Data stored on seized file-sharing site MegaUpload could be deleted from as early as Thursday this week, Federal prosecutors in the US have confirmed, after the company’s frozen assets stopped paying for the site’s hosting. MegaUpload’s attorney, Ira Rothken, has warned that the site has no way of continuing to maintain the data of around 50m users, The Guardian reports, while a US government letter regarding the case confirmed that data expected to be cited during the prosecution of Kim Dotcom, MegaUpload’s CEO, and his team was merely copied from the servers rather than the computers themselves being among the grabbed assets.
Since the search warrant has now expired, prosecutors confirm, the government can no longer access the MegaUpload files so as to secure copies for legitimate users. Instead, it’s down to hosting companies Carpathia Hosting and Cogent Communications Group to decide what to do, with one or both of the firms being free to delete content from February 2 2012.
Rothken says he is working with the US prosecutors to try to prevent that from happening, both so as to protect backups and cloud-stored files in MegaUpload, as well as to use in the company’s own defense. “We’re cautiously optimistic at this point” he said, “that because the United States, as well as Megaupload, should have a common desire to protect consumers, that this type of agreement will get done.”
MegaUpload was taken down in mid-January, after US prosecutors accused the site of illegally sharing millions of dollars worth of movie, music and other content. Controversial founder Kim Dotcom was denied bail in a New Zealand court last week, over concerns that he could flee the country so as to avoid extradition to the US to face charges. Meanwhile, some of the site’s former users have set up a legal campaign to have MegaUpload reinstated so as to be able to access non-copyright infringing content.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Brandon Marshall scores 4 TDs; AFC takes Pro Bowl
HONOLULU — Brandon Marshall caught six passes for 176 yards and a Pro Bowl-record four touchdowns and the AFC used a second-half surge to beat the NFC, 59-41, today.
The Miami Dolphins wide receiver had a touchdown catch in each quarter, including an early 74-yarder and a 3-yarder in the fourth, in a game filled with highlight-reel catches. He was selected the game’s MVP and his four TD catches set a Pro Bowl record.
The Miami Dolphins wide receiver had a touchdown catch in each quarter, including an early 74-yarder and a 3-yarder in the fourth, in a game filled with highlight-reel catches. He was selected the game’s MVP and his four TD catches set a Pro Bowl record.
SAG Awards 2012: A surprise for ‘The Help,’ a snub for Steve Carell
The Screen Actors Guild Awards were light on surprises and snubs, with this year’s ceremony feeling very similar to last year’s on the TV side. But there were a few shake-ups on the film front, as well as the tragic sixth and final loss for “The Office’s” Steve Carell. Let’s run down the surprises and snubs.
The Surprises
“The Help” wins big: “The Help’s” win for ensemble performance over perceived front-runners and Golden Globe winners, “The Artist” and “The Descendants,” certainly makes the Oscar race a little bit more interesting. While The Wrap thinks the silent French film starring Jean Dujardin and Uggie, the wonder dog, will still take home the Oscar for best picture, it’s hard to call the movie’s win a lock.
Viola Davis wins, George Clooney loses: Like “The Help’s” ensemble prize, Viola Davis and Jean Dujardin’s wins also make the outcome of the Academy Awards seem a little less certain. Will Meryl Streep be able to win her third Oscar for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher? Will George Clooney, or maybe even Brad Pitt, be able to conquer the charming Frenchman? We’ll know soon enough.
“Modern Family” lets the kids speak: “Modern Family” won the SAG Award for ensemble in a comedy series for the second year in a row. While it wasn’t surprising that the cast would try to switch things up and let the kids make the speech — “How cute will this be,” they must have thought — it was shocking how badly it went. The clearly scripted speech began with Nolan Gould declaring “I think it was the late, great W.C. Fields who said ‘Never work with kids or animals.’ Well, he can kiss my ...,” before being pulled away from the mic. As TV Guide’s Damian Holbrook tweeted, “another sign that the Modern Family writers are awesome ... and necessary #SAGAwards”
The Surprises
“The Help” wins big: “The Help’s” win for ensemble performance over perceived front-runners and Golden Globe winners, “The Artist” and “The Descendants,” certainly makes the Oscar race a little bit more interesting. While The Wrap thinks the silent French film starring Jean Dujardin and Uggie, the wonder dog, will still take home the Oscar for best picture, it’s hard to call the movie’s win a lock.
Viola Davis wins, George Clooney loses: Like “The Help’s” ensemble prize, Viola Davis and Jean Dujardin’s wins also make the outcome of the Academy Awards seem a little less certain. Will Meryl Streep be able to win her third Oscar for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher? Will George Clooney, or maybe even Brad Pitt, be able to conquer the charming Frenchman? We’ll know soon enough.
“Modern Family” lets the kids speak: “Modern Family” won the SAG Award for ensemble in a comedy series for the second year in a row. While it wasn’t surprising that the cast would try to switch things up and let the kids make the speech — “How cute will this be,” they must have thought — it was shocking how badly it went. The clearly scripted speech began with Nolan Gould declaring “I think it was the late, great W.C. Fields who said ‘Never work with kids or animals.’ Well, he can kiss my ...,” before being pulled away from the mic. As TV Guide’s Damian Holbrook tweeted, “another sign that the Modern Family writers are awesome ... and necessary #SAGAwards”
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Pro Bowl 2012: USC, UCLA Well-Represented On Pro Bowl Rosters
The 2012 NFL Pro Bowl takes place on Sunday, January 29 at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii. The AFC and NFC All-Star teams will face off in the last NFL event before Super Bowl XLVI. The rosters represent the best NFL players of the 2011 regular season, with the exception of players from the New York Giants and New England Patriots who are gearing up to play in the biggest game of the year in Indianapolis next week. The rosters for the 2012 Pro Bowl include two players each with ties to Southern California colleges, including three starters. In the AFC, rushing machine Maurice Jones-Drew of the Jacksonville Jaguars will be the starting running back. Jones-Drew is a former member of the UCLA Bruins. He'll be joined on the team by reserve strong safety Troy Polamalu of the PIttsburgh Steelers, who was at one time a fixture of the USC Trojans. The NFC squad contains two more USC alums. Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews and Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil were both Trojans once upon a time. Ryan's brother, Matt Kalil, just finished up his senior year as a dominant offensive tackle for USC and is expected to go in the top 5 of the 2012 NFL Draft. Although the Pro Bowl is not often given the attention of All-Star games in the other major sports, the inclusion of these players should at least give Southern California fans reasons to cheer. For more on the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl, stay tuned to this StoryStream. For full coverage of the event, please visit SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.
Parents of babies with trisomy 18 saying goodbye to support group
By MICHELLE CASADY michelle.casady@theeagle.com
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Saturday, January 28, 2012
Roy Oswalt Reportedly Turned Down 1-Year, $10 Million Deal With Detroit Tigers
Before the Tigers went and shocked the world by signing Prince Fielder to a nine-year, $214 million contract last week, the team reportedly had a heavy interest in Roy Oswalt filling the No. 5 spot in the pitching rotation. The day prior to the Tigers agreeing to a deal with Fielder, reports surfaced that Oswalt was not interested in playing for Detroit, though. Today, CBSSports' Jon Heyman passes along the info that Oswalt turned down a one-year, $10 million deal:
Friday, January 27, 2012
Demi Moore 911 call: 'She smoked something'
"Send an ambulance right now. This is an emergency."
So begins the dramatic 911 call, in which Demi Moore's friends are desperately trying to get an ambulance to the actress' Beverly Hills home as quickly as possible, which was released this morning by the Los Angeles Fire Department.
On the heavily redacted recording, which lasts about 10 minutes, one of Moore's friends begins arguing with the dispatcher amid confusion over which agency covers the neighborhood and should be sending paramedics.
"Why is there not an ambulance coming now?" the woman says testily before explaining what caused the star to "act crazy."
MORE from E!: Demi "Pretty Hyper" and "Acting Crazy" Just Before Hospitalization
"She smoked something. It's not marijuana but it's similar to incense. She seems to be having convulsions of some sort.
"She's semi-conscious ... barely. She's convulsing."
The phone is passed to another woman, who tells the dispatcher, "She's not breathing normally ... she's burning up."
So begins the dramatic 911 call, in which Demi Moore's friends are desperately trying to get an ambulance to the actress' Beverly Hills home as quickly as possible, which was released this morning by the Los Angeles Fire Department.
On the heavily redacted recording, which lasts about 10 minutes, one of Moore's friends begins arguing with the dispatcher amid confusion over which agency covers the neighborhood and should be sending paramedics.
"Why is there not an ambulance coming now?" the woman says testily before explaining what caused the star to "act crazy."
MORE from E!: Demi "Pretty Hyper" and "Acting Crazy" Just Before Hospitalization
"She smoked something. It's not marijuana but it's similar to incense. She seems to be having convulsions of some sort.
"She's semi-conscious ... barely. She's convulsing."
The phone is passed to another woman, who tells the dispatcher, "She's not breathing normally ... she's burning up."
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Red Carpet Winners At The 2012 Golden Globe Awards
Spring’s big trends like punch, trippy colors and bouquets of flowers were missing on the red carpet at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards. Instead red carpet watchers were treated to a parade of nude and blush dresses like Charlize Theron’s deep neckline Dior Couture dress with a bustle on the waist, easily the best of the evening. The supermodel Elle MacPherson wore a dress that looked like a corset exploding in a sea of ruffles in the bottom designed by Zac Posen. Television star Piper Perabo wore a voluminous ball gown from Theyskens’ Theory, a dress so big it could drown the wearer. Julie Bowen channeled Grace Kelly in a pleated Reem Acra gown with bejewelled cap sleeves. Diane Lane glowed in a Reem Acra dress that reminded me of a Gustav Klimt robe.
Other celebrities in nude/blush confections were Sarah Hyland in a Dolce & Gabbana number that malfunctioned on the red carpet, Katherine McPhee, Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli, Heidi Klum in a halter neck dress with an open back, the comedienne Kristen Wiig, and the singer Mary J. Blige in a sparkly Michael Kors dress with a feathered hem. And Angelina Jolie looked every bit the A-list Hollywood glamour puss in an exquisitely fitted blush Atelier Versace dress that hinted at a red lining with the flipped neckline.
The other color trend of the evening was blue with Sofia Vergara in a Vera Wang dress with a mermaid hem. Red carpet stars Michelle Williams (winner of the best actress award in a comedy/musical for My Week With Marilyn) wore a velvet dress by Jason Wu and Tilda Swinton in a pale blue fish tail hem gown with a structured blazer that was masculine-feminine perfection. Sarah Michelle Gellar wore what looked like a blue paint-splattered ball gown by Monique Lhuillier. And Frieda Pinto wore a teal colored Prada creation, the shape of which reminded me of Olivier Theyskens’ early work at Rochas.
Other stunners on the red carpet included Kate Winslet (winner of the best actress award in a mini-series for Mildred Pierce) and Claire Danes in J. Mendel (best actress winner in TV drama for Homeland) both in black and white dresses, Reese Witherspoon in a red Zac Posen, Jessica Alba in Gucci, Zooey Deschanel in a custom beaded Prada dress with an infanta neck detail and Girl With A Dragon Tattoo star Rooney Mara in a black Nina Ricci dress with cutouts in the bodice.
Click on the slideshow for a full gallery of the red carpet at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards
Other celebrities in nude/blush confections were Sarah Hyland in a Dolce & Gabbana number that malfunctioned on the red carpet, Katherine McPhee, Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli, Heidi Klum in a halter neck dress with an open back, the comedienne Kristen Wiig, and the singer Mary J. Blige in a sparkly Michael Kors dress with a feathered hem. And Angelina Jolie looked every bit the A-list Hollywood glamour puss in an exquisitely fitted blush Atelier Versace dress that hinted at a red lining with the flipped neckline.
The other color trend of the evening was blue with Sofia Vergara in a Vera Wang dress with a mermaid hem. Red carpet stars Michelle Williams (winner of the best actress award in a comedy/musical for My Week With Marilyn) wore a velvet dress by Jason Wu and Tilda Swinton in a pale blue fish tail hem gown with a structured blazer that was masculine-feminine perfection. Sarah Michelle Gellar wore what looked like a blue paint-splattered ball gown by Monique Lhuillier. And Frieda Pinto wore a teal colored Prada creation, the shape of which reminded me of Olivier Theyskens’ early work at Rochas.
Other stunners on the red carpet included Kate Winslet (winner of the best actress award in a mini-series for Mildred Pierce) and Claire Danes in J. Mendel (best actress winner in TV drama for Homeland) both in black and white dresses, Reese Witherspoon in a red Zac Posen, Jessica Alba in Gucci, Zooey Deschanel in a custom beaded Prada dress with an infanta neck detail and Girl With A Dragon Tattoo star Rooney Mara in a black Nina Ricci dress with cutouts in the bodice.
Click on the slideshow for a full gallery of the red carpet at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards
Golden Globes 2012: 'Beginners', 'The Artist' and 'W.E.' Are Early Winners in Movie
Golden Globe Awards 2012 has just been kicked off on Sunday evening, January 15 at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles. The first winner in movie category was Christopher Plummer who won the Best Supporting Actor through his role in "Beginners". Well-reviewed silent film "The Artist" and Madonna's directorial drama "W.E." were also among the early winners at the evening.
Handing out the Best Supporting actor award to Plummer were Gerard Butler and Mila Kunis. When receiving his Golden Globe, Plummer said, "What a wonderful welcome back to the home of 'King Kong', 'Rin-Tin-Tin' and all of your youthful fantasies." He then apologized to his competitors like Kenneth Branagh and saluted actors like Ewan McGregor and Michael Mills.
"The Artist", in the meantime, brought its composer Ludovic Bource in winning the Best Original Score award. Presenting the trophy to Bource were Jimmy Fallon and Adam Levine. Upon receiving the award, the composer joked, "I'm sorry, I'm French," before sharing that if he was writing a song right now, it would be a tap-dance number. He added that music and silent movies are both universal.
As for "W.E.", the period drama won the Best Song award for Madonna's song "Masterpiece". As the Queen of Pop received her second Golden Globe award, after she last won the Best Actress prize in 1997, she enthused, "Hi. This is a surprise."
The other early winner at the evening was Michelle Williams who collected the Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy award for her acclaimed role as Marilyn Monroe in "My Week with Marilyn". After receiving the award from Seth Rogen, Williams said, "I consider myself a mother first and an actress second" before thanking her daughter Matilda Rose Ledger in a Monroe voice.
More winners, in both movie and TV, are going to be revealed at the ongoing Golden Globe Awards. Ricky Gervais is hosting the show, which is broadcast live on NBC.
Handing out the Best Supporting actor award to Plummer were Gerard Butler and Mila Kunis. When receiving his Golden Globe, Plummer said, "What a wonderful welcome back to the home of 'King Kong', 'Rin-Tin-Tin' and all of your youthful fantasies." He then apologized to his competitors like Kenneth Branagh and saluted actors like Ewan McGregor and Michael Mills.
"The Artist", in the meantime, brought its composer Ludovic Bource in winning the Best Original Score award. Presenting the trophy to Bource were Jimmy Fallon and Adam Levine. Upon receiving the award, the composer joked, "I'm sorry, I'm French," before sharing that if he was writing a song right now, it would be a tap-dance number. He added that music and silent movies are both universal.
As for "W.E.", the period drama won the Best Song award for Madonna's song "Masterpiece". As the Queen of Pop received her second Golden Globe award, after she last won the Best Actress prize in 1997, she enthused, "Hi. This is a surprise."
The other early winner at the evening was Michelle Williams who collected the Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy award for her acclaimed role as Marilyn Monroe in "My Week with Marilyn". After receiving the award from Seth Rogen, Williams said, "I consider myself a mother first and an actress second" before thanking her daughter Matilda Rose Ledger in a Monroe voice.
More winners, in both movie and TV, are going to be revealed at the ongoing Golden Globe Awards. Ricky Gervais is hosting the show, which is broadcast live on NBC.
Golden Globes 2012: A List of the Winners
FILM CATERGORIES
Motion Picture, Drama
The Descendants
The Help
Hugo
The Ides of March
Moneyball
War Horse
Best Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical
50/50
The Artist
Bridesmaids
Midnight In Paris
My Week With Marilyn
Best Director – Motion Picture
Martin Scorsese, Hugo
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
George Clooney, The Ides of March
Michel Hazanvicius, The Artist
Alexander Payne, The Descendants
Motion Picture, Drama
The Descendants
The Help
Hugo
The Ides of March
Moneyball
War Horse
Best Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical
50/50
The Artist
Bridesmaids
Midnight In Paris
My Week With Marilyn
Best Director – Motion Picture
Martin Scorsese, Hugo
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
George Clooney, The Ides of March
Michel Hazanvicius, The Artist
Alexander Payne, The Descendants
Sunday, January 15, 2012
CES Video: Huawei’s Android 4.0 MediaPad tablet
Given my love for 7-inch tablets, I had to swing by Huawei’s booth at the Consumer Electronics Show. In addition to the high-end Ascend P1 S smartphone, the Chinese company is showing off its MediaPad tablet that comes pre-loaded with Android 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich.
