News Archive for 09/04/16

Choose an article from the archive listing on this page or refine your selection using the controls in the gray box below.

Rorke Data announces Galaxy Aurora LS storage system

04/16, 11:35pm

22TB RAID storage system

Rorke Data has announced the Galaxy Aurora LS, a RAID storage system geared for uncompressed HD streams or 2K film. The EOS RAID engine is powered by a Nehalem-based CPU and routes data across up to four 8Gbps Fibre Channel host connections. The system is claimed to support transfer rates over 1000MBps and significant gains in rebuild time compared with hardware-based configurations. The device can be directly attached or configured as a SAN unit, with up to 10-15TB of usable storage capacity and RAID 6 protection.

Briefly: FileMaker themes, Mariner Paperless, MacVide

04/16, 10:15pm

FileMaker, Mariner,MacVide

In brief: Mariner Software has acquired and rebranded the ReceiptWallet software for Mac OS X, which is now known as Mariner Paperless. FileMaker is offering its Themes Pack for free with the purchase of FileMaker Pro 10, while MacVide is taking 40-percent off the price of its FlashVideo Converter this week. Unmarked software is celebrating its 11th anniversary with the release of TextSoap 6.2, an update to its text processing utility.

Wall Street Journal releases iPhone app

04/16, 9:25pm

iPhone Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal has released an iPhone app that provides access to a variety of content. Users can read articles, watch video and even listen to WSJ radio, with the full range of content available for free. The app also links to other Dow Jones sites including All Things Digital and Barron's. Content can be manually saved for offline access, while certain items such as front-page headlines are automatically stored.

iBiz 4 billing and management app enters public beta

04/16, 8:20pm

iBiz 4 now public beta

IGG Software has announced the public beta of iBiz 4, an update to its time-tracking, billing and project management application. The latest version adds a tool for statements, allowing users to send and overview all past billing activity. The invoices can be separated by date range, or specific items can be selected for each statement. The update also adds a number of customizable templates for statements, invoices and reports.

Apps: PacketStream, GhostReader, Barcode Producer

04/16, 8:15pm

iKanji, Web Site Maestro

PacketStream 2.5 ($25) allows quick access to a Mac's built-in network monitoring tool. A user can monitor data as it is streamed over the network allowing them to check web traffic, network bottlenecks or watch for any suspicious activity. All data is logged within the application and can be saved to a file for further analysis. In version 2.5 includes a new dock icon that changes to indicate when a network scan is running. It also uses system sounds to indicate when a scan starts and stops and allows users to copy text from the mail display window. [Download - 8.3MB]

Belkin FlyWire delayed again until August

04/16, 7:50pm

Belkin FlyWire delayed

Belkin has delayed the launch of its FlyWire device, pushing the anticipated release date to August, according to Engadget. The wireless system, first introduced at CES 2008, can be used to stream 1080p HD content from multiple HDMI inputs to HDTV televisions using the 5GHz band. Automatic frequency hopping is designed to reduce conflicts with Wi-Fi or other signals.

YouTube set to offer premium, full-length content

04/16, 6:40pm

YouTube premium content

The video-sharing site YouTube is expected to announce new content, including premium shows and additional full-length videos or movies, according to the Wall Street Journal. People familiar to the matter suggest the company is attempting to showcase its expanding library of full-length videos, without losing the focus on shorter clips submitted by the general public.

Verizon: 4G network could attract future iPhone deal

04/16, 5:55pm

4G iPhone on Verizon?

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Verizon executive Ivan Seidenberg mentioned that Apple could be more willing to work with the carrier on a potential iPhone deal as the 4G LTE network begins operation. The technology will also be used by AT&T and a number of other carriers, although Verizon is expected to be one of the first with active service by 2010.

DealNN: bargain bin prices on a range of electronics

04/16, 5:35pm

bargain bin prices on a ra

Featured today at DealNN are a variety of products at bargain prices from iPod car kits to GPS units. Most notable today is a deal on the Navigon 2100 portable GPS unit from Newegg.com. It is regularly priced at $119.99, but for today only (4/16/09) it has been reduced to $89.99. Navigate pre-loaded maps of the lower 48 states on a 3.5-inch color touch screen or get directions via voice navigation.

Cellphone sales may drop by 20% in 2009

04/16, 5:20pm

Cellphone sales drop 20%

Recent In-Stat research suggests global handset sales and subscriptions will be significantly lower in 2009 compared the previous year due to the economic downturn. While sales of cellphones are expected to fall by 20.5 percent this year, subscriptions will be less affected at an 8.9 percent growth compared to 19.3 percent increase last year. This is due to people more likely to hang onto their current cellphones longer while retaining their wireless subscriptions.

