Feb 20

Mad Catz unveils F.R.E.Q. 7 gaming headset

Posted in: Today's Chili

Gaming accessory maker Mad Catz has announced a new surround sound gaming headset for Windows computer users and smart devices called the F.R.E.Q. 7. The headset has Dolby Headphone 7.1 surround sound and Multiple EQ settings. The headset can be pre-ordered right now for $199.99.

freq7

The gaming headset uses extra-large 50 mm speakers featuring neodymium magnets for high-quality audio. Many of the components of the headphones are made using aluminum and the headset is designed with ear cans that fold flat for a comfortable around the neck resting position. The headset also has a detachable noise-canceling microphone.

The tip of the microphone glows red when it’s muted making it easy to tell if the mic is on or off at a glance. The headphones also have on ear controls for volume, Dolby settings, and mute. The headset also ships with a 3.5 mm audio cable allowing it to be used with tablets, smartphones, and other devices.

When the microphone is attached, the headset can be used to make phone calls on many smart devices including the iPhone, Windows Phone 8 devices, and others. The headset is offered with a desktop stand and is available in matte black, gloss black, gloss white, and gloss red colors.

[via Mad Catz]


Mad Catz unveils F.R.E.Q. 7 gaming headset is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

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Feb 20

Strategy Analytics: Apple’s iPhone 5 tops world smartphone sales for Q4 2012

Posted in: Today's Chili

Strategy Analytics Apple's iPhone 5 tops world smartphone sales for Q4 2012

According to Strategy Analytics, Apple’s iPhone 5 was already the best-selling smartphone in the US, and the survey outfit says that it also outsold all other models elsewhere on the planet, too. Cupertino’s new bauble sold an estimated 27.4 million units during the period to dethrone the previous quarter’s champ, the Samsung Galaxy S III, which landed in around 15.4 million hands globally. To top it off, the iPhone 4S actually shipped an estimated 17.4 million units to bump the Samsung’s best-seller down to third place, giving Apple the two most popular handsets on the planet and over 20 percent of the global market. Of course, the Korean maker might be throwing down soon with a new contender, and we know how fast you can go from champ to chump in the smartphone game.

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Strategy Analytics: Apple iPhone 5 Becomes World’s Best-Selling Smartphone Model in Q4 2012

Boston, MA – February 20, 2013 – According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, Apple’s iPhone 5 overtook Samsung’s Galaxy S3 to become the world’s best-selling smartphone model for the first time ever in the fourth quarter of 2012. A rich touchscreen, extensive distribution and generous operator subsidies have propelled the iPhone 5 to the top spot.

Neil Shah, Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics, said, “Apple’s iPhone 5 smartphone model shipped an estimated 27.4 million units worldwide during the fourth quarter of 2012. The iPhone 5 captured an impressive 13 percent share of all smartphones shipped globally and it has become the world’s best-selling smartphone model for the first time ever. A rich touchscreen design, extensive distribution across dozens of countries, and generous operator subsidies have been among the main causes of the iPhone 5’s success. In addition to the iPhone 5, Apple shipped an estimated 17.4 million iPhone 4S units for 8 percent smartphone share globally in Q4 2012. Apple’s iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S are currently the world’s two most popular smartphone models.”

Neil Mawston, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics, added, “Apple’s iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S together accounted for 1 in 5 of all smartphones shipped worldwide in Q4 2012. This was an impressive performance, given the iPhone portfolio’s premium pricing. We estimate Samsung’s Galaxy S3 was the world’s third best-selling smartphone model and it shipped 15.4 million units globally, capturing 7 percent share in the fourth quarter of 2012. Samsung’s Galaxy S3 has long proven wildly popular with consumers and operators across North America, Europe and Asia. However, global demand for the Galaxy S3 appears to have peaked and Samsung will surely be keen to introduce its rumored Galaxy S4 upgrade in the coming weeks to fight back against Apple’s popular iPhone range.”

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Feb 20

YotaPhone inks manufacturing deal, plans to launch in the second half of 2013

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YotaPhone inks manufacturing deal, plans to launch in the second half of 2013

Did you think that Russia’s YotaPhone was consigned to the island of misfit concept devices? The company has just inked a production deal with Singapore-based OEM Hi-P international, with YotaPhone planning to launch the handset globally in the second half of 2013. While Hi-P isn’t a name you should be familiar with, a cursory search reveals that it’s previously produced hardware for Apple, RIM BlackBerry and, most notably, Amazon’s E-Reader division. At the same time, the Russian business is opening up an R&D center in Singapore to help research “subsequent generations of YotaPhone,” so it looks like Janus devices could be here to stay.