Here’s a look at the small and light tablet, which will launch in selected markets within the next two or three months.
From a form-factor and feel standpoint, I like how this slate fits in the hand. It’s thin and — as Apple fans will quickly and correctly point out — is designed just like a small iPad. At 390 grams, it’s very light and would be easy to carry or put in a pants back pocket.
Although I only spent a little time with the MediaPad, it generally ran Android 4.0 very well with a Qualcomm dual-core 1.2 GHz processor inside. The IPS screen, with a 1280 x 800 resolution, is crisp and clear. And pictures taken with the tablet’s 5-megapixel rear camera looked decent as well. Battery life may be relatively low, however, due to the small size and thinness.
We’ll have to wait for availability and pricing details, which will likely come from carriers; the MediaPad has a 14.4 Mbps HSPA mobile broadband radio, so it’s a sure bet to come with a contract.
I’m not thrilled about that prospect and would personally like to see a Wi-Fi version. And I suspect the pricing should be competitive with other comparable 7-inch slates, such as those from Samsung, HTC and others.
Here’s a look at the small and light tablet, which will launch in selected markets within the next two or three months.
From a form-factor and feel standpoint, I like how this slate fits in the hand. It’s thin and — as Apple fans will quickly and correctly point out — is designed just like a small iPad. At 390 grams, it’s very light and would be easy to carry or put in a pants back pocket.
Although I only spent a little time with the MediaPad, it generally ran Android 4.0 very well with a Qualcomm dual-core 1.2 GHz processor inside. The IPS screen, with a 1280 x 800 resolution, is crisp and clear. And pictures taken with the tablet’s 5-megapixel rear camera looked decent as well. Battery life may be relatively low, however, due to the small size and thinness.
We’ll have to wait for availability and pricing details, which will likely come from carriers; the MediaPad has a 14.4 Mbps HSPA mobile broadband radio, so it’s a sure bet to come with a contract.
I’m not thrilled about that prospect and would personally like to see a Wi-Fi version. And I suspect the pricing should be competitive with other comparable 7-inch slates, such as those from Samsung, HTC and others.
CES 2013 will be Google's show
Not that many years ago, nearly every computing product on the CES exhibit floor ran Windows. This year, that was not the case. Sure, the new "ultrabooks" are Windows-powered, but Android is everywhere else: in tablets, in phones, and in TVs.
Even though Microsoft Windows still dominates the PC and laptop markets, Microsoft itself is no longer the leader in consumer tech innovation. It's sad but appropriate that the company will no longer be kicking off the leading consumer electronics trade show.
After Apple, Google is leading the charge in consumer electronics. Apple doesn't officially participate in CES, leaving Google as the most influential platform company there. The most interesting tablet products at CES ran Android (examples: Asus 370T; Asus Transformer Prime; Samsung Galaxy Note, while the the Windows-powered ultrabooks appeared pedestrian in comparison (except perhaps for Lenovo's Yoga). And it's a safe bet that most of the smartphone manufacturers see Google Android as their only feasible defense against the iPhone juggernaut. Windows Phone 7, good as it is, is too late.
It would make sense for Google to get the 2013 CES keynote spot. It was the most important vendor at this year's show and it's likely to be even more critical to the CE industry next year.
Google rose to this position in CE by using the same playbook as the company it's displacing. As Microsoft did with Windows, Google now makes the operating system that every manufacturer knows how to bake into its hot products and that developers like to build for due to its expanding market footprint and technical flexibility. In consumer computing, Microsoft perfected this virtual cycle, but in the new era of mobile devices, it's Google that's doing the best job implementing the model.
Will it be Google?
Jason Oxman, senior vice president of Industry Affairs at the Consumer Electronics Association, wouldn't tell me who has been invited to give the keynote at CES 2013. But he did discuss with me the process. CEA execs will decide on the "thematic direction" for the 2013 show shortly after the 2012 show closes. Then they'll extend invitations to speakers.
Another safe bet: the CEA isn't going to determine that the thematic direction for CES 2013 will in any way relate to portable PCs running Windows 8. Nor for any sensible 2013 theme (mobile computing, search, social computing, the cloud, or media), does Microsoft sit at the head of the class.
At some point, a major manufacturer like Samsung, Sony, LG, or Toshiba may manage to get real traction with an integrated media-sharing platform that competes with Apple (they are all building them). If it does, it could end up as a good keynote candidate. But as of CES 2012, these initiatives all seem secondary to these manufacturers' hardware lines. They're not as well integrated, or nearly as good, as iTunes is with Apple TV, its iOS devices, and the Macs.
Even though Microsoft Windows still dominates the PC and laptop markets, Microsoft itself is no longer the leader in consumer tech innovation. It's sad but appropriate that the company will no longer be kicking off the leading consumer electronics trade show.
After Apple, Google is leading the charge in consumer electronics. Apple doesn't officially participate in CES, leaving Google as the most influential platform company there. The most interesting tablet products at CES ran Android (examples: Asus 370T; Asus Transformer Prime; Samsung Galaxy Note, while the the Windows-powered ultrabooks appeared pedestrian in comparison (except perhaps for Lenovo's Yoga). And it's a safe bet that most of the smartphone manufacturers see Google Android as their only feasible defense against the iPhone juggernaut. Windows Phone 7, good as it is, is too late.
It would make sense for Google to get the 2013 CES keynote spot. It was the most important vendor at this year's show and it's likely to be even more critical to the CE industry next year.
Google rose to this position in CE by using the same playbook as the company it's displacing. As Microsoft did with Windows, Google now makes the operating system that every manufacturer knows how to bake into its hot products and that developers like to build for due to its expanding market footprint and technical flexibility. In consumer computing, Microsoft perfected this virtual cycle, but in the new era of mobile devices, it's Google that's doing the best job implementing the model.
Will it be Google?
Jason Oxman, senior vice president of Industry Affairs at the Consumer Electronics Association, wouldn't tell me who has been invited to give the keynote at CES 2013. But he did discuss with me the process. CEA execs will decide on the "thematic direction" for the 2013 show shortly after the 2012 show closes. Then they'll extend invitations to speakers.
Another safe bet: the CEA isn't going to determine that the thematic direction for CES 2013 will in any way relate to portable PCs running Windows 8. Nor for any sensible 2013 theme (mobile computing, search, social computing, the cloud, or media), does Microsoft sit at the head of the class.
At some point, a major manufacturer like Samsung, Sony, LG, or Toshiba may manage to get real traction with an integrated media-sharing platform that competes with Apple (they are all building them). If it does, it could end up as a good keynote candidate. But as of CES 2012, these initiatives all seem secondary to these manufacturers' hardware lines. They're not as well integrated, or nearly as good, as iTunes is with Apple TV, its iOS devices, and the Macs.
Huskers miss chance at Big Ten upset
MADISON, Wis. — The Nebraska men’s basketball team on Sunday saw another prime opportunity to claim a Big Ten road upset slip away.
The Huskers, who never led in a 50-45 loss to Wisconsin, likely kicked themselves on the trip home for not taking advantage of the game’s circumstances.
“Obviously, we didn’t make the plays down the stretch,” NU coach Doc Sadler said on the Husker Radio Network.
Wisconsin, at one time ranked as high as No. 11, was struggling even more Sunday than it had in a recent two-game home losing skid. The Badgers, leading the country in fewest turnovers at 8.8 a game, gave up the ball 11 times in the first half alone.
“I don’t think we’ve played a better defensive game since I’ve been at Nebraska,” said Sadler, in his sixth year.
But Nebraska could only turn those miscues into six points. Also, NU missed five layups in the first 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Wisconsin shot only 31.3 percent for the game, and 11.1 percent (2 of 18) on 3-pointers.
The atmosphere wasn’t hostile, either.
The Kohl Center, where Wisconsin has won 90 percent of its league games the past 10 years, drew a smaller- and quieter-than-normal crowd because the game time conflicted with the Green Bay Packers’ NFL playoff game.
But Nebraska (9-8, 1-5) still couldn’t pull out a win, even after unranked Wisconsin (14-5, 3-3) made one field goal in the final nine minutes. All-Big Ten point guard Jordan Taylor hit 5 of 6 free throws in the final 26 seconds to seal the win. Taylor led all scorers with 19 points.
On Taylor’s only late-game miss — keeping NU within a possession at 48-45 with 17 seconds left — Nebraska’s Dylan Talley grabbed the rebound. But Taylor ripped it from his hands and dribbled away to draw another foul.
Free throws were an issue all night. Nebraska shot only two, making both. Wisconsin was 18 of 24.
“It’s amazing the game was as close as it was,” Sadler said, citing the free-throw statistics. “We’ve got to get tougher or something.
“With both teams shooting the same amount of 3-point shots and both teams being aggressive and taking it to the lane and our inside guys shooting more shots on the low post, (Wisconsin) just did a lot better job of not fouling, I guess.”
The other statistic of note was Wisconsin’s 42-28 advantage in rebounds, which included 17 offensive boards.
In the first half, Wisconsin jumped to a 6-0 lead. Nebraska tied it 6-6 on wing Caleb Walker’s jumper, but that was the only time the game was tied other than 0-0.
Nebraska, down 24-21 at halftime, fell behind 36-25 with 11:36 to play. But 3-pointers from guard Bo Spencer, who led NU with 13 points, helped cut the deficit to three points with 9:45 and 4:10 to play.
Talley’s 3-pointer brought Nebraska within 45-43 with 28 seconds left and a Spencer layup made it 47-45 with 17.5 seconds to go. But Nebraska never got the lead.
Nebraska’s next game is at home Wednesday at 6 p.m. against No. 8 Indiana.
The Huskers, who never led in a 50-45 loss to Wisconsin, likely kicked themselves on the trip home for not taking advantage of the game’s circumstances.
“Obviously, we didn’t make the plays down the stretch,” NU coach Doc Sadler said on the Husker Radio Network.
Wisconsin, at one time ranked as high as No. 11, was struggling even more Sunday than it had in a recent two-game home losing skid. The Badgers, leading the country in fewest turnovers at 8.8 a game, gave up the ball 11 times in the first half alone.
“I don’t think we’ve played a better defensive game since I’ve been at Nebraska,” said Sadler, in his sixth year.
But Nebraska could only turn those miscues into six points. Also, NU missed five layups in the first 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Wisconsin shot only 31.3 percent for the game, and 11.1 percent (2 of 18) on 3-pointers.
The atmosphere wasn’t hostile, either.
The Kohl Center, where Wisconsin has won 90 percent of its league games the past 10 years, drew a smaller- and quieter-than-normal crowd because the game time conflicted with the Green Bay Packers’ NFL playoff game.
But Nebraska (9-8, 1-5) still couldn’t pull out a win, even after unranked Wisconsin (14-5, 3-3) made one field goal in the final nine minutes. All-Big Ten point guard Jordan Taylor hit 5 of 6 free throws in the final 26 seconds to seal the win. Taylor led all scorers with 19 points.
On Taylor’s only late-game miss — keeping NU within a possession at 48-45 with 17 seconds left — Nebraska’s Dylan Talley grabbed the rebound. But Taylor ripped it from his hands and dribbled away to draw another foul.
Free throws were an issue all night. Nebraska shot only two, making both. Wisconsin was 18 of 24.
“It’s amazing the game was as close as it was,” Sadler said, citing the free-throw statistics. “We’ve got to get tougher or something.
“With both teams shooting the same amount of 3-point shots and both teams being aggressive and taking it to the lane and our inside guys shooting more shots on the low post, (Wisconsin) just did a lot better job of not fouling, I guess.”
The other statistic of note was Wisconsin’s 42-28 advantage in rebounds, which included 17 offensive boards.
In the first half, Wisconsin jumped to a 6-0 lead. Nebraska tied it 6-6 on wing Caleb Walker’s jumper, but that was the only time the game was tied other than 0-0.
Nebraska, down 24-21 at halftime, fell behind 36-25 with 11:36 to play. But 3-pointers from guard Bo Spencer, who led NU with 13 points, helped cut the deficit to three points with 9:45 and 4:10 to play.
Talley’s 3-pointer brought Nebraska within 45-43 with 28 seconds left and a Spencer layup made it 47-45 with 17.5 seconds to go. But Nebraska never got the lead.
Nebraska’s next game is at home Wednesday at 6 p.m. against No. 8 Indiana.
Miss Wisconsin makes father's prison time a Miss America platform
(CBS/AP) LAS VEGAS - Making her father's prison sentence her platform for the Miss America pageant was a family decision, 23-year-old Laura Kaeppeler has said.
The Wisconsin beauty queen, who won the 2012 Miss America pageant, said she wanted children of incarcerated adults to feel less alone, to have mentoring and to pursue as much of a relationship with their parents as possible.
"There are many of you out there and I was one of them but it doesn't have to define you," Kaeppeler told The Associated Press after winning the crown and $50,000 scholarship on Saturday night. More than 2 million U.S. children have a parent in jail, she estimated.
The brunette opera singer, who won the talent preliminaries, was 18 and just graduating from high school when her father started an 18-month sentence in federal prison for mail fraud.
Her father, Jeff Kaeppeler, said when his daughter approached the family about making the personal topic her chosen platform, they supported it even though they knew it would be discussed publicly.
"It taught us that God can turn anything into good if you let him," he said. "Laura is totally on board with that idea. She let that drive her and inspire her this past year to get ready for this."
The Wisconsin beauty queen, who won the 2012 Miss America pageant, said she wanted children of incarcerated adults to feel less alone, to have mentoring and to pursue as much of a relationship with their parents as possible.
"There are many of you out there and I was one of them but it doesn't have to define you," Kaeppeler told The Associated Press after winning the crown and $50,000 scholarship on Saturday night. More than 2 million U.S. children have a parent in jail, she estimated.
The brunette opera singer, who won the talent preliminaries, was 18 and just graduating from high school when her father started an 18-month sentence in federal prison for mail fraud.
Her father, Jeff Kaeppeler, said when his daughter approached the family about making the personal topic her chosen platform, they supported it even though they knew it would be discussed publicly.
"It taught us that God can turn anything into good if you let him," he said. "Laura is totally on board with that idea. She let that drive her and inspire her this past year to get ready for this."
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Miss Wisconsin wins Miss America pageant
LAS VEGAS – A 23-year-old beauty queen from Kenosha, Wis., won the Miss America pageant Saturday in Las Vegas after singing opera and strutting in a white bikini and black beaded evening gown.
Laura Kaeppeler also had to answer a question about whether beauty queens should declare their politics.
"Miss America represents everyone, so I think the message to political candidates is that they represent everyone as well," she said. "And so in these economic times, we need to be looking forward to what America needs, and I think Miss America needs to represent all."
Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson came in second, while Miss New York Kaitlyn Monte placed third.
Kaeppeler wins a $50,000 scholarship and gets the title for one year. Her platform during the competition was supporting and mentoring children of incarcerated parents -- a topic close to her heart.
Kaeppeler's father, Jeff Kaeppeler, told The Associated Press he served 18 months in federal prison for mail fraud.
He said when his daughter approached the family about making the personal topic her chosen platform, they supported it even though they knew it would be discussed publicly.
"We've seen this come full circle," he said.
Jeff Kaeppeler said his daughter's win on Saturday night was the best day of his life. He attended the event in a black tuxedo with a baby blue vest and bow tie.
"It taught us that God can turn everything into good if you let him," he said.
Laura Kaeppeler's hometown of roughly 97,000 people, Kenosha, is about 40 miles south of Milwaukee.
She majored in music and vocal performance at a private Lutheran liberal arts college in Kenosha, and told pageant officials she planned to obtain a master's degree in speech and language pathology and become a speech therapist.
Kaeppeler was crowned the new Miss America by a panel of seven judges during a live telecast on ABC. The event was the culmination of a week of preliminary competitions and months of preparations for the titleholders from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
As the new Miss America, Kaeppeler will spend the next year touring the country to speak to different groups and raising money for the Children's Miracle Network, the Miss America Organization's official charity.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/01/14/miss-wisconsin-wins-miss-america-pageant/?test=latestnews#ixzz1jVjF6AuH
Laura Kaeppeler also had to answer a question about whether beauty queens should declare their politics.
"Miss America represents everyone, so I think the message to political candidates is that they represent everyone as well," she said. "And so in these economic times, we need to be looking forward to what America needs, and I think Miss America needs to represent all."
Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson came in second, while Miss New York Kaitlyn Monte placed third.
Kaeppeler wins a $50,000 scholarship and gets the title for one year. Her platform during the competition was supporting and mentoring children of incarcerated parents -- a topic close to her heart.
Kaeppeler's father, Jeff Kaeppeler, told The Associated Press he served 18 months in federal prison for mail fraud.
He said when his daughter approached the family about making the personal topic her chosen platform, they supported it even though they knew it would be discussed publicly.
"We've seen this come full circle," he said.
Jeff Kaeppeler said his daughter's win on Saturday night was the best day of his life. He attended the event in a black tuxedo with a baby blue vest and bow tie.
"It taught us that God can turn everything into good if you let him," he said.
Laura Kaeppeler's hometown of roughly 97,000 people, Kenosha, is about 40 miles south of Milwaukee.
