Apple stops renting TV shows in iTunes, could be working on a new kind of video service

By Richard Lawler posted Aug 26th 2011 7:44PM Apple has pulled the plug on TV episode rentals via iTunes, abruptly leaving customers with only the option of purchasing per episode -- good thing you can watch those on your Apple TV streamed from the cloud -- or a Season Pass where available. AllThingsD has a quote from spokesman Tom Neumayr indicating this was in response to customers that "overwhelmingly prefer buying TV shows." Making the timing of the move particularly curious are once-again renewed rumors of an Apple HDTV and a WSJ profile of new CEO Tim Cook that indicates the company is "working on new technology to deliver video to televisions, and has been discussing whether to try to launch a subscription TV service." Like Google, any move depends on its success in negotiating a new delivery model from the networks, who so far have been averse to anything that threatens their existing relationship with pay-TV providers. It appears 99-cent rentals didn't move the needle, so we'll wait and see what the folks from Cupertino have up their sleeve next.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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FCC Fridays: August 26, 2011

By Brad Molen posted Aug 26th 2011 11:36AM We here at Engadget Mobile tend to spend a lot of way too much time poring over the latest FCC filings, be it on the net or directly on the ol' Federal Communications Commission's site. Since we couldn't possibly (want to) cover all the stuff that goes down there, we've gathered up all the raw info you may want (but probably don't need). Enjoy!

Update: It appears the FCC is doing some work on its website, which means some of the links may show up as an error for the next few days.

Phones

Read - Huawei G3512
Read - Huawei U8652
Read - Huawei U5200
Read - RIM REM71UW
Read - Samsung GT-S7250 Wave
Read - Samsung GT-I8150 Galaxy W
Read - Samsung GT-I9100P
Read - Samsung GT-C3330
Read - Samsung SGH-T989 Hercules
Read - Samsung E110S
Read - Vertu RM-681V (Constellation T)
Read - Fujitsu TSI11

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Traktor Kontrol S2 digital DJ system shaves a few inches and bones off its big brother

Native Instruments Announces TRAKTOR KONTROL S2
DJ System
New "2+1" DJ system based on TRAKTOR PRO 2 provides the professional qualities of KONTROL S4 in a compact two-deck format

Berlin, August 25th, 2011 – Native Instruments today announced TRAKTOR KONTROL S2, a versatile integrated DJ performance system that was designed to set a new professional standard in the two-deck category. Based on a compact version of the market-leading KONTROL S4 hardware, the KONTROL S2 provides a "2+1" setup with sample decks as well as comprehensive mixing and effect features, all based on the included full-featured TRAKTOR PRO 2 software.

To offer DJs a more portable alternative to the professional 4-deck TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 system, the KONTROL S2 is centered around a new compact controller hardware. It provides the same patent-pending high-resolution jog wheels, combined with ergonomic controls for cueing, looping and effects. The integrated 24bit/96 kHz sound card with its dual stereo outputs is based on the award-winning technology of the TRAKTOR audio interface range, and provides the same acclaimed sound quality with its supreme clarity and especially high output volume.

The two full-featured playback decks of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 are complemented by the versatile Sample Decks of the latest TRAKTOR PRO 2 software, which can add up to eight simultaneous one-shot samples or beat-synced loops to the mix. This effectively equips the KONTROL S2 system with a third channel that opens up a wide range of additional creative performance techniques beyond the typical two-deck paradigm in its product category.

TRAKTOR KONTROL 2 benefits from the same seamless bi-directional software-hardware integration as the KONTROL S4, featuring convenient plug&play configuration, dynamically backlit control elements and the high-resolution NHL protocol, for maximum efficiency both during the setup and the actual DJ performance.

Pricing and availability
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $669 / 599 EUR.

Further product information and press material
Additional information on TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 is available at www.native-instruments.com/s2
A digital press kit including picture material is available at www.native-instruments.com/press.info

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Sony Ericsson updates Xperia line with the latest Gingerbread goods

25 August 2011
Sony Ericsson boosts 2011 Xperia? family with new experiences and new software

2011 Xperia? range to be upgraded to Android Gingerbread platform version 2.3.4
Enhanced Facebook inside Xperia? functionality
Introducing Xperia? neo V Android smartphone with the best of entertainment technologies from Sony and Google

25 August 2011, London, UK – Sony Ericsson today announced new functionality and features to its 2011 Xperia? smartphone range with a comprehensive software upgrade from October 2011. Consumers with 2011 Xperia? smartphones will benefit from improvements to Sony Ericsson's unique Facebook inside Xperia? offering and 3D camera functionality from Sony. The upgrade also allows consumers to enjoy the full benefits of the Android Gingerbread platform including Google Talk with Video Chat.

