jk on Tech

What, Ten Dollar Laptops in India?

February 4, 2009 5:53 PM |

When asking the average gadget savvy, consumer electronic wench if he or she romps around with a laptop in their messenger bag, chances are they do--and they are on their way to (free Wi-Fi) Starbucks.

It's even customary for U.S. university students to not only have a cell phone but also a laptop in hand on their way to their noon classes, in their pajamas. Laptops are replacing PCs not only for their portability and lightweight bonuses but because they are getting cheaper and cheaper. Moreover schools and universities sometimes strike deals with major vendors. Let's face it, money talks and now more than ever for those in India.

A few days ago, the Indian government unveiled a plan to help students hone their computer skills by assisting in the manufacturing of laptops to be sold at ten-dollars a piece. The project will start in India's southern city of Tirupati

Details about the computers remain scarce, but Higher Education Secretary R.P. Agrawal said last week that these laptops will be available within six months.

"Once the testing is over, the computers will be made available on commercial basis," he told the Press Trust of India news agency.

"Its cost will be 10 US dollars. If the parents want to give something to their kids, they can easily purchase this item."

The laptops will reportedly have two gigs of memory with wireless Internet capability, but officials have not publicly demonstrated a prototype--or yet explained how it can be produced at such a low cost, but in the end does that really matter?

The government has earmarked more than 939 million dollars to develop the low-power gadget to work in rural areas with unreliable power supply and/or poor Internet connectivity.

In order to increase the number of students in higher education the Indian government wants to give the nations' youth the technological skills needed to further boost India's economic growth.

This is not India's first attempt in implementing a program to supply those who want an inexpensive laptop. New Delhi declined a previous attempt to bring cheap laptops to India which was led by MIT computer scientist Nicholas Negroponte's with his One Laptop Per Child program.

The government cited hidden costs for its rejection of the idea, which was to sell the laptops at 100-dollars each.

Regardless of how the new laptops are being constructed, the new program is allowing those who want to excel in their education a chance to do so and at ten dollars a pop, there should be no child left behind.

Nike Slam Dunks in Online Sales

February 2, 2009 6:37 PM |

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Nike, the athletic footwear conglomerate has announced that they are doing rather well, online. Nike's US chief executive Mark Parker has stated that the company is seeing "a fairly dramatic increase in online sales."

Parker announced the news to a panel at the World Economic Forum annual meeting.

Conclusions could be made that Nike is experiencing a sharp increase in online sales, driven in part by cost-conscious shoppers conserving gasoline. With consumers looking for ways to save money and gas prices now on the rise again, a leisurely drive is now out of the question.

The company last month reported a nine percent rise in quarterly net profit showcasing that they are solid and secure from the current global economic crisis.

Industry analysts say the online sector continues to grow as more shoppers opt to shop on the Internet for convenience and the ability to compare bargains.

Most recently, Nike sported a deal with the University of Richmond in Virginia.

According to Martin Newton, Nike's college basketball sports marketing manager, Richmond became attractive to Nike as the company changed its business model.

"In the past, we didn't have necessarily the resources to go to that high-mid-major level and do an all-sports deal," Newton said. "The all-sports deals were kind of reserved for the BCS-type schools. I think now we have a model and a service system in place where we can take care of those schools [such as UR] and service."

Newton said Richmond was interested in an all-sports setup to simplify its uniform, shoe, and gear-sales situations.

"From a student-athlete's standpoint, they're going to be -- and I'm prejudice, but I think our sales and our numbers kind of show -- that they're going to be in the absolute best product and apparel in the world," Newton said. "That's across the board. That's just not the football team and the basketball team. That's all of their athletes."

Nike will provide each Spiders team with shoes, uniforms and other gear as part of what UR Athletic Director Jim Miller said is a "long-term deal."

According to the Richmond Times Dispatch, it's believed to be a five-year pact. The deal is expected to kick in with the 2009-10 school year.

The Fall of Kennedy

January 22, 2009 7:00 PM |

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For some reason I just can't help but think technology drove Caroline Kennedy to drop out of the race for the senate seat. Political figures have always been in the spotlight and their business' known. Take Timothy F. Geithner for example, who, even though, was endorsed by the Senate Finance Committee as secretary of the Treasury, was grilled prior to being sworn in about his failure to pay thousands of dollars in back taxes.

According to the New York Times, "that lapse caused considerable embarrassment for Mr. Geithner, even as some members of the panel said they were willing to accept his word that the failure was an honest mistake."

Undoubtedly, nevertheless Mr. Geithner stuck it out and is now the Secretary of the Treasury.

Of course, his issues are neither here nor there in regards to Ms. Kennedy, as her main problems and the reason I believe she decided to withdrawal her name, is because one she cannot, under any circumstances, speak well in public and two she didn't like being in the public eye.

"I have, you know, quite a lot to learn, but I feel like I bring a lot with me, as well," Kennedy said.

You know, umm, like I understand what you're saying but you know you should realize that you were running for a very public position, maybe a diction class would have benefited

"I feel this commitment, and this is a time when nobody can afford to sit out. And I hope that I have something to offer," Kennedy said.

Again, perhaps not the best choice of words, HOPE is the key word here signifying to every New Yorker that yes, she does want to help however she's unsure if she has the capability or capacity to do so. You can't HOPE Ms. Kennedy you have to KNOW that you can because we've already seen what uncertainty in leadership or lack thereof has brought us.

Kennedy is usually an extremely private citizen and her time in the public eye may have proved too much for her. Announcing her bid for the senate seat in early December and finally ending mid-January, she stayed in view just a little over a month.

Did she think her name alone would get her out of answering questions or make her a shoe-in for the senate seat? What about the things she learned on her never campaigned trail or her plans for bettering the state of New York? All questions that were asked but never answered nor were there any attempts made by the hopeful Democrat.

Back in the day, Americans were lucky to catch a glimpse of their Commander in Chief or even learn about any illness they might have had. There aren't many pictures of Lincoln nor did the nation realize FDR was ill until his unexpected death, for Americans at least, in the beginning of his fourth term.

Now, with the help of technology, every little detail is known about anyone who subjects themselves to be placed deeply into public display. Browsing through YouTube, there are endless videos criticizing her lexicon, or lack thereof, with one video actually counting the number of times she uses the phrase, "You know."

The information and materials are out there and seconds after it becomes available, it is splashed across the Web.

At any rate she withdrew, "I informed Gov. Paterson today that for personal reasons I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the United States Senate," she said.

What these personal reasons may be, who knows? Some speculate that she rather take care of her uncle Sen. Ted Kennedy, who made news himself the day of the inauguration when he was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at a post-inauguration luncheon.

Or, according to ABC News, "there is some speculation that Kennedy withdrew as a face-saving measure after Paterson informed her that he was going to choose someone else."

However, according to a person close to the Kennedy family, "He was offering her the seat, there's no doubt about that."

Whatever the reason is, Caroline Kennedy can go back to life as she once knew it, the real question is, will the media and those who splashed her name around the Internet back hallways let her do so.

Apple is Good!

January 22, 2009 3:19 PM |

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Thank the Gods, who control the technology sector, Apple has reported a fiscal first-quarter profit of $1.61 billion, or $1.78 a share, on revenue of $10.17 billion. In other words this is excellent news showing people, especially stockholders that, even without Jobs, Apple can still do well.

"It was a great quarter and I think better than most people expected,'' said Yair Reiner, analyst at Oppenheimer."I would say iPod sales were well ahead of the consensus. Mac sales were strong, iPhone was a little bit softer than I hoped, but people were braced for that.''

According to CNBC, the December quarter is traditionally Apple's strongest, fueled by holiday sales. The company sold 2.52 million Mac computers in the quarter, up nine percent from last year, while iPod sales rose three percent to 22.7 million units. Analysts had expected sales of around 2.5 million Mac units and 18.5 million iPod units.

Sales of the iPhone, as expected, fell off considerably from the previous quarter and totaled 4.3 million units. Analysts had expected sales of roughly 5 million units.

This management team has always been conservative in the way it's guided. In that context, the first-quarter forecasts are quite encouraging,'' Reiner said.

During the same period a year ago, Apple earned $1.58 billion, or $1.76 a share, on revenue of $9.6 billion. The results beat the estimates of analysts surveyed by FactSet Research, who forecast Apple to earn $1.29 a share on $10.16 billion in revenue for what is typically the company's busiest business period of the year.

Apple gave no new details, but Tim Cook, the chief operating officer who is handling day-to-day operations in Jobs' absence, attempted to assure analysts that Apple will continue to do well no matter who's in charge.

"The values of our company are extremely well entrenched," Cook said. "We believe that we're on the face of the Earth to make great products, and that's not changing."

How Did CNN Partnered with Facebook Inauguration Coverage Do?

January 21, 2009 12:34 PM |

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When I saw that Facebook and CNN were going to be working together on streaming the President inauguration a few days prior, I clicked the "Yes I'll attend" button and waited with anticipation to watch while sharing comments with friends.

According to InsideFacebook.com, more than 1 million people had updated their Facebook status through the CNN.com Live Facebook feed as of 2 p.m. Eastern time today. The Web site also reported that there were 8,500 statuses updates the minute Obama began his speech and 4,000 status updates every minute during the broadcast.

Logging on about a half-hour before the actual swearing in of the then President-elect, I waiting for the LIVE video to start playing and I too updated my status, "Jessica is waiting on the world to change." (I know, I'm clever.) However, that was the only thing I was able to do. As the time neared for Obama to take the oath of office the video was still waiting to connect!

Scott Bouchard, a Web designer here at TMC and who also blogs for his Design vs. Functionality page titled his blog for yesterday, Welcome to the Inauguration Waiting Room. And that, my friends, wasn't far from the truth.

He wrote, "Like many people around the world, I've been trying to tune in to see the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America via Internet. CNN.com Live and Facebook have been advertising that they will be streaming Inauguration coverage all day today, but I just keep getting dumped into a waiting room. I get cycled back out and then just sit on a loading page. I've let it sit there for 15 minutes twice already."

Although, it seems that some didn't have to wait, expressing the convenience of online social networking.

"I think it was a tremendous catalyst to show some of the things social networking can do," said Allen Weiner, an analyst at research firm Gartner Inc. "It was a thing of beauty. It was easy to use. The TV window never overwhelmed the conversation, but it provided context. Social networks work when you have something to talk about -- from the size of Aretha Franklin's hat to the content of what Obama was saying."

Easy to use? I'm sure it was, if you could get connected.

Scott explains why this happened, "It was basically too much traffic and not enough resources, they set up a queue because they had set a maximum number of connections for any given time. Once the maximum was met, they dumped users into a waiting room and were supposed to be filtering them in as positions became available, either no one was logging off, or the queue was failing. Either way they underestimated the amount of resources they needed to get it to run smoothly and lost traffic as a result."

Mark Zuckerberg, get on the ball for the next time you want to be a partner in crime!

Privileged

January 15, 2009 1:50 PM |

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So last night, Greg Galitzine, Group Editorial Director said to me, "Here's an iPod touch, go at it." Ok, he might not have said it using those words but that's what I heard, considering I was having a mini-party in my head because I've been wanting to get my hands on one for some time now but due to economic reasons and the fact that I'd rather be warm when I go to sleep, the iPod touch was just out of reach for me.

My only negative remark so far: I'm not a fan of the onscreen keyboard. In order to test it out, I logged onto my Gmail account and ended up sending only one email out because I became a little frustrated.

I only download a few apps to test, one being Urbanspoon, which I saw in an Apple TV commercial. Being pretty indecisive myself, I thought this app would help me out. Boy did it. I showed my father, who is in his 50's and for some reason had a problem with it looking like a slot machine and went to town. With the built-in Wi-Fi, the GPS can find out where you are and find restaurants near you.

If you don't want to spend a lot of money, you can lock the price section and have the other two, city and type, spin. To "shake" you could either physically shake the device a bit and it will spin or just press the "Shake" button. When I wanted to do it manually I got wrist whiplash because a gentle shake just didn't cut it.

I also downloaded the Flixster Movies application which is has RottenTomatoes.com ratings with all movies, which is a plus because usually RottenTomatoes know what they are talking about.

The application gives box office, theater, upcoming, and DVD information. Trailers are available but not for all movies. Reviews and movie details can also be found along with movie websites.

In this application, ads can be found at the top of the screen, which I thought was interesting. If you want to know more about what is being advertised simply touch that area and you're taken to the information. Sounds like an article...

I began looking for email apps in hopes that the emailing situation could be remedied, by not only giving me a better keyboard but maybe some addition features that I have yet to determine.

On a completely different subject, I did try out the keyboard on the BlackBerry Storm and was quite impressed.

HDTV Buyer's Guidelines Just in Time for Super Bowl XLIII

January 15, 2009 12:29 PM |

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Oh, the Super Bowl. This is the time when men enter a world that, I or maybe even the female population, just cannot understand. There is this need for them to gather around television sets in living rooms or perhaps even a bar, like a moth to a flame, with great anticipation, usually knowing that what they are about to see will either complete or shatter their spirits until the following year.

They hush as they watch other, bigger, men hurl their bodies in hopes of catching a leather-bound, oblong object some affectionately refer to as, a football, then as the silence is broken by the audience as the ball is carried to a usually brightly colored design, they like to call the end-zone.

I do not understand however, ladies but if you can get an HDTV out of it, who cares. CableOrganizer.com, providers of cable, wire and equipment management-related products for use in business and at home, today announced it has issued a HDTV Buyer's Guideline to help consumers make smarter high definition television purchases.

This HDTV Buyer's Guide is now accessible online and will be available to consumers completely free of charge.

The guide explains how to choose between LCD or Plasma. CableOrganizer.com says that, "when it comes to choosing between Plasma and LCD, it's important to shop in the mindset that one high-def TV is not necessarily better than another -- rather, it's a question of which one is right for you...are Plasmas and LCDs really that different? The answer is yes."

Although, HDTV's do have their pros and cons, it's important for the consumer to know what they are looking for, what they like and how much they are willing to spend.

A LCD, the company says, is the same technology used in your flat-screen computer monitor. Light streams through liquid crystal-filled cells to form images that have good color saturation levels and can be easily viewed even in rooms with high levels of ambient light. This type of HDTV may be the better choice for gamers as LCD screens are wall-mountable, and available in sizes up to 46 inch.

