Consumer Electronics Daily News

Diodes Incorporated Introduces DAC & Pre-Amplifier Audio Device

Offers Cost Reduction and Performance Enhancements for Audio/Video Receivers and Sound Card Designs

Diodes Incorporated, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality application specific standard products within the broad discrete and analog semiconductor markets, announced the release of an 8-channel DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and pre-amplifier chip. This new device offers designers of audio/video receivers (AVRs) and add-on sound cards the opportunity to improve audio performance, while also reducing costs.

As an addition to the Diodes’ Direct Digital Feedback Amplifier (DDFA™) product line, the ZXCZM800 dramatically reduces circuit complexity. In both consumer and professional audio product designs that currently use multiple quality 2-channel DACs to achieve mid- to high-level audio performance, the ZXCZM800 significantly reduces component count and printed circuit board (PCB) real estate. In high-performance differential mode, the DDFA product line delivers a dynamic range (DNR) up to 126dB. Additionally, Diodes’ solution provides equal and, oftentimes, improved sound quality of typical mid-range AVRs and sound cards that currently produce a DNR of 112dB. For designers looking to expand a product’s feature set, the ZXCZM800 also offers pre-amplifier digital signal processor (DSP) features, which can be easily programmed using an existing system host processor.

The ZXCZM800 DAC and pre-amplifier chip is supported by an 8-channel demonstration board, which is available for volume production DAC and pre-amplifier designs.

For more detailed information visit Diodes Incorporated.

Introducing AmazonWireless – A New Amazon Web Site Offering Cell Phones & Service Plans

Easy-to-Use Web Site Guides Customers Through the Purchase Process; Rebate-Free Shopping and FREE Two-Day Shipping on All Phones

Amazon.com, Inc. has announced the beta launch of AmazonWireless, a new Web site offering cell phones and service plans, easy shopping without rebate hassles and FREE Two-Day Shipping on a broad selection of phones from AT&T and Verizon Wireless. In addition to expanding selection and adding carriers during the beta test phase, Amazon will be testing different features and gathering input from customers to ensure the best possible customer experience.

“We've taken our eight years’ experience selling cell phones to create a new site that makes a potentially confusing transaction much easier for customers,” said Paul Ryder, vice president of Consumer Electronics for Amazon.com. “The step-by-step purchase process on AmazonWireless makes it easy for customers who already have a plan to upgrade their phones. If you want to establish new cell phone service, we’ve made it simple to find the right phone, service plan and options for your needs. We’ve also eliminated the technical jargon and frustrating rebate paperwork that customers often face when buying a phone.”

AmazonWireless currently offers more than 120 phones, including a great selection of smart phones and the latest models for shoppers on a budget. Customers can shop for phones by carrier, phone feature, price, color and brand. The site’s shopping cart guides customers through each stage of the purchase process, where customers will find familiar Amazon features like bestseller lists, detailed product descriptions and customer reviews.

AmazonWireless is owned and operated by Amazon.com. Customers shop securely with their Amazon.com accounts and benefit from Amazon’s world-class service and security. All phones purchased on AmazonWireless are eligible for FREE Two-Day Shipping.

For additional information visit AmazonWireless.

V.I.O. Launches Exposure Control Firmware Upgrade

V.I.O., the leader in wearable video technology, today launches a new firmware upgrade that expands the Exposure Control options users will have for all POV systems. The latest firmware upgrade improves overall subjective video quality by adding several choices in automatic exposure settings to complement the CLASSIC setting. The additional exposure settings are designed to enhance the performance of video capture by allowing users to adjust their system to match the recording conditions encountered in different performance shooting environments.

The new exposure control settings include:

• COLOR OPTIMIZED: Similar to the POV.1 CLASSIC setting but with tweaks in the algorithm to provide the best all-around color and brightness.
  
• DETAIL OPTIMIZED: Detail enhancements over CLASSIC and COLOR OPTIMIZED that provide for increased detail in the darkest areas of the scene.
  
