• Rumored that Dell to discontinue the Mini 9 Netbook [gizmodo]
• Doubling Li-ion battery capacity. [engadget]
• An Ericsson’s 3G router set to launch this summer! Darn expensive though. [engadget]
• SSD prices to be cut 50%!  [gizmodo]
• Microsoft’s Zune HD launching in the fall? [engadget]
• Making incandescent light bulbs more efficient [engadget]
• Swapping to solar cells into LCDs to lower manufacturing costs [engadget]
• Wii Fit Plus will be announced in E3 [engadget]

With a faster network, Verizon will be able to sustain downloads of music, videos and other stuff the current iPhone can do, only much faster.  And I think Verizon learned it’s lesson by not going to the iPhone in the first place…

[Thanks to Gizmodo and CrunchGear with Image from BloggingStocks]

Oh yea… and the Verizon/iPhone rumors can be found here, here, here, and here.

Hit the bump to read the AT&T press release.

AT&T TO DELIVER 3G MOBILE BROADBAND SPEED BOOST

Initiatives will Deliver Faster Speeds, Enhancements to Mobile Broadband Performance, Availability

DALLAS, May 27, 2009 – AT&T* today announced plans to upgrade the nation’s fastest 3G network to deliver considerably faster mobile broadband speeds. The network upgrades are slated to begin later this year, with completion expected in 2011.

The upgrade to High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is part of AT&T’s plan for continued investments to deliver the nation’s best mobile broadband experience – the ideal combination of speed, coverage and best device line-up. AT&T today has the nation’s fastest 3G network and has attracted more than twice the number of smartphone users than any other competitor.

With its network built on the 3G UMTS technology that is commonly deployed throughout the world, AT&T can boost the speed of its mobile broadband network and offer a wide variety of devices to take advantage of it well in advance of 2011-2012, when most industry observers expect 4G LTE networks and device availability to scale. AT&T plans to begin LTE trials in 2010, with deployment beginning in 2011.

In addition to the planned speed upgrade, AT&T is enhancing its mobile broadband coverage by nearly doubling the wireless spectrum dedicated to 3G in most metropolitan areas to deliver stronger in-building reception and more overall network capacity. Also, AT&T is adding thousands of new cell site backhaul connections to support the higher mobile broadband speeds enabled by HSPA 7.2 and LTE.

“AT&T’s network infrastructure gives us a tremendous advantage in that we’re able to deliver upgrades in mobile broadband speed and performance with our existing technology platform,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With the array of smartphones, laptops and emerging devices taking advantage of AT&T’s 3G network today, we know that customers are excited to experience higher mobile broadband speeds, and we are deploying the right technologies at the right times to help them get the most from that experience.”

The upgraded network platform could allow for theoretical peak speeds of 7.2Mbps. Typical real-world downlink and uplink speeds experienced by customers with upgraded 3G will be less than the theoretical peak and will vary based on a number of factors, including location, device, and overall traffic on the local network at a given time.

AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband network is now available in nearly 350 U.S. major metropolitan areas, with about 20 additional metro areas planned for deployment in 2009. The HSPA 7.2 technology will be deployed widely in the network, with the benefits of the network upgrade to be announced on a local basis as the faster speeds are turned up. AT&T will introduce multiple HSPA 7.2-compatible laptop cards and smartphones beginning later this year.

The speed upgrade is one of several ongoing initiatives to expand and enhance AT&T’s mobile broadband service. Other key projects in 2009 include:
• Near-Doubling Radio Frequency Capacity. In 2008 and 2009 to date, high-quality 850 MHz spectrum has been deployed in more than half of AT&T’s 3G network footprint to improve overall coverage and in-building reception, with additional markets planned for later in the year.
• More Bandwidth to Cell Sites. We are adding fiber-optic connectivity and additional capacity to thousands of cell sites across the country this year, expanding the critical connections that deliver traffic from a cell site into the global IP backbone network. These upgrades will support the higher mobile broadband speeds enabled by both HSPA 7.2 and LTE.
• More Cell Sites. Deployment of about 2,100 new cell sites across the country.
• Wi-Fi Integration. Many AT&T smartphones will be able to switch seamlessly between 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity. AT&T customers with qualifying smartphone and 3G LaptopConnect plans have access to the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network – more than 20,000 hotspots, including locations in all 50 states – at no additional charge. AT&T’s global Wi-Fi footprint covers more than 90,000 hotspots, and AT&T also can create permanent or temporary extended Wi-Fi zones in areas with high 3G network use, like a grouping of hotels or a festival.
• MicroCells. Customer trials leading toward general availability of AT&T 3G MicroCell offerings, which utilize femtocells to enhance in-building wireless coverage.

Capital investment for these projects fits within AT&T’s previously outlined expectation of total capital expenditures for 2009, targeted toward the $17 billion to $18 billion range. AT&T matches this network investment with unsurpassed choice in the range of devices, services and applications compatible with its 3G network. AT&T offers a wide variety of devices from more than a dozen manufacturers, including handsets that are compatible with six different operating systems and five different e-mail applications. Our Media Mall 2.0 offers more than 90,000 content options, and customers can download additional applications over the Internet. Additionally, AT&T supports a community of more than 20,000 application developers via its devCentral portal.

HSPA 7.2 is part of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies, which include GSM and UMTS. Emerging LTE technology is also part of the 3GPP technology roadmap, enabling AT&T’s network to offer backward compatibility, or the ability for users with qualifying devices to seamlessly switch among 4G LTE, 3G and 2G service areas to maintain the fastest-available connection. This availability will be critical for customers in the early years of LTE deployment across the industry, when access to LTE service will be geographically limited.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verseSM and AT&T ?DIRECTVSM brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T’s Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.

CNET reports that there are too many rumors to ignore about Apple’s pre-production of some type of device – NetBook? Tablet? UMPC? iPhone 4.0? – that will fill in the void between the smartphone world currently being dominated by the iPhone and the world of laptops that Macs are slowly gaining a stronger and stronger foothold in.

]]> http://kurteng.com/2009/04/bridging-the-apple-gap/feed/ 0 http://kurteng.com/2009/02/1005/ http://kurteng.com/2009/02/1005/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:19:51 +0000 Andrew http://technewsmadesimple.com/?p=1005 For those of you who haven’t noticed the slow departure of the Verizon representative in Alltell commercials, Verizon’s deal to buy Alltel started back in June of last year, and was finalized back in January. I’ve actually made it out to be a mini-game when I see the commercials… Will we see the Verizon guy? Will he talk?

Well soon enough we may not see anymore Alltel commercials, and there goes my drinking ga.. I mean mini-game! As of earlier today, Verizon has announced it will adopt Alltel’s “My Circle” as “Friends and Family” in Verizon-speak.

This is great news for the legacy Alltel customers, and as the news was released: all current and future Verizon customers. I’m sure most of the Alltel users were afraid that THE drawing point Alltel had on the market would be digested by the tasty Alltel merger meal. This actually is a great move as now both T-Mobile and Verizon both have a Favorite-based feature (MyFaves vs. My Circle).

There is no word yet as to when the My Circle option will be available, but at least its out there. Even though the Storm hasn’t hit the market as well as they hoped (though those damn commercials aren’t stopping anytime soon), this move can only help Verizon continue it’s push to be the largest (non-3G speed) 3G network.

Thanks Engadget

Now thanks to Palm, we have a new definition of Pre - freaking awesome… Or at least that’s what it will be if the Pre-release we saw at CES doesn’t fall backwards come release time. But most of us only heard little bits and pieces about the alleged “iPhone Killer.” Thankfully, Engadget got their hands on the Pre for a bit and was able to write a great hands-on! Follow after the jump for a quick synopsis!

• The Pre comes equipped with it’s own operating system, based off linux. Because of this, it should be very simple for developers to get their feet wet on apps, and Palm does plan on a App-store a-la Apple in the future, but don’t expect too many eye-popping games unless Palm decides to hand over more capabilities in the SDK.
• The greatest part of the new Pre in my opinion, is the “card” system. Basically this allows you to multitask efficiently between applications on the phone unlike no other. Using the main button that looks like a scroll ball, you can quickly switch between apps on the fly, without having to close them out each time like on the iPhone. (hurray!)
• There is copy and paste!!!
• The full qwerty keyboard gives the phone a banana-like shape when extracted, for the best view + feel combination,  and most Blackberry/Treo/Centro users will catch on quickly and should like the overall feel of the buttons, which are more spongy than clicky.
• There is a neat accessory called the “Touchstone” which will wirelessly connect and charge your Pre with your computer by simply placing it on the Touchstone’s pad.
• The phone will first be released Exclusively on Sprint (with a non-GSM friendly version of the Pre – so not so great for travelers), then finally a 3G version will be released sometime after.

For more of the scoop, head over to Engadget!

Lest we here at technewsmadesimple.com be accused of slanting the playing field in favor of Apple, here are a few tidbits to consider when making the decision on whether or not to switch to the iPhone.  To break it down to the Cliff’s Notes version, there are seven features that are either lacking or perhaps not up to the level that most consumers are going to want from their new toy:

–       Price.  Duh – it’s pretty expensive.  If I’m paying $300+ for a cell phone, it damn well better do exactly what I need it to do.  Not to mention the extra added fees from AT&T on the required contracts.

–       Laptop Access.  Most 3G phones now let users plug the phone into a laptop via a USB cord and use the phone like it’s a mobile network access card.  Not the iPhone.  Not allowed.  So if you goto AT&T for cell service, don’t forget to add in an additional $50+ a month if you want 3G laptop access.

–       The 2 Mega-Pixel Camera.  This one doesn’t bother me much.  I’m a photographer, so if I’m looking to take an important, high quality photo, I’ll use my normal camera rather than reach for my cell phone.

–       The “GPS”.  It’s not a GPS in today’s sense of the technology.  When GPS was first introduced, just being able to see where you were on a map was enough.  Not today.  Today, we require our technology to not only show us where we are, but also call out turn-by-turn directions to wherever we’re going.  Face it – we’re just too lazy.

–       The other issues – no Flash player, no interchangeable batteries, no SD or xD Memory card slot, no Cut & Paste for text – are minor inconveniences, but issues nonetheless.

The final major problem with the iPhone development has been something that we mentioned here a couple weeks ago – Apple’s longstanding policy to keep so much information locked tight within the Apple vaults.  It seems that with the new iPhone, they’ve taken the same approach.  They’ve locked developers out from making their own applications for the device without first vetting their programs through Apple.  This leads to a very long wait for new apps for your iPhone, and even when they come out, they might still be full of bugs & glitches.  Not good times.

Essentially, I’ll be waiting until at least the next release before I consider making the switch.  I mean, the opening day activation disaster wasn’t exactly the best of omens for this iteration of the iPhone.  Maybe the Thunder will have come down in price a little by then…

The figures aren’t nearly as impressive as the first generation’s battery figures, which could peak at over 9 hours of talk time. Of course, there was no 3G, either. For the full list of figures along with some commentary from each of the testers, check out the full article: Nine iPhone 3G Battery Life Test Results

If you are a current AT&T customer who is eligible for an upgrade (with an $18 upgrade fee):
8GB = $199
16GB = $299

If you are a current AT&T customer who is not eligible for an upgrade:
8GB = $399
16GB = $499

If you want an iPhone without a contract (which will be available soon…):
8GB = $599
16GB = $699

Read more at Yahoo! and for more pricing updates, check out Gizmodo.

• New Transformers 2 pictures here, first found on Digg
• Intel releases news on a new quad core processor for budgeted computers
• Google will be developing software to let you know if your ISP (internet service provider, such as Comcast, Verizon FiOS, Charter, etc) is slowing down your connection speeds. This will come in handy if you have Comcast and/or Charter (reason 1 and reason 2)
• USB 3.0 might be coming sooner than later, if only all companies can agree to get along (see USB)
• And probably the last bit of iPhone news for awhile… the 3G iPhone can not be tethered to a PC. Read more about it at Gizmodo.

• Hit Gizmodo , Engadget, CrunchGear for the full details!
• CrunchGear has a ton of pictures to peruse through as well as the new power adapter
• More about iPhone’s GPS at Giz and Engadget

But some bad news for those who wanted to get a deal from the new prices. Giz reports that you need to buy these new iPhones at an AT&T or Apple Store directly. And you will need to activate in store as well which means more time away from setting it up. In addition, you must activate your gorgeous new phone within 30 days or face a fine! And 1 final tidbit, you need to sign a 2 year contract in order to take advantage of the new iPhones. You can read AT&T’s press release here.

More of Apple’s WWDC to come!