HTC Wizard
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Pocket PC Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves
Pocket PC Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and RavesHTC Wizard News Roundup
Posted by Janak Parekh @ 05:00 PM
There's been tons of new news on the HTC Wizard today, and instead of making 5 separate posts, here's all that we've gotten so far. For those of you who don't know, the HTC Wizard is the successor to the compact HTC Magician. The dimensions of the device are similar, except it's a bit thicker to accomodate a keyboard. It looks like it'll have a 200MHz OMAP processor (hopefully faster than HP's variant Shocked), GPRS/EDGE, WiFi, Bluetooth, or some combination thereof with a 240x320 screen running WM5. The unique aspect of this device is the landscape nature of the keyboard, as the following image demonstrates.
Anyway, on with the news:
* WindowsMobile.no has a ton of pictures of the device (including the above one) branded as the Qtek 9100. Like other HTC devices, we'll probably see a number of different brandings as they come out.
* Phone Scoop reports that the HTC Wizard has passed FCC certification, and (at least the submitted version) has 850 and 1900MHz support, so expect good US coverage. As to whether or not US carriers will support it, as always that's up in the air. Phone Scoop noted certain T-Mobile markings, but it's not clear if that's T-Mobile USA or T-Mobile Germany.
* Arne, from the::unwired, also chimes in with the news that there may be multiple stylings/editions of the device. At this point, I'm not picky -- I'll take any of them. Pft
This device looks like a compelling solution for those that want a compact Pocket PC Phone with a little more oomph than the Magician. Cool
Posted by Janak Parekh @ 05:00 PM
There's been tons of new news on the HTC Wizard today, and instead of making 5 separate posts, here's all that we've gotten so far. For those of you who don't know, the HTC Wizard is the successor to the compact HTC Magician. The dimensions of the device are similar, except it's a bit thicker to accomodate a keyboard. It looks like it'll have a 200MHz OMAP processor (hopefully faster than HP's variant Shocked), GPRS/EDGE, WiFi, Bluetooth, or some combination thereof with a 240x320 screen running WM5. The unique aspect of this device is the landscape nature of the keyboard, as the following image demonstrates.
Anyway, on with the news:
* WindowsMobile.no has a ton of pictures of the device (including the above one) branded as the Qtek 9100. Like other HTC devices, we'll probably see a number of different brandings as they come out.
* Phone Scoop reports that the HTC Wizard has passed FCC certification, and (at least the submitted version) has 850 and 1900MHz support, so expect good US coverage. As to whether or not US carriers will support it, as always that's up in the air. Phone Scoop noted certain T-Mobile markings, but it's not clear if that's T-Mobile USA or T-Mobile Germany.
* Arne, from the::unwired, also chimes in with the news that there may be multiple stylings/editions of the device. At this point, I'm not picky -- I'll take any of them. Pft
This device looks like a compelling solution for those that want a compact Pocket PC Phone with a little more oomph than the Magician. Cool
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
BBC NEWS | Technology | Downloading 'myths' challenged
BBC NEWS | Technology | Downloading 'myths' challenged Downloading 'myths' challenged
People who illegally share music files online are also big spenders on legal music downloads, research suggests.
Digital music research firm The Leading Question found that they spent four and a half times more on paid-for music downloads than average fans.
Rather than taking legal action against downloaders, the music industry needs to entice them to use legal alternatives, the report said.
According to the music industry, legal downloads have tripled during 2005.
In the first half of 2005, some 10 million songs have been legally downloaded.
Music 'myth'
More needs to be done to capitalise on the power of the peer-to-peer networks that many music downloaders still use, said the report's authors.
There's a myth that all illegal downloaders are mercenaries hell-bent on breaking the law in pursuit of free music
Paul Brindley, The Leading Question
The study found that regular downloaders of unlicensed music spent an average of £5.52 a month on legal digital music.
This compares to just £1.27 spent by other music fans.
"The research clearly shows that music fans who break piracy laws are highly valuable customers," said Paul Brindley, director of The Leading Question.
"It also points out that they are eager to adopt legitimate music services in the future."
"There's a myth that all illegal downloaders are mercenaries hell-bent on breaking the law in pursuit of free music."
In reality hardcore fans "are extremely enthusiastic" about paid-for services, as long as they are suitably compelling, he said.
Carrot and stick
The BPI (British Phonographic Industry) welcomed the findings but added a note of caution.
"It's encouraging that many illegal file-sharers are starting to use legal services," said BPI spokesman Matt Philips.
"But our concern is that file-sharers' expenditure on music overall is down, a fact borne out by study after study.
"The consensus among independent research is that a third of illegal file-sharers may buy more music and around two thirds buy less.
"That two-thirds tends to include people who were the heaviest buyers which is why we need to continue our carrot and stick approach to the problem of illegal file-sharing," he said.
Music to go
The Leading Question survey also asked 600 music fans what devices they would be buying in the next year.
One of the challenges will be to develop the perception of the phone as a credible entertainment device
Tim Walker, The Leading Question
A third planned to buy a dedicated MP3 player, while just 8% said they would be buying an MP3-enabled phone.
Reasons cited for not purchasing a music playing phone included worries about battery life and concerns about losing the handset, and potentially their music collection.
The fact that phones tend to be frequently replaced also meant people had a low emotional attachment to them.
"The phone is not ready to replace the iPod as a serious digital music player just yet," said Tim Walker, director of The Leading Question.
"One of the challenges will be to develop the perception of the phone as a credible entertainment device," he said.
Providers need to look at features such as dual download to mobile and PC, back-up facilities and improved interfaces between PC and mobile, he said.
There is a huge potential market for MP3 phones. The survey found that 38% were interested in downloading full tracks to their mobile phones.
And people are happy with the storage possibilities of phones with only 4% wanting to store more than 1,000 songs to take on holiday.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/technology/4718249.stm
People who illegally share music files online are also big spenders on legal music downloads, research suggests.
Digital music research firm The Leading Question found that they spent four and a half times more on paid-for music downloads than average fans.
Rather than taking legal action against downloaders, the music industry needs to entice them to use legal alternatives, the report said.
According to the music industry, legal downloads have tripled during 2005.
In the first half of 2005, some 10 million songs have been legally downloaded.
Music 'myth'
More needs to be done to capitalise on the power of the peer-to-peer networks that many music downloaders still use, said the report's authors.
There's a myth that all illegal downloaders are mercenaries hell-bent on breaking the law in pursuit of free music
Paul Brindley, The Leading Question
The study found that regular downloaders of unlicensed music spent an average of £5.52 a month on legal digital music.
This compares to just £1.27 spent by other music fans.
"The research clearly shows that music fans who break piracy laws are highly valuable customers," said Paul Brindley, director of The Leading Question.
"It also points out that they are eager to adopt legitimate music services in the future."
"There's a myth that all illegal downloaders are mercenaries hell-bent on breaking the law in pursuit of free music."
In reality hardcore fans "are extremely enthusiastic" about paid-for services, as long as they are suitably compelling, he said.
Carrot and stick
The BPI (British Phonographic Industry) welcomed the findings but added a note of caution.
"It's encouraging that many illegal file-sharers are starting to use legal services," said BPI spokesman Matt Philips.
"But our concern is that file-sharers' expenditure on music overall is down, a fact borne out by study after study.
"The consensus among independent research is that a third of illegal file-sharers may buy more music and around two thirds buy less.
"That two-thirds tends to include people who were the heaviest buyers which is why we need to continue our carrot and stick approach to the problem of illegal file-sharing," he said.