• TWILIGHT/ENHANCED: Increased sensitivity and optimization for outdoor use specifically designed for twilight/high-contrast scenarios.
  
• SPOT METERING (NARROW): Concentrates the algorithm on the center of the image and discounts the extreme edges of the field of view for difficult lighting situations where the subject is significantly brighter or darker than the rest of the field.
  
• SPOT (WIDE): Similar to Spot Narrow, except with an increased algorithm area to provide a wider spot.
  
• AE Lock--Fixed Exposure Setting: Locks the exposure settings to their current values.
  

The V.I.O. Exposure Control Firmware 1.4 Upgrade can be downloaded as of July 8th 2009 from the V.I.O. website at http://www.vio-pov.com/firmware_update/ for $9.99.

For more information visit V.I.O.

Joybook Lite T131: BenQ Does Light Right with New 13.3” Netbook

BenQ is bringing more enjoyment and quality to the lives of today’s on-the-go Internet generation with the official launch of their latest ultra-portable netbook, the 13.3” Joybook Lite T131.  At a petite 1.8kg (3.97lbs.), the T131 effortlessly enables multimedia/Internet entertainment to become a take-anywhere companion for consumers of all age groups.  Everyday digital fun – such as web browsing, video chatting, email, IM, home/office networking, games, and movies – is brought in-hand and on-demand with an eye-pleasing 13.3” super-enhanced UltraVivid™ screen, AMD’s® next-generation Yukon mobile platform, integrated microphone and fun-packed webcam, and WiFi connectivity.

"This newest netbook from BenQ reflects the personality and lifestyle of the Internet adventurer – spontaneous, resourceful, daring, and capable of handling whatever comes its way,” said Peter Chen, General Manager of BenQ’s Technology and Product Center.  “Visuals are exhilarating and performance is without hesitation, ensuring pure and uncompromised mobile enjoyment of the digital age.”   

A svelte 320mm(W) x 240mm(D) x 28mm(H) (12.6” x 9.45” x 1.1”) form belies the considerable capabilities of the T131 netbook.  The large 250-nit CCFL screen is super-charged by BenQ’s exclusive UltraVivid Technology, Display Brilliance Enhancement Film (DBEF™), and a low-reflectivity, anti-glare coating that keeps movies, games, office applications, and Internet activities lookin’ great wherever you go…from bedroom to sidewalk café.  HD audio, VoIP, and smart noise suppression and echo cancellation also promote spontaneity by ensuring video web chats with friends and video conferencing with business clients are always clear-sounding.  Also uncharacteristic of the netbook’s compact size and modest price tag is a big 320GB hard disk drive, high-resolution 1.3MP webcam featuring fun WebCam® Companion®, two built-in speakers, integrated microphone, and high-speed WiFi.  Likewise unexpected in this diminutive netbook is a generously-sized keyboard featuring isolated “Chiclet” style keys for easier, less error-prone typing.  An SD/MMC card reader and two USB ports further testify to the T131’s well-thought engineering.

For additional information visit BenQ.

New BenQ Joybook Lite U102 Lightens Up On-the-Run Internet Fun

BenQ announced the release of their latest ultra-portable netbook, the Joybook Lite U102, fashioned for the always-connected, on-the-go, style-setting Internet enthusiast.  Deluxe online fun rivaling laptop performance is made possible by Intel’s® Atom™ processor, a 10.1” UltraVivid™ 16:9 WSVGA LED-backlit screen, a 250GB HDD, connection essentials, and cool web conveniences.  Despite its heavyweight Internet capabilities, the U102 travels light and easily at much less the laptop load – weighing about 1kg, under an inch in thickness, and is accompanied by an unusually petite AC adapter.

