HP offering up refunds for Pre3 and TouchPads
HP has confirmed it will be offering refunds to all customers that bought TouchPads and Pre 3 phones before the huge price drop.
Over on its official site, it has listed the refunds available for every model of its ill-fated webOS devices, with customers offered the difference between that which they paid for the device and the new low shelf tag.
It's an odd move to see HP essentially giving away money – the Pre 3 was barely on sale in the UK and the TouchPad wasn't a huge seller, so the uprising against the price drop was never likely to be a massive problem to deal with, but the computing giant is clearly looking to draw a line under this with a gesture of goodwill.
Money back in your pocket
This means that refunds of over £300 will be winging their way to the accounts of customers that kept the early adopter faith with HP and bought into the webOS brand before it was canned and subsequently dropped to cheap-as-chips levels.The offer is only open to those that activated the webOS device before 23 August 2011 though, so if you couldn't be bothered to rip open the packaging straight away, that laziness might have cost you a hefty sum.
The TouchPad is still getting over the air updates from HP, and efforts to bring the Android platform to the dual-core tablet are whizzing away, so it could be a double whammy of good news for those lamenting believing the hype around the ex-Palm platform.
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Nokia boasts higher app download numbers than Apple
Nokia might not be the most popular smartphone manufacturer any more, but it seems its Ovi Store is the place to be for budding developers.
According to mobile analytics specialists research2guidance, which rated the amount of times a single app was downloaded on average, a single app on Nokia's Ovi Store will be downloaded 160% more often than an app on Apple's App Store.
Of course, this should be put in context: there are nearly ten times more applications on Apple's platform than Nokia's, but it seems that lack of competition combined with a thirst for apps from users means developers will get a higher download ratio on their efforts from the Finnish firm.
Smaller is bigger
The numbers show that smaller app stores on mainstreams platforms are the place to be, with Microsoft's Windows Phone Marketplace and RIM's BlackBerry World offering 80% and 43% higher download rates respectively – again, fewer overall downloads, but a higher selection average than Apple.Google's Android Market put in a strong showing with only 5% fewer downloads per app than Apple, but Samsung's app platform was 20% worse off… and the less said about webOS' –95% the better.
So it seems Apple might have all the big numbers, but in terms of managing to fight through the noise as an independent developer, you might be better off on one of the less-hyped platforms.
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Sony Ericsson promises Ice Cream Sandwich for latest phones
Sony Ericsson has reportedly confirmed it will be upgrading all its latest Xperia smartphones to Android Ice Cream Sandwich when it's released.
A representative of the Japanese-Swedish alliance told SoMobile that it will be bringing the next level of Android to the current crop of Xperia phones, with all the next-gen functionality that entails.
This makes sense as Sony Ericsson has previously told TechRadar it specifically made its Android UI as fluid as possible, so it's easy to 'hook in' another version of the OS underneath its TimeScape interface.
However, if this turns out to be true, it means Sony Ericsson is one of the first manufacturers to actually state that the new version of the operating system will come as an upgrade on its range of handsets.
Floodgates open
This means everything from the Xperia Arc through to the newly announced Neo V will experience the next level of Android, which is supposed to 'unify the factions' of the fragmented Google OS - on both tablets and smartphones.Google's Eric Schmidt has recently spoken out to confirm an October or November Ice Cream Sandwich release date, so we expect this to be the first of many next-gen Android upgrade stories appearing.
We've spoken to Sony Ericsson to see if this claim is, as expected, true – if so, it might mean Ice Cream Sandwich is just around the corner for your shiny new handset…
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Sony Alpha a950 rumours - all you need to know
It's been a long time since Sony released a full-frame camera. The A900 made its debut three years ago, and since then, the company has of course introduced the "SLT" translucent mirror technology.
Rumours of an a950 have been swirling around the internet for some time now, with Sony Alpha Rumours first reporting speculation in November 2010. At the time the site suggested that the a950 would be released after Nikon had announced its latest full-frame camera.
Sony Alpha a950 specs
Likely to be using the same sensor, which could contain as many as 36 million pixels, as the next Nikon full-frame, other speculative technical details include a top shutter speed of 1/12,000th of a second.What's has the least clarity however, is whether or not the camera would use Sony's translucent mirror technology or not. If it did, the camera would be the first full-frame camera in the world to use an electronic viewfinder, and Sony is well known as a company that likes to push for technological firsts.
At the launch of the latest Sony cameras this August, it was revealed that the company is 'seriously considering' a pro-level SLT camera, but would need to listen to the demands of its customers first.
Sony Alpha a950 release date
With several key launches already this year, it seems a lot to expect another big launch before the end of the year. However, with rumours still circulating that Nikon could be about to unveil the D4, Sony would surely like to be keen to follow suit.
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Virgin Media unveils TiVo iPad app
Virgin Media has finally taken the wraps off its TiVo iPad app which allows users to control their Tivo boxes from their Apple flavoured slate.
You'll be able to brose the EPG and set recordings on your iPad, as well as catching up on programmes stored in the service's on demand library, even if the TiVo box itself is showing something else at the same time.
A couple of nifty swipes later, and that on demand content you were watching on your iPad is now showing on the TV instead. Very handy indeed.
Update time
A software update is on the cards, which will make the boxes play nicely with iPads, with Virgin Media promising this roll-out to come in the coming months.The company is also promising that new features will be added to the boxes as part of the same software update.
