Android-powered touchscreen Wi-Fi headphones offered • The Register

Android-powered touchscreen Wi-Fi headphones offered • The Register:

With approximately 10⁶ headphone manufacturers battling for mindspace in the marketplace, Nox Audio has come up with a gimmick that hooked our jaded eyes and ears: headphones that run Android.

"The Admiral is a product like no other," said Julie Ma, Nox Audio's president, in a press release promising that her hefty cans will "unleash an audio revolution."

Not content with Android in your smartphone or tablet? Try the Admiral Touch (source: Engadget)

The Admiral Touch features a 2.4-inch touchscreen display that you can poke and stroke to use the Android OS to access the wireless headset's different modes, adjust volume, and switch tracks. The prototype shown at last week's Consumer Electronics Show was running Android 2.1, but who knows what version it'll be running when – if? – it ships in late 2011.

According to Nox Audio, the headphones' Wi-Fi capability will support not only standard audio sources, but also content streamed from Pandora Radio, and VoIP apps such as MSN chat and Skype. Into the chunky cans will be crammed noise-cancelling 7.1 surround sound, and the earpieces can be rotated outward to function as speakers.

With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and standard 3.5mm audio-jack connectivity, Nox Audio promises that the set will "offer maximum versatility and compatibility with PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PCs, personal music players such as the iPod, home theaters and cell phones and all other electronic devices."

Although the company suggests that the Admiral Touch's removeable and recharageable lithium-ion battery will provide over five hours of audio pleasure, it remains to be seen how long it can truly handle a 2.4-inch display that's powered by an ARM11 processor and supported by 1GB of flash storage, 256MB of RAM, and a microSD card slot.

If the Admiral Touch should catch on, we wouldn't be surprised if another headphone vendor who's seeking recognition will offer a set into which you could slip your 1.54-inchApple iPod nano. ®

3 Things You Can Do To Make Your Android Device Faster « OzTech

3 Things You Can Do To Make Your Android Device Faster « OzTech:

1: Disable running services

2. Don’t overdo the widgets

3. Root it!

Dunno about that last one. Doing it wrong can turn a brilliant phone into an unusable brick. Not for newbies!

Cambridge Audio’s NP30 Network Music Player scoops a coveted ...

The following release has been received from Cambridge Audio. The product has not been submitted by the manufacturers for eval. Reader comments are welcomed.

Home | Products | Reviews | Dealers
	Dear Karl, Another key Cambridge Audio launch for 2011 has just scooped a coveted CES Innovations Award.  The NP30 unleashes the potential of digital music stored on computers and home networks delivering premium quality 24-bit playback through any hi-fi or home entertainment system. In addition, the NP30 offers fast and easy access to a range of streaming music services and over 20,000 Internet radio stations via its in-built UuVol Radio internet portal.  Digital music collections • Share music across the home from PCs, laptops, Macs or network storage devices in radically enhanced quality • "Better than CD" 24-bit/96kHz studio quality playback of 24-bit WAV or FLAC downloads Music streaming services • Experience the world's best streaming services in premium quality  Internet radio • Fast, easy access to over 20,000 internet radio stations, Podcasts and "listen again" shows 24-7! • Search by genre, country, language or quality Usability and set-up simplicity  • Experience the power of UuVol Remote App for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch   • Wired or wireless connection to any home network  Further establishing Cambridge Audio's reputation as one of the most progressive specialist hi-fi manufacturers, the NP30 is the first in a range of network music players and we're delighted to have been recognised with this excellent award.  You can read all about the NP30 by downloading the full press release and hi-res images www.cambridgeaudio.com/press Username - CES2011 Password – Showtime  Simon Hewitt Director of Marketing and Press Relations Cell +44 7974 227574

--
Posted By Karl to SoftwareDaily on 1/07/2011 04:41:00 PM

Wireless HD video sticks demoed • The Register

Amimon has been showing off its HDMI stick, which converts any HDMI source into a WHDI transmitter. WHDI has some advantages: it operates at 5GHz so can pass through walls – unlike the 60GHz WirelessHD and WiMedia standards. Also, as it is focused on uncompressed video, it requires very little processing on reception, while avoiding the introduction of artifacts from repeated compression.

