Older TiVo Series 3 / HD boxes will work with the iPad remote app soon

By Richard Lawler posted Mar 1st 2011 6:54PM The companion app for TiVo Premiere DVRs worked out well when we reviewed it, but ZatzNotFunny points out it could get even better soon when it will feature "limited support" for Series 3 / HD boxes, along with TiVo DVRs offered by cable providers like RCN and Suddenlink. This "coming soon" info was included in an update yesterday that added a new DVR selection screen to the setup process, ability to run in the background plus assorted performance enhancements and bug fixes. Of course, we now know that TiVo's "lifetime" offers won't last forever (ten years, give or take) but for users who would prefer to stick with their existing hardware instead of upgrading to a Series 4, there are still a few new features coming down the pipe.
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Genesi reduces price of Efika MX Smartbook, Smarttop, says it's for greater good

$129 Efika MX Smarttop and $199 Smartbook Price Reductions Give People and Businesses in Emerging Markets Affordable Computing, Internet Access

3G Smartbook Added to Low-Cost, Energy-Efficient Efika MX Product Line from Genesi

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genesi USA Inc., a leading developer and producer of low-cost, high-value energy-efficient computing products, announces price reductions on its line of wafer-thin and whisper-quiet Efika MX computers, opening the door even more for billions of people and businesses in emerging markets to affordable state-of-the-art computing and Internet access.

The Smarttop network computer is now $129, while the two-pound Smartbook netbook is available for $199 (new Smartbook 3G version is $249). Both are WiFi-enabled and available at www.genesi-usa.com/store/.

"We have created a low-cost, energy-efficient, Internet-connected line of note/netbooks through a very specific business model. We lower our costs to produce Efika MX products through our vast developer community and with local assembly and manufacturing, we will be able to pass even more savings along," said Raquel Velasco, Managing Director/Chairman, Genesi USA Inc.

In January, IHS Global Insight estimated the world population will reach 6.9 billion during 2010 and that 5.9 billion people will live in emerging markets. As the world population grows so does the demand for low-cost, competent computing resources, particularly in emerging "middle class" markets around the world, estimated at 1.3 billion (emc = above poverty, below median income of middle class). Technology and service providers like Genesi are working to cost effectively address young tech-savvy consumers and businesses in these emerging markets.

"For a lot of people around the world, price has been a barrier to having any kind of technological connection to create or consume data. Eighty percent of the world's population has mobile reach via a 3G (third generation) network, and of that number, only 20% have Internet access," Velasco says. "Having a connection to the rest of the world is empowering – just look at what's happening in North Africa and the Middle East right now – and, for people and businesses in these emerging markets, a Smarttop or Smartbook may be their first fully web-connected device."

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Olympus SZ-30MR shoots 1080p video and 16MP stills simultaneously; Tough TG-810 is 'crushproof'

Introducing the first ever camera to capture Full HD movies & 16 Megapixel stills simultaneously

Introducing the first ever camera to capture Full HD movies & 16 Megapixel stills simultaneously
Olympus Super Zoom Series posts another world first

New SZ-30MR & SZ-20 deliver high-tech at its finest

Hamburg, 2 March 2011 – When Olympus launched the SZ-10 in February, it was hard to believe the zoom in a compact camera could get any more powerful. The new SZ-30MR proves that it can. With a jaw-dropping 24x wide optical zoom (25-600mm*), this state-of-the-art flagship breaks all the rules in the compact category – and it breaks records too. The SZ-30MR is the first camera ever to offer simultaneous recording of 1080p Full HD movies and 16 Megapixel still photos. So with the SZ-30MR, users can shoot in high resolution with different combinations of recording modes at once, then share their shots in the format of their choice. For example, as a movie and digital still or a wide-angle shot and a close-up. Like the SZ-30MR, the new SZ-20 is astonishingly slender for a camera with huge zooming power. The super-slim design makes both SZ models ideal for people who like to travel light but insist on the very best spec. With a backlit CMOS sensor for excellent pictures in low light, 3D photo shooting and Eye-Fi card compatibility, these cameras combine practicality with beauty and sheer imaging power. The SZ-30MR is available for €329, the SZ-20 for €219, both from March 2011.

