Hitachi-LG Data Storage Inc. (HLDS), a global leader and technology innovator in optical disc storage (ODD) revealed to introduce SAT 6.0Gbps based 2nd Generation, ‘Hybrid Drive’, as a successive product to ODD Hybrid Drive 1st Generation introduced in Taiwan last June which was loaded with SSD(Solid State Drive) for the first time in the world, at CEATEC 2010 held in Makuhari Messe, Japan, from October 5 to 9.

The 2nd Generation, ‘Hybrid Drive’, is an innovative product equipped with SATA III(6.0Gbps) based improved speed, and a comprehensive SATA port, by accumulating ODD & SSD circuits in a integrated PCB. This is a perfect reincarnation of the previous ODD structure, and users of all PC products can utilize HDD, ODD, SDD at the same time without having to change the entire system, by just exchanging the previous ODD.

Differentiated functions have been added to the Hybrid Drive such as the Green Playback; a low electricity- Title playing technology, and a comparison of real functions between Hybrid Drive applied products and non applied products of AIO(All-in-one) PC, Mini PC, HTPC, Gaming/Premium Notebook, will be introduced at this CEATEC 2010.

PC News Media K-Bench(www.kbench.com) and Editor of Betanews(www.betanews.net), who recently progressed Benchmark of the 1st Generation Hybrid Drive, foresaw that 256 GB supported 2nd Generation, ‘Hybrid drive’, will play big roles in the distribution of SSD, as SSD will be seen as a tool for driving OS & Application through Hybrid Drive, such as for decreasing PC Booting time and Performance increase, no longer as just a simple saving apparatus.

To support this, according to the Benchmark progressed by PC News Media ‘Betanews’, there seems to have been discrete differences between 1st Generation ‘Hybrid Drive’ and general Hard Disks, in PC System( Windows 7 64bit Ultimate Edition) Booting time where each respectively recorded 16 sec and 29 sec, in Starcraft 2 Battlenet Loading time where each respectively recorded 20 sec, 38 sec, etc. (PC System Specification : 1st Generation ‘Hybrid Drive’ and 2.5inch 5,400RPM 320GB Hard Disk each on Intel Celeron Core SU2300, DDR3 4GB Memory , ION Based ITX System) In addition, relations explained that results will become more dramatic once various Applications are installed in the PC.

[ Link: HLDS, Aving News ]

Sticking out only 6mm from the connected device, the LaCie MosKeyto, pronounced like that pesky blood-sucking bug, is very small indeed.

Today LaCie spawns a new breed of USB key – the LaCie MosKeyto, an ultra-small flash drive that’s anything but pesky. Joining LaCie’s line-up of award-winning USB keys, MosKeyto ups the ante for power, portability and ease of use.

LaCie MosKeyto measures less than 20mm and weighs 10 grams, making it one of the smallest USB keys on the market. Offering capacities up to 16GB, you’ll be pleasantly amazed at how many bytes you can get from such a tiny MosKeyto.

The stealthy MosKeyto becomes nearly invisible when plugged into your computer, and can even travel with the computer in a protective sleeve or briefcase – just plug it, and forget it. Because it lies flush against your device, there is no risk of damage to the port, computer or key if the drive is knocked or bumped. Additionally, if it’s in your laptop, you won’t lose it.

Offered presently in 4gb and 8gb sizes at $17.99 and $27.99 respectively, this ultra-small USB flash drive definitely won’t get snagged while you’re moving around with your laptop.

[ Links: LaCie, LaCie MosKeyto ]

Coding an application from scratch is an intense affair. Libraries, references, classes, includes, programming patterns and if you’re not a programmer, it’s an uphill battle to even get started on a concept.

You can build just about any app you can imagine with App Inventor. Often people begin by building games like WhackAMole or games that let you draw funny pictures on your friend’s faces. You can even make use of the phone’s sensors to move a ball through a maze based on tilting the phone.

But app building is not limited to simple games. You can also build apps that inform and educate. You can create a quiz app to help you and your classmates study for a test. With Android’s text-to-speech capabilities, you can even have the phone ask the questions aloud.

To use App Inventor, you do not need to be a developer. App Inventor requires NO programming knowledge. This is because instead of writing code, you visually design the way the app looks and use blocks to specify the app’s behavior.