Virgin Media also announced that Samsung will be making its next generation TiVo boxes, which will roll out at the end of this year.
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Review: Samsung PL120
Overview and features
Next to the 5x optical zoom lens on the PL120 is what looks like a blank space, but it is actually a 1.5 inch LCD screen that shows the live view image - perfect for self portraits.But that's not all, the PL120 can also play short, colourful animations for entertaining children. The idea is that if you have trouble getting children to smile in your photographs, then this will help.
Activating the front LCD is done by pressing the rectangular button on the top of the camera. Switching between the live view and the children's animation is done using the front LCD button.
Due to the diminutive size of the PL120, there's not a lot of space on the back of the camera. So much so that there's no area dedicated for resting your thumb when you're not using it. The zoom rocker takes up the top third of the area next to the screen with the other buttons and navigation pad taking up the rest of the space.
There are three buttons on the back of the camera that to access some variation of a menu. Meanwhile, the mode button allows you to put the camera into either program, auto, scenes or video mode. The function button brings up a quick access menu on the left side of the screen which lets you make changes to the most frequently used options such as resolution, ISO and white-balance.
The main menu brings up the aforementioned function menu and allows more in-depth changes to the core settings of the camera.
Currently priced at around £100, the PL120 is an ideal option for younger families on a budget that need a decent digital compact camera to take out on days with the kids or on holidays. Social networkers may also enjoy the self portrait mode.
Build quality and handling
The Samsung PL120 is simple enough for the most novice of users to get to grips with, thanks to the intelligent interface and comfortable layout of buttons. The back does look a bit cluttered by virtue of the amount of space available on the small body.The small body of the PL120 is light but solid, thanks in part to its metal skeleton. The front casing is plastic and has a glossy finish to allow the screen on the front to blend and be hidden when it's not in use. There's a tiny amount of play in the lens when it's switched on but it's nothing major.
The PL120 takes a lithium ion battery which is charged in camera using the charger and cable provided. The cable disconnects from the charging plug revealing a standard USB connector which then connects to the computer for download. The camera will also charge from a computer which is pretty useful if you're travelling or you've simply been caught short and have a computer nearby.
Images are stored on a MicroSD memory card. This type of card is used in Samsung smart phones so if you own one of those, they're interchangeable. The battery door is made of plastic and bends with manipulation.
Although the camera is small and buttons swamp the back, Samsung has managed to lay them out in an order that works. The camera feels good and the screen is bright and clear enough for everyday use, although it does suffer in direct sunlight.
The only real problem we got was our finger slipping over the flash when we were shooting in portrait orientation.
Performance
Image quality from the Samsung PL120 is good , considering the price point of the camera. Colours are recorded realistically in most situations and the only time we had a problem with discolouration was when going over ISO800. At that point dark and mid range tones take on a green tone to them.In good, even light we found that noise isn't a problem on many occasions, even at ISO400 which is generally a benchmark for losing image quality from a digital compact cameras. However in normal shooting circumstances, we found that the noise reduction system often has to work overtime even at ISO80. That's not to say that the camera always struggled, in fact it was sporadic. There didn't seem to be a routine occasion that it happened.
Pressing the down arrow on the navigation pad enables macro focusing as close as 5cm. That's quite standard for a camera at this level and price range, but the pictures that it produces are great. We got consistently sharp and well exposed pictures in all, but low light conditions.
All the pictures we took have balanced and generally accurate exposures. The camera even turned up a few surprises by exposing really well in tricky conditions such as with backlit subjects or with reflections in the frame.
We tested the digital filters in a variety of scenarios and we like the more creative ones such as sketch and half tone. We also liked the subtle blurring of the frame in the miniature mode unlike the extreme (by comparison) blurring on the WB700. A word of caution when using these modes, some of them will reduce the resolution and there's no warning that it's happening.
We really like the pictures that we got from the PL120. They're sharp, punchy and well exposed. We did find that we preferred to under expose by a third of a stop but it was only to darken blue skies a bit and you may find that this isn't your own preference.
Samsung PL120: Sample images
See sample images taken with the Samsung PL120 in a range of conditions.
Despite the bright highlights, the exposure is just right in this image
Click here to see hi-res version.
There's a respectable level of detail in this pine cone
Click here to see hi-res version.
The Sketch filter is quite effective here
Click here to see hi-res version.
Macro mode is useful and effective when shooting smaller details
Click here to see hi-res version.
Click here to see hi-res version.
Click here to see hi-res version.
Colours are vibrant without being excessive
Click here to see hi-res version.
The PL120 has coped well with the backlighting in this scene
Click here to see hi-res version.
Taken at the widest point of the lens
Click here to see hi-res version.
This is the same scene as above, but at the longest telephoto point
Click here to see hi-res version.
Samsung PL120: ISO performance
See how the Samsung PL120 fared in our ISO resolution test.
ISO 80
Click here to see a hi-res version.
ISO 100
Click here to see a hi-res version.
ISO 200
Click here to see a hi-res version.
ISO 400
Click here to see a hi-res version.
ISO 800
Click here to see a hi-res version.
ISO 3200
Click here to see a hi-res version.
