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Apple TV to Become iTV, Gain Applications

Evan Selleck — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:17:23 +0000

One product that Apple has seemingly skipped over again, and again, over the last few months is Apple TV. Everyone was wondering, with the launch of the iPad, where Apple TV stood amongst the Apple-branded products, and how it would relate in today’s market. Always seen as a niche product, and more of a project rather than a mainstream product, Apple TV seemed to be just there, and nothing more. But, alas, things change, and now Apple TV is changing, too.

This falls right in line with the report back in May of this year, that Apple TV would be getting a big boost in a lot of key areas. For example, it would be getting a smaller set-top box, which would only cost $99, and feature things like Apple’s A4 CPU. However, with all of the great new features, there’s also a few things getting tossed to the side. According to Engadget, it looks like the new Apple TV won’t be able to support either 1080i or 1080p HD playback. This is apparently due in part to the A4 CPU, and it’s inability to pump out higher resolution.

What’s more, though, is that the new Apple TV will also be getting its own section of the App Store, and it will indeed be able to utilize applications. However, there’s no word on whether or not you will be able to play iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch games/applications from Apple TV, or vice versa. That’s still unclear at this point in time.

The one big thing to take away from all this, though, is that Apple TV is getting a name change. It’s probably not all that surprising, though: iTV. It may not be the most ingenious or revolutionary product tiel out there, but it’s obviously an iDevice, and that right there will mean people will know exactly what you’re talking about. And, while this report is just the tip of the iceberg, apparently a lot more is going to get revealed some time in the Fall of this year. Which, for the record, is basically right around the corner.

[via Engadget]

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Apple iOS 4.0.2 Software Update Unleashed

Evan Selleck — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:04:04 +0000

Apple has just released the iOS 4.0.2 software update for the majority of their iDevices. But, unlike many other updates in the past, this one’s primary focus is one thing, and one thing only: to patch up that pesky malicious PDF situation that shot up a couple weeks back. The update doesn’t really do anything other than that, despite the fact it comes in two variations: 4.0.2 and 3.2.2. (for the iPad).

The update itself will remove your jailbreak, if you are currently jailbroken. And, if you used the site jailbreakme.com, you should expect that not to work anymore, either. We know that Apple’s removal of jailbroken software from their iPhones/iPods/iPads isn’t new, especially with software updates, and we should all expect the jailbreakers out there to take care of the situation on their side in no time. So, if you want to keep your jailbroken iDevice the way it is, go right ahead and don’t download this. But, if you want to patch up that huge security hole, and can wait to get jailbroken again, then you probably want to get to downloading.

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Kobo eReader to be Handed Out to Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Guests

Evan Selleck — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:37:14 +0000

When you stay at a major hotel now-a-days, you expect more than the normal amenities of yesteryear. In today’s world, we expect new and shiny toys to keep us busy while we’re in our rooms, or walking around the grounds. Those comfortable robes just don’t cut it anymore. And if you’re looking for a nice little treat, then maybe your next stay should be at a Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, as the lodging has just announced a partnership with the Canadian-based Kobo, as well as Random House to make sure that guests are well taken care of.

Kobo, which manufactures the Kobo eReader, has declared that they are working with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts to bring their digital reader to President’s Club guests. So, it’s not meant for everyone. And, at the time of the announcement, it looks like only 10 branches are getting the ability to hand out the eReader at this time, but we’re sure that will change in due time.

Random House has also agreed to take part in the deal, making it so that a few thousand of their titles are made available to guests, out of the two million books the publisher has at the ready. Those books are free to download, too, so that should help the pocketbook at least a little bit. But, if you need a book and want to buy it, you can also opt to set up a Kobo account and start downloading books that way, for a price. Check below for the full list of the branches handing out the eReader.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Fairmont Pacific Rim
The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
The Fairmont Royal York
Fairmont Turnberry Isle
The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
The Plaza, a Fairmont Managed Hotel
Fairmont Château Laurie

[via Macworld]

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Plastic Logic Revising Its Product Strategy, Cancels QUE proReader

Evan Selleck — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:51:05 +0000

We heard at the end of June that Plastic Logic was canceling pre-orders of their QUE proReader, eReading device, while the product was delayed with no estimate of a launch date. Now, it seems that Plastic Logic has done what they’ve needed to do, and have decided that they are going to revise their product strategy, and retool their entire way of doing business. In the process, they are officially canceling the QUE product, and setting their sights on a second generation ProReader.

“We recognize the market has dramatically changed, and with the product delays we have experienced, it no longer make sense for us to move forward with our first generation electronic reading product,” said Plastic Logic CEO Richard Archuleta. “This was a hard decision, but is the best one for our company, our investors and our customers.”

It looks like Plastic Logic just accepted the fact that their QUE product wasn’t going to make it out in time to be a competitive product, and in that research, have decided to take the high road. Sure, there will be plenty of folks out there who think that the company should have pushed forward with their current generation of products, but obviously the higher ups in the company feel that taking a step back, and coming back into the market with a better device is the right way to go.

They are going to take the time necessary to make the best ProReader they can, which is the best plan. Time will tell whether or not the next generation of ProReader can compete with the market, whenever it is unveiled, but we’re sure that Plastic Logic has the right methods in hand, and are already hard at work with something that will surprise us all over again. Check out the press release below.

Press Release

Plastic Logic Moves On To Next Generation Product
Revised product strategy to bring industry’s first advanced device using plastic electronics technology to market. | 10 August 2010
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA – August 10, 2010 – Plastic Logic today announced it is revising its product strategy and plans to shift its focus to bring to market a second-generation ProReader plastic electronics-based product. The company said it has cancelled its QUE product, which it debuted at CES in January 2010 and planned to ship earlier this year.

Archuleta added: “We plan to take the necessary time needed to re-enter the market as we refocus, redesign and retool for our next generation ProReader product. We continue to perfect our core plastic electronic technology and manufacturing processes that are central to our product’s unique value proposition.

“We remain the industry’s leader in the development of plastic electronics technology for commercial purposes and are continuing to actively advance this technology in our labs and in our manufacturing facility.”

Plastic electronics technology has many economic, manufacturing, form factor and environmental benefits, assuring that it will replace silicon in a variety of devices in the future. The technology makes possible an amazingly thin, lightweight, more robust mobile form factor that the QUE illustrated – and remains unmatched in the marketplace of traditional silicon semiconductor glass-based display products.

