29 January 2008

Cell Phones meet Server Based Computing

Server Based Computing and Smartphones combine to do more than each can do alone. Good idea.

Server Based Computing Skyfire unveils downloadable mobile browser that delivers the PC Web experience on your phone

Skyfire features full Ajax and Flash to bring the “real Web” to smartphones – users can now experience sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Last.fm at record speeds

January 28, 2008 -- Palm Desert, Calif. –
Today at the DEMO 08 conference, Skyfire unveiled a new mobile browser that makes browsing on a smartphone just like browsing on a PC. For the first time ever, smartphone users can experience the “real Web” to access and interact with any Web site built with any Web technology, including dynamic Flash, advanced Ajax, Java and more – at the same speeds they are accustomed to on their PC. With this free downloadable browser, users can finally watch videos from the real YouTube, stay connected with their friends on the full-feature PC versions of Facebook and MySpace, and listen to any Web music service like Last.fm. Before Skyfire, users painfully waited for these Flash and Ajax-heavy sites to render – often resulting in error messages or crashes.

“For too long consumers have been promised the ‘real Web’ on their phone, only to be disappointed by slow rendering, error messages, no Flash support, watered down WAP pages or second-rate mobile versions of their favorite site,” said Skyfire CEO Nitin Bhandari. “Skyfire has remedied those ills at a speed not seen before on the mobile platform. By extending the PC Web experience to smartphones, we fully expect Skyfire to fundamentally change the way people use their phones.”

Users will not have to change their Web behavior on their smartphones because Skyfire allows them to access the same Web content, and interact with that content, exactly as they do on their PC. When users load their favorite sites, they will not encounter unrecognizable content, unfamiliar page layouts, or missing content, like they have with other mobile browsers. To date, Skyfire is the fastest loading mobile browser on the market.

“Many sophisticated technologies are launched at DEMO, and in my many years of hosting the event, it’s the simple and elegant products like Skyfire which seem to have the most staying power,” said Chris Shipley, executive producer of the DEMO conferences. “Mobile browsing has not advanced at the same rate as other mobile technologies, so I am delighted to see Skyfire bring a new product to market which directly addresses one of the biggest pain points in the mobile experience today.”

Skyfire has broken down the two primary barriers for Internet adoption on smartphones – speed and user experience. Recent studies point to the demand for mobile content, but the browsing experience has hindered the potential growth. As prices continue to drop, more users will adopt the full functionality offered by smartphones. According to ABI Research, 115 million smartphones were to be shipped in 2007, and that number will rise to 410 million by 2012.

“Skyfire’s ability to support Flash video can give a shot in the arm to consumption of video on smartphones which currently stands at 18.4 percent,” said Seamus McAteer, senior analyst, M:Metrics. “Technologies that improve the user experience of mobile applications will bolster the adoption of mobile media as it becomes increasingly mainstream.”

Skyfire includes numerous features aimed at simplifying the mobile browsing experience. For example, when a user conducts a Web search from the home page, Skyfire pulls results from multiple search engines and displays the results in multiple tabs that consumers can easily navigate. In addition, users can bookmark specific locations on a Web page to get to the content that matters most to them in one click – such as stock quotes, sports scores, blog messages, etc. Skyfire’s user interface features full screen navigation, thumbnail views and zooming to seamlessly resize the Web content to fit the
mobile screen.

Skyfire Technology
Skyfire’s patent-pending technology is the foundation of Skyfire’s unique ability to support all Web technologies, both current and future, at speeds comparable to the PC. With Skyfire’s proprietary technology, supporting any new Web standard becomes a seamless user experience without the need to upgrade to new releases. This technology allows Skyfire to support real Web browsing while saving precious bandwidth and reducing processing power and memory needed on the phone.

Private Beta Announced
Skyfire announced a private beta to support Windows Mobile phones, both touchscreen and non-touchscreen, in the U.S.. The company will introduce a version for Symbian smartphones in the coming months and other platforms and geographies are on the product roadmap. Users can sign-up for the private beta by visiting www.skyfire.com.

Skyfire was founded by Bhandari and CTO Erik Swenson in April 2006, and has been in stealth mode under the name DVC Labs until today. Based in Mountain View, Calif., the team includes engineering veterans from Adobe, Creative, eBay, Extreme Networks, MobiTV, Pinnacle, and Shutterfly.

About Skyfire
Skyfire is the creator of the Skyfire mobile browser, which extends the PC Web to mobile phones so users can experience the mobile Web exactly like they do on their PC. The company was founded in 2006 by Nitin Bhandari and Erik Swenson, who serve as CEO and CTO respectively. Skyfire is backed by Trinity Ventures and Matrix Partners and has raised $4.8 million in total funding. For more information about the company, visit www.skyfire.com.

