Monthly Archives: January 2012

Sky today announced plans to launch a new service allowing customers to watch some of its most popular content over the internet. Taking advantage of the rapid growth in broadband-connected devices, and building on Sky’s experience in multi-platform TV, the new service will be an additional choice for people who don’t currently subscribe to a pay TV service.

Launching in the first half of 2012, the new service will provide instant and simple access to a range of Sky content, including hundreds of films from Sky Movies. Giving consumers even more choice and flexibility, the service will be available to anyone in the UK with a broadband connection.
Key features of the new service will include:
Great content – the new service will offer some of Sky’s most popular programming. Sky Movies will be available from launch and the service will expand to offer sport and entertainment soon afterwards.
Flexible pricing – with no minimum contract, customers will be able to choose from a variety of pricing options. For example, people will be able to pay monthly for unlimited access to Sky Movies or rent a single movie on a simple, pay-as-you-go basis.
Easy access – the new service will be available across a wide range of connected devices, including PCs, Macs, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, games consoles and connected TVs.
Ease of use – with immediate streaming through an intuitive interface, backed up by recommendations and editorial support, customers will quickly and easily find the content they most want to watch.
More details of the new service will be revealed closer to launch.
Sky has offered television over the internet for a number of years and in 2006 became the first UK broadcaster to offer content to download over the internet. The service has since evolved into Sky Go, which is now accessed across millions of internet-connected devices. Alongside the new internet TV service launching this year, Sky Go will continue to develop as a bonus service for existing Sky TV customers, offering access to a wide range of live channels and on demand content. The launch of a new internet TV service will complement Sky’s existing pay TV services and open up a wider opportunity to bring its content to more consumers.
Jeremy Darroch, Sky’s Chief Executive, said:
“This exciting new service will offer some of Sky’s most popular content through a wide range of broadband connected devices. Alongside the continued growth of our satellite platform, this will be a new way for us to reach out to consumers who love great content, but may not want the full Sky service. Bringing a distinctive, new choice to the marketplace will help us meet the needs and demands of an ever wider range of consumers.
“This new product launch will build on our early leadership in multi-platform distribution. It will allow us to make our expertise and investment in content and technology work even harder, extending our options for continued growth.”

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY S Advance. Designed for those who define themselves by the phone they carry, the GALAXY S Advance strikes a balance of style, power and performance. It will be available in Russia starting from February, and then be gradually rolled out in CIS, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Southeast and Southwest Asia, Latin America and China.

“The GALAXY S Advance adds to the successful track record of the GALAXY smartphone range with a phone that combines power and style with all the versatility of Samsung’s Hub services,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.

Dual Core performance, curved design and Super AMOLED display

Powered by a dual core 1.0 GHz processor and HSPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity, the GALAXY S Advance has been built with power and connectivity in mind, delivering great versatility and a highly responsive user interface for easy multitasking. Application start-ups are faster with virtually no lag time, and the user experience is boosted with smoother screen transitions, faster image processing, and enhanced Web download and browsing performance.

The GALAXY S Advance’s curved glass design enhances handling of the phone and fits the user’s facial form easily and naturally. Its 4.0″ Super AMOLED display provides the stunning visuals users have come to expect of Samsung GALAXY smartphones, offering unparalleled color reproduction and ensuring that photos and videos captured with the device’s 5MP camera can be enjoyed with vivid clarity.

The Samsung user experience

Running on Android Gingerbread and featuring Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface, the GALAXY S Advance enables users to stay connected through the Samsung Hubs and ChatON services. Music Hub offers a full music store experience with access to over 11 million tracks and the ability to fully personalize users’ own music catalogues. Readers Hub offers access to over 2.3 million e-books, 3,500 magazine and 200 newspaper titles; while the hugely popular Game Hub offers access to thousands of catalogued games supplemented by gamer news feeds and news.

Samsung’s cross platform communication service, ChatON connects all phone users into a single community using phone numbers instead of usernames and passwords, provides aneasy instant messaging, group chatting and sharing of content in multiple formats-images, video, voice, contacts, calendar-to make messaging simpler and more intuitive than ever.

The GALAXY S Advance also features Find My Mobile, a unique lost-phone management system that ensures secure phone data encryption in case of phone loss, and that enables users to trace their lost phone directly via the Web or even delete the device’s data remotely.

New Lineup Features High-Resolution Sensors, Enhanced Low-light Performance and Fast Auto-Focus

SAN DIEGO – Sony’s newest Cyber-shot® digital still cameras make it easy to capture beautiful memories anytime and anywhere.

Three new models include the DSC-TX200V model from the ultra-thin Cyber-shot T series and the DSC-WX70 and DSC-WX50 models from the stylish, traditionally designed W series, each featuring a high-resolution “Exmor R” CMOS sensor and an improved BIONZ™ image processor that together boost low light performance and enhance auto-focus speeds, among other benefits.

“We continue to innovate in the compact camera space, finding new ways to help consumers produce high-quality photos and videos as easily as possible, regardless of lighting conditions” said Yosuke Tomoda, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony Electronics.

“With new technologies designed to improve the overall imaging experience – including extended creativity, control and more – this new lineup of Cyber-shot cameras delivers impressive results with stylish, pocket-sized bodies.”

High-Resolution, High-Speed, High-Quality
The new TX200V camera features a newly developed 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, the highest-resolution currently offered in the “point and shoot” market, and a new BIONZ™ processor, which work together to create images and video files with extremely low noise. The advanced model also offers lightning-fast AutoFocus speeds of approximately 0.13 seconds in daytime and 0.25 seconds in low-light situations (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions), helping to ensure you never miss the moment.

Additionally, the TX200V Cyber-shot showcases a new beautiful, reinforced glass design with a large, 3.3-inch (8.3cm) Xtra Fine™ TruBlack OLED wide touch-screen. It is also water-proof (up to 5m or approx.16 feet), dust-proof and freeze-proof (up to 14oF), and features a “Photo Creativity” interface that lets users easily adjust creative settings to produce unique, custom-styled photos.

The new WX70 and WX50 models each are equipped with a high-resolution 16.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, with the WX70 featuring a 3.0-inch 921k dot LCD touch-screen and the WX50 featuring a slightly smaller 2.7-inch LCD screen.

All-Around Performance
Each of the new Cyber-shot cameras features a new “Extra High Sensitivity” technology, which minimizes unwanted noise in low-light shooting conditions. For consumers who want to get closer to their subjects without losing quality, these new models have “Clear Image Zoom” technology, which boosts optical zoom to 2x virtual capability (i.e. 5x optical zoom to 10x virtual zoom) at full camera resolution.

The TX200V, WX70 and WX50 cameras also offer image stabilization during video and still shooting. Using technology borrowed from the Sony Handycam® lineup, the “Optical Steady Shot Active Mode” drastically reduces blurring caused by camera shake while on the move. All models can shoot video in Full HD resolution.

Additional notable features of the new lineup include nine “Picture Effect” options for expanded creativity, “Dual Record” capabilities, 3D shooting modes (3D Still Image, 3D Sweep Panorama and Sweep Multi Angle), fast shooting speeds (10 fps burst mode) and more.

Product Specs, Pricing and Availability
The new assortment of cameras and an expanded range of stylish accessories, including the new LCS-WM and LCS-THT soft carrying cases, will be available this March at Sony retail stores and online (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network. Detailed specs are below:
• The DSC-TX200V camera will be available in silver, red, and violet for approximately $500. Features include:
• 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor
• 26mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 10x virtual zoom via “Clear Image Zoom” technology
• “Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
• Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.25 seconds in low-light (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)
• Beautiful, slim reinforced glass design with 3.3-inch (8.3cm) Xtra Fine™ Tru-Black OLED wide touch-screen
• Waterproof (up to 5m,16 feet), dustproof and freeze-proof (up to 14oF)
• Captures 13 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”
• Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920×1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode
• Photo Creativity interface and 9 “Picture Effect” options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video

