We listened some uncanny reports over the weekend which a 3G Motorola Xoom tablet couldn’t be sole unless you bought at slightest a single month of wireless data. That, and a groan-inducing $800 MSRP, is surely giving some potential buyers the wee bit of postponement. This competence assistance. Crossing a wires at the FCC is what appears to be a WiFi-only version of a Xoom, called the “wireless inscription with embedded WLAN.” It’s lacking the 3G radio so, unless Moto has an additional trick up the sleeves, this is substantially that. Obviously any conjecture on cost would be rarely… suppositional, though here’s to hoping ditching that modem brings this thing down a Benjamin or so. Also speckled, this time in Dubai but also embedded next, was the silver chronicle of a Xoom, sporting the two-tone back that will nicely element your Casio Data Bank calculator watch. No word on whether we’ll get that on these shores, but we hope so. Variety is, dear readers, the piquancy of life.

Via Engadget

Call us crazy, though we’re carrying a hard time interpreting this line of fine imitation in any other way:
“To activate WiFi functionality on this device, a minimum of a single month data subscription is compulsory.” That’s listed underneath Best Buy’s most new ad highlighting the world’s initial Android 3.0 tablet, as well as it many positively sounds both ominous as well as silly. Hardcore Verizon supporters may recollect a days of Big Red crippling Bluetooth radios in phones in sequence to “require” users to squeeze ringtones as well as such from them rather than than snagging a single upon the subway from Tom, Dick as well as / Jane, so we really wouldn’t put something similar to this by a company. It’s hard to contend how this will be implemented once a $800 Xoom hits sell shelves, though it’s positively hard to hold which this is a Best Buy policy (and not a Verizon mandate). We’ll be digging for more details, though we’ll be straight with you — we don’t like the intensity implications here. At all.

[Thanks, Michael]

Via Engadget

Nice timing, Verizon. Just as thousands — presumably zillions — of smartphone users have been introspective the switch to Big Red for Apple’s iPhone 4, a conduit has slipped in dual critical process changes which are apparently in effect immediately. Tucked within loads of fine print in a new PDF that surfaced upon the company’s site, there’s this:
“Verizon Wireless strives to provide customers a best knowledge when regulating our network, a common apparatus among tens of millions of customers. To help achieve this, if you use an extraordinary volume of data as well as fall within a top 5 percent of Verizon Wireless data users we may reduce your interpretation throughput speeds intermittently for a residue of your then stream as well as immediately following billing cycle to safeguard high peculiarity network performance for alternative users during locations and times of rise demand. Our proactive management of a Verizon Wireless network is designed to ensure that the remaining 95 percent of data customers aren’t negatively affected by the inordinate interpretation consumption of just the few users.” To our knowledge, this is the initial time which VZW has taken the notable place upon throttling, as well as a couple to the stance on net neutrality (as it relates to wireless, anyway) is fairly viewable. What’s many engaging to us is the five percent of data users figure; a top one or dual percent isn’t a outrageous volume, and there’s a great possibility which bandwidth abusers are up in which row. But we’re guessing that quite a couple of commercial operation travelers will tumble within this sold operation, and given that VZW now holds a right to throttle interpretation for your existing billing cycle and the subsequent one… good, good fitness gritting your teeth as well as lasting by which two-year contract.

In related news, the association is additionally implementing optimization and transcoding technologies in the network, which is a politically correct way of explaining that it can downres any multimedia you try to send through Verizon’s pipes. Head on past the mangle for a full quote. “We are implementing optimization and transcoding technologies in the network to broadcast data files in a some-more efficient manner to concede accessible network genius to benefit the greatest number of users. These techniques include caching reduction data, using reduction capacity, as well as sizing the video some-more appropriately for a device. The optimization process is agnostic to the content itself as well as to a website that provides it. While we invest most effort to avoid becoming different text, image, and video files in the compression routine as well as while any shift to the file is likely to be indiscernible, the optimization process may minimally impact a coming of a file as displayed on your device.”
In alternative words, those JPEGs you’re uploading for a client may end up looking similar to balderdash on their end, and by no fault of your own. And that Netflix stream you’re perplexing to watch on the highway? Hopefully you suffer massively pixelated VGA clips. Of course, this is no guarantee that Verizon will right away begin hampering the enjoyment of the mobile broadband users, but if this kind of activity doesn’t frighten you, what will? The world’s becoming some-more as well as more contingent upon mobile interpretation networks, as well as the carriers appear to be relocating retrograde. Rather than embracing a change, they’re all creation it harder as well as harder for consumers to essentially rely on them to get work finished. Thanks for meditative of us, Verizon.

