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  • Toshiba Launches Highest Density Embedded NAND Flash Memory Modules

    Toshiba announced the launch of a 64 GB embedded NAND flash memory module, the highest capacity yet achieved in the industry.

    The new device combines sixteen 32Gbit (equal to 4GB) NAND chips fabricated with Toshiba’s 32nm process technology, and also integrates a dedicated controller.

    The chip is the flagship device in a new line-up of six embedded NAND flash memory modules that offer full compliance with the latest e•MMC standard.

    Toshiba is the first company to succeed in combining sixteen 32Gbit NAND chips. The company has applied advanced chip thinning and layering technologies to realize individual chips that are only 30 micrometers thick.

    Full compliance with the JEDEC/MMCA Version 4.4(V4.4) standard for embedded MultiMediaCards supports standard interfacing and simplified embedding in products, reducing development burdens on product manufacturers.

    “Demand continues to grow for embedded memories with a controller function that minimizes development requirements and eases integration into system designs. Toshiba has established itself as an innovator in this key area. The company was first to announce a 32GB e•MMCT compliant device, and is now reinforcing its leadership by being first to market with a 64GB generation module,” says Toshiba.

    The company informed that samples of the 64GB module are available from today, and mass production will start in the first quarter of 2010.

  • LG Teams Up with SkyLife to Take the Lead in 3D TV

    LG announced a partnership with Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting – SkyLife, one of the biggest 3D content providers.

    SkyLife aims to be the top digital satellite 3D broadcaster in Korea. The company plans to invest USD 25 million in creating 3D content in collaboration with LG.

    LG says the partnership will focus on developing technology that helps produce 3D images that don’t cause eye strain or dizziness – an issue that has plagued previous technologies.

    The company plans to introduce a wide range of 3D TVs ranging in size from 42- to 72-inches next year, following the 47-inch LCD 3D TV (47LH503D) this year. They also plan to include 3D functionality in their flagship models for next year.

    According to LG, the new series features an ultra-slim bezel which is expected to maximize the 3D effect. LG’s 3D technology will also find its way into 150-inch projectors in the coming year.

    Both LG and SkyLife have agreed to invest in creating 3D content. Starting with 3D broadcast-ing for the FIS Snowboard World Cup, both will continuously produce or distribute 3D content from sport to educational programs and movies from overseas, as they claim.

    The trial is initially commencing in Korea but LG is aiming to build up a global 3D TV market that includes the US and Europe. The company has aggressive sales targets of 400,000 units in 2010 and 3.4 million units in 2011.

    LG says they will focus on extending the initiative in North America and Europe from 2010 and will launch 3D TVs in South and Central American and Asia from 2011. The market is expected to expand worldwide as the London 2012 Olympics are currently slated to be aired in 3D.

    3D TV market is expected to increase sharply as internal global surveys indicate that as many as 58 percent of consumers want to purchase 3D TVs. Up to 75 percent of consumers who have seen 3D images said that they’d like to watch them again.

    DisplaySearch predicts the volume of the 3D TV market to increase to USD 1.1 billion in 2010, USD 2.8 billion in 2011, USD 4.6 billion in 2012, and as much as USD 15.8 billion by 2015.

  • JVC Launches Dual Wireless and Super-Slim Soundbar Systems


    JVC     today introduced a pair of soundbar home theater systems. Among them is the world’s first dual wireless soundbar system that features a wireless subwoofer and wireless surround speakers.

    The other is highlighted by a “super-slim soundbar” and a thin, wall-mountable amplifier.

    JVC’s new dual wireless soundbar system is the TH-BA3, a 280-watt, 5.1-channel surround sound system that includes a sound bar, wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speaker kit comprised of wireless left and right surround speakers and a wireless receiver.

    The sound bar contains four speakers – one each for the left and right main channels and two for the center channel. Also built into the sound bar is the power amplifier, surround decoding, system controls and the transmitter for the wireless surround speakers.

    It offers one analog and two optical digital inputs and decodes Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby ProLogic II surround signals.

    JVC says the TH-BS7 system is designed to match the slimmest of flat panel HDTVs. It includes a sliver of a soundbar that measures 1.4 inches (36mm) tall, a wall-mountable amplifier/control unit and a wireless subwoofer.

    The design allows the 180-watt, 4.1-channel TH-BS7’s soundbar to boast a frequency range of 200 – 20,000 Hz that falls to 200 – 10,000 Hz at 360 degrees off-axis.

    The soundbar features four JVC Direct Drive speakers – left and right main channels and left and right surround channels – each driven by 20 watts. The two surround channels are processed using JVC’s Front Surround technology (a surround sound effect without the need for rear speakers).

    The system’s amplifier/control unit measures 1.2 inches deep and can be wall mounted. It decodes Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II, and offers one analog and three optical digital inputs. The system’s wireless subwoofer features a six-inch woofer powered by a 100-watt amplifier.

    The price is $549.95 for TH-BA3, and $599.95 for TH-BS7.

  • $220 Million Fine For Participating in LCD Price-Fixing Conspiracy

    The U.S. Department of Justice announced that a LCD producer and seller has agreed to plead guilty and pay $220 million in criminal fines for its role in a conspiracy to fix prices in the sale of LCD panels.

    According to a one-count felony charge filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, Chi Mei Optoelectronics participated in a conspiracy to fix the prices of LCD panels sold worldwide from Sept. 14, 2001, to Dec. 1, 2006.

    Companies directly affected by the LCD price-fixing conspiracy are some of the largest computer and television manufacturers in the world, including Apple, Dell and HP.

    According to the charge, Chi Mei carried out the conspiracy by agreeing during meetings, conversations and communications to charge prices of LCD panels at certain pre-determined levels and issuing price quotations in accordance with the agreements reached.

    As a part of the conspiracy, Chi Mei exchanged information on sales of LCD panels for the purpose of monitoring and enforcing adherence to the agreed-upon prices.

    Chi Mei, which is based in Tainan, Taiwan, is charged with price fixing in violation of the Sherman Act. Each violation carries a maximum fine of $100 million for corporations. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine.

    Including the charges, as a result of this investigation, six companies have pleaded guilty or have agreed to plead guilty and have been sentenced to pay or have agreed to pay criminal fines totaling more than $860 million.

    Additionally, nine executives have been charged to date in the department’s ongoing investigation.

    Department of Justice informed that the charge is the result of a joint investigation by the Department of Justice Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Field Office and the FBI in San Francisco.

  • TeliaSonera Launches World's First LTE Network

    Today, as the first operator in the world, TeliaSonera launched 4G services commercially to customers in Stockholm, Sweden and Oslo, Norway.

    The two pioneering 4G city networks cover the central city areas and will be used for mobile data.

    The Stockholm 4G network is supplied by Ericsson and the Oslo’s by Huawei. The modems at launch come from Samsung.

    According to Kenneth Karlberg, President and Head of Mobility Services at TeliaSonera, the use of mobile broadband in the Nordic countries is exploding and customers need higher speeds and capacity.

    “This is why we launch 4G services in both Stockholm and Oslo. We are very proud to be the first operator in the world to offer our customers 4G services," he said.

    TeliaSonera has three nation wide 4G/LTE licenses; in Sweden, Norway and also recently in Finland. The network roll out is in progress to offer 4G to Sweden’s and Norway’s largest cities, as the company claims.

    The firm also informed that evaluation of suppliers for TeliaSonera’s common 4G core network and radio networks in the Nordic and Baltic countries is in progress and vendors will be selected in the beginning of 2010.

    4G is the fastest mobile technology available on the market, with speeds up to ten times higher than today’s turbo 3G.

  • Key Factors That Determine a Winning Application Store Strategy for Operators

    Since its launch over 2 years ago, Apple’s App Store is redefining the way consumers are using the Internet. Apple has created a phenomenon and industry experts forecast application stores will become a billion dollar industry with revenues expected to exceed $25 billion by 2014.

    Juniper Research estimates that by 2011 the majority of all applications-related revenue will originate from applications delivered via applications stores. And this trend will continue, with the contribution of 4G (both WiMAX and LTE) giving subscribers the opportunity to experience better mobile voice and data services, via application stores.

