Apple applies for shoe-life sensor patent, puts it in hypothetical brogues

Apple applies for shoelife sensor patent, puts it in hypothetical brogues

Nike’s running sensor, a detachable piece of tech that connected to a companion iOS app, is the closest that Apple’s associated itself to foot metrics so far, but folded inside the company’s patent applications for today is this left-field addition, a shoe wear-out sensor. We assume the idea is geared towards runners — presumably these brogue outlines we’re looking at above are just red herrings.

The application draws together two possible outcomes: one with an thin sensor layer built your footwear of choice and another which keeps the sensor in the heel. A “unitless activity number” is also mentioned, where the device (which could include accelerometers, flexibility sensors and more) could craft an “activity value” based on your movement — this would then also be used to gauge the shelf-life of your current footwear. When this pre-specified threshold is exceeded, it would then sound the alarm. According to one diagram, the process could connect with an external display, likely broadcasting its concern to your nearby iOS device. But if your running needs demand a sensor to tell you when your sneakers are cooked, there might be other things worth tracking.

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Source: USPTO

Intel gets go-ahead for $4 billion chip plant in Ireland, will produce its next-gen 14nm processors

Intel has been planning to make its Ireland base one of three global manufacturing sites for its 14nm chips since May last year, and its now been given the okay by Ireland’s lead planning agency. The new $4 billion plant will create around 4,300 jobs for the region in Co. Kildare, where Intel already has around 4,000 on staff. The two-year plan involves redeveloping its existing operation, expanding and shifting to make its smaller, more efficient 14nm process. Intel’s plans don’t stop there, however. It still plans to roll out 10nm products sometime in 2015.

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Via: Silicon Republic

Source: Pleanala

Stylophone S2 portable analog synthesizer hands-on (video)

http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/23/stylophone-s2-portable-analog-synthesizer-hands-on/

The original Stylophone is something of a legend. Made popular by David Bowie (and possibly if you’re British, Rolf Harris) in the late sixties / early seventies. Since then the original (shown in our gallery) has been re-released, and spin-off products have come to light. The S2, however, represents a new direction for the vintage synth. This time, makers dubreq wanted to create something that maintained the original’s pick-up-and-play appeal, while adding some more high-end features and functionality that open it up to more serious sound-smiths. The first thing you will notice is that, while it still has the iconic metal “keys,” the Stylophone S2 is somewhat larger — no bad thing if you’ve ever tried penning a melody live on the original. Those keys can be triggered with a wireless stylus, but are touch sensitive also, meaning you can poke out a tune without being limited to the agility of your dominant hand. Skip past the break for more details and a hardware video tour.

If you’re thinking that, despite being larger than its predecessor, there’s just not enough keys, then be assured you can get a full three octaves plus a +/-2 shift function on the left giving it a comprehensive range. The all-analog sound engine also features an eight waveform LFO, bass-heavy sub-oscillators and a state-variable filter. Thanks to an Aux input, you can also use the filters etc. with external audio sources, plus there are headphone and 1/4-inch outputs. If you’re worried it’s all a little too compact for a live performance, there’s a CV (control voltage) input trigger offering the ability to control with with an external sequencing device. It’s not all retro though, with the illuminated speaker section also providing real-time feedback (such as the speed of the LFO). Best — and most importantly of all — it sounds just like you want it to, full of crunchy, analog goodness. The hardware feels extremely well built, and definitely feels like it could stand up to the knocks and bangs that inevitably come with taking gear out on the road, which, thanks to the option of AA battery power is wonderfully easy. Sound like something you’d like the sound of? The Stylophone S2 is available now for £299 (about $470 by conversion).

Billy Steele contributed to this report.

