Do you use Spotify, We7 or Last FM? Well you may see a drop in the number of available tunes to listen to as Warner Music Group have said they will stop licensing its songs to free music streaming services.
Warner Music Group are one of the 4 major music labels and its artists include the likes of Staind, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hard Fi, Michael Buble, The Enemy, REM, and Wilco – to name just a few.
You’re going to see one of these posts each week now!
As new co-hosts, Matt and myself recorded the mobiletechaddicts podcast last night, with Gareth and Andy.
If you fancy listening to us having a serious chat about recent mobile news (and also some not so serious!) then head over to mobiletechaddicts.com where you can download the podcast or be directed to iTunes. If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch you may also want to download the mobiletechaddicts app!
Next weeks podcast should be a super good one as we will record it once Gareth and I return from Mobile World Congress. I hope I may have a better microphone by then too!
Posted by: James
News of Google’s latest new service seem to be everywhere this morning. I’m talking about Google Buzz. This new service aims to compete with the likes of Twitter and Facebook by adding social networking elements in to your existing GMail account.
Buzz automatically follows the people you email and chat with the most in Gmail without seting it up and you can share your ideas publicly or privately just like any other social network.
Buzz is not available to everyone yet, it seems that only our US friends have the BUZZ button added to their GMail accounts so far. Some people not in the US report having some success in enabling buzz by going in to their Google account settings and changing their language to English(US) and their location to USA. If you try this then remember to log out of Google, clear your cookies and then log back in. Does it work for you? I’ve not had any luck!
For the rest of us then, all we can do for now is buzz.google.com from your iPhone and Android handset to have a play with it.
Posted by: Matt
Last year we published the details of HTCs forthcoming roadmap and among those devices was The Legend.
Now 2010 is here and engadget have managed to get a couple of photos of the device in action.
Apart from these photos there is not any new info on this new device but this so called Hero sequel sure looks a nice bit of kit. Like the HTC Incredible, we posted about yesterday, could that be some kind of optical trackpad below the screen?
Sporting an aluminium shell, the HTC Legend is reportedly due for release in March. I have a suspicion I may be able to get my hands on one of these in the next week or so.
Stay tuned for more info (I sound like a radio DJ!)
Posted by: James
Remember the 3D glasses you used to get free with your cereal? Well, three dimensional viewing has come a long way since then! In fact, you’ve probably been hearing more and more about it these days on TV. We’ve even been mentioning it here on tracyandmatt.co.uk with items such as Rugby in 3D, or even the Minoru 3D webcam.
Acer has just announced their new S5200 3D Ready Video-projector. It’s been marketed for the education side of the market stating that,
The new DLP 3D Ready Acer S5200 video-projector display spectacular 3D videos and images for stunning 3D lessons that will bewitch the students.
How cool would that be! I may have learned something at school if I was made to watch 3D videos!
Anyway, here is more from Acer:
The three-dimensional experience is made possible by DLP 3D Ready technology that, using high (120 Hz) refresh rates, can transform the flat surface of the room wall into a 3D screen thanks to a combination of a PC with a compatible graphic card and special 3D glasses. The possibilities unlocked by this simple solution are limited only by our imagination: exploring the incredible human anatomy or the universe in 3D detail; touring famous archaeological sites just like being there…
How does it work? To interpret a 2D image as 3D, the human brain must be tricked: each eye must see a slightly different image that the visual cortex interprets as one. DLP technology is so fast it can actually produce two images on the screen at the same time. Then 3D glasses combine the two images to create a spectacular 3D effect.
With Ultra-Short Throw capability, this projector can display clear images even if it is placed very close to the screen. At a distance of just 1 meter sharp and accurate images can be displayed with a diagonal of up to 205 cm (81″). Thanks to this feature presenters can avoid projector beams in the eyes and don’t cast shadows on the screen during their presentations. As a result the S5200 offers greater flexibility and maximum viewing comfort, making it ideal for education and professional projection scenarios.
The Acer S5200 is totally compliant with the Crestron Network System, a solution offering complete control of the projector via LAN, including monitoring, remote power on/off (may be scheduled), remote projection management, including source selection and multiple-projector control.
The quality of images is warranted by top-class technologies designed to enhance colour accuracy and sharpness. The S5200 reproduces images with more natural and balanced shades, achieving truly lifelike tones, thanks to Acer ColorBoost II+ featuring an optimised 6-segment colour wheel design, a powerful image processor and an advanced lamp waveform to improve colour performance. Colour brightness is enhanced and automatically adapted to the displayed content with the aid of Acer eView Management.
Over time, projectors can be affected by colour decay that adds a yellowish or greenish shade to the images on screen. Now Acer’s projectors take advantage of ColorSafe and DLP® technology to ensure picture integrity even with prolonged use, making them virtually immune to colour decay.
An HDMIT port provides seamless connection to the latest digital sources ensuring exceptional high-definition viewing. The advanced lamp technology with illumination of up to 3000 ANSI lumens a 2500:1 contrast ratio and native XGA resolution help bringing a new level of brightness, colour and clarity to the images.
Beguiling visuals are complemented by superior installation versatility. Thanks to the innovative Blackboard mode, that allows clear projection even on coloured surfaces, the S5200 does not need to set up a screen. The 40° Vertical Keystone Correction fixes vertical distortions so that the audience can always see a perfectly rectangular image no matter where the projector is placed and lastly, users can easily change the lamp module even when the projector is ceiling-mounted thanks to the Acer Top-loading Lamp design.
Up to 4000 hours of lamp life save lamp replacement costs ensuring long-term dependable projector use. The extended lifespan and consistent image quality lower the total cost of ownership and translate to big savings. Further savings are ensured by the innovative DLP chip, enabling a filter-free design for lower maintenance and operating costs
What’s more, the S5200 comes with Acer EcoProjection, an environment friendly management solution that reduces standby power consumption by up to 80%. The projector automatically enters ECO mode if there isn’t any input signal for 5 minutes, with up to 20% additional power savings and automatically performs a safety shutdown if it does not receive input for a certain time. Also included in the Acer EcoProjection suite is Acer ePower Management, a tool that lets you create customised power-saving configurations.To improve ease-of-use, Acer projectors are equipped with Empowering Technology, a suite of tools designed to simplify access to simple setup, viewing and timer utilities, making you more productive and helping get the right message across first time.
Acer S5200 video-projector comes with 5 years warranty on the DLP chip and 1 year warranty on the lamp without hour limit.
Posted by: Emma
The Symbian OS used on many mobile phones from manufacturers such as Nokia (N97, 5800 XpressMusic, N86 8MP), Sony Ericsson (Satio, G900, W960), and Samsung (i8910 HD, i8510) to name just a few.
The group behind this OS has been giving away "billions of dollars" worth of code for free.
Here’s what the BBC News said on the matter:
The Symbian Foundation’s announced that it would make its code open source in 2008 and has now completed the move.
It means that any organisation or individual can now use and modify the platform’s underlying source code "for any purpose".
Symbian has shipped in more than 330m mobile phones, the foundation says.
It believes the move will attract new developers to work on the system and help speed up the pace of improvements.
"This is the largest open source migration effort ever," Lee Williams of the Symbian Foundation told BBC News.
"It will increase rate of evolution and increase the rate of innovation of the platform."
Ian Fogg, principal analyst at Forrester research, said the move was about Symbian "transitioning from one business model to another" as well as trying to gain "momentum and mindshare" for software that had been overshadowed by the release of Apple’s iPhone and Google Android operating system.
Evolutionary barrier
Finnish mobile phone giant Nokia bought the software in 2008 and helped establish the non-profit Symbian Foundation to oversee its development and transition to open source.
The foundation includes Nokia, AT&T, LG, Motorola, NTT Docomo, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments and Vodafone.
The group has now released what it calls the Symbian platform as open source code. This platform unites different elements of the Symbian operating system as well as components – in particular, user interfaces – developed by individual members.
Until now, Symbian’s source code was only open to members of the organisation.
It can be downloaded from the foundation’s website from 1400 GMT.
Mr Williams said that one of the motivations for the move was to speed up the rate at which the 10-year-old platform evolved.
‘Mind share’
Symbian development is currently dominated by Nokia, but the foundation hoped to reduce the firm’s input to "no more than 50%" by the middle of 2011, said Mr Williams.
"We will see a dramatic shift in terms of who is contributing to the platform."
However, said Mr Williams, the foundation would monitor phones using the platform to ensure that they met with minimum standards.
Despite being the world’s most popular smart phone operating system, Symbian has been losing the publicity battle, with Google’s Android operating system and Apple’s iPhone dominating recent headlines.
"Symbian desperately needs to regain mindshare at the moment," said Mr Fogg.
"It’s useful for them to say Symbian is now open – Google has done very well out of that."
He also said that the software "may not be as open and free as an outsider might think".
"Almost all of the open source operating systems on mobile phones – Nokia’s Maemo, Google’s Android – typically have proprietary software in them."
For example, Android incorporates Google’s e-mail system Gmail.
But Mr Williams denied the move to open source was a marketing move.
"The ideas we are executing ideas came 12-18 months before Android and before the launch of the original iPhone," Mr Williams told BBC News.
I guess we’ll just have to watch this space!
Posted by: Emma
Pocketnow.com have been sent not only some photos but also a video of the HTC Incredible!
The device which as you will see in this video is Verizon branded and comes with Android 2.1 with the HTC Sense UI. Its also believed to have a Snapdragon CPU and looking at the screen switch speed in the video this looks more than likely.
It is also reported to have an OLED screen and an optical mouse pointer which would be a first for HTC. Sounds good doesn’t it?
More news as we get it….
Posted by: James
On the 2nd of February, Sony announced their new VAIO E Series which will be available from the end of the month. It’s being marketed as compact and easy to use, with ‘no-boot’ Quick Web Access.
The Sony VAIO E Series
It sports a high-contrast 39.4cm (15.5″) VAIO display and full keyboard including full size numeric keypad. It’s extra compact yet manages to fit many connections such as HDMI out and up to 4xUSB, including eSATA/USB port for high speed transfers. Above the keyboard Sony have placed ASSIST and VAIO buttons as well.
The Sony VAIO E Series keyboard
Sony VAIO E Series Specifications:
|
Model |
VAIO VPCEB1S1E |
| Processor | Intel® CoreT i5-430M 2.26GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology (max. 2.53 GHz) |
| OS | Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64-bit) |
| Memory | 4GB DDR3 SDRAM (1066 MHz) |
| HDD | 500GB (5400 rpm) |
| Screen | 39.4cm (15.5″) 16:9 VAIO Display (1366×768) |
| Graphics | ATI Mobility RadeonT HD 5650 with 1GB VRAM |
| Optical drive | DVD+-RW/+-R DL/RAM |
| Weight & size |
2.7kg (with supplied battery); 248.2 x 31.1 x 369.8 mm (D x H x W) |
| Others | WLAN 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; MOTION EYE® camera; stereo audio with Dolby Home Theater v3; HDMI out; 3xUSB + eSATA/USB; WEB/ASSIST/VAIO buttons; matt white/matte black colour finish options |
Here’s what Sony had to say about the VAIO Eseries:
Power, looks and multimedia performance – they’re in perfect harmony with the easy-to-use new VAIO E Series of multimedia notebook computers from Sony.
Compact and easy to carry, stylish new VAIO E Series boast many features that you’d expect to find on bigger, bulkier notebooks. Beautifully designed to look great in your home or on the move, VAIO E Series makes mainstream computing brilliantly affordable. Delivering all the processing power, graphics muscle and easy-to-use productivity features you need, it’s a great value way to enhance your digital life.
Brand-new VAIO E Series is packed with luxurious design touches that add to its premium feel. The high-contrast VAIO Display is bordered by an extra-narrow bezel, boosting available screen size while adding to the new PC’s desirable looks.
Despite its compact chassis size, the new E Series features a responsive, full size keyboard with isolated keys for comfortable, positive typing. For the first time in a VAIO notebook computer with such space-saving dimensions, the keyboard is enhanced further by a full-sized numeric keypad. Ergonomically laid out with evenly-pitched columns, it’s a pleasure to use – whether you’re gaming or entering long lists of data at speed.
Inside every VAIO E Series you’ll find the all-new 2010 Intel® CoreT processor family, partnered with up to 4GB of high-speed DDR3 memory to make light of everyday computing tasks. And with up to 500GB of hard disc capacity on board, there’s plenty of space to store your personal media collection. Complemented by up to 1GB of video RAM, all-new ATI Mobility RadeonT 5000 series graphics handle image editing, HD movie playback and media-rich web sites with ease.
Whether you’re editing photos or just browsing the web, you’ll enjoy a high-contrast, detail-packed picture on the generously-sized 39.4cm (15.5″) VAIO Display. Selected models feature VAIO Display Plus with 1920×1080 resolution for a breathtaking view of Full HD video clips or images from your DSLR camera.
A thrilling home cinema experience is enhanced further by latest Dolby® Home Theater v3 for a powerful, immersive soundtrack with music, games and movies.
The Sony VAIO E Series
Despite its compact footprint, there’s no shortage of connectivity options. An HDMI output adds an extra dimension to enjoying your HD media collection on a connected BRAVIAT TV. Three side-mounted USB ports are joined by a fourth high-speed eSATA/USB port. Hook up an external SATA hard disk drive to enjoy super-fast file transfers up to 6x faster than via USB2.0. It’s a far more efficient way to back up your media files or edit video on an external drive. Alternatively, use the additional port as fourth USB connection if you don’t need eSATA just yet.
Despite its powerful features, new VAIO E Series delivers a computing experience that’s even more convenient and reassuring. Just press the WEB button and you’ll be surfing within seconds, without even needing to boot up your PC. Saving time and battery power, it’s perfect for casual surfing or checking e-mails while you’re on the move. New Quick Web Access now goes even further with multiple tabbed browsing and a new ‘split window’: click a button to browse two web pages side-by-side on the wide 16:9 display.
Quick Web Access is enhanced further still with the integration of Evernote for VAIO. This easy-to-use ‘web clipping’ tool keeps track of anything that interests you while you’re browsing. Click on text, pictures or whole documents as you surf: Evernote automatically tags, sorts and saves them remotely. Then view your personal collection of indexed ‘clippings’ from any PC or even your mobile: it’s a great way to keep track of all the stuff you find on the web.
A dedicated ASSIST button gives one-touch access to VAIO Care, helping maintain, diagnose and troubleshoot your VAIO with just a few clicks. Even when Windows won’t boot properly, just press the ASSIST button and VAIO guides you through diagnostics and fuss-free resolution of problems.
Unique to VAIO, there’s also a choice of applications by Sony to help you enjoy your personal media collection. Launched with a touch of the front panel-mounted VAIO button, Media Gallery makes it beautifully easy to explore your music, photo and video collection. It even offers helpful choices based on your personal browsing history and preferences. New PMB (Picture Motion Browser) VAIO Edition lets you manage, edit and share video clips and photos. Every new VAIO E Series comes shipped with Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium Edition for an intuitive, streamlined computing experience.
Posted by: Emma
The guys over at PPCGEEKS have announced the below spec which they say is the closest info yet know about Windows Mobile 7.
-The User Interface is based upon codename “METRO”. It will be very similar to the Zune HD User Interface with a complete revamp of the “Start” screen. The UI is “Very Clean”, “Soulful” and “Alive”
-Unfortunately there will be no Flash support at the get go as there was not enough time to implement these features.
-Windows Phone 7 will only support application installation through service based delivery. (i.e Marketplace). Application installation via storage card will not be possible.
– No Multi-Task support. Applications will “Pause” when in the background, however will support notifications via push notifications.
-Marketplace will now support “try before you buy” as well as an API
-No NETCF backwards compatibility. This means the original rumour of no backward compatibility for applications holds to be true. That being said, there are high hopes of porting the NetCF to the newer platform easily.
-Microsoft is confident that devices will be ready by September 2010
-Full Zune Integration
-Windows Mobile Device Centre will no longer be used. Zune software to take over syncing via PC.
-OEM Interfaces will not be allowed to run on the device. Say goodbye to Sense UI / SPB Mobile Shell / Point UI / Infinity, etc, etc
-Full XBOX Gaming Integration (Gamer tag, achievements, friends, avatars, merchandising, etc)
-Full support for social networking
Now the Zune is not a bad bit of kit but do I want the same UI on my phone with no option to change it – Hell No!
None of the above has officially come from Microsoft and if it turns out that this is true then I think I may give up all together with Windows Mobile. There must be more to it that this?
Posted by: James
If you have not heard us recently on the mobiletechaddicts podcast then don’t worry as you will be able to listen in future. As from today, both Matt and myself (James) are officially now co-hosts of the MTA podcast along with regulars Gareth Myles and Andy Lee.
So this means that most weeks you will be able to hear the four of us discussing the previous weeks mobile news and more than likely also talking about any good handsets we have been playing with.
To download or subscribe to the podcast click here. In addition, if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch then the new mobiletechaddicts app is also available. Click here for more details.
While you are over at mobiletechaddicts.com you may as well check out their competition to win one of two Bluetooth headsets. How about that for a bonus!
Posted by: James
Connect
Connect with us on the following social media platforms.