CES 2011

Last year Jude and I had launched our video studio right about this time and had produced some videos about products that we thought were neat and that we wanted to have. Many of these products never came into production as is the nature of the beast, but it is still interesting that the same basic theme this year seems to be the same as last year.

Hands down I think that one of the most exciting products of last year was the iPad and I am so glad that I found a way to justify my purchase because once I did get it into my hands, I found many more uses for it then I originally imagined. One of the things that I do daily is look for either new applications or peripherals to add to my collection of supporting items for my iPad. My two newest purchases being speaker docks that charge my iPad and iPhone while playing content. Productivity enhancements and ease of sharing data between systems is still my biggest concern when choosing a new application.

So, enough of my Bully Pulpit! The main focus of new and improved upcoming products include iPad type devices either using Android and Microsoft's Windows for operating systems. Throw in products from HP and RIM and we have a large number of choices in many varying sizes. For many of these we will still have to wait and see if they will actually reach production.

Another carryover from last year is the eBook reader. My feeling is that Amazon and Barnes and Noble are our two leaders with Sony in as a distant third. I am not sure that there is any more room for anything else out there but when people see a successful product they will try to ride the coattails of those products with what they feel is a better mousetrap.

3D TV was introduced last year but this year we see it being put into almost everything with a screen. I am not sold on this yet as anything more than a gimmick, but there is a lot of money being poured into it.

Believe it or not there are some interesting things happening with desktop and notebook computers with the new integrated video residing right in the same silicon with the CPU. there are many benefits to be found doing this that I will discuss in some follow-up articles. But we are seeing a small resurgence in Tablet Notebooks (convertibles), and more units in smaller more powerful form factors.

I haven't seen any new product groups yet but we are still pretty early in the show for me to determine that, more on this later. Anyway, over the next few days we will be perusing CES from afar and as we come up with products that we fill compelling, we will be sure to bring them to your attention.
So for now I'll go back to work and see what I can find!

Now here is something really scary or neat…

Fujitsu has created a hybrid energy harvester that makes power from light or heat.

Are we on the verge of becoming human batteries for alien friends? Or even scarier, the corporate world? With devices like this new Fujitsu product will help to capture motion and warmth and transform them into reusable energy. While we are in the beginning stages of this new product development the possibilities of capturing wasted energy to be reused for other purposes is intriguing. I guess we will have to wait and see how this progresses.

SPACEX'S DRAGON SPACECRAFT RE-ENTERS SUCCESSFULLY

Lands on Target in the Pacific Ocean, 500 miles Off of the Coast of Southern California
SpaceX/NASA to Hold Post-Mission Press Conference at 3:30 PM EST

Cape Canaveral, FL – Today, SpaceX became the first commercial company in history to re-enter a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit.

SpaceX and NASA will have a post-mission press conference at 3:30 PM EST at the press site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Participants include:

• Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO and CTO (via satellite from Mission Control in Hawthorne, CA)
• Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX President
• Alan Lindenmoyer, NASA Commercial Crew and Cargo Program Manager

SpaceX launched its Dragon spacecraft into low-Earth orbit atop a Falcon 9 rocket at 10:43 AM EST from Launch Complex 40 at the Air Force Station at Cape Canaveral.

The Dragon spacecraft orbited the Earth at speeds greater than 17,000 miles per hour, reentered the Earth’s atmosphere, and landed in the Pacific Ocean shortly after 2:00 PM EST.

This marks the first time a commercial company has successfully recovered a spacecraft reentering from low-Earth orbit. It is a feat performed by only six nations or government agencies: the United States, Russia, China, Japan, India, and the European Space Agency.

It is also the first flight under NASA’s COTS program to develop commercial supply services to the International Space Station. After the Space Shuttle retires, SpaceX will fly at least 12 missions to carry cargo to and from the International Space Station as part of the Commercial Resupply Services contract for NASA. The Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft were designed to one day carry astronauts; both the COTS and CRS missions will yield valuable flight experience toward this goal.

View the press kit: cots1-201012.pdf

I have always been fascinated with space and space exploration. Whether it is real-life or fiction I can’t get enough of it. And here we have the first non-governmental, commercial company to successfully recover a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit. Welcome in a new era. I can’t wait to see what this company and others will achieve over the next few years.

We have had several interesting discussions at the store lately about eBook Readers

I was browsing through some of the Technology RSS feeds that I subscribe to, (I know that's kind of geeky, but that is what I do in lieu of thumbing through a Christmas catalog or magazine like my lovely wife), and I came across the headline of how Barnes & Noble is now producing 1,800 color Nooks per day. That equates to over 7 million shipping per year, not too bad. Add to that the number of Kindles that are shipping and the number of iPads still flowing into the hands of smiling owners.