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Apple announces Q1 2013 earnings: record $54.5 billion in revenue, 47.8 million iPhones and 22.9 million iPads sold

Apple announces Q1 2013 earnings

Yesterday was Google, tomorrow is Microsoft — stuck in the middle? Apple. The unholy trinity of tech are going back-to-back-to-back with their quarterly earnings reports and Cupertino, faced with a steeply declining stock price, posted $54.5 billion in revenue — just shy of Wall Street estimates. Still, that represents a record quarter for the company which has been rumored to be facing diminished demand for its flagship iPhone. While it may be a while ’til we know for sure if demand for the handset is tapering off, we can report that the 47.8 million iPhones sold in Q1 of 2013 represents a new high water mark. While revenues were a bit shy of estimates, the earnings per share of $13.82 were above what was expected, as was the record $13.08 billion in net profits. Year-over-year, profit was relatively flat ($13.06 billion in 2012), while revenues were up significantly from the $46.33 billion posted in Q1 of 2012.

Carrying the day were record sales of iPhones and iPads — the latter of which sold 22.9 million units during the quarter, up from 15.4 million a year ago and 14 million last quarter. Other products, however, continued their slow descent towards potential obsolescence. Only 4.1 million Macs and 12.7 million iPods were shipped during the quarter, compared to 5.2 million and 15.4 million, respectively, the same time last year.

As usual, the vast majority of Apple’s revenue, $20.3 billion to be exact, comes from the US. But other markets are growing quickly. In particular, revenues from China are up 67 percent year-over-year to 6.8 billion, while Japan and Asia Pacific are up 88 and 89 percent, respectively, just from last quarter.

Through all this Apple has continued to build an enormous war chest, with $196 billion in assets at its disposal. So, should the allure of its brushed aluminum lineup fade, the company should be able to carry on for some time before falling on dire straits. If you’d like to dig in to all the financial details check out the PR after the break and tune in here for updates when the earnings call gets under way at 5PM ET.

Update: The call is done and all the important tidbits are after the break.

Updates:

5:04PM Tim Cook just let us know that “well over half a billion iOS devices” have been sold as of the end of the quarter. That’s a pretty decent jump from June’s 400 million number.

5:12PM Peter Oppenheimer gave China a special shout out, where he says iPhone sales have doubled.

5:14PM Oppenheimer laid some of the blame for slow Mac sales on delays getting the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro and iMac to market in some regions.

5:17PM iCloud usage appears to have skyrocketed, with Oppenheimer claiming 250 million accounts now active.

5:20PM Apparently over 75 million iOS devices were sold in this quarter alone. Not too shabby.

5:24PM Tim Cook says that, despite competitors going big, he feels no need to follow their lead. When it comes to smartphone screen sizes, Apple has “picked the right one” he says.

5:34PM Tim Cook admits that, while the short ramp up time for shipping new iMacs may have hurt sales for the quarter, he’s sure there “has been some cannibalization” from the iPad.

5:46PM Apple TV, the perpetual Cupertino hobby, is apparently doing quite well, with 2 million units being sold in the quarter — a jump of 60 percent year-over-year according to Tim Cook.

5:54PM Tim Cook doesn’t see cannibalization as a problem necessarily, but as a “huge opportunity.” As he explained, if they held back on the iPad due to fear of cannibalizing Mac sales another company would simply come along, fill that niche and eat into Apple’s bottom line anyway.

6:02PM Cook just sneaked in a mention that 36 new carriers with LTE will be adding the iPhone 5 next week, including those in countries like Italy, Denmark, and Switzerland.

6:05PM That’s all folks, thanks for tuning in.

Show full PR text

Apple Reports Record Results
47.8 Million iPhones Sold; 22.9 Million iPads Sold

CUPERTINO, Calif., Jan 23, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Apple(R) today announced financial results for its 13-week fiscal 2013 first quarter ended December 29, 2012. The Company posted record quarterly revenue of $54.5 billion and record quarterly net profit of $13.1 billion, or $13.81 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $46.3 billion and net profit of $13.1 billion, or $13.87 per diluted share, in the 14-week year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 38.6 percent compared to 44.7 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 61 percent of the quarter’s revenue.

Average weekly revenue was $4.2 billion in the quarter compared to $3.3 billion in the year-ago quarter.