Symbian S60 running on Intel Atom CPU

04/16, 5:15pm

S60 running on Atom CPU

To showcase what Symbian's S60 operating system for mobile devices is capable of, some of the S60 on Symbian Customer Operations (SOSCO) team members have compiled the OS via GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) and have it running on an unmodified Intel Atom CPU and mainboard. At the same time, the Symbian team hopes to generate some interest in such a platform in the form of an investor. The group hopes to show Symbian is not limited by its historical with ARM-based processors and can make technical leaps.

Instinct S30 coming to Best Buy for under $50

04/16, 5:05pm

Instinct S30 priced at $50

Best Buy Mobile is offering the Samsung Instinct S30 to new buyers for just $49.99, according to the retailer's latest flyer. The price applies to new two-year contracts and undercuts Sprint's own in-house pricing, previously announced to be priced at nearly $130 after mail-in rebates and instant savings when it is released on April 19th.

Motorola Evoke QA4 now available at Alltel

04/16, 5:00pm

Evoke QA4 now at Alltel

Alltel Wireless on Thursday announced it is now offering the new Motorola Evoke QA4 touchscreen handset that was released and tested at the recent CTIA Wireless show. The slider handset has a 2.8-inch capacitive touch display that hides a 12-button keypad and is a first for Motorola. The phone also has a 2-megapixel camera and a GPS receiver that can be used with the Alltel Navigation service. The provider's TV on Demand service can also be accessed from the Evoke QA4.

TWC freezes expansion of metering trials

04/16, 4:55pm

TWC Freezes Expansion

Time Warner today quickly followed up on its plans to drop Rochester metering with word that it will also drop any near-term plans to expand the trials beyond those areas already testing the service, which limits the included amount of data transfer and charges overage fees for any use beyond an arbitrary limit. It doesn't plan to stop trialing altogether but claims to need time to change plans and discuss the issue with both end-users and others.

Dell shipping Samsung SSDs with full disk encryption

04/16, 4:55pm

Samsung SSDs with FDE

What is being touted as an industry-first by the parties involved, Samsung in conjunction with Wave Systems on Thursday announced it has released the first solid state drives (SSDs) with integrated hardware encryption through Dell. The SSDs automatically encrypt information as it's being saved to the drive for securing data. Each of the new drives is bundled with Wave's Embassy management software. The drives will be initially offered in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities.

Apple looks to patent vehicle pairing, sports tech

04/16, 4:40pm

Apple car, sports patents

Two sets of patent applications filed with the USPTO may point to unusual interests on Apple's part. The first describes a system for pairing in-car electronics with Apple hardware such as an iPhone, iPod or even MacBook. In using the technique, a car's electronics could be prevented from working for thieves simply due to being out of wireless range. Alternately the pairing could be used to control navigation systems even when an Apple portable is present, for instance by shutting down phone dialing when outside of a given area.

DoJ asks to oversee Microsoft for 18 more months

04/16, 4:20pm

DoJ Extending MS Oversight

The US Department of Justice and individual attorneys general today filed an official motion (registration required) asking Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly to further extend her monitoring of Microsoft's compliance with a 2002 antitrust ruling. The request would add another 18 months to the original term, which would have stopped watching Microsoft's actions in November. Department officials hope preserve the quality of technical information published as part of the company's penalty.

iPhone apps: Reid Minion, wikiHow, JogDial

04/16, 3:45pm

ATM Hunter, Ping Pong

Ried Minion ($3) is a document and book reading application for the iPhone and iPod Touch. It includes options that allow the user to set the font and contrast and also features two different assisted-reading modes for low-vision readers and speed readers. Through Ried Minion users can access a database of free ebooks and log into their Google Documents account to access any files stored there.

TWC drops metered data in Rochester after backlash

04/16, 3:40pm

TWC Meter Gone in NY Town

Time Warner Cable has scrapped its plans to trial metered Internet access in Rochester after political resistance, local news said on Thursday. Senator Chuck Schumer delivered surprise news that he had successfully negotiated with the Internet provider to drop Rochester from a planned expansion of metering, which would otherwise have arrived in August. A lack of competition is cited as the primary factor, as subscribers wouldn't get enough alternatives to Time Warner if they dislike the caps and overages.

BBC debuts cross-platform iPlayer app, HD video

04/16, 3:00pm

BBC cross-platform iPlayer

The BBC has released a completed version of the iPlayer Desktop, a cross-platform application that lets users download recent BBC programming, rather than simply view it on the web or TV. The app is based on Adobe's AIR platform, and is compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux systems. Access is restricted to residents of the UK however, and files are set to expire and delete automatically after a given timeframe, no longer than 30 days.