“We are fortunate to have investors who are confident and committed to our company’s long-term success in commercializing plastic electronics,” Archuleta noted. “We thank them, along with our partners and suppliers, and most especially our first customers, for their support, dedication and patience — and for standing with us to pioneer the plastic electronics revolution.”

About Plastic Logic
Plastic Logic’s mission is to lead a revolution in the way people acquire, organize and consume information. We are using our proprietary technology leadership in plastic electronics to create a range of innovative products. Founded in 2000 by researchers out of the Cambridge University Cavendish Laboratory, Plastic Logic has research and development in Cambridge, England; high-volume, state-of-the-art manufacturing in Dresden, Germany; and executive management, product engineering, sales and marketing headquartered in Mountain View, California. For more information about Plastic Logic, please go to PlasticLogic.com.

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Amazon’s Lab 126 Looking Into New Hardware

Evan Selleck — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:13:01 +0000

A new report from The New York Times’ Bits blog says that Amazon is looking into some new hardware. After releasing a new, cheaper Kindle, and still reaping in the rewards for being one of the most popular eReaders available on the market, it looks like it’s time for the digital retailer to start looking at new things to sell. Thanks to “people with direct knowledge” of the situation, we’ve got a few details that may pique anyone’s interest.

According to the report, it looks like Amazon’s Lab 126, the hardware division that’s responsible for the Kindle, is looking into new hardware. Furthermore, it sounds like the Lab is focusing on something that would simply be a “means to an end,” and allow Amazon customers to buy from the retailer a lot more easily. The same source suggests that Amazon’s CEO, Jeff Bezos, always intended to make Lab 126 pump out more than one device, but apparently the success of the eReader kept them on a one-track mind for quite awhile.

With 80 job openings currently filling the “now hiring” list for Amazon’s hardware department, it may seem like a legitimate claim. And considering the success of the Kindle, there’s no reason to think that Amazon wouldn’t take a few breathes and look at introducing new things into the market. Not surprising at all, actually.

[via Bits]

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Dell Streak Pricing and Availability Finally Unveiled: August 13th for $300 with AT&T Contract

Evan Selleck — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:37:37 +0000

The Dell Streak’s details haven’t necessarily been all that hidden over the last few months. In fact, we even had plenty of hands-on time with the device to get a review up. But, one of the missing aspects of the device, as far as the US-based release goes, was the price, and the availability date for the launch on AT&T. But, that’s all been taken care of now, thanks to official word from Dell.

The device still has that 5-inch display, built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS connectivity, and the 1GHz processor under the hood. Unfortunately, the press release doesn’t do anything to clarify which version number of Android the Streak will launch with, so our best guess would still have to be Android 1.6. But, that fancy Android 2.1 upgrade is definitely worth the wait.

As for pricing and the date you’ll be able to get your hands on it, that would be $300 on a new, two-year contract with AT&T, and you’ll be able to get your own on August 13th. Or, if you prefer to go sans a contract, then you’ll have to drop $550. August 13th is right around the corner, so who’s going to start the line first?

Press Release

Dell Creates Choice and Freedom to Talk, Watch, Surf, and Connect with New 5-Inch Tablet

ROUND ROCK, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dell (NASDAQ: DELL):

“The Dell Streak has found a way to fit your whole world in a 5-inch screen. Its unique size will help people discover new ways to enjoy the web, connect with friends, and navigate their lives.”

NEWS:

* Orders for the Dell Streak Tablet open up for U.S. priority pre-sale registrants at www.dell.com/mobile this Thursday, August 12. General availability follows a day later at www.dell.com/mobile.
* The Dell Streak is available for $299.99 with new two-year AT&T contract†, and $549.99 without. Customers who purchase the Streak, and signed up during the pre-sale program, will receive a free second-day shipping upgrade. Customers who redeem their pre-sale coupon can purchase a Plantronics Bluetooth earpiece for 99 cents while supplies last.

HITTING A SWEET SPOT

The Dell Streak, a carbon black Android-based tablet with a 5-inch display, is designed to provide an excellent “on-the-go” entertainment, social connection, and navigation experience. The spacious 5-inch screen is ideal for experiencing thousands of Android Market widgets, games and applications, all without squinting or compromising portability. Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth capability and available 3G connectivity brings easy access for downloading and listening to music, updating social networking status in real-time, and staying connected to friends and family through e-mail, text, IM, and voice calls.

On-the-go students, mobile professionals, and active families will find Streak’s web-browsing capabilities as natural as a laptop. The 5-inch screen is large enough to present Web pages in their natural form, create a comfortable viewing experience, and make turn-by-turn navigation simple. The Dell Streak is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon solution with integrated 1GHz processor to combine basic functionality and benefits of a laptop in a pocket friendly size.

The Dell Streak was designed with the future in mind to support future software, application and platform upgrades.

QUOTE:

“The Dell Streak has found a way to fit your whole world in a 5-inch screen. Its unique size will help people discover new ways to enjoy the web, connect with friends, and navigate their lives.” – Ron Garriques, president, Dell Communication Solutions

DELL STREAK FEATURES:

* Integrated Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation, street and satellite views
* A full screen browsing experience with a 5-inch capacitive multi-touch WVGA display
* Easily integrated social media apps: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube
* High resolution 5 MP camera, VGA front facing camera, removable battery, built-in Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth connectivity options
* 2GB* of internal storage provides plenty of space to access and download Google Android Market’s many options
* Packaged with cushions made from 100 percent sustainable, compostable bamboo

DELL STREAK SPECIFICATIONS:

* Android platform complete with Android Market and Dell user interface enhancements
* Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon solution with integrated 1GHz processor
* 3G + Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
* UMTS / GPRS / EDGE class 12 GSM radio with link speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps*
* 5 MP Autofocus camera with dual LED flash. Easily point, shoot, and upload to YouTube, Flickr, Facebook and more
* User accessible Micro SD expandable memory available up to 32GB*. Store up to 42 movies* or 32,000 photos*, or 16,000 songs* with a 32GB* Micro SD upgrade

Follow conversations in the blogosphere: #DellStreak

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Google’s Seoul Office Raided by Police

Evan Selleck — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:21:01 +0000

Whether or not Google is having a good week in the eyes of the media is anyone’s guess at this point, but this one will definitely get a check-mark in the “no” category. According to Reuters, the search giant is getting in even more trouble due to their whole “collecting WiFi” debacle. Back in May, the FTC was actually called on to investigate Google, based on the claims that the company was snagging WiFi information while they went around taking photographs for their Street View. And now the allegations are back, but this time in South Korea.

