Showing posts with label devices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label devices. Show all posts

Friday, April 19, 2013

Microsoft reiterates that Windows 8 could see small(er) devices soon

Microsoft reiterates that Windows 8 could see smaller devices soon


What's an outgoing Microsoft executive to do on his last earnings call as CFO? Utter something that'd probably get the incoming CFO fired. Kidding aside, the outfit's own Peter Klein saw fit to reiterate something we'd heard back in March -- that Windows 8 is destined for smaller devices. To date, there isn't a Windows 8-based slate on the market south of 10-inches, but as Apple, ASUS, Google and Samsung have found, people tend to like tablets that can be held with a single hand. Of course, the "coming soon" angle definitely adds a time stamp (albeit a vague one) that we didn't have before, but we're still no closer to figuring out what kinds of devices we're to expect. A diminutive tablet? A smartwatch? A phone?


Earlier this week, Terry Myerson -- corporate vice president of Microsoft's Windows Phone division -- admitted that the wearables space was undoubtedly an exciting one, though he wouldn't go so far as to affirm that any of the code he oversaw was being tested on the arm. Of course, rumors have been running wild since Windows Phone's introduction that Microsoft would eventually push WP aside in favor of just using Windows on everything, so we suppose that's another (far out) possibility. Wild imaginations are advised to contribute their best guesses in comments below. (But seriously, keep it sane. Thanks.)


Source: TechCrunch


More Coverage: The Next Web

US Cellular announces its intent to carry Windows Phone 8 devices

US Cellular announces its intent to carry Windows Phone 8 devices


In response to a customer's question about Windows Phone plans, US Cellular used its official Facebook page to proclaim its intent to launch a WP8 device in the near future. While the representative specifically mentioned Windows 8 (sans "Phone"), we reached out to US Cellular for clarification. A company spokesperson confirmed our suspicions, stating that a device running the mobile platform will indeed be launching. We'll have to wait until next month to get additional details about it, but USCC customers biding their time for a WP8 smartphone will soon have the opportunity to grab one for themselves without making the move to a different carrier.


[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]


Source

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Tiny lithium-ion battery recharges 1000x faster than rival tech, could shrink mobile devices

Researchers devise 'most powerful' batteries in the world, shame supercapacitors


Supercapacitors are often hailed as the holy grail of power supplies, but a group of researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a lithium-ion microbattery that leaves that prized solution in the dust, recharging 1,000 times faster than competing tech. Previous work done by Professor William P. King, who led the current effort, resulted in a fast-charging cathode with a 3D microstructure, and now the team has achieved a breakthrough by pairing it with an anode devised in a similar fashion.


The resulting battery is said to be the most powerful in the world, avoiding the usual trade-off between longevity and power while having a footprint of just a few millimeters. By altering its composition, scientists can even optimize the contraption for more juice or increased life. It's expected that the technology could make devices 30 times smaller and help broadcast radio signals up to 30 times farther, but it'll still be a while before it winds up in a super-slim phone within your pocket. For now, the researchers have their sights set on integrating the tech with other electronic components and investigating low-cost manufacturing.


Via: Eureka Alert


Source: University of Illinois News Bureau

Foxconn parent Hon Hai licenses Microsoft's patents for Android, Chrome devices

Microsoft and Foxconn Parent Hon Hai Sign Patent Agreement For Android and Chrome Devices
April 16, 2013
Agreement provides broad coverage under Microsoft's patent portfolio to manufacturer of more than 40 percent of the world's consumer electronics.

inShare

REDMOND, Wash. - April 16, 2013 - Microsoft Corp. and Hon Hai, the parent company of Foxconn, signed a worldwide patent licensing agreement that provides broad coverage under Microsoft's patent portfolio for devices running the Android and Chrome OS, including smartphones, tablets and televisions. While the contents of the agreement are confidential, the parties indicate that Microsoft will receive royalties from Hon Hai under the agreement. Hon Hai joins a growing list of contract manufacturing and original design manufacturing companies with Android and Chrome patent licenses.