A must-have accessory for today’s social Internet butterfly, the Joybook Lite U102 makes sharing videos and photos effortless with a high-resolution webcam, crystal-clear built-in speakers, and integrated microphone with smart noise suppression and echo cancellation.  Accessing all the wonders of the World Wide Web – such as surfing, messaging, email, and shopping – is always reliable via wide-coverage, high-speed WiFi and optional 3.75G HSUPA.  A clever hotkey even enables instant switching between the different types of wireless networks.  And because instant messaging can get quite intense, the U102 is fitted with a comfortably-sized keyboard (90% of full-size QWERTY) for more ergonomic, error-free typing, while an expanded touchpad makes scrolling web pages much easier.  

Whatever content, wherever setting, the U102’s 10.1” 1024x600 widescreen is sure to display in brilliant, true colors and clean definition.  In particular, HD content is immaculately rendered without distortion or annoying black bars, courtesy of the native 16:9 aspect ratio, which ensures 1:1 mapping to HD content.  For boundless “anywhere” enjoyment and use, BenQ’s exclusive UltraVivid technology coupled with LED-backlighting advantages optimize color and vibrancy whether viewing content indoors or out… wherever life leads.

Ultra-extreme portability distinguishes the U102 as an essential companion for today’s worldly Internet traveler.  Featherweight at 1.05kg^ (2.3lbs.) and under an inch in thickness, the U102 is powered by Intel’s low-power-consuming processor, Atom. Paired with BenQ’s power-conserving advancements, the Atom enables overall higher energy efficiency and extends battery life.  In fact, the included 3-cell battery can last an unsurpassed three hours.  For serious uninterrupted U102 joy, an optional 6-cell battery enables nearly six hours of operation.  When non-stop operation is required, the petite AC adapter is light to tote at around 200g.  A 250GB hard disk storage, three USB 2.0 slots, and a 4-in-1 card reader afford easy access to photos, music, and other media.  

As with all BenQ digital lifestyle innovations, the U102 is engineered to capture the personality and style of its target audience not only in product purpose, but in aesthetics.  A spirit of spontaneity and playful sophistication is reflected in its svelte form – a beautifully sculpted casing in a polished obsidian finish. 

For additional information visit BenQ.

Audioboo Integrates SpinVox Across Its Audio Recording And Broadcasting Platform

API Brings Automatic Speech to Text Conversion to iPhone Podcasting and Twitter Posting

Audioboo, which aims to become the `Twitter of the spoken word` through its audio recording and broadcasting platform, and SpinVox, the global leader in voice to content messaging, have announced the SpinVox API (Application Programming Interface) will be used to automatically convert speech to text across Audioboo’s applications - including iPhone podcasting and Twitter posting.

Audioboo was established in March 2009 and already more than one Audioboo audio recording (boo) is being made every five minutes. The Audioboo.fm website is attracting more than 100,000 unique users, RSS and iTunes links every week with over 1,000 hours of audio having been uploaded by the more than 30,000 registered users.

Audioboo CEO, Mark Rock, says: “The deal with Spinvox is of immense importance to Audioboo as we roll out both our API and business model. With the Audioboo API, any developer will be able to build their own mobile and web applications to record to Audioboo and SpinVox integration will be an important addition to that which we can deliver simply and quickly through the SpinVox API.”

“On a wider scale, we have already begun to roll out Audioboo Pro accounts for media companies,” he continues. “These increase the recording time available and add a variety of web-based tools - such as moderation- to help companies manage content. SpinVox integration will be an additional feature for Audioboo Pro, allowing journalists a simple way to record draft articles and have them automatically converted to text and sent to their news desks.”

ITV.com has already used the Pro account for the FA Cup Final, Radio 1 for their Big Weekend event and 6Music with Adam & Joe for Glastonbury 2009.

Christina Domecq, SpinVox co-founder and CEO, says: “Audio has been so ignored for so long, and now Audioboo is doing something fresh and new with it and growing fast as a consequence. Automatically turning their audio input to text will take them to the next stage.”

For additional information visit Audioboo or SpinVox.

