How Corporate America Will React to Windows 8

Microsoft's announcement that Windows 8 would soon be along to render Windows 7 obsolete was doubtlessly met with collective groans of frustration.

After spending considerable sums of money training employees to understand all the “enhancements” and “ease of use” improvements that Windows 7 provided over Window XP, many employers and IT managers felt that it was much too soon to deal with a new operating system.

One aspect of Windows 8 that does appear at first glance to be very positive will be the ease of using Cloud Storage as a way to securely back up files and documents without relying on on-site hardware, who everyone knows seems to be capable of crashing at the most inopportune time.

Another thing that looks very promising is the integration with mobile devices where the interface will be identical, making it very intuitive for users to switch between devices.

If beta tests of the new Windows operating system are any indication, however, it does seem to appear that Microsoft is poised to hit one out of the park that may influence PC users to forgive Microsoft for Windows ME and Vista.

It certainly does appear that cloud storage is the trend of the future, and Windows 8 will facilitate this trend toward making it easy for users to be mobile and productive without the necessity of accessing company servers in order to get the information they need in order to be productive and collaborate with other employees.

While there are certain to be bugs and other issues for early adopters of Windows 8, just as there have been with early releases of previous Windows operating systems, it seems as though Microsoft has gained valuable motivation from looking in the rear view mirror and seeing Apple getting closer and closer, which can only benefit PC users that need to get up to speed quickly without needing to reinvent the wheel with every new operating system.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 5th, 2012 at 15:00 and is filed under Analysis & Commentary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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In-Stat Shows Mobile Market to Rule Chip Consumption

Steve Jobs declared the end of the PC era with the release of the iPad and In-Stat seems to agree with that. At least with its recent report. According to the NPD-based group, In-Stat shows projected sales of processors for tablets and smartphones to reach 1.9 billion annually by 2016. This is good news for chip maker ARM as it captures 73% of those chips sold. Intel, which gave netbook manufacturers the Atom CPU, seems to be lost in this growth while smartphone and tablet makers ignore Intel’s offering. A new era of dominance could be upon us and for the first time since the 70s, Intel could be feeling more like AMD as more and more mobile devices are snapped up by consumers.

Scottsdale, Ariz., March 28, 2012—The term “mobile processor” refers to a range of processors used in mobile CE devices, often referred to as applications processors and central processing units (CPUs). These highly flexible mobile processors are used in multifunction devices that combine computing, communications, entertainment, and/or productivity capabilities. Mobile devices include e-readers, handheld game consoles (HGCs), mobile PCs, portable media players (PMPs), smartphones, and tablets. New NPD In-Stat (www.in-stat.com) research, reports that the growth of mobile processors in 2011 exceeded 43% and is forecast to grow at a 22% CAGR through 2016.

“Although the total available market for mobile processors continues to grow, the emergence of industry leaders in the high-growth mobile device segment is becoming a key factor in the success of processor vendors,” says Jim McGregor, Chief Technology Strategist. “Just having a captive smartphone and tablet market has propelled Apple into second place for the entire mobile processor market just behind industry leader Intel. In 2012, Apple will likely capture the top spot, in terms of unit shipments, driven by the success of its iPhone and iPad. Other companies that benefitted greatly from new product releases or dominance by their OEM customers included Nvidia, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, and Samsung.”

Key research findings include:

For all mobile devices, ARM is the dominant processor architecture with over 73% of all units shipped and is growing.
Intel’s dominance continues in mobile PCs, while Apple, Qualcomm, and Samsung claim the top spots in other CE devices.
Smartphones and tablets represent the greatest opportunity for growth with a combined 75% growth in 2011 and 29.3% CAGR expected through 2016.
In-Stat anticipates consolidation in the mobile processor market beginning in the 2013/2014 timeframe.
The release of Windows 8 later this year will be a pivotal point in the competition between the ARM and x86 processor architectures.
New In-Stat research, Mobile Processor Architectures, Devices, and Market Shares, Q4’11 (#IN1204993SI), examines the vendors, markets, and issues surrounding the mobile processor market. As the first in a quarterly series of reports on mobile processors and mobile graphics, the mobile processor report provides in-depth analysis on key issues in the market as well as unit forecasts:

Quarterly shipment forecast by mobile processor vendor
Quarterly shipment forecast by application: mobile PCs, PMPs, HGCs, e-readers, tablets, smartphones
Quarterly shipment forecast by processor architecture, including ARM, MIPS, and x86
Analysis of key issues potentially impacting the market, including the battle between ARM and x86, the pending release of Windows 8, the make vs. buy decision, differentiation and integration, the growth of the low-cost segments, industry consolidation, technology adoption and migration, manufacturing, and legal issues
Five-year outlook for the market
Processor and vendor profiles for Amlogic, Anyka, AMD, Apple, Broadcom, Freescale Semiconductor, HiSilicon, Ingenic Semiconductor, Intel, Marvell Technology Group, MediaTek, NuFront, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Renesas Mobile, Rockchip, Samsung, Shanghai Jade Tech, Spreadtrum, ST-Ericsson, Texas Instruments, VIA Technologies, Vimicro, and ZiiLABS
This research is part of In-Stat’s Mobile Technology service, which provides analysis of the market for technologies, IP, and semiconductors that enable next-generation mobile devices, including processors, graphics, modems, GPS, displays, memory, storage, operating systems, software, and human interfaces.

About NPD In-Stat

NPD In-Stat’s market intelligence combines technical, market and end-user research and database models to analyze the Mobile Internet and Digital Entertainment ecosystems. Insights are derived from a deep understanding of technology impacts, nearly 30 years of history in research and consulting, and direct relationships with leading players in each of our core markets. NPD In-Stat provides its research through reports, annual subscriptions, consulting and advisory services to inform critical decisions. Technology vendors, equipment manufacturers, service providers and media companies worldwide rely on NPD In-Stat to support critical business, product and technology decisions. For more information, visit www.in-stat.com.

About The NPD Group, Inc.

The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,800 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless. For more information, contact us or visit www.npd.com and www.npdgroupblog.com. Follow us on Twitter at @npdtech and @npdgroup.

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Intel Tempts with New (Free) Ultrabook

Intel is on the move in promoting its Apple MacBook Air fighter the Ultrabook. Forget about the Netbook that it tried to fashion onto the world a few years ago with the underpowered Atom CPU. Now Intel means business. In a new twist of marketing, Intel has release two videos, one shown above and one here on YouTube, tempting the public with an Ultrabook. The one SvenOnTech has furnished is a great demonstration in what people will do for free stuff while also testing ones pride level. In truth, it is a comical look at how we all handle what appears to be a simple challenge.

The linked video is another lab test of psychology in the real world where an Ultrabook is housed in a glass cubed display. Just below the glass plate is a hammer. You know, one of those hammers one commonly finds by a fire extinguisher that is accompanied by a note “Break in case of fire”? Intel sure has burned a fire within on this one. Will those that walk by break it? Will they take they Ultrabook? Do they battle their inner self as to the fact they could be stealing? Watch to find out.

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 15th, 2012 at 20:20 and is filed under Hardware, Netbooks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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SpiderArm Give Your iPad a 360 View

iPad accessories are quite popular and mounting options are increasing seemingly daily. While the option to mount your iPad is great, the flexibility of the mount hasn’t been. Now spiderArm Ltd. has announced it’s SpiderArm iPad mount which allows you to access your iPad in just about any way you wish. Connected to an arm, you are giving extreme flexibility to the height and reach of your iPad. The pivot head allows you to spin and tilt the iPad to any direction you desire giving you a true 360 degree option for you iPad. Take a look at the jump for more info.

spiderArm™ iPad® 2 Modular Mount System Holds iPad where you want it – with 360° Adjustability and Home-to-Work Versatility
Ergonomic iPad Accessory Helps Reduce Neck Strain and Long-Term Injuries

Toronto, February 17, 2012 - spiderArm Ltd. announces the worldwide availability of its SpiderArm iPad® mount system, a complete interchangeable support system for the iPad 2. The modular system allows users to create a hands-free viewing set up that provides the most precise and enjoyable experience with their device; therefore reducing potential muscle fatigue, eye strain and neck strain that can occur from extended use of technology devices. The spiderArm retails for $79.99 and is available at spiderArm.com and Amazon.

