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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Toshiba's Kirabook rocks a 2560 x 1440 display, arrives May 12th starting at $1,600

KIRA REVEALS THE LUXURIOUS SIDE OF TOSHIBA

Company Introduces 13-inch KIRAbook with PixelPure Ultra-High Resolution Display and Striking Ultraportable Design; Showcases Toshiba's Commitment to Engineering Innovation and VIP Customer Service
IRVINE, Calif.-April 18, 2013-Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today introduced KIRA™, a new premium brand for consumers. The first device to launch under the brand is KIRAbook™, an all-new Ultrabook™ featuring the company's first ultra-high resolution PixelPure™ display and a striking new lightweight and compact design precision engineered with AZ91 pressed magnesium alloy. KIRAbook embodies the elegant nature of the new brand with a striking industrial design, premium build materials and an exceptional overall experience with a two-year warranty1, plus complimentary Platinum service and support. KIRAbook will make its debut in the U.S. market in early May.

"At the core of the KIRA brand are products derived from inspired engineering," said Carl Pinto, vice president of marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "Products that will carry the KIRA name will be more than a collection of the latest hardware technologies, but a statement of craftsmanship, fit and finish, and features built for the consumer's benefit, not technology's sake."

A Sensory Experience
KIRAbook is the first laptop from Toshiba to feature the ultra-high resolution, factory color-calibrated PixelPure display. With a native resolution of 2560 x 1440, KIRAbook delivers 221 pixels per inch to the device's 13.3-inch diagonal display2-a 90-percent increase over standard HD displays-resulting in razor-sharp clarity for text and a crystal clear view of photos, movies, games and more. Offered in both standard and touchscreen display configurations, KIRAbook's touchscreen models utilize Corning® Concore™ Glass, which offers damage resistance and a smooth, 10-point multi-touch surface to navigate the Windows 8 experience. To complement the display's broad range of true-to-life colors, KIRAbook also includes Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 11 and Premiere® Elements 11 software, so photo and video enthusiasts can master their creations quickly and seamlessly

.
KIRAbook's sound system offers a luxurious listening experience. Equipped with high-quality stereo speakers by Harman Kardon®, a leader in premium audio, and complemented by audio processing by DTS®, KIRAbook marks an achievement in high-fidelity sound quality in the thin-and-light category.

Inspired Engineering
KIRAbook is the only Ultrabook of its kind to be constructed with AZ91 pressed magnesium alloy and a honeycomb-base. One hundred percent stronger than aluminum alloy3, the use of AZ91 enables KIRAbook to maintain lightness with a styling edge. A manufacturing technique commonly used in aerospace engineering, honeycomb reinforcement is applied to key pressure point areas of the device such as the palm rest area to achieve a higher grade of durability and rigidity.

On the inside, KIRAbook features Toshiba's AirFlow II technology, a thin multi-phase fan cooling system, as well as a stabilizing hinge that increases the resilience of the lid when opening and closing the laptop and reduces screen bounce for touchscreen use. A high-capacity Li-Polymer battery is incorporated to let users work unplugged throughout the day with a long battery life rating, while a 256GB Solid State Drive4 and 8GB of 1600 MHz memory5 produce a fast and responsive experience. KIRAbook is powered by 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processors6.

Craftsmanship in Design
With KIRAbook, Toshiba achieved an all-new level of ultraportable design. Featuring clean lines and elegantly rounded edges, the device has a starting weight of a scant 2.6-pounds7 and stands at an ultra-slim 0.7 inches, amazingly fitting its 13.3-inch display into an extremely compact body. The design also includes a sleek frameless LED backlit keyboard, making life easier while on-the-go.

Complimentary Platinum Service and Support
KIRAbook comes standard with Toshiba's Platinum Service & Support, turning owners into Toshiba VIPs. Customers will enjoy premium perks, including a two-year warranty, 24x7 phone support, plus access to dedicated U.S.-based agents, rapid repair, set-up assistance, annual tune-ups and more at no additional cost.

Protect the Stuff that Matters
KIRAbook also features a complimentary two-year subscription to a custom suite of industry-leading security products from Symantec, including Norton Internet Security, Norton Anti-Theft and Norton Online Backup, providing 25GB of online storage.

