Barnes & Noble NOOK For Android App Launches
Do you own a NOOK e-reader from Barnes & Noble? Do you wish you did? If you're in that second camp, and you own an Android phone using v1.6 or above, your dream has come true. For those who own smartphones and aren't interested in buying an actual e-reader in order to read digital books on, both Amazon and B&N are vying for business from e-book sales. In order to expand that portion of their businesses to as many consumers as possible, both companies have established apps on Android that allow consumers
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Netflix Could Gain Disc-Free PS3 Functionality Soon
Do you enjoy using Netflix on your PlayStation 3? It's a great service, and it's a great addition to an already powerful and flexible console. But one thing annoys us: it requires a specific Netflix disc in order to work. If you misplace your disc or head over to a friend's home without it, your PS3 simply cannot access Netflix. And considering that the Xbox 360 can access Netflix without any kind of special disc, this makes it that much harder to swallow. But according to Netflix's CEO Reed Hastings, PS3 owners
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Microsoft Licenses ARM Chip Technology, Could Lead To New Microprocessors
If you're just a casual bystander to the technology world, this holy union may not mean much to you. But for insiders and enthusiasts, this a huge announcement. ARM is responsible for a huge amount of chips used in mobile devices. From smartphones to MIDs to UMPCs to smartbooks, there's a great chance that an ARM chip is powering something within. The company has made a fortune off of their ability to create low-power, inexpensive processors for mobile devices, and few other companies have bothered to compete.
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Cell Phone Industry Sues SF Over Radiation Ordinance
CTIA, the wireless industry's biggest trade group announced on Friday that it has sued the city of San Francisco over its recently passed ordinance requiring retailers to display the radiation levels emitted from cellphones. The “Cell Phone Right-to-Know” law requires retailers to display the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) next to phones they sell. In the U.S. and Canada, the SAR must be 1.6 watts per kg or less. In Europe, the maximum level is 2.0 kw per kg or less. At the time of passage, the CTIA
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IBM zEnterprise System Transforms Virtualized Computing
Supercomputers and mainframes can get somewhat overwhelming to the average consumer, but IBM's latest at least have a video to go along with them. The new contraption is called the zEnterprise mainframe server, which is a new systems design that allows workloads on mainframe, POWER7 and System x servers to share resources and be managed as a single, virtualized system. It's not only the most powerful and energy-efficient mainframe ever, but it could lead to interesting new usage models for consumer PCs. The
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Barnes & Noble NOOK For Android App Launches
Do you own a NOOK e-reader from Barnes & Noble? Do you wish you did? If you're in that second camp, and you own an Android phone using v1.6 or above, your dream has come true. For those who own smartphones and aren't interested in buying an actual e-reader in order to read digital books on, both Amazon and B&N are vying for business from e-book sales. In order to expand that portion of their businesses to as many consumers as possible, both companies have established apps on Android that allow consumers to access titles just like would if you owned the e-reader itself.B&N is follwing Amazon's app from a few weeks back, this week introducing NOOK for Android. The app can now be downloaded free of charge onto all Android 1.6+ devices, which enables Android users to experience the same e-reading experience as actual NOOK owners. Well, except for on a much smaller screen of course. There's also a great level of integration here between Android any other NOOK platforms; any customer’s personal Barnes & Noble eBook library – purchased on a NOOK eBook Reader, online at BN.com or on another BN eReader-enabled device – will easily sync to their device in seconds so their library goes wherever they go.
Even the Android version supports NOOK eLending, which allows users to give any e-book they have to someone for up to 2 weeks to borrow, just as if it were a physical book. Not bad for free, huh? Of course, the e-books themselves aren't free, but alas...
Key features available in NOOK for Android include:
Those signing up for a new BN.com account when downloading the new application, will also find three Barnes & Noble Classics Series eBooks – Dracula, Little Women and Pride & Prejudice – in their libraries, along with samples of two current bestselling eBooks.
