PRESS RELEASE: Motorola's new Qs - FierceWireless
Motorola have announced the Moto Q 9 the latest generation of its smartphone. Supporting 3G and HSDPA at 3.6Mb/s.
They have also announced an new RAZR2 which is thinner than the original RAZR and uses new materials so it's a much stronger phone.
2007/05/11
Ofcom awards Northern Ireland spectrum licence to Personal Broadband UK Limited | Ofcom
Ofcom awards Northern Ireland spectrum licence to Personal Broadband UK Limited | Ofcom
Ofcom announced that Personal Broadband UK Limited has been awarded a Wireless Telegraphy Act Licence to use the 1785 MHz - 1805 MHz radio spectrum bands in Northern Ireland. This 20MHz block of spectrum is being released in a technology neutral and service basis.
The licence was auctioned through a sealed bid process on Wednesday 9 May. Personal Broadband UK Limited paid £352,000 for the licence, which was the amount bid by the unsuccessful bidder, Barablu Mobile Holding Limited. Personal Broadband UK Limited bid the higher amount of £501,001, securing the licence at the lower price according to the ‘second price rule’ of the auction.
On 27 April 2007 Personal Broadband UK Limited won the license for Ireland, so now they have both licenses (i.e. Ireland and Northern Ireland). This offers the opportunity for the development of services across the island of Ireland.
Ofcom’s research into the bands has identified a number of potential uses including:
* wireless broadband access
* mobile broadcast, such as wireless cameras for outside broadcasts
* video or closed-circuit television links
* extra capacity for the delivery of mobile services
This auction is part of a programme to release around 400 MHz of prime spectrum over the next few years, creating major opportunities for innovation in wireless services.
Ofcom announced that Personal Broadband UK Limited has been awarded a Wireless Telegraphy Act Licence to use the 1785 MHz - 1805 MHz radio spectrum bands in Northern Ireland. This 20MHz block of spectrum is being released in a technology neutral and service basis.
The licence was auctioned through a sealed bid process on Wednesday 9 May. Personal Broadband UK Limited paid £352,000 for the licence, which was the amount bid by the unsuccessful bidder, Barablu Mobile Holding Limited. Personal Broadband UK Limited bid the higher amount of £501,001, securing the licence at the lower price according to the ‘second price rule’ of the auction.
On 27 April 2007 Personal Broadband UK Limited won the license for Ireland, so now they have both licenses (i.e. Ireland and Northern Ireland). This offers the opportunity for the development of services across the island of Ireland.
Ofcom’s research into the bands has identified a number of potential uses including:
* wireless broadband access
* mobile broadcast, such as wireless cameras for outside broadcasts
* video or closed-circuit television links
* extra capacity for the delivery of mobile services
This auction is part of a programme to release around 400 MHz of prime spectrum over the next few years, creating major opportunities for innovation in wireless services.
2007/05/09
BT charge ISPs for terminating users
Normally when a user gets ADSL, there are charges to set-up the line. That could be through BT Wholesale or via an LLU (local loop unbundling) operator. Those charges may be hidden by the ISP/etc or built in to the set-up charge.
If a user then migrates to another operator, that's fine too.
However if a user happens to cancel their PSTN service, say they move house, the ISP may be charged £33 for the "cease" request even though they've got no control of the user.
There must be a sensible rational behind it somewhere.
If a user then migrates to another operator, that's fine too.
However if a user happens to cancel their PSTN service, say they move house, the ISP may be charged £33 for the "cease" request even though they've got no control of the user.
There must be a sensible rational behind it somewhere.
Xbox.com | Xbox News - Instant Messaging Comes to Xbox 360
Xbox.com | Xbox News - Instant Messaging Comes to Xbox 360
Xbox Live is being updated. There are a multitude of new features the main one being the inclusion of Windows Live Messenger, so users can chat with anyone on the Windows Live service.
Other updates include new video formats and support for progressive downloads. The system checks there is room on the disk before downloading something (and wont deduct points if it cant).