Plasmas use charged neon and xenon-filled gas cells to form bright, color-saturated images. This kind of HDTV is a better fit for those who want to use their television as a home theater and who want to get the most out of their TV or movie-viewing experience. Plasma screens can be on the pricier side but are available in screen sizes of up to 60 inch.

As for screen resolutions, this lingo is referring to the sharpness and clarity of a TV's picture. There are three types of resolutions: 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. For 720p, it's the lowest resolution within the HDTV standard. The "p" stands for progressive scan, a format that's ideal for viewing fast-action movies, sporting events and video games.

The 1080i offers more lines and pixels than 720p, it's a better option for people who enjoy watching slower-moving programming with lots of close-ups like documentaries, non-action movies, and prime-time dramas.

Then with the 1080p, also known as "True HD," it combines the best qualities from both the 720p and 1080i. Even though 1080p is named as the best in HD resolutions, it's important to keep in mind that with the exception of Blu-ray, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and a relatively small amount of satellite TV programming, there's not much true 1080p content available.

One important tip CableOrganizer.com stresses is that, "While some will try to convince you that investing in an HDTV justifies shelling out for the best HDMI cable that money can buy, the truth is that a steep price tag isn't always a reliable indicator of a high-quality HDMI connection."

Therefore, after the Super Bowl is done and over with, the only remanence will be a brand new, HDTV bought by one smart lady.

Mobile & Wireless 2009 Wish List

January 13, 2009 5:24 AM |

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Dr. J. Gerry Purdy, Ph.D. VP & Chief Analyst, Mobile & Wireless, Frost & Sullivan (Contact him: gerry.purdy@frost.com or 404-406-5309) says every year analysts give their trend predictions for the coming year that don't always come true. To me that sounds like Ms. Cleo, the psychic lady on the infomercial who if you called her at two in the morning she would tell you your future but, that turned out to be a sham!

To be a leader in the industry, Dr. Purdy decided to give his "Mobile & Wireless 2009 Wish List" hoping that with this list, it could "drive many of the vendors to seriously consider these recommendations for their product plans and drive customers to demand them from vendors."

Granted, he may have a Ph.D. in Wish List making but it's been my experience when every time I made a Wish List, I never got anything. I blame Ms. Cleo.

Apple
iPhone
	Put politics aside and provide support for Adobe Flash. Add clipboard cut/copy and paste. Allow enterprises to monitor and control applications. Build a new model that includes a real keyboard. Select multiple emails and delete them with one action without having to go to Edit. Search within email folder. Sort email by 'From' with alpha directory (like in Contacts). Add turn-by-turn navigation (work with TeleNav). Add a back arrow on lower level menus. Get RIM to develop BlackBerry client - leverages installations that already have or plan to install the BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) but have employees who want to use the iPhone. Allows connectivity to both Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino. Allow applications to run in the background so they can provide alerts and services at appropriate times. Provide mobile broadcast - 8 channels of video & 12 channels of music along with datacasting.
MacBook
	Get Microsoft to develop Outlook for the Mac. Better Windows to Mac conversion tools. This would really help Windows users to convert more easily to the Mac. Encourage Microsoft to develop Internet Explorer for Mac.
iTunes/iPod (see Inside Mobile, June 10, 2008)
	Allow any portable music player (including iPod, Zune & Sansa) to sync with iTunes (creates iTunes as the master control tower for all music players) Allow iPod to work with other sources of online music and video (creates iPod as the best way to interact with all rich media on the Internet) Work with streaming sources like RealNetworks to provide multiple channels of streaming music through iTunes (creates iTunes as the master director for all good streaming music sources)
OS X
	Offer OS X for all Intel notebooks with full compatibility - let users decide whether to load it on their notebook vs. Windows.
RIM
Develop BlackBerry client for the iPhone (keeps BES in place). Adopt Android as your OS platform and build all future devices on Android and MarketPlace. Your BlackBerry platform isn't robust enough to compete in the market against other major mobile OS providers. If you adopted Windows Mobile, you might as well sell the company to Microsoft.
Microsoft
Develop Outlook for the Mac. It will drive more Mac sales than any other single application. There are over 300 million Outlook users many of whom might just switch to the Mac if Outlook were there. Entourage isn't the same and doesn't support PST files. Create and offer an 'Apps Store' for Windows Mobile similar to Apple, Google & Nokia. Develop integrated wireless handheld device using Danger assets (Zune Phone?). Show both the Business and Home address entries in the Outlook Contact display screen. Very annoying to have to use a pull down list to see someone's home address. Develop Windows Explorer for the Mac so that web sites that are compatible only with IE would run well on a Mac.
Nokia
Find a way to become a player in the US market (ask us to help you achieve this goal). Bring Ovi to North America. Offer a line of SmartPhones based on Android - let market decide on which OS they like the best.
Motorola
Since you're developing for Android, build a great product for enterprise:
	Offer Good Technology email built-in with great security Provide a great sideways keyboard
Google
Develop an end-to-end digital media store that will be open, provide desktop app like iTunes, work with all content providers & provide both streaming 'channels' as well as purchase of music, TV and movies - takes YouTube up a notch with a better, more user friendly UI and ability to store and share all of a person's media. Get an Android OHA partner like Motorola and Palm to develop a product for the enterprise.
Palm
Announce support for Android and build both consumer and enterprise models. Maintain your easy to use interface and the result could be a big hit. Work with a third party like Peek, Visto or SEVEN to create a great, integrated email solution for consumers.
Watch List
HTC - they have done a good job with the Android/T-Mobile G1. Watch for more great products coming from this relatively new player in the 'big leagues.' White Space Initiative - this allows full multi-media wireless transmission through building walls - products and services to come out in 2009/2010. Companies like Nomadio should partner with wireless operators or Clearwire to roll out a nationwide service. Netbooks - Could become a lot more successful if they provided better performance and more storage (give it a couple of years). The idea of a carry-around-all-day 'companion' with Wi-Fi and wide area wireless will become appealing. It should sync with your notebook or desktop (e.g. via MobileMe). Clearwire - look for bright spots as 'Clear' WiMAX services begin to roll out around the US. Broadcast Media - look for real inroads with MediaFLO and DVB-H if at least one major operator (e.g. AT&T Wireless) and handset provider (e.g. Apple) offers mobile broadcast (8 channels video & 12 channels of music) with all popular handsets. Audience (and others) - provide much better elimination of background noise when talking in a public place or driving - provides immediate improvement in call quality to all users. Mobile commerce - that we'll be able to buy most anything using our phone and the vision of a 'digital wallet' will come closer to reality. eBook Reader - Amazon or Sony - provide an eBook reader that provides a better experience than reading a book (see Inside Mobile & Wireless, Oct. 6).