The system includes two base units; a two-way SurfaceMount™ that is padded to protect furniture and can be secured to a table or desk, and a three-way VersaMount™ for securing onto a wall, under a cabinet or near your work station. Much like spiders themselves who can survive in all types of habitats, the spiderArm system can be used in nearly any environment and the multiple mounts provided in the system means you can move your iPad from room to room – even from home to office – wherever you use your iPad the most.

Additional product features include:

Three modular extension arms with 270 degree joints that freely adjust to any angle and height. These arms help the user to “build” a system using either one, two or three of the arms, resulting in a set up that provides a precise, ergonomic and hands-free viewing experience customized just for them.
The spiderArm mount system provides endless uses and its versatility allows the user to place it nearly anywhere. The spiderArm may be used around the home, in the office, or for commercial and professional uses due to its rugged, polycarbonate construction.
The secureSnap™ outer casing allows for a quick attachment of the iPad; the device eases onto the base and is snapped onto the unit at all four corners for a secure fit. This casing is connected to the first and shortest “arm” provided in the system which features a ball joint connection and a 360 degree adjustment knob that provides a secure connection as well as the ability to angle it based on viewing preferences.
A fashionable yet durable, quality finish in piano-key white color and soft, anodized-finish aluminum tubes.
Under counter mount option keeps iPad safe from harm and away from spills and splashes in the kitchen, in a lab or on your desk.
“Each day we are seeing more medical reports and media coverage about the injuries being caused by poor posture, abnormal neck positioning and over exertion of arm muscles due to the extended use of electronic devices,” commented Tim Henderson, inventor of the spiderArm. “We expect our system to stand apart from other cases or stands on the market because it was designed with the iPad users versatile lifestyle in mind – one minute they are accessing recipes while cooking in the kitchen and the next they are viewing movies on their iPad in bed. The spiderArm is there for every situation to support their device and accommodate their viewing needs.”

Tim Henderson is the creator of the patented design behind the spiderArm. His background in design and production are evident in its superior construction and functionality. The product has been designed to accommodate the user’s personal lifestyle, and accessories are being introduced rapidly by the company to provide even more mobility of the product.

About spiderArm Ltd.

spiderArm Ltd was founded in 2011 with the intent to bring the best-in-design and usability to the iPad accessory market. The company is continuing to research and develop iPad products that provide best in quality, function and innovation for the end user. For more information, visit spiderArm.com or call (800) 531-8289.

iPad® is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 17th, 2012 at 8:20 and is filed under Accessories, Tablet. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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The new iPads Lack of True Innovation

Apple personally invited select members of the press to announce its new iPad which it called “awesome” and “revolutionary”. At the conclusion of the 90-minute Apple love fest, it was obvious from many tech blogs and traditional outlets that the Kool-Aid had been liberally consumed with posts of something amazing. I wasn’t fooled.

Let’s take a look at what was really updated in the next-generation iPad. The CPU was bumped from the A5 to the A5X which includes a quad-core graphics processor. The camera was upgraded to 5-megapixel with an ƒ/2.4 aperture and a five-element lens. The Retina display with 2048-by-1536-pixel resolution was added which now supports 1080p video. Bluetooth 4.0 technology and a microphone were also added. If you’d like, you can also now opt for “4G” LTE. So it’s obvious, let’s list this:

A5X with quad-core graphics5-megapixel with an ƒ/2.4 aperture and a five-element lensRetina display with 2048-by-1536-pixel resolutionBluetooth 4.0LTE

In contrast to the Droid offering from ASUS, Toshiba, and Samsung, Apple has not set a wide distance between it and the competition. Certainly, the Retina display is impressive, I will not discount it, but revolutionary? Maybe two years ago with the release of the original iPad or even possibly last year but not this year. No, I think the word Apple missed was expected.

Speaking of expected, LTE showed up and Apple’s PR machine tried to spin that by stating it supported more networks than any other device in the world. To a world that only knows one new one, um, LTE, that claim means little. No, I think the proper word needed here was tardy.

