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Parrot Asteroid Android Powered Car Stereo

Parrot have announced that it’s Asteroid Android powered car stereo in going on sale the US in October, for $349.

The Android unit fits into a standard DIN slot in your car, replacing the standard car stereo. It includes a GPS receiver, external ariel connection and inputs for USB, 3.5mm audio, and even an iDevice. It offers Google Navigation, including traffic and a 3.2-inch screen.

Single Din Radio FM Radio. InternetRadio with seperatly purchased 3G Dongle. APS available at extra cost. Parrott blue tooth. Bluetooth Streaming. Full Ipod/Iphone Connectivity Voice activated music search on I Tunes. 4 x 55w Output

Owners Of Old Abandoned Hotel Threaten Photographer With Copyright Infringement

The Owners of an old abandoned hotel have threaten a guy Who photographed it With copyright infringement, according to Techdirt.

“The story begins with Sherman Cahal, who runs the awesome site AbandonedOnline.net, on which he posts photographs from abandoned buildings. He recently posted photographs of the Waldo Hotel in Clarksburg, West Virginia. As you can see at the link, he doesn’t just put up photos, but a rather detailed history of the building itself. Then there are a bunch of exterior photos, interior photos and even some historic photos of the building. I have to admit that I’m a sucker for this kind of photography.

Of course, not everyone thought it was cool. In particular, the Vandalia Heritage Foundation, who currently owns the building and has been trying to raise money to restore it, sent Cahal a letter complaining about the photos, telling him that the photos were both evidence of trespassing and copyright infringement.”

Google Expands Voice Actions in Europe

Google has now expanded its Voice Actions service to France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, reports engadget

“Beginning today, loquacious smartphone and tablet users will be able to place calls, send texts and conduct Google searches by speaking into their devices. All you have to do is press the microphone button on your home screen’s Google search field and open the Voice Search app, or simply press the physical search button on your handset to bring up the “Speak Now” field. From there, you can begin chattering away in French, German, Italian, Spanish and real British English.”

Requires Android 2.2 or above

Novosoft Announces New Version of Handy Backup for Android

Novosoft, an international software development and IT consultancy company, announced the release of a new version of Handy Backup for Android. The popular app now delivers Android everything backup (for SMS, MMS, settings, apps, SD card files, and more) storable to SD cards and Online Backup Cloud, packed in a one-button intuitive interface. Among other improvements there is an updated data protection auto monitoring system presented in the previous version and warmly welcomed by users. The app is already available on Android Market and HandyBackup.net.

“In the universe of apps for everything, it is important for a program to have a philosophy. Handy Backup for Android got one: it is always a chance to choose among simple things. Here is an example. In the newly released Handy Backup for Android 2.0 you can manage the ultimate 100% backup of your Android device as simply as clicking a single button. But if you are into manually adjusting backup preferences due to your personal way of things, the one button expands into browsing a detailed list of backups, marking the backup tasks as important, shifting the backup destination from the SD card to the top secure Online Backup Cloud, and much more. All you do is deciding which option is simpler and more comfortable for you. What about downloading the new version? Again, there is a choice between simple and simpler: you can get the app on Market or the Handy Backup’s site,” said Nikita Zverev, the Handy Backup for Android project manager.

Handy Backup for Android (http://www.handybackup.net/android-backup.shtml), version 2.0, features a one-button interface for ultimate backup of Android device data including SMS, MMS, contacts, call logs, phone settings, browser history and bookmarks, and all other types of Android everything.

The one-button backup is supported by a number of storage optimization and security options.

The storage optimization involves backup automation via scheduling, handy formats for file storage (e.g. contacts are stored as VCards, so the backups can be browsed in Outlook), and compression to save the storage space.

The security options are the encryption and a market exclusive data protection system. The last one automatically monitors data of the Android device, displays the level of data protection, and suggests the ways of driving protection to 100%.

The storage options by the new Handy Backup for Android are the devices own SD card (free option) and top secure Online Backup Cloud (a paid option with a free trial).

The app works for Android OS starting from 2.0 and can be free downloaded from Android Market or HandyBackup.net.

About Handy Backup for Android
Handy Backup for Android is a data backup app for mobile devices running under Android OS starting from 2.0. The app manages backup of Android text messages, call logs, SD card files, and basically all the other types of important Android data. The storage options are the SD card (free) and Online Backup Cloud (top secure and instant accessible). Handy Backup for Android is free to download on Android Market and the official Handy Backup site.