"We are pleased that the list of companies benefitting from Microsoft's Android licensing program now includes the world's largest contract manufacturer, Hon Hai," said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of the Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft. "By licensing both brand name companies and their contract manufacturers, we have successfully increased the overall effectiveness and global reach of the program."

"Hon Hai is the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer that holds more than 54,000 patents worldwide," said Samuel Fu, director of the Intellectual Property Department at Hon Hai. "We recognize and respect the importance of international efforts that seek to protect intellectual property. The licensing agreement with Microsoft represents those efforts and our continued support of international trade agreements that facilitate implementation of effective patent protection."

Microsoft's Commitment to Licensing Intellectual Property

The patent agreement is another example of the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant technology ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that open Microsoft's IP portfolio for customers, partners and competitors. The program was developed to provide access to Microsoft's significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio. Microsoft's specific patent licensing program for Android device makers has resulted in signed license agreements with numerous companies including Samsung, LG, HTC, Acer and Barnes & Noble.

More information about Microsoft's licensing programs is available at http://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.


Source

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

HP to bundle Leap Motion on select products, incorporate the tech in future devices



Leap Motion is shaping up to be 2013's hottest peripheral. Less than a year after the gesture-control technology was first announced, the company's enlisted tens of thousands of developers in its motion-controlled ranks, partnered with ASUS and taken SXSW Interactive by storm. This morning, the company added another big win to the ever-growing list: a partnership with HP, which will eventually see the technology embedded in some new offerings from the PC veteran. According to a press release issued by the startup, "The relationship will start with the Leap Motion Controller bundled with select HP products and evolve to unique HP devices embedded with Leap Motion's technology." Those unnamed devices will also be loaded with Leap's Airspace, for easy access to custom apps.

Show full PR text

Leap Motion to Bring 3-D Motion Control to HP Customers


Leap Motion, the motion-control software and hardware company changing the future of human/computer interaction, today announced a collaboration with HP to bring 3-D motion control to unique HP devices. The relationship will start with the Leap Motion Controller bundled with select HP products and evolve to unique HP devices embedded with Leap Motion's technology.


"Our focus at Leap Motion is to fundamentally improve how people interact with their devices, and offer as many ways as possible to achieve that vision," said Leap Motion co-founder and CEO Michael Buckwald. "The possibilities for innovation are incredible, when you think about what will come from this collaboration between two respected global leaders in their fields – HP, the world's largest technology company and Leap Motion, creator of the world's most powerful 3-D motion-control technology."


Leap Motion's incredible speed and precision, combined with its affordability, have helped drive its momentum and leadership in the industry. Leap Motion-enabled HP devices will come pre-loaded with Airspace™, Leap Motion's application store. Inside Airspace, users will discover a wide range of software across gaming, music, education, art, productivity and more.


Source

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Facebook Home hits Google Play today, available for select Android devices

Facebook Home hits Google Play today, available for select Android devices


Chat heads, a virtual carousel of full screen (Instagram) images and enough status updates to let you keep close stalkerly tabs on your nearest and dearest -- that's what Facebook's got in Home. And as of today, it's breaking free from AT&T's exclusive HTC First and heading to a choice few Android flagships in the US. Now owners of the Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note II as well as the HTC One X+ can rush on over to Google Play or Facebook's site to download the free screen-stealing app / launcher. And when HTC's One and Samsung's GS 4 make their eventual way to the US market, Facebook heads will also have the privilege of setting up Home on those two flagships, just as Zuck promised. Home: it's where privacy and your free time go to die.