She majored in music and vocal performance at a private Lutheran liberal arts college in Kenosha, and told pageant officials she planned to obtain a master's degree in speech and language pathology and become a speech therapist.
Kaeppeler was crowned the new Miss America by a panel of seven judges during a live telecast on ABC. The event was the culmination of a week of preliminary competitions and months of preparations for the titleholders from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
As the new Miss America, Kaeppeler will spend the next year touring the country to speak to different groups and raising money for the Children's Miracle Network, the Miss America Organization's official charity.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/01/14/miss-wisconsin-wins-miss-america-pageant/?test=latestnews#ixzz1jVjF6AuH
Friday, January 13, 2012
Heather Locklear Hospitalized in Stable Condition, "In No Danger"
Friday the 13th may just turn out to be Heather Locklear's lucky day after all.
Though the former Melrose
ambulance to a hospital yesterday where she remained overnight, a hospital spokeswoman released a statement allaying fan (and family) fears saying that the actress "is in no danger." "Heather's family wants her fans to know that she is doing well," the spokeswoman for the Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center in Thousand Oaks said last night, shortly after Locklear's admission to the emergency room.
"She is out of harm's way…she is in no danger."
The 50-year-old was taken from her home in Westlake Village to the facility after her sister placed a frantic 911 call saying she feared her famous sibling might harm herself. Paramedics responded and determined on sight that the actress did indeed require some medical evaluation. Reports quickly emerged that a mix of prescription drugs and alcohol caused the episode, though they remain unconfirmed.
In any case, Locklear is said to be resting comfortably and due to be further evaluated today before any release, though her family is hopeful for a quick recovery from whatever it is that ailed her.
"They're looking forward to her getting very, very well again and bringing her home," Carraway-Bowman said.
That goes double for us!
Though the former Melrose
ambulance to a hospital yesterday where she remained overnight, a hospital spokeswoman released a statement allaying fan (and family) fears saying that the actress "is in no danger." "Heather's family wants her fans to know that she is doing well," the spokeswoman for the Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center in Thousand Oaks said last night, shortly after Locklear's admission to the emergency room.
"She is out of harm's way…she is in no danger."
The 50-year-old was taken from her home in Westlake Village to the facility after her sister placed a frantic 911 call saying she feared her famous sibling might harm herself. Paramedics responded and determined on sight that the actress did indeed require some medical evaluation. Reports quickly emerged that a mix of prescription drugs and alcohol caused the episode, though they remain unconfirmed.
In any case, Locklear is said to be resting comfortably and due to be further evaluated today before any release, though her family is hopeful for a quick recovery from whatever it is that ailed her.
"They're looking forward to her getting very, very well again and bringing her home," Carraway-Bowman said.
That goes double for us!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Coachella 2012: Remaining $285 passes to go on sale Friday
Three-day passes for the two April weekends of Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival will be available on the fest's official site beginning at 10 a.m. Friday PST. Since the lineup was announced Monday afternoon, the Coachella site has been struggling to manage the traffic influx and has been largely shut down.
Rapper Dr. Dre will close the 2012 edition of the annual Indio festival, to be held for the first time over consecutive weekends, the first April 13-15 and the second April 20-22. Each weekend, featuring identical lineups, is a separate ticket. Only weekend passes are available.
Titckets were first sold for the 2012 editions of Coachella in June 2011. They were available for only a week, and it was unknown how many were snatched in the initial on-sale. Though the event was 10 months out and artists had yet to be announced, multiplying Coachella into separate festivals to be staged over consecutive April weekends didn’t seem to lessen the immediate rush for tickets. Wait times for tickets varies, but a 35-minute queue wasn't out of the ordinary.
The June on-sale marked the first time Goldenvoice, Coachella's promoter, used Front Gate tickets rather than the more ubiquitous Ticketmaster for the general on-sale. Once charges were factored in, a general admission three-day pass came to about $315, but the Coachella site was loaded with options, ranging from shuttle trips to VIP passes. Depending on the package chosen, two Coachella tickets could push $1,300.
Tickets that will go on-sale Friday will range from $285 for a three-day pass to $665 to a VIP festival pass. There is also a general admission ticket that includes a hotel shuttle option for $335. All prices noted are quoted without the addition of service fees. It is recommended that those intending to purchase tickets should set up their account on the Coachella page Thursday evening.
While it was unknown how many tickets Goldenvoice had already sold for the weekends, the promoter had previously announced that it would not be offering a layaway option beyond the June pre-sale. The layaway plan offered fest-goers the ability to place 10% down and then make eight equal monthly payments.
Fans were allowed to buy tickets for each weekend, should they be inclined, but festival passes will be limited per household. In June, passes were limited to four per household. Additionally, fans will not be allowed to change weekends once a purchase has been made. Passes will be mailed in March. International attendees will have the option of picking up their passes at an off-site will call.
Though Coachella will close with a double hip-hop pairing of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg on the Sunday evenings, rock acts will get top billing the other nights. Bluesey rockers the Black Keys will anchor a Friday that will also feature singer-songwriter Cat Power, reggae legend Jimmy Cliff and psychedelic electronic act M83. Radiohead will close the festival's Saturday evenings, with breakout indie star Bon Iver, reclusive indie rocker Jeff Mangum and noIse instrumentalists Godspeed You Black Emperor also on the bill.
ALSO:
Coachella 2012: Full lineup revealed; Dr. Dre, Radiohead headline
Coachella times two: 'We’re going after artists who are going to play twice.'
Rapper Dr. Dre will close the 2012 edition of the annual Indio festival, to be held for the first time over consecutive weekends, the first April 13-15 and the second April 20-22. Each weekend, featuring identical lineups, is a separate ticket. Only weekend passes are available.
Titckets were first sold for the 2012 editions of Coachella in June 2011. They were available for only a week, and it was unknown how many were snatched in the initial on-sale. Though the event was 10 months out and artists had yet to be announced, multiplying Coachella into separate festivals to be staged over consecutive April weekends didn’t seem to lessen the immediate rush for tickets. Wait times for tickets varies, but a 35-minute queue wasn't out of the ordinary.
The June on-sale marked the first time Goldenvoice, Coachella's promoter, used Front Gate tickets rather than the more ubiquitous Ticketmaster for the general on-sale. Once charges were factored in, a general admission three-day pass came to about $315, but the Coachella site was loaded with options, ranging from shuttle trips to VIP passes. Depending on the package chosen, two Coachella tickets could push $1,300.
Tickets that will go on-sale Friday will range from $285 for a three-day pass to $665 to a VIP festival pass. There is also a general admission ticket that includes a hotel shuttle option for $335. All prices noted are quoted without the addition of service fees. It is recommended that those intending to purchase tickets should set up their account on the Coachella page Thursday evening.
While it was unknown how many tickets Goldenvoice had already sold for the weekends, the promoter had previously announced that it would not be offering a layaway option beyond the June pre-sale. The layaway plan offered fest-goers the ability to place 10% down and then make eight equal monthly payments.
Fans were allowed to buy tickets for each weekend, should they be inclined, but festival passes will be limited per household. In June, passes were limited to four per household. Additionally, fans will not be allowed to change weekends once a purchase has been made. Passes will be mailed in March. International attendees will have the option of picking up their passes at an off-site will call.
Though Coachella will close with a double hip-hop pairing of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg on the Sunday evenings, rock acts will get top billing the other nights. Bluesey rockers the Black Keys will anchor a Friday that will also feature singer-songwriter Cat Power, reggae legend Jimmy Cliff and psychedelic electronic act M83. Radiohead will close the festival's Saturday evenings, with breakout indie star Bon Iver, reclusive indie rocker Jeff Mangum and noIse instrumentalists Godspeed You Black Emperor also on the bill.
ALSO:
Coachella 2012: Full lineup revealed; Dr. Dre, Radiohead headline
Coachella times two: 'We’re going after artists who are going to play twice.'
Monday, January 9, 2012
A Look At OLPC's XO 3.0 Tablet's Solar And Kinetic Chargers
As I’ve been writing for the past week, alternative energy sources for gadgets will be a big trend at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). OLPC’s XO 3.0 tablet illustrates this trend in an intriguing way. The tablet is the latest iteration of the One Laptop Per Child nonprofit’s attempt to make computing devices affordable enough to be distributed in mass quantities to children who wouldn’t otherwise have access to computers. In the past, these devices have been laptops. The next OLPC, however, will be an 8-inch tablet.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
AnandTech - Samsung Galaxy Note Gets ICS-based CyanogenMod 9 Build
Work on CyanogenMod 9 continues: yesterday saw the release of an experimental development build for the Samsung Galaxy Note, the first port of the new Ice Cream Sandwich-based OS to support the device. Samsung's official Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade for the Note is scheduled to be released before the end of the first quarter of 2012.
The new port is labeled "experimental" for good reason - while wi-fi, cellular data, audio, the touchscreen, and the GPS and sensors should be working properly, Bluetooth, battery usage, MTP mode, and the camera aren't. The team says that the camera won't work until it gets access to one of Samsung's official Android 4.0 builds for the Note, while the build's current graphics drivers are Gingerbread-based and can cause some rendering problems. As with any in-development software, you should hesitate to put this on any phone you rely on in your day-to-day wheelings and dealings.
While CM9 builds to this point have mostly targeted Samsung phones, as development continues we should see builds made available for most CM7-compatible devices beginning with the most recent hardware and working backward (excluding the original Motorola Droid). The download page for the Note port confirms that the CyanogenMod team is still targeting a January or February date for a final release, though we probably won't see all older devices supported until a few months after that.
The new port is labeled "experimental" for good reason - while wi-fi, cellular data, audio, the touchscreen, and the GPS and sensors should be working properly, Bluetooth, battery usage, MTP mode, and the camera aren't. The team says that the camera won't work until it gets access to one of Samsung's official Android 4.0 builds for the Note, while the build's current graphics drivers are Gingerbread-based and can cause some rendering problems. As with any in-development software, you should hesitate to put this on any phone you rely on in your day-to-day wheelings and dealings.
While CM9 builds to this point have mostly targeted Samsung phones, as development continues we should see builds made available for most CM7-compatible devices beginning with the most recent hardware and working backward (excluding the original Motorola Droid). The download page for the Note port confirms that the CyanogenMod team is still targeting a January or February date for a final release, though we probably won't see all older devices supported until a few months after that.
2012 NFL Playoffs: Denver Broncos Win Stunning Overtime Playoff Contest as Tim Tebow Goes “John 3:16″ On the Pittsburgh Steelers
You could not possibly have dreamed up a better script. You really couldn’t have. This was one for Hollywood.
The critics were calling for Tim Tebow’s head after he ended the season with three dismal performances. His own team wasn’t fully supportive of the young quarterback, despite seven victories in an eight-game stretch earlier in the year (see: Elway, John).
Reports even surfaced that Denver was one bad series by Tebow away from inserting backup quarterback Brady Quinn into the game.
And then… Tebow time happened.
Tim Tebow led the Broncos to 29 points against the Pittsburgh Steelers and their top-ranked NFL defense, including an amazing, improbable, incredible 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime.
Tebow completed just 10 of 21 passes but threw for exactly 316 yards and two touchdowns.
316. And that’s where the irony begins.
John 3:16 is Tebow’s favorite Bible verse.
Tebow has been known to paint the verse on his eye black during actual football games, which has caused heavy critcism. He did it with Florida in the 2009 national championship game and 94 million people googled the verse during the game.
But the NCAA, as well as the NFL, banned their players from writing verses (or anything) on their eye black during games, stating that it makes their players look less professionally dressed.
That didn’t stop Tebow from spreading the word of God. Not one bit.
Think about this for a second. Tebow can’t write John 3:16 on his eye black so he goes out and throws for 316 yards. Oh, and he makes a believer of John. John Elway, that is.
Does it get any better than that?
John 3:16 is once again one of the most popular searches on Google after Tebow defeated Pittsburgh with exactly 316 yards.
He did so on an NFL postseason single-game record 31.6 yards per completion. There’s your 316 again. Denver was also helped out by a clutch interception of Ben Roethlisberger. The play, of course, came on 3rd and 16. 316.
By the way, receiver Demaryius Thomas, who caught the game-winning touchdown, was born on Christmas Day, the day of the anniversary of the birth of Jesus.
Tim Tebow’s performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in his first ever postseason game was one for the ages. It was historic, clutch, and almost, well, divine.
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.”
And since his name is Tim and he did just win his first playoff game, let’s check out 1 Timothy 3:16 for all those who may have wondered.
1 Timothy 3:16: “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”
The critics were calling for Tim Tebow’s head after he ended the season with three dismal performances. His own team wasn’t fully supportive of the young quarterback, despite seven victories in an eight-game stretch earlier in the year (see: Elway, John).
Reports even surfaced that Denver was one bad series by Tebow away from inserting backup quarterback Brady Quinn into the game.
And then… Tebow time happened.
Tim Tebow led the Broncos to 29 points against the Pittsburgh Steelers and their top-ranked NFL defense, including an amazing, improbable, incredible 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime.
Tebow completed just 10 of 21 passes but threw for exactly 316 yards and two touchdowns.
316. And that’s where the irony begins.
John 3:16 is Tebow’s favorite Bible verse.
Tebow has been known to paint the verse on his eye black during actual football games, which has caused heavy critcism. He did it with Florida in the 2009 national championship game and 94 million people googled the verse during the game.
But the NCAA, as well as the NFL, banned their players from writing verses (or anything) on their eye black during games, stating that it makes their players look less professionally dressed.
That didn’t stop Tebow from spreading the word of God. Not one bit.
Think about this for a second. Tebow can’t write John 3:16 on his eye black so he goes out and throws for 316 yards. Oh, and he makes a believer of John. John Elway, that is.
Does it get any better than that?
John 3:16 is once again one of the most popular searches on Google after Tebow defeated Pittsburgh with exactly 316 yards.
He did so on an NFL postseason single-game record 31.6 yards per completion. There’s your 316 again. Denver was also helped out by a clutch interception of Ben Roethlisberger. The play, of course, came on 3rd and 16. 316.
By the way, receiver Demaryius Thomas, who caught the game-winning touchdown, was born on Christmas Day, the day of the anniversary of the birth of Jesus.
Tim Tebow’s performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in his first ever postseason game was one for the ages. It was historic, clutch, and almost, well, divine.
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.”
And since his name is Tim and he did just win his first playoff game, let’s check out 1 Timothy 3:16 for all those who may have wondered.
1 Timothy 3:16: “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”
Lenovo S2 Smartphone: First Impressions
At tonight’s CES Unveiled event, we got a brief look at some smartphones from Lenovo. The Lenovo S2 doesn’t run the latest and greatest version of Android (Ice Cream Sandwich), but this Gingerbread-based phone still caught my eye. Its rounded curves and thin body make it stand out from the legions of rectangular all-black Android phones with 4.3-inch displays.
The S2’s 3.8-inch display has an 800-by-480-pixel resolution. I didn’t get a chance to run video on it (it was hard enough keeping other journalists away from it), but I opened a few websites and was impressed by the display’s brightness and clarity.
The S2’s 3.8-inch display has an 800-by-480-pixel resolution. I didn’t get a chance to run video on it (it was hard enough keeping other journalists away from it), but I opened a few websites and was impressed by the display’s brightness and clarity.
Beyoncé, Jay-Z have a baby girl, Blue Ivy Carter | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
Beyoncé and Jay-Z welcomed their first child Saturday night in New York, a daughter named Blue Ivy Carter. The little one arrived via scheduled C-section, multiple sources confirmed to www.eonline.com.
News spread fast Sunday about baby Blue's birth, with everyone from Beyoncé's sister Solange Knowles to famous friends such as Russell Simmons and Gwyneth Paltrow taking to Twitter to offer their well-wishes.
"The most beautiful girl in the world," Knowles wrote on Twitter before adding a statement about the news media. "Information that goes through the telephone always gets delivered wrong."
"Welcome to the world princess Carter! Love Aunty Rih," Rihanna wrote.
"Congrats to my good friends Beyoncé and Jay-Z," hip-hop mogul Simmons wrote.
Benson launching label
Brendan Benson, a Detroit-made singer-songwriter and cofounder of the Raconteurs, announced he'll be launching Readymade -- his own record label and publishing company -- in the spring.
He'll kick off the Readymade jams with his fifth solo album, "What Kind of World." It'll be available beginning April 21 at www.brendanbenson.com.
Benson's label will be based out of Nashville, Tenn., where his Raconteurs band mate Jack White runs his Third Man Records label.
DSO signs Pontremoli
Though organizers of the Detroit Jazz Festival opted not to renew the contract of artistic and executive director Terri Pontremoli last fall, she'll still be programming jazz in Detroit -- at least in the short term.
Cleveland-based Pontremoli has signed on as a consultant with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to book its 2012-13 jazz series. The move comes as part of some restructuring within the DSO's nonclassical artistic staff.
In five years of leading the jazz festival, Pontremoli is credited with raising the artistic profile of the event to a new peak of excellence.
Briefly
• Bob Weston, a guitarist who played as a member of Fleetwood Mac during the early 1970s, was found dead in his London apartment last week, the Associated Press reports. An autopsy report indicated Weston, 64, was suffering from a gastric intestinal hemorrhage, cirrhosis and a throat ailment.