MR is for a Multi Recording
The SZ-30MR is the world's first camera to record 1080p Full HD movie and 16 Megapixel stills at the same time – thanks to an ingenious feature Olympus calls Multi Recording. For anyone who's ever shot a scene one way, then (when it was too late) wished they'd done everything differently, MR is a must. Dual Engine TruePic III+ image processors give the
SZ-MR30 the power to record simultaneously in more than one mode, and in a variety of combinations. Users can record two different movies at once: in wide-angle and close-up; Full HD and lower resolution; or original and filtered (using one of the SZ-30MR's seven Magic Filters for movies). In addition, with the Photo with Movie Clip setting, it's now possible to capture moving footage before and after taking a single photo. These innovations give users the fun and flexibility of sharing their shots in a variety of media – from full-size prints to video clips for their favourite social media website. Both new models come with wireless Eye-Fi compatibility, so they can upload photos automatically to the Web – no cables required.

SZ is for Super Zoom
The Super Zoom SZ Series lives up to its name with a 24x wide optical zoom on the SZ-30MR and an equally impressive 12.5x super wide optical zoom on the significantly lower priced SZ-20. With this sort of zooming power it's easy to take exceptional shots, from the expressive face of a gargoyle high up on a church roof to an emotive movie close-up of battling athletes. The pixel-rich 1080p Full HD movie format ensures the best moving picture quality currently available in a compact camera – with breathtaking realism, clarity and colour when users play back on a large Full HD TV.

S is for state-of-the-art
The SZ-30MR and SZ-20 are packed with the smartest technology the compact camera world has to offer, giving users a host of features that make it easy to get creative, transfer movies or photos wirelessly and capture just the shot they want in excellent quality. Both cameras offer 3D still photo shooting and eight Magic Filters, including the new Sparkle and Watercolour options. Pet Detection mode automatically snaps dog or cat faces just as they look up, while with Smart Panorama, users simply pan from side to side to get a sweeping panorama picture.

The SZ-30MR is available in black for €329, the SZ-20 in silver and black for €219, both from March 2011.

Distinguishing features:

OLYMPUS SZ-30MR

Image Quality

• 24x wide optical zoom (25-600mm*) for exceptional close-ups

Creativity & Flexibility

• Multi Recording with Dual Engine TruePic III+ image processor for recording movies and photos simultaneously, or two movies in different modes or from different angles

OLYMPUS SZ-20

Image Quality

• 12.5x super wide optical zoom (24-300mm*) for superb close-ups
• TruePic III+ image processor for ideal colour reproduction and low noise

Common features:
Image Quality

• 1080p Full HD Movie with sound for capturing movies in the best image quality currently available in compact cameras
• 16 Megapixel backlit CMOS sensor for high-resolution, superb-quality full-size movies, stills and prints, even in low light
• Dual Image Stabilisation for reducing blur with fast-moving shots

Usability

• 3" colour LCD (460,000 dots) for easily framing, reviewing and sharing shots
• Smart Panorama for capturing sweeping stills just by panning the camera
• Handheld Starlight Mode for shooting blur-free at night without a tripod
• Advanced Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology for capturing people's faces just as you want them
• Beauty Mode for hiding unwanted blemishes
• Intelligent Auto Mode (i-Auto) and AF Tracking for easy setting and focussing
• Pet Detection Mode for automatically capturing dog's or cat's faces when they look at the camera
• Scene Mode for automatic settings that suit specific conditions (e.g., Landscape, Night)

Creativity & Flexibility

• Eye-Fi Card compatibility for automatic wireless uploading of images to a website or PC
• 3D photo shooting mode for striking stills
• Magic Filters for adding creative effects to HD movies and/or stills:
Punk, Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Soft Focus, Fish Eye, plus new Sparkle (photos only) and Watercolour

Other key features

• Photo surfing and [ib] software for browsing, organising and viewing images by person, place, location or event
• HDMI technology for controlling your camera from one remote when it's connected to HD equipment
• ISO 80 to 3200
• SDHC and SDXC memory card compatible**
• Built-in flash
• In-camera manual
• USB charging

* 35mm camera equivalent.
** SD is a trademark of SD Card Association.

