Archive for the 'News & Articles' Category
If that’s not nuts enough for you, then check this out. While California legislators agreed with a Harvard study (full report in PDF) that claimed 2,600 people are killed each year from talking on a cell phone while driving, those same legislators felt it was fine to allow drivers to do a little text messaging while navigating fossil fuel burners! In addition to that, you can take pictures with your phone, download games, surf the Internet, and be a good citizen and report accidents on Twitter. All without any fear of being pulled over and cited. Phew! I don’t know what I would have done if I couldn’t tweet while driving!
California is getting the word out and displaying warnings on its electronic signs through out the scene, as seen here on Interstate 80 Business in states capitol, Sacramento. (Note the reddish haze in the picture from the smoke coming from the nearly 900 fires currently a blaze in Northern California.) Surely many will ignore this sign because they are too busy talking on their phone but come July 1st, they’ll fine out quick enough. 
Now, I wonder if all the cops I see talking on their cell phones while driving will go hands-free as well. Wonder if I can slap ‘em with a $20 fine if they don’t.
Typhoon Touch Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:TYPT), owner of foundational intellectual property in the area of portable touch-screen computing, announced today that it has significantly expanded its patent infringement suit commenced in December 2007 against Dell, Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL) by adding Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and the following additional defendants via amended complaint: Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation; Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.; Lenovo (United States) Inc.; Panasonic Corporation of North America; HTC America, Inc.; Palm, Inc. (NASDAQ:PALM); Samsung Electronics America, Inc.; Nokia Inc. (NYSE:NOK); and LG Electronics USA, Inc.
“The addition of these defendants is a further step in protecting Typhoon’s IP from being unfairly exploited. Hopefully, the world of potential infringers will take notice that it is the Company’s intent to aggressively protect its intellectual property,” stated Craig Weiner, Esq., from the law firm of Hofheimer, Gartlir & Gross LLP in New York City, Director of Legal Affairs and Licensing for Typhoon. “As alleged in the amended complaint, Typhoon believes that numerous defendants are selling and/or offering for sale — what could be millions of devices — which may infringe Typhoon’s patents.”
Typhoon Touch Technologies and its licensee and co-plaintiff, Nova Mobility Systems, Inc., previously reached an out-of-court settlement with Motion Computing, Inc. and recently completed a settlement with Electrovaya Inc., wherein Electrovaya recognized the validity of Typhoon’s patents at issue in the litigation, acknowledged infringement of one or more of the patent claims and made an undisclosed royalty payment of at least 20% on past and future sales of its Scribbler Tablet PC’s in the United States.
In the last month, Typhoon withdrew from preliminary settlement talks with defendant Sand Dune Ventures (Tabletkiosk). The Action, which seeks damages for lost profits as well as a permanent injunction from continued infringing activity by the defendants, is pending in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, Case No. 6:07-cv-546. The Action was filed on behalf of the Plaintiffs by Blank Rome LLP and shall proceed against both Sand Dune (Tabletkiosk) and the other remaining defendants.
Typhoon’s complaint alleges that defendants have infringed and continue to infringe its U.S. Patent No. 5,379,057 (”the ‘057 patent”) issued January 3, 1995 and entitled “Portable Computer with Touch Screen and Computer System Employing Same,” and U.S. Patent No. 5,675,362 (”the ‘362 patent”) issued October 7, 1997 and entitled “Portable Computer with Touch Screen and Computing System Employing Same,” through various actions including the manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, and/or importing of a variety of portable computer products, including but not limited to tablet PCs, slate PCs, handheld PCs, personal digital assistants (PDAs), ultra mobile PCs (UMPCs), smart phones, and/or other products covered by the patents-in-suit.
Michael Fiola, pictured with his wife, Robin (Photo by Matthew Healey), was just another state employee with a laptop doing his job. One day he was called in and questioned about the content his employer had found on his hard drive after investigating why his Verizon wireless broadband data use was four times that of the average worker. What the Department of Industrial Accidents found was a slew of child pornography and it wasn’t listening to anything Fiola had to say. Immediately terminated on March 14th, 2007, the Department of Industrial Accidents then informed the state police of the evidence which then involved the Boston Municipal Court. The court issued a criminal complaint against Fiola in August of 2007.
Nationally recognized computer forensic analyst Tami Loehrs told the Herald Michael Fiola’s ordeal was “one of the most horrific cases I’ve seen.”
“As soon as you mention child pornography, everybody’s senses go out the window,” she said.
Loehrs found the laptop to be running a corrupted anti-virus program which allowed for a flood of spammers and crackers to hijack the laptop. Loehrs’ investigation for the defense was thorough which lasted a full month. Filled with images of incest and pre-teen porn not visible to the naked eye stored in a temporary “cache” folder, evidence showed that Fiola never downloaded the offending images.
