News Archive for 07/11/13
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SanDisk today introduced a new solid state storage solution – called the Vaulter Disk – that works in tandem with a computer's hard drive to store and launch the operating system and applications. The module is a PCI Express-based chip that comes in 8GB and 16GB sizes, and is designed to store frequently used applications and documents. While specifications haven't been announced, Sandisk says that the Vaulter increases performance in a PC quite significantly by working in parallel with the hard drive, providing faster access to both frequently used documents as well as unexpected user access. Pricing for the Vaulter Disk was not yet mentioned.
Samsung today announced four new WiMAX devices, all intended for the company's home country of South Korea, which has one of the world's few operational WiMAX networks. Topping the list is the SPH-P9200, a UMPC with Windows XP, a 1GHz Via CPU, and 512MB of RAM. Particularly notable is its foldable, desktop-sized QWERTY keyboard, and the option of Wi-Fi and HSDPA as alternate connection methods. The SPH-M8200 meanwhile is a slider smartphone with both EVDO and WiMAX, further boasting Bluetooth, DMB TV and a large touchscreen.
NextGen Venturi today unveiled the Venturi Mini, a new music phone and MP3 adapter designed for in-car music as well as voice calls that works with Apple's iPhone (only via line-out and not via Bluetooth, as it requires A2DP support on the handset). The device introduces the first true convergence of Bluetooth music streaming, hands-free calling, and USB-style charging, according to the company. When plugged into a vehicle's 12-volt adapter, the Venturi Mini uses Bluetooth to stream stereo music from any A2DP phone and wirelessly route calls through the in-car sound system. The phone also features a built-in charger to power devices on-the-go and is designed to work with all vehicles. NextGen Venturi's Venturi Mini is priced at $130, and will hit store shelves across the U.S. in December.
Microsoft's newly-launched 4 and 8GB flash Zunes may already have another color in preparation. Red, black, green and pink models are shipping today, but probing into Microsoft's proprietary Zune software reveals references to a "citron" Zune, coated bright yellow on the face with a black touchpad. If and when a yellow Zune might be released is unknown, but 2007 saw several new versions of the original Zune released, including red and Halo 3 editions. Microsoft is placing heavy emphasis on customization with the new players, offering elaborate art and engraving options. [via istartedsomething]
ASUS' recently-launched Eee PC will soon have a larger sibling, according to reports from Austria. Currently available in the US is the 4G (4GB) model with a seven-inch screen; ASUS has announced though that Eee line will expand to include 8G machines, with at least one system having a 10-inch display. A lesser 8G may stay with the seven-inch format. Crucially, the 10-inch Eee is not expected to be any larger than its peers; the LCD will instead fill out previously unused space. No prices or timeframes have been announced. [via I4U News]
The European Union today proposed new laws that will grant its member states the right to break up telecoms firms, potentially changing the landscape permanently for such services on the continent. Known collectively as "functional separation," the rules would give each country the discretion to break up large phone carriers, Internet providers, and related firms if it becomes evident a company is abusing its monopoly status and the breakup would not significantly damage the network infrastructure. Companies would not have the privilege of selling off the new company to try and regain their former status, the EU says.
(Updated with official confirmation)
Xbox 360 owners will soon be able to download entire Xbox 1 games, a news leak appears to confirm. The former console's "fall" Dashboard update is now reportedly scheduled for December 2nd, and is expected to bring with it six Xbox 1 titles: Burnout 3, Crimson Skies, Fable, Halo 1, Indigo Prophecy and Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex. Each will cost 1200 Marketplace points -- approximately $15 -- and will likely use some form of DRM protection to guard against redistribution. More releases are said to be in preparation, but resurrection of the whole back catalog is unlikely, as each download may occupy 4GB or more of Microsoft's 20 and 120GB hard drives.
IOGEAR on Tuesday launched the Bluetooth Audio Transport, a Bluetooth headset accessory for the portable media market that uses SRS WOW HD to "dramatically" improve the audio performance of content played on any Bluetooth-enabled audio device. The IOGEAR Bluetooth Audio Transport allows users to listen to music and audio wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled product, such as an MP3 player, mobile phone, computer, home stereo system, TV and other audio devices. Following the simple pairing process, the Audio Transport processes the audio using SRS WOW HD for what the company calls "an optimal music listening experience with immersive audio realism and improved bass response."
Sirius on Tuesday revealed that its shareholders voted in favor of the proposed merger with XM, bringing the two satellite radio providers closer to completing the deal. Nearly all of those invested in Sirius (96 percent) voted this way, Sirius says. Advisors have also backed the deal arguing that the shared costs would reduce overhead and save both Sirius and XM from having to market against each other or land exclusive deals with car and electronics makers to include satellite radios in their products.
Panasonic today introduced a new line of Toughbook computers, the 7-series. These notebooks fall under the company's "business-rugged" category, which means that they lack the safeguards of the more serious Toughbooks, but still have a variety of protections; these include magnesium-alloy cases and chassis, shock-mounted screens and hard drives, and flexible internal connectors. Each notebook also comes with an 80GB hard drive, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0, and optional HSDPA or EVDO Rev. A cellular.
Option today gave world travelers a new choice for cellular broadband through the iCON 225 (PDF) USB adapter. The device is Option's most compact external 3G modem to date and is just under 2.5 inches long, making it easier to carry on the road or even wear around the neck on a lanyard. In spite of the size, it also serves as a true world modem with quad-band EDGE (up to 247Kbps) and GPRS data for 2G and 1G networks virtually anywhere GSM phone service exists; Europe and parts of Asia also get 3G access on the 2,100MHz band using either HSDPA or UMTS up to a peak of 7.2Mbps. An average song download finishes in as little as five seconds, the company claims.
Microsoft's has taken a bruising in the Japanese marketplace just as Apple's Mac OS X Leopard was released, according to a new report by the country's Business Computer News. The publication notes that while sales of Mac OS X increased dramatically between September and October, climbing from a rate of 15.5 percent year-over-year to 60.5 percent, Microsoft suffered from the reverse effect. Sales growth of Windows plummeted from 75.3 percent to 28.7 percent. The sudden switch provided Apple with about 53.9 of the total OS-only marketshare in Japan during October -- a breakthrough for the company, BCN says.
Keeping to its schedule, Microsoft today released its new Zune player line to stores and updated its software for both players and PCs. The Zune 4GB and 8GB represent the company's first-ever flash players and maintain the same video playback, FM radio, and Wi-Fi support as hard disk models without dropping resolution or the feature set. They also introduce the concept of the Zune pad, a hybrid controller that lets users either click or swipe the surface to navigate menus, and the ability to sync content wirelessly when the device is charging in a dock away from its home PC. The Zune 80GB also takes on the new control method and expands the screen size of the original to 3.2 inches while shrinking its dimensions and adding the new Zune pad and Wi-Fi sync features.
DivX and Sony today announced that the PlayStation 3 will receive support for the DivX video format, giving owners of the console the ability to play the much-requested format without having to transcode videos or use network streaming software. The companies have yet to detail whether the PS3 will play movies at 1080p or with surround sound in the format but say the game system has been certified for "excellent" playback quality, according to the claim. DivX is accessible to developers integrating video into games as of the version 2.0 developer kit and should be playable by users in the normal media browser with an unspecified future update.
Nokia today upgraded its longstanding designer phones with the release of the 8800 Arte. The special edition of the slider handset increases the perceived quality with an actual sapphire in the directional pad and leather trim on the bottom shell; each also includes a BH-803 Bluetooth headset as well as a leather pouch and a color-coordinated charging stand. As with some Nokia special editions, the Arte models also come with custom audio and videos. Downtempo electronic artists Kruder & Dorfmeister provide music while visual artist Fritz Fitzke creates the visual element, the company says.
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