Other Sites
Grove Bamboo iPhone Cases
Samsung Announces GALAXY Tab iPad Challenger Tablet Computer
The Curse of 3D TV
NY Toyota Customers Get iPad With New or Used Car Purchase at Huntington Toyota
The Apple Tax In Canada
Frontier Launches Innovative Digital Radio Remote Control Apple iTunes Application
Easily Access Your New iPod touch with Protective Belkin Cases
Medieval HD for iPad Crusades to Top Spot
RealCam for iPhone Gets New Update With Support For 2 Cameras And Flash
Will People Finally Want Apple TV? The Newest Version Faces the Toughest Market Yet - IMS Research
Ubuntu 'Maverick Meerkat' Erects Own App Store
The Tech Night Owl: The Apple Hubris Report
Grove Bamboo iPhone Cases
The Grove group are a small team of designers, programmers, and makers led by Joe Mansfield of engrave and Ken Tomita of TomitaDesigns specializing in:
(*) Product and package design
(*) Logo and graphic design
(*) web design and development
(*) Photography
(*) CNC/laser programming and operation
(*) All handwork and finishing
(*) Marketing
Short of growing the bamboo themselves and digging up the aluminum out of the ground, Grove tries to be involved as deeply as possible.
Grove products are 100% designed and made in Portland, Oregon USA. We utilize sustainable materials, natural finishes, and responsible packaging. FSC certified bamboo is used when available. The Grove folks don't operate a production factory but rather create as artisans.
After roughing out via machine, extensive shaping is done manually to form the case. Assembly and sanding are done by hand by furniture makers. At least 4 coats of our natural oil/wax finish is rubbed on by hand (not for sumi cases).
No two of Grove's products are exactly the same due to the natural variations of the material and hands of the makers involved.
Why Bamboo? Experience the feel of natural material made possible by our use of natural oil/wax finish rather than the industry standard plastic clear-coat(not for sumi cases). Aside from the natural beauty and strength, bamboo is ideal for products due to its dimensional stability in comparison to wood. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable grass which is the fastest growing plant in the world and can be harvested for use in 4-6 years. It plays an increasingly important role in environmental protection by reducing our reliance on timber forests.
Grove offer a choice of either plain bamboo or specially designed patterns, created by talented illustrators from across the globe. The designs are then laser-etched onto the bamboo using some of the latest technologies. The finish is beautiful; the tiniest detail is viewable, and on the review case there were no visible errors. It is also lined with a felt-like fabric to minimize scratches.
You can use all the controls of your Iphone freely. Charge your phone and plug in headphones without removing the case.
The two-piece slider case slips on easily and adds only .075" thickness to your phone. Choose your favorite color of anodized aluminum. The bezel protects both your Iphone and your grove case. Cove detail helps align case parts. Refuel your Iphone without removing your Grove case.
Rock out to your latest iTunes playlist. Speaker holes allow for full volume of music and ringtones.
Know that you are supporting the use of rapidly renewable materials; lessening our reliance on timber. Grove use 100% solid bamboo.
Available for both 3G and 4G iPhones and priced from $69.00 to $89.00.
For more information, visit:
http://www.grovemade.com
Samsung Announces GALAXY Tab iPad Challenger Tablet Computer
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. chose the IFA tech show at Berlin, Germany as the venue to announce the launch of its new Samsung GALAXY Tab tablet computer last week. Powered by Google's Android Operating System 2.2, the Samsung GALAXY Tab is the first of the company's tablet devices, representing a new category of mobile products for Samsung.
With the Samsung GALAXY Tab users will experience PC-like web-browsing and enjoy various forms of multimedia content on a 7-inch display, as well as communicate via e-mail, voice and video call, SMS/MMS or social networking. The Tab comes with 16 GB or 32GB of internal storage and 32 GB MicroSD expansion, and features a TouchWIZ user interface.
