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RIM: BlackBerry PlayBook Hitting 16 Additional Markets Over The Next 30 Days

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 05:03 AM PDT

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) this morning announced intentions to debut the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet in an additional 16 markets over the next 30 days, including the UK, Hong Kong, France, India, Spain and Australia.

So far, RIM’s iPad competitor has only been available to customers in North America (since April 19, 2011), and has drawn mixed reviews.

For our own reviews, see MG Siegler’s take and the Fly or Die edition with Erick Schonfeld and John Biggs covering the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Some analysts have estimated RIM to sell 3 million PlayBook tablets during their first year, but the company faces competition not only from Apple’s iPad(s) but also an increasing wealth of Android-powered tablets.

The full list of countries that will see the launch of the PlayBook over the next few weeks: UK, Spain, France, The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela .

CrunchBase Information
BlackBerry PlayBook
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Interview: Martin Rae, President Of The Academy Of Interactive Arts And Sciences

Posted: 09 Jun 2011 06:14 PM PDT


At E3, we had the opportunity to talk with Martin Rae, who is the President of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, an industry group akin to the more well-known Academy that puts on the Oscars. The idea is the same, but the industry is younger, and although their conventions and yearly awards are less well-known, they are gaining popularity and are part of the growing movement towards integrating games with more mainstream media.

I was curious to see how Rae and the Academy think the industry is changing, since we’ve gone from a time of far more straightforward gaming (i.e. the well-crafted ride of Half-Life) to things like Foursquare and Farmville, which blend with real life. I also wanted to hear what he thought of the success of indie hits like Minecraft and Limbo. When games with teams numbering in the single digits can outsell $40 million titles, what does that say? And of course we had to hear what he’d been playing lately.

Check out the whole interview above.

Good News: The Vita Is Region-Free

Posted: 09 Jun 2011 01:13 PM PDT


Although region locking doesn’t affect the majority of gamers, among the hardcore it tends to be a sticking point. Some games have better or earlier releases in other countries, and the ability to import and play them is an important one for, say, JRPG fans or expats. Fortunately, the Vita will be region-free, meaning you won’t have to worry whether your device or game is Japanese, American, European, or whatever. You loads your discs, you plays your games.

Maybe they had to cut out the region lockout feature in order to hit that $250 price?

Watch Some Dude Jump Off A Mountain With A Casio Strapped To His Wrist

Posted: 09 Jun 2011 12:53 PM PDT

G-Shock: The Descent from exposure on Vimeo.

To celebrate the launch of the Casio GDF-100, some dude jumped off a mountain with the tri-compax watch strapped to his wrist. What does this have to do with watches? Well, presumably a) this watch can survive falls and b) you probably shouldn’t try this stuff at home.

Dell Confirms Streak 10 Pro To Launch In China First

Posted: 09 Jun 2011 12:00 PM PDT

If the Dell Streak 7 didn't quite provide enough real estate, I have good news: Dell has a larger tablet model in the works that should bring all the awesomeness of the Streak 7 to a bigger screen. Dell today confirmed the that Dell Streak 10 Pro is on its way, and also confirmed the existence of another mysterious Windows 7 tablet headed for the enterprise later this year. There's also some bad news: the 10-inch Honeycomb tablet will launch in China before we see it on U.S. shelves.

This move by Dell has to do with the company’s increased presence in developing countries, as opposed to more mature markets. Plus, if Dell ships to developing markets first, it can get away with not including the entire Google experience (Google apps, Android Market, etc.) because it's not as big of a deal i those countries. That means Dell can customize software and hardware on the tablet to its heart's content.

[via UberGizmo]

Apple Switches Up In-App Purchase Policy For Publishers

Posted: 09 Jun 2011 10:00 AM PDT

Apple has been busy this week revising its App Store guidelines, first with the revision of its DUI checkpoint app policy, and now switching up the guidelines for in-app purchases. Section 11.13 of Apple's App Store guidelines has been angering quite a few publishers as of late, forcing them to offer subscriptions through in-app purchases. In other words, Apple gets a 30 percent cut for each edition sold of any given magazine, newspaper, or book. The section also included audio, music, and video publishers.

The dreaded Section 11.13 has now been revised to allow publishers to sell their content outside the App Store. But there's one stipulation: publishers can't include a link or button in their apps that send the user to a website where they can conduct a transaction.

