NEWS NewsBytes
get creative to combat consumers’ growing enthusiasm for discounts and special offers; and using technology like smartphone apps to engage customers.
HP SLATE ARRIVES IN THE US HP has finally officially launched its first Windows-based tablet in the US, after first showing off the device at CES back in January. The Slate 500, which is aimed at business users, has an 8.9-inch diagonal LED multitouch screen, weighs less than 1kg and has rear and front-facing webcams. The device, which accepts both digital pen and finger input, offers USB ports, an SD card slot and support for Adobe Flashand Air. Global roll- out details have not been confirmed.
TRIBEKA LAUNCHES IN-STORE USB MANUFACTURING SERVICE Tribeka, the provider of the SoftWide software publishing system, has created the world’s first platform for providing software in store on USB. The move target users of devices that do not have a disc drive, including netbooks, tablets and internet- enabled TVs. The initial launch will feature over 50 titles, with more expected to follow, including movies and console game add-ons.
MICROSOFT REVAMPS GAMES FOR WINDOWS MARKETPLACE Microsoft has revamped its Games for Windows Marketplace, which will be re-launched on November 15th. “With Games for Windows Marketplace, we set out to create a digital store built for PC gamers end-to-end,” said Microsoft PC gaming boss Kevin Unangst. “And by integrating with our existing Xbox Live and Windows Live services, we’ve made it easier than ever for millions of gamers to see for themselves how easy buying PC games can be.”
PREPARING FOR THE WORST Market research firm Mintel has compiled what it says are some of the top retail trends for the year ahead. These include ‘preparing for the worst’, as 43 per cent of consumers say saving for a rainy fay is a priority; ‘retail rebirth’ as brands
WINDOWS 7 SURVEY STATS The Windows 7planning and migration process on average involves half a business’ IT staff, a study commissioned by Symantec has found. Of the 1,360 IT managers questioned around the world, most found that migration to the new operating system took longer than expected, with application incompatibility being named as the most common cause of delays. However, responses were largely positive about the overall benefits of Windows 7migration, with 79 per cent saying performance had increased.
AMAZON TO INTRODUCE E-BOOK LENDING
Amazon is planning to introduce e-book lending for the Kindle. Texts can be loaned to other Kindle device or app-users for up to 14 days and, like physical editions, cannot be accessed by the owner and borrower at once. Publishers will retain control over which titles can be borrowed, meaning that some books may be restricted. Amazon has also announced that magazines and newspapers will soon arrive on Kindle smartphone apps.
DIXONS LAUNCHES OWN BRAND TABLET RANGE Dixons Retail has launched its own line of tablets, with prices starting at £130. The entry-level Advent Amico features a seven- inch touchscreen, wi-fi and a camera. It runs the Android 2.1 operating system and is priced at £129.99. The other device, the Advent Vega, sports a capacitive multi-touch 10.1-inch screen and an Nvidia Tegra 2 dual core 1GHz processor. The Vega runs Android 2.2 and comes with a 4GB SD memory card, a 1.3MP camera and wi-fi, priced at £249.99.
3D ‘not just a gimmick’
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS expert Stu Lipoff has defended the performance of the 3D market against accusations that it has not met expectations. Lipoff, who is also a fellow of the
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers in the US, told PCR that falling prices and the increasing prevalence of 2D to 3D conversion software are likely to keep the sector on course for an emerging technology. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see sales reach the one million unit shipments
mark over the course of the Christmas period,” he said. “The Japanese manufacturers are planning to hit the three to four million shipment mark by the end of March next year, and I don’t think that’s unrealistic. “It ultimately comes down to whether the consumer finds the experience compelling, and if they do, the price will eventually get to the point where it drives volume. When people come out of 3D movies, they’re blown away; 3D is not just a gimmick, it adds value to the content.”
AVG 2011 has arrived.
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