SanDisk Backs "Flash DVD Player" for Porting Content from PC to TV

SanDisk is promoting the concept of using a small, Flash-based media player/drive as a convenient way to transfer digital media files, including downloaded movies, from a broadband-enabled PC to a TV. A new USBTV Forum is being formed to stimulate industry-wide acceptance by consumer electronics manufacturers, TV and display manufacturers, content providers and related technology companies.At CES in Las Vegas, SanDisk demonstrated a product concept...

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Samsung Selects Agere's TrueONE for Digital Home Apps

Samsung has chosen Agere Systems' TrueONE solutions to develop its home media server and gateway for mobile and broadband network service providers. The home media server provides high-speed streaming throughout a home for up to eight simultaneous HDTV channels. The server also delivers up to 4 terabytes of multimedia storage capacity. Samsung's next-generation home gateway can enable deep packet inspection at up to 2 Gbps, enabling new services such as mobile tele-media and security services. http://www.agere....

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Sprint Nextel Trims Expectations and Jobs

Sprint Nextel updated its financial outlook and detailed its plans to improve operational performance, including job cuts. The company will reduce its overall full-time headcount by approximately 5,000 from the 2006 year-end level of 64,600.Based on preliminary data, Sprint Nextel said expects to report full-year 2006 consolidated operating revenues of approximately $41.0 billion, while Adjusted Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (adjusted OIBDA) continues to be projected in a range of $12.6 billion to $12.9 billion. Total capital...

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Verizon Unveils Verizon One Home Communications Hub

Verizon introduced a second generation version of its home communications hub. The FiOS-generation of the Verizon One device features a digital cordless phone mounted on a tablet-sized base. Using the device, FiOS customers can access their e-mail and voice mail; log into personal calendars and address books; consult movie listings; and check the latest news and weather. Additional features planned for the future would allow customers to access...

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Microsoft SPOT to Beam Data to Garmin GPS Devices

Garmin is integrating Microsoft's Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT) into its Global Positioning System (GPS) devices to enable consumers to receive dynamic local information, including weather condition and traffic updates, movies listings, and gas prices.Microsoft SPOT also announced plans to work with future versions of Microsoft Streets & Trips and Pharos Science & Applications Inc. to offer MSN Direct Navigation Services to their devices. In addition, Microsoft SPOT is working with Centrality Communications Inc. to integrate...

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Motorola Lands Next-Gen Digital Set-Top Deal with Comcast

Comcast is expanding its multi-year purchase agreement for digital set-tops with Motorola. Financial terms were not disclosed.Under the expanded deal, Comcast will purchase several set-top models from Motorola, including dual-tuner, HD DVRs, and all-digital cable receivers. These next-generation digital set-tops will support Comcast's Residential Network Gateway (RNG) specification along with the Open Cable Application Platform (OCAP) initiative. Several of the models will support Motorola's Follow Me TV solution and Motorola's Linux-Java software...

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Sprint-CableCo JV to Offer MobiTV

The Sprint-Cable Companies Joint Venture will offer MobiTV's video service. The video aspect of the Joint Venture service will include operator-specific application look and feel among tailored channel line-ups. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.mobitv....

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Yahoo! and Motorola Release Go for Mobile 2.0

Yahoo! released its Go for Mobile 2.0 application for beta testing. The application is available on Motorola's new MOTORAZR maxx V6 and MOTORAZR V3xx devices as part of the two companies' ongoing alliance. Beginning in the first half of 2007, Yahoo! Go 2.0 will be pre-loaded on select new mobile devices from Motorola. It is also offered on more than 70 other mobile devices from major manufacturers. Additionally, Yahoo! expects to distribute Yahoo!...

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Houghton College Replaces Nortel with Pingtel's Open Source VoIP

Houghton College has selected Pingtel's SIPxchange ECS for campus-wide deployment. When completed, the system will provide 1,500 faculty, staff, and students with real-time open source VoIP communications services. Pingtel's SIPxchange, which runs on standard Intel / AMD servers, allows the end user to choose the phones and gateways rather than being locked into one brand. http://www.pingtel....

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Actiontec to Offer GPON ONTs

Actiontec Electronics plans to release optical network terminals (ONTs) for GPON deployments in the second half of 2007.Actiontec said the addition of ONTs to its product line is part of a larger strategy that will enable service providers to significantly reduce the cost of CPE installations in GPON environments. The ONTs will complement Actiontec's portfolio of IPTV-capable routers and gateways. The company now offers ADSL+, ADSL2+ bonded, VDSL and fiber gateways. http://www.actiontec....

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SanDisk Debuts Flash-based Pocket Video Player

SanDisk unveiled its "Sansa" View widescreen portable media player featuring a 4" display and 8GB of internal flash memory to store up to 33 video hours or 2,000 songs.The "pocketable" design measures 78.5mm x 123mm x 16.9mm (0.66" thick) and works with Windows Media Player 10 or 11. Its flash memory expansion slot allows for additional memory capacity and playback of content found on SD and SDHC cards, such as "Disney Max Clips."MSRP is $299 and...

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Dresser Wayne and Microsoft Partner on WiFi Gas Pumps

Dresser Wayne, which supplies self-service consoles and fuel blending dispensers to service stations, is partnering with Microsoft to show how consumers can wirelessly transfer music to their car while refueling. The Dresser Wayne Ovation iX fuel dispenser is an Internet-ready, WiFi-capable gas pump with a 15-inch touchscreen and speakers. The idea is to enable the transfer of media content to other WiFi-enabled devices, such as to a Microsoft...

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Sprint Nextel to Deploy Motorola's WiMAX in Chicago

Sprint Nextel has selected Motorola for the build-out of its WiMAX wireless broadband service in Chicago. Specifically, Motorola will deploy WiMAX infrastructure to at least 1,000 sites in the greater Chicagoland area, providing select area coverage that complements Sprint Nextel's existing EV-DO network. Initial service is expected to begin late in 2007, with the commercial launch set for the first half of 2008.In addition to the Chicago build out, Motorola also is participating in WiMAX equipment and software trials at Sprint Nextel's 4G laboratory,...

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Venezuela's Hugo Chavez Proposes Privatization of CANTV

Venezuela's President, Hugo Chavez, issued a call to nationalize CANTV, the incumbent telecom carrier in the country, along with the leading electrical utility company.The New York Stock Exchange halted trading in CANTV's American Depositary Receipts, whose value has fallen 14% earlier in the day.CANTV was privatized in 1991. http://www.cantv.com...

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