TechnoBuffalo

Nokia Teases “Pure View” Camera Tech Ahead of MWC

2012-02-22T16:49:05Z

Nokia on Wednesday released a video that tells viewers to “get ready to capture a pure view,” on February 27th. That just so happens to be the day of Nokia’s Mobile World Congress press conference, but it’s unclear what exactly the company plans to announce. Nokia has already said that it will not add a larger image sensor to the European version of the Lumia 900, which is headed to AT&T in the United States, so perhaps the company has another high-end phone with a sharper camera up its sleeves.

Reports also surfaced on Wednesday that suggested Nokia will announce a more affordable Lumia 610 handset for emerging markets, and we doubt that device will sport whatever “pure view” technology Nokia is referring to. This video came as a surprise for us and we’re now even more excited to see what the Finish phone maker will unveil next Monday morning.

What do you think Nokia will unveil?

[via TechCrunch]

Verizon 4G Outages Being Reported Around the Country (UPDATED)

2012-02-22T17:17:55Z

Reports have been coming in that the Verizon 4G LTE network is experiencing outages yet again. Verizon has confirmed the reports via its official Twitter account:

VZW is investigating customer issues in connecting to the 4GLTE data network. 3G data, voice and text services are operating reliably

Customers are reporting that the 3G network has also had some intermittent problems, so that portion of the carrier’s tweet may not be as accurate as it appears.

This is yet another in long line of outages for the company, with two of them happening in December of last year. Verizon offered an explanation after the issues were resolved that it had to do with some faulty hardware, but they assured customers that all of it had been replaced. No reason for this outage has been given as of yet.

We’ll keep you updated as this develops.

Update: We have confirmed that we are not receiving Verizon LTE service at the TechnoBuffalo offices in Southern California.

Pokémon Company Responds to Fake Products on App Store

2012-02-22T15:45:43Z

Earlier this week, we, along with several other sites and blogs, ran a warning for potential buyers and Pokémon fans shopping the App Store on their iOS devices. There was a “game” being offered for $0.99, it was supposedly “Pokemon Yellow.”

Pokémon it was not. The game was a sham and, so far as we can tell, has been pulled from the App Store.

Now, the Pokémon Company has issued word by way of Develop concerning their policy on these fact attempts at products:

“We continue to combat the unauthorised release of games, applications and merchandise that trick our fans into purchasing something that does not meet our quality standards…”

The Pokémon Company went on to give would-be consumers instruction on what to do should they encounter these faux apps.

“Fans who encounter questionable products should report to us immediately so we can keep other fans from falling victim to these scams…”

What the makers of Pokémon do not do, however, is provide a link or instruction concerning exactly how to contact the company should you stumble upon a fake application or piece of merchandise. We assume the best course of action would be to head to their official site and follow the directions on the Contact Us page. Is that the correct way to do it? We have no idea.

Unfortunately, this response doesn’t amount to much for consumers. Quality control is in the marketplace owner’s hands, it’s not up to the consumers or third party companies. It’s Apple’s responsibility to keep “games” like this off the App Store.

[via Develop]

Nokia Set to Unveil Cheaper Lumia 610 Windows Phone

2012-02-22T15:04:31Z

Nokia is prepared to unveil the Lumia 610 during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week, Reuters said Wednesday. A number of other rumors have also already suggested that the Finnish phone maker will unveil a new entry-level device, possibly named the 601 or the 610 and running Windows Phone Tango, that will be targeted at emerging markets.

Reuters also confirmed earlier reports that Nokia is planning to launch a new international version of its Lumia 900 handset, which will soon hit AT&T store shelves. Early reports suggested that the European “Lumia 910″ smartphone might offer a 12-megapixel camera, although Nokia quickly shot those rumors down. TechnoBuffalo will be on the ground in Barcelona next Sunday bringing you all the news as it breaks, so stay tuned for more.

[via Reuters]

ABC Nightline Report Lifts the Curtain Around Foxconn

2012-02-22T17:23:12Z

Apple has been taking a lot of PR hits as of late when it comes to its relationship with Foxconn. Now the notoriously secretive company is trying to do some things that will hopefully dispel some of those fears and ease minds.

During last nights episode of Nightline, a long-running late night ABC news series, reporter Bill Weir was allowed inside Apple production lines to see how the devices are made and talk with some of the Foxconn employees who make the items.

As one would expect, the story opened with comments on just how many products are made and how they are assembled. We learned that it takes 141 steps to make an iPhone, and an iPad passes through 325 hands over five days, but at the assembly stage they make 10,000 an hour.

Unlike you would find in an Apple Store, however, not everything was shiny and polished in this story and the hard facts of suicides and living conditions were addressed. There were many shots of the now infamous suicide nets that are there to dissuade people thinking of leaping to their death from roofs, and video of the dorms were workers live with seven roommates. They also addressed that line workers make a $1.78 an hour during their 12 hour shifts, pay $.70 for meals and $17.50 a month to live in the cramped dorm rooms.