The Company sold a record 47.8 million iPhones in the quarter, compared to 37 million in the year-ago quarter. Apple also sold a record 22.9 million iPads during the quarter, compared to 15.4 million in the year-ago quarter. The Company sold 4.1 million Macs, compared to 5.2 million in the year-ago quarter. Apple sold 12.7 million iPods in the quarter, compared to 15.4 million in the year-ago quarter.

Apple’s Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $2.65 per share of the Company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on February 14, 2013, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 11, 2013.

“We’re thrilled with record revenue of over $54 billion and sales of over 75 million iOS devices in a single quarter,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We’re very confident in our product pipeline as we continue to focus on innovation and making the best products in the world.”

“We’re pleased to have generated over $23 billion in cash flow from operations during the quarter,” said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s CFO. “We established new all-time quarterly records for iPhone and iPad sales, significantly broadened our ecosystem, and generated Apple’s highest quarterly revenue ever.”

Apple is providing the following guidance for its fiscal 2013 second quarter:

* revenue between $41 billion and $43 billion

* gross margin between 37.5 percent and 38.5 percent

* operating expenses between $3.8 billion and $3.9 billion

* other income/(expense) of $350 million

* tax rate of 26%

Apple will provide live streaming of its Q1 2013 financial results conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. PST on January 23, 2013 at www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/earningsq113 . This webcast will also be available for replay for approximately two weeks thereafter.

This press release contains forward-looking statements including without limitation those about the Company’s estimated revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, other income/(expense), and tax rate. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ. Risks and uncertainties include without limitation the effect of competitive and economic factors, and the Company’s reaction to those factors, on consumer and business buying decisions with respect to the Company’s products; continued competitive pressures in the marketplace; the ability of the Company to deliver to the marketplace and stimulate customer demand for new programs, products, and technological innovations on a timely basis; the effect that product introductions and transitions, changes in product pricing or mix, and/or increases in component costs could have on the Company’s gross margin; the inventory risk associated with the Company’s need to order or commit to order product components in advance of customer orders; the continued availability on acceptable terms, or at all, of certain components and services essential to the Company’s business currently obtained by the Company from sole or limited sources; the effect that the Company’s dependency on manufacturing and logistics services provided by third parties may have on the quality, quantity or cost of products manufactured or services rendered; risks associated with the Company’s international operations; the Company’s reliance on third-party intellectual property and digital content; the potential impact of a finding that the Company has infringed on the intellectual property rights of others; the Company’s dependency on the performance of distributors, carriers and other resellers of the Company’s products; the effect that product and service quality problems could have on the Company’s sales and operating profits; the continued service and availability of key executives and employees; war, terrorism, public health issues, natural disasters, and other circumstances that could disrupt supply, delivery, or demand of products; and unfavorable results of other legal proceedings. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results is included from time to time in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s public reports filed with the SEC, including the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2012, and its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 29, 2012 to be filed with the SEC. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple’s PR website ( www.apple.com/pr ), or call Apple’s Media Helpline at (408) 974-2042.

(C) 2013 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Apple Inc.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except number of shares which are reflected in
thousands and per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
————————————-
December 29, December 31,
2012 2011
—————- —————-
Net sales $ 54,512 $ 46,333
Cost of sales (1) 33,452 25,630
——– ——–
Gross margin 21,060 20,703
——– ——–
Operating expenses:
Research and development (1) 1,010 758
Selling, general and administrative (1) 2,840 2,605
——– ——–
Total operating expenses 3,850 3,363
——– ——–
Operating income 17,210 17,340
Other income/(expense), net 462 137
——– ——–
Income before provision for income taxes 17,672 17,477
Provision for income taxes 4,594 4,413
——– ——–
Net income $ 13,078 $ 13,064
======== ======== ======== ========
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 13.93 $ 14.03
Diluted $ 13.81 $ 13.87
Shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic 938,916 931,041
Diluted 947,217 941,572
Cash dividends declared per common share $ 2.65 $ 0
(1) Includes share-based compensation expense as follows:
Cost of sales $ 85 $ 63
Research and development $ 224 $ 160
Selling, general and administrative $ 236 $ 197

