Intel: Windows 8 Is Being Released Before It’s Ready [Windows 8]

Intel’s CEO Paul Otellini is creating a bit of a stir for Microsoft. Bloomberg reports that he’s been telling employees in Taiwan that Windows 8 is being released before it’s fully ready. More »

Permanent quartz glass data storage announced by Hitachi, could hit market by 2015

Hitachi announces permanent Glass Storage

Sure, we can store huge quantities of bits in a tiny space, but how long will that data last? Current optical, magnetic and flash storage media have limited shelf lives, so Hitachi has announced a new way of locking up ones and zeros in quartz glass for hundreds of millions of years. The data can be etched with a laser in three layers on the crystals at a density slightly higher than a CD, then read out with an optical microscope, meaning that future generations could restore the info without needing a proprietary drive. The technology could come to market in three years, according to the research lab — but would likely be targeted at companies first, who would need to send in their data to be encoded. Hitachi said the media withstood two hours of 3500 degree Fahrenheit temperatures in testing without data loss, meaning that archaeologists from the future may one day uncover your questionable taste.

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Permanent quartz glass data storage announced by Hitachi, could hit market by 2015 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 06:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC promises to review objections against AT&T FaceTime fees

There were a lot of angry AT&T iPhone owners when AT&T made it clear that it would allow FaceTime over its 3G mobile network, but it would charge more for the privilege of using the service. Other major carriers such as Sprint and Verizon allow iPhone users to enjoy FaceTime over the mobile network without any additional fees. Earlier this month, AT&T’s plan to charge more led to multiple consumer organizations to notify AT&T that they planned to file formal complaints with the FCC.

Only a few days after those complaints were made known to AT&T by the consumer groups, the FCC has announced that it will review the objections and “exercise our responsibilities” if necessary. The statement comes from FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, although he said he couldn’t comment specifically on AT&T at this time. He noted that if a good faith effort to resolve the issue doesn’t lead to a resolution the FCC would look into it.

Consumer watchdog organizations claim that the FCC’s Open Internet rules prohibit arbitrarily limiting a service like FaceTime over specific networks. This appears to be exactly what AT&T is doing with FaceTime by charging users more to access the service. No formal complaints have been filed with the FCC at this time according to reports.

AT&T continues to maintain that it is compliance with FCC rules on network neutrality. AT&T believes it is compliant with its FaceTime blocking because the application comes pre-installed. AT&T believes that net neutrality rules only apply to downloaded applications.

[via The Verge]


FCC promises to review objections against AT&T FaceTime fees is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Motorola Atrix 2 gets Android 4.0.4 ICS update

Atrix 2 Review

Motorola’s Social Networks app works very well to check on updates, comment and like

Good news Motorola Atrix 2 owners, it looks like if you were hoping for an official Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich update for your device, it looks like you’re in luck as Motorola has officially announced the update. It was hinted earlier that the update was on its way but it started as a soak test, but we guess it is now official. The update will introduce the usual Android 4.0 ICS features but if you’d like the full rundown of the features and enhancements that the update will bring to your phone, you can pop on over to Motorola’s website for the details. The update will be pushed out OTA and if you haven’t received the message to update yet, fret not as we expect that it is being rolled out in stages. Alternatively you can try to pull the update manually by going to your “About Phone” and “System Updates”.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Atrix 2 Review, Motorola Atrix 2 caught in the wild again,

The Matrix One tablet is super affordable at $59.99

We’ve seen tons of affordable Android tablets in the past, and if you’re looking for one below $100, it seems like the Matrix One tablet could be right up your alley. It does not have the most amazing hardware specs, and we wouldn’t even call it mid-ranged, but if you just want a tablet to get some surfing done or send emails and type up documents while on the go, then we guess with its price of $59.99 one can’t really complain.

The Matrix One will feature a 7” WVGA display with a 1.5GHz Cortex-A8 processor under the hood, 512MB of RAM accompanying it, a 2MP front-facing camera and will come with Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich preinstalled. If you’d like to get your hands on one, head on over to their website to buy it or for additional details.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Matrix One Android 4.0 tablet is affordable at $89.99, Survey suggests that developers interest in Android is in decline,

New Zealand Police Blamed for Kim Dotcom’s Illegal Surveillance [Megaupload]

The case of Megaupload’s founder Kim Dotcom gets odder by the day, with the latest official documents revealing that the police simply didn’t know, or didn’t bother checking, if Kim Dotcom was a New Zealand citizen or not. More »

Sony Xperia V pegged for December release by Swedish retailer

Sony took the wraps off the Xperia V at IFA 2012 but unfortunately they neglected as to when we might be able to expect it. Well if the handset was one that you had your eye on, a Swedish retailer has listed the device as available on the 3rd of December. Of course we’re not sure if the retailer has their facts right, plus it could also be a date for the European market as opposed to international or stateside availability. However assuming they’ve got their dates correct, we guess we have a rough timeframe of the Xperia V’s release.