• The DSC-WX70 camera will be available in silver, black, pink, violet and white for approximately $230. Features include:
• 16.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 3.0-inch 921k dot LCD touch screen
• 25mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 10x virtual zoom via “Clear Image Zoom” technology
• “Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
• Captures 12 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”
• Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920×1080/60i) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode
• 9 total “Picture Effects” options, allowing for creative, custom styled photographs

• The DSC-WX50 camera will be available in silver and black for approximately $200. Features include:
• 16.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 2.7-inch LCD screen
• 25mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 10x virtual zoom via “Clear Image Zoom” technology
• “Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
• Captures 12 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”
• Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920×1080/60i) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode
• 9 total “Picture Effects” options, allowing for creative, custom styled photographs

Valve has announced a Steam Mobile App limited beta for iOS and Android.

With the free Steam app for iOS and Android., you can participate in the Steam community wherever you go. Chat with your Steam friends, browse community groups and user profiles, read the latest gaming news and stay up to date on unbeatable Steam sales.

“The Steam app comes from many direct requests from our customers,” said Gabe Newell, co-founder and president of Valve. “Seeing which of your friends are online and playing a game, sending quick messages, looking at screenshots for an upcoming game, or catching a sale – these are all features customers have requested. Mobile is changing way people interact, play games and consume media, and the Steam app is part of our commitment to meet customer demands and expand the service functionality of Steam to make it richer and more accessible for everyone.”

Genius, announces the world’s first battery-free wireless mouse that is recharged within minutes – DX-ECO BlueEye Mouse.

Ready for a full day’s use after only a three-minute charge, the Genius DX-ECO uses a built-in gold capacitor with a long life of 100,000 recharges instead of outdated, environmentally unfriendly disposable batteries. Consumers no longer need to waste time and money whether on a PC or Mac when using DX-ECO. It’s ideal for government and corporations to provide a wireless mouse option that is not only cost-cutting but also hassle-free from controlling and resupplying batteries.

The DX-ECO BlueEye sensor technology allows for smooth, uninterrupted pointing and clicking on virtually any surface including dusted glass, marble, or thick carpet. Working wirelessly from a distance of up to 15 meters due to the 2.4GHz USB pico receiver, this innovative battery-free mouse can be used anywhere and everywhere. Even when on-the-go the tiny USB pico receiver can be stored inside the DX-ECO for safe keeping.

Featuring 4-way scrolling, adjustable dpi (800/1600 dpi), as well as next/previous page hot keys for more efficient web-surfing, the DX-ECO battery free blue-eye mouse also includes plug and play design and comfortable ergonomic construction.

Package Contents:
DX-ECO wireless mouse
USB pico receiver
CD driver
Micro USB rechargeable cable
Multi-language user’s manual

moneto, developed by DeviceFidelity, Inc. and Spring Card Systems LLC, announced today the launch of the world’s first commercially available mobile payment solution that provides iPhone and Android users a convenient way to pay while on the go. The moneto iPhone wallet is powered by MasterCard PayPass technology and linked to a general purpose reloadable MasterCard prepaid card to enable iPhone users to make purchases with their phone at the hundreds of thousands of merchants that accept MasterCard PayPass.

“For over a decade, MasterCard has led the transformation of mobile phones into secure mobile payment devices,” said James Anderson, senior vice president, Mobile and Emerging payments at MasterCard. “We are excited to partner with moneto so that iPhone users can enjoy the convenience of paying for purchases with a simple ‘tap’ at thousands of PayPass locations around the globe.”