- Shop Barnes & Noble’s vast eBookstore: Search, explore and browse through more than one million digital titles at www.bn.com/ebooks directly by touching Shop Books from the Library. There are more than a half-million free eBooks available and free samples are offered for all eBooks. Learn more about titles from thousands of editorial and customer reviews. Pick a current bestseller, a classic or anything in between and download it wirelessly in seconds.
- Access your personal B&N digital library: All eBooks purchased through the Barnes & Noble eBookstore sync in seconds and are ready to read in your Library.
- Lend to friends: NOOK for Android is the only Android eReading app that offers eBook sharing with friends.
- Read your way: Customize the eReading experience by choosing from eight font types and five sizes, read in landscape or portrait modes and lock the screen orientation.
- Enjoy the read: The fun and immersive experience offers animated or sliding page turns, a navigation scroll bar, bookmarks and more.
- Easy access to your content: Using the Library List view, see the cover art, sort and filter your eBooks by author, title or recent reads. Access rich product details for the selected eBook, including the synopsis and more books from that author.
- Read across multiple devices: Android users can now complement their eReading experiences with Barnes & Noble’s other eReader experiences such as NOOK eBook Readers, previously announced eBook readers powered by the Barnes & Noble eBookstore, and a variety of other computing and mobile devices, including iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry® and HTC HD2™ smartphones, HP computers, PC and Mac®.
- Pick up where you left off: Sync the last page read of the last eBook opened on an Android device with BN eReader (soon to be renamed NOOK) software-enabled devices including PC and iPad. Coming soon, both will sync with NOOK for iPhone and more devices to follow.
- Follows the standard: Read eBooks formatted in ePub, quickly becoming the industry standard.
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Dell vs. The Volcano. Oh wait no, the SEC.
"I read the news today, oh boy . . ."
Apparently Dell got caught lying to their investors. As much as *76%* of their reported profits were at times comple fabrications. They were dipping into secret funds Intel had given them in return for blacklisting AMD in order to make up the difference.Long story short, Dell walks away with a $100M fine / slap on the wrist.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2010/07/dells_sec_settlement?fsrc=scn/fb/wl/bl/dellscookiejar
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Netflix Could Gain Disc-Free PS3 Functionality Soon
Do you enjoy using Netflix on your PlayStation 3? It's a great service, and it's a great addition to an already powerful and flexible console. But one thing annoys us: it requires a specific Netflix disc in order to work. If you misplace your disc or head over to a friend's home without it, your PS3 simply cannot access Netflix. And considering that the Xbox 360 can access Netflix without any kind of special disc, this makes it that much harder to swallow.But according to Netflix's CEO Reed Hastings, PS3 owners won't have to deal with this frustration for too much longer. In the company's most recent conference call to discuss their quarterly earnings, Reed stated that he hopes to luanch "a new version of our Sony PS3 user interface which doesn't require a disc, and is dynamically updated continuously with the latest Netflix UI improvements."
We do as well. According to reports, this new functionality could come as early as October, which would enable Sony to market their PS3 as an even more direct threat to the Xbox 360 in the upcoming holiday sales season. In related news, Reed is also planning to watch for what consumers like and don't like about Hulu Plus, and eventually incorporate some of that feedback into their own products. It's too early to tell just how much Netflix will be changing over the next year, but as cable and satellite providers begin to offer more and more PPV/movies, Netflix will have to up their game if they hope to compete with services that most Americans already have at their disposal.
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CEA Expects Tablet Shipments To Hit 6.9 Million; iPads Make Up Nearly Half
Here's something that shouldn't really come as a surprise: tablet PC shipments are on the rise, and if reports are accurate, they'll continue to rise. The Consumer Electronics Association is watching the rise of tablet PCs closely. This year, they're likely to be one of the most purchased devices out, particularly by consumers who already own other devices. The tablet PC isn't new to the industry, but the iPad has created a new whirlwind of interest that should lead to high sales throughout the year.
