Consumer Electronics Daily News

LG Electronics to Update Google TV with Latest Android Jelly Bean OS

LG Electronics today announced that its Google TVs will be updated with the latest version of the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system (OS). LG is showcasing Google TVs with the new operating system at the Google I/O developer conference in San Francisco this week.

Available in the third quarter, the update will enable customers to enjoy more applications, including games that provide a greater level of interactivity and advanced graphics.  

In addition to boosting overall performance, the latest Jelly Bean update supports the Android Native Development Kit (NDK), so LG Google TV owners can have the widest, most diverse selection of apps to choose from. Smartphone apps designed using the NDK will run on LG Google TV with little to no modifications. With NDK compatibility, users can now play more games on the bigger LG Google TV screen. This level of compatibility makes it easier for developers to enter the burgeoning Smart TV app market.

"LG Google TVs with the latest Jelly Bean operating system and NDK support will deliver an enhanced user experience and access to more great apps," said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of the LG Home Entertainment Company. "In addition to enabling users to enjoy advanced Android apps, the latest OS will also provide developers with new opportunities in the smart TV arena."

Users will also benefit from LG's exceptional remote control options, which will make it easier to interact with the vast amount of content available on LG Google TV. In addition to the intuitive functionality of its Magic Remote Qwerty, LG will introduce a free remote control app that can turn any Android smartphone or tablet into a two-handed, touch-sensitive game controller. LG's new controller app is the ideal control solution for the large number of interactive games set to arrive on the upgraded Google TV platform.

The latest update will also include LG's patented "3D Game Changer," bringing a dimension to interactive games never seen before. The LG 3D Game Changer feature produces a fully immersive effect by displaying 2D games in enhanced 3D mode, for an effect previously available only in movies filmed with 3D equipment.

Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean will be available as an over-the-air download for existing LG Google TVs in the United States starting in the third quarter.

For a video demonstration of LG Google TV with Android 4.2.2. Jelly Bean, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-WxHVwodpA.

Ubitus Showcases the Latest Cloud Gaming Standard at Google I/O

Ubitus Inc., the worldwide technology leader in cloud gaming solutions, announced today that it had standardized its low latency cloud gaming mode and gaming controller devices support onto the new generation Google TV platform. The solution will bring rich library of video games and native console gaming experience to users on demand.

"Google TV is the revolutionary platform that offers consumers the easiest access to their favorite contents whether it is movie, music, user-generated videos or more," said Wesley Kuo, CEO of Ubitus. "Now with Ubitus cloud gaming solution on Google TV, consumers can even enjoy console-quality gaming experience right on their Google TV devices, without the need of owning a console."

In addition to introducing the new standard of cloud gaming service on Google TV, Ubitus will also present live demo of the new gaming features like live sharing, which enables gamers to share gameplay live to their friends through social networks such as Google+.

Ubitus has been working closely with multiple OEM customers to highly integrate Ubitus's GameNow™ cloud gaming services with their new Google TV devices that are expected to be available in the market later this year.

Samsung Leads Ubitus New Round Financing to Push Cloud Gaming

Ubitus Inc. today announced it has raised over $15 million cash from multiple international leading investors including Samsung Venture Investment Corporation (Samsung Ventures) for further spearheading the push of cloud gaming to next level.

Since its first cloud gaming deployment in Japan in September 2011, Ubitus had been leading the global market in deploying commercial cloud gaming services with top-tier carriers and OEMs spanning across the United States, Japan, South Koreaand China (including Hong Kong).

Backed by the solid market-proven track records, the new round funding led by Samsung Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Samsung Group with mandate to invest in companies that are closely tied to the overall strategy of Samsung Group, will further support Ubitus' determined endeavor in advancing the cloud gaming to an unprecedented level especially in the TV market.

"We are delighted that leading investors like Samsung Ventures shares Ubitus' conviction that making video games playing as accessible as the movie and music streaming services nowadays can forever change the way people enjoy games in the past 20 years," said Wesley Kuo, CEO of Ubitus.

Going forward, with the new investment garnered, Ubitus is committed to take cloud gaming to next level by building new gaming experiences with more instant and social features that are expected to roll out in Q3 this year.

