Test ToT

cott_inphone

Doug — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:56:07 +0000

Clash of the Titan: The Movie Game Now Released

Doug — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:56:43 +0000

Glu Mobile today announced the worldwide launch of Clash of the Titans: The Movie, the sixth title Glu has developed and published through its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution "The Glu team has been hard at work to create a mobile version of Clash of the Titans that is engaging and exciting for newcomers of fun action games and the film franchise," said Alex Galvagni, CTO & SVP Global Product Development, Glu. "This authentic game combines light RPG elements and a deep combat system which is perfectly paired with a narrative that tie in with the plot of the film." Features

Arcade Action -“ Exciting boss fights with Medusa and the Kraken.
Deep Gameplay-“ Nine level single-player experience.
Rich Graphics - High-quality special effects and visual flair.
Leveling System - Rewards for killing enemies, allowing upgraded skills and ability to buy new attacks.

Clash of the Titans: The Movie is now available on BREW, J2ME and Windows Mobile.

GameFly's GameCenter 1.2 Now out for iPhone

Doug — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:03:45 +0000

GameFly today released the latest version of its free GameCenter application for the iPhone and iPod touch on the App Store. In addition to the most recent news, release dates, user reviews, game controls, videos, cheats, codes and more for over 7,000 video games, GameCenter 1.2 offers GameFly members a fully integrated GameQ in-app that enables easier browsing, adding, deleting and sharing of games. GameCenter 1.2 also includes an improved user interface and more personalization to further enhance the gamer's experience. "We are big fans of games and know how important it is to have access to the latest news, high-quality trailers and screenshots for your favorite games. GameCenter brings all this and more straight to the mobile device, so gamers can access and share the game content they want, when and wherever they want for free," said Sean Spector, GameFly co-founder and SVP of business development and content. "We listened to our users' feedback and GameCenter 1.2, with its host of new features, offers an improved mobile game-related experience." The new GameCenter 1.2 app is available for free from the App Store or at http://gamefly.com/gamecenter.

Home Automation Systems Revenue to Approach $12 Billion Worldwide in 2015

Doug — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:08:48 +0000

Revenue from shipments of home automation systems will exceed $11.8 billion in 2015, according to a new study released by ABI Research. That number includes all four categories of home automation: Luxury, Mainstream, DIY and Managed. The luxury segment will deliver the greatest revenue. In addition to quantitative market measurement, ABI Research also sampled US consumers' attitudes with a September 2009 survey. Nearly half of the 1001 respondents did not know what "home automation" is. A further 43% understood the concept but had no system installed. According to practice director Sam Lucero, "Our survey results show that a major challenge is simply lack of awareness on the part of mainstream consumers. Other issues for consumers were the expense, and a perceived lack of need for home automation." Nonetheless, Lucero believes that for several reasons the home automation market is approaching an inflection point beyond which its growth rate will increase significantly.

Vendors are taking advantage of standards-based wireless and powerline technologies to drive down costs and expand the addressable market.
Companies in related home systems markets are increasingly targeting home control and monitoring functionality in their devices.
Home security service providers view home monitoring and managed home automation services as a means of accelerating growth.
Telco and cable broadband service providers see managed home automation services as a way to increase revenue.
Utilities can use home automation technologies to help homeowners reduce power usage.

How do these drivers mesh with consumers' intentions? An average of three quarters of the 39% of survey respondents who intend buy a home automation system within three years rated three functions as the ones they would expect to use most: energy management, home control, and security. Sam Lucero concludes, "The home automation market is clearly at an inflection point and poised for significant growth over the next few years." ABI Research's "Home Automation and Control" study provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of home automation and control system markets through 2015. The data and forecasts are divided by region and by major market segments.

Miniclip Sushi Go-Round

Doug — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:15:26 +0000

Miniclip Sushi Go-Round Rolls into Stores

Doug — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:16:26 +0000

SouthPeak today announced they are serving up Miniclip Sushi Go-Round on Wii and Nintendo DS to stores across North, Central and South America. Based on the incredibly popular Miniclip online game -“ which has been played more than 60 million times worldwide -“ Sushi Go Round expands on the original with a completely redesigned look and feel, new recipes and settings and even bosses to put you to the test. But it isn't going to be easy; you'll need to multitask! It's up to you to remember a book-full of recipes, order supplies when your stock gets low, clear away dirty dishes and, most importantly, keep your customers happy by making some terrifically tasty sushi. What's more, Nintendo DSi owners can use the DSi Camera to take pictures of their friends, family and even pets to turn them into customers in the restaurant! They'll pop-up throughout the story and the five other exciting game-play modes, including the frantic Time Attack and the grueling Endurance mode. Miniclip Sushi Go Round, developed by Asylum Entertainment, is available now on Wii and Nintendo DS with a suggested retail price of $29.99 for each version and is rated E for everyone by the ESRB. The game will be published by Asylum Entertainment in the UK. Visit www.sushigoroundthegame.com for more details.

1518

Doug — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:29:22 +0000

PowerDVD Wins Certification from the Blu-ray Disc Association

Doug — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:33:25 +0000

Today CyberLink has announce that PowerDVD is the first Blu-ray 3D player software to achieve certification from the Blu-ray Disc Association, under the new Blu-ray 3D standard (Profile 5.0). CyberLink will provide a "Mark II" version of PowerDVD 10 which is scheduled for release this summer. The release of PowerDVD 10 Mark II will add Blu-ray 3D playback and 2D to 3D video file conversion. PowerDVD 10 Ultra Mark II will be a free update to all PowerDVD 10 Ultra customers. Features of PowerDVD 10 Mark II

Enjoy Blu-ray 3D with CPU/GPU acceleration and lossless HD audio.
Convert any DVD movie and video file into a 3D experience with TrueTheater 3D.
Apply TrueTheater Noise Reduction and Stabilizer to enhance videos during playback.
Play a broader range of video formats including FLV (H.264), MKV (H.264), DivX and much more.
Support for a large range of subtitle files including smi, ass, ssa, psb, srt, and sub.
Enjoy and enhance your music file playback with TrueTheater Surround.
Write reviews of favorite movie scenes and share them as MovieMarks on Facebook and MoovieLive.
Share short comments of movies in real-time on Facebook, Twitter and MoovieLive.

Product Availability CyberLink is now ready to provide OEM partners with its Blu-ray 3D certified solution. For consumers, PowerDVD 10 Mark II will be available this summer as a free upgrade for those who already purchased PowerDVD 10 Ultra 3D.

Healthline Networks Will Help Expand Yahoo! Health

Doug — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:40:59 +0000

Healthline Networks today announced a partnership with Yahoo! to enhance the Yahoo! Health channel. Currently, Yahoo! Health is the third most visited Internet health destination, reaching over 11 million unique users each month. Under the multi-dimensional agreement, Healthline will build upon Yahoo!'s existing high quality content to develop, manage and host an expanded Yahoo! Health channel that will be rolled out to consumers later this spring. Under the terms of the deal, Healthline's proprietary semantic taxonomy - created by doctors and managed and continuously improved by Healthline's medical informatics engineers - will be the underlying technology powering Yahoo! Health's health specific search and navigation. Yahoo! Health will also feature Healthline's clinical applications, including SymptomSearch, TreatmentSearch, and DocSearch, a suite of interactive tools that empower consumers with a complete decision support platform for health. Yahoo! will also become a partner in the Healthline Media Network, the Internet's largest health advertising network, which will now include strategic ad sales solutions that allow advertisers to run their display ads on the Yahoo! Health channel.

Sprint Partners with the EPA to Urge Recycling of Cell Phones

Doug — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:46:36 +0000

Sprint announced today its renewed partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for "Plug-In To eCycling National Cell Phone Recycling Week," April 5-11, 2010. Sprint is launching an aggressive social media campaign to build upon the 3.7 million phones that it collected for reuse and recycling in 2009. "Sprint is pleased to work again with the EPA to increase awareness and consumer participation in electronics recycling, or eCycling," said Ralph Reid, Sprint vice president of Corporate Responsibility. "We are committed to eCycling efforts. With approximately 16,000 cell phones discarded every hour in the U.S., we encourage our customers and other wireless customers to give their old phones a second life by recycling them." Sprint was the first to set an ambitious, long-term goal to recover for reuse or recycling the equivalent of 90 percent of handsets sold by 2017. Sprint's collection rate for 2009 was 42 percent, up from a 34 percent rate the previous year. In total, Sprint's take back programs have diverted more than 20 million cell phones from landfills for reuse or recycling since 2001. Sprint is the only major U.S. wireless carrier to offer in-store financial incentives to consumers for recycling their eligible devices regardless of make, manufacturer or carrier

FIFA 2010

Laura — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:54:08 +0000

Conan

Laura — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:17:48 +0000

New Update for Age of Conan Now Available

Laura — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:30:06 +0000

Funcom has announced the launch of a new update to -˜Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures'. The Update 7: -˜Shrines of Bori' follows in a long line of free updates that have all introduced new content, new features and groundbreaking enhancements to the massively multiplayer online game that was awarded -˜Most Improved MMO of 2009' by MMORPG.com earlier this year due in part to the many additional hours of content and gameplay that the development team has introduced to the game since launch. "We're very happy to bring new content to our loyal PvP players," says Funcom Game Director and Executive Producer Craig Morrison. "The new content and the raising of the PvP level cap show we are committed to our fans and committed to continuously update and improve on an already fantastic game. The new in-game event will give players a taste of our upcoming expansion -˜Rise of the Godslayer'. As always there are also a lot of smaller improvements and additions packed in there." Update 7: -˜Shrines of Bori' adds entirely new PvP armor set to every class, attainable by playing the new PvP content. Situated around the village of Brandoc, shrines in honor of the war god Bori provides the setting where players will experience an ongoing conflict. Guilds will be able to wage war over shrines that can be captured and destroyed within the war-torn lands of the Border Kingdoms. The new reward system emphasizes conflict over cooperation, so get ready to test your alliances. The PvP experience points now also scale with players' current PvP level, creating a more dynamic and exciting experience. The update brings with it a new in-game event called -˜The Silver Atrium'. The event will introduce players to assassins from the Far East lands of Khitai, the setting for the upcoming expansion -˜Rise of the Godslayer'. There are also several tweaks to gameplay including a new in-game map and the ability to toggle quests on the go. Launching in May 2008 -˜Age of Conan' quickly became a smash hit in retail, shipping over 1.2 million copies around the world. In North America, the most prominent online gaming market in the west, -˜Age of Conan' became the third best-selling PC title of the year in 2008. In the weeks after launch -˜Age of Conan' simultaneously topped the charts in 17 countries, and the game received critical acclaim from gaming press across the globe. -˜Age of Conan' is now available in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian and Polish localized versions, and is being prepared for launch in Korea as well. For more information and how to purchase -˜Age of Conan' please visit www.ageofconan.com. -˜Age of Conan' is also available as a free trial for players wanting to try their luck in Hyboria.

Relive FIFA World Cup Moments

Laura — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:30:57 +0000

Electronic Arts and Coca-Cola Zero are teaming up to launch a free online service called The Coca-Cola Zero Story of the Finals for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa video game from EA SPORTS. The feature will enable gamers to relive crucial moments from the actual tournament hours after games have been played. The free service from EA SPORTS will be available for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. "This is an ambitious and completely unique feature that has never before been attempted for soccer videogames," said Executive Producer Kaz Makita. "The hopes and dreams of nations will rise and fall throughout the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final and within hours after the real matches have occurred our development team will re-create the storylines in our game and provide fans the opportunity to replay and, perhaps, change the outcome -“ virtually." The Coca-Cola Zero Story of the Finals will enable gamers connected online to play real matches from the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final and face the same challenges their heroes experienced throughout the tournament. The free service complements an existing game mode called The Coca-Cola Zero Story of Qualifying which enables gamers to relive moments from the 2010 qualifying campaign and the 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals through over 50 scenario-based challenges. "Just like Coke Zero made the impossible possible by offering real Coke taste with zero calories, the Coca-Cola Zero Story of the Finals empowers people to become part of the game and virtually rewrite sports history," said Scott Cuppari, Manager, Media and Interactive, Coca-Cola North America. "Through our partnership with EA SPORTS and their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa game, we're offering new, innovative videogame content that delivers a rich experience to gamers and soccer enthusiasts." The 2010 FIFA World Cup will available on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP and iPhone on April 27, 2010 in North America and April 30, 2010 in Europe and Asia. The game is rated "E" for Everyone by the ESRB and 3+ by PEGI in Europe.

Bag-front

Laura — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:34:58 +0000

bottle-pocket

Laura — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:39:50 +0000

Bottle-pocket1

Laura — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:41:15 +0000

Review: eBags Express Collector Laptop Tote

Laura — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:59:50 +0000

Like many women, I have a bag for every occasion, but my assortment of bags is made up of things to tote technology. I've been through any number of backpacks, messengers and slings in the search for an everyday bag that can go with me to the office or out on errands. Something that can do the job of both a purse and a technology lug-about. I got the Express Collector Laptop Tote by eBags about a two months ago and so far, it looks to be a real winner. The bag is a rectangular tote made of a ballistic nylon fabric, that seems to be stain resistant and pretty tough. It has double should straps made of wide nylon webbing that are sturdy without being too stiff. The straps have an 11 inch drop which is leaves room for larger upper arms, without it being uncomfortably long on those who have smaller/shorter torsos. These features make it a comfortable bag for a wide variety of body types. On the outside of the bag, there's a front zippered pocket that keeps smaller items close at hand and safe. A roomy back slash pocket holds a magazine or file folder. There are also two end pockets, one unzips to hold a full size water bottle and has a mesh gusset for added space and breathability. The other is the right size to hold a portable umbrella. The main compartment is zippered across the top to keep contents secure. Inside you'll find a large, lightly padded file pocket that measures measures 14-1/4" x 9-1/2" x 1-3/4". It can hold magazines or files, but I use it to hold my 15 inch laptop that I haul back and forth to the office every day. It slip nicely into the pocket with a bit of room to spare, but if maximum padding is your priority, this pocket doesn't provide that. Mostly it just keeps the laptop from getting banged around by other things in the bag. An additional large inside zippered pocket gives you yet another place for smaller items. Also on the inside are a key leash to make sure your keys are always handy, and a light grey/silver lining to make items easily visible. I like this bag so much, that I would buy it again...twice. It's roomy enough to take most everything I need for the day, laptop, phone, wallet, something to read and a few sundries. If you need to add a lunch or gym clothes to that list you'll need a second bag, or something bigger that this. It's built to last and looks good and I expect to enjoy it for a long time. You can order it off the e-bags sight but get it quick as quantities may be limited. Rating 5 Pros:

Looks Good
Sturdy Construction
Well Organized
Comfortable to Carry

Cons:

Not big enough if you are a hauler
Stock may be very limited

10-22surface_sm

Doug — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 08:21:19 +0000

Microsoft Hiring for New Retail Stores

Doug — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 08:25:21 +0000

It appears Microsoft is expanding its approach on retail beyond the its two trial stores. MS is now recruiting for spots in Denver and San Diego to join the stores already in Mission Viejo, California and Scottsdale, Arizona. The exact locations haven't been disclosed. The two current stores sell notebooks, phones, Xboxes and Zunes but are seen partly as "experiments" where the company wants to pass on what it learns to other retail chains by analysts.

iPad Netflix

Doug — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 08:33:15 +0000

Netflix iPad is Now Available in iTunes

Doug — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 08:36:19 +0000

Apple has approved and listed the Netflix iPad app. The native app allows subscribers to watch streaming TV shows and movies in the device's full-screen video player. The iPad app offers many of the same basic functions as the company's website. Users can browse movies, manage the queue, or read and write reviews, without leaving the iPad interface. The killer feature may be Pause times. This feature let's users to begin a movie on their TV or computer and automatically resume from the same spot through the iPad interface. The Netflix iPad app is now available as a free download from the App Store. Users must have a Netflix unlimited membership.

EA Mobile App Sale

Doug — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 08:50:55 +0000

EA Mobile is currently offering discounted prices on 25 of its iPhone and iPod touch games. The price reduction ranges from 30 percent up to 80 percent. Included in the sale are several of EA Mobile's top titles such as Spore Origins, Trivial Pursuit, Madden NFL 10, and Star Trek. The discounted prices are currently available in the Apple App Store and will remain in effect until April 5th.

Yamaha EPH 20

Doug — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:09:24 +0000

Yamaha EPH 30

Doug — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:11:24 +0000

Yamaha EPH 50

Doug — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:13:51 +0000

Yamaha EPH Line – Their First In-Ear Headphones

Doug — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:23:59 +0000

: EPH 20

Yamaha has is now selling in-ear headphones for the first time with the launch of its EPH line.

The EPH-50 has 13.6mm drivers, tougher construction and a quarter-inch adapter for home stereos. The EPH-30 is the mainstream entry with 9mm drivers and a more conventional build, and the EPH-20 is aimed at entry-level listeners with slightly larger drivers, 10.7mm, but low-cost sound and five color choices.

The line is available today and start from $30 for the EPH-20, moving on to $50 for the EPH-30 and $100 for the EPH-50.

[caption id="attachment_16179" align="aligncenter" width="291" caption="Yamaha EPH 30"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_16180" align="aligncenter" width="272" caption="Yamaha EPH 50"][/caption]

Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 on iPhone

Doug — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:57:54 +0000

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 Comes to the iPhone

Doug — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:59:03 +0000

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, a port of a popular PS 1 title, is now out for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The new version trys to carry over most of the original game's elements including the market place to buy new gear and boards. Moves are based on real ones, such as slides, nollies, manuals and lip stunts. Thirteen different levels are divided into environments like streets, skate parks and stadiums. Players can choose to control Hawk himself, or one of 12 other skaters. T Cost is $10 App and requires iPhone 2.2.1 OS or greater.

Scrat

Laura — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:52:44 +0000

Two Tribes Launches New iPad Game

Laura — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:53:42 +0000

Two Tribes, makers of Toki Tori, have announced that their first game for the Apple iPad - Ice Age Deluxe: Dawn of the Dinosaurs will be part of Apple's iPad launch tomorrow April 3rd! Your challenge is to help Scrat, everyone's favorite saber-toothed squirrel, capture that elusive acorn in this fun, quirky platform game. The game will be available at the following App Store location: http://itunes.apple.com/app/ice-age-deluxe-dawn-of-the/id364355856?mt=8 and will be priced $4.99 or â‚¬3.99. Free updates featuring new game levels will also be available by the end of the month.

CITA Show Floor

Laura — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:28:02 +0000

Samsung Moment

Laura — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:29:31 +0000

Brief Round-up from CTIA 2010

Laura — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:31:49 +0000

International CTIA WIRELESS 2010 wrapped up in Las Vegas last week, bringing together all industries advanced by wireless technology for three days of intense business, learning and networking. This was the show's 25th year and highlights included: Announcenment of winners in the fifth annual CTIA E-Tech Awards in 15 categories covering the areas of mobile CE, applications, enterprise, green solutions, luxury mobile and network infrastructure. Web visitors named Leapwave's Big Screen Games played via mobile phones by large audiences "Best Online Pick." At the show, attendees were able to browse entries showcased in the E-Tech Awards display on the show floor and voted for their favorites via text message, naming the Samsung Moment, from Samsung Telecommunications America, Best in Show. The Moment represents a new generation of portable Internet access complete with built-in Google mobile services. The Moment includes a 3.2-inch AMOLED touch-screen, creating a thinner form factor, crisper colors and wider viewing angles than other display screens. The Moment is powered by an 800 Mhz processor, making this device one of the fastest available in the market. It was recently selected as the first mobile phone to demonstrate Mobile Digital TV in a showcase in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore markets during the first quarter of 2010. Samsung also took first place in the Mobile CE Phone/Smartphone category with the I8530. The I8530 is a full-featured Android smart phone embedded with a pico projector that removes the limitations of the mobile phone screen by providing a "big pictur"viewing experience for sharing pictures, watching videos, playing games, viewing e-mail attachments and even giving presentations. Content can instantly be projected whether it is stored on or streamed to the phone. Featuring a lightweight and compact design, the I8530 can display images in excess of 60 inches depending on ambient light conditions. LG Electronics demonstrated three prototype cell phone models that receive the new mobile DTV signals now being transmitted by nearly four dozen broadcast stations around the country. Based on the mobile DTV standard co-developed by LG Electronics, the handsets equipped with mobile DTV include a CDMA phone with twin LCD screens (on the inside, and outside, of the clamshell handset); a CDMA model with a 2.8-inch LCD screen and up to four hours of DTV-viewing battery life, and a GSM phone with a 3-inch LCD screen also with up to four hours of DTV time. "With more broadcasters adding mobile digital TV transmissions each month, we want to show the wireless industry exactly what's involved in delivering over-the-air digital TV signals, familiar programs from your favorite TV stations, to mobile phone users. The devices we're showing here work with the free over-the-air Mobile DTV signals from broadcasters, complementing video services by wireless carriers. In addition to these cell phones running on both the CDMA and GSM networks, we're also demonstrating how easy it is to receive mobile DTV on a netbook with a plug-in accessory receiver," said Ehtisham Rabbani, vice president, marketing and innovation, LG Mobile Phones. Sprint announced the deployment of the EVO their first Mobile WiMax handset. Manufactured by HTC, it comes complete with a 1GHz-Snapdragon processor, 4.3 inch screen and an 8 megapixel camera. The device also features a Sprint hotspot application that enables it to connect up to eight additional devices to WiFi. Sprint CEO Bill Morrow spoke of 4G services providing the opportunity to "revolutionis"healthcare, there was been a marked interest in the CTIA's wireless health programming and exhibitor pavilion, with exhibitors demonstrating a wide portfolio of apps covering remote monitoring and mobile healthcare solutions.

Baseball Gameplan

Laura — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:47:28 +0000

Get Baseball Playing Tips on Your iPad

Laura — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:00:17 +0000

ShotZoom Software, creator of Golfshot: Golf GPS, will unveil the first instructional baseball app on the iTunes Store with major league star Jason Giambi. Baseball Gameplan (BGP), available today on the iPhone and iPod touch, and April 3rd on the new iPad, will provide 15-30 second tips and 30-60 second drills for baseball players on high-definition, multi-angle videos. More information can be found at http://www.baseballgameplan.com. Baseball Gameplan is designed to help players with fundamentals, hitting, infield, outfield, pitching and catching. The app is targeted for Little Leaguers to high school players, along with their parents and coaches. The app, which unlike a DVD, can be viewed on the baseball field, allows users and parents to actively monitor performance, measure improvement and interact. The instruction includes players talking to users and demonstrating tips and competitions. The level of instruction runs the gamut of easy to advanced drills, and ShotZoom's Drill Meter allows players to track progress and see improvement while they "Practice with a Purpose." The instructors include Giambi, a former American League Most Valuable Player who now plays for the Colorado Rockies, and five others with major league and college experience. They are David Upchurch, a former Kansas City Royals pitcher; Leo Daigle, a former third baseman with the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles; Ty Johnson, a catcher at perennial collegiate powerhouse Arizona State University; and Jeremy Giambi, a former major league player with the Royals, A's, Phillies, Red Sox, White Sox and Jason's younger brother. "We wanted this app to be hard-charging," said Jeremy Giambi. "The idea that any player at any skill level can download this app, learn a quick pointer and then replicate it on the field real-time is amazing," added older brother and current Colorado Rockies player Jason. Baseball Gameplan includes basic fundamentals and hitting with Jason Giambi for $4.99. Additional upgrades include: pitching $3.99, fielding $2.99, catching $1.99. High-definition videos will be available on the Apple iPad for $4.99. Future releases will include new players, translations and content specific to certain geographic areas.

TabToolkit

Laura — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:10:46 +0000

TabToolkit: Sheet Music for Your iPad

Laura — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:14:46 +0000

Agile Partners has announced a new version of TabToolkit designed specifically for iPad. Far more advanced than basic sheet music viewers that simply display PDF or image files, TabToolkit dynamically renders music notation in different sizes and formats (i.e., standard and/or tablature notation), enables multi-track audio playback with tempo control and effects (e.g., guitar bends and slides), and much more. TabToolkit for iPad is perfect for musicians who want to learn and enjoy playing their favorite songs on guitar, keyboard, drums and other instruments. "We redesigned TabToolkit specifically for iPad to take full advantage of the unique features of iPad -- its large display, Multi-Touch interface and incredible speed," says John Berry, a principal at Agile Partners. "It's amazing how smoothly you can scroll through music with TabToolkit on iPad or jump to any point of a song by simply tapping or dragging the music on the screen. We think musicians will really enjoy viewing crisp, sharp music notation on the high resolution iPad screen." TabToolkit also enables users to listen to and control the audio of individual instrument tracks. "Being able to control the audio of individual tracks makes it really fun to practice music with TabToolkit," says Berry. "For example, you can mute the guitar part of a song you're learning while being guided by the bass, keyboard and drum parts playing in the background. It's like you're playing along with an entire band." While other guitar tablature apps available for iPad and iPhone display only text tabs, TabToolkit fully supports "rich tabs" that include multiple instruments and the ability to hear an entire song performed. Similarly, while a few sheet music apps have appeared, these simply scroll static images or PDF pages. "TabToolkit tackles the really tough problems head-on," notes Jack Ivers, also a principal at Agile Partners. "Because TabToolkit understands the underlying music, it accurately renders music on-the-fly in any notation, page size and orientation. TabToolkit simultaneously renders perfectly synched multi-track audio for the song, including effects like guitar bends and slides," comments Ivers. "TabToolkit likewise tackles really tough performance issues, such as dynamic rendering of music notation even on the first-generation iPhone. TabToolkit actually renders notation on-the-fly faster than other apps can scroll static image files." TabToolkit supports text, PDF, Power Tab and Guitar Pro file formats (Power Tab and Guitar Pro files are required to experience TabToolkit's full visual and audio capabilities). The app also has file upload and download features. A universal app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, TabToolkit is available for $9.99 in the iTunes App Store. For more information about TabToolkit, visit http://tabtoolkit.com. View a video of the new TabToolkit for iPad at http://youtu.be/uw4pxPecGKA.

