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Star Wars Blu-rays first to offer THX Media Director tech

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The Star Wars Saga Blu-ray boxset, out on September 12, will be the first software release to feature THX's new Media Director 'smart content' technology.</div>
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Media Director enables your home entertainment hardware to automatically choose the most appropriate audio and video playback settings – meaning you'll always get what the director intended.</div>
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The technology works by having metadata encoded into the software, be it a Blu-ray, console game or CD. However, it requires Media Director-enabled hardware to work – a Blu-ray player or TV for instance – and at present no such technology exists.</div>
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Giveth and taketh away</h4>
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That could change in the coming year, though. THX has announced at the CEDIA 2011 Expo that it has signed up electronics experts Analog Devices, Sigma Designs and Silicon Image to its cause, making it easier for products to be developed.</div>
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So buyers of the Star Wars package can consider themselves futureproofed – and more Media Director-certified discs will appear in the coming months.</div>
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THX's Senior Vice President Rick Dean told TechRadar the thinking behind his company's innovation.</div>
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With Media Director, says Dean, 'You would always see the depth of contrast and intensity of colour which are part of the artistic intent, the emotional impact that is programmed into the look and feel of any movie. It would be like having the director personally tune your TV.'</div>
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Star Wars Blu-rays first to offer THX Media Director tech

The Star Wars Saga Blu-ray boxset, out on September 12, will be the first software release to feature THX's new Media Director ...

Sony's Music Unlimited streaming service coming to NGP, will hit Xperia Play this year and PSP 'in a matter of weeks'

<img alt="" border="0" hspace="4" src="fhttp://img683.imageshack.us/img683/2977/33111musicunlimitedngp1.jpg" vspace="4">It may sound patently obvious at this point, but there's still cause to celebrate -- Sony's streaming subscription music service, Music Unlimited, is headed to both the PlayStation Portable and its pair of divergent spiritual successors the Next Generation Portable and Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play. Eurogamer sat down with Sony Network Entertainment VP Shawn Layden, who spread the news readily, confirming that the service would be activated (at least in the UK) on PlayStation Portable "in a matter of weeks." Meanwhile, Android phones including the infamous PlayStation handset will get Music Unlimited "this year," and SNE "will make it happen" on the NGP as well, presumably sometime after the company reveals when its beast of a portable game station will actually come out. All in the name of taking your tunes with you wherever you happen to travel -- a concept that's getting rather popular right now.Sony's Music Unlimited streaming service coming to NGP, will hit Xperia Play this year and PSP 'in a matter of weeks' <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/sonys-music-unlimited-streaming-service-coming-to-ngp-will-hit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via</A>

Sony's Music Unlimited streaming service coming to NGP, will hit Xperia Play this year and PSP 'in a matter of weeks'

It may sound patently obvious at this point, but there's still cause to celebrate -- Sony's streaming subscription music service, Mu...

Google Nexus One getting Android 2.3 'in the coming weeks'

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/classifications/gadgets/phones/mobile-phones/Android%20-%20Google/Google%20Nexus%20One/Google-Nexus-One-Android-Official-200-200.jpg"> Like a family with the newborn baby, the <a href="">Google Nexus S</A> is overshadowing its older <a href="">Nexus One</A> brother - but that doesn't mean the upgrades are going to stop for the sibling. The Nexus One has already been confirmed as getting the Android 2.3 update at some point, and that time has been set for early Q1 2011. The following announcement over on the official Google Nexus Twitter page confirmed the upgrade: "The Gingerbread OTA for Nexus One will happen in the coming weeks. Just hang tight!" Hang tight? Hardly the most revealing Tweet ever Twotted, but at least Nexus One owners won't feel too upset at having to wait ages for the new Android update. The <a href="">Google Nexus One</A> is relatively similar to the <a href="">Nexus S</A> in terms of specs: 1GHz processor (although Qualcomm rather than Samsung's Hummingbird) and large high-res screen, so we should hope it's not too much of a jump to port the new platform to the original Nexus.

Google Nexus One getting Android 2.3 'in the coming weeks'

Like a family with the newborn baby, the Google Nexus S is overshadowing its older Nexus One brother - but that doesn't mean the upgr...