Ten Ton Hammer Launches SPARK, The Customizable Game & Geek News Browsing Website

eading massively multiplayer online (MMO) game network Ten Ton Hammer today announces the launch of SPARK, a customizable game news aggregation website that allows game fans to stay on top of the latest-and-greatest PC and console game, gadget and geek culture news in an inviting visual format. Visit http://SPARK.TenTonHammer.com today to start reading or sign up for the SPARK "Weekly Best" email newsletter at http://spark.tentonhammer.com/best-of.

Using SPARK readers can customize their game news browsing experience by selecting their platform of choice, such as Xbox 360, PC, PS4, Wii U, mobile devices and more, as well as narrow news results by preferable media outlet and/or blog. Articles that appear across the online game news ecosystem are sorted using SPARK's proprietary algorithm, as well as hand-picked by Ten Ton Hammer's team of experienced editors.  Readers can also contribute to SPARK's content by voting for or against articles using the "Prop" or "Plop" buttons. The latest version 1.5 now includes robust search functionality, more platform-specific categories, improved visuals and navigation, faster page loading and other performance improvements and a new blog.

"We recognize that gamers need to stay on top of what is happening in the world of games and seek to eliminate the need to spend hours surfing the net to find one article worth reading," said John Hoskin, Chief Operating Officer of Ten Ton Hammer. "Our goal with SPARK is to provide game fans a source of fresh news content every day in a quick and easy-to-digest format. SPARK brings all the best game news directly to you and in a customized view, so that you are only getting the articles you want, when you want, and how you want them."

For more information about SPARK visit http://SPARK.tentonhammer.com

Visually Impaired People Turning to Audioboo for a Social Experience

Many popular social media sites are text, image and video based, meaning those who are blind can find it difficult to fully engage with the content and interact with other users. However, since its launch almost three years ago, social sound network Audioboo has attracted a worldwide following in the visually impaired community. This is not only due to voice being a natural communication tool for such communities, but also because the desktop platform and apps have been built with full accessibility to record, listen to and share audio in mind.   

Audioboo recognised the potential that the platform offered the blind and partially sighted community, and ensured accessibility was at the fore of its recent app and desktop redevelopments. The Royal London Society for the Blind (RLSB) not only runs its own channel on Audioboo, but the organisation is an avid supporter of the platform and is currently working on full integration with its new website.

Dr Tom Pey, Chief Executive of the RLSB, said: "Technology propels people forward every day. It has the power to open doors to new learning, new friendships and new possibilities. But this power can only be harnessed and enjoyed by people when a piece of technology is accessible and engaging. For many of the blind and partially sighted young people that RLSB works with, Audioboo is the perfect example of a technological tool that is both of these things. Our channel is a hub for news and information, so vision impaired young people can follow us and find out about exciting services, events and opportunities that are exclusively available to them."

The internet, apps and social networks are often taken for granted by sighted people – if a tool or platform isn't accessible to those who rely on screen readers, it can make the difference between a blind person being able to use it or not. While technology can make a significant difference in both leisure time and work to visually impaired people, so easily, they can be excluded from communities and day-to-day communications and the latest trends, such as social media.

Amy, an everyday user, commented: "I feel a part of the Audioboo community, but I also feel very much a part of the growing visually impaired community on Audioboo which is really, really great. It's really supportive, and it's growing, and I'm proud to be a part of it. App-wise, Audioboo is really accessible."

Rob Proctor, Audioboo's CEO explained:  "The feedback we have been getting from organizations like the RLSB and direct from users with sight impairment has been immensely positive, and we're hearing that Audioboo is making a real difference to the lives hundreds of people across the world. It has fast become the social network for blind people, as it is breaking down barriers and opening up new worlds for learning, communication and friendship."

For more information about Audioboo, record boos or to listen to and share a variety of audio news and other content, visit www.audioboo.fm.

Microsoft: Businesses choose Office 365 over Google Apps

Microsoft Corp. today announced that several new organizations have selected Microsoft Office 365 for improved communication and collaboration after having deployed or piloted Google Apps. The organizations include Sensia Halsovard AB, SEPCOIII, and Arysta LifeScience.

These companies join other recently announced customers, such as Caltex Australia, FHI 360, and Santa Clara County, which chose Office 365 for its enterprise-class capabilities, compliance, security and privacy features, all delivered in a cloud service with a 99.9 percent financially backed uptime guarantee from Microsoft.

