Nintendo's 3DS Will Not Be Released For Holiday Season

 

CNBC reports Nintendo is not releasing the 3DS, their 3D version of the popular hand-held gaming system, in time for this holiday season.  Nintendo president Satoru Iwata told analysts the company would not be able to supply enough units, if the 3DS was released this year.  As a result, Nintendo cut its full year profit by 1/3.  

Devices like the iPod Touch and iPhone have been gaining gaming market share.  Consumers are attracted to the inexpensive cost of the games which typically range from free to $9.99.  For dedicated gaming devices such as the Nintendo DS or Sony PSP, it is rare to find a game for $9.99.  Most games will typically cost the consumer around $30.

With the 2010 holiday season a wash for Nintendo, will they be able to make up the ground in 2011 or will other devices continue to erode their market share?  If they can make the devices and games available to consumers for a lower cost, Nintendo may still be able to stay relevant in this market.  If they cannot reduce costs, they may go the way of the PDA.

Dell To Launch A Wide Range Of Tablets

The Wall Street Journal reports Dell is set to release a 7" tablet in the next few weeks and a 10" version may be released within the next 6-12 months.  This is based off comments made by Dell Greater President Amit Midha. Mr. Midha said Dell will be releasing "a whole slew" of products in the next 6-12 month time frame.  This includes a 3", 4", 7", and 10" tablet.  The 7" tablet should run Google's Android, while Dell is investigating the possibility of Google Chrome OS in the future.

RIM Announces 7" PlayBook Tablet

Today, Research In Motion (RIM) announced their upcoming tablet, The BlackBerry PlayBook. The PlayBook is expected to be available early 2011 with WiFi only models at launch.  The tablet will support tethering to Blackberry phones and RIM plans to launch 3G & 4G models in the future.  Pricing and internal storage have not been announced yet.

Specs 

• 7" touch screen display


• 1Ghz dual-core processor


• 1GB RAM


• Dual cameras, 3MP front, 5MP rear with 1080p video recording


• 802.11 a/b/g/n


• MicroUSB & MicroHDMI connectors


• Blackberry Tablet OS


• Adobe Flash 10.1, Adobe Air, HTML5 support


• Supported video codecs: H.264, MPEG, Divx, WMV


• BES server compatibility


• 0.9lb 

US Digital Music Sales Flat For First Half Of 2010

Ruters reports digital music sales in the US were flat for the first half of 2010.  This is a dramatic change from the 28% increase in 2009.  The article points to weak consumer confidence and the quality of weak new releases as a possibility.  

I believe one possible reason for this decline in momentum could be a generation gap.  There still are many consumers who have never owned an mp3 player.  Some consumers may never adopt digital music because there is still a subset of people that do not own a computer.  Other people do not understand the technology and the music industry needs to educate the public better on the benefits of this format.

Seagate Releases 1.5TB Portable Hard Drive

Now you can carry 1.5TB of data on a portable hard drive.  Seagate has released a 1.5TB version of their FreeAgent GoFlex Ultra-portable drives.  The drive has a 2.5" hard drive inside the enclosure and supports USB 2.0 & 3.0 out of the box.  Seagate also offers connectivity via Firewire 800 & eSATA through optional accessories.  The 1.5TB drive is currently priced at $230.

Product page

Apple Releases iTunes 10.0.1 Update

Apple has released iTunes version 10.0.1.  The version number is a little strange considering the update actually changes some of the functionality of the software.  Apple has replaced the Genius Sidebar with a Ping Sidebar, so you can see updates from the handful of artists currently participating in the service.  One new feature includes the ability to "Like" songs within your iTunes library. As with any .0.1 release there are plenty of bug fixes.

Apple has published these specific fixes

• Addresses an issue where the picture quality of a video changes depending on whether the on-screen controls are visible. 
• Resolves an issue where iTunes may unexpectedly quit while interacting with album artwork viewed in a separate window. 
• Fixes a problem that affects the performance of some third-party visualizers. 
• Addresses an issue where the iTunes library and playlists appear empty. 
• Resolves an issue that created an incompatibility with some third-party shared libraries.

