Samsung UK exec: Blu-ray's got five years to live
An official with one of the format's principal supporting companies gives it a rather short life span, saying another technology would replace it.
If Samsung UK consumer electronics chief Andy Griffiths is correct, the format would have spent only seven years as a commercially viable format. Compare this to DVD, which has been available to consumers for well over a decade.
TiVo debuts a super-sized 1 terabyte HD DVR
One day after announcing its new DirecTV deal, the DVR manufacturer announced its highest capacity HD DVR yet, with the ability to record up to 150 hours of high-definition programming.
Appropriately named the TiVo HD XL, the new device's storage capacity at "basic quality" is about 1,350 hours, and at "best quality" about 332 hours. These are estimates based on information disclosed to BetaNews by TiVo; and as current TiVo users may point out, few users prefer to record at "basic quality."
Commodore introduces its own 10-inch netbook
The brand had already been through a line of high-end gaming PCs, however the familiar logo will make it onto a line of netbooks later this year.
Commodore is showing off the UMMD 8010/F at the IFA 2008 electronics show, held this week in Berlin. The device will have a 10" inch screen, and the base model will include a 1.6 GHz Via C7-M processor, 1 GB of RAM, and an 80 GB hard drive.
State media: China Mobile close to iPhone 3G deal
Microsoft slashes Xbox 360 price in Japan
Refusing to give up on the game console market in Asia/Pacific, Microsoft has cut the price of its Xbox 360 console in Japan, and is also adding a new model.
The Xbox 360 base model has been reduced from 27,800 yen ($257 USD) to 19,800 yen ($183 USD), while the high-end model with a 120 GB hard drive will now retail for 39,800 yen ($368 USD). A mid-range model with a 60 GB HDD will be introduced for 29,800 yen ($286 USD).
Google Maps to get better satellite imagery from GeoEye
Search giant Google signed a deal with Dulles, Va. startup GeoEye to use imagery from its newest satellite after it launches in September of this year.
This is not the first time Google has dealt with GeoEye. It already uses images from its IKONOS satellite, as well as from other sources including DigitalGlobe. As part of the new deal, GeoEye would exclusively provide its imagery to Google.
Apple looks to fix 'minor' iPhone security flaw
The expected 2.1 software update for Apple's iPhone in September will include a fix that could allow for disclosure of personal information when the device is locked, Apple said.
"The minor iPhone security issue which surfaced this week is fixed in a software update which will be released in September," Apple spokesperson Jennifer Bowcock said in a statement.
Rogers adjusts data plans for iPhone, BlackBerry Bold
With the BlackBerry Bold now available, Rogers, Canada's leading carrier has decided to extend its iPhone 3G promotional data plan until next month, while adjusting other plans.
Rogers Wireless' data plans came under almost immediate criticism after the iPhone 3G's launch on July 11, for what many saw as overpriced data rates. The company later adjusted those plans to appease its detractors.
Where does Barack Obama stand on technology issues?
In the second of our four-part series examining the positions of the presidential and vice presidential candidates on technology policy, BetaNews' Ed Oswald takes a look at the Illinois Democrat.
With respect to the growing middle ground between technology and politics, it could be viably argued that no one has embraced technology as part of his or her campaign -- at least as an ideal -- more than Sen. Barack Obama.
Competitors look to take on MobileMe for iPhone
In light of problems that plagued Apple's new e-mail synchronization service since its launch, it may soon have to fight third-party providers that are setting their sights on providing their own "push" services for iPhone.
The first of two potentially major MobileMe alternatives actually comes from one of Apple's partners for the iPhone, Yahoo. Its subsidiary Zimbra said Thursday that it had released a version of its application for the iPhone 2.0.
Russia to get iPhone 3G through VimpelCom
The nation's second largest mobile carrier is the first to confirm that it would indeed be carrying the popular device, though other carriers are expected to follow.
"VimpelCom announced today it has signed an agreement with Apple to bring iPhone 3G to Russia, expected later this year," the company said in a very brief statement.
Where does Joe Biden stand on technology issues?
As the Democrats' presumptive vice presidential nominee prepares to take the stage to accept the nomination of his party this evening in Denver, BetaNews' Ed Oswald takes a look at his long record.
Hailing from the state of Delaware, Senator Joe Biden has spent 36 years in the Senate. Along the way, he's gained a reputation for his direct, often outspoken, sometimes confrontational personality. His positions on technology, which reflect that personality, are sure to please some and enrage others.
RIAA defendant sanctioned for destroying evidence
Defendant Jeffrey Howell was scolded by an Arizona court earlier this week in a move that could potentially give the recording industry a decisive victory.
Originally, the Howell case was the flash point for discussions surrounding whether simply making available songs for download through a shared folder constitutes piracy, or if actual downloading by a third-party needs to occur. For now, however, it's about destruction of evidence, as a case that had been been going the defendants' way -- in one turn of events already -- turned south once again.
Apple iPhone ad pulled in UK over 'misleading' Internet claims
The UK's Advertising Standards Authority has ruled that an ad for the iPhone was misleading, and cannot be aired again as it misrepresents the device's Internet capabilities.
Two consumers complained to the ASA -- Great Britain's principal regulating body for advertising -- that Apple's claim of "all the parts of the internet are on the iPhone" was incorrect. It doesn't support either Java or Flash, which provide the backbone for many Web sites and services, they argued.
FAA computer glitch briefly snarls flights across US
The Federal Aviation Administration's computer that manages flight plans failed early Tuesday afternoon, causing some airlines to delay departures.
According to spokespersons with the US Federal Aviation Administration, the problem lasted roughly from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm Eastern time. The issue centered around a communications failure at the agency's Atlanta location.
Ed's Bio
Ed Oswald is a freelance journalist from the Reading, PA area. Although he has written across a variety of subjects, Ed’s passion and focus has been on technology and gadgets. His work regularly appears on tech news sites BetaNews, PCWorld, and Technologizer, and has been syndicated to eWeek, Time’s Techland blog, VentureBeat and the New York Times.
Ethics Statement© 1998-2024 BetaNews, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy.