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  • Apple Updates iTunes, Ends Pre's iPod Charade


    Apple has released an iTunes update that prevents Palm’s Pre smartphone from appearing to be an iPod when connected to a Mac or PC.

    According to Apple, iTunes 8.2.1 is a free software update that provides a number of important bug fixes.

    What the update also does is disables devices "falsely pretending" to be iPods – including the Palm Pre.

    The result is that the newer version of iTunes software will no longer provide syncing functionality with unsupported digital media players such as the Pre.
    Apple has taken this step beause the Pre plugged a Pre into your Mac or PC (and running a version of iTunes earlier than 8.2.1) was able to pass itself off as an iPod to iTunes.

    While Pre users will still be able to drag music onto the device – making it a less seamless process.

    Pre owners can obviously choose to stick to the older version of iTunes or consider another music applications.

    Whether Apple’s move will put people off buying the Pre remains to be seen.

    In a separate development, Palm is making its Mojo Software Development Kit available to developers interested in building applications for the Pre.

    While the SDK is now officially available, submissions won’t be accepted until this fall.

    Palm said more than 1.8 million apps have been downloaded since the Pre went on sale six weeks ago.

  • Symbian to Launch App Store Platform


    The Symbian Foundation has unveiled its application-publishing program – becoming the latest in what is becoming a long line of mobile app stores.

    Called Symbian Horizon it is scheduled for general availability in October.

    Lee Williams, executive director of the Symbian Foundation, said through Horizon developers will receive assistance in building applications for Symbian devices.

    They will also get help in placing those applications in the many global stores which reach Symbian customers – as well as receiving promotional assistance for bringing those applications to end users.

    "Our goal is to encourage robust application development, increase revenue and application diversity in mobile stores, and improve the consumer experience – all for the greater benefit of the mobile ecosystem," said Williams.

    "And we can help North American developers reach markets in Asia and Europe where the Symbian platform is widely known and loved.

    "We are building a self-sustaining ecosystem that will drive the next generation of mobile and developers that join now are aligning themselves with the future of mobile."

    Symbian Horizon will aim to provide new benefits to two primary communities within the Symbian ecosystem.

    The first is comprised of application store providers, either operator or manufacturer-based, such as Ovi Store by Nokia, Samsung Applications Store and AT&T’s MEdia Mall.

    The second target community for Symbian Horizon is comprised of developers ranging from individual developers to companies that want to reach a broader mobile consumer market.

    Symbian Horizon is currently in development with a number of participating companies and developers, and is anticipated to be available in October 2009.

  • Successful IFA Business Model Drives Markets in 2009


    ADVERTORIAL: Product debuts and important industry topics such as ecology, lifestyle, HDTV & wireless communications the main features at IFA 2009.

    For the second time, and with an even more comprehensive show, the leading brands of the consumer electronics and electrical home appliances industries will be jointly represented on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds at IFA 2009.

    Traditionally a large number of new technologies and products make their debut at IFA.

    IFA Director Jens Heithecker: "In 2008 the industry took the IFA to pole position with a previously unmatched number of product debuts. IFA 2009 will be building on this."

    Dr. Rainer Hecker added: "High-quality, wide-ranging brand presentations will once again feature significantly at IFA 2009 in Berlin.

    "The consumer electronics range of products covers the entire market.

    "It includes innovative, flat-screen TVs, home cinema systems, high-resolution media and intelligent networking solutions, as well as all types of mobile devices.

    "As regards electrical home appliances, the focus is on ease of use and health and wellness where fridges, washing machines, tumble driers, dishwashers, kitchen appliances, hairdriers and personal hygiene appliances are concerned.

    "In both product sections an eco-friendly approach and using water and electricity in a responsible manner are at a premium."

    IFA is the meeting place of leading international companies from both industries.

    As the leading venue for doing business it moves markets, as it comprehensively serves and targets the structures of the wider trade. With its unique flair IFA provides the perfect setting for the ultimate experience of consumer electronics and home appliances brands.

    Thus IFA combines fascinating innovations and exciting entertainment with a show. What is more, Berlin is where media political decisions are made.

    "IFA brings the markets together in a unique way. It provides an ideal platform for international retailers, buyers, consumers, the industry and the media," Dr. Rainer Hecker continued.

    "This autumn at IFA 2009 we will be sending out clear and positive signals to the economy."

    TecWatch – the name says everything

    The TWF has taken off in a new direction. In future, as the IFA TecWatch, it will be offering European research projects, developers from industry, international trade associations, as well as German research institutions and universities an exclusive platform for presenting product firsts.

