Samsung Acquisition talks with SanDisk
Samsung Electronics Co. were looking at a number of ways of tying up with SanDisk Corp. The electronics giant is even considering a possible acquisition of SanDisk, the world’s largest flash-memory card maker.
Analysts have said that if Samsung push this acquisition, it could help Samsung reduce the amount of royalties that they have to pay out to SanDisk. The acquisition could also allow Korean electronics giant to have a much tighter control over the memory market.
SanDisk currently get most of their chips from a joint venture that it has with Toshiba Corp., although Samsung are one of their suppliers. At this moment, the global memory-chip market seems to be suffering from an oversupply, a result of the global economy.
Source – The Wall Street Journal
Stephen Odell Appointed Volvo President, CEO by Ford
Ford has appointed Stephen Odell as President and Chief Executive Officer of Volvo Car Corporation; he replaces Fredrik Arp, who chose to part with the company. Odell will take charge of Volvo on October 1; he will then be responsible of the global operations of Volvo.
He will take charge from their headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden. Ford hope that Stephen Odell is the man who can drive Volvo to a sustained profit, as well as restructuring and growth of the company.
Stephen Odell, has played a key part to the success that Ford is having in Europe, it seems that the oval badge is seeing a resurgence in Europe. Ford hope that Odell will be able to do the same for Volvo.
Read more on the story from Market Watch
Hot Dance Party and the brand new Dream Club expansion
September 1, 2008 by Daniel
Filed under Gaming, Online Games
The leading online game developer and operator in China (Perfect World) have announced today that they are launching an expansion pack for its 3D online game Hot Dance Party.
The new expansion pack is called “Dream Club”, and this addition will incorporate new management features into the online dancing game.
Online game players will now be able to invest in different items like new scenes, new songs, coin multiplier cards and experience multiplier cards to attract more players to go to their clubs. With Dream Club players get to own a virtual dance club and experience energetic dancing.
“As one of the most notable online casual dancing games in the domestic market, ‘Hot Dance Party’ has been well-received since its launch,” commented Mr. Michael Chi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Perfect World.
Source: Beijing Perfect World Co., Ltd.
Sony VPL-HW10 SXRD HD Projector: Small price big features
August 29, 2008 by Peter
Filed under Electronics, Projectors
The Sony VPL-HW10 SXRD is a HD projector that has a small price tag but is still big on features. Sony hopes that the VPL-HW10 SXRD will be able to deliver excitement and immediacy of HD to a new audience.
The technology that Sony has incorprated in to this new HD projector will convincingly reproducing that experience that you get from the Cinema. Sony has achieved this while still being within reach of a non-specialist buyer. Read more
Space Cube: possibly the smallest PC in the World
August 28, 2008 by Nikki
Filed under Computer Hardware, Computers
Have you ever thought about having a smaller computer, one that can literally fit into the palm of your hand? Well there is such a computer which is only available in Japan called a Space Cube.
This really could be the smallest computer in the world surely? Its dimensions are 2 inches squared, and it is made by the Shimafuji Corporation.
If we take a look at what makes the Space Cube the powerful computer it is, we find a top clock speed of 300Mhz and 16GB of on-board flash system. It runs on a Linux OS from a 1GB CompactFlash card.
The thing is with the Space Cube is unless you have a vacation booked in Space then it really will be no good to you, as this computer is designed to work in space only, it has some weird and wonderful ports, and there is a socket called the Space Wire port where it can link up to systems such as NASA, JAXA and RSA all space agencies of the US, Japan and Europe.
If you still thinking you want one of these it would set you back around £1,500.
Source: pocket-lint
Oil prices force Toyota to Cut 2009 Sales Forecast
Toyota Motor Corp. has had to make the decision to cut their sales figures for 2009. The have reduced the sales forecast by 6.7 percent as a result of current oil prices, as gasoline is nearing the $4 a gallon mark.
