Technology News

Now the video below if real is pretty cool of a man standing on a Nintendo Wii Balance Board controlling a robot, basically the man moves on the Wii Board to control a little robot that is so slow it will bore you, but there could be a need for it.

If the robot had big guns on it that would be cool, or even better the armed forces could use this to control tanks and other stuff to keep men and women safe, now that would be an achievement. The little robot does seem pointless but nether the less still pretty cool. Now whilst watching the video look carefully when it gets to the end, when the man kneels down on the floor, “Is that a remote control I see in his hands? Now this makes me want to ask “Is this all real or fake. Keep watching the video, yes it does get boring but wait till the end because I am sure he is using the remote control for the robot, or maybe he is using the remote for the laptop.

Is the man really using the Nintendo Wii Balance Board or is he using the remote control, watch the video and decide for yourself. Like the idea though, come on we want more concepts, what would you like to see the Wii Board control?

Written by Mark for Product Reviews
In Sections: Game Video & Trailers, Gaming, Nintendo Wii
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Yesterday we reported that HP was to buy EDS where we said “HP to Buy EDS: Would this mean the ability to compete against rivals IBM Corp? (Read Here), well today we have the latest information that HP and EDS have announced that they have finally signed a definitive agreement where HP will purchase EDS at a price of $25.00 per share which actually means an enterprise of around $13.9 billion; this has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of HP and EDS.

This new transaction is expected to close in the second half of calendar year 2008 which will more than double HP’s services revenue at $16.6 billion in fiscal 2007, as of the end of each company’s 2007 fiscal year where annual revenues of over $38 billion and 210,000 employees doing business in over 80 countries. HP are intending to establish a new business group to be branded EDS and HP company which will have their head quarters at EDS’s existing executive offices in Plano, Texas. HP do plan on EDS to continue to be led after the deal closes by EDS Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Ronald A. Rittenmeyer who will indeed join HP’s executive council and report to Mark Hurd, HP’s chairman and chief executive officer.

HP to Acquire EDS for $13.9 Billion, Transaction expected to more than double HP’s revenue from services, furthering its standing as world’s largest technology company and EDS shareholders to receive $25.00 per share in cash for each EDS share, this is all good news where the company will definitely be able to compete even more so now with rivals. The combination of the two companies HP and EDS will bring a force of leading global IT services which means a stronger business partner, most competitive portfolio of products and services in the industry and delivering customers the broadest services.

Looks like technology will only get stronger; Rittenmeyer said “First and foremost, this is a great transaction for our stockholders, providing tremendous value in the form of a significant premium to our stock price. It’s also beneficial to our customers, as the combination of our two global companies and the collective skills of our employees will drive innovation and enhance value for them in a wide range of industries. In addition, our Agility Alliance will be significantly strengthened.”

Because HP have acquired EDS this actually advances the HP objectives which even more so makes the company so much stronger in the way of its services business and the new offerings delivered by the two companies mean including data center services, IT outsourcing, networking services and managed security, workplace services, CRM and HR outsourcing; applications, including development, business process outsourcing, modernization and management; consulting and integration; and technology services, solutions to customers in the areas of government, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, energy, transportation, communications, and consumer industries and retail and so much more.

Written by Mark for Product Reviews
In Sections: Business, News
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Verizon Business Tuesday (May 6) joined a consortium of 16 companies building a next-generation undersea optical cable system connecting Europe, the Middle East and India.

The new system, named the Europe India Gateway (EIG), is the third major submarine cable project Verizon Business has helped launch in the last four years and continues the company’s global network leadership in delivering more capacity, reliability and speed for the data, video and voice services of its multinational customers.

The 15,000-kilometer (9,000-mile) cable network system, expected to be completed in 2010, will connect three continents at a cost of more than $700 million (U.S.). It will have a design capacity of up to 3.84 terabits per second (Tbps).

“This new cable system will provide not only a second, diverse route from India to Europe, but also direct access to our network in Europe,” said Ihab Tarazi, Verizon Business vice president of global network planning. “Combined with our other network capabilities, we will offer our customers reduced latency (the time it takes data sent from its entry point in the network to reach its destination), reduced provisioning time and increased reliability.”

Verizon Business is a leader in developing undersea cable systems. The company is the only U.S.-based founding member of the Trans-Pacific Express Cable, which will provide the first high-speed direct link between the U.S. and mainland China when activated in July. Verizon Business also is the only founding U.S. partner in an existing Southeast Asia-to-Europe (via the Indian subcontinent) submarine cable called SEA-ME-WE-4 (Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe-4).

The EIG will give Verizon Business customers a second, diverse landing in France. As with SEA-ME-WE-4, Verizon Business will operate a landing station in Marseilles that will connect directly with the company’s recently expanded ultra-long-haul network in Europe.