Old wording:

11.13 Apps can read or play approved content (magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, video) that is sold outside of the app, for which Apple will not receive any portion of the revenues, provided that the same content is also offered in the app using IAP at the same price or less than it is offered outside the app. This applies to both purchased content and subscriptions.

Revised wording:

11.14 Apps can read or play approved content (specifically magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, and video) that is subscribed to or purchased outside of the app, as long as there is no button or external link in the app to purchase the approved content. Apple will not receive any portion of the revenues for approved content that is subscribed to or purchased outside of the app.

[via IntoMobile]

Bre Pettis On The Colbert Report

Posted: 09 Jun 2011 09:18 AM PDT

This is so great. I love Bre and I love Makerbot and I love Colbert. It’s like a geek threesome! Watch as Bre makes Colbert’s head in a Makerbot.

The best thing is that Colbert is actually in awe of this technology and Bre, self-effacing and kind, is very patient. He explains his device with a few simple words and thens shows off what the Makerbot can do, including make a copy of Colbert with a teddy bear’s body.

Good for you, Bre.
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Gartner Cuts PC Shipment Forecast For 2011

Posted: 09 Jun 2011 08:00 AM PDT

So far, 2011 has not been the year of the PC, by any means. I guess, that's to be expected with the explosion of the tablet, but it looks like PCs haven't yet reached rock bottom, as Gartner has revised its previous forecast for PC shipments in 2011 from 10.5 percent to just 9.3 percent, roughly 385 million units.

Clearly the economic downturn is at least partially to blame for softening PC sales over the past few years, but tablets certainly haven't helped the matter. "Consumer mobile PCs are no longer driving growth, because of sharply declining consumer interest in mini-notebooks," said Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner. "Media tablets, such as the iPad, have also impacted mobile growth, but more because they have caused consumers to delay new mobile PC purchases rather than directly replacing aging mobile PCs with media tablets."

Gartner also claims that the structure of the PC market is undergoing a major change, as consumers are looking for a PC that complements their other devices. In the near future, the PC market will not stand alone, but become a part of a more overarching market that ranges from high-end smart televisions down to feature phones. "Within this market, consumers and professionals will increasingly use the combination of devices that best suits their particular needs," said Mr. Atwal.

Gartner also cut its expected 2011 Japanese PC unit growth to 2.4 percent after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the country in March. However, the analysis firm says that the impact of these disasters has been minor.


Hands-On With The Christophe Claret Watch That Plays Blackjack

Posted: 09 Jun 2011 07:47 AM PDT

One of the watches that I was most eager to get my hands on at Baselworld 2011 was Christophe Claret’s new 21 Blackjack masterpiece. Having previewed the 21 Blackjack watch and understanding all of its three gambling game functions, I was eager to see the master watch-maker’s work in real life. For the first time, a single watch could play blackjack, dice, and roulette – and this is the first watch ever that could play blackjack.

Read the rest here…

T-Mobile, WildTangent To Bring 25 Cent App Rentals To Android

Posted: 09 Jun 2011 07:31 AM PDT

One of the worst things about app shopping is the uncertainty. A few screen grabs and a four-line description is hardly enough to make an informed decision. When apps are free, it's less of an issue, but when I'm coughing up a couple bucks, I want to know what I'm getting. A few app stores have tried to quell this issue: Amazon's Appstore for Android has a test-drive feature, the Android Market has a 15-minute return policy, and Apple launched a "Try Before You Buy" system last summer. But T-Mobile has taken a pretty innovative approach to app shopping: rentals.

In collaboration with gaming outfit WildTangent, T-Mobile has plans to bring 25 cent game rentals to T-Mo loyalists with an Android tablet or smartphone. That way, users can see if they like the app before they put a ring on it. The service will also bring games to users for free with advertisements, and will detract the rental cost from the price of the game, should you choose to go ahead and make the purchase.

No word yet on when T-Mo will launch the service, but if you've retired your piggy bank, now may be the time to get it out of the dusty drawer, and start saving.

[via Electronista]

Datamancer Steampunk Laptop Us Available For Pre-Order

Posted: 09 Jun 2011 07:08 AM PDT

Richard Nagy, creator of the Datamancer steampunk laptop, is offering his creations for pre-order for $5,500 and they will include cutting edge components and actually working accouterment including spinning gears and a real brass key that will lock the case against blaggards and thieves.

