Sunday, April 15, 2012

Update - 81



Posted: 27 Feb 2012 03:05 PM PST
With Unlimited Data plans going the way of Old Yeller, folks are doing everything they have to push their data milage as far as they can without breaking the bank. While yes, Verizon has run deals where you can get double the bang for your buck you still have that limit; taunting you, teasing you to go over where you will be charged even more money for the data you use. Well this new service by AT&T looks to put a different spin on the data usage milage with a completely different approach.
They hope to push out a service that allows content providers, as well as developers, the ability to pay the wireless carrier for mobile data its customers use. According to Mr. Donovan, the carrier’s network and technology head equated it to toll-free calling of the mobile-broadband world. As he puts it: 
“A feature that we’re hoping to have out sometime next year is the equivalent of 800 numbers that would say, if you take this app, this app will come without any network usage,” 
This is a move that attempts at finding new ways to make money on the ever rising data traffic through their networks while also being conscious of the fact that consumers have limits on what they are willing to spend. It’s unclear though as to if technology companies would be willing to pay carriers for data use. With the rollout of LTE this service could be more than a possibility though.
Basically the way it would break down is if someone was close to reaching their data limit they would be more likely to pay for a movie or playing a game if the content provider would foot the bill for the data transmission. Of course this doesn’t reflect how the content providers would thusly charge app users for footing said bills. Only time will tell.

source: Wall Street Journal
Posted: 27 Feb 2012 02:22 PM PST
Isis is all set to compete head on with Google Wallet as they’ve just announced their initial banking partners.  The company has stated Capital One, Barclaycard and Chase are to be the first among many to jump on board.  The companies will be the first to allow their debit, credit and pre-paid cards to launch when the Isis Wallet application kicks off this summer.  Combined, the three companies hold 100 million card holders in the U.S. alone.   Isis is serious about the mobile payment game as they gear up to take on Google Wallet.  Using the up and coming NFC technology, Isis has secured some big partnerships which include companies such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card along with some big hardware gurus like Samsung, Sony, Motorola, LG and HTC.  Isis CEO, Michael Abbott, offered the following:
"Today's announcement is testament to the vision and commitment of Chase, Capital One and Barclaycard to make mobile commerce a real and positive experience for their customers," and "Mobile commerce is more than a new way to pay; it's about extending the relationships consumers enjoy with their banks and merchants into a powerful and convenient new form factor."
Does the company have what it takes to compete with Google Wallet?  We’ll soon see.  The screen shot above is the first to be released by the company and looks to be fairly streamlined.  Here’s to seeing how the service compares especially since Google Wallet isn’t really activated on many devices by carrier choice.  Feel free to let us know what you think of the competing service in the comments below.
source: GIGAOM
Posted: 27 Feb 2012 01:51 PM PST
Tech sites worldwide are ablaze with the surge of news coming in from the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, however ironically it’s a device that we definitely will not be seeing unveiled in Sunny Spain that continues to dominate the headlines.
Earlier today we brought you the news that BGR had released some juicy titbits on Samsung’s forthcoming flagship device, the Galaxy SIII. BGR disocvered that the much-hyped super phone is set to be an ultra-thin, waterproof, ceramic coated unit packing a 4.8″ display that will launch simultaneously in 50 countries worldwide. As much as this information is more than enough to pique our interests, the latest rumours will blow your socks off.
BGR has stepped up to the plate yet again with a few more pieces of the jigsaw and all signs point towards the Galaxy SIII being the most stylish and most powerful Android smartphone to date. The highlights are :

  • 1.5GHz quad-core Exynos processor
  • 4.8″ 1080p Full HD screen
  • 8MP rear camera and 2MP  front camera
  • Ceramic casing
  • Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
  • 4G LTE
So there you have it, the Galaxy SIII is set to be an absolute monster of a phone and really build on the already stellar reputation of the Galaxy brand. As I see it, all that’s left to ask is where and when can I get one. Stay tuned in to TalkAndroid for further developments as they arrive.source : BGR
Posted: 27 Feb 2012 01:37 PM PST
swiftkey x icon
It appears that SwiftKey is just getting better and better. Today the 3rd-party keyboard developer has announced in Barcelona that it will release the keyboard SDK for use by device and handset manufacturers. The SDK isn’t just for Android folks either as it will also be available for a slew of other OS’ including iOS, QNX/BlackBerry 10, OS X, Windows, etc. As Dr. Ben Medlock, CTO of SwiftKey puts it:
"As we are interacting with more devices, technology that accurately understands what a user is trying to say or do with their devices is vital. It only takes a cursory look at user groups to realize that typing is one of the biggest frustrations that people have on tablets and smartphones. The launch of our SDK will give OEMs access to better typing experience, with their own look and feel."