DIA spokeswoman Linnea Walsh confirmed Fiola “was terminated,” but would not recognize the fact that Fiola was completely innocent. “We stand by our decision,” she told the Herald.
Fiola’s attorney Timothy Bradl can’t understand this response.
“Imagine this scenario: Your employer gives you a ticking time bomb full of child porn, and then you get fired, and then you get prosecuted as some kind of freak,” he railed.
“Anybody who has a work laptop, this could happen to,” he said. “Mike Fiola is a hunt-and-peck kind of computer guy. He can barely get on the Internet.”
Fiola, a self-described computer illiterate is taking the DIA to court for “destroying our lives.”
“Our lives have been hell,” said Fiola. “I hope to recover my reputation, but our friends all ran.”
The court officially dropped Fiola’s case Tuesday.
Verizon Wireless has entered into an agreement with Alltel Corporation and Atlantis Holdings LLC, an affiliate of private investment firm TPG Capital and GS Capital Partners, to acquire Alltel Corporation in a cash merger. Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD).
Under the terms of the agreement, Verizon Wireless will acquire the equity of Alltel for approximately $5.9 billion. Based on Alltel’s projected net debt at closing of $22.2 billion, the aggregate value of the transaction is $28.1 billion.
The parties are targeting completion of the merger by the end of the year, subject to obtaining regulatory approvals.
Once this transaction closes, customers of both companies will have access to an expanded range of products and services, including a premier lineup of basic and advanced devices and an expanded IN Network calling community. Alltel customers also will benefit from advanced services including over-the-air downloadable music from a three-million-song library, and a network that is nationwide, for a uniform coast-to-coast experience. They also will be able to take advantage of industry-leading consumer policies, including Test Drive and Worry Free Guarantee®.
“This move will create an enhanced platform of network coverage, spectrum and customer care to better serve the growing needs of both Alltel and Verizon Wireless customers for reliable basic and advanced broadband wireless services,” said Lowell McAdam, Verizon Wireless president and chief executive officer.
Alltel serves more than 13 million customers in markets in 34 states. This includes 57 primarily rural markets that Verizon Wireless does not serve. The transaction puts the Alltel markets and customers on a path to advanced 4th generation services as Verizon Wireless deploys LTE technology throughout its network over the next several years. Alltel’s customers also will reap the benefits of Verizon Wireless’ Open Development initiative, which welcomes third-party devices and services to use the Verizon Wireless network.
Verizon Communications, the owner of the majority stake in Verizon Wireless, expects that the transaction will be immediately accretive, excluding transaction and integration costs. “This is a perfect fit, with Alltel’s high-value post-paid customer base, its solid financials, our common network technology, and significant, readily attainable synergies,” said Ivan Seidenberg, Verizon chief executive officer and chairman of the Verizon board. “Verizon Wireless’ acquisition of Alltel clearly provides opportunities for enhanced value for Verizon shareholders.”
Alltel President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Ford will continue in his current position as head of Alltel until the merger is completed.
“Both Alltel and Verizon Wireless have long track records of delivering a high-quality customer experience in the marketplace,” Ford said. “The combination of our two companies will continue and improve upon that heritage as, together, we can more quickly deliver an expanded range of innovative products and services to our customers.”
Verizon Wireless expects to realize synergies with a net present value, after integration costs, of more than $9 billion driven by reduced capital and operating expense savings. Synergies are expected to generate incremental cost savings of $1 billion in the second year after closing.
Alltel and Verizon Wireless both use a common network technology, which provides advantages of a seamless transition for Alltel customers, ease in integrating the two companies’ networks, and scale efficiencies in operating the larger integrated network.
Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Verizon Wireless on this transaction and is providing bridge financing. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP acted as legal advisor to Verizon Wireless.
Citibank, Goldman Sachs and RBS advised the sellers on the transaction. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz acted as legal advisor to Alltel, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Ropes & Gray LLP acted as legal advisors to the sellers.
Verizon Wireless announced today it has purchased the wireless assets of SureWest Communications, operating as SureWest Wireless, for $69.0 million.
The purchase includes SureWest Wireless’ spectrum licenses, and network and operations assets in the greater Sacramento area. The licenses, which cover a population of 3.8 million people and overlap with areas currently served by Verizon Wireless, will expand the company’s capacity in that area.
Verizon Wireless will transition SureWest Wireless’ approximately 50,000 customers to the Verizon Wireless network by late summer, after a billing system conversion has been completed. Customers will enjoy service on the nation’s most reliable wireless network, including the company’s high-speed broadband network for accessing the Internet and e-mail, and downloading music, games and videos.
Verizon Wireless will notify customers in the coming months about new services and options that will be available to them when the transition is complete. Until that time, customers will continue on their SureWest Wireless plans.
