News Archive for 13/01/16

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Epson lifts curtain on pair of education 3D projectors

01/16, 11:24pm

W16 and W16SK bring inexpensive 3D to the classroom

Epson today introduced two 3D projector solutions designed to enhance the learning experience in classrooms -- the PowerLite W16 and W16SK. Epson is offering two 3D projection choices, with one based on active 3D technology and the other on passive 3D technology. Both deliver three times brighter colors than most other offerings aimed at education, allowing 3D content to be easily viewed in typical classroom settings. Both the PowerLite W16 and W16SK deliver WXGA (1280x768) widescreen resolution and supports multiple HDMI 3D formats out of the box, with no external converter required.

Temple Run sequel iOS game reaches North America

01/16, 10:56pm

Popular game spawned movie tie-in version, merchandise

Arguably one of the most popular casual games for the iOS ecosystem since Angry Birds, Imangi Studios' Temple Run is an obstacle run game originally inspired by the chase that began the first Indiana Jones movie Raiders of the Lost Ark. After exceptional sales, merchandise spin-offs and a movie tie-in version to Pixar's Brave, the sequel to the game has reached North American app stores as of 11PM ET on Wednesday, after originally debuting in New Zealand.

Canadian judge refuses US DOJ Megaupload server access

01/16, 10:19pm

DOJ and Megaupload attorneys must decide what info to release

Justice Gladys Pardu has refused a US demand for complete and unrestricted access to the Megaupload servers that reside in Canada. Instead, the Ontario judge ordered the US Department of Justice and Megaupload attorneys to negotiate which information should be released under court supervision -- if no joint decision is made, then Justice Pardu will decide what the Department of Justice will be allowed to see, and may not allow anything.

Sprint reverses itself, will offer iPhone TEP on January 25

01/16, 10:06pm

Total Equipment Protection has deductibles, but supplants AppleCare+

After initially deciding not to offer its "Total Equipment Protection" insurance option to iPhone users, Sprint has apparently changed the policy and will begin offering the option starting on January 25, according to a screenshot posted on Engadget. The TEP plan is similar in nature to Apple's own AppleCare+, which expanded AppleCare (at an additional cost) to also cover instances of user-inflicted damage or loss on an iPhone or iPad.

STM Bags bolsters case line with new iPad mini designs

01/16, 9:15pm

Four new designs added to protective lineup

STM Bags, an Australian manufacturer of protective and ergonomically-designed laptop bags and accessories, has announced the availability of four new iPad mini cases. The new collection features the Skinny, Grip, Marquee and Jacket D7 designs. All four cases are available at retail now.

NRA iOS app attracts petition, Apple age guidance revision

01/16, 8:50pm

App is now suitable for 12+; petition for withdrawal underway

After attracting an enormous amount of media attention, the iOS NRA: Practice Range application released yesterday has received a minor revision from Apple. Instead of being rated for ages four and up, the new rating on the app is now deemed appropriate for ages 12 and up, with "frequent/intense realistic violence." Additionally, a petition has cropped up requesting that Apple remove the NRA-endorsed app from the iOS App Store.

Some investment analysts raising AAPL targets

01/16, 7:45pm

See consensus-beating iPhone sales as likely

Reinforcing the notion that some of Apple's recent stock-price tumble may be down to call options timing and manipulations of the media meant to keep the price low, two prominent investment houses have painted a bright picture for the company based on the expectation that Apple will be able to beat consensus estimates on its flagship iPhone sales. One firm has raised year-end targets on the stock to a staggering $1,111 -- more than double the current price.

Apple and Samsung forge agreement on adding devices to trial

01/16, 7:38pm

Both parties agree to add newly released devices without objection

Late Tuesday evening, Apple and Samsung filed a joint agreement with the United Stated District Court for the Northern District of California regarding the addition of new products in the upcoming second patent-infringement trial between the two. The agreement groundwork was laid in November, with some differences of opinion between the pair on some details of the device additions. In the end, Apple was granted what it wanted all along -- it would not oppose Samsung adding the iPad 4, iPad mini, and iPod Touch despite potential patent issues, provided that Samsung did not contest the addition of six of its own recently-released devices.

Four ex-employees sued by AMD for document theft

01/16, 7:10pm

Over 100,000 documents purloined, contain confidential trade info

Chip manufacturer Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is suing one former vice president and three ex-managers originally from its Boxborough plant, who left the company and all took positions at Nvidia in 2012. The suit claims that the four employees copied more than 100,000 confidential documents and trade secrets and provided them to Nvidia. AMD is demanding the return of the files, which the company believes cover future AMD releases and contracts with customers.

Facebook extends Messenger voice calls to US

01/16, 4:48pm

Options emerges from testing in Canada

Facebook has enabled VoIP calls for US users of its iOS Messenger app, the social network tells The Verge. The option doesn't require a Messenger update; instead, people must only start a conversation with another user, tap the "i" button in the upper-right, and then hit Free Call. The person receiving the call will see a push notification.