Samsung PL120: Verdict
It's important to keep it in perspective that the PL120 is a cheap and cheerful camera because pictures from it are great. They're colourful with balanced exposure and a decent dynamic range. The previously mentioned issue with noise (or the effects of noise reduction) being apparent at low ISO in bright light could pose as a problem, but we found that it was only really noticeable when the picture was magnified to 100%.
We liked
Good colours and sharp edges mean great pictures for the holidaying family while the cheap price means it's easily replaced if it gets broken. The front screen helps to get the kids smiling and is useful with self portraits.We disliked
We saw some noise at really very ISO settings, but couldn't pin point a pattern when it happened. Some parts of the build are a bit flimsy and the back could be worked better.Verdict
For £100, this is a camera that you'll get a lot of use out of, from holidays to updating your profile picture on Facebook. The tiny size means that it'll simply fit into a pocket when it's not being used and the price means if it does get broken, it doesn't cost the earth to replace.The Samsung PL120 is a camera that can be used by all the family from novice younger users, networking teenagers and proud parents to technophobic grandparents alike. The only problem we can foresee is with people who have larger hands. They probably won't get on with the tiny format or cluttered back. There are a lot of pros to outweigh the cons though.
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Canon and Nikon Japanese market share declines
Canon and Nikon have seen a decline in market share in their native Japan after strong sales in the mirrorless compact system camera market.
According to a research by BCN Inc, a research firm, the combined market share of Canon and Nikon has fallen by 35% while big rival Sony has increased its share twofold.
Other major camera brands, including Olympus, Sony, Pentax, Panasonic, Ricoh and Samsung already have compact system cameras in the market, but Nikon and Canon have so far neglected to join.
In Japan, where compact system models are taking off the most, compact systems accounted for more than 40% of interchangeable lens cameras in July, compared with just 5% in 2009.
Worldwide sales
Globally, sales have climbed to 2.1 million units in 2010, a five times increase. Shares of the overall market are likely to hit 23% in 2011, up from 16% in 2010, according to estimates from Macquarie Group Ltd.Rumours are circulating as to when Canon and Nikon would be likely to enter the mirrorless arena, with some suggestions that a new Nikon product could be seen as early as September 21st.
Last month, Sony announced two new mirrorless models for its NEX range, including the Sony NEX-7 which features a 24.3 megapixel APS-C sensor and an advanced electronic viewfinder.
Traditional cameras are still a good moneymaker for Canon, which earned 114.8 billion yen in profit last year by selling 5.9 million units, roughly four times the amount it makes from compact cameras. Similarly, Nikon earned more from SLRs and lenses than from any other product.
According to Sony, although mirrorless cameras are extremely popular in Japan, they have failed to reach the same level of popularity in Europe and the U.S. because "the big camera makers" still haven't entered the market.
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Acer and ViewSonic agree Microsoft licence deals
Acer and ViewSonic have become the two latest companies to shell out to Microsoft in order to keep using Google's Android OS.
Some Android manufacturers pay Microsoft a fee per device on the basis that some elements of the devices infringe on Microsoft's intellectual property, and Acer and ViewSonic have now joined that clan.
Most famously, HTC allegedly pays the Redmond company $5 for every single Android handset it sells.
There's no word on how much Acer and ViewSonic will be paying Microsoft, but the deal secures ViewSonic's Android and Chrome-running phones and tablets, and Acer's Android line-up.
Identikit
Microsoft's corporate VP and deputy general counsel of IP and licensing, Horacio Gutierrez, said, "We are pleased that Acer is taking advantage of our industrywide licensing program established to help companies address Android's IP issues."This agreement is an example of how industry leaders can reach commercially reasonable arrangements that address intellectual property."
And he said exactly the same thing about ViewSonic too. That's the personal touch for you.
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Acer and ViewSonic agree Microsoft license deals
Acer and ViewSonic have become the two latest companies to shell out to Microsoft in order to keep using Google's Android OS.
Some Android manufacturers pay Microsoft a fee per device on the basis that some elements of the devices infringe on Microsoft's intellectual property, and Acer and ViewSonic have now joined that clan.
Most famously, HTC allegedly pays the Redmond company $5 for every single Android handset it sells.
There's no word on how much Acer and ViewSonic will be paying Microsoft, but the deal secures ViewSonic's Android and Chrome-running phones and tablets, and Acer's Android line-up.
Identikit
Microsoft's corporate VP and deputy general counsel of IP and licensing, Horacio Gutierrez, said, "We are pleased that Acer is taking advantage of our industrywide licensing program established to help companies address Android's IP issues."This agreement is an example of how industry leaders can reach commercially reasonable arrangements that address intellectual property."
And he said exactly the same thing about ViewSonic too. That's the personal touch for you.
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In Depth: Are glasses killing 3D TV?
Are glasses killing 3D TV?
It's a debate that's sure to polarise, but are glasses killing-off 3D in the home?Research has found that 3D TV owners in the UK typically own just two pairs of glasses - 13 per cent don't own any - and see the high cost as a major barrier to buying more.
In a survey of 3D TV owners in the UK, researched by Strategy Analytics, just over half agreed that they would buy more 3D glasses for family and friends if prices were lower.
"The glasses issue is very real," says Jia Wu, a senior analyst at the firm. "Naturally enough, people would rather not have to wear them, but a majority of 3D TV viewers are prepared to put up with the inconvenience when the experience and entertainment value justify it."