We already know that the industry as a whole is on pace to break a lot of records when it comes to overall sales, but the CEA is projecting that shipments of tablet PCs alone in the U.S. will reach 6.9 million units. That should generate around $4.3 billion in revenue, and shipments could double next year to nearly 13.6 million units with around $8.1 billion in revenue. Those numbers are according to Steve Kidera, a CEA spokesperson, who also said: "Considering these products weren't on the market a year [ago], it's staggering how fast they are developing."
That's sort of true, but we're assuming he's talking about the new wave of tablets, which are more like slates and less like keyboard-less laptop computers. What's wild is that out of the 6.9 million units that are expected to be sold this year, around half or more of those could be iPads. Apple has already sold over 3 million iPads, and we're only in July. Talk about market dominance! But with Windows tablets to come later in the year, we suspect the balance will be found.
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PS3 Class Action Lawsuit
Well, it looks like it's finally happening: http://mdpcelaw.com/news.cfm?article=128
All owners of the original "Fat" PS3 will be eligible for any compensation in the event we win, without need to do anything further. I really have a hard time seeing how we won't win - though the lawyers will win the most.
If you're like me, a PS3 owner that's very upset with Sony's crippling of our tech-toy, you might want to head over to the linked site anyway and send a note to the email address in the announcement. I gave them an earful of ammunition about my own experiences and how this removal has extremely de-valued the console in my eyes.
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Cell Phone Industry Sues SF Over Radiation Ordinance
CTIA, the wireless industry's biggest trade group announced on Friday that it has sued the city of San Francisco over its recently passed ordinance requiring retailers to display the radiation levels emitted from cellphones. The “Cell Phone Right-to-Know†law requires retailers to display the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) next to phones they sell.In the U.S. and Canada, the SAR must be 1.6 watts per kg or less. In Europe, the maximum level is 2.0 kw per kg or less.
At the time of passage, the CTIA said then, and emphasizes now, that the law will confuse consumers. It will, the CTIA said, make them believe that certain models will be "safer" to use than others. John Walls, a spokesman for the group, issued the following statement:
"CTIA’s objection to the ordinance is that displaying a phone’s [specific absorption rate] value at the point-of-sale suggests to the consumer that there is a meaningful safety distinction between FCC-compliant devices with different SAR levels. The FCC has determined that all wireless phones legally sold in the United States are ‘safe.’"It's quite clear, however, that not all experts agree with the CTIA. Although cell phone radiation studies seem inconclusive, some doctors, including a cancer center director in 2008, have warned about cell phone radiation.
Despite inconclusive studies, many warn on the side of caution with regards to cell phone radiation, especially in the case of children, who tend to absorb more radiation because of thinner skulls and ears.
Earlier this month, the American Association for Cell Phone Safety wrote to the FCC and FDA about the issue. The group noted that while the popularity of cell phones has grown, federal regulators continue to rely on outdated standards while evaluating cell phone safety.
“The FCC is clearly not a health agency and makes no mention of the agency’s qualifications to set health and safety standards with cell phones and wireless PDA’s."Certainly, the CTIA has a vested interest in seeing any warnings about cell phone radiation muted. As is the case with any studies related to health or safety done by the industry involved, their objections must be taken with a grain of salt.
San Francisco is the first jurisdiction to implement a rule warning users of cellphone radiation levels. C|Net has long published an SAR table at its site, for those interested. A few readings (lower is better).
- Apple iPhone 4 (16GB, 32GB) - 1.17 (up sharply from the iPhone 3GS, with .79, but you can probably fix that with a finger in the right location)
- Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon Wireless) - 1.47
- LG Ally - 1.36
- BlackBerry Bold 9700 - 1.37
- Nokia N97 - 0.74
- HTC Evo 4G - 1.03
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Syte Shirt T-Shirt Holds Your iPad, But Why?
Apple claims that their iPad is highly portable. That it can be taken anywhere and used anywhere. But it's not nearly as portable as the iPod touch or iPhone, two devices that easily fit into a pocket. But there's now a way that your iPad really can be just as portable as the iPod touch, if only you're okay with buying a new shirt. That's right, a new t-shirt.