Source: Facebook, Google Play

Thursday, March 28, 2013

BlackBerry makes $94 million on revenue of $2.7 billion, ships 1 million BB10 devices in 2013 Q4

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This isn't quite the BlackBerry earnings story you're waiting for -- after all, the US figures covering the success (or otherwise) of the Z10 won't arrive until the next quarter. Instead, we're looking at the company's results from the end of the fiscal year to March 2nd, which shows that the smartphone maker made $94 million in GAAP income on revenues of $2.7 billion -- in contrast with the $125 million net loss it made in the same quarter last year. More importantly, however, it shipped out almost one million BlackBerry 10 devices during the three weeks of the quarter that they were available. In addition, it managed to push five million of its older smartphones and 370,000 PlayBook tablets out of the door, but saw user numbers fall from 79 million last quarter to 76 million now.


As revenue has remained relatively flat, the surge in profits can only be attributed to Thorstein Heins' aggressive cost-cutting measures, with the CEO remarking that the "numerous changes" he has implemented at the company have "resulted in [BlackBerry] returning to profitability." At the same time, Mike Lazaridis has announced that he'll retire from his position as vice-chair and director of the outfit he founded the better part of three decades ago. He'll exit the business on May 1st so that he can concentrate on his new enterprise, Quantum Valley Investments.


Update: During the conference call, Thorsten Heins has revealed that around two-thirds or three-quarters of the one million BB10 devices shipped have been sold.


Source: ADVFN


More Coverage: Roger W. Cheng (Twitter)

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

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

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

Saturday, March 2, 2013

O2's TU Go software spreads your phone number across multiple devices

TU Go from O2 sets mobile numbers free as customers can make and receive calls from internet-connected devices

· TU Go service now available to O2 Pay Monthly customers

· New, free-to-download app lets users make and receive calls, texts and voicemail from their existing O2 number on any supported device

· Calls are charged in line with a Pay Monthly tariff – with calls and texts taken from a customer's existing O2 bundle

O2 is making customers' mobile phone numbers truly mobile with the launch of TU Go, a new service that is open to Pay Monthly customers. For the first time, TU Go enables O2 customers to make and receive calls and text messages on a range of devices rather than being tied to their handset.

TU Go is an application that's free to download. Calls and texts using the app come out of customers' existing O2 bundle of call time and text message allowances. The service will use a customer's existing O2 number, so there are no extra usernames to remember and no separate numbers to give out. Customers using TU Go will be able to make and receive calls and texts to and from anyone on any network, even if the recipient doesn't have the app installed. The O2 mobile network will deliver calls, texts and voicemail as normal so contacts won't notice anything different.

The TU Go app is available on Apple devices (iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch running iOS 5 and above), Android devices (smartphones and tablets running Android 2.3.1 – Gingerbread – and above) and PCs (running Windows 7 only) and means customers can use a single mobile number – their own – across any of these internet connected devices, seamlessly.

"Customers can now take their mobile number wherever they like, even away from their mobile," said Sally Cowdry, Marketing and Consumer Director at O2 in the UK. "TU Go lets you take a call on a tablet, pick up text messages on a PC and have conversations in places with Wi-Fi coverage but no mobile signal. We're letting nothing stand between our customers and their number.

"TU Go is a clear demonstration of the way we are bringing new technological possibilities to our customers – taking access to our mobile network beyond the mobile phone. While it is still in its early stages, and TU Go is a first step, we have plans to develop the services we can offer using this platform – bringing our customers an ever-wider range of digital services on a wider range of devices."

TU Go combines Voice over IP and the O2 mobile network, making it possible for customers to access their communication history on a range of different devices. The app works on both smartphones and 3G / WiFi tablets – and customers can choose whether to use it via a Wi-Fi or GSM connection, where available.

When a user receives a call, their TU Go app will ring across all the devices it is installed on (alongside their mobile handset), a text message will show just the same as it would on a laptop as it would on their phone. Users are also able to access their device's local address books and see all their conversations and call history in one timeline, synced across all devices.

TU Go integrates seamlessly with the O2 network, meaning customers using the app will experience the same service on, for instance, their tablet, as they do on their mobile phone with any calls or texts sent through TU Go landing on the recipients' phones as normal.