Verizon Wireless has invested more than $45 billion since it was formed – $5.5 billion on average every year – to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services.
Boy, you’ve got to start wondering about Best Buy’s computer repair group, Geek Squad, in all the issues it has been having with the law. Early last year, the Best Buy brand was sued for an employee recording 22-year-old woman in the shower with his camera phone. Other accusations of data theft from Consumerist.com have been made last year. And now, add one more to the growing list of problems for the Geeks, a $54 million law suit for losing a laptop.
Raelyn Campbell of Washington D.C. states in her lawsuit that the Geek Squad lost her notebook computer and attempted to cover up the loss by keeping her in the dark. “It’s a ridiculous number,” she admits for the dollar amount. “I had to come up with a number that was significant enough that might force them to pay attention to me.” Campbell continues on her blog, “To me, the big issue is not the low-balling and bullying tactics, but Best Buy’s systematic disregard for its customers’ personal information and potential exposure to identity theft.” She continues, “I am hoping the attention that the lawsuit and this website generate might motivate Best Buy and other consumer electronics stores entrusted with products that contain consumers’ personal information to adopt thorough procedures and policies to safeguard customers’ property and personal information against theft.”
Having indirect experience with the ‘Squad from customers from my day job, this long line of issues isn’t surprising. Many customers have told horror stories about the Geek Squad from making things worse to charging high prices for little well done work. In the end, you’re better off hiring a local ran repair shop with a better name in service. For those in the Central Valley and Bay Area, you’ve got hyperSven to call on. They’re professionals, not geeks. 
[Via Fox Business and InfoWorld]
The Disneyland Resort (NYSE:DIS) today announced a five-year alliance with Microsoft, HP, Life/ware and home builder Taylor Morrison to showcase integrated digital technologies for the home in the immersive, story-telling experiences for which Disney is known. The alliance includes the design and development of the new Innoventions Dream Home attraction, a 5,000+ sq. ft. home belonging to the fictional Elias family, scheduled to open in May in Tomorrowland at the Disneyland Resort.
Keeping with Walt’s vision of bringing cutting-edge and inspiring ideas to Tomorrowland, the Innoventions Dream Home will introduce Disneyland guests to newly available technology from the participating companies that will enhance their lives today, while providing them a glimpse of the emerging digital advances they may find in their homes in the future. The attraction will provide guests with a “high-tech, high-touch” opportunity to experience technology in an entertaining, low-risk environment showing them how the power of technology can connect them to the people and things they care most about.
“We’re thrilled that Disney has chosen Microsoft to bring digital entertainment to life at Disneyland,” said Joe Belfiore, Corporate Vice President, Entertainment and Devices eHome Division at Microsoft. “Together, we’re showcasing innovative technology that is both attainable and inspiring, offering park guests the opportunity to see, touch and feel digital home experiences in a simple, fun and interactive environment.”
“This exciting alliance gives each of our partners a forum to inspire our guests’ imaginations and motivate them to incorporate and enjoy the new technologies that are available today,” said Ed Grier, president of Disneyland Resort. “Consistent with the Disney heritage of growth through innovation, the Innoventions Dream Home is just another example of how we are committed to investing in and developing exciting projects that keep our guests returning again.”
The technology companies will showcase a wide range of technologies and products in the exhibit, including the latest in mobile phones, PCs, digital music and gaming. The Innoventions Dream Home demonstrates how home technology can be simple, intuitive and fun while helping guests understand how to seamlessly interconnect their home, the surrounding community and the world, helping consumers stay closer to the people, places and entertainment that are most important to them. The alliances also help ensure that the Innoventions Dream Home remains on the forefront of technology with the newest devices and products as part of the exhibit.
Guests will actively engage in this experience as they help members of the fictional Elias family prepare for a trip to World Soccer Championships in China, where their son is competing. Elias family members rotate throughout the house, randomly interacting with guests in the various rooms. Upon exiting the house, guests can learn more about the companies that collaborated to create the Innoventions Dream House, exploring the technologies for themselves first-hand.
The notion of a Dream Home has deep roots at the Disneyland Resort. Walt Disney was fascinated with the concept of a futuristic home and he introduced concepts at World’s Fairs that led to the first “House of Tomorrow” exhibit in Disneyland (1967). Those early versions featured modern conveniences for housewives, but the story line always focused on progress that led to a better way of living. In 1998, Disneyland opened Innoventions, an interactive pavilion featuring what was then considered breakthrough technology: voice-activated computers, high-definition TVs, smart-cars and satellite broadcasting.
The intent was not to predict the future, but to let people play with emerging technologies and imagine how those technologies might enhance everyday life. The precursors to the Dream Home enabled people of all ages to experiment with interactive devices, games and exhibits, demonstrating both the fun and the significance of modern innovations.