For the first time, NFC functionality is available directly to consumers at retail without the need to change devices, upgrade plans or sign new contracts. The moneto mobile payments technology uses a NFC-enabled microSD chip embedded in a patented, protective iPhone case. iPhone users simply need to sign up at moneto.me to receive the case, install the moneto app from the app store, and activate their account. Users can launch the moneto app to view their account balance, check transaction history and make everyday in-store purchases with a tap of their iPhone at any PayPass-enabled contactless payments reader at the point of sale. Users can fund their moneto prepaid account through direct deposit, ACH transfer or cash/credit/debit card-enabled third-party money transfer services such as MoneyGram, Western Union, PayPal or GreenDot.

“As this breakthrough mobile wallet launches in the US, it not only makes mobile payments available to iPhone users for the first time but it also opens the door for consumers to adopt NFC while pushing mobile commerce forward,” said Deepak Jain, DeviceFidelity President and CEO. “We are excited to partner with MasterCard and SpringCard to break the barriers for a rapid effective rollout that will spur both consumers and merchants to adopt this new wave of electronic commerce.”

moneto also comes with a companion prepaid MasterCard to give users the ability to access cash at ATMs and make online purchases, pay bills or shop at merchants that do not accept contactless payments. moneto also enables card-to-card and wire-fund transfers from a secure internet portal accessible via moneto.me.

“Consumers have been hearing about NFC and mobile wallets for years, now with moneto they can finally start using it and with the most popular smartphone device on the planet. The moneto mobile wallet app is focused on delivering a faster and easier shopping experience that is consumer friendly,” said Kevin Haddad, president of SpringCard. “Our vision is simple: People who use our applications should not have to worry ‘Will this work with my phone?’ as consumers can easily make secure purchases regardless of their phone, carrier, or bank.”

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The In2Pay technology behind moneto brings peace of mind to consumers. moneto users can prevent unauthorized access to their account using a PIN that is safely stored in a secure chip inside the microSD. The sleek and durable case design protects the iPhone and the NFC enabled microSD securely stores and encrypts the card information. Additionally, the moneto account is backed by MasterCard’s Zero Liability, which protects consumers against unauthorized purchases.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

moneto for iPhone will be available for online ordering in the U.S. immediately at moneto.me for $79.95 which includes $10.00 of pre-loaded funds. The moneto mobile wallet is available in limited release on the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 3. A number of Android models will also be supported by 2Q12. Additional phone support will be added throughout the year.

Samsung Electronics America Inc., introduced the next evolution of its award-winning Central Station, the Series 7 Samsung Smart Station, as well as a redesigned Series 7 HDTV monitor for a whole-home solution. Part HD monitor, part wireless docking station, the second generation Series 7 Smart Station (CB750) builds upon the successes of its predecessor and now integrates with mobile devices in addition to notebook PCs, peripherals, network and AV, providing users with a simple and convenient way to increase productivity. The new Series 7 HDTV monitor (TB750) includes HDTV functionality with a built-in TV tuner and integrated wireless display (WiDi) technology from Intel® for added connectivity to the TB750 as well as integrations with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets for added versatility. The Series 7 Smart Station, available in 24- and 27-inch configurations, and the Series 7 HDTV monitor, available in 24- and 27-inch configurations, will be available on display during the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas at Central Hall booth #12004, January 10-13.

“The PC market has been slowly evolving as users move away from desktops in favor of the convenience of laptops, tablets and even smartphones,” said Todd Bouman, vice president of product marketing at Samsung Enterprise Business Division. “By doing this, users are limited to comparatively small screens, touchpads, limited keyboards and multiple peripheral connections. The new Series 7 Smart Station and Series 7 HDTV monitor solve these problems by providing users with an easy way to reduce desktop connection clutter and combine the convenience of a laptop or mobile device with the traditional advantages of a desktop PC. In addition, the built-in HDTV and WiDi functionality of the Series 7 HDTV monitor streamlines devices into a single work-play option ideal for smaller spaces.”

Series 7 Smart Station, Simple Solution
As more and more users consume digital content on their tablets and smartphones, screen size has become an increasing concern. By linking their Android MHL-compatible smartphone, users can take advantage of the Series 7 Smart Station’s new Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) and enjoy content from their mobile devices directly on the much larger screen and with the benefit of rich, built-in stereo audio. Users can more easily keep an eye on their smartphone, seamlessly browse to it and even charge the device for a truly unified experience.

