Super Studio

Team develops X-ray vision for mobile phones

2010-08-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

The augmented reality system works by overlaying graphics on top of real-world video images.It comes in three versions: X-ray Vision, Meltvision and Distortvision.Meltvision and X-ray Vision both work to reveal occluded points of interest. But, says Dr Christian Sandor, Director of the Magic Vision Lab at UniSA, Meltvision, where obstructive objects appear to melt away, is preferred by users over X-ray Vision. Distortvision alters the mobile video image so that objects out of the line of sight can be ‘bent’ into vision."More and more applications use high-quality 3D models, such as Google Earth, or photos, such as Google Streetview, of the environment. But with these approaches the real and virtual worlds are disconnected," he says."Our new applications present the real and virtual worlds together. For example, with Meltvision, you can ‘melt’ away a building in front of you to see whether or not there is an ATM in the street behind it."This is much easier than a pop up arrow or text that would tell you which direction to travel in. You can see it for yourself, as if it were ahead of you."The team has also been working on technology that allows people to see and feel virtual objects – Visuo-Haptic Augmented Reality - something Sandor says could change the face of industrial design.It allows a user to manipulate a virtual 3D object using a head mounted display and touch-based devices."The current method for prototyping involves the development of a 3D design using a computer, which can be viewed on screen or printed out in what is a relatively static presentation," he says."If developers want to touch a prototype, they must use a 3D printer to create a physical model. 3D printers are slow and expensive and changes to the shape are costly and labor intensive. With our technology, changes to the shape can be made and felt instantaneously."

iPad madness reaches obscene levels

2010-07-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

What's the most important news story in the world today? The Haiti earthquake, the possibility of peace talks with the Taliban or Tony Blair facing questioning in the inquiry into the invasion of Iraq? Don't be silly. It's a new consumer gadget from Apple.

A quick glance at Google News US shows 1,118 stories covering the Haiti quake - fewer than the number of people confirmed dead - 3,151 on the Taliban peace talks and 1,962 on ex-British PM Tony Blair appearing at the Iraq inquiry. The Apple iPad appears to need 8,667 almost identical stories telling us how wonderful it is.

Am I the only person who finds this obscene?

By what right does the religious cult of Apple - and be assured that's exactly what it is - dominate the news completely?

This Wednesday, it seemed that the world stood still. Nothing was happening anywhere in the world that came close to the importance of the launch of a big iPhone that you can't even buy yet.

Now, I realize a lot of people love everything Apple does, but surely even they would agree that 200,000 people dying in an earthquake should possibly take precedence over a bloody computer.

Apple's hold over the media and media wannabe bloggers is total. Normally if a company refuses to talk about its products or send out review samples, coverage is minimal. But Apple's contrived shortage of information only serves to generate fevered speculation and then speculation on that speculation.

The chosen few - who due to their blind subservience to the Cult of Apple means they can be trusted to write in glowing terms about every new nut, bolt and pastel-hued earbud the company turns out - get free publicity for their pictures which are used by every other media outlet on the planet.

How the hell did Apple get to this position? This whole huge viral marketing machine costs them nothing to operate. They can just let slip a rumor to AppleInsider and within hours, there's a worldwide media feeding frenzy.Apple is laughing all the way to the bank.

The media even speculates about whether or not the founder and high priest of the Church of Scientapplogy, L. Ron Jobs, is going to turn up at a press conference.

Who the hell cares? He's just this guy, you know.

Once upon a time, news editors would stand up to this crap and make companies work for their publicity - and indeed they still do for people like Microsoft and Intel and indeed every company that isn't called Apple.

Lots of people will go out and buy an iPad, even if they're not entirely sure what they will do with it. They want one because it's a religious artefact - a piece of the True Cross. It doesn't matter that you can't pick the thing up without accidentally touching the screen and deleting a file or emailing your entire porn stash to the boss, they just have to have one.