Now comes the Dream Home, a convergence of five companies and their fascination with technology. The combination of Disney’s strong storytelling heritage, cutting-edge technology expertise from Microsoft, HP and Life/ware, and Taylor Morrison’s talent for building an environment that will bring it to life, will inspire Disneyland guests’ imaginations for years to come.
Mid-week during Macworld off the halls of the Moscone Center, I was privileged enough to be part of a special first time ever concert featuring Tommy Shaw of Styx and Jack Blades of Night Ranger. Playing for a crowd of maybe fifty people, the classic rock icons performed various hits in a side room just down the corridor of the South Hall without a PA system. This wasn’t done to keep the noise down and prevent a mob of fans from busting down the doors to gain entry to this amazing acoustic concert, but rather to highlight some amazingly new wireless headphones by AKG. Well known for its professional microphones and headsets, AKG is bringing the sound of pros to consumers this year and through Harman/Kardon, AKG’s brilliance was highlighted on this night.
Harmon/Kardon set up Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades on a tight stage that found Tommy knocking his many guitars into others through the night. Tommy and Jack have played together since the early 90’s when they formed Damn Yankees with wild man Ted Nuggent. It was easy to see how well they get along through the night as they joked with one another and Tommy even took on a Night Ranger song lead vocals. Tommy’s masterful guitar playing was highlighted when he played the lead to “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” in which Jack leaned over and listened for a brief moment and proclaimed, “He’s playing the lead to Hotel California!” So well done, no one noticed anything off until it was pointed out. Amazing.
Also amazing was the music in which we heard coming into our ears via the wireless AKG’s. I grew up in the boom-boom car beginnings, I like my music loud, but the AKG’s never pushed the envelope in volume, just sound. The sound was realistic sounding, not fabricated in any way. I removed the headsets a few times to “compare” live with, well, live on the headsets and never could I detect any difference. It was incredible. Toward the end of the concert, I did get static a few times from possibly fading batteries, but a quick press of the resync button had me in music bliss once again.
It was great singing as loud as I wanted “Too Much Time on My Hands”, “Sister Christian” (with a great behind the scenes story), “Blue Collar Man”, and classics by Yes, and Simon and Garfunkel to name just a few. It was a mind blowing honor to meet my guitar hero of my childhood, Tommy Shaw, after the private show as well. What a night!
Look for the headphones to grace our shores (already available in Europe) sometime this late spring. As for Tommy Shaw, he’s currently on tour with Styx (sans Dennis DeYoung). Catch them if you can.
Better than anything we could have imagined and proving Sci-Fi novels and movies wrong of what the future would really behold, Sir Richard Branson is sending 8 people at a time into space as soon as next year! Having making nearly everything he has touched into gold, Branson sees a huge potential in space travel.
“I think it’s very important that we make a genuine commercial success of this project,” he told a news conference in New York.
“If we do, I believe we’ll unlock a wall of private sector money into both space launch systems and space technology.
“This could rival the scale of investment in the mobile phone and internet technologies after they were unlocked from their military origins and thrown open to the private sector.”
With already 200 booked flights, at $200,000 each, and 85,000 registered as “interested” to fly, Branson may be onto something indeed. Initial flights will be “launched” at Spaceport America located in the New Mexico desert. Six ticketed passengers and two pilot astronauts will fill the first commercially flown space ship sometime next year.
Virgin Galatic’s spacecraft, named SpaceShipTwo, is nearly complete at 60%. Testing of the space craft begins later this year.
[Via BBC News]
Psycho of the Year already in? Maybe. Bijan Rezvani was on vacation in New York and while waiting for the subway train, he dropped his iPhone. Off it dropped onto the tracks below him. Now any sane person would have figured that was kissed off goodbye or the smart would have rushed to find official help. Rezvani? “Aaah, I’ll get it.” And off he jumped from the platform onto the tracks. Don’t worry about the fact that an oncoming train could have flattened him or the immense about of electricity from the third-rail could have prevented him from taking calls ever again. Rezvani didn’t even sweat the details of having to climb up the platform side once he retrieved his iPhone. But the acrobat he is, he just planted his hand on top of the ledge and swung his legs to the side and up he was in one swoosh. What a man.
When Laptop magazine asked him in an exclusive interview, “What were you thinking?” He simply responded, “I don’t know, is it a weird thing to have done?” Apparently, he didn’t want Steve finding out that his cracked phone was on the T-Mobile network and juiced with some Mike Tyson action via the NES emulator loaded on the 8 GB iPhone.
If you’re wondering, Rezvani did confirm that he would have jumped for an iPod but not his sister. (He doesn’t have one. )
[Via Laptop Magazine]