Car Tech at CES

January 12, 2009 12:49 PM |

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Goodness there's a lot to cover from the Consumer Electronics Show, here's a list of what was shown from the automotive sector:

AT&T Cruisecast, a rear-seat TV delivery system which is due this spring, is a satellite TV system that at launch is expected to deliver 22 channels of TV and 20 of satellite radio to vehicles equipped with a receiver roughly a foot. Setup cost is estimated at $1299, while monthly service fees will run at $28.

MediaFlo, the less expensive version of AT&T Cruisecast is a service that broadcasts on UHF channels and is available on some AT&T and Verizon Wireless cell phones. The channel selection isn't as huge, but setup is expected to run about $500. Monthly fees haven't been announced but the phone services run about $15. The photo shows an actual installation that was on the CES show room floor. (Photo taken by Yardena Arar.)

Entertainment system prototypes, by Visteon shown here, are based on the new ATSC Mobile DTV standard candidate announced last month. The Mobile DTV standard not only supports in-car reception of over-the-air DTV signals, it provides a framework for additional services to be delivered via the Internet.

The AVN (for Audio, Video and Navigation) in-dash models from Eclipse are capable of playing DVDs, CDs, and digital audio from iPods and other sources. The $850 AVN4430 features a detachable TomTom GPS unit that you can use in another car without removing the rest of the entertainment system/hands-free Bluetooth phone kit; the AVN726E (due in April, no price announced) will have a 7-inch high-def screen.

Pioneer's DEH-P710BT let's you also tag songs you hear on FM radio (or at least the more than 450 stations that support RDS, the technology that lets FM stations send text info along with their regular music signals). The DEH-P710BT goes for $360.

TomTom's Go 740, comes with a built-in SIM card and a year's worth of free connected services (cheapest fuel prices, map and point of interest database updates, etc.) included in the $499 purchase price. Due this spring, it will have a 4.3-inch touch screen and TomTom's elegant interface. What's missing is support for user destination data entry via the Web.

Garmin's $800 Nuvi 885T, with speech recognition, lane assist (detailed guidance on freeways) with junction view, and Doppler weather maps and flight status information on top of existing MSN Direct content (traffic, movie schedules, gas prices, basic weather, local events, stock quotes, news, and support for Web data entry). MSN Direct uses radio airwaves to deliver data to a range of devices. Also available: the $700 Nuvi 855, which has the same on-board features but lacks Bluetooth and MSN Direct support.

Also from Garmin is route calculation based on fuel cost. The new EcoRoute feature can be added to Nuvi 205 and 705 models.

There's also a less expensive GPS navigation device from Mio Technology, the Mio Moov 700s, with a 7-inch touchscreen display for a very reasonable $300. Other features include text-to-speech directions (it tells you the names of the roads), lane guidance, and an AV input so you can use the screen with other display-ready devices such as a blind-spot view camera.

