Archive for August, 2005
Apple is facing another set of patent challenges after Creative was awarded a US patent for its invention of the user interface for portable media players, including many of the Creative Zen and NOMAD Jukebox MP3 players, and found in some competing players, such as the Apple iPod and iPod mini.
The Zen Patent, as Creative have dubbed it, covers the user interface that enables users of portable media players to efficiently and intuitively navigate among and select tracks on the players. Creative applied for the Zen Patent on January 5, 2001 and it was awarded on August 9, 2005.
Creative’s invention for the user interface for portable media players enables selection of at least one track in a portable media player as a user sequentially navigates through a hierarchy using three or more successive screens on the display of the player. One example would be the sequence of screens that could display artists, then albums, and then tracks. When the user selects an artist, the player displays a list of albums for that artist. Selection of one of the listed albums then displays a list of tracks on the album.
“The user interface covered by the Zen Patent was invented by Creative research and development engineers in our Advanced Technology Center in Scotts Valley, California,” said Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and CEO of Creative. “The first portable media player based upon the user interface covered in our Zen Patent was our NOMAD Jukebox MP3 player. We shipped the NOMAD Jukebox to U.S. retail customers in September of 2000, and by November of 2000, it was already ranked as the top revenue-generating product in the U.S. in the digital audio player category, according to PC Data. By January of 2001, we announced that we had already sold 100,000 NOMAD Jukeboxes. The Apple iPod was only announced in October 2001, 13 months after we had been shipping the NOMAD Jukebox based upon the user interface covered by our Zen Patent.”
“I am very excited that we were awarded the Zen Patent, which helps to protect our invention and recognizes our innovation in portable media players,” said Sim. “After a major investment of time and effort by a group of our research and development engineers, we developed a way for a user to efficiently and intuitively navigate and select tracks from a significant number of tracks stored on a player. Before this invention, there was no intuitive and efficient way to deal with the large number of tracks that could be stored on a high-capacity player.”
“There has been press coverage recently regarding the rejection of Apple’s patent application, published as Pub. No. U.S. 2004/0055446 for a user interface in a multimedia player. This Apple patent application was filed on October 28, 2002. A related provisional application was filed by Apple on July 30, 2002, eighteen months after our filing date for the Zen Patent and over twenty months after our NOMAD Jukebox based upon our user interface was on the market,” added Sim.
“We continue to innovate in digital media players with the introduction of the Zen Vision, which adds high-quality video playback to its MP3 music and digital photo viewing features. The Zen Vision, as well as the upcoming Zen Micro Photo with a color OLED screen and many more new products, will be based upon the user interface covered by the Zen Patent,” noted Sim.
The full text and images of the Zen Patent, U.S. 6,928,433 are available at www.uspto.gov.
August 30th, 2005
True to its ‘all style and no substance’ history, Apple has called a press conference for September 7, without actually telling the invited hacks what it is that Apple wants to talk about.
Of course, the fact that any Apple news is pure gold for tech writers (even TechSmec.com admits to jumping through hoops for the slightest insight into Steve Jobs’ mind) means that they can get away with this and a full conference room can be expected.
The content of the announcement is hinted at by the invite.
“1000 songs in your pocket changed everything. Here we go again.”
This refers to the iPod which was launched with the “1000 songs” slogan. Popular opinion is that Apple will finally reveal details of its partnership with Motorola to produce an iTunes phone. We reported last week that the US Federal Communications Commission has posted documents on its website granting regulatory approval to start selling a phone that runs a mobile version iTunes - the Motorola E790.
If this is the subject of the press conference it isn’t likely to change the world in the way that Apple believes (with some justification) the iPod has done. Still, TechSmec.com expects the canapes will be pretty good.
August 30th, 2005
Apple has slowed its seemingly accelerating move to Intel processors by confirming that its deal with Freescale Seminconductor to manufacture the G4 chip remains in place until 2008. The deal is fairly open-ended however and in effect means that Apple doesn’t actually have to buy any chips if it chooses not to.
Still, the fact that the deal is in place means that Apple either expects the move to Intel to progress slowly, or it is concerned that it may not happen at all.
The G4 processor is used in the Mac Mini.
August 29th, 2005
TechSmec.com towers gets its satellite TV from a 50 cm dish stuck on the side of the building. Viewers in Korea can now watch satellite ( DMB ) TV on a mobile phone which is only a fraction of that size, which has left us somewhat blown away.
Samsung’s new B250 boasts a ridiculously compact design while supporting horizontal viewing. The B250 is, without doubt, the smallest Samsung DMB handset ever.
The B250 is a folder type with pivotal LCD screen which rotates 90 degrees into landscape mode. The B250 follows the same basic design as the hugely popular SCH-V500 camera phone that went on the market in August of last year.
Samsung introduced its innovative horizontal LCD design last year with the V500 and is expanding this design trend for mobile phones, especially DMB phones.
With the B250, users can make phone calls or send and receive text messages even while watching TV. The DMB broadcast received by the phone can also be relayed to a regular TV.
