News Archive for 13/03/13

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New Matrox Avio F125 sends KVM signal up to 2.5 miles

03/13, 11:37pm

Four USB 2.0 ports, dual-link DVI broadcast over cable

Matrox Graphics on Wednesday announced the Matrox Avio F125, a fiber-optic KVM extender which separates dual HD video, keyboard, mouse, stereo analog audio and USB 2.0 devices from a workstation. The Avio F125 transmitter/receiver pair extends two single-link DVI (2x1920x1200) or one dual-link DVI (2560x1600 or 4096x2160) video, and multiple high-speed USB 2.0-compliant devices from the host computer by up to 400 meters (1312 feet) over multimode cable, and up to four kilometers (2.5 miles) over single-mode cable.

Pyle ships 10.1-inch in-dash touchscreen Bluetooth receiver

03/13, 11:00pm

Multiple video and audio codecs supported on 1024x600 screen

Manufacturers of home and car audio equipment Pyle has unveiled its latest in-vehicle sound system innovation, the 10.1-inch In-Dash Touchscreen Bluetooth DVD Receiver (PLD10BT). The new device features a motorized and fully-detachable front touchscreen panel. Built-in Bluetooth technology streams audio directly from the iPhone, Android-based devices or any other hand-held Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or tablet. The receiver is also compatible with a wide range of video codecs, and allows a direct connection through an alternate audio-video line input jack. 

Schiller: switcher momentum is with iPhone, not Android

03/13, 10:02pm

Cites higher satisfaction figures, questions 'shipments' mentality

In a rare interview, Apple Senior VP of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller revealed research from Apple that showed that customers switch to the iPhone from Android at about four times the rate they go the other way. He also pointed out the problem that platform fragmentation in Android -- where the vast majority of users are running very outdated and insecure versions of the OS, and cannot upgrade without buying a new device -- and the overall poorer user experience, on the eve of Samsung's introduction of the Galaxy S4 smartphone.

Samsung's ITC judgment against Apple pushed to May 31

03/13, 9:45pm

Initial ruling found Apple not guilty of infringement, likely to be upheld

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has once again delayed a full-panel ruling on Samsung's complaint that Apple violated patents related to the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad. The preliminary ruling in September by a single judge held Apple blameless of any violation, with the full ITC judgement being the final word on the subject. The ruling is now expected on May 31, barring any further delays.

Google Reader axed, seven more services given the boot

03/13, 8:20pm

Move part of Google's continuing 'spring cleaning' program

Google, in its annual "spring cleaning" effort, has revealed the impending closure of eight services. Programs and offerings affected over the next few months are the GUI builder for Apps Script, depreciation of the CalDAV API, discontinuation of the Google Building Maker, cessation of Google Cloud Connect, support termination for the Google Voice app for BlackBerry, cancellation of the Search API for Shopping, and no more updates provided for the Snapseed Desktop for Macintosh. Most notably, the widely-used RSS app Google Reader is being retired on July 1 as well.

IRIS debuts scanner embedded into mouse with added OCR suite

03/13, 7:05pm

IRIScan Mouse provides easy access to powerful OCR processing

OCR developer IRIS has announced the availability of the IRIScan Mouse, an all-in-one mouse scanner with OCR technology. The USB 2.0 device, when coupled with the software, seamlessly stitches the image together in real time. The stitched image is then evaluated, and any discovered text is converted into editable documents for use with standard word-processing applications.

Report: carrier files in iOS could be misused for malware

03/13, 6:53pm

Vulnerability comes from carrier, enterprise configuration profiles

An Israeli security firm has published a proof-of-concept pointing a weak link in Apple's otherwise very tight security for its mobile platform iOS -- mobileconfig files. The profiles, which are often installed by carriers or enterprise device management solutions, can be downloaded from unencrypted websites, reports Skycure Security. If users were tricked (through social engineering or redirected websites) into installing a malicious profile, it would configure system-level settings to allow attackers access to several key iOS services.

BlackBerry revels in partner purchase of one million phones

03/13, 6:24pm

Company's anticipated quarterly earnings due in two weeks

According to the company, Blackberry has received an order for one million of its new phones, marking its largest order ever received in the company's history. The company hasn't announced who placed the order, but did say that it came from one of its existing partners. On the news, the company's shares have risen $0.74, about five percent, in after-hours trading.

Report: Twitter buys We Are Hunted to launch music service

03/13, 4:28pm

Purchased music discovery system partnered with Spotify at launch

Leveraging its rumored acquisition of music discovery service We Are Hunted in the last six months, Twitter is said to be launching a standalone music app, which could be released on iOS by the end of March. According to CNet sources familiar with the matter, the service generates a popularity-based chart, similar to Billboard, for online music that constantly monitors blogs, social media, BitTorrent, and other Internet sources for ranking.