Having invested in a 3D TV, you'd have thought so, but is the wider public convinced? The cinema-going public seems to be. Global 3D cinema screens represented 19.3 per cent of world box-office receipts in 2010, up from 8.6 per cent in 2009 according to analysis from IHS - that's a jump from US$2.5 billion to US$6.1 billion.
3D cinema is clearly big business and nowhere more so than in the UK, the strongest 3D market in Europe - and the third largest on the planet.
So why have 3D TVs failed to set the flatscreen TV market alight? Sales of 3D TVs rose by just one per cent (from five to six per cent in total) between the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011.
A US-based report by NPD back in April cited high prices and the need to wear glasses as the biggest problem consumers have with the new tech. "The intent to purchase 3D televisions followed the purchase intent to buy TVs in general," said Ross Rubin, executive director of industry analysis at NPD.
He thinks glasses-free 3D gadgets are more attractive: "The Nintendo 3DS has a low price compared to a 3D television and doesn't require glasses to view the effect. These advantages will also hold true for 3D smartphones entering the market this year."
Passive vs active
A report by SNL Kagan, also in the US, added worries over universal standards as another cause for consumer concern around 3D TVs. That'll be the 'war' between passive and active 3D tech.The passive charge is led by LG's 'Cinema 3D', which looks set to be joined by both Toshiba's 'Natural 3D' and Philips' 'Easy 3D' in creating 3D TVs that uses cheap glasses, though it's at the cost of Full HD resolution.
Active Shutter 3D TV may offer a Full HD resolution to each eye - a technical advantage that is, trust us, discernable during a 3D Blu-ray movie - but the glasses (when included in-the-box - and costing £100 each) have distinct drawbacks.
Wearing glasses of any type isn't exactly convenient (especially if you also have a prescription pair), largely because the lights are best switched off if you've a 3D TV that uses active tech.
As the shutters come down on the 3D glasses to divvy-up the image between your left and right eye, there's an annoying flicker - especially if there's low-energy fluorescent lighting nearby.
Stephen Gater, CE consumer marketing director at LG, bangs the drum for Cinema 3D: "With the use of lightweight polarised glasses, Cinema 3D can offer a unique viewing experience that's both comfortable and sociable. The polarised battery-free glasses used with LG's Cinema 3D also provide unparalleled wide viewing angles for the ultimate convenience."
Gater also points out that there are seven pairs of 3D specs in each box, and that LG has doubled its share of the 3D TV market since its introduction. That may be so, but it was from a low base - and sales figures for May 2011 showed that Samsung, Sony and Panasonic together claimed 81.5 per cent of the 3D TV market in Europe.
What war?
However, Paul Gray, DisplaySearch's director of Europe TV market research, doesn't think the passive vs active 3D debate is a factor. "We see no effect of this 3D war," he says. "Consumers either don't care, or rightly realise that both types of set can display any 3D content, and the so-called war is largely a slanging match between the two big Korean players."Meanwhile, Rubin thinks the advent of passive 3D screens actually smoothes the path for wider 3D adoption: "With lighter and less expensive active shutter glasses, a mix of smaller displays, and the entry of passive 3D technologies into the market, the industry is offering more 3D options to consumers."
The other Korean company, Samsung, is firmly in the active 3D camp, and recently joined forces with its Japanese rivals, Sony and Panasonic, to produce 3D glasses that work across various 3D devices and brands.
SLIM FIT: Samsung has made strides in getting Active Shutter 3D glasses as slim as possible
Creating a new universal standard for active 3D glasses under the Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative banner (catchy!), Samsung, Sony, Panasonic and Xpand plan to create 3D glasses with Bluetooth that can be used across 3D TVs, laptops, projectors and even in some 3D cinemas.
They're due to sell in 2012, and be backwards compatible with current 3D TVs - and fully portable between 3D TVs from these brands.
"We hope the expanded collaboration on this 3D standardisation initiative will make a significant contribution toward accelerating the growth of 3D-related products," said Masayuki Kozuka, general manager of Media & Content Alliance Office, Corporate R&D Division, Panasonic Corporation.
That might not happen until glasses-free, or auto-stereoscopic, 3D TVs are available. Toshiba is actually selling its glasses-free GL1 now in Japan, and seems set to follow suite in Europe next year, though others think the era of good quality glasses-less 3D TV is still some way ahead.
LG is sceptical (Gater says: "At this stage, the quality of glasses-free 3D for a large screen does not equal the quality seen in current ranges"), but Panasonic's Product Specialist Steve Lucas is insistent that, "effective glassless 3D systems [are] the ultimate 'goal'."
That's good to hear, but for now even the cost of a 3D cinema ticket seems a bargain compared to a pair of active 3D glasses.
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Review: Viewpoint Photography DOFMaster
DOFMaster is targeted at higher-end photographers looking to calculate depth of field in photographs on their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
The app is able to calculate the hyperfocal distance – that is the closest distance a lens can focus on an object while maintaining acceptable sharpness to infinity – based on the type of camera and lens combination being used.
Different sensor sizes and focal lengths will pronounce depth of field in different ways, and for landscape photographers with focus-depth window lenses, this is often an essential tool to ensure accurate manual focus is made for the sharpest and most resolute final shots.
To calculate hyperfocal distance in your head is no mean feat. Break down the mathematical equation into approximate English and hyperfocal distance equals ((focal length squared) divided by (aperture value multiplied by the circle of confusion limit)) plus focal length. Thankfully, there's an app for that!