It’s PC only right now but Nagy explains:

For the sake of standardization and in consideration for the extremely proprietary nature of Mac’s hardware and software, I will probably only make a PC hardware version at first, but if you have your heart set on Mac, there are many simple ways to install the Mac OS on a PC laptop with almost no noticeable differences in function.

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HP Touchpad Available July 1 Starting At $500

Posted: 09 Jun 2011 06:20 AM PDT

The HP Touchpad, the great Palm hope of tablet lovers everywhere, will be officially available for $500 for 16GB and $600 for 32GB on July 1 in the United States. It will be available in the UK, France, and Germany “a few days later” and Canada in mid-July. The rest of the world will see it trickle out over the summer.

We’ve been waiting for the Touchpad since February and, in a few short months, it has appeared to be ready for launch a few times until June looked like the target date. Sadly, it was not to be but that is remedied by this jubilant news.

Check out our hands-on here and read the PR after the jump.

HP Announces HP TouchPad Availability for United States, Europe and Canada

Wi-Fi version of first HP webOS tablet also coming to Asia Pacific later this year

PALO ALTO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced that the Wi-Fi version of HP TouchPad will be available in the United States on July 1.

"The platform's unmatched features and flexibility will continue to differentiate HP products from the rest of the market for both personal and professional use. This is only the beginning of what HP's scale can do with webOS."
HP's first webOS tablet will be available in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Germany a few days later and in Canada in mid-July, with availability scheduled to follow later this year in Italy and Spain, as well as in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Singapore.

HP TouchPad will be available from U.S. retailers, commercial resellers and direct from HP with the option of either 16 GB or 32 GB of internal storage(1) for $499.99 and $599.99, respectively.(2) Preorders in North America and Europe will begin June 19.

"What makes HP TouchPad a compelling alternative to competing products is webOS," said Jon Rubinstein, senior vice president and general manager, Palm Global Business Unit, HP. "The platform's unmatched features and flexibility will continue to differentiate HP products from the rest of the market for both personal and professional use. This is only the beginning of what HP's scale can do with webOS."

With webOS, HP TouchPad users have a next-level multitasking experience, access to the web, premium audio playback with stereo speakers and Beats Audio™ technology, the ability to find information on the device or in the cloud using the Just Type feature, integrated access to their information with HP Synergy, and HP's exclusive Touch to Share capability for sharing web addresses between HP TouchPad and compatible webOS phones.(3)

Optional accessories for HP TouchPad include the HP Touchstone Charging Dock, the HP TouchPad Wireless Keyboard and the HP TouchPad Case (sold separately).

HP also announced it will be partnering with AT&T to introduce a connected version of HP TouchPad later this summer. More information will be available closer to availability.

U.S. retailers and commercial resellers for HP TouchPad will include Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, Walmart, Sam's Club, OfficeMax, Amazon.com, Fry's, Microcenter, other leading local and regional retailers, and HP's online stores. Specific pricing and availability for HP TouchPad in Canada, France, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom will be announced regionally. Details for Australia, Hong Kong, Italy, New Zealand, Singapore and Spain will be announced at a later date.

More information about HP TouchPad, including product features and specs, is available at www.hpwebos.com/us/products/pads/touchpad

Review: The Barnes & Noble Nook

Posted: 09 Jun 2011 06:07 AM PDT


Short Version: After a few days with the new Nook I was hooked. It is a pure reading experience condensed into a device the size of a paperback and with a super-crisp e-ink touchscreen. The Nook is, in short, the best e-reader from a major player I’ve used thus far and is well ahead of its competitors in terms of usability and form factor.

Features:

  • 6-inch Touchscreen
  • 2 month battery life
  • 2 GB memory
  • MicroSD card slot
  • $139

Pros:

  • Thin and light
  • Responsive touchscreen
  • Allows you to focus on reading

Cons:

  • No browser/apps/MP3 player
  • Sometimes turns on accidentally
  • Buttons not intuitive

 

I’m an absolute proponent of the ebook. The standard, paper book will soon be extinct, a pricey relic for collectors who cling to outdated media as a way to preserve a past that, in the end, died far too late and still shambles on at increasingly unprofitable book “stores” where the final exemplars of a dead creed gather dust and cower at the might of the digital offspring that their creators wrought.