Syte Shirt is a new start-up company that's offering one of the strangest products to surface this year in the consumer electronics realm. The self-titled tee is an iPad holder at heart, but doubles as a standard t-shirt that's needed for admittance into most establishments. The company makes a huge deal about what all it can do, but it's really just a t-shirt with an iPad pouch. However, the pouch was actually well thought-out. The window on it still allows touch functionality, and there's ports open for the dock connector and the headphone jack. So you could actually use your iPad while having it in your shirt. Not sure why you would want to, but now you can.
The only problem, aside from looking totally strange, is the high price. The company is asking upwards of $50 for this, and of course, there's no iPad included.
New Start-up, Syte Shirt, Launches Hands-Free Interactive iPad Clothing
Don't carry your iPad. Be seen with it.
San Diego, CA - July 22, 2010: If you are one out of the millions iPad users out there, it's likely that you have purchased an accessory to go with your iPad. However, it's also likely that your accessory does not let you carry your iPad hands-free, allowing you to do other tasks. A new start-up in San Diego named Syte Shirt is looking to change that. Syte Shirt manufacturers an interactive shirt that lets you safely carry the iPad hands-free on your chest while allowing you and others to fully interact with the iPad through a transparent window. Not only is it an accessory, the shirt is also a fashion statement for those that want to show off cool designs, photos, movies, or animations while trotting around town. It's the first shirt that has a constantly changing design!
The functional and comfortable Syte Shirt is made from 100% pre-shrunk heavyweight cotton and features slits on the inside of the window to give you the ability to plug in your headphones or charge the iPad conveniently without having to remove it. The inside and neckline of the shirt are designed with areas of support that distribute the weight of the iPad to prevent any distortion. The placement of the iPad on the shirt also allows for lots of mobility whether you are sitting down or walking.
Some example of Syte Shirt usages:
• Play movies or interactive games to entertain your kids while keeping your hands free
• Show off your photos with a group of friends
• Broadcast a football game while enjoying a tailgate party
• Promote your artwork, music, and other multimedia anywhere
• Advertise your business by playing promotional content while speaking to customers
• Tech-savvy educators can grab students' attention by creating interactive lessons
• Trade show vendors can run product demos while working in the booth
• Businesses can hire people to be mobile info booths to display interactive info and maps
"We think of the Syte Shirt as a platform for wearable computing. The possibilities of this product are only limited by the imagination of its users, and I really think we're going to be amazed by the ideas our customers come up with for this great product. We encourage our customers to be creative and send us photos of how they're using their Syte Shirt to jyoung@syteshirt.com," says founder, Joseph A Young.
Features:
• Displays your iPad in landscape mode
• Capacitive-transmitting vinyl screen allows for full iPad functionality (water and dust-resistant)
• Hidden zipper for secure retention and convenient access
• 2 hidden port holes on the inside for headphones or charger
• Internal supports distribute weight of iPad across the body to prevent shirt distortion
• Full mobility whether you are sitting down or walking
• 100% pre-shrunk heavyweight cotton
• Machine washable
• Hang dry overnight
• Unisex
• Color: black
• Sizes: S – XXL
The Syte Shirt is available for $49.95 (S/M/L/XL) and $54.95 (XXL) at www.syteshirt.com. The Syte Shirt will be on display at the San Diego Comic-Con, July 21-25, on the show floor or out in the streets. The Syte Shirt's exclusive retailer at Comic-Con is Jay Company Comics (http://www.jaycompanycomics.com/). They can be found at booth #331. Stop by for a demo and see it in action.
About Syte Shirt
Syte Shirt crafts functional clothing for iPad lovers. Design and manufacturing are both done in San Diego, California. The Syte Shirt team consists of Joseph A Young, founder, JoAn Craig, designer, and various friends lending their time towards the project. Joseph received his M.B.A. from the Rady School of Management at UCSD. For more information about Syte Shirt, visit www.syteshirt.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.
