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AfterDawn: News

Sprint files lawsuit to block AT&T purchase of T-Mobile

Written by Rich Fiscus @ 06 Sep 2011 3:45

Sprint files lawsuit to block AT&T purchase of T-Mobile Sprint has filed a lawsuit attempting to block the sale of T-Mobile to AT&T. The suit names AT&T, AT&T Mobility, Deutsche Telekom, and T-Mobile as defendants.

Deutsche Telekom is the corporate parent of T-Mobile.

Sprint claims the deal would result in less competition, harm to smaller wireless carriers, and increased costs to consumers:

a combined AT&T and T-Mobile would have the ability to use its control over backhaul, roaming and spectrum, and its increased market position to exclude competitors, raise their costs, restrict their access to handsets, damage their businesses and ultimately to lessen competition.


Sprint's lawsuit follows a similar action by the US Department of Justice last week.

If the acquisition fails to meet regulatory approval, which seems likely based on recent events, it may end up being information accidentally presented to the Federal Communications Commission as part of a filing that ends up derailing it.

In that filing, AT&T admitted it would cost less than $4 billion to expand their LTE network coverage, even without buying T-Mobile.

Read more...


AfterDawn: News

THX looking to expand to mobile audio

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 06 Sep 2011 2:59

THX looking to expand to mobile audio THX is looking to get into the mobile audio business.

The high-fidelity audio/visual reproduction standard is now looking to get phones and tablets certified, says senior VP Rick Dean.

Because most mobile devices now output to TVs, Dean says the company's audio team is "actively going down that path" in an effort to improve mobile audio.

There was no word on when the first THX-certified phones would become available.

Size had limited what the company could do in the past, but new compression and DSP tuning will improve on that, adds Dean (via Electronista).




AfterDawn: News

Dell and Baidu teaming up for tablets, phones

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 06 Sep 2011 2:36

Dell and Baidu teaming up for tablets, phones Dell and Chinese search engine Baidu have announced this week that they will team up for upcoming phones and tablets, looking to break into the Chinese market currently led by Apple and Lenovo.

China has 900 million mobile phone subscribers, the most in the world by far, and tablet sales have continued to increase in the nation.

Some analysts believe the deal is nothing more than a publicity stunt, however. Says Michael Clendenin, managing director of technology consultancy RedTech Advisors:

I suspect this is just Dell, who has a lot of problems on the mobile and tablet front, grasping at straws to get any kind of publicity that it can to make its product more attractive. Ultimately in China, I still think it is Apple's game, still for the iPad and iPhone.


The devices could come as early as November, reported Chinese papers.

In early 2009, Dell announced smartphones that would launch first in China before ever hitting the U.S. The devices have been marginally successful.




AfterDawn: News

Chrome market share continues to grow in August

Written by Rich Fiscus @ 06 Sep 2011 2:20

Chrome market share continues to grow in August Google's Chrome web browser continued to steadily gain market share in August according to the latest figures from Net Applications.

Although Chrome is still far from the dominant browser with just a 15.51% share, it is slowly catching up with Firefox, which dropped slightly to a share of 22.57%. Internet Explorer remains the market leader with a bigger share than Chrome and Firefox combined.

Perhaps more notable is Internet Explorer 9's improvement to almost 8% of the market because of the fact it isn't compatible with Windows XP.

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AfterDawn: News

Google Desktop gets the axe in less than 2 weeks

Written by Rich Fiscus @ 06 Sep 2011 9:48

Google Desktop gets the axe in less than 2 weeks Google will be killing off ten projects, most notable of which are Google Desktop & Google Pack.

Google Desktop is designed to enable searching data stored on your computer, including files, email, music, photos, and even web & chat history, using the company's proprietary search algorithm.

Google came under fire in 2006 for adding a remote search feature which stored personal information and files on Google servers to be accessed from other computers.

More recently Google Desktop has faced competition from the search features built into both Windows 7 and OS X. It will be discontinued on September 14.