Pricing and Availability
The KIRAbook will be available for pre-order on May 3, 2013 and for purchase on May 12 at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Microsoft Store, B&H and Adorama, and direct from Toshiba at ToshibaDirect.com.

Three configurations will be available ranging from $1,599.99 MSRP8 to $1,999.99 MSRP8, featuring Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors.

Source

By: Unknown On 6:47 PM

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Google Play starts offering devices in India, starting with the Nexus 7

Google Play Books recently launched for India; it's only fitting that locals get some hardware to read with. Accordingly, Google just opened device sales for India through Google Play, beginning with the Nexus 7. The initial offering is decidedly modest and includes just the 16GB WiFi version of the reference tablet, which costs 15,999 rupees ($294) and should deliver by April 5th. While that doesn't provide the selection that we know in some countries -- and the Nexus 7 definitely isn't one of the cheaper tablets Indians will have seen -- it's an important step toward creating a truly complete Google Play ecosystem in an influential country.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Via: Android Police

Source: Google Play

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

20 NYC schools starting Software Engineering Pilot program next year

MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR WALCOTT ANNOUNCE THE 20 SCHOOLS SELECTED FOR THE NEW SOFTWARE ENGINEERING PILOT PROGRAM

Initiative to Expand Computer Science and Software Engineering Classes - First Announced in the State of the City - to Launch Next Fall

Program to Help Prepare Students for College and Careers in Growing Tech Sector

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott today announced the 20 schools selected for the new Software Engineering Pilot program to begin at the start of the next school year. The schools will receive comprehensive computer science and software engineering curriculum for the 1,000 students expected to participate this fall. By 2016, the program will grow to 3,500 students. Mayor Bloomberg first announced the Software Engineering Pilot in his State of the City address earlier this month, and the program is a part of the City's work to prepare students for college and careers in the technology sector. The Mayor and Chancellor Walcott made the announcement at the High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology in Brooklyn, one of the 20 schools selected for the Software Engineering Pilot, and were joined by Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert K. Steel, AppNexus Cofounder and Chief Technology Officer Mike Nolet and Principal Philip Weinberg.

"We know it's vital to prepare our children to succeed in an increasingly technology-centered economy and the Software Engineering Pilot will help us do just that," said Mayor Bloomberg. "This groundbreaking program will ensure that more students receive computer science and software engineering instruction so that they can compete for the tech jobs that are increasingly becoming a part of our city's economy. We're creating the home-grown workforce our city needs and teaching our students skills that will open up new doors for them and their future."

"The tech industry in New York City continues to expand significantly under Mayor Bloomberg's leadership, and our public schools are rising to meet the challenge," said Chancellor Walcott. "The Software Engineering Pilot will provide students with the foundational skills they need to compete for high-paying, career track jobs in a variety of professional fields. I would like to thank the educators at our 20 pilot schools who are working hard to make this wonderful opportunity a reality for their students."

"The Software Engineering Pilot is the latest component of our comprehensive strategy to position New York City to outperform in the knowledge economy of the future," said Deputy Mayor Steel. "From our work with the tech industry, we know that these companies need skilled employees at every level of their organization. The training we're providing through this program, the Academy for Software Engineering in Manhattan and the Applied Sciences NYC initiative will prepare our students for the jobs of today and tomorrow."

"Hiring programmers and engineers is one of the biggest challenges facing AppNexus today and is critical to our success and growth," said Mike Nolet, Cofounder and Chief Technology Officer. "We applaud Mayor Bloomberg's leadership in preparing students for the jobs of the future. These students will surely benefit from learning computer science, and we will be hiring them as soon as possible!"

"New York's future will be defined by the steps we take today to shape our diverse students into the programmers, engineers and designers that will fill 21st century tech jobs of tomorrow," said Reshma Saujani, founder of the nonprofit Girls Who Code. "The SEP Program is an innovative step forward in making that future brighter, and Girls Who Code is excited to partner with them to close the skills gap to give more minorities and young women opportunities they are currently being denied."

