New Technology Reviews!.: plans

WWDC Interview: FastSpring

WWDC Interview: FastSpring

Neil Ticktin (Editor-in-Chief, MacTech Magazine and MacNews) interviews Todd Stellfox of FastSpring at WWDC 2011. Todd was kind enough to te...

WWDC Interview: FrogPad

WWDC Interview: FrogPad

Victor Agreda, Jr. (Editor-in-Chief, The Unofficial Apple Weblog) interviews Linda Marroquin of FrogPad at WWDC 2011. Linda was kind enough ...

Apple patent application reveals plans for external battery pack, spells further trouble for HyperMac

<img alt="" border="0" hspace="4" src="/applepatent-battpack-1301680985.jpg" vspace="4"> Way back in September of last year, Apple filed a patent-infringement suit against HyperMac, the folks behind these external batteries. At the time, it looked like Apple was protecting its patented MagSafe power connector, but a newly released USPTO application for a "Power Adapter with Internal Battery" might reveal a more accurate view of the company's litigious motivations. From the look of things, the outfit intends to make its mark on juicing solutions with what is basically a wall charger packing an internal battery. According to the patent filing, the contraption would include a processor for parceling energy to the host device as well as the adapter, and could also incorporate a supplemental energy source like a solar cell. Among other things, it would also communicate with the device being charged to allow users to monitor the juice stored in the extra battery. If the thing does end up making it to market, it looks like HyperMac could have a whole lot more trouble on its hands than a little patent-infringement suit.Apple patent application reveals plans for external battery pack, spells further trouble for HyperMac <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/apple-patent-application-reveals-plans-for-external-battery-pack/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via</A>

Apple patent application reveals plans for external battery pack, spells further trouble for HyperMac

Way back in September of last year, Apple filed a patent-infringement suit against HyperMac, the folks behind these external batteries. At t...

London scraps plans for cellular coverage on the tube, bums Huawei out

<img alt="" border="0" hspace="4" src="http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/5337/11x0401n8i3bv.jpg" vspace="4">Technical complexity and financial naiveté have meant that London's ambitious plans to cover its underground train network with cellular signal by the 2012 Olympics are hitting the scrapheap. In spite of Huawei's most generous offer to provide £50 million ($81m) of equipment for the project for free, the London Mayor's wish that UK mobile operators be the ones to foot the installation bill -- without a penny coming out of public coffers -- has unsurprisingly found little favor. Compounded with the logistical hellride of trying to get everything up and running by next summer, that's now led to a mutual agreement among all parties concerned to abandon the project. Mind you, the plans to get WiFi up at 120 stations in time for the Olympics are still on track, so at least we'll be able to pull down some data before diving into those dark, damp tunnels.London scraps plans for cellular coverage on the tube, bums Huawei out <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/london-scraps-plans-for-cellular-coverage-on-the-tube-bums-huaw/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via</A>

London scraps plans for cellular coverage on the tube, bums Huawei out

Technical complexity and financial naiveté have meant that London's ambitious plans to cover its underground train network with cellular...

GameStop details plans for Impulse and Spawn Labs, says it's 'becoming a technology company'

<img alt="" border="1" hspace="4" src="http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/2413/gamestopspawnlabs040120.jpg" vspace="4"> Well, it looks like GameStop's plans following its acquisition of Impulse and Spawn Labs may be even grander than we had suspected. At an investor conference today, GameStop said flat out that it is "becoming a technology company," and that it does indeed plan to introduce a cloud-based gaming service similar to OnLive as a result of the Spawn Labs acquisition, while Impulse will be used to "compete fiercely" with Steam. But that's just the start of things. According to the Dallas Morning News, GameStop also plans to expand the gaming service to a variety of mobile devices, and it's apparently even entertaining the idea of a GameStop-branded tablet, saying that "if we feel like we could do a better job of making a tablet, we'll do that." Of course, some of that is still quite a ways off, but GameStop will be taking its first steps fairly soon -- it's already showed off a demo of how the service will be integrated into its website (see above, complete with a "try it now" option), and it plans to begin a public beta sometime this year before rolling out the full service early next year.GameStop details plans for Impulse and Spawn Labs, says it's 'becoming a technology company' <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/gamestop-details-plans-for-impulse-and-spawn-labs-says-its-be/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via</A>

GameStop details plans for Impulse and Spawn Labs, says it's 'becoming a technology company'

Well, it looks like GameStop's plans following its acquisition of Impulse and Spawn Labs may be even grander than we had suspected. At a...