Several other projects are also being shuttered, including Aardvark, Fast Flip, Image Labeler, Notebook, Sidewiki & Subscribed Links. Most include features which have already been integrated into other products, such as the Chrome web browser.

Google Maps API for Flash and Google Web Security are being discontinued, but existing customers will still be supported.

Google Pack is also being dropped, although individual applications from Google and their partners will continue to be available through the Google Pack website.

Read more...


AfterDawn: News

Toshiba shows its first all-in-one PC at IFA

Written by James Delahunty @ 05 Sep 2011 8:05

Toshiba shows its first all-in-one PC at IFA Designed to save space while delivering great multimedia performance.

The Qosmio DX730 is Toshiba's first all-in-one PC, a stylish entertainment center. Its design is inspired by Toshiba's REGZA television line, coming with a 23-inch Full HD 1080p LED-backlit multi-touch display, featuring Resolution+ picture processing technology developed for REGZA TVs.

It is powered by the latest generation of Intel processors, can come with up to 6GB of memory and up to 1TB storage space. Selected models come with an integrated Blu-ray drive. For UK users, the DX730 doubles as a television setup with built-in Freeview support delivering a wide-range of digital channels without the need for a set-top box or Sat dish.

The Qosmio DX730 packs two USB 3.0 ports and four USB 2.0 ports for connecting smartphones, tablets and media players. An HDMI-In port lets you connect up any HDMI-equipped consumer electronics device, such as a games console.

For audio, the all-in-one PC comes with stereo speakers and a sub-woofer designed by Onkyo. Toshiba
Sleep-and-Music also lets users connect an MP3 player to the PC and play music through the speakers – even when the machine is switched off.

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AfterDawn: News

Toshiba showed AT200 Tablet at IFA

Written by James Delahunty @ 05 Sep 2011 5:46

Toshiba showed AT200 Tablet at IFA Light and thin Toshiba AT200 tablet packs 10.1-inch screen.

The tablet runs the Android 3.2 Honeycomb operating system, on a Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 1.2GHz processor and 1GB or DDR2 RAM. The 10.1-inch capacitive multi-touch LCD panel with LED backlight displays in 1280 x 800 (16:10). It comes with internal storage up to 64GB.

For connecting with other devices, the ultra-slim tablet comes with a micro-USB port, micro-SD slot, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Using a micro-HDMI port, content can be easily streamed to a large TV. Front and back high-definition cameras are ideal for video conferencing.

Running Android, the device has access to more than 250,000 apps on the Android Market. 1.5 Watt stereo speakers allow for high-quality sound playback.



Toshiba AT200 Information.
  • Android 3.2, Honeycomb
  • High resolution 25.7cm (10.1-inch) capacitive LCD panel with LED backlight, 1,280 x 800 pixels (16:10) and multi-touch support
  • CPU: TI OMAP 4430, 1.2GHz
  • RAM 1GB DDR2
  • Internal memory with up to 64 GB
  • Micro-USB, micro-SD, micro-HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), docking port
  • Settings: 100% video playback with backlight: 60nits
  • GPS, 3D Accelerometer, gyrometer, electronic compass, ambient light sensor
  • 5.0MP camera (rear), 2.0MP camera (front)
  • Stereo speakers (2x 1.5W)
  • Toshiba Media Player supporting a wide selection of video, picture and audio formats
  • Weight: 558g
  • Size: 256mm x 176mm x 7.7mm
  • Battery life (backlight 60nits): 8h (100% video playback). 8h (65% web browsing via WLAN 10% video playback 10%; 25% standby)
The Toshiba AT200 will be available in Europe during Q4 2011.




AfterDawn: News

Toshiba unveils Camileo Clip HD camcorder at IFA

Written by James Delahunty @ 05 Sep 2011 5:24

Toshiba unveils Camileo Clip HD camcorder at IFA Designed for thrill-seekers, it's water-resistant, easily attaches to clothes or bike.

An integrated clip built into the body of the lightweight camcorder allows it to be easily attached to a t-shirt or shorts for hands-free filming, and a 5mm jack lets owners mount the Camileo Clip to helmets and bicycle handlebars.

It can record in Full HD 1080p. It offers 5X digital zoom keeping the 1080p resolution, and drops to 720p for 10x zoom shots. Electronic Image Stabiliser technology is included to reduce visible camera shake.

It sports a 1.5-inch LCD screen that is controlled using a touch pad on the external body of the camcorder. Still shots can be captured at 16MP resolution using the 5MP CMOS sensor.

For storage, the Camileo Clip uses micro-SD cards for easily expandable storage and card swapping. Mini-USB is used to connect to computers for quick data transfer while a mini-HDMI output lets the user watch their recordings on a HDTV.

Toshiba Camileo Clip Information.

  • Full HD 1080p resolution (30fps)
  • 5MP CMOS sensor (up to 16MP photos)
  • 5x digital zoom (1080p), 10x digital zoom (720p)
  • Electronic Image Stabiliser
  • Screen size: 1.5-inch (3.8 cm)
  • CAMILEO Uploader software
  • Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC up to 64GB
  • 1x mini HDMI and 1x mini USB
  • Touch pad
  • Weather proof
  • Webcam functionaility
  • Size: 46.5mm x 80mm x 16 mm (19.5mm with clip
  • Weight: 85g

The Toshiba Camileo Clip will be available in the UK during Q4 2011. No official price information has been released yet. Toshiba also showed off the Camileo X200 and Camileo X400 HD camcorders at IFA in Berlin.




AfterDawn: News

Toshiba unveils Camileo X200 HD camcorder at IFA

Written by James Delahunty @ 05 Sep 2011 5:11

Toshiba unveils Camileo X200 HD camcorder at IFA Records in Full HD 1080p, and offers 12x optical Zoom.

Utilizing an 8MP CMOS sensor, the Toshiba X200 also has a 20x "Advanced Zoom", which can record distant action with the resolution cut down to 720p from Full HD. Additionally, 60x digital zoom lets the user record even more distant action.

The camcorder can also take stills up to 16MP resolution. Electronic Image Stabiliser technology is included for steady shots, and the X200 also packs motion detection technology to detect and record people and pets in higher quality.

A 3-inch touch-screen allows for viewing of recording/recorded footage, and quick editing using a Cut 'n' Save feature. Content can be easily shared with friends and family through social networks using included Camileo Uplaoder software.

For storage, the Camileo X200 uses SD cards, allowing for easy storage expansion and card swapping. A mini-HDMI output is there for playing HD content on a television, and mini-USB for connecting to computers and laptops for quick and easy data transfer.

Toshiba Camileo X200 Information.

  • 1080p Full HD video resolution (30fps)
  • 12x optical zoom, 60x digital zoom, 20x advanced zoom
  • 8MP CMOS sensor (up to 16MP photos)
  • 3.0-inch (7.6 cm) touchscreen
  • CAMILEO Uploader software
  • Electronic Image Stabiliser
  • Microphone slot
  • Face tracking, smile detection and slow motion technology
  • On camcorder video editing software Cut and Save
  • Pause Button
  • MPEG 4 H.264 recording
  • SD/SDHC/SDXC up to 128GB
  • 1x mini HDMI and 1x mini-USB
  • Size: 120mm x 54mm x 62mm
  • Weight: 301g

The Camileo X200 will be available in the UK during Q4 2011, no pricing information is available yet. Toshiba also showed off the Camileo X400 and Camileo Clip HD camcorders at IFA in Berlin.




AfterDawn: News

Toshiba shows Camileo X400 HD camcorder at IFA

Written by James Delahunty @ 05 Sep 2011 5:00

Toshiba shows Camileo X400 HD camcorder at IFA Provides recording in Full HD 1080p, and offers 23x optical zoom.

An extended 120x digital zoom allows the user to get much closer to the most distant action. The 5MP CMOS sensor also means the Camileo X400 is capable of capturing very high quality still images up to 16MP.

The Camileo X400 sports a 3-inch LCD touchscreen with a user-friendly interface to pick settings and shooting modes on demand. Electronic Image Stabiliser technology is included for steady shots, and the X400 also packs motion detection technology to detect and record people and pets in higher quality.

A "smile detection" feature can be switched on to automatically snap a still photo when a smile is detected.

Sharing the captured video with friends is made easy with Camileo Uploader, which can easily publish content to social networks. Featuring an SD card slot, it is simple to expand storage and swap cards, while mini-USB enables quick data transfers with laptops and computers. Mini-HDMI connectivity allows the user to play recorded content on HDTVs.

Toshiba Camileo X400 Information.

  • 1080p Full HD video resolution at 30fps
  • 23x optical zoom, 120x digital zoom
  • 3.0-inch (7.6 cm) LCD touchscreen
  • 5MP CMOS sensor with BSI (back side illumination) technology (up to 16MP photos)
  • CAMILEO Uploader software
  • Electronic Image Stabiliser
  • Microphone Slot
  • Face tracking, smile detection and slow motion technology
  • On camcorder video editing software Cut 'n' Save
  • Pause Button
  • MPEG 4 H.264 recording
  • SD/SDHC/SDXC up to 128GB
  • 1x mini HDMI and 1x mini USB
  • Size: 120mm x 54mm x 62mm
  • Weight: 326g

The Toshiba Camileo X400 will be available in Q4 2011 in the UK. Price information is not available yet. Toshiba also showed off the Camileo X200 and Camileo Clip HD camcorders at IFA in Berlin.




AfterDawn: News

Toshiba launches latest Blu-ray player range for UK

Written by James Delahunty @ 04 Sep 2011 3:36

Toshiba launches latest Blu-ray player range for UK The Toshiba BDX1250 and Toshiba BDX2250 displayed at IFA trade show in Berlin.

Each model outputs video content in Full HD 1080p and can upscale standard definition movies into "near high-definition resolution", and feature Dolby True HD audio, all of which we have come to expect in the market. Additional, USB connectivity allows playback of content in the MP3 format for audio, or in AVCHD or the MKV container (H.264 video) for video.

Both models support BD Live (Profile 2.0) to provide access to interactive features.

Toshiba BDX2250 Information.

  • 1080p Full HD
  • Access to YouTube Leanback and Picasa
  • BBC iPlayer
  • Dolby True HD
  • BD Live (Profile 2.0)
  • MKV, AVCHD (H.264 profile), MP3 and JPEG
  • USB 2.0
  • REGZA-Link (HDMI-CEC)
  • DLNA support for file streaming over network

Toshiba BDX1250 Information.
  • 1080P Full HD
  • Dolby True HD
  • BD Live (Profile 2.0)
  • MKV, AVCHD (H.264 profile), MP3 and JPEG
  • USB 2.0
  • REGZA-Link (HDMI-CEC)

Both new Toshiba Blu-ray players will be available during Q4 2011. The press information doesn't indicate a price, but does stress affordability.




AfterDawn: News

Toshiba adds more 3D (Smart) TVs to line-up

Written by James Delahunty @ 04 Sep 2011 3:13

Toshiba adds more 3D (Smart) TVs to line-up Combines Full HD 1080p, LED backlighting, Smart TV functionality and promises to go easy on the wallet.

Just how easy, we don't know for sure yet as the press information does not price for the UK (or European) market. What we do know is the new Toshiba TL Series (TL858) LED TVs will be available in 40-inch or 46-inch screen sizes, displaying Full HD 1080p content up to 200 frames per second (FPS) for smooth motion, and in 3D if desired (requires glasses that are not included.)

Smart TV functionality brings YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Flickr (and Facebook through Toshiba Places) and other applications for on-demand content. It connects to the Internet wirelessly via an additional dongle, and sports USB connectivity for playing audio or video content from USB key. DLNA compatibility supports content streaming across a home network.

For connecting other home entertainment devices, the TL series packs four HDMI ports.

Also announced was the RL858 series, a stylish range of Full HD LED TVs offering high quality performance, available in screen sizes of 32-inch or 40-inch. Like the TL Series, they also feature Smart TV functionality, providing access to content from Facebook, Flickr, BBC, YouTube and more.

Read more...


AfterDawn: News

Nielsen: Android takes 40 percent share in U.S.

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 03 Sep 2011 11:38

Nielsen: Android takes 40 percent share in U.S. According to Nielsen's latest data, Android has moved to 40 percent smartphone OS market share in the U.S.

The numbers, for the three month period ended July, saw Android and iOS gain at the expense of Windows Mobile and BlackBerry.

Android is now at 40 percent, iOS is at 28 percent, and RIM BlackBerry is at 19 percent.

Rounding out the rest are Windows Mobile, Bada, Symbian and Windows Phone 7, accounting for 13 percent.

Finally, smartphones have now moved to 40 percent share, with the figure expected to jump over 50 percent by the Q2 2012.




AfterDawn: News

Blockbuster, Dish to start streaming service, likely with Starz movies

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 03 Sep 2011 10:47

Blockbuster, Dish to start streaming service, likely with Starz movies Dish Network,the U.S.' second largest satellite-TV provider, has announced it will introduce a streaming movie service to rival Netflix, using its new purchase of Blockbuster and its brand name.

Most notably, the new service is expected to launch with content from Starz, which just just turned down an offer of $300 million per year from Netflix to renew.

Dish saved Blockbuster out of bankruptcy earlier this year for $320 million.

Additionally, the new service could include on-demand Blockbuster movies that customers can rent and watch on their TVs.

Potentially, the streaming service could become part of a bundle with Blockbuster's current DVD and games rentals service, and its online on-demand service.

Rival Netflix has 24.6 million U.S. customers and over 20,000 movies and television shows available online. However, the company recently just jacked up their prices by splitting streaming and physical rentals.




AfterDawn: News

Toshiba unveils glasses-free 3D TV

Written by James Delahunty @ 03 Sep 2011 8:02

Toshiba unveils glasses-free 3D TV Quad Full HD display delivers striking 3D images.

Toshiba used the IFA trade fair in Berlin to demo its new 55-inch ZL2, featuring its very latest in imaging technology. The ZL2 removes the need for 3D glasses for viewers, who can experience the effect from 9 different positions in front of the TV.

Other features of the ZL2 include face tracking, Resolution+, Auto Calibration, 2D to 3D conversion, and Smart TV features including Toshiba Places. The ZL2 is the world’s first TV targeted at consumers to include a Quad Full HD display, offering up to 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution. This enables the ZL2 to offer a 3D viewing experience that can be enjoyed by multiple viewers and can display 2D content in four times (Quad) Full HD resolution.

The glasses-free 3D technology is based on the stereoscopic principle of simultaneously delivering a picture for the left eye, and another one with a small offset (parallax), for the right eye to achieve the 3D effect. To deliver a glasses-free 3D image and experience, a range of lenticular lenslets guide the dedicated images to each viewer.


Toshiba ZL2 Information
  • 139.7cm (55-inch) Glasses-Free 3D TV
  • Quad Full HD (3840 x 2160) resolution display
  • Face tracking technology via integrated camera
  • 2D to 3D conversion with depth control
  • Built in Wi-Fi, DLNA® and Windows 7 compatibility
  • Freeview HD ready tuner
  • Resolution+ and 3D Resolution+
  • Toshiba Places
  • YouTube, BBC iPlayer
  • Personal TV
  • Remote control operation via iPhone
  • AutoView ambient light sensor
  • Built-in subwoofer
  • USB HDD Video Recording
  • Auto Calibration
  • 4x HDMI, 2x USB
  • REGZA-LINK (HDMI CEC)





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