DivX 7 for Mac supports MKV, H.264

04/16, 2:50pm

DivX 7 for Mac update

DivX has released an update to its media player, DivX 7 for Mac. Users can view DivX HD videos, Internet content and full-length movies, with support for MKV and H.264/MKV/AAC video formats. The player features translucent windows, an on-demand scrub bar and keyboard hot keys, along with a desktop dimmer and window fade to further enhance video presentation. Mouse gesture controls can be used to fast-forward or rewind playback.

Alpine ships 2-DIN iPhone media unit for cars

04/16, 2:45pm

Alpine W404 Ships

Alpine this afternoon said it has started shipping the iXA-W404, its first touchscreen media head-end for cars to occupy 2 DIN slots. The device centers on a 4.3-inch touchscreen that lets users navigate the media content of any dockable iPhone or iPod, including through quick skipping tricks for larger collections. It can also play video when the vehicle isn't moving.

Amazon banning Kindle accounts on return rate?

04/16, 2:15pm

Amazon Bans Kindle Accts

Amazon is banning Kindle owners' accounts based on the number of purchases they've returned, anecotes from readers indicate. At least one MobileRead user has had many of the services on his e-book reader disabled after Amazon believed he had returned too many products of any kind. The shutdown allows reading already paid-for books as well as other material loaded offline to the Kindle; however, it bans re-downloads, subscriptions and e-mail conversion of documents.

Harmonix confirms Beatles: Rock Band gear

04/16, 1:30pm

Beatles Rock Band Bundle

Harmonix on Thursday confirmed full details of its hardware bundle for The Beatles: Rock Band. As hinted at earlier this week, the Limited Edition Premium Bundle will have a guitar controller resembling the Hofner Bass used by Paul McCartney as well as a pearl finish, Rock Band equivalent to Ringo Starr's Ludwig drum set. A microphone and a matching stand will also be part of the package as well as unnamed "additional special content."

gDEBugger 5.0 expands with OpenGL 3.0

04/16, 1:20pm

gDEBugger 5.0 ships

Graphic Remedy has launched gDEBugger 5.0 in a simultaneous release for multiple platforms, including the Mac. The app is used to debug OpenGL code, generally associated with high-end 3D software such as games. Components allow developers to spot problems like memory leaks and bottlenecks, as well as redundant code.

Image of a new Pentax DSLR camera leaked

04/16, 1:15pm

Leaked Pentax DSLR image

An image of what appears to be an upcoming Pentax digital SLR camera has been spotted on a Chinese blog site earlier this week. While no hard specs are known, the blurry image does reveal a body that is different from the current Pentax range, including the three new special-run DSLRs announced late last month. The camera sports a new-look Pentax logo introduced when Hoya bought Pentax in the summer of 2007.

3Dconnexion debuts SpacePilot PRO mouse

04/16, 12:50pm

SpacePilot PRO mouse

3Dconnexion has begun selling the SpacePilot PRO, a mouse the company is considering its newest flagship. The device is designed explicitly with engineering tasks in mind, and revolves around a "cap" controller, which can be tilted, rotated or pushed in order to navigate through 3D environments. Separating the PRO from other 3Dconnexion mice is the LCD Workflow Assistant, a color display that by default lets users browse key assignments for different programs, or view calendars and e-mail from Outlook. The Assistant's software can be customized for varying purposes.

Verizon working on app store for Hub home phone

04/16, 12:00pm

Verizon Hub app store

The Internet-connected Verizon Hub home phone may soon get its own applications store, according to a Wednesday report. The phone, launched in the US on February 1st, already gets updates through the Internet for weather and traffic information, and users can watch videos via Verizon's V CAST service, but is now set to open to third-party software that would enable new tasks using the Internet, GPS or both. One new use for it would be to give users the ability to access Internet radio stations, for example.

Boris Continuum Complete 6 FxPlug enters public beta

04/16, 11:55am

Boris Complete 6 FxPlug

Boris FX has released a public beta of Boris Continuum Complete 6 FxPlug, a plug-in for Motion, Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express. The code introduces over 200 filters to the Apple software, divided into categories such as color, glows, transitions and simulated film effects. Filters can be previewed in real-time, separately or in combination.

SlingPlayer app not approved due to AT&T?

04/16, 11:40am

SlingPlayer not approved

Sling Media’s SlingPlayer app for the iPhone has been denied approval into Apple’s App Store, according to an unconfirmed tip from a source close to Apple’s approval processes. Although the program was described as an "impressive" application, the tip said that the media application was not approved due to pressure from AT&T executives concerned about effect of the app on the already-strained AT&T cellular network. According to the tip, which could not be confirmed Wednesday night, Apple executives went around the normal approval process to deny approval for the SlingPlayer app to appease AT&T.