About Handy Backup
Handy Backup is a family of software solutions for data backup, file sync, and system recovery strongly oriented towards automation and power of functionality. The utility line presents Handy Backup Standard (computer backup general options), Professional (general plus advanced options for individual PC and small network backup), Full (an all-included edition for PCs and small networks), Server (an ultimate solution for network and server backup), and Handy Backup for Android (one-button backup of Android everything). The prices are from $0 for Handy Backup for Android to $599 for Handy Backup Server. For more details, please refer to http://www.handybackup.net/.

About Novosoft
Established in 1992, Novosoft LLC is an international software development and IT consultancy company providing a number of commonly-recognized software brands (Handy Backup and Handy Password among the others) and consulting in the area of business automation. Besides numerous awards and ongoing big partnerships (with Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Stanford University, and others) justifying the company’s products and services high quality, Novosoft is known for educational and social activity. For more information, please visit http://www.novosoft-us.com.

Canon Announces PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS Models With New DIGIC 5 Image Processor

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announces the addition of two feature-packed digital cameras, the PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS, to its award-winning lineup of point-and-shoot models. In addition to superb low-light performance and increased overall speed, these two cameras include a new DIGIC 5 image processor, HS SYSTEM, Full HD video capture, High-speed Burst HQ and Intelligent IS providing clearer, smoother looking images.

“Photo enthusiasts are always on the search for that next great camera to help them achieve the best results” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “The inclusion of the new DIGIC 5 image processor and Full HD recording capabilities on both new models will provide users with the tools needed to capture brilliant images and videos as they continue their photographic journey”

A challenging task for the photographer on assignment or appointed family photographer is working under low-light conditions. Helping improve the quality of images from those situations is Canon’s HS SYSTEM, where the camera’s image processor and high-sensitivity image sensor work in tandem to enhance low-light image quality. With the PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS, Canon has introduced a new DIGIC 5 image processor, maintaining the cameras’ superb low-light image quality while improving overall camera operation and color accuracy. The new image processor has improved noise reduction and advanced Multi-area White Balance optimizing color tones of both subject and background under multiple light sources.

High-speed, High-quality, High-performance

An added benefit of the DIGIC 5 image processor is the incorporation of the new High-speed Burst HQ1providing users with the ability to continuously capture a maximum of eight frames. This new feature will allow the story of a child scoring the winning goal on the soccer field or a marathon runner crossing the finish line to be told frame-by-frame through the eye of the photographer.

Intelligent IS

One of the most important innovations for a point-and-shoot camera has been Image Stabilization (IS) since it helps improve image quality by reducing camera blur for both images and videos. Canon has taken this technology one step further with the new Intelligent IS which automatically chooses from six different modes (Normal, Macro, Panning, Dynamic, Powered, Tripod) to optimize image stabilization and help achieve crisp, blur-free images for various shooting conditions.

It’s an HD World

When the time comes to share one of those “can’t miss” moments from a family day at the park or of a pride of lions on a safari expedition, the use of HD video is becoming more popular than ever. As a leader in HD video capture, Canon has incorporated Full HD recording (1920 x 1080) capabilities for both new models. Providing exceptional resolution for crystal clear HD video, both cameras have a dedicated movie record button in addition to having the ability to zoom while recording, further enhancing the overall user experience. An HDMI terminal output has also been included for easy sharing of videos with stereo sound on HD ready televisions

PowerShot S100 Digital Camera
When the PowerShot S95 Digital camera was announced in 2010, it received critical praise for having an impressive feature set and superb low-light capabilities. Building upon the success of this model is the PowerShot S100, featuring a host of upgrades making it a must-have for any photo enthusiast. Featuring a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor — part of the HS SYSTEM — this versatile camera has a 24-120mm wide angle lens with 5x optical zoom, GPS functionality and is capable of achieving improved low-light performance of up to ISO 6400.
Additionally, the camera utilizes an f/2.0 lens increasing the camera’s low-light performance by allowing additional light to reach the sensor while creating a shallow depth-of-field for portraits with dynamic, soft backgrounds. The PowerShot S100 will also now be available in either black or silver. Other features of this camera include:

-A large 3.0-inch wide LCD screen for easy viewing of those images and menu options.
-GPS capabilities2 where satellites collect data of the latitude, longitude and altitude of an image’s location, which is then stored to the image’s EXIF data3. A map utility software is included with the camera to view the locations where images were captured. There’s also an internal GPS logger to track the day’s photographic route.
-A full range of shooting and recording modes similar to those found in DSLR cameras including RAW + JPEG and a control ring on the front of the camera for quick, manual adjustment of key functions such as ISO, zoom and focus.
-Compatibility with the HF-DC2 High-Power Flash, which is an optional flash accessory that operates wirelessly and increases the effective flash range up to approximately 30 feet.

