In Stores Now: the New FRITZ!Box Generation by AVM

FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 by the Berlin communication specialist AVM is now available in stores. The new FRITZ!Box model offers unparalleled variety for your DSL connection in a single device. The new WLAN N standard ensures optimum data, voice and film transmission. For the first time FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 integrates a DECT base station for Internet and fixed-line network telephony with ports for analog and ISDN telephony. FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 can tackle a variety of applications thanks to a comprehensive software package, which includes a fax function, answering machine and VPN.

FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 – New Class of Routers by AVM

FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 has opened up a brand-new class of routers and provides a platform for networked applications such as IP TV, video on demand and music streaming thanks to its powerful processor. It has ports for analog telephones, ISDN telephones and cordless telephones to meet all Internet and fixed-line network telephony needs. The integrated DSL modem, four LAN ports and wireless connections that comply with the new WLAN N (Draft 2.0) standard let you connect all PCs and multimedia devices in your home to the network and the Internet. The new FRITZ!Box offers internal broadband management for parallel applications such as VoIP and HD video streaming. The FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 USB 2.0 port and integrated media server enable new applications in your network. Music data is available in the entire network even if your PC is off. The international version of FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 can be used with both Annex A and Annex B lines.

Fast WLAN N Connections with Automatic Security

FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 enables WLAN connections with the WLAN N standard, which is ideal for simultaneously transmitting data, voice and multimedia and which supports gross data transfer rates up to 300 Mbit/s. Multiple antennas with MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology increase data throughput and expand wireless coverage. WLAN connections can be used in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. FRITZ!Box is secure straight out of the box thanks to its activated WPA/WPA2 encryption. WLAN communication can be switched on and off automatically or manually using a pushbutton, while WLAN Eco Mode optimizes output power even when the device is in use.

Integrated Base Station for Cordless Telephones – New Sound with HD Telephony

FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 makes placing calls over the Internet or your fixed-line network easy and convenient. Existing telephones can be connected to FRITZ!Box. Cordless calls are also possible thanks to the new integrated DECT base station, which lets you use up to six mobile components. You can assign each mobile component its own number and answering machine. DECT handsets are paired easily with FRITZ!Box using a button. DECT enables up to three simultaneous cordless conversations. FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 already complies with the first phase of the new DECT wireless standard (CAT-iq), which offers such improvements as significantly better voice quality during cordless calls. In future, new voice transmission standards for HD telephony will enable brand-new sound quality even for calls over the Internet. Using important familiar features from ISDN, such as toggling, call waiting, call divert and three-way conference calls, is intuitive with AVM’s new FRITZ! product whether for Internet or fixed-line network calls.

Extensive Software Package – Low Energy Consumption

The new FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 features an extensive software package, including an integrated answering machine, fax machine, telephone book, alarm clock, firewall, child lock, integrated VPN function, and WLAN timer or WLAN autochannel. Development of the latest FRITZ!Box model focused on low energy consumption from the very beginning. The Eco Mode uses various methods to cut power consumption considerably. With its low energy needs FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 fulfils the recommendations of the European Commission on energy efficiency in broadband devices.

Perfect Complement: FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N

The new FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N by AVM is the perfect complement to the new FRITZ!Box and also supports WLAN N. The AVM Stick & Surf function makes it easy to automatically establish a secure connection between FRITZ!Box and FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N.

In Stores Now – Five-Year Warranty

The FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 and FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N are available in stores now. FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 is available at suggested retail price of EUR249 (including VAT), and FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N at a suggested retail price of EUR89 (including VAT). As always, AVM offers a five-year warranty. Support and firmware updates are free of charge.

FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 at a Glance

Fast WLAN N with automatic security

  • IEEE 802.11n (Draft 2.0) wireless standard: ideal for simultaneous data, voice and film transmission
  • MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology for higher data throughput and larger range
  • WLAN wireless connections in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency band
  • Automatically secure straight out of the box thanks to activated WPA/WPA2 encryption

Integrated base station – new sound with HD telephony

  • Makes placing calls over the Internet and fixed-line network (analog and ISDN) easy and convenient
  • ntegrated DECT base station for up to six mobile components
  • Up to three simultaneous conversations using DECT
  • Ready for the new DECT CAT-iq wireless standard
  • HD telephony

Total flexibility – comprehensive software package

  • Supports Annex A and Annex B lines with a single device
  • Language can be selected during setup: German, English, Italian and Spanish, with French coming soon
  • Additional functions integrated: answering machine, fax machine, telephone book, alarm clock, firewall, child lock, VPN function, WLAN timer or WLAN autochannel, and Eco Mode.

Source: AVM GmbH


iSkin Inc. today introduced the iSkin Vibes and Duo: two fun, stylish protectors with an artistic flair for the iPod nano 4G.

The iSkin Vibes features a soft and flexible glass-like finish reflecting one of seven original artistically-designed patterns, allowing the underlying iPod nano 4G’s color to shine through and creating a truly unique style. It also offers all-around protection including integrated screen protection, full Click Wheel and docking port coverage. The iSkin Vibes is offered in seven designer choices: Croc, Enchanted, Ivy, Orbitz, Tao, Argyle and Camouflage, and retails now at http://www.iskin.com/ for 24.99US.

The iSkin Duo for iPod nano 4G snugly wraps the device in a bulk-free layer of quality soft silicone, and fortifies it with Microban(R)* antimicrobial protection to help prevent odor and stain causing bacteria on the product**. The iSkin Duo also features a scratch-resistant clear ViSOR, a Click Wheel protection film, and an attachable docking port insert. And because iSkin protection never comes at the cost of aesthetics, each iSkin Duo package — Chill, Cruise and Groove — arrives with three stylish skins. Each day iPod nano 4G fans can simply choose the color option they wish to stylishly protect their valuable iPod nano 4G investment. The iSkin Duo retails now at http://www.iskin.com/ for 34.99US.

As a bonus, customers can “band together” either the iSkin Vibes or iSkin Duo with the innovative iSkin Armband. Arriving with a silicone comfort zone and adjustable armband, the iSkin Armband lets customers easily insert/remove their iPod nano 4G from the armband bracket anytime they want — without first having to remove it from its safe iSkin Vibes or iSkin Duo bodyguard. The iSkin Armband retails now at http://www.iskin.com/ for 14.99US.

For additional iSkin Vibes, iSkin Duo or iSkin Armband information, contact Kristian Ward, iSkin Marketing Manager at marketing@iSkin.com, or visit http://www.iskin.com/.

Source: iSkin Inc.


New Multimedia Drive Features Ethernet and Wireless Capability For Moving Content from the Home Network to the Home Theater

Iomega, an EMC company and a global leader in data protection, added to its ScreenPlay(TM) series of multimedia drives with the new Iomega(R) ScreenPlay(TM) Pro HD 1.0TB* Multimedia Drive.

The new ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia Drive creates a convenient link between the home network and the home theater, giving users a convenient way to show off their family photos, play music, and enjoy their videos from the best seat in the house.

New features in the ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia Drive include 10/100 Fast Ethernet for true network storage and more convenient access to files on the home network; wireless capability (USB WiFi dongle sold separately); new 1TB capacity (as well as a 500GB model in EMEA); better support for native high definition 720p and 1080i video; an Energy Star qualified adapter; a USB 2.0 connector for accessing additional storage from a portable hard drive or a USB Flash drive; as well as support for an even broader selection of formats for enjoying photos, music, and video selections.

The Iomega ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia Drive comes with a remote control and holds up to 4 million photos, 18,500 hours of music, or 1500 hours of video**, enabling family and friends to share high-resolution photos, music, and video clips in the comfort of the living room, without a computer. A key feature for many users is a built-in basic video recording capability from a set-top box, letting users save a standard definition video clip for later viewing.