"Samsung recognizes the tremendous growth potential in this newly created market and we believe that the Samsung GALAXY Tab brings a unique and open proposition to market. There is a new and emerging consumer demand that Samsung can satisfy since mobile is in our DNA. This demand continues to grow and develop as users tap its limitless potential," said JK Shin, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. "The Samsung GALAXY Tab has been designed to enable consumers to maximize their online experience wherever that may be. The Samsung GALAXY Tab is pushing the market in new directions and Samsung believes this is only the beginning of its innovations as pioneers in smart media devices."
The Samsung GALAXY Tab's 7" TFT-LCD and lightweight (380g compared with the iPad's 680 grams) build provide optimum portability, and its svelte dimensions make it easy to grip and use. Another advantage the Tab enjoys over the iPad is that it support the latest Adobe Flash Player 10.1 for seamless viewing of every single page of the Web.
The 'Readers Hub,' Samsung's propritary e-reading application, provides access to a vast digital library - from classical literature to the latest bestsellers and reference materials. Samsung Readers Hub consolidates e-reading applications such as eBooks, magazines, and newspapers. Users can enjoy ‘reading’ with unified and intuitive user experience powered by global eReading service leaders, Kobo, PressDisplay and Zinio. More than 2 million books including today’s best sellers, over 2,500 titles of magazines in 20 languages and more than 1,600 newspapers in 47 languages are available at launch and will grow the library gradually.
Services like Google Maps Navigation (Beta) and Google Goggles are available on Google’s Android platform. With useful location-based services like Google Maps, consumers can search in Standard English instead of entering an exact address. A search-by-voice function is just as intuitive, meaning searches can also be completed easily on the go. Google Goggles is a powerful, visual search tool that uses the Samsung GALAXY Tab’s camera to uncover information – an image of a landmark or artwork is automatically used to perform a search, delivering relevant content like a description or history. In addition, with a camera, users can enjoy various augmented reality services which are downloadable in the application market.Samsung has also unveiled 'Media Hub,' a gateway to a world of films and videos, and 'Music Hub,' an application giving access to a wide range of music tunes.
With 3G HSPA connectivity, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 3.0, the Samsung GALAXY Tab supports video conferencing and push email, and for voice telephony, the Tab can serve as a speakerphone on the desk, or a mobile phone on the move via Bluetooth headset. The front-facing camera allows face-to-face video telephony over 3G, the rear-facing camera captures still images and video.
Powered by a Cortex A8 1.0GHz application processor, the Samsung GALAXY Tab supports HD video content in a wide range of multimedia formats (DivX, XviD, MPEG4, H.263, H.264 and more), and will be be the worlds first DivX Certified tablet.
To enjoy high-quality DivX video on the Samsung GALAXY Tab with no file conversion needed, Tab users can load their video libraries of both standard definition and HD movies in the DivX format on the internal and external memory and then watch their collections anywhere they choose. The GALAXY Tab will also connect directly to other DivX Certified devices, such as HDTVs, turning it into a powerful entertainment gateway in the living room. It will also support the secure playback of major Hollywood titles in the DivX format from leading studios.
"DivX has become a must-have feature on every kind of consumer electronics device, and were excited to enter the burgeoning tablet market with Samsungs GALAXY Tab, a great product that offers an incredible experience to users," commented Matt Milne, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing DivX, Inc. "Now consumers throughout Asia, Europe and the United States will be able to enjoy their DivX movie collection on a breathtaking 7-inch screen."
"We are extremely proud to debut our first tablet at IFA 2010 with leading multimedia partners like DivX," said Younghee Lee, Senior Vice President, Samsung Electronics. "The GALAXY Tab is truly a ground-breaking product, and we know that our customers will especially enjoy the ability to enjoy their libraries of DivX HD video at home or on the go."
For more information about DivX, visit:
http://www.divx.com
The Samsung GALAXY Tab (GT-P1000) Product Specifications
• Network: 2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE) : 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
3G (HSUPA 5.76Mbps, HSDPA 7.2Mbps) : 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
• OS: Android 2.2 (Froyo)
• Display: 7.0 inch TFT-LCD, WSVGA (1024 x 600)
• Processor: Cortex A8 1.0GHz Application Processor with PowerVR SGX540
• Camera: 3 MP Camera with Auto-Focus and LED Flash
1.3MP front camera for Video Telephony
Value-added Features:
• Android Market and Samsung Apps for more applications and contents
Readers Hub, Media Hub(*) , Music Hub(*), Social Hub
(*)Availability will be decided by market preference.