Those using TU Go will be able to log into the app on up to five devices simultaneously. The service collects calls, texts and voicemail directly from the O2 network rather than from the customer's phone, so it doesn't need to be installed on an O2 handset in order for it to work.

This gives them greater flexibility around which devices they use, whether that's using their tablet after their handset battery runs dry, keeping them connected on their PC when they've left their mobile at home or staying in touch when they are in an area with Wi-Fi but no mobile signal.

Sally Cowdry concludes: "For the first time, TU Go will mean customers can use their O2 number across a huge range of different devices. It will extend the O2 phone number and package far beyond just the mobile handset.

"Just as consumers' demands of what their handset can do – and what they use it for – have changed, so we think their demands of their network will change. TU Go is a statement of intent from O2: that we will continue to develop services that meet the existing demands of our customers and will go beyond those creating new products that open their eyes to the possibilities that mobile technology can deliver."

To download TU Go from O2, visit www.o2.co.uk/tugo. TU Go is initially available to O2 Pay Monthly customers.


Source

Android 4.2.2 binaries arrive for AOSP-supported Nexus devices

DNP Android 422 binaries arrive for AOSPsupported Nexus devices


Google has just provided a veritable boon to Android devs and custom ROM makers. The Mountain View company has recently uploaded the latest Android 4.2.2 binaries to the Nexus device download page for all AOSP-supported Nexus gear: the Nexus 4, the Nexus 7 WiFi, the Nexus 7 3G, the Nexus 10, the global version of the Galaxy Nexus and its Verizon equivalent. This also means that the AOSP (Android Open Source Project binaries) finally exist for the Nexus 7 3G and the Nexus 4, which had been missing from previous updates. If you've been on the hunt for the latest and greatest drivers for your wares, go ahead and download the binary of your choice from the source below and get to updating it before a certain green pie update comes along.


Via: Android Police


Source: Google Developers

Monday, February 18, 2013

Netgear PTV3000 updated, supports Miracast-ready Android devices

Netgear PTV3000 updated, supports Miracastready Android devices


Interested in Miracast-ing from an Andoid phone via your Netgear Push2TV PTV3000 adapter? Want to know what all that meant? It's understandable -- Miracast is a very recent open standard that lets you echo the display from an enabled device like a smartphone or tablet onto your TV (think Apple's AirPlay Mirroring). You'll now be able to officially do that with the PTV3000 from the few Android devices that support Miracast: Samsung's Galaxy S III, Note II and Note 10.1, LG's Optimus G, the Google / LG Nexus 4, and various Sony Xperia models -- all with Android 4.04 or higher. The PTV3000 also supports Intel's WiDi standard, and actually brought Miracast support in an earlier beta firmware upgrade, though testers saw significant bugginess at the time. Many of those nags have been squelched with the new update, though, and you'll also see a single interface for Intel WiDi and Miracast, both PIN and PBC support, 5GHz Miracast operation and faster bootup times, too. So, if you've been looking to get all those pixels crammed into your smartphone over to a bigger medium, hit the source or check the details after the break.



Supported Intel Wireless Display platforms:

Windows 7, Intel Wireless Display V3.1.29.0, Wifi driver V15.1.1 Windows 7, Intel Wireless Display V3.5.41.0, Wif driver V15.3.1 Windows 8 (systems upgraded form Windows 7), Intel Wireless Display V3.5.41.0, Wifi driver V15.3.50 Windows 8 (with Win8 preinstalled), Intel Wireless display, V3.5.41.0, Wifi driver V15.5.7

Supported Miracast platforms:

Samsung Galaxy S3 (Android 4.1.1 or above) Samsung Galaxy Note II Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 LG Optimus G (Android 4.0.4 or above) Google Nexus 4 (Android 4.2.1) Sony Xperia (various models with Android 4.0.4 or above)

Enhancements & Bug Fixes:

Miracast support for compatible mobile phones and tablets. Combined Intel wireless display (Widi) and Miracast a single user interface. There is no need to use the push button on the side of the PTV3000 unit to switch between Widi and Miracast modes. The side push-button is strictly used to go into FW update mode. (Miracast) Both PIN and PBC methods for WPS are supported. The device automatically communicates with the source device (mobile phone, tablet or laptop) to determine which WPS method to use. (Miracast) The device is already PBC ready waiting for source to initiate connection. Fixed HDCP connection error issue with some Sony mobile phones. Fixed issue that screen projection does not take place until swiping action takes place on mobile phone. Fixed some disconnection with mobile phone. Device does not allow second Widi or Miracast souce device to interrupt existing Widi or Miracast session. Enable 5Ghz Miracast operation with preferred operating channel as channel 40. Reduced image size and faster boot time. Fixed system lockup issue after wrong PIN entry. Improved connectivity with Intel Widi running under Win8. Repaired issue in win8 that device connection has issue after removal of device under Devices and Printers interface in Win8. Fixed issue of connecting screen appearing after a session teardown on Win7 laptop. Fixed issue of one Widi session affecting screen projection of subsequent Widi or Miracast session. (Widi) Fixed issue of cursor position not updated until "resize TV picture" takes place. Fixed kernel panic issue that system goes into a non-responsive state. Implement regional domain control allowing shipment to Europe, Australia, and Canada. Localization support for international languages.

Installation Procedure

Push and hold the WPS button on the side of the PTV3000 unit for more than 5 seconds. PTV3000 goes into firmware update mode. Firmware update procedure shows up on TV screen (also shown below on steps 3 to 6). Use your PC or mobile device and motivate to www.netgear.com/stream to check for and download the latest firmware. Using the wireless network manager utility on your device, search for "Push2TV" wireless network name (SSID) and connect. Open a web browser on your device and type http://192.168.3.1 into the URL bar of the browser. Follow the steps on the web page to upload the firmware image and complete the installation.

Via: Android Central


Source: Netgear


More Coverage: PTV3000 product page

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Belkin releases WeMo beta app for Galaxy S III, devices with ICS or higher

Belkin releases WeMo beta app for Galaxy S III, devices with ICS or higher


Word of an Android app for Belkin's line of WeMo home automation hardware came amid a flurry of CES news, and now the application has rolled onto Google Play in beta form just over a month later. The app is specifically tested for the Galaxy S III, but handsets toting Ice Cream Sandwich or higher will be able to take it for a spin. By wielding the application, users can control WeMo devices over WiFi and cellular networks, configure custom icons, tweak names, take care of local firmware updates and hook things up with IFTTT. Remote firmware updates, support content and WeMo rules have yet to be baked into the software, however. Belkin is hoping guinea pigs will report bugs, but can't guarantee they'll be fixed in the short term. Currently, the outfit says issues regarding poor signal strength and app crashes are on its radar. Looking forward to the polished, growing pain-free product? The final app is expected to arrive around the summertime.


[Thanks, Matt]


Source: Google Play

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Kanex meDrive turns any USB drive into a NAS for iOS devices, we go hands-on

Kanex meDrive handson video


Kanex may be more famous as a cable maker, but it still has priors when it comes to knocking out the odd device. meDrive is a small white box that's designed to turn any old USB HDD into a network attached storage (NAS) drive. We're no friend to buzzwords like "private cloud," but as the unit promises to swell the capacity of our microSD-slot lacking iOS devices, we couldn't resist giving it a go. Does this $99 box do all that it promises to do? Find out, after the break.

In the Box Kanex meDrive handson video


Inside the rather stout packaging, you'll find the meDrive, an 88 x 58 x 24mm white, hard plastic box with a gray lower fifth. Alongside, you'll get a USB to mini-USB cable and a 23.5cm Ethernet cable. The limited accessories on show fly in the face of the company's reputation as a premium cable maker. Kanex omitted to include a power adapter, assuming instead that you've got a nearby USB outlet to provide power. While the stout Ethernet line is fine if you don't want to see too many trailing wires, it also increases the likelihood that you'll be swapping it out for one of your own.