The estimated selling price of the PowerShot S100 Digital camera is $429.99 and is scheduled to be available in early November.*

PowerShot SX40 HS

When visiting the local zoo or sitting in the stands of a youth football game, having a camera that has the flexibility to capture images at close-up and far-off distances is a necessity. Canon’s PowerShot SX40 HS is just the camera one would need to ensure those images are of high-quality. Other features include:

-An incredible 35x optical zoom range (24mm-840mm) with image stabilizer and a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor — part of the HS SYSTEM – the camera can capture low-light images of enhanced image quality up to ISO 3200.
-An incredible 35x optical zoom range (24mm-840mm) with image stabilizer and a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor — part of the HS SYSTEM – the camera can capture low-light images of enhanced image quality up to ISO 3200.
-A 2.7-inch wide vari-angle LCD has been included for easy viewing of images and menus from almost any angle.
-Improved Smart AUTO settings to ensure the settings are intelligently selected based upon the cameras 32 predefined shooting situations.
-The Zoom Framing Assist button, which helps the user steady the camera when tracking a moving subject at extreme telephoto settings keeping it in focus.

The estimated selling price of the PowerShot SX40 HS Digital camera is $429.99 and is scheduled to be available in late September.*

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2010†, with global revenues of more than US $45 billion and is listed as number five in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2011 list. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percCanon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announces the addition of two feature-packed digital cameras, the PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS, to its award-winning lineup of point-and-shoot models. In addition to superb low-light performance and increased overall speed, these two cameras include a new DIGIC 5 image processor, HS SYSTEM, Full HD video capture, High-speed Burst HQ and Intelligent IS providing clearer, smoother looking images.

“Photo enthusiasts are always on the search for that next great camera to help them achieve the best results” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “The inclusion of the new DIGIC 5 image processor and Full HD recording capabilities on both new models will provide users with the tools needed to capture brilliant images and videos as they continue their photographic journey”

A challenging task for the photographer on assignment or appointed family photographer is working under low-light conditions. Helping improve the quality of images from those situations is Canon’s HS SYSTEM, where the camera’s image processor and high-sensitivity image sensor work in tandem to enhance low-light image quality. With the PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS, Canon has introduced a new DIGIC 5 image processor, maintaining the cameras’ superb low-light image quality while improving overall camera operation and color accuracy. The new image processor has improved noise reduction and advanced Multi-area White Balance optimizing color tones of both subject and background under multiple light sources.

High-speed, High-quality, High-performance

An added benefit of the DIGIC 5 image processor is the incorporation of the new High-speed Burst HQ1providing users with the ability to continuously capture a maximum of eight frames. This new feature will allow the story of a child scoring the winning goal on the soccer field or a marathon runner crossing the finish line to be told frame-by-frame through the eye of the photographer.

Intelligent IS

One of the most important innovations for a point-and-shoot camera has been Image Stabilization (IS) since it helps improve image quality by reducing camera blur for both images and videos. Canon has taken this technology one step further with the new Intelligent IS which automatically chooses from six different modes (Normal, Macro, Panning, Dynamic, Powered, Tripod) to optimize image stabilization and help achieve crisp, blur-free images for various shooting conditions.