The fact that the faithful can't get one yet and that there will be shortages when it finally arrives will just add to the frenzy. This plays into Apple's hands too. Can you honestly tell me the company won't deliberately keep a tight hold on availability to keep the mania going and to keep prices up?

Of course, Apple could offer a free iPad to every survivor of the Haitian earthquake and then people might bother to write about that insignificant little local problem as well.

Sometimes I despair for journalism. Pull yourselves together for God's sake and write about something important for a change. Here's a tip for all you writers out there - if it features a ten inch OLED display, it probably doesn't count as real news, OK?

2010-07-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

It seems the iPad adverts are telling iPorkies, pretending the much hyped device can actually handle Adobe Flash, even though it can’t.

Promotional images of the device are replete with flashy slide shows from the likes of The New York Times, loading in all their glory on the built-in safari browser.

Sadly, this hipster dream was shattered by Steve Jobs himself during the live onstage demo of his deliverance of the holy tablet to the world, not that it should have come as any surprise, seeing as Safari on the iPhone has never supported it, and the iPad is just a wider screened version without voice capabilities.

Even Adobe itself has thrown its hands up in despair at Apple’s stubborn refusal to support its product, with Adrian Ludwig of the firm’s platform product marketing team noting in a recent blog that "Apple is continuing to impose restrictions on their devices that limit both content publishers and consumers."

Indeed, “without Flash support, iPad users will not be able to access the full range of web content, including over 70% of games and 75% of video on the web,” he notes.

“If I want to use the iPad to connect to , Hulu, Miniclip, Farmville, ESPN, Kongregate, or JibJab-- not to mention the millions of other sites on the web -- I'll be out of luck,” he concludes scathingly.

We can’t imagine Disney will be too pleased about it either, especially considering Saint Jobsworth is one of the firm’s biggest shareholders.

But perhaps Apple thought people would forget all about the failed live demo, and just rely on the oh-so-pretty mocked up photos online instead - which all seem to show Flash working fine and dandy on the device.

Likewise, the firm’s video adverts for the iPad don’t seem to show any issues with Flash, which means someone in Apple’s ad department went to great lengths to fake it. Classy.

And speaking of classy, check out this video parodying Hitler’s supreme disappointment with the device:

Think this rather calls for a Flash mobbing, don’t you?

2010-07-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

Apple has apparently been forced to temporarily halt production of its 27-inch iMac model.

"According to one of our sources, the company completely stopped the iMac 27' assembling lines," claimed Hardmac's Lionel.

"Production will not resume before Apple has finally found a reliable and definitive fix for the remaining past (flickering displays) and new issues (yellowish panels) affecting those models."  

It should also be noted that Gizmodo recently posted an internal Apple document which outlined the Club Cupertino's approach to the malfunctioning panels.

"Do not attempt a repair or replacement at this time. Explain that slight color variability is normal for LCD displays and in general does not warrant replacement," read the alleged document.  

"Customers who are concerned that their iMac has a yellow tint issue, and who provide contact information, will be contacted by Apple in approximately three weeks to arrange a LCD panel replacement."

Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness... and internet access

2010-07-13T18:19:00.000-07:00

Four in five people around the world reckon internet access is their fundamental right, according to a poll conducted for BBC World Service.

The survey of more than 27,000 adults found that 87 per cent of those who used the internet felt that internet access should be "the fundamental right of all people." Even non-internet users agreed, with more than seven in ten believing that they should have the right to access the web.

South Korea felt most entitled, with 96 percent agreeing, followed by Mexico with 94 percent and China with 87 percent.

Most web users enthused about the information available, the greater freedom the internet brings and social networking.

However, there was caution about expressing opinions online.Respondents were evenly split between those who felt that "the internet is a safe place to express my opinions" and those who disagreed.

For some reason, three-quarters of Germans felt they couldn't express their opinions safely online, as did 70 percent of South Koreans and 65 percent of Japanese. Indians, Ghanaians and Kenyans felt most confident.

More than half of internet users feel that the internet should not be regulated by governments.

