Today, LaCie announced a merger with Caleido AG, the creators of the innovative online storage service, Wuala.

Luzius Meisser, Co-Founder of Caleido said, “Wuala is an exciting technology that builds its reliable and secure cloud storage by harnessing idle resources.”

Wuala assembles centralized and distributed storage; the result is a reliable and scalable service. Once files are placed in Wuala, they are securely encrypted before being cut into several redundant fragments disseminated and stored on a cloud of computers.

“Users will gain online storage while trading disk space; that way, they will securely protect their valuable data. They can access it from anywhere and easily share files with selected peers. As privacy tends to be a major issue when talking about digital life and data management, everything is encrypted and a robust rights management system protects files from unauthorized access,” said Dominik Grolimund, Co-creator of Wuala, “We will also bring this technology to enterprises and professional customers, who will soon take advantage of our services with both cloud and data center-based storage.”

LaCie has plans to implement this first real “cloud storage” technology into its ranges of storage devices, offering a powerful and combined solution for storage–local storage on devices for fast access, and secured remote storage on the cloud, for easy sharing and complete data versatility.

“For 20 years, LaCie massively promoted hard drive technologies; today, as a leader on storage market, we will be a first mover in the next leading technologies: flash-based storage, and cloud storage. With this merger, LaCie will morph from a pure hardware manufacturer to a solution provider. These new technologies will be amazing for our customers and will enhance their experience,” Philippe Spruch concluded.

So you’re still holding out for that Sling Player for the iPhone, huh? Well, good luck on that because I’m watching television broadcasts today, for free. Apple has finally authorized the release of Live TV, submitted to the Cupertino-based company before Macworld, and now I’m doing what Equinux was showing me back in the beginning of the year. I’m changing channels, viewing programs, and even recording them for later pleasure. All from my iPhone and all free of charge from the App Store. The missing Sling Player app will cost you, which Sling wouldn’t even confirm a price but told SvenOnTech, “about $30″ when it does finally see light. That’s worth the wait, right?

Live TV requires you pay only for the other end of things, the hardware, just like you do for the Sling box. But, Equinux’s offering is cheaper and fits into any Mac. The TubeStick turns your Mac into a true DVR and allows you to export to your iPhone, iPod, Apple TV, or to iMovie for edit and burning. Last I heard, Sling don’t do that.

Oh, if you wish to watch your recorded content, then you’ll want TubeToGo for your iPhone. Another free offering from Equinux.

So, you can wait for “that” player or fling (get the pun? on over to Equinux and get moving today. Now for the rest of Namaste America.

EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. and Sling Media, subsidiaries of EchoStar Corporation, announced today that they won a “Best of CES” award from the editors of CNET (www.CNET.com) for the EchoStar SlingLoaded™ 922 HD DVR, the world’s first high definition digital video recorder that incorporates Sling Media’s patented placeshifting technology.

CNET, in cooperation with the Consumer Electronics Association, selected the EchoStar 922 SlingLoaded set-top box out of hundreds of entries from CES during a live CNET announcement in Las Vegas. The EchoStar 922 won in the home video category, besting the other finalists Panasonic and LG. Only 10 products were given the exclusive “Best of CES” recognition.

The EchoStar 922 is an entertainment centerpiece combining the best of video and IP technologies into a capacitive-touch set-top box. By integrating Sling Media’s Slingbox technology, the EchoStar 922 lets TV aficionados watch and control their favorite TV shows and sporting events from anywhere in the world via a broadband Internet connection on their laptop or mobile phone. Accessing multiple video sources, viewers will never run out of shows to watch. The EchoStar 922 features a massive 1 terabyte hard drive for up to 1,000 hours of storage and supports external hard drives.

The EchoStar 922 is a revolutionary departure from the traditional cable or satellite set-top box. Its touchpad remote control, which eliminates half the buttons of a standard remote control, gives users cursor-like navigation on their TV screen. With a slide of the thumb, viewers experience scroll-over activation of widget-like tiles and pop-up menus, all selectable by an underside index finger trigger.

The new user interface goes beyond traditional text-based user interfaces by using movie poster graphics, tiles or widget-based menus, and cursor-type navigation for a powerful yet simplified user experience that is highly adaptable to future applications.

EchoStar will deliver the EchoStar 922 to its first operator, DISH Network, in spring 2009 as the HD DuoDVR™ SlingLoaded™ ViP® 922, furnishing satellite TV customers with a break-through TV experience.

Selected by CNET’s unbiased expert editors, winners are recognized as having the hottest products in their respective technology categories for their unmatched innovation and creativity, and their ability to excite consumers and help them explore a world gone digital. CNET editors reviewed hundreds of entries, as well as scoured the 2009 International CES show floor for products to consider for the prestigious award.