Paramount films coming to Windows Phone 7

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/Mobile%20Phones/Windows%20Phone%207/paramount_extras-200-200.jpg"> Paramount has announced that it will release 10 movies for Windows Phone 7 handsets that will include all the kinds of extras you would expect from a DVD, plus extra interactive content. The movie studio will release movies like Zoolander with a host of extras using Silverlight, meaning that people who buy the film will not lose out on the bonuses - although this is only for the US and Canadian markets for now. Plus, for those people who really want to dig deep into the movie, there is trivia by movie game specialists Scene It. Enhanced "Through our relationship with Microsoft, we're able to provide consumers new, enhanced ways to enjoy movies from anywhere on Windows Phone 7," said Geremie Camara, Vice President Product Development for Paramount Digital Entertainment. "Using Silverlight technology and adding interactive and social networking features, our enhanced movie apps transform the movie viewing experience into a true entertainment experience." Other movies that will feature include School of Rock, Waiting for Superman and GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra. "Windows Phone 7 is backed by a rich developer ecosystem that is creating a variety of quality apps and games, like Paramount Entertainment's movie apps, that take advantage of the phone's unique features and design," saidTodd Brix, senior director, Windows Phone Marketplace, Microsoft Corp. "We're proud to have these Paramount titles that offer unique experiences for consumers exclusively available on Windows Phone 7 this holiday season." We will wait and see if the studio manages to do a deal to bring this kind of offering to the UK Windows Marketplace.

Paramount films coming to Windows Phone 7

Paramount has announced that it will release 10 movies for Windows Phone 7 handsets that will include all the kinds of extras you would expe...

White iPhone 4 coming early 2011?

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/classifications/Mobile%20Phones/Hands%20on%20pictures/iPhone/iPhone%204%20hands%20on/iPhone_4_01-200-200.jpg"> Apple might have made an uncharacteristic slip over the launch of the white <a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/apple-iphone-4-694980/review">iPhone 4</A>. Marketing signs from Jobs' Lot includes a telling sentence: 'The white iPhone 4 will be available Spring 2011'. <img alt="White iphone 4" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/Mobile%20Phones/iPhone/whiteiphone4spring925mac-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> CREDIT: 9to5Mac Now, we're no detectives or anything, but we'd guess this may mean that Apple will soon launch a white variant of the iPhone 4, ending months of speculation that it may never appear. It'll be all-white The marketing materials than mention the white iPhone 4 only speak about it in the US market, but we have to assume that Apple has sorted out the supply issues around the variant and will begin offering it worldwide. <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/apple-confirms-white-iphone-4-delays-705372">Apple confirmed</A> the white iPhone 4 delays on multiple occasions through 2010, saying the device was 'more challenging to manufacture than originally expected', but hopefully that doom and gloom will soon be lifted.

White iPhone 4 coming early 2011?

Apple might have made an uncharacteristic slip over the launch of the white iPhone 4 . Marketing signs from Jobs' Lot includes a telling...

Android 2.2 coming today for T-Mobile Galaxy S owners

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/Mobile%20Phones/Samsung/samsung-galaxy-S-i90001-200-200.jpg"> T-Mobile seems set to be next up to offer next generation functionality to its <a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s-689293/review">Samsung Galaxy S</A> customers with the release of Android 2.2. The <a href="http://support.t-mobile.co.uk/discussions/index?page=forums&topic=80103825157760012c52e07803002f32">Support Forums</A> for the pink network have received word from operator that the update will be coming, and in a strange turn of events, making it available over the air. "Our handset team have been working closely with Samsung regarding this update and future updates and would like to share their news with you. Smooth installation "Our goal is to make the update process smoother and we are working to become the only mobile operator offering FOTA (Firmware over the Air) updates for the Samsung product range. "The aim was and still is to have the FOTA update available at some point today. If for reasons outwith our control we are unable to have a FOTA update process fully functioning by close of play today, then we will make the update available for download via Samsung KIES." We're still waiting to hear word of whether this has actually happened for anyone as yet, with Twitter still quiet on the subject, so perhaps the over the air issues are slowing things down. The Galaxy S update is more pivotal as it will likely include fixes to the phone's operation, which include slowdown on certain applications opening, which can become very frustrating for users.

Android 2.2 coming today for T-Mobile Galaxy S owners

T-Mobile seems set to be next up to offer next generation functionality to its Samsung Galaxy S customers with the release of Android 2.2. ...

Video: Nokia X7 coming to reboot X-series?

Video: Nokia X7 coming to reboot X-series?

Nokia looks set to reboot the ageing X6 with a new model soon after a video of the Nokia X7 popped up. The new X7 apparently features four ...