Sony Ericsson's unique social experience provided by Facebook inside Xperia? has been super-charged enabling Xperia users to like, share and discover on Facebook in a faster, easier and more intuitive way. The new functionality aims to make entertainment more social by giving users the ability to share and discover apps and games with friends through Facebook.

The latest camera enhancements from Sony introduce 3D sweep panorama technology so that images can be captured and then viewed in 3D by connecting the phone to a 3D TV using the HDMI output.

"With this software upgrade, we are bringing a wealth of new and really entertaining experiences to all our 2011 Xperia? smartphones, including those already in consumers' hands today,"said Nikolaus Scheurer, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson. "Our users will get to enjoy new features from Google, an even richer Facebook integration, and enhanced camera functionality from Sony."

Xperia? neo V is one of the first new products to launch with the new software and will include all the features like Google Talk with Video Chat, 3D sweep panorama and enhanced Facebook inside Xperia? functionality. Building on the success of the original Xperia? neo launched earlier this year, Xperia? neo V takes the latest Android software for smartphones and the best of Sony entertainment experiences, including Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA? Engine, to even more markets. Sony Ericsson Xperia? neo V will be available globally in select markets from Q4 2011.

The software upgrade will be available in select markets through a phased roll out starting from October 2011. Xperia? owners will receive a notification instructing them to instantaneously download the software over the air via 3G or WiFi. Alternatively, they will have the option to connect to a computer and download it via PC companion.

Upgrade at a glance:

Xperia? smartphones to be upgraded to the 2.3.4 version of the Gingerbread platform with new features including Google Talk with Video Chat for smartphones with front-facing cameras
Updated Facebook inside Xperia? functionality for enhanced like, share and discover abilities
Xperia? smartphones introducing world's first 3D sweep panorama functionality powered by Sony.
The software upgrade enables consumers to turn their Xperia smartphone into a mini-mobile PC by connecting USB peripherals (mouse, keyboard or game controller) to Sony Ericsson LiveDock? multimedia station. Connect the smartphone to a TV via HDMI to get a big screen experience.
Swipe text input - text input by swiping the finger from one letter to the next
Screen capture - allows the user to share a screen grab from anywhere in the phone

For full details all products news, please visit the press room and the product blog:
http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/corporate/press/pressreleases/latestnews
http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products/

Sony Ericsson Xperia? neo V at a glance.
*Please note that all services mentioned below may not be available in every market.
Colours

White
Blue Gradient
Silver

Facts

Size: 116 x 57 x 13mm
Weight: 126g
Operating system: Google? Android 2.3 (Gingerbread version 2.3.4)
Processor: 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255

Camera

3D sweep panorama
5 megapixel camera
16x digital zoom
Auto focus
Face detection
Flash/LED
Front facing camera (VGA)
Geo tagging
HD video recording (720p)
Image stabiliser
Red-eye reduction
Scene detection
Self-timer
Send to web
Smile detection
Sweep panorama
Touch capture
Touch focus
Video light
Video recording
Video stabiliser

Music

Album art
Bluetooth? stereo (A2DP)
Media player
Music tones (MP3/AAC)
PlayNow? service
Sony Ericsson Music player
TrackID? music recognition
xLOUD?

Internet

Android Market?
Bookmarks
Google? search
Google Voice? Search
Pan & zoom
Web browser (WebKit)

Communication

Call list
Conference calls
Facebook? application
Facebook inside Xperia? V2
Google Talk? video chat*
Noise Shield
Polyphonic ringtones
Sony Ericsson Timescape?
Speakerphone
Twitter? (Timescape? integration)
Vibrating alert
Video chat ready

Messaging

Conversations
Email
Google Mail?
Instant messaging
Multimedia messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Sound recorder
Text messaging (SMS)

Design

Auto rotation
Keyboard (on-screen, QWERTY)
Live wallpaper
Picture wallpaper
Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA? Engine
Swipe to write
Touch screen

Entertainment

3D games
Media browser
Motion gaming
Radio (FM radio with RDS)
Video streaming
YouTube?

Organiser

Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Document readers
E-Manual
Flight mode
Google Calendar?
Google Gallery 3D
Infinite button
Phonebook
Setup guide
Widget manager

Connectivity

All services mentioned in this leaflet may not be available in every market.