The biggest blow for Toyota, the world’s second-largest automaker, is that the demand for trucks has dropped massively. It seems that it is now smaller cars that Americans are wanting. Read more
New Kindle e-book reader could match iPod sales
August 26, 2008 by Nikki
Filed under Audio & Video Gadgets, Gadgets
The kindle e-book reader which is aimed at students from Amazon, it going to unveil a larger screen model, as well as an upgrade on the base model, which we could see in September, the source said that the new model will have a lot better screen and be much thinner, as well as an improved interface which before a lot of users found annoying, one insider said that the jump in quality of the new version is similar to that of the leap between the first iPod mini and the new latest version.
Jeff Bezos the CEO of Amazon has talked very highly of the Kindle and it seems soon we will be able to see if the Kindle does live up to all the hype, the original device which went on sale just over a year ago is said to have sold 280,000 units, this was just a ballpark figure releases from Techcrunch report. Any new venture which has put in $100 million or so in revenue a year is not to be ignored, figures based on the Kindle selling for $399 although its dropped to $359 not so long ago.
We have never seen a Kindle in fact heard of anyone owning one, although a report from Citicorp analyst Mark Mahaney suggests that the Kindle could match the first year sales of the iPod. The one amazing thing with the Kindle is that ability to download any book and some newspapers and subscription within seconds wirelessly when for Amazon, it’s also said that Amazon will lower the price to $299 or in some reports as low as $249.
Source: businessweek
AT&T Delivers 3G Wireless Access in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam
August 20, 2008 by Daniel
Filed under Press Releases
The need for more speed is always on our minds when we are trying to keep connected while on the move, AT&T Answers this need for speed in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties.
The company is delivering ultra fast wireless access to more mobile applications every month, and now they have expanded again. Read the press release below for full details Read more
Seamless and AVG: Secure Internet Browsing with Anti-Virus
The Seamless Corporation has announced today that they have partnered with AVG Technologies, and as a result customers will be able to buy the Seamless Secure Internet Browsing (S-SIB) program with AVG’s Anti-Virus program included.
The S-SIB Complete package is priced at $44.95 and will include: Instant Messaging Protection, AVG Search-Shield, AVG Active Surf-Shield, HTTP scanning, Anti-Rootkit, Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus.
You will also get an anonymous web browsing feature that protects your Identity online, you web traffic will be encrypted to a government grade encryption, and they also cover your data security with a 2 million dollar product liability policy.
With Wi-Fi attacks a serous issue, you get the added protection from Evil twin attacks, Man in the Middle attacks and Packet sniffing.
Ken Reda, President of Seamless TEK Labs, Inc said “Partnering with AVG Technologies enables us to offer a broader security program to our customers”.
Visit AVG, Seamless TEK LABS or read other software news.
Source: Read
New DiamondBack-X Truck Cover Reinforced with LINE-X
August 20, 2008 by Daniel
Filed under Autos, Press Releases
This is the new DiamondBack-X Truck Cover that’s reinforced with LINE-X, and the product has been made possible thanks to a partnership between DiamondBack Truck Covers and the industry leader in truck bed protection (LINE-X). Read the press release below for the full details Read more
Samsung i900 Omnia Unboxed: Do you believe it?
August 20, 2008 by Daniel
Filed under Cell Phones, Handsets
This is the Samsung i900 Omnia unboxing video that was released by the Samsung corporate for viral promotion. Now what’s the bet that someone will think this really happens when you unbox the Samsung Omnia.
You can see it now. The buyer opens his or her box, and looks for the red button and cannot find it anywhere, will there be one person that rings Samsung and asks where the red button is?
Unboxing has become an integral part of a product’s launch identity, and now Samsung is using this tradition as a form of promotion, but you got to love the video.
The Samsung Omnia i900 will feature the TouchWiz interface, a 3.2 inch touch-screen, 3G HSPDA, Bluetooth, image stabilizer, 5-megapixel camera with auto-focus, a GPS receiver and runs on Windows Mobile 6.1.
Kids always love to play with the box at Christmas more than the toy, but this is one cool box I would love to have with my Samsung i900. Check out the video below and let us know what you think.
