News Archive for 08/03/04

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Samsung preps fast 2.5-inch 250GB drive, 22X DVD

03/04, 10:45pm

Samsung SpinPoint MP2

Samsung tonight added to its storage options with one of its largest high-speed disks yet as well as a high-speed DVD burner. The SpinPoint MP2 spins at 7,200RPM but still holds 250GB of storage; the capacity adds about 50GB more than most previous drives. The disk also eliminates many of the bottlenecks that affect any notebook drive with an extra-large 16MB cache and a Serial ATA II connection for added headroom during burst transfers. Samsung also implements quiet seeking technology and noise isolation that renders the drive quiet compared to past hard drives.

Apple talks Jobs successor, games, more

03/04, 9:55pm

Shareholders question Jobs

Apple shareholders today produced a plethora of questions for company executives at its annual shareholders meeting in Cupertino, CA. Taking that stand was CEO Steve Jobs, COO Tim Cook, and Ron Johnson -- Apple's head of retail operations. Jobs and others answered questions regarding the prospect of entering into direct competition with Microsoft in the PC gaming industry, potential .Mac expansion, iTunes media availability, the idea of a successor to Steve Jobs, iPhone availability in Asia, Macs in the business realm, Apple retail stores, and more, according to AppleInsider.

SecuriKey ships for Mac OS X Leopard

03/04, 5:15pm

SecuriKey for Leopard

GT Security today launched SecuriKey 2.1, adding support for Apple's latest release of Mac OS X -- 10.5 Leopard. SecuriKey combines USB token and password technologies with data encryption on the hard drive to provide secure, user-friendly computer access control and data protection. The latest revision of SecuriKey features the only integrated AES encryption and multi-factor authentication solution designed for the Mac, according to GT Security, which provides security for mobile data on Apple laptops as well as desktops and servers. SecuriKey 2.1 is available in Professional and Multi-User editions, working with Mac OS X Tiger/Leopard as well as Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

Shareholders approve 'say on pay' proposal

03/04, 5:10pm

Apple shareholder meeting

Apple shareholders today approved a non-binding resolution requesting the board of directors to provide shareholders with input on executive compensation. The proposal required a majority of votes from shareholders to pass, while another shareholder proposal to create a board committee on sustainability and environmental protection was rejected, according to News.com. Scott Adams, who represents the AFL-CIO, asked shareholders to demand a "say on pay" as a result of uncontrolled executive compensation.

3G iPhone to surface within four months?

03/04, 5:05pm

3G iPhone in four months?

In advance of Apple's 3G iPhone announcement, Citigroup believes the new version of the device could be surfacing within four months. According to AppleInsider, analyst Rich Garder came to the conclusion based on input from several industry sources, which he claims confirms a 3G version of the iPhone during the second quarter. Caris & Co. analyst Shebly Seyrafi believes that Apple will meet its 10 million unit goal, but will not succeed in putting adequate pressure on the rest of the market.

MySpace developing native iPhone app

03/04, 4:35pm

Native MySpace iPhone App

MySpace is in the midst of developing a native iPhone and iPod touch application, Electronista has learned. Although details of what the app involves remain closely guarded, the product is known to be the result of early SDK access and is described as impressive compared to current mobile versions of the social networking site. Whether it will support MySpace's signature music and video services is unknown, though neither are likely given the lack of a native Adobe Flash port for the handset or else iPhone-friendly content on the site's servers.

Samsung ships 2.5-inch 500GB hard drive

03/04, 4:30pm

Samsung 2.5-inch 500GB HDD

South Korea's Samsung has announced the release of a new hard drive, what it is calling the world's first 2.5-inch hard drive to reach a 500GB capacity. Although it fits into the standard 0.37-inch vertical space reserved for notebook disks, it nevertheless uses three stacked 167GB platters, spinning at 5,400rpm. An 8MB buffer is present, and it interfaces with systems using a 3Gbps SATA connection. Pricing is $299.