Well, what about the camera you ask? 5-megapixel. ASUS’ announced Transformer Pad Infinity 700 will sport 8-megapixel, LED flash, HD video, and f2.2 aperture. Let’s see, that is 3-megapixels better, some light for dark situations, and a wee bit more light to let into that lens. Even Toshiba’s Excite X10 LE matches the new iPad plus an LED flash. Heck, Apple even beat itself with the iPhone 4S optics. Let’s see, the word Apple needed to describe the camera was…lackluster.

One would point out the quad-core system-on-a-chip graphics A5X and it’s stellar performance for video games. The demos given were striking to say the least and I would agree. The graphics are stunning and even breathtaking at times but in light of Apple’s amazing and dazzling marketing skills in whole, again, it’s not profound enough to warrant the show given it. My choice word here is overblown.

That leaves Bluetooth 4 and ironically it’s my favorite feature. I have been completely dismayed by previous incarnations of Bluetooth and Apple’s implementation of it. Since purchasing my iPhone 4S, Apple has finally nailed it. Connections are precise and consistent. Audio quality is dramatically improved in both sonic and clearness. In short, Bluetooth 4 rocks and only the iPad has it for tablets. Is that far-reaching? No but impressive just the same. My selection here is well-done.

The summary of the findings here, if we are to be honest, is that the new iPad has no true innovation. It is a mere small step in improvement. I will not discount the screen, the graphics, and retained battery life, but I also will not join the silly dernier cri as it struts down the Milan runway.

Apple is well crafted down to who it chooses to cover these events. It leaves nothing to chance and does very well for itself by controlling everything. Unfortunately, the man behind the current will be revealed and many will remove the Apple Illusion Glasses from their nose and see clearly. I fear for Apple that it will carry on with this pace while Google does what Microsoft did to Apple in the 80s and pass right by it while – gasp shall I even write this? – Microsoft innovated. Sure, it copied the Mac but Microsoft did push the envelope while Apple kept patting itself on the back. Google, too, has copied Apple and it’s hungry. It has successfully overtaken the smartphone market and now it can concentrate on tablets. True innovation is coming.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 9th, 2012 at 9:57 and is filed under Analysis & Commentary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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Increasing Demand in Backlight and Lighting Applications to Reduce LED Oversupply in 2012

Santa Clara, California, February 16, 2012—In 2011, LED supply exceeded demand by 30% due to poor LED TV sales and slow growth in LED lighting. However, this gap is closing in 2012 due to recovering backlight demand and increasing demand for lighting. According to the recent NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly LED Supply/Demand Market Forecast Report, the glut will be 19% in Q1’12 and will drop to 16% in Q2’12.

Key players such as Samsung LED, LGIT and Lextar rapidly increased their capacity for metal organic chemical vapor deposition in 2010, but found that they had overestimated market demand. In reaction to the oversupply, LED makers began to adjust utilization rates in late 2011, and the average utilization rate has dropped to 50%.

Two applications are forecast to drive LED demand in 2012. The first, the low-cost direct LED TV backlight, is likely to trigger LED demand because of its pricing. There is only a slight price difference between CCFL-backlit LCD TVs and low-cost direct LED-backlit TVs (approximately 5% for a 32” set).

The second, LED lighting, will also continue to gradually grow due to efficacy enhancements and cost reductions. For LED lighting products, the lumen per dollar is becoming closer to traditional light sources every day. Following the March 2011 Japan earthquake, LED lighting products saw sales increases in Japan due to electrical power shortages as well as a government incentive program. NPD DisplaySearch forecasts that sales will continue to rapidly increase in Japan in 2012. Other regions, such as China, the US and Korea, have aggressively promoted LED lighting.

Currently, LED backlights are used in all small/medium LCDs, and LED penetration in mobile PCs is nearly 100%. Penetration of LEDs in LCD monitors and LCD TVs continues to grow, while the number of LED packages per set is decreasing. Also, high growth is expected for low-cost direct LED TVs in 2012.

The NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly LED Supply/Demand Market Forecast Report analyzes supply and demand on a quarterly basis for the entire LED industry. From chip prices to LED maker roadmaps, this report gives a clear outlook and reliable forecast of LED supply/demand, along with an analysis of the impacts on pricing. This report is delivered in PowerPoint and includes Excel-based data and tables. For more information on this report, please contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452, or contact@displaysearch.com or contact your regional DisplaySearch office in China, Japan, Korea or Taiwan.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 16th, 2012 at 7:37 and is filed under Video. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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Garmin

Apple personally invited select members of the press to announce its new iPad which it called “awesome” and “revolutionary”. At the conclusion of the 90-minute Apple love fest, it was obvious from many tech blogs and traditional outlets that the Kool-Aid had been liberally consumed with posts of something amazing. I wasn’t fooled.

Let’s take a look at what was really updated in the next-generation iPad. The CPU was bumped from the A5 to the A5X which includes a quad-core graphics processor. The camera was upgraded to 5-megapixel with an ƒ/2.4 aperture and a five-element lens. The Retina display with 2048-by-1536-pixel resolution was added which now supports 1080p video. Bluetooth 4.0 technology and a microphone were also added. If you’d like, you can also now opt for “4G” LTE. So it’s obvious, let’s list this:

A5X with quad-core graphics5-megapixel with an ƒ/2.4 aperture and a five-element lensRetina display with 2048-by-1536-pixel resolutionBluetooth 4.0LTE

In contrast to the Droid offering from ASUS, Toshiba, and Samsung, Apple has not set a wide distance between it and the competition. Certainly, the Retina display is impressive, I will not discount it, but revolutionary? Maybe two years ago with the release of the original iPad or even possibly last year but not this year. No, I think the word Apple missed was expected.

Speaking of expected, LTE showed up and Apple’s PR machine tried to spin that by stating it supported more networks than any other device in the world. To a world that only knows one new one, um, LTE, that claim means little. No, I think the proper word needed here was tardy.

Well, what about the camera you ask? 5-megapixel. ASUS’ announced Transformer Pad Infinity 700 will sport 8-megapixel, LED flash, HD video, and f2.2 aperture. Let’s see, that is 3-megapixels better, some light for dark situations, and a wee bit more light to let into that lens. Even Toshiba’s Excite X10 LE matches the new iPad plus an LED flash. Heck, Apple even beat itself with the iPhone 4S optics. Let’s see, the word Apple needed to describe the camera was…lackluster.

One would point out the quad-core system-on-a-chip graphics A5X and it’s stellar performance for video games. The demos given were striking to say the least and I would agree. The graphics are stunning and even breathtaking at times but in light of Apple’s amazing and dazzling marketing skills in whole, again, it’s not profound enough to warrant the show given it. My choice word here is overblown.

That leaves Bluetooth 4 and ironically it’s my favorite feature. I have been completely dismayed by previous incarnations of Bluetooth and Apple’s implementation of it. Since purchasing my iPhone 4S, Apple has finally nailed it. Connections are precise and consistent. Audio quality is dramatically improved in both sonic and clearness. In short, Bluetooth 4 rocks and only the iPad has it for tablets. Is that far-reaching? No but impressive just the same. My selection here is well-done.

The summary of the findings here, if we are to be honest, is that the new iPad has no true innovation. It is a mere small step in improvement. I will not discount the screen, the graphics, and retained battery life, but I also will not join the silly dernier cri as it struts down the Milan runway.

Apple is well crafted down to who it chooses to cover these events. It leaves nothing to chance and does very well for itself by controlling everything. Unfortunately, the man behind the current will be revealed and many will remove the Apple Illusion Glasses from their nose and see clearly. I fear for Apple that it will carry on with this pace while Google does what Microsoft did to Apple in the 80s and pass right by it while – gasp shall I even write this? – Microsoft innovated. Sure, it copied the Mac but Microsoft did push the envelope while Apple kept patting itself on the back. Google, too, has copied Apple and it’s hungry. It has successfully overtaken the smartphone market and now it can concentrate on tablets. True innovation is coming.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 9th, 2012 at 9:57 and is filed under Analysis & Commentary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

View the original article here