About DEMO
Produced by Network World Events and Executive Forums, the semi-annual DEMO conferences focus on emerging technologies and new products, which are hand-selected from across the spectrum of the technology marketplace. The DEMO conferences have earned their reputation for consistently identifying tomorrow's cutting-edge technologies, and have served as launch pad events for companies such as Palm, E*Trade, Handspring, and U.S. Robotics, helping them to secure venture funding, establish critical business relationships, and influence early adopters. Each DEMO conference features approximately 70 new companies, products and technologies. For more information, visit www.demo.com.

For more information, please contact:
Nick Leahy
Sparkpr for Skyfire
415.846.1715

Nick@sparkpr.com

Until the next post,

Steve


21 January 2008

Google Partners with Wireless Provider Clearwire Communications

When Clearwire entered into their first four markets almost 4 years ago, I called their Jacksonville, Florida office and suggested they offer applications on top of their high speed wireless product. Of course they thought i was crazy and told me to call their corporate office in Washington state.

No response from HQ.

Anyone want to guess who had the ability to offer over the web on Clearwire wireless connections, at a low bandwidth, most of their products without modifying any code?

And they still do have that capability. Something is holding them back. But what?

Google now has a partner than can manage a nationwide wireless network for mobile devices. Now if just Google could get a very nice piece of bandwidth! Oh, the "beach front property" of the radio spectrum goes on auction this week. Ready, set, go.


KIRKLAND, Wash., Jan 15, 2008
(BUSINESS WIRE) --

Wireless broadband pioneer Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR) today announced it is teaming up with Google (NASDAQ: GOOG: 600.25, -0.54, -0.08%) to deliver the company's popular Google Apps(TM: 99.70, +1.10, +1.11%) communication suite to Clearwire customers. Clearwire will begin migrating its current customers to Gmail(TM: 99.70, +1.10, +1.11%) and Google Calendar(TM: 99.70, +1.10, +1.11%) in the first half of this year. In addition, Clearwire customers will also have access to Google Talk(TM: 99.70, +1.10, +1.11%).

"Clearwire is excited to launch our relationship with Google to further our commitment to deliver all the Internet has to offer to a person rather than a place. Both companies are built on the foundation of providing a simple to use, rich and open Internet experience and we believe the addition of these communications tools will be a tremendous benefit to Clearwire's customers", said Scott Richardson Clearwire's chief strategy officer. "We look forward to expanding our working relationship with Google further enhancing our customer's access to the Internet -- anytime and anywhere."

In addition to Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Talk, Clearwire will use AdSense for Search(TM: 99.70, +1.10, +1.11%) to provide Google search capabilities on future Clearwire portal applications.

"We're pleased to work with Clearwire to offer its high-speed wireless broadband customers access to our leading search and communications tools," said Dave Girouard, vice president and general manager Google Enterprise. "Our companies share a vision of giving consumers innovative choices that will the change the way they interact with each other."

Clearwire is building and operating one of the world's most capable wireless broadband networks. The company is building from the ground up a single network that bridges the gap between today's wire line and wireless networks by delivering a true broadband experience to a person rather than a place. By collaborating with world-class companies like Google that are committed to innovation, Clearwire and its customers will enjoy all that the Internet has to offer at home as well as in a mobile environment within the Clearwire coverage area.

About Clearwire

Clearwire, founded in October 2003 by telecom pioneer Craig O. McCaw, is a provider of simple, fast, portable and reliable wireless high-speed Internet service. Clearwire customers connect to the Internet using licensed spectrum, thus eliminating the confines of traditional cable or phone lines. Headquartered in Kirkland, Wash., the company launched its first market in August 2004 and now offers service in 16 states across the U.S. as well as in Europe and Mexico. For more information, visit www.clearwire.com.

About Google

Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top Web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall Web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.

Google, Google Apps, Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Talk and AdSense for Search are trademarks of Google Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations and beliefs, as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events made with information that is currently available. The forward-looking statements include the anticipated migration of Clearwire's customers to Gmail, Google Calendar and other communications tools as well as Clearwire's anticipated use of AdSense for Search on future portal applications. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, manyof which are outside of Clearwire's and Google's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted include, among others, unforeseen technical challenges and economic factors, as well as those risks and uncertainties included in each of Clearwire's and Google's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the information under the headings "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in each of Clearwire's and Google's most-recently filed Form 10-Q. Clearwire and Google do not assume any obligation to update or supplement such forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Clearwire

Clearwire
Helen Chung, 425-216-4551
helen.chung@clearwire.com
or
Google
Andrew Kovacs, 650-253-8899
akovacs@google.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008


Until the next post,

Steve

18 January 2008

India's HCL to Lauch 7" Screen UMPC "MiLeap"

More choices the better the market space becomes. Asus, Everex and now HCL to bring to market Ultra Mobiles PCs at less than 1 kg.