Weatherbug iPad

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:25:55 +0000

Yoda

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:35:44 +0000

Cantina Dash

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:36:39 +0000

Lightsaber Duel

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:40:00 +0000

Monkey Ball 2

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:45:12 +0000

Apt Guide

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:54:23 +0000

WeatherBug Elite Comes to iPad

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:10:06 +0000

WeatherBug has announced its WeatherBug Elite App for iPad is now available on the App Store. The WeatherBug Elite App was designed specifically for the iPad and provides a unique user experience with features that include the following:

At-A-Glance Information -“ the new widget panel design enables users to immediately access their preferred weather information and views
Location-Enabled Intelligence -“ the "Find M"option automatically adjusts the location and default maps based on the user's current location for quick and seamless access to local conditions and alerts
Unlimited Locations -“ users can define as many locations as desired for unlimited weather information worldwide
Detailed Visualization -“ a large map area provides several contoured weather overlay options (including satellite, radar, humidity, pressure, wind speed, and forecast hi/low) to display current conditions and approaching systems
High Resolution Video -“ fully utilizes the iPad display for viewing daily WeatherBug National Outlook forecasts and news
Camera Images -“ provide current conditions views and time-lapse images from 15 locations within a 100 mile radius of the user's location

WeatherBug Elite is offered free for a limited time to early buyers of the iPad and is available through the App Store or at www.itunes.com/appstore/ (search WeatherBug). More information on WeatherBug apps can be found at http://weather.weatherbug.com/mobile. "We are excited to bring detailed weather information to iPad users. Advancements in our display options, interactivity and location intelligence enable users to have immediate access to their preferred weather information with a simple tap on the beautiful iPad screen," said Chris Sloop, Chief Technology Officer for WeatherBug. WeatherBug mobile apps access information from the WeatherBug Network, the largest proprietary network of professional weather stations in North America and includes information from over 45,000 locations worldwide. The weather information is monitored and distributed in real-time through the network and into the apps within seconds. The WeatherBug Elite App for iPad enables users to customize the weather intelligence captured through the network for their own display of local and global information.

THQ Mobile Adds Star Wars Games for iPad

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:13:47 +0000

THQ Wireless has announced that Star Wars: Cantina, Star Wars: Yoda Soundboard and Star Wars: Lightsaber Duel -“ a sequel to the Lightsaber Unleashed application -“ are now available for worldwide download on iTunes. Featuring a colorful cast of characters from classic Star Wars films, the new products are designed immerse players in "a galaxy far, far away," offering an entertaining and humorous perspective. "Our new slate of Star Wars games and apps delivers both challenging, yet casual gameplay experiences that bring Star Wars to the iPhone in a fun and amusing way," said Adam Comiskey, Vice President of THQ Wireless. "These new games add yet another level of excellence to our expansive roster of iPhone games and applications." About the Star Wars: Cantina Game In Star Wars: Cantina players become galactic adventurer Nia Adea, now a proprietor of a cantina on the hot desert planet of Tatooine. Inundated by demanding customers -“ including the trigger-happy Rodians, burly Gamorreans, Imperial stormtroopers and more -“ players must frantically serve the thirsty customers. Accuracy and speed are key as players work toward meeting their daily quota of classic Star Wars characters served through Career and Endless Shift modes. As gamers achieve their goals, they are rewarded with dÃ©cor and attractions for their cantina that will bring them more lucrative business patrons. Star Wars: Cantina can be purchased for $4.99 directly at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-wars-cantina/id363672887?mt=8. . About Star Wars: Yoda Sound Board In Star Wars: Yoda Sound Board, players can finally receive the life changing advice from the galaxy's wisest Jedi Master -“ right at their fingertips. With more than 30 favorite quotes including, "A Jedi craves not these things" and "You must confront Vader," Jedi Master Yoda will impart his words of wisdom to every Star Wars fan. Star Wars: Yoda Sound Board can be purchased for $.99 directly at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-wars-yoda-sound-board/id359510758?mt=8. About Star Wars: Lightsaber Duel The sequel to Lightsaber Unleashed invites players to face off against a friend in a fierce battle of clashing lightsabers by swinging their iPhone while it produces authentic lightsaber sound effects. In the game, players can choose from 15 popular Star Wars characters, as well as create a character with a customizable lightsaber. In addition to engaging single-player entertainment, fans with iPhones supporting Bluetooth peer-to-peer connectivity can battle one another with lightsabers that react to the action in real time. As an added bonus, any song can be played from a player's library as a soundtrack to a battle while those in search of the ultimate Star Wars experience can play the classic theme song that is included with the application. Star Wars: Lightsaber Duel can be purchased for $.99 directly at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-wars-lightsaber-duel/id362158521?mt=8.

Sherlock Holmes

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:14:41 +0000

Super Monkey Ball 2 Available for iPad

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:16:25 +0000

Other Ocean Interactive is partnering once again with SEGA of America to bring you Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition available exclusively for the Apple iPad. "We are very excited to be part of the iPad launch with this great franchise," said Andrew Ayre, Other Ocean CEO. "And are very proud to be one of the first developers to have shipped an iPad exclusive title." Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition brings all the fun of the immensely popular console and iPhone hit to the iPad plus 4 new mini-games: Monkey Bowling, Monkey Target, Monkey Golf and the iPad exclusive mini-game Monkey Base. Monkey Base lets up to 4 players fight it out on the same iPad by launching orbs at each other to try to be the last monkey standing. And if all that wasn't enough, players can now experience 10 iPad exclusive levels from the Far East World, in stunning graphics! "The iPad's hi-res screen and multi-touch makes an amazing difference," says Other Ocean Technical Director, Gordon Wood. "Everything that's great about Super Monkey Ball 2 can now be played in Sakura Edition, only on a bigger screen and with even better graphics, new mini-games and more levels. Fans are in for a real treat." The iPad exclusive Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition is now available on iTunes for $12.99 USD.

Find an Apartment with Your iPad

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:17:15 +0000

Apartment Guide has announced that its free iPad App is now available in the App Store. The app gives users the ability to easily search apartment listings from their iPad. "Over the last few years, we've aggressively grown our online and mobile presence through offerings like our iPhone app," said Arlene Mayfield, president, Apartment Guide. "Now, our iPad app represents the perfect alignment in taking our online, print and mobile offerings and building upon those learnings and best practices to meet consumer needs -“ anytime, anywhere." Features of the app include:

Search for apartments by entering in city, state or zipcode.
Use advanced search to search by radius, sort criteria, property types, beds, bath, price and amenities.
View apartment details page.
Search by prominent map.

"Looking at our analytics from our Apartment Guide iPhone app, we saw that the majority of people preferred to see search results in a map view versus the default list view," said David Quinlan, general manager, Emerging Technologies, Apartment Guide. "We applied this learning to our iPad App by taking advantage of the larger display size. iPad users will have more readable text and layout to also showcase apartment details." Apartment Guide launched the apartment industry's first iPhone app in October 2008. The Apartment Guide App is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

Solve Holmes’ Mystery on the iPad

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:18:16 +0000

Warner Bros. Digital Distribution has announced the availability of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries for iPad, a game for the Apple iPad that is designed to transport players to the seedy underbelly of 19th century London. Using the iPad's multi-touch technology, players step into the shoes of the intrepid Sherlock Holmes who finds himself in a whodunit puzzle adventure game. In Sherlock Holmes Mysteries for iPad, players follow clues through the gritty side of the 1890's Victorian London where, along with Dr. Watson, Sherlock uses his keen wit and winning charm to prove a man is innocent of murder. Leveraging the powerful platform of the Apple iPad and its 1024x768 screen resolution, players will be treated to breathtaking graphics through 11 immersive 3-D environments as they work to solve the case. Features for Sherlock Holmes Mysteries for iPad include: Puzzle Boxing Tournament -“ Exclusive for the iPad, Sherlock must use his wit and mental acuity, by finding and exploiting his opponents' weaknesses to neutralize the threat. Knuckle through a tournament of 12 unique characters using the iPad's multi-touch functionality

Auto-Flip and Rotate Support -“ Flip or rotate the iPad to play from any angle
Full Screen Resolution for a High-def 3-D experience
Increased Texture Resolution for the characters and environments
Redesigned UI takes advantage of the larger iPad screen

As players gather evidence within the game, they gain crucial information through compelling and insightful mini-games:

Insights -“ Find hidden clues using Sherlock's keen Insight, and put them together in Sherlock's virtual mind to unravel the mystery
Lock Picking -“ Find the perfect path through a lock's inner workings to lift each of the tumblers, and gainaccess to the secrets within
Foot Chase -“ Wind a way through London's streets in pursuit of justice. Outmaneuver the culprits and emerge victorious!

Sherlock Holmes Mysteries for iPad is now available for $2.99 on the App Store for iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore. Sherlock Holmes Mysteries for iPad is inspired by the motion picture from Warner Bros. Pictures in association with Village Roadshow Pictures and Silver Pictures. Sherlock Holmes the movie is now available to buy or rent on iTunes.

Glyder 2

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:22:18 +0000

Dragon iPad

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:30:13 +0000

Roambi

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:36:23 +0000

Roambi App Released for iPad

Laura — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:59:29 +0000

MeLLmo Inc. has announced the launch of its new Roambi App for the Apple iPad. Roambi, already a popular business application for the iPhone, has been engineered to take advantage of the iPad's larger screen size and includes several new trending and comparative analytic features. With Roambi, companies can turn their business data -“ from Excel spreadsheets, Google Docs, and premium reporting services like SAP BusinessObjects and Salesforce CRM -“ into secure, interactive mobile dashboards that make it easy for busy executives to monitor the pulse of their business. "The iPad has the potential to boost the productivity and decision-making of on-the-go executives through innovative applications like Roambi. Roambi allows mobile workers not only to stay connected, but to analyze and present up-to-the-minute company information whether they are on a plane, in an elevator or in a conference room," said Santiago Becerra, chairman and co-founder, MeLLmo, Inc. "Roambi's mobile dashboards are the perfect tools for executives, providing big picture and detailed views of KPIs that bring complex analytics like identifying data trends and relationships into clear view." Views included with the new Roambi App:

Trends -“ brand new today, the Roambi Trends View provides iPad users with pre-set algorithms that allow them to easily identify trends in their data. The Trends View offers data comparisons across whatever period a user chooses -“ years, months, even minutes; users can easily focus on specific time periods by sliding the dateline at the bottom of the graph. Touch any two points within the Trends graph and Roambi will automatically calculate the difference.
PieView -“ provides a fully interactive, graphical summary of data with the ability to drill down into details at the touch of a finger, and conduct side-by-side comparisons of different data and charts.
CataList -“ organizes data into hierarchical, categorized lists with the ability to drill down to into detailed summaries, as well as simultaneously compare or analyze different sets of data.
SuperList -“ provides smooth navigation through many rows of information and ensures that users are always able to see the subject that the data corresponds to. Convenient tools, including sorting and filtering, give users the ability to perform instant analysis.

Roambi offers a variety of publishing services to meet the needs of customers. Each of these services transforms business reports and data from a variety of sources into secure Roambi dashboards, which are viewed on iPad:

Roambi Lite - a free online publishing tool for individuals that transforms Excel data into interactive charts and graphs, and instantly sends them to any iPhone or iPad.
Roambi Pro - a secure, hosted service that connects mobile workers with business data from Excel, Google spreadsheets or Salesforce CRM by transforming it into rich, interactive visualizations that are instantly delivered to any iPhone or iPad -“ and are refreshable on demand.
Roambi ES - a secure, on premise server solution for the enterprise that expands a business information system into a mobile reporting system -“ transforming business intelligence (BI) data, existing reports and spreadsheets into rich, interactive mobile dashboards, instantly delivered to any iPhone or iPad.

The new Roambi App is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

Dragon Dictation Comes to the iPad

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:37 +0000

Nuance Communications has announced the availability of Dragon Dictation for iPad on the Apple App Store. With the newest addition to the Dragon Dictation family, iPad users can take advantage of the power of Dragon NaturallySpeaking to speak their email messages. The app also includes a new Dragon Dictation Notes feature that lets users speak and save drafts of documents, emails, to-do lists, social media status updates, and more. "Dragon Dictation has proven to be a must-have app for iPhone and iPod touch, so it made sense to immediately extend those benefits to iPad," said Michael Thompson, senior vice president and general manager, Nuance Mobile. "The iPad is a unique and remarkable device, and with the Dragon Dictation App users can experience added flexibility and convenience as they quickly convert speech into text." The Dragon Dictation App can turn spoken words into text up to five times faster than typing. This latest edition is designed specifically for iPad and capitalizes on the large screen size to include the new Dragon Dictation Notes feature, where dictated text can be easily saved, viewed and managed. The app can also be used in either portrait or landscape mode. The Dragon Dictation App for iPad is available for free for a limited time from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. To learn more, visit www.dragonmobileapps.com.

Glu Debuts Glyder 2 for iPad

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:01:22 +0000

Glu Mobile has announced the availability of Glyder 2 for iPad on the App Store. Taking full advantage of the larger screen, players use their device to navigate Eryn on her biggest adventure yet. Glyder, which launched in April 2009, established itself as one of the industry's best games of that year, earning critical acclaim from Pocket Gamer as well as being named Slide to Play's Game of the Month. Later that year, Glyder 2 was released earning the coveted Platinum Award from Pocket Gamer, who also named Glyder 2 as one of the Top 10 best iPhone games of 2009. "Glu is thrilled to have an app available for the launch of iPad. The innovative iPad has allowed us to be creative and build upon the Glyder franchise," said Alex Galvagni, CTO & SVP Global Product Development, Glu. "Glyder 2 for iPad brings an array of new features and graphics offering players a fresh challenge while maintaining the relaxing game play that contributed to the enormous success of the original game." Features include:

Significantly Enhanced Graphics -“ players can see the worlds come to life as they fly around a newly detailed environment featuring hi-resolution textures.
Multiple Controls -“ in addition to the tilt control, gamers can now opt to control Eryn with the tap of their finger. Simply touch anywhere on the iPad screen to activate, then drag a finger around to steer Eryn on her path. Players can switch between these two control schemes at anytime during gameplay.
Improved Navigation Between Worlds -“ without interrupting the game, players can tap the map button to display a semi-transparent map on the screen. The map indicates Eryn's position while providing players with a point of reference for where they are currently located. Utilizing the larger screen size helps players find new worlds.
3D World Viewer-“interactive 3D models of each world displays the location of various points of interest, as well as tracks the progress of current crystal collection.
Facebook Connectivity with iPhone/iPod touch -“ gamers are able to log into Facebook to upload their status for "friend points" which are earned by collecting crystals, completing goals and by having Facebook friends who are Glyder 2 gamers on iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Sharing "friend points" grows towers which unlocks new wings, outfits and achievements.
Glyder 2 for iPad is now available for $4.99 on the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

iPad Scrabble

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:54:19 +0000

EA Moves Fast with Team Need for Speed

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:32:10 +0000

Electronic Arts has announced an entertainment program that brings together the top street, drift, GT racing, time attack cars and drivers. Dubbed -˜Team Need for Speed', these individuals embody the spirit of the Need for Speed franchise -“ the adrenaline and rebelliousness of driving the world's coolest cars. Together, this collective of racing influencers will carry the Need for Speed brand into a variety of events, films, competitions and more. Team Need for Speed consists of an all-star roster of drivers renowned for their skill on the track and passion for the automotive lifestyle including Vaughn Gittin Jr. (Drift/USA), Matt Powers (Drift/USA), Edward SandstrÃ¶m (GT Racing/Europe), Patrick SÃ¶derlund (GT Racing/Europe) and Mad Mike Whiddett (Drift/USA, New Zealand, Japan). Additional drivers will be announced in the future. The season kicks off this week as three of the Team Need for Speed drivers hit the track. On April 9, Mad Mike Whiddett and Matt Powers compete in the -˜Streets of Long Beach' Formula D event and on April 10, Patrick SÃ¶derlund and teammate Edward SandstrÃ¶m will compete in the VLN Series' Stunden-Rennen race at the Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany. "Driving for Team Need for Speed is a great honor," said Mad Mike Whiddett, Team Need for Speed driver and champion drifter. "I love the pure creativity and insane competition of drifting and partnering with Need for Speed is perfectly aligned with my personal and professional passions." The Team Need for Speed program also features a 12-part film series about the Team Need for Speed drivers and their cars directed by renowned automotive filmmaker, Will Roegge. Need for Speed is also expanding its Formula D sponsorship with the Need for Speed Lounge where attendees can meet the drivers, Mad Mike Whiddett and Matt Powers, and play the latest Need for Speed games. Keith Munro, VP of Marketing for EA said, "Team Need for Speed launches an aggressive initiative designed to bring the core brand values of Need for Speed into the real world. By partnering with these tastemakers and by creating these specific programs, Need for Speed goes beyond the game into the real world of automotive lifestyle culture." Need for Speed is the racing game franchise known for delivering white-knuckle racing, creative customization and street style. Last fall EA published Need for Speed SHIFT, the highest rated Need for Speed game in years, featuring an intense first-person crash dynamic and a signature cockpit view that delivers a true driver's experience. Need for Speed World is a massively multiplayer online action racing game that is currently in the beta process and will be available this summer on the PC

Dell and Goodwill to Recycle Computers in Canada

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:32:49 +0000

Starting today in Southwestern Quebec and on May 1 in London, Ontario, consumers can drop off used computers for no-cost recycling at Renaissance, a Goodwill affiliate, and Goodwill Great Lakes as Dell and Goodwill Industries International extend their Reconnect partnership to Canada. The expansion adds to more than 1,900 Reconnect locations throughout the U.S. and marks Dell's latest move to make computer recycling free and convenient for consumers worldwide. Reconnect lets consumers drop off any brand of computers or computer accessories for no-cost recycling. Donated equipment meeting Reconnect's criteria are resold, and devices needing repair are refurbished or broken down into parts to be recycled by Dell partners. "Goodwill is a leader in the -˜reduce, reuse and recycle' model," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "The partnership supports Goodwill's job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face other challenges to finding employment." Launched in 2004, Reconnect has diverted more than 96 million pounds of e-waste from landfills and created more than 250 "green jobs," with Goodwill employees managing responsible computer disassembly and disposal. "The Reconnect model really works," said Mike Watson, senior manager of Dell Global Recycling Services. "Donating used goods to Goodwill has become second nature for most people. Reconnect exemplifies what sustainability practices can mean to our communities. It gives new life these old systems -“ or, at least, their parts -“ and gives deserving people jobs and skills they need to be successful." For a list of participating Goodwill locations, visit www.reconnectpartnership.com.

EA Brings 5 Best Selling Games to the iPad

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:44:00 +0000

EA Mobile has announced five best-selling titles available immediately for Apple's iPad. These include Scrabble, under license from Hasbro in the U.S. and Canada only, Tetris, Need for Speed SHIFT, Mirror's Edge, and Command & Conquer Red Alert. Scrabble EA Mobile has created fans' favorite crossword game, with a fresh interface uniquely designed for iPad that lets players pass -˜n' play or go solo, in portrait or landscape mode. Social and multiplayer capabilities also enable players to challenge friends on Facebook, or through a local Wi-Fi network. In the all new "Party Play" mode, up to four iPhone or iPod touch players can connect their devices to be used as private tile racks and seamlessly play their words onto the iPad "game board" with a simple flick. And for newcomers, the exclusive "Teacher Featur"shows players the best word choice for the previous play. Tetris Celebrating 25 years and more than 100 million paid downloads, the world famous Tetris game launches on iPad with all-new, high resolution graphics and exclusive features including highly anticipated D-Pad controls which give players the option to play the way they want and stay in control of the game. The iPad version also introduces an all-new "Endless" mode for the ultimate extension in game play. Need for Speed SHIFT The award-winning leader in the racing genre, Need for Speed SHIFT races to the App Store with exclusive features, multiplayer capability, 18 unique tracks and a variety of race modes. Players can feel the adrenaline rush of an immersive experience when they choose from 28 of the fastest, hottest cars and enjoy physics-based 3D graphics optimized for iPad. New driving controls include the addition of visual accelerator and brake pedals, manual shifting, and a rearview mirror to see who's coming from behind. The most visceral, aggressive simulation racing game on iPad will make hearts pound! Mirror's Edge Mirror's Edge, debuts on iPad with a graphically rich, addictive experience, and 14 nail-biting levels of unrivalled 3D action. Unique to iPad is a multiplayer feature which utilizes a split-screen interface, letting players battle against each other face to face in two thrilling modes. Exciting gameplay has players running on walls, sliding down ramps and leaping between rooftops as they out-maneuver enemies in pursuit of their mission. Command & Conquer Red Alert With more than 30 million units sold across the Command & Conquer franchise, Command & Conquer Red Alert optimizes iPad's Multi-Touch controls, large screen and high-fidelity graphics to create an expansive experience. Three-finger, Multi-Touch controls let players select and maneuver their armies, manage inventory and make maximum use of camera zooming to navigate battlefields with photorealistic visuals. Players command units across a wide variety of maps and levels with different environmental conditions which add more layers of strategic depth. Players can challenge friends in Head-to-Head multiplayer mode via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth between iPad and iPhone devices. All 5 are available now from the App Store or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

OmniGroup Apps Now Available for iPad

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:45:13 +0000

The Omni Group has announced the availability of its OmniGraffle and OmniGraphSketcher Apps for iPad on the App Store. OmniGraffle is a popular diagramming and concept visualization program, while OmniGraphSketcher is a tool for fast, simple graph drawing and data plotting. Originally available exclusively for Mac, OmniGraffle and OmniGraphSketcher have been redesigned to take full advantage of the advanced capabilities of iPad. "We think iPad has amazing potential as a productivity tool, and we wanted to make sure our apps really leveraged its strengths rather than simply copying the features we'd built in our Mac apps," says Ken Case, founder and CEO of the Omni Group. "Everything's designed with iPad in mind; tools stay out of your way until you need them, and you interact directly with the elements in your document. It's a very focused, superior mobile experience." OmniGraphSketcher is made to combine the quantitative power of data plotting with the ease of touchscreen drawing. OmniGraphSketcher aims to help people make elegant and precise graphs in seconds, whether from specific data to report or a concept to explain. It lets users create lines and data points, draw curves, and shade in important areas as easily as though they were using a basic drawing program, and they can add new data or change existing information simply by touching their graph. OmniGraffle makes quick work of creating a diagram, process chart, page layout, website wireframe, or graphic design. Use simple Multi-Touch gestures and OmniGraffle to draw shapes, drag in objects, and style everything until it's just right. OmniGraffle keeps lines connected to shapes even when they're moved, and includes smart guides, automatic layout, and a full set of built-in stencils, with the ability to download thousands more. Both apps are compatible with the Mac desktop versions, and include the ability to send and receive documents through email or share documents via PDF export. "As a company, we're very excited about iPad," says Case. "We believe Multi-Touch is the future of computing, and we plan to bring all of our productivity applications to the iPad." The OmniGraphSketcher App for iPad is available for $14.99, and the OmniGraffle App for iPad is available for $49.99 from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com.

Borderlands

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:39:34 +0000

PGA Online

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:48:10 +0000

pantone-xrite_horiz

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:59:55 +0000

Pantone iPhone

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:01:02 +0000

Samsung Galaxy

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:16:21 +0000

iPad SoundHound

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:29:56 +0000

Sugarsync

Laura — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:41:21 +0000

Play Golf Via Your Web Browser

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:39:37 +0000

Electronic Arts has announced the launch of Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online, providing on-the-go golf enthusiasts with the most accessible, authentic and feature-rich golf video game experience available through a web browser. In addition to a free-to-play experience that allows unlimited access to featured courses, players will be able to choose from a monthly or yearly membership, offered at $9.99 and $59.99 respectively (pricing for North America). Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online will also utilize a points-based transaction system allowing players to purchase packages of points at $9.99, $19.99 and $39.99 that can be used on in-game transactions, such as rounds of golf and Pro Shop items. Consumers who purchase the annual membership receive unlimited rounds on all available courses, and will be provided with a package of points that can be spent on Pro Shop items. "Consumers have an increasing appetite for authentic gaming experiences online and EA SPORTS is driving innovation and growth in the online gaming category, from consoles to mobile devices and the web," said EA SPORTS President Peter Moore. "The launch of Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online signals a shift in the traditional distribution model and will change the way that people will be able to access and enjoy their favorite video games for years to come." Beginning today, new players will also be able to enjoy the following highlighted features: Pro Shop -“ Players have access to a robust Pro Shop allowing them to customize their golfer's apparel, gear and clubs. Items in the Pro Shop will positively affect the players' in-game experience, allowing them to earn more in-game currency and experience with certain items and improve their performance with better clubs. Pro Shop items can be purchased with in-game currency earned through regular on course play. Additional Pro Shop items can be attained with points purchased using real-world money. Group Tournaments -“ Group tournaments will help players connect with golf buddies across the globe, as players will be able to challenge their friends in customized, private Group Tournaments. These tournaments are customizable allowing group leaders to set personalized criteria for their tournaments such as selecting the course and playing conditions. Friend to Friend Messaging -“ Leveraging the growing social aspect of golf, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online allows players to connect with and message friends in the world's fastest-growing online golf community. World Championship Courses -“ At launch, two new courses will be released for Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online -“ Harbour Town Golf Links and Oakmont CC. Upon launch, the game will feature an initial roster of ten world-class golf courses including Torrey Pines GC, Pebble Beach Golf Links, TPC Sawgrass, Sheshan Golf & CC, St Andrews (Old Course), Wolf Creek GC, Wentworth (West Course), Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Oakmont CC and Harbour Town Golf Links. New courses will continue to be released in the future. For more information about Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online, go to http://tigerwoodsonline.ea.com.

Borderlands Add-on Pack Doubles Your Fun

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:40:11 +0000

2K Games announced today that the Borderlands Double Game Add-On Pack featuring the grisly The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned and the challenging Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot is now available in stores in North America for the Xbox 360 and Windows PC for $19.99. Developed by Gearbox Software, the Borderlands Double Game Add-On Pack combines the first two Borderlands add-on packs that further enhance the gameplay experience and brings them to retail shelves for the first time. Complete with extensive co-op integration that seamlessly blends the single-player and multiplayer experiences, both The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned and Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot allow players to freely join or leave each other's games at any time for collaborative mayhem or the freedom to enjoy the game in full single-player mode. It also includes the groundbreaking weapon generation system that offers more than 16 million weapons from which to choose. The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned takes fans from the barren wastelands to a creepy island overflowing with what's left of the rotting workers of Jakobs Cove. Dr. Ned was tasked with saving them, but has done his job a little too well by creating flesh-eating zombies and other ghastly abominations that now run rampant in this region. Players will have to work alongside Dr. Ned as they embark on an explosive journey to cure the decaying inhabitants of Jakobs Cove in this full-fledged expansion filled with new formidable enemies, grueling quests and rare loot drops. In Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot, fans must face the ever-changing underdome riot that challenges every shooter skill known to gamers. The all-new Riot Mode challenges players to test their weaponry against hordes of menacing antagonists who are thirsting for carnage in tournaments where the rules of warfare are constantly changing. Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot also offers several new game features, including an all-new bank feature that provides extra storage capacity for weapons of devastation and the ability to gain two new skill points. Borderlands, rated M for Mature by the ESRB, is currently available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows PC. For more information, please visit www.borderlandsthegame.com.

Pantone Releases Apps and Cases for iPhone/iPod

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:42:07 +0000

Pantone today announced the myPantone X-Ref iPhone application and Web tool that let graphic, digital, multimedia, fashion, interior and industrial designers easily cross-reference all Pantone Color Libraries -“ from the Pantone Matching System and Pantone Goe to Pantone Fashion + Home. In addition to the new cross-referencing tools, Pantone is reducing the price of Pantone Goe specification products to make them even more affordable for all designers and printers to incorporate into their workflows. "In today's design world where creatives are expected to work across media, myPantone X-Ref makes it easier for designers, printers and manufacturers to select the most suitable Pantone Colors for their project requirements," said Ron Potesky, senior vice president and general manager of Pantone. "While the Pantone Matching System remains the global design standard for printing, publishing and advertising, there are benefits to adding other Pantone Color Libraries to your workflow, such as the Goe System or our Fashion + Home Color System. We are introducing X-Ref tools as well as reduced Goe pricing to enable designers to use various Pantone Color Libraries together more effectively." While many designers primarily rely on one Pantone Color Library for their day-to-day work, they regularly need to repurpose or create content for multiple media. For example:

Fashion designers use the Pantone Fashion + Home Color System to select fabric colors, but when it comes time to create all of the other elements that bring a garment to market, such as advertising campaigns, Web sites and even hang tags, they need to translate the original fabric color for print, packaging and Web. Using either of the X-Ref tools, designers can enter their Fashion + Home Colors and easily access the solid Goe color, CMYK, sRGB and H L values that most closely correspond in Pantone GoeBridge, getting all the color information they need to keep their colors accurate across all promotional activities.
Packaging and graphic designers who have traditionally worked with the Pantone Matching System may want to expand their color options with the Goe System's broader palette of 2,058 spot colors, which are more suitable for aqueous and UV coatings. The new X-Ref tools and reduced pricing for Goe products make it even easier for designers and printers to take advantage of using both Pantone Color Libraries.

Both myPantone X-Ref cross-referencing tools allow users to pick a Pantone Color, find matches in any other Pantone Library and display side-by-side color swatches for easy comparison. Additionally, the X-Ref iPhone application allows users to enter RGB or H L values and find the closest color in the Pantone Matching System, Pantone Goe System or Pantone Fashion + Home System. It also allows users to enter CMYK values and find the closest Pantone Matching System or Pantone Goe Color. Pantone developed the Goe System to complement the Pantone Matching System, the most widely used color system for almost 50 years. Goe contains a broad palette of 2,058 spot colors that are chromatically arranged for intuitive color selection. Goe colors are specially formulated with a set of 10 base inks that are readily available worldwide, are suitable for aqueous and UV coatings, and are printed at uniform ink film thicknesses, ensuring accurate color reproduction in today's multimedia workflow environments. Pricing, Availability and System Information The myPantone X-Ref iPhone application is available immediately for U.S. $1.99 for download at the Apple iPhone App Store. The myPantone iPhone application is also available for U.S. $9.99. myPantone X-Ref and myPantone are compatible with iPhone OS 3.0 or higher, and can be used on the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. Due to the limitations of the displays, Pantone Colors displayed on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad may not match Pantone identified standards. Please use current Pantone Color publications for accurate color. The myPantone X-Ref Web based tool is available free-of-charge at www.Pantone.com/xref. Pantone iPhone/iPod Cases Personalized Pantone iPhone and iPod Touch cases are now available in eight eye-catching hues on the Pantone Web site. Free laser engraving is offered on all orders and free logo engraving is available with orders of 10 or more. Pantone iPhone/iPod cases are available for U.S. $19.99 at www.Pantone.com/pages/ipodcase/product.aspx. (iPhone/iPod cases are only available in the U.S. and Canada at this time.)

MetroPCS Adds Automated VM to Text Service

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:43:01 +0000

MetroPCS Communications is the first national carrier in the United States to utilize fully automated voice mail-to-text service. This feature automatically converts a voice mail message to text message and sends the content as an SMS or email -“ eliminating the need to dial in and listen to voice mails or write down details. MetroPCS is one of the first carriers in the U.S. to take advantage of advances in automated speech recognition, offering a service that ensures privacy and much faster conversions than human-assisted solutions. The feature is powered by Yap, a leader in automated voice mail-to-text services. "Customers are keenly interested in the latest wireless innovation combined with the greatest value," said Roger D. Linquist, president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of MetroPCS. "Automated conversion of voice mails to text is the biggest innovation to voice mail in decades. By converting messages to text and sending along as email or SMS, MetroPCS voice mail becomes a convenient real-time communication tool akin to instant messaging and email itself." "We've truly reached a tipping point where the accuracy of fully automated voice mail-to-text solutions rival, and in some cases exceed that of human transcribed offerings," said Igor Jablokov, chief executive officer at Yap. "We worked very closely with the MetroPCS team to deploy a service that makes their subscribers' mobile experience more compelling. Voice mail transcriptions can be read, replied, forwarded, stored and searched, just like email." A key feature to the service is the inclusion of a voice file attached to a converted email message. The file can be saved as a keepsake for sentimental messages or reviewed to determine the caller's mood and inflection when necessary. MetroPCS offers automated voice mail-to-text service to customers as an a-la-carte add on for $3. Consumers can visit any of MetroPCS' authorized dealer locations and company-owned retail locations or visit MetroPCS' website at www.metropcs.com to sign up for service plans and choose voice mail-to-text.

Boingo Gives UK Customers Unlimited WiFi

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:43:56 +0000

Boingo Wireless has launched a new all-you-can-eat Internet access plan for laptops that includes every Boingo hotspot in the United Kingdom, making everyday WiFi access affordable and widely available throughout the UK. "Boingo UK" gives laptop users unlimited access to more than 5,240 hotspots for £14.95 per month. Usage outside the UK is billed at £0.09 or £0.13 per minute, and includes more than 120,000 additional hotspots across Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas. For the smartphone crowd, Boingo also offers unlimited access for WiFi enabled smartphones for £3.95 per month, which includes all 125,000+ hotspots. "Boingo Mobil"is available for the most popular smartphone platforms, including Android, Blackberry, iPhone/iPod Touch, Nokia Nseries and Eseries, SonyEricsson UIQ, and Windows Mobile devices. "Internet access over Wi-Fi has become an integral part of all of our lives, and now it's become affordable to add unlimited Wi-Fi access to your favorite laptop, netbook or smartphone if you live in the United Kingdom," said Dave Hagan, president and CEO of Boingo Wireless. "People won't have to worry what it will cost to connect around town, since it will all be included in the flat rate they signed up for." The new "Boingo UK" unlimited plan was launched in conjunction with Boingo's exclusive rollout at six major airports in the United Kingdom. Effective in March, Boingo became the exclusive provider of WiFi Internet service at London's Heathrow (LHR) and Stansted (STN) airports, as well as the Aberdeen (ABZ), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), and Southampton (SOU) airports. The product will also be offered at London Gatwick Airport (LGW), where Boingo has also secured exclusive Wi-Fi rights (see separate release out today). Boingo gives consumers WiFi hotspots by combining more than 125,000 locations from 167 leading WiFi operators around the world into a single worldwide network spanning 103 countries.

FlipFont to Be Released on Samung Galaxy S

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:44:55 +0000

[caption id="attachment_16306" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Samsung Galaxy"][/caption] Monotype has announced that its FlipFont mobile font download application will be included in a range of mobile devices from Samsung that are expected to ship in 2010. Samsung's Galaxy S, introduced last month at CTIA Wireless 2010, is the first product to feature FlipFont as an embedded application and provide users with the ability to enhance their mobile experience with fonts. Samsung's Galaxy S also represents the first mobile phone ever to integrate FlipFont as a built-in application. In addition, the device becomes the first FlipFont-supported phone based on the Android mobile platform. Monotype Imaging's FlipFont application provides the ability to preview, select, license and download type from an online selection of mobile-optimized fonts from Monotype Imaging's renowned Monotype, Linotype and ITC typeface collections. Users activate downloaded fonts for use on supported phones, enabling the display of menus and various applications in the chosen font. Users of supported Android-powered mobile phones from Samsung will have direct access to a selection of mobile-optimized fonts through Google's Android Marketplace. "I believe that our customers will benefit from the ability to tap into a wide range of distinctive fonts right from their mobile phone. FlipFont offers unique value that enhances the mobile user experience," said Dr. Hankil Yoon, vice president of Samsung's Mobile Communications Business. "Samsung's track record for innovation extends into the company's recognition that fonts can serve as a reflection of the individual user's personality," said John Seguin, executive vice president of Monotype Imaging. "With its commitment to taking the world in imaginative new directions, it's fitting that Samsung has taken a leadership position to endorse font downloading and bring FlipFont to the Android environment. Together we're focused on enabling more Samsung customers to enhance their phones with fonts." Further information about FlipFont, supported phones and mobile-optimized typefaces can be found at www.flipfont.com.

SoundHound Released for iPad

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:46:01 +0000

SoundHound today announced the launch of its SoundHound App for iPad on the App Store. The app is designed to be an immersive experience taking full advantage of iPad's revolutionary capabilities. "We believe iPad will revolutionize how media is consumed, and SoundHound on iPad takes music discovery and exploration to a whole new level," said Keyvan Mohajer, CEO of SoundHound. "Our app brings SoundHound to life in a new way, emphasizing both music recognition, and voice-directed searches that deliver stunning pages of rich content. The experience of SoundHound on iPad will radically change how people search, discover, share and interact with music." Features

Sing & Hum music recognition. If the user can carry a tune, SoundHound can identify and find it.
Voice-directed search. The user speaks the name of a song or artist they want to hear and gets it in seconds along with links to video, discography, artist info and more.
The SoundHound Ticker. A scrolling display of what people are hounding all around the world. By showing what songs inspire people all over the globe, the ticker fuels even greater music discovery.
One-tap provides fast access to all of SoundHound's rich content, and iPad's large screen space means there's more room to read about music and watch music videos.
Integrated Pandora radio station. Discover something new and cool on SoundHound and use Pandora to quickly create a new station around it.

The SoundHound App for iPad is available for $4.99 from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

SugarSync Provides Remote Data Access for iPad

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:47:51 +0000

SugarSync announced that the company's native iPad application has been approved by Apple, and was included in the new iPad App Store tomorrow for launch day. SugarSync's iPad app, a single application optimized for the iPad, Apple iPhone and iPod Touch, enables instant remote access to all of a user's data -“ making it extremely easy and convenient to view files and photos, stream an entire library of music, and share files with colleagues and friends. SugarSync syncs files and folders between any combination of Macs and Windows PCs and popular smartphones, with all files backed up to the SugarSync cloud. All data is then instantly available from the new SugarSync iPad app -“ no tethering or cables required. SugarSync also offers native mobile applications for Android, Blackberry and Windows Mobile, Key Benefits

Anytime, anywhere access to all files, photos and music
Instantly share remotely-stored files and media from your iPad with friends and colleagues
Stream your entire music library over the Internet from any computer (saving valuable iPad storage space for your favorite songs and videos)

Pandora iPad

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:46:16 +0000

Pandora iPad

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:46:52 +0000

Last Airbender DS

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:52:41 +0000

Last Airbender

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:53:17 +0000

2010_fifawc_newpk1

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:02:41 +0000

FIFA-2010

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:04:24 +0000

FIFA 2010 Soundtrack List and Demo Announced

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:32:37 +0000

Electronic Arts has revealed the 28 artists across 20 countries who will usher in the EA Sports 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa with an international soundtrack that celebrates the cultural vibrancy of the first FIFA World Cup to be held in Africa. EA Sports 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa captures the sounds and history of the musical landscape in Africa with a rhythmic, tribal blend of 28 songs that, through mass exposure to soccer, videogame and music fans, will become synonymous with the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa worldwide. Somali-born poet, musician and rapper, K'NAAN, headlines the soundtrack with his song "Wavin' Flag Coca-Cola Celebration Mix". A full playable demo of 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa for the PlayStation 3 will be available for downloadable at the Playstation Store, and for the Xbox 360 on Xbox Live Marketplace, beginning April 8 worldwide. Play as Spain or Italy and discover a soccer experience that brings to life the passion and emotion of the actual tournament. New players to the FIFA Soccer franchise will be able to choose to play the demo utilizing new Two-Button controls designed to enable new gamers to pass, shoot and compete for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with an accessible control scheme that utilizes just two buttons. In addition to playing a match soccer fans and gamers will be able to upload their replays from the demo to EA Football World for other fans to watch. "2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa is a landmark project in the evolution of world music and its African heritage," says Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Marketing at Electronic Arts. "We've brought together such legendary African artists as Nigerian drummer/activist Babatunde Olatunji, Senegal icon Baaba Maal, and -˜The Bob Marley of Ghana' Rocky Dawuni, with global superstars like Sergio Mendes and Nas & Damian Marley. But we're perhaps most proud of K'NAAN, the unsigned Somali artist we discovered in 2004 whose music has now appeared in five different EA Sports video games." To listen to streaming music clips from this EA Sports one-of-a-kind mix of music, learn more about the bands and get details about features in the 2010 FIFA World Cup videogame, visit http://www.fifa-world-cup.easports.com.

Pandora Now on the iPad

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:34:42 +0000

Pandora has announced the availibility of their personalized streaming radio app for the Apple iPad. To use Pandora you simply start with the name of one of your favorite artists, songs or classical composers and Pandora will create a "station" that plays their music and more music like it. The iPad version allows new user to sign up for an account. Existing users hust sign in. Pandora on the iPad is fully integrated with Pandora on the web. Enjoy all your existing stations - and create new ones right from your iPad. The Pandora app for iPad is available as a free download from the iTunes store. More information about functionality and features is located in the Pandora iPad FAQ.

Last Airbender Coming to Nintendo Systems

Laura — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:36:50 +0000

THQ has announced plans to bring The Last Airbender video game exclusively to the Wii system and Nintendo DS/Nintendo DSi systems in June 2010. Inspired by Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount Pictures highly anticipated summer blockbuster live-action theatrical film, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, The Last Airbender video game will deliver all-new unique features that bring to life the film's thrilling action and immerse players in the world of bending. "The Last Airbender video game boasts original gameplay elements that create an experience never previously seen before on the Wii system," said Doug Clemmer, Executive Vice President of THQ's Kids, Family & Casual Games. "The artistic in-game graphics and dynamic combat were designed to fully engage players, while providing an exhilarating and interactive gaming moment." "Through its thrilling storylines and distinctive characters, Avatar: The Last Airbender has built an enthusiastic fan base, and there is incredible anticipation building for the theatrical release," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys, Video Games & Consumer Electronics Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. "Fans will be able to master their bending skills and relive action-packed scenes from the movie, playing as either Aang, or through the unique perspective of the antagonist, Zuko." About The Last Airbender Video Game The Last Airbender video game revisits scenes from the film while providing the player a much more in depth experience. The game is told from the perspective of the antagonist Zuko, exiled prince of the Fire Nation, who embarks on a personal quest to capture the Avatar, a young boy named Aang, in order to regain his father's honor. Players will be able to embody three playable characters -“ Aang, Zuko and the Blue Spirit -“ and participate in epic battles, hand-to-hand combat and various intense challenges throughout the game. Utilizing the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, players will discover and master their bending powers by performing special hand movements that are specific to their character's abilities. The interactive, action adventure game, will allow players to learn how to manipulate air and fire, creating destructive forces such as Air Vortexes, Tornadoes, Fire Balls, and Fire Bombs, to take down enemies and progress through the game in order to fulfill their destiny. For more information about The Last Airbender video game, please visit www.thq.com.

Silverlight 4 Will be in the Spotlight at NAB and DevConnections

Doug — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:42:19 +0000

While Microsoft is set to release Silverlight 4 later this month, first Microsoft will be holding a launch event April 13. At DevConnections, Scott Guthrie will give a keynote where he share what's new in Microsoft's next version of Silverlight. Also next week, Microsoft at National Association of Broadcasters Show (NAB) will show off Silverlight Media Framework 2.0, which allows media companies to make complex media players -“ like the one NBC used for its Olympics coverage

Boingo Graph

Laura — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:47:24 +0000

Richard Morgan Portrait

Doug — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:50:49 +0000

iPad is Number 2 at Boingo Hot Spots

Laura — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:54:42 +0000

Boingo Wireless has revealed that the iPad is now the second most popular non-laptop device connecting to its WiFi networks, displacing Android devices and more than doubling the daily number of visits for the previous second place device. "It's stunning how quickly the iPad has established itself as a force in Wi-Fi," said Dave Hagan, president and CEO of Boingo Wireless. "After four days in market, it is already being more widely used than other Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices that have moved millions of units." The iPhone is still the indisputable king of mobile devices, representing nearly 90% of all non-laptop connections in Boingo's airports. The iPad registered 5.4% of all device connections, while Android tallied 2.5%. Blackberry phones and iPod Touch MP3 players accounted for less than 2% each of total visits. Windows Mobile was less than 1%. The above data represents all Wi-Fi enabled non-laptop devices in Boingo's managed network, which includes 58 airports, the Washington State Ferries, and several sporting arenas and convention centers. In the context of this data, a "connect" is any device that associated to the SSID, received an IP address and loaded the sales portal in the venue. It provides a representative sample of market penetration for the various platforms of WiFi enabled devices. Boingo gives consumers choice of WiFi hotspots by combining more than 125,000 locations from 167 leading WiFi operators around the world into a single worldwide network spanning 103 countries.

Richard Morgan to Write Crysis 2

Doug — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:17:20 +0000

Electronic Arts and Crytek announced that Richard Morgan, award-winning author of the science-fiction bestsellers -˜Altered Carbon' and -˜Broken Angels', is writing the story for this holiday's blockbuster action game, Crysis 2. Morgan is working with Crytek to bring his trademark visceral writing style to the project, which is his first entry into the video game medium. In Crysis 2, New York is under the attack of a unique and frightening alien species that combines deadly weaponry, exceptional sensory abilities and intelligent collaboration to present players with the most challenging opponents ever seen in a first person shooter. Surrounded by devastation, players must assess the situations they encounter, adapt to this urban jungle and use the weapons and powers given solely to them to save New York. Morgan enters this distressed world and brings it to life with gritty characters, a rich back-story and plot twists rarely found in video games. "Video games are one of the only things in my life I would qualify as a complete addiction," said Richard Morgan. "The medium has every bit the potential for exciting and emotionally charged storytelling as literature and film, and I'm excited to explore this format on my first project in partnership with a world class developer like Crytek." "At Crytek, we pride ourselves on working with the most elite talent in the industry, and Richard is no exception," said Cevat Yerli, CEO and President of Crytek. "He has helped us take our ideas for Crysis 2 and transform them into a story that really engages the player in many new and exciting ways. His passion for his craft and for games is a perfect match for our team and we can't wait for gamers to experience this collaboration." In Crysis 2, the aliens have returned with a full invasion force bent on nothing less than the total annihilation of mankind. In New York, terrifying alien invaders stalk the streets and a nightmare plague strikes down the city's myriad inhabitants with brutal epidemic speed. The city's systems are in chaos, its streets and skyline are smashed and in flaming ruin. Neither paramilitary law enforcement nor the might of the US military machine can stand against the invaders, and all who choose not to flee are dead men walking. Just to survive in this maelstrom of death will require technology beyond anything any modern soldier has ever seen. One man will inherit that means to survive. You alone must wield the combat technology of Nanosuit 2, and make the last stand to save humanity from destruction in the urban jungle that is New York City. Built on Crytek's new state-of-the art multiplatform game development system, CryENGINE 3, Crysis 2 will be available this holiday for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, and PC.

Remote Control

Laura — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:15:25 +0000

FEAR

Laura — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:32:26 +0000

PT Winterbottom

Laura — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:40:27 +0000

Samsung Spinpoint

Laura — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:55:48 +0000

TotalMedia Theater Receives Blu-ray 3D Certification

Laura — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 22:44:57 +0000

ArcSoft, the industry leading multimedia software provider, is proud to announce that ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre has received Blu-ray 3D (Profile 5.0) Certification from the Blu-ray Disc Association. This certification was recently awarded after ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre passed rigorous testing on rigid testing discs encoded with the new 3D standard, Multiview Video Coding (MVC). The specifications transform all graphic features into 3D, including 3D menus and 3D subtitles. This transformation brings users a sensational visually-stimulating movie-watching experience. "3D has successfully penetrated into consumer markets based on the popularity of 3D movies in the theaters," said George Tang, ArcSoft's Vice President and General Manager of Video and Home Entertainment Group. "With TotalMedia Theatre passing Blu-ray 3D certification, ArcSoft helps to carry this vibe further, allowing consumers to enjoy 3D at home." ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre supports playback of all three Blu-ray Disc video formats: MPEG-2, AVC, and VC1 as well as other high-definition content such as WMV HD, QuickTime HD, DivX HD, and H.264 HD. In addition, the software is now optimized with Intel's Core Processor Family so users can enjoy smooth and sharp Blu-ray playback with uncompressed HD sound effects. A new certified version of TotalMedia Theatre will soon be available for existing users as an upgrade. For more information, visit www.arcsoft.com/intouch/tmtbd3dpr.

Samsung Launches High Capacity Portable HD

Laura — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 22:46:14 +0000

Samsung has announced that its new Spinpoint MP4 2.5" internal hard drive offers the highest capacity, 640GB in 7200rpm premium mobile drives. Operating at a 7200rpm rotation speed and double cache size, the MP4 is ideal for high-performance mobile computing. The combination of faster spin speed, double cache size and improved caching algorithms delivers approximately 30% enhanced performance with 7200rpm rotation speed over 5400rpm speed. Enhanced performance is what gamers, multi-taskers and enthusiastic users yearn for from their computing systems. "Demonstrating Samsung's industry leadership in delivering advanced and high performing storage solutions, the Spinpoint MP4 offers the biggest capacity in what has previously been offered as an option for advanced data storage," said H.S. Lee, vice president, storage marketing, Samsung Electronics. "The large capacity and productivity improvements in the MP4 drive make it an optimal solution for our notebook PC and slim-desktop customers." Historically, high performance and fast spindle speed meant that the hard drive in operation ran the risk of high vibration, negatively affecting the overall reliability. MP4's improved motor design decreases the risk of disk imbalance and enhances its stability during read/write operation, compared to the Samsung's previous 7200rpm model. The Spinpoint MP4 features 7200rpm speed rotation, SATA 3.0 Gbps interface and Native Command Queuing functions for advanced performance. Equipped with Samsung's exclusive dynamic balancing technology, the drive's overall stability and reliability is optimized as a high performing solution. Samsung's proprietary SilentSeek and NoiseGuar technologies are incorporated in the drive to offer ultra quiet operation. The Spinpoint MP4 drive has a 16MB buffer memory and is available in 250GB to 640GB capacities. Initial shipments will be available to key manufacturing partners in April 2010

PT Winterbottom Meets Your PC on April 20

Laura — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 22:49:12 +0000

2K Play has announced that the critically acclaimed The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom will be available April 20, 2010 on Windows PC through Steam. The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom presents the comical escapades of the portly pie thief P.B. Winterbottom on his mad-capped pursuit of scrumptious brain-teasing pies that wreak frontal lobe havoc from the puzzle-filled euphoria of time manipulation and self-replication. Created by The Odd Gentlemen, The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom was originally released for Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360. The Windows PC version is being developed by 2K China. The game will be available exclusively on Steam and comes with many new appetizing ingredients, including expanded leaderboard options, new unlockable Steam achievements, five additional brain-teasing puzzles and Steam Cloud, which allows players to take the game with them on the road by accessing saved games from the Steam network. "The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom teases and excites fans at first glance because of its charming, silent film art style and biting humor; but the game's inner genius quickly surfaces and challenges fans to stretch their mental capabilities to solve complex puzzles," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "Are you smarter than The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom? It's time to find out." The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom is rated E for everyone by the ESRB. For more information on The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom please visit www.winterbottomgame.com

F.E.A.R.3 to Arrive This Fall

Laura — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 22:50:59 +0000

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced F.E.A.R. 3, a heart-pounding paranormal horror first person shooter unleashing intense combat, compelling narrative and co-op play that evolves the franchise. F.E.A.R. 3 is set to release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows PC in fall 2010. Alma returns in F.E.A.R. 3 but this time her sons Point Man and Paxton Fettel introduce divergent co-op, giving players distinctly different abilities affecting their own play as well as the experience of their co-op partner. Gamers participate in single player or co-op modes as Point Man, a genetically enhanced super soldier originally introduced in F.E.A.R., or they can play cooperatively as his conniving brother Paxton Fettel, whose incredible telekinetic power has given him life beyond the grave. The game is developed by Day 1 Studios, developer of the original F.E.A.R. console games in collaboration with Monolith Studios. "Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is evolving the F.E.A.R. brand with top horror, co-op and first person shooter combat in F.E.A.R. 3," said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "Monolith Productions has passed the torch to Day 1 Studios to create a quality, powerful game that stays true to the roots of the F.E.A.R. franchise but takes players to a heightened level of gameplay." To further ensure extreme terror in F.E.A.R. 3, legendary horror director John Carpenter (Halloween, Village of the Damned) and critically acclaimed horror comic and script writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) have provided consultation to enhance several of the game's frightening aspects. Steve Niles co-wrote the game script with the development team and John Carpenter provided his expertise in crafting the in-game cinematics. "After working closely with Monolith, Day 1 is honored to bring the next iteration of the F.E.A.R. franchise to gamers with key elements of the past games yet providing fresh combat and horror experiences in F.E.A.R. 3," said Denny Thorley, Founder and President, Day 1 Studios. "Players can look forward to new features such as divergent co-op, an evolved cover system, and more scares in F.E.A.R. 3." For more information about F.E.A.R. 3, please visit www.whatisfear.com.