SoundGate iO CONNECT Integrates Car Audio Devices

The SoundGate® iO CONNECT™ integrates portable audio devices into any existing car stereo system simply by utilizing the provided 3.5mm minijack plug. It provides a cost-effective, great-sounding solution to music integration on the move, making any trip more exciting with crystal-clear sound quality from the driver or passenger’s personal playlist.

The iO CONNECT is perfect for classic-car owners who seek a stealth audio system and no source unit cluttering a dash. It is compatible with all iPods® and iPhone™, all MP3 players and mobile phones with 3.5mm minijack sockets, or any portable media player, DVD player, or laptop with a headphone socket. It also works with navigation units with 3.5mm line-out sockets. 

Using the small, 60-watt Class D amplifier installed behind the dash, iO CONNECT helps intensify the audio from any car DVD system as well. It also provides a Ghost Mute feature that allows voice instructions from satellite navigation units through any two speakers while retaining source audio in the other speakers. And it’s all managed with iO AudioSense technology (patent pending) that automatically switches between connected devices and the original audio source. 

iO CONNECT includes a ground-loop isolation chip that guarantees no interference and utmost sound quality from the stereo system.

SoundGate integration products and KICKER® audio systems, divisions of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc. ®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized dealers worldwide, and also through selected Original Equipment Manufacturers. Consumers needing more information on SoundGate, KICKER, or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit brand websites at www.soundgate.com or www.kicker.com. SoundGate authorized dealers are listed under the Dealer Locator at soundgate.com.

For more information visit KICKER.

BOLT Mobile Browser Renders 1 Million Pages In a Single Day As New Users Flock To Latest Version

BOLT usage nearly triples over a three month period as new mobile browser gains popularity around the world.

In the first 24 hours since releasing its newest version of its acclaimed BOLTTM mobile browser, dubbed Beta3, Bitstream Inc. recorded more than 1 million pages rendered for the first time since BOLT debuted at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February 2009. Since February, BOLT has experienced a steady adoption rate averaging more than 50 percent growth in users per month. Over the last three months the company notes BOLT average usage has nearly tripled.

BOLT burst onto the mobile scene in grand fashion by racking up 1 million installations in just 18 weeks. With new features added in subsequent releases adding to the unique capabilities of this free mobile application, users can now use the “real web” from their mobile phones.

BOLT’s Unique Capabilities Include:

• Fastest browser on the market – routinely at least 25 to 50 percent faster than competitors
  
• Displays full websites just as they would appear on desktop computers
  
• Watch videos from popular video services such as YouTube
  
• Copy and paste text
  
• Upload files to websites such as videos and photos
  

“There is a lot of talk lately about the so-called ‘mobile Internet,’” said Anna Chagnon, Bitstream’s president and CEO. “But the reality is that websites and web-based services built for the mobile platform are a very small slice of the ‘real web,’ and many of these mobile sites have far less content or utility than their desktop site companions. So we designed BOLT not to be a mobile Internet application, but rather an application to see the real web from any type of mobile phone. This approach can extend the reach of the Internet to an estimated 2 billion or more people than those who rely on desktop computers for Internet access.”

Recent data also includes usage from the new BOLT liteTM, a new light version of the BOLT mobile browser. Recognizing that some mobile phones currently in use cannot support robust applications and some network providers limit the size of application downloads, Bitstream BOLT lite, a smaller application that includes all the essential features of the BOLT mobile browser but excludes some of the advanced features to maintain a small application size that can work on lower-end phones and virtually every mobile network. BOLT lite retains BOLT’s feature-rich functionality, best-of-breed download speeds and desktop PC-style page layout.

BOLT and BOLT lite are available for free to anyone as part of Bitstream’s public beta test. Visit http://boltbrowser.com to download BOLT today. People who have already installed a previous version of BOLT on their phones will be prompted to download and install the update when they next start the mobile browser.

For more information visit BOLT or Bitstream.