Expanding upon the unique auto wireless detection feature included in the original Central Station, Samsung’s new Series 7 Smart Station can find a laptop equipped with the included wireless USB adapter once it is moved within a 5-foot radius of the device. It also includes a new Mobile Control feature which allows users to simultaneously connect to a tablet or smartphone, granting them complete control over their mobile device via the Series 7 Smart Station’s unified hub interface and a traditional mouse and keyboard. Users can quickly and seamlessly browse between their laptop and smartphone interfaces to reply to incoming SMS messages or alerts on their mobile devices and return to more involved tasks on their laptop within seconds.

Sporting an updated, sophisticated design, the Series 7 Smart Station features smooth lines and Samsung’s attention to aesthetic style with a wide-angle viewing panel and new base-mounted connection ports that reduce desktop clutter.

Series 7 HDTV Monitor: A Multimedia Workhorse
The Series 7 HDTV monitor enhances the multimedia experience of your smartphone and tables. It features Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) support, allowing MHL-enabled smartphones and tablets to use it as an external display, giving users the ability to easily share content like images and videos, while taking advantage of the bigger display and built-in speakers. For compatibility with nearly any device, the Series 7 HDTV monitor incorporates dual HDMI ports and a VGA port.

The Series 7 HDTV monitor also incorporates Intel’s wireless display (WiDi) technology. Simply download the Intel® WiDi widget to your PC to stream video and audio wirelessly to the Series 7 HDTV monitor, creating an even more compelling option for users trying to cut down on the amount of wires in their homes or offices.

Along with the addition of the HDTV tuner, the Series 7 HDTV monitor includes Samsung’s SmartHub function providing users with a unique opportunity to access a suite of downloadable apps for accessing additional content like Hulu Plus, Netflix, games and more. These features make it more than just a monitor and an integral part of the connected home or office environment.

The new Series 7 HDTV monitor features the innovative asymmetrical design introduced in the 2011 950 Series. With the neck placed to the right of the display, the screen hovers over its slim stand and its slim profile tilts to the user’s optimal viewing angle. It also features Samsung’s innovative and exclusive MagicAngle feature to optimize the image based on the users’ position.

The integrated picture-in-picture (PiP) display allows users to even continue working while simultaneously viewing television, further cementing the Series 7 HDTV monitor’s role within the connected office or home.

Elegant, Efficient Styling
Samsung’s new Series 7 Smart Station sports an elegant single-hinge base, providing an easily adjustable monitor and simplifying the silhouette into a minimalist desktop display.

Featuring three USB ports (two USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0) for connecting peripherals; the Series 7 Smart Station boasts fast, versatile data transfer and device communication and the ports are aligned on the sides of the monitor’s base for easy access. In addition, the Series 7 Smart Station includes an HDMI input, enabling users to connect Blu-ray players, set top boxes, or gaming devices in order to take full advantage of the 1080p LED backlit display. Users can also enjoy sound from their connected Blu-ray player or laptop through integrated speakers, or via external speakers through the audio out port.

Sporting an updated, sophisticated design, the Series 7 HDTV monitor sets a new bar in design excellence. It features a stunning asymmetrical design with a slim high-resolution panel that entices users to engage in an unparalleled viewing experience.

Designed with sleek ergonomics and superior viewing in mind, both the Series 7 Smart Station and the Series 7 HDTV monitor feature Samsung’s hallmark Magic technologies, ensuring crisp, detailed images and bold color from any vantage point.

The Series 7 Smart Station and Series 7 HDTV 750 monitor will be available in March 2012. Pricing for the Series 7 Smart Station will begin at $549 while pricing for the Series 7 HDTV monitor will begin at $599.

Samsung display products are available through Samsung resellers and distribution channels, which can be located by calling 1-800-SAMSUNG or by visiting www.samsung.com.