Wednesday, February 27, 2013

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Exent GameTanium For TV Brings Android Games To The Living Room

Posted: 26 Feb 2013 02:10 PM PST

Exent, provider of game subscription services, announced a new service at MWC called GameTanium For TV. Although billed as a gaming console-conversion for your Android device, it appears more like it just streams gaming content to your TV. GameTanium is currently available for Android and works in much the same way as Steam for PCs. If you’re already a GameTanium subscriber then this is great news. For the rest of us, the yet to be announced price will be a big factor. Well, price and whether or not you’ve already plopped down $100 for an OUYA.

The device/service is not without its appeal. It would be nice to fling birds across the TV using my phone as the controller then continue the game even after I’ve walked out the door. And like Steam, the subsciption model is sure to appeal to avid gamers. The question is: is there such a thing as hardcore Android gamers? Follow our 2013 Mobile World Congress coverage here.

Press Release after the break.

NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2013 – /PRNewswire/ — MWC 2013 – Exent, provider of game subscription services for the world’s leading mobile operators and device manufacturers, today unveiled plans to further extend its GameTanium™ Mobile service to the TV platform through GameTanium for TV.  The forthcoming service delivers a revolutionary gaming experience to the big screen – games run on Android smartphones are displayed on the TV while the mobile device serves as the game controller. The GameTanium for TV service, which will be commercially available later this year, is being demonstrated at Mobile World Congress this week, along with Exent’s GameTanium Mobile product suite for smartphones and tablets.

The new GameTanium for TV service enables full-featured gaming on a TV using an Android device as both the controller and gaming platform.  As a result, all the benefits of smartphone gaming interfaces – including touch, tap, drag and accelerometer functionality – are available to gamers while playing on the TV.  GameTanium for TV further extends Exent’s “Play Anywhere” vision by enabling players to start a game on their phone, continue the game on the TV when they are home, and resume the game on the phone when they are on the go.

GameTanium presents a valuable opportunity for mobile operators and device manufacturers to engage consumers on smartphones, tablets and TVs.  Exent’s GameTanium turnkey, fully-managed game subscription services give operators a premium content offering that increases average revenue per user (ARPU) and strengthens brand loyalty. Combining GameTanium’s content and programming expertise with customizable elements ranging from a brandable UI to pricing and packaging, the service provides carriers with the industry’s most comprehensive game service on the market.

“We remain focused on delivering a revolutionary, all-you-can-play subscription games service that supports anytime, anywhere game play,” says Zvi Levgoren, CEO at Exent. “Our GameTanium for TV service represents the next evolution of that vision and a tremendous opportunity for mobile operators, as it enables them to keeps their customers actively engaged whether they are on the go or relaxing on the couch at home.”

Exent will be demonstrating the GameTanium for TV service at the Exent booth (Hall 5 Stand 5i70) at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Feb 25-28.

About Exent Exent is the world’s leading mobile and PC game service provider, enabling operators and OEM partners to deliver thousands of premium games to users through all-you-can-play subscription and free ad-supported offerings.  Exent’s ability to increase consumer engagement and raise ARPU has led large operators and OEMs such as Verizon, AIS, Telmex, CenturyLink, Lenovo, ASUS and others to select Exent as the provider of their game services.

For further information please visit www.exent.com

Media Contact: Gerald Kimber White 781-455-8250 Exent@rfbinder.com

 


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NVIDIA back with videos showing off gaming graphics at MWC 2013

Posted: 26 Feb 2013 11:22 AM PST

ru_golf_nvidia_tegra_4_comparison_screenshot

NVIDIA is back on their blog today about their new Tegra 4 chips, this time with information about games primed for Tegra powered devices. Games are a great way to show off the computing power of a new chip as NVIDIA demonstrates in a couple videos from Zombie Driver and RU Golf. With more computing power, graphics can display better textures and more polygons, making for smoother results. The new Tegra 4 chip will also let game developers take advantage of features like dynamic lighting to create accurate shadows.

Along with the enhancements, NVIDIA also released some information about five games that will be released soon specifically targeted at Tegra-powered devices, including:

  • Burn Zombie Burn from Tick Tock Games, your typical zombie-fighting console game;
  • Carie: Blood Mansion from Neowiz will include an exclusive map for Tegra device users in this action adventure game. Tegra device owners will also be able to enjoy high-res textures, enhanced physics simulations and optimized fire and smoke effects;
  • RPG CODEX: The Warrior from Devclan and Playbean is an action/fighting title in which the player is battling a variety of monsters. The title will take advantage of real-time dynamic shadows and HDR lighting;
  • Dead on Arrival 2 from N3V Games, another game pitting the player against zombies, this one taking advantage of high-res models;
  • RU Golf from Nutgee takes the Tegra platform to a different genre where the cartoon/anime graphics take advantage of dynamic specular lighting, shadows, bloom and lens flare effects.