The full report can be viewed at Wireless HD video sticks. demoed • The Register

D-Link have announced new media routers for home networks

The following release comes from D-Link in USA and all dates, prices etc relate to the US market. No information is available for UK or other markets as of yet.

HD Media Routers prioritize application content for Smooth, Seamless A/V Experiences — Even with Huge Files and 1080p Content

D-Link is launching a new breed of DLNA-certified HD Media Routers incorporating HD Fuel technology, a Quality of Service (QoS) engine, to prioritize High Definition traffic for uninterrupted video streaming with services like YouTube HD, Netflix and VUDU throughout the home. The HD Media Routers come with an SD card slot to easily share media files across the home network or remotely and two HD Media Routers come with a USB 3.0 port for smooth HD content streaming from USB hard drives.

The new HD Media Router family includes:

• HD Media Router 1000 (DIR-657) is configured with single band 300Mbps Wireless-N, SD card slot, four built-in Gigabit Ethernet ports, and a USB 2.0 SharePort Plus port.
• HD Media Router 2000 (DIR-827) is configured with simultaneous Dual Band 300Mbps Wireless-N, SD card slot, four built-in Gigabit Ethernet ports and USB 3.0 technology for 2 Gbps transfer rates (10 times faster than USB 2.0).
• HD Media Router 3000 (DIR-857) is configured with simultaneous Dual Band 450Mbps Wireless-N, SD card slot, four built-in Gigabit Ethernet ports and USB 3.0 technology.

The HD Media Router 1000 was selected as a CES Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Award honoree in the Home Networking product category.

D-Link HD Media Routers guarantee video quality for wireless streaming across set-top boxes (like Tivo, Slingbox, and Boxee Box by D-Link), network storage devices and PC-to-PC traffic. Consumers have had access to rich content for some time, but it's been difficult to provide a consistent streaming experience in the home.

The D-Link HD Media Routers feature a new sharing platform made available through a partnership with miiiCasa. miiiCasa enables household members to easily and freely organize, play and share their content among any IP-connected device. It's like a secure cloud for the home. The technology is specifically designed for people with little technical background, with everything managed via a simple browser interface.

miiiCasa completely eliminates the need for configuring storage settings, using FTP servers, disk mounting, or tweaking user access controls. It's embedded in new D-Link HD Media routers, and it integrates seamlessly with D-Link storage solutions.

D-Link Patented "SmartBeam" Technology integrated in new Whole Home Routers and Wi-Fi Booster to Eliminate Dead Spots and Boost Performance

D-Link is showcasing a new line-up of "SmartBeam" Wireless-N Routers and a Wi-Fi Booster that significantly extends the wireless range in the home and boosts performance. SmartBeam solutions are ideal for consumers looking to solve "dead-spot" issues, ensure seamless Wi-Fi coverage across their property and crank up the speed of network throughput for large-file multi-media downloads, multi-media streaming, and bandwidth hungry applications for any conceivable device (iPad, iPhone, Android phones, laptops, entertainment devices like the Boxee Box by D-Link, and more).

The equipment is breaking new ground for 2011. D-Link's solutions are the only devices designed with smart antennae technology, offering consumers best-in-class advantages with very little incremental cost above conventional Wireless-N routers.

D-Link Whole Home Routers and Wi-Fi Booster feature:

• D-Link "SmartBeam" multi-element antennae to direct signal transmission directly to the highest bandwidth devices for optimal performance
• Greater signal gain for better coverage
• Reduced interference levels
• Efficient, low-power consumption

SmartBeam solutions being unveiled this week include:

• Wi-Fi Booster with SmartBeam Technology (DAP-1525) can be added to any existing router to instantly boost a Wi-Fi signal. Configured with switchable 2.4GHz/5GHz wireless bands, 6-element directional antennae, 4 Gigabit ports, Bridge and Access Point mode support, and multiple SSID support for different applications.
• Whole Home Router 1000 with SmartBeam Technology (DIR-645) is configured with a single-band Wireless-N 300, 6-element directional antennae, 4 Gigabit ports, USB 2.0 with SharePort and WMM for application quality.
• Whole Home Router 2000 with SmartBeam Technology (DIR-845) is configured with all the features of the 1000 series, but employs simultaneous dual band antennae (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz) for creating two networks at once.