Micromax's First Android Phone Coming Soon

<img alt="Micromax's First Android Phone Coming Soon" border="0" height="150" src="file:///C:/Program%20Files/ABS/Auto%20Blog%20Samurai/data/Hacking%20Tricks/TechTree/113588_matter.jpg" width="200"> Micromax is one of the handset makers in India who has shown some sky rocketing popularity amongst entry-level handsets. Now, the company is reportedly going to introduce Google Android running handset dubbed Micromax Andro by the end of this month. At a special bloggers event scheduled in Delhi on November 27, Micromax will show off its first Android phone. Micromax Andro is rumored have a 2.8-inch resistive full touch screen and a 3.2 megapixel camera along with the Android 2.1 Eclair running on it. Apart from that the phone will house 600MHz microprocessor and purportedly sport the interactive input feature - SWYPE. Andro is expected to be priced between Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 9,000 segment. Around that price band, we have Samsung Galaxy 5 GT-i5503 with Android 2.1 running on it. Micromax has been quite bullish regarding its low-cost and feature rich handsets so far. Back in April, the company bagged the third position as India's largest mobile phone vendor. Micromax Andro is expected to keep the ball rolling for them.

Micromax's First Android Phone Coming Soon

Micromax is one of the handset makers in India who has shown some sky rocketing popularity amongst entry-level handsets. Now, the company is...

Mobile signal coming soon to London Tubes

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/classifications/gadgets/phones/mobile-phones/images/canary-wharf-200-200.jpg"> Mobile operators and TfL could be close to agreeing a deal that will see mobile phone signal offered on the London Underground rail network. Sources have told <a href="http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/Mobile_Exec/Networks_seal_%C2%A3150m_tube_deal.aspx">Mobile Magazine</A> a deal is in the offing and expected to be signed in two weeks, although issues with which company will supply the infrastructure could delay proceedings, with French company Thales in competition with Huawei to manage the services. Initially the trial will see the Jubilee and Central line converted to areas where businesspeople can shout louder on their mobile to be heard over the deafening train rattling, but the Mayor of London hopes for a wider roll out in time for the Olympics. 'We're sorry, but this announcement has been delayed...' TfL has confirmed that deals are in still being discussed, with a spokeperson stating: "TfL and the Mayor of London are currently in discussion with mobile phone operators and other suppliers about the potential provision of mobile phone services on the deep tube network. "Given the financial pressures on TfL's budgets any solution would need to be funded through mobile operators with no cost to fare or taxpayers. Discussions are ongoing." TechRadar has contacted the UK's mobile networks for comment, but none would speak on the proceedings at this time. The issue of mobile signal on London's Underground network has been rumbling on for a long time, with the <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/television/digital-britain-report-the-key-points-514478">Digital Britain proposal of nearly two years ago</A> advising that the problem would be solved soon. However, TfL <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/tfl-mobiles-on-tube-not-commercially-viable-609149">issued a statement to the contrary</A>, highlighting the intrinsic difficulties in installing such a system - but it looks like that problem has now been solved.

Mobile signal coming soon to London Tubes

Mobile operators and TfL could be close to agreeing a deal that will see mobile phone signal offered on the London Underground rail network....

Pulp Fiction and Clerks coming to YouTube?

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com///images/youtube-logo-200-200.jpg"> Miramax, distributor of over 700 movies, is looking to do a deal with Google that would see select movies streamed for free on YouTube. Miramax is in the midst of being taken over by Filmyard, after Disney decided to sell the company for $664 million. And it seems that Filmyard is already in talks with Google over Miramax's digital catalogue. The deal would see Miramax movies come to YouTube, with revenue from these films shared between Google and Filmyard. Google gold Miramax's back catalogue is impressive. When the company was owned by movie moguls the Weinsteins – Miramax is a portmanteau of the brother's parents' names – it was synonymous with '90s indie movies, including Pulp Fiction and Clerks. Since then its popularity has waned slightly. Although there may be some issues with digital rights, it does seem that a strategy is being mapped out by Google and Miramax to offer what would definitely be a Big Kahuna of a deal for the streaming site.

Pulp Fiction and Clerks coming to YouTube?

Miramax, distributor of over 700 movies, is looking to do a deal with Google that would see select movies streamed for free on YouTube. Mira...

Exclusive: HTCSense.com coming to the HTC Desire?

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com///classifications/gadgets/phones/mobile-phones/HTC/HTC-Desire2-200-200.jpg"> HTC has hinted that its cloud-based HTCSense.com service may be made available to older handsets in the near future, with the original HTC Desire looking likely to get the functionality. A TechRadar reader kindly gave us a tip-off that HTC had contacted him about the HTCSense.com service. While the phone company couldn't confirm if the HTC Desire was compatible with HTCSense.com, it did reveal that more details should arrive 'by the end of the year'. While we knew <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htcs-new-sense-ui-might-not-come-to-desire-716696">HTC was looking</A> at porting the service to other compatible devices, it's the first time we have heard of any sort of timeframe. Makes Sense HTCSense.com was announced back in September and it is currently only available on the <a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/htc-desire-hd-717295/review">HTC Desire HD</A> and <a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/htc-desire-z-717296/review">HTC Desire Z</A> handsets. If you have these phones then you can log on to HTC.com to lock your handset if you have lost it, track its location and even take it off mute so you can hear its ringtone. The service is completely free and also allows you other synching options. The rather cryptic message our reader got from HTC was as follows: "At this time we are unable to confirm when the Desire will be compatible with HTCSense.com. "We hope to make this available before the end of the year." We have contacted HTC to see if there is any official information/confirmation on this.

