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Dutch television manufacturer TP Vision has created a new TV that replaces the bezel and base stand with a single pane of glass. The Philips DesignLine TV has a black gradient lowering from the screen to the floor that also hides the screen itself when switched off, and the TV itself is designed to lean against a wall or pillar.
Philips is selling the remainder of it's home entertainment arm in order to focus on more profitable areas of the business, namely home appliances and healthcare. The audio and video section of the Dutch firm will be sold to Funai Electric Co of Japan for 150 million euro ($202 million), with chief executive Frans va Houten claiming it to be "margin dilutive."
Electronics maker Philips has revealed a slate of new accessories for iOS devices. Foremost is the Party Machine, a new dock created in tandem with djay developer Algoriddim. The hardware lets people dock two iPhones or iPod touches simultaneously, and in combination with djay, mix music as if they were using standard DJ hardware. Flashing lights sync with the music; some built-in mixing controls include options like a channel fader. A version shipping this month will cost $350, and support older iPhones and Touches with 30-pin connectors. A Lightning-equipped model is due at unspecified point in the future.
Philips has taken to Flickr to reveal its new lineup of iPhone speaker docks. The new docks are the first from Philips to support the new Apple Lightning connector that features on its most recent iOS devices. Among the new devices are the Lifestyle Music System (DCM2067), the Portable Docking Speaker (DS7580), the Room-to-room Docking Speaker (DS3205), the Bedroom Docking Speaker (DS1155), and the Urban Micro System (DCM3155).
The European Commission has fined seven electronics manufacturers 1.47 billion euro ($1.92 billion) for price fixing, in what has been described as "textbook cartels". Philips, LG, Samsung, and others were fined for their parts in cathode ray tube (CRT) price cartels for televisions and computer monitors, that lasted between 1996 and 2006.
Philips revealed a new product on Monday with the Hue LED lightbulb system. It will be sold exclusively at Apple stores starting on October 30, with a kit that includes three bulbs and a Wi-Fi bridge that connects to a router or as individual bulbs. Users can then control the color of the LED bulb through an app for their iOS-powered devices.
Philips UK on Tuesday revealed it has launched a new pico projector, the PPX2480. It's meant to occupy the higher end of its range and can throw up an image sized at up to 120 inches. The LED lamp is rated at 80 lumens when plugged in, or 55 lumens when working on the internal battery that's rated for two hours of playback.
Dutch electronics manufacturer Philips will be entering the tablet market in the near future, according to Bright Side of News. The manufacturer is looking to debut a seven-inch, MIPS-based tablet to launch initially in China.
At the IFA Global Press Conference, Samsung went on record to show its predictions for the sales of TV with particular type of technology built-in throughout 2012. The maker estimated that only about 30 percent of all TVs sold by the industry in 2012 will have 3D capabilities built-in, while web-connected TVs will account for about 60 percent. The two features weren't mutually exclusive, but it did suggest Internet access was a more universal feature.
Philips has sold off most of its TV business to Hong Kong-based TPV Technology. It will no longer manufacture the sets, but will retain 30 percent of the business. The joint venture will be called TP Vision, but the Philips name will continue to sit on the screens.
Today's deals from DealNN include discounted iPad cases, headphones, and more. Buy.com has now lowered the cost of the Philips Case with Rubber TPW Edges and Stand for iPad, which consists of a hard-shell case with wrap-around grips, support for all iPad models, and an integrated stand for hands-free viewing. Currently featured at DealNN, this iPad case is now available for the low price of $2.99 and offers savings of up to 90%.
MPEG LA, which holds patent rights for several technologies including components of MPEG-2, MPEG-4, ATSC, and AVC, is now offering a consolidated license for patents pertaining to MVC (Multiview Video Coding). MVC is the standard for encoding and decoding video that is used in 3D-capable hardware, such as Blu-ray disc players and burners, video cameras, and PCs.
Philips has just offered a first look at its upcoming range of Smart TVs. The 7000-series is the range-topper, getting active 3D support and two-player, full-screen gaming in 2D by showing a different image based on viewing angles. They can also convert 2D signals to 3D, and will be available in 40-, 46-, and 55-inch sizes. All get two 20W speakers, five HDMI inputs, three USB ports (for adding a mouse and keyboard, in addition to a thumb or hard drive), integrated Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. Philips' two-side Ambilight backlighting tech is built into the panel, and the sets have DLNA network streaming.
