VoIP News
September 29, 2007
At the DEMOfall07 emerging-technology conference in Munich, UK-based VoIP company, Truphone, demonstrated how iPhone's Wi-Fi capability can be used to make calls over Truphone’s VoIP network. Truphone revealed how calls can be made from an iPhone handset and then routed to Truphone’s server via Wi-Fi. The company pointed out that this was not intended as a commercial launch of the technology, ...
Truphone demos VoIP for iPhone
by Jan HarrisAt the DEMOfall07 emerging-technology conference in Munich, UK-based VoIP company, Truphone, demonstrated how iPhone's Wi-Fi capability can be used to make calls over Truphone’s VoIP network. Truphone revealed how calls can be made from an iPhone handset and then routed to Truphone’s server via Wi-Fi. The company pointed out that this was not intended as a commercial launch of the technology, ...
Substantial investment by Microsoft to improve Live Search
by Lin FreestoneMicrosoft has started phasing in a slick new version of its Live Search service in a bid to gain ground on leading Internet search rivals Google and Yahoo. Microsoft's improved Live Search will be available throughout the USA in a week’s time. By the end of October it will be available globally. Live Search was demonstrated to invited guests in Mountain View, ...
Japanese ISP offers download of DVD-quality films
by Lin FreestoneIn Japan, standard internet connections are fast enough to deliver more than most people use. Average ADSL download speeds are in the region of 50Mbit/s, and fibre connections are often twice that speed. To take advantage of this bandwidth advantage, KDDI, a Japanese internet service provider, is offering DVD-quality films to download for the equivalent cost of £2.15. The offer is ...
September 28, 2007
According to new research from Vividas, a UK developer of video streaming solutions, broadcasters are missing-out on online revenue opportunities and are uncertain on how to use digital content to generate revenues. While most of the broadcasters surveyed were investigating online advertising models, only 7% considered Pay Per View (PPV) as a way of gaining revenue. Although 95% of the broadcasters surveyed ...
Broadcasters miss-out on online revenues
by Janet HarrisAccording to new research from Vividas, a UK developer of video streaming solutions, broadcasters are missing-out on online revenue opportunities and are uncertain on how to use digital content to generate revenues. While most of the broadcasters surveyed were investigating online advertising models, only 7% considered Pay Per View (PPV) as a way of gaining revenue. Although 95% of the broadcasters surveyed ...
Intel promotes Wireless USB 1.1 and USB 3.0
by Jan HarrisAlthough the first wireless USB products have only just started shipping, Intel has already started working on Wireless USB 1.1. The new standard refines the protocol and improves its efficiency. It moves wireless USB's operating frequency to 6Ghz and above, as well as supporting the 3-4Ghz bands of WUSB 1.0. The new specification is also expected to increase data transfer rates ...
Panasonic TH58PZ750U Plasma TV
by Franz Bicar
Movie images are some of the most difficult for TV displays to reproduce and the Panasonic TH58PZ750U plasma did just that. With the 58-inch TH58PZ750U plasma HDTV, Panasonic has achieved picture quality that takes your breath away.
This full HD 1080p native resolution set displays a maximum of 67.8 ...Microsoft extender links computer with HDTV
by Janet Harris
Microsoft has announced new Extenders for Windows Media Center, which connects a broadband-connected PC to a home entertainment centre.
The technology provides easy access to HDTV, video formats including DivX, music, photos and other media, from any TV in a house, via a network connection.
The Extenders make it possible to pause ...Apple update disables hacked iPhones
by Janet Harris
iPhone owners who installed unauthorised software to unlock the device, are now finding that the phone becomes inoperable when they install a planned update from Apple.
Earlier this week Apple warned that iPhone owners, who had installed software which enables the phone to work on any service provider with a standard GSM ...London public sector broadband network launched
by Jan HarrisA broadband network connecting public services across London has been officially launched. The London Public Services Network provides a secure way for public bodies, such as local authorities, central government and the NHS, to share data. The network will allow public-sector organisations to efficiently share information across organisational boundaries. London councils will also benefit from cost savings through shared services and the network ...