Apple Inc.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except number of shares which are reflected in
thousands)
December 29, September 29,
2012 2012
—————— ——————
ASSETS:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 16,154 $ 10,746
Short-term marketable securities 23,666 18,383
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $119 and $98, respectively 11,598 10,930
Inventories 1,455 791
Deferred tax assets 2,895 2,583
Vendor non-trade receivables 9,936 7,762
Other current assets 6,644 6,458
——— ———
Total current assets 72,348 57,653
Long-term marketable securities 97,292 92,122
Property, plant and equipment, net 15,422 15,452
Goodwill 1,381 1,135
Acquired intangible assets, net 4,462 4,224
Other assets 5,183 5,478
——— ———
Total assets $ 196,088 $ 176,064
========= ========= ========= =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 26,398 $ 21,175
Accrued expenses 13,207 11,414
Deferred revenue 7,274 5,953
——— ———
Total current liabilities 46,879 38,542
Deferred revenue – non-current 2,938 2,648
Other non-current liabilities 18,925 16,664
——— ———
Total liabilities 68,742 57,854
——— ———
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value; 1,800,000 shares authorized; 938,973 and 17,167 16,422
939,208 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
Retained earnings 109,567 101,289
Accumulated other comprehensive income 612 499
——— ———
Total shareholders’ equity 127,346 118,210
——— ———
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 196,088 $ 176,064
========= ========= ========= =========

Apple Inc.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Three Months Ended
————————————-
December 29, December 31,
2012 2011
—————- —————-
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period $ 10,746 $ 9,815
——– ——– ——– ——–
Operating activities:
Net income 13,078 13,064
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash generated by operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 1,588 721
Share-based compensation expense 545 420
Deferred income tax expense 1,179 1,456
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net (668) (3,561)
Inventories (664) (460)
Vendor non-trade receivables (2,174) (1,206)
Other current and non-current assets 413 (962)
Accounts payable 6,145 4,314
Deferred revenue 1,611 1,296
Other current and non-current liabilities 2,373 2,472
——– ——–
Cash generated by operating activities 23,426 17,554
——– ——–
Investing activities:
Purchases of marketable securities (37,192) (40,175)
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities 3,460 3,038
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities 23,002 21,472
Payments made in connection with business acquisitions, net (284) 0
Payments for acquisition of property, plant and equipment (2,317) (1,321)
Payments for acquisition of intangible assets (138) (108)
Other (52) (34)
——– ——–
Cash used in investing activities (13,521) (17,128)
——– ——–
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 76 91
Excess tax benefits from equity awards 404 333
Dividends and dividend equivalent rights paid (2,493) 0
Repurchase of common stock (1,950) 0
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards (534) (355)
——– ——–
Cash (used in)/generated by financing activities (4,497) 69
——– ——–
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 5,408 495
——– ——–
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period $ 16,154 $ 10,310
======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
Cash paid for income taxes, net $ 1,890 $ 1,474