Panasonic releases Lumix FS5

03/04, 4:10pm

Panasonic Lumix FS5

After a minor delay, Panasonic has released its latest compact camera, the Lumix FS5. The camera is a 10.1-megapixel model, and uses a Leica lens with 4x optical zoom, giving it a focal range equivalent to a 30-120mm SLR lens. The camera is also able to shoot in a burst mode operating at 6fps, although this requires dropping resolution down to at least 2.5 megapixels.

Meizu iPhone clone makes public appearance

03/04, 3:30pm

Meizu miniOne in public

Contrary to speculation, Meizu's miniOne iPhone clone -- also known as the M8 -- has made an appearance at the ongoing CeBIT expo in Hannover, Germany. The device on public display can only display four different images, but is said to closely mimic the interface of the iPhone, including its finger-flick touchscreen motions. The miniOne operates on Windows CE 6.0 instead of Mac OS X, and is further differentiated by dedicated buttons for answering calls or playing and pausing music.

Apps: The Tube, TimeCache, PageSender

03/04, 3:25pm

The Tube, TimeCache

The Missing Sync for Palm OS 6.0.3 ($40) enhances the software for synchronizing contacts, calendars, photos, and more between Macs and devices from Palm, Sony, Garmin, and others. The latest release offers better synchronization with Bare Bones Yojimbo 1.5, improved handling of recurring tasks, and enhanced support for custom field synchronization with Entourage.
World Clock Deluxe 4.5.1 ($20) is the latest iteration of MaBaSoft's time tool for Mac OS X that displays multiple clocks in a horizontal or vertical palette, adding daylight-savings time information for Chile as well as Guatemala. The latest revision also adds San Luis, Argentina to the World Clock Deluxe cities database. [Download - 2MB]
The Tube 2.5 (unknown) accompanies new TubeToGo Web service, allowing Tube users to make TV recordings available in an online Web gallery. The Tube allows users to simultaneously watch videos while chatting amongst one another. The TubeToGo Web interface provides complete access to recordings, allowing users to publish as well as schedule recordings on-the-go.
TimeCache 7.0.8 ($60, $35 for upgrade) fixes a significant bug discovered in a week-old update. TimeCache is a time and expense billing application with support for timed or manual entries. The latest release fixes a problem that could erase user changes to report and invoice layouts, and is available for free to current TimeCache users. The update also offers a new taxation option for users whose tax authorities require assessing cumulative taxes. [Download - 14.7MB]
PageSender 4.2.2 ($40) updates the fax software for Mac OS X with an option for sending a cover page only. The update also fixes a potential issue with access to cover page options, and repairs other minor issues. The software sense as well as receives faxes, allowing users to print or email received faxes automatically. [Download - 6.9MB]
Audiocorder 5.1.4 ($20) allows a Mac to act like a sophisticated audio recorder, operating as a volume operated (VOX) automated audio recorder in one mode and a scheduled recorder in another. The latest release fixes a bug that could cause recording schedule files to improperly load. [Download - 430KB]

NAVIGON adds upscale 8100 to GPS lineup

03/04, 2:55pm

NAVIGON 8100

As a companion piece to its 2100 max updates, NAVIGON today also unveiled the 8110. The GPS receiver takes the line above its normally budget-minded focus with a larger 4.8-inch wide touchscreen and a brushed metal shell instead of glossy black plastic. The mapper is also the company's fastest with a dedicated 3D graphics chipset, a 533MHz main processor, and 128MB of RAM, all of which contribute to a smoother experience, according to the GPS maker.

Free ad-supported video downloads on Macs

03/04, 2:25pm

Free ad-supported videos

HIRO today launched what it says is the first free ad-supported video download solution for Mac users. The software allows Mac users to view free, ad-supported video downloads in either Windows Media Player or via Apple's QuickTime format with dynamic targeted advertisements integrated into the programming. The Mac version will make its first appearance in Israel, and will roll out in other areas -- such as the U.S. and Australia -- throughout 2008.

