Hitachi ships 10K RPM, 6Gb/s, 2.5-inch 600GB HDD for Enterprise |
- Hitachi ships 10K RPM, 6Gb/s, 2.5-inch 600GB HDD for Enterprise
- TDK shows 1TB optical disc at CEATEC
- Microsoft to dump in-game ad unit Massive Inc.
- Yahoo Messenger for iPhone adds video chat capability
- Lovefilm headed to UK PS3s next month
- Nintendo pres blames lack of innovation, not piracy, on slowing software sales
- AT&T launches U-verse TV on Xbox 360
- AT&T launches U-verse TV on Xbox 360
- Amazon announces free shipping for 17 European nations
- Microsoft launches Windows Phone 7
| Hitachi ships 10K RPM, 6Gb/s, 2.5-inch 600GB HDD for Enterprise Posted: 11 Oct 2010 10:47 PM PDT  Hitachi Global Storage Technologies has announced the industry's fastest and most power-efficient, 10K RPM, 6Gb/s Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) Enterprise hard drive, the Hitachi Ultrastar C10K600. The C10K600 is a 2.5-inch drive family that offers capacities of 300GB, 450GB and 600GB, rivaling 3.5-inch drives that also offer 10,000 RPM. The Ultrastar C10K600 drive also sets a new standard for energy-efficiency with an operating power specification that is at least 22 percent lower than the competition, according to Hitachi. "The Ultrastar C10K600 is closely aligned with customer requirements for increased performance, improved server/storage density, greater power efficiency and lower total cost of ownership," said Brendan Collins, vice president of Product Marketing, Hitachi GST. "We are proud to establish new power and performance benchmarks with our latest Ultrastar drives, while delivering to customers the proven quality and reliability they have come to expect from Hitachi." The new Ultrastar C10K600 drive family offers optional Bulk Data Encryption for hard-drive-level data security. These self-encrypting models are designed to the Trusted Computing Group's Enterprise A Security Subsystem Class encryption specification and allow customers to reduce costs associated with drive retirement and extend drive life by enabling swift and secure repurposing of drives. The Ultrastar C10K600 is now shipping to customers worldwide, and has already been qualified by select OEMs. Press information does not include pricing.
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| TDK shows 1TB optical disc at CEATEC Posted: 11 Oct 2010 10:27 PM PDT  TDK has shown off prototype 1TB optical discs at CEATEC in Japan. The company managed to create the 1-terabyte disc by cramming together 16 layers, each holding 32GB. TDK succeeded in forming 16 layers by developing a disc material with a high light transmittance. "The material has already been used for part of a Blu-ray disc," the company said. "So, it does not have a problem of, for example, durability." The disc uses the same numerical aperture as Blu-ray Disc (0.85), which TDK says means many existing technologies for the Blu-ray Disc format can be applied. It takes the same time to read one layer of the TDK disc as it does to read a Blu-ray layer. There is one problem however, and it lies with the thickneess of the disc. "According to the specifications of the Blu-ray Disc, the thickness of a recording layer has to be 100μm or less," TDK said. "But the recording layer of the new disc is 260μm in thickness. And it causes the aberration of an optical lens." If used, TDK expects it to be marketed for home-use recording, backup media and more.
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| Microsoft to dump in-game ad unit Massive Inc. Posted: 11 Oct 2010 10:27 PM PDT  Microsoft is reportedly planning to shut its Massive Inc. in-game advertisement unit before the end of the month, four years after acquiring the company for between $200 million and $400 million. Insiders told MediaWeek that the general manager JJ Richards was currently seeking another job, while members of its tech and sales team were being assigned to other projects for Microsoft. According to the sources, Microsoft has even approached rival in-game ad vendor Double Fusion, seeking a high 6 digit or low 7 digit figure. When Microsoft had acquired Massive in 2006, things were looking good for the firm. So good, in fact, that then-Massive-CEO Mitch Davis predicted the in-game ad market to hit $2 billion this year, which it never has approached. Microsoft's Xbox Live service has also grown rapidly since then, hosting over 25 million users, and it is considered a more attractive advertising target for brands. Also, Microsoft doesn't have to share revenue from Xbox Live advertising with publishers as it would have to for in-game ads. At the time of the acquisition, it was understood that some voices in the Xbox camp were not too hot on the deal. Electronic Arts decided to pull its in-game ad business in-house, which also cut revenue for Massive.