During Bill Weir’s visit, the FLA (Fair Labor Association) arrived for its first audit. Apple paid $250,000 to join the association, and is also paying for the audit, which has raised some concerns over how fair it will be when published, but the FLA has promised that there will be no whitewash in the report it issues.

You can watch the full report on ABC’s site and check out the sample below.

[via ABC]

video platform video management video solutions video player

LG Outs Optimus 3D Max Android Smartphone with 3D Video Editing

2012-02-22T14:25:32Z

LG recently revealed the highly rumored Optimus 3D Max on Tuesday night, the official successor to the original Optimus 3D. The Optimus 3D Max is thinner than the Optimus 3D and equipped with a dual-core TI OMAP 4430 processor clocked at 1.2GHz, a 4.3-inch 3D display with an ultra tough Corning Gorilla Glass 2 panel, 8GB of internal storage, 1GB of RAM, a 5-megapixel camera capable of snapping 3D photos, a 1,520mAh battery and support for HSPA+ 21Mbps networks. The device runs Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and also supports HDMI-out, NFC and LG’s Tag+ application for interacting with LG’s special NFC-activated stickers. The company has also promised an upgrade to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) “shortly after launch.”

The South Korea-based firm said that it improved the 3D performance on the phone and will now allow users to convert 2D content into 3D content on the fly. Applications such as Google Earth and Google Maps, for example, can be converted into 3D. Additionally, LG has included the ability to edit 3D photos and videos on the Optimus 3D Max.

“The Optimus 3D Max was born from LG’s constant efforts to bring user entertainment experience to a higher level,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The introduction of the Optimus 3D last year ushered in a new era for smartphones and Optimus 3D Max is real proof of LG’s commitment to portable 3D entertainment.”

LG confirmed that the Optimus 3D Max, also known as the 3D Cube, will launch in South Korea in March and will then gradually launch in other European markets.” There’s no word on U.S. availability but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a successor to AT&T’s LG Thrill 4G.

We’ll definitely bring you a hands-on as soon as possible when we touch down in Barcelona for MWC.

Show Press Release

LG WOWS THE WORLD AGAIN WITH OPTIMUS 3D MAX AT MWC 2012

More Than Just Glasses-Free 3D, Optimus 3D Max
Pushes the Boundaries of Power Features and Performance

SEOUL, Feb. 22, 2012 – Following in the footsteps of last year’s glasses-free 3D smartphone, LG Electronics will publicly unveil the Optimus 3D Max at the 2012 Mobile World Congress (MWC). With powerful 3D technology and sleeker design, the Optimus 3D Max provides a complete 3D entertainment platform and marks a big leap forward in the ever-expanding 3D ecosystem.

LG Optimus 3D Max is equipped with diverse innovations and offers users with advancements including:

■ True Performance Muscle with Latest Mobile Technologies
LG Optimus 3D Max is a powerful smartphone in both 2D and 3D mode and a pleasure to view with LG’s exclusive brightened display. 3G’s network speed has been also improved to HSPA+ 21Mbps. LG Tag+ offers advanced NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities designed to promote greater user convenience. One of its benefits is automatic setting changes which are possible by creating predefined tags that are customized to certain modes such as car-mode, office-mode or sleep-mode. Depending on location, the predefined tags will automatically adjust various phone settings including Wi-Fi, bluetooth, GPS and sound volume.

Beyond its already innovative features, attendees of MWC 2012 will see some of the future benefits that will be made available through a Maintenance Release or an application available on the LG SmartWorld (www.LGsmartworld.com). Additional features include:
- HD Converter to offer HD quality on a TV connected through MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), when transforming Open GL-based 2D games and applications to 3D and viewing Google Earth;
- Range Finder to calculate the distance between the camera and the subject as well as the dimensions of an object through triangulation;
- Out-focusing Shot to enhance camera quality beyond that of other smartphones through image processing using depth information.

■ True 3D Entertainment Features with Improved 2D-3D Compatibility
Users can convert Google Earth, Google Maps and other road views into 3D using the enhanced 3D Converter. Furthermore, 3D photos and videos captured by the Optimus 3D Max can also be viewed in a single-screen mode in 2D, using the 3D Hot Key mounted on the side of the phone to easily toggle between 2D and 3D. LG also plans to continue expanding video contents, applications and games optimized for the 3D Converter available from the 3D Zone at LG SmartWorld.

■ True Excellence in Design with Slimmer and Lighter Body
The LG Optimus 3D Max’s premium design comes from LG’s commitment to fine details. LG focused on trimming details on the design of the Optimus 3D Max by keeping only the essentials and eliminating everything else. Measuring only 9.6 mm thin and weighing 148 grams, the lean body with metallic and rounded edges incorporates the best 3D features in addition to desirable 2D features. The Optimus 3D Max includes unique 3D-style cubicle icons which users can customize with their own photos through the Icon Customizer.