Philips has entered the set-top media player segment with its own HMP2000. It connects to displays using HDMI and home networks over integrated Wi-Fi, though there is no Ethernet connection. It does sport a USB port for local media playback, however. Preloaded apps let users connect to Netflix, YouTube, and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Mostly unknown Smart Audio Technologies has hoped to skim profits from the audio industry after filing a low-key lawsuit late last week that was publicized Tuesday. The Delaware-based complaint accuses Apple, Creative Labs, and Philips of violating the same February 2001-era patent for car audio system with a random access player that supports playlists. Smart Audio isn't clear what products are violating its technology, although iOS and iPod devices are possible candidates.
A new concept panel made by Philips and in cooperation with BASF has been shown off that can be used in the glass sunroof of cars. It consists of an OLED panel that can emit light or be made translucent or transparent, depending on how much current runs through it. The panel can also be made to accommodate transparent solar cells.
Apple has risen a substantial five spots in the latest edition of Greenpeace's regular "Guide to Greener Electronics" rankings. The company has a score of 4.6 out of 10, nevertheless putting it in fourth place. Leading the charts are HP at 5.9, followed by Dell at 5.1, and Nokia at 4.9. Trailing behind Apple are Philips (4.5), Sony Ericsson (4.2), Samsung (4.1) and Lenovo (3.8).
A ring-shaped AirPlay-enabled speaker from Philips Home Audio has received FCC approval. The Philips Fidelio DS3801W has Wi-Fi 802.11g with WEP and WPA/WPA2 security. A powered USB port supports playback from most Apple devices, and a 3.5mm audio plug supports other .mp3 players. The Fidelio DS3801W requires a 12V, 3.0A power supply which is included.
Philips at IFA introduced three new audio docks meant to work with portable Android devices like smartphones and tablets. They are largely Android versions of Philips' iPod docks, with the same hardware other than the connectors being micro USB instead of Apple's Dock Connector in this case. The AS111 is the smallest of the three, with the AS351 larger but also made to go mobile thanks to a battery compartment, and the AS851 the largest and offering the best sound.
LG, Philips and Sharp have formed an alliance to develop a shared set of standards for their respective Smart TV apps. The group is using common standards such as HTML5, CE-HTML and HbbTV to introduce the first beta version of a common Software Development Kit (SDK). The aim of the project is to allow developers create a single app that run on a TV from any of the three companies.
LG has cut its 2011 sales target for TVs by 20 percent, from 40 million to 32 million units. The South Korean electronics giant follows rival Sony, Samsung, and Panasonic in lowering its expectations for the year. The weaker sales are primarily the result of the struggling economies in the US and Europe.
Today's deals from DealNN include discounted portable speaker docks for iPhone/iPod, GPS navigators, and more. JR.com is now offering $100 off the Philips Revolution Portable Speaker Dock for iPhone/iPod, which features a wireless remote control for all basic functions, Dynamic Bass Boost technology, and a motorized dock that rotates. Now priced at $49.99, this item is currently being featured at DealNN and has ground shipping rates starting at $10.35.
Philips on Monday revealed a quarterly loss of 1.3 billion euros ($1.8 billion) after a 1.4 billion euro writedown on healthcare and lighting acquisitions. The company otherwise faced rising costs of raw materials, dropping consumer confidence and government cutbacks in the healthcare sector both in Europe and the US. At the same time, Philips gave a weak outlook for the next two quarters and lowered the profit margin targets for its three core businesses for 2013. The company also promised it would cut costs by 500 million euros ($701 million).
Both AirPlay and Thunderbolt may be prohibitively expensive for a large number of device makers for either to become mainstream in the near future, sources rumored Friday. AirPlay wireless audio streaming allegedly adds as much as $100 to the price of an audio system since it involves more than just introducing Wi-Fi. Costs were getting lower, iLounge heard, but even Philips' Fidelio system costs $230.
Apple's commitment to the iPhone as a camera phone might have grown as a rumor late Wednesday said it might jump to a dual LED flash. Edison Opto, Everlight Electronics, and Lite-On have all been raised as possible candidates. Both Edison and Lite-On have been stepping up their shipments of LED flashes to major phone designers, Digitimes heard, making them ideal candidates.