Google E-Bookstore has gone live bringing over 3 million titles to any web-browsing capable device with a large selection of free titles. Apps for Android, iPhone, and iPad to read Google e-books are available as well and content will sync across any device you own as the other apps do from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

So, back to the discussion we were having this morning about all of the different products that are now available to read an eBook on. Whether you own a device like the Kindle, Sony or the first version of the Nook (dedicated reading devices), a computer using one of the reading apps produced by these companies, browsing using the new amazon kindle browser site, or a special app on your smart phone or Pad device. There are so many ways to consume the books you buy that it becomes apparent to me that when you are really into a book you can always have it with you until you are done with it.

Personally I like going with the Amazon products mainly because of the types of devices that I own and the ways that I can access what I but and because I am an avid Audible patron dating all the way back to 1989 I have so many ways to consume my reading material.

So what is the point that I am trying to make. I think that the opportunities in this world for enjoying your reading have opened considerably. The devices you invest in will determine the path that you will be able take to access the literature formats that are exploding on the market. Whether you want to feel the paper or work with electronics you have so many options available to you. Whether you want to listen or read or do both you can do that as well.  The world is your oyster, enjoy!

LCD makers fined $857 million for price fixing

Other news today has the European Commission issuing a fine to AU Optronics, Samsung, LG, Chimei InnoLux, Chunghwa Picture Tubes and HannStar Display after the companies held so called "Crystal meetings" between 2001 and 2006. The fine? €648.925 million ($857.49 million).

The goal of these meetings was for the sic companies to agree on a price range for their products and the minimum pricing on LCDs.The intent of this agreement was of course to boost profit for these companies. Interestingly, Samsung was the company that reported the meetings and their content and was granted immunity. Each company was fined a different amount.

"Foreign companies, like European ones, need to understand that if they want to do business in Europe they must play fair," Joaquín Almunia, Vice President of Competition Policy in the EC, said in a statement. "The companies concerned knew they were breaking competition rules and took steps to conceal their illegal behavior. The only understanding we will show is for those that come forward to denounce a cartel and help prove its existence."

Europa Press Release

AVG Product Update

December 3, 2010
Over the past 24 hours, AVG had two update issues which problems affected Windows 7 users on 64-bit products. As soon we were first notified about the issues, we immediately began fixing the problems. A patch for the update issue to our consumer and SMB user base was issued within hours of first being notified of the problem. We are committed to our users, and, as such, we took the following actions:

• Updates were issued for both of these issues and are currently being propagated to the broad AVG user base.
• For the next 48 hours, we are offering free technical support to our entire user base; anyone who has been affected by either of these issues

PAID CUSTOMERS: Support for System Crash After the Recent AVG 2011 Update 3292 (BSOD)
If your customers have encountered the above mentioned issue with the latest AVG update and FAQ 4079 didn’t help them, they can contact our support team by dialing the following number:

• Business customers: 9:30am-6:30pm EST 1-828-459-5436 or skype:avg-nc

AVG is proud to have created the caliber and quality of products that are capable of helping us build one of the largest single user communities in the world. It is a privilege to have the trust and confidence of more than 110 million users and it is a responsibility we do not take lightly. We are committed to you, our resellers and user base. We will work hard to address any concerns, and regain the trust of our customers. AVG sincerely regrets any inconvenience this issue has caused and we are ready to help your customers resolve this as quickly as possible.

AVG has launched Business Resource Centre

AVG has launched a new web site focused on providing Small and Medium size business with resources for protecting your workstations and network infrastructure.

You will find Guides that will help you protect your business from the latest malware threats, Videos demonstrating how AVG can be used to protect your business, Tutorials that will take you step-by-step through processes you can use to protect your business from security fraud, Downloads of the latest tools, and Product Information and Case Studies on how AVG has helped protect other businesses.

You can download a trial version of AVG Internet Security 2011 Small Business Edition as well.

AVG has recently partnered with GfK (Growth for Knowledge) that undertook and international survey among SMBs. They produced a white paper that discusses their findings and can be downloaded for free. It is called SMB Market Landscape Report 2010. You can also sign up for their SMB Newsletter and/or subscribe to their AVG RSS Feed.

Speaking of Evernote, Version 3.4 New Features

I am a active user of both Microsoft’s OneNote program and also the cloud based EverNote program. Why EverNote? Well, we have to look how I work to lead into the why and my need to document my research and meeting notes to be accessible on every device that I possibly can have it on. So on my PC’s I primarily use OneNote to share this information but I don’t have OneNote access to my phone or iPad. Here is where my EverNote account comes into play. Because it is cloud based, it is available to every device that I own that has Internet access. So whatever I put up in this area is available to me where ever I happen to be. Great addition to my productivity. Anyway, EverNote has come out with a new version that has added this list of new features. But on e of the things that really interests me the most is the growth in side applications that are taking advantage of this wonderful application.