The ten categories include car tech; cell phones and smart phones; computers and hardware; digital photo and video; gaming; GPS; home audio; home video; MP3 and portable video players; and televisions. A video of the winners and finalists showcasing their technologies can be found at http://www.cnet.com/ces.

launch2net is a mobile Internet connection wizard which allows to establish
mobile Internet connections worldwide. The software supports many mobile
phones, most USB modems and datacards and already includes drivers and
network access information for a hassle free online experience.

“Modems by ZTE are offered by mobile network providers around the world. But
in many cases there is no Macintosh compatible software or tech support
available.” states jan Fuellemann, PR spokesperson at nova media.
“launch2net already includes drivers and connection settings for most mobile
network providers around the world as well as advanced statistic information
of the time and data volume spent online.”

launch2net 1.8.8 supports in addition the ZTE USB modems MF628 and MF622 as
well as Vodafone USB modems Vodafone K3565-Z and Vodafone K3520-Z.

launch2net is available online at http://www.novamedia.de for Euro 75.00
plus VAT (US-$ 75.00 plus VAT for residents in the US and Canada). System
requirement is Mac OS X 10.4.11 or higher.

openDesktop.org, the meeting place for Linux desktop users and IT experts, recently broke through the 200,000 downloads of free software and artwork per day barrier.

Frank Karlitschek, founder of openDesktop.org, ascribed the download frenzy to two factors. “Firstly, the library on openDesktop.org of free software and artwork has grown exponentially and now stands at 62,000 applications, artwork and documents. Secondly, new applications and artwork are added at the rate of about 100 per day. The size of the library and the fact that new stuff is added daily, are pulling the crowds,” he said.

openDesktop.org receives 5.7 million visitors per month. They view on average 14 pages per visit for a total monthly page view statistic of almost 80 million.

“To date the financial markets crisis hasn’t impacted negatively on us. In fact, up- and download activity has increased in the wake of the crisis,” said Karlitschek.

Registration is only required for users intending to upload applications, artwork and documents to the portal. To date 120,000 users have registered.

Users do not only come to upload, browse and download applications. They also network with other open source developers and IT experts in groups and on forums. Users leave profiles send messages and browse the free job and project board.

ADTRAN, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADTN), a leading supplier of voice and data solutions, today announced the addition of broadband 3G wireless capability in its NetVanta 3305 modular router. The NetVanta 3G Network Interface Module (NIM) is certified for use with Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess Wireless Router service and provides a rapid, secure and cost-effective connectivity option when used in conjunction with ADTRAN’s NetVanta 3305 modular router. The NetVanta 3G NIM provides Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) service using Verizon’s Evolution Data Optimized Rev. A (EV-DO) service, allowing customers to take advantage of flexible deployment options at broadband speeds from a single platform.

The NetVanta 3305 router equipped with the NetVanta 3G NIM is ideal for a number of applications including use as a reliable network failover/backup option for large businesses or as a primary connection for smaller businesses. Used in a backup configuration, network traffic can be diverted to the 3G wireless connection in the event of a primary circuit failure, guaranteeing network connectivity. The NetVanta 3G NIM in the NetVanta 3305 router can also be used as a primary connection in applications requiring broadband speeds, rapid deployment or where wireline connections are not readily available.

“The ability to use the NetVanta 3G NIM for wireless service in conjunction with our Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) has been a great asset to our bank,” said Jeremy Carrigan, network administrator, Citizens National Bank. “The 3G NIM allowed us to service a highly congested tourist area that could not otherwise be accessed via wireline service and it performed flawlessly.”

“We’re delighted to be strengthening our relationship with ADTRAN,” said Michael Schaefer, executive director-mobility solutions, Verizon. “The NetVanta 3G NIM’s introduction will give existing NetVanta 3305 customers the ability to quickly and easily add 3G services with the simple addition of a NIM.”

“The addition of 3G wireless capability to our NetVanta 3305 routers really adds to our options for backing up a failed circuit, in addition to being an attractive primary access selection for applications such as ATMs, lotteries, and kiosks, ” said Tim Saunders, vice president of Product Management, ADTRAN Enterprise Networks Division. “Now, both enterprise and Small and Medium Business (SMB) customers will benefit from the many advantages NetVanta products offer ranging from cost savings and reliability, to ease of use and support.”

The NetVanta 3G NIM is designed for use with a wide range of NetVanta platforms and is currently certified for use in the NetVanta 3305 with Verizon Wireless in conjunction with its BroadbandAccess Wireless Router service. The NetVanta 3G NIM carries a list price of $795 while the NetVanta 3305 has a list price of $1,295 both products are currently shipping. Verizon Wireless service plans are available through Verizon Wireless.

