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Sony Vita arrives, analysts skeptical

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:47:58 GMT

Sony Corp's Vita hits the United States on Wednesday, the latest in a long line of mobile gaming gadgets in the spirit of Nintendo's Game Boy and Atari's Lynx. But with gaming habits rapidly changing, it may also be the last of its breed.

Vita will be a tough sell to gamers who may already jam smartphones in their back pockets and lug Apple iPads around in backpacks. At $250, it carries roughly the same price tag as a basic Sony PlayStation or Microsoft Xbox.

Analysts are skeptical that the product will find fans, even among the most hardcore segment of gamers that Sony is targeting with a $50 million marketing campaign. It also teamed up with fast-food chain Taco Bell in a sweepstakes that awards a Vita every 15 minutes.

"It almost feels like Sony designed a product for a world where smartphones and tablets don't exist," said Gartner Research Director Michael Gartenberg. "It costs more than most phones and the same as most gaming consoles. It is hard to say who is the market for this."

People who spend hours every day playing games may not be as gung-ho for a portable gadget as before. Many have turned to low-priced or free games on mobile devices they already own. Josh Calixto, a 22-year-old video editor in Los Angeles, said he hadn't bought a portable gaming device since the Nintendo DS Lite three years ago.

He just doesn't have time for it: He does the bulk of his gaming on his PlayStation or on his PC, and when he has time to kill when on the move, he will play games such as "Infinity Blade" on his iPad, or buy a bundle of independent programs for his Google Android phone.

"The Vita is really cool, but at this point I don't see any real reason for buying it," he said. "I don't feel like it's worth the money." He said he was not interested in the 20 or so games launching with it because he has already played some of them on consoles.

While Internet reviews of the Vita hardware have been strong, gamers gripe that it requires them to buy external memory cards with Sony-specific technology at $20 to $100 each. One senior games editor at gadget blog TechnoBuffalo called this hidden cost a "glaring flaw."

Besides $250 for the basic hardware, users could end up forking over as much as $40 or $50 for each top-flight game, plus a memory stick that will set them back at least $20. Sony will sell a more expensive version of Vita with AT&T 3G service.

Sony sees Vita future
Sony believes there is a large market of consumers for the Vita, said Jack Tretton, the US CEO of PlayStation. "The target consumer is a PS3 owner, and there's 60 million of those out there," Tretton said. "He's also male and in his early 20s."

Gamers, he said, will be attracted to how Vita users can play opponents on a PlayStation. Consumers can also buy versions of games that allow them to pick up on a Vita from where they left off on a PlayStation -- which can't be done on a smartphone.

"On a tablet or smartphone, you notice the limits right away with the controls or lack of depth in a game," Tretton said. Tretton brushed off the notion that the Vita could be the last product of its kind, pointing to IDC research from January that forecast a resurgence in sales for dedicated gaming devices by Sony and Nintendo. IDC projects the handheld market rising to $17.3 billion in 2015 from $10.7 billion in 2010.

But technology threatening to disrupt the market for those devices is also gaining steam, analysts say. OnLive, a cloud gaming service founded by former Apple scientist Steve Perlman, had about 500,000 copies of its app downloaded in the Android market.

The program lets gamers play console versions of games on smartphones and tablets. It can also be adapted for devices designed for gaming enthusiasts, such as the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, which is nicknamed the "PlayStation phone."

With the advent of the Long Term Evolution high-speed mobile network and higher-performance gadgets, "it is going to be challenging for devices like the Vita to survive on their own," Perlman said.

Sony has so far sold 500,000 Vita units in Japan, where the console was released in December. Tretton, the US PlayStation CEO, said he would "be very pleased" to sell half a million units in the United States in the next three weeks.

If the Vita doesn't click with consumers, it would not be the first handheld device to disappoint. Consumers shrugged off Nintendo's last handheld, the 3DS, when it came out last March. Less than four months later, the company had to cut the price by $80 from $249.99 because of disappointing sales.

Gartner's Gartenberg said Sony might want to consider a price cut. Vitas would be flying off the shelves at $79 or $99 each, he added. "You have to wonder how big a misstep this may be for Sony," Gartenberg said, "and does this mark the last of these type of devices."

Wikipedia top rated for ‘health’ information

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:19:40 GMT

SYDNEY: Wikipedia is the most highly rated website for providing information on mental-health related topics, a study reveals. Researchers from the University of Melbourne assessed a range of online and print material on mental health-related topics and found that in the majority of cases, Wikipedia was the most highly rated in most domains.

Content about mental health was extracted from 14 frequently accessed websites, including Wikipedia, Encyclopaedia Britannica and a psychiatry textbook. Text providing information about depression and schizophrenia was assessed, said a university statement.

The content was rated by experts according to: accuracy, how current the information is, breadth of coverage, referencing and readability. Ratings varied significantly between resources according to topic.

Researcher Nicola Reavley and her colleagues from Melbourne discovered that the quality of information on depression and schizophrenia on Wikipedia was generally as good as, or better than that provided by centrally controlled websites or psychiatry textbooks.

