By Gilbert Falso :: 12:57 AM
RIM’s BlackBerry service is currently having technical difficulties across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the carrier Vodafone confirmed, with many BlackBerry users unable to connect to data services on their handsets.
According to reports in Reuters, the carrier is working with RIM to troubleshoot the problem and restore service across the network.
This is a bit of a black eye for RIM, as many loyal users are waiting patiently for the launch of the BlackBerry 10 in a couple of weeks.
The full geographic extent of the connectivity problem is not currently known, but it is thought that most of the European countries are affected, as well as some African states.
In September last year, the Vodafone network also experienced a data services outage in Europe that left about six percent of BlackBerry users unable to send or receive messages from their phones.
RIM did not have a presence at CES this year, although BlackBerry handsets were in individual carrier booths, and all major US carriers have committed to the BlackBerry 10.
By Cynthia Herbert :: 8:42 PM
Hisense debuted a lineup of televisions and Google TV devices at CES this week that it hopes will put it squarely back in the US market after many years away.
The company’s booth occupied some prime real estate in the Las Vegas Convention Center – right at the front of the central exhibition hall, hallowed ground of Microsoft in years past. The company showcased a range of hardware, but what had people talking was its Google TV boxes.
The XT780 line of Google TV-powered displays will be available in 55- and 65-inch models, and feature the same Android-based technology under the hood that we see in other Google TV devices, like the Sony’s Internet Player NSZ-GS7.
Although pricing and availability have not yet been released yet, Hisense will likely make them available in the United States sometime during the first quarter of 2013 in the sub-$2,000 range. The company’s Pulse box
Hisense’s other HDTVs will also get an upgrade with models compatible with Roku’s Stick
By Cynthia Herbert :: 8:29 PM
At the tech mecca that is CES this week, there were some new additions to the tried and true lineup of silicon greats. Car companies flocked to Las Vegas in droves to showcase new connected car technology.
Many big name automakers had a presence at CES this past week, including Chrysler, Ford, Audi, Hyundai and Kia.
Earlier this week, Ford Motor Company announced that it was opening its mobile appsplatform for SYNC-enabled vehicles to developers.
Developers who want their apps to work with AppLink and Ford’s SYNC can register for access to the AppLink software developer kit. The SDK includes code libraries and documentation for the APIs that enable communication between apps and the vehicle including voice directions from the driver.
“Since launching AppLink, we’ve worked with developers ranging from a two-man startup at Roximity to large organizations like National Public Radio and Major League Baseball,†Julius Marchwicki, global product manager for Ford SYNC said in a press release.
In addition to the availability of the SDK, Ford also announced a number of new partners for AppLink, including media companies like The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Weibo.com, and music providers like Aha Radio, Rhapsody, and Amazon Cloud Player.
The car is a popular coming platform for app because of the huge potential for advertising to a captive audience. Drivers spend around two hours per day, on average, in their cars. Many advertisers are particularly interested in exploring location-based advertising solutions behind the wheel.
By Paul Thomson :: 5:12 PM
Apple is said to be planning a low-cost version of its popular iPhone handset for emerging market countries such as China. Supply chain sources and others believe that the product will be released in the second half of this year.
A sample of the cut rate iPhone has apparently made the rounds, and it has a larger display, perhaps even as large as 5 inches, and has a different exterior housing that the current iPhone 5.
It is unclear if the two rumors are related, but other industry sources indicate that Apple plans to enter a partnership with telecom giant China Mobile to launch special version of the iPhone in the China market.
According to Wall Street Journal sources, Apple will likely cut costs by using different materials for the housing, perhaps polycarbonate plastic. Other internal parts might remain the same or could even be recycled from older iPhone hardware.
Details are scant at this time, but stay tuned. With CES ramping up, Apple may hope to steal some of the thunder from the tech event.
By Gilbert Falso :: 4:43 PM
Watch out online retailers! Target has vowed to match prices at the top online shopping destinations in its brick-and-mortar stores.
“We know that our guests often compare prices online,†said Gregg Steinhafel, Target’s chairman, president and CEO in a statement.
If a Target customer buys an item at the store, and then finds an identical item selling for less within seven days on Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com and Toysrus.com, Target will match that lower price.
Target hopes that this move will help stem the tide of “showrooming” – the process of consumers visiting traditional stores to look and decide on products, but eventually placing the order and buying online. Amazon.com has made the showrooming process very easy for consumers as well, through its Price Check
In addition to online competitors, Target will also price match its own online shopping outlet, Target.com.