From Cobra Electronics: The AURA (Advanced Universal Road Alert) updatable database of GPS coordinates for speed and red-light cameras and other known driving hazard locations. Cobra's new high-end models, including the top-of-the-line $439 XRS R10G shown here, come with lifetime subscriptions to AURA updates, to be offered starting this spring.

Nextar introduced two solar-powered hands-free Bluetooth speakers: The $70 NXBT-002, shown, is rated at 150 hours of standby and 6 hours talk time when fully charged; it features caller name and ID on a super-bright screen. The NXBT-1 offers 250 hours of standby time and 10 hours of talk time (but doesn't do caller name/ID).

Squeal for SYNC Introduced at CES

January 12, 2009 11:51 AM |

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The Consumer Electronic Show (CES), which finished yesterday in Las Vegas, demonstrated many gadgets from thousands of companies, also showcased was the latest in car technology. Ford, Microsoft and eight partner companies together introduced the latest new features for SYNC -- the hands-free information and entertainment system for drivers -- during ShowStoppers, the press-only special event.

Microsoft's upgrading it's Sync technology (which currently appears in some Ford vehicles) by adding new features on top of its existing music player and hands-free phone capabilities. The next version, available starting this spring, will provide integrated GPS technology and a customer's Bluetooth mobile phone, SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information provides simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions, and up-to-date information such as business listings, news, sports and weather--all in response to a driver's voice requests (relayed to Microsoft TellMe servers via a Bluetooth-connected cell phone).

The new version of Sync will be available in nearly all 2010 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models, and Ford says the services will be provided free of charge for three years with the purchase of a new Sync-enabled vehicle. However, existing Sync customers are simply out of luck since older versions will not be upgradeable.

Also previewed was the Ford 2010 Fusion Hybrid, which goes on sale this spring, as "America's most fuel efficient mid-size car" with a government mileage rating of 41 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway, according to the company.

The invitation-only event featured company launches, product introductions, sneak previews and hands-on product demos by 90 companies to more than 1,000 top journalists, columnists, selected bloggers, and industry and financial analysts, who cover business, consumer, lifestyle and digital products for work, home and play, according to PCWorld.

Sony's Reveals Pocket-Size VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC at CES

January 9, 2009 8:24 PM |

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Fresh from the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, the Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC by far one of the smallest portable PCs ever seen as far as the mini-notebook goes. The company claims the device is small enough to easily slip into a jacket pocket or purse. Weighing 1.4 lbs, mini-notebook is roughly the size of a business envelope and as thin as a typical cell phone.

The ultrawide screen on Sony's new device measures eight inches diagonally with a screen resolution of 1600x768 pixels and images displayed with Sony's Xbrite-Eco LCD technology. The company claims the screen is big enough to view two Web pages side by side.

Equipped with a QWERTY keyboard that's about 92 percent of standard laptop size Sony has tailored the spacing between keys to help reduce typing mistakes. Also, Sony revamped the keyboard for users with long fingernails.

"Designed for the fashionista in all of us, it's the ideal companion," said Sony Electronics Senior Vice President Mike Abary.

The product will be available in an array of colors, including garnet red, emerald green, and onyx black. Matching accessories are also available, including a color-coordinated mouse.

Replacing the standard notebook touchpad Sony went with a pointer stick in addition to a Bluetooth-enabled mouse for those who just can't stand that little ball.

Built with a 1.33-GHz Intel Atom processor with 512KB L2 cache; 2GB of 533-MHz DDR2 SDRAM; an Intel graphics media accelerator; a graphics memory capacity of 760MB; and a solid-state drive with a maximum capacity of 128GB, the device also integrates a built-in camera and microphone; GPS, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), and Bluetooth radios; wireless WAN 3G technology; two USB 2.0 ports; and slots for Duo media, multimedia and SD memory cards.

Already installed software includes Windows Vista Home Premium and a trial version of the Windows Live OneCare antivirus application. Other available applications include Microsoft Works SE 9.0, together with 60-day trial versions of Office Small Business 2007 and Office Home and Student 2007.

An instant-mode option launches the user directly into Sony's Xross Media Bar interface, allowing users to rapidly boot up (in about 30 seconds) and access music, video, photos and the Web. Additionally, the new device integrates Sony's VAIO Multimedia Suite, which includes a wide array of music, video and disc-burning tools.

The mini-notebook comes with a standard-size lithium-ion battery with approximately four hours of operation off a single charge.

The VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC will retail for about $900 at Sony Style retail outlets, beginning later this month or early Feb.

Not the most cost-efficient gadget coming out of the CES regardless of the price, consumers, especially for women, based on Sony's marketing approach, this new mini-notebook could potentially be one of the main attractions in 2009.

RIP Desktop PC

January 8, 2009 8:55 PM |

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For most of us, the only time an actual desktop PC is used is at work. Recently, not a single desktop model figured on online shopping portal Amazon.com's top ten selling PC and hardware list the weekend before Christmas, while seven laptop models made the list.