    In 2009 the main topics will be devoted to assisted living, the personal home, innovative audio and smart interfaces. Thus TecWatch will without a doubt be the international attraction for technologically interested exhibitors, visitors, experts and the media.

    Trade visitors and the media can register as of now

    Starting in June, trade visitors can purchase their ticket to the IFA in comfort from the online ticket shop, at a reduced advance sales price.

    Alternatively, they can redeem a ticket voucher. The IFA ticket shop is open at www.ifa-berlin.com.

    Be it special travel packages, the Fast Lane, an exclusive reception area or leading specialist forums, starting now the IFA Website has information on special services for trade visitors coming to IFA.

    As of now members of the media who can submit proof of their identity as journalists can register online under "Press" on the IFA website.

    Advance registrations will be accepted until 20 August 2009.

    Information available under "Press" on the IFA website includes press releases, press appointments with exhibitors at IFA and the organisers of IFA, innovations at IFA and press photos of IFA.

    Amy MacDonald to open IFA 2009 live in the Summer Garden

    With her album having gone double platinum and reaching top spot in the UK charts the mega star will take to the stage with an exclusive performance presented by IFA in the Summer Garden on Thursday, 3 September 2009.

    Tickets for the IFA Summer Garden concert with Amy Macdonald are available as of now from all the usual outlets as well as under: +49/ 1805-570 060.

    Online tickets are available at: www.eventim.de or www.ticketmaster.de.

    Costing 35 euros (plus advance booking fee), these tickets let holders not only enjoy the concert but also grant admission to IFA on any of the subsequent days. More details on the programme of events at IFA 2009 can be found at www.ifa-berlin.com/ Events.

  • Belkin Cancels FlyWire Wireless HDMI Device


    After a series of postponements Belkin has finally said it will not be releasing its FlyWire wireless HDMI accessory.

    According to the company, the decision not to offer the FlyWire for sale has been taken because of the current state of the economy.

    With an expecteds retail price of USD $1,499, Belkin felt it would be "out of line" given the global economic situation.

    The cancellation comes after a number of postponements following the Flywire’s first appearance at CES 2008.

    The initially promising-sounding wireless device streams 1080p HD content from multiple HDMI inputs to HDTV televisions using the 5GHz band.

    The unit is a transmitter/receiver combo – and since the tiny receiver required only AC power and utilized a single HDMI output, it could be stealthily mounted behind wall-mounted flat screens or ceiling mounted projectors.

    The FlyWire’s disappointing no-show suggests that the future for HDMI consumer technology is bleak.

  • Wireless Broadband World Africa 2009: Conference Starts

    The 1st Wireless Broadband World Africa 2009 Conference opened yesterday in Cape Town Convention Centre with over 60 delegates in attendance.

    By all measures, Wireless Broadband World Africa 2009 is proving to be a great success.

    The conference has attracted delegates across the globe, which gives a fair representation of the industry players. Speaking to Biz-News, Debbie Tagg, Managing Director for Terrapinn, the event organizers, said, "We are happy with market response despite the economic challenges companies are facing world wide".

    The conference opened with presentations focusing on the economic benefits of developed broadband system across the world with a special focus on Africa.

    Delegates and speakers agreed that access to affordable high-speed Internet and mobile phone service are key to economic growth and job creation in developing countries, Africa in particular.

    The conference speakers agreed that for every 10 percentage-point increase in high-speed Internet connections there is an increase in economic growth of 1.3 percentage points.

    Internet users in developing countries increased tenfold from 2000 to 2007, and there are now over four billion mobile phone subscribers in developing countries.

    Most of the participants lamented the unfavourable regulatory environment that hampers the use of technologies. These technologies offer tremendous opportunities. Governments can work with the private sector to accelerate rollout of broadband networks, and to extend access to low-income consumers.

    So far, mobile platform has been identified as the single most powerful way to reach and deliver public and private services to hundreds of millions of people in remote and rural areas across the developing world.

    Commenting on the deliberations, George Finger, ICT Specialist at Development Bank of Southern Africa said that broadband provides the basis for local information technology (IT) services industries, which create youth employment, increase productivity, and exports, and promote social inclusion.

    "Access to broadband completes the information foundation for a modern economy and should be a priority in national development plans", said George.

    "Governments can play a key role in expanding broadband access by policies and incentives that encourage competition and private investment", he concluded.

  • Amimon Raises $10 Million on Back of Strong WHDI Performance


    Wireless HD chipmaker Amimon has raised USD $10 million in its latest round of funding.

    The Israeli company’s announcement as demand for HDTVs capable of wirelessly transferring HD video from one device in the home continues to grow.