Motorola/Google Deal Gets OK-With a Warning

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:46:05 GMT

As expected both the EU and the United States Department of Justice have given Google’s $12.5 billion purchase of Motorola Mobility the go-ahead. At the same time the US approved the purchase of Nortel wireless patents by an Apple-Microsoft led consortium.

From the outside it looks like this sets up a battle royal in the patent space as both now are armed with a host of additional patents and the players on both sides have shown a very ready willingness to go to court to enforce them.

Apple has been strongly going after a number of Android smartphone developers, in particular Samsung, HTC and Motorola. Motorola has been returning fire at Apple, with Google’s approval, while .Mspx has been quietly but efficiently getting developers’ to pay it for select patents. However hopefully we will not see a yearlong battle in this space, something that could temporarily blunt the strong growth of smartphones and tablets. No one wants what happened in the last years of dial up modems when conflicting technologies made for incompatibility.

According to a careful analysis of the agreements published in Foss Patents, Florian Mueller said that the approvals are not without caveats. The EU said specifically that it will be looking at future and past enforcement of patents by Google and that it is ready, willing, and able to step in if it believes they are being abused.

He said that the end result of these deals will be business as usual, which currently means a series of lawsuits working their way through court. At the same time he notes that just because no action has been taken to date does not mean that none is forthcoming. From the European Commission’s press release announcing approval is this important paragraph.

“Today’s decision does not mean that the merger clearance blesses all actions by Motorola in the past or all future action by Google with regard to the use of these standard essential patents. Our decision today is without prejudice to the legality under EU antitrust law of Motorola’s past and Google’s future actions. However, the question whether Motorola’s or Google’s conduct is compliant with EU antitrust law cannot be dealt with in the context of the merger procedure.”

So while it may be business as usual in the short run, the court cases could result in the addition of another player, and one that has a lot more clout than any of the individual players involved, or all of the players for that matter.

3G technology to boost economy

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:22:30 GMT

ISLAMABAD: Acquiring 3G technology through mobile company's investments would not only help boost economy but also earn a great status and a respectable state in the world scenario. The government is also fully aware how much it can gain monetarily by introducing 3G in Pakistan and this technology have been launched at least a year back.

However, it has been inordinately delayed as mobile operators did not show keen interest as most of those have old and flawed networks. Talking to APP,Director PR, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Dr.Muhammad Younis said "Since, we are living in the age of technology that covers every sphere of life, these technologies are on the go, all the time, for a competitive trial of speed".

He said that telecom sector predominantly acts as cataclysm in people's lifestyles. This global race is an unstoppable phenomenon, metamorphic thing striving to invent, to harness and acquire ultra to super ultra latest technology,he added. He said that every other day, the telecom technology is undergoing tremendous developments from better to best and from best to infinity.

“Avatar” style robot developed in Japan

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:11:11 GMT

Hollywood film “Avatar” is no longer pure fiction, after Japanese researchers have developed a robot that imitates the movements made remotely by a human operator. When wearing the special hi-tech equipment, the user not only transmits movements to the robot, but can also see, hear and feel “like” the robot.

Researcher Sho Kamuro explains that when wearing the special device, he sees his hands as having turned into the robot hands and when moving his head he gets a different view angle. “It’s a strange experience that makes you wonder if you’ve really become a robot,” he says.

Sensors transmit information about the environment from the robot to the user, and the special polyester gloves which the human is wearing allow him or her to feel if the surface touched by the robot is smooth or bumpy, or if it is cold or warm. Cameras and microphones transmit video and audio to the user.

Among possible future applications is working in dangerous environments, like the Fukushima nuclear plant, even if the project is still in its early stages, the researchers said. The futuristic robot was developed at the Graduate School of Media Design of Keio University by a team led by professor Susumu Tachi.

Microsoft to unveil Windows 8 on Feb 29

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:31:11 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft revealed plans to unveil a test version of its latest Windows computer operating software later this month. The US technology titan sent out invitations to a "Windows Consumer Preview" event to be held on February 29 at a hotel in Barcelona during a Mobile World Congress gathering in that city.

Microsoft promised to release more information closer to the end of the month. The introduction of a test, or beta, version of Windows 8 to the public is expected to be accompanied by the opening of an " app store" stocked with mini-programs tailored for the next-generation operating system.

In December, Microsoft began wooing developers for a February opening of its first Windows Store intended to feature third-party applications crafted for computers powered by the Redmond, Washington-based firm's software. It will take on Apple and Google in the booming market of fun, hip or functional programs built for smartphones, tablets and computers.

Pak signs pact with Google to promote tourist sites

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:53:17 GMT

Lahore: Pakistani authorities and Google have signed an agreement to use Google Maps to promote historical and tourist sites across the country's most populous province of Punjab. The Punjab provincial government and Google Inc yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in information technology at the Arfa Karim Software Technology Park in Lahore. Under the agreement, Google Inc will promote historical and tourist sites on the internet, particularly Google Maps, to promote worldwide awareness about Punjab's heritage.