New Additions in EverNote 3.4:

• Select multiple images from your camera roll at once and add them to a single note or make multiple snapshot notes
• Audio note recording limit increased to 90 minutes, great for lectures and interviews
• Audio recordings can now be played, paused and replayed from within the note
• Audio note playback can be controlled via the dock player, headphones or other external controls
• Send PDFs and text from Safari and Mail directly into Evernote via the “Open In” option
• 3rd party developers can configure their apps to send PDFs, images and audio into Evernote
• Print notes directly from Evernote to a network printer

The updates to Evernote are excellent and elevate the service back to the top of note-taking apps if you feel it had slipped at all.  If you don’t have Evernote for your iOS device(s) you can pick it up here and get to  taking notes.

PR: Logitech Announces K750 Light-Powered Wireless Keyboard

Tired of replacing batteries in your wireless keyboard? Logitech just might have an answer for you. The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 is the company’s first light-powered keyboard. The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard powers itself whenever there's light, even indoors, making battery hassles a thing of the past.

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Windows 7 Family Pack Returns

Microsoft is bringing back the Windows 7 Family Pack for this Holiday Season. It will become available sometime in October and will be available “while supplies last”. Come on Microsoft, just make more copies…

Here is the official Press Release:

All summer long we’ve given you some great reasons to purchase a new PC and make the move to Windows 7, an operating system loved by a whopping 94% of folks who use it! Here’s one more: starting October 3 in the U.S., Windows 7 Family Pack will be available for purchase at participating retailers and online at the Microsoft Store. Purchasing the Windows 7 Family Pack gives you three upgrade licenses of Windows 7 Home Premium for the low price of $149.99. To take advantage of Family Pack, you’ll need a PC running a genuine copy of either Windows Vista or Windows XP that is capable of running Windows 7. The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor can tell you which features and editions of Windows 7 will run on your computer(s).

For those of you who don’t live in the U.S., Family Pack may be coming your way too. It goes on sale in Canada, UK, Germany, France, Australia and many other markets on or after Oct. 22 (Windows 7’s 1 year anniversary!)

According to IDC’s Consumerscape 360 data, there are 2.1 PCs per household in the U.S., but, as we all know, networking isn’t easy. Windows 7 has built in features – like HomeGroup- that make it easy and quick to get all of your home PCs connected and sharing files, music, photos and printers.

So, don’t delay. The Windows 7 Family Pack will be available soon while supplies last.

Fractal Design a Larger version of its Define Noise Canceling Computer Case

The Define XL is a larger version of the award winning Define R2/R3 case. Similar in design to the Define R2/R3, it offers a number of interesting functions with a very stylish appearance. The case design focuses on low noise level, without neglecting other important features such as cooling, expandability and ease of use.

The Define XL is pre-fitted with dense noise absorbing bitumen material, covered with a soft foam texture. This material effectively absorbs noise generated by the components and fans inside. Paired with other noise preventing features such as a covered top panel with a 180mm fan mounted with an angle to blow out air in the rear and silicone grommets for hard drive mounting, the XL truly excels in delivering a low noise solution.

The unit is designed around providing excellent cable routing capabilities with large holes and enough space behind the motherboard plate.The cable routings are covered with silicon covers that help to hide the cable clutter. A fan controller can be mounted in an expansion slot in the rear can control up to three fans with one knob and is included with the case.

Key Features:

• Stylish design
• Pre-fitted with noise absorbing material
• Configurable thermal chamber design
• Great cooling possibilities, 3x fans included (2x 140mm, 1x 180mm)
• 10x HDD slots
• Unique ModuVent design in side panel

Specifications:

• 4x 5,25" bays, 1x 5,25" to 3,5" converter included
• mini-itx, micro ATX, ATX and E-ATX motherboard
• 10x HDD trays. 4x HDD trays in the HDD cage in the main chamber. This HDD cage is removable and rotatable. 6x HDD trays in the lower HDD chamber. These HDD cages are fixed.
• A total of two 140mm fans and one 180mm fan included. Front 140mm fans are mounted with removable, washable filter. A fan controller is included, for mounting in one of the rear expansion slots.
• Pre-fitted with dense noise absorbing material in both side panels.
• ModuVent feature, allowing the user to choose between an optimal low noise level, having the cover mounted or optimal airflow by removing the cover and mounting a fan for intake.
• Case size (WxHxD): 232x560x561.3mm
• 17.95kg

Cooling system

• 2x 140mm fans (one 140mm included, one optional) with removable and washable filters, in the front. Recommended for intake of air.
• 1x 120mm fan optional with removable and washable filter, in the front. Recommended for intake of air.
• 1x 180mm fan included in the top of the case. Recommended for exhaust of air.
• 1x 140mm fan included in the rear of the case. Recommended for exhaust of air.
• 1x 120/140mm fan optional in the side of the case. Recommended for intake of air.