The B250 has external buttons that allow users to play MP3 files without opening the phone. The 128-polyphonic sound chip has been built in to provide exquisite ring tones.
The B250 is also equipped with a 2 megapixel camera and the photo editing function has been upgraded. This allows the user to change facial expressions on photos such as turning a smiling face into one showing anger. Various other effects are also possible such as changing the picture frame design.
The File Viewer function provides access to Microsoft Office or PDF files, and a 330,000-word dictionary is included in the software.
The B250 also supports external memory of 256MB, IrDA, and mobile banking capabilities for user convenience.
The phone is, alas, only available in Korea at around US$700.
August 28th, 2005
There is chaos in the States as the Federal Communications Commission attempts to tidy up the 911 situation affecting users of VoIP (Voice Over IP) telephone services.
As VoIP users can make telephone calls from wherever there is a high-speed internet connection, it is difficult to route 911 call to an appropriate operator. Usually the caller’s telephone number is used to direct the call to a local control centre, but with VoIP, the number is not tied to a physical location. There is also the problem that VoIP systems are dependent on factors such as the PC being switched on and the appropriate microphone hardware being available.
The FCC has given operators until November 28 to provide full 911 capability.
In a further complication, the FCC ruled that VoIP operators must contact their customers and obtain acknowledgement of the limitations of the 911 service. If a customer did not respond they were to be cut off on 30 August, but the FCC has just extended that deadline to September 28 after it became clear that hundreds of thousands of users would be affected after a poor response to the information campaign, but that the companies involved were, in the main, making every effort to obtain the required acknowledgement.
“During this additional period of time, the bureau expects that all interconnected VoIP providers that qualify for this extension will continue to use all means available to them to obtain affirmative acknowledgements from all of their subscribers,” the FCC said.
The irony of this situation is that a VoIP user who doesn’t respond by September 28 might try to make a 911 call on that day (which would have probably been correctly handled by their provider) and find that their service had been terminated. VoIP carriers argue that it is unfair to punish consumers simply for not acknowledging a failure on the part of the service of which they are a customer.
August 28th, 2005
![iRiver H10 [5GB pure]](http://www.techsmec.com/media/iriverh10.jpg)
iRiver has rolled out a lightweight pocket jukebox. By removing the built-in FM tuner, iriver has eliminated the considerably steeper import duty on radio equipment and passed the savings directly on to customers.
The H10 [5GB pure] weights a mere 96 grams and packs a crystal-clear 1.5″ color LCD into this ultra-compact 95 x 54 x 15 mm model. In conjunction with a built-in vertical touchpad, the display provides a simple user interface. Supporting 260,000 colors, the LCD/MP3 player combination is also the ideal way to view your photos to music on the move.
A clock/alarm function, a built-in microphone for voice recording and a removable, rechargeable battery for up to 12 hours playback time add the finishing touches to the H10[5GB pure].
A signal-to-noise ratio of 90 dB, a perfectly balanced frequency response and the Sennheiser earphones included in the scope of delivery add up to a sensational music experience for even the most discerning audiophiles. Thirty equaliser presets give the perfect sound for every style of music. And for audio enthuasists, a manual equaliser enables the sound to be customised to the users exact requirements. Multi-codec playback guarantees support for a variety of formats, including MP3, WMA and ASF. Support for the TXT format also lets pocket jukebox users enjoy e books and read other text files on the brilliant display.
An optional docking station for the H10 [5GB pure] can be attached via a line-in to external audio sources, thereby enabling real-time MP3 encoding. The iriver H10 [5GB pure] is fully intergrated with Microsoft Windows Media Player 10. Proven playback and music management functions combine with fast access to the Digital Media Hall to make modern entertainment child’s play. Users can browse through online shops in search of their favorite hits. Better still, support for the new Windows Media 10 DRM also leaves the new player well equipped for the future.
The iriver H10 [5GB pure] is in the shops now in four colours – blue, red, silver and grey - for £159 . The optional docking station costs £21 and can be purchased from selected online shops.
August 26th, 2005
Although TechSmec.com condemns violence in all its physical forms, we love violence in a virtual or fictional form, so we’re feeling a guilty excitement about reports that the USA is only a few years away from plane-mounted laser weapons.
Up until now, the potential weight of such a device was prohibitive to its being mounted on an aeroplane, as the cooling systems required are massive. However, the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has possibly solved the problem by merging liquid and solid state lasers, producing something much smaller in size. Reports are that it is the size of a small fridge, which still sounds pretty big to us, but is apparently not unusual in the world of airborne munitions.
The HEL weapon, a it is dubbed, currently fires a 1kw beam - hardly enough to heat up a cup of coffee, but the development timescale will see a 150kw version by 2007. That would reportedly knock a missile out of the sky. Whether it would do it a spectacular explosion, or just an electronics-busting fizzle is, disappointingly, not revealed.
August 25th, 2005
PURE Digital has announced the world’s first rechargeable DAB digital radio that can withstand the rigours of outdoor life (or so they claim).