The Optimus 3D Max will first launch in Korea in March and will gradually roll out in other markets starting in Europe. The device will receive an upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich from Android 2.3 Gingerbread shortly after the launch.

Key Specifications:
o Chipset: 1.2GHz Dual-Core processor (OMAP4430)
o Display: 4.3-inch 3D WVGA Display with Corning? Gorilla? Glass 2
o Memory: 8GB Internal Storage, 1GB Internal Memory
o Camera: 5MP Dual-lens
o OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
o Battery: 1,520 mAh
o Others: HSPA+ 21Mbps, HDMI connection 2D/3D TV/monitor up to 1080p via MHL, DNLA for wireless connection with TV/PC (3D video also supported), NFC Full Support, LG Tag+

Borderlands 2 Release Date Announced, New Gameplay Trailer

2012-02-22T14:25:17Z

Today, 2K Games has officially announced the release date for Gearbox Software’s Borderlands 2. The game will launch for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC on September 18th, 2012 in North America and September 21st internationally.

The trailer above released yesterday from Gearbox Software and 2K Games and includes just over three minutes worth of in-game footage, cutscenes and “wub wub” from Borderlands 2. It is, seriously, one of the best trailers I’ve seen in quite some time; but, I might be a little biased as a fan of the first game.

What’s also nice about this trailer for those of us that enjoyed the first game, but felt it needed a bit more in the way of story and character development, was the nod to the plot line that came towards the end of the clip. Gearbox has already said that they intend to do more with the story for the game this time around, and the hint at what’s to come may, hopefully, be a good sign.

In addition to the footage and release date, 2K Games announced some of the pre-order bonus content diehard fans can receive by reserving a copy of the game. Here it is, from the 2K Games Blog, verbatim:

Pandorians who pre-order Borderlands from participating retailers will receive access to the Borderlands 2 Premier Club, giving them access to in-game items and bonuses, including the Golden Key (to unlock a rare item in the Sanctuary Loot Chest), the Vault Hunter’s Relic (to boost your gear-hunting fortune), and the Gearbox Gunpack (to deck your characters out with unique Gearbox Golden Guns.)

I know I’m already nerding out about Borderlands 2, but are you Herd readers excited for this class-based, post-apocalyptic, gun hoarding, FPS RPG?

The game will drop for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC platforms. We’ll have more on it as it comes.

[via 2K Games]

New Windows Store Screenshot Confirms Bing Maps, SkyDrive for Windows 8

2012-02-22T14:05:52Z

The latest leaked screenshot to show off Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Store has confirmed that Bing Maps is coming to Windows 8, the company’s new operating system which is set for release this year.

Microsoft is currently gearing up to release the first Windows 8 Consumer Preview, which will go live to the public from Mobile World Congress next week. But some fans already have their hands on it. Chinese site PCBeta has posted a number of screenshots taken from the Windows Store, revealing games like Flow, Hive Mind, PuzzleTouch, Cut the Rope, and more; as well as the new Bing Maps and SkyDrive desktop applications.

The Verge reports that developers already have access to the Bing Maps service, but that Microsoft is still preparing a dedicated application for consumers:

Bing Maps will be available as an option for Windows 8 developers to integrate into their applications, but, understandably, Microsoft is also preparing its own Metro style version for consumers. We have seen a Bing Windows 8 web app previously, so this application could be a natural progression of Microsoft’s work for its touch-focused operating system.

As you can see from these shots, the Windows Store sports the same metro user interface we’ve become familiar with from other Windows 8 screens, while its downloads section is reminiscent of that in Windows Phone.

For now, all we have to look at is these pretty screenshots. But the Windows 8 Consumer Preview should allow us to take the Windows Store for a spin ourselves from next week.

I’m looking forward to trying the Windows Store and the Windows 8 public beta. Will you be installing it?

[via The Verge]

T-Mobile Announces Exclusive Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G

2012-02-22T11:44:20Z

T-Mobile has announced the new Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G, an Android-powered smartphone “loaded with rich features and services,” that will be exclusive to the carrier’s super speedy 4G network when it arrives in March.

The device is powered by the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system, accompanied — as you’d expect — by Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.5GHz dual-core processor, a 3.97-inch Super AMOLED display, a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of shooting 720p HD video, and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera.

The device promises to keep consumers entertained with a variety of features and applications, including:

Netflix, which offers the ability to stream popular movies and TV shows

T-Mobile TV, which offer on-demand TV programs in “mobile HD”

Samsung Media Hub, enabling users to download movies and TV shows to their device

TeleNav GPS Navigator, which provides hands-free, voice-guided turn-by-turn driving directions, real-time traffic alerts and full-color 3D moving maps

A customized Yelp app, which makes it a breeze to find and read reviews for local places to eat, shop, drink, and more.

Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president of marketing for T-Mobile USA, says the Galaxy S Blaze 4G makes it easy for customers to access speedy 4G speeds at prices they can afford:

“The Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G is loaded with rich features and services to keep consumers entertained and connected virtually anywhere they want to go. Paired with T-Mobile’s fast 4G network and our unlimited data plans, we’re making it easy for consumers to enjoy the benefits of 4G experiences at a price they can afford.”

The handset will be available from T-Mobile online and in stores from late March, and is expected to cost $149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year commitment on a “Classic” voice and data plan.

What do you think of the new Galaxy S Blaze 4G?

GAME Stores in U.K. Will Not Sell PS Vita Games From Ubisoft

2012-02-22T10:47:10Z

I had to come to work today to provide you guys with fresh content on this fine February morning, so I’m waiting for my PS Vita pre-order to arrive on my doorstep. But if you’re heading out to pick yours up from a GAME store in the U.K., don’t expect to grab one of Ubisoft’s launch titles with it.

The retailer has confirmed it is not offering Ubisoft games for the PS Vita “at this time,” but we don’t really know why. In a statement to VG24/7, GAME said:

“At this time we will not be selling the following Ubisoft titles; Lumines Electronic Symphony, Michael Jackson: The Experience, Rayman Origins, Asphalt Injection and Dungeon Hunter Alliance.

“All customers affected by this decision have been made aware of the situation and we will continue to communicate any updates to customers through our Twitter and Facebook feeds.”

The representative could not confirm to VG24/7 why PS Vita games from Ubisoft would not be available from GAME, and Ubisoft has since declined to comment on the matter.

GAME will continue to offer titles from Sony, EA, Codemasters, Namco Bandai, Capcom, and Sega, so there will still be plenty of titles for you to pick up with your new portable today. And of course, there’s always the PlayStation Store.

With Ubisoft games also available from plenty of other high street stores, this isn’t going to be much of a disappointment for most, but it’s likely to be somewhat inconvenient — especially if you’re searching the streets for a copy of Rayman Origins when you’d prefer to be at home playing it.

Have you got your PS Vita yet? Leave a comment down below and rub it in. I’m still waiting for that bell to ring.

[via VG24/7]

Could This Be Sony’s First Windows Phone Handset?

2012-02-22T10:13:40Z

The last time Sony produced a mobile phone running a Windows platform was way back in 2008 — long before the Windows Phone 7 operating system that we know and love today came along. The Japanese company has chosen instead to use Android to power its devices in recent years, but it seems it isn’t totally against Microsoft’s platform.

We first heard about a rumored Sony smartphone running Windows Phone back in January, when an image of the device was leaked. Back then, however, it was suggested that the handset was an early prototype that Sony had since scrapped.

Now another Sony smartphone running Windows Phone has emerged. It’s one of the few Windows Phone devices to offer a physical QWERTY keyboard, a feature Sony frequently provides to its “pro” range, and it could be set to make its debut at Mobile World Congress next week, according to reports.

The leaked and very blurry images show the handset from the front, with a Bing search page displayed and a good view of that QWERTY keyboard. There’s also a shot of the device’s rear, which shows off a camera and an LED flash.

But like the Sony device we saw back in January, this one also features the old Sony Ericsson logo. Of course, the partnership between these two companies is now over, and Sony’s future devices will only feature “Sony” branding.

Once again, then, it seems this could be an old prototype that may never see the light of day. But either way, it proves Sony has at least been testing the Windows Phone platform. Whether or not we’ll actually ever see a Sony smartphone running Microsoft’s operating system, however, remains to be seen.

A Sony smartphone running Windows Phone is something I’d like to see, so I’ll be keeping a close eye on Sony’s announcements from MWC next week. And of course, we’ll be sure to let you know what pops up.

Will you be hoping for Sony’s first Windows Phone device?

[via Pocket-lint]

Get Acquainted With Pinterest (Infographic)

2012-02-21T23:02:57Z

Pinterest has taken the web by storm, and hit 10 million monthly users faster than any other independent site in history. The site currently is close to 12 million unique monthly visitors, and 97% of the site’s Facebook fans are women.

Visual marketing firm Lemon.ly took a look at some of the raw numbers behind Pinterest and its success and created this infographic with all the details.

Are any of your Pinterest users? What do you think of the service?

Openacase Brings a Bottle Opener to Your iPhone

2012-02-22T00:40:18Z

I tend to always have some sort of beverage with me at all times, and more often than not that beverage winds up being something that either by design or my sheer wimpiness requires the help of a bottle opener to open. So, when the opportunity to review Openacase came, I was pretty excited about the prospect.

What’s Openacase?
Openacase is essentially a hard plastic case for your iPhone that has a slide-out bottle opener built in. The case started out as a Kickstarter project, that managed to get fully funded and turned into a reality. While the cases were technically “on sale” for investors to the Kickstarter project, they just recently went on sale to be purchased the traditional way.