With the addition of the EIG, Verizon Business also plans to extend its industry-leading global mesh architecture to the Middle East and India. Meshing is network design that connects undersea cable systems on land, allowing for instantaneous rerouting of traffic in the event of multiple undersea cable breaks. Currently, the company operates a seven-way diverse mesh network between the U.S. and Europe and five-way diversity between the U.S. and Japan, with expansion to seven-way diversity to Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan planned for the second half of 2008.

Verizon Business continues to expand its partnerships and presence in the Middle East and India. Verizon Business earlier this year received licenses for international and national long-distance services in India and will offer a full range of services including international private-leased circuits with multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) and Internet protocol (IP) services. The company already holds an Internet service provider license in India.

“As the world’s leading companies grow their presence in emerging market regions, they know they can rely on our leading global network to support their critical business applications,” said Tarazi. “Wherever they do business in the world, our customers know they can count on us to use our outstanding network capabilities to deliver business solutions.”

Verizon Business owns and operates a global fiber-optic network that spans six continents and has more than 485,000 route miles delivering services to customers in more than 150 countries and 2,700 cities throughout the world. The company is involved in more than 67 submarine cables worldwide.

Source - Verizon

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Cell & Mobile Information, Press Releases
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IBM today announced first-of-a-kind self-checkout technology that allows consumers to shop for and check out purchases practically anywhere in a store. This new self checkout solution raises the bar for consumer self service options, giving retailers built-in flexibility, improved customer service and a new tool for building customer advocacy for their brands.
IBM also announced a new release of software to help speed the self checkout process, a new state-of-the-art entry-level kiosk, and an extension of its global self service alliance program to reach new markets and industries.

Designed for small businesses and large enterprise departments, the IBM AnyPlace Checkout system is the next major step in self checkout innovation. It combines the ultra-compact footprint of the market-leading IBM AnyPlace Kiosk with the robust capabilities of IBM self checkout software, giving clients the best of both worlds.

According to a recent customer purchasing survey*, 10 percent of shoppers who left a store without making a purchase cited the wait to check out as a factor in their decision not to buy. More importantly, when forced to wait in line for more than four minutes, customer satisfaction levels fall below 80 percent.

Small to midsized retailers can now offer a fast, convenient checkout system for small orders, including those in specialty, drug and convenience store environments. Large retail operations can complement front-end self checkout with stand-alone placement of these units within grocery areas such as deli, floral or prepared foods, as well as departments of large stores and hospitality retailers.

“Today’s market environment is tough and competitive, and there is huge pressure on retailers to transform and innovate, all driven by a need to change the shopping experience for consumers,” said Steve Ladwig, General Manager, Retail Store Solutions, IBM System & Technology Group. “The IBM AnyPlace Checkout allows us to help our clients serve their customers in totally new ways, answering consumer demand for easy-to-use self service in more places than ever before.”

According to an IHL Group 2007 market study on self checkout**, 98 percent of respondents have used self checkout, almost 50 percent have used it more than five times in the previous years, and 72 percent have readily accepted the technology in the marketplace. This study also reported that for 2008, consumers will spend more than US $230.7 billion on self checkout transactions at retail stores, up 28 percent over 2007.

“Self checkout not only continues to gain widespread acceptance with consumers, but we are also seeing that self-service solutions are paying off for retailers,” said Greg Buzek, President, IHL Consulting Group. “Our research shows that retailers that have embraced self-service technologies are redeploying labor to key profit areas, improving customer service with more lanes and improving profitability by increasing the number of profitable transactions.”

The IBM AnyPlace Checkout system expands the proven and successful IBM Self-Checkout family by extending the capability of when and where retailers can offer self-service transactions. This first-of-its-kind unit is the second major offering in an aggressive IBM consumer services campaign, and joins a growing portfolio of IBM and Business Partner self service offerings that span multiple industries, including retail, hospitality, travel and transportation.

IBM also announced today a new release of IBM Checkout Environment for Consumer-Service (CHEC), self checkout software that delivers a robust environment through a rich user experience, simple manageability and reliable Point-of-Sale integration. The modular software platform also allows for IBM Business Partners to tailor to a retailer’s specific needs.

A completely new self checkout design, the IBM AnyPlace Checkout system offers retailers new features and enhanced flexibility, making it easy for consumers to scan and pay for their items quickly. This new self-checkout unit offers a variety of hardware and software enhancements that include:

• Small Footprint: Designed with the IBM AnyPlace Kiosk at its core, this unit offers one of the smallest self-checkout footprints available, making it attractive for grocers and other businesses that have limited floor space.

• Customized Enclosures: Offers flexibility to utilize a variety of enclosures including customized designs by IBM Global Technology Services or third party vendors that match a retailer’s “look and feel.”

• Cashless: These units offer credit/debit payment options only, which speeds transactions by eliminating the time it takes to accept and dispense bills and coins, as well as lowers the chance of shoppers forgetting their change.