Nintendo plans new year 3DS reveal

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/classifications/images/3DSred-200-200.jpg"> Nintendo is planning to host European and American press events to release launch details of the Nintendo 3DS in January. Nintendo issued invites to a US 3DS press event in New York on 19 January, with European tech and gaming media also being invited to a similar event in Amsterdam on the same day. Launch details for 3DS TechRadar will be attending the Euro event in January, when we hope to find out the final Nintendo 3DS UK release date and pricing details - and, perhaps most importantly, the game launch line-up. Nintendo says the NYC event will feature "hands-on game play, demos and a presentation by president and COO of Nintendo of America Reggie Fils-Aime." We have spoken with Nintendo UK reps to find out more about the plans for the Amsterdam event in January, but have been served with the requisite 'no comment' from PRs. A 3D easter gift? Japan gets the 3DS on February 19, so there is already speculation that Nintendo might be planning a simultaneous worldwide launch on the same date. Alternatively, the Japanese gaming giant may choose to wait a month or more and release the 3DS around the busy Easter holiday period in the US and Europe. Whatever transpires we will be first to bring you the news. In the meantime, you can see our most highly-anticipated top 10 Nintendo 3DS titles on 3DRadar.

Nintendo plans new year 3DS reveal

Nintendo is planning to host European and American press events to release launch details of the Nintendo 3DS in January. Nintendo issued i...

Bugs 3D! producer reveals plans for 3D Meerkat movie

3DRadar recently caught up with Phil Streather, CEO at Principal Large Format and the producer of Bugs 3D! - one of the first major 3D IMAX movies back in 2003 that really showed the way forward for 3D entertainment. <img alt="Bugs" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/images/bugs02_555pxBLOG-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> We were interested to find out a little bit more about Phil's own background, his thoughts on the developments in 3D since Bugs! first screened seven years ago and what he has in store for the future. 3DRadar: What was 3D technology and 3D filmmaking like back when you produced Bugs 3D! in the early noughties? Phil Streather: Bugs! was produced in 2003 by my company, Principal Large Format (PLF) and released in spring of 2003 by the films executive producers, SK Films of Toronto. The fundamental difference between then and now (aside from the fact that Bugs! was an IMAX movie) is that most 3D films were actually shot on film. Those films appeared mainly in special venues and IMAX theatres. With shooting on film, this makes it very hard to monitor on-set what is going on in terms of 3D. Thus you have to rely on the mathematical skills of the stereographer to get the 3D right. We had a brilliant team comprising Sean Phillips as our stereographer and the vast majority of the 3D in the film is bang-on, even by today's standards! Sean is of course equally happy shooting modern 3D with all the monitors, calculators and stereo image processors available. 3DR: How important was that movie for changing moviegoers perceptions about what was possible with 3D? PS: The main contribution Bugs! has made to the 3D pantheon in terms of its macro and micro photography. Film audiences had seen the world of insects in glorious close-up in microcosmos but never in 3D. It is 3D that really brings you into the world of the tiny and I am delighted to say that the designer of our specialty rigs and lenses for Bugs! was awarded the Gordon E Sawyer Oscar for his work. This is an accolade given each year by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to "an individual in the motion picture industry whose technological contributions have brought credit to the industry." 3DR: What do you think have been the two or three main movies or new technologies that have driven the development of 3D in the last 5-10 years? PS: Three come to mind here. U23D showed us how amazing live action 3D could look. Whilst there are some visual effects during some songs by and large this is a full throttle action film. But, way more than just a concert film. Catherine Owens and Mark Pellington created the film as an experiment with new type of filming technology that was pioneered by film producer and general technology genius, Steve Schklair, CEO of 3ality Digital. Coraline moved stop motion animation into the next dimension by using single cameras on motion control platforms. They also moved the grammar of storytelling forward with the films' contrast between the flat world of the little girls real life and the rounded world of her life through a tunnel. Internationally renowned animation company, Aardman Animations are using the same single camera technique on upcoming 3D projects. And then there is Avatar – no need to add anything here! 3DR: For many general movie-goers, Avatar was the first big movie they saw in 3D? How important do you think Avatar and other major AAA movies from the likes of Disney/Pixar have been to push 3D into the mainstream? PS: 3D was heading into the mainstream before Avatar with films such as Meet the Robinsons and Monsters vs Aliens. Of course, these are full CGI films, but films none the less. Avatar is also 90% CGI but by using advanced motion capture, Director Cameron was able to convince us those digits were real! Avatar's staggering success cemented Hollywood's hunch that 3D is a good idea and is here to stay for a while. 3DR: What about 3D in the home? What are your thoughts on the latest 3D TVs? Do you think PS3 gaming will drive the uptake of 3D tech in the home – in addition to Sky 3D and 3D Blu-ray? PS: 3D in the home is a great idea. Bugs! is playing right now on the Sky 3D platform and one of my next films, Meerkats 3D, produced with Oxford Scientific Films for National Geographic / Sky will be on Sky 3D next spring – watch out for this! One of the TVs I prefer is one that uses passive glasses like the RealD ones in cinemas. I'm not a fan of shutter glasses and find them heavy, flickery and distracting. Rumour has it that there will be 3D TVs using RealD passive glasses which will be available in 2011 and I think that this is a good thing. At the moment there is no universality on glasses and Sony glasses won't work on Samsung TVs and they come with two pairs only. Additional pairs cost around $100 each. There's room for improvement here. I must admit that I've never played computer games. However, this said, my colleague and mate Julian Napier (also director of my other upcoming film, Carmen in 3D for RealD and Royal Opera House) plays loads of games and is a major fan of 3D. Though he does not do 3D games yet! This may drive the market but I would be surprised if he would let his children take over the 46-inch plasma screen in the sitting room to play 3D games – time will tell!