TV White Space Usage Green-Lighted For Wireless Connections

The FCC has approved the use of white space TV channels (the unused space between channels) for the use of wireless connectivity.  The white space frequencies do not require a FCC license to use.  Current WiFi technologies have a limited range and are impaired by objects such as walls.  The white space spectrum can have ranges measured in miles and can easily penetrate objects.  We may see some proof of concept products as soon as January at CES 2011.

Roku Refreshes Product Line

Roku has refreshed their entire line of set-top TV boxes with prices ranging from $60 - $100, depending on model.  The high-end Roku XD|S will even play content from a USB connected hard drive (via free software update available in November).  At this time, the Roku XD|S will only be able to playback video in mp4 & m4v (H.264) formats.  This product line should give both the WDTV and Apple TV products a run for their money.  Also, we should hear some more details about the upcoming Google TV any day!

Roku currently has deals with the following companies to stream content to their products

• Video: Netflix, Amazon Video, Flixster, ChannelLive, and more


• Sports: UFC, MLB.TV, MCC, AFL, GAA


• News: Twit.TV, Revision3, Mediafly, TechPodcasts.com and more


• Music: Pandora, MP3Tunes, radiotime, MOG, and more


• Social: vimeo, SmugMug, facebook photos, BREAK.com, flickr, and more 

Below is a quick reference guide for choosing the Roku that is right for you.

Roku HD

• Works with any TV


• 720p video (Composite & HDMI)


• 802.11g WiFi


• 10/100 Ethernet


• Price $59.99 

Roku XD

• Same as Roku HD but adds


• 1080p video (Composite & HDMI)


• Instant replay button


• 802.11n WiFi


• Price $79.99 

Roku XD|S

• Same as Roku XD but adds


• Dual-Band WiFi


• Component video & optical audio


• USB ports for content playback (via software upgrade)


• Price $99.99 

Marvell Announces 1.5Ghz Tri-Core Mobile Processor

Marvell has announced a killer new mobile processor for smartphones and tablets.  The Armada 628 tri-core processor runs at 1.5Ghz and is capable of delivering 3D 1080p video streams.  Sample processors are now available for hardware manufactures.  

Some of the key features include:

• Tri-core processor (1.5Ghz for 1st 2 cores, 624Mhz) for 3rd


• 1 MB level 2 cache


• ARM processor based


• 1080p dual stream 3D @ 30 FPS


• Multiple display support


• USB 3.0 & HDMI support 

Press Release

Samsung Intercept Coming To Virgin Mobile

File this under "it's about time!"  Virgin Mobile has announced that the Android based Samsung Intercept is coming soon.  This is great news for anyone wanting a smartphone without an expensive 2 year contract. Details have not been announced yet, but DCR will be following this story closely; stay tuned!

Netflix Streaming Coming To Canada?

The Hollywood Reporter claims that Netflix will announce access to their streaming service tomorrow.  This would be the company's first market outside the United States.  The rumor states there are no current plans for mail order DVDs.  

Intel Upgrade Service Coming To Retail Stores

Intel may be changing the way they sell processors at retail.  Intel currently changes the clock speed and disables features on chips during the manufacturing process. The BBC is reporting Intel is piloting a new program that gives consumers the opportunity to upgrade the processor's cache and hyperthreading through the purchase of an upgrade "gift" card. The cards will run the consumer approximately $50 and will grant access to a Windows based firmware upgrade located here.

Is this a good marketing campaign for Intel?  There have been mixed reactions.  Some consumers like it because it provides a chance to cheaply upgrade their PC in the future. The purchaser may not have enough money to get the better processor at purchase, but could buy an upgrade card down the road.  Other consumers are upset because the processors are being purposely hobbled and will not run as originally designed.  Hackers are excited at the potential of unlocking the processors without paying the upgrade fee. Finally, retailers may be able to carry a larger selection of PCs utilizing this program.  Only time will tell, but it should be interesting!

iPod Tip: Enable Diagnostic Mode On 6th Generation iPod Nano

Here is how you enable diagnostic mode on the 6th Generation iPod nano.