DOFMaster has a decent enough array of cameras listed in its Format list, although rather than extensively listing each and every camera model, the brands tend to be generalised by sensor size.
Film, DSLRs, Cinematography and Circle of Confusion (by inches or millimetres) are the four main divisions. For compact cameras, the Compact Digital selection is vague given the variance in sensor sizes – although there are 1/2-inch and 2/3-inch sizes available in the 'Cinematography' bracket.
Lens focal lengths range from 3mm to 1200mm, and aperture values from f/1.0-f/64 will encompass all but pinhole photographers, while the Focus box can accept seemingly infinite values by feet, inches, metres or centimetres.
Verdict
DOFMaster may not be able to take on board characteristics of specific lenses, but the criteria it does offer provides a decent overview of what knowledgeable photographers will be looking for.Specific to high-end photographers, you'll find you get a lot of use from this app if you're one of them.
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Review: TappyTaps Geotag Photos Pro
Geotagging is the process of adding latitudinal and longitudinal geographic information to an image's metadata, and has seen a sharp rise in popularity of late.
In part, this rise in popularity due to the number of GPS-enabled smartphones and other connected devices. Yet there are very few cameras with such technology, and there's not a single GPS-enabled DSLR (granted the Sony A55 and Alpha 77 may be half-exceptions, but there SLTs).
While there are other dedicated GPS accessories to add to your camera, the potential cost incurred from adding these can be extortionate – Nikon's GP-1 module, for example, retails for just under £200.
As a workaround, why not download Geotag Photos Pro to your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch?
Geotag Photos Pro an app designed to track your location and then make the data available to apply to external (ie not the iPhone's camera) images. The app can track your current location using GPS and, assuming the phone and camera's times and dates match (this is essential), the Geotag Photos Pro desktop computer software makes it easy to connect the phone's GPX file (located via iTunes) to your folder of photos.
Accuracy settings determine whether new tags are made for every 10m through to 1km of movement, and the Autologging feature can add a new GPS location upon every movement or once every hour – it's up to you.
A free 'Lite' version of the app is available, albeit without Autologging enabled (bar a free eight-hour trial).
Verdict
It's a shame there's no way to directly sync the phone to the camera itself, as a dedicated GPS accessory will immediately sync data to a shot. This is a slower workaround but, while applying the metadata to images may take a few more clicks than a dedicated GPS accessory, it's a process that can work in a matter of seconds.Think of it this way – those extra few clicks could save you hundreds of pounds. That's none too bad in our books. We were tempted to award it five stars based on cost alone.
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New Sony projector to offer four times the resolution of HDTV
Just a week after Toshiba announced the UK's first TV with a 4K (3840 x 2160) pixel resolution, Sony has taken the wraps of a home cinema projector that offers the same thrills but on a much larger scale.
The VW1000ES, which made its debut at CEDIA, uses a new 4K SXRD (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display) and Sony's Iris3 technology to deliver 12.5m pixel images at sizes up to 200in.
And, while we wait for actual 4K video content to arrive, this next-gen projector is naturally au fait with Full HD and 3D, using an active shutter system and a built-in transmitter for the latter.
Well-heeled
Where the VW1000ES will really appeal to well-heeled movie fans is its ability to upscale regular old Blu-rays to 4K – thanks to Sony's proprietary 'Reality Creation' chip. The result of this quadrupling of resolution is, says Sony, a more immersive, engaging visual experience. It should be like stepping up from DVD to Blu-ray all over again.The Reality Creation tech also works with Full HD 3D Blu-rays.
Sony Europe's product manager Tak Nakane is obviously excited by his brand's futureproof product, saying 'The VPL-VW1000ES delivers on the promise of the future of home entertainment – today.'
The VW1000ES follows the recently announced VW95ES and HW30ES. It is due to reach UK dealers in January with a price still to be announced – although we expect it to be, well, quite a lot.
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HTC tools up with Google patents in fight against Apple
HTC has bought nine Android patents from Google to add to its portfolio as it seeks to strengthen its case and halt what it perceives are Apple's infringements on its own intellectual property.
Apple is counter-claiming against HTC, saying its Android smartphones infringe on its own portfolio, and has promised to keep pushing on with legal action until all the companies 'stealing' its IP desist.
HTC has told TechRadar that it believes its claim over three patent infringements is totally valid, and it fully intends to continue with legal action:
"HTC will continue to protect its patented inventions against infringement from Apple until such infringement stops. We believe that we have an obligation to protect our business, our industry partners and our customers, who love using our products," Grace Lei, General Counsel of HTC told TechRadar.
No, YOU started it
Apple has also issued a statement on the matter, according to Reuters, claiming that its several patent claims against HTC (and other firms) are correct, and that these companies are making profit from Apple's own innovation:"We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours," said Apple in a statement.
The patent wars are starting to cause worry throughout the smartphone industry, with a number of smaller vendors becoming increasingly cautious over creating new Android devices until the situation is resolved.
We have to hope either a ruling or a settlement between all the camps is close – otherwise it's the consumer that will lose out on more companies innovating in mobile space.
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5-6 million iPhone 5 units 'shipping in September'
The supply chain creating all the little bits for the new iPhone 5 is apparently in full swing, with the device set to ship this month.