Via Google Labs, App Inventor for Android allows easy access to the GPS, desktop, SMS and web portions for even the non-programmer. The inevitable fart or banner app that announces your name from across the room will pop-up, but this is a very quick way to start out programming and overcome the hurdles of learning Android from scratch.

Based on Java and able to connect to your Android phone, this looks like an impressive way to start out.

[ Links: Google Labs App Inventor ]

It was noted how AT&T’s Microcell femtocell service was already a dubious value proposition given the device, intended to improve in-home cell coverage by routing voice and data calls over broadband, involves users paying AT&T to help ease congestion on local towers. Not only does routing calls over your broadband service result in you eating your minutes, but it also now appears that using 3G at home eats away at your caps.

That’s absurd, given that both voice and 3G over the device uses the user’s bandwidth – and not precious backhaul resources.

AT&T’s been making the rounds trying to give an explanation for why they made the decision to make their Microcell service an even worse value, but the explanations so far aren’t making sense.

“3G MicroCell is primarily intended to enhance the voice call quality experience in your home,” AT&T’s Seth Bloom tells us. “While it can carry mobile data traffic, that’s not the primary solution it provides,” he says. “Wi-Fi is the optimal solution for home mobile data use. We encourage people to take advantage of Wi-Fi capabilities – that’s why all of our smartphones include Wi-Fi radios, and usage on Wi-Fi doesn’t count against your mobile data usage bucket.”

Customers will probably decide to use their Wi-Fi connection when in the home. That still doesn’t explain why AT&T lets the service eat 3G bandwidth caps should they use 3G. In that case, the traffic’s being routed over the exact same broadband connection as Wi-Fi. Whether users should use 3G over the Microcell in the home when Wi-Fi’s available isn’t the point. The service still shouldn’t be eating your wireless caps just like femtocells shouldn’t eat your voice minutes.

Bloom goes on to insist that the Microcell “uses our core wireless network just like a call placed while driving down the highway uses the core wireless network.” “The only difference is how that data or call gets there via a MicroCell connected to a wired broadband connection instead of a cell tower.”

Again though, you’re not using AT&T’s tower or their backhaul, you’re using your own already-paid-for bandwidth. AT&T’s entire justification for their new low caps and overages is backhaul and tower congestion (though even that’s dubious – simple profit is the more likely motivation) – and congestion’s not an issue here. Sure, there’s costs involved, but they’re minor compared to the costs of traditional wireless connectivity.

Consider these are users shelling out for a home broadband connection, a wireless 3G and data connection, possibly an added landline connection, the upfront cost of hardware and an additional $20 if they want unlimited voice that doesn’t eat away at their minutes. Just how much are we expecting the average consumer to pay per month for simple, regular-use voice and data connectivity?

Either AT&T’s gunning to make an additional few million annually in revenue off of those incapable of differentiating between 3G and Wi-Fi, or they’re incapable of getting the Wi-Fi/3G femtocell billing straightened out and don’t want to admit it.

Some might think this is all rather nerdy semantics, but these are important questions when exploring how carriers seem to be sucking all the value out of the femtocell with absurd pricing decisions and other penalties – especially when the femtocell helps the carrier more than it does you.

Link to the original article…

BitTorrent recently announced that the company had open sourced uTP, the BitTorrent protocol powering the latest release of uTorrent. According to the company, they open sourced the code – available here, if you’re interested – in the hopes of extending its adoption within the BitTorrent ecosystem. As mentioned last fall, the new uTP platform is designed to be more network friendly, measuring the time a packet takes to get from peer A to peer B, detecting problems, then throttling speed (usually upload) to help compensate. Still, according to Torrent Freak, there are early hiccups, and users have “seen their speeds decrease dramatically” with the new protocol.

Link to the original article…

Use Skype? Love to use the video calling features? Hate how some of the higher priced Microsoft and Logitech cameras claim to be better; but really don’t measure up until you’ve spent over $100 or so? FREETALK has introduced their FREETALK® Everyman HD Webcam (TALK-7140) that has the following specs:

• Skype-certified High Definition camera
• High-performance optical lens
• 24-bit true color depth
• Auto Exposure and Auto White Balance
• Auto Focus capability
• Supports HD video encoding at resolutions up to 1280×720 at up to 22 frames per second
• Universal clip for supporting wide variety of displays

And all for the lovely price of $49 USD. Do want.