You can check out the comparisons between the current capabilities of Tegra devices compared to the new Tegra 4 chips in the videos below. Be sure to check back for more MWC 2013 coverage.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: NVIDIA


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MetroPCS sets March 28 as date to vote on T-Mobile merger

Posted: 26 Feb 2013 09:58 AM PST

TMobile_MetroPCS_Merger_Date

 

Save the date folks. Wireless carrier MetroPCS has set March 28th as the date to vote on its merger with T-Mobile. The two phone carriers have been in talks to merge that was reported as early as October 2012. According to reports, this merger will be classified as a “reverse merger” meaning that T-Mobile will merge into MetroPCS’ structure rather than the opposite. Deutsche Telekom will benefit from this merger by getting 74% of the company’s shares. The remaining 26% will go to MetroPCS shareholders which equals a total amount of $1.5 billion.

While the date has been set, there looks to be some potential roadblocks in the form of some opposition to the merger. Among the different opponents out there is P. Schoenfeld, a firm who holds a total of 8.3 million shares, or about 2.3% of shares in MetroPCS. The firm has expressed the intention to vote against the merger using its shares. Along with them is another firm expressing opposition to the merger, Paulson & Co. Paulson & Co. has a total of 8.7% of shares in MetroPCS and may join in the efforts to oppose the merger of the two wireless carriers.

It will be interesting to see how this developing T-Mobile/MetroPCS saga will play out.

Source: MarketWatch


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Caterpillar introduces the CAT B15 smartphone, a rugged smartphone in a Jelly Bean package

Posted: 26 Feb 2013 07:52 AM PST

caterpillar_cat_b15_smartphone

 

Let’s face it— rugged smartphones are certainly a godsend for those of us that happen to work in some extreme condition, but the devices often times have some pretty outdated technology. Fortunately, Caterpillar is coming to the rescue by introducing the CAT B15 smartphone— a Jelly Bean-powered all-purpose smartphone. The device comes in an aluminum-and-rubber shell, can withstand 5.9-foot drops on to hard concrete, be submersed in 3.3 feet of water for half an hour and oh yeah— can operate in temperatures between -4F to 122F. Outside of the heavy duty shell, the CAT B15 also features your typical run-of-the-mill lower-end specs including a 4-inch WVGA screen, dual-core 1GHz Cortex-A9 chip, 512MB of RAM and 5-megapixel camera.

The device is due to arrive in March and will run customers something in the neighborhood of £299/€329 (around $437 USD).

source: Engadget


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Android regains overall lead in smartphone sales in the U.S.

Posted: 26 Feb 2013 07:39 AM PST

Kantar_Smartphone_Sales_Month_Ending_January_2013

 

Good news for you Android stans out there— the Android platform has once again been the OS of choice during the holidays for those of you living out in the States. According to the latest study done by Kantar Worldpanel ComTech for the past 3 months ending in January 2013, Android smartphones accounted for 49.4% of overall smartphone sales, seeing a 6.4% growth compared to the same period last year. Android’s competitors did well also, though not as well as the Android platform. iOS was right behind Android for the period, accounting for 45.9% of overall smartphone sales, down 4.7% versus last year, while Windows Phones moved up to 3.2% of smartphone sales.

Additionally, the major wireless carriers in the U.S. had a fairly successful holiday period as it gobbled up the overall market share as well. Thanks to some great promotions and exclusives, Verizon moved back to the top spot by accounting for 35.2% smartphones, while AT&T fell to second with 28.2% of smartphone sales and Sprint held steady at third with its 14.2% share.

source: Kantar


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LG using MWC to showcase its Wireless Ultra High Definition Transmission technology

Posted: 26 Feb 2013 06:39 AM PST

 

LG_Wireless_Ultra_HD_Transmission_Standard

 

One of the great things about events like MWC is the fact we can see new and innovative technologies that can potentially revolutionize our lives. As electronic giants such as LG develop Ultra HD TV sets, it’s only natural to wonder when it is we can push high quality content and streams from our smartphones to these cool TV sets, right? Well wonder no more as LG has announced it is using the trade show to showcase the first Wireless Ultra High Definition Transmission technology out there in all the land. The aim of the technology is pretty simple: the Wireless Ultra HD Transmission technology looks to ensure the smooth delivery of smartphone content to TV sets faster and more efficiently than previous mobile video compression and transfer systems. There’s less lag and the technology can easily optimze resolution sizes of what’s found on smartphones— so the result is what can be considered smooth and pretty visuals. Oh and LG also claims that its technology can consume less than half the power of other similar transmission standards. Nice.