That's according to Digitimes, which reckons that Foxconn, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) behind the production of Apple's latest phone is now chucking out 150,000 units of the phone per day.
Those behind the creation of the battery, lens, front glass and touch panel are all working at full capacity too, according to the site.
Ramping up
This effort means up to six million devices will ship this month alone, and 22 million around the world in the lead up to Christmas – which one again points to an end of September/beginning of October iPhone 5 release date.Reports that two manufacturers are producing the iPhone 5 have been corroborated too, with Pegatron set to begin iPhone 5 manufacture in early 2012, highlighting Apple's belief that the iPhone 5 will be its biggest seller yet.
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'Confirmed' Nexus Prime likely just Nexus S
You know that thing on the internet where something pops up that seems to hint something and everyone thinks it is it but then it isn't after all? Well, that seems to be what's happened with the 'confirmed' Nexus Prime.
According to readers with the know-how (and time) over on PocketNow, the information in the user agent profile over on Samsung's wap page (where the original information was found) is identical to that of the Nexus S.
Does that mean Samsung is going to release a phone with the same specification list as the Nexus S to show off Ice Cream Sandwich? Seems a little unlikely, if we're honest.
Switcheroo
The model number is the only change between this and the Nexus S (from the GT-I902 to the GT-I9250) meaning it could feasibly be any phone Samsung is planning, although probably just a placeholder for the new phone in the UAProf database ahead of a launch.This is actually good news, as the WVGA resolution of the screen wasn't floating our boat really, so we're still likely to see a 720p HD screen on offer when the phone finally lands.
We heard recently from Eric Schmidt that the new Ice Cream Sandwich OS could be only a month away from launch, so we assume the phone will be announced at the same time to debut the new software (plus we're fully expecting a new tablet from one of the main players too).
So while the Google/Samsung Nexus Prime is still very much in the offing, it seems this is not the (An)droid you've been looking for…
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Shareholders tell RIM to consider selling up
A shareholder has written a letter to management at RIM suggesting that it is time the BlackBerry makers considered selling up.
Vic Alboini, CEO of merchant bank Jaguar Financial Corporation and 5 per cent RIM shareholder, said that the company must 'transform' or sell.
"The status quo is unacceptable, the company cannot sit still. It is time for transformational change. The directors need to seize the reins to maximise shareholder value before more market value is lost," he told the Financial Post.
Not alone
"We are representing several shareholders in making this statement. I've said to them if they want to step out and make themselves known, that's entirely up to them," he continued."RIM's chronic underperformance and repeated delays in executing its strategy have led Jaguar to the conclusion that fundamental change at RIM is required."
Alboini's letter also requested that RIM form a committee of independent directors in order to increase shareholder return, possibly by licensing out or selling off the company's patent portfolio.
It's not the first time that RIM has inspired an impassioned plea for change; just a couple of months ago an anonymous RIM employee penned an open letter calling for radical reorganisation to save the company's name.
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Shareholder tells RIM to consider selling up
A shareholder has written a letter to management at RIM suggesting that it is time the BlackBerry makers considered selling up.
Vic Alboini, CEO of merchant bank Jaguar Financial Corporation and 5 per cent RIM shareholder, said that the company must 'transform' or sell.
"The status quo is unacceptable, the company cannot sit still. It is time for transformational change. The directors need to seize the reins to maximise shareholder value before more market value is lost," he told the Financial Post.
Not alone
"We are representing several shareholders in making this statement. I've said to them if they want to step out and make themselves known, that's entirely up to them," he continued."RIM's chronic underperformance and repeated delays in executing its strategy have led Jaguar to the conclusion that fundamental change at RIM is required."
Alboini's letter also requested that RIM form a committee of independent directors in order to increase shareholder return, possibly by licensing out or selling off the company's patent portfolio.
It's not the first time that RIM has inspired an impassioned plea for change; just a couple of months ago an anonymous RIM employee penned an open letter calling for radical reorganisation to save the company's name.
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Microsoft set to reveal Windows 8 tablet next week?
Microsoft could be gearing up to reveal Windows 8 for tablets at its Build conference next week, with Samsung rumoured to be the hardware partner of choice.
That means that when the conference kicks off on 13 September, a Samsung-made Windows 8 tablet could become a reality.
The rumour comes by way of the Korea Economic Daily, whose industry sources claim that, "This new product manufactured by Samsung will be the company's first collaboration with Microsoft in its hardware devices."
The final countdown
Meanwhile, Reuters reports that Steven Sinofsky will do the onstage demo of Windows 8 but that the slates aren't going to make it on to shop shelves for at least another 12 months.Windows 8 is also set to run on desktop PCs, usurping the incumbent Microsoft OS, Windows 7; most rumours peg the Windows 8 release date as early 2012.
Samsung, meanwhile, has every reason in the world to be pushing for tablet success; its Android slates are widely agreed to be the best of the robotic bunch, but legal clashes with Apple have been hampering sales in several markets.
No doubt the company is keen to fight the iPad on whatever OS front that it can.
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Exclusive: Corel: Paintshop sales 'strong' in the UK
When you think of image manipulation, the first software package that comes to mind is Adobe Photoshop. So much so, that photoshop has pretty much become a verb. But, of course, there are alternatives out there.