1080p Full HD Movie recording
1080p Full HD movie recording (1920 x 1080) offers the best moving picture quality available in a compact camera today. With Full HD, footage is realistic, smooth, bright and clear. Movies become a fascinating window on real life when viewed on a big Full HD TV.

3D Mode (3D photo shooting)
Captures two shots of a scene from two different angles to create still photos that can be viewed with the added excitement and realism of 3D (on a 3D-compatible display). There are two 3D settings: Manual and Automatic. In both settings, the camera indicates when it is time to pan. In Automatic, when the camera is panned horizontally after the first shot, it automatically takes the second shot at the ideal moment. Manual is for 3D experts – the user decides when to take the second shot.

Advanced Face Detection technology
A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that's sharp in the right places and ideally exposed. Advanced Face Detection Technology can detect up to 16 faces.

AF Tracking
This system tracks a moving subject automatically and keeps it continually in focus – for optimally focused and exposed pictures. It even memorises the subject when it goes out of frame and resumes tracking when it reappears.

Beauty Mode
Beauty Mode touches up the appearance of subjects even while the shot is being taken. This feature recognises faces and automatically makes skin on the face and adjacent areas appear smoother, brighter and more youthful.

Dual Image Stabilisation
Providing two-fold protection, this special function helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or fast-moving subjects. It combines high ISO values with a sensor-based mechanical image stabiliser, where a built-in gyro sensor detects camera movement and adjusts the sensor accordingly.

Eye-Fi card compatibility
Lets users insert an Eye-Fi storage card and set it to automatically wirelessly transfer new photos and HD movies to the sharing website and computer of their choice.

i-Auto Mode
The "intelligent-Auto" mode uses advanced automatic detection technology that enables the camera to automatically recognise the most commonly shot scenes. This makes it possible to capture perfect photos without the need for manual settings.

[ib] software
Olympus now offers [ib], an integrated photo browsing and organising software. Images can be organised by person with a new face recognition technology, by place with a GPS-based mapping function or by event.

Magic Filters
Make it possible to create special artistic effects in still images and/or movies directly in the camera.

Fish-Eye: Simulates the dramatic effect of a fish eye lens, lending a new perspective to the whole scene with a "wrap-around" effect.
Pin Hole: Reduces peripheral brightness, like with an image seen through a pinhole. A unique colour tone results in a style that has an air of secrecy or portrays the feeling of being lost in another dimension or space.
Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid, to create high-impact pictures that express the light-hearted feeling of the pop art style.
Punk: Displays images primarily in contrasting pink and black to give them an edgy, punk-inspired feel.
Drawing: Transforms images into line drawings to give the impression that subjects have been sketched by an artist.
Soft Focus: Creates a soft tone that gives pictures an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. It renders pictures as though they were veiled in heavenly light, without obscuring details such as hair or flower petals.
Sparkle (photos only): Adds twinkling lights to objects.
Watercolour: Another piece of artistic wizardry. This time images are turned into a watercolour painting surrounded by soft light.
Multi Recording
A world-first, Olympus Dual Engine technology allows users to combine various photo and movie recording modes simultaneously:

Photo & Movie: A Full HD movie and 16 Megapixel full-size photos. While users are recording a Full HD movie, they can take a high-resolution photograph as well.
Photo with Movie Clip: Records a Full HD movie before and after taking a photo.
Multi-File Movies: A Full HD movie and a movie with less resolution.
Multi-Framing Movies: A wide-angle and a close-up Full HD movie.
Magic Filter & Original Movie: A regular Full HD movie and a movie with a Magic Filter effect.

Pet Detection
Automatically detects dog or cat faces (two different modes) and works together with the Auto Release to capture the photo the moment the dog or cat turns to face the camera.

Photo Surfing
By selecting this option in the Playback menu, users can opt to browse pictures by date, scene, person, place, or image collection.

Scene Mode
Offers a choice of different scenes to suit the subject being captured, for example, landscape, night, beach and snow or pet. The camera automatically adjusts a host of parameters to achieve the best possible result for the chosen scene.

Shadow Adjustment Technology (SAT)
A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g., a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

Smart Panorama
Allows the user to create an impressive super-wide angle, wrap-around photo simply by panning the camera horizontally or vertically. There's no need to pay attention to points of intersection – the camera knits the separate stills together automatically.