• Rolling Stones' rocker Keith Richards, 68, is doing "very well" following his recent laser eye surgery procedure to correct his failing vision, according to the U.K.'s Daily Mirror. This year marks the Stones' 50th anniversary as a band, but no official touring plans have yet been confirmed.
• Redford resident Gwendolyn Davis was one of the winners of the "Judge Mathis" show's "Joyful Noise" sweepstakes. She'll be rubbing elbows with "Joyful Noise" stars Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer and Courtney B. Vance at the film's Hollywood premiere tonight. She won by watching Detroit native Greg Mathis' show and entering the word of the day on www.judgemathistv.com during the contest two weeks ago.
News spread fast Sunday about baby Blue's birth, with everyone from Beyoncé's sister Solange Knowles to famous friends such as Russell Simmons and Gwyneth Paltrow taking to Twitter to offer their well-wishes.
"The most beautiful girl in the world," Knowles wrote on Twitter before adding a statement about the news media. "Information that goes through the telephone always gets delivered wrong."
"Welcome to the world princess Carter! Love Aunty Rih," Rihanna wrote.
"Congrats to my good friends Beyoncé and Jay-Z," hip-hop mogul Simmons wrote.
Benson launching label
Brendan Benson, a Detroit-made singer-songwriter and cofounder of the Raconteurs, announced he'll be launching Readymade -- his own record label and publishing company -- in the spring.
He'll kick off the Readymade jams with his fifth solo album, "What Kind of World." It'll be available beginning April 21 at www.brendanbenson.com.
Benson's label will be based out of Nashville, Tenn., where his Raconteurs band mate Jack White runs his Third Man Records label.
DSO signs Pontremoli
Though organizers of the Detroit Jazz Festival opted not to renew the contract of artistic and executive director Terri Pontremoli last fall, she'll still be programming jazz in Detroit -- at least in the short term.
Cleveland-based Pontremoli has signed on as a consultant with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to book its 2012-13 jazz series. The move comes as part of some restructuring within the DSO's nonclassical artistic staff.
In five years of leading the jazz festival, Pontremoli is credited with raising the artistic profile of the event to a new peak of excellence.
Briefly
• Bob Weston, a guitarist who played as a member of Fleetwood Mac during the early 1970s, was found dead in his London apartment last week, the Associated Press reports. An autopsy report indicated Weston, 64, was suffering from a gastric intestinal hemorrhage, cirrhosis and a throat ailment.
• Rolling Stones' rocker Keith Richards, 68, is doing "very well" following his recent laser eye surgery procedure to correct his failing vision, according to the U.K.'s Daily Mirror. This year marks the Stones' 50th anniversary as a band, but no official touring plans have yet been confirmed.
• Redford resident Gwendolyn Davis was one of the winners of the "Judge Mathis" show's "Joyful Noise" sweepstakes. She'll be rubbing elbows with "Joyful Noise" stars Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer and Courtney B. Vance at the film's Hollywood premiere tonight. She won by watching Detroit native Greg Mathis' show and entering the word of the day on www.judgemathistv.com during the contest two weeks ago.
At New Hampshire debate, rivals pounce on Mitt Romney
CONCORD, N.H. – Mitt Romney’s Republican challengers made a last-ditch effort to take down their party’s front-runner in Sunday morning’s GOP primary debate, assailing Romney’s conservative credentials and his self-description as a political outsider.
Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum, Romney’s two most formidable opponents on the right, charged at the former Massachusetts governor from the start.
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The two conservative upstarts mounted a tag-team attack on Romney. Santorum accused Romney of “bailing” from a difficult 2006 reelection campaign; when Romney cast that and his other time out of office as a selfless choice, Gingrich pounced.
“Can we drop a little bit of the pious baloney?” Gingrich asked Romney. “You were running for president while you were governor … You then promptly reentered politics. You lost to McCain, just as you lost to [Ted] Kennedy [in 1994.”
Gingrich kept going: “Just level with the American people. You’ve been running at least since the 1990s.”
Romney, facing a sustained assault on the debate stage for the first time this cycle, stuck to his version of the events.
“I never thought I’d get involved in politics,” he responded, saying of his race against Kennedy: “I happened to have been wise enough to realize I didn’t have a ghost of a chance of beating him.”
Three other candidates shared the stage in Concord at the candidate forum hosted by NBC News and Facebook: Rick Perry, Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman.
The tone was markedly different from Saturday night’s debate, as the candidates seemed to realize that absent a direct confrontation with Romney — who’s far ahead in polls for Tuesday’s primary — he would be well on his way to claiming the Republican presidential nomination.
Even the mild-mannered Huntsman went out of his way to seek out a moment of contrast with Romney, bringing up a comment Romney made at the previous debate, swatting Huntsman for having served in the Obama administration.
“I was criticized last night by Gov. Romney for putting my country first,” Huntsman said. “I want to be very clear with the people in this country. I will always put my country first.”
Romney appeared unimpressed by the line of attack, reminding Republican viewers that Huntsman had once described President Barack Obama as a “remarkable leader.”
“I think we serve our country first by standing for people who stand for conservative principles,” Romney said.
Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum, Romney’s two most formidable opponents on the right, charged at the former Massachusetts governor from the start.
Continue Reading
The two conservative upstarts mounted a tag-team attack on Romney. Santorum accused Romney of “bailing” from a difficult 2006 reelection campaign; when Romney cast that and his other time out of office as a selfless choice, Gingrich pounced.
“Can we drop a little bit of the pious baloney?” Gingrich asked Romney. “You were running for president while you were governor … You then promptly reentered politics. You lost to McCain, just as you lost to [Ted] Kennedy [in 1994.”
Gingrich kept going: “Just level with the American people. You’ve been running at least since the 1990s.”
Romney, facing a sustained assault on the debate stage for the first time this cycle, stuck to his version of the events.
“I never thought I’d get involved in politics,” he responded, saying of his race against Kennedy: “I happened to have been wise enough to realize I didn’t have a ghost of a chance of beating him.”
Three other candidates shared the stage in Concord at the candidate forum hosted by NBC News and Facebook: Rick Perry, Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman.
The tone was markedly different from Saturday night’s debate, as the candidates seemed to realize that absent a direct confrontation with Romney — who’s far ahead in polls for Tuesday’s primary — he would be well on his way to claiming the Republican presidential nomination.
Even the mild-mannered Huntsman went out of his way to seek out a moment of contrast with Romney, bringing up a comment Romney made at the previous debate, swatting Huntsman for having served in the Obama administration.
“I was criticized last night by Gov. Romney for putting my country first,” Huntsman said. “I want to be very clear with the people in this country. I will always put my country first.”
Romney appeared unimpressed by the line of attack, reminding Republican viewers that Huntsman had once described President Barack Obama as a “remarkable leader.”
“I think we serve our country first by standing for people who stand for conservative principles,” Romney said.
Fact check: Mangled claims in Saturday's N.H. debate
Truth took a punch or two at the first of two GOP debates before New Hampshire's critical presidential primary.
•Former Massachusetts governor Romney, talking about taxes, said federal, state and local government consume 37 percent of the economy today compared with only 27 percent when John F. Kennedy was president. In fact, taxes now consume only 27.4 percent of GDP.
•Texas Rep. Ron Paul blasted Gingrich for avoiding the draft during Vietnam, and Gingrich said Paul had a "long history" of inaccuracies. The truth is Gingrich was both a student and a father at the time, and probably would have failed the physical anyway, according to his stepfather, an Army man.
•Former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum said the term "middle class" implies class warfare and is one "I don't think we should be using as Republicans." The fact is his own campaign used it in an Iowa flyer, and he has used it in the past himself.
•Paul attacked Santorum as a "high-powered lobbyist." Santorum was never registered as a lobbyist, though he earned more than $200,000 working as a consultant for a lobbying firm and an energy company.
Candidates also recycled some false or doubtful claims we've gone over before. Romney repeated his misleading claim that his firm Bain Capital invested in businesses that "have now added over 100,000 jobs." Former Utah governor Jon Huntsman again claimed Utah was "No. 1" in job creation while he was governor, which isn't true according to the standard statistical measure for employment. And Santorum again put words in President Obama's mouth by claiming that the president "supported" the results of a disputed election in Iran.
And finally, former House speaker Newt Gingrich, Santorum and Romney were all a bit confused about which sports teams were playing an important game on another network. Perhaps they had more important matters on their minds.
Analysis
The six remaining major GOP candidates debated the evening of Jan. 7 at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. The debate was sponsored by ABC News, Yahoo! News and WMUR. The candidates slugged it out again 12 hours later on a special edition of NBC's "Meet the Press" on Jan. 8.
Romney's fast shuffle on tax figures
Romney gave some inaccurate and misleading figures to support his view that "taxes are too high."
Romney: Taxes are too high. Government at all levels during the days of John F. Kennedy consumed 27 percent of our economy, about a quarter. Today it consumes 37 percent of our economy. We're only inches away from no longer being a free economy. And our Democrat friends want us to just keep raising taxes 'just a little more; just give us a little more.'
But the fact is that federal, state and local government taxes are only slightly higher now than they were during Kennedy's time in office.
In 1961, 1962 and the first three quarters of 1963, total government receipts were never higher than 26.4 percent of gross domestic product, according to historical figures from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. And today, the figure is 27.4 percent, as of the most recent quarter on record, which ended Sept. 30.
A Romney spokesman said he was actually giving figures for spending. If so, Romney still was misleading his audience. He used the word "consumes." And he sandwiched the figures between references to taxes, never making clear that he had switched from talking about taxes to giving figures on spending and back to talking about taxes again.
Furthermore, total government expenditures never exceeded 24.7 percent of GDP in any quarter while Kennedy was president, and never were as high as Romney's 27 percent figure. Also, during the July to September quarter last year, spending was 35.7 percent, lower than Romney's 37 percent figure. (The figure did reach 36.5 percent in the second quarter of 2009, when the economy was shrinking. But that was then, not "today," as Romney claimed.)
•Former Massachusetts governor Romney, talking about taxes, said federal, state and local government consume 37 percent of the economy today compared with only 27 percent when John F. Kennedy was president. In fact, taxes now consume only 27.4 percent of GDP.
•Texas Rep. Ron Paul blasted Gingrich for avoiding the draft during Vietnam, and Gingrich said Paul had a "long history" of inaccuracies. The truth is Gingrich was both a student and a father at the time, and probably would have failed the physical anyway, according to his stepfather, an Army man.
•Former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum said the term "middle class" implies class warfare and is one "I don't think we should be using as Republicans." The fact is his own campaign used it in an Iowa flyer, and he has used it in the past himself.
•Paul attacked Santorum as a "high-powered lobbyist." Santorum was never registered as a lobbyist, though he earned more than $200,000 working as a consultant for a lobbying firm and an energy company.
Candidates also recycled some false or doubtful claims we've gone over before. Romney repeated his misleading claim that his firm Bain Capital invested in businesses that "have now added over 100,000 jobs." Former Utah governor Jon Huntsman again claimed Utah was "No. 1" in job creation while he was governor, which isn't true according to the standard statistical measure for employment. And Santorum again put words in President Obama's mouth by claiming that the president "supported" the results of a disputed election in Iran.
And finally, former House speaker Newt Gingrich, Santorum and Romney were all a bit confused about which sports teams were playing an important game on another network. Perhaps they had more important matters on their minds.
Analysis
The six remaining major GOP candidates debated the evening of Jan. 7 at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. The debate was sponsored by ABC News, Yahoo! News and WMUR. The candidates slugged it out again 12 hours later on a special edition of NBC's "Meet the Press" on Jan. 8.
Romney's fast shuffle on tax figures
Romney gave some inaccurate and misleading figures to support his view that "taxes are too high."
Romney: Taxes are too high. Government at all levels during the days of John F. Kennedy consumed 27 percent of our economy, about a quarter. Today it consumes 37 percent of our economy. We're only inches away from no longer being a free economy. And our Democrat friends want us to just keep raising taxes 'just a little more; just give us a little more.'
But the fact is that federal, state and local government taxes are only slightly higher now than they were during Kennedy's time in office.
In 1961, 1962 and the first three quarters of 1963, total government receipts were never higher than 26.4 percent of gross domestic product, according to historical figures from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. And today, the figure is 27.4 percent, as of the most recent quarter on record, which ended Sept. 30.
A Romney spokesman said he was actually giving figures for spending. If so, Romney still was misleading his audience. He used the word "consumes." And he sandwiched the figures between references to taxes, never making clear that he had switched from talking about taxes to giving figures on spending and back to talking about taxes again.
Furthermore, total government expenditures never exceeded 24.7 percent of GDP in any quarter while Kennedy was president, and never were as high as Romney's 27 percent figure. Also, during the July to September quarter last year, spending was 35.7 percent, lower than Romney's 37 percent figure. (The figure did reach 36.5 percent in the second quarter of 2009, when the economy was shrinking. But that was then, not "today," as Romney claimed.)
SolarKindle Cover Is Walking On Sunshine (Whoaaa!)
I’ve done my fair share of Kindle cover research, and to tell you the truth I wish this new cover from SolarFocus was around when I did. It’s the world’s first solar cover for the Kindle, with a solar panel built right in.
The SolarKindle promises “up to three months of unplugged Kindle use under normal sunlight environment.” In my experience that means near a window, which should be easy enough.
The cover also packs a reserve battery, which can either power an LED reading lamp (built right in) or offer extra reading time by feeding energy into the Kindle’s main battery. The LED lamp will run for 50 hours continuously before using the Kindle battery. Solar focus says that an hour under direct sunlight can offer 3 days of reading time.
It’s a bit rough on the eyes, but doesn’t seem to be bulky or obtrusive. I guess it’ll all come down to how you prioritize appearance and utility.
The SolarKindle goes on sale next week on January 15, and can be had for $79.99.
The SolarKindle promises “up to three months of unplugged Kindle use under normal sunlight environment.” In my experience that means near a window, which should be easy enough.
The cover also packs a reserve battery, which can either power an LED reading lamp (built right in) or offer extra reading time by feeding energy into the Kindle’s main battery. The LED lamp will run for 50 hours continuously before using the Kindle battery. Solar focus says that an hour under direct sunlight can offer 3 days of reading time.
It’s a bit rough on the eyes, but doesn’t seem to be bulky or obtrusive. I guess it’ll all come down to how you prioritize appearance and utility.
The SolarKindle goes on sale next week on January 15, and can be had for $79.99.
Kristy McNichol: I'm a Lesbian
Kristy McNichol, best known for her roles on Family and Empty Nest, has come out of the closet 20 years after leaving acting because she is tired of seeing kids bullied about their sexuality, People reports:
McNichol, 49, who has lived with her partner Martie Allen, also 49, for the past two decades, decided to make a statement about her sexuality and share this photo because she is "approaching 50" and wants to "be open about who I am."
She "is very sad about kids being bullied," her publicist Jeff Ballard tells PEOPLE. "She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different."
Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/2012/01/kristy-mcnichol-im-a-lesbian.html#ixzz1ir3P4nJ7
McNichol, 49, who has lived with her partner Martie Allen, also 49, for the past two decades, decided to make a statement about her sexuality and share this photo because she is "approaching 50" and wants to "be open about who I am."
She "is very sad about kids being bullied," her publicist Jeff Ballard tells PEOPLE. "She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different."
Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/2012/01/kristy-mcnichol-im-a-lesbian.html#ixzz1ir3P4nJ7
Kristy McNichol Comes Out of the Closet to Help Bullied Kids
Kristy McNichol, famous for her roles on the TV series “Family” and “Empty Nest,” has come out of the closet in an effort to help children being bullied.
McNichol, 49, has lived with her partner Martie Allen, for the past two decades.
She decided to make a statement about her sexuality and share a photo because she is “approaching 50″ and wants to “be open about who I am,” People Magazine reported.
She “is very sad about kids being bullied,” her publicist Jeff Ballard told People Magazine. “She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different.”
McNichol was best known for her roles on the drama “Family,” for which she won two Emmy Awards, and later “Empty Nest.” She has also starred in several films, including “Little Darlings” in 1980 with Tatum O’Neal.
McNichol was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992, and subsequently ended her television career. She currently lives in Los Angeles.
“She is very happy and healthy,” says Ballard, according to People Magazine. “And she enjoys living a very private life.”
McNichol, 49, has lived with her partner Martie Allen, for the past two decades.
She decided to make a statement about her sexuality and share a photo because she is “approaching 50″ and wants to “be open about who I am,” People Magazine reported.
She “is very sad about kids being bullied,” her publicist Jeff Ballard told People Magazine. “She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different.”
McNichol was best known for her roles on the drama “Family,” for which she won two Emmy Awards, and later “Empty Nest.” She has also starred in several films, including “Little Darlings” in 1980 with Tatum O’Neal.
McNichol was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992, and subsequently ended her television career. She currently lives in Los Angeles.
“She is very happy and healthy,” says Ballard, according to People Magazine. “And she enjoys living a very private life.”
Are Android tablets that cost more than $199 doomed?
Apple set the stage for the tablet revolution with the iPad, but it was Amazon with the Kindle Fire that made the biggest hit in terms of price - by setting the price bar at $199. With CES just around the corner we’re likely to see a whole raft of tablets released. But how will they be priced?