Miniweb And Bristol Interactive Combine To Bring High Definition & Access To Internet Video Content On The TV

New, all-in-one, LCD Freeview television provides the best of broadcast programming with Internet TV & radio, video-on-demand and interactive information services

Bristol Interactive Technology, the television manufacturer and Miniweb, the Interactive Service Provider today announced the integration of Miniweb’s interactive software within a new range of Bristol HD ready digital televisions. The Bristol devices have been designed to provide UK consumers with exciting, enhanced viewing services, using Miniweb’s TV software and interactive platform technology that enables a converged broadband video and Freeview entertainment experience.

“TV viewers are increasingly aware of online content such as catch up TV services and user generated content. They expect to be able to access these directly from their TV, instead of using their PC or having to buy a set-top box,” says Paul Fellows, CEO, Bristol Interactive Technology. “Our partnership with Miniweb makes it easy for viewers to enjoy the best of broadcast digital TV services and online video on the same TV screen. Now viewers can simply connect a Miniweb equipped Bristol television to their broadband connection, gaining immediate access to millions of hours of internet video enabled by Miniweb’s internet gateway and services software. It’s the seamless integration of TV, community and online services combined with ease of use which makes this solution so special and attractive for TV viewers.”

“Adding Miniweb’s interactive functionality to Bristol’s range of flat screen, HD ready TVs provides consumers with the simplest and most powerful way to benefit from and enjoy a fully converged broadcast and broadband experience on the main screen in the house,“ says Andrew Carver, CEO, Miniweb Interactive. “Providing a converged viewing experience in the home is the biggest advance since the introduction of colour TV. Miniweb provides viewers with access to enhanced and relevant online content to complement the TV channel being watched. Together with Bristol Interactive, we’re making it easy for viewers to enjoy a new TV experience allowing them to choose the best mix of broadcast and broadband delivered video content to suit their viewing preferences – all from the comfort of their sofa without the need for a PC or additional set-top box.”

For more information visit MiniWeb & Bristol.

Fan Favorite YETISPORTS Launches On Mobile Devices In North America

Online Phenomenon YETISPORTS Now Available on Mobile with 4 Mini-Games

Hands-On Mobile, Inc., the world’s leading developer of connected games and applications, has teamed up with development studio XENDEX and ROOT9 MediaLab in bringing the phenomenon of YETISPORTS to a broad range of mobile devices. Mobile consumers can now join in the fun, swatting penguins, slapping orcas, bouncing seals and playing the newest title, Penguin’s Revenge. The game is available on all major carriers in North America and includes 4 mini-games.

Since 2004, nearly 300 million users have played the YETISPORTS games which are available on 25,000 sites worldwide. Within hours of its release, 400,000 users downloaded YETISPORTS, making it one of the most successful online game series ever. After five years the Web version is still played by 100,000 gamers on any given day. A media darling, YETISPORTS has been covered on worldwide TV stations, radio stations, print magazines, daily newspapers, online media, blogs and on private Web sites of users.

“These games have been a fan favorite for years with casual gamers, so bringing them to mobile is ideal,” said David McCaman, Head of Marketing, Hands-On Mobile. “Each game can be played in a 5-10 minute timeframe and each is easy to learn with intuitive, one-thumb gameplay. Once people get their hands on YETISPORTS, they will be hitting penguins and bouncing seals for hours on end.”

The 4-in-1 YETISPORTS collection is made up of the three most popular games, Pingu Throw, Orca Slap and Seal Bounce, plus a new version, Penguin’s Revenge. While Pingu Throw has everyone’s favorite Yeti looking for the most distance, Orca Slap is about accuracy as players try to hit the bull’s eye with a penguin using a killer whale’s tail. Next, Seal Bounce has the Yeti throwing a penguin up an icy crevice with seals helping out as much as possible along the way. Finally, the penguins get their revenge by catapulting the Yeti to see just how far he can go.

For more information visit YETISPORTS, HandsOn, XENDEX or ROOT9.