Microsoft launches 'Play for Windows 8' with 15 games

01/16, 4:40pm

New program intends to 'bring back gaming' on Windows 8

Enhancing the software lineup for Windows 8 -- and supporting the promise to bring back Windows gaming with the release of the new operating system -- Microsoft has announced a "Play for Windows 8" initiative with the availability of 15 titles, some migrated from the Xbox Live Arcade marketplace. The move is not expected to draw in the "hardcore gamer" crowd, but is a welcome addition to the nascent Surface tablet line's software library.

Blockbuster files for bankruptcy protection in the UK

01/16, 4:25pm

Third High Street chain to do so in seven-day period

Movie rentals company Blockbuster's United Kingdom arm has applied for bankruptcy protection after 24 years of operation. The move takes place in the same one-week period as photography chain Jessops and music retailer HMV headed into administration in the UK, unable to battle online retailers and providers of online and post-based services

New OS X 10.8.3 beta reaches developers

01/16, 4:14pm

Any significant changes still to be discovered

Apple is seeding a new beta of OS X 10.8.3 to developers, says AppleInsider. The build is labeled 12D54, following up on the 12D50 release posted on January 8th. Any important changes have yet to be discovered, but it should continue a trend of having no known issues while cleaning up any bugs in previous code.

AT&T opens FaceTime to tiered data plans, unlimited blocked

01/16, 3:52pm

Puts video calls on iPhone 4S, supporting iPads

(Updated with Free Press intention to file a Net Neutrality complaint for unlimited data plan omission) Following up on a silent rollout, AT&T has formally announced plans to enable FaceTime calls with any tiered data plan. The carrier previously lifted a policy restricting FaceTime to Mobile Share plans, but still required a device with a tiered plan and LTE, blocking out the iPhone 4S. "We have already begun updating our systems and processes and expect to start rolling the update out to customers on an ongoing basis beginning in the next couple of weeks," reads a blog post by AT&T's senior VP for voice and data, Mark Collins.

Forum roundup: MBP sleep issues and more

01/16, 3:46pm

Strange MacBook Pro sleep trouble

Yesterday in the MacNN forums, "l008com" started a thread looking for help with a sleep problem that is plaguing their MacBook Pro, and a list of troubleshooting steps that have been taken is included -- however a solution is yet to be found. One frustrated forum goer is trying to figure out why it is that they are unable to move photos from albums in iPhoto '09 to folders, anyone who has an answer can join in here.

Apple refurbs: iPods and Retina MacBook Pros

01/16, 3:43pm

Refurbished iPods and Retina MacBook Pros

This week at Apple's online store, save on refurbished iPods and Retina MacBook Pros. Take advantage of special limited-time pricing on the refurbished fourth-generation iPod touch, which starts at $129 for the 8GB model, $179 for the 32GB configuration, or get a 64GB Touch for $229. The refurbished 8GB iPod nano is also available in silver for $99 after a $30 price cut.

President orders CDC to study violent video game effects

01/16, 3:10pm

Memorandum addresses automatic weapon ban, other studies

A Presidential Memorandum has been issued in the wake of the Newtown, CT shootings to "protect our children and our communities by reducing gun violence." Embedded in the proposal is a requirement for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct research into any potential connection between video games, other media, and violence. The proposal is just one of the President's initiatives, all of which are commencing today. Speaking at a nationally-televised address, the President said that "if there's even one thing we can do to reduce this violence, if there's even one life that can be saved, then we have an obligation to try it."

Michael Dell, Silver Lake involved in Dell takeover bid

01/16, 2:40pm

Leveraged buyout offer worth up to $25 billion dollars

More information has begun to surface on the rumors of Dell's potential transition to a privately-held company. According to the Wall Street Journal, a combined group of investors are in discussion with Dell for a leveraged buyout, offering between $13 and $14 per share. The group includes Silver Lake Partners spearheading the deal, at least one other investor, and Michael Dell himself.

Briefly: iRig HD, PowerSync Roller announcements

01/16, 2:29pm

iRig HD features built-in preamp

IK Multimedia has announced the launch of a successor to its iRig interface for connecting a guitar to an iOS device. The iRig HD builds on the previous release through the introduction of a built-in preamp and 24 bit analog to digital conversion. The iRig HD also ditches the 3.5mm input used in the previous release and instead includes 3 swappable cables, 30-pin, Lightning, and USB, for connecting to different devices. Along with support for IK Multimedia's line of AmpliTube apps, the iRig HD can also be used with many popular digital audio workstation apps such as GarageBand and Logic. iRig HD will beginning shipping this spring, however prices have yet to be announced.

Dutch court says Galaxy Tab doesn't infringe iPad design

01/16, 2:02pm

Follows precedent set by British courts

Samsung Galaxy Tab tablets don't infringe on the design of the Apple iPad, a district court in The Hague has ruled. Reuters notes that the lawsuit involved the rounded corners of the Galaxy Tab 10.1, Galaxy Tab 8.9, and Galaxy Tab 7.7, which Apple claimed were copying a signature trait of the iPad. "We continue to believe that Apple was not the first to design a tablet with a rectangular shape and rounded corners and that the origins of Apple's registered design features can be found in numerous examples," reads a Samsung statement in response to the court win.

