News Archive for 12/05/03

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Google vs Oracle Java suit jury currently deadlocked

05/03, 10:35pm

20 hours of deliberation, no decision

After 20 hours of deliberations spread over four days, the jury responsible for the Google versus Oracle Java court battle has so far failed to reach a decision. A question posed to Judge William Alsup posed more questions as to the timely resolution of the trial -- a note passed to the judge by the jury asked what would happen if they couldn't reach a unanimous decision.

GoDocs for iOS reaches version 3, offers new features

05/03, 10:23pm

PDF viewer, multiple accounts now included

GoDocs, an iOS utility for working with Google Docs online, has expanded significantly in new version 3.0, available now on the App Store ($5). The new version adds a pro-level PDF viewer that supports even large PDF documents, PDF links and searching, as well as new folder-level document management and an ability to switch between accounts with a passcode lock. Push notifications for document changes has also now been incorporated.

Darkness II, Linux Tycoon coming to OS X

05/03, 10:00pm

Mob demon violence and Linux come to the Mac

OS X received two new additions to its gaming library today, as first-person shooter The Darkness II and simulation game Linux Tycoon have been released for the platform. The big-budget mob shooter and the indie-flavored Linux distro simulator mark opposite extremes of the gaming continuum, but are notable appearances on the Mac. The Darkness II is a Cider port done by TransGaming and is inspired by the 2007 comic book series that produced the original game.

Briefly - Norton 360 Everywhere, Alienware, Kindle Fire

05/03, 8:52pm

Pending M14x, M17x, M18x laptop orders upgraded to Ivy Bridge

Boutique gaming PC manufacturer Alienware users with outstanding laptop orders were informed by email today that the placed order is being upgraded to Ivy Bridge processors at no extra cost. No further delay in the placed order is expected. The Ivy Bridge upgrade is exclusive to Alienware orders, and will not apply to parent company Dell's orders placed before the Ivy Bridge announcement.

Hands On: Samsung Galaxy S III

05/03, 8:35pm

Samsung Galaxy S III includes quad-core processor

Samsung held its "Unwrapped" event in London yesterday to show off its next handset, the Galaxy S III. Electronista attended the unveiling, and spent some time with the handset after an hour-long presentation from the company management. The new model is considerably larger, but not significantly thicker. It offers a high-quality screen, faster processor, a Siri-like voice management feature and a smooth finish in Samsung's latest attempt to best the industry-leading iPhone.

Google to authors: sue us individually, not as a class

05/03, 7:50pm

Google seeks to remove two groups from book-scanning suit

Search engine giant Google is seeking to have the Authors Guild and the American Society of Media Photographers removed from a half-decade-long lawsuit. In a process that began in February, Google attorney Daralyn Durie informed Judge Denny Chin in Manhattan federal court that authors and photographers would have better individual results on their own. Joanne Zack, the Authors Guild lawyer for the case, contested Google's claim. Judge Chin did not rule today on Google's petition.

Liquidmetal inventor says Apple 'years' away from casings

05/03, 7:25pm

Technology already in use on smaller parts

Dr. Ataka Peker, one of the inventors of the new class of metallic alloys known commercially as Liquidmetal and the founder of the company, says he believes Apple would have to spend "three to five years", and "$300 million to $500 million" to develop the alloys to the point where it could be used on a large scale, such as for an entire computing casing. He believes the company will continue to use Liquidmetal on a smaller scale until a "breakthrough product" comes along.

Microsoft, Dolby team up for Windows 8 tablets, PCs

05/03, 7:10pm

Windows 8 to feature Dolby-friendly APIs

Dolby and Microsoft are partnering to bring Dolby Digital Plus' audio technology to Windows 8 tablets and PCs. The addition of Dolby Digital Plus will allow Windows 8 devices to play Dolby-encoded content. Microsoft has used Dolby encoding since Windows Vista shipped in 2007, but Dolby in 2008 raised the possibility that Windows 8 might not feature Dolby technology.