Lenovo intros ultra-green M57 Eco desktop

03/04, 2:20pm

Lenovo M57 Eco

Lenovo this afternoon pushed its line closer to complete eco-friendliness with the M57 Eco, its latest small form factor desktop. The tabletop ThinkCenter PC is not just energy efficient but also the first system to meet GREENGUARD's specs for a system free of chemical emissions. Even noise pollution is low at just 4 bels or less, Lenovo boasts. Some trim levels also rely on Intel's newer 45 nanometer Core 2 Duo processors to maintain this green status without compromising speed.

Dell readies lightweight M209X projector

03/04, 1:35pm

Dell M209X Projector

Dell on Tuesday provided an extra addition to its projector lineup with a sneak peek at the M209X. The DLP-based projector weighs only 2.6 pounds but is designed to be strong and sharp enough to work either as a computer projector for meetings and classrooms or as a home theater unit. With a 2,000-lumen brightness, the unit can produce a visible image in all but the brightest conditions, Dell estimates. It also combines both HDMI and VGA inputs to provide the best possible digital signal, including for HD sources such as Blu-ray players.

SanDisk works on SD/SDHC backup drive

03/04, 1:35pm

SanDisk FlashBack Adapter

Memory maker SanDisk has announced the FlashBack Adapter, a new storage add-on for notebooks. The device plugs into a notebook's ExpressCard slot, and automatically backs up key files on a computer using special Windows software. A key difference with alternatives is that the FlashBack utilizes SD or SDHC cards, for a maximum storage capacity of 32GB. Neither cards nor the adapter protrude when inserted.

Kaspersky, others prepared for potential Mac epidemic

03/04, 1:15pm

Potential Mac epidemic

Several internet security companies have preliminary Mac OS X anti-virus applications, awaiting a potential large-scale attack before deploying the countermeasures. According to Yahoo News, Kaspersky Lab keeps a prototype of a Mac-based anti-viral program that could be distributed in a matter of days, should an outbreak occur. Kaspersky has even tested a version designed specifically for the iPhone.

AMD debuts mobile Puma platform

03/04, 12:55pm

AMD debuts Puma platform

In the wake of its 45nm quad-core announcement, AMD has also formally unveiled Puma, a new mobile platform (not pictured). The technology is allegedly aimed at Intel's Centrino platform, which combines a Core 2 Duo, a GM965/PM965 chipset and onboard wireless; Puma turns to a new Turion Ultra processor, combined with an RS780M chipset and a Wi-Fi adapter. As with Centrino, a dedicated videocard is optional.

Pioneer mulls fate of plasma production

03/04, 12:10pm

Pioneer to halt plasma?

Electronics multinational Pioneer may be nearing an end to its plasma TV business, according to reports. The Japanese business paper Nikkei reports that the company may completely cease production of plasma panels as soon as this year, and instead turn to ones produced by Matsushita Electric Industrial, the world's largest plasma supplier. Pioneer representative Ema Suzuki, meanwhile, tells the Associated Press that the company is reviewing the nature of its plasma business, given faltering sales.

Apple, Nike to offer Nike+iPod for exercise equipment

03/04, 12:05pm

Nike+iPod in equipment

Nike and Apple are refreshing their Nike+iPod offerings this summer, by working with Life Fitness, Precor, Star Trac, and Technogym, with the goal of making exercise equipment compatible with the workout tracking system. Users will be able to attach their iPod nano directly to a number of different treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, and stair climbers, and utilize the same statistic and objective tracking that is offered by the stand-alone kit.

SanDisk preps Fuze to take on iPod nano

03/04, 12:05pm

SanDisk Sansa Fuze Leak

SanDisk is gearing up a new music player that would straddle the line between the basic Sansa Clip and the larger View, a leaked flyer for an accessory kit shows. The Sansa Fuze would sit almost exactly between its two sister devices in size and would share the same iPod-like jogwheel while offering a screen roughly as large as or larger than that of the third-generation iPod nano. Few details are revealed in the leak, though it becomes clear SanDisk will offer the player in blue and other colors as well as include the same on-screen interface, complete with photo and video support.