The poll also found that fraud was the aspect of the internet that caused people most concern, with 32 percent saying it was what worried them most.

GlobeScan Chairman Doug Miller commented: "Despite worries about privacy and fraud, people around the world see access to the internet as their fundamental right. They think the web is a force for good, and most don’t want governments to regulate it."

The bottom begins to fall out for Palm

2010-07-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

A senior vice president at Palm has just left the company, and one of its biggest retail partners, Radio Shack, as of today will phase out all systemwide stock of Palm phones.

Michael Abbott, Palm's SVP of Software and Services, will officially leave his executive post on Friday, April 23 after the company confirmed his resignation last Friday.

And today, the Wall Street Journal confirmed that Radio Shack no longer plans to sell the Palm Pre or the Palm Pixi, the mobile company's two current models.

Radio Shack sold the phones with its biggest mobile partner, Sprint. However, sales of other Sprint handsets like the Blackberry Curve easily outsold the Pre and the Pixi.

The retailer will replace the Palm phones with a new Blackberry and another "message-centric device."

In a Barron's interview, Sprint spokesperson Scott Sloat. "This is in line with Radio Shack’s normal product planning process - there is a designated amount of space in stores for handsets and they work to keep the line up of devices as current as possible."

The two losses for Palm come as the company continues to be unsuccessful in its bid to find a buyer. The company, once regarded as a leader in mobile electronics, has sunk to a point where it is now relegated to the bottom of the totem pole.

Analyst Lawrence Harris told the Wall Street Journal that Palm's "fundamental outlook remains highly challenging."

Low-power Bluetooth spec announced

2010-07-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

The next generation of Bluetooth gadgets is less likely to just sit in a drawer, following the launch of a new low-energy version of the technology.

While Bluetooth watches have been available for some time now, their blink-and-you-miss-it battery capacity has meant they've never really taken off.

But the forthcoming Bluetooth Core Specification Version 4.0 will feature a powerful low energy mode that the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) says could open up new applications in health, sports and fitness, security and home entertainment.

"Bluetooth v4.0 throws open the doors to a host of new markets for Bluetooth manufacturers and products such as watches, remote controls, and a variety of medical and in-home sensors," says Michael Foley, executive director of the Bluetooth SIG.

"Many of these products run on button-cell batteries that must last for years versus hours and will also benefit from the longer range enabled by this new version of the Bluetooth specification,"

Bluetooth v4.0 consists of three elements - the classic Bluetooth technology, Bluetooth low energy technology, and Bluetooth high speed technology – which can be used on a pick 'n mix basis.

For example, watches will take advantage of low energy technology while collecting data from fitness sensors on the body, and then Classic Bluetooth technology when sending that information to a PC, or separately displaying caller ID information when wirelessly connected to a mobile phone.

As with previous versions of the spec, the radio range can be optimized according to application. With Bluetooth v4.0, manufacturers may choose to optimize range to 200 feet and beyond.

The SIG expects to finish the integration of Bluetooth low energy wireless technology by the end of June. End-user devices are expected to reach the market late this year or early next

2010-07-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

Apple has demanded the return of a next-gen iPhone (4G) that was reportedly found in a Redwood City bar.

According to Gizmodo, the iPhone was left behind by a rather tipsy Apple Software Engineer known as Gray Powell and subsequently obtained/torn-down by the publication.   

Unsurprisingly, Gizmodo has agreed to comply with Club Cupertino's request.

"Happy to have you pick this thing up. Was burning a hole in our pockets. Just so you know, we didn't know this was stolen as they might have claimed - meaning, real and truly from Apple,"Gizmodo's editorial director Brian Lam wrote in response to Apple's general counsel Bruce Sewell.

"It was found, and to be of unproven origin when we bought it. Now that we definitely know it's not some knockoff, and it really is Apple's, I'm happy to see it returned to its rightful owner. P.S. I hope you take it easy on the kid who lost it. I don't think he loves anything more than Apple."  

Meanwhile, Gizmodo's Jesus Diaz claimed that Powell sounded "tired and broken" by his ordeal.