It’s an HD World

When the time comes to share one of those “can’t miss” moments from a family day at the park or of a pride of lions on a safari expedition, the use of HD video is becoming more popular than ever. As a leader in HD video capture, Canon has incorporated Full HD recording (1920 x 1080) capabilities for both new models. Providing exceptional resolution for crystal clear HD video, both cameras have a dedicated movie record button in addition to having the ability to zoom while recording, further enhancing the overall user experience. An HDMI terminal output has also been included for easy sharing of videos with stereo sound on HD ready televisions

PowerShot S100 Digital Camera

When the PowerShot S95 Digital camera was announced in 2010, it received critical praise for having an impressive feature set and superb low-light capabilities. Building upon the success of this model is the PowerShot S100, featuring a host of upgrades making it a must-have for any photo enthusiast. Featuring a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor — part of the HS SYSTEM — this versatile camera has a 24-120mm wide angle lens with 5x optical zoom, GPS functionality and is capable of achieving improved low-light performance of up to ISO 6400.
Additionally, the camera utilizes an f/2.0 lens increasing the camera’s low-light performance by allowing additional light to reach the sensor while creating a shallow depth-of-field for portraits with dynamic, soft backgrounds. The PowerShot S100 will also now be available in either black or silver. Other features of this camera include:

-A large 3.0-inch wide LCD screen for easy viewing of those images and menu options.
-GPS capabilities2 where satellites collect data of the latitude, longitude and altitude of an image’s location, which is then stored to the image’s EXIF data3. A map utility software is included with the camera to view the locations where images were captured. There’s also an internal GPS logger to track the day’s photographic route.
-A full range of shooting and recording modes similar to those found in DSLR cameras including RAW + JPEG and a control ring on the front of the camera for quick, manual adjustment of key functions such as ISO, zoom and focus.
-Compatibility with the HF-DC2 High-Power Flash, which is an optional flash accessory that operates wirelessly and increases the effective flash range up to approximately 30 feet.

The estimated selling price of the PowerShot S100 Digital camera is $429.99 and is scheduled to be available in early November.*

PowerShot SX40 HS

When visiting the local zoo or sitting in the stands of a youth football game, having a camera that has the flexibility to capture images at close-up and far-off distances is a necessity. Canon’s PowerShot SX40 HS is just the camera one would need to ensure those images are of high-quality. Other features include:

-An incredible 35x optical zoom range (24mm-840mm) with image stabilizer and a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor — part of the HS SYSTEM – the camera can capture low-light images of enhanced image quality up to ISO 3200.
-An incredible 35x optical zoom range (24mm-840mm) with image stabilizer and a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor — part of the HS SYSTEM – the camera can capture low-light images of enhanced image quality up to ISO 3200.
-A 2.7-inch wide vari-angle LCD has been included for easy viewing of images and menus from almost any angle.
-Improved Smart AUTO settings to ensure the settings are intelligently selected based upon the cameras 32 predefined shooting situations.
-The Zoom Framing Assist button, which helps the user steady the camera when tracking a moving subject at extreme telephoto settings keeping it in focus.

The estimated selling price of the PowerShot SX40 HS Digital camera is $429.99 and is scheduled to be available in late September.*

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2010†, with global revenues of more than US $45 billion and is listed as number five in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2011 list. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyoseient U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei

Hands on Video: http://www.viddler.com/explore/engadget/videos/3441/

YouTube Announces Post Production Video Suite

YouTube unveils post-production suite, includes Instagram-like effects and shake reduction

You Tube has launched a suite of new effects that lets you edit your videos, even after you’ve uploaded them.

“Until now, when you uploaded to YouTube, your video was hosted and shared, but couldn’t really be changed. If you wanted to trim off the end, swap out the soundtrack, or add an effect, you had to edit your video using a separate program and upload again.

Starting today, you can edit your uploaded videos right on YouTube and maintain the same video IDs. This means you keep your view count and comments, and all existing links to your video will continue to work. No re-uploading necessary!” Read more on the YouTube blog

Western Digital Announces WD 2go Cloud Apps

Western Digital, today introduced its WD 2go(TM) and WD 2go Pro mobile apps for its My Book Live(TM) personal cloud storage solution. WD’s My Book Live drive connects to the home network creating shared storage that users can access within and outside the home.

Secure remote access to the My Book Live is available on any computer through www.WD2go.com, while the WD 2go apps provide mobile access to files stored on the drive using an iPad , iPhone , iPod touch or Android(TM) compatible mobile device.

Combining the benefits of both public and private cloud solutions, My Book Live personal cloud storage allows users to keep media and files safe at home on their own physical drive and yet access them over the Internet with any PC or Mac computer or on tablets and smartphones through WD’s mobile apps. Using My Book Live, users can share files, stream media, and access content anywhere with no monthly fees and secure in the knowledge that their data resides in their own home under their exclusive control. In addition, the WD 2go Pro app enables private sharing of files with friends, family and colleagues. Almost any file can be shared, from pictures and personal videos to work documents and presentations.

