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  • New Roamer App Reduces Call Roaming Bills Abroad up to 90%


    The phone bill can shoot up to a hefty amount when you are travelling abroad due to steep call roaming charges. However, there is now an app that lightens this financial load for iOS and Android mobile device users. Roamer is a new app for iOS and Android that saves users call forwarding bills abroad by up to 90%.

    Roamer allows call forwarding so you can receive and make calls with the app anywhere in the world. The app simply forwards a user's regular number to a local SIM card at their destination. Once at the destination, the user can be able to call their home country or elsewhere abroad using their regular caller ID. As for local calls, the local SIM suffices.

    Using local cellular networks means the Roamer app-based calls are high quality. You have to pay native rates, though, to make calls.

    The app is available on the App Store and Google Play as a free download. Roaming credits are available in packages of $13, $16, $39, and $65. The company has promised to release BlackBerry and Windows Phone versions soon.

  • Telstra's Business Customers Get IPv6 Connectivity

    Australasian network service provider Telstra is extending IPv6 connectivity to even more of its business customers. The company's business ADSL solutions are now offered with support for Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), the next generation of internet addresses.

    With the world facing an impending shortage of current IPv4 addresses, IPv6 provides the much needed new and longer IP addresses.

    The IPv6 support has been deployed into the core Telstra network. Telstra has actually dual stacked the two addressing systems: IPv4 and IPv6. The implication of this on the company's small and medium business ADSL customers is that they can opt into IPv6 connectivity when they want to. This will only be affected by the lifecycle upgrade of their equipment.

    David Robertson, the Director of Transport and Routing Engineering, said that IPv6 will become the norm in coming years, and the company will be working directly with customers who wish to change from IPv4 connectivity now to assist them with the transition.

    Telstra remains one of the region's first network service providers to realize the potential of IPv6 integration in key Data and Next IP Solutions for the enterprise and business market, and therefore invest.

  • Microsoft OneNote Updated


    Microsoft has released a major new version of its OneNote app for iOS. A post on the official Office blog says that iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users will now be getting a much more rich editing experience.

    The app is designed such that you can see any markings you draw on a note using a Windows tablet on the other devices. Formatting and files, including borders, graphs, texts, and more, look similar across all iOS devices.

    Microsoft says users can sync their notebooks with Share Point and Office 365. The devices also support file sharing between Office users. Additionally, the One Note app is much like Google as multiple people can now edit a note simultaneously.

    Among the features on the iPad app is the Office Ribbon UI, an Office app feature that has become synonymous with other devices. There is now more text, customization options for style, color, font, and size, as well as insert and edit tables and graphs.

    On the iPhone, Microsoft has finally delivered an optimized One Note app for the iPhone 5 display just eight months after its launch.

  • Telematics Update to unite telematics leaders at Telematics Munich 2013 for Europe’s biggest forum dedicated to the connected car


    Press Release: Telematics Update will bring together 800+ industry leading companies from across the infotainment, mobile, automotive, insurance, consumer electronics and V2X industries, including BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen, Ford, Zurich, Volvo and the EU Commission at Telematics Munich 2013 Conference & Exhibition (Nov 11-12, Munich, Germany) to discuss the future of the connected car.

    Over the next 10 years, revenue forecasts for connected vehicle services estimate €40B from in-vehicle mobile advertising, €400B from vehicle maintenance, €4B from service subscriptions, and billions in fuel savings. With such returns at stake, the telematics industry has reached the milestone where the major automakers have now launched a connected platform to the market. Indeed, consumer subscriptions, revenue models and aftermarket capture will all be discussed in much greater depth during this key forum.

    Monetise the Connected Car Consumer

    Telematics Munich Project Director Rory Menage stated, “Despite all OEMs now offering in-vehicle connectivity, no one yet has the title of master of the connected driver user experience. The game is still open.” He continued, “2013 is the year in which the telematics industry must embrace key breakthroughs in the connected ecosystem, monetise the connected consumer, and build a dynamic service portfolio to truly empower tomorrow’s drivers.”

    Telematics Munich 2013 Conference & Exhibition (Nov 11-12, Munich, Germany) is the only event to unite the entire telematics ecosystem to tackle how to create customers for life by delivering a suite of integrated connected vehicle services.
    For the complete Telematics Munich 2013 conference program and speaker line-up, visit: https://www.telematicsupdate.com/munich

    Over 100 Industry pioneer speakers at Telematics Munich

    The conference program and speaker line-up has just been launched. Here is a snapshot of the elite speakers who will be on stage this November:
    • Simon Euringer, Head of ConnectedDrive, BMW
    • Marcus Heitmann, Lead Product Management, Volkswagen
    • Pawel Stelmaszczyk, Directorate General of Mobility and Transport, European Commission
    • Thomas Müller, VP Electronic Systems, Volvo
    • Andrei Iordache, Product Planning Specialist, KIA Motors
    • Martin Rosell, Managing Director, WirelessCar
    • David Voss, General Manager Infotainment, Opel AG
    • Christian Ress, Technical Expert Connectivity, Global Driver Assistance & Active Safety, Ford
    • Andrea Jurkic, Coordinator Strategic Programme, Generali Group
    • Filip van Thielen, Manager Business Development, Daimler FleetBoard
    • Candido Peterlini, Director Product Concept Infotainment, FIAT

    To see the full speaker line-up of over 100 industry leading speakers: https://www.telematicsupdate.com/munich/conference-speakers.php

    The hottest industry debates and announcements:

    • Adapt to LTE, address roaming and capture the telematics aftermarket
    • The future of mobility with car sharing and multi modal routing
    • Innovative business models to make services and apps pay for the industry and driver
    • Integrate infotainment with the consumer electronics world
    • Unlock the power of granular data to deploy next-gen  insurance telematics solutions
    • Smart CRM services to offer an end-to-end connected driver and ownership experience

    To view the complete conference agenda – https://www.telematicsupdate.com/munich/conference-agenda.php

    With 100+ senior-level telematics speakers, 40+ sessions, Europe’s largest telematics expo and 800+ attendees set to attend, Telematics Munich 2013 is the continent’s largest B2B forum for the global telematics industry.
    Kia Motors stated: "Telematics Munich 2012 was indeed the Paris Motorshow of the telematics world", whilst Ford Europe declared that “the show was very well organised and gave a comprehensive overview of the main trends in the main telematics market segments."

    For the complete Telematics Munich 2013 conference program and speaker line-up, access the e-brochure at https://www.telematicsupdate.com/munich/conference-event-brochure.php or contact the Telematics Update team at [email protected]

    Register before Friday July 26 via the secure link below to take advantage for €500 saving on all conference passes: https://secure.telematicsupdate.com/munich/register.php
    About Telematics Update:

    Telematics Update Conferences are the most prestigious in the industry. We produce the largest telematics events in North America, Europe & Asia, and attract the most influential speakers providing a rich environment for establishing strategic relationships and networking.

    Contact:

    Rory Menage
    Project Director | Telematics Update
    T: (UStf) 1 800 814 3459 ext 7546 | (Global) +44 (0)20 7375 7546
    E: [email protected]

  • Apple's AirDrop iOS 7 Feature Allows for Filesharing


    The latest version of Apple's iOS 7 will feature many different changes, one of the most exciting being the AirDrop . It will allow users to share content with other people who are nearby.

    The AirDrop feature will alert users when they are wanting to share something so that they know who is available. Using AirDrop could not be easier. All you have to do is click on who you want to share with and the feature does the rest. These transfers take place through peer-to-peer and can be used anywhere without any network setups. As always, Apple has made sure the program is safe by fully encrypting all of the content that is sent so that your privacy is protected at all times.

    A very user-friendly application, AirDrop is sure to become a welcome addition to Apple's latest iOS installment. iOS 7 with AirDrop will be available in the fall, but developers can enjoy trying out the beta software and SDK, which are available for iOS Developer members now.

  • Western Digital Offers the Thinnest Spinning Terabyte Drive Ever


    For those looking for the latest storage options, once again Western Digital does not disappoint. Their latest offering is in the form of a size-zero drive that allows for a massive 143GB for every millimeter. Western Digital has just begun shipping these beauties.

    This Western Digital Blue Drive is a miniscule 7mm thick and has around one to two different 500GB platters installed inside. There are different data capacities offered in 250GB, 320GB, 500GB, 750GB and even a 1TB (two platters will be required for the 750GB and the 1TB options).

    This new Blue Drive has all of the expected capabilities to keep it spinning and providing the data delivery that users expect. Featuring ShockGuard to prevent knocks and other movements from disabling it, this drive is more stable than others. The Blue spins at an incredible speed of 5,400rpm.

    Already, Acer and ASUS are most likely going to be shipping their latest models with the Blue installed. Intel is also in the mix stating that Ultrabooks that contain Haswell processors would work perfectly with the WD Blue drive.

    This Blue drive comes with a 2-year warranty and states that it is able to withstand 600,000 loads and unloads. The 1TB version of Blue is available now at around $139.00. You can view all of the specs and details on the Western Digital website.

  • Ubitus' GameNow Cloud Gaming Now Available for LG Smart TVs in the US


    It seems that LG understands that TV gaming is more important than other TV manufacturers realize. LG just launched its Beta Ubitus' GameNow Service, allowing Smart TV owners in the US to enjoy the fun of gaming through a streaming game portal. Full of console titles like Devil May Cry 4 and Dead Rising 2, this service is sure to be a welcome addition to gamers.

    With AAA and MMO titles, there is plenty to keep gamers satisfied. The GameNow service allows the latest Smart TVs to be turned into gaming consoles. This service is not available, to this magnitude, on any other TV unit. Finally, gamers can get their game on without the hassle of loading discs. Now, with just a few selections, users can play big titles like Batman: Arkam City and Street Fighter X Tekken. There is no extra hardware to purchase and the games can be played at any time.