Apple Inc.
Q1 2013 Unaudited Summary Data
(Units in thousands, Revenue in millions)
Q1’13 (a) Q4’12 (a) Q1’12 (a) Sequential Change Year/Year Change
——————- ——————- ——————- —————— —————–
Operating Segments Revenue Revenue Revenue Revenue Revenue
———– ———– ———– ———- ———
Americas $ 20,341 $ 13,810 $ 17,714 47% 15%
Europe 12,464 8,023 11,256 55% 11%
Greater China (b) 6,830 5,427 4,080 26% 67%
Japan 4,443 2,367 3,550 88% 25%
Rest of Asia Pacific 3,993 2,110 3,617 89% 10%
Retail 6,441 4,229 6,116 52% 5%
—— —— —— ———- ———
Total Apple $ 54,512 $ 35,966 $ 46,333 52% 18%
— ——
Q1’13 (a) Q4’12 (a) Q1’12 (a) Sequential Change Year/Year Change
——————- ——————- ——————- —————— —————–
Product Summary Units Revenue Units Revenue Units Revenue Units Revenue Units Revenue
—— ———– —— ———– —— ———– —– ———- —– ———
iPhone (c) 47,789 $ 30,660 26,910 $ 16,645 37,044 $ 23,950 78% 84% 29% 28%
iPad (c) 22,860 10,674 14,036 7,133 15,434 8,769 63% 50% 48% 22%
Mac (c) 4,061 5,519 4,923 6,617 5,198 6,598 – 18% – 17% – 22% – 16%
iPod (c) 12,679 2,143 5,344 820 15,397 2,528 137% 161% – 18% – 15%
iTunes/Software/Services (d) 3,687 3,496 3,020 5% 22%
Accessories (e) 1,829 1,255 1,468 46% 25%
—— —— —— ———- ———
Total Apple $ 54,512 $ 35,966 $ 46,333 52% 18%
— ——

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Numark Orbit wireless MIDI DJ controller hands-on (video)

Numark Orbit wireless MIDI DJ controller hands-on

NAMM is yet to open its doors fully, but we managed to sneak a hands-on with the freshly announced Orbit DJ controller from Numark at the press preview. As you can see, the wireless device looks like a game controller that crashed into a disco — it’s certainly distinctive. This is no accident, and the design is purposely built with quick and easy button access in mind, letting DJs (and any MIDI-based performers) step out from behind the DJ booth, and onto the stage. The portability of the Orbit is further amplified by the inclusion of a clip-mount on the rear, as well as lanyard-style strap hoops. It feels light yet solid, and the soft-touch finish means your hands won’t get tired gripping this thing in the throws of a drum-pad solo. The name Orbit also evidently refers — at least in part — to the near-symmetrical design which lets you hold it either way with the same comfortable access to those brightly-lit, colorful controls. Those pads feel smooth, yet tactile — and most importantly — responsive. Tap past the break for more impressions.

That central dial you see in the middle is designed to be used as a multi-purpose knob, and is big enough for you to comfortably thumb it, while still reaching the side controls. There are four buttons which can be assigned as “virtual rotaries,” and once selected, spin that wheel to modulate whatever you have it assigned to (filters, reverb amount etc.). The other set of four buttons let you expand those 16 pads out to a potential 64, so if you want one bank for controlling lights, one for sample triggering, and another for hot-cues, you can do this all from the one small device. It’s not just the external controls that make this interesting, the internal two-axis accelerometer, which can be assigned to parameters of choice, will definitely add a new dimension to what’s possible. Sadly we weren’t able to try this out, but already we’re thinking of some interesting uses. There’s a micro-USB port on one side for charging and tethered use. We only had a short amount of time with the Orbit, but already we could see its potential for enhancing performance. It’s not meant to replace anything in your existing set-up, rather to enhance it, and given the flexibility of MIDI, this could mean a whole host of interesting uses. The crowd of folk waiting to get a closer look behind us certainly showed that it’s piquing people’s interest. Set to be released in spring for a reasonable $100, this looks like a promising start to 2013 for Numark. Check the video tour below for more.

Billy Steele contributed to this report.

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Numark refreshes iDJ Live, NS7, Mixtrack Pro DJ controllers, intros new Orbit wireless option

Numark refreshes iDJ Live, NS7, Mixtrack Pro DJ controllers, intros new Orbit wireless option

Many a DJ’s first footsteps into the craft has started with a box labeled ‘Numark.’ At This year’s Winter NAMM the prolific firm has updated three of it’s existing controllers, and added a new hand-held wireless line — called Orbit — into (ahem) the mix. First up for the refresh treatment is the sequel to the iDJ Live iPad DJ controller — the iDJ Live II (of course). What’s new? Well this time around there’s USB connectivity, which opens the functionality to a much broader range of software. The design has also been revised, with the platters most notably being much lower profile. Controls-wise, it’s still back to basics with the essentials covered (EQ, crossfader etc), but the lack of onboard audio interface means you’re still relying on an audio splitter for cueing. If you need a little more control, or a dedicated audio interface, the second revision on the list — the Mixtrack Pro II — might be more up your street. Head past the break to read more.