Part supplier leaks on Wednesday supported beliefs that Apple redesigning the camera flash for the iPhone 5. The company has reportedly "greatly reduced" the number of orders from Philips for the LED flashes used in the iPhone 4 over the past one to two months. AppleInsider's historically accurate source couldn't confirm talk of a switch to a Taiwanese supplier but said it could be a sign Philips wasn't being used for the next iPhone, or at least not as-is.
New Philips CEO Frans van Houten has made his first move to turn the company’s dipping profits around, spinning off the company’s loss making TV business. Hong-Kong display manufacturer TPV has taken a 70 percent stake in Philips TV arm, with Philips retaining an 30 percent stake. However, it has reserved the option to sell out of the partnership all-together.
Intel on Thursday bought Silicon Hive in a sign of its deeper push into mobile. The former Philips company is best known for making chipsets for media processing in smartphones, media hubs and other small technology. Company chief Atul Sinha made it clear his company would be folded in to help improve the media performance of Atom system-on-a-chip processors.
Philips will soon make a return to the camcorder market with the HD ESee. The camcorder's uncommon feature is an audio zoom feature that is said to focus the built-in microphone more intently on the focus. A 23X digitally assisted zoom is also present, and Wi-Fi allows quick uploading of clips to YouTube, Facebook and other sites without having to offload to a computer.
Philips has just announced the upcoming release of a new ultra wide screen TV with the Cinema 21:9 Gold. Sporting a wider aspect ratio than traditional 16:9 HDTVs, the 50-inch set also gets passive 3D technology. Dubbed Easy 3D by Philips, it promises 3D images with light, simple eyeglasses that are cheaper than their powered, active shutter 3D equivalents.
Philips has updated its Fidelio and GoGear MUSE lines at CES today. Fidelio Primo Docking speakers get an upgrade to a metal casing, while the Fidelio Lifestyle Docking Speakers launch new styles for iPad, iPod and iPhone, offering full range sound for each of Apple's iOS devices.
Royal Philips Electronics (Philips) unveiled several new products in its line portable media players and accessories at CES2011. New additions to the Fidelio family of docking stations include the Fidelio Lifestyle Docking Speaker DS8550 and Fidelio Primo Docking Speaker DS9010. The Fidelio DS8550 is a portable speaker that the company claims will dock any iPhone or iPod as well as the iPad. The speakers can be controlled remotely by an app or the device's own remote. A five-hour rechargeable internal battery and A2DP Bluetooth connectivity make the DS8550 a truly portable speaker solution. It is also accepts input from a 3.5mm stereo jack.
Apple TVs have been experiencing problems with some Sony and Philips TVs, owners claim. On affected sets, the appearance of video output is altered; some symptoms include inverted colors, an unusual green tint, or outright black screens. Even though complaints first began in October, the exact cause of the issue is still unknown.
Greenpeace in its latest Greener Electronics guide saw major shifts that most affected Apple. The company fell from fifth place to ninth simply by failing to advance its score beyond the earlier 4.9 score. While Apple still earned a high score for eliminating BFRs and PVC plastic from its hardware, it was criticized for a lack of information on its policies. The company hasn't provided enough information on how it manages chemicals, communication in the supply chain or how it plans to phase out any more toxic chemicals, Greenpeace said.
JR.com's deal of the day for today is on the Philips Micro Hi-Fi audio system, it was $129.99, but has seen a price break of $40.99, bringing the cost down to $89. That 32% price break has landed this item the lowest price point by about $12. FREE shipping is included. The Philips Micro HI-Fi audio system features a radio, CD player, two speakers, iPod dock, dynamic bass boost, and digital sound control all in a flat, compact casing that is wall-mountable.
Engineers at Philips Research has created what it's calling the first OLED module that is powered directly by a home's traditional AC outlet. The move could be a significant step towards wider adoption of OLEDs, as they would no longer require a large power management circuit to switch over from DC. Eliminating the power source makes the OLED products simpler, less expensive to manufacture and more flexible in how they can be used.
Philips used the opening of the IFA technology show to upgrade its Cinema 21:9 line to 3D. The 3D Cinema 21:9 Platinum doubles the LCD panel refresh to 400Hz to support the added depth with stereoscopic glasses. It's slightly larger than the original at 58 inches and will be unique in providing 3D at the same aspect ratio as most theaters.