So we can look forward to seeing SwiftKey on a whole bunch of different devices here in the future. You can hit the break below to check out the press release in full detail. It will be exciting to see how the software’s prediction capabilities work on something other than a phone or tablet down the road like for instance a SmartTV or an Ultrabook. What do you guys think?
Press Release:
SwiftKey Launches SDK for  Handset and Device Manufacturers
OEMs Can Integrate SwiftKey's Powerful Language Technology Into Their Devices to Improve Core Typing Experience
Barcelona, Spain — February 27, 2012 – SwiftKey™ (http://www.swiftkey.net), the company behind the award-winning SwiftKey X keyboard for Android™ smartphones, is making the core language-engine technology that powers its app available to OEMs. The move will allow handset and device manufacturers to embed SwiftKey's smart language technology into their own devices through a Software Development Kit (SDK).
SwiftKey X has already proven immensely popular as a stand-alone app. It has been downloaded more than five million times, making it one of the most popular paid for applications on the planet in its category. In addition, SwiftKey's technology has been shortlisted for the Most Innovative App in this year's GSMA Global Mobile Awards at Mobile World Congress.
The SDK enables tablet and handset manufacturers to offer cutting edge prediction and correction technology in their products, powered by SwiftKey's Natural Language Processing language engine. OEMs can build SwiftKey's core technology into their own keyboard and UI, to improve the core user experience of their devices. The SDK introduces a range of new features in addition to those currently available on SwiftKey X, with support for over 40 languages, including Arabic, Korean and Spanish.
Dr Ben Medlock, CTO of SwiftKey explains: "As we are interacting with more devices, technology that accurately understands what a user is trying to say or do with their devices is vital. It only takes a cursory look at user groups to realize that typing is one of the biggest frustrations that people have on tablets and smartphones. The launch of our SDK will give OEMs access to better typing experience, with their own look and feel."
"The SDK will also enable other consumer technology devices, beyond the tablet and smartphone, to receive the benefits of our unique language engine. We have already seen interesting applications of our language engine in Smart TVs and assistive technology devices."
SwiftKey SDK supports the following platforms and languages:
  • Android
  • C++
  • iOS
  • JVM (Java, Scala)
  • Linux
  • Mac OS X
  • .NET (C#, VB)
  • QNX/BlackBerry 10
  • WebOS
  • Windows
About SwiftKey
SwiftKey makes typing much easier on Android smartphones, replacing the touchscreen keyboard with one powered by smarter natural language technology. The app, which launched in beta in July 2010, understands how words work together to give much more accurate corrections and predictions than other keyboards. It also powerfully learns over time to make typing easier and even more accurate, and users can personalize it using Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, SMS or their blog posts.
To date SwiftKey has received more than five million downloads, saving users more than 30 billion keystrokes: equivalent to over 350 years spent typing.
TouchType Ltd, the company behind SwiftKey, was founded in August 2008 by Jon Reynolds, CEO, and Dr Ben Medlock, CTO, both Cambridge University graduates. With a growing team of over 30 people, the company is based in Southwark, London, UK.