Digium acquires Switchvox
by Lin FreestoneDigium has acquired Switchvox, one of the vendors that has built an IP-PBX on its Asterisk VoIP platform. Digium is the original creator and primary developer of Asterisk, the industry's first open source telephony platform. Digium made the announcement at the AstriCon 2007 open-source telephony conference in Phoenix on 27 September. Switchvox exhibited at the show the day before under its ...
September 27, 2007
Italian company KDev has developed a Linux 2.6 device which allows camera-phone photos to be easily and instantly uploaded to the web.
With its GSM/GPRS cellular modem card, KDev's FoxBox MMS accepts photos sent via multimedia messaging service (MMS).
As MMS messages are usually free to receive, KDev suggests that it would be inexpensive for ...
Upload photos to web with KDev device
by Janet Harris
Italian company KDev has developed a Linux 2.6 device which allows camera-phone photos to be easily and instantly uploaded to the web.
With its GSM/GPRS cellular modem card, KDev's FoxBox MMS accepts photos sent via multimedia messaging service (MMS).
As MMS messages are usually free to receive, KDev suggests that it would be inexpensive for ...Ofcom pushes for high-speed network
by Jan HarrisCommunications regulator, Ofcom, has called on the telecoms industry to invest in next-generation networks to stop the UK falling behind Europe and the US. The regulator has launched a two-month consultation with the telecoms industry and the public, to gather ideas for the proposed high-speed network. The UK's current network is working at full capacity due to the increasing popularity of video-on-demand ...
Anevia powers BBC IPTV service
by Janet HarrisIPTV products from telecom equipment supplier, Anevia, have been deployed by Siemens Business Services to introduce an IPTV service for the BBC. Siemens has installed Anevia solutions in BBC head offices in the UK, offering BBC staff contact with BBC and other channels output at their desktop and through IP set-top boxes. The technology will enable the distribution of Arabic TV channels ...
UPEK announces USB fingerprint reader for Macs
by Jan HarrisUPEK's Eikon Digital Privacy Manager, which has previously been available for PCs, now supports Mac systems. The USB-powered, biometric device reads fingerprints to provide authorised users access to password-protected applications. After logging on, Mac users can unlock keychain, unlock secure preferences at admin-level settings, unlock file vault to decrypt home folders and unlock the screen saver, with just the swipe of a ...
Expansion in India’s IPTV market by Chinese telecom
by Lin FreestoneHuawei, a leading Chinese telecommunications network provider, is planning to move into the relatively unexplored Indian market with its IPTV products. The company anticipates that the potential of IPTV products in India is immense. Although India has not grown very fast in terms of IPTV connectivity, it is considered there is a huge requirement for its products. The proposed move assumes ...
Price of LCD TVs expected to fall
by Janet Harris
LCD TVs with 46- and 52-inch screens are expected to drop in price now a large new manufacturing plant in Asan city, South Korea, has started producing the flat-panel screens in large volumes.
The plant manufactures sheets of LCD 'motherglass', from which eight 46-inch or six 52-inch panels can be cut.
Previously ...Invitel: no public IPTV plans
by Brian TurnerHungarian telco Invitel have distanced themselves from earlier reported claims of preparing a host of IPTV services. Sourced from an earlier interview with Chris Dziadul, it was suggested that Invitel had a clear IPTV strategy that had been developed in concert with Video on Demand (VOD) services. However, a spokesperson for parent company HTCC, Brigitta Kedves, said the company distanced itself from ...
Toshiba REGZA 52HL167 LCD HDTV
by Franz Bicar
The latest crop of LCD panels is especially interesting because many employ new technologies, like LED backlighting or a 120-Hertz refresh rate, designed to improve performance issues that plagued older LCD TVs. Consequently, most LCD manufacturers have also released a step-down line that removes these top-shelf features and, by ...Sharp LC65D93U HDTV
by Franz Bicar
Sharp offers up its new contemporary classic, the LC65D93U HDTV, offering the most elegant, cutting-edge flat panel television available. This model sets the standard in HDTV style and innovation, with a striking piano black finish, bottom-mounted speakers, brilliant color reproduction, and spectacular picture quality. In addition to providing high ...