How does it work?
Openacase works in just the way it looks it might. A metal bottle opener slides out from within the case, and uses your phone as a brace to open bottles. I tried the case out on a variety of different bottles and was able to eventually open all of them.

One issue I had with my particular case was that the opener often failed to lock in place when pulled out of the case (or the lock wasn’t sturdy enough to hold it). What that meant was that sometimes I would try and open troublesome bottles, and would end up shoving the bottle opener back into the case instead.

Another concern I have is with the placement of the opener itself. The bottle opener comes out from the back of your phone, but is designed so that you use it with your screen facing downward. What this means is you’re essentially opening our beverage into the inner workings of your phone. In general that’s okay, but if you end up opening an over-excited soda (or other beverage), then you could wind up soaking the inside of your phone pretty quickly.

Worth buying?
I depends on how often you’re opening bottles and how badly you want to impress your friends. The case adds quite a bit of bulk to your iPhone (so much so that I often confused myself into thinking I had a backup battery connected to the phone) which isn’t really worth it for a feature may only use once every now and then. If you’re opening bottles pretty often, however, having an opener built in to your phone can be exceptionally helpful.

Each time I pulled the case out I also attracted a crowd of interested onlookers, so it’s also a pretty solid way to impress your friends and perhaps make a few new ones.

Gotta have one? Openacase is available now from the company’s website for $39.95 in both black and white.

Seaman Heading to Nintendo 3DS?

2012-02-22T00:40:12Z

Seaman was originally released for the Sega Dreamcast in 1999. The game puts players in the care of a strange new creature as they’re tasked with bringing him from the mushroomer to frogman stages in his lifecycle.

Nikkei reports, without much detail, that Seaman will be heading to the Nintendo 3DS in the future. Specifically, the story from Nikkei is that Nintendo is working to revive brands from older competitors and that Seaman is part of this effort for the Nintendo 3DS.

If you never played Seaman (for shame!) and you’re curious about what made it so special…well, I can’t really help you. I know that it released in Japan to widespread success, adoration and some critical love. It was a game that boasted completely strange design and mechanical elements, but it managed to win over a ton of users.

When it released in the United States, it was given an extra push of personality when Leonard Nimoy played the game’s narrator as himself. Aside from Nimoy’s subtle cues, players were tasked with figuring out the world of Seaman all on their own. The challenge the game presented was completely unique for its time, and that made it one of the strangest games to ever release. In fact, contemporary critics still often cite Seaman as one of the weirdest “games” of all time.

The report from Nikkei does not indicate exactly how this effort will come to fruition for the Nintendo 3DS or whether or not gamers can expect to see the likes of Nimoy reprising his role. They just say that it’s coming.

If more information drops for Seaman on the Nintendo 3DS, we’ll be on it. Playing Seaman in 3D and on a portable system would be too bizzarre to pass up, as far as we’re concerned.

[via Andriasang]

LightSquared to Cut Workforce by 45%

2012-02-22T00:40:06Z

It doesn’t seem like LightSquared is going to catch a break anytime soon. The ailing wholesale wireless company announced on Tuesday that it plans to let go of 45% of its 330 employees. LightSquared initially had a goal of rolling out a nationwide 4G LTE network with hopes of selling spectrum to Sprint, but it came under fire when GPS makers claimed the technology interfered with their networks.

Unfortunately for LightSquared, which long argued that the testing was unfair and performed by those with special interest in the GPS industry, the FCC recently ruled that it would not lift a prohibition against the company’s network. The company, which recently claimed that the FCC’s decision was harming the American public, said it is laying off nearly half of its firm in an effort to save cash.

“This and other cost savings measures will allow LightSquared to continue to navigate the regulatory process as it works with the appropriate government agencies to find solutions to the GPS interference issue and bring its $14 billion privately funded wireless broadband network to more than 260 million Americans,” LightSquared said Tuesday.

LightSquared is not considering filing for bankruptcy, Reuters said. It’s unclear how the company plans to sway the FCC in its favor, but LightSquared will lose its contract with Sprint if it doesn’t gain official approval to operate its 4G LTE network by March.

[via Reuters]

Ask the Buffalo: February 21st Edition

2012-02-22T00:40:00Z

Do you have a burning question about tech? Well, it’s time to ask Jon Rettinger and hear him answer one of your pressing queries on video. Until 3 PM PST on Thursday, February 23rd, leave a comment with your question for him, and then you’ll be able to see him answer them in a video posted to our Revision 3 TechnoBuffalo channel on Monday at 5 PM PST.

Does he think a cheaper Nook Tablet can compete with the Kindle Fire?

What has him the most excited about the potential features of the iPad 3?

Does he have an opinion on what the biggest announcement will be to come out of Mobile World Congress?

