Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Unnerving 900-Megapixel Portraits Seem to Stare Back
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 00:23:42 GMT ]
Photography of the "gigapixel" order really hit the mainstream with the massive picture of President Obama's 2009 inauguration, in which individual faces were visible from a quarter mile away. But what if all those pixels were dedicated to just one face?
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 00:23:42 GMT ]
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Men from Ukraine, New York Charged in International Cybercrime Scheme
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 01:09:58 GMT ]
Federal prosecutors on Monday announced the indictment of three men they accuse of being members of an international cybercrime ring that tried to steal at least $15 million by hacking into U.S. customer accounts at 14 financial institutions and the Department of Defense's payroll service.
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 01:09:58 GMT ]
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iPad with Retina Display makes $399 comeback, knocks out iPad 2
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 10:19:42 GMT ]
Back once again with the retina iPad.
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET) Apple's tweaked its iPad lineup Tuesday morning, bringing back the fourth-generation iPad with Retina display in place of the elderly iPad 2.
Available with only 16GB of storage, Apple's US Web site lists the comeback tablet with either Wi-Fi only for $399, or Wi-Fi and cellular for $529.
Apple CEO Tim Cook canned the Retina-enabled iPad last year when he launched the super-skinny iPad Air. The high-end iPad still starts at $499, while the Retina iPad Mini is still $399.
It makes your buying decision fairly straightforward: $300 for the older, smaller iPad Mini; $400 for the nicer Retina Mini or the older Retina iPad; or $500 for the whiz-bang iPad Air. Then add $100 to double the storage, and $130 to add cellular data.
Apple's biggest moments (pictures)
1-2 of 33 Scroll Left Scroll Right The Retina iPad is £329 in the UK, A$529 in Australia and 389 euros in Europe for the Wi-Fi only model.
A new, cheaper version of the colorful plastic iPhone 5C also went on sale today, but so far it's only available in Europe, the UK, Australia and China.
Related Links:
Discontinued iPad 4 may see return with 8GB iPhone 5C
'iPad Pro' iffy, Microsoft Office on iPad 'alive' in 2014: Reports
Apple's hiring binge could point to more iPhone development
First of 64-bit Windows 8.1 tablets arrives, this one from HP
Apple at work on full 4K display support in Mavericks, report says
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 10:19:42 GMT ]
Back once again with the retina iPad.
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)Apple's tweaked its iPad lineup Tuesday morning, bringing back the fourth-generation iPad with Retina display in place of the elderly iPad 2.
Available with only 16GB of storage, Apple's US Web site lists the comeback tablet with either Wi-Fi only for $399, or Wi-Fi and cellular for $529.
Apple CEO Tim Cook canned the Retina-enabled iPad last year when he launched the super-skinny iPad Air. The high-end iPad still starts at $499, while the Retina iPad Mini is still $399.
It makes your buying decision fairly straightforward: $300 for the older, smaller iPad Mini; $400 for the nicer Retina Mini or the older Retina iPad; or $500 for the whiz-bang iPad Air. Then add $100 to double the storage, and $130 to add cellular data.
Apple's biggest moments (pictures)
1-2 of 33 Scroll Left Scroll RightThe Retina iPad is £329 in the UK, A$529 in Australia and 389 euros in Europe for the Wi-Fi only model.
A new, cheaper version of the colorful plastic iPhone 5C also went on sale today, but so far it's only available in Europe, the UK, Australia and China.
Related Links:
Discontinued iPad 4 may see return with 8GB iPhone 5C
'iPad Pro' iffy, Microsoft Office on iPad 'alive' in 2014: Reports
Apple's hiring binge could point to more iPhone development
First of 64-bit Windows 8.1 tablets arrives, this one from HP
Apple at work on full 4K display support in Mavericks, report says
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In the age of wearable technology, don't forget who wears the trousers
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 10:24:34 GMT ]
CuteCircuit's latest fashion line reminds us that wearable technology doesn't have to sacrifice beauty.
(Credit: CuteCircuit ) From smartwatches to smart shoes, in the age of wearable technology computers are getting bigger and getting smaller at the same time -- but according to Intel future-gazer Steve Brown, the most important thing about a wearable device is the person doing the wearing.
"Anything can become a computer," says futurist Steve Brown speaking at the Wearable Technology Show in London. Gazing into his crystal ball, he sees three things happening in technology: "Computing is becoming smaller, computing is becoming bigger, and computing is becoming more natural."
How can computers get smaller and bigger at the same time? "Computers becoming smaller is the key thing," says Brown. As chips and computers shrink, "computers are getting closer to merging with us... computers are getting closer and closer to our brains."
Google Glass gets a new look
At the same time, computers are getting bigger -- somewhere. Huge data centres that can crunch huge numbers can connect to Google Glass, Samsung Gear or any device we carry or wear, and "the experience you get is that you have one of these giant computers on your wrist, on your eyes, on your feet," says Brown.
Finally, our interaction with computers is becoming more natural. "For the first years of computing we have talked to computers in the way they need us to. But we're now in the era of touch, and we invented a whole new language to communicate with devices. We need to do that again for wearable devices."
Be your best self
But the success of wearables depends on more than just the technology. "The things that you wear say something about you," says Brown, highlighting the cultural meanings of spectacles or watches. "There are some things that wearables signify that are unintentional... What do you think when you see someone wearing a Bluetooth headset?"
Brown's advice to those developing wearable kit is to always think about the person doing the wearing. "Be bold," he advises. "Don't let engineers lead you. A device has to fit in with what is important to people... how do people use it? How does it help people be their best selves? They must help people be the best parent they can be, the best employee they can be, the best friend they can be.
"Technology is just technology: what matters is what you can do with it."
Related Links:
The two things that need to happen before wearable tech goes mainstream: Google and Apple
Wearable tech multiplies and goes mainstream at MWC 2014
How Moov plans to deliver nearly $1M worth of wearables by July
What the tech business hasn't yet grasped about human nature
Moov fitness tracker actually tells us how to fix ourselves
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 10:24:34 GMT ]
CuteCircuit's latest fashion line reminds us that wearable technology doesn't have to sacrifice beauty.
(Credit: CuteCircuit )From smartwatches to smart shoes, in the age of wearable technology computers are getting bigger and getting smaller at the same time -- but according to Intel future-gazer Steve Brown, the most important thing about a wearable device is the person doing the wearing.
"Anything can become a computer," says futurist Steve Brown speaking at the Wearable Technology Show in London. Gazing into his crystal ball, he sees three things happening in technology: "Computing is becoming smaller, computing is becoming bigger, and computing is becoming more natural."
How can computers get smaller and bigger at the same time? "Computers becoming smaller is the key thing," says Brown. As chips and computers shrink, "computers are getting closer to merging with us... computers are getting closer and closer to our brains."
Google Glass gets a new look
At the same time, computers are getting bigger -- somewhere. Huge data centres that can crunch huge numbers can connect to Google Glass, Samsung Gear or any device we carry or wear, and "the experience you get is that you have one of these giant computers on your wrist, on your eyes, on your feet," says Brown.
Finally, our interaction with computers is becoming more natural. "For the first years of computing we have talked to computers in the way they need us to. But we're now in the era of touch, and we invented a whole new language to communicate with devices. We need to do that again for wearable devices."
Be your best self
But the success of wearables depends on more than just the technology. "The things that you wear say something about you," says Brown, highlighting the cultural meanings of spectacles or watches. "There are some things that wearables signify that are unintentional... What do you think when you see someone wearing a Bluetooth headset?"
Brown's advice to those developing wearable kit is to always think about the person doing the wearing. "Be bold," he advises. "Don't let engineers lead you. A device has to fit in with what is important to people... how do people use it? How does it help people be their best selves? They must help people be the best parent they can be, the best employee they can be, the best friend they can be.
"Technology is just technology: what matters is what you can do with it."
Related Links:
The two things that need to happen before wearable tech goes mainstream: Google and Apple
Wearable tech multiplies and goes mainstream at MWC 2014
How Moov plans to deliver nearly $1M worth of wearables by July
What the tech business hasn't yet grasped about human nature
Moov fitness tracker actually tells us how to fix ourselves
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OK, Glass, have an NBA player dunk in my face
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 11:00:00 GMT ]
Sacramento Kings guard Ray McCollum slams home a dunk during a scrimmage while wearing Google Glass.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET) SACRAMENTO, Calif.--"This is the real Google," taunted Sacramento Kings guard Orlando Johnson.
Johnson leaned in, dribbling a basketball, ready to explode to the hoop. Only teammates Ray McCallum and Jason Thompson stood in the way. Through the Google Glass I was wearing, I watched Thompson prepare to stop Johnson. From Thompson's exact point of view.
Moments earlier, I'd watched as McCallum had dribbled in, jumped high in the air, and dunked the ball hard. My view? A look at the rim from a couple of feet away, close enough to see the stitches on the net, again from Thompson's vantage point,
NBA pros wear Google Glass to give fans a new point of view
Each of the three Kings was wearing Glass, and each was recording as they worked their way through an informal shootaround hours before the night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. As they played, they taunted and bragged, well aware of the technology they were wearing. "Google, record that," one shouted as he made a sweet shot. "Google, stop Ray," Johnson commanded.
Johnson, McCallum, and Thompson were wearing Google Glass as part of a new program the Kings have started that is designed to let fans see things like shootarounds, pre-game workouts, and even in-game huddles from the players' perspective. Using technology developed by San Francisco's CrowdOptic, the Kings plan on making feeds from Glass being worn by players, announcers, the team's mascot, and even its cheerleaders, available during games to anyone running its app on their own Glass, on TV, and on the arena's JumboTron. Unfortunately, players will not wear Glass during actual game action.
A Sacramento Kings cheerleader dances while wearing Google Glass. Her view was broadcast to the team's JumboTron during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET) The Kings' experiment is an interesting one that promises to offer fans a unique new look at game day action. Along with other experiments, like accepting Bitcoin, using drones to shoot video inside the team's Sleep Train Arena, and even incorporating Oculus Rift, the Kings are trying to take the lead among NBA teams when it comes to using technology to enhance fans' experiences.
And no wonder, given that the team's ownership group is packed full of tech heavyweights like Tibco Software founder Vivek Ranadive; Paul, Hal, and Jeff Jacobs (whose father founded Qualcomm); Leap Motion President (and former Apple vice president) Andy Miller; and former Facebook chief privacy officer Chris Kelly. Thanks to those connections, the team, in its search for new tech to try out, is "literally one phone call away from every tech CEO in the world," said Kings senior vice president for marketing and strategy Ben Gumpert.
But back to Glass. Here's how it works.
When Glass records video, it can broadcast that feed, and CrowdOptic's software can capture it, send it back out, allowing anyone running its app to "inherit" the feed. Although there's a short delay, it means that an average Glass wearer -- or later, someone running the CrowdOptic app on a smart phone -- will be able to see just what I saw when I watched Thompson, Johnson, and McCallum play 1-on-2: an up close and very personal view of getting dunked on.
The NBA puts you in the game with wearable tech (pictures)
1-2 of 11 Scroll Left Scroll Right To start with, the Kings bought 10 pairs of Glass, meaning that at any one time, there are few possible feeds that fans could inherit. But over time, as the team buys more, or fans' own Glass or smartphone feeds are incorporated into the mix, CrowdOptic's algorithms will be brought to bear to help find the most compelling views for fans. As Jon Fisher, the company's CEO explained, its technology is able to analyze multiple feeds coming from a similar location and choose the best one to share. Ultimately, when there's hundreds, or even thousands, of feeds choose from, "the fans will be in charge," said vice president of business development (and former NFL linebacker) Jim Kovach. "They're going to see what they want to see."
As far as the players are concerned, wearing Glass and using the hot wearable technology to give fans a little more access is a no-brainer. According to Thompson, the best way to use it is when doing "tricks and dunks, and flashy things....[You can] see different things, like the way people talk."
That's exactly what CrowdOptic is hoping pro sports teams will realize. In addition to the Kings, the company is working with a half-dozen other (as yet unnamed) NBA franchises, as well as some college teams. The technology, said Kovach, lets fans have a much closer look at players' personalities. "They have their quirks, and you can't pick that up from the stands," Kovach said, referring to things like players messing around during workouts, or on the sidelines. "It's just interesting to see."
Sacramento Kings players Orlando Johnson, Ray McCallum, and Jason Thompson (left to right) scrimmage while wearing Google Glass.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET) To be sure, this technology isn't ready for widespread deployment. Though the Kings have tested it out during two recent games, the team has so far only pushed the feeds to the arena's JumboTron screen. For now, network support is the limiting factor. But soon, Glass wearers will be able to see what it's liked to get dunked on by an NBA player.
"This is a new century," Thompson said. "It's 2014, and this is definitely the future, not just of basketball, but of the world."
Then again, maybe McCallum put it better as he scrimmaged against Johnson and Thompson. "Oooooooh, Google," the 22-year-old guard said as he drained a pretty bucket over his teammates.
Related Links:
Doctors testing Google Glass to get real-time patient data
Glassholes: At least you know who they are
Google fighting to stop anti-Glass driving laws, says report
Icis: It's like Google Glass, but classy
Google Glass blamed for melee in SF bar
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 11:00:00 GMT ]
Sacramento Kings guard Ray McCollum slams home a dunk during a scrimmage while wearing Google Glass.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET)SACRAMENTO, Calif.--"This is the real Google," taunted Sacramento Kings guard Orlando Johnson.
Johnson leaned in, dribbling a basketball, ready to explode to the hoop. Only teammates Ray McCallum and Jason Thompson stood in the way. Through the Google Glass I was wearing, I watched Thompson prepare to stop Johnson. From Thompson's exact point of view.
Moments earlier, I'd watched as McCallum had dribbled in, jumped high in the air, and dunked the ball hard. My view? A look at the rim from a couple of feet away, close enough to see the stitches on the net, again from Thompson's vantage point,
NBA pros wear Google Glass to give fans a new point of view
Each of the three Kings was wearing Glass, and each was recording as they worked their way through an informal shootaround hours before the night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. As they played, they taunted and bragged, well aware of the technology they were wearing. "Google, record that," one shouted as he made a sweet shot. "Google, stop Ray," Johnson commanded.
Johnson, McCallum, and Thompson were wearing Google Glass as part of a new program the Kings have started that is designed to let fans see things like shootarounds, pre-game workouts, and even in-game huddles from the players' perspective. Using technology developed by San Francisco's CrowdOptic, the Kings plan on making feeds from Glass being worn by players, announcers, the team's mascot, and even its cheerleaders, available during games to anyone running its app on their own Glass, on TV, and on the arena's JumboTron. Unfortunately, players will not wear Glass during actual game action.
A Sacramento Kings cheerleader dances while wearing Google Glass. Her view was broadcast to the team's JumboTron during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET)The Kings' experiment is an interesting one that promises to offer fans a unique new look at game day action. Along with other experiments, like accepting Bitcoin, using drones to shoot video inside the team's Sleep Train Arena, and even incorporating Oculus Rift, the Kings are trying to take the lead among NBA teams when it comes to using technology to enhance fans' experiences.
And no wonder, given that the team's ownership group is packed full of tech heavyweights like Tibco Software founder Vivek Ranadive; Paul, Hal, and Jeff Jacobs (whose father founded Qualcomm); Leap Motion President (and former Apple vice president) Andy Miller; and former Facebook chief privacy officer Chris Kelly. Thanks to those connections, the team, in its search for new tech to try out, is "literally one phone call away from every tech CEO in the world," said Kings senior vice president for marketing and strategy Ben Gumpert.
But back to Glass. Here's how it works.
When Glass records video, it can broadcast that feed, and CrowdOptic's software can capture it, send it back out, allowing anyone running its app to "inherit" the feed. Although there's a short delay, it means that an average Glass wearer -- or later, someone running the CrowdOptic app on a smart phone -- will be able to see just what I saw when I watched Thompson, Johnson, and McCallum play 1-on-2: an up close and very personal view of getting dunked on.
The NBA puts you in the game with wearable tech (pictures)
1-2 of 11 Scroll Left Scroll RightTo start with, the Kings bought 10 pairs of Glass, meaning that at any one time, there are few possible feeds that fans could inherit. But over time, as the team buys more, or fans' own Glass or smartphone feeds are incorporated into the mix, CrowdOptic's algorithms will be brought to bear to help find the most compelling views for fans. As Jon Fisher, the company's CEO explained, its technology is able to analyze multiple feeds coming from a similar location and choose the best one to share. Ultimately, when there's hundreds, or even thousands, of feeds choose from, "the fans will be in charge," said vice president of business development (and former NFL linebacker) Jim Kovach. "They're going to see what they want to see."
As far as the players are concerned, wearing Glass and using the hot wearable technology to give fans a little more access is a no-brainer. According to Thompson, the best way to use it is when doing "tricks and dunks, and flashy things....[You can] see different things, like the way people talk."
That's exactly what CrowdOptic is hoping pro sports teams will realize. In addition to the Kings, the company is working with a half-dozen other (as yet unnamed) NBA franchises, as well as some college teams. The technology, said Kovach, lets fans have a much closer look at players' personalities. "They have their quirks, and you can't pick that up from the stands," Kovach said, referring to things like players messing around during workouts, or on the sidelines. "It's just interesting to see."
Sacramento Kings players Orlando Johnson, Ray McCallum, and Jason Thompson (left to right) scrimmage while wearing Google Glass.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET)To be sure, this technology isn't ready for widespread deployment. Though the Kings have tested it out during two recent games, the team has so far only pushed the feeds to the arena's JumboTron screen. For now, network support is the limiting factor. But soon, Glass wearers will be able to see what it's liked to get dunked on by an NBA player.
"This is a new century," Thompson said. "It's 2014, and this is definitely the future, not just of basketball, but of the world."
Then again, maybe McCallum put it better as he scrimmaged against Johnson and Thompson. "Oooooooh, Google," the 22-year-old guard said as he drained a pretty bucket over his teammates.
Related Links:
Doctors testing Google Glass to get real-time patient data
Glassholes: At least you know who they are
Google fighting to stop anti-Glass driving laws, says report
Icis: It's like Google Glass, but classy
Google Glass blamed for melee in SF bar
| |
New Bitcoin glitch: Blockchain suffers hours-long outage
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 11:11:02 GMT ]
A database problem has knocked Blockchain's Bitcoin wallet servies offline for hours.
With the high-profile collapse of Bitcoin exchange site Mt. Gox in February and then Flexcoin's failure in March, Bitcoin backers could be forgiven for fretting about the fate of their virtual currency. Blockchain servers house nearly 1.4 million bitcoin wallets, but the company says the access problem is only a temporary glitch -- albeit one that's lasted more than 16 hours so far.
Blockchain Limited Chief Security Officer Andreas M. Antonopoulos said in a blog post Monday:
Blockchain is experiencing a technical issue that has forced us to temporarily interrupt services. The outage was caused by a bug in some database handling code. We are working hard to fix the issue and restore service as soon as possible, but anticipate the outage may last more than an hour, as it requires restarting database servers with very largedata sets. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this recent outage has caused you.
Please rest assured that your wallets are safe and this outage does not affect the security of funds or the completion of executed transactions...
Related stories
- Dorian Nakamoto: Bitcoin was not my baby, period
- Mt. Gox files for Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection in US
- Mt. Gox CEO's blog hacked; alleged Bitcoin balances posted
Later, the company added another blog post on how to import wallet data into a local wallet app. The company recommends using the Multibit wallet software and gives instructions on how to do so for those who have their wallet information. For those who don't, Blockchain said people can file a request from Blockchain to get it.
Blockchain doesn't take control of users' bitcoins, the company said:
Unlike other services that have ownership over private keys [data used to sign bitcoin transactions], Blockchain is superior because it allows users to access their private keys, thus enabling them to have access to their funds under circumstances such as this. It is very important for us to emphasize how crucial it is that users make regular backups of their wallets. Doing so will allow users to import their funds into a wallet client such as MultiBit and therefore avoid the headache and stress of being unable to access their funds, for whatever reason.
Blockchain said that as of January, it had 1.1 million registered users and 200 million page views per month. The site is popular among those monitoring Bitcoin statistics such as new coins that have been mined through the public ledger confirmation process.
Related Links:
Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox offline amid 'insolvency' charges
I bought $20 worth of bitcoin at an ATM in Albuquerque
Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox plans to resume withdrawals soon
Hey, Mt. Gox: I want my two dollars! (or my .02 bitcoin)
Japan: 'Bitcoin isn't a currency'
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 11:11:02 GMT ]
A database problem has knocked Blockchain's Bitcoin wallet servies offline for hours.
With the high-profile collapse of Bitcoin exchange site Mt. Gox in February and then Flexcoin's failure in March, Bitcoin backers could be forgiven for fretting about the fate of their virtual currency. Blockchain servers house nearly 1.4 million bitcoin wallets, but the company says the access problem is only a temporary glitch -- albeit one that's lasted more than 16 hours so far.
Blockchain Limited Chief Security Officer Andreas M. Antonopoulos said in a blog post Monday:
Blockchain is experiencing a technical issue that has forced us to temporarily interrupt services. The outage was caused by a bug in some database handling code. We are working hard to fix the issue and restore service as soon as possible, but anticipate the outage may last more than an hour, as it requires restarting database servers with very largedata sets. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this recent outage has caused you.
Please rest assured that your wallets are safe and this outage does not affect the security of funds or the completion of executed transactions...
Related stories
- Dorian Nakamoto: Bitcoin was not my baby, period
- Mt. Gox files for Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection in US
- Mt. Gox CEO's blog hacked; alleged Bitcoin balances posted
Later, the company added another blog post on how to import wallet data into a local wallet app. The company recommends using the Multibit wallet software and gives instructions on how to do so for those who have their wallet information. For those who don't, Blockchain said people can file a request from Blockchain to get it.
Blockchain doesn't take control of users' bitcoins, the company said:
Unlike other services that have ownership over private keys [data used to sign bitcoin transactions], Blockchain is superior because it allows users to access their private keys, thus enabling them to have access to their funds under circumstances such as this. It is very important for us to emphasize how crucial it is that users make regular backups of their wallets. Doing so will allow users to import their funds into a wallet client such as MultiBit and therefore avoid the headache and stress of being unable to access their funds, for whatever reason.
Blockchain said that as of January, it had 1.1 million registered users and 200 million page views per month. The site is popular among those monitoring Bitcoin statistics such as new coins that have been mined through the public ledger confirmation process.
Related Links:
Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox offline amid 'insolvency' charges
I bought $20 worth of bitcoin at an ATM in Albuquerque
Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox plans to resume withdrawals soon
Hey, Mt. Gox: I want my two dollars! (or my .02 bitcoin)
Japan: 'Bitcoin isn't a currency'
| |
Apple iPhone 6 will reportedly start production in Q2
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 11:42:15 GMT ]
Foxconn employees working on Apple products
(Credit: Apple) Apple could be weeks away from starting production on the iPhone 6.
That's according to the Commercial Times (Chinese language), which Reuters translated and reported.
Related stories
- iPad with Retina Display makes $399 comeback, knocks out iPad 2
- Cheaper new 8GB iPhone 5C goes on sale
- Discontinued iPad 4 may see return with 8GB iPhone 5C
- Following Google and Roku, Amazon plans a TV dongle?
- Apple's Healthbook app would play virtual doctor -- report
Apple's manufacturing partner Pegatron is opening up new factory space and recruiting workers to build the iPhone 6, according to the report. The production would begin in the second quarter, the newspaper said, citing unnamed sources.
CNET contacted Apple for comment, and we'll update the story when the company responds.
Pegatron won't be the only manufacturer of Apple's flagship phone. The Commercial Times said Hon Hai Precision Industry, also known as Foxconn, would be the primary manufacturer of the phone.
Not much is known about the iPhone 6, although it is widely believed to have a larger display.
Related Links:
Apple supplier Foxconn to hire 15,000 more workers
More signs that Apple A8 chip production is approaching
BlackBerry chief gives turnaround 50-50 chance
Apple's hiring binge could point to more iPhone development
Apple-Samsung silicon union still strong, chip expert says
[ Tue, 18 Mar 2014 11:42:15 GMT ]
Foxconn employees working on Apple products
(Credit: Apple)Apple could be weeks away from starting production on the iPhone 6.
That's according to the Commercial Times (Chinese language), which Reuters translated and reported.
Related stories
- iPad with Retina Display makes $399 comeback, knocks out iPad 2
- Cheaper new 8GB iPhone 5C goes on sale
- Discontinued iPad 4 may see return with 8GB iPhone 5C
- Following Google and Roku, Amazon plans a TV dongle?
- Apple's Healthbook app would play virtual doctor -- report
Apple's manufacturing partner Pegatron is opening up new factory space and recruiting workers to build the iPhone 6, according to the report. The production would begin in the second quarter, the newspaper said, citing unnamed sources.
CNET contacted Apple for comment, and we'll update the story when the company responds.
Pegatron won't be the only manufacturer of Apple's flagship phone. The Commercial Times said Hon Hai Precision Industry, also known as Foxconn, would be the primary manufacturer of the phone.
Not much is known about the iPhone 6, although it is widely believed to have a larger display.
Related Links:
Apple supplier Foxconn to hire 15,000 more workers
More signs that Apple A8 chip production is approaching
BlackBerry chief gives turnaround 50-50 chance
Apple's hiring binge could point to more iPhone development
Apple-Samsung silicon union still strong, chip expert says
| |
Forget texts ... send smells
[ Mon, 17 Mar 2014 15:04:13 EDT ]
If the digital age has increased the volume of communication, it may not have improved the quality. That is the goal of a new generation of sensory engineers who are going beyond sight and sound to produce devices that use our untapped faculties, with the most exciting breakthroughs in olfaction.
[ Mon, 17 Mar 2014 15:04:13 EDT ]
If the digital age has increased the volume of communication, it may not have improved the quality. That is the goal of a new generation of sensory engineers who are going beyond sight and sound to produce devices that use our untapped faculties, with the most exciting breakthroughs in olfaction.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Samsung Debuts Cellphone Accessories to Help Out Visually Impaired
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 20:11:21 GMT ]
Samsung announced a set of cellphone accessories on Friday that may be helpful to the visually impaired. The add-ons, for the company's midrange Galaxy Core Advance phone, could aid in navigation, reading and note-taking.
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 20:11:21 GMT ]
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Why .Berlin and .NYC? For Cities, It's Business
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 21:13:27 GMT ]
Next week, Berlin will become the first major international city with its own top-level domain name, meaning people will be able to register websites that end in “.berlin.â€It isn’t the only city that wants to get in on the action. London, Paris and Tokyo are all scheduled to do the same this year.
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 21:13:27 GMT ]
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U.S. to Cede Control of Internet Regulating Organization
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 02:53:38 GMT ]
The U.S. government is finally relinquishing its hold on ICANN, an organization that controls or influences many key pieces of Internet infrastructure. ICANN will soon operate independently, though it will continue to work closely with Washington and other governments.
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 02:53:38 GMT ]
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Microsoft takes on the 'free' OS
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 21:24:02 GMT ]
HTC 8XT Windows Phone.
(Credit: Microsoft) Microsoft is taking baby steps toward offering its operating system for free or on the cheap -- a necessary tactic in a world dominated by Google's Android and other up-and-coming free operating systems, an analyst tells CNET.
As reported by the Times of India this week, Microsoft had been in negotiations with Indian phone companies to "produce affordable Windows Phone devices" since last year.
The agreement was "clinched" when Microsoft agreed to offer the Windows Phone OS sans the usual licensing fee, according to the Times. Microsoft said to CNET in a statement that it "cannot discuss confidential licensing terms." "It's a calculated risk to see how it works," said Bob O'Donnell, principal analyst at Technalysis Research. The Windows Phone OS has less than a 10 percent share of India's smartphone market, which is dominated by Android, according to IDC.
Related stories
Microsoft fell behind Android and Apple when it missed the move to mobile, not offering the Windows Phone OS until 2010, long after Google and Apple jumped in the market. Former CEO Steve Ballmer said as much earlier this month. "We would have a stronger position in the phone market today if I could redo the last 10 years," he said, speaking in the UK.
The company has reason to be somewhat optimistic, however. IDC forecasts that its share of the smartphone market will only increase in the coming years.
To make this happen, emerging markets present a special challenge, where operating systems like Firefox and even Linux's Ubuntu -- both free -- could gain traction.
"There's a lot of potential in these markets for alternatives," O'Donnell said.
So, how will Microsoft compensate down the road if it relies less on Windows licensing revenues for consumer products, which still account for a large chunk of sales. "Increasingly we're going to see business models change anyway, with revenue generated by services added on top of the OS. So, this is a chance to get their foot in the door."
O'Donnell gave examples such as Office 365, Skydrive, Skype, and music services.
"If it does work well, I wouldn't be surprised to see them do it in other large markets," he added.
And Microsoft is rethinking licensing fees with larger devices too, like tablets. It has already lowered licensing fees for sub-$250 PCs, O'Donnell said.
That helps tablet makers like Dell sell its 32GB Venue 8 tablet for $229 or Lenovo offer its Miix 2 8-inch tablet for $249.
But baby steps is the operative phrase for Microsoft's rethink. "It's not going to happen overnight," O'Donnell said.
Firefox is an option for phones in emerging markets.
(Credit: Mozilla)
Related Links:
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First Ubuntu phones go on sale in fall, Mark Shuttleworth reveals
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Why the Android-powered Nokia X is great for Microsoft
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 21:24:02 GMT ]
HTC 8XT Windows Phone.
(Credit: Microsoft)Microsoft is taking baby steps toward offering its operating system for free or on the cheap -- a necessary tactic in a world dominated by Google's Android and other up-and-coming free operating systems, an analyst tells CNET.
As reported by the Times of India this week, Microsoft had been in negotiations with Indian phone companies to "produce affordable Windows Phone devices" since last year.
The agreement was "clinched" when Microsoft agreed to offer the Windows Phone OS sans the usual licensing fee, according to the Times. Microsoft said to CNET in a statement that it "cannot discuss confidential licensing terms.""It's a calculated risk to see how it works," said Bob O'Donnell, principal analyst at Technalysis Research. The Windows Phone OS has less than a 10 percent share of India's smartphone market, which is dominated by Android, according to IDC.
Related stories
Microsoft fell behind Android and Apple when it missed the move to mobile, not offering the Windows Phone OS until 2010, long after Google and Apple jumped in the market. Former CEO Steve Ballmer said as much earlier this month. "We would have a stronger position in the phone market today if I could redo the last 10 years," he said, speaking in the UK.
The company has reason to be somewhat optimistic, however. IDC forecasts that its share of the smartphone market will only increase in the coming years.
To make this happen, emerging markets present a special challenge, where operating systems like Firefox and even Linux's Ubuntu -- both free -- could gain traction.
"There's a lot of potential in these markets for alternatives," O'Donnell said.
So, how will Microsoft compensate down the road if it relies less on Windows licensing revenues for consumer products, which still account for a large chunk of sales. "Increasingly we're going to see business models change anyway, with revenue generated by services added on top of the OS. So, this is a chance to get their foot in the door."
O'Donnell gave examples such as Office 365, Skydrive, Skype, and music services.
"If it does work well, I wouldn't be surprised to see them do it in other large markets," he added.
And Microsoft is rethinking licensing fees with larger devices too, like tablets. It has already lowered licensing fees for sub-$250 PCs, O'Donnell said.
That helps tablet makers like Dell sell its 32GB Venue 8 tablet for $229 or Lenovo offer its Miix 2 8-inch tablet for $249.
But baby steps is the operative phrase for Microsoft's rethink. "It's not going to happen overnight," O'Donnell said.
Firefox is an option for phones in emerging markets.
(Credit: Mozilla)Related Links:
With Firefox OS, Mozilla begins the $25 smartphone push
Ubuntu Touch gets grip on its first phone makers
First Ubuntu phones go on sale in fall, Mark Shuttleworth reveals
Firefox OS sinks its teeth into low-end smartphones
Why the Android-powered Nokia X is great for Microsoft
| |
Can an audiophile find joy in an under $100 amplifier?
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 21:39:07 GMT ]
The Dayton Audio DTA-120
(Credit: Parts Express) The Dayton Audio DTA-120 stereo integrated amp isn't very big, but for anyone searching for a decent amp that won't break the bank it's a real contender. First, let's look at the numbers: It's rated at 50 watts per channel for 8 ohm speakers; 60 watts per channel for 4 ohm speakers; the rear panel has stereo RCA inputs and speaker cable binding posts. The front panel has a 3.5 mm stereo minijack input, a 6.3 mm headphone jack, and a volume control. The DTA-120's extruded metal chassis feels solid, it's tiny, just 2.2 x 3.4 x 5.5 inches, including feet, faceplate, and volume knob.
The separate power supply box is about the same size as the amp, so it's a good deal larger than your typical wall wart.
I used my old PSB Alpha B speakers and Oppo BDP 105 Blu-ray player for most of my listening tests. Nothing about the DTA-120's sound made me feel like I was listening to an entry-level amp. It was reasonably powerful, imaging was spacious, the sound was neither bright nor dull. I played a bunch of tunes and was perfectly happy with the sound. I also watched a few movies, and even without the aid of a subwoofer the little Alpha Bs provided satisfying, though not room-shaking, bass.
I plugged in my Audio Technica ATH M50 headphones and liked what I heard. The DTA-120 summoned up a lot of detail from the M50s and bass definition was well ahead of what I get from these 'phones plugged into my iPod Classic or Mac Mini computer.
The DTA-120's rear panel
(Credit: Parts Express) I compared the DTA-120 with the $25 Lepai LP2020A+ amp, and they sounded very different. The LP202A+ is mellower and more laid back; the DTA-120 is clearer, more open sounding. The LP2020+ is rated at just 20 watts per channel, so the DTA-120's dynamic oomph was well ahead of the LP2020A+'s, and treble "air" and detail were lacking compared with the DTA-120. Still, for the money the LP2020A+ is pretty spectacular, especially if you don't play tunes all that loud. The LP202A+ sounds sweet and rich at moderate volume levels.
The DTA-120 would also be a fine match with a set of desktop speakers, ones that don't have built-in power amps, like the Audioengine P4.
Parts Express sells the DTS-120 for just a hair under $100.
Related Links:
Getting better all the time: M-Audio BX5 Carbon speakers
Microsoft leaks Windows 8.1 update early
An awesome small room/high-end stereo system
Making headphones mono
AT&T's Digital Life finds its way into four new markets
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 21:39:07 GMT ]
The Dayton Audio DTA-120
(Credit: Parts Express)The Dayton Audio DTA-120 stereo integrated amp isn't very big, but for anyone searching for a decent amp that won't break the bank it's a real contender. First, let's look at the numbers: It's rated at 50 watts per channel for 8 ohm speakers; 60 watts per channel for 4 ohm speakers; the rear panel has stereo RCA inputs and speaker cable binding posts. The front panel has a 3.5 mm stereo minijack input, a 6.3 mm headphone jack, and a volume control. The DTA-120's extruded metal chassis feels solid, it's tiny, just 2.2 x 3.4 x 5.5 inches, including feet, faceplate, and volume knob.
The separate power supply box is about the same size as the amp, so it's a good deal larger than your typical wall wart.
I used my old PSB Alpha B speakers and Oppo BDP 105 Blu-ray player for most of my listening tests. Nothing about the DTA-120's sound made me feel like I was listening to an entry-level amp. It was reasonably powerful, imaging was spacious, the sound was neither bright nor dull. I played a bunch of tunes and was perfectly happy with the sound. I also watched a few movies, and even without the aid of a subwoofer the little Alpha Bs provided satisfying, though not room-shaking, bass.
I plugged in my Audio Technica ATH M50 headphones and liked what I heard. The DTA-120 summoned up a lot of detail from the M50s and bass definition was well ahead of what I get from these 'phones plugged into my iPod Classic or Mac Mini computer.
The DTA-120's rear panel
(Credit: Parts Express)I compared the DTA-120 with the $25 Lepai LP2020A+ amp, and they sounded very different. The LP202A+ is mellower and more laid back; the DTA-120 is clearer, more open sounding. The LP2020+ is rated at just 20 watts per channel, so the DTA-120's dynamic oomph was well ahead of the LP2020A+'s, and treble "air" and detail were lacking compared with the DTA-120. Still, for the money the LP2020A+ is pretty spectacular, especially if you don't play tunes all that loud. The LP202A+ sounds sweet and rich at moderate volume levels.
The DTA-120 would also be a fine match with a set of desktop speakers, ones that don't have built-in power amps, like the Audioengine P4.
Parts Express sells the DTS-120 for just a hair under $100.
Related Links:
Getting better all the time: M-Audio BX5 Carbon speakers
Microsoft leaks Windows 8.1 update early
An awesome small room/high-end stereo system
Making headphones mono
AT&T's Digital Life finds its way into four new markets
| |
Hey, boss, 12 percent will watch March Madness in meetings
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 21:53:36 GMT ]
All-important.
(Credit: CNN/YouTube screenshot by Chris Matyszczyk/CNET) We have come to that time of year when a group of possibly inebriated, supposed experts decides which colleges will send their teams to the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
This cultural beauty pageant is branded on American hearts like few other events. You may not know where Butler University actually is, but you wrap your arms around it, as if your own child was on the team.
This causes problems for industrial productivity and personal gadgetry.
Sports have always been more important than work. Therefore, workers are more likely to watch sporting events that happen to occur during working hours.
Indeed, a survey that has exclusively landed on my screen tells me that 66 percent of respondents admitted they'd be watching March Madness courtesy of very fine mobile apps.
The survey was sponsored by SOASTA -- sounds like "toaster," not "Zoroaster" (sadly). By remarkable coincidence, this is a company that exists to ensure mobile apps don't crash as free throws are being taken with two seconds left.
Anyone who has been in a work environment during these two weeks of insanity knows that conversation revolves around little else. But it's instructive to learn what rites of decorum people will ignore in order to follow the games.
Of these 2,040 adult respondents, 74 percent freely confessed they'd be glued to their smartphones or tablets during breaks; 61 percent said that they would chew on their chicken salad while watching flying collegians.
Oddly, a mere 14 percent declared that, yes, of course they'll be watching the games during conference calls. I am sure that the other 86 percent have never even raised a middle finger toward the speaker during a conference call.
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It was the 12 percent who were most honest, I believe. These people barefacedly admitted that they'll be glued to their mobile devices watching Tar Heels, Blue Devils, and green rookies during meetings.
You could be discussing mobile strategy for a new blind-date app for dogs. Or you could be using your favorite mobile sports app to bathe in something important. It's not a difficult choice, is it?
Bosses should also be aware of hard-core cases, for whom nothing will get in the way of their hoops. Four percent of these sensitive respondents said that not even being given a performance review would stop them from staring at their gadgets.
Three percent insisted they'd even ignore their boss if he or she was talking.
Let's admit it, though. Not even bosses are immune from March's Ides of Insanity. Two percent of those surveyed admitted they'd follow a game on their mobile device when giving a performance review.
This may sound deeply rude. However, this is the time of year when your bracket is more important than your wage packet.
After all, Warren Buffet is offering $1 billion to anyone who fills out the perfect March Madness bracket.
Please try asking for $1 billion in your next performance review and let me know how it goes.
Related Links:
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Despite complaints, most Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers plan to renew
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 21:53:36 GMT ]
All-important.
(Credit: CNN/YouTube screenshot by Chris Matyszczyk/CNET)We have come to that time of year when a group of possibly inebriated, supposed experts decides which colleges will send their teams to the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
This cultural beauty pageant is branded on American hearts like few other events. You may not know where Butler University actually is, but you wrap your arms around it, as if your own child was on the team.
This causes problems for industrial productivity and personal gadgetry.
Sports have always been more important than work. Therefore, workers are more likely to watch sporting events that happen to occur during working hours.
Indeed, a survey that has exclusively landed on my screen tells me that 66 percent of respondents admitted they'd be watching March Madness courtesy of very fine mobile apps.
The survey was sponsored by SOASTA -- sounds like "toaster," not "Zoroaster" (sadly). By remarkable coincidence, this is a company that exists to ensure mobile apps don't crash as free throws are being taken with two seconds left.
Anyone who has been in a work environment during these two weeks of insanity knows that conversation revolves around little else. But it's instructive to learn what rites of decorum people will ignore in order to follow the games.
Of these 2,040 adult respondents, 74 percent freely confessed they'd be glued to their smartphones or tablets during breaks; 61 percent said that they would chew on their chicken salad while watching flying collegians.
Oddly, a mere 14 percent declared that, yes, of course they'll be watching the games during conference calls. I am sure that the other 86 percent have never even raised a middle finger toward the speaker during a conference call.
More Technically Incorrect
- How a selfie with a rapper can improve your Facebook status
- Man Googles himself, discovers he's on the 'Most Wanted' list
- Jimmy Kimmel shows SXSW attendees will say anything to sound cool
- William Shatner: Of course there's alien life
- Woz: Snowden is a hero and Apple is the purest of all
It was the 12 percent who were most honest, I believe. These people barefacedly admitted that they'll be glued to their mobile devices watching Tar Heels, Blue Devils, and green rookies during meetings.
You could be discussing mobile strategy for a new blind-date app for dogs. Or you could be using your favorite mobile sports app to bathe in something important. It's not a difficult choice, is it?
Bosses should also be aware of hard-core cases, for whom nothing will get in the way of their hoops. Four percent of these sensitive respondents said that not even being given a performance review would stop them from staring at their gadgets.
Three percent insisted they'd even ignore their boss if he or she was talking.
Let's admit it, though. Not even bosses are immune from March's Ides of Insanity. Two percent of those surveyed admitted they'd follow a game on their mobile device when giving a performance review.
This may sound deeply rude. However, this is the time of year when your bracket is more important than your wage packet.
After all, Warren Buffet is offering $1 billion to anyone who fills out the perfect March Madness bracket.
Please try asking for $1 billion in your next performance review and let me know how it goes.
Related Links:
10 must-see videos of the week
Google's Tim Bray steps down in the name of working remotely
Roku Streaming Stick vs. Google Chromecast: How do they stack up?
Be one with Flappy Bird: The science of 'flow' in game design
Despite complaints, most Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers plan to renew
| |
How a selfie with a rapper can improve your Facebook status
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 23:27:00 GMT ]
The man who helps you get women.
(Credit: DJVlad/YouTube; screenshot by Chris Matyszczyk/CNET) On occasion, I'm forced to disappear to the Wine Country in order to commune with nature.
If I feel that the last vestige of niceness is disappearing from me, a few hours spent in the company of the people of Napa and their grape products creates a reawakening, as well as a need for a hotel.
Late on Friday afternoon, I was sipping some very fine Honig cabernet when a young man engaged me in conversation.
He was 24 years old, he had a flip phone, and he was in crisis.
"I've got to leave in a minute to go to a liquor store in Fairfield," he said. This is not the sort of sentence you always hear in Napa. But this man seemed excited. Or was it perturbed?
Fairfield, should you not know it, is a city that is home to the Jelly Belly and the Travis Air Force base. Yes, it's a place where you can get your candy and have your ear drums crushed by a transport plane, all on the same day.
Why did Archie (let's call him) need to go to Dave's Liquor in Fairfield? He needed to meet E-40.
Wait, you don't know E-40? He's a very important rapper and entrepreneur, who happens to have his own wine label (Earl Stevens Selections is the brand).
Some of E-40's greatest hits include "Tell Me When To Go" and "My S*** Bang." He was going to be at Dave's Liquor in order to present his wine.
Wine tends to induce naivete in me, so I assumed that Archie, a wine aficionado, needed to meet E-40 because he loved his wine.
All the same, I asked him, just in case I'd missed a nuance: "Why do you need to meet E-40 so badly, Archie?"
"Facebook," he replied.
"Facebook?"
"Yes. I need a new profile picture."
So you're not interested in the wine? Instead, the idea is to take a picture with E-40 and make it your profile picture? Why do you need to do that?"
He looked at me as if I'd just stepped off a large circular transport plane and had candy-colored antennae poking through my remaining three hairs.
"Girls," he explained irritatedly.
"Girls?"
"Look, when girls look at my profile picture, they'll think I'm a lot cooler because I hang out with rappers."
"But you don't hang out with rappers, Archie. You ambush them in liquor stores, demand a picture, and don't even tell them that you're using them to pick up girls. That's not hanging out with them. That's faking it."
"As if the whole world isn't about faking it," he mused with slightly sad eyes. "You don't understand how important this is. You're either somebody or you're nobody. Especially on Facebook. If girls see that you're just another guy, they breeze on by. But if they see you've done something cool with someone cool, they'll message you. I have to have girls. Girls have to want to have me."
"Wait, but Facebook is the place to get girls? I thought it was the place to tell your granny you've got a girl."
"It is, partly. But I haven't got a girl, so I have nothing to tell my granny. And you can still meet girls on Facebook. You just have to look cool."
More Technically Incorrect
- Hey, boss, 12 percent will watch March Madness in meetings
- Man Googles himself, discovers he's on the 'Most Wanted' list
- Jimmy Kimmel shows SXSW attendees will say anything to sound cool
- William Shatner: Of course there's alien life
- Woz: Snowden is a hero and Apple is the purest of all
At this, Archie began to get up, seeming stressed that he had to go through this procedure to proceed with his love life. His cheeks had reddened and he'd not been drinking.
"Wait," I said. "But you've only got a flip phone. How are you going to get a selfie with E-40?"
"I'm meeting my friend over at the liquor store. He's got an iPhone," Archie replied.
Archie rushed away, to do what needed to be done. He needed to get his free celebrity endorsement.
Perhaps it's no surprise that he felt the need to advertise himself this way. People laugh about Facebook adorning its pages with advertising, when everyone uses their own Facebook pages to advertise how interesting their lives are.
This is me. I am exciting. Love me. Want me. Be fascinated by me. Be jealous of me. But, most of all, love me.
Somehow, though, it was sad that Archie had to drive 40 minutes in order to get the job done. Because a job is what it clearly appeared to be.
This morning, I drifted to E-40's Facebook page to see if he had really been at Dave's Liquor. It was true. There, for all to see, was a picture of hordes waiting to taste the great man's wine.
I couldn't see Archie in the picture, which doesn't mean he didn't get his man, in order to get his woman.
I wonder, though, how many people were really there just to enhance their Facebook status.
Related Links:
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[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 23:27:00 GMT ]
The man who helps you get women.
(Credit: DJVlad/YouTube; screenshot by Chris Matyszczyk/CNET)On occasion, I'm forced to disappear to the Wine Country in order to commune with nature.
If I feel that the last vestige of niceness is disappearing from me, a few hours spent in the company of the people of Napa and their grape products creates a reawakening, as well as a need for a hotel.
Late on Friday afternoon, I was sipping some very fine Honig cabernet when a young man engaged me in conversation.
He was 24 years old, he had a flip phone, and he was in crisis.
"I've got to leave in a minute to go to a liquor store in Fairfield," he said. This is not the sort of sentence you always hear in Napa. But this man seemed excited. Or was it perturbed?
Fairfield, should you not know it, is a city that is home to the Jelly Belly and the Travis Air Force base. Yes, it's a place where you can get your candy and have your ear drums crushed by a transport plane, all on the same day.
Why did Archie (let's call him) need to go to Dave's Liquor in Fairfield? He needed to meet E-40.
Wait, you don't know E-40? He's a very important rapper and entrepreneur, who happens to have his own wine label (Earl Stevens Selections is the brand).
Some of E-40's greatest hits include "Tell Me When To Go" and "My S*** Bang." He was going to be at Dave's Liquor in order to present his wine.
Wine tends to induce naivete in me, so I assumed that Archie, a wine aficionado, needed to meet E-40 because he loved his wine.
All the same, I asked him, just in case I'd missed a nuance: "Why do you need to meet E-40 so badly, Archie?"
"Facebook," he replied.
"Facebook?"
"Yes. I need a new profile picture."
So you're not interested in the wine? Instead, the idea is to take a picture with E-40 and make it your profile picture? Why do you need to do that?"
He looked at me as if I'd just stepped off a large circular transport plane and had candy-colored antennae poking through my remaining three hairs.
"Girls," he explained irritatedly.
"Girls?"
"Look, when girls look at my profile picture, they'll think I'm a lot cooler because I hang out with rappers."
"But you don't hang out with rappers, Archie. You ambush them in liquor stores, demand a picture, and don't even tell them that you're using them to pick up girls. That's not hanging out with them. That's faking it."
"As if the whole world isn't about faking it," he mused with slightly sad eyes. "You don't understand how important this is. You're either somebody or you're nobody. Especially on Facebook. If girls see that you're just another guy, they breeze on by. But if they see you've done something cool with someone cool, they'll message you. I have to have girls. Girls have to want to have me."
"Wait, but Facebook is the place to get girls? I thought it was the place to tell your granny you've got a girl."
"It is, partly. But I haven't got a girl, so I have nothing to tell my granny. And you can still meet girls on Facebook. You just have to look cool."
More Technically Incorrect
- Hey, boss, 12 percent will watch March Madness in meetings
- Man Googles himself, discovers he's on the 'Most Wanted' list
- Jimmy Kimmel shows SXSW attendees will say anything to sound cool
- William Shatner: Of course there's alien life
- Woz: Snowden is a hero and Apple is the purest of all
At this, Archie began to get up, seeming stressed that he had to go through this procedure to proceed with his love life. His cheeks had reddened and he'd not been drinking.
"Wait," I said. "But you've only got a flip phone. How are you going to get a selfie with E-40?"
"I'm meeting my friend over at the liquor store. He's got an iPhone," Archie replied.
Archie rushed away, to do what needed to be done. He needed to get his free celebrity endorsement.
Perhaps it's no surprise that he felt the need to advertise himself this way. People laugh about Facebook adorning its pages with advertising, when everyone uses their own Facebook pages to advertise how interesting their lives are.
This is me. I am exciting. Love me. Want me. Be fascinated by me. Be jealous of me. But, most of all, love me.
Somehow, though, it was sad that Archie had to drive 40 minutes in order to get the job done. Because a job is what it clearly appeared to be.
This morning, I drifted to E-40's Facebook page to see if he had really been at Dave's Liquor. It was true. There, for all to see, was a picture of hordes waiting to taste the great man's wine.
I couldn't see Archie in the picture, which doesn't mean he didn't get his man, in order to get his woman.
I wonder, though, how many people were really there just to enhance their Facebook status.
Related Links:
Colin Powell, pioneer of the selfie?
Finally, an actual use for a selfie
Are selfies causing the spread of head lice?
Step aside, selfies, Sweden's snapping 'wefies'
Apple adds selfie section to iTunes App Store
| |
Glassholes: at least you know who they are
[ Sun, 16 Mar 2014 11:00:00 GMT ]
Google Glass Explorer Edition
(Credit: Jason Cipriani/CNET) Google Glass has provoked a lot of angst among those worried about the electronic eyewear is rude, weird, or creepy -- and for good reason.
Among the concerns Glass raises are that the wearer could be recording video, audio, or photos of other people or that the wearer could be looking up online information about those people. For a good illustration of the social difficulties of Google Glass, check Becky Worley's report from SXSW on Google Glass at Yahoo Tech, in which wearers report problems at a supermarket, customs, a business meeting, and a trip to the bathroom at a zoo. The headline of the piece: "Google Glass Will Never Be Okay."
Plenty of others have similar sentiments. Gartner's Ian Glazer is worried that Google Glass makes relationships uncomfortaly asymmetric, with a power imbalance between those who are and are not wearing Google Glass.
The Google Glass creepy factor is embodied in Neal Stephenson's sci-fi book "Snow Crash" in the character of Lagos, a "gargoyle" who's encrusted with electronic sensory equipment and a live link to the databases of the world:
Gargoyles...are adrift in a laser-drawn world, scanning retinas in all directions, doing background checks on everyone within a thousand yards, seeing everything in visual light, infrared, millimeter-wave radar, and ultrasound all at once. You think they're talking to you, but they're actually poring over the credit record of some stranger on the other side of the room, or identifying the make and model of airplanes flying overhead.
Google Glass will rightly raise lots of hackles when used in public, and I think that's appropriate. Although Google Glass devices are perched just over the line of sight, Glass still comes between two people having a conversation. And because one of the major points of Glass is to be able to record an intimately first-person view of the world, Glass can be intrusive: people often behave differently on a stage or on camera.
Thus, I'm not suggesting we brush off concerns about Glass as just baseless techno-fretting. It's worth discussing society-altering inventions like power looms, birth control pills, automobiles, and televisions.
But often, the discussions about Google Glass are too narrow in scope. Before declaring Google Glass doomed to failure, we need to look at what has come before them and at what's going to come after.
Paving the way to Google Glass The most obvious precursor to Google Glass is the smartphone. It's a general-purpose electronic companion that can be carried with you at all time, augmenting what you happen to remember with a live connection to vast amounts of personal and public information. It pages us with important messages and lets us record the moment with photos and videos.
To many of us, smartphones are useful and ordinary. But social norms are still catching up to technology. It's just fine to take a mobile phon call when you're driving with your spouse to do weekend shopping errands. It's rude to do so when you're on a first date. But in many circumstances, it's a gray area, and what's considered OK is changing. Taking a call from your child's school in the middle of a business meeting is probably OK, because it might be an emergency. But taking a call from your friend in the middle of a business meeting might be a bad idea. On some trains, there are cars where it's OK to talk on mobile phones and some where it's barred.
We're also adapting to mobile phone photos and video. Is it OK to record a rock concert? Maybe, but some musicians politely ask you not to. At my son's piano recital last month, a succession of parents moved to the front of the central aisle to record their children's' performances and blocking the view for a lot of the rest of the audience. Nobody objected, but such behavior would be unthinkable if the performer had been a world-class violin virtuoso rather than a bunch of primary-school kids.
The Lost Lake Cafe and Diner in Seattle bans people from wearing Google Glass.
(Credit: Lost Lake Cafe/ Facebook) The more we use mobile phones, and the more they can do, the more we as a society will evolve these social protocols, either through convention, posted rules, or legislation. Google Glass looks shocking today, but don't discount out the possibility that we'll work out rules for when they're OK to wear and when they're not, gestures that warn people we're using them or reassure them that we're not, or conventions for asking politely if it's OK to record a particular moment.
We're already working some of the protocols out with mobile phones and other devices. I went skiing a couple weeks ago, and lots of teenagers and some adults had GoPro helmets stuck to their helmets, making parts of their lives mini-performances and making all the rest of us part of the supporting cast whether we wanted to be or not.
All these rules are evolving, but here's the underlying point: We've already accepted technology into our lives that comes with much of the rudeness and creepiness of Google Glass.
Google's devices push the issue farther, but we're already dealing with the rudeness of attention divided between our company and our device, with the constant interruptions from the cloud, with joggers tuned out to music only they can hear, with people recording images of everything around them then posting it publicly on the Net.
Glass in our future That's the context that Glass is fitting into today. I also think it's important to consider the context Glass will fit into tomorrow.
Glass today is bulky and awkward compared to ordinary glasses, but it's sleek compared to anything that could have been built a decade earlier. Extrapolate today's trends in miniaturization of processors, networking electronics, cameras, and it's not hard to imagine that many more devices could come with the capabilities that Glass has today.
I'm not saying such a future is inevitable, but it's quite possible that ordinary looking glasses, or perhaps jewelry or clothing or Bluetooth earpieces, could have such technology built into it. Russian dashcams could spread to many more cars and to our homes and offices. Maybe it'll even be in contact lenses or, if Ray Kurzweil is right, nanobots in our brains and bloodstream will intercept our own sensory data, process and store it, then communicate directly with our own neurons. That latter idea is pretty far out, but given how much technology has changed in the last few decades, I'd hesitate to rule it out completely.
The more we rely on devices to keep track of what's going on around us, the more the assumption of asymmetry common in today's Glass criticisms isn't actually the case. It's natural to think about the asymmetry today because almost nobody has Google Glass. But if Glass or something like them spread, the discussion will have to include situations of symmetry, too, like when two people having lunch each have smartphones instead of just one of them.
We could record a lot more with our mobile phones. Perhaps we'll find it useful to record conversations by default to improve our imperfect memories -- the phones themselves or some cloud service they connect to could keep track of whom we met at social occasions and business meetings. Technology could scan our conversations and prompt us later that we'd promised to go to that birthday party or bring snacks for the office, or warn that us a weekend outing won't be possible because a spouse had mentioned earlier that he or she would be out of town on travel.
In other words, maybe other devices will offer much of the creepiness of Glass without the actual Glass itself.
And here's where I think there's a perversely good thing about Google Glass's intrusiveness. They're so overt that they don't leave as much room for ambiguity about what's going on. They broadcast to everybody what's possible.
In other words, wearing Google Glass might make you a jerk -- but at least you're an honest jerk.
Related Links:
[ Sun, 16 Mar 2014 11:00:00 GMT ]
Google Glass Explorer Edition
(Credit: Jason Cipriani/CNET)Google Glass has provoked a lot of angst among those worried about the electronic eyewear is rude, weird, or creepy -- and for good reason.
Among the concerns Glass raises are that the wearer could be recording video, audio, or photos of other people or that the wearer could be looking up online information about those people. For a good illustration of the social difficulties of Google Glass, check Becky Worley's report from SXSW on Google Glass at Yahoo Tech, in which wearers report problems at a supermarket, customs, a business meeting, and a trip to the bathroom at a zoo. The headline of the piece: "Google Glass Will Never Be Okay."
Plenty of others have similar sentiments. Gartner's Ian Glazer is worried that Google Glass makes relationships uncomfortaly asymmetric, with a power imbalance between those who are and are not wearing Google Glass.
The Google Glass creepy factor is embodied in Neal Stephenson's sci-fi book "Snow Crash" in the character of Lagos, a "gargoyle" who's encrusted with electronic sensory equipment and a live link to the databases of the world:
Gargoyles...are adrift in a laser-drawn world, scanning retinas in all directions, doing background checks on everyone within a thousand yards, seeing everything in visual light, infrared, millimeter-wave radar, and ultrasound all at once. You think they're talking to you, but they're actually poring over the credit record of some stranger on the other side of the room, or identifying the make and model of airplanes flying overhead.
Google Glass will rightly raise lots of hackles when used in public, and I think that's appropriate. Although Google Glass devices are perched just over the line of sight, Glass still comes between two people having a conversation. And because one of the major points of Glass is to be able to record an intimately first-person view of the world, Glass can be intrusive: people often behave differently on a stage or on camera.
Thus, I'm not suggesting we brush off concerns about Glass as just baseless techno-fretting. It's worth discussing society-altering inventions like power looms, birth control pills, automobiles, and televisions.
But often, the discussions about Google Glass are too narrow in scope. Before declaring Google Glass doomed to failure, we need to look at what has come before them and at what's going to come after.
Paving the way to Google Glass The most obvious precursor to Google Glass is the smartphone. It's a general-purpose electronic companion that can be carried with you at all time, augmenting what you happen to remember with a live connection to vast amounts of personal and public information. It pages us with important messages and lets us record the moment with photos and videos.
To many of us, smartphones are useful and ordinary. But social norms are still catching up to technology. It's just fine to take a mobile phon call when you're driving with your spouse to do weekend shopping errands. It's rude to do so when you're on a first date. But in many circumstances, it's a gray area, and what's considered OK is changing. Taking a call from your child's school in the middle of a business meeting is probably OK, because it might be an emergency. But taking a call from your friend in the middle of a business meeting might be a bad idea. On some trains, there are cars where it's OK to talk on mobile phones and some where it's barred.
We're also adapting to mobile phone photos and video. Is it OK to record a rock concert? Maybe, but some musicians politely ask you not to. At my son's piano recital last month, a succession of parents moved to the front of the central aisle to record their children's' performances and blocking the view for a lot of the rest of the audience. Nobody objected, but such behavior would be unthinkable if the performer had been a world-class violin virtuoso rather than a bunch of primary-school kids.
The Lost Lake Cafe and Diner in Seattle bans people from wearing Google Glass.
(Credit: Lost Lake Cafe/ Facebook)The more we use mobile phones, and the more they can do, the more we as a society will evolve these social protocols, either through convention, posted rules, or legislation. Google Glass looks shocking today, but don't discount out the possibility that we'll work out rules for when they're OK to wear and when they're not, gestures that warn people we're using them or reassure them that we're not, or conventions for asking politely if it's OK to record a particular moment.
We're already working some of the protocols out with mobile phones and other devices. I went skiing a couple weeks ago, and lots of teenagers and some adults had GoPro helmets stuck to their helmets, making parts of their lives mini-performances and making all the rest of us part of the supporting cast whether we wanted to be or not.
All these rules are evolving, but here's the underlying point: We've already accepted technology into our lives that comes with much of the rudeness and creepiness of Google Glass.
Google's devices push the issue farther, but we're already dealing with the rudeness of attention divided between our company and our device, with the constant interruptions from the cloud, with joggers tuned out to music only they can hear, with people recording images of everything around them then posting it publicly on the Net.
Glass in our future That's the context that Glass is fitting into today. I also think it's important to consider the context Glass will fit into tomorrow.
Glass today is bulky and awkward compared to ordinary glasses, but it's sleek compared to anything that could have been built a decade earlier. Extrapolate today's trends in miniaturization of processors, networking electronics, cameras, and it's not hard to imagine that many more devices could come with the capabilities that Glass has today.
I'm not saying such a future is inevitable, but it's quite possible that ordinary looking glasses, or perhaps jewelry or clothing or Bluetooth earpieces, could have such technology built into it. Russian dashcams could spread to many more cars and to our homes and offices. Maybe it'll even be in contact lenses or, if Ray Kurzweil is right, nanobots in our brains and bloodstream will intercept our own sensory data, process and store it, then communicate directly with our own neurons. That latter idea is pretty far out, but given how much technology has changed in the last few decades, I'd hesitate to rule it out completely.
The more we rely on devices to keep track of what's going on around us, the more the assumption of asymmetry common in today's Glass criticisms isn't actually the case. It's natural to think about the asymmetry today because almost nobody has Google Glass. But if Glass or something like them spread, the discussion will have to include situations of symmetry, too, like when two people having lunch each have smartphones instead of just one of them.
We could record a lot more with our mobile phones. Perhaps we'll find it useful to record conversations by default to improve our imperfect memories -- the phones themselves or some cloud service they connect to could keep track of whom we met at social occasions and business meetings. Technology could scan our conversations and prompt us later that we'd promised to go to that birthday party or bring snacks for the office, or warn that us a weekend outing won't be possible because a spouse had mentioned earlier that he or she would be out of town on travel.
In other words, maybe other devices will offer much of the creepiness of Glass without the actual Glass itself.
And here's where I think there's a perversely good thing about Google Glass's intrusiveness. They're so overt that they don't leave as much room for ambiguity about what's going on. They broadcast to everybody what's possible.
In other words, wearing Google Glass might make you a jerk -- but at least you're an honest jerk.
Related Links:
| |
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Samsung Debuts Cellphone Accessories to Help Out Visually Impaired
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 20:11:21 GMT ]
Samsung announced a set of cellphone accessories on Friday that may be helpful to the visually impaired. The add-ons, for the company's midrange Galaxy Core Advance phone, could aid in navigation, reading and note-taking.
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 20:11:21 GMT ]
| |
Why .Berlin and .NYC? For Cities, It's Business
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 21:13:27 GMT ]
Next week, Berlin will become the first major international city with its own top-level domain name, meaning people will be able to register websites that end in “.berlin.â€It isn’t the only city that wants to get in on the action. London, Paris and Tokyo are all scheduled to do the same this year.
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 21:13:27 GMT ]
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U.S. to Cede Control of Internet Regulating Organization
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 02:53:38 GMT ]
The U.S. government is finally relinquishing its hold on ICANN, an organization that controls or influences many key pieces of Internet infrastructure. ICANN will soon operate independently, though it will continue to work closely with Washington and other governments.
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 02:53:38 GMT ]
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Smells like terrier spirit: 'First Sniff' spoofs 'First Kiss' video
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 23:19:04 GMT ]
(Credit: Video screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET) First there were strangers kissing each other on video, then were there strangers of the canine variety sniffing each other.
And while the former, "First Kiss," quickly went viral before viewers enchanted with its supposed raw emotion discovered it was an ad promoting a new fashion line, the parody "First Sniff" may actually give us all a moment to paws and appreciate something truly charming -- pups that just want to say hello.
Related stories
- Kissing YouTube video goes viral (oh, no, it's an ad)
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In "First Sniff," created by ad agency Mother London, the highly attractive models, musicians, and actors from filmmaker Tatiana Pilieva's arty "First Kiss" video are replaced with adorable dogs wagging their tails and greeting each other in the traditional way. "We tried to get some dogs to kiss for the first time..." Mother London says in its video. And canines of all kinds obliged with delightful reactions that it almost puts the human video to shame.
There's even a sleek and slender dog wearing his cone of shame who still manages to captivate a petite pooch and give a sniff. Greyhounds, cocker spaniels, terriers, and mutts of many breeds sit, lick faces, sniff furry butts, and give more longing looks than a Jane Austen film.
Of course, "First Sniff" is only one of the parodies that sprung up after the Internet got infatuated with the kiss video and then found out it might not have been as innocent of a human experiment as it first seemed. One spoof features interactions between cats, and another between frisky humans. Still another shows Brits "who definitely aren't super confident, hot American models," kissing for the first time.
But we can't help but adore the puppy-love one most. Love at first sight isn't so far-fetched after all.
Related Links:
Kissing YouTube video goes viral (oh, no, it's an ad)
Van Damme epic splits in space should be the final word
Tim Berners-Lee: 25 years on, the Web still needs work (Q&A)
'Talking Angela' programmer talks hoaxes, AI mastery (Q&A)
Artist reimagines Spock, Sherlock, Time Lords, and Avengers as cats
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 23:19:04 GMT ]
First there were strangers kissing each other on video, then were there strangers of the canine variety sniffing each other.
And while the former, "First Kiss," quickly went viral before viewers enchanted with its supposed raw emotion discovered it was an ad promoting a new fashion line, the parody "First Sniff" may actually give us all a moment to paws and appreciate something truly charming -- pups that just want to say hello.
Related stories
- Kissing YouTube video goes viral (oh, no, it's an ad)
- Dogs may pick up on emotions like you do, science says
- Whistle, the Fitbit for dogs, makes push into mainstream
"We tried to get some dogs to kiss for the first time..." Mother London says in its video. And canines of all kinds obliged with delightful reactions that it almost puts the human video to shame.
There's even a sleek and slender dog wearing his cone of shame who still manages to captivate a petite pooch and give a sniff. Greyhounds, cocker spaniels, terriers, and mutts of many breeds sit, lick faces, sniff furry butts, and give more longing looks than a Jane Austen film.
Of course, "First Sniff" is only one of the parodies that sprung up after the Internet got infatuated with the kiss video and then found out it might not have been as innocent of a human experiment as it first seemed. One spoof features interactions between cats, and another between frisky humans. Still another shows Brits "who definitely aren't super confident, hot American models," kissing for the first time.
But we can't help but adore the puppy-love one most. Love at first sight isn't so far-fetched after all.
Related Links:
Kissing YouTube video goes viral (oh, no, it's an ad)
Van Damme epic splits in space should be the final word
Tim Berners-Lee: 25 years on, the Web still needs work (Q&A)
'Talking Angela' programmer talks hoaxes, AI mastery (Q&A)
Artist reimagines Spock, Sherlock, Time Lords, and Avengers as cats
| |
Crave Ep. 151: Neil Young's Pono dreams soon to come true
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 23:30:00 GMT ]
Neil Young's Pono dreams soon to come true, Ep. 151
Subscribe to Crave:
iTunes (HD) | iTunes (SD) | iTunes (HQ)
RSS (HD) | RSS (SD) | RSS (HQ)
Neil Young's PonoMusic service blew past its Kickstarter fundraising goal in one day. Are FLAC files the next wave in music? We also hear some jams from a cyborg drummer on Earth, and wake up to the sweet smells and sounds of the Bacon Alarm.
Crave stories:
- Robotic arm gives amputee drummer better beats
- Bacon alarm clock wafts meat odors from your iPhone
- Forget planking, #whaling is the hot new Vine trend
- Neil Young's PonoMusic hits Kickstarter
- Watch robotic pole dancers shake their actuators
- Crave giveaway: $500 shopping spree from Rakuten.com Shopping
Social networking:
Related Links:
Neil Young's PonoMusic hits Kickstarter
Neil Young's PonoMusic hits $2M on Kickstarter in one day
The 404 1,443: Where we're taking the couch by storm (podcast)
Neil Young's Pono dreams soon to come true, Ep. 151
The 404 1,445: Where we beat up on Bluetooth (podcast)
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 23:30:00 GMT ]
Neil Young's Pono dreams soon to come true, Ep. 151
Subscribe to Crave:
iTunes (HD) | iTunes (SD) | iTunes (HQ)
RSS (HD) | RSS (SD) | RSS (HQ)
Neil Young's PonoMusic service blew past its Kickstarter fundraising goal in one day. Are FLAC files the next wave in music? We also hear some jams from a cyborg drummer on Earth, and wake up to the sweet smells and sounds of the Bacon Alarm.
Crave stories:
- Robotic arm gives amputee drummer better beats
- Bacon alarm clock wafts meat odors from your iPhone
- Forget planking, #whaling is the hot new Vine trend
- Neil Young's PonoMusic hits Kickstarter
- Watch robotic pole dancers shake their actuators
- Crave giveaway: $500 shopping spree from Rakuten.com Shopping
Social networking:
Related Links:
Neil Young's PonoMusic hits Kickstarter
Neil Young's PonoMusic hits $2M on Kickstarter in one day
The 404 1,443: Where we're taking the couch by storm (podcast)
Neil Young's Pono dreams soon to come true, Ep. 151
The 404 1,445: Where we beat up on Bluetooth (podcast)
| |
Large iPad ditched? Not dead yet, says analyst
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 00:03:56 GMT ]
iPad Air. A larger iPad or hybrid is still possible this year, an analyst tells CNET.
(Credit: Apple) A large Apple tablet isn't out of the question this year, an analyst told CNET, in the wake of a report today saying the device is "shelved."
"The problem so far is that the use-case hasn't been made for a large tablet yet," said Rhoda Alexander, director of tablet and monitor research at IHS Technology.
That sentiment was echoed in a CNET review of the large Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2, which said interface and performance issues hold it back from being a laptop replacement.
A report today from Digitimes claimed that shipments of Samsung's 12.2-inch tablet will be relatively small this year for similar reasons.
The report also claimed that Apple has "shelved" its large tablet.
Not so fast, said Alexander. "It could happen if a [device maker] comes along and makes the use-case along with the size. So, for instance, if you have a company that offers touch-enabled Microsoft Office, where it's useful to have more screen area to see what you're doing," she said.
Related stories
- Samsung Galaxy TabPro 12.2 ships March 9 for $650
- CES 2014: Microsoft and the PC have seen better days
She continued. "It would be interesting to see if Apple goes down the road of maybe a blend of their [MacBook] Air product and their traditional iPad product."
And what about the chances of this happening in 2014?
"We haven't built it into our forecasts yet because we want to see something more concrete. But think about what [Apple] did with the new iPad. It was three or four months before they released the product. So, if it's, let's say an October release -- and this is all just speculation -- it's possible they wouldn't ramp up production on the component level until summertime."
Alexander added that the iPad Air has changed the tablet game for Apple. Before, the iPad Mini seemed like the wave of the future but the "iPad Air is significant in that they managed to shift the tablet purchase balance back up to the [bigger] 9.7-inch."
Related Links:
'iPad Pro' iffy, Microsoft Office on iPad 'alive' in 2014: Reports
AT&T expands international LTE roaming to 13 more countries
Galaxy S5: How Samsung built its Galactic Empire (video)
Samsung Galaxy S5 images leak ahead of Monday event
Samsung Galaxy S5: Most likely features and specs
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 00:03:56 GMT ]
iPad Air. A larger iPad or hybrid is still possible this year, an analyst tells CNET.
(Credit: Apple)A large Apple tablet isn't out of the question this year, an analyst told CNET, in the wake of a report today saying the device is "shelved."
"The problem so far is that the use-case hasn't been made for a large tablet yet," said Rhoda Alexander, director of tablet and monitor research at IHS Technology.
That sentiment was echoed in a CNET review of the large Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2, which said interface and performance issues hold it back from being a laptop replacement.
A report today from Digitimes claimed that shipments of Samsung's 12.2-inch tablet will be relatively small this year for similar reasons.
The report also claimed that Apple has "shelved" its large tablet.
Not so fast, said Alexander. "It could happen if a [device maker] comes along and makes the use-case along with the size. So, for instance, if you have a company that offers touch-enabled Microsoft Office, where it's useful to have more screen area to see what you're doing," she said.
Related stories
- Samsung Galaxy TabPro 12.2 ships March 9 for $650
- CES 2014: Microsoft and the PC have seen better days
She continued. "It would be interesting to see if Apple goes down the road of maybe a blend of their [MacBook] Air product and their traditional iPad product."
And what about the chances of this happening in 2014?
"We haven't built it into our forecasts yet because we want to see something more concrete. But think about what [Apple] did with the new iPad. It was three or four months before they released the product. So, if it's, let's say an October release -- and this is all just speculation -- it's possible they wouldn't ramp up production on the component level until summertime."
Alexander added that the iPad Air has changed the tablet game for Apple. Before, the iPad Mini seemed like the wave of the future but the "iPad Air is significant in that they managed to shift the tablet purchase balance back up to the [bigger] 9.7-inch."
Related Links:
'iPad Pro' iffy, Microsoft Office on iPad 'alive' in 2014: Reports
AT&T expands international LTE roaming to 13 more countries
Galaxy S5: How Samsung built its Galactic Empire (video)
Samsung Galaxy S5 images leak ahead of Monday event
Samsung Galaxy S5: Most likely features and specs
| |
Facebook makes wrong call on anti-Semitic page
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 11:00:00 GMT ]
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg
(Credit: James Martin/CNET) For the past several years, Facebook and several other prominent social-media companies have been wrestling with how to respond when their popular platforms are being abused by bigots to spread racist speech and hateful propaganda, including Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism.
Much of the debate has centered on a discussion over the difficult concept of what exactly constitutes hate speech.
As defined by Facebook's own community standards, people have a right to post "ignorant and untrue material about people and events" on their personal pages. But any content that directly attacks people based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion or a host of other immutable characteristics constitutes a violation of those standards and is impermissible on the Facebook platform.
In applying these standards, Facebook has chosen not to remove Holocaust denial pages that do not also contain direct attacks. We have responded by telling them that as a virulent form of anti-Semitism and an indirect attack on Jews, Holocaust denial pages are unacceptable.
We feel the same way about a page on Facebook called "Jewish Ritual Murder." The page features articles and other material reviving the old libelous charge against Jews that they murder Christian children to use their blood for ritual purposes. To us, the individual who created the "Jewish Ritual Murder" is promoting anti-Semitism. But Facebook has indicated that this page, too, does not violate its community standards.
Related stories
- Facebook ordered to take down anti-Semitic page
- Twitter must reveal names behind anti-Semitic tweets, rules French court
- Twitter hit with $50M suit over anti-Semitic tweeter data
We recognize that the Internet and social media are so successful because they provide the ultimate platforms for the global exchange of ideas. At the same time, they should not be platforms for hate. This is particularly the case when corporations like Facebook, as moderators of virtual communities where young people frequently "congregate," already have rules in place to guard against bias-motivated attacks and cyberbullying. Regardless of how narrowly they are going to define hate speech, they need to have policies that allow them to exercise discretion in egregious cases such as this.
The "blood libel" refers to a centuries-old false allegation that Jews murder Christians (especially Christian children) to use their blood for religious ritual purposes such as an ingredient in the baking of Passover matzah (unleavened bread). This myth -- also sometimes called the "ritual murder charge" -- dates back to the Middle Ages, It has persisted despite Jewish denials and official repudiations by the Catholic Church and many secular authorities.
The blood libel also has modern-day currency in the Arab world, where some television programs have used it as a plot line and editorial cartoonists have evoked it in their efforts to foment hatred of the Jewish people.
In truth, and it should be obvious, accusing Jews of ritual murder is a far greater attack on Jews than calling them kikes or other names. It has led to mob violence and pogroms, and has on occasion even led to the decimation of entire Jewish communities. And the libel is alive and well in today's world.
We do not believe that Facebook intends to send a message that it is insensitive to the enormous harm the blood libel has caused throughout Jewish history. The easiest way for the company to make that clear would be to exercise the discretion it certainly has to remove the page.
Related Links:
Activist group to debut barcode-scanning boycott Israel app
The 404 1,440: Where we channel surf with Sadie Gennis (podcast)
Appeals court orders YouTube to take down anti-Islamic film
Facebook to police private sale of firearms
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg phones Obama about NSA
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 11:00:00 GMT ]
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg
(Credit: James Martin/CNET)For the past several years, Facebook and several other prominent social-media companies have been wrestling with how to respond when their popular platforms are being abused by bigots to spread racist speech and hateful propaganda, including Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism.
Much of the debate has centered on a discussion over the difficult concept of what exactly constitutes hate speech.
As defined by Facebook's own community standards, people have a right to post "ignorant and untrue material about people and events" on their personal pages. But any content that directly attacks people based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion or a host of other immutable characteristics constitutes a violation of those standards and is impermissible on the Facebook platform.
In applying these standards, Facebook has chosen not to remove Holocaust denial pages that do not also contain direct attacks. We have responded by telling them that as a virulent form of anti-Semitism and an indirect attack on Jews, Holocaust denial pages are unacceptable.
We feel the same way about a page on Facebook called "Jewish Ritual Murder." The page features articles and other material reviving the old libelous charge against Jews that they murder Christian children to use their blood for ritual purposes. To us, the individual who created the "Jewish Ritual Murder" is promoting anti-Semitism. But Facebook has indicated that this page, too, does not violate its community standards.
Related stories
- Facebook ordered to take down anti-Semitic page
- Twitter must reveal names behind anti-Semitic tweets, rules French court
- Twitter hit with $50M suit over anti-Semitic tweeter data
This is particularly the case when corporations like Facebook, as moderators of virtual communities where young people frequently "congregate," already have rules in place to guard against bias-motivated attacks and cyberbullying. Regardless of how narrowly they are going to define hate speech, they need to have policies that allow them to exercise discretion in egregious cases such as this.
The "blood libel" refers to a centuries-old false allegation that Jews murder Christians (especially Christian children) to use their blood for religious ritual purposes such as an ingredient in the baking of Passover matzah (unleavened bread). This myth -- also sometimes called the "ritual murder charge" -- dates back to the Middle Ages, It has persisted despite Jewish denials and official repudiations by the Catholic Church and many secular authorities.
The blood libel also has modern-day currency in the Arab world, where some television programs have used it as a plot line and editorial cartoonists have evoked it in their efforts to foment hatred of the Jewish people.
In truth, and it should be obvious, accusing Jews of ritual murder is a far greater attack on Jews than calling them kikes or other names. It has led to mob violence and pogroms, and has on occasion even led to the decimation of entire Jewish communities. And the libel is alive and well in today's world.
We do not believe that Facebook intends to send a message that it is insensitive to the enormous harm the blood libel has caused throughout Jewish history. The easiest way for the company to make that clear would be to exercise the discretion it certainly has to remove the page.
Related Links:
Activist group to debut barcode-scanning boycott Israel app
The 404 1,440: Where we channel surf with Sadie Gennis (podcast)
Appeals court orders YouTube to take down anti-Islamic film
Facebook to police private sale of firearms
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg phones Obama about NSA
| |
Why a Comcast merger could be good for TWC customers
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 11:00:00 GMT ]
Time Warner Cable CEO Rob Marcus thinks the $45.2 billion megamerger with Comcast is a win for Time Warner Cable subscribers.
Speaking at the Deutsche Bank Media, Internet & Telecom Conference in Palm Beach, Fla., earlier this week, Marcus called the deal a "dream combination" that allows the companies to "innovate at a rapid pace."
I know what you're thinking: Of course he likes this deal. His company is getting bought out for $45.2 billion. And Marcus, who is paid in excess of $10 million a year, is the guy who spearheaded this tie-up in the first place. And there's little doubt he will profit handsomely from the acquisition.
But hear me out. He might actually be right.
As a Time Warner Cable customer for more than 15 years, I can attest that the service I've been getting for nearly two decades is nothing to write home about. And the bottom line is that the services that Comcast offers its customers today is simply better than what's available to Time Warner Cable consumers.
Related stories
- Time Warner Cable CEO reiterates confidence in Comcast deal
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- Comcast extends 'Internet Essentials' program indefinitely
- Comcast to buy video-ad platform FreeWheel for about $320M
"Comcast is more innovative than any other operator when it comes to video service," said Erik Brannon, senior analyst for US Television at IHS. "By contrast Time Warner Cable has been less interested in things like converting analog subscribers to digital subscribers. And the implication is that on the whole their network is not quite as robust as Comcast's."
Even though Comcast hasn't made any promises about when or where Time Warner Cable customers will get Comcast's suite of services, it's clear these offerings will eventually make it to Time Warner Cable territory. And that could be a very good thing for Time Warner customers in spite of concerns that the cable giant is getting even larger.
"Some features and services people can expect relatively quickly after the merger," said Marcien Jenckes, executive vice president of consumer services for Comcast. "Today we're the leaders in terms of broadband speeds, TV content catalog and experience, as well as TV Everywhere. And Time Warner Cable customers can expect all of this over time."
It's hard not to be skeptical I realize many consumers are skeptical of big mergers such as this one. And this particular merger is as big as they get. Comcast and Time Warner Cable are the No. 1 and No. 2 cable operators in the country. The combined company would control 33 million broadband connections. Together the companies will be in 19 of the 20 largest metro markets in the country. So it's easy to see why people are concerned and even skeptical of a deal that concentrates so much power in the hands of one company.
Comcast headquarters in Philadephia.
(Credit: Comcast) Add on top of that, the fact that rates on expanded basic cable TV service have increased by more than 20 percent in recent years, it's hard to imagine that a merger of this proportion could be positive for consumers. Don't forget, Philadelphia-based Comcast and New York-based Time Warner Cable consistently rank at the bottom of most customer satisfaction surveys.
What many consumer advocates and lawmakers such as Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) surmise is that this must mean bad news for consumers.
"I think consumers will end up paying more," Franken said Monday on the "CBS This Morning" show, according to Variety. "There will be less competition; there will be less innovation and, worse, even worse service."
These are indeed legitimate fears. It's difficult to imagine that a merger of this size would actually lead to better customer service and satisfaction. I also am not so bold as to predict that prices might actually go down for former Time Warner Cable customers. In fact, Comcast's own David Cohen has admitted he can't make that assurance either: "We're certainly not promising that customer bills are going to go down or even increase less rapidly."
Still, the reality is that when you really look at Comcast's network and services, and even its pricing, compared to Time Warner Cable's services, an argument can be made that Time Warner Cable customers may have a lot to gain from being converted to Comcast customers.
"For all the complaints about how expensive cable TV is, Comcast has traditionally offered its customers the best bang for the buck in the industry," said Craig Moffett, an equities analyst with MoffettNathanson.
More value for your money, especially in video When it comes to video service, there's no question that Comcast has a better offering compared with what Time Warner Cable offers today. From its video-on-demand catalog to its TV Everywhere service to a cloud-based user interface it's been developing the past couple of years, Comcast has invested heavily in revamping its TV service, and it shows.
"Comcast has really focused on investing in its network," IHS analyst Brannon said. "Time Warner Cable has been reacting to changes in the market too, but not with the same speed or veracity that Comcast has. And they've suffered as a consequence."
Specifically, Time Warner Cable has been less interested and less willing to spend money to upgrade its network to digital transmission. The result has been that Time Warner Cable offers fewer high-definition on-demand streams and its TV Everywhere product, which allows people to view TV on mobile devices anywhere, has been limited in terms of available programming.
Meanwhile, Comcast offers more video-on-demand content than any other paid TV provider in the country. This includes a library of movies and TV shows that totals more than 50,000 titles that are free or can be rented for a fee.
Additionally, Comcast is the leader in TV Everywhere. Through its Xfinity TV Go app, viewers can watch 35 live TV channels on their tablets or smartphones. This compares with a mere 12 TV Everywhere channels available from Time Warner. Comcast customers also get access to more than 25,000 on-demand shows and videos through the app.
And Comcast is constantly in search of new content to add to its portfolio. It recently announced it has struck deals with Sony Pictures and Lions Gate to start offering "House of Cards" and "Orange Is the New Black" to its lineup of on-demand content. Up until these deals, these two TV series were exclusive to Netflix subscribers.
But Comcast hasn't stopped there. It also has revamped its user interface and program guide based on a new cloud architecture it calls X1. Not only are the program guide and user interface much more interactive, which allows for more personalization, but the X1 platform allows subscribers to access TV shows and movies in new ways.
Comcast's new TV listing guide is powered by its X1 cloud infrastructure.
(Credit: Comcast) For example, Comcast subscribers can view all live TV and recorded DVR shows on their mobile devices while in the home via the X1 platform. And they can even download recorded content from their DVR on their mobile devices for viewing outside the home. Comcast is testing the service right now in Boston and hopes to have it rolled out to the rest of its territory later this year.
"When we ask people to pay $70 a month, we want to make sure we're delivering a value," Comcast's Jenckes said. "In fact, our job is to deliver the best price value to our subscribers. And we are achieving that in ways that no one else in the industry can match."
Shooting itself in the foot A lack of technology investment isn't the only reason why Time Warner Cable's service trails behind Comcast's. The company also has a history of contentious negotiations with programmers over digital video rights. As a result, the company has not been able to add as many channels to its TV Everywhere service or as many titles to its VOD service as Comcast. But there have been other consequences as well. A dispute this past summer over retransmission fees with broadcaster CBS led to a weeks-long black-out of CBS programming for Time Warner Cable customers. (CBS is the parent company of CNET.) Some 300,000 Time Warner Cable TV subscribers left over the debacle.
"The general feeling in the industry is that Time Warner Cable has been more resistant in terms of fee increases for content," Brannon said. "This reluctance has put them behind others in terms of their TV Everywhere offering."
Brannon added that companies, such as Comcast, which have been more willing to negotiate terms with content owners, have a broader TV Everywhere portfolio.
"TV Everywhere is an essential feature in all video carriage negotiations these days," he said. "There is an inherent trade-off between features versus cost, but all cable video services are under pressure to get these deals done."
Better broadband Video isn't the only area in which Time Warner Cable customers can expect to see improvements. Comcast also has been a leader among cable operators in driving higher broadband speeds. It was one of the first cable operators to deploy Docsis 3.0 technology standards, which offer more capacity on broadband networks.
While Google has made a splash over the past year with its 1Gbps high-speed Internet service in Kansas City and is now expanding to additional markets, Comcast was the first cable operator to demonstrate a 1Gbps speed download over a traditional HFC, or hybrid fiber-coaxial, network. And at last year's National Cable and Telecommunications conference, the company showed off a 3Gbps download.
Today, the fastest broadband service Comcast offers widely is 105Mbps, which is about double the speed that Time Warner is offering in most of its market. That said, Time Warner is offering a 100Mbps service in Kansas City, where not-so-coincidentally Google has deployed its 1Gpbs service. Time Warner Cable also will offer 100Mbps service in Austin, Texas, where AT&T and Google have each pledged to build 1Gbps fiber networks.
Of course, some people have questioned why Comcast, which has shown off technology for achieving gigabit-speed broadband, hasn't offered such speeds itself. It's a valid question that I've asked myself. The company claims there isn't enough consumer demand. And indeed at the high prices Comcast and other cable operators are likely to charge for these super high-speed connections, that is likely the case.
But given the fact that Time Warner Cable has never been considered a leader in terms of broadband speeds, it's hard to argue that through its merger with Comcast, the market would be losing a competitive force that is driving the industry toward higher-speed connections.
Rather, I would argue that the telephone companies -- AT&T and Verizon Communications -- and to a much lesser extent, Google, are providing more incentive to all cable operators to increase their network speeds. Comcast actually faces less competition in its markets from Google and the phone companies than Time Warner Cable, and the increased exposure to this threat could spur faster improvement in the network.
"AT&T and Verizon are exerting tremendous pressure on the cable operators," Brannon said. "In many ways their technology is superior to the cable operators'."
A Comcast truck is seen parked at one of its centers on February 13 in Pompano Beach, Fla.
(Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images) If there is a downside to the deal for consumers, it's that one company would have unprecedented control over which cable channels can and can't be seen by millions of Americans, and even whether some independent programmers would be economically viable, Moffett said. This argument comes down to the fact that since Comcast will be controlling so many of the nation's TV subscribers and because it already controls a lot of the cable content via its acquisition of NBC Universal, the company will have much more negotiating power and in some cases control over programmers.
During his interview at the Deutsche Bank conference, Marcus laughed off the idea that a combined company with greater purchasing power would cause programmers to suffer.
"I just find these types of concerns ironic, especially when programming costs in recent years have risen to a level that is greater than what the consumer market will bear," he said.
There are also fears that the merger would lead to a similar level of control over broadband networks, which Moffett pointed out raises its own set of concerns surrounding Net neutrality. Again, the fear is that Comcast will control so much of the nation's broadband infrastructure that it will force content providers to pay fees or threaten to block or intentionally slow traffic. But Moffett said that even these concerns are likely overblown.
"It is the broadband concerns that will likely attract the more visceral reactions," Moffett said. "But truth be told, the rules governing anticompetitive behavior are probably already relatively well suited to prevent anything egregious, including almost any violations of Net neutrality, with or without Net neutrality-specific rules."
Related Links:
Not worried about Comcast-Time Warner Cable? You should be
What Comcast's buyout of Time Warner Cable means for you (FAQ)
Comcast, Time Warner Cable to unite in $45.2B merger
Will Comcast and Time Warner be AT&T and T-Mobile redux?
Comcast really, really doesn't care about you (allegedly)
[ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 11:00:00 GMT ]
Time Warner Cable CEO Rob Marcus thinks the $45.2 billion megamerger with Comcast is a win for Time Warner Cable subscribers.
Speaking at the Deutsche Bank Media, Internet & Telecom Conference in Palm Beach, Fla., earlier this week, Marcus called the deal a "dream combination" that allows the companies to "innovate at a rapid pace."
I know what you're thinking: Of course he likes this deal. His company is getting bought out for $45.2 billion. And Marcus, who is paid in excess of $10 million a year, is the guy who spearheaded this tie-up in the first place. And there's little doubt he will profit handsomely from the acquisition.
But hear me out. He might actually be right.
As a Time Warner Cable customer for more than 15 years, I can attest that the service I've been getting for nearly two decades is nothing to write home about. And the bottom line is that the services that Comcast offers its customers today is simply better than what's available to Time Warner Cable consumers.
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"Comcast is more innovative than any other operator when it comes to video service," said Erik Brannon, senior analyst for US Television at IHS. "By contrast Time Warner Cable has been less interested in things like converting analog subscribers to digital subscribers. And the implication is that on the whole their network is not quite as robust as Comcast's."
Even though Comcast hasn't made any promises about when or where Time Warner Cable customers will get Comcast's suite of services, it's clear these offerings will eventually make it to Time Warner Cable territory. And that could be a very good thing for Time Warner customers in spite of concerns that the cable giant is getting even larger.
"Some features and services people can expect relatively quickly after the merger," said Marcien Jenckes, executive vice president of consumer services for Comcast. "Today we're the leaders in terms of broadband speeds, TV content catalog and experience, as well as TV Everywhere. And Time Warner Cable customers can expect all of this over time."
It's hard not to be skeptical I realize many consumers are skeptical of big mergers such as this one. And this particular merger is as big as they get. Comcast and Time Warner Cable are the No. 1 and No. 2 cable operators in the country. The combined company would control 33 million broadband connections. Together the companies will be in 19 of the 20 largest metro markets in the country. So it's easy to see why people are concerned and even skeptical of a deal that concentrates so much power in the hands of one company.
Comcast headquarters in Philadephia.
(Credit: Comcast)Add on top of that, the fact that rates on expanded basic cable TV service have increased by more than 20 percent in recent years, it's hard to imagine that a merger of this proportion could be positive for consumers. Don't forget, Philadelphia-based Comcast and New York-based Time Warner Cable consistently rank at the bottom of most customer satisfaction surveys.
What many consumer advocates and lawmakers such as Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) surmise is that this must mean bad news for consumers.
"I think consumers will end up paying more," Franken said Monday on the "CBS This Morning" show, according to Variety. "There will be less competition; there will be less innovation and, worse, even worse service."
These are indeed legitimate fears. It's difficult to imagine that a merger of this size would actually lead to better customer service and satisfaction. I also am not so bold as to predict that prices might actually go down for former Time Warner Cable customers. In fact, Comcast's own David Cohen has admitted he can't make that assurance either: "We're certainly not promising that customer bills are going to go down or even increase less rapidly."
Still, the reality is that when you really look at Comcast's network and services, and even its pricing, compared to Time Warner Cable's services, an argument can be made that Time Warner Cable customers may have a lot to gain from being converted to Comcast customers.
"For all the complaints about how expensive cable TV is, Comcast has traditionally offered its customers the best bang for the buck in the industry," said Craig Moffett, an equities analyst with MoffettNathanson.
More value for your money, especially in video When it comes to video service, there's no question that Comcast has a better offering compared with what Time Warner Cable offers today. From its video-on-demand catalog to its TV Everywhere service to a cloud-based user interface it's been developing the past couple of years, Comcast has invested heavily in revamping its TV service, and it shows.
"Comcast has really focused on investing in its network," IHS analyst Brannon said. "Time Warner Cable has been reacting to changes in the market too, but not with the same speed or veracity that Comcast has. And they've suffered as a consequence."
Specifically, Time Warner Cable has been less interested and less willing to spend money to upgrade its network to digital transmission. The result has been that Time Warner Cable offers fewer high-definition on-demand streams and its TV Everywhere product, which allows people to view TV on mobile devices anywhere, has been limited in terms of available programming.
Meanwhile, Comcast offers more video-on-demand content than any other paid TV provider in the country. This includes a library of movies and TV shows that totals more than 50,000 titles that are free or can be rented for a fee.
Additionally, Comcast is the leader in TV Everywhere. Through its Xfinity TV Go app, viewers can watch 35 live TV channels on their tablets or smartphones. This compares with a mere 12 TV Everywhere channels available from Time Warner. Comcast customers also get access to more than 25,000 on-demand shows and videos through the app.
And Comcast is constantly in search of new content to add to its portfolio. It recently announced it has struck deals with Sony Pictures and Lions Gate to start offering "House of Cards" and "Orange Is the New Black" to its lineup of on-demand content. Up until these deals, these two TV series were exclusive to Netflix subscribers.
But Comcast hasn't stopped there. It also has revamped its user interface and program guide based on a new cloud architecture it calls X1. Not only are the program guide and user interface much more interactive, which allows for more personalization, but the X1 platform allows subscribers to access TV shows and movies in new ways.
Comcast's new TV listing guide is powered by its X1 cloud infrastructure.
(Credit: Comcast)For example, Comcast subscribers can view all live TV and recorded DVR shows on their mobile devices while in the home via the X1 platform. And they can even download recorded content from their DVR on their mobile devices for viewing outside the home. Comcast is testing the service right now in Boston and hopes to have it rolled out to the rest of its territory later this year.
"When we ask people to pay $70 a month, we want to make sure we're delivering a value," Comcast's Jenckes said. "In fact, our job is to deliver the best price value to our subscribers. And we are achieving that in ways that no one else in the industry can match."
Shooting itself in the foot A lack of technology investment isn't the only reason why Time Warner Cable's service trails behind Comcast's. The company also has a history of contentious negotiations with programmers over digital video rights. As a result, the company has not been able to add as many channels to its TV Everywhere service or as many titles to its VOD service as Comcast. But there have been other consequences as well. A dispute this past summer over retransmission fees with broadcaster CBS led to a weeks-long black-out of CBS programming for Time Warner Cable customers. (CBS is the parent company of CNET.) Some 300,000 Time Warner Cable TV subscribers left over the debacle.
"The general feeling in the industry is that Time Warner Cable has been more resistant in terms of fee increases for content," Brannon said. "This reluctance has put them behind others in terms of their TV Everywhere offering."
Brannon added that companies, such as Comcast, which have been more willing to negotiate terms with content owners, have a broader TV Everywhere portfolio.
"TV Everywhere is an essential feature in all video carriage negotiations these days," he said. "There is an inherent trade-off between features versus cost, but all cable video services are under pressure to get these deals done."
Better broadband Video isn't the only area in which Time Warner Cable customers can expect to see improvements. Comcast also has been a leader among cable operators in driving higher broadband speeds. It was one of the first cable operators to deploy Docsis 3.0 technology standards, which offer more capacity on broadband networks.
While Google has made a splash over the past year with its 1Gbps high-speed Internet service in Kansas City and is now expanding to additional markets, Comcast was the first cable operator to demonstrate a 1Gbps speed download over a traditional HFC, or hybrid fiber-coaxial, network. And at last year's National Cable and Telecommunications conference, the company showed off a 3Gbps download.
Today, the fastest broadband service Comcast offers widely is 105Mbps, which is about double the speed that Time Warner is offering in most of its market. That said, Time Warner is offering a 100Mbps service in Kansas City, where not-so-coincidentally Google has deployed its 1Gpbs service. Time Warner Cable also will offer 100Mbps service in Austin, Texas, where AT&T and Google have each pledged to build 1Gbps fiber networks.
Of course, some people have questioned why Comcast, which has shown off technology for achieving gigabit-speed broadband, hasn't offered such speeds itself. It's a valid question that I've asked myself. The company claims there isn't enough consumer demand. And indeed at the high prices Comcast and other cable operators are likely to charge for these super high-speed connections, that is likely the case.
But given the fact that Time Warner Cable has never been considered a leader in terms of broadband speeds, it's hard to argue that through its merger with Comcast, the market would be losing a competitive force that is driving the industry toward higher-speed connections.
Rather, I would argue that the telephone companies -- AT&T and Verizon Communications -- and to a much lesser extent, Google, are providing more incentive to all cable operators to increase their network speeds. Comcast actually faces less competition in its markets from Google and the phone companies than Time Warner Cable, and the increased exposure to this threat could spur faster improvement in the network.
"AT&T and Verizon are exerting tremendous pressure on the cable operators," Brannon said. "In many ways their technology is superior to the cable operators'."
A Comcast truck is seen parked at one of its centers on February 13 in Pompano Beach, Fla.
(Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)If there is a downside to the deal for consumers, it's that one company would have unprecedented control over which cable channels can and can't be seen by millions of Americans, and even whether some independent programmers would be economically viable, Moffett said. This argument comes down to the fact that since Comcast will be controlling so many of the nation's TV subscribers and because it already controls a lot of the cable content via its acquisition of NBC Universal, the company will have much more negotiating power and in some cases control over programmers.
During his interview at the Deutsche Bank conference, Marcus laughed off the idea that a combined company with greater purchasing power would cause programmers to suffer.
"I just find these types of concerns ironic, especially when programming costs in recent years have risen to a level that is greater than what the consumer market will bear," he said.
There are also fears that the merger would lead to a similar level of control over broadband networks, which Moffett pointed out raises its own set of concerns surrounding Net neutrality. Again, the fear is that Comcast will control so much of the nation's broadband infrastructure that it will force content providers to pay fees or threaten to block or intentionally slow traffic. But Moffett said that even these concerns are likely overblown.
"It is the broadband concerns that will likely attract the more visceral reactions," Moffett said. "But truth be told, the rules governing anticompetitive behavior are probably already relatively well suited to prevent anything egregious, including almost any violations of Net neutrality, with or without Net neutrality-specific rules."
Related Links:
Not worried about Comcast-Time Warner Cable? You should be
What Comcast's buyout of Time Warner Cable means for you (FAQ)
Comcast, Time Warner Cable to unite in $45.2B merger
Will Comcast and Time Warner be AT&T and T-Mobile redux?
Comcast really, really doesn't care about you (allegedly)
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Friday, March 14, 2014
'StingRay': Records Show Secret Cellphone Surveillance by Calif. Cops
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 08:50:50 GMT ]
A number of police departments in California have been using controversial "StingRay" type of cellular interception devices for at least six years, with little or no disclosure, according to documents obtained by Sacramento's News10.
[ Fri, 14 Mar 2014 08:50:50 GMT ]
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