Bugs 3D! producer reveals plans for 3D Meerkat movie

3DRadar recently caught up with Phil Streather, CEO at Principal Large Format and the producer of Bugs 3D! - one of the first major 3D IMAX...

Microsoft plans new Xbox 360 TV service

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/images/tvguide-200-200.jpg"> Microsoft is set to launch a new subscription-based online TV service via the Xbox 360 and other devices. Reuters claims that sources close to the project have revealed that Microsoft is currently in talks with media firms negotiating TV network licensing deals. The service is unlikely to arrive until late 2011 at the earliest. A virtual cable operator Microsoft hopes that a subscription-based TV service on the Xbox 360 would be able to compete with the likes of Google TV, Apple TV and streaming services such as the popular Netflix in the US. Microsoft is looking to establish a "virtual cable operator" on the Xbox 360, charging users a monthly fee to access networks such as ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS, ESPN or CNN. The computing giant is also looking at other viable options, such as offering cable subscribers the ability to use the Xbox to watch shows with deeper interactive functions, such as instant messaging and social networking. Microsoft may also consider setting up bespoke programming packages for its customers, such as sports or family programming packages. Microsoft may also look to sell individual channels directly to subcribers. The Xbox 360 manufacturer has so far declined to comment on the reports. Kinect TV? Speaking at the Reuters Global Media Summit this week, News COO Chase Carey said the arrival of alternative TV services – such as the rumoured service in development at Microsoft – give cable and broadcast networks further ways of reaching niche audiences. "The emergence of platforms like that -- from people like Microsoft which is really more a theory at this point, or Netflix -- increases the value of content and brands and those who create the content and channels that actually the business and drives consumer demand," said the News Corp boss. Microsoft is also said to be developing Kinect-based gesture tech which will allow users to select and change channels and give them better control over their TV viewing experience.

Microsoft plans new Xbox 360 TV service

Microsoft is set to launch a new subscription-based online TV service via the Xbox 360 and other devices. Reuters claims that sources close ...