B&O debuts all-in-one iPad case, stand, speaker system

05/03, 6:26pm

Speaker system meets iPad case meets iPad stand

Electronics manufacturer Bang & Olufson has announced the impending release of the Beoplay A3, a stylish iPad accessory that serves as a speaker system, an iPad case, and an iPad stand. The accessory, which effectively turns an iPad into a television or stereo system, is available for pre-order, though no release date is available.

Facebook estimates its value at up to $96 billion in IPO

05/03, 6:25pm

IPO valuation at least three times higher than Google

Facebook has finally set an official estimate for its initial public offering, which will offer individual shares for between $28 and $35. The pricing is said to equate to an estimated valuation ranging between $77 billion and $96 billion, slightly lower than the highest analyst estimates but far higher than any other Internet company.

Yahoo major shareholder accuses CEO of lying about degree

05/03, 6:10pm

Daniel Loeb owns 5.8 percent of company, wants to shake up board

Daniel Loeb, a major Yahooshareholder, is accusing CEO Scott Thompson of lying about his credentials. Loeb claims that Thompson does not have a bachelor's degree in computer science from Boston's Stonehill College. Yahoo's board was angrily informed of the discrepancy by Loeb on Thursday after they informed shareholders that Loeb wasn't fit to run the company.

New lawsuit accuses Apple of double-billing on iTunes

05/03, 5:00pm

Company insists no refunds are possible

A New York resident, Robert Herskowitz, has filed a class action lawsuit against Apple, accusing the company of double-billing for purchases on the iTunes Store. Herskowitz recently bought the Adam Lambert song "Whataya Want From Me." Submitted court documents claim that after discovering double-billing for the track, Herskowitz immediately contacted Apple, only to receive an automated message telling him saying "[Apple is] reviewing your request and will send you a personal response soon."

Galaxy S III sports voice, face, motion control features

05/03, 4:21pm

Unique Galaxy S III features include Smart stay, S Voice, Smart alert, more

The newly official Galaxy S III will sport a number of features that Samsung says enhance the user experience and make for a natural interaction. The Smart stay feature, for example, will use the front, 1.9-megapixel camera to adjust the display brightness based on ambient light, the user's eye position, and the task he or she is performing. If they are reading an e-book or a web page, it will optimize the display to minimize eye strain, Samsung said.

Apple adds 10 new language localizations to iTunes Connect

05/03, 4:12pm

Metadata, other fields support more languages

Apple has updated the App Store localization support in iTunes Connect with 10 more languages, a developer bulletin indicates. These include Norwegian, Turkish, Finnish, Danish, Indonesian, Malay, Thai, Vietnamese, Greek, and traditional Chinese. Through the expanded support, the metadata, keywords, and screenshots on App Store pages can now be rendered more appropriate to a region.

Briefly: Logitech Global Graffiti; Wallee tablet cases

05/03, 3:58pm

Logitech releases Global Graffiti accessories

Logitech has released its Global Graffiti line of colorful computer accessories. The line covers the Logitech M310 and M325 wireless mice, as well as the K360 wireless keyboard. Customers will be able to choose from seven stylish patterns from international designers. Products in the line range from $30 to $40, depending on the model.

Analyst: Apple's Walmart, Target SWAS pilots to grow

05/03, 3:52pm

Retail outlets to see more space dedicated to Apple

Apple is likely to increase its footprint outside of its existing Apple Stores, according to analysts at Piper Jaffray. The iPhone and iPad maker is looking to expand on pilot projects that have seen Apple "store-within-a-store" (SWAS) popping up in select Walmart and Target stores. Taken nationally, such a move would tremendously expand Apple's retail reach, as the two big box retailers have significantly more rural distribution than does Apple.

Briefly: ThinkPad E430, E530; Origin PCs get NVIDIA GPU

05/03, 3:46pm

New ThinkPads feature Core i3 processors

Lenovo is now taking orders for the E430 and E530 models of its ThinkPad Edge notebook series. The E430, starting at $549, features a 14-inch, 1366x768 display, 2.3 GHz Intel Core i3 processor, and a 320GB hard drive, as well as 4GB of RAM. The E530, also starting at $539, features largely the same specs, but comes with a 15.6-inch display. Both notebooks run Windows 7 Home Premium. The E430 is expected to ship on May 11, while the E530 is expected to ship on May 17.