    Led by Stata Venture Partners the funding round also includes previous backers Argonaut Private Equity, Cedar Fund, Evergreen Venture Partners, Walden Israel and Motorola Ventures.

    The company said it has developed six different chips to date with its prior funding, including a new chip based on the WHDI (Wireless Home Digital Interface) standard.

    Its first-generation product is performing well, both in consumer electronics devices and in medical imaging equipment.

    Customers include Sony, Sharp, Mitsubishi, Gefen, Belkin, Stryker (medical devices), IDX (Pro AV video cameras), Philips, and Hinsense.

    The second-generation WHDI chip set improves on the first in that it can transfer full HD video – defined as video in the 1080p format running at 60 frames per second.

    The previous chip set could only do 1080i video at slower speeds.

    The new chip set is compliant with the Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI) industry standard and is expected to ship in customer products in 2010.

    Rival SiBEAM uses a different technology, based on the 60-gigahertz band of the radio spectrum, with higher speeds but shorter ranges.

    Yoav Nissan-Cohen, chairman and CEO of AMIMON, said the company is experiencing "strong acceptance" of the newly introduced 1080p/60Hz chipset.

    "The additional funding will allow Amimon to seize this opportunity to solidify our leadership position," he said.

    "We will use this round of funding to enhance production and expand our worldwide operations to meet growing global demand for our technology in the consumer electronics market as well as the medical and professional video markets."

  • CAST Releases H.264 IP Core for HD Video Compression


    Silicon Intellectual Property (IP) provider CAST has launched a new H.264 encoder core intended for applications that require the transmission of the highest quality video over low bit-rate channels.

    The company claims that the CAST H264-E Encoder Core delivers some of the best looking compressed video available.

    Possible uses include remote medical diagnostics, military targeting, satellite reconnaissance and advanced surveillance systems.

    The core offers this quality for screen sizes from handheld (CIF, 352 x 240 pixels) to full HD (1080p30, 1920 x 1080 at 30 frames per second).

    It fully supports the Baseline Profile, Level 4.1, of the H.264 specification (MPEG-4 Part 10, also known as MPEG-4 AVC, Advanced Video Coding).

    The company said that every design decision in the CAST H264-E development process was made in favor of improving video quality.

    "This uncompromising approach led to excellent output and nearly constant-quality video for even the most demanding compression challenges: high-motion scenes, quick camera panning, rapid scene changes, artificial motion, and frequent zooming," according to a CAST statement.

    "Achieving this video quality with just Baseline Profile support means the CAST H264-E generally requires fewer resources—processing time, chip area, and power consumption—than competing cores that support higher-level profiles."

    The H264-E Encoder Core was developed by long-time CAST partner Alma Technologies in Greece.

    The core is available now, in RTL source code for ASICs or optimized netlists for programmable devices.

  • ASUS Enters HDTV Monitor Market


    ASUS has announced a range of HDTV monitors that it says offers the best in desktop monitor and LCD TV technology.

    The TV Monitor T1 Series comes in 22- (22T1E), 24- (24T1E) and 27-inch (27T1E) sizes and offers a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) panel, a 20,000:1 contrast ratio, 300 nits of brightness, five millisecond response time, built-in TV tuners (for the UK market) and a pair of seven-watt speakers.

    The monitors come with VGA, HDMI (x2), component, composite, S-Video and a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack.

    There is no detail on pricing yet.

  • iPhone App Downloads Pass 1.5 Billion


    Apple’s App Store has hit the 1.5 billion download mark just a few days after celebrating its first anniversary.

    iTunes now has more than 65,000 apps available in 77 countries, with over 100,000 developers registered with the iPhone Developer Program.

    Steve Jobs, who appears to be back at work, said in a press release: "With 1.5 billion apps downloaded, it is going to be very hard for others to catch up."

    There was no indication from Apple on what percentage of the downloaded apps were free and what percentage were paid for.

    Apple has now shipped over 40 million iPhones and iPod touches.

  • RIM Launches MyBlackberry Forum


    RIM has launched a RIM-operated community forum for BlackBerry users.

    MyBlackBerry is akin to a bulletin board and is intended as a place were any BlackBerry users can share tips, stories, review apps and discuss their handsets.

    RIM has said that it will keep tabs on what goes on with the intention of learning what’s working and what’s not for Blackberry users.

    This is undoubtedly a good idea – not least because BlackBerry’s App World store has not enjoyed the success of Apple’s App Store.

    With the aid of feedback from MyBlackberry, perhaps the Canadian company will be able to rectify complaints such as the store being hard to navigate and confusion over apps.

    It might be an idea that Apple could adopt since there are plenty of iPhone users that would be willing to talk about their apps.