"Businesses use technology to be competitive and meet the needs of their customers, which is why they can't afford to compromise on a service that was retrofitted for the enterprise," said Michael Atalla, Director of Product Marketing for Microsoft Office 365. "With Office 365, Microsoft has combined the familiarity of Office with the capabilities businesses need, delivered as a cloud service they can trust."

Arysta LifeScience is one of the largest privately owned agrochemical companies in the world, with sales and services in more than 125 countries. In attempting to connect 34 different email environments, Arysta initially opted for Google Apps but quickly found employees were unhappy with the experience — they couldn't share calendars and had limited offline capabilities — so Arysta switched to Office 365. With Office 365, employees can now integrate email and shared calendars and use IM and webconferencing to connect with colleagues around the world while they are on the road or working from home.

"Google Apps was difficult to use and lacked the capabilities our employees had grown accustomed to in Office," said Dustin Collins, Global Head of IT Infrastructure, Arysta LifeScience. "With Office 365 we're able to interact and engage with each other more, allowing us to efficiently and quickly respond to new opportunities. As a result, we're a more agile, competitive organization." 

Robust certification and standards
Office 365 offers the most robust set of certifications and standards options of any major cloud-based productivity service, and it is the first and only major cloud productivity service to address the rigors of the federal government's HIPAA requirements. Office 365 is compliant with world-class industry standards, including ISO 2700, EU model clauses and Federal Information Security Management Act. Microsoft is committed to working with its customers to meet their unique security, compliance and privacy needs, including those that must meet Criminal Justice Information Security.

Based in Durham, N.C., FHI 360 is a global nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. It also switched from Google Apps to Office 365 because it met the organization's security and privacy requirements.

"As a nonprofit organization, we work on educational and public health issues and must comply with privacy regulations related to the U.S. federal government," said Douglas Wilkins, Director of IT Infrastructure at FHI 360. "Not only did Office 365 have privacy features in line with our requirements, but we know where our data is stored — it's essential for us to have control and set parameters on who views it. That was not possible with Google."

Freedom of choice
In today's business environment, many organizations require the flexibility to enable employees to work anytime, anywhere across devices and platforms. With Office 365, employees can sign in from virtually any device, and their documents and personalized settings roam with them, allowing them to quickly pick up right where they left off. With more than 4,000 employees spread across multiple countries, FHI 360 can easily connect and share best practices and improve services with Office 365 while being more strategic with spending. The organization expects to save approximately U.S. $20,000 annually by utilizing IM and webconferencing capabilities in Office 365. Unlike Google Apps, Office 365 enabled FHI 360 to move to the cloud on its own terms by supporting both on-premises and cloud deployments in its environment.

"Our global work environment sometimes requires us to work in countries where cloud services aren't yet available or feasible because broadband connections are limited," Wilkins said. "With Google, we had to be all in or nothing at all. Having the flexibility to make the deployment choices that were right for our business means we can consolidate systems onto the same platform regardless of whether we're using the cloud or an in-house server."

BitterSweetBreakups.com Launches as a One-Stop Resource for Recent Divorcees

It's a disturbing reality that more than half of marriages now end in divorce although it is that statistic that led two divorcees to create BitterSweetBreakups.com, a brand new startup just launched.

The website offers a refreshingly light, intimate feel for those seeking direction, refuge and recovery from heartache. From encouragement and advice delivered in a positive and empowering way from real women that have been there, to fun divorce gifts, Bittersweet Breakups extends beyond practical advice and into a complete support system for women.

The site offers an exclusive divorce gift registry where the divorcee can register for the household items she lost in the divorce. It even allows for one to request cash (which can help with attorney fees, moving expenses, etc) in a tasteful, less direct way. Also on the site is The Breakup Room, a social media gathering spot to get further support from other woman going through the same process.

Bittersweet Breakups offers ideas for planning a divorce party complete with printable divorce vows and pictures of divorce-themed cakes that can be taken to your local bakery for replication. The site also provides resources for legal advice, life coaching and real estate professionals at discounted fees.

 

New Website Aids Travelers Seeking Non-Traditional Accommodations

A global trend has caught fire that offers travel and outdoor enthusiasts an upgrade on rest and recreation. It's called glamping, a new term for a new kind of travel, originally defined as glamorous camping. Now the term glamping is evolving to encompass experiential travel vacations featuring non-traditional accommodations. Whether it's a safari-style tent, yurt, Airstream trailer, eco-pod, igloo, hut, villa, teepee or treehouse, glamping is a way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing luxury.