WD 2go web access marks WD’s second generation of remote access technologies that leverage a peer-to-peer connection between the My Book Live and remote PCs or mobile devices to maximize the speed and throughput.

“Consumers demand the anywhere, any device access they can get from ‘the cloud,’ but don’t want to pay monthly fees or lose control of their personal data. They want access to all their files without worrying about what files are synched to what device,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager for WD’s branded products and consumer electronics groups. “With the new WD 2go mobile apps and WD’s My Book Live personal cloud storage, consumers now have a simple and fast way to securely store, share, and access all their digital content from their mobile devices wherever they are.” The WD 2go apps add to WD’s vision of providing secure storage and access to digital content on any screen, on-the-go or at home. The app supports a variety of media file formats for streaming movies and music or accessing files such as Microsoft Office documents. In addition to all of the features currently available in the free WD 2go app, the WD 2go Pro app includes several advanced features, including: Clipping: Users can clip files, photos, songs, videos or folders to download a copy from the My Book Live drive to a mobile device, enabling subsequent access even without an Internet connection.

Automatic sync: New or modified files added to the My Book Live automatically sync to mobile devices.

Content sharing: The WD 2go Pro app allows users to email files, share files as a link, print and open files with third party apps.

Additional security: Users can leverage an additional layer of security by locking mobile access to the My Book Live drive with a 4-digit pass code.

In addition to remote and mobile access to the personal cloud, WD’s My Book Live features a built-in media server that streams music, photos and movies to any DLNA-certified multimedia device such as a WD TV Live(TM) network media player, Blu-ray Disc(TM) player, Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3, and connected TV.

Capacity and Compatibility My Book Live personal cloud storage is available in capacities of 1 TB, 2 TB and 3 TB and is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista , Windows 7, Mac OS X Leopard , Snow Leopard , or Lion(TM), as well as DLNA/UPnP enabled devices.

Price and Availability WD 2go (free download) and WD 2go Pro ($2.99 USD) are currently available for download from the iTunes Store and Android Market. My Book Live personal cloud storage is available at select U.S. retailers and online at the wdstore.com.

MSRP is $159.99 USD for 1 TB, $199.99 USD for the 2 TB, and $249.99 USD for 3 TB.

Gomite Introduces Tiltpod Magnetic Camera Tripod

Gomite introduces the tiltpod, the worlds first magnetic quick connect micro tripod for compact cameras and video recorders.

San Francisco, CA – Amazingly small and versatile, the tiltpod’s high-strength magnetic base is designed to remain attached to the camera’s wrist strap. Perfect for taking sharp low-light shots, self-timer group photos, and stable video. The included pivot point attaches to the camera and can be quickly connected and removed from the base. The underside of the tiltpod’s base is made of a grippy material, so it holds on inclined surfaces, wood, rocks, you name it. Since the base is magnetic, it also helps it stick to inclined metal surfaces like car hoods, metal fence posts, or even refrigerator doors!

“The inspiration for the design came after countless group photos and night shots precariously stabilizing the camera by stuffing the wrist strap, rocks, twigs or whatever we could find underneath it to hold the camera at the right angle to properly frame the shot.” shares Mike Strasser, co-inventor of the tiltpod. “We wanted it to be always ready, a snap to use, and not interfere with the convenience of having a camera that fits in your pocket.”

The tiltpod can be ordered online at www.tiltpod.com. It comes with a camera wrist strap, a magnetic base, and two pivot points; one that screws into the tripod socket and a second that adhesively sticks to the camera for when the tripod socket is located off-center. The tiltpod retails for $17.95.

Bullets:

* Amazingly small and versatile, stays attached to the camera’s wrist strap (included).
* Perfect for taking sharp low-light shots, self-timer group photos, and stable video.
* High-strength magnetic base can be quickly attached and removed from the camera.
* Grippy base holds on inclined surfaces, wood, rocks, you name it!
* Perfect for most all compact cameras and Flipcam video recorders
* Comes with a camera wrist strap, a magnetic tiltpod base, a screw mounted pivot, and an optional stick-on adhesive pivot for cameras with off-center tripod sockets.

Twitter Announces Web Analytics Service

Twitter has announced its new Web Analytics service at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference. The new service will be rolled out this week to a small pilot group of partners, and will be made available to all website owners within the next few weeks. Twitter announced they committed to releasing a Twitter Web Analytics API for developers interested in incorporating Twitter data in their products.

The product provides three key benefits:

Understand how much your website content is being shared across the Twitter network
See the amount of traffic Twitter sends to your site
Measure the effectiveness of your Tweet Button integration

Intel and Google to Optimize Android Platform

Intel Corporation and Google Inc. today announced that they will work to enable and optimize future versions of Android™ for Intel’s family of low power Atom™ processors. This means that future versions of the Android platform will support Intel technology in addition to other architectures.

The joint effort is designed to speed time-to-market of Intel technology-based smartphones running the Android platform. Intel will take advantage of the open-source accessibility of the Android platform to provide its customers with technology products that inspire continued innovation and also help enable powerful personal computing experiences that fully leverage Intel technology across a range of devices. This work will enable mobile device OEMs and wireless operators to draw upon the performance and low power capabilities of Intel® architecture and tap into the scale of the x86 developer ecosystem to further drive the adoption of the Android platform.

“By optimizing the Android platform for Intel architecture, we bring a powerful new capability to market that will accelerate more industry adoption and choice, and bring exciting new products to market that harness the combined potential of Intel technology and the Android platform” said Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini”Together we are accelerating Intel architecture and bringing new levels of innovation to a maturing Android platform”

“Combining Android with Intel’s low power smartphone roadmap opens up more opportunity for innovation and choice” said Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President of Mobile at Google. “This collaboration will drive the Android ecosystem forward”

Today’s announcement builds upon the two companies’ recent joint initiatives to enable Intel architecture on Google products, which include Chrome OS and Google TV along with the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) and Native Development Kit (NDK).

About Google Inc.
Google’s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top Web property in all major global markets. Google’s targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall Web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com

Ecko Zip earbuds play tunes through a functioning zip

Moving decisively to place his unique sense of design and style on one of the consumer electronics industry’s traditionally most boring product categories, fashion designer, multimedia artist, and technology entrepreneur Marc Ecko today announced the immediate market introduction of a groundbreaking new line of *ECKOUNLTD. earbud headphones that fuse together fashion and function in unprecedented new ways.

According to Ecko, the six new earbud headphone styles – “Zone,” “Chaos II,” “Stomp,” “Lace,” “Zip,” and “Chain” – will be delivered to dealers starting next month under an exclusive licensing agreement with Mizco International’s DIGIPOWER Division. Each new style lives up to its respective name, featuring a fusion of fashion and function unique to each series. All will be marketed under the *ECKOUNLTD. brand name and carry suggested retail prices of between $12.99 to $39.99.

“I can’t imagine life without all my gadgets. From my phone to my laptop; I am as dependent on my gear as I am the quality of my environment. For me it is not just a bunch of cables and ports. I expect my gear to be seamless with what it is I am doing, reliable and easy to manage. If I am on a plane, managing my photos, catching up on the news, vibing on music or even playing videogames, it has to work as hard as I do,” Marc Ecko said today.

He continues, “Having grown up in a digital generation, and having it shape so much of my point of view as a designer – I could not wait to tackle the challenge of building a proper collection of technology accessories. I aimed to build something that really captures our generation’s unlimited sense of style. Fearless. Action minded. Designed with a unique voice. Always live life Unlimited!”

According to Mizco’s Vice President of Sales for the *ecko Division, Steve Kops, “For the first time in the headphone category’s history, Fashion & Function are major influences on product development. As a result, retailers have a brand new opportunity to merchandise headphones not just on their sonic quality, but now on the fashion likes of their consumers. Traditional, all black headphones are being replaced with vibrant colors, unique silhouettes, and superior technology to their predecessors.”

The “Zone” earbuds feature the iconic *ecko Rhino on the outer surface of the earpieces. Available for $12.99, in red, green, pink, yellow, blue and white, the earbuds include a one-meter cable compatible with iPods, iPhones and Android smartphones and three sizes of ear-piece gels.

“Chaos II”, available for $14.99, in purple, pink, blue, red, and black, features the *ecko Rhino on the outer surface of the earpieces, a 1 meter cable, inline microphone, controls for the iPod, iPad and iPhone, and three sizes of ear-piece gels.

Available for $19.99, the “Stomp” earbuds feature the iconic Ecko Rhino on the outer surface of the earpieces. Available in red, blue, white, pink, purple and black, the earbuds feature a flat 1.2-meter cable with an inline microphone and controls compatible with iPods, iPads, iPhones and Android smartphones. The earbuds include a convenient travel bag, and three sizes of ear-piece gels.