A Greener Home Network from Green Peak

Laura — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 22:52:56 +0000

GreenPeak Technologies has announced that it is teaming up with the world's top Consumer Electronics companies, Service Providers and the ZigBee Alliance to help roll out the next big thing - The Third Wireless Network for home and office that is Green and conserves energy. Operating concurrently in the home with Wi-Fi internet and cordless phones, the third wireless network is based on the newly approved ZigBee RF4CE (Radio Frequency for Consumer Electronics) standard that is supported by the world's leading consumer electronic manufacturers. Remote controls are among the first applications to benefit from ultra low power ZigBee RF4CE. As ZigBee RF4CE is based on radio which penetrates walls, furniture, and floors, rather than line of sight optical IR (infra-red), this new generation of remote control means that users no longer have to point-and-shoot to their TV set or set top box to change channels or program the DVR. A single ZigBee RF4CE remote can control the entire home's electronic systems -“ TV, games, communications, home automation, audio, security, environment, etc. The GreenPeak ultra low power control network enables the remote controls to function on a single battery for a decade or more. "Not only are we making remotes that are essentially maintenance free," says Cees Links, Wi-Fi veteran and CEO and Founder of GreenPeak, "but by enabling remotes to run for ten times as long or more on a single battery, we are greatly slashing the amount of heavy metals, toxic chemicals and carbon footprint required for the creation and disposal of batteries." Other ZigBee RF4CE capabilities include a central "dashboard" function on the remote control that includes monitoring home energy consumption as well as a cool "Find-Me" feature. Find-Me enables users to press a button on their TV set or stereo and their hidden or lost remote will make itself known by blinking, beeping or even playing music. As part of the ZigBee family, ZigBee RF4CE is not limited to remote controls and can be used for many other low power, low data rate applications including controlling lighting, heating/air conditioning, locks, home automation, in-home health monitoring and alerts, etc. This year we expect to see the emergence of ZigBee light switches that do not require any batteries whatsoever and can be stuck anywhere in the home. The effort of turning the switch generates enough power to transmit an on or off signal to a lamp across the room.

Myna Time

Laura — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:57:34 +0000

NCAA 11

Laura — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:25:53 +0000

Getting Fit with MynaTime and Mac

Laura — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:40:17 +0000

Vaura Inc. is hoping to revolutionize the way people workout with their new product MynaTime, personal workout software for the Macintosh. The MynaTime fitness application offers a new way to exercise as users enjoy the control and freedom of having their own assistant talk them step-by-step through workouts easily created as plain text. MynaTime converts the text to voice and speaks instructions in real time during a workout, all set to the users favorite music, with Apple's text-to-speech voice, Alex. From weightlifting and yoga to running and physical therapy, MynaTime is ideal for any activity that can be represented as a series of timed actions. With less than a page of text, most workouts can be expressed in detail, including the sequence of exercises, rest periods, weight, target heart rate and more. "It's like having a buddy with a stopwatch working out right next to you. You don't need to worry about time, counting reps, or how many pounds to use," explains Joe Klingler, Vaura's president, who personally uses the software daily for yoga, weight training and pre-ski season workouts. The MynaTime workout assistant is a useful exercise tool not just for professional athletes and trainers. The software has great potential in the fields of physical therapy, coaching or for those seeking better fitness. Virtually anyone can use MynaTime to build a customized workout, have that workout spoken back, automatically count down each exercise, auto-create an iCal exercise journal, record video for improved form and export workouts to any iPod or iPhone. MynaTime is designed to work with a Macintosh and seamlessly integrate music through iTunes to the users' computer, iPod or iPhone. MynaTime is available online through Amazon.com for $34.95 plus shipping. Check out http://www.MynaTime.com/MynaTime_Exercise_Software/Guided_Tour_Large.html for an online guided tour of how the software works. MynaTime requires Mac OS X version 10.5 and includes sample files illustrating its use for weightlifting, yoga, cycling and physical therapy.

Lt Fly

Laura — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:43:12 +0000

Tebow Featured on NCAA 11 Cover

Laura — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:48:29 +0000

Electronic Arts has announced that former University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow will be featured on the cover of EA Sports NCAAFootball 11, available in stores July 13th. Tebow is celebrated as one of the greatest college football players in history and is revered as an ambassador of college football. Tebow was the first sophomore in history to win the coveted Heisman Trophy following his 2007 season as the Florida Gators' starting quarterback. In that season, Tebow became the first player in NCAA history to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in a single season. Tebow is one of the most decorated college quarterbacks in history, winning the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's best quarterback in 2007 and becoming only the second player in NCAA history to earn the Maxwell Award, given to the nation's top football player, on two occasions. NCAA Football is designed to provide the ultimate experience for the true football fan, delivering the excitement and pageantry that can only be found in college football. NCAA Football 11 will give players 120 ways to win with real college offenses that, for the first time ever, reflect the authentic style of every NCAA FBS school. NCAA Football 11 recreates the intensity of college football Saturdays, achieving all-new levels of quality in core gameplay for the award-winning franchise. With the major game features scheduled to be announced between now and launch, football fans are encouraged to visit http://www.ncaafootball11.com regularly for the most up-to-date information, including insider blogs written by the NCAA Football 11 development team. NCAA Football 11 will be available on the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3.

UPS Mobile App Comes to Android

Laura — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:50:33 +0000

UPS has announced its next entry for the mobile market with the UPS Mobile App for Android. It not only ships and tracks packages but also finds the nearest UPS location. The App is the latest in a suite of mobile applications UPS has developed for shipping decision-makers such as small business owners and on-the-go professionals like salespeople and repair people. The Android App joins other UPS Mobile applications for the iPhone and BlackBerry -“ all of which are also targeted to consignees who benefit from the ability to quickly track shipments. Available now for free downloading at Android Market, the new App enables Android users to track shipments, create shipments using the My UPS address book, calculate shipping rates and time-in-transit and then find the nearest UPS location. "UPS Mobile is a great complement to the UPS brand because -“ just like our drivers -- mobile technology is about efficiency, access and convenience," said Jordan Colletta, vice president of customer technology marketing at UPS. "The new UPS Mobile App for Android extends our unsurpassed mobile accessibility and places UPS at the fingertips of our customers on the go." Developed exclusively for use on Android (version 1.6 and higher), the new UPS Mobile App doesn't require log-in for tracking. But when logged in, the application shows a history of tracked shipments and automatically refreshes when the application is opened. UPS tracking numbers also can be nicknamed for quick reference. Android users can access their My UPS Address Book and Preferences and create shipping labels, which can be e-mailed in a PDF file for printout. Once the label is printed, customers can use the application's "find locations" feature to easily find a UPS drop-off location.

New iPhone Release from Namco

Laura — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:53:27 +0000

Namco has announced the launch of Lt. Fly Rise of the Arachnids on iPhone and iPod touch. Available for $1.99 on Apple's App Store, Lt. Fly Rise of the Arachnids is a hybrid of genres combining aspects of Match 4 and Shooter gameplay. Developed by Teravision Games, the game includes over 20 levels and competitive multiplayer over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and is designed to keep the action intense. The new title incorporates a multitasking element into the traditional matching mechanic. The player collects ammo by matching 4 blocks of the same color and then uses the ammo to destroy the falling spiders on the right side of the screen. Different color blocks provide special attacks which can be used to blow away the oncoming spiders. "We wanted to add some intense action to the usual Match-3 genre. Fans will be addicted to the fast-paced gameplay and unlocking powerups," said Jonathon Kromrey, general manager of Apple Games for Namco Networks. The title features Facebook Connect, which allows fans to share scores and in-game achievements. For more information on Namco's collection of iPhone/iPod touch games, please visit namcogames.com.

Control4 iPad App

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:14:30 +0000

Scanner

Laura — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:28:12 +0000

Laser Jet

Laura — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:29:57 +0000

Scanner

Laura — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:33:17 +0000

New iPad App for Control4-Enabled Smart Homes (With Video)

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:35:56 +0000

Control4 has announced the Control4 My Home application for iPad, which was developed in collaboration with Control UI. In a Control4-enabled smart home, users will be able to access lighting, temperature, music, video, security systems, web cameras and more from an Apple iPad. Available now on the iTunes App Store, the Control4 My Home app has been selected as an Apple staff favorite for iPad apps. Control4 provides home automation through an extensible operating system that integrates energy using devices and systems in the home, including, audio and video equipment, lighting systems, motorized shades, and security systems. With the new, specially designed Control4 My Home app for iPad, homeowners can use their iPad as an interface to their Control4 system to create personalized experiences such as custom lighting scenes; to conveniently control entertainment systems; or to take advantage of energy savings with programmable thermostats and other -˜green' settings. Later in the year, homeowners will be able to use Control4 My Home in conjunction with a Control4 4Sight remote monitoring subscription to turn lights on and off, lock or unlock doors, or access IP video cameras and security systems from the Internet, providing increased home security and peace of mind. "Consumers want the devices in their home to be integrated and easy to use. The Control4 Operating System is designed to do just that. Many of our customers use touch screens to access their Control4 system and the iPad is a great platform that meets the needs of many homeowners for exactly this task," said Will West, Chief Executive Officer of Control4. "We think the iPad is an important platform for homeowners looking for a smarter home and believe that when combined with Control4 My Home we will continue to push forward the mainstream adoption of affordable home control technologies that make our lives easier." Control4 homeowners can immediately download Control4 My Home for iPad and authenticate to their Control4 system with a Mobile Navigator license obtained from a Control4 dealer. Consumers interested in a Control4 system can visit www.control4.com to locate a dealer near them.

Verizon Wireless and Sprint Each Carried Over 16 Billion More Megabytes of Mobile Network Data Than AT&T in 2009

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:37:47 +0000

In 2009, AT&T's network issues may have led some to conclude that its network was carrying the most data traffic. But according to ABI Research, Verizon Wireless carried the most, followed by Sprint. Customers of these two operators generated 63% of the US market's mobile network data traffic. Says practice director, Dan Shey, "Interestingly AT&T had the most activated data devices in 2009. But it is laptop mobile data connections that have the most impact on operator data traffic levels. Mobile broadband laptop connections to Verizon and Sprint each far exceed AT&T's laptop connections." A high proportion of Sprint's and Verizon's laptop connections are to lower data-consuming business customers, as well as expansive 3G coverage areas, which helps moderate their network traffic loads across any cell sector. Verizon will maintain the top data traffic position over the next five years. AT&T's share of mobile data traffic will increase and by 2012 AT&T will take the number two position. The final three spots for top mobile data traffic levels will be held by Sprint, T-Mobile and then all other operators. However, even though operator traffic distribution share will change, nearly all operators will see mobile data traffic levels increase eightfold from 2010 through 2014. Shey quips that operators can glean two different messages from these results. "Verizon Wireless and Sprint can claim that data network coverage is as important as data network speed. But AT&T can claim that it makes the most money per MB!"

Plug and Print with New HP Laser Printers

Laura — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:38:49 +0000

HP has bolstered the HP LaserJet Pro printer line with a new "plug and print" technology that allows customers to begin printing in as little as two minutes by simply connecting a netbook, notebook or desktop PC to the printer with a USB cable -“ no CD required. New monochrome printers featuring HP Smart Install include the HP LaserJet Pro P1100 Printer series, the HP LaserJet Pro M1130/M1210 Multifunction Printer (MFP) series and the HP LaserJet Pro P1566/P1606dn Printer series. HP also unveiled the HP Scanjet Professional 1000 Mobile Scanner, the company's first portable scanner for fast, on-the-go scanning without the need for batteries or an AC adapter. "Our customers demand easy printing and we're giving it to them -“ no clumsy CD-ROMs to install, no drivers to download," said Ron Coughlin, senior vice president, LaserJet and Enterprise Solutions, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. "HP Smart Install offers the future of printing, today." The new HP LaserJet Pro lineup features a sleek, black finish and delivers professional, cost-effective results while enabling small and midsize businesses (SMBs) to reduce their environmental impact. The printers feature new HP Auto-On Technology, which senses activity -“ such as when a print job is sent to the printer -“ and awakens the device automatically from "off" mode. It complements HP Auto-Off Technology, which automatically adjusts the power settings and turns the printer off when there is no print activity. The HP LaserJet Pro P1100 Printer series ($129-$149), features wireless functionality and is the company's smallest, most affordable laser printer. Offering fast print speeds, professional print quality, an intuitive control panel and HP Auto-On/Auto-Off technology, HP LaserJet P1102 and P1102w printers help customers affordably increase efficiency. Ranging in price from $149 to $199, the HP LaserJet Pro M1130/M1210 MFP series is one of the lowest-priced full-featured laser MFPs on the market. The compact MFP series includes four models with embedded Ethernet connectivity and energy-saving features such as HP Auto-On/Auto-Off Technology and HP Instant-on Copy. In addition, the series enables SMBs to copy a duplex ID onto one page with ID Copy. The HP LaserJet Pro P1566 Printer ($179) and HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn Printer ($229)(5) offer exceptional quality, performance and value for SMBs. With fast print speeds, automatic duplexing to save paper, and embedded Ethernet connectivity,(7) these new desktop printers enable customers to enhance productivity for everyday tasks. The HP LaserJet Pro P1102w and P1606dn Printers are available now for purchase worldwide, while the HP LaserJet Pro P1102 and P1566 Printer models are available now for purchase in Asia and Europe. The HP LaserJet Pro M1100/1200 MFP series is expected to be available for purchase worldwide next month. In addition, the company is unveiling HP LaserJet Black Print Cartridge Dual Packs to help SMBs reduce the cost of high-volume printing. Beginning next month, dual packs for the HP LaserJet P2055 Printer series, HP LaserJet P1505 Printer series and HP LaserJet P1005/P1006 Printers will be available worldwide except in China and India, where dual packs for the HP LaserJet P1007/P1008 Printer will be available. Weighing only 1.4 pounds, the ultracompact, portable HP Scanjet Professional 1000 Mobile Scanner ($249)(5) enables business customers to scan documents in the office, at client locations or in the field. Featuring HP Instant-on Scanning Technology to save energy, the scanner can quickly scan two-sided documents in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, from embossed cards to long forms, and save them in different file formats. The HP Scanjet Professional 1000 Mobile Scanner is available now for purchase worldwide. Additional information on HP's expanded imaging and printing portfolio for SMBs is available at www.hp.com/go/plugandprint.

1018p

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:52:00 +0000

Bulletstorm

Laura — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:56:45 +0000

Eee PC 1018P is 1st to Leverage AuthenTec's TruePrint Smart Sensor

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:00:28 +0000

AuthenTec has announced that ASUS introduced the world-™s first netbook to incorporate AuthenTec-™s TruePrint smart sensor and TrueSuite identity management software, the new Eee PC 1018P. The AES1660 TruePrint smart sensor and complementary TrueSuite identity management software are among AuthenTec-™s growing consumer notebook and netbook offerings, and part of the Company-™s strategy to introduce new sensors and software to address opportunities in this growing market segment. According to IDC, netbooks had a breakthrough year in 2009, with over 30 million units shipped -“ up from the 10 million netbooks shipped in 2008. For 2010, IDC forecasts that nearly 40 million netbooks will ship. "AuthenTec-™s smart sensor and TrueSuite software is an excellent turnkey addition to our Eee PC 1018P, offering users one-touch access to their digital identity and favorites," said James Tung, ASUS Deputy Product Director. "We continue to build on our leadership in the netbook market with innovative functions and features, and are extremely pleased to be the first to market with AuthenTec-™s all-in-one security and identity management solution." The Eee PC 1018P is the second ASUS netbook to integrate an AuthenTec sensor; the Eee PC 1004DN was the world-™s first fingerprint-enabled netbook, and incorporated AuthenTec-™s AES1610 sensor. At 0.7 inches (18mm) when closed, the aluminum-clad Eee PC 1018P is ASUS-™ thinnest netbook to date, and is equipped with Windows 7 Starter, a choice of Intel-™s 1.6 GHz N455 or 1.83 GHz N475 Atom Processors, 1 GB of RAM, a 250 GB Hard Disk Drive, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity, and a high-definition 10.1-inch screen. AuthenTec-™s AES1660 TruePrint smart sensor offers the expanded functionality, biometric performance, low-power consumption, multiple packaging and form factor options, and low bill of materials cost needed for easy integration into consumer notebooks and netbooks. This 128-pixel wide sensor incorporates LED drivers for enhanced PC user feedback including programmable alerts and notifications.

Apple Releases Mac OS X 10.6.3 v1.1 Update

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:03:20 +0000

Last night Apple released Mac OS X 10.6.3 v1.1 update, only two weeks after Apple updated Mac OS X to v10.6.3. The Apple has not provided any specific details regarding changes in this minor update. This latest version is approximately 65MB heavier than update of two week ago. Mac OS X 10.6.3 v1.1 is now available directly from Apple's support site or via Software Update.

Bulletstorm to Release in 2007

Laura — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:04:50 +0000

Epic Games, People Can Fly and Electronic Arts have confirmed the development of Bulletstorm, a new original intellectual property from the teams behind the award-winning, multiple million-selling Gears of War, Unreal Tournament and Painkiller series of games. Set to release in 2011, Bulletstorm brings new furor to first-person shooter action with its signature -˜kill with skill' gameplay, which is packed with blockbuster moments. "Bulletstorm is the kind of game we love to make because it's pure, unadulterated entertainment," said Epic Games President Dr. Michael Capps. "People Can Fly has created a wildly fun first-person shooter that looks gorgeous running on the latest Unreal Engine 3 technology, and the skillshot system is a welcome addition to the genre. We can't wait to see how everyone reacts to seeing Bulletstorm." Bulletstorm tells the story of a futuristic confederation protected by an elite band of mercenaries: Dead Echo. When Dead Echo members Grayson Hunt and Ishi Sato learn they've been working for the wrong side, they're betrayed by their commander and exiled to the far reaches of the galaxy. In Bulletstorm, Grayson and Ishi find themselves surrounded by hordes of mutants and flesh eating gangs in an abandoned paradise. They have two objectives: get off the planet alive, and exact revenge on the man who sent them there. Players step into the role of Grayson Hunt complete with an arsenal of over-the-top combat moves and outrageously large guns. Bulletstorm's array of distinct -˜skillshots' is designed to produce unprecedented levels of frantic gameplay and yell-inducing satisfaction. The skillshot system rewards players for inciting mayhem in the most creative way possible. The more insane the skillshot, the more points players collect to upgrade their character and unlock weapons, which then allows them to execute even more creative moves and exaggerated skillshots. "We're very excited to work with Epic Games and People Can Fly on this new project. The first time we laid eyes on Bulletstorm, we instantly knew this is going to be the next big hit from these two great studios delivering yet again an entirely new experience for shooter fans," said Senior Vice President and General Manager of EA Partners, David DeMartini. Poised to be one of next year's most anticipated original games, Bulletstorm will be available for the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 and PC. For more information on Bulletstorm, see www.facebook.com/bulletstorm or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bulletstorm.

Windows Vista R Has Reached "End of Support"

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:29:21 +0000

If you are still running the RTM version of Vista, Microsoft is giving you a good reason to go Vista SP 2, it has now officially hit "End of Support" status. We here at ToT think you would be doing yourself a bigger favor by going out buying yourself an upgrade to Windows 7. End of Support means you can no longer receive support benefits from Microsoft and will need to upgrade to a supported service pack (Windows Vista SP1 or Windows Vista SP2) to continue receiving security updates, hotfixes or assisted support from Microsoft. Staying on a supported service pack is the only way to ensure continued access to security updates and the ability to escalate support issues within Microsoft. In addition to the end of support, Microsoft also announced changes to the Service Pack Support policy. The revised policy allows Microsoft support professionals to make best effort to provide limited break/fix troubleshooting to customers on unsupported service packs, even without custom support contracts, and help them migrate to a supported service pack. Microsoft requires customers to transition to a supported service packs to receive hotfixes, security updates, time zone updates, or access to sustained engineering. Additional information is available www.windows.com/end-of-support.

KIN

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:36:48 +0000

microsoft-kin-0011

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:37:29 +0000

KIN Media Sync for Mac handled by Mark/Space

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:40:49 +0000

Mark/Space, the Missing Sync people, will have an app to sync the new MS phones to the Mac. The KIN Media Sync for Mac brings tools for syncing music, videos and photos between the phone and Mac. The software will support the use of media from iTunes and iPhoto on the mac. What support for Zune music will be available has not been shared. Mark/Space has not commented if it will contain other file sharing features such as syncing text messages and call history, or transferring Microsoft Word and Excel documents. KIN Media Sync is planned for release in May, around the same time as the KIN One and Two themselves. No price has been stated yet.

C200

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:48:37 +0000

s10-3s

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:55:26 +0000

Flip Slide HD

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:03:51 +0000

Flip Slide HD

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:05:00 +0000

New Flip Slide HD Pocket Video Recorder

Doug — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:14:40 +0000

Cisco has launched the Flip Slide HD as its first major pocket camera upgrade since taking over Flip. The new design allows a greater emphasis on watching over capturing; the feature is reinforced by the new addition of a 3.5mm headphone jack. The camera still records at 720p without optical zoom or image stabilization. Storage has been doubled versus the Flip Ultra HD to 16GB of room, or about four hours of 720P raw video. A compression tool can pack this down to 12 hours. HDMI comes via an optional adapter. Cisco is already shipping the Mac- and Windows-ready camcorder. The Amazon price is $279.99.

XCom

Laura — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 04:23:51 +0000

Homestyler

Laura — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 04:48:43 +0000

lynda

Laura — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:01:25 +0000

WinZip Box

Laura — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:11:59 +0000

WinZip Screen

Laura — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:12:37 +0000

2K Games Revamping Xcom Franchise

Laura — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:32:42 +0000

2K Games has announced that XCOM, the re-imagining of one of gaming's most storied and beloved franchises, is currently in development at 2K Marin, the studio behind the multi-million unit selling BioShock 2. Currently in development exclusively for the Xbox 360 and Windows PC, XCOM combines the strategic core of the groundbreaking franchise with a suspense-filled narrative and distills it into a tense and unique first-person shooter experience. "With BioShock 2, the team at 2K Marin proved themselves as masters of first-person, suspenseful storytelling, and with XCOM they will re-imagine and expand the rich lore of this revered franchise," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "Players will explore the world of XCOM from an immersive new perspective and experience firsthand the fear and tension of this gripping narrative ride." XCOM is the re-imagining of the classic tale of humanity's struggle against an unknown enemy that puts players directly into the shoes of an FBI agent tasked with identifying and eliminating the growing threat. True to the roots of the franchise, players will be placed in charge of overcoming high-stake odds through risky strategic gambits coupled with heart-stopping combat experiences that pit human ingenuity -“ and frailty -“ against a foe beyond comprehension. By setting the game in a first-person perspective, players will be able to feel the tension and fear that comes with combating a faceless enemy that is violently probing and plotting its way into our world. XCOM is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on XCOM please visit www.XCOM.com.

Free Home Design Software from Autodesk

Laura — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:33:59 +0000

Autodesk has announced the launch of Autodesk Homestyler -“ free online software for 2D and 3D home design and remodeling projects. Autodesk Homestyler is made to be an easy to use web service that helps home owners and design professionals create room layouts and floor plans with generic and branded content including appliances, fixtures, furnishings, and other building products from Dacor, DuPont, FLOR, Inc., Kohler, Merillat, Sherwin-Williams and other leading manufacturers. Previously available on Autodesk Labs as a technology preview known as Project Dragonfly, Homestyler is now available at www.homestyler.com. One of the biggest challenges in home remodeling is envisioning the finished project. Making the wrong design and product selection decisions can lead to project delays, expensive changes and overall dissatisfaction with the process and end result. Autodesk Homestyler is designed to help homeowners easily explore and experiment with different brands, styles, colors and layouts before they start a project, thereby increasing confidence in their decisions and ultimately their satisfaction with the end result. With no training required, users can create floor plans with drag-and-drop rooms, doors and furnishings; easily experiment with finishes and visualize design ideas in 3D with a single click; and easily share designs with friends, family and professionals to get their feedback. The Autodesk Homestyler service is free and accessible from most standard Web browsers with no download or installation necessary. "Kitchen remodeling can be challenging because it's difficult for consumers to picture the end result," said Susan Prater, director of marketing services, Masco Builder Cabinet Group. "We know how important it is for homeowners to -˜see' our innovative products in a real environment, so by making Merillat cabinetry available via Autodesk's easy-to-use Homestyler service, we will enable homeowners to easily create and visualize their dream kitchens as real kitchens." Autodesk Homestyler offers building product manufacturers a new channel to reach and educate consumers on their brands and products. It also offers manufacturers a means of attracting and engaging with visitors to their own web sites with an embedded version. Powered by the Autodesk Seek web service, all brands and products included in the Autodesk Homestyler catalog are also available for discovery and download by professional designers and architects using Seek in combination with AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit based design software. "Over a million people experienced Autodesk Homestyler during the technology preview, creating more than 45,000 saved designs and making it one of the fastest growing, free 3D home design tools," said Jeff Wright, senior director, Autodesk Content Network. "We're proud to join with some of the industry's leading manufacturers to bring Autodesk Homestyler to new audiences and help millions more homeowners with their decorating and remodeling projects." For more information on Autodesk Homestyler, visit Facebook, watch the YouTube Channel, see Flickr images or follow @PrjctDragonfly on Twitter.