"But at least he's alive, and apparently may still be working at Apple — as he should be. After all, it's just a fu**ing iPhone and mistakes can happen to everyone — Gray Powell, Phil Schiller, you, me, and Steve Jobs," opined Diaz.

"The only real mistake would be to fire Gray in the name of Apple's legendary impenetrable security, breached by the power of German beer and one single human error."  

Oh, the humanity!

Garmin intros navigation-centric Garminfone on Android

2010-07-11T19:47:00.001-07:00

GPS manufacturer Garmin for the first time will be releasing its own branded mobile phone, bringing its navigation technology to the Android platform exclusively through T-Mobile.

The Garminfone will come packed with tons of navigation features, including a brand new app called Garmin Voice Studio that allows users to send and share custom directions to friends and family.

Android already offers its own built-in GPS app through Google Maps' "Navigation" service, but Google warns that it is in beta form and the company certainly doesn't have the expertise in the field that Garmin does.

Expanded functionality for the Garminfone will also include automatically hyperlinking street addresses (from texts, e-mails, Web sites, etc) on the device to bring up direction information. Users can also geo-tag pictures with the built-in 3-megapixel camera and Garmin will introduce a suite of location-based services like movie listings and local gas station prices.

Garmin's full navigation suite that is used on its GPS devices will also be transferred over, allowing complete voice-based navigation information and guaranteed functionality even if the cell signal is lost.

The phone will also come with a mount that makes it easy to stick it to a dashboard or window. Other specs of the Garminfone were not specifically detailed, though it does include support for Microsoft Exchange e-mail, native social networking functionality, and a 3.5-inch touch screen.

The Garminfone will be available later this spring.

Dell Windows Phone 7 details leaked

2010-07-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

People are getting so careless with their smartphones! At least poor Gray Powell only lost one, but the folks at Dell have managed to lose track of five - or the marketing bumf for them, anyway.

The specs and photos of the new Android phones and Windows Phone 7-based Lightning ended up in the hands of Engadget.

It says the Lightning is a slider with full Qwerty keyboard, 4.1-inch WVGA OLED capacitive touch screen, and five-megapixel autofocus camera. It's said to be based on a 1GHz QSD8250 Snapdragon processor, with 1GB flash ROM and 512MB RAM as well as a MicroSD card slot and 8GB MicroSD card.

Bells and whistles include GPS, an accelerometer, a compass, FM radio, and full Flash video.

The Thunder is said to be a touch-screen, Android version of the Lightning - with the same display, it has an eight-megapixel camera and includes image editing software.

The curved-glass Flash looks very pretty indeed and includes 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7230 processor, a 3.5-inch WVGA TFT touch screen display, five-megapixel autofocus camera, and Flash 10.1. It has support for USB, Wifi, AGPS, 3.5mm, and Bluetooth 3.0.

The Smoke is rather more corporate, and comes with full Qwerty keyboard and five-megapixel camera. Based on a 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7230 processor, there's 512MB/256MB of internal memory with a MicroSD card slot supporting up to 32GB. It supports 14.4Mbps HSPA, WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1.

The Aero has a 3.5-inch capacitive touch screen and five-megapixel autofocus camera. It comes with QuickOffice, support for Microsoft ActiveSync and Exchange and a media player.

The Lightning and Thunder should appear by the end of this year, with LTE models to follow by the end of 2011. The Flash will be out in Q1 next year, followed by the Smoke and Aero by midsummer.

Microsoft has debuted its Windows 7 Touch Pack for the eager PC masses.

2010-07-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

The pack was first introduced last May as a series of 6 applications designed to showcase Windows 7 Touch and help people learn corresponding gestures.

It includes three casual games, as well as three Microsoft Surface applications created specifically for the latest iteration of the OS.

"Until today, the Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 was only available for OEMs to put on new Windows 7 PCs capable of Windows Touch," explained Microsoft spokesperson Brandon LeBlanc.