No word on when we’ll see this device implemented in its TV sets, but we suspect it shouldn’t be too long before we see it in action. Hit the break for more deets from LG in the press release.

 

SEOUL, Feb. 25, 2013 ㅡ LG Electronics (LG) will showcase its industry-leading Wireless Ultra High Definition (Ultra HD) Transmission technology for the first time at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2013 in Barcelona. This exciting next generation mobile feature enables users to view games and other smartphone content on Ultra HD TVs in real time, via wireless data transfer.

"Thanks to our innovative Wireless Ultra HD Transmission technology, users can now enjoy their favorite mobile content on today's most advanced Ultra HD TVs," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "With the development of this cutting-edge technology, LG again confirms its industry leadership in the area of display and mobile convergence for a truly enjoyable viewing experience."

Wireless Ultra HD Transmission technology makes the delivery of smartphone multimedia content to TVs faster and smoother than previous mobile video compression and transfer systems. With minimal lag and data loss, LG's next generation mobile feature performs this feat using ubiquitous WiFi connections. During transmission, multimedia content is automatically adjusted to match the receiving TV's screen resolution, resulting in flawless visuals.

What's more, LG's Wireless Ultra HD Transmission system consumes less than half the power of other similar transmission technologies. It achieves this by reducing the burden on the smartphone's CPU and other hardware resources.

Visitors to MWC can see this technology for themselves at the LG Booth in Hall 3 of Fira Gran Via from February 25-28.


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Tensions between Google and Samsung are brewing

Posted: 26 Feb 2013 06:38 AM PST

google_vs_samsung

Android has grown more than I could ever imagine, and the biggest player responsible for that surge is Samsung. They now represent about 40% of the Android devices sold, but is that too much? If you’re Samsung, it’s probably not enough, but if your Google, you might be worried that Samsung could start flexing their muscles and attempt to change the entire Android strategy. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal suggests that Google fears Samsung and is hoping other manufacturers will step up their game to keep Samsung in check.

Rumblings of Google’s fears started last fall when Andy Rubin praised Samsung for their successes, but also said that Samsung could be a threat if they gained more ground. At this point in time, Samsung has sold 200 million more Android smartphones than the next biggest Android manufacturer. As you know, Google makes their money on advertising and with every Android device sold, it’s more dollars for Google since apps such as Maps and YouTube are installed on every Android device. The fear is that Samsung could demand a greater share of this revenue. According to WSJ, Samsung has received more than 10% of the revenue so what’s to stop them from wanting more?

“There is a threat from Samsung to Google that is real,” said Rajeev Chand, a managing director at boutique investment bank Rutberg & Co. “Over time, Samsung will be able to leverage its market-share dominance to negotiate better terms from Google.”

Last year when Google bought Motorola, the speculation as to why was patents, but Motorola was never really all that successful with their patents. I always wondered why Google would invest for that sole reason? It’s obvious now that they want to take a little control back especially if things turn tumultuous between Samsung and Google. Things seem to be lining up that way. Last December Motorola stole Brian Wallace, Samsung’s vice president of strategic marketing. With the new X phone coming out this summer, expect a heavy dose of advertising, and Google has the money to do it. It’s this advertising that put Samsung over the top in the first place.

It’s never a good thing for one company to dominate too much. What makes Android special is the amount of choices from different manufacturers. As an Android fan, I want all OEMs to be successful, but in the real world there always has to be a King. Now it’s time for Google to reign in the King and make sure things don’t get out of control.

source: wsj

 


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LG introduces the WCP-300: the world’s smallest wireless charger

Posted: 26 Feb 2013 06:17 AM PST

LG_WCP-300

 

LG is using MWC to formally announce its WCP-300 wireless charging accessory. The charger was developed for portability and convenience for consumers— so you know it’s going to come with some pretty impressive dimensions. The unit comes in at only 6.9cm in diameter, effectively making it the world’s smallest wireless charger. In addition to that impressive feat, the charging unit is also Qi-certified and features electromagnetic induction, which produces a magnetic field that creates an electric current in order to give those batteries in devices placed on the charging pad some extra juice. As of this time, the WCP-300 is only limited to the LG Spectrum 2 and Nexus 4 smartphones, but we’re hoping that we more devices compatible with the unit sooner than later.

More details can be found once you hit the break to check out the full presser from LG.