"On both price and performance, laptops are so competitive now it's surprising they weren't able to catch up with desktops even earlier," said iSuppli analyst Peter Lin.

Who wants a PC anyway? They have multiple parts with various wires connecting the user to the wall, the wall! No one wants that commitment of having to stay put for hours on end tied by ugly black cords--to the wall.

"The ability to surf the Internet wirelessly at public places, the need to be able to take your office out with you when you travel, and an increasing range of notebook computers have all led to lower desktop sales."

In college not one person had a PC in their dorm room and the only place a PC was found was in the library along with the rest of those obsolete items--books, encyclopedias and video tapes.

"It's just evolutionary I suppose," said Gartner analyst Tracy Tsai. "Things have reached a point where the price difference is no longer as pronounced as before for many consumers, and the average person is more likely to choose the option that offers him portability over the one that doesn't."

According to Reuters, to keep their growth coming, Acer, Asustek and others vying for laptop dominance are increasingly looking to segmentation, taking aim at the wide range of computer buyers.

"There is incredible choice in the notebook space now," said IDC analyst Richard Shim. "You can get notebooks at every inch size from 5-inch to 20-inch."

Alex Gruzen, Dell's manager for consumer products, agreed that the days when his company could offer laptops "in the same shades of grey" are coming to an end.

As portability becomes the norm, some are asking if there's any room left for desktops in the brave new era of laptops.

Salesmen at Taipei's Kuanghwa computer market, one of the city's top PC hang-outs, said hardcore computer game addicts may be one of the few groups to keep buying desktops that offer greater processing power for memory-intensive applications.

"Hardly anyone buys desktops anymore," said Elton Tsai, gesturing toward the solitary HP desktop sitting in his shop amid rows of laptops.

"Anyone who is enough of a geek to want real processing power can probably assemble his own computer, saving himself at least a few thousand Taiwan dollars in the process," Tsai said.

But not everyone believes the desktop, which was first introduced in the 1970s, will soon be relegated to the junkyard of history. After all, desktops can still offer substantial savings, especially for those who are handy with a screwdriver.

Gartner analyst Lillian Tay asked, "How can a laptop compete with a desktop on price?"

"Especially in the emerging markets where price is a consideration," she said, "laptops simply cannot compete on price with a group of people who slap a motherboard, a hard drive and a few chips together to get a desktop."

However, although based on Tay's opinion, the price of a self-made PC could beat laptops in that area, it could be concluded that not everyone has enough nerd-skills to make that happen.

Laptops posted a milestone in the third quarter of 2008, passing desktop PC sales for the first time, according to research group iSuppli.

With an entry level price of $300 for some basic models, laptops should bolster their position in 2009. They are forecast to take up about 55 percent of all computer shipments, according to data tracking firm IDC.

Many companies eagerly waiting for the era of the laptop are in Taiwan, maker of about 80 percent of the world's laptop PCs. They include the world's top two contract manufacturers, Quanta and Compal Electronics, and two of the most aggressive laptop brands, Acer and Asustek.

Gadgets, Electronics and Consumers Unite

January 6, 2009 5:36 PM |

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Rumors are passing through the virtual hallways of cyberspace and tech junkies (it also could just be me) are awaiting the arrival of their Super Bowl, the Consumer Electronic Show. OMGoodness! According to PCWorld, "HDTV and mobile gear may steal CES's 2009 spotlight."

Demonstrations from multidisplay laptops and HDTVs wired for broadband to Blu-ray players that can deliver Web content, the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show may have more than some consumers can handle.

Bring it.

By the end of this week, one can expect a parade of shiny, tiny, and wireless bundles of joy from CES exhibitors--including a 3G watch-phone from LG Electronics, a wafer-thin Samsung TV that's 6.5 millimeters thick, and an emphasis on emerging fields such as environmentally friendly green technologies and Wi-Tricity, a technology that allows wire-free power charging of small devices.

Wait...a 3G watch-phone! Does it have a touchscreen...IT DOES! :D

The LG-GD910 phone is going to be first in Europe. In the center of the watch face is a 1.4-inch touchscreen display that is used as the keypad when making a call. There are also buttons down the side of the phone's body, plus it's waterproof.

The WCDMA (wideband code division multiple access) phone supports 7.2Mbps (megabits per second) HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) data system, so downloads should be fast. It can also make video calls via a small camera above the top right corner of the screen.

Other features include Bluetooth, an MP3 player, a speakerphone and a text-to-speech function.

LG has yet to disclose timing for the launch but we can probably guess for certain that more details will be given during CES.

There is also the Samsung TV that's wicked slim at just 6.5-millimeters and has an LED (light emitting diode) backlight. This, in my opinion, makes TV viewing an explosion of light dancing upon your eyeballs! It's that magical.