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| Yahoo Messenger for iPhone adds video chat capability Posted: 11 Oct 2010 09:41 PM PDT  Yahoo has updated their Messenger app for the iPhone today, moving the software to version 2.0. With 2.0 comes the ability to two-way video chat over 3G. iPhone 4 and iPod Touch 4 owners can now chat through Yahoo Messenger via the front or back camera although the front camera is obviously better if you intend to actually see the person on the other end of the line. Yahoo's update makes it one of the first pieces of software to have direct support for video chat with a desktop client, not just from mobile-to-mobile. Additionally, the update brings "VoIP out to real-world numbers at discounted rates and free SMS messaging. An iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and either third or fourth generation iPod touch players can use extra multitasking features. Pure audio chat is also available."    
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| Lovefilm headed to UK PS3s next month Posted: 11 Oct 2010 07:33 PM PDT  Although the video has since been removed, a video on YouTube has confirmed that the streaming service Lovefilm is headed to PlayStation 3 consoles next month. The video was available for a number of hours on the Lovefilm official YouTube channel. Lovefilm has thousands of movies available for streaming, and is a smaller but similar service to Netflix in the United States and Canada. The service will be free for all current Lovefilm subscribers. A two-week free-trial will be available for new would-be subscribers. Amazon is in talks to purchase the rental company, expected to bid up to 200 million pounds for the remaining 58 percent stake they don't already own.
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| Nintendo pres blames lack of innovation, not piracy, on slowing software sales Posted: 11 Oct 2010 07:09 PM PDT  Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has taken a starkly different stance than others in his industry when asked about slowing software sales, citing lack of innovation instead of piracy as the main cause. The executive was posed the question during a call about the company's revised financial forecast, which was revised to the downside thanks to slow software sales on both the DS and Wii. Both consoles have just about hit saturation on the global scale. Singling out an individual game, Iwata says innovative hits like "Art Academy" have sold well everywhere, including in nations where piracy has ravaged sales. One such country is Spain, which is infamous for piracy levels that far exceed other Western European neighbors. "Nintendo DS software could not make it to the hit software sales chart in the country for sometime," Iwata said, via GI. "However, when we launched the Nintendo DS software Art Academy in Europe this summer, which shows you how to draw pictures, it was ranked number one on the software sales chart covering all the videogame platforms in Spain. If one software can attract many people and can become a social topic, that software can sell regardless of piracy." Of course, Iwata made sure to make it clear that piracy is indeed a problem, just not the biggest problem. "As a responsibility of the platform holder, we will tackle piracy. For example, when we launch new hardware, such as Nintendo 3DS, it is a good opportunity to beef up the countermeasures, and we are actually working on that now. On the other hand, I do not think we should attribute bad software sales solely to piracy. Even with piracy, as long as we can create products which can attract attention from many consumers and which can greatly entertain them, that software can make it to the number one position of the hit software sales chart, " he concluded.
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| AT&T launches U-verse TV on Xbox 360 Posted: 11 Oct 2010 04:12 PM PDT  AT&T has announced today that their popular IPTV service U-Verse has been expanded to the Xbox 360 gaming console. Starting on October 15th, gamers can access the service through their consoles, eliminating the need to purchase a new receiver for their home. With the launch, AT&T is the first TV provider in the states to offer live TV via the console. Additionally, the company has announced the launch of "U-Verse Mobile" for upcoming Windows Phone 7 devices. Starting next month, the Mobile app will be preloaded on AT&T WP7 devices. "Now you can get our award-winning U-verse services on your big screen TV, online, on your mobile phone, and integrated with your Xbox 360," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "Our IPTV strategy is putting AT&T at the forefront by delivering U-verse content where you want it. And now we're extending the U-verse experience to more AT&T smartphone customers with the upcoming launch of U-verse Mobile on Windows Phone 7 devices." For the 360, subscribers will need to purchase a $99 Xbox Kit which is installed for free by a U-Verse technician. Having a 360, however, eliminates the need for an additional receiver taking up space in the house. The company says "using your Xbox 360 as a U-verse receiver, you can receive chat and game invitations from friends through Xbox Live while watching live TV and switch seamlessly from game to TV mode without switching video inputs on your TV screen. You will enjoy virtually the same U-verse TV experience and features available today, including the ability to watch live TV, manage and play back DVR recordings and access interactive apps, your program guide, the On Demand library and more."
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| AT&T launches U-verse TV on Xbox 360 Posted: 11 Oct 2010 04:12 PM PDT AT&T has announced today that their popular IPTV service U-Verse has been expanded to the Xbox 360 gaming console. Starting on October 15th, gamers can access the service through their consoles, eliminating the need to purchase a new receiver for their home. With the launch, AT&T is the first TV provider in the states to offer live TV via the console. Additionally, the company has announced the launch of "U-Verse Mobile" for upcoming Windows Phone 7 devices. Starting next month, the Mobile app will be preloaded on AT&T WP7 devices. "Now you can get our award-winning U-verse services on your big screen TV, online, on your mobile phone, and integrated with your Xbox 360," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "Our IPTV strategy is putting AT&T at the forefront by delivering U-verse content where you want it. And now we're extending the U-verse experience to more AT&T smartphone customers with the upcoming launch of U-verse Mobile on Windows Phone 7 devices." For the 360, subscribers will need to purchase a $99 Xbox Kit which is installed for free by a U-Verse technician. Having a 360, however, eliminates the need for an additional receiver taking up space in the house. The company says "using your Xbox 360 as a U-verse receiver, you can receive chat and game invitations from friends through Xbox Live while watching live TV and switch seamlessly from game to TV mode without switching video inputs on your TV screen. You will enjoy virtually the same U-verse TV experience and features available today, including the ability to watch live TV, manage and play back DVR recordings and access interactive apps, your program guide, the On Demand library and more."
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| Amazon announces free shipping for 17 European nations Posted: 11 Oct 2010 02:32 PM PDT  Amazon.co.uk has announced that starting today, free shipping will be available for delivery to customers in 17 European nations, as long as they spend over GBP 25 on their order. Until last year, the UK was the only nation to receive free delivery, with Ireland joining in October 2009. As of today, the service is extended to Italy, Spain, Poland, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Luxembourg and San Marino. "Free delivery has been an important part of the great value Amazon shopping experience for many years and we are delighted to announce its availability to even more European customers in time for Christmas," added Brian McBride, Managing Director of Amazon.co.uk. "The aim is for European customers to be able to purchase anything they want to buy online at a low price from a vast selection of products. Now, tens of millions of customers in Europe can also benefit from delivery to their door, absolutely free of charge." Amazon UK has recently expanded its selection, adding electronics, home and garden, baby, watches, clothing, shoes, sports and leisure, health and beauty and tools sections.
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| Microsoft launches Windows Phone 7 Posted: 11 Oct 2010 09:43 AM PDT  Microsoft Corp. has launched its latest attack on rivals in the mobile space with the launch of Windows Phone 7, which will be available in smartphones launching in the U.S. and Europe over the next few weeks. The software giant said it built Windows Phone 7 from the ground up, with a much simpler user interface for consumers. The main target of WP7 handsets is clearly consumers, with such strong integration with the popular Xbox Live online gaming service and the less-popular Zune music service. It also provides a suite of Office applications that automatically sync with Microsoft's cloud service for business users. Microsoft's mobile operating systems have been criticized for limited functionality and a lack of available applications. Nokia' Symbian operating system is clearly the market leader, while Apple's iOS has grown with the popularity of the iPhone propelling it. Google's Android software will overtake Apple's OS soon. "There's a huge amount resting on the launch of Windows Phone 7 for Microsoft, its device and operator partners, and for the ecosystem market in general," said Tony Cripps of technology consultants Ovum. "If it fails to claw back market share lost to iPhone and Android, then Windows Phone 7 may well mark the point at which Microsoft turns its back on smartphones forever." Seven new handsets with Windows Phone 7 will launch in the UK on October 21, while nine will launch in the U.S. market in November. Handsets will be offered up by established partners such as Samsung, LG and HTC. The question for Microsoft's new OS is whether it can surpass its rivals in terms of usability and functionality. "On the face of it Windows Phone 7 looks to have positioned Microsoft on the edge of a smartphone renaissance," Cripps said. "Its all-important user experience looks to have brought some genuinely new thinking to a smartphone market in which all operating systems feel somewhat similar in use." Microsoft will be hoping for another positive response to its new product, following its recent success with Windows 7 for home PCs, the growing popularity of its revamped search engine Bing and the widely positive reviews for early versions of its upcoming Internet Explorer 9 web browser.
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