• Manageability: A component of IBM Store Integration Framework, the Remote Management Agent (RMA) enables retailers to achieve end-to-end store systems management of retail devices and applications along side traditional IT deployment. Across the enterprise, retailers can configure and monitor the system remotely, distribute software, track assets and determine and diagnose problems.

New Entry-Level IBM AnyPlace Kiosk
IBM also introduced an entry-level AnyPlace Kiosk that can be used for a variety of kiosk applications or as a compact point-of-sale. This newest AnyPlace Kiosk 15” model allows small independent businesses to use advanced kiosk technology previously only available to large enterprises at a price they can afford. Additionally, the kiosk can be used by larger businesses for a variety of kiosk applications including product locators, price checkers and more. This entry-level kiosk unit comes with an energy-efficient processor and built-in power management capabilities that allow clients to reduce power consumption and run essential applications quickly and reliably. It is geared toward specialty, food service, gas and convenience retail businesses and is also tailored for use across multiple industries such as travel and transportation, hospitality and healthcare.

IBM Business Partner Alliance Program Momentum
IBM also announced that approximately 100 Business Partners have joined its Self Service Alliance Program. Since its introduction last September in conjunction with the IBM Consumer Services Initiative, Business Partners representing 11 industries, 18 solution areas and 17 countries have signed up to help develop, market and distribute IBM self-service solutions worldwide, helping extend IBM leadership in self service across multiple industries. In just eight months, the IBM Self-Service Alliance program has grown into one of the largest business partner ecosystem focused on self-service for multiple industries, including pharmacy, banking, government and manufacturing. The program represents nine new countries, including Israel, Malaysia, Romania and Guatemala.

Pricing and Availability
The IBM AnyPlace Checkout will be available May 23 and is approximately half the price of a traditional self checkout system.

Written by Daniel for Product Reviews
In Sections: News, Press Releases
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Retalix announced today a worldwide partnership with IBM to deliver combined software, hardware and services solutions to petroleum and convenience store retailers of all sizes. The partnership was announced at NACStech, the National Association of Conveninece Stores’ technology show, held in Dallas.

Retalix and IBM will jointly market and implement technology solutions based on Retalix software applications, which are designed to support the specific business needs of petroleum and convenience retailers from the fuel pump and the point-of-sale (POS) to the headquarters. The combination of IBM hardware and Retalix software is already a solution of choice for several leading petroleum and convenience retailers.

“Whether retailers are operating hundreds of sites or just a few stations, they can benefit from the combination of IBM point-of-sale hardware and services with Retalix’s industry-tailored software solutions,” said Steve Ladwig, General Manager, IBM Retail Store Solutions. “Retailers using both IBM and Retalix solutions can enhance customer service levels, lower overall operating costs, and reward loyal customers by delivering targeted promotions either in the store or at the pump.”

Retalix offers a broad line of software applications designed for petroleum and convenience store retailers, including Retalix StorePoint POS and store backoffice; Retalix Fuel, Retalix Commercial Fuel, Retalix HQ-Convenience for central price management; Retalix DemandAnalytX for optimization of store ordering and Retalix Loyalty and Promotions.

“Retalix and IBM share a rich track record of addressing the needs of petroleum and conveneince retailers, which made it natural to expand our cooperation into a joint worldwide go-to-market strategy,” said Barry Shaked, president and CEO of Retalix. “The expansion of our existing technology partnership and reseller agreements underscores the increased value Retalix and IBM bring to customers by delivering tailored software solutions on IBM hardware with support from IBM Global Services and other partners around the world.”

Recently, IBM announced that it will work with StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC, a subsidiary of Retalix, to market pre-packaged retail solutions powered by IBM point-of-sale systems for independent retailers and regional chains in both the grocery and convenience retail segments. Retalix and StoreNext software applications on powerful IBM POS units will give retailers greater flexibility and choice to meet their IT requirements.

For information on IBM Retail, please visit ibm.com/retail

Written by Daniel for Product Reviews
In Sections: Press Releases
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3K has decided to unveil their new Longitude 400 Notebook and weighs in at just under 2Lbs. This ultra lightweight ultra mobile PC has a 7-inch LCD screen, it seems as we are looking at yet another Eee PC knockoff.

The Longitude 400 Notebook is perfect if you are on the move or if you are a student who needs a cheap and small alternative to a standard laptop. Do not think for one moment that the new Longitude 400 UMPC will be slow and useless as you would be wrong, you are able to do all your everyday tasks like you would normally do on your standard size notebook from browsing the net, sending messages, playing movies and music and much more.

The 3K Longitude 400 Notebook UMPC uses an energy saving 400Mhz CPU, there is also a full size keyboard as well as 1 Ethernet 10/100 LAN port and 3 USB ports. The UMPC comes with the Linux Operating System and will be combatible with programs such as AbiWord, Excel, GNUMeric as well as Word.