The report says that the Seoul, South Korea office was raided by police earlier today (a lot earlier). Apparently, the Korean National Police has been investigating Google Korea LLC based on the suspicions of unauthorized collection and storage of data on unspecified Internet users from WiFI networks. Google, in their defense, has been collecting data and images for their Street View Maps feature, since late last year. However, obviously their collections raised plenty of red flags to get their office raided

As of this writing, Google hasn’t commented on anything pertaining to the raid in Seoul, but we’re thinking that will change soon enough. While the FTC and other European governments also partake in their own investigations of Google, we’ll have to wait and see what happens with the data that Google is supposedly collecting.

[via Reuters]

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30 million Nintendo Wii sold in US

Satsuki Then — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:49:02 +0000

Nintendo has just confirmed that it has sold 30 million Wii consoles in the US alone, making it the fastest console to reach that milestone in the history of gaming. The Wii launched back in 2006, and hit the 30m mark fifteen months faster than the next best-selling console.

The strong growth comes as rivals Microsoft and Sony plan to debut their own motion gaming systems, Kinect and Move, in time for the holiday shopping season. Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto has previously said that he sees the competing systems as a “great honor” to the company, while also saying that the challenge Nintendo face is making the next-gen Wii experience “unique” despite generic hardware.

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HP’s Hurd ousting as idiotic as Apple firing Jobs says Larry Ellison; Pre designer quits

Satsuki Then — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:37:53 +0000

HP can’t get a break lately, with Friday’s news that CEO Mark Hurd had been asked to resign amid allegations of sexual harassment not only prompting a significant ditch in their share price but scorn from at least one high-profile name in the industry. Oracle CEO Larry Ellison spared no feelings in his comments to the NYT, describing the HP board as having made “the worst personnel decision since the idiots on the Apple board fired Steve Jobs many years ago.” Meanwhile, HP has lost another significant name from the Palm team, with Peter Skillman – VP of design at Palm, and responsible for the Pre’s design – leaving the company.

“The H.P. board just made the worst personnel decision since the idiots on the Apple board fired Steve Jobs many years ago. That decision nearly destroyed Apple and would have if Steve hadn’t come back and saved them. In losing Mark Hurd, the H.P. board failed to act in the best interest of H.P.’s employees, shareholders, customers and partners. The H.P. board admits that it fully investigated the sexual harassment claims against Mark and found them to be utterly false.” Larry Ellison

It’s worth noting that Ellison and Hurd are friends, but the Oracle CEO also raises questions about a vote the HP board supposedly took over whether or not to disclose the sexual harassment claim. Meanwhile other insiders have confirmed that this was indeed the main point of tension between Hurd and the HP board, and that the relationship soured significantly when the decision to go public was made. HP maintains that their primary complaint was Hurd’s falsification of expense reports, done to disguise the extra-marital relationship.

As for Skillman, it’s unclear what he’ll be doing next, but eleven years at Palm probably don’t look too bad on the CV. The news of his departure fits in with rumors earlier in the year regarding several executives’ plans to abandon Palm in the aftermath of the HP acquisition.

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iPhone 4 “antenna guy” Mark Papermaster leaves Apple

Satsuki Then — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:42:01 +0000

The iPhone 4 antenna saga looks to have claimed a high-profile victim, as Mark Papermaster – the executive responsible for the Apple smartphone’s hardware – has left the company. According to the NY Times, Papermaster’s role will be immediately assumed by Bob Mansfield, SVP of Mac hardware engineering. There’s no official word on whether Papermaster left Apple of his own accord or was fired from his position.

While the paper was able to contact Papermaster by cellphone, the ex-exec declined to comment on his move. All Apple will officially say is that Papermaster “is leaving the company and Bob Mansfield, senior vice president of Macintosh hardware engineering, is assuming his responsibilities.”

Unsurprisingly the reason many are assuming is that Papermaster has taken the hit for the furore over iPhone 4 wireless performance. According to John Gruber, he was internally known as “the guy responsible for the antenna.”

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Mark Hurd, HP CEO, Resigns in Light of Sexual Harassment Investigation

Evan Selleck — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:52:59 +0000

You can consider this one out of left field. On a relatively normal Friday afternoon, news breaks that the CEO of HP, Mark Hurd, has just resigned from his position. And, to add a little bit of shock into the whole equation (as if it weren’t shocking enough), it has to do with an investigation into sexual harassment with a contractor. The claim was brought against Hurd and HP from the marketing contractor, and it was felt from Hurd and the board of directors that he should resign.

It is confirmed that there was no actual violation of HP’s sexual harassment policy, but according to HP Hurd did violate HP’s standards of business conduct. While Hurd steps down, one Cathie Lesjak is stepping in to be the interim CEO. She has made clear, though, that she does not want HP to look at her as a permanent candidate for the position.

Lesjak also confirmed that it looks like Hurd submitted inaccurate expense reports to hide the relationship he was having with the contractor, which is where part of that whole “standards of business conduct” thing. Lesjak is confident in HP and their direction, and says that this upset will not cause any derailments for HP. We’re glad to hear that, even if we are still reeling from this.

Press Release

PALO ALTO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–HP (NYSE: HPQ) today announced that Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Hurd has decided with the Board of Directors to resign his positions effective immediately.

“I accept the position of interim CEO with the clear goal to move the company forward in executing HP’s strategy for profitable growth. We have strong market momentum and our ability to execute is irrefutable as demonstrated by our Q3 preliminary results.”

The Board has appointed CFO Cathie Lesjak, 51, as CEO on an interim basis. Lesjak is a 24-year veteran of the company who has served as HP’s CFO and as a member of the company’s Executive Council since January 2007. She oversees all company financial matters and will retain her CFO responsibilities during the interim period.

Hurd’s decision was made following an investigation by outside legal counsel and the General Counsel’s Office, overseen by the Board, of the facts and circumstances surrounding a claim of sexual harassment against Hurd and HP by a former contractor to HP. The investigation determined there was no violation of HP’s sexual harassment policy, but did find violations of HP’s Standards of Business Conduct.