Price was the main reason that Android tablets have, so far, been a failure. While there are undoubtedly other issues (Jason Hiner over on TechRepublic covers the major ones in his postmortem on why Android tablets failed) there’s little doubt in my mind that the primary cause of death was price. After all, who was going to put down $500+ or even $800+ for an Android tablet if they could get an iPad for $499? People see the price way before they notice that a 16×9 aspect ratio isn’t ideal, or that there are a lack of tablet apps.
Price stands out above all.
So what effect with the Kindle Fire with it’s $199 price tag have on Android tablets that we’re going to see unveiled at CES?
Price was the main reason that Android tablets have, so far, been a failure. While there are undoubtedly other issues (Jason Hiner over on TechRepublic covers the major ones in his postmortem on why Android tablets failed) there’s little doubt in my mind that the primary cause of death was price. After all, who was going to put down $500+ or even $800+ for an Android tablet if they could get an iPad for $499? People see the price way before they notice that a 16×9 aspect ratio isn’t ideal, or that there are a lack of tablet apps.
Price stands out above all.
So what effect with the Kindle Fire with it’s $199 price tag have on Android tablets that we’re going to see unveiled at CES?
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Kristy McNichol Comes Out of the Closet to Help Bullied Kids
Kristy McNichol, famous for her roles on the TV series “Family” and “Empty Nest,” has come out of the closet in an effort to help children being bullied.
McNichol, 49, has lived with her partner Martie Allen, for the past two decades.
She decided to make a statement about her sexuality and share a photo because she is “approaching 50″ and wants to “be open about who I am,” People Magazine reported.
She “is very sad about kids being bullied,” her publicist Jeff Ballard told People Magazine. “She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different.”
McNichol was best known for her roles on the drama “Family,” for which she won two Emmy Awards, and later “Empty Nest.” She has also starred in several films, including “Little Darlings” in 1980 with Tatum O’Neal.
McNichol was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992, and subsequently ended her television career. She currently lives in Los Angeles.
“She is very happy and healthy,” says Ballard, according to People Magazine. “And she enjoys living a very private life.”
McNichol, 49, has lived with her partner Martie Allen, for the past two decades.
She decided to make a statement about her sexuality and share a photo because she is “approaching 50″ and wants to “be open about who I am,” People Magazine reported.
She “is very sad about kids being bullied,” her publicist Jeff Ballard told People Magazine. “She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different.”
McNichol was best known for her roles on the drama “Family,” for which she won two Emmy Awards, and later “Empty Nest.” She has also starred in several films, including “Little Darlings” in 1980 with Tatum O’Neal.
McNichol was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992, and subsequently ended her television career. She currently lives in Los Angeles.
“She is very happy and healthy,” says Ballard, according to People Magazine. “And she enjoys living a very private life.”
Friday, January 6, 2012
Samsung Galaxy S2, Note getting ICS in 2012, S and Ace won't
Samsung has the perfect new year pick-me-up -- it'll push out the Android Ice Cream Sandwich update for the powerful Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note early next year. But users of the Galaxy Ace and original Galaxy S may get a serious headache to learn their phone will miss out on the upgrade altogether.
"The platform update for Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note will start in the first quarter 2012, and other Galaxy devices will soon follow," reads an entry on Samsung's official blog. We knew the S2 was getting ICS already, but it's useful to have a timeframe to work from. Let's hope it's the beginning of the quarter rather than the end.
That full list of other devices to get the upgrade is: the Galaxy R, the Galaxy Tab 10.1, the Galaxy Tab 8.9, the Galaxy Tab 7.7, the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus (the dual-core variant of the 7.0) and the Galaxy S2 LTE, which isn't available in the UK.
We asked Samsung for an explanation as to why certain devices are being upgraded and others not, and we'll update this story when it responds. Also uninvited to the ICS party are the Galaxy Fit, and the super-budget Galaxy W and Y. It may be that these older or cheaper phones don't have the grunt to mix it Ice Cream Sandwich-style, or Samsung just doesn't think it's worth the effort.
Ice Cream Sandwich brings a host of new features, including the ability to unlock the device using facial recognition and resize widgets on screen. Yesterday we reported the Nexus S is being updated to Ice Cream Sandwich over the next month, but if you don't want to wait you can get it right now by following our handy guide.
The Samsung Galaxy Nexus was the first handset to come with Ice Cream Sandwich, and once its pesky volume bug had been fixed, we absolutely loved it.
Are you looking forward to Ice Cream Sandwich? Or have you already got it? Is your phone missing out? Let us know your opinions in the comments below, or over on our Facebook page.
"The platform update for Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note will start in the first quarter 2012, and other Galaxy devices will soon follow," reads an entry on Samsung's official blog. We knew the S2 was getting ICS already, but it's useful to have a timeframe to work from. Let's hope it's the beginning of the quarter rather than the end.
That full list of other devices to get the upgrade is: the Galaxy R, the Galaxy Tab 10.1, the Galaxy Tab 8.9, the Galaxy Tab 7.7, the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus (the dual-core variant of the 7.0) and the Galaxy S2 LTE, which isn't available in the UK.
We asked Samsung for an explanation as to why certain devices are being upgraded and others not, and we'll update this story when it responds. Also uninvited to the ICS party are the Galaxy Fit, and the super-budget Galaxy W and Y. It may be that these older or cheaper phones don't have the grunt to mix it Ice Cream Sandwich-style, or Samsung just doesn't think it's worth the effort.
Ice Cream Sandwich brings a host of new features, including the ability to unlock the device using facial recognition and resize widgets on screen. Yesterday we reported the Nexus S is being updated to Ice Cream Sandwich over the next month, but if you don't want to wait you can get it right now by following our handy guide.
The Samsung Galaxy Nexus was the first handset to come with Ice Cream Sandwich, and once its pesky volume bug had been fixed, we absolutely loved it.
Are you looking forward to Ice Cream Sandwich? Or have you already got it? Is your phone missing out? Let us know your opinions in the comments below, or over on our Facebook page.
BY Kirstin Benson7.36 PM EST 01.06.2012 ‘Wizards Of Waverly Place’ Is Ending Tonight — Selena Gomez Must Return To TV Soon!
Selena Gomez charmed the socks off us over the course of the last four seasons of ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ on Disney Channel. Hopefully she returns to the small screen soon!
It’s hard to believe it’s already been four years since Wizards of Waverly Place first began, starring a wide-eyed rambunctious 15-year-old girl named Selena Gomez. For many of us, it was the first time we’d ever laid eyes on the talented actress — and little did we know, she was about to become a mega star.
Flash forward four years to Jan. 6, 2012 and Wizards is coming to its end, with an action-packed and dramatic series finale. Although all the cast members have said ending the show was bittersweet, Selena especially seems eager to begin her new film career, starting with two films in the coming months.
I’m thrilled for Selena’s success. She’s talented, gorgeous and hard working — all ingredients that are essential for someone who has successful fashion lines, films, albums and more. However, as I’ve stressed before, I truly hope she returns to the small screen in the nearish future. Her personality is perfect for the small screen. In fact, I’d love to see her host a talk show, a sketch comedy show or a sitcom starring her exclusively. Television is where Selena truly thrives.
In fact, it seems even she is beginning to realize that, as she mentioned in a recent interview she’d love to star on a TV show a la Friends. Perfect!
It’s hard to believe it’s already been four years since Wizards of Waverly Place first began, starring a wide-eyed rambunctious 15-year-old girl named Selena Gomez. For many of us, it was the first time we’d ever laid eyes on the talented actress — and little did we know, she was about to become a mega star.
Flash forward four years to Jan. 6, 2012 and Wizards is coming to its end, with an action-packed and dramatic series finale. Although all the cast members have said ending the show was bittersweet, Selena especially seems eager to begin her new film career, starting with two films in the coming months.
I’m thrilled for Selena’s success. She’s talented, gorgeous and hard working — all ingredients that are essential for someone who has successful fashion lines, films, albums and more. However, as I’ve stressed before, I truly hope she returns to the small screen in the nearish future. Her personality is perfect for the small screen. In fact, I’d love to see her host a talk show, a sketch comedy show or a sitcom starring her exclusively. Television is where Selena truly thrives.
In fact, it seems even she is beginning to realize that, as she mentioned in a recent interview she’d love to star on a TV show a la Friends. Perfect!
Justin Bieber has a new tattoo; Elin Nordegren knocks down mansion to build new one
Since the last time Justin Bieber ’s bare legs were photographed, he has added a tattoo to the back of his left calf. Of what, you ask? Why, the face of Jesus Christ, of course!
The 17-year-old pop star already has the Hebrew word for Jesus inked on his rib cage and a tiny bird one of his hips. See pictures of his new tattoo at the link. (Hollywood Life)
Elin Nordegren, the ex-wife of Tiger Woods, has demolished a $12 million mansion so that she can build a new one in its place. (Early Lead)
Etta James has left a hospital following a two-week stay for breathing troubles. The “At Last” singer is suffering from terminal leukemia and dementia. (AP)
Ryan Seacrest may have to take a cut to his $15 million a year paycheck if he wants to host “American Idol” beyond season 11. Let’s hope he gets through this trying time. (THR)
Mila Kunis is the new face of Dior. Check out her ads at the link, if you’re into that sort of thing. (Celebuzz)
A former boy-bander saved a baby, after the jump.
JC Chasez of ‘N Sync fame saved a baby from a flying umbrella at a Miami beach on New Year’s Day. What’d you do lately Joey Fatone? (People)
The first poster for the Golden Globes features Ricky Gervais cutting some sort of gag from his mouth. Get it! Because he says outrageous things! You’ve done it again, Hollywood. (HuffPost)
Peaches Geldof, the 22-year-old journalist/model daughter of Bob Geldof, is pregnant and engaged. (Press Association)
Singer Jason Derulo fractured his neck during a tour rehearsal and has been forced to cancel upcoming appearances. (E!)
“Why Does America Love Skrillex?” Please tell me Vulture, because I just don’t know. (Vulture)
Perhaps I didn’t make this clear, but I’m pretty outraged that Taylor Swift has been cast as Eponine in Tom Hooper’s “Les Miserables” movie. Fellow musical theater nerd, Best Week Ever’s Michelle Collins, is, too, and she’s written a Gif-tastic piece to express her pain. (BWE)
Sometime during the past year, Gary Busey starred in commercials for Kia dealerships and no one noticed. Let’s make up for it now. (via Buzzfeed)
The 17-year-old pop star already has the Hebrew word for Jesus inked on his rib cage and a tiny bird one of his hips. See pictures of his new tattoo at the link. (Hollywood Life)
Elin Nordegren, the ex-wife of Tiger Woods, has demolished a $12 million mansion so that she can build a new one in its place. (Early Lead)
Etta James has left a hospital following a two-week stay for breathing troubles. The “At Last” singer is suffering from terminal leukemia and dementia. (AP)
Ryan Seacrest may have to take a cut to his $15 million a year paycheck if he wants to host “American Idol” beyond season 11. Let’s hope he gets through this trying time. (THR)
Mila Kunis is the new face of Dior. Check out her ads at the link, if you’re into that sort of thing. (Celebuzz)
A former boy-bander saved a baby, after the jump.
JC Chasez of ‘N Sync fame saved a baby from a flying umbrella at a Miami beach on New Year’s Day. What’d you do lately Joey Fatone? (People)
The first poster for the Golden Globes features Ricky Gervais cutting some sort of gag from his mouth. Get it! Because he says outrageous things! You’ve done it again, Hollywood. (HuffPost)
Peaches Geldof, the 22-year-old journalist/model daughter of Bob Geldof, is pregnant and engaged. (Press Association)
Singer Jason Derulo fractured his neck during a tour rehearsal and has been forced to cancel upcoming appearances. (E!)
“Why Does America Love Skrillex?” Please tell me Vulture, because I just don’t know. (Vulture)
Perhaps I didn’t make this clear, but I’m pretty outraged that Taylor Swift has been cast as Eponine in Tom Hooper’s “Les Miserables” movie. Fellow musical theater nerd, Best Week Ever’s Michelle Collins, is, too, and she’s written a Gif-tastic piece to express her pain. (BWE)
Sometime during the past year, Gary Busey starred in commercials for Kia dealerships and no one noticed. Let’s make up for it now. (via Buzzfeed)
Elin Nordegren: Tear Down This Wall
Despite the troubled market, the idea of knocking over an expensive waterfront home on a valuable piece of land, just because you feel like it, remains appealing for those who can afford it. After all, billionaire David Tepper, who runs the giant hedge fund Appaloosa Management, tore down a $43.5 million mansion in Sagaponack, N.Y., last year to build a new house overlooking the Hamptons waterfront.
Or consider the case of Elin Nordegren, the former model and ex-wife of golf star Tiger Woods, who bought and then tore down a $12.3 million mansion along the beach in Palm Beach County, Florida, the Palm Beach Post reported Thursday.
Of course, the super-wealthy are entitled to do what they want with their money (Nordegren’s wealth comes from a reported $100 million divorce settlement from her husband, who admitted to repeated infidelities over their five-year marriage), but one expert in real-estate teardowns said that a demolition of a property this large is unusual.
“It’s an absurd decision to make. The kind of waste involved in a demolition like that is just obscene,” says Justin Hollander, a professor at Tufts University who has written about teardowns. “You can tear down a home that’s worth millions and reuse some of the materials, but there’s absolutely no economic justification for doing something like that.”
More typical reasons for teardowns of valuable property might include a “strong real estate market” situation, in which some neighborhoods show “demand for luxury homes, but the existing homes are more modest,” Mr. Hollander said. Teardowns seemed to fade when the housing market collapsed, but not as much in wealthy enclaves shielded from the pain. This seems to fit Ms. Nordegren’s case: The Palm Beach Post reports that her oceanfront lot is in a development near North Palm Beach with plenty of lavish multi-million dollar listings.
“I’ve had customers go into a home, and they don’t like the kitchen, and next thing you know, they’re tearing down a $5 million home,” John True, a real-estate agent in nearby Juno Beach, Fla., told Developments. He said some people prefer a teardown to a renovation in the wealthy communities near Ms. Nordegren’s house. “If they’re going to spend all this time, get their Bruno Magli shoes a little dusty, they figure, ‘Let’s just tear it down and start it anew.’ It’s mind-boggling.”
Or consider the case of Elin Nordegren, the former model and ex-wife of golf star Tiger Woods, who bought and then tore down a $12.3 million mansion along the beach in Palm Beach County, Florida, the Palm Beach Post reported Thursday.
Of course, the super-wealthy are entitled to do what they want with their money (Nordegren’s wealth comes from a reported $100 million divorce settlement from her husband, who admitted to repeated infidelities over their five-year marriage), but one expert in real-estate teardowns said that a demolition of a property this large is unusual.
“It’s an absurd decision to make. The kind of waste involved in a demolition like that is just obscene,” says Justin Hollander, a professor at Tufts University who has written about teardowns. “You can tear down a home that’s worth millions and reuse some of the materials, but there’s absolutely no economic justification for doing something like that.”
More typical reasons for teardowns of valuable property might include a “strong real estate market” situation, in which some neighborhoods show “demand for luxury homes, but the existing homes are more modest,” Mr. Hollander said. Teardowns seemed to fade when the housing market collapsed, but not as much in wealthy enclaves shielded from the pain. This seems to fit Ms. Nordegren’s case: The Palm Beach Post reports that her oceanfront lot is in a development near North Palm Beach with plenty of lavish multi-million dollar listings.
“I’ve had customers go into a home, and they don’t like the kitchen, and next thing you know, they’re tearing down a $5 million home,” John True, a real-estate agent in nearby Juno Beach, Fla., told Developments. He said some people prefer a teardown to a renovation in the wealthy communities near Ms. Nordegren’s house. “If they’re going to spend all this time, get their Bruno Magli shoes a little dusty, they figure, ‘Let’s just tear it down and start it anew.’ It’s mind-boggling.”
Samsung Galaxy S III May Debut in February
A mock-up of the Galaxy S III.
Samsung is preparing the successor of the Galaxy S II, one of the most popular Android handsets and iPhone rivals to date. The Samsung Galaxy S III is expected to debut in February at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, while the first photo taken with the phone’s camera has been purportedly leaked.
The first evidence of the Samsung Galaxy S III comes from Pocketnow, which unearthed what appears to be a test photo taken with the yet unreleased and unannounced device. The EXIF data of the photo, which can be easily faked, indicates it was taken with a phone carrying the model number GT-I9500, following the numbering patters of previous Galaxy handsets from Samsung.
The photo’s metadata indicates it was taken inside Samsung’s R&D labs in South Korea, and you can also see the back of another Samsung PC. Pocketnow reports the shooter of the photo appears to be the same person who leaked test photos of the Samsung Galaxy S II in January, months before the device was released. Further inspection of the photo shows the resolution of the camera was dialed down to 5 megapixels, apparently in an effort to mask its full capabilities. TechRadar believes the image was a plant by Samsung.
Samsung is preparing the successor of the Galaxy S II, one of the most popular Android handsets and iPhone rivals to date. The Samsung Galaxy S III is expected to debut in February at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, while the first photo taken with the phone’s camera has been purportedly leaked.