Has he ever considered playing Jenga with all of the mobile phones in his office?

All of the usual stuff you would ask of someone in the tech industry, as well as anything personal you’d like to know about him!

Remember, you only have until 3 PM PST on Thursday, February 23rd to submit your questions via the comments on this post or on Twitter to join in the fun!

Missed the previous Ask the Buffalo episodes? Check them out!

If you want to use Twitter, be sure to use the hashtag #AsktheB so Jon will see it. @reply to jon4lakers.

Even With Refined Chrome and YouTube, Google TV Needs More Content

2012-02-22T00:39:53Z

Last November I reviewed Google TV 2.0, a software update pushed out to owners of Logitech and Sony GTV devices. The folks at Sony lent me a 46-inch SIT for testing purposes, and while I found the update to be a marked improvement over the GTV 1.0 software it replaced, I didn’t think it would do too much to reverse Google’s television fortunes all on its own.

More recently, Google released a few more upgrades to the platform including a Honeycomb (Android 3.2) update - notable in part for an improved Chrome browser – and a new YouTube app . Sony was kind enough to let me hang on to the loaner for a few more weeks so I could put the new updates through their paces. Everything else aside, it’s a pretty nice 46-inch LED HDTV, especially considering its price has been slashed to below $1,000.

In sum, GTV 2.0 is more of the same from el Goog: The new updates are improvements, but they don’t change the fundamental value proposition behind Google TV as a smart TV solution. Chrome is faster and now supports HTTP Live streaming, which is great for local streaming apps like Plex. The GTV-specific 10 foot YouTube experience is better now, too, which is good because GTV’s best features is the integrated Web/Video search that lets you look for content across free and pay outlets including YouTube. There’s nothing quite so satisfying to a geeky miser like me as wondering, “Can I watch the episode of Family Ties where Alex gets hooked on speed?” and finding out not only that I can, but I can do so for free on YouTube. And then watching it. All on the same device, using the same remote. and triggered by a simple search query.

But as this week’s news that Google TV has been rooted attests to, the platform is still sorely lacking in that thing people want most from their boob tubes: Content. Owners of Sony Google TV products can finally watch streaming content from the four major networks, Hulu Plus, and other previously blocked sources, if they’re willing to root their devices and install a modified Flash plug-in that circumvents said content blockers. The root process involves no fewer than four USB flash sticks and voiding your warranty, but hey, it’s something. Otherwise: No mainstream Web TV for you.

Ironically, a few free porn sites streamed their Flash content just fine to my GTV unit, making me wonder if Google shouldn’t just market to the ‘adult entertainment’ crowd. Considering that Chrome for GTV includes an “Incognito Window” feature, I’m guessing the thought at least crossed somebody’s mind during the engineering process. Or maybe that’s not so ironic. Much as they’ve done in the mobile market, Google has taken a very “Anti-Apple” approach to the living room (which makes perfect sense, of course). Apple wants to sell you everything from digital music singles to the rights to watch first-run TV one season at a time. They also want to provide you with one very clearly marked path to obtaining and consuming that content. There’s one line of iOS phones, one line of iOS tablets, a sole iOS PMP, and a sole Apple-branded set top box. Each device connects to Apple’s App and iTunes stores and while third-party catalogs are available, they’re chosen carefully and sparingly, and only added when consumer demand insists.

Google on the other hand offers as many Android phones and tablets as their OEM and carrier partners want to be built. Their efforts at a digital music play have centered around an online storage locker for music you already own, coupled with desktop and mobile player apps. They sell some music, but it’s not a particularly big part of their business. They also launched Google TV across three lines of devices from two manufacturers. Android is all about choice.

Choice in this context also applies to tinkering at the user level. Rooting a Sony Internet TV to run a modified Flash plug-in that gets around Hulu’s firewall may not be for everyone – if it’s even legal – but installing Plex on an HDTV and server is right up many an Android user’s alley. Google TV is exactly like Android for mobile in the sense that what it lacks in the way of a shiny, upsell-oriented ecosystem it makes up for with bountiful opportunities to customize and tweak your devices. Sometimes in ways that void your warranties, even! To be fair, iOS and Apple TV users have their own lengthy history of jail breaking and modding. But they do so atop a platform built to leverage content selling opportunities; Google TV’s first root & mod exploit is in part aimed specifically at getting more content onto the platform. Why? Because content is a problem for GTV.

The 3.2 release was apparently Google TV’s last major update before the platform migrates to 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” later this year. I’ll be watching with much curiosity to see what ICS brings to the GTV table. No doubt the release will be rife with design and functionality upgrades, and deeper integration with other ICS products like phones, tablets, and maybe even smart home gear. But will it also bring more content to users’ living rooms? Sony has already announced next-gen Google TV boxes, and LG and Vizio are also prepping GTV hardware for launch this year. There’s also that OnLive partnership promising cloud-based console gaming later this year (currently a Google TV OnLive app allows users to watch games only).