Though recent sales of the Xbox 360 have slowed down, Xbox Live is still much better than services from Sony or Nintendo (though that's bound to change over time). Microsoft are doing their best to stay in the lead.
Xbox Live is being updated. There are a multitude of new features the main one being the inclusion of Windows Live Messenger, so users can chat with anyone on the Windows Live service.
Other updates include new video formats and support for progressive downloads. The system checks there is room on the disk before downloading something (and wont deduct points if it cant).
Though recent sales of the Xbox 360 have slowed down, Xbox Live is still much better than services from Sony or Nintendo (though that's bound to change over time). Microsoft are doing their best to stay in the lead.
The award of spectrum at 10, 28, 32 & 40 GHz | Ofcom
The award of spectrum at 10, 28, 32 & 40 GHz | Ofcom
Ofcom has released a report on the bands at 10GHz, 28GHz, 32GHz and 40GHz. The report shows there's very little interest in the 40GHz bands.
Broadcasters have a potential interest in 10GHz, while 10, 28 and 32 GHz could be used for fixed wireless broadband or backhaul or other similar technologies.
Broadcasters only require a single channel, while other applications would require 2 channels (paired bands) for duplex use.
Some of the report has been censored as it might influence the results of any auctions and/or processes.
10GHz was previously allocated (to THUS and NTL) but both gave the licenses back as they were not being used.
There have been auctions in 28GHz, but they weren't particularly successfull and only a few licensees are actually using their licenses.
Ofcom has released a report on the bands at 10GHz, 28GHz, 32GHz and 40GHz. The report shows there's very little interest in the 40GHz bands.
Broadcasters have a potential interest in 10GHz, while 10, 28 and 32 GHz could be used for fixed wireless broadband or backhaul or other similar technologies.
Broadcasters only require a single channel, while other applications would require 2 channels (paired bands) for duplex use.
Some of the report has been censored as it might influence the results of any auctions and/or processes.
10GHz was previously allocated (to THUS and NTL) but both gave the licenses back as they were not being used.
There have been auctions in 28GHz, but they weren't particularly successfull and only a few licensees are actually using their licenses.
NTL:Telewest Business up for sale?
VirginMedia which is a consumer focussed brand may dispose of NTL:Telewest Business, its business unit.
Though NTL:Telewest Business accounted for around £200m of VirginMedia's revenue it could be considered "non core". Allegedly there have been talks with Kingston Communications (the Hull based operator), but if that's true there have probably been talks with all the major players (C&W, Carphone Warehouse, THUS, etc).
The cash would allow VirginMedia to acquire content or produce more of its own channels which it's wanted to do for a while.
Though NTL:Telewest Business accounted for around £200m of VirginMedia's revenue it could be considered "non core". Allegedly there have been talks with Kingston Communications (the Hull based operator), but if that's true there have probably been talks with all the major players (C&W, Carphone Warehouse, THUS, etc).
The cash would allow VirginMedia to acquire content or produce more of its own channels which it's wanted to do for a while.
2007/05/03
Netgear acquire Infrant
Infrant are a great little company based in the Bay Area of California. They make network attached servers, supporting Windows, Macs and Linux.
They've just been acquired by Netgear and it looks like some of the Infrant people will be looking after the storage side of the Netgear business.
Hopefully this should be a great match as Netgear's storage products haven't been that great, but they do make interesting things like their media streaming boxes - which will be a great marriage. Infrant gets the worldwide distribution it's badly needed.
They've just been acquired by Netgear and it looks like some of the Infrant people will be looking after the storage side of the Netgear business.
Hopefully this should be a great match as Netgear's storage products haven't been that great, but they do make interesting things like their media streaming boxes - which will be a great marriage. Infrant gets the worldwide distribution it's badly needed.
Apple fixes QuickTime hole after hack
Digital Arts
Apple has released a new version of Quicktime following a competition trying to "break into" a Mac without any apps running, when that failed through the browser.
The "hack" allows a malicious website to publish a java applet that can trigger the exploit in Quicktime.
The Quicktime update is available for both Windows and MacOS X, on Windows it can be obtained standalone or with iTunes. On MacOS it's available via the software update utility.