The first evidence of the Samsung Galaxy S III comes from Pocketnow, which unearthed what appears to be a test photo taken with the yet unreleased and unannounced device. The EXIF data of the photo, which can be easily faked, indicates it was taken with a phone carrying the model number GT-I9500, following the numbering patters of previous Galaxy handsets from Samsung.
The photo’s metadata indicates it was taken inside Samsung’s R&D labs in South Korea, and you can also see the back of another Samsung PC. Pocketnow reports the shooter of the photo appears to be the same person who leaked test photos of the Samsung Galaxy S II in January, months before the device was released. Further inspection of the photo shows the resolution of the camera was dialed down to 5 megapixels, apparently in an effort to mask its full capabilities. TechRadar believes the image was a plant by Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy S II experimental CM9 build released [ICS port]
Devs have released the first experimental CyanogenMOD 9 build for Samsung Galaxy S2. This build is highly unstable and is in no way meant for normal users. According to the devs working on making CM9 work on SGS2, overall CyanogenMod is under very heavy development right now including the device specific parts for Galaxy S II, and they would be able to release stable ROM only by Jan or February 2012.
If you are an advanced user and want to have a feel of the build, you can grab the download right now from XDA thread. You will to be able to flash it using ODIN or via CWM, detailed instructions are available at thread.
If you are an advanced user and want to have a feel of the build, you can grab the download right now from XDA thread. You will to be able to flash it using ODIN or via CWM, detailed instructions are available at thread.
10 Reasons to Root Your Android Device
If you're a member of the little green army, chances are you've either rooted your phone or tablet, have at least thought about it. If you're one of the latter? It's time to take the plunge. And here are ten good reasons why you should do it today.
When you root your Android device, you gain access to the entire file system, with full admin rights. You can customize your own boot image, create a full backup of your phone, or install a full-blown Linux distro. But even if you don't want to get that geeky with it, there are a plethora of everyday reasons to root your Android, and thanks to many smart developers, we have rooting processes that are fairly accessible to the average computer-savvy Joe.
There are a couple of excellent forums that provide up-to-date information on how to root just about any popular Android devics. Go to Android Forums or the XDA-Developer Forums, find your device, and then drill down for the rooting guides and other resources that will be there for most models. And for a couple of sample guides that should show you that rooting is not that crazy of a thing, see Maximum Tech's How To Root Your Android Phone Without Bricking It.
And now, on to our reasons to root, in no definitive order.
10. Bloatware
Also known as crapware and some other choice euphemisms, bloatware infects the vast majority of Android phones. You'll recognize Samsung Touchwiz, HTC Sense, and Motorola MotoBlur as the custom UIs and feature packages that those makers throw on top of stock Android. While some of that bloatware is actually useful, most of it offers nothing that you couldn't arrange on your own with other apps, and it can bog down performance or even block features from your device. Worse yet is that much of the time, bloatware apps are blocked from uninstalling, unless of course, you root your phone.
9. Overclocking
When you root your Android, you gain some control over the hardware components, making overclocking and undervolting possible. It's not uncommon to overclock a 1GHz Android CPU up to 1.6GHz, of course with a greater tendency toward instability. Several root-only apps available in the Android Market handle both overclocking and undervolting, such as SetCPU ($1.99) and Voltage Control (free or $3.36 for the Extreme version).
8. Performance
Besides mere overclocking, rooted users can gain other performance enhancements through kernal tweaks performed by some of the apps we've mentioned here, custom ROMs, or through your own means, if you know what you're doing. Such tweaks in combination with overclocking have been known to increase overall performance on a Nexus S by 250 percent.
Also, as we've previously reported on Maximum Tech, "most Android devices incorporate an EXT3 filesystem with considerable overhead to ensure safe file I/O interaction. Once rooted, however, many of these devices can be upgraded with the faster EXT4 filesystem, resulting in faster load times and overall smoother software performance, while sacrificing a bit of storage stability. Yes, the less stable memory can lead to app crashes and even data loss, but that's pretty rare."
7. Screenshots
For whatever reason, Google didn't write native screenshot ability into Android until Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS). A few devices include it as an added feature out of the box, but there's no reason for you to wait for a new ICS device or update if you want to take screenshots today. If you root your Android, you can take advantage of screenshots apps such as Screenshot or PicMe at your leisure.
6. Other Root-only Apps
Once you've successfully rooted your Android, you'll be privy to hundreds, if not thousands, of useful apps that the other suckers of the world can't access. Here are 10 reasons to root your 'droid in one. Just a smidgeon of the root-only app selection includes stuff like:
• DroidWall - Android Firewall (free) can show you any app that is using your wireless data, so you can restrict data use that is chewing up capacity on you plan, as well as see if there is any nefarious and unwanted data use happening.
• Dual Mount SD Widget - ($0.99) lets you mount your SD card to both the phone and a PC at the same time.
• Hexamob Recovery Pro - ($1.39) helps you recover files that you accidentally deleted from your internal memory or SD card.
• Keyboard Manager - (free) lets you choose one keyboard for portrait view and another for landscape.
• LEDs Hack - (free) lets you turn off LED notifications.
• Root Call Blocker - ($5.98) lets you block specific numbers at the system level, so the phone never rings when they call.
• Samba Filesharing - (free) makes your Android's files available as a Windows shared folder over Wi-Fi.
• Sixaxis Controller - ($1.62) lets you mount a PS3 controller to your Android.
• With Theft Aware - (£10), an uber-security program, you can remotely track and wipe a lost or stolen phone, call it, and apparently spy on the person on the other end without them knowing it.
• Titanium Backup - root (free version or $6.58 for Pro) provides a powerful backup tool with extensive features, including letting you remove that pesky bloatware.
5.Custom ROMs
The general feeling among the modder community is that carriers make their Android UIs to benefit their businesses, not the user. If you want the best user experience, you have to flash a custom ROM that was actually made for users.
The term custom ROM is somewhat of a misnomer, but basically it is a customized UI for Android, and there are many from which to choose. Some of them focus on giving you the latest version of Android before your carrier releases an official update, while others focus on extra functionality or speed and stability.
There are too many Android mods to cover here, but you'll want to determine your priorities and pick one that's best for you. Or, you could get Boot Manager ($2.99) from the Android Market, which lets you choose between five different installed custom ROMs at startup.
When you root your Android device, you gain access to the entire file system, with full admin rights. You can customize your own boot image, create a full backup of your phone, or install a full-blown Linux distro. But even if you don't want to get that geeky with it, there are a plethora of everyday reasons to root your Android, and thanks to many smart developers, we have rooting processes that are fairly accessible to the average computer-savvy Joe.
There are a couple of excellent forums that provide up-to-date information on how to root just about any popular Android devics. Go to Android Forums or the XDA-Developer Forums, find your device, and then drill down for the rooting guides and other resources that will be there for most models. And for a couple of sample guides that should show you that rooting is not that crazy of a thing, see Maximum Tech's How To Root Your Android Phone Without Bricking It.
And now, on to our reasons to root, in no definitive order.
10. Bloatware
Also known as crapware and some other choice euphemisms, bloatware infects the vast majority of Android phones. You'll recognize Samsung Touchwiz, HTC Sense, and Motorola MotoBlur as the custom UIs and feature packages that those makers throw on top of stock Android. While some of that bloatware is actually useful, most of it offers nothing that you couldn't arrange on your own with other apps, and it can bog down performance or even block features from your device. Worse yet is that much of the time, bloatware apps are blocked from uninstalling, unless of course, you root your phone.
9. Overclocking
When you root your Android, you gain some control over the hardware components, making overclocking and undervolting possible. It's not uncommon to overclock a 1GHz Android CPU up to 1.6GHz, of course with a greater tendency toward instability. Several root-only apps available in the Android Market handle both overclocking and undervolting, such as SetCPU ($1.99) and Voltage Control (free or $3.36 for the Extreme version).
8. Performance
Besides mere overclocking, rooted users can gain other performance enhancements through kernal tweaks performed by some of the apps we've mentioned here, custom ROMs, or through your own means, if you know what you're doing. Such tweaks in combination with overclocking have been known to increase overall performance on a Nexus S by 250 percent.
Also, as we've previously reported on Maximum Tech, "most Android devices incorporate an EXT3 filesystem with considerable overhead to ensure safe file I/O interaction. Once rooted, however, many of these devices can be upgraded with the faster EXT4 filesystem, resulting in faster load times and overall smoother software performance, while sacrificing a bit of storage stability. Yes, the less stable memory can lead to app crashes and even data loss, but that's pretty rare."
7. Screenshots
For whatever reason, Google didn't write native screenshot ability into Android until Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS). A few devices include it as an added feature out of the box, but there's no reason for you to wait for a new ICS device or update if you want to take screenshots today. If you root your Android, you can take advantage of screenshots apps such as Screenshot or PicMe at your leisure.
6. Other Root-only Apps
Once you've successfully rooted your Android, you'll be privy to hundreds, if not thousands, of useful apps that the other suckers of the world can't access. Here are 10 reasons to root your 'droid in one. Just a smidgeon of the root-only app selection includes stuff like:
• DroidWall - Android Firewall (free) can show you any app that is using your wireless data, so you can restrict data use that is chewing up capacity on you plan, as well as see if there is any nefarious and unwanted data use happening.
• Dual Mount SD Widget - ($0.99) lets you mount your SD card to both the phone and a PC at the same time.
• Hexamob Recovery Pro - ($1.39) helps you recover files that you accidentally deleted from your internal memory or SD card.
• Keyboard Manager - (free) lets you choose one keyboard for portrait view and another for landscape.
• LEDs Hack - (free) lets you turn off LED notifications.
• Root Call Blocker - ($5.98) lets you block specific numbers at the system level, so the phone never rings when they call.
• Samba Filesharing - (free) makes your Android's files available as a Windows shared folder over Wi-Fi.
• Sixaxis Controller - ($1.62) lets you mount a PS3 controller to your Android.
• With Theft Aware - (£10), an uber-security program, you can remotely track and wipe a lost or stolen phone, call it, and apparently spy on the person on the other end without them knowing it.
• Titanium Backup - root (free version or $6.58 for Pro) provides a powerful backup tool with extensive features, including letting you remove that pesky bloatware.
5.Custom ROMs
The general feeling among the modder community is that carriers make their Android UIs to benefit their businesses, not the user. If you want the best user experience, you have to flash a custom ROM that was actually made for users.
The term custom ROM is somewhat of a misnomer, but basically it is a customized UI for Android, and there are many from which to choose. Some of them focus on giving you the latest version of Android before your carrier releases an official update, while others focus on extra functionality or speed and stability.
There are too many Android mods to cover here, but you'll want to determine your priorities and pick one that's best for you. Or, you could get Boot Manager ($2.99) from the Android Market, which lets you choose between five different installed custom ROMs at startup.
HTC Sensation gets its own ICS ROM, Sense 3.5 already included
We all know that HTC promised Sensation users that the handset will also get a taste of Android 4.0 Ice Cream sandwich by next year but some folks over at XDA-developers have other things in their minds. Obviously with no plans of waiting for the official Ice Cream sandwich update to become available for the HTC Sensation, they took it upon themselves to come up with their very own ICS ROM for the handset.
Buy the HTC Sensation for $199 with HTC Sense 3.5 and now Ice Cream Sandwich.
And now, the Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich ROM for the HTC Sensation is already available, thanks to the hardworking guys at XDA-developers. And not only that, the ICS ROM for the HTC Sensation is merged with HTC Sense 3.5 which pretty much keeps the look and feel of the handset’s user interface very HTC-like.
Unlike Alpha ROMs that have become available for other devices, the ICS ROM for the HTC Sensation has got almost everything working and is already good for everyday use, according to early adopters who have already flashed their devices with the said ROM. Well, if this is the case, you can always go ahead and try this ROM out if you really can’t wait for the official ICS update to hit the HTC Sensation.
If you prefer to wait, we have the specs sheet of the HTC Sensation with full details up next to keep you company.
The HTC Sensation was unveiled by HTC back in April and it immediately became one of the eagerly awaited Android superphones in 2011. It eventually hit the shelves in May ans been critically-acclaimed since then. The handset boasts of an aluminum unibody construction with dimensions of 126.1 x 165.4 x 11.3 mm and weight of 148 grams.
The T-Mobile HTC Sensation is now priced at $199 for new and existing customers.
Under the hood, we see the components that make up the internals of the HTC Sensation which are responsible for making it the flagship device of the Taiwanese smartphone and tablet manufacturer. The HTC Sensation is based on the SnapDragon platform with a QualComm MSM8260 chipset at the heart of its operations. This SoC chipset gives the handset a dual-core 1.2GHz Scorpion processor and a dedicated Adreno 220 graphics engine.
Though the handset only has 768 MB of RAM supporting the processor, the combination is powerful enough to take care of all the tasks that are being thrown its way. in the same vein, the HTC Sensation only comes with a 1GB internal memory but the dedicated microSd card slot of the device allows a user to augment the meager onboard storage of the handset.
The HTC Sensation sports a 4.3-inch SuperLCD capacitive touchscreen display with a 540 x 96 qHD resolution and pixel density of 256 ppi. It also comes with a pair of shooters in the form of its 8MP rear shooter and VGA front video call camera. The rear shooter of the device comes with a pair of LED flash and an autofocus feature aside from being able to record 1080p videos with stereo sound at 30 frames per second.
These components in the innards of the HTC Sensation are responsible for making it the flagship device that it is and whether you become an early adopter of the ICS ROM with Sense 3.5 or wait for the official ICS update for the device, nothing will change the fact that the HTC Sensation is one of the best smartphones that money can get you today.
Buy the HTC Sensation for $199 with HTC Sense 3.5 and now Ice Cream Sandwich.
And now, the Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich ROM for the HTC Sensation is already available, thanks to the hardworking guys at XDA-developers. And not only that, the ICS ROM for the HTC Sensation is merged with HTC Sense 3.5 which pretty much keeps the look and feel of the handset’s user interface very HTC-like.
Unlike Alpha ROMs that have become available for other devices, the ICS ROM for the HTC Sensation has got almost everything working and is already good for everyday use, according to early adopters who have already flashed their devices with the said ROM. Well, if this is the case, you can always go ahead and try this ROM out if you really can’t wait for the official ICS update to hit the HTC Sensation.
If you prefer to wait, we have the specs sheet of the HTC Sensation with full details up next to keep you company.
The HTC Sensation was unveiled by HTC back in April and it immediately became one of the eagerly awaited Android superphones in 2011. It eventually hit the shelves in May ans been critically-acclaimed since then. The handset boasts of an aluminum unibody construction with dimensions of 126.1 x 165.4 x 11.3 mm and weight of 148 grams.
The T-Mobile HTC Sensation is now priced at $199 for new and existing customers.
Under the hood, we see the components that make up the internals of the HTC Sensation which are responsible for making it the flagship device of the Taiwanese smartphone and tablet manufacturer. The HTC Sensation is based on the SnapDragon platform with a QualComm MSM8260 chipset at the heart of its operations. This SoC chipset gives the handset a dual-core 1.2GHz Scorpion processor and a dedicated Adreno 220 graphics engine.
Though the handset only has 768 MB of RAM supporting the processor, the combination is powerful enough to take care of all the tasks that are being thrown its way. in the same vein, the HTC Sensation only comes with a 1GB internal memory but the dedicated microSd card slot of the device allows a user to augment the meager onboard storage of the handset.
The HTC Sensation sports a 4.3-inch SuperLCD capacitive touchscreen display with a 540 x 96 qHD resolution and pixel density of 256 ppi. It also comes with a pair of shooters in the form of its 8MP rear shooter and VGA front video call camera. The rear shooter of the device comes with a pair of LED flash and an autofocus feature aside from being able to record 1080p videos with stereo sound at 30 frames per second.
These components in the innards of the HTC Sensation are responsible for making it the flagship device that it is and whether you become an early adopter of the ICS ROM with Sense 3.5 or wait for the official ICS update for the device, nothing will change the fact that the HTC Sensation is one of the best smartphones that money can get you today.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Samsung, LG to Launch Google TVs, Joining Sony and Vizio
Google said Thursday that TV heavyweights Samsung and LG will launch sets that run its Google TV platform, with new models to be showcased at the International Consumer Electronics Show next week in Las Vegas.
The U.S. search giant has so far failed to impress the industry with the Internet TV platform it launched in 2010. The interface was seen as too confusing for lay users, and Google suffered setbacks as key supplier Logitech pulled its support after losing over US$100 million, and the major U.S. networks blocked video streaming from their websites.
But with televisions sets now seen as the last frontier for Internet content, after computers, phones and tablets, Google has steadily improved its Android-based platform. Google TV got a major software overhaul in October, and the company has continued to market it to hardware and component makers.
On Thursday, Google also said that Taiwanese semiconductor firm MediaTek would create chips for Google TV products, joining Marvell, and allowing more consumer products to enter the market. The new addition could help soften the blow of losing Intel, which opted to pull out of the TV market in October.
Samsung and LG will join Sony in launching televisions that run Google TV. This means that the top three global TV makers by revenue, according to DisplaySearch's numbers for the third quarter of 2011, now support the platform. U.S. powerhouse Vizio is also launching a new line that supports it.