"[However], due to feedback and requests from both partners and customers, we are releasing the Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 for anyone with Windows Touch capable devices to download.

"[So], if you have a Windows 7 PC or a multitouch monitor that supports Windows Touch in Windows 7, the Touch Pack for Windows 7 is a good way for you to be able to truly test the multitouch investments we've made."

Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 can be downloaded here.

Asus to unveil Tegra-powered EEE tablet at Computex 2010

2010-07-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

Jerry Shen has confirmed that Asustek will officially debut its Tegra-powered EEE Pad tablet PC at Computex 2010 in June.

According to Digitimes, Asus has made a concerted effort to compete against Apple’s iPad by refining its tablet design and adopting Google’s popular Android platform.

The tablet is also expected offer features that the current iteration of the iPad lacks, including USB port(s), an integrated webcam and support for Adobe Flash.

Meanwhile, Shih predicted that the device would significantly reduce overall netbook demand by approximately 10-20 percent.

The EEE Pad is likely to carry a (fairly) hefty price tag of $479-$510 when it hits the crowded tablet marketplace in late July.

RIM showcases BlackBerry OS 6

2010-07-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

Research in Motion (RIM) has unveiled its long-awaited BlackBerry 6 operating system at WES 2010.

The latest iteration of the popular mobile OS boasts a new WebKit-based multitouch browser - which is the same engine used to power the browsers on Android devices and Apple’s iPhone.

Additional features include pinch-to-zoom browsing, support for tabs, a new music player, upgraded photo viewer and a revamped, customizable homescreen.

Finally, BlackBerry 6 offers a social network application that combines status updates from both Facebook and Twitter, as well as an integrated chat interface which allows users to message friends on Google Talk, BB Messenger and AIM.

2010-07-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

The Human Media Lab recently showcased its Cobra bendable projection screen system for mobile gaming at Atlanta's Computer-Human Interaction conference.

According to Switched, the system comprises a shoulder pouch that houses a mini computer and projector, along with a small screen which is held in the user's hands.

"The game's images are displayed on a small screen which looks like a simple sheet of paper, but fitted with flex-sensing wires and other sensors," explained Switched's Caleb Johnson.

"So when the gamer bends or shakes the pliable screen, those signals are wirelessly sent to the computer resting on his shoulder. For example, grabbing hold of a corner of the board, bending it back, and releasing it can be used to shoot an arrow, cast a fishing line, or swing a golf club."

However, Michael Fahey of Kotaku noted that a bendable projection screen system would undoubtedly present certain problems for gamers.

"Having to hold the screen at a constant position, for instance, or the concept of having to wear a shoulder-mount to play," wrote Fahey.

"Still, this is the sort of innovative design that gets creators of hardware and software thinking. We might never see the Cobra implemented on a massive scale, but it definitely has possibilities."

Toshiba designs "glasses free" 3D display

2010-07-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

Toshiba Mobile has designed a 21-inch autostereoscopic high-definition display for use with next-generation 3D monitors.

The display - which reportedly allows viewers to watch three-dimensional content without putting on a pair of unwieldy glasses - also helps to "significantly" reduce 3D-related eye fatigue.

"Most 3D products have used special glasses to separate a picture into two images: one for the left eye and the other for the right eye. But the market has strongly desired a more versatile and glasses-free approach that could be used anywhere," the company explained in an official statement.

"This new product employs an integral imaging system (a 'light field' display) to reproduce a real object as a 3D image that can be viewed without glasses over a wide range of viewing angles."

According to Toshiba, the integral imaging system system boasts a multi-parallax design that allows images to change depending on the viewer's position.

For example, when viewed in a vertical position, the user faces the upright screen from the front as a person would usually use a 2D monitor.

However, when viewed in a horizontal position, the user overlooks the stereoscopic image formed by the display lying face-up, as one would overlook a relief model.   

As such, the mages seen face-up from the bird's eye view are more stereoscopic and realistic than those offered by traditional glasses-based systems.