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YOTA DEVICES SELECTS SINGAPORE Hi-P AS ODM PARTNER

YotaPhone to be Ready for Market in H2 2013

Moscow, Russia and Singapore, 20 February 2013 – Yota Devices today announced it has selected Singapore Hi-P as its ODM partner for YotaPhone, the first dual-screen Android phone with a liquid crystal display on one side and an electronic paper display on the other.

Hi-P is one of the fastest growing Tier 1 contract manufacturers in Asia, specializing in wireless telecommunications and consumer electronics. Their clients include significant brand owners in the mobile, lifestyle and consumer electronics industries.

“Bringing a unique product like YotaPhone to the market requires an experienced manufacturing partner with both qualitative and quantitative engineering skills and Hi-P excels in both,”said Vlad Martynov, CEO, Yota Devices. “Hi-P has a proven track-record in high volume production of mobile devices with sophisticated design and advanced technology.”

Yota Devices also announced that it is establishing an R&D and Asian sales office in Singapore. The Singapore R&D center, along with the company’s development teams in Russia, the U.S. and Finland, will work with Hi-P to perfect the technology in production of the first and subsequent generations of YotaPhone.

“YotaPhone is a real differentiator in the smartphone space, and Hi-P is pleased to be workingwith Yota Devices to bring this one-of-a-kind product to market,” said C.T. Yao, Executive Chairman and CEO of Hi-P. “Hi-P understands that speed and flexibility are keys to success in this rapidly changing market and we are committed to deliver on-time results of the highestquality for Yota Devices.”

YotaPhone, which was unveiled in December 2012, is expected to be ready for sale first in
Russia and then globally in the second half of 2013.

###

About Yota Devices.

Yota Devices is a private company dedicated to mobile communications and connectivity
devices based in Moscow, Russia. Yota Devices’ international team of software and hardware
engineers and experts come from Russia, the U.S. and Finland. The company’s business
philosophy is based first on innovating the user experience and then on applying the best

emerging technologies to deliver on this promise. Yota Devices is bringing the company’s
knowledge and obsession with the user experience to the new YotaPhone based on the
company’s successful connectivity devices business. Yota Devices has already sold more
than 3 million fast, reliable and attractive modems, routers and other connectivity devices.
The company’s share of the LTE modems market is 6%. For more information visit http://
www.yotadevices.com and www.yotaphone.com.

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Feb 20

3Doodler crushes Kickstarter goal in hours

Posted in: Today's Chili

Yesterday we mentioned a new project that had landed on Kickstarter that is incredibly cool. The project is called the 3Doodler pen and it’s a pen that is able to draw in the air making 3-D creations that you can keep. The project had a goal of raising a mere $30,000 and is set to fund on Monday, March 25.

3Doodler-Pen-with-Eiffel-Tower1-580x435

It took only a few hours for the project to raise the $30,000 it was seeking on Kickstarter. A pledge of only $50 meant early backers via Kickstarter would get them one of the 3Doodler pens. As of the time of writing, the project has raised $456,373 and still has 32 days to go.

The project has 5187 backers so far. Currently the cheapest pledge that will get you a pen via Kickstarter is for $75 or more. That pledge will get you the pen and two bags of mixed color plastic along with a Hall of Fame mention. A pledge of $99 or more will get the pen and 10 bags of plastic.

The company also still has both of its $10,000 or more pledges available that get a pen, a membership to exclusive beta tester mailing list for future projects from the company, and a day with the people behind the project. The company hopes to deliver the finished product by November of 2013. The 3Doodler would certainly make for cool gift for Christmas.

[via Kickstarter]


3Doodler crushes Kickstarter goal in hours is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

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Feb 20

ASUS MWC teaser points to ‘metallic miracle,’ alien invasion (video)

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ASUS MWC teaser points to 'metallic miracle,' alien invasion video

MWC hype is in full swing, and ASUS has just released the coolest teaser we’ve seen so far. It depicts a shiny spaceship landing on the Sagrada Família in Barcelona (Spain), shot from the perspective of baffled onlookers. We’re just as perplexed, and have only got the phrases “ultimate craftsmanship” and “the metallic miracle” to dwell on. Will we see some form of chromed-out device later this month, or is ASUS planning world domination with some extraterrestrial allies? Let’s hope it’s the former, but we’ll just have to hide wait and see. Check the 30-second teaser vid below — Will Smith’s on standby.

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Feb 20

Testosterone, Needles Found At Oscar Pistorius’ Home, Police Say

Posted in: Today's Chili

PRETORIA, South Africa — Police say they found two boxes of testosterone and needles in the bedroom of Oscar Pistorius, the Olympian who has been charged with murder in the shooting of his girlfriend.