A Search Committee of the Board of Directors has been created, consisting of Marc L. Andreessen, Lawrence T. Babbio, Jr., John H. Hammergren, and Joel Z. Hyatt, which will oversee the process for the identification and selection of a new CEO and Board Chair. HP’s lead independent director, Robert Ryan, will continue in that position.

Hurd said: “As the investigation progressed, I realized there were instances in which I did not live up to the standards and principles of trust, respect and integrity that I have espoused at HP and which have guided me throughout my career. After a number of discussions with members of the board, I will move aside and the board will search for new leadership. This is a painful decision for me to make after five years at HP, but I believe it would be difficult for me to continue as an effective leader at HP and I believe this is the only decision the board and I could make at this time. I want to stress that this in no way reflects on the operating performance or financial integrity of HP.”

“The corporation is exceptionally well positioned strategically,” Hurd continued. “HP has an extremely talented executive team supported by a dedicated and customer focused work force. I expect that the company will continue to be successful in the future.”

Robert Ryan, lead independent director of the Board, said: “The board deliberated extensively on this matter. It recognizes the considerable value that Mark has contributed to HP over the past five years in establishing us as a leader in the industry. He has worked tirelessly to improve the value of HP, and we greatly appreciate his efforts. He is leaving this company in the hands of a very talented team of executives. This departure was not related in any way to the company’s operational performance or financial condition, both of which remain strong. The board recognizes that this change in leadership is unexpected news for everyone associated with HP, but we have strong leaders driving our businesses, and strong teams of employees driving performance.”

“The scale, global reach, broad portfolio, financial strength and, very importantly, the depth and talent of the HP team are sustainable advantages that uniquely position the company for the future,” said Lesjak. “I accept the position of interim CEO with the clear goal to move the company forward in executing HP’s strategy for profitable growth. We have strong market momentum and our ability to execute is irrefutable as demonstrated by our Q3 preliminary results.”

Lesjak has taken herself out of consideration as the permanent CEO but will serve as interim CEO until the selection process is complete. Candidates from both inside and outside the company will be considered. The selection of a new chairman will occur in conjunction with the CEO decision.

The company does not expect to make any additional structural changes or executive leadership changes in the near future.

HP announces preliminary third quarter results; raises full-year outlook for revenue and non-GAAP EPS

HP is announcing preliminary results for the third fiscal quarter 2010, with revenue of approximately $30.7 billion up 11% compared with the prior-year period.

In the third quarter, preliminary GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) were approximately $0.75 and non-GAAP diluted EPS were approximately $1.08. GAAP and non-GAAP EPS were negatively impacted by $0.02 pertaining to one-time charges relating to the previously announced U.S. Department of Justice settlement. Non-GAAP diluted EPS estimates exclude after-tax costs of approximately $0.33 per share, related primarily to restructuring, amortization of purchased intangible assets and acquisition-related charges.

For the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010, HP estimates revenue of approximately $32.5 billion to $32.7 billion, GAAP diluted EPS in the range of $1.03 to $1.05 and non-GAAP diluted EPS in the range of $1.25 to $1.27. Non-GAAP diluted EPS estimates exclude after-tax costs of approximately $0.22 per share, related primarily to restructuring, amortization of purchased intangible assets and acquisition-related charges.

For the full year, HP now expects revenue in the range of $125.3 billion to $125.5 billion. FY10 GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be in the range of $3.62 to $3.64 and non-GAAP diluted EPS in the ranged of $4.49 to $4.51. FY10 non-GAAP diluted EPS estimates exclude after-tax costs of approximately $0.87 per share, related primarily to restructuring, amortization of purchased intangibles and acquisition-related charges.

HP plans to release its final results for the third fiscal quarter on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, with a conference call at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT to provide additional details.

HP to hold media and financial analyst calls today

This afternoon HP will conduct audio webcasts for the media and financial analysts to discuss today’s announcement.

Conference call for the media: 4:15 p.m. ET/1:15 p.m. PT. Members of the press can dial in at +1 866 713 8567 or +1 617 597 5326, participant code 29494237.

Audio webcast for financial analysts and stockholders: 4:45 p.m. ET/1:45 p.m. PT. Access the live audio webcast at www.hp.com/investor/IRbriefing. It is recommended that attendees dial in 15 minutes early to avoid registration delays.

About HP

HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world’s largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.

Use of non-GAAP financial information

To supplement HP’s historical and forecasted financial results presented on a GAAP basis, HP provides non-GAAP diluted earnings per share. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share is defined to exclude the effects of any restructuring charges, charges relating to the amortization of purchased intangible assets or acquisition-related charges recorded during the relevant period. In addition, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are adjusted by the amount of additional taxes or tax benefit associated with each non-GAAP item. HP’s management uses non-GAAP diluted earnings per share for purposes of evaluating and forecasting HP’s financial performance. HP believes that providing non-GAAP diluted earnings per share to investors in addition to the related GAAP measure provides investors with greater transparency to the information used by HP’s management in its financial and operational decision-making and allows investors to see HP’s results “through the eyes” of management. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share may have limitations as an analytical tool, and this additional non-GAAP financial information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for diluted earnings per share prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Forward-looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If the risks or uncertainties ever materialize or the assumptions prove incorrect, the results of HP may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to any projections of revenue, margins, expenses, earnings, tax provisions, cash flows, benefit obligations, share repurchases, currency exchange rates, the impact of acquisitions or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, including the execution of cost reduction programs and restructuring plans; any statements concerning the expected development, performance or market share relating to products or services; any statements regarding current or future macroeconomic trends or events and the impact of those trends and events on HP and its financial performance; any statements regarding pending investigations, claims or disputes; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; execution and performance of contracts by HP and its suppliers, customers and partners; the challenge of managing asset levels, including inventory; the difficulty of aligning expense levels with revenue changes; assumptions related to pension and other post-retirement costs; expectations and assumptions relating to the execution and timing of cost reduction programs and restructuring plans; the resolution of pending investigations, claims and disputes; and other risks that are described in HP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009 and HP’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including HP’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2010. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

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iPhone 4 antenna drops signal 90% on contact versus 25% of rivals claim German testers

Chris Davies — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:52:45 +0000

Once you start talking about scientific testing, you can’t really be too surprised when other scientists step in and try to replicate your results. Apple has been steadily working through their smartphone rivals, showing how grip-issues plague all antennas rather than solely that of the iPhone 4 (most recently the Motorola DROID X and Nokia N97 mini, and now independent German consumer organization Stiftung Warentest has stepped in to take a look themselves. Roughly the German equivalent of Consumer Reports, Stiftung Warentest claim that in their testing the iPhone 4 signal dropped by up to 90-percent when touched in the lower left-hand corner, whereas rivals saw significantly less of a change when their antenna was touched.