NAVIGON intros 2100, 2120 max GPS units

03/04, 11:50am

NAVIGON 2100 max GPS

Matching introductions by other GPS navigation unit manufacturers, NAVIGON today updated the 2100 series with two new GPS units. The US-only 2100 max and the North America-wide 2120 max continue to be some of the lowest-cost 4.3-inch GPS units available but now add a DirectHelp feature that provides quick access to emergency services. Invoking the tool automatically finds nearby drug stores, hospitals, and car repair services, providing quick directions in cases where even slight delays could prove dangerous.

Lexmark unveils wireless home inkjet printers

03/04, 11:45am

Lexmark wireless inkjets

Lexmark today unveiled a new line of low-cost inkjet printers geared towards home users that feature built-in wireless printing. The lineup consists of three models so far: the Z2420 wireless printer, X3650 multi-function, and X4650 wireless multi-function. The two wireless versions communicate with 802.11b/g, and are compatible with the current 802.11n draft version. Lexmark will ship the three models starting later this month, with additional versions to follow later this year, ranging from $80 to $130.

AcrosuitePRO upgrades to ONEticket 3.0

03/04, 11:35am

ONEticket 3.0 print add-on

Print specialist Apago has announced ONEticket 3.0, the next iteration of software formerly known as Acrosuite PRO. A set of plug-ins for Adobe Acrobat, ONEticket helps manage commercial printers, including those from the likes of Canon, Kodak, IKON and Océ. One major upgrade since AcrosuitePRO 2.6 is the addition of tray mapping; this lets print shops define paper exceptions, in theory making it easier to work with different printers. A given example is mapping paper to both a printer that supports paper catalogs and one equipped with paper drawers.

Logitech preps ClearChat wireless stereo headset

03/04, 11:15am

ClearChat PC Wireless

Logitech this morning hoped to improve the quality of wireless headsets with the advent of its ClearChat PC Wireless. Instead of opting for Bluetooth, Logitech uses 2.4GHz and a special USB adapter to supply full-quality sound in both directions through the headset. Listeners can hear uncompressed stereo audio in addition to sending voice out through a boom-mounted microphone. The wireless approach is also promised to be more reliable with safeguards against interference up to the ClearChat's maximum 33-foot range.

Bling! It simulates commercial product photos

03/04, 10:50am

Bling It! image tool

Vertus is now selling the Mac version of Bling! It, an image tool meant to improve sales of items online, particularly through sites such as eBay. The software extracts objects from existing photos, and helps composite them against a different backdrop more resembling a commercial product shot. To improve the illusion, users can add either stock or custom backdrops, as well as elements like logos, drop shadows and highlights.

AMD demos 45nm quad-core processors

03/04, 10:45am

AMD 45nm Demo

AMD today stepped closer towards equality with Intel today by revealing the first working examples of its own 45 nanometer processors. Co-developed with IBM, the chips combine AMD's own existing quad-core technology with the smaller, more efficient chip design to improve the amount of performance without increasing power and heat as a result. The company is still hesitant to reveal full details but explains that there will be both desktop-oriented processors, codenamed "Deneb," as well as server-grade "Shanghai" chips available; these are expected to translate to both single- and dual-socket upgrades to the Phenom desktop line as well as more efficient Opteron processors later in the year.

Iomega to unveil 120GB REV at CeBit 2008

03/04, 10:10am

Iomega 120GB REV at CeBIT

Iomega today announced the REV 120GB Backup Drive, as well as the accompanying disks, and it will show the offerings at CeBIT 2008 in Hanover, Germany. The third-generation offering adds to a current user base of over 350,000 drives, with over 2 million disks in circulation. The drive will be available with a USB 2.0 connection in April, while Iomega expects to release an ATAPI version later in the summer. Pricing was not immediately available.