Yesterday, Corel announced the latest version of its editing package, Paintshop Pro X4. The editing package is a budget option, costing less than £55, so it's clearly targeting itself at current users of Photoshop Elements, Adobe's entry-level package.
But how difficult is it for a company such as Corel to keep up when its main rival is so ubiquitous? We spoke to Chris Boba, PR manager for Corel EMEA to get some insight.
Chris says that the typical consumer is pretty much "anyone and everyone", with Corel targeting beginners right up to semi-pro level, "We aim at someone who really wants to do a lot with their photos, starting with the novice right the way up to prosumer level," he said.
Aside from the obvious cost benefits of using something like Corel, Chris says that the company also tries to make its products easier to use than rival software packages. "I'm confident in saying that we are the number one alternative product", he told us.
"Even though there are free software options on the market, those have a limited feature set, while those that are more expensive tend to be more complicated and don't offer a complete workflow solution."
Learning guide
One of the features that Corel is particularly proud of is the learning guides that teach users how to use certain aspects of the software. "Our software gives you room to grow with complicated techniques such as levels and curves," Chris explained, "The learning guide is very popular with both novices and people who have been using the product for a while. We know that not every photographer is an experienced photo editor, so this gives them something to work with."Users of previous versions of Paintshop Pro have complained about the speed of the product, but the latest version promises a 50% quicker start-up time and improved run-speed while in use. "We've spent a long time working on the code to make sure work flow is as quick as possible, because we understand that speed is a key element for most photographers," Chris said.
Corel offers a wide range of products, which includes graphic design, video and office software. In some parts of the world, sales are stronger in some segments than others. However, according to Chris, in the UK it is digital media products that do the best. "Paintshop Pro sales are extremely strong in the UK, and we work with our beta testers all the time to see how we can improve it further. It's a competitive market, but I think we can grow with the product."
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Corel unveils Paintshop Pro X4
Corel has announced the release of the latest version of its budget photo editing software, Paintshop Pro X4, complete with more than 75 new features or improvements.
Feedback from a range of beta testers and existing Paintshop Pro users helped to drive the new features across four different categories.
The software includes a redesigned HDR engine, allowing for photographs taken at different exposures to be merged for 'hyper real' effects. Photo Blend has also been added, allowing elements from two or more photos to be blended together for best results, for instance for removing tourists from a picture.
A new Fill Light tool has been added to help bring out underexposed areas of an image, without affecting the overall brightness of the rest of the image. The Clarity tool has been designed to bring out subtle details.
Selective Focus is another new tool which enhances a restricted depth of field, or it can be used to mimic a tilt-shift lens to create miniature scenes.
One of the key improvements on this release is speed, with Corel claiming a 50% increase on start-up and the best performance of any Paintshop Pro version yet.
Enhanced workspace
The workspace has been redesigned to allow for easy navigation between different photo workflows. The Manage space is used to review, tag and rate images. The new Adjust space allows for minor edits to be made, while the Edit tab provides the full editing tools.From within all tabs, the photo organiser can now be accessed. Dual monitor support has also been included for the first time, while the Curves, Histogram and metadata support has been enhanced.
The ability to share images on social networking sites such as Facebook and Flickr has been enhanced, with users also able to quickly resize images for emailing.
A premium version of software has also been announced. Paintshop Pro X4 Ultimate includes additional pro-level tools including 52 filters with over 250 effects and styles in Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0, along with a choice of royalty-free images from Fotolia and extra 'Picture Tubes', which allow for cards, calendars and so on to be created.
Pricing
Corel Paintshop Pro X5 UK price is £59.99, or £44.99 for existing customers. Paintshop Pro X5 Ultimate has a UK price of £79.99 or £59.99 for upgraders. Both are available now.
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First photo from iPhone 5 sneaks online?
We might think that raw fish can't tell us much – which is true, as it's probably dead – but when a picture of it looks like it's taken from the iPhone 5, we can't help but listen.
That's the scenario we're faced with here, as a picture of an Apple engineer's lunch was posted onto Flickr with some pretty curious details in the EXIF data.
According to Pocketnow (which has also uploaded a copy of the original pic, complete with EXIF), the data for the picture suggests we're looking at a photo taken from the iPhone 4, but cropped down to a 5MP size from an 8MP snap.
Sherlock phones
We've taken a gander at the info, and what's also interesting is the hardware used to take the lunch picture: it's a f/2.4 lens with a focal length of 4.28mm, which is much more advanced than that seen on the iPhone 4.Of course, we shouldn't get too excited – it's perfectly easy to use another device to capture a photo and then port it onto an iPhone before uploading it to the internet.
But there are more clues here – the photo was taken on Friday 22 July at 11.52 at Apple's HQ (according to the GPS data)… so that would mean the engineer in question would have used a point and shoot camera (or worse, a COMPETITOR PHONE) and then uploaded it on his or her iPhone 4.
Ah, the wonders of the iPhone rumour mill – when a picture of dead sea-dwellers can cause millions to wonder about a forthcoming handset. It's a truly magical time.
And here's another tasty morsel of an iPhone 5 clue - a reader over on ThisIsMyNext has spent some time un-curving the reflection, and may have come up with the first silhouette of the iPhone 5. Sure, it could be any phone... but if you've read this far, we're sure you're desperate for any details on Apple's new iPhone too, right?