The 3K Longitude 400 Notebook UMPC will cost $399 and will be available by late May, so if you want one you should reserve your order now as there will be a high demand.

Source - Business Wire

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Computers, Ultra Mobile PC
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To say Earth Day is a big event would be an understatement, today over 1 billion people at rallies, concerts and neighborhood cleanups will take part and that’s also in 174 countries. Why should we care? Well the answer is simple, it’s the Earth that place we all live on and should look after. This is why we wanted to highlight the products and technology you buy on Earth Day, in the rest of 2008 and year after year.

You should think about the products you buy for your home, the gadgets you have in your office and many other products as these can be replaced with ones that help look after our planet a little more. One product we found on IWOOT is the “Solar Powered Keyring Torch”, this is a tiny device that is also very cheap and can help shine a little light when you need it thanks to the free power of the Sun and this helps not use other methods that will harm our planet.

While some people will say that nothing in life comes for free, they are wrong as sunlight is given to us all and does not cost you a thing. So why do we not use it a little more in the technology we buy, you can view a nice list of greener products on IWOOT here and they include things like a Can Crusher to help be more environmentally friendly, a Wind-up Multi Mobile Charger and a Solar Power Charger that can recharge many appliances including Blackberry phones and Apple iPods.

Think a little greener on Earth Day.

Written by Daniel for Product Reviews
In Sections: Environment, Gadgets & Technology, News
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When it comes to Nokia handsets all people seem to want to know about is the much anticipated Nokia Tube however: we will just have to make do with the release of two new cell phones for now the Nokia 5220 and 5320 XpressMusic. Both handsets will be ready for shipping sometime in the third quarter of 2008.

Both phones are aimed at the people who love handsets that have a big music feature and both the Nokia 5220 and 5320 phones will not disappoint as they are part of the company’s XpressMusic range. Both phones are affordable and have a funky fresh design, great if you are young and you like to listen to music while you are out and about.

Nokia already have some phones in the XpressMusic however; the 5220 and 5320 has upped the ante in both design and music performance, as well as allowing consumers to share their music with their friends as well as a host of communities.

The Nokia 5320 XpressMusic offers a 3G social entertainment capabilities as well as Say and Play feature and also offers expandable memory up to 8GB. The Nokia 5220 XpressMusic does not offer as much as it’s bigger brother, but is still a capable cell phone.

When both handsets are released in Europe expect to pay from 160 to 220 EUR.

Source – Phones Review

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Cell & Mobile Phones, Handsets
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It does seem funny that just last year Greg Winn who is one of the top guys at Telstra the Australian telecommunications company said that Apple could stick their iPhone. Well now it seems that the company has had a change of heart as the Australian release of the iPhone will be this June and looks as though it could be the 3G version of the handset.

Although Telstra is the largest phone provider in OZ, it seems as if they will not be the only ones to get the Apple iPhone. It was way back in February last year that Winn said “Apple is not a mobile phone manufacturer, that’s not their knitting.”

Greg who is the second in charge over at Telstra said that other top phone makers like Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson would be launching their own handsets that will rival the of the Apple iPhone. However, it now seems as if Winn has had to eat his words and back track on what he said, maybe it has something to do with what the consumers want.

So how has the information leaked that Telstra will be distributing the 3G Apple iPhone, well that is simple it seems as if a staff member at a Telstra customer service call center told some caller that they would be stocking this handset.

Source - Blorge

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: News, iPhone News
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If you are one of those people who spend so much on the little things in life or spend huge amounts of money on holidays to exotic places, then the chances are you do not want to walk around talking on a phone like a standard Samsung or Nokia in the fear that every day people might just have the same phone as you.

If you are one of those people that I am talking about, no doubt you are wearing a Tag Heuer watch. Well how would you like to have a matching handset, no I am not being stupid. Take a look at the Tag Heuer Meridiist luxury handset that has been made in partnership with Modelabs.

So what do you get for the huge $7000 price tag, well not much really. You get a basic 2 megapixel camera and a 1.9″ QVGA screen, and all though file support of MP3, AAC and MPEG will not apply to most people who will purchase this phone, it is there if you need it.

Personally this phone is not to my taste and you will get the choice of having crocodile skin, however you can also choose from leather or rubber. I just don’t get the phone and I have to say it is a little on the ugly side. The Tag Heuer Meridiist cell phone has also been finished with a steel casing and has a 60.5 carats sapphire crystal dual display. You also get a strange looking digital clock on the top end of the phone. If you like gadgets that have been crafted to perfection, then the Tag Heuer Meridiist could be the phone for you.

Source – Journaldugeek via Phones Review

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Cell & Mobile Phones, Handsets
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