    Operators should be happy. They are supporting this boom by providing the connectivity, marketing and customer care to the subscribers downloading the applications. However to date, operators are not enjoying increased revenue for their efforts.

    Whilst data yield is increasing for operators, ARPU has been on a steady decline. Operators’ networks are being used to download and access applications but the operators themselves are seeing returns. Which is why, in recent months, operators have begun exploring ways to adopt the App Store model to gain full control over their revenue and subscriber base.

    However, the challenge lies in how operators can ensure that subscribers will purchase applications from them and how an operator can add value compared to its competitors, device and platform vendors?

    Source: Juniper Mobile Applications & Apps Stores Business Models, Opportunities & Forecasts 2009-2014

    The Winning Application Store Strategy

    Operators are only just beginning to realize that they have the existing assets to support their goal of launching an application store. By using the right avenues to tap into these assets, operators can fast track their venture into this exciting, profitable space.

    There are 7 key factors that determine a winning application store strategy for operators.

    I. Connectivity

    Simply said, connectivity is the fuel required to transport any application to subscribers. Connectivity forms the very foundation, without which any application store, regardless of how cool or entertaining it is, cannot operate. Operators must realize that they are in possession of an essential sector of the application store ecosystem, and this sets them on the right path to owning their own application store.

    II. Integrated Ecosystem     (Applications Management, Billing & CRM)

    A successful application store should place emphasis on both the front-end and back-end mechanisms, particularly the applications management, billing and CRM.

    CRM Capabilities
    On the front end, the system serves as a platform to push applications to subscribers. It is an online shopping mall that hosts various types of applications and it is the very place subscribers interface with the operator’s application store.

    Hence, the front end should be managed carefully to meet the demands of subscribers.

    This is where the operator has an advantage as they are the only entity within the ecosystem with a holistic view of subscribers’ lifestyle patterns based on their profile and purchase history. The operator’s CRM system provides an abundance of subscriber data which would assist in channeling the right applications to the right subscribers, at the right time.

    It’s important for the application store system to be equipped with artificial intelligence that integrates with the operator’s CRM system to leverage on the wealth of subscribers’ behavioural information.

    Based on this information, operators have the opportunity to make compelling recommendations to subscribers and meet their demands for personalized content.

    Ready Billing Mechanism
    Another advantage that operators have is a ready billing system, which includes options for prepaid and postpaid payments as well as flexibility in offering interesting rebate packages. This enables operators to differentiate from other players such as Apple, which typically has a less feasible or preferred billing options. The application store system should easily integrate with operator’s existing billing system, allowing a single point of access to manage billing.

    Applications Management
    At the back end, the application store system should be built to support an automated cycle of certifying an application. The right flow should be implemented to ensure applications submitted by content developers are properly scrutinized and tested before releasing to subscribers.

    This relieves operators from the manual process of managing applications and, at the same time, ensures all deserving applications are made available to subscribers. In short, deploying an application store is about creating a whole ecosystem to support, develop and provision applications both online and at the device level.

    III. Hassle Free Billing System

    Operators have an established and trusted billing relationship with their subscribers. With prepaid and postpaid payment options, paying online with credit cards no longer needs to be the settlement medium. This enables all subscribers to enjoy applications without worrying about security and fraudulent risks, which is one of the main factors that deter them from shopping online. Application purchases can be charged directly to the subscriber’s scheduled (eg.monthly) bill.

    Meanwhile, having a direct billing relationship with the operator puts the subscriber at ease. In the event of issues arising from the purchase of applications, subscribers are able to reach the operator for assistance and settlement.

    IV. Focal Point of Access

    A successful application store must consolidate all value-added services and applications within a single platform, hence subscribers benefit from a focal point of access. Distance to purchase must be reduced and free previews should be made available so that subscribers are given an opportunity to evaluate an application prior to purchase.

    V. Location-based Content

    Operators can offer more localization compared to application stores owned by device manufacturers or operating system vendors as the local operator understands their own market and subscribers’ demands. With this service differentiation, operator-owned application stores would generate more demand for applications and keeps the ecosystem healthy.

    According to research conducted by ComScore, the number of people who sought local information on a mobile device grew 51% within just one year (from March 2008 to March 2009). ComScore defines local content as "searching for information on maps, movies, business directories or restaurants."