Music to go
The Leading Question survey also asked 600 music fans what devices they would be buying in the next year.
One of the challenges will be to develop the perception of the phone as a credible entertainment device
Tim Walker, The Leading Question
A third planned to buy a dedicated MP3 player, while just 8% said they would be buying an MP3-enabled phone.
Reasons cited for not purchasing a music playing phone included worries about battery life and concerns about losing the handset, and potentially their music collection.
The fact that phones tend to be frequently replaced also meant people had a low emotional attachment to them.
"The phone is not ready to replace the iPod as a serious digital music player just yet," said Tim Walker, director of The Leading Question.
"One of the challenges will be to develop the perception of the phone as a credible entertainment device," he said.
Providers need to look at features such as dual download to mobile and PC, back-up facilities and improved interfaces between PC and mobile, he said.
There is a huge potential market for MP3 phones. The survey found that 38% were interested in downloading full tracks to their mobile phones.
And people are happy with the storage possibilities of phones with only 4% wanting to store more than 1,000 songs to take on holiday.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/technology/4718249.stm
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
eHomeUpgrade | Netflix Near Launch of Movie Downloads
eHomeUpgrade | Netflix Near Launch of Movie DownloadsNetflix Near Launch of Movie Downloads
Category: Content Providers - July 25, 2005
By Thomas Hawk [280 Reads]
Print Page | Email Story | Discuss [0 Posts]
netflix_tivo.jpg
UPDATED: Netflix near launch of movie downloads - Yahoo! News: So it looks like Netflix could have more than just earnings to announce this afternoon. Rumor has it that they are close on the movie download thing. Could this finally be the TiVoflix deal coming to life?
One thing that will be imperative for this thing to have legs, will be for the service (if in fact it's coming) to offer a wide range of HDTV, yes HDTV!, first run new release movies. We will see.
"One industry source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the new Netflix service would be similar to fledgling, studio-supported ventures like MovieLink and CinemaNow. Those services allow people to rent copy-protected movies and television shows over the Internet and watch them on their computers.
Such services struggled because they offer a limited number of new releases. That is unlikely to change, so long as DVD sales and rentals remain the largest single source of revenue for movie studios."
---
(New) Editor's Note: Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, in his investor conference call on 7/25, has announced that the highly anticipated TiVoflix service will be available by year's end. However, Hastings states "that it could be be 3, 5 or even 8 years before the major studios will accept a digital model leading one to assume that at least initially, TiVoflix may focus on more independent type titles." You can read more about it, here.
Category: Content Providers - July 25, 2005
By Thomas Hawk [280 Reads]
Print Page | Email Story | Discuss [0 Posts]
netflix_tivo.jpg
UPDATED: Netflix near launch of movie downloads - Yahoo! News: So it looks like Netflix could have more than just earnings to announce this afternoon. Rumor has it that they are close on the movie download thing. Could this finally be the TiVoflix deal coming to life?
One thing that will be imperative for this thing to have legs, will be for the service (if in fact it's coming) to offer a wide range of HDTV, yes HDTV!, first run new release movies. We will see.
"One industry source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the new Netflix service would be similar to fledgling, studio-supported ventures like MovieLink and CinemaNow. Those services allow people to rent copy-protected movies and television shows over the Internet and watch them on their computers.
Such services struggled because they offer a limited number of new releases. That is unlikely to change, so long as DVD sales and rentals remain the largest single source of revenue for movie studios."
---
(New) Editor's Note: Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, in his investor conference call on 7/25, has announced that the highly anticipated TiVoflix service will be available by year's end. However, Hastings states "that it could be be 3, 5 or even 8 years before the major studios will accept a digital model leading one to assume that at least initially, TiVoflix may focus on more independent type titles." You can read more about it, here.
Samsung launches Satellite DMB CDMA EV-DO phone
Samsung launches Satellite DMB CDMA EV-DO phoneSamsung launches Satellite DMB CDMA EV-DO phone
News : Mobile : Entertainment, posted 27-JUL-2005 09:54
Samsung launches Satellite DMB CDMA EV-DO phone Samsung Electronics announced its latest satellite DMB phone SCH-B200 (SPH-B2000) with a "slide and rotate" form factor. Samsung's B200, which was first unveiled at MIPTV/MILIA in Cannes, France last April, is the most recent addition to its growing line-up of satellite DMB phones.
The phone's design allows users to first slide, and then rotate the LCD screen 90-degrees for a landscape viewing orientation that is more ideal for watching broadcasted video content. Users can watch and play Satellite DMB programs, along with gaming, photo-taking, MP3 playing, and VOD features in this landscape orientation.
The B200 has a mini pedestal attached to the battery which allows the phone to stay upright during TV viewing. It is capable of multitasking and allows users to talk on the phone and send SMS while watching satellite DMB content.
The B200 is specially designed to reduce power consumption, with continuous DMB viewing for up to three hours. It comes with a built-in 2-megapixel camera, 256MB TransFlash external memory, TV output, and wired and wireless mobile printing.
This new phone is compatible with CDMA 1x EV-DO networks (800MHz/1900MHz) and sports a 2.2" (240x320 pixels) 262k colour TFT-LCD, and 64 polyphonic ringtones. IT measures 106.5 x 52 x 25.9 mm and weighs 174 g.
News : Mobile : Entertainment, posted 27-JUL-2005 09:54
Samsung launches Satellite DMB CDMA EV-DO phone Samsung Electronics announced its latest satellite DMB phone SCH-B200 (SPH-B2000) with a "slide and rotate" form factor. Samsung's B200, which was first unveiled at MIPTV/MILIA in Cannes, France last April, is the most recent addition to its growing line-up of satellite DMB phones.
The phone's design allows users to first slide, and then rotate the LCD screen 90-degrees for a landscape viewing orientation that is more ideal for watching broadcasted video content. Users can watch and play Satellite DMB programs, along with gaming, photo-taking, MP3 playing, and VOD features in this landscape orientation.
The B200 has a mini pedestal attached to the battery which allows the phone to stay upright during TV viewing. It is capable of multitasking and allows users to talk on the phone and send SMS while watching satellite DMB content.
The B200 is specially designed to reduce power consumption, with continuous DMB viewing for up to three hours. It comes with a built-in 2-megapixel camera, 256MB TransFlash external memory, TV output, and wired and wireless mobile printing.
This new phone is compatible with CDMA 1x EV-DO networks (800MHz/1900MHz) and sports a 2.2" (240x320 pixels) 262k colour TFT-LCD, and 64 polyphonic ringtones. IT measures 106.5 x 52 x 25.9 mm and weighs 174 g.
Mo betta Mac mini - Engadget - www.engadget.com
Mo betta Mac mini - Engadget - www.engadget.comMo betta Mac mini
Posted Jul 26, 2005, 9:45 AM ET by Ryan Block
Related entries: Desktops
Mac mini basic/default image
Again, nothing too revolutionary going on with the Mac mini, but they bumped the specs to 1.25GHz /512MB / 40GB/ combo drive on the $499 model, 1.42GHz / 512MB / 80GB / combo / 802.11g / Bluetooth on the $599 model, and 1.42GHz / 512MB / 80GB / SuperDrive / 802.11g / Bluetooth on their new $699 model. Nothing more to see here, move along now.