Boingo Adds 1600+ Hotspots in Japan

Laura — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:35:29 +0000

Boingo Wireless is adding more than 1,600 additional locations in Japan through a roaming partnership with NTT Communications, one of the largest Wi-Fi providers in Asia. This brings Boingo's total footprint to well over 6,500 hotspots in Japan and 125,000 hotspots around the world. The addition of the hotspots to the Boingo Roaming Network maximizes Boingo's reach in Japan and enables people to get online with their smartphones or laptop computers in the most popular locations across the country. Boingo customers can get online at NTT Communications Wi-Fi locations immediately; select Boingo Platform Service Partners that wholesale Boingo's global WiFi access products, and their customers, will gain access in the future. NTT Communications locations include selected venues of: New Otani and Prince Hotels; restaurants such as Global-Dining chains; coffee shops like PRONTO and Tully's Coffee; as well as retailers, business facilities, libraries, airports, and train stations along the country's major business backbone. "The addition of NTT Communications' extensive Wi-Fi network means that Boingo customers now have Internet access to just about every commercial hotspot in Japan," said Allen Pan, director of Asia for Boingo Wireless. "Given the quality of their network and the premium locations they control, this is an exceptional addition for Boingo." In addition, select NTT Communications Wi-Fi customers are also able to access Boingo's owned and operated neutral host airport network, which includes the top airports in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as the WSDOT Ferries Division Wi-Fi network in the Seattle, Washington area. "NTT Communications and Boingo share the same standard for high-quality, high-speed Wi-Fi service, which is why this is such a natural collaboration," said Ryuichi Hara, General Manager and Vice President, Business Network Services Division, NTT Communications. "Our customers will be able to have the same seamless Internet experience they know from NTT Communications on the Boingo network, while Boingo customers can rely on NTT Communications' fast connections." Boingo gives consumers the best choice of Wi-Fi hotspots by combining more than 125,000 locations from 167 leading Wi-Fi operators into a single worldwide network spanning 103 countries.

New CS5 Training at lynda.com

Laura — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:39:37 +0000

lynda.com has released 12 courses covering the products in the Adobe Creative Suite. Course topics include Photoshop CS5, Dreamweaver CS5, Flash CS5, Illustrator CS5, InDesign CS5, After Effects CS5, Premiere Pro CS5, Flash Catalyst CS5, Fireworks CS5, Encore CS5, and Bridge CS5 tutorials. 10 percent of the tutorials in each of these courses are free to non-members. The CS5 training includes 10 New Features courses, one Creative Techniques course, and one Essential Training course: After Effects CS5 New Creative Techniques (2:37) After Effects CS5 New Features (1:21) Dreamweaver CS5 New Features (1:33) Encore CS5 New Features (0:44) Fireworks CS5 New Features (0:30) Flash Catalyst CS5 Essential Training (4:36) Flash Professional CS5 New Features (0:58) Illustrator CS5 New Features (1:54) InDesign CS5 New Features (2:45) Photoshop and Bridge CS5 for Photographers New Features (2:47) Photoshop CS5 New Features (2:47) Premiere Pro CS5 New Features (1:30) lynda.com now has over 24 hours of Adobe CS5 training available, with more being released in the coming weeks. The CS5 courses augment the already over 340 Adobe Creative Suite courses in the lynda.com Online Training Library, from early CS versions, CS2, CS3, and CS4 titles. On April 30, lynda.com will be releasing over 75 hours of additional CS5 training. "We have worked tirelessly to complete this training in tandem with Adobe's release dates," said Lynda Weinman, co-founder of lynda.com. "Our goal is to help CS5 users to get up to speed on all the applications in this collection of top Adobe products, and to help others with making upgrading decisions. Our course selection underscores our commitment to providing high-quality video training content for a wide range of Creative Suite users, no matter what version, including those wanting to learn on the go with our free iPhone App." To view the free segments of all the Adobe Creative Suite training tutorials, and to view more detailed product information, please visit lynda.com Adobe CS5 Tutorials and Training.

WinZip 14.5 Available Now!

Laura — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:42:03 +0000

WinZip Computing has announced the release of WinZip 14.5, a new update to its file compression software. Optimized for Microsoft Windows 7 and featuring an Office 2010-style ribbon user interface (UI), this latest WinZip release unveils numerous key features and offers a more enjoyable, intuitive and streamlined user experience. WinZip 14.5 dramatically simplifies file zipping and unzipping for quick, efficient and secure uploading and downloading, email transmission and data backup. "Every day, more and more personal and business information is sent through email and saved on computers and networks. Driven by security and privacy concerns along with the need to maximize bandwidth efficiency and storage capacity, WinZip's versatile file compression, encryption and backup technology is more relevant and in greater demand than ever," said Patrick Nichols, President of WinZip. "Customers tell us they rely on WinZip to save space and time and help them protect their confidential files and critical data. With WinZip 14.5, we've given them what they've asked for-”features that simplify the product, making it easier to take advantage of all its power and value," said Tim Hale, Vice President of eCommerce and Marketing at WinZip. "WinZip 14.5 works the way you think," Hale continued. "Its new ribbon UI puts key features front and center and straightforward options increase user productivity." New Features in WinZip 14.5

Microsoft Office 2010-style ribbon interface places key WinZip functionality right at the user's fingertips, simplifying essential tasks and increasing productivity
'Zip' button on Home tab lets the user first select the files they want to zip then create a new Zip file-”a new paradigm for Zip file software
'1-Click Unzip' option automatically extracts the content of a Zip file to a folder it creates, then opens the folder in Windows Explorer, providing easy editing access
'Auto Open' feature automatically extracts and opens a zipped document, spreadsheet, or presentation in its associated Microsoft Office 2010 or 2007 application by simply double clicking the Zip file within Windows Explorer or Microsoft Outlook
'Attach to E-mail' button lets users email a Zip file instantly and provides advanced options like 'best method' compression and file encryption, as well as the ability to resize photos so they send faster and fit standard computer screens
'Encrypt' check box makes it easier than ever to secure confidential files using password-based AES encryption
'Backup' tab reveals innovative capabilities for protecting data files, including a choice of predefined backups for documents, desktop, email, etc., a wizard for creating custom backup, and a way to backup photos directly from a digital camera

System Requirements WinZip 14.5 is optimized to support Windows 7 features, including Jump Lists, Libraries, Windows Explorer preview, Multi-Touch Gestures. WinZip 14.5 also works with Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000. Availability WinZip 14.5 is available now with prices starting at $29.95 (USD) for WinZip Standard and $49.95 (USD) for WinZip Pro. Multi-user license discounts are also available. Registered customers of WinZip 14, as well as other WinZip customers with valid upgrade assurance or maintenance, qualify for a free upgrade to WinZip 14.5. Customers of previous WinZip versions not covered by upgrade assurance or maintenance may upgrade for 50% off new license list prices. Visit www.winzip.com to purchase WinZip 14.5, upgrade a license or download a free trial. Visit www.winzip.com/whatsnew145.htm for a complete list of all the new features in WinZip 14.5.

Lenovo's New C200 Nettop and IdeaPad S10-3s

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:48:25 +0000

Lenovo has unveiled two new consumer PCs that keep users entertained wherever life takes them. Lenovo's newest all-in-one, the C200 with optional NVIDIA ION graphics, and the IdeaPad S10-3s with its slim profile and new colors and patterns, offer consumers sleek form factors and a variety of features to help enjoyably pursue all their computing needs. Lenovo C200 Sporting an 18.5 inch HD 16:9 widescreen display, up to NVIDIA ION 256MB graphics processor for high definition video support and an optional single-touch touchscreen panel, the C200 is an affordable and fun family PC with a sleek, compact design. This all-in-one computer, available with up to Intel Atom Dual Core processor D510, and complete with an integrated DVD reader/writer. The C200 features integrated stereo speakers and the Lenovo High-Sense Webcam, which boasts a large len and finer color and shading sensitivity to create clearer images and greater contrast, especially in low-light environments. The C200 is equipped with the Lenovo Rescue System -“ a quick and easy solution to back up and restore important data files. With the touch of a button users can easily restore their lost data, allowing consumers to enjoy a worry-free computing experience. IdeaPad S10-3s Netbook The S10-3s has a 16mm profile and comes with the new Intel Atom N470 or N450 processor. It is available in black, white or a "spring flowers" cover pattern to suit users' individual style. The S10-3s offers a familiar typing experience similar to a full size laptop with its 98% full-size chiclet keyboard, with individually-spaced and rounded keys. Users can now get on the web even faster with Quick Start, which enables access to a range of applications, multimedia files and Web browsing without booting to the Windows desktop operating system. The S10-3s comes with Dolby Headphone audio that helps bring music and videos to life, while DirectShare allows users to instantly sync their files wirelessly with any other type and brand of computer, without even connecting to the web. With MapLife location-based mapping, users can discover new places that could create life's next exciting moment. By detecting a user's location from a simple Wi-Fi connection, MapLife will use context-based mapping to display nearby points of interest. The S10-3s also features Active Protection System (APS) -“ a feature previously found only on Lenovo's premium ThinkPad and IdeaPad laptops, but now fitted as standard across the S10-3 netbook range. And with VeriFace face recognition technology and OneKey Rescue System data recovery and anti-virus tools. Like all 3^rd generation Lenovo netbooks, users can choose from 802.11b/g/n, WWAN, 3G and Bluetooth. Pricing and Availability The Lenovo C200 all-in-one desktop is available beginning in April on Lenovo.com and through select retailers and will start at $399. The IdeaPad S10-3s is available beginning in mid-April on Lenovo.com and will start at $379.

FLO TV

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:05:17 +0000

FLO TV Going More Social

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:11:38 +0000

FLO TV Incorporated has announced that it is working to enhance its mobile TV service with new applications that integrate video with Web-based content and social media tools. The expanded capabilities are in response to the ways in which consumers today are simultaneously viewing and interacting with content. "With consumers' mobile entertainment habits evolving rapidly, FLO TV will be integrating its current live linear video with relevant, on-demand content and interactive features that complement the programming viewers are watching in real-time," said Bill Stone, president of FLO TV. "Our innovative, nationwide multicast network is at the heart of this solution and will allow us to distribute live mobile TV and rich mobile media services to a range of new devices -“ from smartbooks to e-readers and tablets." In addition to integrated experiences, FLO TV announced an expanded suite of mobile TV services, including interactive capabilities, pay-per-day and event passes, and time-shifted viewing options. The new features will be available on the FLO TV service across a range of mobile devices in the second half of 2010. New service applications will include: -¢ Interactive features that will enable users to interact with programming and advertising, allowing consumers to click for more information about a show or click to buy an advertised product. -¢ Pay-per-day passes designed to offer pay-as-you-go flexibility, providing consumers the ability to watch the FLO TV service without committing to a recurring monthly subscription. Event passes will provide an easy way for existing FLO TV subscribers to add premium content such as limited engagement, special events to their programming lineup. -¢ Time-shifted viewing, or -˜catch-up TV,' that will allow popular shows to be stored on FLO-enabled mobile devices, thereby granting viewers the ability to watch their favorite shows on-demand, even outside of a coverage area.

onOne Software Announces Product Support for Photoshop CS5

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:17:50 +0000

onOne Software has announced that all of their currently shipping Photoshop software plug-ins will be compatible with the new Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Photoshop CS5 Extended software announced yesterday by Adobe. Specifically, the following Photoshop plug-ins from onOne Software will be compatible with Photoshop CS5 and Photoshop CS5 Extended.

Plug-In Suite 5
Genuine Fractals 6 Professional Edition
Genuine Fractals 6
PhotoTools 2.5 Professional Edition
PhotoTools 2.5 Standard Edition
PhotoTools 2.5 Free Edition
PhotoFrame 4.5 Professional Edition
PhotoFrame 4.5 Standard Edition
PhotoFrame 4.5 Free Edition
Mask Pro 4.1
PhotoTune 3
FocalPoint 2

"We're certain that users of our Photoshop plug-ins will find Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Photoshop CS5 Extended software, with full 64-bit support, to be very compelling upgrades," said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. "We're delighted to announce that we plan to provide free compatibility updates for all of the current versions of our plug-ins so that they will be compatible with both Photoshop CS5 and Photoshop CS5 Extended, so that our customers can continue to maximize the power of Photoshop in conjunction with onOne products." Availability onOne Software will make the Photoshop CS5 compatibility updates free of charge to registered owners of the current product titles listed above. These free software updates will be available as updates from within each application and as a download from the onOne Software web site within 30 days of Photoshop CS5 and Photoshop CS5 Extended availability. Upgrade Information Registered owners of previous versions of the onOne Software plug-ins for Photoshop listed above can upgrade to the current version of each plug-in for only $99.95 plus shipping if applicable. Alternately, these users may also upgrade directly to the Plug-In Suite 5 for $349.95, plus shipping if applicable (electronic versions are available for download as well). The Plug-In Suite 5 includes the most recent versions of all onOne Software plug-ins. Upgrades from Plug-In Suite 1, 2, 3 or 4 to the Plug-In Suite 5 are available for $199.95 plus shipping if applicable. More information about onOne Software's upgrade program can be found at http://www.ononesoftware.com/upgrade.

viewmedia-1

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:21:43 +0000

Hypercom Introduces Secure Payment Solutions for iPhone

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:25:21 +0000

Hypercom has unveiled the first two members of a product family that enable smartphones to accept credit/debit card payments. Unlike recently announced competitor units, SmartPayments Mobile products feature a durable slider case with an encrypted, PCI, PA-DSS certified high security card reader that fully protects the iPhone from scratches and other damage that results from using less protective products, and lets merchants avoid the high cost of "card not present" transaction fees in application-only solutions. SmartPayments MobilePlus also adds a barcode scanner for instantaneous pricing, inventory control, auto population and validation of drivers' licenses or other forms of barcoded information as required for on-the-go merchants selling products and services. The addition of barcode scanning opens the door to an array of payment-enabled business applications and vertical market solutions available on the iPhone platform. For merchants not requiring barcode scanning, the SmartPayments MobilePro features the same iPhone-protective card reader and signature capture for simple, fast and secure card processing. Additional standard features on both models include Hypercom's end-to-end payment data protection, a built-in rechargeable battery that significantly increases usage time by not relying solely on the iPhone battery, dual battery recharging capabilities with a single cable, itemized emailed receipts, and an opening for the iPhone camera lens. Both SmartPayments Mobile card readers fully encrypt all magnetic stripe card information immediately at card swipe, thus eliminating the potential of compromise either on the iPhone or when information is transmitted over WiFi or cellular wireless. First product shipments are expected in June 2010.

Samsung's New Line of DTVs First to Feature Enhanced InstaPort Technology

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:28:09 +0000

Silicon Image has announced that Samsung-™s new flagship line of 3D LED/LCD TVs is featuring Silicon Image-™s enhanced InstaPort S single-second switching technology. InstaPort S-enabled HDTVs will work with any HDMI-connected source device to enhance consumers-™ HD experience by significantly reducing the four to seven second delay that typically occurs when switching between HDMI-enabled devices connected to the DTV. "Silicon Image has worked closely with Samsung to further enhance InstaPort technology and we are excited to see our latest HDMI port processor incorporated in Samsung-™s new line of HDTVs," said Waheed Rasheed, director of product marketing at Silicon Image, Inc. "With InstaPort S technology, Samsung-™s customers will be able to enjoy fast access to their HD content." For more information on InstaPort S technology or port processors please visit www.siliconimage.com.

Final Fight: Double Impact

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:48:51 +0000

Final Fight: Double Impact Hits Xbox Today, PS3 on Thursday

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:51:00 +0000

Capcom today announced that Final Fight: Double Impact has launched in North America for Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360. It will launch tomorrow on the PlayStation Network for the PlayStation 3. This action-packed digital pack will house two awesome Capcom classics -“ Final Fight and Magic Sword. Final Fight: Double Impact can be purchased today from Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 for 800 Microsoft Points. It can be purchased tomorrow on the PlayStation Network for the PS 3 for $9.99. First up in this duo of Capcom classics is Final Fight, where players follow the heart-pounding adventures of Cody, Guy, and Haggar -“ three heroes fighting their way across crime-ridden Metro City in hopes of saving Haggar's daughter from the evil clutches of Mad Gear. There are 6 stages filled with perilous challenges. The only hope for justice is the unique fighting techniques mastered by each character. What better way to celebrate to the inclusion of Cody and Guy in Super Street Fighter IV than to take a trip down memory lane and experience the allure of Final Fight beat'em-up insanity all over again. In Magic Sword users will take on the role of the "hero," a brave warrior who bears the daunting responsibility of cleansing evil forces from an ancient tower. As a consequence of his actions, he will inevitably meet the source of this scourge upon humanity -“ the dark lord Drokmar. But fear not, the hero is accompanied by eight allies who will lend their assistance through-out the game. All of them bring specific skills and talents to contribute to the fight. It's an amazing side-scrolling action illustrated in classic fantasy stylings, making a perfect pairing with Final Fight. Final Fight and Magic Sword utilize Capcom's proprietary graphics engine so now both games can shine in crisp HD glory. Users will also be able to toggle back to a classic mode that renders the game in its original format. The multiplayer features will allow gamers to relive these classics with friends online. "GGPO" network technology creates a frame-accurate arcade experience across the internet with online voice chat and the ability to join games in progress. Thanks to the innovative open invite system, other fighters can jump right in and contribute some classic arcade combat to the experience. Leaderboards for both games tracks scores to compete and compare for bragging rights. Final Fight: Double Impact will include achievements and trophies that are earned by executing key goals in the games. Rewards like collectable art pieces will make multiple play-throughs all the more satisfying. Both Final Fight and Magic Sword include a Vault mode where players can view art pieces at their leisure. These extras include original game art, full motion video (including a long forgotten epic Final Fight cartoon), manga chapters from Udon, and fan-art for completing in-game challenges. There's also an awesome soundtrack composed by the talented team behind the score for Bionic Commando Rearmed. Original music will be available as well.

PC Growth Passes 24%

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 07:03:03 +0000

The worldwide PC market grew 24.2% in the first quarter of 2010 (1Q10) compared to one year ago, when the market declined by almost 7% - the lowest growth since 2001. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, both Desktop and Portable PC shipments exceeded expectations, with solid growth rates driven by sustained consumer demand and renewed commercial buying. The year-over-year gain in Desktop PCs reverses a series of quarterly declines that began in 3Q08. IDC attributes the renewed growth to continued recovery in emerging markets, improved business sentiments, and growth of specialized designs like All-in-One PCs.

"The strong first quarter builds on the fourth quarter rebound and shows rising confidence in the PC supply chain and commercial client base along with persistent demand from consumers," said Loren Loverde, vice president, IDC Worldwide Trackers. "The commercial gains are a cornerstone of market rebound that we've been expecting and are now seeing in the data. Despite continued strengthening of commercial demand and solid consumer and emerging market results, year-on-year growth is likely to slow in coming quarters as year-ago comparisons get more difficult. This is part of an expected recovery trend that should include strong second quarter performance and lift growth for the year to 15% or higher."

"The U.S. PC market exhibited encouraging signs of recovery in the first quarter. While part of this growth is a correction from a dismal 1Q09, some of it was driven by new PC refresh projects in the commercial markets. This is in addition to ongoing consumer appetite for more mobile devices as price points remain attractive and the multi-device per user environment expands," said Andrew Hanson, research analyst with IDC's Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker. "Going forward, we expect tremendous activity from the supply side around product innovation and new form factors and designs, which are likely to drive interest among consumers. As such, we remain optimistic about PC growth this year and next, but caution that sustainable growth in the PC space will also require sustained economic growth."

Regional Outlook

United States -“ as expected, the U.S. market was not able to maintain the spike of growth (more than 24%) seen in 4Q09, but momentum from the holiday season continued, resulting in stronger than expected sales across both form factors. Steadily improved business spending, as well as growing interest in niche Desktop segments, yielded a strong Desktop quarter.

Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) - recorded a strong first quarter as CEMA continues to recover, with Portable PC sales in particular returning to strong double-digit growth. Western Europe continues to enjoy strong demand for Portable PCs and a very competitive consumer market, while increasing business demand also boosted shipments. The PC market in EMEA was able to avoid some of the risk of economic concerns, and growth was aided by particularly low sales in early 2009.

Japan -“ saw yearly growth of 16.6%, partly as a result of comparisons with severe conditions a year ago. However, consumer Notebooks along with major projects in the public sector helped drive growth, coupled with some renewed commercial activities.

Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) -“ Despite a seasonally low quarter due to the Lunar New Year holidays, the region gained over 33% compared to a year ago - coming in 1% above forecast. China and consumer notebooks remain the clear drivers, while sustained political rallies in Thailand posed challenges.

Vendor Outlook

HP -“ benefited from a solid performance in the channel. The vendor grew nearly 20% over the past year. Its focus in emerging markets paid off especially strong in Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) and Latin America, while it also saw a rebound in EMEA as U.S. growth stabilized after a huge fourth quarter.

Acer -“ continued to capitalize on the demand for its value-oriented product line and channel reach to make marked gains across both mature and emerging regions. Growth of more than 42% was boosted by improved sequential performance and easy year-ago comparisons in the U.S. and EMEA.

Dell -“ also saw gains in emerging regions and rebounded in EMEA, with growth boosted by slow sales a year ago. Dell grew just over 21% year over year, in part from to improving business demand.

Lenovo -“ saw the greatest improvement among the top vendors. The company continued to capitalize on its advantage in Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) and emerging markets. The renewed focus after restructuring, channel expansion, and commercial sales accelerated growth from an already very strong fourth quarter to more than 58% year on year in 1Q10.

Toshiba -“ saw above market performance in all regions except EMEA. Notebook demand was especially strong in emerging regions, but the U.S. also contributed strong results from the holiday season last year.

Top 5 Vendors, Worldwide PC Shipments, First Quarter 2010 (Preliminary)
(Units Shipments are in thousands)

Rank	Vendor	1Q10 Shipments	Market Share	1Q09 Shipments	Market Share	1Q10/1Q09 Growth

1	HP	15,596	19.7%	13,004	20.4%	19.9%
2	Acer	10,766	13.6%	7,555	11.9%	42.5%
3	Dell	10,498	13.3%	8,668	13.6%	21.1%
4	Lenovo	6,997	8.8%	4,419	6.9%	58.3%
5	Toshiba	4,609	5.8%	3,562	5.6%	29.4%

	Others	30,669	38.8%	26,527	41.6%	15.6%

	All Vendors	79,134	100.0%	63,736	100.0%	24.2%

Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, April 14, 2010

Top 5 Vendors, United States PC Shipments, First Quarter 2010 (Preliminary)
(Units Shipments are in thousands)

Rank	Vendor	1Q10 Shipments	Market Share	1Q09 Shipments	Market Share	1Q10/1Q09 Growth

1	HP	4,453	25.4%	4,130	27.5%	7.8%
2	Dell	4,220	24.1%	3,925	26.2%	7.5%
3	Acer Group	2,298	13.1%	1,576	10.5%	45.8%
4	Toshiba	1,506	8.6%	1,008	6.7%	49.4%
5	Apple	1,130	6.4%	1,043	7.0%	8.3%

	Others	3,936	22.4%	3,324	22.2%	18.4%

	All Vendors	17,542	100.0%	15,007	100.0%	16.9%

Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, April 14, 2010

NFL 2010 Draft Logo

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:28:34 +0000

Follow the 2010 Draft Live with Sprint's New Football Live App

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:30:11 +0000

With pro football's draft a week away, Sprint has announced the launch of Sprint Football Live, an application that will provide football fans complete coverage of the 2010 draft. With Sprint Football Live, fans will be able to follow all the picks, trades and news as it happens on their phone -“ and it's free with any data plan. Before the draft Sprint subscribers will also have access to exclusive, behind-the-scenes blogs from projected top picks Sam Bradford, quarterback from the University of Oklahoma, and Ndamukong Suh, defensive tackle from the University of Nebraska. Sprint Football Live features a live draft tracker, in-depth profiles and analysis of nearly 500 top prospects, breaking news and information from ProFootballTalk.com, team-specific news for all 32 teams from SBNation, expert analysis, mock drafts, and a Sprint-only blog by NFL insider Jay Glazer. Plus, fans will be able to watch the live telecast of CBSSports.com's draft coverage April 22-24 on Sprint TV, including on-demand video featuring expert analysis and the latest news. Sprint TV will have CBSSports.com footage available beginning at noon ET on April 22 with hourly check-ins on the latest news and information. You can find more information at www.Sprint.com/football.