All models employ QoS to ensure consistent, reliable signal quality for each application or service.

Their stylish designs make them subtle additions to existing home electronics equipment and decor.

Powerful 500Mbps PowerLine and Hybrid Home Network Solutions Deliver the Best of Wired and Wireless Networks

D-Link is delivering fast 500Mbps networking solutions that tap into the existing power outlets and electrical wiring in a home for connecting devices at the entertainment center and bringing network connections to any outlet in the home.

The 500Mbps line of solutions includes:

• PowerLine AV 500 4-port Gigabit Switch (DHP-540) with up to 500Mbps PowerLine performance and 4 Gigabit ports — ideal for connecting multiple devices in the entertainment center. Simply plug in this small 4-port switch and enable networking over existing electrical wiring in your home.
• PowerLine AV 500 Adapter (DHP-500AV) and PowerLine AV 500 Adapter Kit (DHP-501AV) provides a single adapter and two adapters to configure a PowerLine network across existing electrical wiring in your home.

D-Link's new PowerLine AV Combo Router (DHP-1320), merges PowerLine 200Mbps technology with a Wireless-N router and Ethernet ports offering customers three connectivity options to reach all the devices in the home with the optimal speed and bandwidth without messy cables or dead spots.

When combined with D-Link PowerLine Adapter at the client device station, the solution can push content such as multi-media, VoIP, or any other robust network traffic from the router to the device via the home's existing electrical outlets.

It's a simple way to ensure optimal coverage throughout the home.

All these D-Link solutions are designed to let users work, play, connect, entertain, share and view anything they like, whenever they want to, and wherever they prefer within the home.

Price and Availability

HD Media Routers:

• HD Media Router 1000 (DIR-657) will be available at the end of 1Q/2011 with a street price expected to be under $140.00.
• HD Media Router 2000 (DIR-827) will be available in 2Q/2001 with pricing to be announced.
• HD Media Router 3000 (DIR-857) will be available in early-3Q 2001 with pricing to be announced.

D-Link Whole Home Routers and Wi-Fi Booster

• Wi-Fi Booster (DAP-1525) will be available in 2Q/2011 with a street price expected to be under $140.00.
• Whole Home Router 1000 (DIR-645) will be available in 2Q/2001 with pricing to be announced.
• Whole Home Router 2000 (DIR-845) will be available in 3Q 2001 with pricing to be announced.

PowerLine Products:

• PowerLine AV 500 4-port Switch (DHP-540) will be available late-1Q/2011 with pricing to be announced.
• PowerLine AV 500 Adapter (DHP-500AV) will be available 1Q/2011 with a street price expected to be $79.99.
• PowerLine AV 500 Adapter Starter Kit (DHP-501AV) will be available in 1Q/2011 with a street price expected to be $139.99.
• PowerLine AV Combo Router (DHP-1320) will be available in February 2011 with a street price of $99.99.

------------------

I'm using Opera Unite to post audio of my songs, poems, interviews etc on the web. With all the recordings I've done over the past half century or so, it's a lot of sorting out to do, but check out this link to lend an ear to this work in progress. The page opens with some miscellaneous items, followed by a series of folders which you can use for navigating through the clips.

Go well.

Karl Dallas

HTC Desire offered by Expansys with FREE Digital Photo Viewer

Note:

HardwareDaily does not endorse any of the claims made in this announcement. Reader comments are welcomed.

Prices and availability subject to change, www.expansys.com website price and availability always applies.
All prices exclusive of VAT unless stated. Terms and Conditions apply, E&OE. ©2010 eXpansys plc.
eXpansys UK Limited is registered in England, Company Number 02870061
Registered Office at Unit 16, Rutherford House, 40 Pencroft Way, Manchester Science Park, Manchester, M15 6SZ, United Kingdom.

Latest Smartphones set to unsettle the market

Press release from Outsourcery. HardwareDaily does not endorse the claims made in this announcement.