Orange announces new cheaper iPad plans

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/Review%20images/TechRadar/Gadgets/Apple%20iPad/More%20pics/1004ipad_hometimes-200-200.jpg"> Orange has announced its price plans for the new subsidised iPad model it will be offering – and predictably, it's still pretty expensive. The iPad will come in a variety of storage capacities still, with the 16GB costing £199, the 32GB coming in at £249 and the 64GB offering costing a whopping £349. But Orange is also rewarding its existing customers for staying loyal to the brand as well, with the monthly price plans costing £2 a month cheaper. Slightly cheaper chips £25 a month (or £27 for new customers) will get you 1GB of anytime data, and a further 1GB allowance from midnight to 4PM – Orange's so-called quiet time data. On top of that you'll be allowed unlimited *cough*3GB really*cough* Wi-Fi through BT Openzone when out and about – so the upshot is you shouldn't really ever run out of data unless you're streaming the entire internet or something. However, it's predictably not cheaper than buying the iPad outright: for instance, the 16GB 3G version costs £499 to purchase, and £7.50 a month will get you 1GB of data on Three. This works out at £589 over the course of the deal, should you want to sell and upgrade your iPad when a new one emerges (which it obviously will). Compare this to the nearly £900 the Orange deal will cost, and you can see the cost saving. However, we know that many people will just see the lower price tag and get into bed with the fruity network as fast as possible – and for you people, it's good news: <a href="http://shop.orange.co.uk/ipad/">pre-ordering has just gone live</A>.

Orange announces new cheaper iPad plans

Orange has announced its price plans for the new subsidised iPad model it will be offering – and predictably, it's still pretty expensiv...

New Plans and IT Solutions Implementation

IT solutions are what keeps a business running and only an efficient IT team will ensure the efficiency of the business of an institution. As dynamic as today's market is, one would always have to be prepared to take risks, change clients and adopt new methodologies. This would require the company being able to switch to an equally competent IT solution without much loss of efficiency. Such a competence is possible only with experience and some basic measures, which can ensure the adaptability of new plans and IT solutions.1. Database creation In order to support new support new ideas, we must know what resources are already in possession. Such knowledge would be readily available only when there is sufficient and detailed documentation of the available software and hardware. This could be achieved by the assistance of any IT hire. All that is needed is an initiative.2. Recognizing people An updated business network list is always essential to maintain. It is not very advisable to push off with experimentation here. Phone, website, data services, company hosting email services and all the other services provided any outer service provider. You must take care that you keep agreement documents handy and updated because you would need them in case of any service requirement from the particular provider.3) Backup is a must: Database backup is one of the great missions to be accomplished by making use of the right technology. There could be various doubts about the same as in, the hardware on which it is updated, the software used, and how often the backup is updated and so on.4) Handling the password update process: When a certain employee leaves the company you need to make sure, that you have all the passwords of various software and hardware at the work place. Also access to the passwords and records has to be constantly watched over. A change in support system would need a change in all passwords.5) Disks and Documents: The complete configuration of software and hardware has to be cataloged and stored in a definite area collectively to ensure that there is not loss. License keys, the price and date of purchase and so on have to be systematically maintained here. This helps in network troubleshooting or even the trouble posed in an audit by BSA (Business Software Alliance). Absence of the information may lead to fine and replacement cost.6) Regular Maintenance: For optimizing the standards of performance one has to particularly take care of planned consistent maintenance of Internet Technology systems.7) Supervisory checks from outside: It is always advisable to have an expert from a firm outside to give his neutral ideas and take care of your infrastructure, as they are capable of figuring out flaws which people in the system may fail to. An amount spent in this sector ultimately leads to a lot of savings on the cost you might have to incur n case of any loopholes.8) Considerations of day-today security: The most heard words in security threats would be 'virus, hacker threats, spam' and so on. They are however just the external component of danger. The regular IT-systems are generally at greater threat of hacking from within itself. This would require a careful check of the company's defense and keep a track of all the procedures and rules of the security really well.	 	 		 			 				 					 						Philips Taylor Brown offers IT support in the Nottingham area, tailored to suit the needs of any business. Visit their website now for more information if you are looking for <a href="http://www.phillipstaylorbrown.com" target="_new">IT Support Nottingham</a>.

New Plans and IT Solutions Implementation

IT solutions are what keeps a business running and only an efficient IT team will ensure the efficiency of the business of an institution...