The organization doesn’t specify which two rival handsets were tested but reckons that, while a decrease in signal was observed when their antenna was held, at most they could record a 25-percent loss. As with Consumer Reports, the company suggests a length of tape placed over the iPhone 4′s antenna bridge as a temporary solution until a free iPhone 4 case arrives.

Stiftung Warentest’s results highlight another issue with smartphone signal strength, one that in fact Apple itself has identified: with no standardized way of displaying strength in bars, it’s hard for users to know whether what’s indicated on their screen means they’ll be able to place a call successfully or not. Apple recently pushed out iOS 4.0.1 for the iPhone 4 which reworked their signal strength banding; however this latest round of testing suggests that the iPhone 4 antennagate arguments aren’t going to go away any time soon.

[Thanks drphysx!]

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Apple iPad Sales Hindered by Display Shortages

Evan Selleck — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:33:17 +0000

Apple’s iPad is moving off the store shelves. Both on the digital front, and in the brick-and-mortar locations all over the world. It’s a hot item. Even if you don’t like Apple or the iPad, there’s no denying that the public wants it. And, up until now, the magical and revolutionary tablet device from Cupertino has been free to fly off the shelves, with not a care in the world. But a new report from the Wall Street Journal says that sales would still be going strong, if not better, if it weren’t for the fact LG can’t keep up with production demand.

Right now, the iPad’s sold 3.3 million units around the world. But, according to this new report, those numbers could have been even bigger, and the sales would still be rocketing forward if it weren’t for one big issue. LG, as it stands right now, is unable to keep up with the production of flat panel displays for Apple. As demand increases, LG Display Co. is struggling to produce enough units for everyone to enjoy the product.

As a result, iPad sales have slowed dramatically. But, what makes it interesting, is the comment from LG about when production will be able to meet demand without a hitch. “by the second quarter of next year.” That’s the second quarter of 2011, for the record, and seems like forever from now. Something worth noting, though, is the fact that LG plans on investing upwards of $512 million in a brand new production line that should be up and running by the fourth quarter 2011, which should also help with production. So, we’ve got fixes planned for the future, but nothing on the short-term. It’s better than nothing.

[via Wall Street Journal]

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iPhone 4 Case Program launches: Bumper, Belkin, Griffin, Incase & Speck cases up for grabs

Chris Davies — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:16:56 +0000

The white iPhone 4 may not be available until later in 2010, but what Apple can give you now is a free case for your black handset. As promised last week, the Cupertino company has kicked off its iPhone 4 Case Program: a new app for the smartphone allows owners to pick either an Apple Bumper or a third-party case at no charge.

The app follows word earlier today that Apple had begun refunding those who bought a Bumper through the official Apple Store online, with money automatically being returned to the payment method initially used (and including shipping and taxes). However that does mean that those iPhone 4 owners won’t be able to choose a second case under Apple’s scheme, only get a refund for the Bumper they’ve already bought.

Right now there are only black cases available, and aside from the official Bumper you can take your pick from the Belkin Shield Micra, Griffin Motif, Griffin Reveal, Incase Snap Case, Speck Fitted and Speck PixelSkin HD. Expected delivery time is three to five weeks, and the app checks your handset’s IMEI number so that you can’t get more than one.

In order to qualify, you need to have bought your iPhone 4 before September 30th (obviously that’s not a problem right now); however, if you bought it prior to July 23rd 2010 you need to apply for your free case no later than August 22nd. Everyone else has 30 days from the point of purchase to apply. You can download the app here [iTunes link].

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White iPhone 4 now not due until “later this year”

Chris Davies — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:47:43 +0000

Having promised last week that the white iPhone 4 would launch at the end of this month, Apple are having to take the embarrassing step of admitting it now won’t be shipping the handset until “later this year”. In a brief statement issued today, Apple said that the white iPhone 4 is “more challenging to manufacturer than we originally expected,” though failed to explain exactly what the problems are.

Full statement after the cut

“White models of Apple’s new iPhone 4 have continued to be more challenging to manufacture than we originally expected, and as a result they will not be available until later this year. The availability of the more popular iPhone 4 black models is not affected.” Apple

The news comes shortly after Apple reported huge sales for the most recent financial quarter, and AT&T announced they had activated ten times as many iPhones in the three month period as they did following the iPhone 3GS launch in 2009. That’s despite ongoing criticism regarding the iPhone 4′s antenna, which has seen Apple promise free cases to each buyer.

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Microsoft license ARM chip tech

Chris Davies — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:29:50 +0000

Chipset designer ARM has announced that Microsoft is licensing its architecture, signifying a greater interest on the part of the software giant into the processors that power its Windows Phone 7 smartphone platform. While no details as to the financial terms of the deal have been made public, according to Microsoft general manager KD Hallman, ”with closer access to the ARM technology we will be able to enhance our research and development activities for ARM-based products.”

That not only encompasses Windows Phone 7 but some devices running Windows 7 Embedded as well; the latter OS is being positioned as ideally suited to tablets and smartbook-style products, though recently Microsoft has seen brands like ASUS abscond to platforms like Android. Microsoft and ARM have apparently been working closely since 1997, but this new agreement could allow Microsoft to produce their own ARM-based CPU similar to how Apple has struck out on its own with the Apple A4 that powers the iPad and iPhone 4.

Press Release:

Microsoft Licenses ARM Architecture
23 July 2010

ARM and Microsoft continue relationship with closer access to ARM IP
CAMBRIDGE, UK – July 23, 2010 – ARM and Microsoft Corp. today announced that they have signed a new licensing agreement for the ARM® architecture. The agreement extends the collaborative relationship between the two companies. Since 1997 Microsoft and ARM have worked together on software and devices across the embedded, consumer and mobile spaces, enabling many companies to deliver user experiences on a broad portfolio of ARM-based products.