Once again the design has been given a makeover, plus there’s 16 drum pads, hot cues, back-lit platters and all the usual effects — there’s also Serato DJ Intro software bundled in to get you going. The Mixtrack Pro II will cost $299 when it launches sometime this month. Last of the existing hardware revisions goes to Numark’s popular motorized-platter controller the NS7, with the NS7 II. This is aimed at those DJs who like to trick their sets out a little bit, and this is made all the easier by the inclusion of 16 MPC-style pads, borrowed from the sister brand Akai’s famous sample player line. The pads also have MIDI-assignable RGB backlights, letting you get creative with the color-scheme. The 3,600 ‘tick’ resolution, plus slipmats definitely make this the digital-turntablist’s choice (if that’s a thing) from the new recruits.

Last, and possibly most interestingly, is the entirely new Orbit controller. This — so claims Numark — is the world’s first wireless handheld DJ controller. The game-controller-esque design evidently hopes to bridge the gap between DJing and performance. The low-latency 2.5GHz wireless will bring the artist closer to the audience, for sure, but if you’re a little more traditional, or like a longer, power heavy performance, you can still cable-up. There’s four selectable banks of 16 pads (eight either side) plus four virtual knobs and a control wheel for adjusting parameters in real time. If that’s all a little vanilla, there’s also a two-axis accelerometer which can be set to control two different parameters (fader frequency or volume, for example) which is activated by shoulder buttons — ideal for those extra-active performers — and reminiscent of controllers we’ve seen before. For more info head over to the PRs, or check our ongoing NAMM coverage for hands-ons as we find things.

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NUMARK INTRODUCES iDJ LIVE II

iDJ Live II offers expanded mixing capability and an all-new design.

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) – Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, announces iDJ Live II, a new mobile DJ controller that offers versatile control over a wide variety of computer-based and mobile DJ platforms. Numark will unveil iDJ Live II at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

An updated and enhanced version of Numark’s iDJ Live controller, iDJ Live II features an updated low-profile design and USB connectivity, allowing it to perform with both laptop-based and mobile DJ platforms. iDJ Live II features a standard layout of DJ controls, including a crossfader, EQ knobs, and capacitive touch-activated platters. The design of iDJ Live II has also been slimmed down with redesigned platters that are now illuminated and low-profile. A headphone/speaker splitter cable is also included.

“iDJ Live II enhances and builds upon our original vision for iDJ Live-give anyone and everyone real DJing capability in a compact, comprehensive, and fun package,” said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager.

Numark will display and demo iDJ Live II at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show.

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NUMARK UPDATES AND IMPROVES THE WORLD’S #1 DJ CONTROLLER

Mixtrack Pro II unveiled at NAMM 2013 and available in stores immediately

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) – Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, announces Mixtrack Pro II, an enhanced and updated version of Mixtrack Pro, the world’s best-selling DJ controller. Numark will exhibit Mixtrack Pro II at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

Mixtrack Pro II features a new streamlined design and a new expanded layout of professional controls, including 16 backlit multifunction drum pads and illuminated touch-activated platters. Hot cues, looping, and effects controls are all onboard, along with a built-in professional DJ audio interface. Building upon Numark’s longstanding partnership with Serato(R), Mixtrack Pro II comes with Serato DJ Intro. DJs can also easily use Mixtrack Pro II with most popular DJ software, and it also comes pre-mapped for an optional upgrade to Serato DJ, the latest state-of-the-art professional software from Serato. Serato DJ includes a wide range of all-new features and capabilities, including stunning new effects powered by iZotope(R), ultra-flexible and intuitive MIDI mapping, and the ability to set and trigger up to eight cue points.