Dell reveals XFR D630 ultra-rugged notebook

03/04, 10:10am

Dell XFR D630

Dell on Tuesday ventured into new territory with the release of the XFR D630. As the first completely ruggedized notebook from the Texas company, the XFR is strong enough to match US military-grade specs for dust, temperature, and water resistance and is shock-proofed against most bumps. Storage is also tougher. While traditional hard drives used with the system are shock-proofed, the computer is also just the second after the Precision M4300 to support faster solid-state hard drives, which render data effectively skip-proof. An extra-bright, 500-nit display also suits the XFR to use in the field even in broad daylight.

Scrabble, Mini Golf appear on iTunes Store

03/04, 10:00am

iPod Scrabble, Mini Golf

The traditional boardgame Scrabble (iTunes link) is among two new iPod games available on the iTunes Store. This version lets users play in "classic," points or round modes, with the option of competing solo, against an AI opponent, or with up to four human players via hand-off. Scores and statistics are ranked, and difficulty can be adjusted through settings including the option of hints. The game costs $5 and is compatible with all video-ready iPods except the iPhone and iPod touch.

Garmin reveals Nuvi 205, 255, 900T GPS mappers

03/04, 9:50am

Garmin Nuvi 2x5 and 900T

Garmin today at CeBIT rolled out upgrades to several of its key Nuvi GPS units, including its lowest-cost devices yet to include smart features. The 3.5-inch 205 and 255 as well as their 4.3-inch widescreen 205W and 255W counterparts all now support Traffic Message Channel data for rerouting on congested roads and can optionally subscribe to MSN Direct for both traffic updates as well as fuel prices, news, and other short information that can be delivered to the Nuvi in real time. Both also use a satellite data cache technology known as HotFix to speed up position-finding, an elevation mapping mode that more clearly marks out hills, and a faster processor that improves routing speed.

Pelican ships hard case for iMacs

03/04, 9:20am

Pelican hard case for iMac

Case manufacturer Pelican is now selling a model dedicated to Apple's most recent iMacs, the iMCruzer. The case fits 20- and 24-inch aluminum iMacs, as well as their matching mice and keyboards; inside is custom-tailored foam, meant to absorb impact shocks and prevent a computer from jostling. The outside is meanwhile made of "crush-proof" resin, claimed to be tough enough that an iMac can safely be shipped via airline without worrying about it being tossed by baggage handlers.

Razer unveils Salmosa entry gamer mouse

03/04, 9:05am

Razer Salmosa

Following a teaser campaign, Razer today used CeBIT as the venue for the introduction of the Salmosa, its first mouse targeted directly at gamers or others interested in performance mice for the first time. The three-button mouse has an unusually high-resolution 1,800DPI optical sensor that provides precise responses but is set apart most by its weight, according to Razer: the pointer is one of the lightest in the class and is designed to be easily flicked across the surface for fast responses in action games.

Nokia adds MS' Silverlight to phones, tablets

03/04, 8:40am

Nokia Adds MS Silverlight

Nokia today said it would add support for Microsoft's Silverlight web plugin, resulting in some of the first mobile devices to support the new rival to Adobe's Flash. The update applies to virtually all of Nokia's handhelds and ranges from the most basic Symbian Series 40 cellphones to Series 60 smartphones and the company's Linux-based N800 series Internet tablets. Adding the feature provides the phones with support for animation, videos, and even software programs running inside of Silverlight and helps mirror the experience a user would have on a desktop.

Sony-Ericsson intros tiny T303 slider

03/04, 8:15am

Sony-Ericsson T303

Sony-Ericsson's contribution to Germany's CeBIT technology expo today is the T303, a compact slider said to boost the standards for relatively basic phones. The device sports a mirrored front finish with a metal trim and also brings a 1.3-megapixel camera that provides better quality than the VGA cameras that ship with other phones in the class. The handset trims costs by carrying just 8MB of memory and removing the Memory Stick Micro slot of other Sony-Ericsson phones but offers an FM radio to supply music.