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Businesses Attracted To iPad
AT&T revealed that many US companies are showing a great deal of interest in Apple's iPad. According to the wireless carrier, some businesses are even considering replacing employee laptops with the tablet computer.When the iPhone debuted three years ago, many businesses were reluctant to adopt the phone. Today however, businesses seem to be showing no hesitation when it comes to the iPad said AT&T chief financial officer Richard Lindner. As with the iPhone, AT&T is the exclusive 3G carrier for the iPad in the United States.
In a conference call with analysts, Lindner said, "When we first introduced the iPhone, businesses and CIOs of our business customers were reluctant….They kind of pushed back on bringing the iPhone into their infrastructure." He continued, "Over time, that has changed dramatically."
Not only are businesses expressing interest, but they are also testing the device for themselves: "A number of them have trials going on," Lindner said. "They see a lot of opportunities to use the iPad within their business."
During Apple's earnings call, Apple's chief operating officer Tim Cook said more than 80 percent of the Fortune 100 companies were either deploying or piloting the iPhone. He also noted that 50 percent of the Fortune 100 companies were deploying or testing the iPad.
Apple recently disclosed sales of 3.27 million iPads in the third quarter of its fiscal year.
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Microsoft Licenses ARM Chip Technology, Could Lead To New Microprocessors
If you're just a casual bystander to the technology world, this holy union may not mean much to you. But for insiders and enthusiasts, this a huge announcement. ARM is responsible for a huge amount of chips used in mobile devices. From smartphones to MIDs to UMPCs to smartbooks, there's a great chance that an ARM chip is powering something within. The company has made a fortune off of their ability to create low-power, inexpensive processors for mobile devices, and few other companies have bothered to compete.ARM isn't a very sexy name. You rarely hear of their involvement. But if you use a portable device, there's a good chance you use an ARM chip. Apple's new A4 chip is one of the best examples of how powerful ARM is. Recently, Apple was granted the ability to create their own ARM-based chips, and the result was the A4. In the iPad, we found it to be one of the most powerful chips in any portable device, and it really raised the bar in terms of speed expectations. Only a few companies have this great ability, with Qualcomm, Marvell and Infineon amongst the few. Now, Microsoft is joining that group.
The two companies are keeping the details under wraps, but there's no doubt that the ramifications here could be significant. If Microsoft begins to create their own ARM-based microprocessors, the sky really is the limit. Could Microsoft create their own Windows Phone 7 device? Surely. Could they create their own Windows-based slate PC? Yes. And that's just the start of it. We'll be keeping a close eye on Microsoft over the coming months and years, and we wouldn't be surprised to see the software giant enter into the chip business in a big way. Intel and Apple could certainly use the competition.
Microsoft Licenses ARM Architecture
ARM and Microsoft continue relationship with closer access to ARM IP
CAMBRIDGE, UK – July 23, 2010 – ARM and Microsoft Corp. today announced that they have signed a new licensing agreement for the ARM® architecture. The agreement extends the collaborative relationship between the two companies. Since 1997 Microsoft and ARM have worked together on software and devices across the embedded, consumer and mobile spaces, enabling many companies to deliver user experiences on a broad portfolio of ARM-based products.
“Microsoft is an important member of the ARM ecosystem, and has been for many years,†said Mike Muller, CTO ARM. “With this architecture license, Microsoft will be at the forefront of applying and working with ARM technology in concert with a broad range of businesses addressing multiple application areas.â€
“ARM is an important partner for Microsoft and we deliver multiple operating systems on the company’s architecture, most notably Windows Embedded and Windows Phone,†said KD Hallman, general manager, Microsoft. “With closer access to the ARM technology we will be able to enhance our research and development activities for ARM-based products.â€
ARM licenses processor IP under a flexible licensing model, enabling highly integrated solutions for a variety of applications ranging from mobile devices to home electronics and industrial products. ARM customers can license the ARM architecture or specific processor implementations.
 Details of the agreement will remain confidential.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFTâ€) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.Â
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