“When we first released Mixtrack Pro, there was nothing else like it-it set the bar and gave DJs and aspiring DJs everywhere truly professional capabilities,” said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager. “Mixtrack Pro II is the next step of that evolution-the bar just got even higher.”

Numark will also be showing Mixtrack II, an all-new version of Mixtrack, which shares all of the same professional updates received by Mixtrack Pro II.

Mixtrack Pro II will be available in stores in January 2013 with an estimated street price of $299.

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NUMARK ONCE AGAIN DEMOLISHES THE BOUNDARIES OF DJING WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF NS7 II

Incorporating exclusive technology from Akai Professional, NS7 II offers DJs the most responsive control surface ever created with virtually every inch filled with advanced touch-sensitive controls.

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) – Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, announces NS7 II, a dramatically enhanced and updated version of the industry’s most advanced and best-selling motorized DJ controller, NS7. NS7 II features four channels, 16 backlit RGB velocity-sensitive MPC(R) pads from Akai Professional, expanded effects controls-including a full array of capacitive touch-activated knobs and filters-and the most comprehensive integration for Serato DJ available. Numark will exhibit and demo NS7 II for the first time at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

For more than 20 years, Numark has set the pace in the world of digital DJing, empowering DJs with cutting-edge technology that has continually advanced the art form. In 2007, Numark and Serato(R) released NS7, a controller that blends different eras of DJing so completely it makes them virtually indistinguishable from each other. Since then, the powerful experience offered by NS7 has defined the top tier of DJ performance, setting the standard by which all other controllers are judged.

Now, with NS7 II, Numark is pushing the modern DJ’s performance capability even further, incorporating iconic technology from Akai Professional, the world leader in music production technology and creator of the legendary MPC. NS7 II’s 16 MPC pads can be instantly assigned to control five dynamic performance features in Serato DJ: Cues, Loop, Roll, Sampler, and Slicer. In addition, each pad features RGB illumination, allowing for a virtually endless amount of color variations assignable via MIDI. Vinyl platter control has never felt more familiar with its high- and low-torque motorized platters with real slip mats and real vinyl sitting on 3,600 ticks of resolution. NS7 II’s four-channel mixer works with or without a computer and includes a full array of external device inputs. Capacitive touch-activated filter, gain, EQ, and effects knobs are other features incorporated from Akai Professional, which turn the knobs themselves into control surfaces. DJs can use them for instant-on parameter control, blending effects, and instant frequency kills. “NS7 II is an interactive playground,” said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager. “It’s built to squeeze every ounce of capability out of Serato DJ and push your creative limits. It’s born to perform and to empower DJs with maximum live-performance creative capability.”

NS7 II will be unveiled at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show on January 24th.

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NUMARK INTRODUCES THE WORLD’S FIRST WIRELESS HANDHELD DJ CONTROLLER

Orbit offers DJs unprecedented wireless control with 16 backlit pads, large aluminum control wheel, built-in 2-axis accelerometer, belt clip, and 8 hours of personality on a single charge.

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) – Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, introduces Orbit, a first-of-its-kind wireless handheld DJ performance controller. Numark will unveil Orbit at and around Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

Numark’s Orbit is the next step in the evolution of the performing DJ. Made to be held in the hands, strapped to your body using its built-in clip, or placed on the table, Orbit packs an unheard-of amount of control into an ergonomic game-controller-on-steroids design, which has every inch, inside and out, tailor-made for live performance. Orbit can be used wired via the included USB cable, which also charges it, or wireless using 2.4 GHz ultra-low-latency connectivity. Orbit features 4 selectable banks of 16 backlit pads, 8 on each side, for adding and blending effects, launching hot cues and samples, and more. Located in the center of Orbit are 4 bank selection buttons, 4 virtual knobs, and a large aluminum-faced touch-sensitive control wheel, which controls the selected virtual knob for instantly tweaking effects and filters.