“With the Iomega ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia Drive, consumers can make the most of the video, photos, and music on the home network and enjoy them in their living room in all their high definition glory,” said Loren Bryner, global product manager, Iomega Corporation. “Now that mainstream home entertainment products have gone high-def, the ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia drive lets consumers leverage that investment. With this multimedia drive attached to a home theater system, it becomes as easy to browse the home network for viewable content as it is to put in a DVD.”

Iomega ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia Drive Technical Description

The ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia Drive weighs just 2.16 pounds (0.98 kg) and measures 5.7″ by 3″ x 7.26″ (145 x 76 x 184 mm, L x W x H).

Inside the ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia Drive is a 1.0TB 3.5 inch 7200 RPM hard drive formatted with the NTFS file system. PC connectivity options include 10/100 Fast Ethernet and USB 2.0. Video connection options include HDMI, component and composite video. Audio connection options include composite RCA and coaxial S/PDIF outputs. Contents include cables for USB, HDMI video, and composite video, along with a remote control.

Using the HDMI or component outputs, the user can choose video settings from 480i/480p/720p/1080i. Supported media formats include MP3, AC3 (Dolby(R) Digital Encoding), DTS, PCM, AAC, WAV, WMA, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (HL/ML), MPEG-4 (AVI/DiVX 3.11, 4.x, 5.x, 6.x/XViD), mov, iso, vob, mp4, mkv, JPEG, and BMP.

System Requirements

The Iomega (R) ScreenPlay(TM) Pro HD Multimedia Drive is designed for use with the following PC operating systems: Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home/XP Professional/XP Professional x64, Windows Vista(TM).

Availability

The Iomega (R) ScreenPlay(TM) Pro HD 1.0 TB Multimedia Drive USB 2.0/AV is now available in the Americas for $299.99 (Price is U.S. suggested retail.) In Europe, the 500GB model will retail for 199.00 EUR, and the 1TB model will retail for 249.00 EUR.

* 1 TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes; 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes.

** Examples refer to 3-megapixel JPEG photos (at 4 photos/MB), 128 Kbps MP3 audio (at 1.1 min/MB), and 720 x 480 MPEG 2 video (at 11MB/min).

Source: EMC Corporation


The Laser Era Has Officially Begun and LaserVue(TM) Delivers Twice the Color at One-Third the Power

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc. today announced the beginning of the laser era and the immediate availability of the world’s first, laser-powered television. The Mitsubishi LaserVue(TM) 65″ model is now being sold for $6,999 at select specialty retailers nationwide. After months of anticipation, many consumers nationally have already purchased LaserVue and have had the rare opportunity to experience the amazing breadth and depth of color that laser television offers. LaserVue has been introduced as the most energy efficient large-format, high-definition television available on the market today. LaserVue not only delivers two times the color(1) of many of today’s HDTVs, but it also uses exponentially less power(2) than LCD and plasma TVs.

“The consumer demand for LaserVue has simply exceeded our expectations and the product is a terrific example of Mitsubishi’s technology leadership within the home entertainment market. Bringing laser TV to market is a significant industry accomplishment and we’re very proud to be the only TV manufacturer to date that has delivered on the promise of a laser-driven TV,” said Frank DeMartin, vice president, marketing, at Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America. “With operating power at approximately 135W, LaserVue is environmentally friendly, consuming approximately one-third the power of today’s LCD TVs, and one-fourth of plasma TVs. Living in today’s green-conscious environment, consumers can enjoy this color-brilliant, ground-breaking home entertainment product while being mindful of energy consumption at the same time.”

LaserVue’s technology is unparalleled; laser beams provide an extensive range of rich, complex colors, along with truly distinct clarity and immersive depth of field. Precise and focused, the purity of laser light far surpasses current high-definition technologies. LaserVue has demonstrated a reproduction of color gamut in excess of 200 percent of BT.709, delivering two times the color of many of today’s HDTVs. Brightness has been demonstrated at approximately 500 nits. Additional features for LaserVue include Smooth 120Hz(TM), x.v. Color(TM) and 1080p with an Ultra Thin Frame.