"Giving students an opportunity for a bright future is the goal of every educator, and opportunity is what students will get when exposed to rigorous and engaging computer science education," said Cameron Wilson, Director of Public Policy for the Association for Computing Machinery. "The question we face is whether students will have access to this critical discipline because far too often they do not. New York City's Software Engineering Pilot's strategy to expand student access to high-quality computer science curriculum coupled with professional development for teachers, will give students knowledge and skills they can use to create new computing technologies and exposure to a field driving high-demand, high-paying jobs across numerous industries."

In September, the Software Engineering Pilot will launch in 20 middle and high schools, bringing computer science and software engineering classes to students in grades 6 through 12. In the first year, the core topics to be taught include computer programming, embedded electronics, web design and programming, e-textiles, robotics and mobile computing. The Pilot will also offer elective classes, including digital fabrication, 3-D printing and animation.

The 20 schools were selected through a competitive application process that evaluated the schools' current technology offerings and how the program could help grow and sustain the programming. They include:

High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology
Brooklyn Technical High School
The Bronx Compass High School
The Renaissance Charter High School for Innovation
Urban Assembly Gateway School for Technology
Queens Vocational & Technical High School
Cambria Heights Academy
Ralph McKee High School
New Dorp High School
Ditmas Intermediate School 62
I.S. 30 Mary White Ovington
Mark Twain I.S. 239 for the Gifted and Talented
Bronx Park Middle School
M.S. 223 The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology
Tompkins Square Middle School
Nathaniel Hawthorne Middle School 74
J.H.S. 185 Edward Bleeker
Pathways College Preparatory School
J.H.S. 157 Stephen A. Halsey
Eagle Academy for Young Men
The Software Engineering Pilot will also provide teacher training for the instructors leading the classes. Schools will use rigorous academic curriculum and have access to technology resources to support program instruction. Participating high schools will also receive support in applying for New York State Education Department approval, which can award a Career and Technical Education endorsement to graduating students who complete the program.

The Software Engineering Pilot aligns to Common Core Learning Standards by developing students' higher order thinking skills through the incorporation of industry-informed learning experiences. By emphasizing the analysis of complex text and mathematical modeling, participating students will extend their preparation in English Language Arts & Literacy and Mathematics while leveraging cutting-edge technology and curricula to develop the academic and personal behaviors that are a benchmark of college and career readiness.

The program also builds on the Applied Sciences NYC initiative that the Bloomberg Administration launched to capitalize on the considerable growth in the city's science, technology and research fields. In the technology sector, employment in New York grew by nearly 30 percent between 2005 and 2010, with total employment now at nearly 120,000. The City has established three partnerships expected to create more than 48,000 jobs and 1,000 new companies and will be led by: Cornell and the Technion, which is developing a campus on Roosevelt Island; the NYU-led consortium, which will build the Center for Urban Science and Progress in Downtown Brooklyn; and Columbia University, which will establish the new Institute for Data Sciences and Engineering, to be located at Columbia's Morningside Heights and Washington Heights campuses.

Source

By: Unknown On 7:21 PM

Monday, February 18, 2013

PS Vita price cut: both 3G and WiFi models reduced to 19,980 yen (around $215) in Japan starting Feb. 28th

PlayStation ® Vita price revision
February 28, 2013 (Thursday) retail price of 19,980 yen (tax included)

February 28, 2013 (Thursday), ¥ 29,980 traditional Sony Computer Entertainment Japan ? 1 (SCEJ) is, 3G/Wi-Fi model (including tax, the retail price of the PlayStation ® Vita (PS Vita below) to 19,980 yen including tax) (, Wi-Fi model will be revised (including tax) from 19,980 yen (including tax) from 24,980 yen).

By addition to the GPU and the CPU, high-performance display and a beautiful that, with such dual analog stick and the multi-touch pad on the rear panel, PS Vita, which was launched in December 2011, to deliver an immersive experience of the ultimate I will continue to provide the gaming experience. In addition to the expansion of an attractive color variations such as sapphire Cosmic Red and Blue, by the system of free software updates, such as service response to PlayStation ® Plus ? 2 software and standard flat-rate "PlayStation" first, PS Vita users meet the needs of everyone in, I'm constantly evolving. In addition to the methods existing Wi-Fi, by which supports access to the 3G network a new, PS Vita has realized the connection of new and everyone other users in everyday life. To enjoy the PS Vita to everyone more users, we will begin offering at a price of ¥ 19,980 revision both models. As a result, the user's everyone, you can feel free to choose the model that is appropriate for the game play style of your choice is available.