• Adobe Flash 10.1 player support
• Full HD video playback, Thinkfree Office, Swype, Hybrid Widget
• Connectivity: 30 pin connector
• WiFi 802.11n / Bluetooth® 3.0
• Sensor: Gyroscope sensor, Geo-magnetic sensor, Accelerometer, Light sensor
• Storage Memory: 16G / 32G internal memory with up to 32G external memory slot
• RAM: 512 MB
• Size: 190.09 x 120.45 x 11.98mm, 380g
• Battery: 4,000mAh (7 hour movie play)
The Samsung GALAXY Tab will be released for sale in Europe in mid September, and in other markets including Korea, the US and Asia in coming months.
For more information about the GALAXY Tab, visit:
http://galaxytab.samsungmobile.com/
For more information about Samsung Electronics, visit:
http://www.samsung.com
The Curse of 3D TV
Technologizer's Harry McCracken says:
Tech makers think three dimensions are the next big thing after HD... I hope not....at the IFA tech show here in Berlin based on raw square footage in the booths 3D TV is everywhere.... The massive booths of consumer-electronics giants such as Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, and Toshiba are dominated by 3D.... All the 3D at the show had one thing in common: It s lousy.... Much of it was unusually blurry some of the sets that required glasses looked only slightly better than Fraunhofer s no-specs technology demo. None of it rose to the level of being good, and I came away thinking that the level of hoopla was bizarre given the lackluster products being hyped.
3D TV occupies so much IFA real estate because the electronics industry thinks that teeming masses of people are going to be willing to buy new TVs and don uncomfortable, expensive glasses in order to watch three-dimensional content. I think consumers are smarter than that. I think will prove to be a fad or, at least, a mistake....
[Editor's note: I couldn't agree more with Harry on this point. The 3D idiocy appears to have the potential to ruin movies, TV, and computers if this bandwagon continued to accelerate. As Harry notes, "as a medium, 3D remains remarkably self-trivializing." It's a gimmick, and IMHO a particualarly annoying and irritating one. Thus is one technological fad that deserves to die a quick death. Ed.]
For the full commentary visit here:
http://technologizer.com/2010/09/03/3d-tv/
NY Toyota Customers Get iPad With New or Used Car Purchase at Huntington Toyota
NY Toyota dealership Huntington Toyota is bringing one of Apple's most popular devices to customers during the Huntington Toyota Labor Day Sales Event. The first 100 customers who buy a vehicle from Huntington Toyota - new or used - will get a free iPad.
"The iPad promotion is valid on every car we have at our dealership," said Huntington Toyota General Sales Manager Chris Tedesco. "The Tundra, Sienna, and Corolla are all included as well as many others. Whether it's a 2011 model or a 2004 model, we're giving our customers the opportunity to get one of the greatest devices currently on the market as a bonus to the many deals we'll have going on for Labor Day."
NY Toyota buyers will find many options at Huntington Toyota backed by the dealership's excellent reputation for customer service. The dealership will be increasing the staff on-site for the Labor Day Sales event in order to properly serve the crowd, reduce wait time and make the event an enjoyable experience for all.
The dealership is offering many specials for NY Toyota customers including:
• Lease down payment matching
• Payment waiver program with up to six lease payments waived
• $1,000 dollar match on leases for the 2010 Prius, 2010 Corolla, and 2011 Camry/Camry Hybrid
However, these specials are only good for the Labor Day event and end at 9 p.m. on Monday evening.
The event will also feature some of the brand new 2011 Toyota models such as the Sienna and the Camry. The "Swagger Wagon" has received an exterior redesign in addition to new interior elements such as a sliding center console. The 2011 Toyota Camry will also be featured along with great specials to make the purchase of this highly reliable, attractive and responsive sedan one to be done sooner rather than later.