For those who forgot, the Sony Xperia V is an IP57 certified device which means we can expect it to be both dust and water resistant. It sports a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, a 4.3” HD display, a 13MP rear-facing camera, a VGA front-facing camera and LTE connectivity. It will also come with Android 4.0 ICS preinstalled but is expected to be bumped up to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean at a later date.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Sony Xperia V gets Clear Phase feature, Sony Xperia V announced at IFA 2012,

Pre-orders kick off for SMS Audio Street by 50 wired DJ Pro Performance headphones

When the Beats line of headphones really took off, several other rappers stepped in with their own branded headphone lines. One of those lines was the SMS Audio brand by rapper 50 Cent. SMS Audio has announced that pre-orders are now available for the Street by 50 wired DJ Pro Performance headphones. The headphones are also available in a limited-edition version from DJ Pauly D.

These headphones are wired over the ear style that look like the headphones DJs are known to wear. The headphones are foldable and feature a soft headband for long wearing comfort. The ear cups are covered in soft memory foam.

SMS Audio promises high-quality sound with professionally tuned, studio quality 40 mm drivers promising enhanced bass along with crisp and clean sound. The headphones also block noise using passive technology. Street by 50 wired DJ Pro Performance Headphones are available in Shadow Black and City Grey.

The headphones ship with two removable cables, including a coiled DJ cable with a 1/4-inch adapter and a cable with a three-click microphone. The headphones also ship with a hard-shell carry case and a soft cloth for cleaning. The headphones can be pre-ordered now for $299.95 and will ship on October 2.


Pre-orders kick off for SMS Audio Street by 50 wired DJ Pro Performance headphones is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Survey suggests that developers interest in Android is in decline

Considering that the number of Android apps has almost caught up to the number of iOS apps, it would suggest that there seems to be more or equal interest by developers in creating apps for Android. Interestingly though, according to a survey conducted by Appcelerator of more than 5,500 developers, it has shown that iOS still remains of high interest and based on the graph above, it would suggest that interest in developing for Android is on the decline.

Of course this isn’t the end-all of surveys nor is it definitive as 76% of the developers polled have still expressed interest in developing for Android. However this is measured against the 87% of January of 2011, suggesting that even though interest is still high, it has fallen by a bit. Some have speculated that this might be due to iOS monetizing better, but what do you guys think? Any developers for iOS/Android out there like to share their views?

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Spotify for Android updated with NFC sharing capabilities, Survey finds more than half of mobile users distrust apps installed on their phones due to privacy concerns,

Sky+ launches 7-day Catch Up TV, 2TB HD DVRs and adds zeebox extras to its iPad app

Sky launches 7day Catch Up TV, 2TB HD DVRs and adds zeebox extras to its iPad app

Sky+ in the UK has bundled several updates to deliver all at once, including expected ones like zeebox integration into its iPad app and an expanded Catch Up TV lineup, plus a new 2TB Sky+ HD DVR. Viewers will notice the new 7-day Catch Up TV section in their video on-demand section stocked with shows from Sky, ITV Player and Demand 5, with BBC iPlayer arriving this fall and 4oD next year. The Sky+ iPad app has been updated to v4.1 with a notification for possible recording conflicts plus expanded content info and social tie-ins powered by zeebox. Now, you can not only change channels from the tablet, but also find out more about what’s playing. Finally, the new expanded size DVR outpaces the stock configuration available from competitor Virgin Media, and we’re told it is priced the same as the previous 1TB offering. Check after the break for a press release with all the details, the gallery for screenshots and a look at the DVR or hit iTunes to grab the updated app right now.

Continue reading Sky+ launches 7-day Catch Up TV, 2TB HD DVRs and adds zeebox extras to its iPad app

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Sky+ launches 7-day Catch Up TV, 2TB HD DVRs and adds zeebox extras to its iPad app originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 06:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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