Apple has released a new version of Quicktime following a competition trying to "break into" a Mac without any apps running, when that failed through the browser.
The "hack" allows a malicious website to publish a java applet that can trigger the exploit in Quicktime.
The Quicktime update is available for both Windows and MacOS X, on Windows it can be obtained standalone or with iTunes. On MacOS it's available via the software update utility.
Availability of Numbering Resource | Ofcom
Availability of Numbering Resource | Ofcom
Ofcom held a consultation with respect to the UK numbering plan and conserving numbers.
91 geographic codes are now under conservation status and allocations will occur in blocks of 1000 instead of the older 10,000 number block allocations. This should ensure that these number ranges do not run out.
0872 and 0873 will be introduced to supplement 0871 and 0843 will supplement 0844 which are used in NTS (number translation services).
Ofcom held a consultation with respect to the UK numbering plan and conserving numbers.
91 geographic codes are now under conservation status and allocations will occur in blocks of 1000 instead of the older 10,000 number block allocations. This should ensure that these number ranges do not run out.
0872 and 0873 will be introduced to supplement 0871 and 0843 will supplement 0844 which are used in NTS (number translation services).
2007/05/01
Microsoft to open source part of Silverlight
Digit Online
Microsoft is expected to opensource at least parts of Silverlight, their in-browser media rich player which they hope will compete with Adobe's Flash.
Flash has several years head start and a plethera of programmers who can produce Flash output and though Microsoft's Expression tools will support Silverlight, they haven't been released yet (expected in June).
This could well be a Flash in the pan for Microsoft as Adobe are continually adding features to Flash and are unlikely to let Microsoft get a foothold.
Microsoft is expected to opensource at least parts of Silverlight, their in-browser media rich player which they hope will compete with Adobe's Flash.
Flash has several years head start and a plethera of programmers who can produce Flash output and though Microsoft's Expression tools will support Silverlight, they haven't been released yet (expected in June).
This could well be a Flash in the pan for Microsoft as Adobe are continually adding features to Flash and are unlikely to let Microsoft get a foothold.
2007/04/30
Ofcom completes investigation into BSkyB’s shareholding in ITV plc | Ofcom
Ofcom completes investigation into BSkyB’s shareholding in ITV plc | Ofcom
Ofcom has completed it's investigation into Sky's purchase of 17.9% of ITV plc and has warranted that there are public interest issues (in relation to sufficient plurality of news provision for both cross media and television news in the UK).
This has now been passed back to the Secretary of State who will now consider whether to take it to the Competition Commission. That decision will be announced by 26 May 2007.
Sky are doing their best thwarte Virgin Media, who were trying to buy ITV. Soon after Sky also pulled their basic channels from Virgin too.
Ofcom has completed it's investigation into Sky's purchase of 17.9% of ITV plc and has warranted that there are public interest issues (in relation to sufficient plurality of news provision for both cross media and television news in the UK).
This has now been passed back to the Secretary of State who will now consider whether to take it to the Competition Commission. That decision will be announced by 26 May 2007.
Sky are doing their best thwarte Virgin Media, who were trying to buy ITV. Soon after Sky also pulled their basic channels from Virgin too.
2007/04/25
Apple Reports Second Quarter Results
Apple have posted their 2nd quarter results for the fiscal year 2007.
Earnings Grow 88 Percent Year-over-Year
The Company posted revenue of $5.26 billion and net quarterly profit of $770 million, or $.87 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $4.36 billion and net quarterly profit of $410 million, or $.47 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 35.1 percent, up from 29.8 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 43 percent of the quarter�s revenue.
Apple shipped 1,517,000 Macs and 10,549,000 iPods during the quarter, representing 36% growth in Macs and 24% growth in iPods over the year-ago quarter.
"The Mac is clearly gaining market share, with sales growing 36% more than three times the industry growth rate" said Steve Jobs "We're very excited about the upcoming launch of iPhone in late June, and are also hard at work on some other amazing new products in our pipeline."