The “Lace” earbuds, available for $24.99, feature a nylon, shoelace style cord, available in white, red, blue, black, pink and purple. The earbuds feature an inline microphone, controls for iPods, iPads and iPhones, three sizes of ear gels and a convenient travel bag.

The new “Chain” and “Zip” earbuds merge Ecko’s reputation for street-conscious fashion with utilitarian function. Featuring a beaded, dog-tag chain cord design, the “Chain” earbuds are available for $39.99 in blue, pink, red and black. The “Zip” earbuds feature a functioning zipper cord, and are available in red, gold, blue, white, pink and purple, for $29.99. Both styles of earbuds feature an inline microphone and volume control compatible with iPods, iPhones, and Android smartphones, as well as a convenient travel bag and three sizes of ear-piece gels.

According to Ecko, today’s introduction of the six new ear bud headphone lines is a prelude to a major CES 2012 product line introduction that promise to take his vision to an even higher plateau of design and function.

About Marc Ecko Enterprises

Marc Ecko Enterprises is a full-scale global fashion and lifestyle company with reported sales of over $1.5 billion in 2009 and approximately 1,000 employees worldwide. Over the past 17 years, the group of companies that comprise Marc Ecko Enterprises (MEE) has grown to include: Ecko Unltd., the largest young men’s brand in better department stores today; Eckored, a young women’s brand both identified by the ‘World Famous Rhino’ logo; Marc Ecko Cut & Sew, a contemporary menswear line; Zoo York, the first and largest east coast action sport brand; Marc Ecko Entertainment, an interactive entertainment and videogame unit; and Complex Media LLC, a publishing and new media division.

About Mizco International

Headquartered in Avenel, New Jersey, Mizco International (www.mizco.com) is one of the world’s fastest growing suppliers of mobile phone headsets and accessories, as well as imaging and iPhone power solutions. Founded in 1990, Mizco markets products under the Cellular Innovations, DIGIPOWER, iEssentials and Travelocity brands. The company currently offers more than 1,000 products through a global dealer network. For more information on Mizco and its product offerings call 1.800.266.4026 or visit www.mizco.com

Control4 Announces New MyHome App for Android

Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems, announces their new Control4® MyHome – Android™ app for Android-enabled mobile devices. Developed by Clever Controls for Control4® systems, the app is currently in beta testing with select Control4 dealers and release is currently slated for Q4.

The Control4® MyHome family of software apps allows homeowners to access and control lighting, temperature, security, music, movies, and so much more from a wide range of devices in a Control4 enabled home. The new MyHome – Android app is a robust solution that will allow homeowners to access, manage and control their Control4 system from their Android-based devices built on Android OS 1.6 or higher.

“Control4 MyHome is wildly popular with dealers and their customers, and Android devices are gaining widespread adoption. We know our dealers will be ecstatic to have an Android solution to add to their Control4 arsenal,” said Will West, Chief Executive Officer of Control4. “Our MyHome apps offer control of today’s digital home from a homeowner’s favorite phone or tablet, whether that’s Mac or PC, to give our customers the flexibility and options that meet their lifestyle.”

Control4 MyHome turns existing Android-enabled smart phones and tablets into additional interfaces that are consistent on every device from your iPhone to your Galaxy to your PC. Control4 MyHome allows users to manage their system over the local WiFi network within the home, with unique security features that identify and authenticate the homeowners Control4 system to their Android device.

The new Android app joins the incredibly successful line of Control4 MyHome family which already includes software apps and licenses for devices such as the iPad™ and iPhone™. With a MyHome site or device license, homeowners will have full control of the connected devices in their home and be able to do everything from adjust lights and lock doors to manage their Rhapsody playlists.

Interested Dealers can view a demo of the Control4 MyHome – Android app at CEDIA EXPO Booth #2302 and can email to [email protected] to request participation in the app Beta program. When released in the fourth quarter, the app will be available for free download on www.control4.com and other popular Android marketplaces. Homeowners who already have a MyHome site license can add MyHome – Android for free. MyHome Site licenses are $499 while single device licenses are $199. Consumers interested in a Control4 system can visit www.control4.com to locate a dealer near them.
For more information on Control4, please visit www.control4.com