Found via Engadget, after watching the video feel free to view other cellphone news.
Xbox 360 and the ROTHBURY Festival
The 2008 July 4 weekend saw the ROTHBURY Festival emerge as a new American music celebration. Xbox 360 was a proud sponsor of this inaugural, next-generation rock and roll music festival.
ROTHBURY was a huge party with a purpose, hosted at the one-of-a-kind Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan. The ranch offers beautiful trails, forests, fields, lakes, and beaches, and even on-site lodging, bars, and eateries Read more
Telefónica and Philips 1080p 52-inch 3D TV: No Glasses
August 15, 2008 by Mark
Filed under Electronics, News, Televisions
Now this is very exciting in my eyes because I love technology, before I get into the news can you say for a fact you like wearing those awkward glasses on your head to watch TV in 3D? Yes that was my answer also “NO”.
Well the good news is that Telefónica will start testing a brand new television; they will test the 3D IPTV service in São Paulo, Brazil sometime later on this year.
The new TV will be viewing the 3D on a 52-inch Philips 3D HDTV in 1080p, the TV will include auto-stereoscopic which basically means that you can watch in 3D without the need for the clumsy 3D glasses.
There are what could be major downsides, one is that only Philips TV can currently display the awesome 3D and the cost is (Are you sitting down) a whopping 18,000 Euros which is around about $26,000 US.
Philips expects that the 3D TV will be good for corporate settings and that is will be around in say 3 to 4 years.
Source – IPTV News via Engadget
Microsoft Surface at Sheraton Hotels & Resorts: Location List
August 13, 2008 by Peter
Filed under Computers, Press Releases
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Microsoft Corp. today introduced an entirely new hotel guest experience with its debut of Microsoft Surface, Microsoft’s first commercially available surface computer. Featuring easy-to-use technology and a natural way of accessing information, Surface units will be placed in the lobbies of select Sheraton hotels in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Seattle. Microsoft Surface breaks down the traditional barriers between people and technology, providing simple and instant access to information and entertainment. Sheraton will be the first hotel to offer Microsoft Surface, creating a new Sheraton brand experience that will bring interaction, connectivity and a social setting to the lobby, providing guests with an entirely new way to explore local tourist highlights and enhance their hotel stay.
Microsoft Surface is a 30-inch display in a tablelike form factor that several guests can use simultaneously. The intuitive user interface works without a traditional mouse or keyboard, allowing people to interact with content and information in a more natural and familiar way, by using their hands and gestures. Sheraton will unveil Surface today at five hotels: Sheraton Boston Hotel, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, Sheraton Gateway San Francisco Airport Hotel and Sheraton Seattle Hotel.
With each unit, Sheraton is offering a customized version of the Microsoft Surface developed suite of applications to provide entertainment and information about local attractions. Surface, and these unique applications, are designed to serve the needs of the brand’s core guests who are social individuals seeking to share the travel experience with one another. The placement of the Surface units in Sheraton lobbies enables guests to leverage and experience the offerings in a social way. Three highlighted applications are the following:
CityTips®. At the guests’ fingertips are the Surface 360-degree satellite maps and tools to search for local restaurants and bars, entertainment, recreation, shopping, transportation and services, such as banks and pharmacies. Guests can discover all a city has to offer by simply moving their hands across Surface.
Sounds of Sheraton. Microsoft Surface also serves as a lobby-based digital jukebox, enabling guests to create personal music playlists by choosing selections from Sheraton’s exclusive offering of Sony BMG artists, including John Legend, Kenny Chesney and Lauryn Hill.
Sheraton Snapshots. Guests can explore Sheraton hotels and resorts throughout the world by simply browsing the Surface photo library of Sheraton resorts and hotel properties to help them plan for future business or leisure travel.
“Sheraton is redefining the hospitality experience by offering our guests technology that will allow them to interact with each other and our hotel in a revolutionary way,” said Hoyt H. Harper II, senior vice president for Sheraton. “We are proud to partner with Microsoft to offer the groundbreaking Microsoft Surface product, which will enable our guests to stay informed, connected and entertained while traveling.”