In addition, we received strong support from companies like software maker, dedicated software is PS Vita PS Vita interactive content that can be enjoyed by more than 100, you can download from the PlayStation ® Store has reached more than 1,500 ? 3 at the end of January 2013 You had to. Our company and our future than software manufacturers, "Den ??" (SEGA) "Phantasy Star Online 2", "SOUL SACRIFICE (Soul Sacrifice)" (TECMO KOEI GAMES CO., LTD.) Sony Corporation (- from hunting action game to enjoy cooperative play, such as Computer Entertainment), the player taking the communication meeting, "Kagura ?? SHINOVI VERSUS - proof of the girls" - "Oboro Muramasa", Marvelous AQL), ??"Tales Inc. ( Obuhatsu Pirate Musou 2 R "," One Piece Baseball Spirits 2013 "(NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.)" "to work, such as the long-awaited game fans (Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.), is expected to be released one after another title is scheduled.

(Thursday), the set body and PS Vita special edition with the motif of the peripherals, the same title, and a variety of breaking down the common sense of the multi-Hunting Action "(Soul Sacrifice) SOUL SACRIFICE" March 7, 2013 change (including tax) 24,980 yen, will be released in limited quantities from (tax included) for a suggested retail price of 29,980 yen originally planned, did the "PlayStation ® Vita SOUL SACRIFICE PREMIUM EDITION".

We will carry out a variety of campaigns to suit this price revision, to everyone in the user's enjoy PS Vita. Please refer to the following for the campaign details.

So that you can enjoy the world of entertainment unique PS Vita to more customers in the future, SCEJ will continue to strongly promote and expand further spread of the PS Vita platform.

Source

By: Unknown On 9:19 PM

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Microsoft now starting wider transition from Messenger to Skype on April 8th

It turns out that Microsoft's planned March 15th transition from Messenger to Skype is more of a soft target than a hard cutoff. Microsoft will switch off desktop Messenger that day only for a "test group," the company tells ZDNet; if all goes smoothly, the transition will start in earnest with English-speaking countries on April 8th. Every desktop user should be off the boat by April 30th. Messenger will still work on mobile devices, as well as in multi-network clients like Adium or Trillian, but that's not expected to last long -- and it might get quite lonely. Most of us ultimately get a slight reprieve, but the writing is most definitely on the wall.

Source: Skype (Twitter), ZDNet

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

PSA: Get your 128GB iPads starting today, $799 for WiFi and $929 for LTE

If you like the very best, you'll be happy to hear that the biggest capacity, most expensive iPad yet has now landed at the Apple Store online. US customers can pick from AT&T, Sprint or Verizon to power their 128GB LTE model ($929), although AT&T has a reduced waiting time of 1-3 days, compared to 3-5 business days for the other two carriers. Expect the WiFi iteration ($799) to arrive within three days -- that is, if you place your order at the source today.

Via: 9to5Mac

Source: Apple Store

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Microsoft offers Windows 8 Pro upgrade to students for $70, starting February 1st

The time when everyday PC owners can get a cheap Windows 8 Pro upgrade will soon be at an end, but that doesn't mean all prospective users will be left in the lurch. As of February 1st, the day the $40 promo pricing ends, American students and faculty members can download an upgrade to Pro for $70. A total of 49 other countries will also receive student discounts that take effect in a staggered rollout between February 21st and March 19th. The new pricing clearly won't be as much of a bargain as it is in the waning hours of January, but it's sight better than the $200 anyone outside of academia will need to pay.

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Wednesday, January 30, 2013

NASA rocket to paint the sky red, tune in tonight starting at 4:30PM ET (video)

Decades ago, NASA would frequently light up the night sky with chemical trails as part of its measurements of upper atmosphere behavior. While those moments are increasingly rare, we'll get a rare chance to enjoy one of them this evening. The agency's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia is launching a suborbital rocket that will generate (and test) a pair of trails of red-tinted lithium as it flies above Eastern US coastline -- trails bright enough that large parts of the seaboard may get a first-hand look as the rocket gains altitude. If you fall outside of that range, don't fret. NASA will stream the whole affair starting from 4:30PM Eastern, with a hoped-for takeoff over an hour later. Catch the feed below when the launch is live, and hit the source links for more about the mission itself.