[ Link: Skype, Skype Shop, In Store Solutions ]

Back in February, BroadbandReports noted how Baltimore was one of a number of cities upset that they were overlooked by the Verizon FiOS installation fairies. As they’ve discussed at length, the company is stopping deployment in any market where a franchise agreement hasn’t already been signed. There’s a number of reasons for this, including the fact that Verizon wants to market the service to deployed areas and ramp up adoption, the company is eager to see if they can grab stimulus bucks, and Verizon CEO (and FiOS’s biggest champion) Ivan Seidenberg is on the way out – and his replacements aren’t as bullish on this whole “future” thing.

Baltimore this week decided to hold a public hearing exploring why they weren’t part of Verizon’s $23 Billion FiOS plans. The city denies that they were in any way the cause of Verizon’s decision, either by being difficult franchise negotiation partners or by imposing heavy conditions on Verizon. Many in the city continue to think Baltimore was ignored because of its lower income and minority neighborhoods – but Verizon again denied such “redlining” allegations at the hearing, according to attendee and Baltimore Sun blogger Gus Sentementes. Still, Verizon’s not disclosing the secret formula used to determine FiOS worthiness:

We still have not heard Verizon’s rationale for avoiding Baltimore and heck, while we’re at it: Boston and Buffalo and Syracuse and Albany, too. Specifically, by what standards did Verizon choose who would get FiOS and who would not? Did they throw darts at a map of the United States? It’s not enough to say “we can’t be everywhere” — I think people generally understand that. But why is Baltimore the hole in the donut, to use Kraft’s analogy? Choices were made probably following a set of criteria. Verizon must have made a business decision (one hopes) on a set of facts, and the city wants more clarification on how they reached that decision.

Obviously Verizon didn’t find installation there to be a profitable equation, but Baltimore still would like to see the math – and Verizon likely felt telling Baltimoreans Verizon felt their city isn’t very nice wasn’t in the cards. To try and calm the locals, Verizon sent a letter to the Baltimore Sun insisting that they remain “committed to Baltimore.” Just not when it comes to actually upgrading the network there:

Although FiOS video may not be available, it’s important to remember that Verizon is able to offer Baltimore consumers High Speed Internet (HSI) service (using DSL technology) at speeds up to 7 megabits per second in much of the city, and DIRECTV with a network that is second to none, our infrastructure keeps residents and businesses communicating. And we’ll continue to make that infrastructure better, faster and more robust.

As for Baltimore figuring out Verizon’s secret formula, the city is probably going to be waiting for a while. Cities like Boston, Alexandria, Binghamton, Albany and many others are asking the same questions but getting no answer. Of course Verizon looked at a huge variety of economic, logistical, competition (or more specifically a lack thereof) and other factors, but Verizon’s never going to let the public see the real data behind their decisions. Perhaps Baltimore (or local businesses) can begin building a Baltimore fiber network, and see if that gets Verizon’s attention?

Link to the original article…

Adesso has more keyboards in their lineup than you can perhaps count. But the company keeps churning out such quality stuff that I have to keep covering their newest endeavors. Freshly out is their slim-line, wireless keyboard, the WKB-4200UB.

Adesso Inc., a leading manufacturer of computer input peripherals, has announced the availability of the latest addition to the companies’ extensive line of keyboards, the WKB-4200UB. Encased in a compact design, this wireless touchpad keyboard compliments various desktop PC systems, flat LCD monitors and tablet PCs in modern office environments. The WKB-4200UB also fits comfortably in tight spaces, including living rooms, kiosks, conference rooms, mobile and workgroup project environments. Available at various retailers, the WKB-4200UB has an MSRP of $119.99.

Adesso’s WKB-4200UB allows users to work freely, without the interference of limited space, angles or distance. With 6500 IDs on 12 channels, users can enjoy 30 feet of wireless freedom. Featuring a Sleep mode and On/Off switch, this wireless keyboard offers users the option of saving battery life when not in use for extended use over time. In addition, the Quick Connect button enables users to synchronize their PC with the click of a button.

With a price of $119.99, this Adesso is a bit more expensive than the other Adesso offerings; however the typical Adesso build and quality still applies. The addition of Adesso’s no-fuss wireless setup is a definite plus as well.