TruePic III+ image processor
Automatically enhances important aspects of image quality, including colour reproduction (range, saturation and brightness) and picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as processing data faster. Supports the Magic Filters that enable unprecedented creative expression.

State-of-the-art TOUGH flagship is world's first 100kg crushproof* camera

State-of-the-art TOUGH flagship is world's first 100kg crushproof* camera
Crushproof OLYMPUS TOUGH is world record holder

TG-810 has 3-sensor compass for outdoor action

Hamburg, 2 March 2011 – Just when everyone thought the TOUGH range couldn't get any tougher, Olympus launches the ultimate indestructible camera. The new OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-810 delivers fabulous-quality HD movies and stills – and something just as valuable: unlimited peace of mind. This state-of-the-art TOUGH blows the competition away with record-breaking ruggedness and unique TOUGH technology. The stats speak for themselves. The TOUGH flagship is the world's first camera that's crushproof* to a weight of 100kg, so an adult can tread on it and it'll keep going fine. Thanks to double-durable lens and port technology, the TG-810 is also waterproof*, shockproof*, freezeproof* and scratch resistant to an unprecedented degree. With its built-in manometer, unique three-sensor GPS & Electronic Compass and high-resolution,
glare-resistant HyperCrystal III LCD, this stylish camera is the ideal companion for an active lifestyle – from home to hotel to a hike through the Himalayas. Packed with advanced automatic features for easy shooting in tricky conditions, the new TOUGH captures memories just like they happened, and keeps them extra safe for sharing wirelessly with friends and family. The OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-810 is available for €299 from mid-March 2011.

The toughest ever TOUGH
You don't have to live like a stuntman to abuse a camera. But with the OLYMPUS TOUGH flagship, you could. It's the world's first camera that's crushproof up to a weight of 100kg. But that's just the start. A sliding double lock mechanism and additional metal lens barrier ensure the TG-810 is waterproof to a huge depth of 10m, shockproof to a height of 2m and freezeproof to -10°C. There's even a built-in manometer to make sure you don't dive too deep. Just as well. Because this camera is packed with ingenious technology that's hard to find elsewhere – and makes it a joy to capture photos and HD movies, whatever the weather, wherever you are.

The safest and smartest
The best cameras (and mobile phones) often come with GPS. But only Olympus' GPS & Electronic Compass has three sensors to record the direction the camera is pointing (even when it's turned off). That makes it an excellent piece of kit for finding your way in unfamiliar surroundings. It displays more than 700,000 nearby geographic and natural points of interest – the maximum for a GPS-equipped camera. At a glance, users can check their latitude, longitude and altitude, shooting direction, the date and time or air and water pressure. In the water, the TG-810 really comes into its own. i-Underwater Snapshot, one of four underwater settings, detects when the camera is submerged and adjusts white balance automatically to ensure beautiful, worry-free shots – even in optional 3D. No matter the element, the 5x wide optical zoom lens (28-140mm**) provides precision and flexibility, while the large, three inch 920,000 dot high-definition HyperCrystal III LCD reproduces images on the spot in very high quality.

The best of the best
Like the other two OLYMPUS TOUGH cameras, the TG-810 offers high-end features that make editing and sharing a breeze, for example Eye-Fi card compatibility that lets users automatically transfer images wirelessly to a website or PC.

The TG-810 is available in silver and black for €299 from mid-March 2011.

OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-810
Toughness

• Crushproof* up to the world-record weight of 100kg
• Waterproof* to 10m, shockproof* to 2m and freezeproof* to -10°C for worry-free use anytime anywhere
• Metal lens barrier for extra-tough lens protection
• Sliding double lock mechanism for optimum protection of battery, card slots and ports
• Water-repellent and scratch-resistant double seal technology
• Built-in manometer for checking depth underwater
• GPS & Electronic Compass with unique three-sensor technology for orientation and key information at a glance
• Improved TAP Control Mode for controlling the camera by tapping or tilting the body, ideal when wearing gloves
Image Quality

• Four underwater scene modes, including i-Underwater Snapshot (with the camera set to i-Auto) for worry-free underwater shooting
• 5x wide optical zoom (28-140mm**) for shooting flexibility
• 3D photo shooting mode for striking stills
• Dual Image Stabilisation for reducing blur with fast-moving shots
• TruePic III+ processor for ideal colour reproduction and low noise
• 720p HD Movie with sound for capturing movies in excellent quality
• 14 Megapixels for high-quality full-size movies, stills and prints
• ISO 80 to 1600
• Magic Filters for adding creative effects to HD movies and/or stills: Punk, Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Soft Focus, Fish Eye (photos only), plus new Sparkle (photos only) and Watercolour
• Beauty Mode for hiding unwanted blemishes
• Intelligent Auto Mode (i-Auto) and AF Tracking for easy setting and focussing
• Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology for capturing people's faces just as you want them
• Pet Detection Mode for automatically capturing dog's or cat's faces when they look at the camera
• Scene Mode for automatic settings that suit specific conditions (e.g., Landscape, Night)
• In-Camera Panorama for quick and easy panorama shots
• Built-in flash
Storage & Sharing

• 3.0" 920,000 dot Super Precision HyperCrystal III LCD for TOUGH, generating clearer images and reducing reflection even in direct sunlight
• SDHC and SDXC memory card compatible***
• Photo Surfing and [ib] software for browsing, organising and viewing images by person, place, location or event
Connectivity

• Eye-Fi Card compatibility for automatic wireless uploading of images to a website or PC
• HDMI technology for controlling your camera from one remote when it's connected to HD equipment
Other

• USB charging

* Crushproof according to Olympus test conditions. Waterproof according to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8. Shockproof figures equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions). Freezeproof according to Olympus test conditions.
** 35mm camera equivalent.
*** SD is a trademark of SD Card Association.

For a full list of features, please go to http://www.countryspecificurl.com

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Julia Rauther
OLYMPUS Europa Holding GmbH
Tel.: +49-40-23773-4258
Email: Julia.Rauther@OLYMPUS-europa.com
http://www.OLYMPUS-europa.com

Appendix

3.0" Super Precision 920,000 dot HyperCrystal III LCD for TOUGH
Unique to TOUGH Series cameras, this exceptional LCD features 920,000 dot resolution that generates beautifully bright and clear images. It also has a special layer that reflects light from external sources, thus reducing reflection even in direct sunlight – for outstanding visibility in a variety of shooting situations. And of course it's super-tough. A triple-coated acrylic finish makes the LCD more scratch-resistant than ever before.

3D Mode (3D photo shooting)
Captures two shots of a scene from two different angles to create still photos that can be viewed with the added excitement and realism of 3D (on a 3D-compatible display). There are two 3D settings: Manual and Automatic. In both settings, the camera indicates when it is time to pan. In Automatic, when the camera is panned horizontally after the first shot, it automatically takes the second shot at the ideal moment. Manual is for 3D experts – the user decides when to take the second shot.

Face Detection technology
A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that's sharp in the right places and ideally exposed. Face Detection Technology can detect up to 12 faces.

AF Tracking
This system tracks a moving subject automatically and keeps it continually in focus – for optimally focused and exposed pictures. It even memorises the subject when it goes out of frame and resumes tracking when it reappears.

Beauty Mode
Beauty Mode touches up the appearance of subjects even while the shot is being taken. This feature recognises faces and automatically makes skin on the face and adjacent areas appear smoother, brighter and more youthful.

Dual Image Stabilisation
Providing two-fold protection, this special function helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or fast-moving subjects. It combines high ISO values with a CCD-based mechanical image stabiliser, where a built-in gyro sensor detects camera movement and adjusts the CCD accordingly.

Eye-Fi card compatibility
Lets users insert an Eye-Fi storage card and set it to automatically wirelessly transfer new photos and HD movies to the sharing website and computer of their choice.

HD Movie (720p High Definition)
High Definition video (HD video) delivers a broadcast-quality movie experience when played back on an HD TV. In HD Movie Mode, the camera captures HD video using the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 movie compression format at a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.

i-Auto Mode
The "intelligent-Auto" mode uses advanced automatic detection technology that enables the camera to automatically recognise the most commonly shot scenes. This makes it possible to capture perfect photos without the need for manual settings.

i-Underwater Snapshot
In i-Auto Mode, the camera detects when it is underwater and automatically activates
i-Underwater Snapshot, adjusting the tricky settings required for top-quality underwater shooting. It's perfect for portraits shot in shallow water and captures the subject and the background vividly.