Posted Jul 26, 2005, 9:45 AM ET by Ryan Block
Related entries: Desktops
Mac mini basic/default image
Again, nothing too revolutionary going on with the Mac mini, but they bumped the specs to 1.25GHz /512MB / 40GB/ combo drive on the $499 model, 1.42GHz / 512MB / 80GB / combo / 802.11g / Bluetooth on the $599 model, and 1.42GHz / 512MB / 80GB / SuperDrive / 802.11g / Bluetooth on their new $699 model. Nothing more to see here, move along now.
Apple enhances iBooks and Mac Minis | CNET News.com
Apple enhances iBooks and Mac Minis | CNET News.comApple enhances iBooks and Mac Minis
By Dawn Kawamoto
http://news.com.com/Apple+enhances+iBooks+and+Mac+Minis/2100-1044_3-5804612.html
Story last modified Tue Jul 26 06:43:00 PDT 2005
Apple Computer on Tuesday unveiled updates to its iBooks laptop and Mac Mini lines, including increased memory and built-in wireless technology.
Between the two products, Apple's iBook G4 line features the most changes, including a scrolling TrackPad and sudden-motion sensor that protects the hard drive if the iBook is dropped. The new iBooks feature Power PC G4 processors running at up to 1.42GHz, with double the memory at 512MB.
In addition to increased memory, the new iBooks offer built-in AirPort Extreme--54mbps 802.11g Wi-Fi networking--and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless connectivity. The wireless features also are compatible with Bluetooth 1.2 devices, such as Apple's wireless keyboard and mouse.
Movie magic for Net marketing
Oracle sticks to its guns
China currency bet to pay off?
Hasta la Vista, Longhorn
Offering a bounty for security bugs
Previous Next
The iBook with 12-inch screen and a 1.33GHz PowerPC G4 costs $999, while the model with a 1.42GHz chip and a 14-inch screen is $1,299.
Apple's updated Mac Mini line also has double the memory, offering 512MB in every model. The Mac Mini with a 1.25GHz PowerPC G4 chip will sell for $499.
In addition, Apple is offering a 1.42GHz Mac Mini with built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth wireless networking technology for $599. A version of that machine with DVD- and CD-burning capabilities via a SuperDrive will sell for $699.
All of the new models are available now.
By Dawn Kawamoto
http://news.com.com/Apple+enhances+iBooks+and+Mac+Minis/2100-1044_3-5804612.html
Story last modified Tue Jul 26 06:43:00 PDT 2005
Apple Computer on Tuesday unveiled updates to its iBooks laptop and Mac Mini lines, including increased memory and built-in wireless technology.
Between the two products, Apple's iBook G4 line features the most changes, including a scrolling TrackPad and sudden-motion sensor that protects the hard drive if the iBook is dropped. The new iBooks feature Power PC G4 processors running at up to 1.42GHz, with double the memory at 512MB.
In addition to increased memory, the new iBooks offer built-in AirPort Extreme--54mbps 802.11g Wi-Fi networking--and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless connectivity. The wireless features also are compatible with Bluetooth 1.2 devices, such as Apple's wireless keyboard and mouse.
Movie magic for Net marketing
Oracle sticks to its guns
China currency bet to pay off?
Hasta la Vista, Longhorn
Offering a bounty for security bugs
Previous Next
The iBook with 12-inch screen and a 1.33GHz PowerPC G4 costs $999, while the model with a 1.42GHz chip and a 14-inch screen is $1,299.
Apple's updated Mac Mini line also has double the memory, offering 512MB in every model. The Mac Mini with a 1.25GHz PowerPC G4 chip will sell for $499.
In addition, Apple is offering a 1.42GHz Mac Mini with built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth wireless networking technology for $599. A version of that machine with DVD- and CD-burning capabilities via a SuperDrive will sell for $699.
All of the new models are available now.
Monday, July 25, 2005
PCWorld.com - The World on Your Desktop
PCWorld.com - The World on Your DesktopThe World on Your Desktop
Google Earth, MSN Virtual Earth combine satellite images with local search information.
Dennis O'Reilly, PC World
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Two new services bring the world to your desktop via satellite images you can pan and zoom to get a bird's-eye view of a travel route, a prospective vacation destination, or maybe just the stomping grounds of your youth. Google Earth and MSN Virtual Earth (the latter site should be live as of Monday, July 25) also tie details about restaurants, shops, schools, and other local spots to the satellite images of your area. Both currently are in beta.
We took a look at both initial releases and found you'll explore farther with Google Earth, which provides medium-resolution images of the entire globe (high resolution for most of the United States and other areas of North America, Europe, and Asia). Virtual Earth's coverage is more limited, but it should soon sport images that look as if they were captured by a camera hovering just above the skyline--truly the next best thing to being there.
It's a Google World After All
Click here for full-size image. Google Earth is a downloadable Windows desktop application that links information from the Google Local service to satellite images from Keyhole, a service the company acquired last October. Its razzle-dazzle graphics require at least a 500-MHz Pentium III PC with 128MB of RAM (512MB recommended) and 200MB of free hard-disk space (2GB recommended). It's free for personal use; the Plus ($20 a year) and Pro ($299 a year) versions add tech support and other options.
Using Google Earth is flat-out fun: You can use your mouse to spin the virtual globe in any direction, or you can enter a place name, an address, or even a description ("best hotel in Manhattan") in the search box under the 'Fly To' tab to zoom like a superhero to that location. The type of info displayed varies depending on which Layers options you choose (you can pinpoint hotels, parks, or even census data, for example). Unfortunately, at present the local-search part of Google Earth doesn't always work well. For example, we entered "Mt. St. Helens" during testing and inexplicably received results for Lincoln, Nebraska.
Virtually Under Construction
Click here for full-size image. MSN Virtual Earth had a much more unfinished feel in the demos I saw: It currently covers only the United States and major Canadian cities, and it offers fewer local-search options than Google Earth. However, the MSN product opens in any browser, and it connects with the MSN Spaces blogging site and other MSN services with a single click, allowing you to e-mail or otherwise share satellite images, maps, and your local-search results with others quickly and simply.
The service's aerial images--to be provided through an agreement with Pictometry--will eventually offer 45-degree-angle views of buildings and other metropolitan locations. Apart from looking neat, the images help you find your way in unfamiliar locales.
Google Earth, MSN Virtual Earth combine satellite images with local search information.
Dennis O'Reilly, PC World
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Two new services bring the world to your desktop via satellite images you can pan and zoom to get a bird's-eye view of a travel route, a prospective vacation destination, or maybe just the stomping grounds of your youth. Google Earth and MSN Virtual Earth (the latter site should be live as of Monday, July 25) also tie details about restaurants, shops, schools, and other local spots to the satellite images of your area. Both currently are in beta.
We took a look at both initial releases and found you'll explore farther with Google Earth, which provides medium-resolution images of the entire globe (high resolution for most of the United States and other areas of North America, Europe, and Asia). Virtual Earth's coverage is more limited, but it should soon sport images that look as if they were captured by a camera hovering just above the skyline--truly the next best thing to being there.
It's a Google World After All
Click here for full-size image. Google Earth is a downloadable Windows desktop application that links information from the Google Local service to satellite images from Keyhole, a service the company acquired last October. Its razzle-dazzle graphics require at least a 500-MHz Pentium III PC with 128MB of RAM (512MB recommended) and 200MB of free hard-disk space (2GB recommended). It's free for personal use; the Plus ($20 a year) and Pro ($299 a year) versions add tech support and other options.
