said Peter Hauser, chief technical officer of ZOMM. â€œZOMM is the solution to a common problem of losing oneâ€™s mobile phone and has become a must have accessory for the manyBluetoothÂ enabled mobile phone users around the globe.â€
ZOMM is available for pre-order now at zomm.com and will be available for retail purchase this summer.
The Bluetooth SIG One to Watch companies are chosen from products qualified by all levels of membership, including Adopter, of the Bluetooth SIG.

Point Of View 8800GT

Hi.

Does anyone know how to remove the plastic shroud from the cooler of the Point of View 8800GT (the one with the pic of the goblin).

I'm wondering if there is screws beneath the graphic, which is stuck onto the shroud.

I dodn't really want to remove the entire cooler, I just need to remove the shroud to re-attach a RAMsync that has come loose.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Samsung To Bundle Boingo Service With Camera

Samsung's new ST5500/CL80 Wi-Fi enabled digital camera will now come with pre-loaded with Boingo software and three months of free Boingo service. With this offering, users will be able to connect to 125,000 Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide to share their photos and videos while on the go.

With Wi-Fi connectivity, Samsung ST5500/CL80 users will be able to share memories via social networks such as Facebook and YouTube directly from the camera. The ST5500/CL80 is a point-and-shoot model with a 14.2 megapixel sensor, HD video recording capabilities, a touch-screen keypad, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless. The Samsung ST5500/CL80 digital camera is available in most regions worldwide. Samsung intends to announce U.S. availability in the near future. In the future, Samsung and Boingo intend to announce support for additional models.

Samsung Bundles Boingo Wi-Fi with New Digital Camera

Samsung ST5500/CL80 Includes Three Months of Free Boingo Wi-Fi; This Marks Boingoâ€™s Foray into Network-Enabled Cameras

LOS ANGELES--Boingo Wireless, the global leader in Wi-Fi, today announced that Samsungâ€™s new Wi-Fi enabled digital cameras will be pre-loaded with Boingo software, allowing customers to connect to 125,000 Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide for on-the-go photo and video sharing.

Initially, Boingo software will be pre-installed on the Samsung ST5500/CL80 digital camera, and users will be offered three months of complimentary Boingo Wi-Fi access. Support for additional models will be announced as they become available.

The agreement between Boingo and Samsung addresses burgeoning market demand for Internet-capable consumer devices such as cameras. With Wi-Fi connectivity, ST5500/CL80 shutterbugs have the option to instantly share captured moments on social networks such as Facebook and YouTube â€“ directly from the camera. Users easily connect when in a Boingo hotspot by tapping the onscreen Boingo button.

â€œSamsung understands that the ability to share photos and videos online is an essential aspect of the photography experience,â€ said Choonghyun Hwang, Vice President for Samsung Electronics Co. â€œThe integration of Boingoâ€™s intuitive software with the Samsung ST5500/CL80 enables our users to upload their captured moments via a high-speed connection anywhere in the world, without being tethered to a PC.â€

â€œBringing a global Wi-Fi network to owners of the Samsung ST5500/CL80 is a landmark event for Boingo, and we look forward to enabling Samsung photographers all over the world with online sharing capabilities,â€ said Dave Hagan, president and CEO of Boingo Wireless. â€œWith the avalanche of consumer electronics devices like cameras that are being network-enabled, there will be an explosion in demand for this type of connectivity, and Samsung is leading the charge.â€

Boingo and Samsung collaborated closely to develop a seamless connectivity experience on the Samsung ST5500/CL80, a compact point-and-shoot camera with heavyweight features, including 14.2 megapixel image quality, HD video recording, premium lens, a touch-screen keypad, and of course Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless options.

The Samsung ST5500/CL80 digital camera with Boingo pre-installed is available in most regions worldwide; U.S. availability will be announced in the near future. Customers receive the first three months of Boingo free through a simple registration process at www.boingo.com/samsung. After the promotion period, customers have the option to subscribe to Boingo Mobile, a $7.95 monthly plan for unlimited Wi-Fi access to 125,000 locations worldwide.

Friday, May 14, 2010

IT News HeadLines (HotHardware) 14/05/2010

**ZOMM ShowcasesÂ BluetoothÂ Wireless Technology in Worldâ€™s First Wireless Mobile Phone Leash**

No comments: