Introducing webOS™ 2.0

Introducing webOS™ 2.0

Introducing webOS 2.0, the next generation of Palm's amazing mobile operating system! webOS 2.0 is the biggest webOS update yet, offering great new features for consumers and developers alike.
webOS 2.0 will be released later this year, and a beta version of the webOS 2.0 SDK is available now via the SDK Early Access Program.
In this article we'll give everyone a sneak peek at some of what's coming in webOS 2.0. We'll focus on a few of the features that are most relevant to developers, but there's something here for everyone—so read on!*

Stacks

Experience the next-generation of multi-tasking

Palm's groundbreaking card metaphor made multi-tasking on a handheld device easy and intuitive for the first time. webOS 2.0 takes it to the next level by grouping related cards in stacks, reducing clutter, and making it even easier to move quickly between tasks. webOS 2.0 automatically stacks cards for you when it makes sense, and you can also drag and drop cards to manage stacks yourself.
As a developer, you don't need to do anything special to take advantage of Stacks—new cards resulting from user actions in your app will automatically be grouped with your app's main card.

Just Type

Let users “just type” to search or act within your app

Universal Search has always been the fastest way to find stuff in webOS, whether that stuff is on your device or online. In webOS 2.0, Universal Search has gotten even better—and it's not just for searching anymore, so we've renamed it Just Type.
Among the many Just Type enhancements is a powerful feature called Quick Actions. Start an email, create a message, update your status, search your favorite websites—all without having to launch an app. With webOS 2.0, whenever you want to do something on your phone, whether it’s emailing, texting, searching, or almost anything else, just type!
As a developer, you can expand your apps' capabilities using the power of Just Type. You can hook into Just Type in a couple of different ways:

• Enable users to search within your app. If your data is stored on device, Just Type will present real-time suggestions as the user types. If your data is online, users will type a query and then tap to launch your app, where you'll present the results.
• Define your own Quick Actions. Make it easier than ever for your users to update social status, set reminders, add items to a shopping list—or do whatever it takes to get things done in the context of your app.

Exhibition

Deliver all-new experiences for the Palm Touchstone

Run new apps designed specifically for phones placed on the Palm Touchstone™ Charging Dock. Set your phone on the dock and Exhibition launches automatically, showing you anything from today's agenda to a slideshow of your Facebook photos.
A few Exhibition options will be built into webOS 2.0, but we're counting on you and your fellow developers to make Exhibition truly great-- think slide shows; stock, news and sports tickers; social network updates; virtual pets; a killer alarm clock--you get the picture! You can add Exhibition support to an existing app, or build something new just for Exhibition.

Synergy

Connect with webOS Contacts, Calendar, and Messaging

When webOS was introduced, Palm Synergy instantly set a new standard for accessing and managing your personal data on the go. Synergy brings together information from multiple sources automatically, so everything you need is in one place. Sign in to your Facebook®, Google™, Microsoft® Exchange, LinkedIn®, and Yahoo! accounts, and information populates your phone automatically. Facebook friends' birthdays show up in your contacts. Work and personal calendars appear side by side. IM and text messages are combined into a single conversation.
In webOS 2.0, we're opening Synergy up to our developer ecosystem, so your customers can pull more of the web onto their phones. You'll be able to develop Synergy connectors for Contacts, Calendar, and Messaging--and later, for other webOS data types as well. Using the new Synergy APIs, you can let your users:

• Connect to your chat or IM network from the webOS Messaging app
• Access their personal contacts, their favorite businesses, or your community's shared address book from the webOS Contacts UI
• View and manage their personal and shared calendars, keep track of their favorite sports and entertainment events, and more, from within the webOS Calendar app

JavaScript Services

Roll your own services with Node.js

The popular Node.js runtime environment is built into webOS 2.0, which means that you can now develop not just webOS apps but also services in JavaScript. The active Node ecosystem is on hand to provide community support and a rapidly growing library of modules that you can use in your webOS services.
Besides powering the new Synergy APIs, JavaScript services strengthen webOS's support for background processing and add new capabilities—like low-level networking, file system access, and binary data processing—to the web technology stack.

PDK Plug-ins

Mix web technologies and C/C++ components in a single app

Today, you can use the webOS Plug-in Development Kit (PDK) to build games and immersive apps in C/C++. But the feature that gives the PDK its name—the ability to build C/C++ plug-ins for your HTML/JavaScript/CSS apps—is still in beta as of 1.4.5.
This feature will exit beta in webOS 2.0, opening the door for you to distribute apps that incorporate PDK plug-ins. Using plug-ins, you can more easily port app logic from other platforms while leveraging the Mojo Framework to give users a familiar interface and integrate seamlessly into webOS.
Even if you’re not porting, plug-ins give you the option of utilizing the PDK for graphics- and performance-intensive features as needed, while building the rest of your app in HTML/JavaScript/CSS—and enjoying the lightweight development process and rapid iteration that these web technologies enable.

HTML5 Enhancements

Tap in to new capabilities for your apps and sites

webOS 2.0 adds a number of new HTML5 features and enhancements, giving you more tools to work with when building apps and sites for webOS. Highlights include:

• Enhanced Canvas support, including image data and gradients
• Support for Web Storage—both local and session storage
• Geolocation support, allowing websites to access location information with the user’s permission
• Application Cache, which lets websites cache resources on the device for offline use

And more…

Don’t think that this is all there is to webOS 2.0—these are just the highlights. We've added a lot of features that will give your apps more power and flexibility than ever. We're excited about what webOS 2.0 has to offer, and we think you will be, too!
If you’re already in the Early Access Program, visit the private forum and download the webOS 2.0 SDK Beta today. If you're a developer with an app in the Palm App Catalog but you aren't in the program yet, email pdc@palm.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to join in.

* The features described are slated for webOS 2.0. However, some may not appear in the first public release.
Get in the Early Access Program: pdc@palm.com
  

New waterproof 1080p JVC Picsio Pocket Video Camera

VC has long been a major force in hand-held camcorders, but last year turned its attention to the world of pocket-cams with the release of the Picsio GC-FM1 which offered full 1080p high definition video and 8 megapixel stills. Now the company has added a couple more models to its Picsio range, the waterproof GC-WP10 and the GC-FM2.
Both of the new Picsio pocket video cameras share many of the same features. The GC-FM2 and the GC-WP10 both record up to full 1080p high definition video, can take 5 megapixel stills and have touchscreen displays taking up much of the rear.
Of the two, the most interesting is undoubtedly Picsio GC-WP10, which caters for the pool-bound tourist (or even those who just enjoy the rain) with waterproof capabilities down to 10 feet (3m). The pocket cam records up to full 1080p high definition video at 30 frames per second with digital image stabilization and has a 5 megapixel CMOS sensor which boasts "excellent low-light performance."

Dominating the rear of the 2.36 x 3.97 x 0.98-inch (60 x 101 x 25mm) WP10 is a 3-inch, 230,000 dot resolution touchscreen display. Other features include face detection, time-lapse recording, in-camera editing and the welcome inclusion of SDXC card support. Connectivity is provided by HDMI-out as well as USB and compatibility with Eye-Fi's Wi-Fi enabled SD cards offers wireless file transfer options. There's a headphone jack for private playback and the facility to record stereo MP3 audio.
The pocket cam comes with onboard LoiLoScope EX for Windows software that is said to offer quick, intuitive editing with numerous special effects and direct upload to sharing sites like YouTube and Facebook. The software can launch as soon as the computer detects a connected Picsio and Apple fanboys will no doubt be pleased to learn that the camera is also compatible with iMovie and offers the option to record to iFrame format.
As for the GC-FM2, apart from not being able to record MP3 audio and the lack of a headphone socket, its feature set is almost the same as the WP10. It's not waterproof though and doesn't offer face detection but does sport a handy pop-out USB connector. Both pocket video cameras are charged via USB, although there is an optional AC charger available.

The GC-WP10 available in late September for US$199.95 and the GC-FM2 is already listed on JVC's online store in a choice of three colors, although won't actually be available until early September for US$179.95
Have a look at the following video demonstrating many of the features on both cameras:


   

ARCHOS: Launching 5 new android tablets

Launching Five New Android Tablets With Two Revolutionary Products, the ARCHOS 28 Internet Tablet, First Android MP3/MP4 Player Promoted Below $100 and the ARCHOS 101 Offering the ...

ARCHOS, an award-winning technology innovator and leader in the portable media player market, today announces five new Android-based tablets.

From the ultra affordable and ultra portable ARCHOS 28 and 32 Internet tablets, to the multi-media marvel ARCHOS 43 Internet tablet, and the wide screen ARCHOS 70 and 101 internet tablets, ARCHOS' new range offers a combination of super-fast web-browsing, games, eBooks, social networking and other apps alongside HD video and music in a very slim-line design.

The ARCHOS 28 Internet tablet and the ARCHOS 101 Internet tablet, the flagship products of the range, are bringing innovation to the Android world.

The ARCHOS 101 Internet tablet offers a unique design including the latest technology. This tablet has the advantage of a connected Android device that adds very fast web browsing and HD multimedia experience. The 10.1" high-resolution screen is nestled in a very slim and light form factor tablet, enabled through a patented construction process.

The ARCHOS 28 Internet tablet is the first Androidplayer below $100. By introducing a connected device at such a low price, ARCHOS revolutionizes the portable music player segment.

ARCHOS has developed four unique Androidapplications for video, photo and music with the support of 3D cover animations to allow users to keep a digital experience as simple as it should be.

Three Android tablets from 4.3" to 10.1" screen size

A unique design

A patented construction process, which uses an over-moulded PVD stainless steel structure, has enabled ARCHOS to redefine the tablet form, with devices that are smaller, thinner and lighter, making the tablet even more portable. The ARCHOS 101 Internet tablet is just 0.47" thick and weighs only 15.87 ounces, yet offers a crisp, high-definition 10.1" capacitive multi-touch screen.

With the adjustable kickstand, users will always have the best position to tap out emails, view a movie or enjoy the photo frame application. Using the device is designed to be both easy and intuitive.

A PC-like super-fast web browsing experience

Featuring a powerful 1 GHz processor, high-speed WiFi-n technology and sleek high-resolution screen, the new Android-based tablets offer a fast and enjoyable PC-like web browsing experience. Users can access the entire internet thanks to Android's support for Adobe Flash10.1 player.

A built-in webcam on the ARCHOS 70 and 101 Internet tablet means users can make video calls to family and friends.

In addition, a new feature in the Android settings menu means that the devices can also be tethered to a 3Gphone via Bluetooth or USB for Internet connectivity when on the move.

Hi-definition multimedia at your fingertips

With ARCHOS' heritage in high-quality portable multimedia players, the Internet tablets offer consumers a full multimedia experience, with 720p HD video playback as standard, whether from a user's movie collection or streamed from YouTube. Unique Android multimedia applications designed by ARCHOS will allow the end user to enjoy all his multimedia content.

The HDMI TV output offers the best Android, multimedia and games experience on your TV. The tablet can be used as a game pad for your TV thanks to the built-in accelerometer and 3D open GL technology so users can enjoy a unique gaming experience.

The ARCHOS 43 internet tablet also sports a 2 megapixel HD camcorder to capture video and photos than end user can share on the web or on the HD TV screen.

The first connected MP3/MP4 players below $100

The smaller ARCHOS 28 and 32 internet tablets bring the Android revolution to MP3 and MP4 players, adding a new dimension to this market. Alongside music and video playback, the low-cost, pocket-sized devices starting from $99.99 now offer email, web browsing, music and video streaming, 3D gaming, eBooks, social networking and other entertainment, productivity and information-based apps.

The Best HD multimedia experience

The ARCHOS 28 and 32 internet tablets feature music, video and photo applications, developed by ARCHOS, enriching the user experience with smooth browsing through the album covers and with widgets added to the home screen to give instant access and control to media. These unique Android applications allow users to amplify their digital experience.

The devices are also compatible across the major music and video formats, so there's no need for conversion or the inconvenience of dedicated software support. A simple drag and drop from your computer is all that's required.

The A32 internet tablet also includes a camcorder for video and photos to capture the greatest memories. Users can upload videos and pictures to the web or share via social networks.

Pocket Computer

With WiFi connection, users can surf the Web at the speed of a computer thanks to the speedy processor. The Internet browsing is also faster than ever; users can adjust the page size of an article with a simple double-tapping or rotating the ARCHOS and the screen will flip into place to display the entire page's width. There's also an email application so you can stay in touch with all of your friends.

Applications to make a player what users want it to be

The AppsLib store, with free and paid apps, will make sure you access and directly download custom sized Apps to fit your lifestyle. Games, books, music, social media, recipes, news and sports are now a click away.

ARCHOS tablets can become an eBook reader, with literature classics, the latest magazines or favorite comics available to download and read wherever you go.

A wide range of games, using 3D graphic acceleration, are also available. From the classic Sudoku to the fast-paced racing games, user will immerse themselves in fun games enjoying the comfort of sharp and large screens or using the device as a steering wheel.

Price and availability

ARCHOS 28 internet tabletAvailable in September at 4GB, with a recommended retail price of $99.99.

ARCHOS 32 internet tabletAvailable in September at 8GB, with a recommended retail price of $149.99.

ARCHOS 43 internet tabletAvailable this fall at 8GB with a recommended retail price of $199.99.

ARCHOS 70 internet tabletAvailable this fall with a recommended retail price of $274.99 (8GB) and $349.99 (250GB).

ARCHOS 101 internet tabletAvailable this fall with a recommended retail price of $299.99 (8GB) and $349.99 (16GB).

About ARCHOS

ARCHOS released the first pocket-sized HD-based MP3 player with the Jukebox 6000 in 2000 and since that time has revolutionised consumer electronics devices. The company invented the portable media player in 2003 and was the first to bring television recording, wireless and touch screens to Portable Media Players. ARCHOS have also introduced the Internet Media Tablet range -- the 5, 5g and 7 -- offering users instant, uncompromising access to the internet, media content and TV. Established in 1988, ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment B, ISIN Code FR0000182479. www.archos.com (http://www.archos.com/) .

  

HP SkyRoom Software

HP Introduces an
innovative, highquality,
affordable
Video conferencing and
collaboration tool.

Video conferencing

Multi-party conferencing Peer to Peer (up to 4 participants)

Video standards and protocols H.264, MPEG2, selectable codec by user or administrator

Audio standards and protocols MPEG, Acoustic-based echo cancellation

Supported video resolutions 320 x 240, 352 x 288, 640 x 480, 800 x 600, 960 x 720

Video layout Flexible configurations, 3 across or down, 2x2 and more; flexible sizing of video conferencing and content sharing windows

Presence protocols XMPP when used with Jabber

Call contact list Integrates with enterprise directories (Microsoft OCS 2007 and Jabber); supports user-produced local contact list

Scheduling Schedule a conference with another HP SkyRoom user; integrates with Microsoft Outlook for scheduling a meeting

Desktop collaboration

Application types Share documents, presentations, HD videos, and real-time 3D application sharing (both DirectX and Open GL) with other participants

Desktop participants 1-to-1 or 1-to-4 real-time desktop sharing

Shared content resolution Selectable by user up to 2560 x 1920, shared content supported up to 24 fps

Multiple displays Sender: up to three displays

Image codec HP3 high performance image compression and decompression; visually loss-less compression; variable rate, image delta compression algorithm

General

User interface User-centric interface; easy setup with First Use Wizard

Bandwidth requirements 400 Kbps and above; 1 Mbps recommended for SVGA video resolution or higher

Ethernet connectivity TCP/IP, SSL/TLS

Security AES 256 encryption (audio, video and data); authenticates to Active Directory and organization’s Jabber-based instant messaging service

Client management Available tool for managing/locking client settings

Supported directory servers Jabber, Microsoft Office Communication Server 2007, and local contact list determined by user

Supported webcams HP Standard Accessory Kit—Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000 and HP analog headset (P/N NG855AA); Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000

(video resolutions up to 960 x 720) with Microsoft® XP® driver for Windows XP OS (32-bit or 64-bit) or Logitech Driver for Vista®;HP Premium Autofocus Webcam; HP Deluxe Webcam; HP Elite Autofocus Webcam (video resolutions up to 960 x 720)

Supported headsets Any analog headset with 3.5 mm plug

Supported desktop audio HP SkyRoom Webcam plus HP Desktop Audio Kit (for Windows Vista and WIndows® 7 only): Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000, USB powered speakers and unidirectional microphone: P/N WF819AA; HP Desktop Audio Kit (Windows XP)—USB powered speakers, unidirectional microphone, and audio card (Creative X-Fi Titanium PCIe Audio Card—PCIe): P/N NG857AA

Minimum system requirements Intel® Core 2 Duo 2.33 GHz processor or equivalent; 2 GB RAM; Microsoft Windows® XP or Windows Vista® (32-bit or 64-bit);

500 MB available hard disk space; no server required

Licensing Single user license—node locked to MAC address; volume licensing—server-managed FLEX LM licensing, first in/first out count method;

HP Z Workstations purchased after October 1, 2009, select HP Mobile Workstations, and the HP TouchSmart 9100 Business PC purchased after

February 15, 2010 include HP SkyRoom software and license.

Supported languages English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese

Product warranty 90-day software phone support; 1-year HP SkyRoom 9 x 5 Software Technical Support

1 HD content required to view HD images. Internet access required. Performance dependent on network latency and image frame content.

2 Sub-100 millisecond latency is limited to the latency within the HP SkyRoom code itself, and does not include network latency.

HP Skyroom website

http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/skyroom/

HP Skyroom datasheet

http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/skyroom/pdfs/hp_skyroom_datasheet.pdf

HP Skyroom White paper

http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/skyroom/pdfs/hp_skyroom_whitepaper.pdf

     

Google: More than 1 million calls through Gmail in 24 hours

There was no official blog post to report the overnight success of the Google Voice integration into Gmail. But in the first 24 hours since the service launched, more than 1 million calls were placed.
The message came via a Tweet on the official company Twitter feed and linked back to yesterday’s company blog post announcing the integration of the two products. In that sense, it’s not a big announcement for the company but rather a slight nudge to the company’s 2.4 million followers on Twitter that a new free service is available to them.

Google Voice is automatically being added to Gmail accounts in the U.S. The service allows users who don’t have a Google Voice number to use the service anyway for outbound calls that show a generic Caller ID number.
The company has said that calls within the U.S. and Canada will be free at least through the end of the year, but likely longer if revenue from international calling can sustain it. Google is offering international calling at rates competitive to other VoIP-like offerings, rates that you can browse here: https://www.google.com/voice/rates

  

Motorola launches 3 smartphones models on 3 China carriers

Motorola Monday launched three new Ming series Android smartphones for China Telcom, China Unicom and China Mobile. The phones include the MT810 for China Mobile's TD-SCDMA network, the XT806 for China Telecom's CDMA-2000 network, and the A1680 for China Unicom's WCDMA network.

"With MING we've combined our engineering expertise with a deep understanding of how people in China use their devices to create powerful, user-friendly smartphones that 'feel just right' and will bring great mobile experiences to our customers here," said Mr. Frank Meng, corporate vice president and president, Greater China, Motorola Mobility, in a statement.

Motorola is pitching the new phones as "designed in China for Chinese people." The Ming series was first launched in 2006 and have since sold more than five million devices across China.

The MT810 is being jointly launched with China Mobile and China Mobile's OPhone OS 2.0 implementation of Android. The MT810 has a dual-touch system in which the 3.2-inch display is a resistive touchscreen perfect for stylus or finger input and the transparent cover is a second capacitive touchscreen that offers full finger touch functionality even when the phone is closed.

The XT806 is an Internet-connected powerhouse built on Android 2.1 and offered by Motorola for China Telecom has a transparent flip design and a 3.2-inch screen with a 300dpi display, GPS navigation services and 720p HD video capture and playback.

Finally the A1680 features a 3.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen and supports China Unicom's WCDMA network, as well as WAPI and Wi-Fi high-speed connectivity. Motorola perfected its intelligent handwriting recognition software for the A1680. The A1680 also has a 5MP camera and GPS navigation services.

  

Texas Energy Network(TEN) to build a nationwide wireless broadband network based on LTE

Alcatel-Lucent’s involvement in LTE demo is good sign

Some interesting news came out of Texas last week. A newly formed company called Texas Energy Network(TEN) announced that it will be the first communications company to build a nationwide wireless broadband network based on LTE that is dedicated to, and designed for, critical infrastructure companies. It's targeting the oil and gas industry initially.

TEN is holding a demonstration in New Mexico in conjunction with Alcatel-Lucent, with the vendor providing all the wireless technology for the end-to-end LTE network using its LTE on Wheels truck. The demo will show a live LTE network with working data devices, such as laptops, with 1 Mbps data uplink speeds. Using this technology, the network could be connected directly to a pipeline’s sensor system or linked to a monitoring camera that sends back live video images, the company said.

Of course, there are some unanswered questions, such as where the company will get spectrum. It won't say just yet. And then there is the question of whether LTE can be cheap enough to provide cost-effective services to the critical infrastructure industry.

Nevertheless, Alcatel-Lucent’s involvement in this initiative is interesting because companies usually look to bring new technology to specialized markets much later, when the technology is mature. However, a recent report from Current Analysis analyst Daryl Schoolar, indicated that Alcatel-Lucent already is heavily targeting vertical markets for its LTE offering. (Its other vertical market play so far is in public-safety applications, as it is working with EADS Defense & Security.)

"Deployments with mobile operators still represent a better LTE volume opportunity than industry verticals," Schoolar wrote. "However, that is not to discount the fact that industry applications do represent a revenue growth opportunity. Plus, the vendor’s experience with deploying networks for vertical applications raises Alcatel-Lucent's overall industry profile and makes the vendor an attractive partner for mobile operators looking to build their own industry-specific solutions. The next step for Alcatel-Lucent is to turn demonstrations with TEN and EADS into actual deployments."

Other vendors and operators have indicated that vertical markets are the key to the next generation of growth, which may be good news for both the public-safety and industrial sectors. However, the big question that still needs to be answered is, how quickly can this ramp up given that LTE still is in a relatively nascent stage?

  

EFF slams Apple patent as traitorware: Jobs is spying on you?

When you personally buy a new technological toy, then it's yours to do with as you please. Right? Wrong! What if your new device were activated on the sly and used against you? That's a step beyond spyware. In fact, the EFF coined a new term, "traitorware."

Unless you've been cut off from technology, then you have probably heard about Apple's patent, "Systems and Methods for Identifying Unauthorized Users of an Electronic Device." It appears that Apple is taking steps to enable locking out unauthorized iOS users. What's new is that privacy watchdog EFF has posted their reaction to this Apple patent application. I love the EFF, so I listen when they talk.

The EFF weighed in on Apple's recent security software patent. The EFF's post, Steve Jobs Is Watching You: Apple Seeking to Patent Spyware, states, "This patent is downright creepy and invasive - certainly far more than would be needed to respond to the possible loss of a phone. Spyware, and its new cousin traitorware, will hurt customers and companies alike - Apple should shelve this idea before it backfires on both it and its customers."

From a security perspective, Apple has Mobile Me that allows users to find a lost iPhone or iPad via a web portal.  The app will approximately map where the device is currently located. It allows a user to play a sound even if it's off. It allows users who do not want the information on their Apple device to fall into enemy's hands, or into anyone's elses, to remotely erase the device. So why does Apple need an enhanced version of Mobile Me?

  

According to Patent Vest, this Apple patent is aimed at identifying unauthorized users. Your iPhone might identify you through its camera or through its microphone, to verify if you are indeed the owner. It might user a biometric measurement, such as detecting the heartbeat to make sure it matches the authorized user's "heart signature." It could log keystrokes and GPS coordinates, and could even measure "vibration profiles," whatever that really means.

Depending upon how you view those security matters, you might cheer Apple's ingenuity. Or you may, like the EFF, feel like Steve Jobs is spying on you with traitorware. Apple would surely make this software opt-in. But then again, what jailbreaking fan in their right mind would opt-in when this software would also be able to detect your jailbroken or hacked Apple devices? If you wanted to jailbreak your iPhone or iPad, then why wouldn't you stick with Mobile Me if you lost your Apple toy? Will the orignial Mobile Me be discontinued?
What if you are not into jailbreaking and you are all for strong security? Do you feel confident that Apple would never be hacked and that their analysis of your face, your voice, and your heartbeat data will never become vulnerable? Calling anything unhackable is like issuing a challenge to some hackers. Perhaps in the future, a heartbeat signature will become a valuable part of your identity? 

If you bought an Apple product and you want to jailbreak it, then you should be able to do so. If Apple begins to remotely wipe jailbroken devices, then it seems that is as good as announcing it doesn't want your jailbreaking business.

The most troubling part of this patent, to me, is the potential for Apple to take action against users who jailbreak. That does seem too invasive into your privacy. Using your own personal device against you may even make Apple's patent spyware a type of traitorware. Will it herald a pending iPocolypse?
I "know" Big Brother is watching, but I'm not so sure Steve Jobs is.

LTE network deployments in 101 firms in progress – GSA

LTE network deployments in 101 firms are in progress or planned in 41 countries, according to a report by Global mobile Suppliers Association. The number of network commitments is 71 percent higher than GSA reported in a similar survey six months ago.

 This figure includes three LTE systems which have launched commercial service in Sweden, Norway and Uzbekistan. GSA anticipates up to 22 LTE networks will be in commercial service by end of this year.

Another 31 operators are engaged in various LTE pilot trials and technology tests. Taken together, it means that 132 operators are investing in LTE in 56 countries.

 LTE networks are now being deployed for commercial service or planned in Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Libya, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, The Philippines, UAE, UK, USA, and Uzbekistan.

Governments around the world are preparing the way to ensure the availability of spectrum to support delivery of enhanced mobile broadband services for the mass market, by allocating or preparing for the release of new spectrum such as 2.6 GHz and in the digital dividend, 700 MHz, 800 MHz bands or re-farming existing spectrum such as 900 MHz, 1800 MHz or facilitating a combination of new and re-farmed bands.

 The report notes that several trials licences have been granted in many countries to allow operators to familiarise with the technology, features and performance aspects. A number of tenders for spectrum licenses have been announced or confirmed in recent weeks for the granting of spectrum suitable for LTE deployments, including in Australia, Brazil, Chile, Poland and the UK. Several auctions are scheduled for completion in the next few months. While the majority of LTE deployments today are using the FDD mode, the study confirms operator interest in the TDD mode.The recently concluded BWA spectrum auction in India has paved the way for large scale introduction of TDD LTE.

  

LTE users forecast to grow by 187.7% CAGR over 5 yrs - study

The worldwide LTE subscriber base is forecast to experience a 187.7 percent CAGR between 2010-2015, according to Portio Research. While WiMAX has enjoyed a first mover advantage and a clear head-start, the nature of LTE as natural progression for MNOs operating on GSM/UMTS networks and its ability to lower the cost of delivering data services are expected to drive a surge in LTE network deployments in the coming years. This growth will see the worldwide LTE subscriber base pass 200 million by the end of 2015, six years after the technology's launch in late 2009, whereas the worldwide 3G subscriber base reached only 100 million in the first six years after its launch, writes Portio. Migrating to LTE is not just the preserve of the developed and saturated markets in North America and Western Europe, with MNOs in developing markets also proactively doing the same; though understandably LTE's scale and use will markedly vary between markets.

  

HP Sharpens Private Cloud Claws

HP Sharpens Private Cloud Claws

In a bid to show it hasn't fallen behind the pack when it comes to cloud computing, HP this week revealed plans to launch a set of self-assessment tools for customers to determine their cloud readiness. The tech giant also amassed a crew of cloud advisors to help shape its cloud plan of attack.

HP's push for private clouds comes as it prepares for a host of cloud-focused announcements and a cloud computing boot camp at VMworld in San Francisco next month.

First, HP designed what it calls a "private cloud scorecard" that lets companies rate and rank key factors that will help determine how ready they are to take on the cloud. The scorecard consists of a series of questions to gauge cloud readiness, including internal knowledge of cloud concepts and services and existing cloud security capabilities, among others.

Along with helping companies prepare for the cloud and determining where they stand, HP has comprised a group of cloud experts to lead its charge into the private cloud. Dubbed the HP Cloud Advisors, HP has brought together a team of experts it calls "pioneers in cloud computing" to drive innovations and assist with advanced cloud deployments.

HP's team of Cloud Advisors includes Nigel Cook, HP technology director and strategist, who spearheaded the DMTF (distributed management task force) Cloud Management Working Group and played a role in the DMTF Cloud Incubator that examined technology and use cases for interoperability between data centers and Infrastructure-as-a-Service; Jamie Erbes, CTO of Software and Solutions at HP, a cloud expert and driving force behind HP's IT management software strategy; Archie Read, HPs cloud strategy security lead; Lee Kedrie, a brand officer and evangelist for Technology Consulting at HP; Paul Perez, HP's storage chief technologist; and Mark Shoemaker, a 20-year veteran with experience in cloud service management, cloud automation, virtualization, standards and the public versus private clouds.

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HP acquires Stratavia

Friday 27 August 2010 | 08:02 CET

 

HP has acquired US-based database and application automation company Stratavia. The acquisition of Stratavia will add to the HP Software and Solutions portfolio, adding deployment, configuration and management services for enterprise databases, middleware and packaged applications. The services will enable clients to deploy and manage hybrid IT environments, which consist of on-premise, off-premise, physical and virtual environments. With Stratavia, HP clients can improve their time to market and increase application deployment with a service that ties the application development process to application deployment. The service will support all aspects of the application life cycle, from modelling an application and releasing it into production, to ongoing management and the underlying infrastructure. Stratavia offerings also enhance the HP Cloud Service Automation service by automating the deployment of databases, middleware and packaged applications in cloud computing environments. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.                 

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