• Reset the unit by holding down the sleep and volume down buttons until the Apple logo appears.


• Hold down all 3 hardware buttons while the nano resets.


• The phrase iTerm will display briefly

If you need to put your nano into disk mode so you can restore it, just hold down the 2 volume buttons during reset.

Warner Bros. Thinks 99 Cents Is Not Enough To Charge For TV Show Rentals

The AP reports Warner Bros. Chief Executive Barry Meyer said Warner Bros. did not participate in Apple's plan to offer 99 cent TV show rentals because the price was too low and it would of hurt sales of full seasons.  Apparently, these comments are based on the $2.99 price per episode the studio currently receives for DRM'ed purchases.

Now I try to leave editorials off the news page and save them for the editorial section and The DCR Report podcast, but this is another example of greedy content holders that have no clue how to adapt to the market.  I think 99 cents is too much to pay to rent a show that is broadcasted over the air for free.  It might be a good deal for shows like HBO's True Blood, so fans do not need to subscribe to both a TV service provider and HBO. Additionally, $2.99 to buy heavily DRM'ed episodes that is tied to a handful of devices is robbery.

What is the alternative to these overpriced or non existed rentals?  Some people may say bittorrent.  Others believe viewers will find alternative forms of entertainment.  Video games and original web content have been eroding legacy television viewers for at least the last decade.

The game is content providers to lose. Will they let other networks take their viewers or will viewers migrate to different forms of entertainment.  Only time will tell, but if history is any indication the networks need to adapt or die.

Apple In Negotiations With Publishers To Launch A Digital Newsstand

Bloomberg reports Apple is in talks with publishers to create a digital newsstand.  The newsstand will be separate from Apple's iBooks and App Stores.  This new store will allow users to subscribe to magazines and newspapers instead of buying 1 issue at a time on the App Store.  Publishers rumored to be in talks with Apple include Time Warner Inc., Conde Nast, Hearst Corp, and News Corp.  Details are still being negotiated, but revenue splitting is probably the biggest topic.

Refurbished iPads Appear In Apple Online Store

If you have been waiting to pick up an iPad, you might be in luck.  Apple has refurbished units of all 3 iPad WiFi models in its online store.  These iPads are marked down $50 from a "new" model.  The refurb units are completely tested, come with a new battery, new outer shell, and a 1 year warranty.

Notebook Growth Turns Negative

Source: Morgan Stanley via CNNMoney

Morgan Stanley's Katy Huberty has issued a report about the growth of the notebook market.  The report correlates the announcement of the iPad with the decline in notebook PC sales.  One of the most shocking results is this past August.  Notebook computer sales actually declined 4%.  This is one of the biggest months for laptops as kids go back to school and young adults start college.

Vern From Back To The Future 3 Comes On To Jennifer

I've must of watch this movie 100 times and never noticed this before.  There is some speculation this was a hint for Back To The Future 4 (4 waves and a point to private parts).  I'm not sure what to think about this except it is really creepy.  Watch Vern stare directly into the camera.

Dell Announces Netbook Tablet Hybrid

Video via YouTube user notebooks

Engadget reported on a new netbook tablet hybrid, the Dell Inspiron Duo.  The Duo has a crazy spin style 10" swivel screen, so you can easily convert the device from netbook to tablet.  There is not a lot of information available yet, but the Duo is reported to run a dual-core Atom N550 processor and Windows 7 Premium.  No additional details are currently available from Dell.

In Car Audio Playback Distorted After Upgrading To iOS 4.1?

A forum post on Apple's discussion boards is pointing to poor in car audio playback after users upgraded to iOS 4.1.  Symptoms include an audible "crackling" noise, stuttering, skipping, and stopped playback.  If you have an in car solution, you may want to wait upgrading your device; at least until Apple has a chance to take a look at the complaint.