Plus, the Samsung TV stand could be, at present, the thinnest LCD TV yet demonstrated. Which is wonderful for space conservation and who doesn't need that? Samsung, get to mass producing, consumers the world over need this TV (but remember the economy ok, don't make it too overpriced just cause it reeks of glory.)

There have also been reports if an even thinner TVs based on a newer screen technology called OLED (organic light emitting diode) are also expected to be on show at CES.

Can't wait to see what unfolds! big grin

Consumer Electronics Technology Show

January 5, 2009 12:43 PM |

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Did you know that this show existed?! I'm new to all this so bear with me, I almost fell out of my chair and had a consumer electronic conniption. Dudes, why wasn't an invitation sent my way? sad

+:tear:

According to the AFP, smart gadgets, lifelike video and pocket versions of laptop computers are expected to be Consumer Electronics Show (CES) stars as the annual extravaganza follows its gizmos onto the Web.

It looks like consumer electronic companies didn't get the memo that the economy is failing and leading analysts have been saying we're in the beginnings of a recession for almost three months now. (When does it start, really, I want to be semi-prepared.)

Some 2,700 makers of televisions, computers, mobile telephones, chips and other technological wares will tout their latest innovations in Las Vegas from January 8-11. (Then my b-day is the 12^th so it's that much more special! It would have been a perfect ending to the show if I were there, again, thanks guys...)

In addition to that, film, television and music studios which deliver digitally to devices tied to the Internet will also be there. Folks like Billboard Digital Music Live!, NBC Universal, The Today Show, the NBC Evening News with Brian Williams, Access Hollywood, CNBC'S Maria Bartiromo and Sony Pictures Television.

Rumors surrounding the show include word that Microsoft might unveil a revamped Zune in a bid to knock Apple's iPod from its throne atop the MP3 player market.

Palm is expected to introduce an overhauled operating system in what could be a last-ditch effort to reclaim former glory in a "smart" handheld device realm that it pioneered but lost to competitors.

"A big thing will be the launch of Palm's new Nova," said analyst Rob Enderle of the Enderle Group in Silicon Valley. "It could be a swan song for Palm or the rebirth of the company."

Digeo, a cable television equipment supplier, is also under pressure to deliver on an innovative digital media recorder that links to Internet services and televisions, according to NPD analyst Ross Rubin.

Microsoft may use CES for a "coming out party" for a Windows 7 operating system to succeed Vista software that has been a target of relentless loathing by many computer users, according to Enderle.

"On the PC side, CES is going to be a netbook love fest," Enderle said.

"Apple may have something online and Google is doing something," he said. "The expectation is that Google has its own PC platform coming and will throw it on a netbook--they want everything to be online and the netbook leads itself better to Google than to Microsoft and Apple."

Analysts said CES should also feature the introduction of a new mobile phone based on the Android open source platform promoted by Google.

Dunion said "uber themes" at CES are likely to include green technology trimming power needs of gadgets while employing more recyclable and non-toxic materials in construction.

Television screens ideal for home theaters and increasingly rich graphics will once again get high-profile at CES. Increasingly sophisticated pixel qualities should set the stage for a surge in 3D viewing experiences.

"We really think next year 3D is going to really take off," said Ujesh Desai, a GeForce vice president at premier graphics chip-making firm NVIDIA.

Hewlett Packard marketing executive John Cook said, "The biggest thing I see is the consumers expect high-definition entertainment. I'm expecting to see quite a lot of that on the show floor."

Emphasis should be heightened on television by a mandated switch from analog to exclusively digital broadcasting in February.

Support for Blu-ray high-definition DVD technology has gained momentum since the Sony-backed technology was declared winner of its format war with Toshiba's HD-DVD systems at CES last year, according to analysts, resulting in more manufacturers leaping into the Blu-ray arena.

I'll keep you posted with all this new consumer news to come out of this particular show and who knows, maybe next year I'll even go. wink

Red Rover's Red Wagon Just Got Better

December 24, 2008 5:24 PM |

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Remember the little red wagon of days past? Well it just got an upgrade. Check out TMC reporter Michelle Robart's article on Radio Flyer's red wagon the Cloud 9, a wagon equipped with more high-tech features than kids may know what to do with!

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Victor Michael Oguli: hi am having a hard time getting to meet new read more
Rich J: I was starting to think I was the only one read more
Anh: As Temkin said, "... every purchase they make, every service read more
Anh: As Temkin said, "... every purchase they make, every service read more
Asif Siddiqui: Hi Jessica, sounds too good to be true, a laptop read more
http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkohler: The solar laptop bag is a cool idea since many read more

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“Who’s jk On Tech, that’s one secret I’ll never tell. XOXO…jk” Find tech news on all things new and exciting in the consumer tech world. From plasma TVs to cellular deceives, PCs to video game consuls you’ll get my opinion and recommendations from a (forever) twenty-something.

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