For more information about Huntington Toyota's Labor Day Sales event, the dealership's high level of customer service, or great new and pre-owned vehicle promotions, visit:
http://www.huntingtontoyota.net
or call 888-494-9973
The Apple Tax In Canada
CyberBuzz's Future Shop Tech Blog says:
Critics of Apple products have long pointed to the Apple Tax as a crux of their arguements against the products. Apple's gadgetry is consistently higher priced that similar products with similar horsepower. Fanboys respond by touting the companys esthetic qualities and point to the high profit margins that continously propel the stock. (Disclosure, I am a small shareholder of AAPL)....
But those are American prices. On September 1, the Canadian dollar closed at 95 cents US. In the recent weeks, the currency charts have had our loonie between 93 and 97 cents US. A premium between 5 and 10 percent should be factored in to the prices, but thats not what Apple is doing with this latest product line....
Lovers of Apple products understand there is an Apple tax to be paid. If you want the elegance of a BMW or a Mercedes, youre willing to pay a premium for the privelege same with Apple products. The problem comes when the Apple tax is extended to an all out money grab with an off base currency conversion.
For the full report visit here:
http://www.cyberbuzz.com/2010/09/04/the-apple-tax-in-canada/
Frontier Launches Innovative Digital Radio Remote Control Apple iTunes Application
[Press Release]
Frontier Silicon, a leading supplier of digital radio technology worldwide, launches an Apple App that controls any Networked Audio Device based on its popular Jupiter 6.2 three dimensional reference design.
This highly innovative and easy to use App not only acts as a full remote control to select DAB, FM, Internet Radio, Last FM, Pandora services and control volume up/down, play, pause, love/ban and EQ settings but also enables users to access and control the play back of your entire music library from any Win7 PC or DLNA compliant device. Additionally it will also control the playback of music files from a USB memory stick plugged in to the device. The App can be easily and quickly customised to reflect the brand image and look and feel of the end product and supports multiple languages including English and German.
This App extends our lead in Networked Audio reference designs through enhancing the user experience and giving end customers an intuitive, colourful and informative user interface running on a widely available hand held platform. commented Steve Evans, VP of Marketing and Business Development at Frontier Silicon the Digital Radio App is the first one available on the market that gives the users the ability to control DAB, Internet Radio and DLNA streaming over the network via an Apple App. It is also equipped with the ability to automatically discover devices on the network which makes for straightforward configuration, helping users listen to their favourite music with the minimum of hassle.
The App is fully adaptive and interrogates the device to see what services are available and only displays the active modes so the features available on a device are made clear to the user. Multiple devices attached to the network can be selected and controlled by the App individually.
The Frontier Silicon remote control application is available immediately for free from the Apple iTunes store. Follow this link to the iTunes Frontier Silicon wireless device remote control or go to your iTunes search bar and type Frontier Silicon remote control.
Frontier Silicon is demonstrating its latest connected audio solutions at the IFA Consumer Electronics show in Berlin.
For more information, visit:
http://www.frontier-silicon.com/
Easily Access Your New iPod touch with Protective Belkin Cases
[Press Release]
Belkin launches stylish new cases for the iPod touch that make it easier to access and use your iPod.
Belkin has designed these cases for the always on-the-go iPod owner that complement a mobile lifestyle and also cater to the different ways an iPod is carried. Weve identified five main ways people carry their iPod: in a pocket, in the hand, in a bag, on themselves, and while being active.
For those carrying their iPod in their pocket, Belkins slim cases are easy to grip, slide in and out of a pocket smoothly, and provide impact protection from everyday drops. For those who keep their iPod in hand at all times to text, game, or check their email, our line of cases are comfortable to hold, shock-absorbing, and easy to grip. Belkin also has cases that make it easy to find your iPod within a travel bag or purse while protecting it against constant contact with other items.
Belkin recognizes that people typically either carry their iPod or they wear it. While working out or when you need to keep your iPod close by for intermittent, easy access, Belkin offers a range of armbands and a clip case.
