Piper Jaffray’s Munster: No, really, Apple HDTV with new remote coming this year

“Speaking with Bloomberg today about Apple's upcoming earnings call, Piper Jaffray's Apple analyst Gene Munster said his most recent checks with suppliers in Asia and industry sources indicate Apple is moving to release a full-fledged television this year with a new remote,” Jordan Kahn reports for 9to5Mac.

“Munster is expecting the Apple TV set to be one of three catalysts to help investors get behind Apple stock again in 2013. The other two being a Retina iPad mini in March and a low-cost iPhone later in the year,” Kahn reports.

Read more in the full article here.

About those ‘iPhone Math’ rumors

“Late last night, reports surfaced alleging that Apple would introduce three new variations of the iPhone during 2013. The first is the iPhone 5S, expected to be released in late Spring or early Summer. This would include a slight refresh and upgrade of the iPhone 5 hardware. The second is likely to be the iPhone 6, which would come out about a year after the initial iPhone 5, and just before the 2013 holiday season (likely mid-October),” Three28Capital writes. “The third variation is where the rumors are swirling.”

“The report describes a new iPhone, dubbed the ‘Math’ (we'll discuss the name in a moment), which is rumored to have a 4.8 screen. The iPhone 5, after much consternation, included a larger screen than all prior iPhone's (previously they had 3.5 screens before introducing the huge 4 screen). Apple did not take this step lightly,” Three28Capital writes. “Would Apple, who plans years in advance and carefully selects the appropriate time to release a new product, really make developers go through the process of redesigning their apps only nine months after the last go around?”

Three28Capital writes, “As for the name iPhone Math, it smells like a bad game of telephone. It's not hard to imagine somebody saying iPhone ‘Max,’ which the person on the other end hears as iPhone ‘Math.’”

Read more in the full article here.

Google patent application mirrors MIT student’s 2009 invention

“In 2009 we posted a report that pointed to a fascinating invention by MIT’s Pranav Mistry who had invented a wearable device called the SixSense,” Jack Purcher reports for Patently Apple.

“Our report included a TED video of Pranav introducing his invention to the world. One of the applications created by Mistry was having his device project an active keypad onto the users hand or a wall so that they could key in a phone number,” Purcher reports. “Apparently the engineers at Google were so inspired by Mistry’s invention that they decided to copy and modify it for their future Project Glass product that’s due to arrive sometime in the mystical future.”

Read more in the full article here.

Related article:
Google's Larry Page: How well is your 'thermonuclear war' working, Apple? – January 17, 2013

My Journey to the Dark Side: If this is what Android offers, Apple investors have nothing to worry about

“It is no secret to anyone that knows me that I love technology. I’m also usually very loyal once I find a good brand that makes quality products. I used to only buy Hewlett-Packard computers, until I got my first Apple Macbook,” Chad Henage writes for The Motley Fool. “Being exposed to Apple’s technology made me a fan of the first iPhone, and not long after, I bought an iPhone 3G. Given this background, you would think when Apple introduced the iPhone 5 that I would have been itching to upgrade. However, just like Apple solved a problem for me by allowing the iPhone to replace my iPod and cell phone, I was looking for a smartphone that could replace my tablet as well.”

“I did a lot of research, watched video reviews, and read reviews about several devices from the iPhone 5 to the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Of all of the choices, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 seemed like the one that might be able to replace my tablet and cell phone,” Henage writes. “I figured if I were to make the jump from Apple’s eco-system to Google’s (NASDAQ: GOOG) Android system, the Galaxy Note 2 would be my chance.”

Henage writes, “If you are looking at buying Google because of the Android OS, don’t waste your time. Google is a great company, and the plethora of Android devices only serves to extend their lead when it comes to services like Google Search, Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps... However, if you are looking for a great device company, look at Apple. The company has tight control over its hardware and software offerings, and the difference in quality apps on iOS versus Android is stark... The tight integration of iCloud, better quality apps and consistent iOS experience is just better. Call me a fanboy if you want, but I’ve tried both systems, and if this is what Android offers, Apple investors have nothing to worry about.”

Read more in the full article here.

Toshiba Unveils Highest Capacity Laptop HDD

Toshiba has introduced highest density 1TB 2.5-inch hard drive for portable and form factor mobile computers. Ideally, the new high density HDDs are meant for consumers who fall short of storage space for their laptops. The 9.5 millimetre thick 2.5-inch MK7559GSXP HDD has two-platters holding 750GB capacity and is almost like regular notebook HDDs. Also, 12.5 millimetre thick 2.5-inch MK1059GSM HDD model has three platters offering 750GB and 1 TB storage space. The sample shipments will start from next month. However, there is no word on pricing as yet.
Both new Toshiba HDDs use the company's own technology to improve the perpendicular magnetic recording technology head and disk. Inspite of the different number of platters and capacities, both different height HDDs have few things in common.
Both share the same 5400RPM spindle speed, 8MB buffer memory, 12 millisecond seek time and SATA 2.6 3Gb/s interface.
Also, both 2.5-inch HDDs have Toshiba's 'Silent Seek' technology that makes every data seek operation quieter just like an idle drives. The MK1059GSM 1TB model with three platters consumes slightly more energy 2.2W in seek mode and 1.7W in read/write mode compared to 1.85W and 1.5W for 750GB model, respectively.
This means you'll soon be able to go for high-density HDDs for your laptops and store more data on it. However, do note that these new HDD models may not fit into older laptops.

New BSNL Broadband Users Get Unlimited Downloads

While private players are doing all they can to cash in on the recent IPL fever, BSNL, who never seemed least interested in the cashing in on any phenomenon has thrown a surprise and has announced a plan that might just make all you BSNL broadband users happy. Even though existing users would not be benefited by these offers, they can always hope for something on these lines would be introduced for them as well.
BSNL has revealed the details of a new plan for broadband service that can be availed by users taking a new connection from BSNL. Under this offer, all users who register for the service before March 31 will enjoy unlimited downloads at speeds of up to 2mbps.
BSNL also adds that they will not charge registration charges for these new connections. Note that BSNL will offer speeds of up to 2mbps for the first 15 days on these connections. After the 15 day period, the plan will revert to the one that the customer had originally chosen. Users who chose a plan that offers less than 2 mbps, will get a speed upgrade for 15 days after which the speed will drop. The user will need to pay Security Deposit for the opted Broadband Plan and the Modem Security Deposit (in case Modem is taken on hire basis from BSNL). These would reflect in the first bill you receive. BSNL has also informed that the minimum period of hire for customers who avail this scheme would be one month. Head to the BSNL website for more information on this.

SAAB?

Though the brand may be nearing its end, Swedish automaker SAAB will always be remembered for producing and advancing the technology of jet fighters still in use today. An ode to SAAB's rich history, this coupe concept takes inspiration (and name) from the Viggen fighter, mimicking its lines, glass cockpit canopy and overall clean design.

Designer: Feliciano Ruy-D az
VIA