With Oasis digital radio listeners can roam freely, safe in the knowledge their radio can survive the environmental conditions of garden, campsite, bathroom, boat or even building site. Oasis’ rugged build makes it the perfect travel mate, but it’s the radio’s stylish good looks, featuring a cast aluminium protection frame, that ensure it’s a companion users will want to be seen out with.
It’s not just a great radio either – users can connect an iPod or other audio device to use Oasis as a great sounding portable sound system. Oasis also provides over 15 hours of use from its built-in ChargePAK battery system. ChargePAK is a custom designed rechargeable battery with six high performance nickel metal hydride C-cells. Simply connect to the mains to recharge – disconnect to wander free.
Oasis will be on sale from September 2005 for £120.
Says Kevin Dale, GM, PURE Digital: “Whether it’s listening to sport in the park, news or cricket in the garden, or music in the bath, Oasis is the perfect radio companion – and all without compromising on price, looks or sound quality. Oasis frees DAB digital radio from the constraints of the kitchen, living room or bedroom.”
Tested to stringent international IP65 water-resistance standards Oasis is weatherproof and splash resistant in all conditions and has been ‘tested to be tough’ for use outdoors as well as in the bathroom or kitchen.
Oasis’ rugged design and build features a cast-aluminium protection frame, while rubber ‘bumpers’ and recessed controls help prevent damage. Rubber covers protect input and output connectors from damp and dust. The removable aerial is rubber protected too and can be stored in the rear of the unit for transport.
Oasis offers superb audio quality from its custom designed, weatherproof 4″ long-throw speaker. Not just loud enough to be heard in the wide-open outdoors, Oasis is built to PURE’s award-winning DAB audio excellence standards.
The DAB transmission standard provides high quality, interference-free digital audio without the hiss, crackle and fade of AM/FM broadcasts. Fast autotune locates all available DAB stations and users simply select stations by name. Oasis will list them alphabetically or in the order users listen to them most.
Up to twice as many stations are available in many areas as via FM. UK stations broadcast digitally include national BBC Radios 1-4, BBC Radio 5 Live, Classic FM, talkSPORT and Virgin Radio, plus local and unique-to-digital stations.
Oasis’ two-line display shows station name, date/time, scrolling text with news, sports results, song titles and more. Oasis’ clock display automatically adjusts for summer/winter time.
Oasis is ‘USB Upgradeable’ over an Internet connection (PC required). Whether it’s enhancements to the DAB standard or new features from PURE, the USB connector enables users to keep their Oasis up-to-date.
August 24th, 2005
As rumoured Google has launched an IM rival to MSN and AOL in the form of Google Talk, a tool that not only allows instant messenging, but also online voice calls.
Google Talk stops short of being a direct competitor to Skype and other VoIP firms as you can only make calls via the Google Talk client and not to landlines or mobile phones.
Google Talk is based on open standards for IM and Google claim they will make the source code available so it can be adapted and included within other software packages.
So far the client only runs on Windows XP, but Google allows other Jabber/XMPP based IM clients to connect to Google Talk.
To download a beta version of the software go to http://www.google.com/talk. You’ll need a Gmail account to log on, but you’ll be able to access your Gmail inbox from within Google Talk and send e-mail. You will also be alerted about new messages received in your Gmail account.
August 24th, 2005
Dell today introduced its most powerful, highest resolution projector that produces detailed images and includes leading features for home cinemas.
The Dell 5100MP is a high-performance, high-brightness projector that is currently the only product in its class for less than $3,500. It features a 3,300 ANSI lumens (max)(b) brightness rating, SXGA+ (1400 X 1050) resolution and 2,500:1 contrast ratio for distinct black colors.
The ability to project true high-definition content makes the 5100MP ideal for home theaters.
“Dell is extending its legacy of delivering high-performance and high-quality projectors with innovative features at ground-breaking prices,” said Gerry Smith, vice president, Dell product group. “The 5100MP augments our projector offerings and gives us the ability to offer customers an ultimate projector with extreme brightness and high-resolution at a great price.”
The 5100MP Projector offers the most connectivity options in the Dell projector line-up and includes an RJ-45 port for network-based monitoring and troubleshooting. Other ports include HDMI, composite, VGA, M1 and S-Video, among others. Preset and user-programmable video and graphics modes help ensure optimal color performance, regardless of content displayed. Automatic vertical keystone correction technology helps ensure that a symmetrical image is displayed even when the projector is at an angle to the screen.
The 5100MP, housed in a sturdy magnesium chassis with silver accents, includes flexible installation options. Users can mount it to a ceiling (with optional kit), project from behind a screen or use it with a notebook or desktop system.
Dell also launched its standard projector ceiling installation service for business and institutional customers that is ideal for conference and training rooms. The service is available with all of Dell’s projectors, including the 1100MP, 2300MP, 4100MP and 5100MP.
This projector is available today in the United States and Canada and will be offered in other regions later this year. More information and specifications can be found at http://www.dell.com/projectors.
August 24th, 2005
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