Philips and O’Neil have teamed to develop a range of headphones and earphones for people who like to get outdoors. The premium range includes The Stretch, The Snug, The Covert and The Specked. The Stretch and The Snug are over-ear headphones that use 40mm drivers designed with an emphasis on delivering deep bass. The Stretch is also made of an extra-rugged nylon polymer. The Snug, as it name implies, is more oriented towards delivering comfort and includes soft cushions for long use; the set also folds flat for travel.
Philips today unveiled what should be the first full-fledged, globally available media player to use Android. The GoGear Connect provides full Android, including access to Android Market and even Google Maps, but has a focus on media apps. The device also builds in some phone-like features with a camera, and the option of wireless media syncing over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Philips' amBX lighting technology, promised for the PS3 gaming console, has made an appearance in a new Mad Catz keyboard. The lights on the keyboard match gaming effects, and they were meant to make for a more immersive gaming experience by also blowing air into a gamer's face at key points during a battle or race.
Philips on Thursday announced it will bring wireless Internet connections to some of its upcoming HDTVs and existing ones using its Wireless Media Connect technology. The company says users will have the same capabilities as they would on their PCs, with access to Skype, e-mail and instant messaging, along with online videos. Local files will be accessible from a connected PC.
Philips has officially launched its Apple-endorsed Fidelio line-up of iPod/iPhone docks. They include the DS9000, DS8500, SBD7500, DS3000 and DS1100. The DS9000 is the flagship, offering compatibility with all iPhones released to date and the vast majority of recent iPods.
Long Live Books and Philips have already expanded their range of accessories for the iPad. Philips has introduced several new products, ranging from protective cases to audio devices. A soft reversible sleeve protects the device from bumps and scratches, offering either a red or black exterior depending on which side the user chooses. The second iPad guard is a soft neoprene and leatherette case utilizing a fold-over flap to help keep the iPad in place. The leatherette material also provides extra protection for the glass screen.
Philips has revealed at a recent press conference that it will soon release an Android-based media player. Called the GoGear Connect, it will closely resemble the company's current flagship portable multimedia player, the Muse, but add GPS, Wi-Fi and a larger, 3.2-inch touchscreen with a 480x320 resolution. It will also a Nexus One-like trackball and use Android 2.1, giving it most of the software features of more recent smartphones.
The next-generation iPhone -- expected to launch this summer -- could have LED flash built in, a report suggests. People described as "familiar with Apple's initiative" claim that the company is actively hunting for tens of millions of LED flash components, which would be delivered sometime this year. Philips' Lumileds division is said to be the main contender as a partner, and may already have a contract.
The world's largest cellphone maker, Nokia, is suing 11 manufacturers of LCD displays for allegedly colluding on fixing the prices of liquid crystal displays, according to a Tuesday WSJ report (subscription required). In the suit, filed on November 25th in San Francisco, Nokia maintains the companies raised the prices of LCDs above what they would have been in a competitive market, in a period ranging from January 1st, 1996, to December 11th, 2006. Nokia purchased these overpriced LCDs for its smartphones.
AT&T has filed a lawsuit in a federal court in San Francisco on Tuesday against Samsung, LG Display, AU Optronics and other LCD makers for allegedly colluding on fixing the price of display panels in the US. According to a Wednesday Bloomberg report, AT&T claimed Samsung and six others have formed an illegal international cartel meant to "restrict competition in the United States in the market for LCD panels." In its complaint, AT&T claims this conspiracy has included communications and meetings during which defendants agreed to eliminate competition and fix the prices of LCD panels that were coming to the US.
The Wireless Power Consortium on Thursday announced that cellphone maker Nokia has become one of its members. This is expected to result in quicker development and the more widespread use of the Qi wireless charging standard the Consortium is working on. With the addition of Nokia, the company has backed the open standards that would be shared among many makers of cell phones and other portable electronics devices.
Activist group Greenpeace has released a new edition of its Guide to Greener Electronics, which ranks major high-tech corporations in terms of their alleged environmental friendliness. Among the companies favored by Greenpeace's press efforts is Apple, which the group notes recently disclosed its carbon emissions. Apple has risen in rankings from 11th to 9th, aided not by the disclosure but by being the "most progressive" computer maker in terms of removing product toxins.
At the IFA 2009 show on Thursday, Philips has introduced four new Blu-ray players, including the flagship BDP9500. It has a number of video processing technologies Philips collectively calls Qdeo, which reduce noise, enhance color, and improve contrast, fine detail and depth. It also allows users to manually move where their subtitles appear on screen, and is DiVX Ultra and BD-Live compatible.