Google's push comes as numerous reports say Apple is hard at work on its own TV platform, which may come as an overhaul of its existing Apple TV box or a completely new television product.
A separate battle is unfolding in the race to attract TV content, with online streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon and Hulu in competition to secure popular programming. Google, through its YouTube property, is striving to add higher quality content to the user uploaded variety which made the site popular.
Google TV will also run apps on television screens, and the company said it now has more than 150. These include games, content from third-party providers, plus simpler apps, like one that plays high-definition video of a fireplace with jazz and rain sounds in the background.
LG, Sony and Vizio are all due to demonstrate Google TV products at CES next week.
The U.S. search giant has so far failed to impress the industry with the Internet TV platform it launched in 2010. The interface was seen as too confusing for lay users, and Google suffered setbacks as key supplier Logitech pulled its support after losing over US$100 million, and the major U.S. networks blocked video streaming from their websites.
But with televisions sets now seen as the last frontier for Internet content, after computers, phones and tablets, Google has steadily improved its Android-based platform. Google TV got a major software overhaul in October, and the company has continued to market it to hardware and component makers.
On Thursday, Google also said that Taiwanese semiconductor firm MediaTek would create chips for Google TV products, joining Marvell, and allowing more consumer products to enter the market. The new addition could help soften the blow of losing Intel, which opted to pull out of the TV market in October.
Samsung and LG will join Sony in launching televisions that run Google TV. This means that the top three global TV makers by revenue, according to DisplaySearch's numbers for the third quarter of 2011, now support the platform. U.S. powerhouse Vizio is also launching a new line that supports it.
Google's push comes as numerous reports say Apple is hard at work on its own TV platform, which may come as an overhaul of its existing Apple TV box or a completely new television product.
A separate battle is unfolding in the race to attract TV content, with online streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon and Hulu in competition to secure popular programming. Google, through its YouTube property, is striving to add higher quality content to the user uploaded variety which made the site popular.
Google TV will also run apps on television screens, and the company said it now has more than 150. These include games, content from third-party providers, plus simpler apps, like one that plays high-definition video of a fireplace with jazz and rain sounds in the background.
LG, Sony and Vizio are all due to demonstrate Google TV products at CES next week.
Install Android ICS On Galaxy S2
Install Android ICS On Galaxy S2 : Many user of samsung galaxy phone want to upgrade his phone using Ice cream sandwitch . but only among people can upgrade because they dont know how to upgrade this phone . Today i wana share tutorial to upgrade ICS on Galaxy S 2 . actualy this tutorial is very simple if u know hehehe .. ok just folow this step to get ICS on your phone.
http://www.androidnice.com/install-android-ics-on-galaxy-s2.html
http://www.androidnice.com/install-android-ics-on-galaxy-s2.html
Samsung Galaxy S2, HTC Sensation to get Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich
Samsung Galaxy S2 and HTC Sensation are set to get Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich. These are among several other top Android smart phones that will get the update. Here are some important features that Android 4 will bring to these smart phones.
Ice Cream Sandwich is proving to very attractive for Android smart phone and tablet users. Users of all top Android smart phones are looking forward to get the latest OS from Google that will make their smart phones a lot better and a lot more responsive.
The top smart phones that are awaiting the new update include Samsung Galaxy S2, Samsung Galaxy Note, HTC Sensation, Motorola Droid Razr, besides other smart phones from LG, Motorola, Samsung and HTC.
Ice Cream Sandwich or Android 4.0 is the first Google Android OS that will work equally well on tablets and smart phones. Both tablets and smartphones will run on the software. Until now we have been using Android 3.0 Honeycomb exclusively for tablets and Android 3.2 Gingerbread mainly for smartphones. By the end of the year, we will have Ice Cream Sandwich both for tablets and phones. It is the way Android can compete with Apple iOS and the imminent Microsoft Windows 8.
Google claims that the new operating system will improve the functioning of the Android gadgets tremendously. It is going to give options of easy multitasking, rich notifications, customizable home screens, resizable widgets, and deep interactivity — and adds powerful new ways of communicating and sharing.
User interface is a lot more improved in the new Android 4.0. It makes using the phones or the tablet work without any hassle. It makes actions more visible and lets users navigate with simple, intuitive gestures. Refined animations and feedback throughout the system make interactions engaging and interesting. An entirely new typeface optimized for high-resolution screens improves readability and brings a polished, modern feel to the user interface.
The latest Google Android operating system changes the home screen to an all new level, obviously much more improved than anyone can comprehend. The Honeycomb style widgets are quite apparent, but what is different is their re-sizable feature. With these resized widgets, the layout of the interface doesn’t feel uncluttered. Moreover, ICS has also given a convenient folder dragging mechanism (like the iOS). But in this case, people (their speed dial contacts) can be added into folders and favorites.
A new layout, GridLayout, improves the performance of Android applications by supporting flatter view hierarchies that are faster to layout and render. Because hierarchies are flatter, developers can also manage alignments between components that are visually related to each other even when they are not logically related, for precise control over application UI. GridLayout is also specifically designed to be configured by drag-and-drop design tools such as the ADT Plug-in for Eclipse.
The new OS comes with a lot better and responsive notification system than Android offered anytime in the past. Android 4.0 comes with a notification system that allows optimum user convenience. This new system allows a user to ignore those notifications that are unimportant and let him or her see those notifications that are important. A user can see those even less important notifications later.
Regulation of data usage is another point that makes the Ice Cream Sandwich a lot better and improved. The operating system lets a user monitor his or her data usage without the requirement of any third party app. This features makes sure that one can easily check the data usage of individual apps and also view daily reports regarding the quantified usage of data (along with utilization of data disabling ability).
The new browser comes with new camera capabilities that take the camera effectiveness to an all new level. Developers can take advantage of a variety of new camera features in Android 4.0. ZSL exposure, continuous focus, and image zoom let apps capture better still and video images, including during video capture. Apps can even capture full-resolution snapshots while shooting video. Apps can now set custom metering regions in a camera preview, then manage white balance and exposure dynamically for those regions. For easier focusing and image processing, a face-detection service identifies and tracks faces in a preview and returns their screen coordinates.
Ice Cream Sandwich also gives an improved web or internet browsing. The Android Browser offers an experience that’s as rich and convenient as a desktop browser. It lets users instantly sync and manage Google Chrome bookmarks from all of their accounts, jump to their favorite content faster, and even save it for reading later in case there’s no network available. To get the most out of web content, users can now request full desktop versions of web sites, rather than their mobile versions. Users can set their preference for web sites separately for each browser tab. For longer content, users can save a copy for offline reading. To find and open saved pages, users can browse a visual list that’s included with browser bookmarks and history. For better readability and accessibility, users can increase the browser’s zoom levels and override the system default text sizes.
Ice Cream Sandwich is proving to very attractive for Android smart phone and tablet users. Users of all top Android smart phones are looking forward to get the latest OS from Google that will make their smart phones a lot better and a lot more responsive.
The top smart phones that are awaiting the new update include Samsung Galaxy S2, Samsung Galaxy Note, HTC Sensation, Motorola Droid Razr, besides other smart phones from LG, Motorola, Samsung and HTC.
Ice Cream Sandwich or Android 4.0 is the first Google Android OS that will work equally well on tablets and smart phones. Both tablets and smartphones will run on the software. Until now we have been using Android 3.0 Honeycomb exclusively for tablets and Android 3.2 Gingerbread mainly for smartphones. By the end of the year, we will have Ice Cream Sandwich both for tablets and phones. It is the way Android can compete with Apple iOS and the imminent Microsoft Windows 8.
Google claims that the new operating system will improve the functioning of the Android gadgets tremendously. It is going to give options of easy multitasking, rich notifications, customizable home screens, resizable widgets, and deep interactivity — and adds powerful new ways of communicating and sharing.
User interface is a lot more improved in the new Android 4.0. It makes using the phones or the tablet work without any hassle. It makes actions more visible and lets users navigate with simple, intuitive gestures. Refined animations and feedback throughout the system make interactions engaging and interesting. An entirely new typeface optimized for high-resolution screens improves readability and brings a polished, modern feel to the user interface.
The latest Google Android operating system changes the home screen to an all new level, obviously much more improved than anyone can comprehend. The Honeycomb style widgets are quite apparent, but what is different is their re-sizable feature. With these resized widgets, the layout of the interface doesn’t feel uncluttered. Moreover, ICS has also given a convenient folder dragging mechanism (like the iOS). But in this case, people (their speed dial contacts) can be added into folders and favorites.
A new layout, GridLayout, improves the performance of Android applications by supporting flatter view hierarchies that are faster to layout and render. Because hierarchies are flatter, developers can also manage alignments between components that are visually related to each other even when they are not logically related, for precise control over application UI. GridLayout is also specifically designed to be configured by drag-and-drop design tools such as the ADT Plug-in for Eclipse.
The new OS comes with a lot better and responsive notification system than Android offered anytime in the past. Android 4.0 comes with a notification system that allows optimum user convenience. This new system allows a user to ignore those notifications that are unimportant and let him or her see those notifications that are important. A user can see those even less important notifications later.
Regulation of data usage is another point that makes the Ice Cream Sandwich a lot better and improved. The operating system lets a user monitor his or her data usage without the requirement of any third party app. This features makes sure that one can easily check the data usage of individual apps and also view daily reports regarding the quantified usage of data (along with utilization of data disabling ability).
The new browser comes with new camera capabilities that take the camera effectiveness to an all new level. Developers can take advantage of a variety of new camera features in Android 4.0. ZSL exposure, continuous focus, and image zoom let apps capture better still and video images, including during video capture. Apps can even capture full-resolution snapshots while shooting video. Apps can now set custom metering regions in a camera preview, then manage white balance and exposure dynamically for those regions. For easier focusing and image processing, a face-detection service identifies and tracks faces in a preview and returns their screen coordinates.
Ice Cream Sandwich also gives an improved web or internet browsing. The Android Browser offers an experience that’s as rich and convenient as a desktop browser. It lets users instantly sync and manage Google Chrome bookmarks from all of their accounts, jump to their favorite content faster, and even save it for reading later in case there’s no network available. To get the most out of web content, users can now request full desktop versions of web sites, rather than their mobile versions. Users can set their preference for web sites separately for each browser tab. For longer content, users can save a copy for offline reading. To find and open saved pages, users can browse a visual list that’s included with browser bookmarks and history. For better readability and accessibility, users can increase the browser’s zoom levels and override the system default text sizes.
Baghdad bombings kill 24
Baghdad (CNN) -- A series of bombings in Baghdad left 24 dead and dozens wounded Thursday, intensifying fears of an increase in sectarian violence in the midst of a political crisis.
A triple bombing in Baghdad's Sadr City area Thursday morning killed at least nine people and wounded 35 others, an official with Iraq's Interior Ministry said.
The first bomb -- attached to a motorcycle -- detonated near a group of laborers who were searching for day jobs in the Shiite neighborhood, according to the official. Shortly after that, two other bombs detonated in quick succession nearby.
Iraqis have been concerned about an increase in violence after the U.S. Military withdrawal from the country.
In other violence, car bombs exploded successively in northern Baghdad's predominantly Shiite Kadhimiya district on Thursday morning killing 15 and wounding 31, the Interior Ministry official said.
The bombs exploded in two busy squares that were about 150 meters apart.
Kadhimiya is busy with many Shiite pilgrims who are starting their pilgrimage walking to Karbala to commemorate Arbaeen .
A triple bombing in Baghdad's Sadr City area Thursday morning killed at least nine people and wounded 35 others, an official with Iraq's Interior Ministry said.
The first bomb -- attached to a motorcycle -- detonated near a group of laborers who were searching for day jobs in the Shiite neighborhood, according to the official. Shortly after that, two other bombs detonated in quick succession nearby.
Iraqis have been concerned about an increase in violence after the U.S. Military withdrawal from the country.
In other violence, car bombs exploded successively in northern Baghdad's predominantly Shiite Kadhimiya district on Thursday morning killing 15 and wounding 31, the Interior Ministry official said.
The bombs exploded in two busy squares that were about 150 meters apart.
Kadhimiya is busy with many Shiite pilgrims who are starting their pilgrimage walking to Karbala to commemorate Arbaeen .
Android 3.2.1 Honeycomb Update Now Rolling Out To HTC's EVO View 4G
Sprint's variant of the HTC Flyer - the HTC EVO View 4G - is finally getting a taste of Honeycomb, bringing it up to par with competing Android tablets.
Originally launched with a heavily customized version of Android 2.3, the View 4G is now receiving an over-the-air update to Android 3.2.1. As you'd expect, the update brings Honeycomb to Sprint's version of the Flyer, featuring HTC's Sense overlay, and on-screen buttons which replace the View 4G's capacitive keys – here's the full changelog for this 217MB update:
Originally launched with a heavily customized version of Android 2.3, the View 4G is now receiving an over-the-air update to Android 3.2.1. As you'd expect, the update brings Honeycomb to Sprint's version of the Flyer, featuring HTC's Sense overlay, and on-screen buttons which replace the View 4G's capacitive keys – here's the full changelog for this 217MB update:
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
HTC Flyer gets Android 3.2 upgrade weeks after Android 4.0 is released
Google may have released Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) already, but HTC Flyer owners are only now getting Android 3.2 (Honeycomb). Android Central, and other sources, are reporting that users of the Wi-Fi version of the Flyer have begun receiving the update to Honeycomb. Those who own the Sprint version, known as the Evo View 4G, should have gotten the update in December.
For a little history, the HTC Flyer went on sale in May 2011, but because it’s 7-inch form-factor was not yet supported by Google’s tablet-specific Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), it came loaded with a modified version of Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), which was intended for phones only. When Google finally began supporting smaller screen sizes with its Android 3.2 update in late summer, HTC presumably began working to migrate the Flyer to the new OS. Unfortunately, like many HTC devices running the HTC Sense user interface layered on top of Android, it has taken months and months for the update to arrive.
Currently, HTC has not listed the Flyer as one of the devices that will receive an Android 4.0 update in the near future. Due to its lack of any standout sales success, we presume that it will never get the update, as it may be more trouble to HTC than it’s worth. But hey, Flyer owners at least you are getting Honeycomb. It’s better than nothing…maybe. We will try out the update when it’s available for our Flyer.
For a little history, the HTC Flyer went on sale in May 2011, but because it’s 7-inch form-factor was not yet supported by Google’s tablet-specific Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), it came loaded with a modified version of Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), which was intended for phones only. When Google finally began supporting smaller screen sizes with its Android 3.2 update in late summer, HTC presumably began working to migrate the Flyer to the new OS. Unfortunately, like many HTC devices running the HTC Sense user interface layered on top of Android, it has taken months and months for the update to arrive.
Currently, HTC has not listed the Flyer as one of the devices that will receive an Android 4.0 update in the near future. Due to its lack of any standout sales success, we presume that it will never get the update, as it may be more trouble to HTC than it’s worth. But hey, Flyer owners at least you are getting Honeycomb. It’s better than nothing…maybe. We will try out the update when it’s available for our Flyer.
Intel’s first Android smartphone will be made by LG, shown off at CES
Intel has already hinted at its smartphone and tablet processor plans for next year, but it seems that LG will hold the title of the first company to create a modern smartphone with Intel inside.
Intel will be showing off an LG smartphone running Android and its Medfield mobile processor at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which is only a few weeks away, reports the Korea Times.
Intel Korea head Lee Hee-sung confirmed to the paper that the company would announce a Medfield smartphone at CES, and unnamed high-level exec said that it would be made by LG. The companies partnered earlier this year for a MeeGo smartphone (which was also showed off at CES), but plans for that fell through.
It makes sense for Intel to team up with LG yet again, since the Korean phone maker could desperately use the subsidies that Intel provides to its partners. And Intel needs a hardware manufacturer that can make high-quality devices — something LG has proven with its 2011 Android smartphone lineup.
Intel has missed out on providing chips for the current generation of smartphones and tablets, so it needs to make sure to wow the CES audience with whatever it shows off. The above picture shows a reference Medfield phone that looks similar to the iPhone 4.
Another LG executive told the Korea Times, “I doubt that LG Electronics will release phones running on Android software based on any Intel platform. It’s quite possible for LG to push Intel’s reference mobiles but with huge subsidies from Intel for promotion.” This sheds some doubt on the report, though I can’t imagine Intel would introduce a new phone running anything but Android.
Intel will be showing off an LG smartphone running Android and its Medfield mobile processor at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which is only a few weeks away, reports the Korea Times.
Intel Korea head Lee Hee-sung confirmed to the paper that the company would announce a Medfield smartphone at CES, and unnamed high-level exec said that it would be made by LG. The companies partnered earlier this year for a MeeGo smartphone (which was also showed off at CES), but plans for that fell through.
It makes sense for Intel to team up with LG yet again, since the Korean phone maker could desperately use the subsidies that Intel provides to its partners. And Intel needs a hardware manufacturer that can make high-quality devices — something LG has proven with its 2011 Android smartphone lineup.
Intel has missed out on providing chips for the current generation of smartphones and tablets, so it needs to make sure to wow the CES audience with whatever it shows off. The above picture shows a reference Medfield phone that looks similar to the iPhone 4.