“We’re excited to be working with Sheraton in its efforts to feature innovation and redefine the guest experience in its hotel properties,” said Pete Thompson, general manager, Microsoft Surface. “Surface takes a common activity, such as looking up information about a local city, and transforms it into an intuitive and social way for hotel guests to plan their visit. We believe this is just the beginning of how Surface will completely change the hotel guest experience.”
Sheraton Locations Featuring Microsoft Surface
- Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers – 811 7th Ave. 53rd St., New York
- Sheraton Boston Hotel – 39 Dalton St., Boston
- Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers – 301 East North Water St., Chicago
- Sheraton Seattle Hotel – 1400 6th Ave., Seattle
- Sheraton Gateway San Francisco Airport Hotel – 600 Airport Blvd., Burlingame
Source - Press release
Digital Nomads: Dell pushing out ten new notebooks, better battery life
Dell are moving forward to better themselves in the notebook market and they are going to achieve this hopefully with the ten laptops they have coming. They want to be better in the market which is driven by the so called digital nomads.
Dell has announced ten new laptops or should we say Latitude corporate laptops, Dell have always had a great and now with the new-line of business laptops which boast 19 hours of battery life and many other innovative features, we can see them coming out on top in the market.
What we should look at is the demanding features from digital nomads and their all day connectivity, high-level security, long battery life, durability and of course uncompromising design. The new line-up from Dell will include an ultra-lightweigh model and backlit keyboards, the ultralight model is much lighter than that of the Apple MacBook at just 2.2 pounds and will feature a 12.1-inch display.
The line-up includes the 14.1-inch E5400 starting at $839, 15.4-inch E5500 starting at $869; the 14.1-inch E6400 and the 15.4-inch E6500 both starting at $1,139 and the 14.1-inch semi-rugged E6400 ATG, which starts at $2,399 and there is also the ultra-portable 12.1-inch Latitude E4200 and the 13.3-inch E4300.
The Dell Latitude E6400 ATG is built and tested to meet MIL-810F standards for humidity, dust, vibration, and altitude (Got to love that the Dell Latitude with good altitude). This laptop will feature a removable shock-mounted hard drive, spill-resistant keyboard, and port covers.
Read the full line-up over on Information Weekly.
Nokia E71 and the BlackBerry Bold do battle
August 13, 2008 by Peter
Filed under Cell Phones, Handsets
While the Nokia E71 and the Blackberry bold are not going head to head in a battle for sharing the same market place, we have to admit they do have a number of things in common. Both handsets are for the enterprise market but they are two totally different breeds of handsets.
Both the Nokia E71 and the Blackberry Bold from RIM have a QWERTY keyboard along with that all important Wi-Fi. These phones also come with a camera, corporate email and superb battery performance.
If both handsets were to do battle with each other, what one would come out the winner?
No one can argue that the Blackberry Bold has to be one of the sharpest and cleanest looking Blackberry’s ever built. The handset has been built to a high standard and should be able to take what everyday life throws at it.
The Nokia E71 has to be one of the nicest looking Blackberry style phones, with its metal finish giving it a real slick look and feel.
Read a full comparison of the two handsets here
Other news on Nokia
Exxon Mobil did not authorize activities on Twitter
The latest news which first appeared in Computerworld’s print edition where Exxon Mobile made its way to Twitter unwittingly is very interesting indeed, well for some anyway.
Someone claiming the be an Exxon Mobil Corp employee and user of Twitter microblogging site decided to create a page on Twitter on July 28 with the firm’s name and part of its logo and even photos of the an Exxon gas station, this page had over 400 users sign up to this group that was created to receive messages being posted on the Janet at ExxonMobil.
Well apparently and according to Computer World “Exxon Mobil” did not authorize these activities on Twitter and doe’s not know who Janet is or even if she or he really does work at the company.
Alan Jeffers, Exxon Mobil spokesman said:
Whoever is posting the messages “is not an authorized person to speak on behalf of the company,” he also added Exxon Mobil hasn’t officially started using any social networking sites to communicate with customers.