[ib] software
Olympus now offers [ib], an integrated photo browsing and organising software. Images can be organised by person with a new face recognition technology, by place with a GPS-based mapping function or by event.

Magic Filters
Make it possible to create special artistic effects in still images and/or movies directly in the camera.

Fish-Eye (photos only): Simulates the dramatic effect of a fish eye lens with still photos, lending a new perspective to the whole scene with a "wrap-around" effect.
Pin Hole: Reduces peripheral brightness, like with an image seen through a pinhole. A unique colour tone results in a style that has an air of secrecy or portrays the feeling of being lost in another dimension or space.
Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid, to create high-impact pictures that express the light-hearted feeling of the pop art style.
Punk: Displays images primarily in contrasting pink and black to give them an edgy, punk-inspired feel.
Drawing: Transforms images into line drawings to give the impression that subjects have been sketched by an artist.
Soft Focus: Creates a soft tone that gives pictures an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. It renders pictures as though they were veiled in heavenly light, without obscuring details such as hair or flower petals.
Sparkle (photos only): Adds twinkling lights to objects.
Watercolour: Another piece of artistic wizardry. This time images are turned into a watercolour painting surrounded by soft light.
Pet Detection
Automatically detects dog or cat faces (two different modes) and works together with the Auto Release to capture the photo the moment the dog or cat turns to face the camera.

Photo Surfing
By selecting this option in the Playback menu, users can opt to browse pictures by date, scene, person, place, or image collection.

Scene Mode
Offers a choice of different scenes to suit the subject being captured, for example, landscape, night, beach and snow or pet. The camera automatically adjusts a host of parameters to achieve the best possible result for the chosen scene.

Shadow Adjustment Technology (SAT)
A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g., a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

TAP Control Mode
A unique interface that lets users access a range of camera functions simply by tapping the camera body. Quick View Mode, Shooting Mode, a user-defined feature (Flash or SAT), and Snow Mode can be accessed by tapping at particular points of the camera. Tilting the camera scrolls through images in Playback Mode.

TruePic III+ image processor
Automatically enhances important aspects of image quality, including colour reproduction (range, saturation and brightness) and picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as processing data faster. Supports the Magic Filters that enable unprecedented creative expression.

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HTC ChaCha to be known as ChaChaCha in Spain, somebody didn't do enough market research

By Vlad Savov posted Mar 2nd 2011 7:56AM As it turns out, the word "chacha" is used as a term of disparagement in the Spanish language. Coincidentally, perhaps after somebody hit HTC's marketing genii with a Spanish phrasebook, the HTC ChaCha will hereafter be known as the ChaChaCha in the land of sun, sand and siestas. This follows mobile search engine ChaCha suing for trademark infringement a couple of days ago and serves as an instructive example of why one should do one's market research before deciding to use one's internal codenames as retail product nomenclature.
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The Engadget Interview: Ryan Bidan, BlackBerry PlayBook senior product manager

RIM held a little PlayBook party here in New York yesterday, giving us a chance to hang out with Ryan Bidan, the company's senior product manager for the seven-inch tablet. In addition to chatting with us about battery life, connectivity, and pricing, Ryan clarified the PlayBook's app development model -- athough devs can choose to work with native code, Java, Adobe Air, and HTML5 / WebWorks, the idea is for the ultimate user experience to be seamless, and RIM is considering offering standard UI widgets for each environment. We also had to ask about those swirling rumors of Android support, and while we commend Ryan for his practiced non-answer, we can't help but feel we detected a hint of a smile on his face. Or was that just another tray of snacks going past? Check the video and decide for yourself.
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Cox breaks return cable upload record with Motorola's help, subscribers still waiting for their cable guy

Motorola and Cox Break World Record in Data Transmission Rates

Multiple records set; demonstrates potential for greater bandwidth efficiency and additional revenue opportunities for broadband operators

ATLANTA-CableLabs Winter Conference – March 1, 2011– Motorola Mobility Inc. (NYSE: MMI) announced the achievement of a new world record for return path data transmission by using breakthrough technology from Motorola on Cox Communications' Las Vegas network infrastructure.