Here You Have Virus Slows Down Digital Copy Room

Before you start thinking we got hit with the virus, relax we didn't.  I've been busy fighting this virus all weekend for my IT day job.  Don't worry though, Digital Copy Room content is about to pick up again.  Also, a new episode of The DCR Report will be released this week with 2 special guest hosts!

Jerry Goshen, Digital Copy Room Editor-In-Chief

Microsoft Holds Windows 7 Parade / iPhone & Blackberry Funeral

neowin.net reports Microsoft celebrated the RTM version of Windows Phone 7 by holding a funeral parade for the iPhone and Blackberry.  The funeral took place on Microsoft's Redmond campus with the Windows Phone 7 team claiming the new operating system will bury the competition.

Interestingly, there was no mention of Google Android at this event.  Does Microsoft see Android as insignificate and not a credible competitor?  The real answer is Microsoft is probably afraid to poke the soon to be top dog of smart phones.  Since their OS has not shipped yet, why not make fun of the future 2nd and 3rd place phones first!

Google Introduces Google Instant Search

Google has launched Google Instant, a new predictive search feature.  Google Instant displays your search results without needing to press enter or click search.  The feature also updates the results as you type, so Google is exponentially increasing the number of searches it serves per day.  This is definitely a cool new feature and the company believes it will save users 2-5 seconds per search.

VLC Coming To The iPad?

If all goes well, we may see an iPad version of the popular media VLC (Video LAN Client) sometime next week. Mac4Ever reports (via MacRumors)  the app is currently awaiting approval from Apple's App Store.  The desktop version of VLC is the Swiss Army Knife of media players; if you have a video file, there is very good chance that VLC can play it.  While you may be willing to pay for VLC, you don't have to.  If approved, VLC for the iPad will be free!

Repair iTunes error 13010

If you receive error 13010 while opening iTunes in OS X, your Genius library may be corrupt.  To correct this, browse to Music ->iTunes ->iTunes Library Genius.itdb under your user profile.  Move the file iTunes Library Genius.itdb to a safe location and restart iTunes.  If Genius was corrput, the issue should be resolved.

Samsung Announces Orion, A9 Based ARM Processor

Samsung issued a press release outlining Orion, their new dual core A9 ARM based processor.  With this design, we may finally start seeing GPS in devices such as the iPod Touch and iPad.  Hopefully, we will see multiple Android based tablets with the Orion processor.

Main Features

• 1GHz dual core ARM A9 based 45nm chip


• GPS embedded in chip


• Video encode / decode 30fps @1080p


• Can support up to 3 displays


• General availability 1st half of 2011

Press Release (via Engadget)

Samsung Galaxy Tab Is Latest "Announced" Tablet

In the latest round of tablet announcements, Samsung announced the Galaxy Tab.  The Galaxy Tab is a 7" tablet / smart phone aiming to take on Apple's iPad.  Thankfully, the Tab can't make calls by holding it up to your head.  You will need to use the speaker phone or Blue Tooth.  Now if we could just get a few tablet releases instead of announcements, we might be in business.

Specs:

• Android 2.2


• 7-inch TFT LCD with 1024 x 600 resolution (WSVGA)


• 1GHz Cortex A8 processor


• 16GB or 32GB internal storage with up to 32GB of additional storage via microSD


• Front-facing 1.3 mp camera and rear 3 mp camera with flash


• 3G data / voice via Blue Tooth or speaker phone


• HD video playback


• 802.11n


• Flash 10.0 Support


• 4,000mAh battery (7hrs video playback)

Replace iTunes Default Icon In OS X

• Go into your Applications folder, select iTunes.


• Right click on the file and select Show Package Contents.


• Go under the Resources folder and make a copy of iTunes.icns on your desktop (for backup purposes).


• Replace it with the old iTunes.icns file from the previous iTunes version (9 and below).


• Launch iTunes.

Restore The Window Control Buttons In iTunes 10

For some reason (most likely a preview for Mac OS X 10.7), Apple decided to move the window control buttons on the OS X version of iTunes 10 to a vertical orientation.

