New research from intelligent broadband network equipment maker, Sandvine reveals that Skype is leading the VoIP provider pack in North America.
2004 was termed the ‘year of VoIP rollouts’ and the first half of 2005 has seen explosive consumer adoption. Yankee group projects that by year-end 2008, VoIP will serve 17.5 million U.S. households.
With over 1,100 VoIP providers identified Skype takes the lead and garners an astounding 35.8% of all VoIP calls in the US.
Skype takes an even more commanding lead of 46.2% when it comes to share of minutes, suggesting that Skype users are also making longer calls. Other PC-based VoIP services like Microsoft, Yahoo and AOL chat are distant seconds.
Third party paid VoIP providers represent 35.7% of all VoIP minutes. Broadband service providers hold the strongest position in this category since joining the race, quickly closing the gap with an 18.1% share of all VoIP minutes on their network. Vonage, Primus, and AT&T CallVantage capture the next three positions.
“VoIP consumes minimal bandwidth on a broadband service provider’s network. Understanding which subscribers are using VoIP, how much of it, and for how long gives service providers actionable data to prioritize VoIP traffic and ensure optimal quality of experience,” said Tom Donnelly, Sandvine executive vice president, marketing and sales.
“VoIP represents a small percentage of bandwidth, but a very large revenue opportunity for broadband service providers,” said Lindsay Schroth, senior analyst, Broadband Access Technologies, Yankee Group. “Broadband providers can capitalize on this opportunity by protecting their subscribers’ VoIP service and delivering a consistent, reliable, and high-quality service.”
Sandvine intelligent broadband management solutions monitor traffic across service provider networks representing over 40% of the US broadband market.
August 10th, 2005
Intec today introduced its Recharging Dock Station with USB charge cable and Sound System for the Sony PSP.
The Recharging Dock Station with USB charge cable not only allows PSP gamers to display and charge their PSP at the same time, it also allows them to maximize their gaming time by charging their PSP during gameplay. The included USB cable offers easy transfer of a user’s stored data from their PC to the PSP while keeping the unit secure on the cradle.
The USB cable also doubles as a charging cable, allowing users to leave the clunky AC adapter at home and charge their PSP from their laptop’s USB connection while on the road! When charging, the Dock Station’s blue safety lip lights up to confirm a charge is in progress.
Intec’s Sound System for PSP features two 3.5-watt per channel bass and tweeter combination stereo speakers that fold down flat for easy storage. The Sound System uses the PSP’s existing AC power adapter to power the sound system and the PSP. Users can also power it up with 3AA batteries while on the go.
August 10th, 2005
Logitech has expanded its mobile music range with the introduction of two new speaker systems designed specifically for portable music players, including the iPod.
The Logitech mm50 portable speakers for iPod and the Logitech mm28 portable speakers provide people with the high-quality sound that Logitech speakers are known for, and also solve key problems with portable speakers by offering extended battery life and extremely portable form factors.
“Many people want to share their digital music with friends, or listen to tunes out loud,” said Ray Weikel, director of product marketing for Logitech’s Audio Business Unit. “And, to do this, they want portable speakers that are easy to transport, include high-end features, and most importantly, deliver rich, clean sound. Logitech’s two new portable speakers - the mm50 and mm28 - will be a welcome addition to the portable speaker lineup.”
Logitech has developed products that target two different markets — one is designed specifically for the iPod, and one works with any MP3 player.
Logitech mm50 Portable Speakers for iPod
The new performance mobile music speaker system, the Logitech mm50 portable speakers for iPod, offers customized iPod features, superb sound quality, and a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The speakers simultaneously recharge the iPod battery as well as the speaker battery when powered by the included AC adapter. The speaker battery lasts up to 10 hours per charge. And, the mm50 includes a wireless remote control, allowing people to adjust the volume, track forward, track back, play and pause the music without touching the speaker system or the iPod.
By using Max-X high-excursion drivers, which include neodymium magnets, as well as three inch pressure drivers, Logitech enables people to hear fully balanced audio, maximum bass response and minimal distortion. And, when used, the added 3D Stereo technology dramatically widens the stereo image, enhancing the audio experience these portable speakers deliver. Overall, the listener will receive superior sound and bass performance from the Logitech mm50 portable speakers for iPod.
The Logitech mm50 portable speakers for iPod are included in Apple’s “Made for iPod” program. “Made for iPod” means that an electronic accessory has been designed specifically to connect to the iPod and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.
The mm50 portable speakers for iPod will work with any iPod with a dock connector on its base, which includes nearly all models sold in the past two years. The speakers also come with a protective travel case. The Logitech mm50 portable speakers for iPod will be available in September in the U.S. and in Europe for a suggested retail price in the U.S. of $149.99.
Logitech mm28 Portable Speakers
The Logitech mm28 portable speakers offer an ultra-thin solution that not only sounds great, but provides tremendous battery life. These speakers can be used with any MP3 or CD player that has a standard 3.5mm audio jack. The mm28 speakers use stereo NXT flat-panel technology, which significantly enhances the bass performance, while still enabling Logitech to offer a truly portable form factor. The mm28 portable speakers are less than 1.25 inches thin. The speakers include an integrated speaker cover that rotates to become the speaker foot — so no carrying case is required. And, the input cable fits into a recessed area on the back panel, providing a truly portable one-piece speaker system.
The speakers can be powered by either the included AC adapter or by four AA batteries — the speakers can last up to 45 hours on a single set of batteries. The Logitech mm28 portable speakers will be available in September in the U.S. and in Europe for a suggested retail price in the U.S. of $79.99.
August 10th, 2005
It’s the problem that has always held back true interactive services on satellite television. Although the satellite has a lot of bandwidth at its disposal, there’s only a downstream. To get information back to the satellite network the consumer has to use a phone line.
DirecTV are looking at using WiMax as an alternative and are partnering with Alvarion to investigate. WiMax networks may, in the future, provide large areas with high-speed wireless internet access. The first of such networks will be created later this year in major urban centres.
Using a WiMax connection a set-top box could communicate back with a satellite network in real time making online gaming a possibility as well as the transmission of large files.
Source: Reuters
August 10th, 2005