Using the ultra low noise, high performance Motorola DOCSIS 3.0 RX48 return path receiver module operating within a Motorola BSR 64000 CMTS Edge Router, the record of 356 Mbps for a 5-85 MHz return path was set by transmitting across twelve return path channels of which six channels employed 256QAM modulation. Typical HFC networks today have two or three upstream channels delivering an aggregate of 40-70 Mbps.

"The RX48 and these tests demonstrate that Cox's HFC networks are much more future proof than many have believed," Jay Rolls, senior vice president of technology, Cox Communications. "We also increasingly need to be able to segment our business and residential customers, visibility into which is provided by the 5-85 MHz return spectrum utilizing 256QAM. Our networks have the capability to support much higher data speeds than today without the need to replace any of the amplifiers, taps or cables."

The test demonstrates how broadband operators can support more customers and more broadband rich services over existing networks, removing the need for inconvenient and costly new network construction. The new record also shows how the Motorola BSR 64000 CMTS Edge Router, with the RX48 can help lower the overall cost of DOCSIS for cable operators, while simultaneously opening new opportunities for business revenues.

In addition to establishing the world record at 5-85 MHz, a maximum transmission rate of 141 Mbps was also achieved over a 5-42 MHz return path using six return path channels. Three of these channels were able to operate using 256 QAM modulation, as opposed to 64 QAM maximum in use today, which is also believed to be a record. For the first time, cable operators can use the 5-42 return path to provide 100 Mbps dedicated to business customers and simultaneously provide residential customers with the return path bandwidth necessary to meet their growing needs.

All tests were conducted across Cox's Las Vegas hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network employing multiple DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 2.0 modems. It feeds a three amplifier cascade followed by an HFC optical link consisting of a standard Motorola DFB return path laser transmitting over 7 dB of fiber to the optical receiver. The output of this receiver was linked to the RX48 card in the BSR 64000. Measurements were made in accordance with standard cable industry practices. At the CableLabs conference, Motorola and Cox demonstrated the new record of 400 Mbps on a 5-85 MHz return path, which broke the previous record of 356Mbps

"We are very pleased to show the results of Motorola Mobility's investment in DOCSIS 3.0 innovation," said Joe Cozzolino, senior vice president and general manager, network infrastructure, Motorola Mobility. "The RX48 has clearly demonstrated that we are moving once again to a position of CMTS leadership. We are grateful to Cox for jointly working with us to demonstrate the continued great future of HFC networks and proving our belief in this breakthrough technology."

About the RX48:
The RX48 provides between 33% and 50% higher data rates possible in the return path than previously possible based on its low noise receiver and hardware based DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding capabilities. For example, with a 5-42 MHz return path connected to the RX48, it will be possible for the first time for cable operators to support 100 Mbps dedicated for business services in only three bonded return path channels instead of four, leaving three return path channels available for residential data services, all supported using only a single RX48 port in the CMTS.

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Microsoft Windows Embedded Compact 7 now available, may or may not make its way to tablets

By Joanna Stern posted Mar 1st 2011 8:49PM Back in June at Computex, Microsoft announced the successor to Windows CE -- Windows Embedded Compact 7 – and it's finally hitting the general availability mark today. The guys in Redmond posted a 180-day trial of the final WEC7 bits yesterday, and while it is unclear when it was released to manufacturers, ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley notes that the digital signature on the bits is February 19th. So, what does it all mean? Well, you'll definitely want to check out our Windows Embedded Compact 7 explained post, but we should start seeing the new OS powering phones (don't forget WP7 is built on the Win CE kernel), medical devices, retail systems, and maybe even some tablets soon. As for the latter category, you may rememeber that we saw that WEC7 prototype tablet above at Computex, however while some like ASUS promised early on that it would use the software for its EP101TC, it quickly ditched that idea and went with Android. Our guess is that will be the case for most out there, but the lightweight OS, which now can run on ARM V7 architecture, has built-in support for Silverlight for Windows Embedded and Flash 10.1, clearly has advantages over Windows 7 on tablets at the moment. Hit the source link for some more details, and we'll make sure to keep an eye out for new devices running the new wordy OS.
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