To change the buttons to a horizontal position, run the below command in the Terminal.

defaults write com.apple.iTunes full-window -1

To change the orientation back, change the value -1 to 0.

Apple Discount For Comcast Employess

This was one of the most popular posts on the old DCR forums.  This has been left as an entry for archival purposes.

Tech Forums > Comcast Employees get a discount at Apple Stores..

I went shopping at the Apple store at Christiana Mall the other day to get an eyetv. After a few minutes of conversation I was told that Apple offers a discount to Comcast employees. The discount varies depending on what you are purchasing. When the imac I purchased was 'rerang' the discount was enough to get an airport extreme and still have $27 left over. Just make sure that you have your badge on you for verification of employment.

Hope this helps someone...


Bryan

October 9, 2010 | Bryan 

Great tip Bryan. Most large companies have discounts with vendors, so check with your HR dept and find out if you get any deals!

October 9, 2010 | Jerry Goshen

And if you have a K-12 student in your house, you qualify to education prices.

http://store.apple.com/us-k12

October 9, 2010 | Jerry Goshen

My Comcast badge doesn't say Comcast on it...

October 15, 2010 | Adam Winter

Apple Releases iTunes 10

Courtesy of Apple

Apple has released iTunes 10.  iTunes 10 adds TV show rentals, improved syncing, support for the new Apple TV and iTunes Ping.  iTunes Ping is Apple's new social media component that allows users to follow their favorite artists and friends.

Unfortunately, Apple still has not given users wireless syncing.  Additionally, if your iOS device is jailbroken, do not upgrade to iTunes 10 until the jailbreak community sounds the "all clear".

Apple Announces New Apple TV

Courtesy of Apple

As rumored, Apple announced a new version of the Apple TV.  The new player is about a fourth of the size as the previous version.  Apple chose to replace the Intel processor in the old version with an Apple A4 chip.  Internal storage has been removed from the device in favor of streaming media from the Internet, computer, or iOS device via AirPlay.  AirPlay will allow you to stream your content directly to the Apple TV from an iOS device.

While I am happy that Apple finally updated their "hobby" media device, other devices such as the WDTV Live provide more features for the price including the ability to connect external hard drives via USB and support for a large amount of video codecs.  If this device is for you, it is available to preorder now and will ship in approximately 4 weeks.

Specs:

• 0.9" x 3.9"


• 0.6 lbs


• Apple A4 processor


• 802.11 b/g/n


• 10/100 ethernet


• Netflix & Youtube streaming


• Streaming from Mac or PC


• HDMI


• Optical audio


• Micro USB port (service & support only)


• AirPlay


• $99US

Apple Updates All Current iPod Models

Courtesy of Apple

Today, Apple updated their lineup of iPods.  The iPod Shuffle was given its buttons back, the iPod nano lost its click wheel & camera, and the iPod Touch gained cameras for video and FaceTime calls.



 



iPod Touch Specs:

• 4.4" x 2.3"


• 3.56 oz


• 3.5" display @ 960 x 640 resolution, 326ppi


• Front & rear cameras for taking video & FaceTime calls


• Three-axis gyro sensor added


• Up to 40 hours of audio & 7 hours of video playback on a single charge


• 8GB - $229US, 32GB - $299US, 64GB - $399US

 



iPod nano Specs:

• 1.48" x 1.61"


• .74 oz


• 1.54" touch screen


• Built in clip


• FM Radio


• Nike +


• Up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge


• 8GB - $149US    16GB -  $179US 

iPod Shuffle Specs:

• 1.14" x 1.24"


• .44 oz


• Control buttons are back!


• Built in clip


• VoiceOver


• Playlist support


• Up to 15 hours of playback on a single charge


• Available in 5 colors


• 2GB - $49US

The iPod Classic was not mentioned today.  Since Steve Jobs said Apple was updating all of their iPods today, this model may be on its way out.  The only thing I found disappointing today was the lack of increased storage.  It has been at least 2 years since there has been any increase in storage capacity on iPod models.