(*) Cases in select styles will be available starting September 2010 in North America and parts of Europe.
(*) Other styles will continuously be made available for purchase throughout 2010.
(*) Variety of Belkin cases include stylish, functional designs to keep you always connected by providing easy access to your new iPod
(*) Cases cater to the different ways you carry your device
(*) Variety of Belkin cases include stylish, functional designs to keep you always connected by providing easy access to your new iPod
(*) Cases cater to the different ways you carry your device
Grip Cases
Grip cases protect your iPod and come in a variety of textured designs while adding style, color, and grip-ability. Grip cases form-fitting design lets your iPod charge while still in the case.
Grip Ergo with Strap (F8Z653)
(*) Ergonomic case design and removable hand strap provide a secure way to hold your iPod
(*) Colors: Translucent Black, Translucent Taro
Grip Groove Duo (F8Z652)
(*) Adds texture to your iPod to increase grip-ability
(*) Colors: Black/Clear, Berry/Royal Purple
Grip Graphix (F8Z655)
(*) Features designs that make it easy to grip your iPod
(*) Colors: Aqua with White, Mauve with Shell Pink, Black with Clear
Grip Vue (F8Z657)
(*) Designed to increase grip-ability with a sleek, high-gloss finish
(*) Colors: Tints: Clear, Taro, Royal Purple, Night Sky, Black; Metallic: Black Pearl, White Pearl, Taro Pearl
Grip Edge (F8Z650)
(*) Features a unique combination of grip and style
(*) Colors: Black Leather with Black Stitching, Brown Leather with Brown Stitching
Shield Cases
Shield cases protect your iPod while providing increased shock absorption and impact resistance. These sleek cases add no extra bulk and offer maximum protection while allowing full access to connector, buttons, and iPod screen.
Shield Eclipse (F8Z647)
(*) Provides a firm grip in your hand
(*) Easily slides in and out of your pocket
(*) Colors: Night Sky, Black, Taro, Vivid Blue
Shield Micra (F8Z646)
(*) Features sleek design for protection without bulk
(*) Colors: Tints: Black, Royal Purple, Coral, Clear; Metallic: Black Pearl, White Pearl, Taro Pearl
Verve Cases
These fashion-inspired leather cases protect your iPod from everyday scratches and scuffs. Tailored to be slim and form-fitting, they also provide easier and more sensitive access to the home key and inputs. Made with premium leather and contrast stitching, these cases offer sleek style.
Verve Cinema (F8Z764)
(*) Features kickstand to view media content comfortably
Verve Sleeve (F8Z687)
(*) Fashion-inspired leather protects your iPod in style
Verve Sleeve with Clip (F8Z672)
(*) Clips onto a beltideal for those who like to keep their iPod on their body at all times
(*) Secure-hold clip design keeps your iPod in place
Verve Folio (F8Z673)
(*) Features a cover that folds to protect the screen and a soft inner lining
(*) Interior pocket stores credit card, money, and a key
Fit Armbands
Fit armbands are designed for the active user. Made with breathable and hand-washable fabric, these cases are easy to put on and remove, and flex with you as you move about your workout.
ProFit (F8Z692)
(*) Ultra-thin, athletic armband slides on easily for a comfortable fit
(*) Patent-pending clip system provides easy on/off access
(*) Made with special lightweight, water-wicking material to improve breathability
(*) Innovative fusion of materials offers a secure hold
DualFit (F8Z674)
(*) Adjustable dual-fit system allows for best fit on any arm, maximizing sizing
(*) Key pocket for convenient storage while at the gym or outdoors
FastFit (F8Z675)
(*) Patent-pending clip system provides easy on/off access
(*) Features removable sleeve for iPod, low-profile belt clip, and key pocket
(*) Cable capsule stores and manages earphones in convenient rubber dome
(*) Key pocket for convenient storage
Overlays
Belkin overlays protect your new iPod screen from everyday scratches.