 

BARCELONA, Feb. 26, 2013 ㅡ LG Electronics (LG) today introduced the world's smallest wireless charger at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. At only 6.9cm in diameter, the WCP-300 is designed with portability in mind. Despite its diminutive size, the charging area is 1.7 times wider than that of LG's previous generation wireless charger.The new model is compatible with a standard 5-pin micro-USB charger, providing the highest level of charging performance and user convenience.

The WCP-300 employs electromagnetic induction technology and is Qi certified by the Wireless Power Consortium. Electromagnetic induction produces a magnetic field that in turn generates an electric current to charge the batteries in devices placed on the charging pad. Certification ensures that the WCP-300 is compatible with all smartphones that support the Qi standard.

"Wireless charging is the holy grail of smartphone user convenience," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "With the WCP-300, LG was able to deliver both portability with top-class charging capabilities in a device no larger than a typical beverage coaster."

In the US market, both the LG Spectrum 2 and Nexus 4 feature built-in support for wireless charging right out of the box, eliminating the need to purchase separate covers. LG believes that built-in support for upcoming smartphones will be the most critical development in making wireless charging the industry standard going forward.

LG is committed to offering consumers a better mobile user experience by introducing smartphones with more advanced wireless charging technologies in the global market.


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AT&T launches LTE in 6 more markets

Posted: 26 Feb 2013 05:59 AM PST

 ATT_LTE_Just_Got_Faster_Larger_Version

AT&T has announced that it’s LTE network is now available in 6 additional markets including:

  • Tunica, Mississippi
  • Athens, Tennessee
  • Lafollette, Tennessee
  • Tallahassee, Florida
  • Salinas and Monterey, California
  • Lawrence, Kansas

This is sure to make AT&T subscribers in those areas happy as they now have the leisure of 4G LTE data speeds available to them.

Source: AT&T

 


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HTC One SV coming to Boost Mobile on March 7th

Posted: 26 Feb 2013 05:16 AM PST

HTC_One_SV

HTC is bringing the One SV to Boost Mobile beginning on March 7th, 2013. This mid-range device will use Boost’s LTE network, which is great news for Boost customers. The One SV sports 1GB of RAM, a Snapdragon S4 processor and Jelly Bean making it a very capable device for consumers. Boost will offer the device under its no-contract with shrinking payments plan that allow customers to pay an initial cost of $55 and then $5 less every month until their bill comes to $40. The device will cost $299 which may seem high to many but keep in mind this is an off-contract price which is a lot less expensive than some of the competition. Click the break for the official press release and additional info.

Boost Mobile Combines the Speed of 4G LTE and Android Monthly Unlimited for as Low as $40 to Help Consumers Spend Less Faster

HTC One SV and Boost Force join Boost Mobile handset lineup as first 4G LTE Devices

IRVINE, Calif. (BUSINESS WIRE), February 25, 2013 – Boost Mobile, a leader in the no-contract wireless industry and ranked "Highest in Purchase Experience among Non-Contract Wireless Providers" by J.D. Power and Associates1, strengthens its diverse handset lineup with the addition of the March 7 release of the HTC One SV and Boost Force. Both Android™-powered smartphones will operate on the Sprint 3G and 4G LTE networks, bringing 4G LTE to Boost Mobile customers in more than 50 markets, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas and Houston, and will be available in nearly 170 additional cities in the coming months.

Both Android-powered smartphones pair the speed of 4G LTE with the value of Boost Mobile's no-annual contract $55 Android Monthly Unlimited with Shrinking Payments plan. For every six on-time payments, the cost of Boost Mobile's Android Monthly Unlimited plan shrinks by $5, eventually getting down to as low as $40 a month for unlimited nationwide talk, text messaging, Web2, email and calls to 411. Payments do not need to be consecutive to qualify for the next savings milestone.

"At Boost we know our customers need a comprehensive wireless solution without breaking the bank," said Andre Smith, vice president-Boost Mobile. "With 4G LTE available on Boost Mobile, our customers can enjoy faster data speed on a reliable network at an affordable price with no contracts. Adding the HTC One SV and Boost Force further enhances Boost's robust device portfolio and give customers more options to make a move to Boost. All our Monthly Unlimited plans come with shrinking payments, which is our way to reward customers for their loyalty. We bring value and speed together like no other carrier."