Sources suggest Staples US may sell Macs, iPhones, iPads

03/13, 4:08pm

Retailer allegedly planning more than just accessory sales

The US branch of Staples is planning to sell more than just Apple accessories at its retail stores, sources tell MacRumors. Currently the retailer has only announced sales of accessories and peripherals, which are already available online, and coming soon to physical outlets. The sources suggest, though, that at least some shops will be carrying Macs, iPads, and iPhones.

Kindle Fire 8.9 launch in six nations paired with price cut

03/13, 3:52pm

Wi-Fi version sees $30 cut, 4G model slashed by $100

On the heels of an announcement expanding the availability of the Kindle Fire, Amazon has said that it is cutting the price on the 8.9-inch version of the tablet. The Wi-Fi only version now costs $269, a $30 reduction. The 4G wireless model now begins at $399, a $100 cut from the previous $499 retail.

Tim Cook ordered to testify in e-book antitrust lawsuit

03/13, 3:18pm

Apple CEO asked to provide four hours of information

CEO Tim Cook has been ordered to testify in the Department of Justice's antitrust case against Apple, Reuters reports. US District Judge Denise Cote has asked Cook to provide four hours of testimony, fulfilling requests by prosecutors, who have argued that the executive likely has relevant knowledge of Apple's 2010 entry into e-books with the iBookstore. Apple opposed involving Cook, claiming that the deposition of 11 other executives made the CEO's participation "cumulative and duplicative." Cote, though, has taken the position that the passing of Steve Jobs -- in charge of Apple at the time the iBookstore was introduced -- means the DoJ is "entitled to take testimony from high-level executives."

iPhone takes second place in Indian smartphone market

03/13, 2:35pm

Credit given to 'mom-and-pop' retail sales

The iPhone is now the second-most popular smartphone in India, having achieved a 15.6 percent share in Q4, according to IDC data reported by CNN. The shift is attributed to Apple finally accommodating the "mom-and-pop" stores that dominate the Indian electronics market, instead of depending solely on carriers and major resellers. Samsung remained on top of the local smartphone market in Q4 at 38.8 percent, while Sony was in third at 9.4 percent. CNN notes that in the previous quarter, the iPhone wasn't even in the top five.

Andy Rubin steps down from role as head of Android at Google

03/13, 2:24pm

Rubin replaced by Sundar Pichai, moving to another project

Andy Rubin, the head of Android at Google, has stepped down from his position to start "a new chapter at Google." Though Rubin's future role within Google has yet to be revealed, he will be replaced by Sundar Pichai, someone that will be adding Android to the current list of areas he manages, which currently includes Chrome OS and Apps.

Netflix adds Facebook integration for US subscribers

03/13, 12:50pm

Sharing of viewed, rated shows shown to friends in app, Facebook updates

Netflix has announced it is adding Facebook integration to its streaming service in the US. The feature, having spent a considerable amount time in development, will allow users to share films and TV shows they have watched with Facebook friends on both the social network and within Netflix itself, but only if they choose to share their activity too.

Reason 7 gets MIDI out, automatic slicing functions

03/13, 12:44pm

Reason 7 gets MIDI out, automatic slicing functions

Propellerhead has announced Reason 7, a major upgrade of its digital audio workstation software. Several significant features have been added, such as MIDI out support, allowing users to connect external MIDI devices. In terms of editing the software now supports automatic slicing into single notes or hits, and exporting those slices to Reason's samplers, the Kong Drum Designer, or the Dr. Octo Rex Loop Player.

Briefly: Pear Note updates, ampjacket for iPad mini and iPod

03/13, 11:57am

Pear Note updated on iOS and Mac

Useful Fruit Software has announced the launch of updates for both iOS and Mac versions of its Pear Note app. The note taking app expands past text-based notes by adding support for integrating audio, videos, and slides into notes, and sorting all of the information into a single timeline. The v2.1 iOS update has added the ability to insert images into the text of their notes directly from the device's camera, or by selecting a picture from the photo library. Meanwhile, Pear Note for Mac has gained full Retina support, as well as support for the new file format used in the iOS version that allows for the inclusion of images.

Adobe to cut off boxed sales of Creative Suite, Acrobat

03/13, 11:45am

May 1st deadline rumored

Adobe has confirmed plans to halt boxed sales of its Creative Suite software, as well as Acrobat. "As Adobe continues to focus on delivering world-class innovation through Creative Cloud and digital fulfillment, we will be phasing out shrink-wrapped, boxed versions of Creative Suite and Acrobat products," an official statement reads. "Electronic downloads for Creative Suite and Acrobat products will continue to be available — as they are today — from both Adobe.com, as well as reseller and retail partners. We are in the process of notifying our channel partners and customers, as plans solidify in each region."