Hardware Kanex meDrive handson video


Once we'd donated an Ethernet cable that could stretch between our router and a USB power adapter to get the thing running, setup was pretty painless. In fact, it took longer to get the hardware out of the box and download the app than it did to get the device running. Thanks to its adherence to Apple's Bonjour networking standard, it only required us to supply a password and boom, it was ready for use.


The app enables users to fling images and videos straight from an iPhone to the drive, but this process isn't as simple as just pushing the files through the ether. We shot a 95.2MB, 50-second, 1,920 x 1,080 video clip and sent it on its merry way. The app took around 20 seconds to compress the file and a further 30 to transmit it, and when we looked at the results, the file had been crushed down to 13.1MB. The finished results are viewable but grainy, so we wouldn't suggest using this as your only backup for your child's first steps or other momentous occasion. There's no in-app setting to disable the compression, either. When we asked the company about this, it said that it compresses videos down to ensure speedy transfer, but won't do it to your images or files.


When we pushed a file from the desktop to the unit, we got data writing to the USB drive at speeds of 0.85MB/s, so we'd steer clear of trying to move any 2GB DVD files. The app does allow you to import, email, move, rename and delete files, enabling you to push media straight to and from your phone while you're out and about -- assuming you've opened up port 80 on your router. Certainly, as long as your broadband's upload speed is strong enough, and so long as you had a decent connection on your phone, you'd easily be able to view movies on your phone if you were stuck without entertainment.

Wrap-up Kanex meDrive handson video


Compared to some other pieces of hardware that promised to do the same job, the ease of use and versatility on show here were a breath of fresh air. Attractive, well-made hardware and a decently put together piece of software create a rather solid experience. We can't be effusive in our praise, however, because we'd have liked control over the compression options, and we wish that the company hadn't been so stingy with the cabling on offer. In fact, it might have been better not to include one at all, rather than one that's so unsuited to the purpose. While it may be a niche proposition, we can imagine plenty of homes that would appreciate being able to open up their mobile device's smartphone and tablet storage -- just so long as you've got some spare wires lying around.


Source

Monday, February 11, 2013

NYT: Apple experimenting with wrist-worn iOS devices using curved glass (updated)

NYT Apple experimenting with wristworn iOS devices using curved glass


Rumors of Apple building a watch-like device have existed since time immemorial -- they've built up the same near-mythical status that the iPhone did pre-2007, or a TV set does today. The New York Times, however, claims that the watch concept exists as more than just some fan art. Reportedly, Apple has been "experimenting" with wrist-wearable devices that would run iOS and use curved glass. Other details are left to feverish speculation, although the OS choice suggests it would be more than just a glorified iPod nano watch. Before we get too excited, we'd do well to remember that any testing in a design lab doesn't equate to production plans: the company might well scrap its work before it ever becomes public, if it's indeed real to start with. Still, there have been enough advances in flexible displays and miniaturization that the notion of connected, wearable Apple gear is no longer as far-fetched as it once seemed.


Update: Not to be left out, the Wall Street Journal has made a similar claim. It adds that Apple has explored possibilities with its contract manufacturer Foxconn, although there's not much more to learn at this stage.


Source: New York Times

Monday, January 28, 2013

Samsung expects Music Hub to reach competitors' devices, more countries

 

Samsung Music Hub to reach other companies' devices, more countries


Samsung's Music Hub has only had a comparatively small reach to date, delivering tunes to seven countries (six with scan-and-match) and just a handful of devices. Senior VP of Media Services TJ Kang expects the audio service to broaden its horizons -- he tells The Next Web that Samsung wants to widen access to rivals' gear as well. There's no convenient timetable to put on the calendar, but the expansion is a significant move for a service that's frequently seen as more of a brand-specific checklist feature than a full competitor with the likes of Google Music or iTunes. Plans for Samsung's own devices are more definite, Kang says. Music Hub is coming to more countries in 2013, as long as licensing deals work out, and further device support (including the non-mobile variety) will depend on flagship hardware releases scattered throughout the year. No matter where Media Hub heads next, it's safe to presume that it will be more than just a nice bonus in the near future.