MatteScreen Overlay - 3-Pack (F8Z686)
(*) Features glare-reducing protection for your iPod screen
ClearScreen Overlay - 3-Pack (F8Z685)
(*) Provides a clear protective shield for your iPod screen
To see the full range of new cases, visit:
http://www.belkin.com/ipod/touch/
Medieval HD for iPad Crusades to Top Spot
[Press Release]
With the recent release of Medieval HD for iPad, Brisk Mobile Inc. has taken its highly popular Medieval iPhone game and created an HD version for iPad that takes the game to a whole new level. With stunning HD graphics and realistic sounds combining to create an immersive experience, Medieval HD has set a new standard for castle defense games.
The general public appears to agree as Medieval HD has become the #1 paid iPad game in the US and is top 10 in over 45 other countries. Gary Toste, CEO of Brisk Mobile said: "We're thrilled to see the public embrace Medieval HD with such enthusiasm. The response has been overwhelming. We have great plans for Medieval HD with a number of planned updates and will be incorporating many of the great ideas users have had."
Perfect for casual and pros gamers alike, Medieval HD is the type of game that's easy to pick up but hard to master - and hard to put down! With its multitude of game and shooting modes, users can adjust the gaming experience to their liking.
Medieval HD Features:
(*) 4 Game Modes: Fast Fire, Easy, Medium, Hard
(*) 3 Different Shooting Modes: Auto Fire, Show Arc, Drag Fire
(*) 6 Different troop types including war machines like Catapults and fast moving cavalry Raiders
(*) 8 Unique weapons such as flaming arrows and multi-shots. Each with multiple upgrades available for maximum devastation
(*) 9 stunning HD locations
(*) Numerous enemy types including flying enemies and a boss enemy
(*) OpenFeint integration
Device Requirements:
(*) Compatible with iPad
(*) Requires iPhone OS 3.2 or later
(*) 22.2 MB
Medieval HD 1.1.2 is offered at a price of $2.99 USD and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category. Review copies are available upon request.
Brisk Mobile:
http://www.briskmobile.com/
Medieval HD 1.1.2:
http://www.briskmobile.com/medieval-hd.html
Purchase and Download:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/medieval-hd/id387132819?mt=8
Screenshot 1:
http://snurl.com/11sguo
Screenshot 2:
http://snurl.com/11sgy0
RealCam for iPhone Gets New Update With Support For 2 Cameras And Flash
[Press Release]
SPMobile.net announces the release and immediate availability of RealCam SP 3.1, an update to its bestselling camera application for iPhone. RealCam was one of the first and most feature rich camera applications on the iPhone in 2009. Now RealCam is set to regain its leadership in the camera application market taking to the maximum the hardware options available on iPhone 4. The new update includes support for the new resolution, toggle front and back cameras as well as flash on iPhone 4.
Beginning 2009, RealCam was the first application to overlap functions and controls in the live view screen. With an interface like "Point-and-Shot" camera, the user was able to see and control all camera functions like image size, self timer, grid and preview image, without changing to other screen or view. All was there, in the same live screen.
The success of RealCam had recognition from major publishers, like printed edition of Macworld in June 2009, were RealCam was featured with rating of 3.5 on page 34 as "App Store Selections". Web edition of Macworld also quoted: "The little improvements that Real Cam SP add to the picture-taking capabilities of the iPhone add up for a much better photo-taking experience with Apple's mobile phone."
Over the time, in more than 18 month, RealCam got more than 10 updates with better performance, stability, new features and user requests. Each time iPhone got a new update, RealCam was adapted to take the maximum profit from the new features available on hardware and software.
With the release of iPhone 4, there are new hardwares available to help taking better photos and RealCam got the support for them: 2 cameras + flash and Torch. Now users can control the flash from inside RealCam. There is a LED function to turn ON a bright light to see in very low light or total darkness. Another feature included in the new update is the stroboscopic light indicator when using the self timer.
People looking for a replacement of iPhone's built-in camera, found the answer on RealCam and SPMobile.net continues to bridge the best of worlds: the convenience of a camera on the cellphone with the features on a more expensive and heavy "Point-And-Shot" camera.