Google TV still has legs. Question is, how far will those legs carry the platform, and into how many homes? As always with TV, the answer boils down to content. Will Google TV remain a YouTube machine with auxiliary bring-your-own content machine features, or can deals be struck to bring first run programming to the platform? Maybe we’ll find out at Google I/O in June.

Comcast Announces Xfinity Streampix to Take on Netflix

2012-02-22T00:39:47Z

The streaming video wars just got a new player today in the form of Comcast’s new Xfinity Streampix.

Comcast announced this morning that its subscribers will be getting a new service this week that will allow them to stream content from its own NBC Universal division as well as Disney’s ABC, Sony Pictures and Warner Brothers. Xfinity Streampix will be free to its “triple play” (television-Internet-phone) customers, or run $4.99 a month for anyone else with a Comcast account.

With a focus on older content, this seems targeted squarely at the Netflix Watch Instantly service which costs $7.99 a month. The potential impact of this new competition is already being felt as shares of Netflix stock fell 3.65% today to $117.40.

The competitors seem to be coming out of the woodwork right now, with all of them putting Netflix squarely in their sights. Earlier this month there was the announcement that Redbox is teaming up with Verizon for a streaming service, and now Comcast is following suit. And let us not forget that Amazon Prime Instant Videos is also gaining some traction, and Hulu Plus continues to see growth as well.

While Xfinity Streampix is limited to Comcast subscribers, as the largest cable provider in the country, this could still have a significant impact on Netflix’s subscriber base.

Programming announced thus far for the service launching on Thursday includes 30 Rock, Grey’s Anatomy, Heroes, Lost, Inspector Gadget, Strawberry Shortcake and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. As for movies, you can expect Analyze That, Brokeback Mountain and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon among many others.

[via Variety]

NSA Worried Anonymous Could Take Down U.S. Power Grid

2012-02-22T00:39:40Z

The hacking group Anonymous is infamous for attacking everything from police departments to government websites and social networks, but now the government fears that the hacking collective could go after something much more important: the U.S. power grid. General Keith Alexander, the director of the National Security Agency (NSA) wrote a letter to the White House recently in which he noted his concern that Anonymous has the power to “disrupt power supplies” and “damage computer networks,” The Wall Street Journal said Tuesday.

LulzSec, a subgroup of Anonymous that gained headlines for multiple security breaches in 2011, used to say that it was hacking “for the LULZ,” or simply for the laughs, but the NSA thinks Anonymous might have a much darker vision for the future. As The Wall Street Journal notes, Anonymous said last week that it will attempt to shut down the Internet on March 31st as part of an initiative called “Operation Blackout.” Sounds pretty serious for a group best known for plastering political messages on websites, and thankfully experts reportedly consider the risk of such a blackout to be low. Electric companies, however, say they’re already preparing for cyber attacks from the likes of Anonymous, and other would-be hackers.

“The industry is engaged and stepping up widely to respond to emerging cyber threats,” one industry insider told The Wall Street Journal. ”There is a recognition that there are groups out there like Anonymous, and we are concerned, as are other sectors.” Reportedly, only China and Russia currently have the power to develop a plan strong enough to knock out part of the U.S. cyber grid, The Wall Street Journal said. The fear is that one country might actually provide a hacking group such as Anonymous with the power to do so.

“A near-peer competitor could give cyber malware capability to some fringe group,” Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told The Journal.” Some hacker, next thing you know, could be into our electrical grid. We have to get after this.” The government has reportedly made cyber security a “top priority” but the NSA did not go on the record in regards to a specific threat from Anonymous.

[via The Wall Street Journal]

Poll: Is the Samsung Galaxy Note too Big? You Decide!

2012-02-22T02:09:40Z

We’re big fans — pun intended —of AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy Note LTE here at TechnoBuffalo. But we’ve certainly had our fair share of awkward glances when we pull the phone out at restaurants.

In fact, Jon Rettinger and myself were sitting having a couple of burgers (and a chocolate milk) just last week when our waitress asked us whether Jon was carrying a tablet or a smartphone? “What IS that thing?” she asked, clearly confused. “A phablet,” Jon joked, using a term we’ve all adopted for the device. So we’re wondering here at TechnoBuffalo headquarters, is the Galaxy Note too big?

Sure, it’s not for everyone. The iPhone is pocket friendly and offers a small but sharp Retina Display. There are dozens and dozens of phones with screens that range between the iPhone’s 3.5-inch display and the Galaxy Note’s 5.3-inch screen, which means consumers can basically find the size that fits them best, whether it’s massive or tiny. So let’s hear from you, the readers, is the Galaxy Note’s screen too big or not? Let us know by answering the poll!