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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

CES 2013: Cisco's Videoscape Unity software brings cloud DVR to multiple devices

Cisco's Videoscape Unity software brings cloud DVR to multiple devicesCome together over TV

Borne of the acquisition of NDS one year ago, Cisco announced its newest Videoscape Unity service at CES Monday, expanding on its 24-month old Videoscape offerings.

The world's leading networker is pushing out Unity to its cable-providing partners because, as the software's name suggests, it's looking to build an integrated and shared experience between users, their devices and the people users are connected with.

"Unity is first and foremost a transformational user experience for all content," Martin De Beer, senior vice president of Cisco's Video and Collaboration Group, said during the company's CES press conference.

To that end, the Cisco team has built an open software platform that delivers a multi-screen video experience, cloud DVR and social media experience wrapped into one.

Cisco Videoscape Unity

Unity makes social media part of the viewing process while delivering a multi-screen cloud digital video recorder so users can pick up where they left off on shows, catch up on episodes they missed and playback DVR-capture content on any device wherever they are.

"We recognize how television will change in the future," said Jesper Andersen, senior vice president and general manager of the service provider video technology group.

Whether you're watching a show on a phone, tablet or TV, Unity will let you pick up watching it on any one of the other devices.

Cisco Videoscape Unity

Recommendations are also more intuitive and predictive, the Cisco crew said, going beyond simply suggesting what users might want to watch and basically offering up options that are tuned into their preferences.

Unity doesn't just work with paid TV content - free content like a video taped by a user on their tablet will also show up on a home screen thanks to the software.

De Beer explained users don't even need to set their DVRs to record a show - Unity knows all and will record your must-watch TV from any device

Cisco's also viewing television as a place of social interaction, one it hopes to develop as such into a fully integrated, immersive viewing and interpersonl experience.

Looking ahead, the company demoed a feature where the Unity interface could be projected onto a large wall-sized screen. Pulling up a basketball game as an example, Cisco showed a 360-experience - complete with what show was playing, what's on next, player stats and social media blasts from friends and followers.

Cisco Videoscape Unity

Cisco customers - a.k.a cable providers like Fox, Cox Communications and Major League Baseball, representatives of which hopped onstage for a panel discussion following the presentation - are the entities who need to bring Videoscape Unity to offer to their customers.

With all its future possibilities, we hope cable providers embrace Unity.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Christmas Day saw 17 million iOS and Android devices activated

Plenty of smartphones and tablets were found under the tree this past Tuesday as analytics firm Flurry estimates that 17.4 million iOS and Android devices were activated on Christmas Day. That is a 330% increase from the average of the twenty days from December 1-20 which saw a daily total of 4 million iOS and Android devices get hooked up. Tablets had an amazing day. From December 1-20, only 2 out of each 10 Android and iOS device activated was a tablet. On December 25th, slightly more than 5 out of 10 of the iOS and Android devices activated was a slate. The actual marketshare for tablets on Christmas Day was 51%. Tablet sales were led by the Apple iPad, the Apple iPad mini and the Amazon Kindle Fire HD.

Most people spent Christmas Day downloading apps on their new phone or tablet. Flurry's stats show that the average number of apps downloaded on iOS and Android devices from December 1-20 was 155 million per day. On December 25th, that number surged to 328 million for an increase of 112%. And unlike the average from December 1-20, when app downloads peak between 7-10pm, downloading on Christmas started as early as 9am and remained fairly steady all day until worn out from a busy day of using their new iOS or Android device, people started going to bed.

source: Flurry via TUAW



View the original article here

More than 17 million iOS and Android devices activated on Christmas

More than 17 million iOS and Android devices activated on ChristmasSeems like everyone got a new tablet this year for Christmas

Christmas is time for laughter and good cheer, and it's also apparently a great time to get a new iPhone 5, Nexus 10, or Kindle Fire HD.