Bing Up 10% in Search Engine Spending

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:42:39 +0000

Bing saw its share of search spending increase by 10 percent in Q1 over the previous quarter -“ while Google's share increased by 3 percent over the same period, according to the latest quarterly report from WebVisible, released today. Yahoo!'s share of spending dropped by 9 percent. The average small business advertiser spent $2,201 on search advertising in Q1 2010 -“ representing a 2.4 percent increase over the previous quarter and a 91 percent increase over the same period last year. This continues the strong year-over-year (YoY) gains seen in the second half of 2009 -“ YoY spending was up 111 percent in Q4 2009 and 91 percent in Q3 2009. These are among the top findings of the third installment of The WebVisible Report: State of Small Business Online Advertising Q1 2010, which examines trends among WebVisible's U.S. advertisers from Q1 2009 through Q1 2010. The data represents nearly $23 million in U.S. small business advertiser spending from more than 12,000 individual advertisers in Q1 2010. This report also includes an analysis of Q4 2009 and Q1 2010 data from more than 10,000 advertisers in the U.K. "The search engines will continue to duke it out and fight for their share, but small businesses will spend their money wherever they can get the most bang for their buck -“ the most clicks and conversions for the least money," said WebVisible CEO Kirsten Mangers. "Bing maintains the highest click-through rate at costs that are lower than Google's overall. Small businesses are the engine of our economy, and it's telling to see how they're spending their ad dollars and how they shift their strategy to maximize their results." Small businesses saw positive results from their search spending in Q1. From Q4 2009 to Q1 2010, there was a 35 percent increase in the percentage of search clicks that resulted in a phone call for advertisers using call tracking numbers. Website conversion activities of all types increased in Q1 2010 over the previous quarter -“ the fastest-growing conversion actions were form fills and video views. In Q1 2010, 21 percent of advertisers showed conversions on form fills (up from 15 percent the previous quarter), while 23 percent showed video conversions (up from 19 percent the previous quarter). Keyword counts increased in Q1 2010, up 8 percent to an average 72 root keywords per advertiser. Click-through rates (CTR) continued steady year-over-year (YoY) improvement in Q1 2010, with Google's CTR up 29 percent, Yahoo!'s CTR up 138 percent and Bing's CTR up 53 percent. While each of the three major engines saw cost-per-clicks (CPC) decline in Q1 compared with the same period last year, overall CPCs have remained relatively stable since Q2 2009. Similar to previous quarters, the most popular advertiser categories in Q1 2010 were attorneys, general contractors and dentists. The categories that showed higher-than-average spending levels were attorneys, roofers and plumbers, while general contractors and landscapers showed lower-than-average spending in Q1 2010. U.K. Search Trends Google performed the strongest of the three major engines, with its share of U.K. spending increasing by 13.6 percent from Q4 2009 to Q1 2010, its CPC declining slightly, and its CTR increasing by 5.3 percent. Yahoo! and Bing declined on all measures in the U.K. from Q4 2009 to Q1 2010. The top 10 U.K. advertiser categories accounted for less than 12 percent of total advertisers in Q1 2010, compared to 42 percent in the U.S. Average U.K. advertiser spending increased by 17 percent from Q4 2009 to Q1 2010. The categories that showed the highest gains in that period were printers (+77 percent), solicitors (+39 percent) and builders (+24 percent). Anyone can request a full copy of The WebVisible Report by going here: http://www.webvisible.com/wvreport

MacForensicsLab 3.0 Ships

Doug — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:56:02 +0000

MacForensicsLab has released the latest version of their computer forensic suite, MacForensicsLab 3.0. The new version brings many new features along with rock solid stability and big speed improvements. The latest version of MacForensicsLab features redesigned core functions making it faster to zero in on suspect evidence with an easier and more intuitive interface. The industry standard in Macintosh-based forensics just got better. With over twenty new features, such as hashing and data carving throughout the application along with improved stability and speed, MacForensicsLab 3.0 is the must have tool for Mac forensics. "MacForensicsLab 3.0 brings many new features to the software suite while building on many of the things it already does best," said Marko Kostyrko, CEO of MacForensicsLab Inc. "We're very happy with the evolution of this product and excited for where it's headed in the future." Speed improvements make all tasks faster than ever. Some operations were benchmarked to run up to 12 times faster then the previous version. New 64-bit operation helps to maximize speed and take full advantage of newer Mac's Intel processor. MacForensicsLab has redesigned memory allocation algorithms to prevent system freezes due to memory leaks or inefficient memory distribution by the operating system. This ensures that MacForensicsLab is always running at its best.

Speed increases of up to 12 times faster than previous versions
Optimized for 64-bit engines
Redesigned memory allocation routines to prevent system freezes and increase speed
New easier to use device and file view interface
One-click directory listing generation (with hash information)
Ability to Export/Save any file and folder from any window
Built-in skin tone analyzer to zero in on pornography

Pricing MacForensicsLab is priced at $1195 for licensed law enforcement and $1495 for private industry. Upgrade pricing is available for owners of previous versions of MacForensicsLab for $495. Those that purchased MacForensicsLab after January 1st 2010 will receive a free upgrade to version 3.0. For more information about MacForensicsLab 3.0, please visit http://www.MacForensicsLab.com

YouSendIt

Laura — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:36:03 +0000

iPad

Laura — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:42:32 +0000

KichenAid Dishwasher

Laura — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:50:50 +0000

YouSendIt Now Available on BlackBerry

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:37:13 +0000

YouSendIt has announced the launch of YouSendIt Tracker for BlackBerry, a file-tracking application that enables BlackBerry users to track their documents when on the go, directly from their mobile phones. This feature now is available for both iPhone and BlackBerry users. "Offering a BlackBerry application that enables our customers to track their files from anywhere was a natural extension to our mobile offering," said YouSendIt vice president of product management, Arun Prakash. "As the mobile workforce expands and users increasingly rely on their mobile devices to conduct daily business activities, more will be turning to YouSendIt for mobile file tracking. Anticipating their needs, YouSendIt continues to strive to provide customers with innovations that will help improve the way they work," he added. Similar to the YouSendIt Tracker for iPhone application, BlackBerry users can track the delivery status of files sent through YouSendIt to see who downloaded a file and when it was downloaded. The YouSendIt Tracker for BlackBerry also allows users to access and forward any previously sent files, so they can track their documents from start to finish in a secure manner. This capability is especially valuable to business professionals who send confidential or time-sensitive files. "As someone who works in the design field, I am constantly sending out large and time-sensitive digital files to many vendors and design agencies. Those files are usually too difficult to send via e-mail," said Lenore M. Wetzel, package design manager at Giant Eagle, Inc. "To have the ability to track these files on my BlackBerry from wherever I am makes my job so much easier. It gives me peace of mind to know that my files have been delivered quickly and securely." The free YouSendIt Tracker for BlackBerry application is available on the YouSendIt website and will soon be available in the Business category of BlackBerry App World. The application requires users to be registered for at least a YouSendIt Lite account. Users that are already registered can begin using the app immediately.

Wi-Fi+3G iPads to Arrive April 30

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:40:05 +0000

Apple has announced that the Wi-Fi + 3G models of its popular iPad will be delivered to US customers who've pre-ordered on Friday, April 30, and will be available in Apple retail stores the same day starting at 5:00 p.m. iPad is designed to allow users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before. Users can browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad's Multi-Touch user interface. iPad Wi-Fi + 3G models are just 0.5 inches thick and weigh just 1.6 pounds-”thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook-”and deliver up to 10 hours of battery life for surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos or listening to music, and up to nine hours of surfing the web using a 3G data network. Apple retail stores will offer a free Personal Setup service to every customer who buys an iPad at the store, helping them customize their new iPad by setting up their email, loading their favorite apps from the App Store, and more. US Apple retail stores are also hosting special iPad workshops to help customers learn more about this magical new product. Pricing & Availability iPad is available in Wi-Fi models in the US for a suggested retail price of $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB and $699 for 64GB. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available on April 30 in the US for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB. iPad is sold in the US through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores, most Best Buy stores, select Apple Authorized Resellers and campus bookstores. AT&T is offering breakthrough 3G pre-paid data plans for iPad with easy, on-device activation and management. In a reversal from its's prior statements, Apple says the iPad will be available at the end of May in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Apple will announce international pricing and begin taking online pre-orders for iPad on May 10.

Kitchen Adds Classic Twist to New Dishwashers

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:40:18 +0000

Drawing inspiration from designs that helped establish the brand as a dishwasher leader and innovator, KitchenAid has introduced a new version of the recessed door handle found on models from past decades. "We built so many innovations into this dishwasher that when it came to looking for new improvements we found ourselves revisiting a handle design that many consumers told us they remember fondly," said Debbie O'Connor, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid. "Of course, we've updated the design to make it more contemporary," she adds. The high performance EQ Wash System utilizes pressure-optimizing wash arms that provide concentrated wash performance. Its variable speed motor is designed to automatically adjust power based on water conditions to maximize energy efficiency while reducing motor noise. With sound levels as low as just 41 dBA, the models feature up to 13 points of sound dampening to eliminate noise from the motor and wash arms, while also blocking the path of noise through the dishwasher. The array of sound deadening materials ranges from insulation blankets to door shields to help contain operating noises. A ProWash Cycle has a sensor in the cycle to determine the appropriate wash cycle during the pre-rinse, adjusting for the best cleaning performance. A ProDry option utilizes a dedicated drying system and fan to ensure dishes are dry at the end of the wash cycle. Additional features found on the SuperbaSeries EQ models include a third-level culinary tool rack that offers a dedicated space for cleaning hard-to-fit culinary tools. Superba Series EQ dishwashers are up to 57% more efficient than the minimum federal energy standards, making them eligible for energy rebates in select states. The new model will be available this fall in stainless steel at a suggested retail price of $1,549.

Bittman App

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:50:46 +0000

Bittman Comes to the iPhone

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:08:28 +0000

Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything, is now available on the go, as an app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The modern bible of home cooking, How to Cook Everything contains 2,000 no-nonsense recipes, plus hundreds of techniques, cooking tips, and detailed ingredient and equipment advice. Written by longtime New York Times columnist, blogger, and television personality Mark Bittman, How to Cook Everything promotes a simple and accessible approach to home cooking. Now, How to Cook Everything On the Go brings this 5-pound book to the iPhone. Here's some of what's on tap:

the entire contents of the book -- all the recipes and basic cooking guidance, including how-to illustrations; equipment, technique, and ingredient information; and meal-planning ideas
easy-to-use and flexible search capabilities, as well as the ability to browse recipes and reference information
handy built-in timers throughout the recipe steps
customizable (and email-friendly) shopping lists make it easy to buy ingredients
Bittman's Picks, Featured Recipe, Quick Dinners, and Favorite Features provide quick access to selected recipes and cooking inspiration.

Whether a cook wants to poach eggs or make Tandoori Chicken, How to Cook Everything On the Go contains everything he or she needs -- from the recipe, to the shopping list, to how-to instruction. It's the ultimate cooking resource. How to Cook Everything On the Go: has a limited-time price of $1.99. FInd it at the iPhone app store or get more information at http://www.howtocookeverythingapp.com/

Pantech Link

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:10:58 +0000

AT&T Adds Pantech Link to Line-up

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:21:04 +0000

Pantech Wireless has announced that "Link" is available to AT&T customers in stores and online on April 18. Link is Pantech's latest addition to AT&T's portfolio of quick messaging phones (QMPs), a fast-growing category of phones popular for full keyboards, advanced services and full browsers. Link features the full keyboard under an ultra thin (under 10 mm) frame, and a suite of AT&T services including AT&T Social Net and the new AT&T Mobile Share. "We really enjoy working with AT&T customers to make sure that all of our handsets meet their ever-expanding needs. Link is one of the slimmest phones on the market, not to mention packed with all of the social media and picture and video-sharing features our messaging phone users want." ."The energy at Pantech is high," said Dave Ronis, Pantech's newly appointed CMO. "We really enjoy working with AT&T customers to make sure that all of our handsets meet their ever-expanding needs. Link is one of the slimmest phones on the market, not to mention packed with all of the social media and picture and video-sharing features our messaging phone users want." Link's specialty is messaging and it is designed to be ideal for keeping people connected to the most important parts of their personal life. An extra-large LCD screen complements Link's slim casing, and a full keyboard helps kick out messages in a snap -“ sending full texts, multimedia messages, email, and instant messages. Black and blue accenting combines with a high gloss finish to make the most of its sleek shape. Link incorporates these key features:

Ultra Thin Design -“ Measuring under 10mm, Link slides discreetly into the pocket of a favorite pair of jeans or summer button-down.
Quick Access to Messages -“ A full QWERTY keyboard helps send a wide range of messages in seconds -“ stay in touch with friends via text, email, picture mail, video messages, email, and IMs.
Easy Contact Management -“ AT&T Address Book is a service that allows users to manage and backup contacts via the Web at no additional cost.
Web and Social Media @ 3G -“ Browse the Web at the speed of 3G, while using AT&T Mobile Share to view and upload photos to any number of social networking sites in one place.
Music: Manage it -“ Use the onboard song equalizer to adjust the levels of music files, make and manage playlists using Napster and eMusic through AT&T Music.
Video and Camera -“ An integrated 1.3MP CMoS camera incorporates a range of customizable resolutions and picture taking controls.

AT&T Social Net can be used to quickly view and update online profiles with one hub. AT&T Mobile Share makes it easy to store, view, and share pictures and video. Whenever on the move, running errands or hanging with friends, AT&T Navigator is there to guide you with turn-by-turn directions. Link is available for a limited time for $9.99 with a rebate and a two-year contract at AT&T stores and online at www.wireless.att.com. A voice plan and a minimum $20 per month messaging or messaging and data plan are required.

iPhone Calorie Counter

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:17:30 +0000

Calorie Count Launches iPhone App

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:26:16 +0000

Calorie Count has announced the launch of its Calorie Count App at the iPhone App store and the expansion of its mobile Web site. The application allows iPhone and iPod touch users to search and log nutritional data for over 100,000 foods, popular exercises and healthy recipes, as well as track their weight-loss, all while on the go. "We are also excited to introduce Calorie Count to the millions of iPhone and iPod touch users, who may be looking for a robust, yet free system to help reach their weight goals." Key features of the Calorie Count App include:

An easy-to-use dashboard with graphics that allows users to navigate through the application while being able to quickly visualize their dieting progress.
One of the most comprehensive nutritional analyses of food consumption - against daily targets -“ among calorie counting iPhone Apps.
The ability to quickly search and easily log more than 100,000 food items.
Tools to view current and past food, activity and weight logs including a graph of your weight history.
More than 150 low-calorie recipes from About.com, selected by Calorie Count's registered dietitian, Mary Hartley. This interface allows users to select recipes based on course, food group and dietary considerations.
Access to Calorie Count's daily blog to help users stay motivated and informed.
The ability to record daily weight, and view charts and graphs to measure your body's progress against weight-loss goals.
Automatic updates of information logged on Calorie Count member accounts through a computer or the iPhone App.
An offline mode that allows members to view recent logs, view and re-log favorites, and input their weight without an Internet connection.

In addition to launching the application, Calorie Count has also redesigned its mobile Web site, further enabling users to manage their accounts on the go. The Calorie Count mobile Web site is optimized for leading smartphone devices and can be accessed by visiting http://ccm.about.com via a mobile browser. "Our new application is the About Group's first ever iPhone and iPod touch application. It provides Calorie Count members with a convenient and fun way to manage their diet and weight while they are mobile," said Cella Irvine, president and CEO, the About Group. "We are also excited to introduce Calorie Count to the millions of iPhone and iPod touch users, who may be looking for a robust, yet free system to help reach their weight goals." The Calorie Count App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at: www.itunes.com/appstore/. For more information, please visit http://www.caloriecount.com/mobile.

Samsung Restore

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:33:35 +0000

Sprint and Samsung Team Up on Eco-Friendly Phone

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:35:15 +0000

Sprint and Samsung continue in providing eco-friendly wireless phones with the unveiling of their second "green" device together -“ Samsung Restore. Samsung Restore features the Sprint One Click customizable user interface and offers environmentally conscious customers technology with an environmentally friendly design. Samsung Restore is a full-feature messaging phone, offering a slide-out, full QWERTY keyboard with optical joystick, 2.0 MP camera and camcorder, MP3 player with microSD card slot (supports up to 32GB; 2GB card included in the box), Stereo Bluetooth wireless technology, access to Sprint Family Locator, Sprint Football Live, Sprint Navigation and Sprint TV3. Customers can e-mail or send texts to their family and friends in a flash. Samsung Restore will be available in two vibrant colors -“ Midnight and Limeade. "Samsung Restore qualifies for the Sprint Eco-Logo and builds on Sprint's commitment to leading the wireless industry in environmental responsibility," said Kevin Packingham, Sprint senior vice president-Product Development. "We had great success with our first eco-friendly device, Samsung Reclaim, and have found that consumers want eco-friendly devices without sacrificing technology. Restore provides both and continues Sprint's great environmental commitment and legacy." Samsung Restore will be available this summer in all Sprint retail channels including Sprint Stores, www.sprint.com and 1-800-SPRINT1 for $49.99 with a new two-year service agreement, after a $50 mail-in rebate (taxes and surcharges excluded). For more information, customers can visit www.sprint.com/restore.

Garminfone

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:14:13 +0000

TomTom Finds Most Polluted Roads

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:14:46 +0000

California roads have long been considered some of the most scenic, and congested, in the United States. A new study by TomTom gives them another distinction: the nation's most polluting. The TomTom study shows the segments of roads on which vehicles produce the most carbon emissions, based on the length and time of average weekday traffic jams and the estimated number of vehicles in those jams. Of the top ten most polluting major, or interstate, roads in the country, seven are in California, including: I-5 South (#1); I 10 East (#2); I 405 South (#3); 60 East (#4); I 5 North (#6); 101 South (#8); and I 210 East (#9). The results were calculated using data from Speed Profiles, the historical speed database from TomTom's licensing business unit Tele Atlas. Speed Profiles aggregates, anonymously and on an opt in basis, the actual speeds that millions of GPS-enabled drivers have traveled over the last two years. The data give the clearest picture yet of the impact of traffic jams on the environment, and on drivers' wallets. Assumptions for carbon emissions and fuel consumption were based on relatively conservative calculations. TomTom's study calculated that one vehicle stuck in congestion burns .1 gallons of additional fuel per hour, based on stopping and starting vs. idling, and that one gallon of fuel costs on average $3.00. Congestion on the roads in the study generally lasted for two hours. Calculations for emissions were for weekdays, or 300 days of the year. Traffic jams were defined as such if drivers could travel at only 70% or less of the posted speed limit, meaning on average an hour long trip included 20 minutes or more of significant delays. Key Findings

There are on average 120,000 cars stuck in traffic jams every day on the 170 mile section of California roads in the study.
Of the top ten most polluted stretches of roads in the nation, only three are outside California. They are: I 95 South in Virginia (#5); I 93 North in Massachusetts (#7); and I 95 North in Connecticut (#10).
Collectively, the ten most polluted road segments in the study produce 85,000 tons, or 170 million pounds, of carbon emissions every year. According to the carbon calculator from TerraPass, that's the equivalent carbon footprint of one person taking 116,000 round trip flights from Boston to Los Angeles.
To negate the effects, you would have to plant nearly 100,000 square miles of artificial forest on land the size of the state of Colorado.
The top ten most polluted major roads also have an impact on drivers' wallets. Cars sitting in congestion don't just idle but stop and start for extended periods, burning an additional .1 gallons of fuel per hour. At $3.00 per gallon, drivers sitting on these roads spend $30 million every year on wasted fuel.
Although they have fewer lanes, secondary or non interstate roads can be equally pollution-producing.

The top ten most polluted local roads are: California 1 from Malibu to Redondo Beach; Virginia 7, from Washington D.C. towards Leesburg; Pennsylvania 611; Illinois 64; Georgia 120, from Marietta heading West; New York 25 between East River and Forest Hills; New York 25 A from La Guardia Airport heading East; New York 25 from Jericho to South Huntington; Virginia 7, through Leesburg; and Oregon 99 West, near Portland.

T-Mobile to Offer New Garminfone

Laura — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:56:23 +0000

T-Mobile has announced the upcoming, exclusive availability of the new Garminfone, the first Android-powered smartphone fully integrated with Garmin's premium navigation experience. Anticipated to be available later this spring, Garminfone is a sleek, full-touch 3G smartphone with a large 3.5-inch screen integrated with Garmin's navigation experience. Garminfone features Garmin's industry-leading personal navigation experience integrated throughout the device including the following: Integrated Navigation + Smartphone Experience: Garminfone delivers navigation capabilities beyond what other smartphones and standalone navigation devices provide. Customers can navigate to an address simply by clicking on it from a text message or e-mail, contact, calendar appointment, or web page. Garminfone can even remember where you are parked and navigate you back to your car. The 3-megapixel camera with autofocus automatically geotags images so you can navigate back to where your family vacation photos were taken, e-mail geo-tagged images to friends and family members, or post geo-tagged pictures on the Web for others to enjoy. Helpful Garmin travel applications such as dynamic, real-time traffic; weather local events; movie listings; and gas prices are pre-installed and easy to access and use. Garmin Navigation: Driving, walking and public transportation navigation with voice and on-screen directions and automatic re-routing are deeply integrated into the smartphone features of Garminfone to simplify navigating your daily life. On-board North American maps offer fast and reliable directions -” whether in or out of cell phone coverage -” and multiple overlapping positioning technologies ensure Garminfone customers have one of the best location and navigation experiences a smartphone can offer. In addition, Garminfone utilizes text-to-speech technology to speak street names, and the screen automatically switches between day and night modes for easier viewing while driving. Garmin Voice Studio: Garminfone is the first to feature Garmin Voice Studio, an Android application, which allows customers to record and share custom voice directions from family and friends. Garminfone also includes a convenient charging window and dashboard mount, enabling customers to easily navigate and charge the phone's battery simultaneously. In addition to the comprehensive navigational features, the Garminfone is built on the Android operating system offering a rich mobile Web experience with integrated Google mobile services including Google Search by voice, Google Maps, YouTube and access to Android Market, where customers can find thousands of applications to further enhance their travel experience and their daily lives. The mobile Web browser experience includes enhanced functions including pinch and zoom capability and embedded location awareness, which links information found on the Web to navigation and mapping functions, allowing users to navigate directly to a location from a Web page. Availability: Garminfone is expected to be available in the U.S. exclusively to T-Mobile customers later this spring. For more information, please visit http://garminfone.t-mobile.com/.

True LED

Laura — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 06:37:08 +0000

mPassport

Laura — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 07:01:21 +0000

Vizio Reveals New Environmental Efforts

Laura — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:41:15 +0000

Vizio has released details of its 'Using Greener Methods' environmental program, to demonstrate their commitment to protect the Earth and the environment. The program aims to be a leader in the HDTV market in addressing power consumption and energy standards, development of new, more efficient technologies, use of materials and elimination of hazardous substances, and recycling of old products. "At Vizio, we take our commitment to minimizing our impact on the environment very seriously, which is why we are continually working to minimize the energy consumption of our products, reduce the amount of material, recycle more material and eliminate the use of hazardous materials," said Ken Lowe, VP and Co-founder. "We believe that the large number of consumers using our products gives us a special responsibility to the environment, which is why our green methods focus extends throughout every product's entire life cycle -“ starting in the design process, extending through manufacturing, and continuing through the recycling process once the product is no longer useful." All Vizio HDTVs meet Energy Star requirements for low energy consumption both when the sets are active and on standby. For example, their new 22" HDTV models use much less power than a 40-watt light bulb, and their new 32" HDTV models use less energy than a 60-watt light bulb. In addition, many of 2010's new Vizio HDTVs meet the newer, more stringent Energy Star 4.0 specifications that go into effect on May 1, 2010. With Vizio efforts to reduce energy usage with their TVs, Energy Watt Usage savings over Energy Star 3.0 and 4.0 Standards should yield 1.2 Trillion and 377 billion respectively in savings. With America's average energy cost of $0.0001109 per Watt these could also save Americans $139 million or $42 million dollars respectively for 2010. In addition to low power consumption, Vizio products use materials that reduce impact on the environment. All Vizio products are compliant with the European Union RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) directive on materials used in electronic devices. Also, the panel glass used in all LCDs is both Halogen and Arsenic free. All user manuals are printed with vegetable based inks and all HDTV shipping cartons are made from recycled cardboard. Vizio TruLED and Razor LED technologies not only produce superior black levels, brightness and color, but also reduce energy consumption. In 2010, Vizio HDTV's using LED backlighting will make up 40% of their total unit sales, which are expected to reach 9 million units. With these 3.6 million HDTVs using far less energy because of their new technology, total annual LCD HDTV energy savings could reach 1,261 million kW hours. These new LED designs reduce energy consumption even further over CCFL designs, exceeding the current Energy Star guidelines by as much as 50%. Further, all Vizio LED products are even more environmentally friendly because their LED backlights do not utilize any mercury. Vizio participates nationwide in state and federal programs, meeting all requirements for proper disposal of electronic waste. In partnership with Manufacturers Recycling Management Company (MRM), Vizio makes it simple and easy for consumers to recycle Vizio products at no cost.

App Helps Travellers Find Health Care

Laura — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:44:40 +0000

HTH Worldwide has announced that it has launched mPassport destination-specific iPhone applications for finding quality healthcare services in twenty top destinations for international business and leisure travelers. The first app to help travelers in need of medical services when they are abroad, mPassport is now available in the iTunes App Store. Features of mPassport:

Use your smart phone or laptop to find a conveniently located, carefully-selected, English-speaking doctor or dentist and request an appointment
Use mapping and GPS functionality to find the shortest route to convenient care
Translate brand names for medications and key medical terms and phrases
Understand health risks and access the right emergency services

"About half of all travelers who spend more than two weeks abroad get sick or injured, and we're there to help them when they need assistance," said Angelo Masciantonio, Chief Executive of HTH Worldwide. "Travelers typically do not prepare for illness or injury when traveling abroad and when they need healthcare, they often don't know where to turn. Our mPassport apps make it simple to get quality care when it's needed far away from home." HTH Worldwide has created mPassport apps for these popular business and leisure destinations: Barcelona, Budapest, Dublin, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Rome, Vienna Cape Town, Nairobi, Buenos Aires, Lima, Mexico City, Quito,Bermuda, Nassau,Beijing, and Hong Kong

USA Character Games

Laura — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:45:46 +0000

USA Games

Laura — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:49:53 +0000

USA to Add Facebook Social Plugins

Laura — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:52:35 +0000

USA Network has announced that it will integrate Facebook's newly launched Social Plugins, such as the Like button, which will give fans the power to drive approval, further engage with the network and interact with likeminded friends. Additionally, utilizing Facebook Connect, USA is announcing a new game challenge feature on its proprietary casual gaming destination, Character Arcade, which will allow fans to challenge and connect with their Facebook friends within the site. "USA's goal is to continue to push boundaries, drive innovation and provide our fans the ability to access our content anywhere at any time," said Jesse Redniss, vice president, digital. "By integrating Facebook's new tools that drive social, personalized experiences, we're offering consumers the kind of interaction, power and connectivity they crave. We're also driving the way brands interact with these fans -“ building a more impactful two-way channel of communication that will ultimately change the way we approach other parts of our business." Powered by the Open Graph, Facebook's new Social Plugins including the Like button, Activity Feed, and Recommendations bring friends, social activity, and relevant interaction to any site off of Facebook.com. The plugins are embeddable social features that can be integrated into a site with a line of H L. On Facebook.com, people already "Like" their friends' status updates, photos, brands, and links everyday and now those same capabilities will be featured on popular USA sites, like usanetwork.com, characterarcade.com and more. Beyond the new social plugins, USA is re-launching the Character Arcade game challenge functionality, which utilizes Facebook Connect. When players select a friend to challenge to a USA Network game, the system determines whether that user is already a member of Character Arcade and sends a personalized invitation via Facebook based on the status. USA's integration with Facebook is designed to create a social gaming environment, allowing fans sharing, player challenging, chatting and the ability to amass rewards for virtual goods, no matter where they're playing USA Games. USA is currently testing additional Facebook Social Plugins for its various sites and will be rolling out new features in the near future.