Detective Hilton Botha made the revelation Wednesday in testimony at the bail hearing for the athlete charged with premeditated murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

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Feb 20

Report: Spotify Wants to Extend Its Free Service to Phones

Posted in: Today's Chili

The Verge is reporting that Spotify is in talks with major music labels to negotiate substantial reductions in the royalty fees it pays—as well as extending rights so that it can roll out its free pricing tier to mobile devices. More »

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Feb 20

RealVNC brings smartphone display mirroring to Panasonic’s in-car system

Posted in: Today's Chili

Panasonic’s automotive division, also known as the Automotive Systems Company, has just announced a collaboration with RealVNC to replicate your smartphone screen for control on your car’s dashboard. The two firms have already worked together on the project for the past year, but have recently stepped it up to include integration of additional technologies like MirrorLink into Panasonic’s Display-Audio infotainment system. According to RealVNC’s press release, the system has “already been adopted by a major automotive manufacturer” and is currently available as a dealer option, though we’re not sure which automaker that is. This isn’t the first time RealVNC has explored its automotive potential — it’s partnered with Sony in the past, for example — but it’s certainly a sign that the tech is getting more mainstream. For more on the RealVNC and Panasonic partnership, take a peek at the press release after the break.

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RealVNC delivers MirrorLink[TM] capabilities to Automotive Systems Company, a division of Panasonic Corporation

Panasonic and RealVNC join forces to bring smartphone to vehicle connectivity to market

19th February 2013: Automotive Systems Company, a division of Panasonic Corporation selects RealVNC to deliver the next generation of in-car entertainment and driving experience. RealVNC’s VNC(R) Automotive technology has been integrated in Panasonic’s Display-Audio infotainment system to enable the screen of a smartphone to be replicated and controlled from the touchscreen display on the vehicle head unit. This provides drivers and passengers with seamless access to a wide range of smartphone content such as maps, music and internet radio.

As a leader in mobile to vehicle integration and cloud connectivity, and a core member of the international Car Connectivity Consortium, RealVNC provides Panasonic with advanced features and functionality that supports the Consortium’s MirrorLink[TM] industry standard. Panasonic’s Display-Audio system, has already been adopted by a major automotive manufacturer, is in production and is currently available to drivers as a dealer option.

“The smartphone is the content hub of this generation and users want access to their content and applications wherever they are, including in vehicle. We faced the challenge of meeting these needs in a way that was safe but where the experience was seamless,” said Kenki Matsuda, Manager, Automotive Systems Company, a division of Panasonic Corporation. “RealVNC offers the most robust and advanced solution for connecting smartphone and vehicle with its VNC Automotive solution, whilst also providing MirrorLink support. Our Display-Audio infotainment system has been available in vehicles since last year enabling drivers to access the applications on their smartphones safely from the head unit.”

Tom Blackie, Vice President Mobile of RealVNC added, “We are honoured to be working with Panasonic’s Automotive Division, one of the leading global suppliers of automotive systems and components, to build VNC Automotive and MirrorLink support into its Display-Audio system. Panasonic’s decision to use our technology ensures that they can offer advanced mobile to vehicle connectivity for the widest range of smartphone devices including support for legacy handsets.”

VNC Automotive has been widely adopted by the automotive industry as the standard for integrating mobile and vehicle, with partners including the world’s largest automotive, infotainment, OEM and Tier 1 manufacturers. VNC Automotive provides a seamless experience enabling smartphone connections via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB, the technology also supports other connectivity protocols such as MirrorLink and iPod Out.

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Source: RealVNC

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Feb 20

Oscar Pistorius Had Unlicensed .38 Caliber Ammunition In Home At Time Shooting, Say Police [UPDATED]

Posted in: Today's Chili

(Removes reference to handgun)

PRETORIA, Feb 20 (Reuters) – A South African police investigator said on Wednesday he wants to charge global track star Oscar Pistorius with a weapons law violation after unlicenced .38 calibre ammunition was found in his home.

Pistorius is facing a bail hearing on a charge of murdering his girlfriend at his home. (Reporting by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Ed Cropley)

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Feb 20

Oscar Pistorius Is A Flight Risk Should Be Denied Bail, Says Police Detective Hilton Botha

Posted in: Today's Chili

PRETORIA, South Africa — A detective has testified that Oscar Pistorius is a flight risk and shouldn’t be granted bail.

Hilton Botha also said in the star athlete’s bail hearing Wednesday that Pistorius illegally possessed .38-caliber ammunition in a safe in his bedroom. Pistorius is charged with premeditated murder for the Valentine’s Day shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp with a 9 mm pistol. The policeman testified that Pistorius did not have a license for a .38-caliber weapon and consequently possession of that ammunition was illegal.

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