3.5 mm audio jack
aGPS
Bluetooth? technology
DLNA Certified?
Google Latitude?
Google Maps? for Mobile
Google Maps? with Street View
HDMI? support
Media Transfer Protocol support
Micro USB support
Modem
Native USB tethering
Synchronisation via Facebook?
Synchronisation via Google Sync?
Synchronisation via Sony Ericsson Sync
Synchronisation via Microsoft? Exchange ActiveSync?
TV Out
USB mass storage
USB High speed 2.0 support
Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi? Hotspot functionality
Wisepilot? turn-by-turn navigation

Display

Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA? Engine
16,777,216 colour TFT
Capacitive touchscreen (multi-touch)
3.7 inches
480 x 854 pixels (FWVGA)
Scratch-resistant

Memory

Phone memory: Up to 320MB
Memory card support: microSD?, up to 32GB
Memory card included: 2GB microSD?

Battery life

Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 6 hrs 55 min*
Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 430 hrs*

Talk time UMTS: Up to 7 hrs*
Standby time UMTS: Up to 400 hrs*

Music listening time: Up to 31 hrs*
Video playback time: Up to 7 hrs 25 min*

*According to GSM Association Battery Life Measurement Technique. Battery performance may vary depending on network conditions and configurations, and phone usage.

Networks

UMTS HSPA 900, 2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

UMTS HSPA 850, 1900, 2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

In the kit

Xperia? neo V
1500 mAh battery
Stereo portable handsfree
2GB microSD? memory card
Charger
Micro USB cable for charging
Synchronisation and file transfer
User documentation

Legal
1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant. 2) Operational times are affected by network preferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. playing games. Kit contents and colour options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.

? Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2011

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Tim Cook: Who is Apple's new CEO?

Tim Cook is no dark horse. He's no outsider either. And while most of us were caught a bit off guard when Apple announced Steve Jobs's resignation last night, none were too surprised when the 50-year-old executive was formally named his replacement. It's a role for which Cook has been groomed for some time now, even temporarily stepping into the position in 2004, 2009 and early 2011, as Jobs took leave in order to tend to his ongoing health problems.

Cook has been with Apple for the lion's share of Jobs's second coming, joining the company in 1998. At the time, Cook was six months into a stint at Compaq, serving as Vice President, Corporate Materials. Prior to his brief run there he was the COO of Intelligent Electronics and spent a far longer 12-year stretch at IBM, serving as the Director of North American Fulfillment at the time of his exit. Cook did his undergrad at Auburn University, earning a BS in industrial engineering, going on to get an MBA at Duke University half a decade later.

When Cook first joined Apple his title was Senior Vice President for Worldwide Operations -- a position that challenged him to overhaul the company's inefficient supply chain. The exec would soon prove himself an invaluable and no-nonsense leader within the confines of Cupertino, trimming excess fat, closing down factories, reducing inventory levels and pumping up margins. He compared his work to the dairy business, driving home the importance of never keeping anything past its freshness date. And no collection of Cook anecdotes is complete without a simple question -- "Why are you still here?" -- posed to a fellow executive half an hour after telling them that someone needed to be in China, addressing a supply concern there.

Most Cook anecdotes paint him as dry and business-minded, waking up at 4:30 in the morning to send emails, and holding meetings on Sunday night to prepare for the week to come. So it was no surprise that Cook's first official staff letter as CEO arrived bright and early this morning.

In 2005, Cook was named COO, having already stepped in for Steve Jobs a year earlier during his first medical leave. At the time of his promotion, Jobs said of Cook, " Tim has been doing this job for over two years now, and it's high time we officially recognized it with this promotion."

You could say the same applies to Cook's latest promotion as well. It's true, while Jobs shed his title as chief executive, he was also appointed chairman of the company's board of directors -- a role that will likely ensure he remains steeped in the company's big-picture decision making. That caveat aside, Cook has considerable experience running the company's day-to-day operations, and as anyone who knows Cook will attest, he's reputed as much for being a diligent student as a tireless worker. And when it comes to the world of consumer electronics, it's hard to imagine a better teacher than Steve.