War Rock

Laura — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:58:01 +0000

TripAdvisor to Support Facebook Like Button

Laura — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:08:45 +0000

TripAdvisor has announced during Facebook's f8 conference, the first implementation of the new Facebook "Like" plugin, on TripAdvisor.com. TripAdvisor is one of a select group of companies to launch this new Facebook Social Plugin. The Like button enables travelers to indicate their favorite hotels, cities, attractions and restaurants and share them with their network of friends on Facebook and TripAdvisor. Now, the world's largest travel community and the world's largest social network are connecting people who know each other with the places they love the most. "The Like button from Facebook gives our travel community an additional way to easily express their preferences and perfectly complements what TripAdvisor is known and loved for -- real reviews and opinions from millions of travelers worldwide," said Steve Kaufer, founder and CEO of TripAdvisor. With the Like button, travelers can see the travel preferences of their friends on Facebook as well as how many people Like a hotel, city, restaurant or attraction that they are researching. "As a trusted travel resource for millions, TripAdvisor is an ideal website to help introduce our new Social Plugins," said Ethan Beard, director of Facebook Developer Network. "On Facebook.com, people already 'Like' their friends' status updates, photos, and brands. Now they can also choose to 'Like' cities, hotels, and more on TripAdvisor.com."

War Rock: Clan Warfare Collector Edition Coming Soon

Laura — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:12:39 +0000

GamersFirst has announced the pre-sale of the War Rock: Clan Warfare Collector's Edition box. War Rock: Clan Warfare allows players to assemble clans within the MMO and come together to battle opposing clans for status, prestige, items and more. War Rock: Clan Warfare will also feature new game systems including Siege War, Hero Mode and a brand new Gear System that allows players to change the appearance of their soldiers. That is not all though, the release of War Rock: Clan Warfare, slated for this Summer, will come with the release of a series of permanent weapons! The War Rock: Clan Warfare Collector's Edition will go on pre-sale for $89.95 (normally priced $119.95) starting Friday, April 23rd through April 30th or until all units are sold, whichever comes first. The Collector's Edition pre-sale will be limited to 1250 boxes for the duration of the sale. The War Rock: Clan Warfare Collector's Edition will include: Awarded upon purchase:

Permanent FAMAS Assault Rifle
Gold Premium for 30 days
PRE-SALE BONUS: AW50F Sniper Rifle for 30 Days
PRE-SALE BONUS: $30 off Collector's Edition during Pre-Sales
PRE-SALE BONUS: Clan Tag Change

In box items will include:

VIP Clan Status for first 6 months
XM8 Assault Rifle for 30 Day
Autographed War Rock: Clan Warfare Poster
Exclusive in-box physical item!

"We are thrilled to finally be able to announce the War Rock: Clan Warfare closed beta and offer this collector's edition box," says Rahul Sandil, SVP of Global Marketing and PR for GamersFirst. "This addition to our exciting portfolio of games is a testament to our vision of putting Gamers First. We will continue to listen to our community and adapt upcoming releases according to the feedback of our gamer community." Clan Warfare is in closed beta and only War Rock premium level players are able to create clans; though all War Rock players are able to participate. War Rock: Clan Warfare is expected to launch in Summer 2010.

image002

Doug — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:14:38 +0000

Polk's Rock The House -“ The Ultimate 3-D Gaming Giveaway

Doug — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:25:58 +0000

Polk Audio today announced the "Rock The House - The Ultimate 3-D Gaming Giveaway" national promotion in conjunction with the launch of its new HitMaster gaming stage monitor. This exciting promotion gives gamers and audio/video enthusiasts the chance to win up to $5,000 in prizes, including HitMaster speakers, Mitsubishi 60" 3-D Ready DLP HDTV, XpanD DLP-Link Stereoscopic Active 3-D Glasses, Sony Playstation 3, Rock Band 2, and more. Polk Audio's "Rock The House - The Ultimate 3-D Gaming Giveaway" national promotion will run through June 20, 2010. To register, visit www.polkrocks.com, official rules, and view information on the HitMaster speaker. No purchase is required. The grand prize winner will be awarded the ultimate 3-D game system makeover on June 21, 2010. Four other entrants will win secondary prizes. The Grand Prize Package

Three (3) Polk Audio HitMaster gaming stage monitors
60" Mitsubishi 3-D Ready DLP HDTV (model WD60737)
Three (3) XpanD X102 - DLP-Link Stereoscopic Active 3-D Glasses
Sanus widescreen TV furniture (model PFV60)
Sony PS3 gaming console with Blu-ray functionality
Rock Band 2 Special Edition
Playstation 3 The Beatles: Rock Band
James Cameron's Avatar: The Game
One year subscription to Game Informer magazine
HitMaster and Rock Band t-shirts

In addition to the Grand Prize, Polk Audio's "Rock the House - The Ultimate 3-D Gaming Giveaway" features four additional prize packages.

Second Prize: Three (3) HitMaster monitors, Sony PS3, Rock Band 2 Special Edition, a one year subscription to Game Informer, and several HitMaster and Rock Band t-shirts (Total value: over $800)
Third Prize: One (1) HitMaster, Sony PS3, Rock Band 2 Special Edition, a one-year subscription to Game Informer, and HitMaster and Rock Band t-shirts (Total value: over $500)
Fourth and Fifth Prizes: One (1) HitMaster, Rock Band 2 Special Edition, a one-year subscription to Game Informer, and HitMaster and Rock Band t-shirts (Total value: approximately $280 each prize package)

20 Minute Meals

Laura — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:48:51 +0000

New Lower Price for Jamie Oliver's iPhone App

Laura — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:03:44 +0000

Television personality and chef Jamie Oliver has announced that his iPhone app, Jamie Oliver's 20 Minute Meals, is reduced from $7.99 to just $4.99 until midnight PDT Monday, May 3. In addition, users can look forward to five delicious new recipes, bringing the total recipe tally to 60. Since its launch in October the app has been featuring in Apple's global advertising campaigns and topping various app charts around the world. As well as 60 delicious recipes, the app includes beautiful step-by-step photography throughout, and 21 exclusive Jamie Oliver videos with cooking tips, hints and techniques. Jamie Oliver's 20 Minute Meals also features many world-firsts including voice-prompts from Jamie while you cook; an interactive grocery list which conveniently sorts by store aisle for speedier shopping; powerful search by ingredient or recipe; and the option to easily adjust ingredients by number of guests. If you're unsure what to cook, Jamie's 20 Minute Meals can even suggest a recipe for you with a quick shake of the phone. "These days people are so busy and always on-the-go but they're rarely without their phones," said Jamie Oliver. "When I set to work on this iPhone app, I wanted to make sure I gave people everything they would need to help them create great tasting, homemade meals in around 20 minutes -“ that's less time that it would take to order and receive a take-out meal and yours will taste better. Jamie Oliver's 20 Minute Meals includes

60 step-by-step recipes written especially for the app
Stunning step-by-step photography for every recipe
21 exclusive Jamie videos featuring tips, techniques and kitchen skills
Handy voice prompts and tips from Jamie in every recipe
Interactive grocery list
Comprehensive kitchen essentials guide
Powerful browse or search recipes by ingredient or recipe type
Shake for random recipe
Toggle portion size
Features metric and US measures
Once installed, no Internet connection required

Pricing and availability Jamie Oliver's 20 Minute Meals is available immediately on the iTunes App Store worldwide at the reduced price of $4.99 until midnight PDT on the 3rd of May

The New BlackBerry Bold 9650 and BlackBerry Pearl 3G (With Video)

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:15:59 +0000

Research in Motion has announced two new BlackBerry devices , the BlackBerry Bold 9650 and the BlackBerry Pearl 3G. BlackBerry Bold 9650 The BlackBerry Bold 9650 is a CDMA upgrade to the BlackBerry Tour. The Bold 9650 sports an optical trackpad rather than a scroll ball and double the memory (512MB as opposed to 256MB) along with Wi-Fi support for 802.11b/g networks. Sprint might be carrying this phone soon. BlackBerry Pearl 3G The BlackBerry Pearl 3G is an update to the popular BlackBerry Pearl candy bar design series. The new phone adds speed, more device memory (256MB), 3G support, GPS and an optical trackpad. The phone includes support for Wi-Fi 802.11.b/g/n networks and has a higher resolution 360Ã—400 screen. The BlackBerry Pearl 3G will be available in two models with different key layouts. The BlackBerry Pearl 9100 has the traditional 14-key layout while the Pearl 9105 has an expanded 20-key layout for an enhanced QWERTY experience. Availability and Pricing Carriers and pricing details were not released. The BlackBerry Pearl 3G series is a standard GSM-compatible phone, So it could be released on T-Mobile and AT&T in the U.S. and on most major carriers in Europe.

Tungle on BlackBerry

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:19:07 +0000

Tungle.me Releases Scheduling Application for BlackBerry

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:27:52 +0000

Tungle has announced its free Tungle.me scheduling application for 41 million Research in Motion (RIM) BlackBerry users. "Just as the BlackBerry has transformed the way people use email, Tungle has revolutionized the way they set up meetings" Tungle.me addresses a common hurdle faced by business users who must organize or attend meetings -“ finding a time to meet. This challenge is often exacerbated by participants who are telecommuting, working within other organizations or located in different time zones. Tungle.me makes it easy for professionals to schedule meetings across organizations, calendar systems and time zones by eliminating costly double bookings and the endless back and forth of finding a time to meet. "Tungle.me for BlackBerry may be our most anticipated version yet, with a large percentage of our user base carrying a BlackBerry to manage their professional lives while on the go," said Marc Gingras, founder and chief executive officer of Tungle. "That is certainly the case with business users who rely on BlackBerrys to manage critical business activities." Features

Create, send and receive meeting invitations
Share calendars with other Tungle.me users
See others' free/busy status at a glance to know if they are available to meet
And sync calendars and contacts

Tungle.me syncs with Outlook (with or without Exchange), BlackBerry Calendar, Google Calendar, Apple iCal, Entourage for Mac and Lotus Notes. Tungle.me for Blackberry is available free from the Tungle website. Current Tungle users can access it using their existing Tungle login. Individuals can obtain a free Tungle.me account at www.tungle.me.

theater_netflix_lifestyle-v1

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:38:58 +0000

New Streaming Capabilities Come to FreeAgent Theater+ HD Media Player

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:42:16 +0000

Seagate has announced that its FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player now delivers easy access to content from Netflix Inc. and other providers such as YouTube, vTuner and Mediafly. Customers of these services will have access to an even larger pool of both user-generated and licensed Internet-based media on their TV using the FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player. All new enhancements are being offered to existing FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player owners through a free, automated firmware update that can also be downloaded from Seagate.com, and will be included as part of all future product shipments. The media player is also now UPnP/DLNA compliant, enabling access and sharing of digital content using any DLNA compliant device on a network. Improved User Interface and New Capabilities

Improved MP3 cover art and tagging
Redesigned homepage view featuring better access to Internet and network applications
Redesigned thumbnail view for easier browsing of movies, pictures and music
Skip time option when watching movies to jump forward by 20 minute intervals
Ability to create screensavers using personal photos
Easy sorting of files when browsing network attached devices
UTF 16 character support
Ability to skip by 1000 items for faster browsing of files
WMA Pro audio support, enabling sound in the most of high definition of WMV files
Motion JPEG support commonly used by Digital Cameras and multi-compression PNG file support

Microsoft Study Shows SMB Technology Spending on the Rebound

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:47:05 +0000

Microsoft has released its second annual Microsoft SMB/Partner Insight Report, a study on small and midsize businesses (SMBs) and their technology priorities in the current economy. The study shows that although SMBs remain concerned about the business climate, most will increase technology spending in 2010, highlighting the role of IT as a strategic business tool in this crucial sector of the global economy. SMBs will invest in IT that directly benefits their bottom line -” either by reducing operating costs, improving employee productivity, or acquiring and retaining customers. In the study, based on a survey of Microsoft Small Business Specialist partners, 63 percent of respondents predicted their SMB customers will spend more on IT in 2010, up from just 25 percent in 2009, with overall SMB IT spending anticipated to rise by an average of 16 percent over 2009 levels. Results from more than 500 partners in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Brazil and India indicate that SMBs view virtualization, IT consolidation, software as a service, customer relationship management (CRM), and support of remote workers as their most important technology investments. "The most competitive SMBs are investing in IT that will not only help protect and strengthen their business, but prepare them for success when economic conditions improve," said Birger Steen, vice president of Small and Medium Business & Distribution for the Worldwide Small and Midmarket Solutions & Partners Group at Microsoft. "Technology can buoy smaller businesses through turbulent times -” and which technologies SMBs choose can help determine the speed of their return to financial stability." Looking for Strategic Guidance on IT Investing Most SMBs lack dedicated IT staff, and rely heavily on local technology partners to help them evaluate, implement and maintain the right IT solutions. Facing increasingly complex IT options and a challenging economic environment, SMBs are now looking to these partners to provide more strategic guidance that is better tailored to their business, vertical and industry, the study found. Microsoft Small Business Specialists forecasted that customers would look to them most for help with cost-reduction measures, increasing remote management, and a "one-stop" experience aligning technology with business needs. Other key trends in the 2010 Microsoft SMB/Partner Insight Report include these:

Forty-one percent of SMBs view server virtualization or IT consolidation as the best cost-saving technology.
SMBs rank software as a service among the top three technology solutions for both cost savings and business growth; Small Business Specialists expect to see a 19 percent increase in small and midsize customers using cloud solutions in some form.
Seventy-four percent of Small Business Specialists believe their customers will have more remote workers, up from 54 percent in 2009; the estimated 19 percent average increase in remote work force is expected to drive demand for mobile solutions.
Most Small Business Specialists expect customer relationships to be dynamic in 2010; just 6 percent of respondents predict no change.

Recent industry research confirms many of these findings and attests to the importance of SMBs to the economy. According to James A. Browning at market research firm Gartner Inc., "The SMB market represents 44 percent of the total IT market spending. We predict that SMBs will spend $800 billion on IT in 2010. Our research indicates that midsize businesses worldwide will increase their IT spending in 2010 by 5.4 percent over 2009 spending levels."* The complete 2010 Microsoft SMB/Partner Insight Report is available at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/smb/docs/2010smbinsight.doc.

Cellular and Mobile Broadband PC Modem Market Grew More than 55% in 2009

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:58:46 +0000

Cellular and mobile broadband PC modem shipments grew more than 55% in 2009. In 2008, a total of 46.4 million such modems (including USB models, PC Card modems, and wireless routers) shipped; in 2009, that figure grew to more than 72 million, according to the latest market data released by ABI Research. "The USB modem continues to flourish," says senior analyst Jeff Orr. "They remain amazingly popular. 2009 was actually a good year considering we were in a recession: there was somewhat surprising year-over-year growth in both shipments and revenue. And at the end of 2009 there was a surge of consumer adoption. Business adoption was less robust." USB modems' popularity can be attributed to their low cost, flexibility and portability, as well as to subsidies frequently offered by network operators. "Huawei is the market leader by a significant margin," notes Orr. "In 2009 Huawei extended its market share of all PC modems and routers to almost 50%, and it supplied 54.3% of all USB modems." Of the two minority modem formats, the PC Card and the router, PC cards continue to decline in favor of USB. ABI Research expects that except for a few specialized vertical markets they will largely disappear by 2013. While the category of routers that connect Wi-Fi devices to a cellular or mobile broadband connection was reinvigorated last year with the introduction of Novatel's MiFi product (and similar devices from Huawei and others), the case for a "personal hot-spot" is still unclear: many people own several Wi-Fi-enabled devices, but they rarely want to use them all simultaneously, away from home. Nor do many consumers seem to want to add another subscription for the sake of that ability. "When will the shipment of embedded modems surpass the shipment of USB models?" Orr asks. "The recession has lengthened the equipment replacement cycle: we now believe that won't happen before 2016." "Cellular and Mobile Broadband PC Modem Market Data" provides market share and shipment forecast data for cellular and mobile broadband modems used to supply Wireless WAN connectivity to laptop and netbook computers. Its historical data and forecasts range from 2007-2015. It is part of the Cellular PC Modems Research Service.

Omnistore on iPad

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:08:52 +0000

Cornell-Mayo Announces Availability of its Entire Software Suite on the iPad

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:10:03 +0000

Cornell-Mayo Associates (CMA) today announced that its full suite of back office retail solutions is now available on the iPad. The new iPad is the latest development in the company's overall mobile strategy, which also includes the availability of all its software on the iPod touch and iPhone, including its popular Omniexpress point-of-sale (POS) solution on the iPod touch, complete with scanner and magnetic stripe reader. The iPad is an ideal platform to access CMA's back office products, with a right-sized screen and a design that is touch-enabled to require minimal keying. For operations such as the central help desk, professionals who have traditionally relied on PC's can portably control and interrogate the stores or central site. Staff can continue to interact with the system and have continuous control even as they walk away from their desks to labs or to confer with colleagues. Store managers can keep a low cost iPad in a drawer and have complete visibility and control of store operations. The smaller footprint of an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch lowers costs and reduces the required floor space of standard PCs while delivering identical capability and functionality in a more convenient, flexible and mobile package. CMA solutions available on the iPad include

Omnistore Back Office: Provides real-time in-store reporting and management over store operations.
Omnistore Central: An add-on extension to the Omnistore Back Office, Central is the real-time chain-wide view of sales, credit, file transfer status, opening and closing information and other key indicators for executives and the help desk/network control operations staff. Information is presented within a browser and is dynamically refreshed.
Clientsmart: CMA's clienteling solution is designed to provide a customer database accessible in all business channels. Clientsmart provides extensive information about customers with flexible queries available at the point-of-sale.
Omniwatch Returns Management: Omniwatch validates that merchandise is properly returned at the right price, to the right tender, and for the right customer. It can also locate original sales without a receipt if other identifying information is available.

For more information on Cornell-Mayo's solutions, visit www.cornell-mayo.com.

Samsung Myshot II

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:29:37 +0000

Cricket Launches New Navigation System

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:41:04 +0000

Cricket has announced the availability of Cricket Navigator, a new premium voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation solution. "Cricket users have been buzzing for a premium turn-by-turn navigation solution, and we believe Cricket Navigator will be just what they've been looking for," said Jeff Toig, vice president/general manager of voice/data services for Cricket. "We bring innovative features to our customers while making sure we continue to provide the best value in wireless." Examples of the Premium Features

Gas Savings -“ Cricket Navigator allows users to search for all nearby gas stations, and lists the results by both price and distance to current location. The user can then select the station of their choice, and receive directions to the location.
Traffic -“ For users who need to get to their location quickly, Cricket Navigator identifies potential traffic holdups on a user's route and then alerts the driver with information about the issue ahead. Cricket Navigator will then provide the driver with the option of a detour to assure a traffic snarl-free ride that will get them to their destination on time
Local Entertainment-“ When a user is on the road in a new city, Cricket Navigator can help travelers explore the nightlife and local entertainment. Users can search by a specific event venue, look for nearby bars and restaurants, or view show times and read reviews of movies playing at local theaters.
Hyper-Local Search -“ Cricket Navigator is pre-loaded with search features that let users avoid the hassles of the yellow pages and find any specific business or location. Users can search for anything from the nearest Cricket retail store, to the specific address of a friend or family member.

Cricket Navigator will be powered by TeleCommunication Systems and can be downloaded from Cricket's Games and Apps catalog, and is currently available on the Samsung MyShot II device. Over the coming weeks, the application will be rolled out to more phones, and will be available on the majority of Cricket devices by the end of this summer. Cricket Navigator will be offered in Cricket's new nationwide $50 and $60 rate plans, and available as a bolt-on to the new nationwide $30 and $40 rate plans.

SF470

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:42:21 +0000

CT150

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:44:02 +0000

HT-CT 350

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:47:44 +0000

Sony's First 3D Capable Sound Bars and a New 5.1 Home Theater System

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:52:00 +0000

[caption id="attachment_16743" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="HT-SF470"][/caption] The HT-CT 350 and HT-CT 150 3.1 channel sound bars and the HT-SF470 5.1 channel home theater system offers consumers flexible solutions to round out the Sony 3D experience and meet the demands of 3D home entertainment. "Sony is the only company innovating in every stage of 3D from creation to playback," said Brian Siegel, vice president of Sony's home audio and video business. "Leveraging this depth of expertise and experience allows the company to deliver the best 3D devices for an unequaled entertainment experience." Simplifying audio and video signal transfer, the new models feature 3D pass-through with HDMI repeater (three inputs/one output), and standby pass-through for audio and video devices connected via HDMI. The 400 watt total system power (100 watts x 3 channels + 100 watts subwoofer) HT-CT350 is designed to match Sony's 2010 BRAVIA televisions and includes a bracket that attaches it directly to a number of 40 and above sets either via a wall mount or the table top stand. [caption id="attachment_16744" align="alignright" width="300" caption="HT-CT 150"][/caption] The HT-CT150 offers 340 watts of total system power (85 watts x 3 channels + 85 watts sub) and features a design that matches Sony's 2010 32-inch BRAVIA HDTVs. Both models support lossless linear pulse code modulation (LPCM) Blu-ray Disc audio via the HDMI input. They also feature BRAVIA Sync for control of compatible devices from a single remote, Sony's Digital Media Port for iPod (iPod cradle sold separately) and two digital audio inputs (one coax and one optical). Sony also introduced the new 5.1 channel HT-SF470 home theater system. The system is 3D capable when paired with a Blu-ray 3D player. The 1000 watt (157W x 5 + 167W sub) model features 3D pass-through via the three HDMI inputs, HDMI repeater and audio return channel. With floor standing front and rear speakers, the model's S-Air wireless technology and wireless multi-room capabilities help trim the number of wires connecting the system with optional accessories (not included). Designed to match Sony's 2010 Blu-ray Disc players and BRAVIA HDTVs, the model features BRAVIA Sync, Digital Media Port for iPod (iPod cradle sold separately), two digital audio inputs (one coax and one optical) and digital cinema auto calibration for easy set up. [caption id="attachment_16745" align="aligncenter" width="297" caption="HT-CT 350"][/caption] Price and Availability The HT-CT350 40-inch sound bar system is available this May for about $400. The HT-CT150 32-inch sound bar system, also available this May, retails for about $300. The HT-SF470 surround sound system is available this June for about $550. All models will be available at Sony Style stores, online at www.sonystyle.com, at military base exchanges and at authorized retailers nationwide.

la88356

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:54:08 +0000

Yahoo! and Samsung Sign Deal

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:02:53 +0000

Yahoo! and Samsung Extend Strategic Global Partnership

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:04:09 +0000

Yahoo! has announced a strategic global partnership with Samsung to distribute Yahoo!'s industry-leading services on millions of Samsung mobile devices -“ including those running Samsung bada and Android platforms. Through this partnership Samsung will distribute Yahoo! services, including Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo! Messenger, Yahoo! Front Page, Yahoo! Search, Yahoo! Flickr, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Yahoo! Contacts, Yahoo! Calendar, and Yahoo! Weather on Samsung's mobile devices globally, currently planned to begin in May 2010. Samsung and Yahoo! have partnered since 2007 and the expansion of this relationship will give millions more Samsung device owners easy access to Yahoo!'s leading services. Samsung phones may come pre-loaded with one or more Yahoo! branded services

Yahoo! Mail -“ Access your favorite Web mail features: Read, reply, compose and send mail; view attachments; get to your personal mail folders; and organize messages by customizable groups.
Yahoo! Messenger -“ Message your friends reliably in real time: view their availability and quickly see their status messages; update your own status; and show your style with emoticons, avatars, or photos.
Yahoo! Contacts and Calendar -“ Look up and/or add contact information and update your calendar.
Yahoo! Mobile Front Page -“ Bring together your favorite content and services from anywhere across the Internet to one location.
Yahoo! Search -“ Get exactly the information and answers you need when you are on the go. Search results are grouped around your query, providing the most relevant information on a single screen.
Yahoo! Flickr -“ Take, share, and discover photos and videos; geo-tag photos; and email them to your Flickr account from your Samsung phone.
Yahoo! News -“ Get the news you're interested in on your phone. Choose what is relevant to you from a complete list of news categories, including entertainment, sports, business, technology, and more.
Yahoo! Finance -“ Follow broad market indices or a specific company and read the day's top news, research, and analysis to keep up-to-date about the financial world.
Yahoo! Weather -“ View current weather conditions or a three-day forecast; search for weather conditions by city; find sunrise and sunset times; and get wind, visibility, humidity, and barometer readings.