Priced at $299.99 (excluding taxes), HTC One SV is ideal for customers who desire an affordable superphone for a no-contract offer. With a bold color and sleek, ergonomic design, HTC One SV is equipped with a large 4.3-inch touchscreen and a speedy dual-core processor. Running HTC Sense® 4 on Android™ 4.0, HTC One SV features HTC's Amazing Camera and Authentic Sound experiences. The rear camera is capable of 1080p HD video and one-press continuous shooting. HTC VideoPic™ gives it the ability to take photos and video at the same time. The front-facing camera takes gorgeous self-portraits. Available exclusively on HTC smartphones, HTC One SV also features Beats by Dr. Dre™ Audio integration for studio-quality sound across music, movies, games and media. Additional features include:

  • Android™ 4.0 and access to Android Apps on Google Play™
  • Dual-mode 3G/4G LTE
  • 4.3-inch WVGA Super LCD-2 touchscreen
  • Qualcomm™ Snapdragon S4 dual-core 1.2GHz processor
  • Enhanced 5MP camera with 1080p HD video and HTC VideoPic™
  • 1.6MP front camera with 720p video
  • Wi-Fi and GPS enabled
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • Near Field Communications (NFC)

Additionally, HTC One SV is HTC's first and Boost Mobile's second device to include ULE Platinum Certification, the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by UL Environment and Sprint, and is packaged in 100 percent recyclable materials.

Boost Force boasts a speedy 1.5GHz dual-core processor – Boost Mobile's fastest to date, a 4-inch touchscreen and dual cameras. Priced at $199.99 (excluding taxes), Boost Force combines the best of 4G LTE and Android features consumers crave at an affordable price. Additional features include:

  • Android™ 4.0 and access to Android Apps on Google Play™
  • Dual-mode 3G/4G LTE
  • 5MP camera (1MP front-facing)
  • Wi-Fi and GPS enabled

HTC One SV and Boost Force will both be available starting March 7 at Boost Mobile's exclusive retail stores, select independent wireless dealer locations nationwide and at www.boostmobile.com with free shipping. Both devices will be available later in March in select national retail locations.

About Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile, recently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as "Highest Satisfaction with the Purchase Experience among Non-Contract Wireless Providers," offers wireless phones and services with no long-term contracts and. Boost Mobile redefines value for wireless consumers with its Monthly Unlimited with Shrinking Payments no-contract service, where the longer you stay the less you pay with on-time payments for unlimited voice, text messaging, Web, email and calls to 411. Boost Mobile offers nationwide service on the Nationwide Sprint Network, reaching more than 282 million people, with no activation or long-distance fees. Boost Mobile offers a selection of quality handsets from HTC, LG, Motorola, BlackBerry, Samsung, Kyocera and ZTE, ranging from entry-level to Android™ smartphone devices available nationwide at nearly 20,000 major retail stores, including Best Buy, RadioShack, Target, Family Dollar, Walgreens and Walmart, Sprint retail stores, independent wireless dealer locations, and on HSN, a leading TV home shopping network. Re-Boost® Cards are available at approximately 100,000 locations throughout the United States. Experience Boost Mobile on the Web at Facebook and Twitter; and purchase products at www.boostmobile.com.

Sprint 4G LTE markets as of Feb. 25, 2013

Anderson, Ind.; Atlanta; Athens, Ga.; Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Barnstable/Hyannis/Mid-Cape, Mass.; Boston; Bryan/College Station, Texas; Calhoun, Ga.; Carrollton, Ga.; Chicago/Naperville/Joliet, Ill.; Clark County, Va./Jefferson County, W.Va.; Columbia, Tenn.; Dallas; Emporia, Kan.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Fort Worth, Texas; Framingham, Mass.; Franklin County, Pa.; Gainesville, Ga.; Gary, Ind.; Gettysburg, Pa.; Granbury/Hood County, Texas; Hagerstown, Md./Martinsburg, W.Va.; Harrisburg/Carlisle/Hershey, Pa.; Harrisonburg, Va.; Houston; Huntsville, Texas; Hutchinson, Kan.; Indianapolis/Carmel, Ind.; Kankakee/Bradley/Bourbonnais, Ill.; Kansas City, Kan./Mo.; Lawrence, Kan.; Manhattan/Junction City, Kan.; McPherson, Kan.; Muncie, Ind.; New Bedford/Fall River, Mass.; Newnan, Ga.; Peabody, Mass.; Rockford, Ill.; Rome, Ga.; Salina, Kan.; San Antonio; Santa Rosa/Petaluma, Calif.; Sedalia, Mo.; Shenandoah/Page Counties, Va.; South Bend/Mishawaka, Ind.; Southern PR: Ponce/Coamo/Guayama, Puerto Rico; St. Joseph, Mo.; Topeka, Kan.; Vallejo/Fairfield, Calif.; Waco, Texas; Waukegan/Lake County, Ill.; Western PR: Aguadilla/Isabela/Cabo Rojo/Mayagüez, Puerto Rico; Wichita Falls, Texas; Wichita, Kan.; Winchester, Va.; York/Hanover, Pa.


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