LaserVue is also equipped with 3D-ready(3) viewing capabilities, demonstrating Mitsubishi’s foray into bringing a true “Hollywood” entertainment experience to the consumer. At 10 inches thin, LaserVue TV has been designed for both floor stand and wall-mount applications and features a full stereo range of sound capabilities with integrated speakers.

“Consumers are now coming to equate LaserVue with the industry’s best performing high-definition television, and we are confident that HDTV enthusiasts everywhere will want to quickly get their hands on one,” continued DeMartin.

(1) LaserVue has demonstrated reproduction of color gamut in excess of 200% of BT.709.
(2) Operating power consumption for LaserVue has been measured at 135 watts as measured by a weighted UL standard, which is less than one-third the power consumption of LCD televisions and one-fourth the energy usage of plasma televisions as indicated by manufacturer provided specifications.
(3) In order to display 3D images, Mitsubishi Home Theater DLP TVs require source devices to support checkerboard display formats for display of 3D gaming or 3D cinema content. A 3D standard format does not currently exist for Blu-Ray or DVD prepackaged media. A 3D standard may emerge that is not compatible with Mitsubishi Home Theater DLPs. Please visit mitsubishi-tv.com for updates and information.

Source: Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc.


Sprint Introduces the Highly Anticipated HTC Touch Pro

Advanced TouchFLO(TM) 3D interface, access to Sprint Mobile Broadband data speeds, desktop-like Web browsing, five-row sliding QWERTY keyboard and Windows Mobile 6.1 merge work and play into one device

HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile phone innovation and design launched the HTC Touch(TM) Pro for Sprint. Bringing a beautiful new angle to mobile business productivity, the HTC Touch Pro uses styling and functionality similar to the recently launched HTC Touch Diamond(TM) and introduces a variety of business-focused enhancements that make getting work done on-the-go quick and easy.

The HTC Touch Pro is priced at $299.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement, after a $100 mail-in-rebate and a $25-or-higher data add-on or Everything plan with data. Customers will be able to purchase the device in select national retailers beginning the week of Oct. 26 and in all Sprint sales channels, including online at www.sprint.com, 1-800-SPRINT1 and Sprint Stores, on Nov. 2.

“People have already shown a tremendous initial response to the HTC Touch Diamond for Sprint, and we are pleased to also offer the HTC Touch Pro as another choice to customers,” said Jason Mackenzie, vice president for HTC America. “The HTC Touch Pro is the perfect device for those who demand the ease of use of TouchFLO 3D and the styling of the HTC Touch Diamond but also crave a more powerful mobile business experience.”

The HTC Touch Pro is a professional workhorse that allows people to balance their professional and personal lives in ways that matter most to them. Building on the strong feature set found on the HTC Touch Diamond, the HTC Touch Pro adds a five-row, slide-out QWERTY keyboard for easy data entry, expandable storage capabilities with a microSD card slot (1 GB card included) and a business card scanner application to automatically capture and convert business card information to the contact list using the built-in 3.2 MP camera/camcorder. Additionally, with Windows Mobile 6.1, users have access to security and device management capabilities demanded by many business customers.

HTC Touch Pro

“The HTC Touch Pro marks the addition of yet another robust Windows Mobile device for our portfolio and demonstrates our commitment to delivering the best wireless technology today,” said Kevin Packingham, Sprint senior vice president of Product and Technology Development. “Combined with worry-free pricing and exclusive Sprint content, the HTC Touch Pro delivers an unparalleled user experience – all on Sprint’s Now Network.”

Sprint customers will have direct animated access to arrange their favorite contacts, photos, weather and music by using HTC’s intuitive TouchFLO 3D interface. By combining a rich, dynamic presentation with integrated multi-media features, people have the ability to graphically personalize their device with 3D animated transitions.