WD Photos Photo Viewer App for iPhone

Doug — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:08:30 +0000

WD has introduced WD Photos photo viewer, an iPhone/iPod Touch app for use with its My Book World Edition and WD ShareSpace network drives, that lets users access up to 250,000 of their favorite photos from anywhere in the world. The WD Photos photo viewer app allows users to easily log in to their drive from anywhere so they can view their entire photo library. Users' photos remain private, safe and secure in full high-resolution format, on their network drive, eliminating the need for painstaking uploads to costly online photo services and the need to choose which pictures to sync to their iPhone -“ with WD Photos photo viewer, they're all instantly and easily accessible. The app's powerful search tools, thumbnail previews and viewing options make it easy to find that special picture to show a friend at a coffee shop or remember a special moment. Users can view up to 250,000 pictures on their iPhone or iPod touch by simply copying their pictures into the "Shared Pictures" folder on their My Book World Edition network drive. A unique application that runs directly on these WD network drives automatically creates optimized versions of users' photos ahead of time, enabling fast viewing on an iPhone or iPod touch without having to wait for the photos to load. Available now at the Apple iTunes App Store, the WD Photos photo viewer app is free. Registration with MioNet, WD's secure remote access service (included with My Book World Edition), is also free and required to use this app. WD Photos photo viewer also works with WD ShareSpace network storage systems. WD Photos Photo Features & Compatibility

Access to all the photos in the "Shared Pictures" folder of users' My Book World Edition network drives and WD ShareSpace network storage systems;
Photos are automatically resized for perfect viewing on iPhone or iPod touch, leaving originals in full resolution;
Smart filtering to find the photos you want -- view photos by album, folder or all images and search by date, folder name or file name;
Access previously viewed photos offline;
E-mail a photo to a friend;
Assign a photo to a contact;
Add a photo to the Camera Roll;
View a slideshow; and,
Set slideshow duration.

WD Photos photo viewer app is compatible with iPhone and iPod touch OS 3.1 or later and works with WD's My Book World Edition network drives and WD ShareSpace network storage systems. Users must register with WD's free MioNet remote access service to use the app.

WWDC 10 Photo

Doug — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:37:14 +0000

WWDC 2010 Will be June 7th through 11th

Doug — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:38:26 +0000

Apple has announced the schedule for the 2010 Worldwide Developers Conference. The event will be held June 7th through the 11th at Moscone West in San Francisco. As in the past few years, the focus is shifting more and more away from the Mac to the iPhone, and now the iPad. Developers will be able to attend the first sessions for the iPad, and labs for iPhone 4.0. Material is being separated into five tracks: Application Frameworks, Internet & Web, Graphics & Media, Developer Tools and Core OS. H L 5 will be cover in many of the sessions, as a way to live a Flash free world. Apple Design Awards will be handed out for five iPad and five iPhone apps. Nominations are now ongoing, and will be accepted until May 14th at 5PM Pacific time. Electronic tickets for WWDC cost $1,599 apiece, and are available only to registered Apple developers.

adapt

Doug — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:01:58 +0000

NewerTech Launches All-In-One HDMI Adapter

Doug — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:06:33 +0000

NewerTech has launched the Mini DisplayPort with 5.1-Channel Digital Audio to HDMI Adapter. This adapter is the newest product in the company's long line of Mini DisiplayPort adapters. This adapter overcomes the non audio support of 2008-2009 Mini DisplayPort equipped Macs The new device allows users to connect HD monitors or televisions to a wide range of Mac computers via the Mini DisplayPort. It offers support for full 1080p resolution, along with uncompressed 5.1-channel audio (such as Dolby Digital). It is bus powered via A USB port, so no AC adapter needed. Features include support for bandwidth speeds up to 2.25Gbps per-channel, and a dedicated TOSLINK audio cable for receiving an audio signal from the Mac's headphone jack. Price and Availability The Mini DisplayPort with 5.1-Channel Digital Audio to HDMI Adapter is available to order online from NewerTech's website and is priced at $59.95. It comes with a one year warranty.

BenQ

Doug — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:14:35 +0000

BenQ Shows Off New Compact Cam with HDR

Doug — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:26:09 +0000

Today BenQ showed off a new compact digital camera, the E1260 HDR. It is one of the few point-and-shoot which has High Dynamic Range shooting mode that merges multiple shots to bring out more details from highlights and shadows. The 12-megapixel camera can record video in 720p HD video, and has a 28mm 4X optical zoom lens with a 2.7-inch preview LCD. Plus, it has an accelerometer which will rotate photos when they are being reviewed depending on the orientation. The E1260 will be available in gray or blue when it arrives worldwide in May. Prices have not been announced.

Verizon YouTube

Laura — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:38:09 +0000

ATT-connect

Laura — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:54:59 +0000

Go Live

Laura — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:05:22 +0000

Verizon Adds YouTube and HD Radio to FiOS Line-up

Laura — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:08:31 +0000

Verizon is taking the next step in redefining the way people watch TV by adding YouTube to its innovative FiOS TV Internet Video capabilities. Qualified customers can now simply use their remote controls to search for and enjoy any YouTube video -- right on their TV screens. Verizon is also introducing Internet Radio, for FiOS TV subscribers, providing access to hundreds of stations nationwide and the ability to stream music from the PC to the TV. Verizon's Internet Radio and Internet Videos services are both accessible via Media Manager, which already allows subscribers to search and view on their TVs user-generated content from online video-sharing sites blip.tv, Dailymotion and Veoh. In addition, Verizon has expanded the Media Manager service, making it available to all FiOS TV HD customers. Previously, it was available only to DVR customers. The availability of YouTube, the world's most popular online video community, will add thousands more daily videos to the service. "Adding YouTube and Internet Radio to FiOS TV further expands our customers' digital home-entertainment world by giving them access to an unprecedented amount of online content on the biggest screen in their home -“ their TV," said Shawn Strickland, vice president of consumer strategy for Verizon. "When customers connect their homes to our all-fiber network, their TV and Internet worlds seamlessly come together to create experiences cable can't deliver. We are working with some of the most popular companies on the Web to create a high-quality, engaging Internet-to-TV experience that will only grow richer with time." Internet Radio, Internet Videos and all other FiOS TV features can be controlled via Mobile Remote, which Verizon introduced in February. Customers who have a Droid by Motorola or HTC Imagio mobile phone can use those devices as a television remote control. The mobile remote has virtually the same functionality as the standard FiOS remote, plus additional features including instantly transferring photos from the handset to the TV screen. To watch YouTube on FiOS TV, customers need a FiOS TV DVR or high-definition set-top box and Verizon's Media Manager software -“ accessible for Window-based PCs. Users visit http://www.verizon.com/MediaManager to download and install free Media Manager software on their PC. They then access the service by selecting the "Media Manager" option on the FiOS TV Interactive Media Guide menu or through the Widget carousel. Subscribers already using Media Manager simply click on the upgrade prompt to receive the free software update, which will be automatically added to their service by Verizon. Users can search YouTube and other available video-sharing sites individually, or all sites at once, using key words or by selecting "Most Watched" and "Top Rated" categories; view thumbnail screen grabs of videos that appear in search results and bookmark favorite videos -“ among other features. Consumers also have the option to watch videos in full-screen mode. Using the FiOS TV remote control, customers can log onto their YouTube account and view their favorite or self-uploaded videos stored with their online account. In addition to the video-sharing features, Media Manager for PC includes Photo Manager and Music Manager features that help customers organize, manage and enjoy multimedia both on the PC and on TV. The service also includes a library of all personal videos, Internet videos from select websites, photos and music stored on a PC. FiOS provides next-generation interactive services including an advanced interactive media guide; social-networking, news and entertainment widgets; remote DVR management via broadband or cell phone; multi-room DVR; Internet videos on TV; streaming of personal videos, photos and music from home computers to the TV; and many others. For the latest news, updates and information about FiOS TV, visit www.verizon.com/newscenter and http://www.verizon.com/athomeblog.

AT&T Intros Mobile Conferencing App for iPhone

Laura — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:13:31 +0000

AT&T has announced that its AT&T Connect Mobile conferencing App is now available on the App Store. Road warriors now have the option of taking audio and web conference meetings with them on their iPhone from lots more places around the world. The App integrates multiple conferencing products including audio conferencing, web conferencing and video conferencing into a single unified communication (UC) application delivered from AT&T's global network. "Converging communications technologies are driving business demand for integrated voice, web and video conferencing services, to reduce costs and speed decisions, delivered by a provider that can create global solutions at scale," said Ron Spears, president and CEO of AT&T Business Solutions. "Collaboration across a broad sweep of individuals -“ employees, suppliers and partners, as well as across geographic and organizational boundaries -“ is a daily necessity. AT&T is bringing its Unified Communications capabilities to integrate voice, email, messaging and web conferencing in business apps that drive the productivity of businesses regionally, nationally and globally," he added. Features and Functionality (depending on connectivity)

View whiteboard
Call Me and Dial In features that simplify audio setup
Interactive participants list: See/hear the other participants in the conference, their emoticons and mode of connection
Use emoticons to signal opinion
Alert other participants when stepping in or out of the conference
Use notes to chat with one or all participants
Answer polls
Host an event
Invite others to join an event

AT&T Connect Mobile App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. Once the app is installed, it takes only a single click from an online calendar or email invitation to join an AT&T Connect meeting.

TomTom Gives Sneak Peak of Go Live 1000

Laura — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:14:30 +0000

TomTom has previewed the Go Live 1000, the first in a whole new generation of navigation devices, designed to bring real-time services to millions of drivers. The new TomTom Go Live 1000 is the first TomTom product completely designed for connectivity. Based around a powerful ARM 11 500 Mhz processor, the device also showcases a new Webkit-based user interface and the latest capacitive touch screen technology. The software and service delivery platform have been optimised for rapid integration of third party applications and easy localisation to match the needs of specific markets or applications. The back end server systems have been completely redesigned, allowing effortless delivery of rich content and downloadable applications, via cable or over the air. All this also makes the TomTom Go Live 1000 future proof. It will be much easier than ever before to receive the latest content and relevant information instantly. Working with partner Vodafone, TomTom has pioneered an innovative new business model, delivering real-time connectivity seamlessly across 33 European countries for the first time. With the Go Live 1000 there is no need for subscription or activation, as a full year of services* is now included with the device. This suite of services includes TomTom HD Traffic, mobile speed cameras and local search in 16 countries. TomTom is committed to providing motorists with the best routing technology possible, developing industry firsts IQ Routes and HD Traffic. For the new platform, TomTom engineers were tasked to design a new routing algorithm that continuously scans the road network for the fastest routes, using these layers of navigation information. This has resulted in a patented super fast routing algorithm that sets new standards in accuracy and speed. And user interface enhancements give drivers a better visual understanding of traffic conditions. The new user interface and application logic is designed to be feature rich and easy to use. To existing TomTom users, the product will have the familiar TomTom feel, but it does that in a richer graphical environment. The new capacitive touch screen is designed to offer crystal clear graphics at high resolution. "Our customers are relying increasingly on their navigation devices and it is no longer about the destination alone, but also very much about the journey itself", said Corinne Vigreux, managing director TomTom. "The Go Live 1000 has been designed to make the journey a relaxed, predictable, safe and enjoyable experience. Thanks to our technologies we know the road ahead and what is happening on the journey. The Go Live 1000 will get our customers to their destination easier, safer and faster than ever before." Richer and more detailed maps, covering two million kilometres more roads and addressable locations across 45 European countries, ensure drivers never have to waste time looking for valuable information regarding their route. Also, a new Park Assist feature automatically informs drivers of car parks near their destination. The TomTom Go Live 1000 will be available in the summer.

Juno Pink

Laura — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:06:02 +0000

Juno Blue

Laura — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:07:00 +0000

Getac B300

Laura — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:15:15 +0000

MoBook

Laura — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:35:45 +0000

Boost Adds Juno to Handset Line-up

Laura — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:50:48 +0000

Boost Mobile has announced the launch of the Sanyo Juno by Kyocera. Available in both impulsive pink and deep blue for only $99.99, Juno is designed to offer simplicity and flare, with a full QWERTY keyboard and large 2.2-inch display screen that shows off the phone's easy-to-use menu icons for quick and intuitive navigation. In addition, consumers will never miss a photo opportunity with friends and family thanks to the one-click button accessing the 1.3 megapixel camera with digital zoom, fun editing features and photo quality-capture settings. "The Sanyo Juno by Kyocera is an ideal handset for Boost Mobile customers who want a stylish and affordable QWERTY messaging device that doesn't skimp on features or performance," said Yasuhiro Oishi, vice president of sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. "The Juno is a great tool to unleash the power of the Nationwide Sprint Network, and we are proud that our product line is so strongly represented in Boost Mobile's growing handset lineup." The Sanyo Juno from Boost Mobile is available today for $99.99 (excluding taxes) with free shipping when purchased at www.boostmobile.com. In the coming weeks, the phone also will be available through Boost Mobile Exclusive Retail Stores and select independent wireless dealer locations. Juno's Features:

Full QWERTY Keypad
Thin design with 2.2" High-Res Color Display
1.3MP Camera with Digital Zoom
Dedicated 1-click text & .com keys
Wireless Web Email Access
Instant Messaging [Capable]
Multi-Media & Threaded Text Messaging
Bluetooth
GPS & Wireless Web Enabled
Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting & Call Forwarding
Speakerphone with Voice Recognition
Downloadable Games, Wallpapers & Ringtones
600 Entry Phonebook
Alarm Clock, Calendar, To Do List, Calculator & Voice-Memo Recorder

Manage Business Travel with Tripware MoBook

Laura — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:52:36 +0000

Tripware MoBook, a travel app for iPhone and iPad users, offers business travelers full travel planning, booking, and managing of their business trips. All travel planning, booking, and organizing is done within the app - no need to search the mobile web or use multiple travel apps. By filling out their online Tripware Traveler Profile, travelers have their travel preferences and requirements pre-populated in MoBook so that only personalized travel options are displayed. By automatically syncing with their Traveler Profile, MoBook provides the fastest and simplest travel booking for Apple iPhone and iPad users. MoBook travelers get the same great rates as other online options, the ability to automatically integrate frequent rewards numbers, the opportunity to review current, past and future itineraries and access to all relevant phone numbers and maps. Tripware MoBook includes up-to-date flight status as well as the ability to book alternate flights, hotels, or cars when the traveler's plans are interrupted. With 24/7 telephone support through Tripware's 877-FLY-4BIZ number, travelers always have travel planning and booking support at their fingertips. "While there are many travel apps available through the Apple ecosystem, we sought to offer business travelers an extremely efficient, all-in-one travel tool built upon our patent-pending technology," says Clark C. Rines, President and CEO of Tripware. "With MoBook, we bring Tripware's fast, simple, and personalized travel booking to the mobile phone. Our MoBook interface compliments our growing list of interfaces that allow business travelers to focus on their business instead of fiddling for hours with 1990's travel technology." Tripware fully released their OutBook and DeskBook interfaces earlier this year. Similar to MoBook, the other Tripware interfaces allow business travelers to plan, book, and organize their travel where they work: OutBook, a plugin for Microsoft Outlook users, and DeskBook, a simple desktop app for travel arrangers. To receive the most personalized and targeted traveler options, Tripware recommends users fully complete their Tripware Traveler Profile. The profile contains over 75 customizable travel requirements, preferences, and discounts that sync with all of Tripware's interfaces, including MoBook. Travelers who complete their profile enjoy the maximum speed and ease of use available through the Tripware interfaces. To get Tripware MoBook, travelers simply sign up for free at the company's website, http://www.tripware.com, and follow the prompts to the iTunes store. Tripware MoBook is currently compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Tripware has plans to offer MoBook on additional mobile platforms later this year.

Rugged Notebooks Add Verizon Wireless

Laura — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:55:17 +0000

Getac has announced that its best selling B300 rugged notebook computer and V100 rugged convertible are now Verizon Wireless Network Ready and will incorporate the company's 3G wireless network for expanded wireless coverage. The certification is especially beneficial to Getac customers in the public safety, utilities, construction, and military professions who often work in remote areas where coverage is weak. "Access to Verizon's 3G wireless network has made two of the best rugged notebook solutions for field use even better," explains Jim Rimay, president, Getac. "This will provide our customers with greater options for their wireless needs and increase productivity by ensuring they can stay connected, which is absolutely critical for our customers." "Getac's products provide mobile users with tools to improve productivity when away from the office," said Anthony A. Lewis, vice president of Open Development at Verizon Wireless. "As businesses have the need to stay connected no matter where work happens, they can be confident that these devices combined with the Verizon Wireless network will help them do just that." Getac B300 The B300's durability, dependability and advanced performance technology are a few reasons why it is Getac's best selling rugged notebook. The B300 offers Getac's exclusive QuadraClear Technology with touchscreen, which utilizes special anti-reflective coatings, linear and circular polarizers and a 1200 nit LED display for optimal viewability in direct sunlight. Battery life is extremely important in the field, and due to superior power management technology and advanced display technology, the Getac B300 offers up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge allowing extended use in remote areas where access to additional power may not be available. Users also have the option of placing a second battery in the media bay for an additional 12 hours* of battery life. The Getac B300 is covered by a 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. Getac V100 One of the most important features of a rugged mobile computer is the ability to view the display in direct sunlight. Getac's V100 fully-rugged convertible computer offers Getac's exclusive breakthrough QuadraClear technology with touchscreen, allowing for optimal viewability in direct sunlight. QuadraClear utilizes special anti-reflective coatings, linear and circular polarizers and a 1200 nit LED display to create this innovative technology. This technology allows our military personnel to read even the most complex maps or "intel" in the bright desert sunlight-”an environment which would render most LCD's unreadable. The Getac V100 is covered by a 5 year bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Nexus One Vodafone

Laura — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:50:22 +0000

Ironman 2

Laura — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:59:48 +0000

Vodafone Offers Nexus One to UK Customers

Laura — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:24:59 +0000

Vodafone has announced that UK customers can order the Nexus One, the new superphone from Google, at vodafone.co.uk/nexusone. Vodafone is the first European mobile operator to offer Nexus One. Customers who pre-order online will be the first to get a Nexus One for free on a 35 pound monthly price plan (24 month), on April 30. The Nexus One will also be available via Vodafone stores and telesales, with Vodafone providing direct support to customers with the superphone when they need it. Nexus One will be available on a range of great value Vodafone price plans, on both 18 and 24 month contracts. Price plans start from 25 pounds a month on a 24 month contract. Vodafone UK customers with the Nexus One can use up to 1GB of mobile data as part of their price plan as well as take advantage of unlimited access to Wi-Fi in the home and free, publicly available services throughout the country. Customers using Wi-Fi can also use an additional 1GB of data at premium BT Openzone hotspots throughout the UK. Nexus One features the latest in Google innovation including Google Maps Navigation (Beta), which offers satnav-style turn-by-turn driving directions with voice output and Street View. Also included are other favourites like Google Mail, YouTube and access to Android Market with more than 40,000 applications. Google Maps Navigation is an Internet-connected GPS navigation system that provides turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps for Android. Key features include Google Search and Search by voice to find your destination, the most recent maps, businesses and live traffic from Google Maps, and street and satellite views. Nexus One Hardware Features

Display: 3.7" AMOLED 480x800 WVGA display
Thinness: 11.5mm; Weight: 130g
Processor/Speed: Qualcomm Snapdragon 3G QSD8250 chipset, delivering speeds up to 1GHz
Camera: 5 megapixel auto focus with flash and geo tagging
Onboard memory: 512MB Flash, 512MB RAM
Expandable memory: 4GB removable SD Card (expandable to 32GB)
Noise Suppression: Dynamic noise suppression from Audience, Inc.
Ports: 3.5mm stereo headphone jack with four contacts for inline voice and remote control
Battery: Removable 1400 mAh
Personalized laser engraving: Up to 50 characters on the back of the phone
Trackball: Tri-colour notification LED, alerts when new emails, chats, text messages arrive

Flixter Users Peg Top 5 Summer Movies

Laura — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:25:58 +0000

For moviegoers at Flixster, Iron Man 2 and Inception are the most highly anticipated movies of the summer -“ with the sci-fi thriller eliciting surprisingly strong buzz within the world's biggest online movie communities. More than 1 million users have rated the summer's biggest films, and based on their feedback, the five most-anticipated movies of the summer are currently, in order: Iron Man 2, Inception, Toy Story 3, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and The Last Airbender. Both Inception and Iron Man 2 currently have a 95 percent want-to-see score (out of 100), the highest of any summer releases. To be included on the list, movies must have received at least 10,000 want-to-see ratings. Moviegoers rate yet-to-be-released films as "Want to Se"or "Not Interested" at www.flixster.com or on Flixster's apps for Facebook, MySpace, iGoogle, iPhone, BlackBerry and Android-powered devices. Moviegoers can also rate movies on Rotten Tomatoes at www.rottentomatoes.com. "Inception features the director and star of two of the biggest movies of all time in a completely original concept, and it has had consistently strong interest for the past month," said Joe Greenstein, CEO and co-founder of Flixster, which also owns leading movie-aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. "Iron Man 2, Toy Story 3 and Eclipse continue hugely popular franchises, and it's clear that they've got audiences very excited." Many of the Flixster want-to-see ratings were driven by users of Flixster's mobile apps, which have seen major growth in recent months. Since April 2009, Flixster apps for smartphones have been installed more than 15 million times. Between early May and Labor Day, Flixster estimates that moviegoers using its mobile apps will drive more than $500 million in box-office receipts. "Moviegoers are more engaged with mobile devices than ever before," Greenstein said. "The growth has been extraordinary: Mobile has become the predominant way many people make their movie choices." Flixster Inc. operates Flixster.com and RottenTomatoes.com, and also has apps on Facebook, MySpace, iGoogle, iPhone, BlackBerry and Android-powered devices. Together, Flixster's communities provide the most comprehensive movie information online -“ including a database of more than 250,000 movies; 2.3 billion user reviews; 500,000 critic reviews; and more than 20,000 trailers and videos.

Bento 3

Laura — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:28:46 +0000

Bento 3 Helps Families Get Organized

Laura — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:31:59 +0000

FileMaker has announced the Bento 3 Family Organizer, a fast, free and easy way for families to get organized using their Mac, an iPhone or new iPad. It includes a free 30-day trial of Bento 3, the latest version of the personal database that's as easy to use as your Mac, plus templates that organize bills, meal planning, shopping lists, chores and weekly routines-”all within Bento. For families who worry over whether they have missed a bill, or are frustrated because they constantly recreate shopping lists, meal plans, chore charts and weekly family events, the Bento 3 Family Organizer wants to be the answer. "Organizing a household is challenging for all of us. From paying bills to shopping, planning meals and other responsibilities, it's a major job," said Ryan Rosenberg, vice president of marketing and services for FileMaker, Inc. "The Family Organizer, together with Bento 3, helps make the task of organizing a busy family much easier." The Bento 3 Family Organizer is designed to work with Bento 3, which has received numerous media accolades including an Editor's Pick award from Macworld. Bento 3 adds useful new features such as Grid View, integration with iPhoto, sharing data with others on a local network and securing data with 128-bit AES encryption. The Bento 3 Family Organizer also works with Bento for phones and the new Bento for iPad, so customers can organize their bills, shopping lists and other family management activities on an iPhone or iPad and then synchronize the information with their Mac. FileMaker also provides the Bento Template Exchange, offering hundreds of additional ways to use Bento. The Bento Template Exchange is a Bento community site that showcases real-world uses and offers Bento templates that users can browse, download and import into Bento 3 and use on a Mac, iPhone or iPad. Today, Bento users have created and shared over 600 templates on the Bento Template Exchange.

Do Crew

Laura — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:25:44 +0000

Droid Incredible

Laura — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:54:48 +0000

Using Computers to Help Kids Get Fit

Laura — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:09:05 +0000

The epidemic of childhood obesity is a real one, and the numbers are staggering. The rate of childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years to the point where almost 20% of children aged 6 to 11 years are considered obese by the Centers for Disease Control. The creators of the Do Crew wanted to make a new type of game that focused on getting kids off the couch as they played with their favorite characters. The games are a blend of traditional cartoons and Augmented Reality and they call on the viewers to jump up and down, wave their hands, and play with the characters. The catch? Unlike traditional television programming, the show can't go on unless children actively participate. All these motions add up to calories, and the just-launched site already has kids jumping and running all over the world. Do Crew games require physical exertion, like the Wii, but don't require expensive consoles and the purchase of games. As the Do Crew continues to grow, they'll be able to bring the excitement and activity of the Wii Fit and Dance Dance Revolution into every living space with a computer. Do Crew focuses on the fun, and makes exercise fun for kids. "It's amazing to watch a four-year old break into a sweat in front of a computer, jumping up and down and laughing," says Chas Mastin, CTO of Whistlebox. You certainly won't find that type of reaction to most television programs. The Do Crew makes all this magic happen with ordinary computers and webcams. The technique of mixing one's image with games and videos is called Augmented Reality (AR), and DoCrew.com uses AR to place kids into episodes of a cartoon about colorful Beavers and their problems. The child becomes part of the show: swimming underwater, jumping for exploding fireworks, and dancing with the animated characters. Parents are loving it, saying "If you don't enjoy it, you've lost track of your inner child."

Verizon Now Has the Droid Incredible

Laura — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:13:22 +0000

Verizon had announced the release of the Droid Incredible. Droid Incredible by HTC features the newest version of the HTC Sense experience, a seven-panel home screen with a selection of interactive widgets designed so the most important content is immediately available at a touch. Customers get integration with Exchange ActiveSync, quick and easy access to Flickr for sharing and viewing pictures, video, and Android Market with more than 30,000 Google applications. Droid Incredible by HTC is the first Verizon Wireless phone that takes advantage of Qualcomm's 1GHz Snapdragon processor, and it's the first available phone from Verizon Wireless to include an 8 megapixel camera. Shortly after the phone becomes available, customers will be able to enjoy two of the latest exclusive apps from Verizon Wireless -“ NFL Mobile and Skype mobile. Key features

Android 2.1 with HTC Sense experience
1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
Friend Stream for unified Flickr, Facebook and Twitter updates
"Leap" view for quick access to all seven home screen panels
8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash for crisp, detailed images
Razor-sharp 3.7 inch WVGA (480x800) AMOLED capacitive touch display
Optical joystick for smooth navigation
Dedicated, touch-sensitive Home, Menu, Back and Search keys
Proximity sensor, light sensor and digital compass
Integrated GPS
Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
3.5 mm headset jack

Customers who purchase DRroid Incredible by HTC before May 31, 2010, will receive a free 2 GB memory card. This includes customers who pre-ordered the device. Customers can receive only one memory card per Droid Incredible by HTC purchase. The Droid Incredible by HTC is now available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Verizon Wireless customers will receive their DROID Incredible by HTC rebates in the form of a debit card. Customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan (beginning at $39.99 monthly access) and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan (beginning at $29.99 for unlimited monthly access).