YouTube puts $200m into channels, aims to unseat cable

05/03, 3:43pm

Google hosts star-studded event for advertisers

Google is making a big push to try to shake up the worlds of advertising and television. On Wednesday, the company drew advertisers to the Beacon Theater in New York for a star-studded show centering around a $100 million investment in channels across YouTube. The search giant intends to turn its popular video sharing service into the portal for 21st-century video entertainment, replacing cable television much in the same way that cable once overtook broadcast television.

IDC: Apple dominates tablet market as Android numbers slide

05/03, 3:37pm

Kindle Fire shipments show steep drop

Although Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet achieved a quick rise in the tablet market, Android tablet shipments have continued to slide, according to a report published by research firm IDC. As expected, Apple has solidified its dominant position with 68 percent of the tablet market.

Galaxy S III debuts: quad-core 1.4GHz chip, 4.8-inch screen

05/03, 3:15pm

Galaxy S III coming to the US in June with 4.8-inch touchscreen, more

After months of rumors, the Samsung Galaxy S III was officially unveiled at the currently ongoing Mobile Unpacked event in London. As expected, the Super AMOLED touchscreen is 4.8 inches in size and has 1280x720 resolution, while the processor is Samsung's own Exynos quad-core unit clocked at 1.4GHz and paired with 1GB of RAM. The phone weighs in at 4.7oz (133g) and its thinnest point measures in at 8.6mm.

Apple patent details touchscreens with variable textures

05/03, 2:44pm

Future Apple touchscreens may form shapes, textures

A newly-discovered USPTO patent from Apple reveals some interesting technology that could grace future iPhones and iPads. Unlike some of the company's older haptic feedback patents, this one takes things a little further by introducing variable textures and other feedback translating to a user's finger. The patent, called Methods and Systems for Providing Haptic Control, talks of a stacked haptic element set-up.

Briefly: LEGO Harry Potter iOS, Cisco launches iPhone app

05/03, 2:36pm

Cisco Connect Express released

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games have announced the launch of LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 for iOS devices. The game takes players through the finale of the Harry Potter story and features a special interface that has players use touch gestures to cast spells, change characters, and duel. Additionally, the game includes Dueling Club expansion that allows players to to master advanced dueling skills against a host of famous witches and wizards including Professor Snape, and Lord Voldemort. LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 App is available in the App Store for $5.

RIM makes 80 percent of all phones with NFC in UK

05/03, 2:01pm

RIM commits to NFC technology for future devices

Canadian smartphone maker RIM reveled that 80 percent of NFC phones sold during the first quarter of 2012 in the UK are its own. In an interview with the Inquirer, RIM's senior director of sales and operation Gerry Kelliher revealed the information, though didn't discuss other market, but the UK numbers represent a bump from the 72 percent in 2011. The company began incorporating the radios that can be used for wireless payments since August of last year because it believes in the technology and its consumer adoption.

Live: Samsung Galaxy launch event in London

05/03, 2:00pm

Galaxy S III expected

Samsung has invited journalists to London for a "Mobile Unpacked" launch event for the company's next Galaxy device. Recent leaks point to the Galaxy S III as the likely focus. Stay tuned to our live page for updates as they happen.

eBay, Google Currents apps get updates for third-gen iPad

05/03, 2:00pm

eBay app gets redesigned interface, requested features

eBay has released an overhauled iPad app, bringing it to v2.0.0. The app now supports the Retina display on the third-generation iPad, but also has a new interface, for instance featuring a customizable homescreen. Several user-requested features have been added, such as better search, a Back button, and the ability to revise listings.

The Daily comes to iPhone, gets cheaper subscriptions

05/03, 1:00pm

iPad edition includes free iPhone access

News Corp. publication The Daily is now available as an iPhone app. The magazine originally launched last year as iPad-only content, also inaugurating in-app subscriptions at the App Store. With the iPhone version readers have the option of cheaper subscriptions, priced at $2 a month, or $20 a year.