Using Google Earth is flat-out fun: You can use your mouse to spin the virtual globe in any direction, or you can enter a place name, an address, or even a description ("best hotel in Manhattan") in the search box under the 'Fly To' tab to zoom like a superhero to that location. The type of info displayed varies depending on which Layers options you choose (you can pinpoint hotels, parks, or even census data, for example). Unfortunately, at present the local-search part of Google Earth doesn't always work well. For example, we entered "Mt. St. Helens" during testing and inexplicably received results for Lincoln, Nebraska.
Virtually Under Construction
Click here for full-size image. MSN Virtual Earth had a much more unfinished feel in the demos I saw: It currently covers only the United States and major Canadian cities, and it offers fewer local-search options than Google Earth. However, the MSN product opens in any browser, and it connects with the MSN Spaces blogging site and other MSN services with a single click, allowing you to e-mail or otherwise share satellite images, maps, and your local-search results with others quickly and simply.
The service's aerial images--to be provided through an agreement with Pictometry--will eventually offer 45-degree-angle views of buildings and other metropolitan locations. Apart from looking neat, the images help you find your way in unfamiliar locales.
CBS 46 Atlanta - CBS 46 First In Local Market To Go Wireless!
CBS 46 Atlanta - CBS 46 First In Local Market To Go Wireless!CBS 46 First In Local Market To Go Wireless!
Jul 25, 2005, 11:55 AM
CBS46 FIRST IN MARKET TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL UPDATES ANYWHERE, ANYTIME AND ANYPLACE
Atlanta news outlet offers cell phone and PDA users exclusive website for local news, weather, sports, movies and more in a quick, easy- to-download format
ATLANTA (July 25, 2005) – CBS 46, a division of Meredith Broadcasting Group (NYSE: MDP) and Atlanta’s home for America’s most watched network is the first in the market to introduce CBS46ToGo.com, a new and easy to download website that sends important information to consumer’s mobile devices. As part of an exclusive initiative to offer consumers pertinent information when and where they need it, CBS 46 has created the new service that offers the latest news, weather, sports, finance and movie listings.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
CBS46ToGo is a specially designed version of the award winning CBS46.com website that allows easy and quick access of pertinent information to anyone with Internet or texting capabilities. The site does not include any large graphics, pop-up ads or audio that makes downloading traditional sites very slow. PDAs, cell phones or similar hardware devices can access up to the minute information in a user-friendly format through accessing a specific designed CBS46.com wireless site through Wireless Application Protocol (WAP).
Get the local content you want when you want it
From the home page of cbs46ToGo.com, users can select between five main content sections: news, weather, sports, finance and movies. Selecting a section will provide additional information. Weather forecasts are provided by either city or zip code, while a choice of local, state, national and World news is available.
The best things in life are free
As with the full version of the CBS46.com website, consumers are not required to pay any fees, register or enter personal information to access CBS46ToGo. Anyone with a wireless provider’s Internet service is able to access the site. Plus, what's made it even more possible to offer this service without extra cost is the sponsorship of our partner on this project, Tim Stewart Ford .
Who can use CBS46ToGo?
Anyone who has Internet access through their cell phone or PDA can use CBS46ToGo. Road warriors will find the new site provides a great way to stay connected to Atlanta regardless of their location, as they can keep up with the latest Braves scores, weather at home or progress on personal stocks.
About CBS 46
CBS 46 is owned and operated by Meredith Corporation. Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP; www.meredith.com) is one of the nation's leading media and marketing companies with core competencies in magazine and book publishing, television broadcasting, integrated marketing and interactive media. Meredith owns 13 television stations that reach over 9 percent of television households across the country and one radio station: WGCL-TV (CBS), Atlanta; KPHO-TV (CBS), Phoenix, AZ; KPDX-TV (UPN), Portland, OR; KPTV (FOX), Portland, OR; WFSB-TV (CBS), Hartford-New Haven, CT; WSMV-TV (NBC), Nashville, TN; KCTV (CBS), Kansas City, MO; WHNS-TV (FOX), Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson, SC-Asheville, NC; WNEM-TV (CBS), Flint-Saginaw, MI; KVVU-TV (FOX), Las Vegas, NV; WFLI-TV, Chattanooga, TN; WSHM, Springfield, MA; and KFXO-CA (FOX), Bend, OR, and radio station WNEM-AM in Saginaw-Bay City, MI. Meredith also has a joint sales agreement for KSMO-TV (WB) in Kansas City, MO.
For more information, log on to www.cbs46.com.
Jul 25, 2005, 11:55 AM
CBS46 FIRST IN MARKET TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL UPDATES ANYWHERE, ANYTIME AND ANYPLACE
Atlanta news outlet offers cell phone and PDA users exclusive website for local news, weather, sports, movies and more in a quick, easy- to-download format
ATLANTA (July 25, 2005) – CBS 46, a division of Meredith Broadcasting Group (NYSE: MDP) and Atlanta’s home for America’s most watched network is the first in the market to introduce CBS46ToGo.com, a new and easy to download website that sends important information to consumer’s mobile devices. As part of an exclusive initiative to offer consumers pertinent information when and where they need it, CBS 46 has created the new service that offers the latest news, weather, sports, finance and movie listings.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
CBS46ToGo is a specially designed version of the award winning CBS46.com website that allows easy and quick access of pertinent information to anyone with Internet or texting capabilities. The site does not include any large graphics, pop-up ads or audio that makes downloading traditional sites very slow. PDAs, cell phones or similar hardware devices can access up to the minute information in a user-friendly format through accessing a specific designed CBS46.com wireless site through Wireless Application Protocol (WAP).
Get the local content you want when you want it
From the home page of cbs46ToGo.com, users can select between five main content sections: news, weather, sports, finance and movies. Selecting a section will provide additional information. Weather forecasts are provided by either city or zip code, while a choice of local, state, national and World news is available.
The best things in life are free
As with the full version of the CBS46.com website, consumers are not required to pay any fees, register or enter personal information to access CBS46ToGo. Anyone with a wireless provider’s Internet service is able to access the site. Plus, what's made it even more possible to offer this service without extra cost is the sponsorship of our partner on this project, Tim Stewart Ford .
Who can use CBS46ToGo?
Anyone who has Internet access through their cell phone or PDA can use CBS46ToGo. Road warriors will find the new site provides a great way to stay connected to Atlanta regardless of their location, as they can keep up with the latest Braves scores, weather at home or progress on personal stocks.
About CBS 46
CBS 46 is owned and operated by Meredith Corporation. Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP; www.meredith.com) is one of the nation's leading media and marketing companies with core competencies in magazine and book publishing, television broadcasting, integrated marketing and interactive media. Meredith owns 13 television stations that reach over 9 percent of television households across the country and one radio station: WGCL-TV (CBS), Atlanta; KPHO-TV (CBS), Phoenix, AZ; KPDX-TV (UPN), Portland, OR; KPTV (FOX), Portland, OR; WFSB-TV (CBS), Hartford-New Haven, CT; WSMV-TV (NBC), Nashville, TN; KCTV (CBS), Kansas City, MO; WHNS-TV (FOX), Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson, SC-Asheville, NC; WNEM-TV (CBS), Flint-Saginaw, MI; KVVU-TV (FOX), Las Vegas, NV; WFLI-TV, Chattanooga, TN; WSHM, Springfield, MA; and KFXO-CA (FOX), Bend, OR, and radio station WNEM-AM in Saginaw-Bay City, MI. Meredith also has a joint sales agreement for KSMO-TV (WB) in Kansas City, MO.
For more information, log on to www.cbs46.com.