    Among the various local content categories, the number of people accessing online directories has seen the greatest increase during the past year, at 73%, followed by restaurants at 70%, maps with 63%, and movies with 60%. This further strengthens the need for localized content. Usage of applications like coverage maps, traffic updates, and restaurant recommendation not only enhances a subscriber’s everyday life, but keeps them coming back for more, thus driving demand for the entire application ecosystem.

    VI. Multi End User Device & OS Support

    Operators are faced with the daunting expectation of providing applications/services that can be supported by multiple devices, across all platforms with a consistent user experience. This gives all subscribers an opportunity to indulge in the application store regardless of the device or operating system used.

    For example, Apple’s App Store is only confined to iPhone users. This means that unless they purchase an iPhone they cannot enjoy the applications.

    Operators now have the chance to break this monopoly and offer a similar experience to all subscribers via the operator-owned application store. Synchronization capabilities between multiple devices further enriches user experience.

    Aside from subscribers, a cross-platform application store is a stronger incentive for content developers as they are assured that their master pieces reach a wider target audience.

    VII. Fair Game for Developers

    It is widely expressed that the visibility of applications residing in Apple’s App Store has been a great disappointment to content developers. Apple’s practice of ranking applications by price drowns premium applications, while cheap and free titles receive a more preferable placement. With thousands of applications out there, an effective application marketing mechanism needs to be in place to give all applications a favourable selling ground. An application should have the opportunity to compete in its own space, ranging from popularity, rarity, uniqueness and pricing.

    Kelvin Lee is the Senior General Manager of Green Packet Berhad

  • Requestec Provides Bell Mobility with 3G Mobile Video Calling App for Facebook

    Requestec, an Adobe Flash-to-SIP telephony provider, announced their key involvement in the release of Bell Mobility’s, Bell Video Call application built on the Facebook platform.

    The application allows Facebook users to visit the profile page of a Bell subscriber that has added the application and click on their Bell Video Call tab. From here, calls can be made from anywhere in the world to the Bell subscriber’s HSPA Video Calling handset; all at no cost to the caller.

    The company claims it’s the first video calling application in North America that is fully integrated into Facebook.

    The application is available to Bell Mobility subscribers with video calling capable phones on the new HSPA network.

    “We were approached by Bell Mobility about the possibility of incorporating video-calling functionality into Facebook. This was our chance to show the world our technology within the Internet’s leading online community, Facebook,” said Requestec’s CEO, Marek Zwiefka-Sibley.

    According to Bell, its the new HSPA network (launched last month) covers 1.2 million square kilometers, reaching approximately 20,000 Canadian towns and cities and 93% of the population. It offers mobile speeds of 21 Mbps.

    Over the last 4 years Requestec has been focusing on developing Adobe Flash-based telephony solutions built on the Zenon Telecommunications platform. In 2008, the company launched Voixio, one of the world’s first web-based no-download Flash-to-SIP telephony services.

  • VeriFone Announces iPhone Secure Payments Solution

    VeriFone announced PAYware Mobile, a payment solution for the iPhone that brings card processing capabilities to small businesses.

    According to the company, PAYware puts “mainstream payment processing capabilities” in the hands of small business merchants who need a mobile card acceptance solution for enterprises such as home repair, small cafes, door-to-door sales, or virtually any other type of business.

    The solution includes a PA-DSS approved payment app and a card reader that slips over the iPhone to accommodate card swipes and allow merchants to avoid “card-not-present” fees.

    The card reader utilizes a secure magnetic stripe read-head and firmware certified to the Federal Information Processing Standard FIPS 140-2. Card details are immediately encrypted during the card swipe process, meaning no sensitive data ever reaches the payment app, eliminating the possibility of compromise either on the iPhone or when information is transmitted over WiFi or cellular wireless.

    Transactions initiated by PAYware Mobile will be managed through VeriFone’s PAYware Mobile secure gateway and routed to one of many credit card processors for authorization and settlement.

    VeriFone assures that the combined hardware and software provides “the strongest card payment security available for the iPhone”, including the company’s VeriShield Protect encryption solution as a standard feature.