“Microsoft is an important member of the ARM ecosystem, and has been for many years,” said Mike Muller, CTO ARM. “With this architecture license, Microsoft will be at the forefront of applying and working with ARM technology in concert with a broad range of businesses addressing multiple application areas.”

“ARM is an important partner for Microsoft and we deliver multiple operating systems on the company’s architecture, most notably Windows Embedded and Windows Phone,” said KD Hallman, general manager, Microsoft. “With closer access to the ARM technology we will be able to enhance our research and development activities for ARM-based products.”

ARM licenses processor IP under a flexible licensing model, enabling highly integrated solutions for a variety of applications ranging from mobile devices to home electronics and industrial products. ARM customers can license the ARM architecture or specific processor implementations.

Details of the agreement will remain confidential.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

About ARM
ARM designs the technology that lies at the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM’s comprehensive product offering includes 32-bit RISC microprocessors, graphics processors, video engines, enabling software, cell libraries, embedded memories, high-speed connectivity products, peripherals and development tools. Combined with comprehensive design services, training, support and maintenance, and the company’s broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. Find out more about ARM by following these links:

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KIN cost Microsoft over $240m and ate up Xbox profits

Chris Davies — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:51:56 +0000

Decent financial performance aside, there was one thorn in Microsoft’s paw during the company’s results call and that was the KIN write-off. With the handsets themselves ousted from Verizon stores and sales frozen, all that was left was to figure out how much of the company’s cash had been wasted overall. Without development costs, Microsoft admitted, they’d spent $240m on the project.

That was enough to take the shine off the Entertainment and Devices group, which had been glowing with their strong Xbox sales but still managed to post a $172m loss thanks to KIN’s demise. Neither Microsoft nor Verizon has confirmed any official sales figures – we’ve heard as little as 503 or as many as 9,705 depending on unofficial sources – but we’ve a feeling those inevitable “failed tech” lists will end up having a KIN or two next to Clippy.

[via Electronista]

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Apple Bumper refunds start

Chris Davies — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:42:53 +0000

Whether a free Bumper is enough to salve your iPhone 4 concerns is one question; a more pertinent one, perhaps, is when this free Bumper will arrive. According to forum members over at MacRumors, Apple is beginning to send out refund emails to those who bought their Bumper through the online Apple Store. The refunds include any shipping fees and taxes that may have been applied, and will be made straight to the credit card originally used.

Meanwhile the company has promised a similar refund scheme for those who picked up a Bumper in-store, though the nature of that refund process is yet to be announced. However those who picked a third-party case won’t be seeing any money back, though Apple has said it will be including some third-party models among the free options offered to new buyers between now and September 30th.

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The Daily Slash: July 21st 2010

Evan Selleck — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 06:47:27 +0000

It’s the middle of the week already, but we’re studiously counting down the days until the end of the month. There are going to be quite a few exciting things in August, and we’re hoping for even a couple surprises, so you’ll have to forgive our foresight. But, let’s try to stay focused on the present, at least for a little while longer. Welcome to the Wednesday night edition of The Daily Slash. Tonight, in the Best or R3 Media, we’ve got Android 2.1 on a bevy of devices, more iPhone rumors, and absolutely no cellphones for prisoners. And then in the Dredge ‘Net, we’re getting better gesture control soon, Microsoft comes clean on Kinect and hardcore gamers.

The Best of R3 Media

Android 2.1 on More Than Half of All Android Devices: It seems like only yesterday that everyone was clamoring for Android 2.0, and then even sooner that they all called out for immediate access to Android 2.1. But all of that yelling is in the past, as it turns out that 2.1 is now fully present on more than 50% of Android-based handsets. Actually, it accounts for 55.5%. Pretty good numbers, even if there are still 18.9% of owners out there running Android 1.5. Still, at 3.3%, Android 2.2 is making a claim for fame, and it’s only going to get more prevalent soon. [via Android Community]

iPhone Making its Way to T-Mobile: Yes, that says iPhone, and not iPhone 4. And yes, that’s for a reason. Why? Because no one thinks that the iPhone 4, in the incarnation that we see it now (antenna issues and all) is going to make an appearance anywhere else other than AT&T’s network. Nope, it’s going to be an iPhone, sure, but it won’t be the same thing. A new rumor suggests that T-Mobile, the fourth largest wireless carrier in the United States, is actually almost finished with their talks with Apple, pretty much clinching the final necessities needed to get their hands on the coveted device. The rumor also suggests that it will come out some time in the third quarter of this year, which ends in September. So, it should be pretty much any day now that we hear some kind of official verbiage on this issue if it’s actually true. [via SlashGear]

House of Representatives Completely Blocks Prisoners from Mobile Phones: Right now, prisoners aren’t allowed to have mobile phones. But, for the most part, it’s just a written rule that bears no real consequences if they are found with one. But, thanks to the US House of Repesentatives, S. 1749 has just been passed, and that means the original bill approved by the Senate back in April is one step closer to getting signed by the President, and then enacted as a law. Which means any prisoner caught with a mobile phone, or any device capable of accessing outside communications or the mobile web, will be served with a punishment. Now, what’s next? State governments are currently petitioning to get cellphone signals jammed at prisons around the country. We’ll see how that goes. [via PhoneMag]

The Dredge ‘Net

Gesture Control Without Gloves, Multiple Hands: So, technology keeps advancing, and we’re riding the train towards the future in our big comfortable chairs. One of the stops on the tour would have to be Fraunhofer Technical Institute in Germany, where scientists there have created a new, advanced gesture control system that doesn’t need any gloves, but can fully recognize multiple hands at the same time. The system actually has the ability to track not just your hands, but also your individual fingers. Unfortunately, the scientists have no idea when this technology will be ready for the mainstream, but we’re hoping it’s tomorrow. No, seriously. [via DVICE]

Microsoft: Hardcore Gamers Will Enjoy Kinect, Too: So, when you look at Kinect, and see all those great games it’s launching for, there might be some of you out there wondering where, exactly, the hardcore games are. Like, your next favorite First Person Shooter, or the next great action-adventure title. You won’t see them, at least not right now. But, don’t freak out. Microsoft has your back. The Redmond-based company says that hardcore games, like Halo-esque titles are coming down the pipe, but they just won’t be the focus right off the bat. No, they may take up to 18 months to show up onto the scene. Right now, those are being kept to the controller, but will make their way to Kinect sooner than later. So, you can start breathing again. [via CrunchGear]

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The Daily Slash: July 21st 2010

Evan Selleck — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 06:47:27 +0000

The Best of R3 Media

The Dredge ‘Net

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Kindle sales surge; ebooks eclipse hardcovers

Chris Davies — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:23:36 +0000

Amazon may have been pushed into lowering the price of their Kindle ebook reader after Barnes & Noble laid down the gauntlet with their nook discount, but it sounds like the decision ended up doing them a significant favor. The Kindle sales growth rate has apparently tripled since the $70 reduction in June, while sales of ebooks have eclipsed sales of hardcover books.