Acer outs 3 redesigned Veriton business desktops

04/16, 11:25am

Acer outs new Veriton PCs

Acer on Thursday announced the release of three new Veriton business desktops that focus on longer-lasting design and easier access. The Veriton M265, Veriton M421G and Veriton M670G sport new open air vents for better ventilation and cooling. Servicing the PCs has been made easier thanks to a hinged and cable-less front bezel and a modular design that makes the optical, floppy and hard drives directly accessible. Internal cable management has also been cleaned up, allowing for tool-free power supply, PCI card and hard drive access.

Undercover security tracker comes to iPhone

04/16, 11:10am

Undercover for iPhone

Developer Orbicule has released an iPhone version of Undercover, its formerly Mac-only security software. The app is used to track a lost or stolen iPhone using a GPS signal when outdoors, or simply Wi-Fi or cellular triangulation when indoors. iPod touches can also take advantage of location functions, but are naturally limited to Wi-Fi.

Sun willing to resume IBM talks? [U]

04/16, 11:05am

Sun May Resum IBM Talk

A pair of sources claim Sun is willing to return to discussions with IBM over stalled takeover talks, according to Bloomberg. The insiders say Sun's main condition is that IBM make a stronger commitment to closing the deal, which might be subject to anti-monopoly investigations of the combined server business if a deal is struck. Whether Sun is willing to accept a lower offer, which was also considered a sticking point, isn't mentioned.

LG sells 2m Arena touch phones in one month

04/16, 10:30am

LG Sells 2m Arena in 1 Mth

LG today said it has sold 2 million of the KM900 Arena since it went on sale in the first half of March. The tally includes the 1 million pre-orders leading up to the release and marks LG's fastest-selling phone to date; the original Chocolate music phone took 3 months to reach the 1 million mark.

Movies finally available on German iTunes Store

04/16, 10:30am

Movies on German iTunes

Germans can at last access movies from their local iTunes Store, Apple has announced. The company has agreed to distribution deals with a variety of major and independent studios, foreign and local, and posted an initial collection of 500 titles for renting or purchase. Some American titles include The Dark Knight and Pineapple Express, while German ones include Die Fälscher and Keinohrhasen.

Apple considering motion-friendly iPhone adaptations

04/16, 9:50am

iPhone motion patent

One of the ideas Apple has been contemplating for the iPhone, a newly-published patent application suggests, is a motion-adapted interface. Apple notes that while the phone's interface may be fine while sitting or standing, it can suddenly become much harder to use while walking or running, as a result of either shaking or sweat. Compounding problems may be distractions, such as a jogging route.

Core i7 notebook chips still on for summer?

04/16, 9:40am

Core i7 Mobile Still Q3

Despite claims to the contrary, Intel's mobile Core i7 platform is still reported as on track for the summer. Although Intel publicly stated at its latest Developer Forum that the platform (nicknamed Calpella) and its matching processors (Clarksfield) aren't due until the fall, Fudzilla understands that suppliers are being told that all of the notebook components are due in the summer quarter. However, the initial wave of Intel-made chipsets won't include integrated graphics, forcing these systems to use either third-party chipsets or dedicated graphics.

Dell offers Inspiron Mini 10 with China Mobile 3G

04/16, 9:10am

Dell Mini 10 with 3G modem

Dell and China Mobile (CMCC) announced on Wednesday they have introduced Inspiron Mini 10 netbook in the Chinese market which benefits from the provider's 3G data network access via its built-in modem, allowing Internet and e-mail access from nearly anywhere in the country with a signal.

Garmin unveils nüvi 1490T with 5-inch screen

04/16, 8:50am

Garmin nuvi 1490T

Garmin today updated its nüvi GPS mapper line with a new, especially high-end model. The 1490T is one of the company's largest ever and has a 5-inch touchscreen that provides both more information about the road as well as a more comfortable view; with the extra display size, the back is also about a quarter thinner than most of Garmin's lineup. As a flagship, it also gets much of the better features, including the new pedestrian GPS for walking, free lifetime traffic updates and multi-route prediction with lane guidance.

Nokia ships 19% fewer phones, loses share in Q1

04/16, 8:25am

Nokia Q1 2009 Results

Nokia this morning reported major falls in both its financial performance and its phone market share for the quarter. The Finnish cellphone maker's operating profit has dropped from slightly over $2 billion in early 2008 to just $72.4 million in early 2009 based on a significant decrease in sales income, which dropped by 27 percent year-over-year. Much of this is attributed directly to a 19.3 percent plunge in cellphone shipments from 115.5 million phones in the first quarter of 2008 to 93.2 million for the same period this year.