Peter Oppenheimer, Apple CFO said it was "the most profitable March quarter in Apple's history".
Though Apple are growing, they still only account for a low percentage of the total number of PC's sold.
Earnings Grow 88 Percent Year-over-Year
The Company posted revenue of $5.26 billion and net quarterly profit of $770 million, or $.87 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $4.36 billion and net quarterly profit of $410 million, or $.47 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 35.1 percent, up from 29.8 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 43 percent of the quarter�s revenue.
Apple shipped 1,517,000 Macs and 10,549,000 iPods during the quarter, representing 36% growth in Macs and 24% growth in iPods over the year-ago quarter.
"The Mac is clearly gaining market share, with sales growing 36% more than three times the industry growth rate" said Steve Jobs "We're very excited about the upcoming launch of iPhone in late June, and are also hard at work on some other amazing new products in our pipeline."
Peter Oppenheimer, Apple CFO said it was "the most profitable March quarter in Apple's history".
Though Apple are growing, they still only account for a low percentage of the total number of PC's sold.
New version of Asterisk released
Following security announcements a new version of Asterisk has been released (both for the 1.2 and 1.4 branches). New versions of Zaptel are also available.
Asterisk is an open source PBX which has an incredible wealth of functionality, however it's not for the feint hearted.
Asterisk is an open source PBX which has an incredible wealth of functionality, however it's not for the feint hearted.
XNA Game Studio Express Update - Xbox
XNA Game Studio Express Update - Xbox
Microsoft have updated their XNA Game Studio Express which allows developers a cost effective entry to developing Xbox360 games.
The refresh contains a packager allowing which can create both Xbox360 and PC games (only packing the game, not the source).
It also allows: -
* Official XNA Game Studio Express compatibility with Windows Vista
* Support for 3D audio using XACT
* Support for fonts in the XNA Framework
* Various other product enhancements and performance tuning
In order to share games, users must sign up to the XNA Creators Club which is available via Xbox LIVE Marketplace for $49 (U.S.) for 4 month sub, or $99 (U.S.) for 12 months.
By allowing smaller players (including home users) to develop games, there could be some interesting projects which could become a reality.
Microsoft have updated their XNA Game Studio Express which allows developers a cost effective entry to developing Xbox360 games.
The refresh contains a packager allowing which can create both Xbox360 and PC games (only packing the game, not the source).
It also allows: -
* Official XNA Game Studio Express compatibility with Windows Vista
* Support for 3D audio using XACT
* Support for fonts in the XNA Framework
* Various other product enhancements and performance tuning
In order to share games, users must sign up to the XNA Creators Club which is available via Xbox LIVE Marketplace for $49 (U.S.) for 4 month sub, or $99 (U.S.) for 12 months.
By allowing smaller players (including home users) to develop games, there could be some interesting projects which could become a reality.
2007/04/24
Top Wireless Companies, FierceWireless - Fierce15, 2007 - FierceWireless
Top Wireless Companies, FierceWireless - Fierce15, 2007 - FierceWireless:
Firce Wireless have announced the 15 companies that are going to make the biggest difference to the wireless market. US market of course ...
Ecrio
Gogomo
Integrated Mobile
Interop Technologies
iSkoot
JumpTap
Metrico Wireless
Millennial Media
Neonode
Obopay
Omnilink Systems
SNAPin
Sonopia
TeleNav
Tensorcomm
Firce Wireless have announced the 15 companies that are going to make the biggest difference to the wireless market. US market of course ...
Ecrio
Gogomo
Integrated Mobile
Interop Technologies
iSkoot
JumpTap
Metrico Wireless
Millennial Media
Neonode
Obopay
Omnilink Systems
SNAPin
Sonopia
TeleNav
Tensorcomm
Research In Motion
Research In Motion
RIM the makers of the Blackberry have announced there'll be a software version for Windows Mobile 6.0, though no specifics about which devices it will support.
RIM are unlikely to sell the product directly, but allow carriers to bundle it with Smartphones.
WM6 already supports Microsoft's push Email over ActiveSync from an Exchange server, but this will allow WM6 users to integrate directly into a familiar Blackbery environment.