Punjab Tourism Department Secretary Allah Bakhsh Malik and Google Asia's William Fitzgerald signed the MoU. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said access to the historical and tourist sites of Punjab through Google would promote awareness about modern and ancient Lahore and the province's historical and cultural heritage.

The Punjab government is implementing a programme on information technology and measures are being taken for the speedy computerisation of land records, he said. Sharif urged Google Inc to extend assistance for this project. "There are a number of projects of the Punjab government about which Google Inc can provide information to the people of the world," he said. Fitzgerald said interaction between the Punjab government and Google Inc in information technology was a good beginning.

Google Inc has also been engaged in relief activities for people who were affected by the 2010 floods, he said. He said access to the historical and tourist sites of Punjab on the internet would promote awareness across the world about the cultural traditions and civilisation of Punjab. The agreement marked the beginning of mutual interaction between the Punjab government and Google Inc, Fitzgerald said.

WHITE VERSION OF THE GALAXY NEXUS FINALLY ARRIVES IN THE UK

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:06:53 GMT

After what seems to have been a rather long wait since it was first announced last November, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is arriving in Britain. What’s more, it appears to be exclusive to this country. The handset’s arrival is almost imminent – the date is apparently the 13th February, although as is normal in the mobile phone world, this date is a week later than expected.

Samsung’s telecoms exec Simon Stanford said “After much speculation, we are pleased to announce the availability of the Galaxy Nexus white which follows the great reception the phone has received since it was launched back in November.”

If you buy your handsets online rather than from a shop then the online retailer Clove will be selling a SIM-free smartphone for £498. If you prefer offline retailers then it might be worthwhile contacting a network operator to see when the device will be available there. Experts reckon contract details for the black version of the Galaxy Nexus will be the same for the white version.

The white version is also just the same as the original and features Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0), a 1.2GHz Dual-Core Processor, 4.65 inch Super Amoled Screen, a 5-megapixel camera and a 1.3 megapixel camera, 16GB of storage, and Wi-fi, GPS, Bluetooth and NFC. While NFC is a useful addition to the development of handsets such as the Galaxy Nexus, in reality users cannot make use of it in Britain yet; the possibilities are rather limited at the moment.

Facebook looks to mobile devices for revenue: Report

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:44:20 GMT

Facebook has already discussed proposals with unidentified advertising agencies for displaying what it calls “featured stories” in the news feed seen by users on the site in an effort to tap a new source of revenue, the newspaper cited several people familiar with the plans as saying. Facebook mobile device users are likely to see advertisements in March ahead of its initial public offering, which is expected in May, according to the FT.

Facebook IPO: A look at what we learned from the filings

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:45:55 GMT

In filing its IPO paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday, Facebook provided a long-awaited glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s most closely-watched companies. Cecilia Kang and Hayley Tsukayama report:

The government-required filing revealed details about the company that were previously unknown because the firm was private. The paperwork portrays a company that makes the vast majority of its money from selling display ads targeted to its users who have revealed to Facebook much about their lives. Those connections and activities among its 845 million members are an advertiser’s dream, experts say.

The filing stated that Facebook users upload 250 million photos a day, signal that they “like” items posted by friends about 2.7 billion times a day, and have created a web of 100 billion friends and connections on its site.

Last year, the company had $3.7 billion in revenue and $1 billion in profits — astounding figures for an 8-year-old enterprise, though slightly less than what some analysts had expected. Google, perhaps Facebook’s primary rival, brought in just shy of $38 billion in revenue last year. It launched its own a social network, Google+, in June.

Another key question answered by the documents is just how much the firm’s top executives rake in each year. Hayley Tsukayama writes:

The base salaries for all of Facebook’s top executives were divulged in the company’s Wednesday S-1 filing. Here’s how it broke down:

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO: Zuckerberg made a salary of $483,333 in 2011, in addition to a $220,500 bonus for the first half of 2011. He also received “other” compensation — which covers such things as chartered travel costs and security details — that totaled $783,529. Overall, Zuckerberg received $1,487,362 for 2011, excluding his substantial stake in the company.

Effective Jan. 1, 2013, Zuckerberg will reduce his base annual salary to $1. Sheryl Sandberg, COO: As important as Mark Zuckerberg is to Facebook, the S-1 filing also reveals that the company is very concerned about keeping its chief operations office, Sheryl Sandberg.

Losing Sandberg, who has often been identified as the “grown-up” public face of the company, would be a big blow to the social network.

The document also reveals that if Sandberg is “terminated without cause” for a reason other than death or disability, she will be able to vest her stock immediately. Losing Sandberg (or Zuckerberg) is also listed as a risk for the company.

“The loss of key personnel, including members of management as well as key engineering, product development, marketing, and sales personnel, could disrupt our operations and have an adverse effect on our business,” the filing said.

Sandberg had a salary and bonus of $381,966 in 2011, but was also granted about $30 million in stock awards. David Ebersman, CFO: David Ebersman, one of the most important Facebook executives that you’ve never heard of, also made $381,966 in salary and bonuses. With stock, his total compensation comes to $18.6 million.