“If you want to be a serious DJ these days, you need the guts and the gear to get out on the stage and perform,” said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager. “Orbit embraces that reality to its core, empowering DJs with performance capabilities that will need to be seen and experienced to be believed. It’s intuitive, operating like an extension of the DJ-not to mention it’s the most fun you’ll ever have on stage.”

Orbit’s live-performance design extends even to the inside of the device, where it has an embedded 2-axis accelerometer, which can be assigned to 2 different parameters per bank and activated instantly via 2 shoulder buttons. All of Orbit’s controls are fully mappable, so DJs will be able to customize their settings for effects control, transport control, volume control, or any other MIDI parameter. Numark will demonstrate Orbit for the first time at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show.

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White House unveils National Day of Civic Hacking to solve problems with open data

White House unveils National Day of Civic Hacking to solve problems with open data

Sure, the freshly announced National Day of Civic Hacking may sound like it’ll occupy a single square on your calendar, but the White House wants folks to get together on June 1st and 2nd to solve problems with a bit of coding and info from Uncle Sam. Government agencies including the Census Bureau, NASA and the Department of Labor are set to serve up publicly available data for developers and entrepreneurs to concoct solutions for problems affecting cities, states and the country. In addition to government support, the effort is being organized by outfits including Code for America, Random Hacks of Kindness and Eric Schmidt’s Innovation Endeavors. Currently, 27 cities have events scheduled during the weekend in question, but the initiative’s coordinators are looking to spawn even more powwows throughout the US. If you’d like to pitch in or submit ideas for challenges participants should tackle, hit the source links below.

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Via: TechCrunch

Source: White House OSTP, Hack for Change

Zombieland TV show in the works at Amazon, headed for Instant

Zombieland TV show in the works at Amazon, headed for Instant

Before Jesse Eisenberg was known for playing Facebook’s quirky founder, he starred with Woody Harrelson in a delightfully campy film called Zombieland. That film is apparently being adapted for the little screen — well, perhaps not so little, but littler — by none other than Amazon Studios, the in-house team created to produce original content on Amazon’s Instant streaming service, reports Broadcast Now. It’s not clear just how far along the series is, but io9 did discover some casting pages which reveal the plot: “the show will center around the original group of post apocalyptic survivors.” Presumably that means more Twinkie references, more awkward romance, and a ton more comical zombie killing. That is, of course, if the early casting sheets are indicative of what the final show ends up being. Regardless, we’ve reached out to Amazon for more info, and we’ve dropped some of the film’s best parts just below the break.

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Via: The Verge

Source: Broadcast Now, io9

AMD hires chip experts from Qualcomm and Apple, aims to move beyond the PC

Even more transfer news from chipmakers, although this one isn’t quite as litigious. AMD has hired two senior engineers with experience at both Qualcomm and Apple. The hires have been confirmed by AMD, which added that the new recruits would help the chipmaker expand into new markets — though the spokesperson didn’t specify what these markets would be. Charles Matar, with expertise in low-power and embedded chip design will join from Qualcomm as AMD’s new vice president of SoC Development, while Wayne Meretsky, formerly of Apple, was named vice president of software IP development. AMD still derives around 80 percent of its revenue from PCs, a market that continues to slow as smartphones and tablets continue to flourish. Both will likely be involved in the development of whatever AMD’s planning for after Temash.

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Source: Reuters

HMV Canada owner takes control of HMV UK in attempt to rescue troubled chain

HMV Canada owner takes control of HMV UK in attempt to rescue troubled chain

HMV’s 91-year long tenure on the British high street might not be coming to an end after all, as HMV Canada’s owner has mounted a rescue attempt. The rescuer in this instance is Hilco, which previously picked up Polaroid’s brand and paired it with famous insolvency specialist Lady Gaga. BBC News is reporting that Hilco scored a cut-price rate on the £176 million ($278.8 million) corporate debt and has already received cheering words from the film and music industry. After a bout of uncertainty, HMV has also said it’ll once again accept gift cards in its stores.

[Image credit: London Express / Getty Images]

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Source: BBC News, (2)