It's also cheaper for RIM who don't have to continually develop new handsets.
RIM the makers of the Blackberry have announced there'll be a software version for Windows Mobile 6.0, though no specifics about which devices it will support.
RIM are unlikely to sell the product directly, but allow carriers to bundle it with Smartphones.
WM6 already supports Microsoft's push Email over ActiveSync from an Exchange server, but this will allow WM6 users to integrate directly into a familiar Blackbery environment.
It's also cheaper for RIM who don't have to continually develop new handsets.
Funny or Die
Funny or Die
Will Farrell (US comedian) has set this site up with backing from Sequoia ventures (who invested in YouTube).
Though Farrell and friends will contribute content, it's also user contributed and more importantly rated.
Any video that gets below a 1 rating goes into "The Crypt" and then can only be resurrected when 1,000 or more people request it - which should mean bad stuff gets relegated quickly and they save on huge storage costs.
Whether it can actually compete with YouTube is yet to be seen, though Farrell's "Landlord" video has been view 3m times already.
Will Farrell (US comedian) has set this site up with backing from Sequoia ventures (who invested in YouTube).
Though Farrell and friends will contribute content, it's also user contributed and more importantly rated.
Any video that gets below a 1 rating goes into "The Crypt" and then can only be resurrected when 1,000 or more people request it - which should mean bad stuff gets relegated quickly and they save on huge storage costs.
Whether it can actually compete with YouTube is yet to be seen, though Farrell's "Landlord" video has been view 3m times already.
2007/04/23
Free Wi-Fi software nixes need for routers - Network World
Free Wi-Fi software nixes need for routers - Network World
The Technion Institute in Isreal has developed Wipeer software that links PCs using WiFi.
The software is available as a free download and connects indoors up to 300ft and 900ft outdoors.
Technion are also looking at adding cellular support in for even more connectivity options.
The Technion Institute in Isreal has developed Wipeer software that links PCs using WiFi.
The software is available as a free download and connects indoors up to 300ft and 900ft outdoors.
Technion are also looking at adding cellular support in for even more connectivity options.
2007/04/19
Illegal Broadcasting | Ofcom
Illegal Broadcasting | Ofcom
Ofcom has published a report into illegal broadcasting in the UK (i.e. pirate radio stations).
Though Ofcom have to fight illegal broadcasting, they do have some interesting reports of activities in London specifically and have independently interviewed both listeners and broadcasters - who feel there is a need for pirate stations.
The annex of this report makes interesting reading - it shows that Ofcom's general readership don't understand modern terms at all :)
Ofcom has published a report into illegal broadcasting in the UK (i.e. pirate radio stations).
Though Ofcom have to fight illegal broadcasting, they do have some interesting reports of activities in London specifically and have independently interviewed both listeners and broadcasters - who feel there is a need for pirate stations.
The annex of this report makes interesting reading - it shows that Ofcom's general readership don't understand modern terms at all :)
2007/04/16
Apple - Final Cut Studio 2
Apple - Final Cut Studio 2
Apple announced the new Final Cut Studio 2 at NAB in Las Vegas.
It comes with Final Cut Pro 6, Motion 3, Soundtrack Pro 2, Color, Compressor 3 and DVD Studio Pro 4.
These allow timeline editing of video (and audio). Motion produces impressive 3D motion graphics. Compressor supports many video formats which can be controlled by the click of a button and DVD Studio supports the production of SD and HD DVDs.
Apple have also released Final Cut Server which is a (templated) media asset system.
Apple announced the new Final Cut Studio 2 at NAB in Las Vegas.
It comes with Final Cut Pro 6, Motion 3, Soundtrack Pro 2, Color, Compressor 3 and DVD Studio Pro 4.
These allow timeline editing of video (and audio). Motion produces impressive 3D motion graphics. Compressor supports many video formats which can be controlled by the click of a button and DVD Studio supports the production of SD and HD DVDs.
Apple have also released Final Cut Server which is a (templated) media asset system.
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