    LG works to brings its customers what they want in their TV entertainment experience. Constantly pushing the edge of technology, they are leading the way in providing the best applications in Smart TV viewing. With this latest installment, LG is able to give its customers the best game technology, powered by the Ubitus name. With no console needed, gamers can play without the expense!

    This cloud gaming experience will most likely prove to be a big success for LG. Teaming up with Ubitus allows for a great combination of technology giants to collaborate and make cloud gaming a reality. For those who want the experience, the free beta trial is available now at LG Smart World.

  • Live TV and VOD now Available on Android Through Verizon FiOS Mobile


    If you've been missing out on Verizon's FiOS Mobile service for your Android, you can now experience it, just like the iOS users have been doing for a few months. This application can now be accessed on a variety of different Android smartphones and tablets, giving users the ability to finally enjoy watching live TV and On Demand on their devices.

    Through this application, users can watch their favorite TV shows, as some channels are available for live streaming. Whether you own a smartphone or tablet, you can have 24 hour access to all of the On Demand content. Though Internet Only users will be unable to access the TV and Video on Demand features, those who have a cable package will. No more being stuck away from your TV and missing out.

    Google Play has the application available right now. For those Android users who have been unable to access this application for months, it is a welcome addition to all of the options that Verizon already offers its customers.

    Finally, Verizon's FiOS Mobile service for Android is here.

  • Tech and TV: Two Good Friends


    The tech world, at one time truly believed the Web posed a serious threat to the TV industry. But all that has changed now. Instead, it appears that tech, and TV are joining forces. We see these new associations in many ways. The following three associations shed insight as to how these interactions are working.

    Twitter and TV

    We see this new joining of forces through projects like that of  Twitter’s new advertising strategy, which is aimed at TV viewers. Its purpose is in not stealing huge TV ad budgets, but instead in helping TV advertising become more cost-effective.

    Twitter in association with TV advertisers, plans on plugging into the large number of tweets that go on during live TV shows. Then, the idea is to offer this information to advertisers, so they can make their advertising minutes more effective. The objective is for Twitter to define when certain advertisements run and identify consumers who tweeted about the programs and the advertisement, allowing TV advertisers to reach out to these audiences through Twitter.

    The point is to make TV more engaging and interactive. By focusing on this, Twitter aims at continuing the TV conversation and use the advertising to engage with audiences through the social platform. This is now possible because millions of people now use smartphones or tablets as they watch TV, and this combined social media-advertiser engagement may just appeal to this multi screen approach.

    The Shazam and TV Interaction

    Another demonstration of this union is the approach Shazam, a UK app company, has had substantial success in the app music streaming industry. However, the company has started a new approach working with TV commercial companies. The project involves allowing TV viewers to access added content delivered by advertisers to their smartphones. The idea may be a profitable one, but there are still a few glitches in the interaction process; by the time viewers see this symbol on their screen and reach for the phone to activate the app, it can be too late. A new updated version of the Shazam iPad app seems to be the solution. The app can be said to be automatic, listening for TV programs or ads it supports, then inviting a viewer to buy a soundtrack of the program, music or other special offer.

    The Xbox One

    This is another project demonstrating this joining of TV and tech. Through this gaming console, the Xbox One stresses the TV functionality of the device. In the US Microsoft promotes the idea that Xbox owners can switch seamlessly from playing games to watching TV through and alter smart voice and gesture interface. No longer do these gaming devices seem to be threatening the TV industry, but instead, are working hand-in-hand with programming and advertisers.

  • Mozilla Planning to Launch Lower Cost Smartphone in Emerging Markets

    Mozilla has recently announced its plan to associate with smart phone manufacturers and launch new products priced under the $50 mark for the emerging markets.

    Primarily Mozilla is targeting this market because it offers a lot of revenue potential and with 60% of all cell phone consumers being smartphone users, Mozilla expects to see a high level of acceptability in this market, especially because it’s one that has been ignored for some time by high end Android smartphone manufacturers. The projected Firefox operating system for these low-cost mobile phone devices will offer an alternative to the higher priced android or iOS systems.

    Mozilla’s senior vice president, Li Gong believes there are huge opportunities in emerging markets where consumers want smart phones at affordable prices. Mr. Gong goes on to say that his company plans on procuring a 10% market share of the smartphone industry, although he didn't say when this would happen.

    These under $50 priced phones would be ideal for emerging markets like China, India, Latin America and other countries. Several smartphone manufacturers are excited about the project and have already started manufacturing the devices.

    Mozilla, currently in the testing phases of the new Firefox OS system, says there are 18 major telecommunications organizations supporting this new OS. Mr. Gong goes on to say that this new mobile software is lighter, and uses less memory compared to the Google android or Apple iOS, yet offers the same performance. Mozilla expects to launch it’s first Firefox OS powered devices sometime this year in Brazil through the Telefonicas, commercial brand, Vivo.

    Google, in an effort to stay on top of its game, is considering this option as well, and may plan on launching their own low cost mobile devices powered on the chrome mobile operating system.