2010-07-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

Motorola co-CEO Sanjay Jha recently hinted that the company may be poised to enter the crowded tablet market space.

According to Jha, the industry is currently experiencing a rapid "convergence" of PC and mobile devices.

"I actually see this convergence as being very, very important. Very, very important. We are very engaged with this marketplace," he said during an optimistic post-earnings conference call.

"We think that tablet is one form factor, there are [a] number of other form factors and other solutions that people are engaged in. We are engaged with the development very intimately, and we will announce whatever we need too announce at the appropriate time."  

Meanwhile, Quentyn Kennemer of Phandroid noted that Sanjay's outlook was "indicative" of Motorola's new mobile strategy.

"The hugely successful Motorola Droid – with its quirky offsprings, the CLIQ and Backflip, amongst others – were the biggest factors in the [company's financial] turn-around. Motorola expects to bring out 20 new smartphones this year ranging from low-end entry-level offerings to top-of-the-line Nexus-like beasts," opined Kennemer.

"[This] tells a story about how the company feels internally about their future. If 5 handsets alone were Motorola's saving grace, we can't imagine what'll happen when they begin producing phones left and right like we once knew them to do."

LG cancels Moorestown-powered GW990 smartphone

2010-07-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

Poor Intel! LG has reportedly cancelled development of its nascent, Moorestown-powered GW990 smartphone.

Indeed, Engadget's Chris Ziegler speculates that the project may have been axed because "Moblin is effectively dead" and MeeGo "isn't ready" for prime time.

"Considering the almost complete absence of love in the commercial marketplace for Moorestown and Moblin - and the fact that there's no sign of MeeGo building serious momentum just yet - we're sure that Intel would've just loved for the drop-dead-sexy GW990 to serve as the platform's crown jewel for 2010," mused Ziegler.

"Unfortunately, that's not going to happen, because we've just been able to confirm that the 4.8-inch beast has been wiped off the product roadmap.

"Then again, this might be just as well - we weren't impressed by the fact that LG was positioning the phone as a closed device back at CES. [Still], let's just hope this form factor reemerges from LG's labs soon enough, yeah?"

Apple iPad sales exceed one million units

2010-07-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

Apple has managed to sell over one million "magical" and shiny iPads after just 28 days on the market.

In addition, iPad users have already downloaded more than 12 million apps from the App Store and over 1.5 million ebooks from the new iBookstore.

"One million iPads in 28 days—that's less than half of the 74 days it took to achieve this milestone with iPhone," trumpeted Apple CEO Steve Jobs.   

"Demand continues to exceed supply and we're working hard to get this magical product into the hands of even more customers."

Meanwhile, Dan Moren of Macworld noted that one million units sold "would seem to validate" the iPad as a successful product.

"The original iPhone may be a good barometer for the iPad's success, though it's worth noting that subsequent versions such as the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 3GS each hit the same milestone in their first weekend. But the iPad, even more so than the iPhone, is a device in an unproven, entirely novel category, which makes the accomplishment all the more impressive," wrote Moren.

"[However], we'll have to wait until Apple's next quarterly results in July to see how it plays out for the company's bottom line, but until then, have no fear: analysts will no doubt fill that vacuum with endless amounts of speculation."

2010-07-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

Asustek is reportedly planning to unveil an Intel Atom-powered Windows 7 tablet at Computex 2010.

The company is also designing an ARM-based EEE Pad>for Google's Android operating system.

 According to DigiTimes, Asus CEO Jerry Shen recently confirmed that the 10-inch Wintel platform tablet will feature a no-fan, ultra-thin and light design.   

"Market watchers believe the model will be showcased at Computex 2010 with both tablet to be designed by Asustek and made by Pegatron Technology," wrote Monica Chen of DigiTimes.

"[And] market watchers expect Acer's Internet device will feature an ARM processor and Android operating system and will be outsourced for manufacturing to Compal Electronics."

