Hasta La Gadget!

As the year comes to an end, dysfunctional Congressional politics continues to dominate the headlines, and rightly so. Our politicians are scrambling to deal with a mess that they created all on their own — a fiscal cliff that risks pushing the country into recession. And while a last minute “micro deal” is still possible, there will be little celebration, nor should there be. Whatever transpires in the next few days, look for politicians to point fingers at each other. If left to fester, the related inability of Congress to step up to economic responsibilities would risk being associated with more than just sluggish growth, persistently high unemployment, and a growing sense of financial discomfort. It would also undermine the country’s longer-term growth potential and, with that, the ability of many citizens to realize the American dream.
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For now, airlines have to go through a lengthy hassle in order to get in-flight Internet access established. The airline has to get the FCC‘s go-ahead to utilize the satellite-delivered airwaves that bring wifi to aircraft, as well as approval from the FAA. To decrease the red tape and streamline the process, the FCC has approved an application process that will let airlines more easily get licensing.

According to some critics of the current process, the hassle involved in obtaining licensing for in-flight wireless Internet is the reason why it is not more widely available. According to the FCC’s Chairman Julius Genachowski, once the application process is in place, the amount of time it takes for an airline to get in-flight Internet approval will be cut in half.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires in-flight wireless Internet to be thoroughly tested for possible navigation/piloting interference. Says the Washington Post, while the FAA acknowledged that the FCC’s application process will indeed speed up the time it takes to get an in-flight wifi system in place on planes, it did not specify anything pertaining to its own involvement and requirements.

This comes at a time when the FAA has been reviewing its regulations about the use of certain devices that do not interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft, such as ereaders. Internet and gadgets are becoming a staple of society, and as such, both airlines and government agencies are being forced to adjust to keep pace. Says the FCC, “Whether traveling for work or leisure, Americans increasingly expect broadband access everywhere they go.”

[via Washington Post]

FCC loosens its grip, makes it easier to get Internet in-flight is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

If the economy continues to grow, the president’s second term will be a victory, period. That means the Republicans actually have to make sure it goes wrong. To accomplish this goal, the Republicans seem to have settled on two angles of attack.
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Samsung has announced its plans to build a giant 1.1 million square foot R&D and sales center where its display panel and semiconductor buildings are currently located in Silicon Valley. The center will stretch 10 stories into the sky and feature an accompanying parking garage. Meanwhile, the current SISA R&D center will be relocated and expanded.

The 1.1 million square foot R&D and Sales center will give employees covered parking, and is intended to “encourage interaction among staff, foster connections with the community and provide a space to attract employment in the highly competitive tech market, which is growing at a faster pace than overall employment.” It will be located north of downtown San Jose, and is being designed by firm NBBJ.

As for the Samsung Information Systems America, Inc. R&D building, more commonly called just SISA, it will be relocated to an 8.5 acre plot, and will be comprised of two 6-story buildings. Combined, the two buildings will offer about 385,000 square feet of office space, and will be accompanied by two parking decks. The buildings will overlook the Sunnyvale Golf Course.

Finally, amidst these two major projects, Samsung also plans to expand its Open Innovation with more space for “incubating and acquiring new technologies and working with early stage companies.” Says the announcement, both new campuses will be completely state-of-the-art and energy efficient. All things considered, next year is looking to be a busy time for Samsung.

[via Android Community]

Samsung announces plans to build 1.1 million square foot R&D headquarters is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Despite the general incompetence of Soviet long-range nuclear bombers, the US couldn’t allow a single such plane to reach American airspace. Its response—a new breed of fighter jet with an unprecedented wing design and handling. More »