Posted: 27 Feb 2012 01:26 PM PST
Ready for more Samsung Galaxy S III rumors? I know they are just rumors but boy am I a sucker for anything SGSIII! We’ve already recently seen some pretty amazing possible specs revealed, but now thanks to an inside source close to BGR we have a few more to add to the big pile of awesome. Reportedly launching simultaneously across the globe, the Galaxy S III is now unofficially said to rock a 1.5GHz quad-core Samsung Exynos processor, a 4.8-inch 16:9 ‘full HD’ 1080p display, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, 4G LTE, Android 4.0 and a ceramic case. Get all that? Sounds pretty great to me and if true, will be the hottest device on the market! One thing, though… I’ not to sure what to think about the ceramic case thing, I believe its meant that the case will be ceramic coated. I mean I already have enough worries about having a display that has potential to be cracked, I don’t need to now worry about the whole damn thing shattering! What are your thoughts? Blu-ray quality video on your Android phone anyone?
source: BGR
Posted: 27 Feb 2012 01:16 PM PST
MWC is well under way and the latest company to reveal a flagship device is Panasonic.  The company has shown off their new “Eluga” device housing a TI OMAP 4430 CPU and 4.3-inch qHD display.  On paper this device sounds like a power horse but it seems like those who’ve stopped by the booth for a demo experienced something a little unimpressive.  Though the device has a pretty high-end CPU it performed less than par, rendering page scrolls slowly and sluggishly.  The handset also comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB’s of storage so we’re not sure where the sluggish performance is coming from.  It appears that Panasonic has a lot of work to complete with the software before the device’s final release.  Check out the video hands-on demo below from our friends over at Android Police and let us know what you think.  Aside from the performance, the device is extremely aesthetically pleasing and one of the thinnest devices on the market.  And did we mention that it’s certifiably dust and water resistant?  Well, it is.  However, on another more distasteful and negative note, we regret to mention that the device will be accompanied with an 1150 mAh battery and that’s all we’ll say about that for now.  Expect Gingerbread 2.3.5 as the device’s choice of OS version.  We should see the handset hit the market some time in Q2 of this year.  Now, is there also a tablet in the works?  For more MWC coverage be sure to check out our link here.
Posted: 27 Feb 2012 01:15 PM PST
 
Huawei is already on its way to bringing some sweet devices to the limelight, but it wants to further itself apart from the competition even more. Dolby Labs has announced a collaboration with Huawei by incorporating Dolby Digital Plus into future Huawei devices. This means that we’ll soon be able to enjoy that rich, crisp and superior surround sound on premium Huawei tablets and smartphones. The manufacturer plans to utilize Dolby Digital Plus by optimizing the technology for the overall mobile experience by including virtual surround sound over headphones, bass and high-frequency enhancements, a sound level controller, mono-to-stereo creator and sound space expander. Oh and don’t forget that these Dolby-powered devices will have the full capability to connect the devices to HD-ready TVs, A/V receivers and home theater systems in order allow consumers to enjoy quality surround sound as well.
Huawei is just giving us yet another reason to drool over its ever-impressive brand. Hit the break to see the full press release from Dolby.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 27, 2012 — Media Contact:
Running Xie
Dolby Laboratories
Tel: +86 6113 3461
Mobile: +86 138 0199 2141
Running.xie@dolby.com
Dolby Collaborates with Huawei to Deliver Authentic and High Quality Audio Experience on Range of Mobile Devices
China, February 25, 2012—Today, Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:DLB) announced a collaboration between Huawei Device and Dolby, to incorporate Dolby® Digital Plus into future Huawei mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. This collaboration makes Huawei the first portable device manufacturer in mainland China to use Dolby Digital Plus to bring consumers full-impact and authentic audio on mobile devices.
“In today's world, consumers are seeking the very best entertainment experience that technology can offer,” said Huawei Device CMO Chairman Shaoyang. "Through our collaboration with Dolby, Huawei will take the mobile entertainment experience to the next level, enabling consumers to experience rich, full-impact audio on future Huawei devices. By connecting these devices with HD-ready TVs, audio/video receivers (AVRs), and home theater systems, consumers can experience cinema-quality surround sound."
Dolby Digital Plus is a key part of high-definition entertainment and is the pre-eminent way to deliver and enjoy high-quality sound across a range of devices. Dolby Digital Plus is an ideal audio solution for artists, operators, carriers, and device makers worldwide and is now available on more than 640 million products, including HDTVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, game consoles, and Blu-ray™ players.
"We are very excited to strengthen our collaboration with Huawei.” said Mahesh Sundaram, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Dolby Laboratories. "Combining our leading-edge technology, Dolby Digital Plus, with Huawei's wide range of handset and tablet products will enable both companies to support high-quality, multi-channel surround sound for consumers. This agreement affirms Dolby's commitment to addressing the industry's rapidly growing demand for HD entertainment on portable devices."