02.27.08 - Apple COO says it's not married to iPhone exclusivity, still on track to sell 10m this year
01.14.09 - Steve Jobs is taking a leave of absence from Apple due to health reasons
01.21.09 - Apple on smartphone competition: "if others rip off our intellectual property, we will go after them."
07.20.10 - Apple posts record $3.25b profit in first full quarter of iPad sales, says more 'amazing products' coming this year
01.12.11 - A brief and anecdotal history of the Verizon iPhone 4 deal
02.18.11 - Apple's Tim Cook hints at cheaper iPhone, prepaid possibilities to come?
08.24.11 - Steve Jobs resigns as CEO of Apple
08.24.11 - Apple's new CEO Tim Cook addresses employees in staff letter

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Sony's Digital Link Sound System brings all-in-one iOS integration to your dashboard

Sony's New Digital Link Sound System Integrates Factory Car Head Units with Sound Staging Technology

The product is an all-in-one package solution for iPod touch?/iPhone? integration into original car audio systems

San Diego, August 24, 2011 – Sony announced Digital Link Sound System, a new product that easily installs and enhances the audio quality of factory head units. Digital Link Sound System will be available in two models, XDP-PK1000, an all-in-one package to optimize sound staging, and the XDP-MU110 model, a condensed version which integrates with existing or other subwoofers and amplifiers.

"It is becoming increasingly common for original in-dash radios to be integrated with other features like navigation and climate controls, and more and more, customers want to keep the original looks of their car stereos, while improving sound quality," said Mike Kahn, director of the Audio Product Division at Sony Electronics. "Digital Link Sound System is a convenient solution, allowing music lovers to listen to their favorite songs on their iPhone or iPod touch with a high-quality, powerful 3 Dimensional sound and increased functionality of their factory audio system."

XDP-PK1000 Digital Link Sound System

The XDP-PK1000 Digital Link Sound System is a total audio system comprised of five pieces: Cradle for iPhone, card remote, Digital Sound Processor Master Unit, 12 inch box subwoofer, and Class D Mono Block Amplifier. The internal DSP processing creates a balanced front stage and improves sound quality on a pre-installed original car audio system. It enhances iPod Touch or iPhone playback by digitally connecting and fully processing in the digital domain for optimized sound performance. It also enables adjustment of time alignment, equalization and crossover points to deliver an improved audio experience. The processor is customizable, utilizing three multi-position switches to adjust DSP parameters for 18 types of vehicles.

Bass response is increased with the 300 watt Class D amp and sealed 12 inch subwoofer enclosure. The Class D amp is highly efficient, converting about 90% of incoming power into output to the speakers. Sony's original technology, Dynamic Distortion Suppressor, suppresses distortion that occurs at higher playback levels for clear bass reproduction. The subwoofer utilizes Sony's Dimpled Woofer Cone, which makes the unit lightweight but tough, while producing higher output power.

Using the adjustable dash mounted cradle, you can control playback of internally stored audio content or listen to audio from internet audio apps on an iPod touch or iPhone. The included wireless remote lets drivers control the basic functions of the system.

XDP-MU110 Digital Link Sound System

For music lovers who already have an amplifier and subwoofer or want to install a different audio system, the XDP-MU110 system is an ideal solution. This model comes with three pieces: Cradle for iPhone, Digital Sound Processor Master Unit and card remote. Buyers of this model still get the enhanced sound quality from the DSP processing and increased functionality from the mounted cradle and wireless remote control while having the flexibility and freedom to combine with the amplifier and subwoofer of their choice. The XDP-MU110 model offers a simple and easy set-up and navigation support by illumination color (cradle) and beep sound. Whether using the internal 45W x 4 high power amplifier for speakers or the 2 Volt Front, Rear and Sub RCA pre-amp outputs to feed an external amplifier, drivers can dial in the output for optimum sound.

Pricing and Availability

The XDP-PK1000 model, available in September 2011, will be available for about $799 at authorized car dealerships nationwide, Best Buy and Sony stores and online at http://store.sony.com.

The XDP-MU11, available November 2011, will be available for about $399 at authorized retailers nationwide, Sony stores and online at http://store.sony.com.

For further details and pre-orders, please visit http://sony.com/caraudio.

For images and information, please visit www.sony.com/news.

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Lightning Motorcycles risks neck for an extra 10 MPH on the Flying Banana

Weeks after breaking the electric motorcycle land speed record, Lightning Motorcycles decided it wasn't satisfied with 206.079 MPH. Shunning a well-deserved vacation, its Flying Banana MK. II bike hit a verified speed of 215.960 MPH. The company is taking orders for the $38,888 eco-widowmaker and assures you it'll be cheap to run -- the record breaking trip in the video below used a mere 18 cents of electricity.

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