Apple's Chinese online store adds installment purchases

01/16, 12:44pm

May be way of coping with high cost products in China

The Chinese version of the online Apple store has added the ability to pay for products in installments, reports note. An order must cost between 300 yuan ($48) and 30,000 yuan ($4,800), and buyers must have a China Merchants Bank credit card. Through January 23rd, three- to 12-month installment purchases are interest-free. An 18-month payment carries 6.5 percent interest, while going up to 24 months raises the interest rate to 8.5 percent.

Leak: Rogers training gives few clues on BlackBerry 10 phone

01/16, 12:38pm

Snapdragon processor, 356ppi pixel density confirmed

Training materials for the upcoming BlackBerry 10 devices have leaked online. The manuals, claimed to be from carrier Rogers, give a few more details about the future Research In Motion flagship smartphone, including its "Best in class HTML5" browser, and an expected 70,000 apps and 20 million songs expected to be made available at launch.

Virtual TimeClock '13 adds new Report Preview

01/16, 11:44am

Virtual TimeClock '13 adds new Report Preview

Redcort Software has launched Virtual TimeClock '13, an upgrade of its punchclock software for Mac and Windows. The app lets companies track the attendance of workers. Included in '13 is a new Report Preview, which attempts to streamline the editing, formatting, and printing of timecards. Reports can now be saved or printed as PDFs.

Light Blue 4 makes switch to native OS X, Windows apps

01/16, 9:42am

Photo business software currently in public beta

Light Blue Software has announced Light Blue 4, an upgrade of its photo business management software. The new app has been rendered fully native in versions for Mac and Windows, instead of being based on FileMaker. Currently only a public beta of the Mac software is available; the completed Mac release is due by the end of January, to be followed by the Windows edition in February. iPad and iPhone apps are in development, and should be ready sometime this spring.

ZTE V987 smartphone leaked by Chinese regulator database

01/16, 9:29am

Shares physical design aspects with Grand S LTE

ZTE will be releasing a five-inch budget-ranged smartphone in China, according to a database operated by Chinese regulator TENAA. The V987 has a similar appearance to the recently-revealed Grand S LTE, though its internal specifications have been reduced in search of a cheaper price, while its physical design appears to be much thicker than the Grand S.

Google sends invites to Project Glass developer events

01/16, 7:14am

Head-mounted display to have Google-hosted two-day hackathons

Google is holding a pair of developer events to kickstart app development for Project Glass. E-mails have been sent to developers that bought the $1,500 developer edition of the head-mounted display, inviting them to the Google Glass Foundry events, where they will be given the chance to use the device, as well as to work on how to use the system's underlying software.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z specs leaked

01/16, 7:03am

Sony Mobile takes the reigns for Xperia Tablet z

The next-generation Sony Xperia Tablet specifications may have leaked on net via a couple tweets that have slipped out of China. The current Xperia Tablet S tooks its name from the Sony Xperia S flagship smartphone for 2012 and runs a Tegra 3 quad-core processor. The purported Sony Xperia Tablet Z would take its name from the new Sony Xperia Z, the Japanese company’s flagship smartphone for 2012.

Samsung updates Chromebox with Core i5 processor

01/16, 6:10am

Samsung revises Chromebox with faster CPU

Samsung has updated its Chromebox with a second-generation 1.9GHz Intel Core i5 processor. Although not a newer ‘Ivy Bridge’ class CPU, the new chip is still a significant step up from the Intel Celeron processor found in the previous generation. Amazon has the new model listed at $422, although the device has yet to show on Samsung’s US website.

Sony to use quantum dots in 'Triluminos' Bravia HDTVs

01/16, 5:44am

Quantum dots to increase color range by 50 percent

Details of 'Triluminos,' a feature of Bravia HDTVs using quantum technology demonstrated at CES by Sony, have been made available. Originally appearing in televisions in 2008 before being pulled due to the costs involved, the technology relies on nanoscale particles called 'quantum dots' in order to increase the color range of LCD televisions by around 50 percent.

Microsoft Surface Pro rolling off production line, due soon

01/16, 5:22am

Long-awaited Surface Pro finally on the way

Microsoft’s long awaited Surface with Windows 8 Pro is rolling off the production line and will be on sale soon. Redmond’s Panos Panay, the general manager of Microsoft’s Surface hardware has tweeted the news and said that it will be “arriving in the coming weeks.” The Surface Pro is expected to shake up the Windows 8 ultrabook market when it launches, undercutting many competing products, while offering better flexibility.

AAPL hits nine-month low; call options to blame?

01/16, 2:00am

Institutional buyers, others may have a fix in against AAPL

In the wake of considerable media backlash over a highly-questionable Wall Street Journal story claiming that Apple had cut back orders on iPhone parts to "half" previous levels -- a claim now clearly shown to be inaccurate -- AAPL has dropped to its lowest price in nine months, closing on Tuesday at $485.92 (though it is up to almost $490 in after-hours trading). Evidence has now emerged that some investors may be deliberately trying to suppress the stock.