HCL UNVEILS THE FUTURE OF PERSONAL COMPUTING LAUNCHES NEXT GENERATION, ULTRA PORTABLE, SUB RS.14000/- LAPTOPS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN INDIA
  • 7” (17.74 cms) screen size
  • Weighing less than a kg
  • Offering a true mobile internet experience with full PC functionality
Among the products showcased today the HCL ‘MiLeap’ X Series Ultra Portable range of Leaptops breaks the Rs. 14,000/- price barrier. With prices starting at Rs 13,990/- the HCL ‘MiLeap’ X series, which is specially designed for the Indian environment delivers exceptional value at a very affordable price.


Available with both flash-based and disk based storage versions, its sturdy design incorporates features that make it dustproof, shock-proof and durable. Both the models have network ports, are Wi-Fi ready, have the option for “Data card” and are available with GUI enabled user friendly Linux OS.

Click here to view the product video from India's IBNLive.

Also launched today is the HCL ‘MiLeap’ Y Series Ultra Portable Leaptops breaking the sub Rs 30,000/- price barrier. Ranging from Rs 29,990/- onwards this range of Ultra Portables are at half the price point of current similar products available in the market.

The HCL ‘MiLeap’ Y Series, powered by the latest Intel Ultra Mobile Platform & Microsoft’s Vista Home Premium, operating system weighs just 960 gm. This ultra Portable Leaptop comes with a Swivel 7’’ touch screen, 80GB HDD, wireless connectivity, Data Card option, blue tooth & Ethernet network port offering full PC functionality with true internet experience on the move.

The MiLeap Top Y Series incorporates a unique Navigational Pad that offers multiple navigational features such as touch screen, thumboard, stylus, keyboard, mouse and One touch buttons, making it one of the most intuitive products. It also features a Swivel 7” display cum note pad, making it a pleasure to input using a stylus and hand writing. The Microsoft Windows Vista Home premium powered MiLeap Y series is priced at Rs 33,990/-

Designed using the latest Intel Ultra Mobile platform- Intel processor A110 & Intel 945GU express chipset- this energy efficient lower power silicon design consumes less power, reduces thermal impact and gives an extended battery life. HCL being a socially responsible organization and conscious of the environment, both products are fully RoHS compliant with low energy footprint design.

Marking the occasion as HCL’s tribute to the nation, the company announced that the new range of HCL Leaptops will start shipping on 26th January coinciding with the Indian Republic day celebrations.

HCL also shared that they are going to come out with even more exciting products in this new category.


About HCL Infosystems

HCL Infosystems Ltd, with revenue (TTM) of US $ 2.9 Bn (Rs. 12162 Crores) is India's premier information enabling and ICT System Integration company offering a wide spectrum of ICT products that includes Computing, Storage, Networking, Security, Telecom, Imaging and Retail. HCL is a one-stop-shop for all the ICT requirements of an organization.

India's leading System Integration and Infrastructure Management Services Organization, HCL has specialized expertise across verticals including Telecom, BFSI, E-Governance & Power.

HCL has India's largest distribution and retail network, taking to market a range of Digital Lifestyle products in partnership with leading global ICT brands, including Nokia, Apple, Casio, Kodak, Toshiba, Bull, Ericsson, Cisco, Microsoft, Konica Minolta and many more.

HCL today has India's largest vertically integrated computer manufacturing facility with over three decades of electronic manufacturing experience HCL desktops is the largest selling brand into the enterprise space.

With India’s largest ICT services network that reaches to every corner of India, HCL’s award winning Support Services makes it the preferred choice of enterprise and consumers alike. For more information please visit us at www.hclinfosystems.in

About HCL Enterprise

HCL Enterprise is a $4.4 billion (Rs. 18,525 crore) leading Global Technology and IT enterprise that comprises two companies listed in India - HCL Technologies & HCL Infosystems. The 3-decade-old enterprise, founded in 1976, is one of India's original IT garage start-ups. Its range of offerings span Product Engineering, Custom & Package Applications, BPO, IT Infrastructure Services, IT Hardware, Systems Integration, and distribution of ICT products. The HCL team comprises approximately 51,000 professionals of diverse nationalities, who operate from 18 countries including 360 points of presence in India. HCL has global partnerships with several leading Fortune 1000 firms, including leading IT and Technology firms. For more information, please visit www.hcl.in

For further information, contact:
Sanjay Chaudhary/Romita Kumar/ Saumya Upadhyaya
Vaishnavi Corporate Communications
romitak@vccpl.com/ supadhyaya@vccpl.com
9810203810/9958100403/ 9810488225
011-42393500

No word on which Linux distribution is being bundled with the "MiLeap". Can only assume that RDesktop will be available. Windows Vista is being offered with the Y series.

Until the next post,

Steve

11 January 2008

Everex Unveils CloudBook Ultra-Mobile PC at CES

Here is the official press release. Seven inch screen and 9" wide and weighs in at two pounds.

I have loaded the RDesktop client using the gOS on a desktop and connected to a remote server. Should we assume that it will work on the Everex UMPC? Most likely, but we will have to wait for an answer.

7" UMPC model to feature popular Open Source software from gOS

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Everex, a world leader in the design and production of personal computers, today launched their much anticipated Ultra-Mobile PC featuring the latest Open Source operating system from gOS.

Measuring 9" in length and 2 pounds in weight, the Everex CloudBook caters to users seeking the latest in mobile computing. With its 1.2GHz VIA C7-M ULV mobile processor, the laptop averages 5 hours of battery life on a 4-cell, lithium-ion battery. Unlike many of its competitors, the CloudBook also features 30GB of internal storage, digital video output (DVI-I), 4-in-1 card reader and 1.3MP webcam.

With its size, specification and energy efficient design, customers will now find the performance and features of much larger laptops in one of the most mobile computer designs on the market.

"The overwhelming success of our gPC desktop generated countless inquires from customers seeking additional Open Source mobile platforms," states John Lin, general manager of Everex. "With the launch of the new CloudBook our vision remains the same: Provide mainstream users with their favorite applications wrapped in a no-compromise, low-cost, consumer friendly product."

The CloudBook, model CE1200V, showcases the gOS operating system and familiar applications from Mozilla, Skype, Google, Facebook, Faqly and OpenOffice.org. Available January 25th, the computer will be available at Walmart.com for $399.

"The potential of mainstream, Open Source PCs is tremendous," said Lin. "Combine a revolutionary platform like our CloudBook with the stunning graphics and performance provided by gOS Rocket and consumers will be armed with the utmost in mobile computing."

To learn more about Everex, the CloudBook and their entire line of computing products, visit www.everex.com. For information on gOS or to download a free copy of gOS Rocket see www.thinkgos.com.

Key Features*

-- Operating System: gOS V2 Rocket

-- Processor: 1.2GHz VIA C7-M ULV Processor

-- Display: 7" WVGA TFT Widescreen (800 x 480 native resolution)

-- Preinstalled and Linked Software: Mozilla FireFox, gMail, Meebo,
Skype, Google Documents & Spreadsheets, Google Calendar, Google News,
Google Maps, Wikipedia, Google Product Search, GIMP, Blogger, YouTube,
Xine Movie Player, RhythmBox, Faqly, Facebook and OpenOffice.org 2.3
(includes WRITER, IMPRESS, MATH, DRAW)

-- Memory: 512MB DDR2 533MHz SDRAM (1GB Max)

-- Hard Disk Drive: 30GB, 4200RPM PATA

-- Graphic: VIA UniChrome(TM) Pro IGP

-- Audio: VIA VT1708A High Definition Audio Codec with built-in speakers

-- WLAN: 802.11b/g

-- LAN: 10/100 Ethernet

-- I/O: (1) DVI-I port, (2) USB 2.0 ports, (1) RJ45 Ethernet port, (1)
Headphone/Line Out jack, (1) Microphone/ Line In jack, (1) 4-in-1
Media Card Reader (Secure Digital, Multi-Media Card, Memory Stick,
Memory Stick PRO)

-- Battery: 4-Cell (14.4V, 2200mAh), rechargeable Lithium-Ion

-- Dimensions: 9.06" x 6.73 x 1.16" (W x D x H)

-- Weight: 2 pounds

-- Warranty & Support: 1 Year Limited Warranty with 24/7 Toll-Free
Technical Support

-- MSRP: $399.00

*Specifications subject to change


About Everex

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Fremont, California, Everex has established itself as a world leader in the personal computer industry. As a subsidiary of First International Computer, a supplier to many of the world's largest computer companies, a unique and distinctive line of products has propelled the organization to become the eighth largest retail computer brand in the US. For the latest information on Everex, visit www.everex.com.

Everex Media Contact: Paul C. Kim, Director of Marketing, 510-252-8829
(USA), paulkim@everex.com

gOS Media Contact: David Liu, Founder, 310-709-4881 (USA),
davidliu@thinkgos.com

SOURCE First International Computer

Paul C. Kim, Director of Marketing of First International Computer,
+1-510-252-8829, paulkim@everex.com; or David Liu, Founder of gOS,
+1-310-709-4881, davidliu@thinkgos.com