According to analytics firm Flurry, this past Christmas Day saw an unheard of amount of iOS and Android devices activated in a 24-hour span.

Based on Flurry's data, some 17.4 million new smartphones and tablets were activated during Dec. 25, shattering the previous 6.8 million device record created during Christmas 2011.

Throughout the rest of the month, an average of 4 million devices were activated per day, making Christmas' 332 percent increase that much more staggering.

Though Flurry didn't have any exact numbers for which tablets or smartphones saw the greatest increases in activations, the firm did claim that both Apple and Amazon had the greatest influence on the record numbers.

Flurry also reported that more people activated tablets than smartphones on Christmas Day, as devices like the iPad Mini helped tablets earn a 51 percent majority.

Of course, this was after smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S3 dominated the rest of December, garnering 80 percent of the sales from the first 20 days of the month.

Regardless of whether or not it was a tablet or a smartphone, the incredible amount of iOS and Android activations also led to an increase in app downloads during Christmas.

On average, 155 million apps were downloaded every single day for the first few weeks of December.

Those downloads increased 112 percent on Christmas Day, with Flurry claiming 328 million apps were downloaded in those 24 hours.

It's quite an impressive feat on all accounts, and with more families adopting smart devices each and every month, one has to wonder just how long these latest records will stand.

Via Flurry

Get notified whenever any of the Google Nexus devices are back in stock

One of the problems with waiting for the Google Play Store to replenish its inventory of Google Nexus devices is that by the time you hear about it, the devices could be sold out again. You can just imagine how high the demand is for the $349 16 GB Google Nexus 4 since it seems to sell out inside of 30 minutes everytime it goes on sale. But there is an app available that will push a notification to you whenever there is a status change on any of the devices.

The app is designed to look like the actual product page on the Google Play Store and you can customize the app to monitor the entire Google Nexus line-up or just those devices you want to know about. You can also set how often the app checks the status of the devices from as often as every minute, to as long as once a day. The default setting is for Auto Refresh and the app will play a sound and vibrate when there is a change to report.

The beauty of installing this app is that it could be the difference between getting to the Google Play Store in time to buy the Google Nexus 4 when the next batch is on sale, or getting shut out. And for us in the media, installing this app gives us the chance to scoop the competition the next time any of the Google Nexus line is available. According to the app, everything is sold out at the moment.

The Nexus Availability Checker gives you the price of each device in local currency and also gives you a link to the Google Play Store. You can download it free from the sourcelink.

source: NexusAvailabilityChecker via MobileSyrup


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Saturday, December 29, 2012

Apple and Google activated 17 million devices on Christmas Day

Apple and Google likely have a lot to be happy about following this year’s holiday season. According to data recently released from mobile app analytics firm Flurry, the two companies combined to activate 17.4 million devices on Christmas Day. That’s good for a 332 percent increase over the average number of activations in December and more than 2.5 times more than on Christmas Day a year ago.

Flurry noted that smartphone activations outpaced tablets by a four-to-one ratio leading up to Christmas Day. On December 25, however, tablet activations barely edged out new phone activations, collecting 51 percent of all mobile device activations.

Interestingly enough, Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD tablet saw the largest single-day growth as activations increased by several thousand percent over the December 2012 averages.

It comes as little surprise that app downloads also increased to go along with new activations. The firm found that app downloads increased 112 percent on Christmas Day compared to the rest of the month. In total, some 328 million Android and iOS apps were downloaded.

According to data recently released from Distmo, app downloads for iPad and iPhone jumped by 87 percent on Christmas Day compared to the average for December 2012. Revenue during that same time shot up 70 percent as well. Data also shows that the iPad was a very popular gift this year as downloads and revenues increased 140 percent and 83 percent, respectively.


View the original article here

 

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