PlayStation Phone plans: Sony boss comments

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/images/ps%20phone%20prototype-200-200.jpg" /> 
Following leaked images of a prototype 'PlayStation Phone' earlier last month, the CEO of Sony Ericsson mobile phones has alluded to the development of the gaming phone, claiming that there is "no smoke without fire." 
Of course, this is far from an official confirmation that such a 'PlayStation Phone' exists, although it strongly suggests that Sony Ericsson and Sony Computer Entertainment are looking at ways of jointly developing gaming on mobile phone. 
Smoke, fire, mirrors 
"There's a lot of smoke, and I tell you there must be a fire somewhere," Sony Ericsson Chief Executive Bert Nordberg said in an interview with the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704170404575624592495029652.html">Wall Street Journal</a>, when quizzed about the leaked images' authenticity. 
"Sony has an extremely strong offering in the gaming market, and that's very interesting." 
Whether or not Sony Ericsson's new gaming offering will be PlayStation-branded or Xperia-branded is still to be confirmed, although however the gaming controls on the device are developed and marketed, the phone is set to run Google's Android 3.0 OS when it arrives at some point later in 2011. 
Current phones not 'optimized for games' 
iPhones and other current smartphones with touch screens are still not "optimized for games," argued Sony Ericsson's Nordberg. 
When asked why Sony Ericsson had not released a gaming-focused phone making use of Sony's PlayStation experience, he responded: 
"I haven't dug into that history, but the future might be brighter," adding, "I'm very glad that we work with a company like Sony, who actually knows how to do it." 
PSP Phone in Barcelona next Feb? 
The Sony Ericsson CEO added that there was no technological issues in developing such a phone, but that the major hurdles were legal ones – discussing game rights with third party games publishers. 
Nordberg promises that the new gaming phone will be making a big noise at next February's Mobile Word Congress in Barcelona 
"Sony is of course a very strong brand, and why shouldn't we use that?" said Nordberg. "Gaming, including content, is a very interesting proposition."

PlayStation Phone plans: Sony boss comments

Following leaked images of a prototype 'PlayStation Phone' earlier last month, the CEO of Sony Ericsson mobile phones has alluded ...

The Chuckle Brothers reveal 3D movie plans

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/home-entertainment/images/Chucklevision-200-200.jpg"> The greatest children entertainers of all time (well, on a par with the cast of Rentaghost), The Chuckle Brothers are to release a 3D movie of their exploits which is set to be more 'to me, at you' rather than 'to me, to you'. In what could well be the movie which knocks Avatar off of its po-faced 3D perch, The Chuckle Brothers have revealed that not only are they making their first movie but it will be in another dimension. "We've always wanted to make a film. A Chuckle Brothers movie," Barry Chuckle said to Digital Spy. "We've always wanted to do that and there is one in the pipeline now for us to do next year. That is very exciting. "We'll probably be doing that in May, June time. It is a spoof horror and it's going to be in 3D, which is another first for us. We've never been in 3D before." Brothers beyond Spoof Horror? 3D? Consider us sold. Personally, TechRadar is hoping that the movie is more Spooky Goings On than Spooky Goings On 2, though if the plot has any of the pathos of the Brothers' earlier TV effort Doctor What & the Return of the Garlics, then we will be more than pleased. Although The Chuckle Brothers have made a pact with the devil to look the same forever, The Chuckle Brothers have been plying their trade since 1967, but only really made it to the screen in 1985. Interestingly, this is a mere year after James Cameron hit the big time with The Terminator. Although Cameron's and the Chuckle's careers have taken decidedly different paths since then, it will be interesting to see if in 2011 The Chuckle Brothers 3D will be the movie which truly brings 3D to the mainstream.

The Chuckle Brothers reveal 3D movie plans

The greatest children entertainers of all time (well, on a par with the cast of Rentaghost ), The Chuckle Brothers are to release a 3D movie...

The Chuckle Brothers reveal 3D movie plans

The Chuckle Brothers reveal 3D movie plans

The greatest children entertainers of all time (well, on a par with the cast of Rentaghost ), The Chuckle Brothers are to release a 3D movie...