In addition to offering multi-channel surround sound, Dolby Digital Plus also includes technologies optimized for the mobile experience, such as virtual surround sound over headphones, bass and high-frequency enhancements, a sound level controller, mono-to-stereo creator, sound space expander. Dolby Digital Plus also supports the tuning of speakers and headphones to enhance the mobile entertainment experience.
About Dolby Laboratories
Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) is the global leader in technologies that are essential elements in the best entertainment experiences. Founded in 1965 and best known for high-quality audio and surround sound, Dolby creates innovations that enrich entertainment at the movies, at home, or on the go. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, visit www.dolby.com.
Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Posted: 27 Feb 2012 01:13 PM PST
Although Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich hasn’t even been deployed on all compatible handsets yet, the Android 5.0 Jellybean rumours and speculations seemed to immediately start churning out of the rumour mill. It seems that Google itself is now taking part, as The Verge reports that Google has stuffed a giant bowl of Jellybeans in the middle of their massive Android booth at Mobile World Conference 2012. I highly doubt this is coincidence or some tongue-in-cheek statement. It seems that Google is giving us a little wink, foreshadowing the next Android OS iteration.
source: the verge
Posted: 27 Feb 2012 12:58 PM PST
We’ve been following the progress of ASUS’ hotly anticipated tablet and phone package for the best part of a year and earlier today our patience was finally rewarded with a formal announcement. It seems that ASUS is in a giving mood today as it has also released a preview of the advert promoting the hot new tech to further whet our appetites.
Are you curious as to at what kind of person uses a tablet, phone and netbook all in one? Take a look at the YouTube video below and see how Ben, Jessie and Kenny use the PadFone to expand their worlds.

Click here to view the embedded video.
Posted: 27 Feb 2012 12:49 PM PST
During this year’s Mobile World Congress, we watched as Orange unveiled the Santa Clara, the first device to sport Intel’s 2GHz Z2469 (Medfield) processor. Even though the Medfield is currently making waves at MWC, that doesn’t mean Intel won’t out do themselves next year as they also announced the Atom Z2580 and Atom Z2000.
The Intel Atom Z2580 is going to be something to behold and devices should start being equipped with the speed demon by early 2013. This upcoming powerhouse of a processor is said to double the speed of the Medfield and will also adorn the XMM7160, Intel’s multimode LTE modem. The Atom Z2000 is going to be geared more towards mid range affordable devices and runs at 1GHz and includes the XMM6265 modem which has HSPA+ connectivity and even sports a dual-SIM mode.
To further assure the promising future of the new Atom processors, Visa also signed on with Intel and will include its payWave system on future Intel-toting handsets. Now the question remains, what will ARM have to say about the new Atoms and what will they release to compete in the ever advancing chip market? We should know soon enough. Full press release after the break. 
Intel Expands Smartphone Portfolio: New Customers, Products, Software and Services
Posted by IntelPR on Feb 27, 2012 9:21:29 AM
Announces Smartphone Device Engagements with Orange*, Lava*, ZTE* and Visa*
Discloses Range of New Smartphone SoCs and Communications Products
MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 27, 2012 – Intel Corporation President and CEO Paul Otellini today detailed a number of announcements and plans aimed at expanding the company’s smartphone product portfolio and customer ecosystem, including strategic new engagements with Orange*, Lava International Ltd.*, ZTE*, and Visa*.
“We are very pleased to add new, important customers and capabilities to our phone offerings today. We remain focused on delivering exciting new features and outstanding performance to smartphone customers around the world.” said Otellini.
Otellini made the announcements during an Intel news conference at Mobile World Congress. He also highlighted the company’s plans to expand its smartphone SoC and communications product roadmaps for the performance and value smartphone market segments.
New Smartphone Customer Engagements
Building on strategic engagements with Motorola Mobility Inc.* and Lenovo*, Intel detailed new device relationships with Orange, Lava International Ltd. and ZTE.