Boingo, Transit Wireless bring Wi-Fi hotspots to NYC subway

05/03, 12:51pm

Five-year rollout will bring hotspots to NYC subway

Boingo and Transit Wireless on Thursday announced a deal that will see New York City subway stations equipped with hotspots. The rollout will occur gradually over the next five years in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens stations. Users will need to have a Boingo account or access the hotspot network using their Skype, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon accounts.

AT&T exec warns failed T-Mobile buy means higher prices

05/03, 12:23pm

AT&T increased prices by 30 percent after T-Mobile deal died

The failed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile will mean higher prices for consumers, AT&T Chairman and Chief Executive Randal Stephenson said in an interview. According to the Wall Street Journal, Stephenson said at the Milken Institute's annual global conference that the US wireless cellphone market can't support the number of providers as there simply isn't enough wireless spectrum for all of them. He said current stats suggest wireless data usage will grow by 75 percent every year for a minimum of the next five.

Rumor has next iPhone taller, thinner, with flat metal back

05/03, 12:00pm

New dock connector may come into effect

The new iPhone will be taller and thinner, and have a flat, primarily metal back, iLounge claims to have learned. Rough dimensions are said to be 125x58.5x7.4mm, adding an extra 10mm in height, while cutting thickness by almost 2mm. The metal will allegedly not cover the entire back but just a middle section, somewhat resembling the look of current iMacs. The claim may reinforce suggestions that Apple is skipping a curved metal back. Most of the rest of the exterior should continue to use glass, possibly Gorilla Glass 2, which can be thinner and continue to have the same strength as the Gorilla Glass on the iPhone 4S.

Analyst: Apple may delay television launch until 2014

05/03, 11:56am

Another Apple TV box may arrive before full TV

Despite rumors of an Apple television set launching this year, JP Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz has cast doubt on the imminent timing. The investment bank has reportedly failed to find any evidence of a "TV-related product launch" in the near future, though Moskowitz does admit that Apple may "radically alter the TV landscape" if the reports surrounding an HDTV prove accurate.

EchoStar shows slimmest ever DVR, at 14mm

05/03, 11:30am

EchoStar DVR has 500GB capacity, Freeview+ support

EchoStar has taken the wraps off what it calls the world's slimmest DVR. The HDT-610R is just over half an inch tall (14mm exactly) and houses a 500GB hard drive along with two tuners, allowing recording one shows while watching another. There is Freeview+ support that gives subscription-free access to 50 SD digital channels and four HD ones.

Gaikai brings streaming games to Wikipad Android tablet

05/03, 10:56am

Wikipad Android tablet gets Gaikai's web gaming

Streaming game service Gaikai, which teamed up with Walmart last year on browser-based game demos, is back in the news. This time around, it has partnered with electronics manufacturer Wikipad to bring its games to an Android-based tablet. The tablet has grown to include a 10.1-inch screen rather than the 8.1-inch version when it was shown off at CES.

Apple VP Mansfield's proposed home draws flak from neighbors

05/03, 10:26am

Project mired in review

A proposed home for Apple's senior VP of hardware engineering, Bob Mansfield, is generating a heavy amount of controversy and legal contention in the town of Bonny Doon, California, the San Jose Mercury News reports. Mansfield and his wife Andrea first filed in 2010 for county approval to build on 45 acres of a former quarry on a knoll. The planned home should measure 9,000 square feet -- though only 6,000 is above grade -- and include features like a basement theater and an agricultural roof, as well as outdoor amenities like a potting shed, four barns, and outdoor kitchen, and a herd of goats.

Rdio launches service in the UK, France

05/03, 10:20am

Rdio prices web service at £5, mobile at £10

As expected, Rdio has just launched its paid music streaming service in the UK and France. Pricing is not a surprise either, with £5 ($8) per month for web browser streaming and £10 ($16) for mobile and web streaming. This mimics the price structure and offerings from competitor Spotify, which launched in the UK.

Microsoft NYC research lab to be staffed by ex-Yahoo team

05/03, 10:00am

Researchers helping design new research lab

Microsoft has reportedly hired more than a dozen former Yahoo employees to help establish a new research lab located in New York City. The team is said to include algorithmic economist David Pennock, along with machine-learning specialist John Langford, among others.