In fact, for every 100 hardcover books Amazon has sold in the US in the past three months, they’ve sold 143 ebooks. The numbers are even starker if you look at just the last 30 days: 180 Kindle books for every 100 hardcover books.

Amazon say the figures include the full range of hardcovers – even where no Kindle equivalent exists – and doesn’t take into account free Kindle titles. Three times as many ebooks were sold in the first half of 2010 as were in the same period in 2009.

Press Release:

KINDLE DEVICE UNIT SALES ACCELERATE EACH MONTH IN SECOND QUARTER;
NEW $189 PRICE RESULTS IN TIPPING POINT FOR GROWTH

Amazon.com now selling more Kindle books than hardcover books

SEATTLE—July 19, 2010—(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Millions of people are already reading on Kindles and Kindle is the #1 bestselling item on Amazon.com for two years running. It’s also the most-wished-for, most-gifted, and has the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon.com. Today, Amazon.com announced that Kindle device unit sales accelerated each month in the second quarter—both on a sequential month-over-month basis and on a year-over-year basis.

“We’ve reached a tipping point with the new price of Kindle—the growth rate of Kindle device unit sales has tripled since we lowered the price from $259 to $189,” said Jeff Bezos, Founder and CEO of Amazon.com. “In addition, even while our hardcover sales continue to grow, the Kindle format has now overtaken the hardcover format. Amazon.com customers now purchase more Kindle books than hardcover books—astonishing when you consider that we’ve been selling hardcover books for 15 years, and Kindle books for 33 months.”

Kindle offers the largest selection of the most popular books people want to read. The U.S. Kindle Store now has more than 630,000 books, including New Releases and 106 of 110 New York Times Best Sellers. Over 510,000 of these books are $9.99 or less, including 75 New York Times Best Sellers. Over 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books are also available to read on Kindle.

Recent milestones for Kindle books include:

Over the past three months, for every 100 hardcover books Amazon.com has sold, it has sold 143 Kindle books. Over the past month, for every 100 hardcover books Amazon.com has sold, it has sold 180 Kindle books. This is across Amazon.com’s entire U.S. book business and includes sales of hardcover books where there is no Kindle edition. Free Kindle books are excluded and if included would make the number even higher.
Amazon sold more than 3x as many Kindle books in the first half of 2010 as in the first half of 2009.
The Association of American Publishers’ latest data reports that e-book sales grew 163 percent in the month of May and 207 percent year-to-date through May. Kindle book sales in May and year-to-date through May exceeded those growth rates.
On July 6, Hachette announced that James Patterson had sold 1.14 million e-books to date. Of those, 867,881 were Kindle books.
Five authors—Charlaine Harris, Stieg Larsson, Stephenie Meyer, James Patterson, and Nora Roberts—have each sold more than 500,000 Kindle books.
Readers are responding to Kindle’s uncompromising approach to the reading experience. Weighing 10.2 ounces, Kindle can be held comfortably in one hand for hours, has an e-ink display that is easy on the eyes even in bright daylight, has two weeks of battery life, lets you buy your books once and read them everywhere—on your Kindle, Kindle DX, iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, Mac, PC, BlackBerry, and Android-based devices—and has free 3G wireless with no monthly fees or annual contracts—all at a $189 price.

Learn more about Kindle at www.amazon.com/kindle.

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The Daily Slash: July 19th 2010

Evan Selleck — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:10:12 +0000

Is it Monday already? Wait, that can’t be how that saying goes. Anyway, welcome to tonight’s edition of The Daily Slash, we’re glad to have you. Tonight, in the Best of R3 Media, we’ve got Samsung pulling the Android 1.6 update from the Behold II, Netflix is heading North, and Sharp wants you to love the Sidekick. And then in the Dredge ‘Net, we’ve got a release date for Rock Band 3. So, sit tight, and get to reading, because there’s no time like the present.

The Best of R3 Media

T-Mobile Pulls Android 1.6 Update for Behold II: Well, this is very, verycurious. Truth be told, there were a lot of folks out there that weren’t very pleased with Samsung telling them that their device, as good as it was, wasn’t good enough for that prodigal update to Android 2.x. So, instead, they decided to give them Android 1.6, which would at least give them access to a lot more Google-based features. So, that went out all well and good — but apparently there were some problems fused with the update, because now T-Mobile has pulled it, saying that a signal issue present in the update was forcing them to pull the update. It’s only bad when you realize that T-Mobile, nor Samsung, are saying when the new update will be released. So, keep on waiting if you haven’t received it yet — it may be awhile. Or tomorrow. [via Android Community]

Netflix is Goin’ to Canada, eh? This is seriously some pretty exciting news for Canadians. After all, it’s Netflix! And, you get to watch an awesome screensaver on your huge TV while you wait! Awesome, right? Well, it’s no joke. Netflix has officially announced that beginning this Fall, the company will be bringing streaming movies and streaming TV shows to their TVs. As far as we can tell, it’ll work on everything that runs Netflix ’round these parts, but there’s no word on pricing quite yet. [via SlashGear]

Sharp FX Brings Sidekick Goodness Without the Sidekick: Today, the Sharp FX was announced. It’s set to launch on July 25th, and it’s going to cost $100 after a mail-in rebate and after you sign over your life for two years. What’s great about it, is the fact that it’s a messaging heavy device, with design inspiration ripped right from the Sidekick line of yesteryear. Oh, but that’s okay, because it’s Sharp, and that was their thing back in the day. It gets strange when you realize that it was actually manufactured by PCD, and they manufactured the Quickfire, too. Which, ironically enough, was a rip-off of the Sidekick, too. But, we won’t get into that. If you like messaging devices, then this full QWERTY keyboard device is probably perfect for you. Oh, and you have to be on AT&T, too. That’s important. [via PhoneMag]