Jeffers said that after he became aware of this page was created on Twitter by Janet, Exxon Mobil contacted officials at Twitter Inc and asked them if they could reserve this for company use and any potential account names associated with its various business brands, of course Twitter agreed to this.
The unauthorized page was still live on Friday and Janet started to post new messages after being absent for two days. Analyst Jeremiah Owyang from Forrester Research Inc said that companies need to keep track on Twitter and other Web 2.0 sites to make sure they do not get brand-jacked.
Read the full article here.
Toyota Profit hits five year low: Down 28 percent
Toyota Motor Corp. has seen a huge drop in their profit, the biggest in five years. The world’s second-largest carmaker has blamed poor sales of sport-utility vehicles and trucks, due to high fuel prices.
Toyota has reported that their net income has fallen by 28 percent to 353.7 billion yen or $3.2 billion, shares are now just 112.28 yen a share. The year earlier net income was 491.5 billion yen, or 153.89 yen per share.
According to Bloomberg, Toyota’s operating profit in North America feel by 57 percent, as we mentioned it is the sale of larger vehicles that have seen the biggest drop. Katsuaki Watanabe, President of Toyota Motor Corp. has had to halt the production of Tundra pickups and Sequoia SUVs for three months as a result of high oil prices.
Toyota has always been known for their larger vehicles, where Honda seems to produce smaller and fuel-efficient cars. This has seen an 8.1 percent gain for the automaker.
It is not just Toyota who is being hit with huge profit losses; Ford and GM are two more to add to that list. Automakers are now facing a fork in the road; they now have some tough decisions to make. One thing is certain; they will all have to think about producing smaller fuel-efficient cars.
Sprint Nextel sees drop in earnings as subscribers leave
Sprint Nextel Corp. has reported a decline in earnings in the second quarter, a result from the 901,000 wireless subscribers who have left the company. This news did not take long to have a reaction in Wall Street, as shares of Sprint Nextel Corp. fell by 79 cents.
Shares started on Wednesday at $7.76, as of noon they were at $7.71. Before the market had opened on Wednesday, the wireless carrier had reported revenue of $9.06 billion for the second quarter. This is down 10.9 percent from $10.2 billion in 2007.
Sprint has said that their customers for the second quarter are 51.9 million, that’s down 3.9 percent on last year figure of 54 million.
It seems that Sprints CEO Dan Hesse has taken a positive view on this; he said “We are seeing signs of progress from our efforts to improve the customer experience, rebuild the Sprint brand and increase our profitability.”
It is thought by many that Sprint Nextel subscribers will fall even more in the third quarter of 2008.
Comcast and Tiscali share BitTorrent and gaming problem
July 28, 2008 by Mark
Filed under Gaming, Networking, News, Sony Playstation 3
Comcast Corp the Cable TV giant’s and Internet service provider are doing wrong to customers; they have been accused of wrongly slowing down some of its customers Internet traffic.
Looking at the latest news, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will rule that Comcast has violated federal policy by deliberately preventing some customers from file-sharing. For example, sharing videos online via file-sharing services like BitTorrent, the company has acknowledged it slowed some traffic. But they said it was necessary so they could prevent a few heavy users from overburdening its network.
The ruling is expected Friday, the FCC decision will no doubt be challenged in court. Comcast being accused of blocking is a pretty bad thing or at least throttling traffic from subscribers trying to share files through the highly popular BitTorrent peer-to-peer network.
I know many customers in the UK are having the same problems with Internet providers “Tiscali” including myself. I have just cancelled my contract with Tiscali because when I want to play the Playstation 3 online it is nearly impossible to plays multiplayer online games with friends or family on the contacts list.
Basically what these companies are doing is traffic shaping, switching off certain ports. All companies not just Comcast should be looked into and Tiscali should be on top of the list, they may be in breach of contract for exercising port and service blocking. We are all getting blocked from a number of websites and of course my major problem is P2P (peer-to-peer) gaming.