Surge In Google, Microsoft Profit - Forbes.com
Surge In Google, Microsoft Profit - Forbes.com
Topping the headlines this afternoon, tech giants Google and Microsoft reported strong quarterly results.
Second-quarter earnings nearly quadrupled for Google (nasdaq: GOOG - news - people ). Earnings rose to $1.19 per share, from 30 cents per share a year ago, slightly less than analysts' estimates. The Internet company reported stronger-than-expected sales of $890 million.
Meanwhile, Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) said its fourth-quarter earnings jumped 37.5% to $3.7 billion to beat Wall Street expectations.
U.S. stocks closed lower amid news of explosions in London similar to those two weeks ago. China revalued the yuan by 2.1%, cutting the currency's decade-old link to the U.S. dollar.
In earnings news, Delta Air Lines (nyse: DAL - news - people ) reported a narrower loss of $388 million for the second quarter. Meanwhile, JetBlue (nasdaq: JBLU - news - people ), America West (nyse: AWA - news - people ) and Alaska Airlines (nyse: ALK - news - people ) reported small profit.
Elsewhere in the airline industry, members of the union representing 20,000 ground workers at bankrupt United Airlines, a division of UAL (otc: UALAQ - news - people ), ratified a five-year contract that saves the carrier $176 million per year.
Shares of Coca-Cola (nyse: KO - news - people ) climbed after it reported higher quarterly earnings. Disappointing news from Merck (nyse: MRK - news - people ) and McDonald's (nyse: MCD - news - people ) sent those stocks lower.
Topping the headlines this afternoon, tech giants Google and Microsoft reported strong quarterly results.
Second-quarter earnings nearly quadrupled for Google (nasdaq: GOOG - news - people ). Earnings rose to $1.19 per share, from 30 cents per share a year ago, slightly less than analysts' estimates. The Internet company reported stronger-than-expected sales of $890 million.
Meanwhile, Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) said its fourth-quarter earnings jumped 37.5% to $3.7 billion to beat Wall Street expectations.
U.S. stocks closed lower amid news of explosions in London similar to those two weeks ago. China revalued the yuan by 2.1%, cutting the currency's decade-old link to the U.S. dollar.
In earnings news, Delta Air Lines (nyse: DAL - news - people ) reported a narrower loss of $388 million for the second quarter. Meanwhile, JetBlue (nasdaq: JBLU - news - people ), America West (nyse: AWA - news - people ) and Alaska Airlines (nyse: ALK - news - people ) reported small profit.
Elsewhere in the airline industry, members of the union representing 20,000 ground workers at bankrupt United Airlines, a division of UAL (otc: UALAQ - news - people ), ratified a five-year contract that saves the carrier $176 million per year.
Shares of Coca-Cola (nyse: KO - news - people ) climbed after it reported higher quarterly earnings. Disappointing news from Merck (nyse: MRK - news - people ) and McDonald's (nyse: MCD - news - people ) sent those stocks lower.
Verizon Wireless Seen Topping Cingular - Forbes.com
Verizon Wireless Seen Topping Cingular - Forbes.com
Market Scan
Verizon Wireless Seen Topping Cingular
07.25.05, 12:40 PM ET
Deutsche Bank reiterated a "buy" rating and $38.50 price target on Verizon Communications (nyse: VZ - news - people ).
According to Deutsche Bank, Verizon Wireless added 1.9 million subscribers in the second quarter, ahead of the research firm's estimate of 1.4 million to 1.5 million and the best quarter in Verizon's history. The data came from Vodafone's (nyse: VOD - news - people ) quarterly key performance indicators release. Verizon Wireless is a joint venture between Verizon Communications and Vodafone.
"Today's performance could also provide a boost to Verizon's group results tomorrow, with the only question being the degree to which better-than-expected wireless performance will offset poor wireline metrics. Following SBC Communications' (nyse: SBC - news - people ) results, it is conceivable that Verizon's access-line loss could exceed 5.5% year-over-year.
The research firm believes that the record performance are due to better-than-expected churn rates. "This highlights the persisting gap between Cingular and Verizon Wireless in terms of ability to simultaneously deliver strong growth, low churn and, we believe, relatively stable average revenue per unit, with Verizon continuing to win a larger share of national industry net adds than Cingular."
Deutsche Bank sees this data as positive for the industry: "With Cingular--1.2 million adds--and Nextel Communications (nasdaq: NXTL - news - people )--550,000 adds--having reported results last week, it now appears that the five national wireless carriers will add closer to 5 million subscribers in the second quarter versus the 4.5 million we had originally expected, and up from 4.8 million last quarter. This would represent the second-best ever quarter for the industry, and should dismiss any fears of a near-term industry slowdown."
Cingular is a joint venture between BellSouth (nyse: BLS - news - people ) and SBC.
Market Scan
Verizon Wireless Seen Topping Cingular
07.25.05, 12:40 PM ET
Deutsche Bank reiterated a "buy" rating and $38.50 price target on Verizon Communications (nyse: VZ - news - people ).
According to Deutsche Bank, Verizon Wireless added 1.9 million subscribers in the second quarter, ahead of the research firm's estimate of 1.4 million to 1.5 million and the best quarter in Verizon's history. The data came from Vodafone's (nyse: VOD - news - people ) quarterly key performance indicators release. Verizon Wireless is a joint venture between Verizon Communications and Vodafone.
"Today's performance could also provide a boost to Verizon's group results tomorrow, with the only question being the degree to which better-than-expected wireless performance will offset poor wireline metrics. Following SBC Communications' (nyse: SBC - news - people ) results, it is conceivable that Verizon's access-line loss could exceed 5.5% year-over-year.
The research firm believes that the record performance are due to better-than-expected churn rates. "This highlights the persisting gap between Cingular and Verizon Wireless in terms of ability to simultaneously deliver strong growth, low churn and, we believe, relatively stable average revenue per unit, with Verizon continuing to win a larger share of national industry net adds than Cingular."
Deutsche Bank sees this data as positive for the industry: "With Cingular--1.2 million adds--and Nextel Communications (nasdaq: NXTL - news - people )--550,000 adds--having reported results last week, it now appears that the five national wireless carriers will add closer to 5 million subscribers in the second quarter versus the 4.5 million we had originally expected, and up from 4.8 million last quarter. This would represent the second-best ever quarter for the industry, and should dismiss any fears of a near-term industry slowdown."
Cingular is a joint venture between BellSouth (nyse: BLS - news - people ) and SBC.
Friday, July 22, 2005
News from PC Magazine: Windows Vista
News from PC Magazine: Windows VistaWindows Vista
07.22.05
By Michael J. Miller
As of this morning, the "Longhorn" version of Windows has a new name–Windows Vista. In addition, Microsoft announced a formal date for the first beta: August 3.
Neil Charney, Dir of Product Management in the Windows Client Group, says the name is meant to convey that the new version was "about providing clarity to your world and giving focus to the things that are important to you." He said it "provides your view of the world" and puts the user in control.
"We've seen an explosion of information and data, more choices. The challenge is how to find the information I'm interested in," he said. "Having that clarity, that view, that vista in front of you is really important."
Charney stated that the first beta is targeted at developers and IT professionals. It will be available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers then. A later version, called Beta 2, will target end-users.
Information on the beta is available on a new site: www.microsoft.com/windowsvista
07.22.05
By Michael J. Miller
As of this morning, the "Longhorn" version of Windows has a new name–Windows Vista. In addition, Microsoft announced a formal date for the first beta: August 3.