Meanwhile, Matthew DeCarlo of TechSpot noted that the Android-based tablet will likely boast an Nvidia Tegra SoC with "enough muscle" for 1080p playback, Adobe Flash support, a front-mounted camera, standard USB connectivity and 3G

T-Mobile customizes Android with Mytouch 3G Slide

2010-07-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

Continuing its path as a devoted Android supporter, T-Mobile has a new phone in the pipeline that takes the Google operating system to a new level.

T-Mobile was first to market with an Android phone, the G1, and the Mytouch 3G Slide appears to be a revamped version of that flagship device. Despite its namesake, it is a very different animal than the Mytouch 3G, which has no physical keyboard and was quickly pushed under the rug by other Android newcomers.

The Slide will come pre-installed with a handful of custom widgets, designed exclusively for this phone. For example, there's the "Faves Gallery," a notification pane on the side of the screen that displays live feeds of what's going on in your favorite contacts' lives.

Users can choose up to 20 people to add to the interface, and then link to their Facebook and social networking accounts to get instant updates pushed directly to the phone's home menu screen.

Additionally, there's a rather conceited-sounding "Genius Button" on the phone. When pushed, it activates a voice command menu, allowing users to access their text messages and initiate calls from a hands-free position.

Like the G1, the Slide is being developed by smartphone specialist HTC. It's comprised of a 3.4-inch HVGA touch-screen and an 8 GB microSD card built-in. The device will be released in June.

ntel launches Moorestown mobile platform

2010-07-07T09:51:00.001-07:00

Intel has introduced its next-gen Moorestown Atom platform for smartphones and tablet devices.

The platform offers significantly lower power consumption compared to the first-gen Menlow package, while enabling seamless multitasking, HD video streaming and multi-point conferencing.

"Moorestown includes the Atom processor Z6xx ('Lincroft'), the platform controller hub MP20 ('Langwell') and a dedicated mixed signal IC (MSIC), formerly Briertown," explained chief Intel Atom architect Belli Kuttanna.

"The platform has been repartitioned to include the Atom Processor Z6xx, which combines the 45nm Atom processor core with 3-D graphics, video encode and decode, as well as memory and display controllers into a single SoC design."  

According to Intel senior VP Anand Chandrasekher, Moorestown delivers a 50x reduction in idle power, 20x reduction in audio power and 2-3x reductions across browsing and video apps.

"Moorestown certainly exceeds what the competition has to offer from a performance standpoint [up to 1.9 GHz]. And we believe the battery life will be extremely competitive as well. [For example], the power savings translate into 10 days of standby, up to 2 days of audio playback and 4-5 hours of browsing and video battery life," said Chandrasekher.

"When combined with 1.5-3x higher compute performance, 2-4x richer graphics, 4x higher JavaScript performance and support for full HD 1080p high-profile video decoding and 720p HD video recording, [this] low-power [platform] brings a rich, PC-like visual experience to powerful handheld computers."

Chandrasekher also noted that Moorestown offered a range of scalable frequencies: up to 1.5 GHz for smartphones and 1.9 GHz for tablets.   

In addition, the chips support Wi-Fi, 3G/HSPA and WiMAX, as well as a number of operating systems, including Android, Meego and Moblin.

Mobile Wars: Can Intel's Moorestown take on ARM?

2010-07-07T09:49:00.001-07:00

The mobile market is currently dominated by ARM's nearly ubiquitous architecture.   But Intel's Moorestown platform may herald the end of the beginning - rather than the beginning of the end - for ARM's mobile monopoly.

Indeed, according to analyst Rob Enderle, Moorestown could theoretically pose a challenge to ARM if the platform manages to successfully power the next "in" device.

"The mobile space will take a long time and a lot of money for Intel to penetrate. But, adoption of the Moorestown platform can be significantly accelerated if it powers the next 'in' device, one that people are actively chasing after and want," Enderle told TG Daily.

"Yes, Moorestown may have a performance advantage - but the trick is getting people to want it. Remember, most mobile OEMs do not fully take advantage of the current generation of ARM processors. In addition, the industry seems to be wedded to the paradigm set by Apple (iPhone) and Google (Android) - both of which are basically ARM-based."