30.09.10

Latest Smartphones set to unsettle the market

Smartphone wars have commenced with the announcement that the BlackBerry Torch 9800 will go on sale tomorrow - with the Windows Phone 7 and the Nokia N8 to be released in the UK shortly. All three phones are designed to eat into the dominance of Apple's iPhone and Google's Android platform, as part of a fierce battle to gain market share in the highly lucrative hand-held devices market. Whilst in the consumer space hand-held devices are becoming commoditised, in the business sector there is still money to be made with all the key players jostling for position by preparing to introduce new features all aimed at luring people away from Apple and Android devices.

Smartphones empowering remote working

The Windows Phone 7 which will allow users to edit SharePoint (Microsoft's web portal technology) documents on the move is an attractive feature for people who need access to documents whilst they work on the go. However most of the new features of this phone are around consumer multi-media capabilities and consumer software applications linking the phone with Microsoft Live, Microsoft's consumer web platform.

Following the recent CEO change, Nokia is widely being viewed as a rising star in the market with its aggressive pricing which many experts believe will deliver considerable market share. The new Nokia N8 due out shortly is powered by the new Symbian 3 software and has the Unified Communications software pre-installed which is a boon for businesses wanting to use Microsoft's Unified Communications Technology.  It also has improved multi-tasking (another business feature) however many of the new capabilities are targeted at the consumer such as improved graphics, multi-point touch and multiple home screens. The BlackBerry Torch 9800 runs the new OS 6 and again has many improved consumer features such as an improved 5MP camera and integrated social networking and although it features a slide out QWERTY keyboard, the touch screen interface features heavily.

Nevertheless, these phones are able to compete with Apple on a large market scale, Mark Seemann, CTO for Outsourcery said,

"From a business perspective, both Microsoft and Nokia have been historically strong but their market shares have weakened lately. RIM's BlackBerry devices have seen continued success within the business market and with the imminent launch of the BlackBerry Torch its success could continue into the next year."

Smartphones are not the only market that RIM is looking to compete in, with the announcement of the launch of their tablet device (Playbook) at the 2010 BlackBerry Developer Conference this week (27-30 September). Like its rival, Apple, BlackBerry is determined to ride on the back of the wave.

Seemann added, "The key driver for smartphones is the growing demand for people wanting to work remotely and it is this flexibility that has fuelled the growth in sales of Apple's iPad which is effectively a Hybrid PC/smartphone. BlackBerry is determined to capitalise on this market with its imminent launch of its own 'Playbook."

 

About Outsourcery

Outsourcery is the UK's leading provider of unified communications (UC) and hosted IT solutions for business.  The company has its own state-of-the-art data centre and hosting infrastructure to provide managed services and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) IT solutions such as hosted Microsoft Exchange 2007, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Microsoft Office Communication Server, Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 and UC solutions using the leading BroadWorks® platform from BroadSoft®.

Microsoft named Outsourcery in the 2010 Worldwide Partner Awards, held in Washington DC, as their 'Hosting Solutions Partner of the Year'.  As the UK's number one provider of hosted Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, Outsourcery was also named as 'Microsoft Dynamics Hosting Partner of the Year' and named in the Presidents Club for Microsoft Dynamics; an elite group of strategic partners whose sales achievement ranks them in the highest echelon of the Microsoft Dynamics global network of partners.  Outsourcery is also Microsoft's UK launch partner for UC.

A Microsoft Certified Gold Partner with a total of seven competencies, the company employs more than 230 staff based in three UK offices.  With an annual turnover of circa £44 million, Outsourcery is the UK's No.1 independent provider of business mobile solutions.  It supports the customer bases for Vodafone and O2, providing mobile voice and data solutions to approximately 10,000 organisations and over 100,000 business end-users.

Outsourcery is the UK's first carbon neutral UC and hosted IT solutions company, and was awarded the celebrated'Comms Business Green Channel Company Award 2010' for offsetting its carbon emissions to replace open cooking fires in the Kisumu region of Kenya with energy efficient Rocket stoves.

For more information, please visit www.outsourcery.co.uk

For more information on becoming carbon neutral, visit www.co2balance.uk.com

Follow Outsourcery at http://twitter.com/outsourcery