Neil Charney, Dir of Product Management in the Windows Client Group, says the name is meant to convey that the new version was "about providing clarity to your world and giving focus to the things that are important to you." He said it "provides your view of the world" and puts the user in control.
"We've seen an explosion of information and data, more choices. The challenge is how to find the information I'm interested in," he said. "Having that clarity, that view, that vista in front of you is really important."
Charney stated that the first beta is targeted at developers and IT professionals. It will be available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers then. A later version, called Beta 2, will target end-users.
Information on the beta is available on a new site: www.microsoft.com/windowsvista
BBC NEWS | Technology | Google site 'used by drug gang'
BBC NEWS | Technology | Google site 'used by drug gang' Google site 'used by drug gang'
Ten people have been arrested in Brazil after authorities discovered them allegedly using Google's online community site, Orkut, to sell drugs.
The drugs ring was uncovered after police tapped phone calls and monitored online communications through Orkut.
The site, used for building online communities and making contacts, is hugely popular in Latin America.
According to media reports, more than half of the seven million community members are from Brazil.
"We discovered the drug ring first via authorised phone tapping, and later the investigation included monitoring of their activities on the internet," an officer at the Drugs Enforcement Service in Niteroi, near Rio de Janeiro, told the Reuters news agency.
"We are aware of the situation and are currently looking into it," Google said in a statement.
"When we are made aware of situations that are against our terms of service we take appropriate action."
Social spaces
Orkut, launched by Google in 2004, is an invitation-only service which lets people build up networks of contacts with whom they chat.
It is similar to other social networking sites which have become increasingly popular such as Friendster, and MySpace which was recently bought by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.
The Brazilian authorities say that the drug dealers used the Orkut network service to link up deals to sell ecstasy and marijuana.
The online community site was created by Turkish software engineer Orkut Buyukkokten.
Ten people have been arrested in Brazil after authorities discovered them allegedly using Google's online community site, Orkut, to sell drugs.
The drugs ring was uncovered after police tapped phone calls and monitored online communications through Orkut.
The site, used for building online communities and making contacts, is hugely popular in Latin America.
According to media reports, more than half of the seven million community members are from Brazil.
"We discovered the drug ring first via authorised phone tapping, and later the investigation included monitoring of their activities on the internet," an officer at the Drugs Enforcement Service in Niteroi, near Rio de Janeiro, told the Reuters news agency.
"We are aware of the situation and are currently looking into it," Google said in a statement.
"When we are made aware of situations that are against our terms of service we take appropriate action."
Social spaces
Orkut, launched by Google in 2004, is an invitation-only service which lets people build up networks of contacts with whom they chat.
It is similar to other social networking sites which have become increasingly popular such as Friendster, and MySpace which was recently bought by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.
The Brazilian authorities say that the drug dealers used the Orkut network service to link up deals to sell ecstasy and marijuana.
The online community site was created by Turkish software engineer Orkut Buyukkokten.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Microsoft Seen As 'Good Defensive Play' - Forbes.com
Microsoft Seen As 'Good Defensive Play' - Forbes.comMarket Scan
Microsoft Seen As 'Good Defensive Play'
07.21.05, 11:51 AM ET
Credit Suisse First Boston maintained a "neutral" rating and $28 target price on Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ), saying it continues to view the software company "as a good defensive play with reasonable prospects for share appreciation."
CSFB expects Microsoft to see upside in the current fiscal fourth quarter on stronger PC shipments. "Going forward, we suspect that revenue outperformance could be a bit tough as PC market growth rates slow ahead of the Longhorn OS release," CSFB said. For the fiscal fourth quarter, the research firm estimates earnings per share for Microsoft of 30 cents, although "we would not be surprised to see the company report 31 cents to 32 cents. We also could see some upside to unearned revenue guidance of $8.9 billion."
For the fiscal first-quarter view, CSFB said it wouldn't be surprised to see the company take a conservative stance with the new Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddle just coming on board and a weaker European environment. Elsewhere in the sector, CSFB maintained an "outperform" rating and $16 target price on Oracle (nasdaq: ORCL - news - people ).
Microsoft Seen As 'Good Defensive Play'
07.21.05, 11:51 AM ET
Credit Suisse First Boston maintained a "neutral" rating and $28 target price on Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ), saying it continues to view the software company "as a good defensive play with reasonable prospects for share appreciation."
CSFB expects Microsoft to see upside in the current fiscal fourth quarter on stronger PC shipments. "Going forward, we suspect that revenue outperformance could be a bit tough as PC market growth rates slow ahead of the Longhorn OS release," CSFB said. For the fiscal fourth quarter, the research firm estimates earnings per share for Microsoft of 30 cents, although "we would not be surprised to see the company report 31 cents to 32 cents. We also could see some upside to unearned revenue guidance of $8.9 billion."
For the fiscal first-quarter view, CSFB said it wouldn't be surprised to see the company take a conservative stance with the new Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddle just coming on board and a weaker European environment. Elsewhere in the sector, CSFB maintained an "outperform" rating and $16 target price on Oracle (nasdaq: ORCL - news - people ).
eHomeUpgrade | Michael Gartenberg on Longhorn
eHomeUpgrade | Michael Gartenberg on LonghornMichael Gartenberg on Longhorn
Category: Software - July 21, 2005
By Thomas Hawk
Micheal Gartenberg: "Of course, Microsoft needs to make sure that it's core business customers get on board and make the shift but it also must make Longhorn a consumer success for what's at stake there is the future of the digital home. Considering that Microsoft has not done as well in some core consumer digital markets, such as music, the stakes are even higher."
Gartenberg's opinion is interesting and I'd tend to agree.
One possible way to blow this thing up is to make an already cumbersome Media Center PC even that much more cumbersome by loading it down with restrictions and DRM. Sometimes I really get frustrated because when I try to access files on my home network I'm told by my Media Center PC that I don't have access to these files and to contact my network administrator. My network adminstrator? Give me a friggin' break. I can get into some folders but subfolders seem to be off limits. This despite the fact that I've checked off on acknowledging risks etc., and have told my other PCs to go ahead and share their drives and all the subfolders in their drives. It's little things like this that drive me crazy. I don't know if it's a bug or what but it's frustrating.
Other times I'll be copying files from one drive to another drive and I get an error message that an I/O device error has taken place and I have to start my back up all over again. It also frustrates me when it takes me days to get video working on my Media Center because I forget and don't realize that I need to reinstall a third party decoder after I upgrade my MCE machines. Or it's frustrating when my HP upgrade doesn't include the files necessary to burn to DVD. etc. etc.
Now I'm by no means a computer programmer -- but I'm also by no means a novice. And as these things frustrate me, I worry that as Microsoft continues down the path to the high school prom with Hollywood that this could have bad consequences for the end user. HDTV is important and maybe in the end there is no other way to get this done, but I worry that it will not be foolproof and that a time will come when Microsoft refuses me the right or complicates my ability to use media that I've purchased and then I'll get angry and write about it as will others.
Microsoft should of course be aware that no matter how willing a partner Hollywood is at the dance it is much more desirable for them to see the Media Center PVR, digital media, etc. efforts fail than anything else.
Would a better solution be to create a technology to capture a HDTV stream between the cable box and the TV, record it without restriction (remember BetaMax?), and fight the bastards in court? Would a better solution be to completely empower the consumer and scorch and burn the rest of Hollywood, accept that digital piracy will take place and see what content survives (trust me it will)? Might Microsoft then sell millions and millions of copies of Media Center that could arguably claim fair use and in an age when TiVo wants to shoot adds at you, ironically as a liberator of the TV commercial, differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace? Would the lucrative sale of operating systems make up for the lack of profits to be found in helping Hollywood protect their content? Irrespective of ethical or moral considerations which would make more economic sense for the company?
Gartenberg says that Microsoft will battle in the coming months for the hearts and mind of their users. How will Microsoft win my heart with Longhorn as it relates to digital media and most specifically music, photos, movies and TV? Time may tell.
Category: Software - July 21, 2005
By Thomas Hawk
Micheal Gartenberg: "Of course, Microsoft needs to make sure that it's core business customers get on board and make the shift but it also must make Longhorn a consumer success for what's at stake there is the future of the digital home. Considering that Microsoft has not done as well in some core consumer digital markets, such as music, the stakes are even higher."
Gartenberg's opinion is interesting and I'd tend to agree.
One possible way to blow this thing up is to make an already cumbersome Media Center PC even that much more cumbersome by loading it down with restrictions and DRM. Sometimes I really get frustrated because when I try to access files on my home network I'm told by my Media Center PC that I don't have access to these files and to contact my network administrator. My network adminstrator? Give me a friggin' break. I can get into some folders but subfolders seem to be off limits. This despite the fact that I've checked off on acknowledging risks etc., and have told my other PCs to go ahead and share their drives and all the subfolders in their drives. It's little things like this that drive me crazy. I don't know if it's a bug or what but it's frustrating.
Other times I'll be copying files from one drive to another drive and I get an error message that an I/O device error has taken place and I have to start my back up all over again. It also frustrates me when it takes me days to get video working on my Media Center because I forget and don't realize that I need to reinstall a third party decoder after I upgrade my MCE machines. Or it's frustrating when my HP upgrade doesn't include the files necessary to burn to DVD. etc. etc.
Now I'm by no means a computer programmer -- but I'm also by no means a novice. And as these things frustrate me, I worry that as Microsoft continues down the path to the high school prom with Hollywood that this could have bad consequences for the end user. HDTV is important and maybe in the end there is no other way to get this done, but I worry that it will not be foolproof and that a time will come when Microsoft refuses me the right or complicates my ability to use media that I've purchased and then I'll get angry and write about it as will others.
Microsoft should of course be aware that no matter how willing a partner Hollywood is at the dance it is much more desirable for them to see the Media Center PVR, digital media, etc. efforts fail than anything else.
Would a better solution be to create a technology to capture a HDTV stream between the cable box and the TV, record it without restriction (remember BetaMax?), and fight the bastards in court? Would a better solution be to completely empower the consumer and scorch and burn the rest of Hollywood, accept that digital piracy will take place and see what content survives (trust me it will)? Might Microsoft then sell millions and millions of copies of Media Center that could arguably claim fair use and in an age when TiVo wants to shoot adds at you, ironically as a liberator of the TV commercial, differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace? Would the lucrative sale of operating systems make up for the lack of profits to be found in helping Hollywood protect their content? Irrespective of ethical or moral considerations which would make more economic sense for the company?
Gartenberg says that Microsoft will battle in the coming months for the hearts and mind of their users. How will Microsoft win my heart with Longhorn as it relates to digital media and most specifically music, photos, movies and TV? Time may tell.
EBay Shares Have 15%-20% Upside - Forbes.com
EBay Shares Have 15%-20% Upside - Forbes.comEBay Shares Have 15%-20% Upside
07.21.05, 11:38 AM ET
Goldman Sachs maintained an "outperform" rating on eBay (nasdaq: EBAY - news - people ) and said it sees a "15% to 20% appreciation potential" for the stock. EBay reported yesterday upside results for the second quarter and higher full-year guidance, citing favorable currency exchange rates and business momentum.
"The broad-based strength delivered across countries, categories, and selling formats demonstrates the responsiveness of the business to new initiatives. Additionally, results reinforce our view that the growth opportunity remains vast and our confidence in our 2006 $1.03 EPS estimate," said Goldman Sachs. "We reiterate our 'outperform' rating on eBay as we see 15% to 20% appreciation potential to our $45 implied value."
The research firm said the "most impressive" aspect of the quarter was eBay's accelerating year-over-year revenue growth, up 40% compared with 36% in the first quarter. "The revenue acceleration reflects strong unit growth and higher ASPs [average selling prices]/close rates," it said. "The improvement in these metrics implies that the relative value eBay provides sellers continues to increase."
Goldman Sachs noted that eBay shares, based on a share price of $40, trade at an enterprise multiple of 23.6 times estimated 2006 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA--20% above Yahoo! (nasdaq: YHOO - news - people ) (19.6 times) but 15% below Google (nasdaq: GOOG - news - people ) (27.7 times). "We continue to believe that eBay represents the best business model within the Internet sector, growing revenue 50% faster and EBITDA twice as fast as the average e-commerce company reflecting its numerous growth opportunities including geographic expansion, category expansion, and pricing formats, with natural barriers to entry given the benefits of network effects," the firm said.
07.21.05, 11:38 AM ET
Goldman Sachs maintained an "outperform" rating on eBay (nasdaq: EBAY - news - people ) and said it sees a "15% to 20% appreciation potential" for the stock. EBay reported yesterday upside results for the second quarter and higher full-year guidance, citing favorable currency exchange rates and business momentum.
"The broad-based strength delivered across countries, categories, and selling formats demonstrates the responsiveness of the business to new initiatives. Additionally, results reinforce our view that the growth opportunity remains vast and our confidence in our 2006 $1.03 EPS estimate," said Goldman Sachs. "We reiterate our 'outperform' rating on eBay as we see 15% to 20% appreciation potential to our $45 implied value."
The research firm said the "most impressive" aspect of the quarter was eBay's accelerating year-over-year revenue growth, up 40% compared with 36% in the first quarter. "The revenue acceleration reflects strong unit growth and higher ASPs [average selling prices]/close rates," it said. "The improvement in these metrics implies that the relative value eBay provides sellers continues to increase."
Goldman Sachs noted that eBay shares, based on a share price of $40, trade at an enterprise multiple of 23.6 times estimated 2006 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA--20% above Yahoo! (nasdaq: YHOO - news - people ) (19.6 times) but 15% below Google (nasdaq: GOOG - news - people ) (27.7 times). "We continue to believe that eBay represents the best business model within the Internet sector, growing revenue 50% faster and EBITDA twice as fast as the average e-commerce company reflecting its numerous growth opportunities including geographic expansion, category expansion, and pricing formats, with natural barriers to entry given the benefits of network effects," the firm said.
Brighthand — Sony Rumored to Be Developing New Ultra-Portable PC
Brighthand — Sony Rumored to Be Developing New Ultra-Portable PCSony Rumored to Be Developing New Ultra-Portable PC
RumorMill
By Ed Hardy | Editor-in-Chief
Jul 21, 2005
Despite withdrawing from the handheld market, Sony has continued to make the U series of ultra-small computers.
Despite their minuscule size, these run a full version of Microsoft Windows.
The original U series models were essentially tiny laptops, with a clamshell design and a built-in keyboard.
The more recent ones, though, have eschewed the keyboard and used a tablet configuration.
According to Handtops.com, Sony is rumored to be working on a new U series model that will be a hybrid of the two designs.
Supposedly, the upcoming model will have a clamshell configuration, with a keyboard on one side and the screen on the other. However, the screen will be able to twist around and then be closed down over the keyboard, allowing this device to be used in tablet mode.
There's no word on a release date or a price, but similar devices typically start at about $2,000.