Lightning Fast Connectivity

The HTC Touch Pro for Sprint provides a mobile Internet experience that uses the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network. With EV-DO Rev. A technology access, the HTC Touch Pro provides customers with blazing fast speeds that reach more than 253 million people, 16,986 cities and 1,625 airports and brings customers instant gratification so they stay connected to life and work fast and on-the- go. With EV-DO Rev. A, peak download data rates increase to 3.1 Mbps and peak upload data rates increase to 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds improve to 600 Kbps to 1.4 Mbps and average uplink speeds increase to 350 Kbps to 500 Kbps.

Beyond this lightning-fast connectivity, customers can also interact with their device in new ways. With the new HTC Touch Pro for Sprint, users can zoom and pan Web sites and automatically view optimized content that has been specially created to fit the display. Using gravity-sensor technology, turning the device sideways automatically rotates the Web page view from a portrait to landscape view.

In addition to game-changing Web browsing, the HTC Touch Pro offers direct access to exclusive Sprint content, including live and on-demand programming from Sprint TV(R) as well as over-the-air song downloads from the Sprint Music Store(SM) and even a custom YouTube application for watching a variety of user-generated video content.

Unmatched Style With Complete Productivity

Like the HTC Touch Diamond, the HTC Touch Pro is crafted with precision to fit comfortably in a user’s hand and brings together elegant touch screen response with the direct precision of HTC’s distinctive sliding keyboard design. A new five-row QWERTY keyboard layout makes typing-intensive tasks like composing email or working on Microsoft Office(R) documents quick and easy. Built-in TV-out functionality means users can deliver the perfect PowerPoint(R) presentation from the Touch Pro.

Bursting with Innovation

The Touch Pro delivers an unrivalled combination of features and functionality. The 2.8 inch display provides near-print quality viewing that enables beautiful Web browsing and viewing of photographs. The built-in camera includes an optical auto-focus lens that ensures the photos you take will be clear and consistent. Advanced wireless and auto sensor screen pivoting are just a few of the features that make the Touch Pro experience stand out.

Unmatched Customer Experience

Customers purchasing devices at Sprint retail locations can get the most out of their phone by having it personalized just for them before they leave the store. With Ready Now, Sprint retail associates work with new or existing customers to explain, set up and demonstrate the features and applications of their new phone.

Sprint’s Ready Now program is a first in the industry – no other wireless company offers a similar customer experience. The service is available whenever the customer wants it during business hours; however, only existing Sprint customers have the option to schedule an appointment online by visiting www.sprint.com/readynow.

To take advantage of all the great features on these new phones without having to worry about additional monthly charges, Sprint customers can sign up for the $99.99 Simply Everything(SM) plan, which includes unlimited domestic calling, messaging, email, Web surfing, GPS navigation, Sprint Music Premier, Sprint TV(R) Premier, NFL Mobile Live, NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile, Direct Connect and Group Connect on compatible phones. The Simply Everything plan is available to current customers without renewing their contract. New lines of service require a two-year agreement.

Key HTC Touch Pro Specifications

  • Size: 4.17 (L) x 2.05(W) x 0.70 (D)
  • Weight: 5.3 ounces
  • Connectivity: COMA 2000 1X/EDO Rev.A/1xRTT and IS-95A/B voice or data. Dual band (800 and 1900 MHz)
  • Operating system: Windows Mobile(R) 6.1 Professional
  • Display: 2.8-inch VGA touch screen
  • Camera: 3.2MP, with autofocus, flash and video calling
  • Internal memory: 512 MB flash, 288 MB RAM
  • Expansion slot: microSD(TM) memory card (SD 2.0 compatible); supports up to 16 GB
  • Keyboard: Slide-out five-row QWERTY keyboard
  • Bluetooth: v2.0 with A2DP support (Stereo Bluetooth)
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
  • GPS: GPS/AGPS
  • Interface: HTC ExtUSB(TM) (mini-USB and audio jack in one; USB 2.0 High-Speed)
  • Battery: 1340 mAh
  • Talk time: 250 minutes
  • Chipset: Qualcomm(R) MSM 7201A(TM) 528MHz

Source: HTC Corporation