    The solution will be available through existing bank acquirer and ISO channels, as well as direct from VeriFone. The company says they also expect to eventually make PAYware Mobile available wherever mobile phone accessories are sold. Customers who sign up directly with VeriFone without existing merchant accounts will be directed to a “variety of payment processor options”.

    The hardware and software solution will begin shipping January 15 and is available free to those who sign up for a PAYware Mobile secure gateway service agreement.

  • IDC: 450 Million Mobile Internet Users Worldwide in 2009, One Billion by 2013

    There were more than 450 million mobile Internet users worldwide in 2009, a number that is expected to more than double by the end of 2013, according to IDC.

    IDC’s Worldwide Digital Marketplace Model and Forecast finds that most popular online activities of mobile Internet users are similar to those of other Internet users: using search engines, reading news and sports information, downloading music and videos, and sending/receiving email and instant messages.

    Over the next four years, IDC expects some of the fastest growing applications for mobile Internet users will be making online purchases, participating in online communities, and creating blogs.

    Accessing online business applications and corporate email systems will also grow rapidly as businesses move to empower their mobile workforce.

    Highlights from IDC research include the following:

    • More than 1.6 billion devices worldwide were used to access the Internet in 2009, including PCs, mobile phones, and online videogame consoles.

    • China continues to have more Internet users than any other country, with 359 million in 2009. This number is expected to grow to 566 million by 2013. The United States had 261 million Internet users in 2009, a figure that will reach 280 million in 2013. India will have one of the fastest growing Internet populations, growing almost two-fold between 2009 and 2013.

    • Presently, the United States has far more total devices connected to the Internet than any other country. China, however, is the leader in in the number of mobile online devices with almost 85 million mobile devices connected to the Internet in 2009.

    • Worldwide, more than 624 million Internet users will make online purchases in 2009, totaling nearly $8 trillion (both business to business and business to consumer). By 2013, worldwide eCommerce transactions will be worth more than $16 trillion.

    • Worldwide spending on Internet advertising will total nearly $61 billion in 2009, which is slightly more than 10% of all ad spending across all media. This share is expected to reach almost 15%% by 2013 as Internet ad spending grows surpasses $100 billion worldwide.

    "With a wealth of information and services available from almost anywhere, Internet-connected mobile devices are reshaping the way we go about our personal and professional lives. With an explosion in applications for mobile devices underway, the next several years will witness another sea change in the way users interact with the Internet and further blur the lines between personal and professional," said John Gantz, chief research officer at IDC.

  • VocalTec Acquires Outsmart

    VocalTec, a provider of carrier-class multimedia and voice-over-IP solutions, announced that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of Outsmart, a provider of telecommunications convergence solutions.

    The Outsmart assets acquired by VocalTec included Outsmart’s technology and intellectual property, as well as its primary customer and partner contracts. The company says the engagement by VocalTec of certain Outsmart personnel “is intended to enable the continued development and support and an uninterrupted transition to all Outsmart customers and partners.”

    VocalTec provides trunking, peering and residential/enterprise VoIP application solutions that enable deployment of next-generation networks.

    Outsmart is a mobile solutions provider of convergence technologies. Its flagship product, the Plug ‘n Talk solution allows mobile operators to reach out across national borders to tap into new user segments.

    Based on its Smart Convergence Platform, Outsmart enables operators to converge between mobile and VoIP.

    According to VocalTec, Outsmart’s mobile VoIP and Intelligent Network products are a strategic addition to VocalTec’s existing portfolio of VoIP solutions. The combined portfolio positions VocalTec as a provider of VoIP solution and applications to both fixed line and mobile service providers.

    "Fixed & Mobile carriers are repeatedly forced to lower their rates. The competitive field is becoming so crowded that the only solution they have is to “go IP” in order to lower their cost. VocalTec is a dominant player providing VoIP end-to-end solutions to service providers," said Ilan Rosen, Chairman of the Board of Directors at VocalTec.

    Jacob Bros, CEO of Outsmart, claims VoIP technology will play a major role in revolution in providing cross-geography services. “And as such teaming up with VocalTec will position the technology of Outsmart in the forefront of the industry," he said.