Is This the Future?
Some believe that this is the direction that all handhelds are heading; instead of running operating system specifically designed for small devices -- like Palm OS or Windows Mobile -- future models will use the same operating system as desktops and laptops do.
Ultra Mobile 2007 Mockup One of the people who believes this is Microsoft's Bill Gates. Earlier this year, he unveiled the Ultra Mobile 2007 concept.
He envisions a relatively inexpensive device will be just a bit larger than current handhelds and run the next version of Windows XP, code-named Longhorn (see picture at right).
Microsoft's concept is for a device that will cost less than $1,000, weigh less than 2 pounds, and offer a constant wireless connection to the Internet.
As it stands now, though, their very high prices have kept ultra-portables a niche product. Still, there are several on the market, including the aforementioned Sony U series and the OQO model 01.
Thanks to Engadget for the tip.
RumorMill
By Ed Hardy | Editor-in-Chief
Jul 21, 2005
Despite withdrawing from the handheld market, Sony has continued to make the U series of ultra-small computers.
Despite their minuscule size, these run a full version of Microsoft Windows.
The original U series models were essentially tiny laptops, with a clamshell design and a built-in keyboard.
The more recent ones, though, have eschewed the keyboard and used a tablet configuration.
According to Handtops.com, Sony is rumored to be working on a new U series model that will be a hybrid of the two designs.
Supposedly, the upcoming model will have a clamshell configuration, with a keyboard on one side and the screen on the other. However, the screen will be able to twist around and then be closed down over the keyboard, allowing this device to be used in tablet mode.
There's no word on a release date or a price, but similar devices typically start at about $2,000.
Is This the Future?
Some believe that this is the direction that all handhelds are heading; instead of running operating system specifically designed for small devices -- like Palm OS or Windows Mobile -- future models will use the same operating system as desktops and laptops do.
Ultra Mobile 2007 Mockup One of the people who believes this is Microsoft's Bill Gates. Earlier this year, he unveiled the Ultra Mobile 2007 concept.
He envisions a relatively inexpensive device will be just a bit larger than current handhelds and run the next version of Windows XP, code-named Longhorn (see picture at right).
Microsoft's concept is for a device that will cost less than $1,000, weigh less than 2 pounds, and offer a constant wireless connection to the Internet.
As it stands now, though, their very high prices have kept ultra-portables a niche product. Still, there are several on the market, including the aforementioned Sony U series and the OQO model 01.
Thanks to Engadget for the tip.
Going To Atlanta? @ Dave's iPAQ
Going To Atlanta? @ Dave's iPAQ SITA INC Wi-Fi Solution To Ensure Internet Access and Mobile Phone Use Throughout Busiest Airport
SITA INC (Information Networking Computing) today announced details of a $5.4M multi-faceted contract for wireless and management services for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport - ranked the busiest airport in the world. The contract was signed by the City of Atlanta's Department of Aviation (DOA) and the Mayor of the City of Atlanta, Shirley Franklin.
"This solution will improve the passenger experience at Atlanta Airport by allowing travellers to access the Internet and use of their mobile phones anywhere in the airport," said Atlanta airport General Manager Ben DeCosta. "Passengers travelling through the Atlanta airport can stay in touch via Wi-Fi from the front door of the airport, to the underground transportation mall, to every gate at every concourse. Our passengers will have the benefit of this new service this fall, and we are very excited for the launch."
SITA's solution for Atlanta includes the design and implementation of an airport-wide Wi-Fi and mobile wireless network, as well as management of the airport's new fibre, mobile and Wi-Fi network for a period of one year.
The total solution for Hartsfield-Jackson Airport covers three main areas:
1) A Wi-Fi system for the entire airport that provides Internet access for all passengers. Internet access will be via a "neutral host" allowing the passengers the flexibility to choose their own Wireless Internet Service Provider. The wireless system will support data services, as well as voice and video. This secure system is also designed for use by the City of Atlanta DOA, the airlines, and airport tenants.
2) A distributed antenna system that provides passengers with high quality mobile phone coverage throughout the airport and transportation mall, regardless of the mobile phone carrier.
3) A fully managed network operation centre with Department of Aviation (airport) and SITA staff on site to provide ongoing operation, security and maintenance of the airport's fibre network and the wireless network.
"We are extremely pleased to offer the first truly neutral host system in an airport to visitors of Hartsfield-Jackson, in the same city as our global business unit and North American headquarters," said Senior Vice President of Airport and Desktop Services, John Jarrell. "This shared infrastructure improves the passenger experience by making Wi-Fi available to passengers as well as airport and airline employees, with a neutral host offering great flexibility."
This project is presently in the implementation phase and will be fully operational in the fourth quarter of 2005.
About SITA
SITA INC
SITA INC (Information Networking Computing) is the world's leading provider of air transport- focused applications, communications and IT infrastructure, enabling its customers to realize greater operational efficiencies and enhanced profitability. Building on a heritage of innovation, the company provides services to air transport customers and to related industries, as well as government authorities, offering a unique portfolio of solutions. SITA INC is registered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and recorded revenues of $642 million in 2004.
SITA INC (Information Networking Computing) today announced details of a $5.4M multi-faceted contract for wireless and management services for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport - ranked the busiest airport in the world. The contract was signed by the City of Atlanta's Department of Aviation (DOA) and the Mayor of the City of Atlanta, Shirley Franklin.
"This solution will improve the passenger experience at Atlanta Airport by allowing travellers to access the Internet and use of their mobile phones anywhere in the airport," said Atlanta airport General Manager Ben DeCosta. "Passengers travelling through the Atlanta airport can stay in touch via Wi-Fi from the front door of the airport, to the underground transportation mall, to every gate at every concourse. Our passengers will have the benefit of this new service this fall, and we are very excited for the launch."
SITA's solution for Atlanta includes the design and implementation of an airport-wide Wi-Fi and mobile wireless network, as well as management of the airport's new fibre, mobile and Wi-Fi network for a period of one year.
The total solution for Hartsfield-Jackson Airport covers three main areas:
1) A Wi-Fi system for the entire airport that provides Internet access for all passengers. Internet access will be via a "neutral host" allowing the passengers the flexibility to choose their own Wireless Internet Service Provider. The wireless system will support data services, as well as voice and video. This secure system is also designed for use by the City of Atlanta DOA, the airlines, and airport tenants.
2) A distributed antenna system that provides passengers with high quality mobile phone coverage throughout the airport and transportation mall, regardless of the mobile phone carrier.
3) A fully managed network operation centre with Department of Aviation (airport) and SITA staff on site to provide ongoing operation, security and maintenance of the airport's fibre network and the wireless network.
"We are extremely pleased to offer the first truly neutral host system in an airport to visitors of Hartsfield-Jackson, in the same city as our global business unit and North American headquarters," said Senior Vice President of Airport and Desktop Services, John Jarrell. "This shared infrastructure improves the passenger experience by making Wi-Fi available to passengers as well as airport and airline employees, with a neutral host offering great flexibility."
This project is presently in the implementation phase and will be fully operational in the fourth quarter of 2005.
About SITA
SITA INC
SITA INC (Information Networking Computing) is the world's leading provider of air transport- focused applications, communications and IT infrastructure, enabling its customers to realize greater operational efficiencies and enhanced profitability. Building on a heritage of innovation, the company provides services to air transport customers and to related industries, as well as government authorities, offering a unique portfolio of solutions. SITA INC is registered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and recorded revenues of $642 million in 2004.
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