Another LG executive told the Korea Times, “I doubt that LG Electronics will release phones running on Android software based on any Intel platform. It’s quite possible for LG to push Intel’s reference mobiles but with huge subsidies from Intel for promotion.” This sheds some doubt on the report, though I can’t imagine Intel would introduce a new phone running anything but Android.
Google’s rumored Nexus tablet could cannibalize sales of partner tablets
Google’s chairman Eric Schmidt made comments during a press conference in mid-December that suggested his company was working on building its own Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich tablet. It’s entirely possible that Schmidt’s comments were taken out of context, so we’re still chalking the slate up as a rumor. If Google does in fact decide to launch a tablet, however, sources speaking to DigiTimes believe it could have an adverse affect on tablet sales for Google’s Android partners. DigiTimes’s sources said Google may deploy a newer Android 4.1 operating system on its tablets while forcing other vendors, such as Acer, Lenovo and Asus to launch devices powered by an older Android 4.0 build. As one might expect, Android 4.1 will likely offer features unavailable to Android 4.0 users, which could result in more customers favoring Google’s tablet over competing devices. Google partnered with Samsung to launch its “pure Google” Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) tablet, the Galaxy Tab 10.1, earlier this year. However, this time around it is suspected that Google will partner with Motorola, which it is currently trying to acquire for $12.5 billion.
BlackBerry PlayBook users can root their tablets to run Android apps
(Credit: RIM) BlackBerry PlayBook owners tired of waiting for RIM to support Android apps can root their devices to gain access to the Android Market.
With the PlayBook recently rooted and capable of being customized, the folks at tech site CrackBerry have published a how-to guide for enterprising users who want to root their own units.
Starting with a rooted PlayBook, users will need the latest version of Cyanogen Google Apps, the FTP client WinSCP, and a few other items. CrackBerry then explains step by step how to tweak your tablet to capture and launch Google's Android Market from where you can then download your favorite apps.
With RIM now selling all three models of the PlayBook for just $299, rooting the device could be an inexpensive way to turn it into an Android tablet. But as always, there are a couple of gotchas. Rooting the device can be a delicate procedure, so users are advised to proceed at their own risk.
Also, not all Android apps will run on a rooted device, so you'll find certain apps unsupported. The CrackBerry guide noted that movie rentals and specific apps, such as Angry Birds and Skype, don't really work, but apps such as Twitter, Pandora, and Google+ will run.
Since last March, RIM has been promising an update to the PlayBook operating system that would let users run Android apps. But version 2.0 of the OS has again been delayed, this time until February, as the company continues to smooth out the update. Currently, BlackBerry Playbook 2.0 is available only as a developer's beta version.
RIM has faced a tough time drumming up interest in its tablet. Customers had shied away from the PlayBook in droves last year until several retailers trimmed the price of the 16 gigabyte edition to just $199.
The company also has several other balls in the air. RIM itself has been under fire for a series of gaffes and a lack of direction from upper management, leading to reports that it could name a new chairman to replace current co-chairmen Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie.
With the PlayBook recently rooted and capable of being customized, the folks at tech site CrackBerry have published a how-to guide for enterprising users who want to root their own units.
Starting with a rooted PlayBook, users will need the latest version of Cyanogen Google Apps, the FTP client WinSCP, and a few other items. CrackBerry then explains step by step how to tweak your tablet to capture and launch Google's Android Market from where you can then download your favorite apps.
With RIM now selling all three models of the PlayBook for just $299, rooting the device could be an inexpensive way to turn it into an Android tablet. But as always, there are a couple of gotchas. Rooting the device can be a delicate procedure, so users are advised to proceed at their own risk.
Also, not all Android apps will run on a rooted device, so you'll find certain apps unsupported. The CrackBerry guide noted that movie rentals and specific apps, such as Angry Birds and Skype, don't really work, but apps such as Twitter, Pandora, and Google+ will run.
Since last March, RIM has been promising an update to the PlayBook operating system that would let users run Android apps. But version 2.0 of the OS has again been delayed, this time until February, as the company continues to smooth out the update. Currently, BlackBerry Playbook 2.0 is available only as a developer's beta version.
RIM has faced a tough time drumming up interest in its tablet. Customers had shied away from the PlayBook in droves last year until several retailers trimmed the price of the 16 gigabyte edition to just $199.
The company also has several other balls in the air. RIM itself has been under fire for a series of gaffes and a lack of direction from upper management, leading to reports that it could name a new chairman to replace current co-chairmen Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Oil above $111 on Iran, China, U.S. data
By Christopher Johnson
LONDON (Reuters) - Crude oil rose above $111 a barrel on Tuesday as tension between Iran and the United States stirred fear of a possible disruption to oil supplies from the Middle East and as Chinese and U.S. data showed economic activity increasing.
Oil was one of the best performing assets in 2011, with North Sea Brent posting an annual gain of 13 percent, to a record average of nearly $111 a barrel, as unrest in North Africa and the Middle East disrupted supply.
The market began the new year strongly on signs of rising demand from emerging economies and supply concerns.
ICE Brent crude futures climbed $4.20 to a high of $111.58 a barrel before easing back to around $111.30 by 1520 GMT on Tuesday, the first day of trading for 2012. U.S. crude futures were up $3.70 at $102.53 a barrel after hitting an intraday high of $102.71.
Military exercises in the Gulf by Iran and the movement of U.S. naval vessels in the area has raised fears of a confrontation between Tehran and Washington that could cut off oil exports from the region.
Iran has said it could shut the Strait of Hormuz, through which 40 percent of world oil is shipped, if sanctions were to be imposed on its crude exports.
Iranian state news agency IRNA on Tuesday quoted army chief Ataollah Salehi as saying Iran would take action if a U.S. aircraft carrier returned to the Gulf.
The Iranian semi-official Fars news agency quoted Salehi as recommending and warning the United States against the return of the carrier, which had left the area because of Iran's naval exercises: "Iran will not repeat its warning.
Carsten Fritsch, commodities analyst at Commerzbank in Frankfurt, said the Iranian military maneuvers and comments had added to the risk premium for oil and other commodities.
"The risk premium is supporting oil prices," Fritsch said.
Olivier Jakob at consultants Petromatrix in Zug, Switzerland, said markets were rattled by the increasing level of rhetoric on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz.
"Some of the rhetoric can at times be part of a public relations show, but it can quickly spin out of control," Jakob said. "In this environment of increasing tensions and rhetoric, global asset managers are unlikely to give up their long exposure to oil."
DATA
Also supporting commodities markets were figures from the United States and China showing increasing economic activity.
The pace of growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector accelerated in December, its best month since June, according to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).
Activity at big Chinese manufacturers also expanded slightly in December, temporarily putting to rest fears that the world's second-largest economy could slow sharply in the wake of the euro zone crisis and hurt oil demand.
The official Purchasing Managers Index for non-manufacturing sectors rebounded strongly to 56.0 from 49.7 in November, data showed on Tuesday.
But markets kept a wary eye on the Straits of Hormuz.
The West has moved closer towards tougher sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, ratcheting up concerns of a supply cut from OPEC's second largest producer.
U.S. President Barack Obama signed a law on Saturday imposing tougher financial sanctions that could for the first time hurt Tehran's oil exports, while the European Union is due to consider similar steps soon.
Iran test-fired what it described as two long-range missiles at the end of a 10-day naval exercise in the Gulf.
"It's mostly saber-rattling," said Victor Shum, oil consultant at Purvin & Gertz. "Whether Iran would actually blockade the Strait of Hormuz remains to be seen."
LONDON (Reuters) - Crude oil rose above $111 a barrel on Tuesday as tension between Iran and the United States stirred fear of a possible disruption to oil supplies from the Middle East and as Chinese and U.S. data showed economic activity increasing.
Oil was one of the best performing assets in 2011, with North Sea Brent posting an annual gain of 13 percent, to a record average of nearly $111 a barrel, as unrest in North Africa and the Middle East disrupted supply.
The market began the new year strongly on signs of rising demand from emerging economies and supply concerns.
ICE Brent crude futures climbed $4.20 to a high of $111.58 a barrel before easing back to around $111.30 by 1520 GMT on Tuesday, the first day of trading for 2012. U.S. crude futures were up $3.70 at $102.53 a barrel after hitting an intraday high of $102.71.
Military exercises in the Gulf by Iran and the movement of U.S. naval vessels in the area has raised fears of a confrontation between Tehran and Washington that could cut off oil exports from the region.
Iran has said it could shut the Strait of Hormuz, through which 40 percent of world oil is shipped, if sanctions were to be imposed on its crude exports.
Iranian state news agency IRNA on Tuesday quoted army chief Ataollah Salehi as saying Iran would take action if a U.S. aircraft carrier returned to the Gulf.
The Iranian semi-official Fars news agency quoted Salehi as recommending and warning the United States against the return of the carrier, which had left the area because of Iran's naval exercises: "Iran will not repeat its warning.
Carsten Fritsch, commodities analyst at Commerzbank in Frankfurt, said the Iranian military maneuvers and comments had added to the risk premium for oil and other commodities.
"The risk premium is supporting oil prices," Fritsch said.
Olivier Jakob at consultants Petromatrix in Zug, Switzerland, said markets were rattled by the increasing level of rhetoric on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz.
"Some of the rhetoric can at times be part of a public relations show, but it can quickly spin out of control," Jakob said. "In this environment of increasing tensions and rhetoric, global asset managers are unlikely to give up their long exposure to oil."
DATA
Also supporting commodities markets were figures from the United States and China showing increasing economic activity.
The pace of growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector accelerated in December, its best month since June, according to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).
Activity at big Chinese manufacturers also expanded slightly in December, temporarily putting to rest fears that the world's second-largest economy could slow sharply in the wake of the euro zone crisis and hurt oil demand.
The official Purchasing Managers Index for non-manufacturing sectors rebounded strongly to 56.0 from 49.7 in November, data showed on Tuesday.
But markets kept a wary eye on the Straits of Hormuz.
The West has moved closer towards tougher sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, ratcheting up concerns of a supply cut from OPEC's second largest producer.
U.S. President Barack Obama signed a law on Saturday imposing tougher financial sanctions that could for the first time hurt Tehran's oil exports, while the European Union is due to consider similar steps soon.
Iran test-fired what it described as two long-range missiles at the end of a 10-day naval exercise in the Gulf.
"It's mostly saber-rattling," said Victor Shum, oil consultant at Purvin & Gertz. "Whether Iran would actually blockade the Strait of Hormuz remains to be seen."
iOS 5.1 beta 2 released, with no word yet on battery drain fix
Available for >registered developers, iOS 5.1 beta 2 addresses a variety of issues, according to >Boy Genius Report. Included in the mix are a fix for app icons that had trouble using Game Center and a remedy to address freezes when using the shake-to-shuffle feature to bounce around different songs.
One new feature now lets you delete individual photos from Photo Stream from any of your iOS devices. Otherwise, all of the other notes primarily affect developers who'll be using the new 5.1 Software Development Kit to build iOS apps.
As for the battery drain glitch, BGR expressed hope that the issue is fixed for good. But so far that's little more than wishful thinking.
Apple's notes for the new beta contained no information on the battery problem, not surprising since those notes are geared strictly to developers who aren't involved with that issue. A scan of the Apple Support Communities and other Web sites found no clues one way or another. But that's not unexpected since the new beta just came out.
The company has faced a tough time trying to resolve the >battery drain problem since users first started reporting it not long after iOS 5.0 was released. Apple quickly rolled out iOS 5.0.1, which it hoped would solve the issue. But the update >produced mixed results, with some users saying it fixed the problem, some saying it had no effect, and others saying it made things worse. Apple has acknowledged this persistent problem, even after the 5.0.1 release, and has said that it's continuing to investigate "a few remaining issues." But since the battery drain doesn't affect all iOS users equally, it may be proving difficult to fix across the board.
The company released the first beta of iOS 5.1 about two weeks ago, bit it too received a mixed response among testers as far as alleviating the battery drain.
No word on when iOS 5.1 may reach users, especially with the battery issue still a question mark. But if Apple follows its usual pattern, another beta is most likely to hit developers before the final version is released, possibly before the year is over.
One new feature now lets you delete individual photos from Photo Stream from any of your iOS devices. Otherwise, all of the other notes primarily affect developers who'll be using the new 5.1 Software Development Kit to build iOS apps.
As for the battery drain glitch, BGR expressed hope that the issue is fixed for good. But so far that's little more than wishful thinking.
Apple's notes for the new beta contained no information on the battery problem, not surprising since those notes are geared strictly to developers who aren't involved with that issue. A scan of the Apple Support Communities and other Web sites found no clues one way or another. But that's not unexpected since the new beta just came out.
The company has faced a tough time trying to resolve the >battery drain problem since users first started reporting it not long after iOS 5.0 was released. Apple quickly rolled out iOS 5.0.1, which it hoped would solve the issue. But the update >produced mixed results, with some users saying it fixed the problem, some saying it had no effect, and others saying it made things worse. Apple has acknowledged this persistent problem, even after the 5.0.1 release, and has said that it's continuing to investigate "a few remaining issues." But since the battery drain doesn't affect all iOS users equally, it may be proving difficult to fix across the board.
The company released the first beta of iOS 5.1 about two weeks ago, bit it too received a mixed response among testers as far as alleviating the battery drain.
No word on when iOS 5.1 may reach users, especially with the battery issue still a question mark. But if Apple follows its usual pattern, another beta is most likely to hit developers before the final version is released, possibly before the year is over.
Android 4.0 comes to Kindle Fire via hack
If you've been disappointed with the limited Android access on Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet, here's some good news.
There is a hack in the works that could potentially bring a full working version of Android 4.0 to the $199 tablet.
Although the Kindle Fire was without a doubt one of the hottest items this holiday season, it has garnered a lot of criticism, mostly for the fact that it isn't really a full Android tablet.
That is to say, it runs a specialized Amazon skin instead of the traditional Android software, and it is only able to run apps that have been approved by Amazon.
But a developer who goes by the online handle JackpotClavin managed to hack its way into the proprietary Amazon firmware and install a working build of the latest version of Android, free and clear of the online retailer's restrictions.
Right now the hack is still buggy and not meant for the general public to download, but enhancements are continually being made and the developer hopes to make a more solid option available soon.
Of course, Ice Cream Sandwich remains a largely unknown quantity, even among devices that are running it with official Google approval. Nevertheless, it's interesting to see how quickly this Kindle Fire hack was made available.
There is a hack in the works that could potentially bring a full working version of Android 4.0 to the $199 tablet.
Although the Kindle Fire was without a doubt one of the hottest items this holiday season, it has garnered a lot of criticism, mostly for the fact that it isn't really a full Android tablet.
That is to say, it runs a specialized Amazon skin instead of the traditional Android software, and it is only able to run apps that have been approved by Amazon.
But a developer who goes by the online handle JackpotClavin managed to hack its way into the proprietary Amazon firmware and install a working build of the latest version of Android, free and clear of the online retailer's restrictions.
Right now the hack is still buggy and not meant for the general public to download, but enhancements are continually being made and the developer hopes to make a more solid option available soon.
Of course, Ice Cream Sandwich remains a largely unknown quantity, even among devices that are running it with official Google approval. Nevertheless, it's interesting to see how quickly this Kindle Fire hack was made available.
Monday, January 2, 2012
LG Electronics May Start Selling 55-inch OLED TVs in Second Half
Jan. 3 (Bloomberg) -- LG Electronics Inc. said it may start selling the world’s largest television using the organic light- emitting diode, or OLED, technology in the second half of this year as it seeks to give a boost to stagnating TV sales.
LG, the world’s second-largest TV maker, will unveil the model with a 55-inch screen at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week, Ken Hong, a Seoul-based spokesman for the company, said by telephone today.
The new display technology produces sharper images than liquid-crystal display panels, and allows TVs to become thinner in designs. Global shipments of LCD TVs may have reached 206 million units last year, falling short of an earlier projection of 211 million units, researcher DisplaySearch said in October.
LG’s 55-inch OLED model is 4 millimeters thick, and weighs 7.5 kilograms, according to the company. It will also feature 3- D functions and Web-based services, Hong said.
--Editors: Anand Krishnamoorthy, Garry Smith
To contact the reporters on this story: Jun Yang in Seoul at jyang180@bloomberg.net;
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Michael Tighe at mtighe4@bloomberg.net;
LG, the world’s second-largest TV maker, will unveil the model with a 55-inch screen at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week, Ken Hong, a Seoul-based spokesman for the company, said by telephone today.
The new display technology produces sharper images than liquid-crystal display panels, and allows TVs to become thinner in designs. Global shipments of LCD TVs may have reached 206 million units last year, falling short of an earlier projection of 211 million units, researcher DisplaySearch said in October.
LG’s 55-inch OLED model is 4 millimeters thick, and weighs 7.5 kilograms, according to the company. It will also feature 3- D functions and Web-based services, Hong said.
--Editors: Anand Krishnamoorthy, Garry Smith
To contact the reporters on this story: Jun Yang in Seoul at jyang180@bloomberg.net;
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Michael Tighe at mtighe4@bloomberg.net;
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