Exclusive: HTCSense.com coming to the HTC Desire?

HTC has hinted that its cloud-based HTCSense.com service may be made available to older handsets in the near future, with the original HTC D...

Apple iAd mobile advertising coming to UK in December

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com///classifications/gadgets/phones/mobile-phones/iPhone/iphone-os-iad-200-200.jpg"> Apple has announced that it is to bring its iAd mobile advertising service to the UK and France in December and will come to Germany in January. Mobile phones are being seen as the next big thing in advertising, what with print declining and television advertising choked by the rise of the EPG and VoD. Jobs and co have had <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/apple-aims-to-overhaul-mobile-advertising-with-iad-682362%20">success with iAd</A> in the US and they now hope to emulate this in Europe. Valuable revenue source Speaking about the service Andy Miller, vice president of iAd, said: "In just four months, we've doubled the number of advertisers on the network and thousands of developers now have a valuable new source of revenue." Although there has been talk that some advertisers being put off with the tight controls Apple puts on them, the UK launch will see Unilever, L'Oréal, Renault and Absolute Radio use the service. In September, figures showed that <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/apples-iad-closes-in-on-googles-mobile-ad-sales-719610">Apple's iAd service</A> was closing in on the more established Google mobile ad sales, with both companies looking to own around 21 per cent of the mobile ad market by the end of the year.

Apple iAd mobile advertising coming to UK in December

Apple has announced that it is to bring its iAd mobile advertising service to the UK and France in December and will come to Germany in Janu...

Printable Batteries Coming Soon!

<img alt="Printable Batteries Coming Soon!" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydbecsdr7qHGu3hOa27ybcgYTrOc-I86SpPtISNdxjutU5H0Nqm6sVTKZvxGnuM9BsbP0Kbg80rp_sctyNCIG-VA5X5-nzJ0wgW7DwHUD1YGnyUcvioDoKaCQVgpOli3dtmci79WA_ZE/s1600/104024_matter.jpg" width="200" /> 
 
 
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany have managed to create a tiny battery, small enough to be easily "printed" and manufactured. 
 
The battery, which weighs only a few grams, could find use in disposable receipts, cards and other handy application. It is also pretty cheap to manufacture. As the anode and the cathode material gets "used up" as it drains, it's easily disposable as well. It's just a millimeter thick and runs at 1.5 volts. It is also claimed to be quite environmentally friendly, as it does not use mercury. 
 
Products running using this battery can be expected to see production by next year.

Printable Batteries Coming Soon!

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany have managed to create a tiny battery, small enough to be easily "printed...

Philips Cinema 21:9 Platinum – 3DTV coming November

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/home-entertainment/home-cinema/images/Philips-219-3d-1-200-200.jpg"/>Philips has finally offered up a UK release date for its Philips Cinema 21:9 Platinum TV range.The 3D version of Philips' rather good 21:9 series features Bright Pro, 400Hz Clear LCD technology, Perfect Pixel HD processing and Ambilight Spectra 3 - all of whcih combine to create an awesome cinema-like picture quality.Alongside these features there's a number of impressive specs, including: a contrast ratio of 10,000,000:1, 2000 LEDs inside and a decent screen size of 58 inches.3D readyPhilips' Clear LCD technology is key to the 21:9 as it reduces cross-talk. Given that the 21:9 Platinum is a 3D TV this is a vital feature to have, as problems with cross-talk is one of the main bugbears of the technology.The Philips 21:9 Platinum uses active shutter 3D and the TV itself comes complete with a built-in 3D transmitter.There is also internet capabilities on the 21:9, which hooks you up to Philips Net TV. Alongside this is a built-in web browser.The Cinema 21:9 Platinum edition (58PFL9955) comes complete with a built-in 3D transmitter. Annoyingly 3D glasses aren't bundled so you will have to get them through the optional PTA03 pack.The Cinema 21:9 Platinum edition has a November UK release date and will cost £3,999.

Philips Cinema 21:9 Platinum – 3DTV coming November

Philips has finally offered up a UK release date for its Philips Cinema 21:9 Platinum TV range. The 3D version of Philips' rather good ...