Experiential travel could be defined as heading off the beaten path and becoming immersed in the authentic local culture or environment. It's a journey involving a truly memorable experience that will enrich a person's life and improve the way that they connect with both loved ones and with the world.

Glamping.com enables visitors to explore this form of travel by featuring a refined collection of destinations from around the world that best fulfill their experiential travel wish list. Glamping.com is unique in that it has established a set of standards that properties must meet to be admitted into the collection -- including a mandatory 4-star or higher rating on TripAdvisor amongst others.

Hotels and resorts offering glamping experiences recognize Glamping.com as the ideal showcase for their brand because of its clean design, large imagery displays, intuitive navigation and seamless integration of social media channels. Some of the exclusive Glamping.com charter members include Four Seasons Golden Triangle in Thailand, Longitude 131 in Australia, Aman-i-Khas in India, Sanctuary Retreats in Africa, Virgin Limited Resorts, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in Canada, Four Rivers Floating Lodge in Cambodia, as well as The Resort at Paws Up and Dunton Hot Springs in the United States.

"We've only been signed up for a short period, but have been really pleased with the web traffic we've received from the listing," stated Christina Rossi of Colorado's Dunton Hot Springs. "The site is very well put together, the team professional and quick."

Annual search volume on Google for the keyword, "glamping," exceeds 1.6 million.  Glamping.com consistently ranks in the top three search results for this popular keyword.

Local Search Via Mobile Devices and Tablets More than Quadruples in 2012

A report released today by the Local Search Association and prepared by comScore, Inc. finds that local search via non-PC devices continues its significant pace of growth, driven by the rapid adoption of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. The continuing shift of mobile usage signals an opportunity for local businesses to evaluate where they devote their online ad spending.

Specifically, the report shows:

• Traffic to online directories and other local resources from non-PC devices more than quadrupled in 2012, reaching 27 percent share of total web traffic in December 2012 from 6 percent share in December 2011. The percentage growth of page hits on online directories and other local resources from non-PC devices grew at more than double the 8 percent growth rate in total web traffic on non-PC devices in 2012.
• 48 percent of U.S. mobile users used their devices to access local content in December 2012, up from 42 percent inDecember 2011.
• When compared to all smartphone users, Internet Yellow Pages (IYP) app users are more attractive to advertisers based on their age, income, average monthly spending and typical exposure to ads.

The Local Mobile Search report looks at the evolving mobile environment in the U.S. and the growing role of smartphones, tablets and other connected devices in the local search experience, highlighting trends in online directory and IYP usage and demographics. The report is based on December 2012 data from several comScore digital and mobile metrics databases.

 

Stutter, Freeze, Crash - Gaming Disruption Impacts 84% of Online Gamers

Online and mobile gaming is exploding. It could have a revenue share of $48 billion in 2016, equivalent to 55 per cent of the entire game industry. According to a new survey from LeaseWeb USA, an infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) provider, six out of 10 gamers experience unplanned server outages while playing their favorite games, and 20 percent of responded they get "angry," "furious" or "outraged" about it. In addition, 84 percent of online gamers have had games stutter, freeze, or crash on them while in the middle of game-play. The survey was conducted online and on the floor at last month's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

"Interrupted play tends to leave most gamers annoyed, and considering the rapid growth potential of the online gaming industry, investing in reliable infrastructure is becoming more important than ever," said Paul Grimwood, Business Development Manager of LeaseWeb. "Having a reliable, scalable infrastructure is an important factor that will have an impact on determining the successful gaming companies from the not so successful."

In addition, the gaming survey revealed that iOS is poised to nudge past the PC as the most popular gaming platform in 2013 by a 1 percent margin. Mobile gaming is expected to surpass home console gaming in 2013, as 42 percent of gamers surveyed believe gaming on mobile devices will be more popular when compared with gaming on Xbox, Wii U, and PS3, supported by a combined total of 25 percent of respondents.

Of the mobile platforms expected to see success, iOS and Android dominate, with 33 percent of respondents stating that iOS will be the platform of choice for mobile, and nine percent stating that it would be Android. No respondents selected "smartphone – other" or "tablet – other" as mobile platforms they thought would be popular for gaming.