Mint.com, the leading online personal finance service, today added an inbound SMS feature to its award-winning product, allowing users instant access to an overview of their entire net worth – wherever they are. Users can simply text “Bal” or “Balance” to shortcode “MyMint” (696468) to receive real-time balances for the checking, savings, credit union and investment accounts they track using Mint.com. Because the free online service now supports over 7,500 financial institutions, Mint.com is now offering free mobile access to the majority of US banks. Mint.com users can now find out in the checkout line whether they should use debit or credit, and which of their cards to use. This new inbound SMS feature helps avoid overdrafts and other fees, and lets users maximize reward points.

With nearly 600,000 users, Mint.com is the fastest-growing personal financial service, tracking more than $50 billion in transactions and $15 billion in assets. And it’s free. Mint’s “Ways to Save” feature has already identified more than $100 million in potential savings for its users. This new inbound SMS capability is the latest in a series of MInt.com innovations which help its users stick to budgets, avoid unwanted fees, and ultimately save and do more with their money.
“90 percent of our users tell us they understand their spending better after using Mint, and about half have already changed their spending behavior,” said Aaron Patzer, founder and CEO of Mint. “In the past few months, we’ve seen an even sharper change, with users cutting hundreds of dollars in monthly spending across categories. As the holiday season approaches, we’re proud that the more than half a million Mint.com users are well-prepared to shop within their budget and avoid crushing debt, especially in this uncertain economy.”

A January, 2008 Mint.com survey found that over 4 in 10 people spent more than they’d planned during the 2007 holiday season. At that time, 6 in 10 respondents said they planned to make some changes to their holiday spending this year. And in fact, the majority of Mint.com users have adjusted their budgets downward since the beginning of the American economic crisis in September, reversing a more typical seasonal trend to increase budgets for the holiday season. Overall, Mint.com users are planning to spend 3% less in the coming months, with the largest reductions planned in Travel (down 20%) and Personal Care (down 24%). Users are planning to maintain, not increase, their average monthly spending this holiday season by shifting spending from general Shopping purchases (budgets down 7%) toward Gifts (up 8%). Thousands of Mint.com users have already added customized Gifts and Shopping budgets since Mint.com introduced personalized spending categories last month.
In addition, Mint.com’s blog features tips and tricks for surviving the holidays. Among Patzer’s key recommendations: Don’t spend more than one paycheck on the holidays. For someone making $60,000/year, that means spending no more than their average $1,500 bi-monthly paycheck on gifts, decorations, food and drinks for parties— everything.

“For many, budgeting is a dirty word. But in this economy, with the generosity of the season pulling at our wallets, budgeting is essential and doesn’t require as much work as some think. Pick a few problem areas – you may go out to restaurants too much, or spend too much on clothes. If you track and budget in just those categories, you’ll likely find enough money for gifts,” continued Patzer. “We recently had a user write in that after Mint showed her the ‘error of her ways,’ she’s cut out $5 visits to Starbucks, $7 visits to the work cafeteria, and is eating and drinking at home more. After two months, she’s not only cut $680/month in spending, but she’s also lost 3 pounds!”

Mint.com has recently released major updates to the product, adding: support for 1,000’s of new banks; mortgages, loans and investment tracking; customizable spending categories; and automatic budgeting features.

Verizon Wireless announced that the USB760™ Micro Modem is available in business sales channels beginning today. Developed by Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, the USB760 gives customers a powerful, pocket-sized wireless broadband modem that runs on Verizon Wireless’ high-speed network, which uses Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revision A (Rev. A) technology. The USB760 will be available for order in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on Dec. 1.

Customers can use the included VZAccess Manager™ software on the USB760 for easy connection management and automatic installation on Windows® and Mac systems without the need to install software from a CD. Measuring just more than two inches long and weighing less than an ounce, the USB760 is designed to be extremely durable, and combines a variety of innovative features into its tiny package, including an integrated microSD™ slot, allowing for the seamless storage and transport of up to 8 GB of files, photos or videos on a removable SD storage card (sold separately). Designed to work with any laptop, tablet PC or desktop running Windows, Mac or Linux operating systems and equipped with a Type-A USB port, the USB760 features an internal advanced dual-band diversity antenna, as well as an optional external antenna for enhanced performance on the fringe areas of networks and in highly mobile environments. NovaSpeed™ software helps optimize performance and enables simultaneous uploads and downloads at significantly enhanced speeds.

The USB760 from Verizon Wireless gives customers access to the company’s BroadbandAccess service, which provides fast access to e-mail, corporate data, the Internet and more. With average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps, BroadbandAccess from Verizon Wireless allows customers to download a 1 Megabyte e-mail attachment – the equivalent of a small PowerPoint® presentation or a large PDF file – in about eight seconds and upload the same-sized file in less than 13 seconds.

The USB760 is available for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, they may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. Customers can select from one- or two-year BroadbandAccess plans that offer 50 MB data usage for $39.99 monthly access or 5 GB data usage for $59.99 monthly access.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Business customers may contact their Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representatives directly at 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.