Device Requirements:
(*) iPhone and iPod touch
(*) Requires iOS 4.0 or later
(*) 1.0 MB
RealCam SP 3.1 is $1.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Photography category.
SPMobile:
http://www.spmobile.net
RealCam SP 3.1:
http://www.spmobile.net/realcamsp.aspx
Purchase and Download:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/real-cam-sp/id306214384?mt=8
Screenshot:
http://snurl.com/11sh32
Macworld Review (2009):
http://www.macworld.com/appguide/app.html?id=88437&expand=true
Will People Finally Want Apple TV? The Newest Version Faces the Toughest Market Yet - IMS Research
Apple unveiled its latest iteration of Apple TV this week to much fanfare, however todays Apple TV may face a more challenging market than its predecessors. Previous versions had difficulties gaining traction, and according to Paul Erickson, Senior Analyst at IMS Research, the new and improved Apple TV may encounter a similar fate.
According to Erickson, Apples price reduction and added content options might not be enough to attract mainstream consumers: Todays competitors are devices that are already in, or going into consumer households Blu-ray Disc (BD) players, game consoles, and connected TVs. These devices already integrate similar access to paid and free content. The most significant are game consoles and BD players both of which trump Apple TV in terms of must-buy priority for consumers. Erickson also cites these obstacles to Apple TVs success:
(*) Domestically, pay-TV penetration is very high, and HD VOD and DVR services are well-adopted and already available from all major pay-TV providers.
(*) Netflix supports Playstation 3 (PS3), Xbox 360, and Wii, and Hulu supports PS3 and Xbox 360. BD players and connected TVs already typically offer access to a larger, more diverse mix of online media services like Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, YouTube, Pandora, Slacker, Picasa, and Flickr.
(*) Playback of media on the home network is included in midrange BD players, PS3 and Xbox 360, and some connected TVs. These products support more versatile video playback than Apple TV, with support for DivX, AVI, and DLNA-compatible devices.
Erickson concludes, Apple TV faces the strongest competitive environment for over-the-top video to date. It does not seem to address a sufficient enough value gap in the market to entice consumers, due to the similar functionality that is already integrated into the Blu-ray Disc players, game consoles, and connected TVs theyve already bought or are buying today.
IMS Research is a supplier of market research and consultancy services on a wide range of global electronics markets. The company headquarters is in Wellingborough, UK with offices in Austin, Texas and Shanghai, China. IMS Research regularly publishes detailed research on the Consumer Electronics markets, among others.
For more information, visit:
http://www.imsresearch.com
Ubuntu 'Maverick Meerkat' Erects Own App Store
The Register's Scott Gilbertson reports:
Ubuntu fans, fire up your virtual machines. The beta release of Ubuntu 10.10 is here. Maverick Meerkat, as this release is known, is actually several weeks ahead of the original schedule, and that means Ubuntu 10.10 is on track for its final release October 10.
Other parts of the Ubuntu interface have seen makeovers as well, like the revamped sound menu and the redesigned Ubuntu Software Center. The Software Center is quite a bit more user-friendly with a new "History" option in the side menu, showing all package installations, removals, and upgrades by date or by searching.
But possibly the biggest change in the Software Center isn't the interface: it's the inclusion of the "For Purchase" software section......
For the full review visit here:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/09/03/ubuntu_maverick_meerkat_beta/
The Tech Night Owl: The Apple Hubris Report
The skeptics say that Apple Inc. has a lot of nerve, pushing out new products with the claims that they are game-changers, magical, insanely great and all that jazz. Certainly no company can hit a home run every single time, and, besides, there are competitors lining up to eat Apples lunch, including the dessert.
Here's the URL for today's commentary:
http://www.technightowl.com/2010/09/newsletter-issue-562-the-apple-hubris-report/
Notes: You can also access our new RSS feed, available at:
http://www.technightowl.com/rss
Or our new Atom feed at:
http://www.technightowl.com/atom
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