September 26, 2007
At the 2007 Wireless & Digital Cities Congress in Cannes, executives representing local government and technology providers from 53 countries and 107 cities across Europe will be discussing the future for municipal digital wireless networks. An independent survey conducted by conference organisers across Europe’s government and IT community has revealed a commitment to deploying local government wireless networks. Internal productivity issues and ...
European governments are deploying municipal wireless
by Lin FreestoneAt the 2007 Wireless & Digital Cities Congress in Cannes, executives representing local government and technology providers from 53 countries and 107 cities across Europe will be discussing the future for municipal digital wireless networks. An independent survey conducted by conference organisers across Europe’s government and IT community has revealed a commitment to deploying local government wireless networks. Internal productivity issues and ...
Draft paper on India’s IPTV expected soon
by Lin FreestoneThe Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is likely to issue its draft paper on IPTV services within the next month. The paper will set out the guidelines for this much-awaited service. The issue has been engaging the attention of TRAI for some time, mainly due to lack of clarity on who can provide IPTV services. In this context, the regulator ...
Truphone announces Apple iPhone VoIP demonstration
by Paul KerryTruphone has announced that it will demonstrate viable VoIP service integration with the Apple iPhone today. According to a statement by Truphone CEO James Tagg, he will make a demonstration of a Voice over Internet Protocol over Wi-Fi phone call in front of a live audience of 350 people at DEMOfall 07 in San Diego. Truphone also stated that it will demonstrate ...
LG 20LS7D LCD TV
by Franz Bicar
LG is one of the fastest growing electronics companies in the world and their products strive to confirm that idea. The 20LS7D is an LG LCD model featuring 1366 x 768p high definition resolution, LG's exclusive XD Engine, and a wide degree viewing angle, an HDMI input, built-in ...Toshiba targets smartphone market
by Janet Harris
Toshiba is building on its strength in the laptop market with an expansion into the smartphone arena.
The company is developing a sub-brand called Portege and releasing two slider phones for business users - the G500 and G900.
The phones are rich in features suggested by respondents to a survey of business ...Skinkers readies Livestation for launch
by Janet HarrisSkinkers, which demonstrated its peer-to-peer (P2P) live television streaming platform, LiveStation, at the IBC conference earlier in September, is in final negotiations with TV stations. The platform will be unveiled at the trial launch date of the service in coming weeks. Skinkers expects the service to be available for public use from 2008. While P2P internet TV services such as Joost, Zattoo, ...
Viatel unveils uncontended broadband for SMEs
by Jan HarrisViatel has announced an uncontended ADSL service for SMEs called Maxstream Broadband, which costs significantly less than a leased line. MaxStream is designed to provide small businesses with a cost effective solution to run both voice and data over a single line. With quality of service measures in place, VoIP and other business critical application traffic is prioritised. The service provides upstream ...
Internet censorship wave by government in China
by Lin FreestoneIt appears that the Chinese authorities are conducting an unusually harsh crackdown on the Internet, closing tens of thousands of websites that had allowed visitors to post their opinions. The current censorship campaign seems more indiscriminate than usual. It is speculated that the new wave of censorship could be linked to October's 17th Communist Party Congress, a key political gathering that ...
Vibe deploys Genband platform for VoIP
by Jan HarrisVoIP provider, Vibe Communications, has deployed Genband Inc's M6 Communication Applications Server, an integrated, scaleable, standards-based platform for delivering voice and multimedia applications. Vibe Communications provides a total communications package for business customers with a wholesale service focus. The M6 platform is a key element in Vibe's service, providing VoIP, fixed, mobile, and Internet in a managed network environment. All of these ...
Sohonet upgrades London network
by Jan HarrisSohonet, which provides network services to global media companies, has selected technology from Foundry Networks Inc to help cope with increasing customer demand for high speed bandwidth. Foundry Networks Inc's NetIron MLX metro routers and FastIron Edge switch X (FESX) series switches will provide enhanced network performance, based on 10 gigabit Ethernet, to Sohonet's customers. Sohonet serves over 300 leading companies including ...
Pinnacle USB 2.0 device captures video for Macs
by Jan HarrisPinnacle Systems Inc has released Pinnacle Video Capture for Mac, a USB 2.0 device which makes it easy to convert videos and other recorded content from any analog source, to formats compatible with Macs, iPods, iPhones or Apple TVs. The device plugs into a Mac's USB 2.0 or 1.1 port, enabling high-quality video streaming directly to the system. Pinnacle Video Capture for ...
BBC Trust approves HD channel
by Janet Harris
The BBC Trust has provisionally approved the BBC's plans for a high definition channel, commenting that it would have high pubic value and would cause little adverse market impact.
However the Trust will not decide until next year whether the service will be launched on Freeview.
The channel is being tested on ...
September 25, 2007
Hungarian telco Invitel plans to launch an IPTV service by the end of this year. Invitel will initially offer 77 TV channels in basic, expanded and thematic packages, and also a VOD library of 100 titles. The service will comprise part of a triple play offer, and will initially be offered in parts of the country where the telco has exclusivity. Invitel ...
Invitel plans to launch IPTV in Hungary
by Lin FreestoneHungarian telco Invitel plans to launch an IPTV service by the end of this year. Invitel will initially offer 77 TV channels in basic, expanded and thematic packages, and also a VOD library of 100 titles. The service will comprise part of a triple play offer, and will initially be offered in parts of the country where the telco has exclusivity. Invitel ...
Giorgio Armani-Samsung phone announced
by Janet Harris
Giorgio Armani and Samsung announced the new Giorgio Armani-Samsung luxury mobile phone at a press briefing during Women's Fashion Week in Milan.
The device brings together high-fashion and advanced electronics. The exterior of the phone, its graphical user interface and audio user interface are designed with Giorgio Armani's elegant and modern simplicity.
The phone features ...Orange reveals plan for quadplay bundles
by Janet HarrisMobile phone company, Orange, is planning to expand into the digital TV market and offer the service as a quadplay bundle. The company has just launched a new home phone service, Home Max, which bundles broadband, line rental and calls in one package. A new customer support centre has been established in Belfast to support the service. Customers are also able to ...
Brando ships USB flash card MP3 player
by Jan HarrisBrando's super thin USB Flash Card provides 2GB of storage and is also an MP3 player. The card is slightly larger than a credit-card, at 85.5 x 54 x 4.5 mm, so can easily be carried around in a wallet, ensuring that important data is always available. It weighs just 20 grams. The card simply plugs into a USB port and will ...
Blyk ad-funded mobile network launched
by Jan HarrisMobile Virtual Network Operator, Blyk, has announced its UK launch after months of delays. Blyk is an invitation-only MVNO. It aims to link brands and young consumers - sending adverts to mobile phones, while offering free phone calls and texts. Blyk gives advertisers direct access to the 16-24 year old market. The service can help advertisers create brand awareness, build ...
Adobe Premier Elements supports Blu-ray exclusively
by Janet Harris
The newly launched version 6 of Adobe's Premier Elements software, does not support HD-DVD.
The Pocket-lint site reports that Adobe has succumbed to pressure from Sony, to support only the rival Blu-ray HD format with its latest Premier Elemenets movie-editing software, although Adobe has not endorsed this view.
Adobe works closely with ...Dell W4200 HD Plasma TV
by Franz Bicar
Everyone is getting into the HDTV business one way or another. We've heard of manufacturers that 5 to 10 years ago, we didn't even know existed. Now, there's a huge market for it and even PC makers are getting in on the act. Dell is one of these manufacturers ...Partnerships needed for ISP growth in Africa
by Lin FreestoneAnalysts have indicated that Internet service providers in Africa will have to expand their horizons if they want to see continued growth. While Africa is seeing fast Internet uptake levels, poor telecoms infrastructure is hindering penetration rates even as the restrictive regulatory frameworks contain market growth. The main factors dampening uptake is the widespread poverty that makes Internet services unaffordable, the ...
French operators form new telecoms association
by Lin FreestoneFrance's telecom and internet operators have created a joint industry association in advance of talks with the government and consumer groups. The new French telecoms federation will bring together existing industry bodies and its members will include leading operators like France Telecom, Vivendi's SFR, Bouygues unit Bouygues Telecom, Iliad and Neuf Cegetel. Talks have been organised by the government to take place ...
Pudding Media’s monitored VoIP calls raise privacy concerns
by Lin FreestoneUS-based Pudding Media has announced that it will offer free VoIP calls to those willing to let the company's voice-recognition software monitor the conversation for keywords. The tracked keywords will then be used to trigger targeted on-screen ads for the duration of the call. Pudding Media is building a platform that opens new advertising opportunities, allowing consumers to immediately receive and ...
Vizio L42 HDTV
by Franz Bicar
The Vizio L42 HDTV looks quite stylish but it is certainly not the most stunningly beautiful TV around. The L42 is packed with a black frame surrounding the 42-inch-diagonal screen mounted just over silver speakers. The most prominent thing on the frame is the HDMI and Vizio logos. The ...
September 24, 2007
According to a survey by Screen Digest, the UK market for online TV will be worth £181 million by 2011. However, the growth of movie downloads is expected to be much slower. Screen Digest expects music to continue to dominate UK online distribution, growing from $90 million to $571.2 million by 2011, when an estimated 191 million single tracks and 21 ...
UK online TV market to grow to £181 million by 2011
by Janet HarrisAccording to a survey by Screen Digest, the UK market for online TV will be worth £181 million by 2011. However, the growth of movie downloads is expected to be much slower. Screen Digest expects music to continue to dominate UK online distribution, growing from $90 million to $571.2 million by 2011, when an estimated 191 million single tracks and 21 ...
RIM BlackBerry 8310 Curve available in UK
by Janet Harris
RIM's BlackBerry 8310 Curve smartphone is currently available for free on a £35 per month contract from Vodafone.
The 810 is the first RIM Blackberry with 3G internet. It features email, and a built-in GPS receiver which makes travel easy with Vodafone's sat-nav software.
The device also includes a music and video ...2008 launch for BBC, ITV and Channel 4 HD channels
by Janet Harris
The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 have now all revealed plans to launch free high definition channels early in 2008.
Pay TV platform BSkyB, is currently leading the way with HD in the UK, with 292,000 HD subscribers as of June.
The BBC's HD channel will comprise nine-hours of ...Google could bid for UK wireless spectrum
by Jan HarrisAccording to a report in the Guardian, Google could bid for wireless spectrum in the UK if Ofcom liberalises the 900MHz and 1,800MHz frequencies. The regulator is considering the possibility of liberalising the wireless spectrum to accelerate the roll-out of high-speed broadband across the UK. However it would also open up the UK market to rival wireless technologies such as Wi-Max. Google ...
Small businesses adopting VoIP faster than larger firms
by Jan HarrisAccording to Maren Bennette of the Communications Management Association, small businesses are now adopting VoIP services at a faster rate than that seen for larger firms. Bennette believes that this could be because the first users of VoIP, around seven years ago, were mainly medium-sized enterprises which quickly outgrew their existing telephony systems. Larger companies then followed suite, when it became obvious ...
Micro-USB is standard for new mobile handsets
by Jan HarrisThe Open Mobile Terminal Platform (OMTP) has agreed that micro-USB should be the standard for mobile phone connections. The OMTP includes network operators, and manufacturers such as Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and LG. The OMTP has also recommended that Micro-USB port should be used to stream media including SD and HDTV; connect to a headset or car kit; act as a ...
Disney agrees Finnish VOD deal
by Lin FreestoneChannel 4 Finland, also known as Nelonen, and Disney-ABC International Television have agreed a deal whereby US shows will be available on-demand to Finnish IPTV viewers days after their US TV broadcast. This is the first time Disney has introduced multiple network series to an international market so soon after broadcast in the US. Channel 4 Finland’s IPTV service will launch an ...
2.5 million German IPTV subscribers forecast by 2012
by Lin FreestoneAccording to a study conducted by consultancy Goldmedia and supported by the German Association of Information Technology, Telecommunications and New Media, there will be 2.5 million homes subscribing to IPTV services in Germany by the year 2012. Annual turnover generated by IPTV services in Germany is expected to reach €420m by 2012. Approximately 100,000 homes in Germany are forecast to subscribe ...