The Dredge ‘Net

Rock Band 3 Launching October 26: This one’s a quick one. Rock Band 3 is launching, officially, on October 26th. Are you excited yet? Did you forget that you get to play on a keyboard? If you did, here’s your friendly reminder: you get to play with a keyboard. And yes, there’s a pro mode, so you’ll actually get to learn how to use it, too. The same goes for the other instruments, too, but that’s not exciting. So, yeah, October 26th. [via Joystiq]

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Apple and AT&T: A Rocky Road

Evan Selleck — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:26:31 +0000

Wired recently released what some might call one of the most exposing pieces ever written. Why? Because it’s tearing open what an entire industry has been aching to see: how AT&T and Apple have worked over these last few years. And while no one had their illusions about the two mega-corporations getting along all nice and pretty all the time, there probably wasn’t anyone out there that would assume that it was this bad, as often as it was. And, truth be told — its’ bad.

And just as many people would love to see the iPhone off of AT&T’s network, there’s twice as many folks that would like to see it on Verizon’s network instead. And, thanks to the exposé that the publication released, we finally get to see how close that really was to happening. A couple of times, to say the least. According to the report, things like network congestion, the iPhone itself and the software inside of it, all the way to features like tethering came into play in constant negotiations that have been pretty much ongoing since the beginning. It sounds like the battlefield for the iPhone is an ever-changing one, and despite the fact that that contract exists, the tables could have been turned on the second largest wireless carrier at any given moment.

When things like tethering come up, Apple seemed to be fighting tooth-and-nail to get the feature included in that all-inclusive $30 per month charge that iPhone owners were already accustomed to paying. Of course, AT&T wanted them to pay more. And, as we now know, the latter company won, and the service is indeed an extra fee. And, one of the largest complaints about AT&T (their network), in conjunction with the iPhone’s release in 2007, has made the wireless giant spent upwards of $37 billion in network equipment and capacity, and it’s expected to spend another $13.5 billion just this year.

There’s plenty more to read in the report, so we definitely think you should get to it. To see what’s going on inside Apple and AT&T, even if a lot of the problems have been solved one way or another since then, is pretty interesting. What makes it more interesting are all the rumors that the iPhone is still coming to Verizon, and as soon as next year. With all of this just now showing up, it looks like those rumors might have a lot more foundation than anyone could have imagined.

[via Wired]

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Parrot’s Philippe Starck Zikmu ‘in Color’ wireless speakers go on sale

Chris Davies — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:25:35 +0000

Parrot has updated its distinctive Zikmu speaker range with a new selection of colors together with an improved software client that boosts remote iPod functionality. As well as the original black versions, Parrot will offer white, grey and lime-green/yellow models; each uses the same NXT flat-panel speaker system for 360-degree audio.

As for the software update, that now allows owners to remotely control their iPod or iPhone from a new web browser interface, rather than having to go over to the PMP itself and peck away at the display. It’s a free download for existing owners, too. If you haven’t got an iPod then you can still stream audio from a PC, Mac or cellphone via Bluetooth or WiFi, or use the analog RCA input.

Unsurprisingly, the pricing hasn’t gotten any easier to stomach, each set comes with 2 speakers that communicate wirelessly with one another so that they can be positioned anywhere in the room for $1,600. Heady stuff, considering the sort of multi-room Sonos system you could start building for that.

Press Release:

Parrot Zikmu ‘in Color’ by Philippe Starck

Famous wireless speakers now available in 4 stylish colors and reinvent the magic of Zikmu sound

DETROIT, July 19 /PRNewswire/ — Parrot, global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, announces a new colored range of its stereo speakers Zikmu by Philippe Starck – White Arctic, Grey Pearl and Lime Sorbet – in addition to a new Web interface and software update.

The state-of-the-art technology and the pure sound of the Zikmu take another dimension with the new, color collection: the elegance of Black, the purity of White, the sobriety of Grey and the fancy of Yellow, magnified by the smart and aerial design from Philippe Starck.

“With Zikmu, we created a beautiful and a unique object for listening to music with today’s digital devices,” explains Henri Seydoux, founder of Parrot. “With the Zikmu ‘in Color’ collection, we pursue the idea of a high-tech product which is part of everyday life, similar to a piece of furniture or a decorative object. You choose it because you like it, because you will live well with it.”

In addition to new colors, Parrot’s software update includes a new Web interface with browsing mode to select music in the iPod. Also, an equalizer offers pre-settings according to the chosen music themes. With every Parrot product, including Zikmu, the company offers free software updates at www.parrot.com to improve customer experience.

Parrot Zikmu by Starck offers a 360 degree immersive sound and crystal clear sound image, thanks to the NXT technology and control of all electrodynamic elements via a system of DSP processing and amplifiers.

With Parrot Zikmu, listeners can enjoy music from today’s digital devices:

– iPod®/iPhone(TM) via a dedicated docking station
– PC, with audio streaming via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
– Mac computers and Bluetooth mobile phones, with audio streaming via
Bluetooth® Stereo (A2DP)

Furthermore, an RCA line-in enables Parrot Zikmu to be connected to a television for home theater entertainment.

Zikmu ‘in Color’ is available at select Design Within Reach retail locations across the United States and online at www.dwr.com.

For further information about Parrot Zikmu ‘in Color’ by Starck wireless speakers, visit www.parrot.com/zikmu / www.starck.com.

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Netflix Canadian launch confirmed for this fall

Chris Davies — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:02:20 +0000

These happy, smiling people, you won’t be surprised to hear, are Canadians. The reason they’re so happy is that Netflix has promised to bring streaming movies and TV episodes to their TVs this coming fall, and they’ve obviously decided to watch a Netflix screensaver until that happens.

The service will, as in the US, offer unlimited streaming content for a monthly fee, and work with both computers and – with the correct cables or, we’re guessing, a set-top box like Roku‘s – TVs. No word on how much it will cost, nor when exactly in the fall it’ll debut.

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