  However, Enderle emphasized that a Moorestown-powered device, if properly implemented and marketed, may be capable of eventually threatening the holy Apple-Google-ARM trinity.

"Remember, people don't like moving to a new category of devices. A Moorestown-based smartphone or tablet would have to boast a slick mobile UI, along with a really edgy look and feel. So far, the Apple iPhone has set the bar for industry standards," explained Enderle.

"Yes, somebody could theoretically come along with another product and unseat Apple...But only a handful of companies do real, effective marketing and Apple is one of them. What Intel really needs is an 'OMG' moment - one that can rapidly catapult Moorestown into the mainstream mobile market."

Microsoft and Nokia launch mobile communications client

2010-07-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Microsoft and Nokia have teamed up to try and boot the Blackberry out of the corporate space with the launch of a unified communications client to enable mobile collaboration.

Communicator Mobile enables people to see whether colleagues are available and click to communicate with them using instant messaging, email, texting or voice.

The names and statuses of colleagues are embedded directly into the devices’ contacts application, so that people can update their own presence, start and join instant messaging sessions, and begin calls directly from the contact card.

"This application really provides a much more efficient way to work with others, as you can see if someone is busy or available and the best way to start a conversation with them," said Ukko Lappalainen, vice president at Nokia.

"It also meets all of the requirements for the enterprise: cost-effective to implement, secure, familiar and reliable."

The application will be available for Nokia's E72 and E52 phones at first, with other models, such as the E5, to be added later. It will also come pre-installed on future models. It's available from Nokia's Ovi store in English now, with 18 miore language versions coming soon.

Communicator Mobile is the first of a series of business-oriented applications for Nokia mobiles which is expected to include document sharing and videoconferencing.

ARM says Flash to blame for smartbook delay

2010-07-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

An ARM spokesperson has blamed Flash and the abrupt emergence of tablets for the lack of smartbooks in the mobile marketplace.

"We thought [smartbooks] would be launched by now, but they're not. I think one reason is to do with software maturity. We've seen things like Adobe slip — we'd originally scheduled for something like 2009," ARM's marketing vice president,.

"Our target is mostly Internet machines — it becomes sort of a requirement that they run the Internet. [The delay in optimizing] Flash has stalled it."

Drew also explained that the sudden interest in tablets had "confused" certain manufacturers which had previously considered designing ARM-based smartbooks.

"I am disappointed that you can't go down to PC World and buy a smartbook at the moment, but I'm convinced something will happen...Some of it is also related to there not being many Linux [netbooks] out there either...We've only got Linux," said Drew.   

"[Still], we now know what we didn't know two years ago. It has taught us a lot about how we work with software companies."

Archos touts $200 Android tablet

2010-07-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

Archos has announced a $200 Android-powered tablet with a 7-inch (800x480) touch screen.   

The device - which is capable of streaming video at 720p - also features integrated WiFi, 8GB of Flash memory (according ), a USB port and battery that provides seven hours of video playback or 44 hours of music on a single charge.

In addition, the Archos 7 is loaded with a selection of pre-installed apps, including Aldiko (instant messenger), DailyPaper, an MP3 player, as well as access to Deezer and the Archos Apps Library.

So far so good, right? Well, maybe not.

Indeed, Matthew Humphries notes that the tablet does not offer access to the Android Marketplace and only runs v1.6 of the OS.

"Archos took a similar decision with its 5-inch Internet tablet [by] choosing to offer its own range of apps instead. The Archos 7 sounds like a great device on paper, but interested parties should be weary," explained Humphries.

"[And] reviews of the Archos 5 Internet Tablet have been less than great. The hardware is a very capable mix of good screen, ARM processor and wireless connectivity. The only problem is the amount of bugs in the software and a few unusual decisions Archos decided to take."  

The $200 Archos 7 home tablet will hit the hot summer streets in June, with pre-orders