Prada Phone LG-P940 Goes Black & White (Video)

2012-02-22T00:39:12Z

Whenever I hear brand names like Gucci, or indeed Prada, my ears tend to shut down and stop functioning. This is most likely because the price tag (at least for their fashion items) is sky high when compared to the fashion that I actually wear. However, when I looked up the price of the Prada by LG mobile phone before unboxing it, I was pleasantly surprised. The asking price for this stylish 4.3-inch Google Android mobile is certainly in-line with its competitors. So the price is right, but what about the specifications & performance? Well, I will let the video above tell the story, but would be keen to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Do you think LG have a winner on its hands with this one?

Android Market Share Rises to 36.9 Percent in the U.K., Overtakes iOS

2012-02-21T23:55:49Z

New data from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech suggests that Android captured more of the smartphone market in the U.K. over a twelve month period than iOS. Between January 2011 and January 2012, Android usage rose to 36.9 percent, while Apple’s iPhone took 28.5 percent.

The iPhone held a commanding lead to start off 2011 at almost 30 percent, but as the year went on, Android jumped out ahead as the clear winner. Android saw a significant rise in market share last year as many manufacturers churned out device after device. In comparison, Apple only released two iterations of its iPhone in the last twenty or so months.

The two operating systems battled it out all last year for top spot as the world’s most popular operating system, with Android edging out iOS with almost fifty percent of the market, at least in the U.S. However, the iPhone managed to outsell Android handsets in the U.S. last quarter, capturing 48.4 percent of the market, while Android sat just behind with 42.8 percent.

“For the first time ever, you are now in the minority if you don’t own a smartphone,” said Dominic Sunnebo, global consumer insight director at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech.

Sunnebo’s remarks may wind up being truer than we realize. An earlier report from Cisco claimed smartphone (and tablet) devices will top the 10 billion mark by 2016, a projection that would mean for every human, there would exist 1.4 mobile gadgets. The U.K. alone is currently on track for those incredibly outnumbered odds, as over 50 percent of the British population currently own a smartphone.

[via IntoMobile]

Apple Will Allow Third-Party Environmental Inspections, May Start in March

2012-02-21T22:54:53Z

Apple will allow third-party environmental inspectors to examine two of its supplier’s factories and inspections could begin as early as March, the founder of the Chinese Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs (IPE) Ma Jun told USA Today recently. It is unclear which suppliers the inspectors will audit, but at least 24 of Apple’s suppliers were named in two IPE’s environmental reports that were published last year. Apple admitted to employing seven of those firms, including Meiko Electronics, Foxconn, Unimicron, Ibiden Electronics, Wintek, Compeq and Nan Ya Printed Circuit Board.

Apple’s suppliers are consistently under fire for poor working conditions and for violating local Chinese pollution laws. However, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has tried to sway the public view in favor of its suppliers by asking the Fair Labor Association to inspect several facilities, including Foxconn’s factories and dorms. The audits don’t appear to be going well so far, though. The Fair Labor Association’s CEO said late last week that Foxconn already has “tons of issues,” and that there will be “very significant announcements” in the future. It remains unclear what those announcements will entail.

ABC’s Nightline will air a special tour inside one of Foxconn’s Chinese plans on Tuesday night at 11:35 p.m. EST.

[via The Verge]

Developers Earn More Money From Amazon Appstore Than Google’s Android Market

2012-02-21T22:55:05Z

Amazon’s Appstore is generating more income for developers than Google’s own Android Market, according to app analytics firm Distimo. Amazon’s offering is growing at a much faster rate, too, due in large part to the continued success of the Kindle Fire.

The information collected by Distimo is from applications that are currently in both the Amazon Appstore and Android Market. Distimo only included apps that make more than $200 per day in sales revenue. In all, that gave the analytics firm 110 apps to gather data from, and it found that 42 apps in Amazon’s Appstore generated more sales dollars than the same apps sold from Google’s Android Market.

There are certain factors contributing to the findings: the Amazon Appstore contains 65 percent paid apps compared to the Android Market’s diminishing 32 percent. To that end, Amazon offers apps at an average price that is 40 percent lower that the price of apps in the Android Market, while still ensuring a minimum royalty amount for developers.

Apps are being downloaded more often because the Kindle Fire has been so well received among consumers. Since the Fire’s launch, Amazon’s top 100 apps were downloaded 14 times more in December of last year than in the previous two months. That figure will likely continue to increase as more consumers scoop the Fire up — or if another one hits the market. Although, there is some stiff competition from Apple on the horizon.

Amazon has been able to keep pace with Google in regards to new applications becoming available, even though its own app store has a far fewer 27,000 apps. Back in September, the Android Market added 22x more new apps than that of the Appstore. Last month, that number slimmed down to only 4.7x, which shows the rapid growth of which apps are being published to Amazon’s Appstore.

Amazon is making all the right moves with its effort into the application market, not just with consumers, but with developers as well. While the online retail giant offers more affordable prices, it also encourages buyers with daily free apps.

[via Mobile Burn]