T-Mobile: Sensation 4G Android 4.0 update coming

05/03, 8:55am

Update finally set to arrive in US

Corroborating recent reports, T-Mobile has quietly announced that it has completed internal testing of the Android 4.0 update for HTC's Sensation 4G. The carrier already confirmed that the device would eventually receive the upgrade, however the release timing has now been narrowed to "very soon."

Pop Video offers iPhone pico projector capability for $99

05/03, 8:25am

Pop Video pico projector lands for $99, with qHD

Pop Video has started taking pre-orders for its iPhone pico projector. The $99 is shipped by Crucial.com on behalf of well-known semi-conductor maker Micron Technology. The pint-sized device offers a qHD (960x540) resolution and, as the video embedded below shows, the device easily slots into the 30-pin iPhone dock but will work best only in darkened conditions. The device will work for up two hours on a single charge and is supplemented by an iPhone app (Free, iTunes) that offers additional functionality.

Android malware strikes again, this time via hacked sites

05/03, 7:05am

Android hit by first mobile drive-by attack

Mobile security firm Lookout has issued an update alerting Android users to a new drive-by malware attack. In a first for mobile devices, the latest exploit uses hacked websites to target Android users. Users who have been affected have navigated unsuspectingly to a compromised website that has a hidden iframe at the bottom of each page triggering the NotCompatible Trojan to download to their Android device.

Logitech goes solar powered with new iPad folio

05/03, 5:55am

Logitech unveils Solar Keyboard Folio

Logitech applied its expertise in developing solar power to computer peripherals to the iPad. Its new Solar Keyboard Folio both gives a new iPad or iPad 2 full protection as well as powering its built-in keyboard by light. The new peripheral is capable of using either indoor or outdoor light to charge.

Nokia promises new products, admits slow response to change

05/03, 5:05am

Outgoing Nokia chairman promises new gadgets

Nokia has promised new products ahead of what is expected to be a relatively heated meeting with disgruntled shareholders. In an interview with the Financial Times, retiring Chairman Jorma Ollila has said that the former world number one handset maker by volume would be releasing tablets as well as unspecified ‘hybrid’ smart devices, although without committing to a timeframe. His comments come on the back of Nokia’s shares being downgraded to ‘junk’ status as well as a disastrous past five years that has seen its shares plummet in value by 90 percent.

Briefly: Steve Jobs patent exhibit, child-safe iPad cover

05/03, 3:37am

Exhibit of Jobs as inventor coming to Washington

A traveling exhibit featuring former Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs' patents will be on display at the S. Dillon Ripley Center, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC starting on May 11 and running through July 8. During his lifetime, Jobs was awarded 317 patents as inventor or co-creator, and the exhibit showcases 312 of them. Objects from the Smithsonian's collection will be on display to enhance the museum-goer's experience with the exhibit.

Altego launches laptop bag line for Macs, iPads

05/03, 2:02am

Coated canvas, poly models offer weather protection

Clear Laptop Sleeve maker Altego has expanded its product line with new notebook bags and cases designed for the MacBook line and iPad but suitable for other, similar-sized notebooks and tablets. The two lines, featuring a coated canvas Cyan and channel-stitched Ruby series, offer quilted inner linings to protect the devices, custom-molded waffle-design back waffle back padding, a flannel-lined inner iPad pocket, seat-belt webbing shoulder straps and more.

Six new Epson PowerLite projectors unveiled

05/03, 1:45am

Aimed at corporations, churches, schools

The Epson PowerLite-series projectors has been dramatically expanded with six new models added to the line. The new models are optimized for medium-sized boardrooms, classrooms, and churches. Two of the models can also be controlled remotely via iOS or Android apps.

Judge: Apple versus Samsung is 'cruel and unusual' for Jury

05/03, 1:10am

Ordered for second time to lower patent claims

Judge Lucy Koh has for the second time ordered Apple and Samsung to further reduce the total number of patent complaints filed against each other before their case goes to trial. If the judge's direction isn't taken, the trial could be delayed until 2013. Both sides point to the opposing counterpart as the reason for the lack of streamlining.