Google I/O event registrations sell out in 49 minutes

03/13, 11:04am

Developer event costs $900 per ticket, $300 for education

Google started accepting registrations for Google I/O 2013, and sold out 49 minutes later. Tickets for the developer event are usually in such demand, they sell out shortly after they go on sale, with registration last year lasting less than one hour before all places were booked. Prospective developers wishing to attend must pay $900, $300 for educational users, through Google Wallet and have their ticket tied to their Google+ account.

Samsung tops Apple in 2012 US phone ad spending

03/13, 10:46am

Company quintuples budget across TV, Internet, physical media

Samsung spent $401 million in US TV, Internet, print, and billboard advertising for phones during 2012, surpassing HTC and even Apple, according to Kantar Media data obtained by the Wall Street Journal. The figure represents a quintupling of its budget for 2011, which amounted to just $78 million. By contrast, Apple's budget went from $253 million to $333 million, and HTC's budget actually shrank from $124 million to $46 million.

Pebble teardown deems smartwatch unrepairable, long-lasting

03/13, 9:39am

Adhesive for waterproofing partly to blame

A teardown of the Pebble smartwatch found it to be a fairly unrepairable device, though its expected longevity is a saving grace. The team at iFixit declined to give the Pebble a repairability score due to its uniqueness, but did praise the combination of its low-power e-paper display and weekly charging cycle, which gives the non-replaceable battery a lifespan of between six and ten years.

France fines Apple 10K euros for demanding overnight work

03/13, 9:24am

Practice violates French law

Apple France must pay labor unions €10,000 ($13,000) in fines for regularly forcing retail employees to work after 9PM, a Parisian court has ruled. Agence France-Presse adds that for every subsequent violation, Apple will have to pay 50,000 euros ($65,000). Under French law, demanding work between 9PM and 6AM is reserved for exceptional cases, and requires special justification.

Valve distances itself from Piston, Xi3 counters claim

03/13, 7:58am

Valve claims no involvement in Piston, despite investing

Valve Software has publicly disassociated itself with the Xi3 Piston, a device shown at CES as an example of the Steam Box game console concept. Comments by the game producer removing its involvement in the project were followed by a statement from Xi3 explaining how the Piston was initially made by the request of Valve itself.

Motorola prototype handset surfaces in Vietnam

03/13, 7:43am

Unknown Motorola handset makes surprise appearance

An unannounced Motorola handset has surfaced via Vietnamese website Tinhte.vn. Carrying new logo-only branding, the device may be one of the first devices developed in conjunction with its new masters, Google. The device is also clearly marked ‘Motorola Confidential Property’ making its appearance that much more mysterious.

Dell intros XPS 18 all-in-one, does double duty as tablet

03/13, 7:09am

Dell XPS 18 combines a desktop with a tablet, runs Windows 8

Dell has introduced its most interesting and innovative Windows 8 device to date. The new XPS 18 all-in-one is both a desktop PC as well as a large Windows 8 tablet that includes a built-in 69Whr battery good for up to 5 hours use. It is also a relatively manageable 4.87 pounds, which Dell says helps to ‘redefine the desktop.’

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 with 3G reaches FCC for tests

03/13, 6:36am

Version with LTE connectivity not yet seen in certification

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 has made an appearance at the FCC for certification. The filing shows that the phablet will support a 3G carrier connection over 800MHz and 1900MHz bands, and suggests that it may go on sale at the same time as its previously-examined Wi-Fi counterpart, though not necessarily in the United States

HTC One delayed, One Developer Edition revealed

03/13, 6:16am

HTC One facing two week delay, One Developer Edition announced

HTC has revealed that its 2013 flagship smartphone the One has been delayed by at least two weeks, leading to an April launch, reports CNET. It was originally scheduled to hit the market on March 15, but only pre-orders will now be shipping before the end of the month. It is thought that parts shortages, as well as the complex 200-minute process required to cut and machine the sleek aluminum case on the One has led to production yield issues.

Report: interest in iPad mini, next-gen model increasing

03/13, 1:53am

One in three TechBargains customers say they will buy the next one

Just as happened with the original release of the iPad, more conservative tech buyers (who don't fit the "early adopter" profile) had only moderate interest in an iPad mini -- but unlike most electronics, interest in the scaled-down version of the iPad has increased significantly since its introduction, according to a report from deal site TechBargains. When it did a survey just prior to the iPad Mini's release, only 18 percent planned to buy it -- now, interest has nearly doubled to 33 percent. Customers also reported on what they'd like to see in future iPad models.

CasaTunes debuts multi-room AirPlay music servers

03/13, 12:54am

Supports wide range of AV receivers, third-party controllers

Whole-house audio systems maker CasaTunes has announced a line of multi-room music servers that offer built-in compatibility with multi-zone AV receivers from a variety of major-brand manufacturers such as Denon, Harmon Kardon, Yamaha, Sony, Pioneer, Marantz and Integra/Onkyo. The servers are configured using apps available for iOS and Android, and extend the capabilities of third-party controllers by adding AirPlay wireless speaker and multi-zone AV receiver support to these systems.