[ Links: Adesso, Adesso WKB-4200UB ]

Bernie Arnason over at Telecompetitor makes the argument that with DOCSIS 3.0 relatively inexpensive to quickly deploy (75 million Americans should have it by the end of the year) and many telcos clinging to aging copper last mile connectivity, the cable industry should have it pretty good competitively over the next few years. Comcast added more broadband customers (608K) in the last two quarters than AT&T, Verizon, and Qwest combined (401K), and cable’s triple play continues to gobble up fleeing copper landline customers. Cable also dominates more than 90% of the VoIP market.

Cable’s traditional weak spot – upstream bandwidth, looks to get some help later this year as cable operators perfect upstream channel bonding. Comcast recently noted that they’re seeing 75 to 100 Mbps upstream in tests. While Verizon’s decision to spend $23 billion on FTTH to the home puts them in a decent position for now, there’s a huge swath of America served by telcos using aging copper infrastructure that many of these companies can’t afford to upgrade to fiber. DOCSIS 3.0 means telcos will up their game somehow:

It all adds up to this perfect competitive storm analogy I referred to early on. This storm compels the telcos who haven’t already done so to respond, primarily with FTTH. Good customer service, local presence, and a solid DSL product are very admirable and noble. But these storm clouds may demand much more.

Can Qwest seriously compete with DOCSIS 3.0 with no money for serious upgrades? Marketing that pretends last mile copper is FTTH can only go so far. When does AT&T decide to stop waiting on VDSL bonding and pony up the cash for the move to FTTH? 3-7 Mbps is the fastest speed offered by Verizon in roughly half of its broadband territories. Luckily for most carriers, they’ll be sheltered from the “perfect competitive storm” Arnason mentions by the simple fact that many of their markets don’t see decent competition. When you’re the only game in town (be it cable, telco, satellite or carrier pigeon), you get to charge whatever you’d like for last-generation service.

Link to the original article…

Adesso, one of my favorite keyboard makers has released their newest multimedia keyboard the AKB-520. The AKB-520 incorporates an USB hub, a memory card reader alongside some multimedia keys to ensure easy control of your Windows Media Player or Apple iTunes and stuffs all of that into a stylish case.

Equipped with 104 keys, the AKB-520 is a sleek, cost-effective and ergonomic keyboard that provides essential functions for various types of users. In addition to the built-in data card reader and two USB ports, this innovative keyboard compliments users of digital cameras, multimedia players and other portable devices.

The AKB-520 features the following:

• Built-in data card reader/writer for SD/MMC/MS Pro, so users can easily upload files and pictures to PCs
• Two additional USB ports, which conveniently add bus powered devices, such as a USB flash drive, Web cam and mouse
• Embedded multimedia and internet hotkeys, allowing users to control home entertainment functions directly on the keyboard
• Newly designed slim and stylish keyboard, offering improved tactile feel and accurate key response
• 12 hotkeys to boost productivity with direct access to the internet, home, favorites and multimedia controls

Despite not saying that the keyboard is Apple OS X compatible, I’ve personally found that they are indeed fully compatible and the Windows Key becomes the Apple/Option Key in OS X.

The Adesso AKB-520 can be purchased at your normal eRetailers like Amazon, Tigerdirect or PC Mall for instance, and retails normally for $34.99.

[ Links: Adesso, Adesso AKB-520 ] [ Related: Adesso WKB-4000BB, Adesso WKB-3100 Review ]

Cowon launched its Windows 7-based MID Cowon W2 in the Korea market. It comes with a 4.8 inch wide LCD screen with 1024×600 resolution, utilizes an Intel Atom processor for low power consumption. Features include full browsing, high-performance virtual keyboard and Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR.

Designed with metallic body, it supports up to 10 hours of battery life and 230 hours of sleep mode time. Other features included two USB ports, D-SUB, SKYPE support, JetToolbar and voice recognition function.

But I don’t see a forward facing camera and you know this is probably never coming to the US.

Link to the original article…

Clearwire is going to need to quadruple their footprint in 2010 in order to meet their goal of serving 120 POPs (points of presence) by the end of the year, notes Unstrung. With Hawaii and Seattle launches last December, Clearwire moved past sixty markets launched in 2009 – though a significant number of those markets were smaller sub-markets. Clearwire’s yet to launch in the mega markets of New York or San Francisco, but according to the company they “started working on New York a while ago.”

Clearwire hopes to reach (not necessarily serve) 120 million customers by the end of this year. They’ll also have to work on cleaning some of the connection quality issues some users have complained about in launch markets.

Link to the original article…