Cooler Master announces a “Cool” New Case

Cooler Master Follows Up with HAF-912 Plus Case to give you a quieter case with great expansion.

Following up with the release of HAF 912, Cooler Master rolled out the HAF 912 Plus, provides some interesting upgrades of the HAF 912 with more features for a small premium. The case is has the same exact dimensions: 30 x 480 x 496 mm, weighs 8 kg, has every feature of the HAF 912, except that it includes an eSATA port on the front-panel, has a largely tool-free design comprising of thumbscrews for quick and easy entry, all-black interiors, a red LED-lit 200 mm front fan, and a top 200 mm fan. The base model has two 120 mm fans and no fan on the top (with just the room to install one). The expansion slot covers are perforated for more ventilation. The Cooler Master HAF 912 Plus is available now, priced at $79, close to $20 over the base model.

Bacterial light-harvesting proteins make a regenerating solar cell

A recent article published by ARS Technica discussed replacing the traditional technology being used in photovoltaic cells with biological materials that provide a sustainable and renewable resource. If you are interested in energy technology this is a really interesting alternative to traditional methods of solar energy collection that may bring the price down on implementing the technology.

Bacterial light-harvesting proteins make a regenerating solar cell

Intuit and Morphie have introduced a product for accepting payments using your iPhone

For those of you that are working the event tent themes you have probably been looking for more ways to be able to collect funds from potential customers. If you are like me, I hardly ever carry cash, I have embraced plastic money. More and more of us are getting into that position and if you are a retailer then you need to be more concerned about losing a sale because you don’t have a way of processing a credit card transaction.

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Garmin Nuvi Recall Affects 1.25 Million Devices

From Mashable, we have the following news report where Garmin is recalling 1.25 Million of its Nuvi personal navigation devices because of battery issues, go figure! THe models affected are 200W, 250W, 260W and 7XX. Read on to get more information.

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Security Breach in iTunes Store could empty your Bank Account

There are people reporting that their bank and PayPal accounts have been emptied by hackers through the Apple iTunes store. This is another blow to Apple’s reputation of being a secure, safe place.

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Camera Captures Thief!

Right up my alley. I like the thought of unexpected incidents having a happy outcome though in this case the thief doesn’t get one because he gets caught. The scene: outside the Capitol building in Madison, Wisconsin. The Myers family had setup to take a family picture in front of the capitol building and Mr. Meyers had setup his camera to take a timed exposure while he ran to get into the picture with his family. He had placed his camera bag behind where they had setup to take the picture.

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Buffalo Refreshes its DriveStation Family of Storage Solutions

We use Buffalo Drive products a lot in our installations. It is always good news to hear that a company whose products you work with continue to grow and refresh their product lines. Buffalo’s popular DriveStation Duo and DriveStation Quad are getting the focus today. Combining performance and reliability, these new multi-drive external hard drives, equipped with NovaBACKUP Business Essentials, are ideal for small servers, creative professionals, offices and consumers requiring redundant and high performance external storage.

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Office for Mac 2011 Hitting Store Shelves This October: Qualifying new purchases of Office 2008 will include a full upgrade to Office 2011.

REDMOND, Wash. — Aug. 2, 2010 — Microsoft Office for Mac 2011, the next version of the leading productivity suite for the Mac, will be available in more than 100 countries around the world at the end of October. The suite will come in two editions to purchase at retail — Office for Mac Home and Student 2011 and Office for Mac Home and Business 2011. For better alignment across platforms, the Office 2011 pricing and edition options map closer with Office for the Windows operating system. In addition, starting today, if customers purchase Office 2008 for Mac, they will be able to upgrade to Office 2011 when it is available at no additional cost through the Microsoft Office for Mac Technology Guarantee Program.

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Signed On with NUUO Surveillance Solutions

Computer Connections has completed training and testing with NUUO a company that is dedicated to providing a stable and high-performance digital surveillance systems. Three key functions of any security surveillance solution are to provide setting and searching, guarding, and warning. NUUO's successful record of 13800 installation points in 60 countries, as well as its use by industries ranging from mass transit to education, as well as government projects, banks, hospitals, hotels, casinos, and enterprises all prove that NUUO solutions can make all three functions easy for end-users.

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