Credit: ThisIsMyNext
And if you're still here, then we suggest you check out what TechRadar is hoping makes it into the next iPhone, through the magic of our video wish list:
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Tutorial: How to access your Mac on your iPad
How to access your Mac on your iPad
Thanks to the huge range of tools available in the App Store, many people are finding that they can use the iPad as a replacement for a MacBook. But there are still plenty of cases where this simply isn't possible.Some users are reliant on software that isn't yet available on iOS, while others may struggle with the storage limitations of the iPad. Remote desktop software can provide the solution to these problems, enabling you to access your Mac OS X machine, and all of its files and applications, right on your iPad.
Here, we're going to look at using Splashtop Remote on the iPad to connect to the desktop of a Mac. There are other iPad remote desktop and VNC options, including the free TeamViewer, but Splashtop is the only one capable of sending full video and audio, making it great for personal as well as business use.
You'll need to download the free desktop client on your Mac, and we'll guide you through setting it up and connecting your iPad to it. Once that's done, you can take total control of your Mac from your iPad's touchscreen, accessing all of the files on its hard drive, opening and using your desktop applications, and harnessing the more powerful hardware inside.
If your iPad and Mac are on the same local network, they'll see each other automatically and be able to connect. If you're planning to connect over the internet, you'll need to know your Mac's IP address – the SplashtopRemoteStreamer desktop client will display this when you open it.
Soon, you'll be able to use a Google account as a way to bypass the need for configuring IP addresses, but this wasn't functional at the time of writing. You can choose to browse your desktop either in its native resolution or reduced to the iPad's fixed 1024x768. If you have a large screen, such as a 27-inch iMac, you may want to consider the latter – unless you've got a very fast network connection indeed.
How to get connected and start using your desktop
01. Connect over a network
Download and install SplashtopRemote Streamer from www.splashtop.com. Open it, and you'll be asked to provide a security password for when you connect to the Mac. Open Splashtop Remote on your iPad, tap your Mac and enter the password to connect.
02. Connect over the internet
To connect to your computer over the internet, you need to have a Google account. Enter your username and password in the streamer software on your Mac, then go to the Internet Discovery option in the settings menu in Splashtop on your iPad. Enter your details here, too. Now, your iPad will be able to see and connect to your Mac from anywhere without any further setup required.
03. Take the hint
When you connect to your Mac desktop, you'll see a hint screen detailing how to control your PC using the touchscreen. Note the useful multi-touch gestures: pinch-to-zoom and three finger scrolling. Make good use of the keyboard, accessed via a button in the bottom-right corner.
04. Access your files
Even the top-end iPad only has 64GB of storage, so you can use Splashtop as a way to access your Mac's hard drive. If you've forgotten an important document, email it to yourself by getting the file in Finder and opening Mail – or add to a cloud storage folder such as Dropbox.
05. Use Microsoft Office
While there are plenty of productivity apps for iPad, Office applications aren't among them. If they're installed on your Mac, you can use Word, Excel and PowerPoint to their full potential once connected with Splashtop. This means access to all their desktop features.
06. See Flash content online
Flash is still absent from the iPad, but you've probably got it installed on your Mac. By connecting to your desktop, you can watch videos and interact with Flash websites and games. Splashtop's two-finger 'mouse over' gesture is extremely useful for this.
07. Play games
Though you'll struggle trying to play Portal 2 using Splashtop's touch controls, there are other games available for the Mac, but not iPad, that work fine. Here we're playing Torchlight, a 3D dungeon crawler that works well on the touchscreen.
08. Initiate tasks remotely
Tasks such as video transcoding, 3D rendering or large file transfers can take your Mac a while to crunch through. But you can connect with Splashtop and start these processes while you're away, so they're completed when you get back to your Mac.
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IFA 2011: Video: LG's best tech at IFA 2011
LG may not have chosen to have a press conference at IFA 2011 this year but the company still managed to showcase some impressive technology on its stand.
With LG still very much behind passive 3D technology and looking to expand this into the gaming sector – just check out the side by side gaming tech – and also releasing an accessory for its plasma TVs that allows you to draw on your television set, we thought it best to show you this technology in action.
So, check out the video below and see just what the Korean company is looking to release over the next few months.
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Celeb names banned from .xxx porn domain
More than 4,000 celebrity names have been banned from the .xxx domain, dashing the dreams of many an enterprising cybersquatter that hoped to make a mint off punters looking for A-Lister filth.
The ICM Registry, the management company behind the online red light district, has added thousands of famous names to its reserved list, along with terms requested by child protection agencies and governments.
"We banned the celebrities' names because it's very difficult for them to be trademarked," explained Stuart Lawley from ICM.
"We didn't want to have the embarrassment of AngelinaJolie.xxx coming up at the launch."
Would be embarrassing
But it's not just the allures of Angelina Jolie that have been banned; rather more eclectic celebrity tastes have been taken off the table too, with David Cameron, Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and Donald Trump no longer being made available.It all seems rather needless, though, when Lawley adds: "There's a prohibition on anyone registering a first or last name that doesn't belong to them."
Around 1,500 .xxx domains have been sold to porn companies ahead of the official launch on 6 December 2011, with ICM hoping to sell 500,000 domain names by the end of February 2012.
Companies and people who don't wish to be associated with the internet's seedy underside can also register their .xxx domains to avoid sexy cybersquatters from nabbing them.
TechRadar.xxx… now there's a thought.
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