Yves Maitre, Orange senior vice president of Mobile Multimedia and Devices, joined Otellini to discuss a new Orange smartphone based on the Intel® Atom™ processor Z2460 reference design. Housed in a sleek body, the design enables rich entertainment experiences and Orange services, including Orange TV, Daily Motion, Deezer, Orange Wednesdays and Orange Gestures. The Orange smartphone will be available in the United Kingdom and France later this summer.
Intel also announced plans to enter the high-growth market for smartphones in India through an alliance with Lava International Ltd., one of the fastest-growing Indian mobile handset companies.Vishal Sehgal, Lava co-founder and board director, announced the launch of XOLO Smartphone by Lava. The XOLO X900 is based on Intel’s smartphone reference design and will be the first Intel technology-based smartphone in the India market. The device will be available from top retail outlets early in the second quarter of 2012 and will support major Indian cellular networks.
Similar to its previously announced partnership with Motorola Mobility, Intel also announced a multi-year mobile device collaboration across smartphones and tablets with global handset maker ZTE. Mr. He Shiyou, executive vice president and head of the Terminal Division of ZTE, discussed how his company’s alliance with Intel will enable ZTE to move faster and create unique and differentiated products for wireless operators. He also announced that ZTE’s first Intel-powered mobile device is scheduled to debut in the second half of 2012.
Expanding Smartphone SoC and Communications Roadmaps
Building on its ecosystem engagements, Intel announced plans for three new smartphone SoC products that expand the company’s portfolio from the performance-to-value market segments.
Extending the leading performance and energy efficiency of the Intel™ Atom® processor Z2460, formerly codenamed “Medfield,” Intel announced that the platform will now support speeds up to 2GHz.
Intel also announced the Atom™ Z2580 processor that doubles the performance of the Atom processor Z2460, and features an advanced multimode LTE/3G/2G solution. Intel will sample the Z2580 in the second half of the year with customer products scheduled in the first half of 2013.
Addressing the growing handset opportunity in emerging markets where consumers look for more value at lower prices, Intel disclosed plans for the Intel® Atom™ processor Z2000.
The Z2000 is aimed squarely at the value smartphone market segment, which industry sources predict could reach up to 500 million units by 20151.The platform includes a 1.0 GHz Atom CPU offering great graphics and video performance, and the ability to access the Web and play Google Android* games. It also supports the Intel® XMM 6265 3G HSPA+ modem with Dual-SIM 2G/3G, offering flexibility on data/voice calling plans to save on costs. Intel will sample the Z2000 in mid-2012 with customer products scheduled by early 2013.
Building on these 32nm announcements, Otellini discussed how the Atom™ processor will outpace Moore’s Law and announced that Intel will ship 22nm SoCs for carrier certification next year, and is already in development on 14nm SoC technology.
In 2011, Intel shipped in more than 400 million cellular platforms. Building on this market segment position, Intel announced the XMM 7160, an advanced multimode LTE/3G/2G platform with support for 100Mbps downlink and 50Mbps uplink, and support for HSPA+ 42Mbps. Intel will sample the product in the second quarter with customer designs scheduled to launch by the end of 2012.
Intel also announced that it is sampling the XMM 6360 platform, a new slim modem 3G HSPA+ solution supporting 42Mbps downlink and 11.5Mbps uplink for small form factors.
Building Better Experiences on Intel Architecture
Intel’s strategy is to create and enable engaging, consistent, aware and secure user experiences across a range of mobile devices.
An emerging trend is the use of mobile devices to enable secure online and retail commerce. Otellini welcomed John Partridge, President, Visa Inc., who announced a strategic multi-year alliance to develop mobile commerce solutions tailored to consumers in developed and developing countries.
The effort includes collaboration across a range of Visa mobile services and Intel® Atom™-based smartphones and tablets to deliver compelling and secure user services. As a first step, Partridge announced that Intel’s smartphone reference design is now certified for Visa payWave* mobile financial transactions. This means that customer products based on Intel’s smartphone reference design will have time-to-market support of Visa mobile services.
Building on its collaboration with Google, Intel continues to work closely with ISVs to help ensure the majority of Android apps run on Intel Atom processor-based devices. Otellini discussed how Intel has all the right tools and expertise to support the robust mobile application developer ecosystem.
About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at newsroom.intel.com and blogs.intel.com.
Intel, Atom and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries. * Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Posted by at 10:30 AM

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