So that’s how I feel about ebooks. Now, on to how I feel about the Nook. As we all know, the media is the message. Long form writing is best consumed on a portable device – they still haven’t cracked extreme reading on desktops or laptops and I doubt they ever will. For all the web pages I scroll through to consume bite-sized content, I still revert to ereading devices to crack open Farewell, My Lovely.

So the three pillars of a good ereader are portability, readability, and battery life. The new Nook covers all three of those points with aplomb.

The new device has a six-inch screen and consists mostly of bezel. There are four navigational buttons, two on each side, and a main “Nook” button at the bottom. There is a power button on the back of the device. I could not find a reset button (more on that later) and the device has an IR touchscreen that requires no pressure to activate.

The screen is “pearl” white and the e-ink that supports 800×600 pixel resolution and 16-level grayscale. It weighs a mere 7.5 ounces and seems as light and comfortable as an old paperback book. There is a small flap that reveals a MicroSD slot. It has 2GB of onboard memory.

The battery lasts for two months although, for some reason, my device turned on in my bag, the battery ran down and then it fell into a deep sleep. I thought it had crashed – there was no indication that the battery was dead – and so I tried and tried to restart it with various key combinations, including pressing in on what turned out to be a small LED at the bottom that, in fact, looked like a tiny reset hole. This provided a bit of frustration.

However, I did notice that the battery held a good charge for more than a week, far longer than any of my other ereading devices.

Wi-Fi works well and you get free access at AT&T hotspots and at B&N stores. There is no browser (or MP3 player) but the Nook does allow you to enter login data for protected hotspots like those found in hotels and airports.

UPDATE – There is a browser – you type a URL into the search field. Mea culpa.

The best thing about the Nook is that it is a nearly seamless reading experience. If you log into your various social networks and B&N account (it supports Twitter and Facebook along with Gmail contacts) you can share your reading habits with friends, recommending books to others and lending them right on the “start” page. You can also share clips with friends on Twitter and Facebook by selecting a short phrase by swiping your finger over the screen.

If you just want to buy books, you can do that too. Just enter your credit card number and start buying hundreds of books – as I have – or upload your own epub titles from your computer. The Nook appears as a hard drive when connected to a Mac or PC and you can simply drag book files to it. It supports PDFs, epubs, and some images that you can set as “wallpaper” for your Nook.


The actual ereading experience is clean and nearly seamless. You can swipe across the screen (or tap) to move forward and back or you can press the side buttons. The top buttons on either side go forward and the bottom buttons go back. You can swap these buttons, but the buttons are not intuitive. I would have put one button on either side and called it a day. Changing the font and page style is also unintuitive. Instead of tapping the “Nook” button (which brings up the store, your library, and settings) you have to tap the page numbers. This brings up a mini window that allows you to choose font size and style as well as line spacing and tabs. You can even set it to an extra large size for older eyes.

The new Nook does not support B&N’s animated story books for kids but you can read thousands of young adult titles in the Nook store.

Bottom Line
So why do I like the Nook so much? It removes all the cruft from the reading experience. The device is extremely easy to use and could easily replace my iPad as my primary e-reader, especially for reading outdoors. The Nook lets books shine – there is nothing to distract the reader from his or her appointed task. You just read.

Many complained about the lack of an MP3 player on the new Nook but I think the Nook is fine without them (and presumably B&N can add them later). Everything the Nook does have it needs and there isn’t much more I’d like to do on the device, especially distract myself with games like Sudoku or, heaven forefend, Angry Birds.

Who is this for? This is for folks who want to read. This device is great for kids, adults, and the aged. It is a great all-around reader and, because it is affordable, it makes for an excellent impulse buy for those still on the ereader fence. It is a great e-reader.

The Nook and devices like it will save – and change the publishing industry and, more important, will effect the way we read for centuries to come. This is a moment of absolute shift, with old paradigms dropping out from under us. I see devices like the Nook as tools that will encourage book discovery and, if priced properly, reduce book piracy in the way the iTunes made it “cool” to pay for music. I’m not naive enough to believe that Nook users won’t pirate books and I think the built-in store system is useful and invisible enough to make the purchasing process quite comfortable.

In the end I think each new iteration of the Nook and the Kindle (and, to a lesser degree, the Kobo) will be the “best” of breed at launch. As each new device surfaces, manufacturers will perfect these devices as we move inexorably towards a paperless future. Rather than say this is a war between Kindle and Barnes & Noble, we must term this a battle between the old guard and the new, paper books and ebooks. And, clearly, ebooks are winning.

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