Via Engadget

If you’re really serious about flooding your home and / or workspace with your legally obtained digital movies as well as song — as well as we mean, unequivocally critical — QNAP’s Turbo NAS is obviously value the good look. The company’s latest further to the family (known as a TS-x12 line) sports the Marvell 1.2GHz CPU, 256MB of RAM, gigabit Ethernet ports, and a RAID as well as iSCSI support of the predecessors. Additionally, a TS-112 (single drive), TS-212 (dual drive) as well as TS-412 (you guessed it, 4 drives) include iOS WiFi as well as 3G streaming for your various Apple inclination — and it plays easily with your PS3 and Xbox 360 around UPnP. Look for these bad boys this month, for a price to be announced. PR after a mangle.
Show full PR textQNAP Debuts New Affordable High Performance Turbo NAS Server Family for Emerging HOME, SOHO, as well as Prosumer Users

New TS-x12 Lineup Includes 1, 2, as well as 4-drive Models Featuring Embedded Marvell 1.2GHz CPU as well as 256MB of DDRII RAM, Delivering Great All-around Performance, Low Power Consumption, as well as a Wealth of Applications for Home Networks.

Taipei, Taiwan, January, 2011 – QNAP Systems, Inc., the heading manufacturer of universe class NAS servers, NVR Video Surveillance Systems, and Network-based Media Players currently announced the TS-x12 lineup of affordable tall opening Turbo NAS servers dictated for a fast-growing home as well as SOHO marketplace shred. The brand new models implement a ultimate Marvell 1.2GHz processor and embody 256MB of DDRII memory as well as Gigabit LAN ports, charity up to 8TB of networked storage with a singular mix of plain performance, tall reliability, as well as modernized facilities at really affordable price points. The TS-x12 array includes the 1-drive TS-112, 2-drive TS-212, as well as 4-drive TS-412.

NAS is becoming the renowned further to home networks as they compromise a complaint of how to centrally store and share digital calm among computers in the home – generally in mixed Windows/Mac networks. QNAP’s brand new TS-x12 models have been easy to attach to existent networks as well as provides easy record pity inside of the network, centralized backup of all networked computers, website hosting, printer sharing, even recording of notice video from IP cameras.

“The new TS-x12 series Turbo NAS servers suggest affordable tall performance coupled with ultra-low energy expenditure as well as probably noise-free operation,” said Tony Lu, Product Manager from QNAP. “Home users no longer need to sacrifice performance for reduce price NAS; as well as a brand new TS-x12 array offers modernized features similar to RAID as well as iSCSI await, creation them an implausible value for a income.”

The new TS-x12 models also improve the multimedia experience and capabilities for home users. The built-in UPnP media server (TwonkyMedia) underline of a TS-x12 array supports numerous UPnP-compliant media players such as the Sony® PS3 as well as Microsoft® Xbox 360 gaming consoles. Users can even make use of their iPhone as well as Android phone to tide song as well as video or perspective digital photos stored on the NAS in real-time from anywhere they have the Wi-Fi or 3G tie.

Availability

The TS-x12 series will be available starting in February by renowned commercial distributors, resellers, and retailers globally.

Via Engadget

We had quite the talk with Sony’s Jack Tretton, though we positively didn’t corner the market upon hot new NGP sum — Eurogamer as well as Game Informer quizzed the company’s Andrew House as well as Shuhei Yoshida, respectively, and came out with some critical tidbits about a quad-core gaming handheld, particularly regarding pricing. Though Tretton seemed to indicate we’ll see the price somewhere northward of the Nintendo 3DS’s $250, Yoshida was quoted as saying “It’s not starting to be $599,” shouting off the thought that a system would cost as most as the PlayStation 3′s barbarous appraisal at launch, as well as House said that Sony “will shoot for an affordable cost that’s appropriate for a handheld gaming space.”

While nothing were willing to cough up the real ballpark estimate, the SCEE boss revealed a single approach which a cost might come down: pushing out a lesser representation without cellular connectivity, the plan we’ve seen before. House pronounced which whilst all inclination come with WiFi, “the separate SKU will have 3G,” creation us wonder that of the handheld’s alternative groundbreaking features might carry the premium. After all, OLED screens don’t come cheap. Find a rest of Eurogamer’s excellent talk (including a bit about how Sony will prioritize downloadable calm over physical media) during our source link.

Via Engadget

It’s really one of the initial things we thought of trying with AT&T’s 3G MicroCell back in 2009, though the dreams were fast dashed after finding which pronounced device was hard-wired to only work when receiving a GPS lock inside of the United States of America. Thankfully, it looks as if at slightest a couple of engineers during Ubiquisys have been roving our same sight of thought, and come Mobile World Congress, it’ll be debuting a device of the dreams. The Attocell is described as a personal femtocell for make use of with 3G smartphones, and best of all, it’s written for use internationally. In essence, this would concede the smartphone from a single nation to use their international web connection to tunnel the cell call by — presumably gratis of charge — and really bypassing those nasty roaming fees which have been incurred when toll through an overseas mobile network. The company admits which it has been tested with the iPhone, BlackBerry handsets, the few Nokia phones as well as a gaggle of Android handsets, and we’re guessing that Windows Phone 7 as well as webOS users won’t have any issues, either.

The thought is sincerely elementary: connect the Attocell to your laptop via USB, which provides energy as well as an internet tie. From there, it’ll analyze the IP residence and airwave environment to establish which country it is in, and sets its 3G radio power thus to below a protected level. In a little countries its operation will be only five millimeters, in alternative countries, it could cover the whole room. For those in the former, you’ll need to place your phone atop the dongle and make use of a Bluetooth headset to make a call, but hey, it’s still better than profitable AT&T two arms as well as the immeasurable infancy of the leg just to phone home from wherever you may be. Crazier still, Ubiquisys thinks that a device’s low energy outlay — coupled with its ability to “continuously display its airwave surroundings to ensure which there is zero stroke on existent mobile networks” — will have a Attocell exempt from regulatory controls and a requirement for type approval. Here’s anticipating it flies through only as a company hopes, and we’ll be attack a floor in Barcelona to pry out a cost indicate, release date any carrier deals they’ve managed to land.

Via Engadget

Barnes & Noble might be selling millions of Nook products, but it’s sounding similar to a 3G various hasn’t unequivocally finished its part to assistance those total. We’ve perceived tough justification from within B&N that the Nook is being discontinued, with sales to seemingly goon until stock is exhausted. The outfit is encouraging sell partners to not send out any bulk orders for the Nook 3G, as there simply won’t be sufficient quantities to fulfill those orders. Of course, we’re told which the company never essentially perceived the outrageous volume of Nook 3G bulk orders to begin with, so maybe WiFi unequivocally is everywhere these days. At any rate, squeeze yourself the Nook 3G post-haste if you’ve been thinking it over — once they’re left, they’re gone for great. Or, you could wait for the next-gen chronicle with the Pearl display. Just sayin’.

Update: We received construction which a discontinuation isn’t due to a lack of bulk sales, they’re just a first misadventure of the shrinking supply.

Via Engadget

We’re only 4 days away from a ostensible January 27th unveiling, but assumingly there are still some-more juicy PSP2 rumors left to dole out — Japan’s often-reliable Nikkei newspaper reports which a handheld machine will sport a crisp OLED touchscreen as well as 3G data from NTT DoCoMo when it arrives after this year, with a latter enabling multiplayer movement as well as even full video and diversion downloads over the Japanese cellular network. What’s some-more, the paper confirms that the screen will be physically larger as well as powered by a little potent new silicon. So, how will Sony compute this PSP2 from a PlayStation Phone as well as tempt you to buy both? The game system won’t have calls.

Note: In box you’re not informed, a picture above is the comparatively ancient reader mockup, as well as likely not representative of a last product. It is flattering sexy, though.

Via Engadget

Oh, Sprint, you disreputable devil. The nation’s third-largest conduit just announced that it’s tacking upon an additional monthly $10 “premium data” assign to the 3G Everything interpretation plans — in outcome, charging 3G phone owners the same total price which Evo and Epic owners pay right away for 4G service. It’s generally weird since Sprint’s hidden the cost increase in a press recover entitled “Smartphones Drive Wireless Data Explosion” that primarily appears to be about increased make use of of data before changeable abruptly into a invulnerability of a additional charge and potshots during tiered data plans — we know no a single wants to speak price increases, but let’s have some gumption, guys. Existing 3G Everything devise holders won’t see their rates go up until they “upgrade or activate another smartphone,” that doesn’t sound great for family plans, though we’ll get some clarification on which and let you know. Either approach, we’d say picking up a non-4G Sprint phone only got real silly. PR after the break.

Show full PR textSmartphones Drive Wireless Data Explosion

Sprint takes step to safeguard clientele goon to suffer total data while upon a Sprint Network, without overages
Smartphone penetration is expected to double during a subsequent 4 years. Market share for Google’s Android handling scheme grew by 23 percent last year alone.
Mobile data trade is foresee to double worldwide any year through 2014. OVERLAND PLAYGROUND, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today’s ability to do more things on a go – such as watching videos, sharing pictures or checking directions – is not only changing the way we live; it is driving exponential growth of mobile data traffic.

Sprint (NYSE: S) is committed to providing the customers a good wireless experience now and in the future. From its packed portfolio of innovative phones as well as inclination to its leadership in introducing 4G services, to its consumer-friendly Everything Data intentions, featuring total content, Web and calling to any mobile phone, Sprint offers a most appropriate worth in wireless.

Sprint will enlarge its postpaid rates by applying the $10 per month Premium Data add-on assign to activations of smartphones commencement Jan. 30. The charge will assist Sprint in offering simple as well as affordable total intentions for the customers whilst progressing the wireless network able to encounter the growing ardour for the richer mobile experience. Subscribers with smartphones will still receive a best worth in wireless, including a Any Mobile, Anytime feature offered nationwide usually by Sprint.

Sprint also offers the full operation of normal underline phones, together with renowned eco-friendly or touch-screen handsets which do not require a Premium Data add-on charge but still have the good range of capabilities with voice, content and data access. Existing Sprint smartphone clientele are not influenced unless they upgrade to or activate another smartphone.

“Sprint wants its customers to experience the range of party as well as productivity possibilities available with today’s wireless technology,” said Bob H. Johnson, president of Sprint’s consumer commercial operation. “While a little of our competitors impose overage charges and formidable intentions, Sprint continues to yield the worry-free, total interpretation knowledge while upon a Sprint network. This is obliged, tolerable as well as reflects our commitment to simplicity and value.”

“Sprint’s preference to apply the Premium Data add-on charge to activations of smartphones going forward recognizes a extended user experience that today’s smartphones broach, that, in spin, drives almost aloft interpretation use as well as cost,” pronounced Roger Entner, analyst and owner of Recon Analytics.

“Building, progressing and expanding wireless interpretation networks isn’t free – there have been genuine costs involved. In effect, Sprint has chosen to increase the price of the total Everything Data plans, that is still next that of the vital competitors, for the segment of clientele – smartphone users – who are regulating wireless interpretation the many as well as are moving up costs. Consumers have many choices. They can choose total, worry-free interpretation plans on a Sprint network or they can have tiered, metered intentions as well as overage charges with alternative wireless carriers.”

Smartphone customers make use of, upon normal, 10 times some-more interpretation than users of normal feature phones. Smartphone users have entrance to more interpretation capabilities, applications and other functionality than normal feature phones. Examples include access to thousands of applications and games by online marketplaces as well as full HTML Web browsing with Adobe Flash record that allows users to crop the Internet on their inclination just like they can at home or in the office.

Sprint defines smartphones as devices with robust operating systems that broach a abounding wireless knowledge by bringing a full duty of mobile applications and programs to life, together with Blackberry, Android, Windows Mobile, Palm, as well as the Instinct family of inclination. The Premium Data add-on charge previously applied to HTC EVO 4G, HTC EVO Shift 4G as well as Samsung Epic 4G inclination.

“Sprint continues to be a conduit for people who wish to do more than only talk with their wireless devices,” said Johnson. “Customer expansion on our 3G as well as 4G networks, exponential increases in the make use of of mobile interpretation applications, and the growing make use of of smartphones is proof that consumers have been removing the message.

“Sprint’s total data intentions, with or without a $10 charge, goon to kick a offerings of our top national competitors, who top users’ data, charge data overages, and do not suggest a singular functionality of Any Mobile, Anytime, which gives subscribers upon the Sprint network total calling to any other wireless user in America regardless of conduit.”

Via Engadget

Want a little assistance with your newfound choice of iPhone carrier? Let T-Mobile mangle it down for you in an entirely unbiased as well as dispassionate conform. The pinkish carrier’s ultimate strike square commercial highlights the fact that, either on Verizon or AT&T, the iPhone only has chance to 3G connectivity, painting a dual carriers as the span of grey suits distinguishable usually by the color of their ties. It’s a cute way to promote your own 4G network, certain, though it conveniently disregards a actuality which Verizon’s enriching the LTE (Lightning! Thunder! Electric!) network with a little true superphones while AT&T is similarly committed to a 2011 LTE rollout. So, unequivocally, a only thing underneath critique here is Apple’s rapidly aging 3G consternation. Skip the break to see the video ad.

Via Engadget