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Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Japan getting Apple iBookstore starting in January

Japan reportedly getting Apple iBookstore starting in January

Japanese iPad users will finally be able to buy ebooks

On Monday, a new Nikkei report stated Apple would be expanding its iBookstore to Japan, joining the likes of Amazon, Kobo, and Google.

Though an exact date wasn't given, Apple has reportedly garnered the support of publishers like Kadokawa, Kodansha, and Shogakukan among others to provide ebooks in Japan as early as January.

Nikkei also indicated Japanese readers would be able to find more than 80,000 titles at launch from local publishers alone.

Despite iBooks launching alongside the iPad in Japan in 2010, Apple had previously been unable to actually sell any ebooks through the app.

Apple is the fourth provider to sell ebooks in Japan, which means the company will have some ground to make up on its rivals whenever the iBookstore does launch.

Fortunately for Apple, the company is responsible for 60 percent of the tablet market in Japan, giving them a bit of a leg up when it comes to the install base awaiting the service.

With so many competitors vying for domination of the ebook landscape in Japan, the industry is expected to grow to exceed some 200 billion yen (US$2.3B,UK£1.42B, AUD$2.23B) over the course of the next couple of years.

Currently, the ebook market is estimated to be worth about 70 billion yen (US$807M, UK£497M, AUD$773M) in revenue combined.

Via The Digital Reader

Japan reportedly getting Apple iBookstore starting in January

Japanese iPad users will finally be able to buy ebooks

On Monday, a new Nikkei report stated Apple would be expanding its iBookstore to Japan, joining the likes of Amazon, Kobo, and Google.

Though an exact date wasn't given, Apple has reportedly garnered the support of publishers like Kadokawa, Kodansha, and Shogakukan among others to provide ebooks in Japan as early as January.

Nikkei also indicated Japanese readers would be able to find more than 80,000 titles at launch from local publishers alone.

Despite iBooks launching alongside the iPad in Japan in 2010, Apple had previously been unable to actually sell any ebooks through the app.

Apple is the fourth provider to sell ebooks in Japan, which means the company will have some ground to make up on its rivals whenever the iBookstore does launch.

Fortunately for Apple, the company is responsible for 60 percent of the tablet market in Japan, giving them a bit of a leg up when it comes to the install base awaiting the service.

Currently, the ebook market is estimated to be worth about 70 billion yen (US$807M, UK£497M, AUD$773M) in revenue combined.

Via The Digital Reader

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Boost Mobile to throttle data starting Jan 20

Boost ironically slowing data next month

Beginning on Jan. 20, Boost Mobile customers with monthly unlimited plans will have to deal with the dreaded carrier tactic of data throttling.

Boost Mobile announced the impending policy change Tuesday via its Facebook page, where it detailed how and when a customer would face data reduction.

Users will still be able to get optimal speeds until they reach the 2.5GB limit set by Boost, which will then lead to the slowed 256kbps speed over the carrier's 3G network.

The 2.5GB limit will reset every billing cycle, with users then able to receive the full 4G or 3G speed maximum they were previously getting.

The move will not affect the actual data a user is permitted across Boost's unlimited plans, nor will it affect phone or text service, it will just curb how quickly users are able to access said data.

Perhaps aware of the potential backlash the throttling would incur, Boost assured its customers it believed only 3 percent of all users would be affected by the restrictions.

However, to keep customers in the know about how much data they consumer in a given month, Boost will also inform users when they are about to hit the wall.

When a user reaches 85 percent of the 2.5GB limit, a warning will be sent via text, and the same is true when a user maxes out their data limit in a month.

In Boost's defense, the carrier claimed it would take 400,000 mobile internet page views, about 90,000 emails (without attachments), 91 hours of streaming music, or 20 hours of video clips to hit the 2.5GB barrier.

TechRadar has reached out to Boost's parent company Sprint, and will update this story if and when they respond.

Via Boost Mobile