Apple is currently investigating the case Lodsys

The case Lodsys continues to make waves: Friday we learned that the company had sent letters to a dozen developers, requiring a license to its patent for the purchase in-app (read in-app purchasing : developers threatened for patent infringement ).

The company explained this matter, defending themselves to extortion and stating that Apple itself had a license to its patent, unfortunately it does not cover third-party developers (read in Patent Procurement -app: Lodsys explained ).

However one looks at things, this initiative is damaging to the Apple platform, as it induces a hidden cost for developers in addition to the 30% taken by Apple, not to mention the bad precedent that could stoke d other appetites, or the problem of sovereignty in its own Apple store.

According to the Guardian, the legal department of Apple "actively investigating" this issue, and should give his public position by the end of the week (without specifying the origin of this information). Meanwhile the clock is ticking, since Lodsys gave 21 days for developers to come into compliance, without which it could institute legal proceedings against them.

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Apple and Samsung struggling on 3G

Apple and Samsung met all day yesterday in a court of the Netherlands. The Korean group called for the country are prohibited in the import and sale of the iPhone and iPad 3G version. Involved, the use by Apple 3G transceivers without payment of royalties. These components include technology from Samsung. A similar process is underway in France since July 8, on patents related to 3G as well as the United States. The heart of the debate, however, focused on issues of technology licensing at Apple Samsung. The second accused the first to use them improperly and without consideration.

At one point the debate, counsel for Apple let out confidential information. Samsung calls for each of the four patents in question, a royalty of up to 2.4% of the component. Apple should pay 9.6% royalties plus the cost of these chips, for each iPhone 3G sold iPad. She finds the note and that the total salt should not exceed 5%. According to iSuppli estimates of times by the Wall Street Journal, Intel, which manufactures these chips under license sells for about $ 12 to Apple.

Percentage is too High

 Between the percentage requested by Samsung which would amount to $ 1.15 per unit, the 80 million iPhones expected in 2011 and iPad 3G (Apple does not give sales figures for the specific model), Samsung would receive no close to $ 100 million in royalties (73 million). This in addition to what it already sells to Apple, such as flash memory and respect to the main processor.

Apple's lawyer said that the requirement of Samsung was' simply excessive "and that the Korean was abusing its contribution to the definition of 3G standard. Apple has released the map conditions FRAND (fair, reasonable and non-DISCRIMINATORY / fair, reasonable and non discriminatory), that allow players of an industry to obtain a license on fair rates of technologies included in a standard. Apple estimates that Samsung can contribute to one side of a standard pot and later seek to withdraw large profits.

Apple spoke of "robbery" and later a policy of "patent ambush". Samsung is accused of having actively participated in the definition of the UMTS standard, while concealing the fact that he had patented technologies available. Today, they have become essential, it would seek high royalties. Apple cited the case of Rambus, which had used this tactic in the 90's, the memory market. This was resolved by an arrangement with the European Commission had imposed on Rambus to review its licensing terms. Apple's request to prohibit its equipment Samsung is the manifestation of an abuse of power and is illegal.

Samsung has challenged this interpretation, saying that its patents were fully known in 2008, when the iPhone has taken off in the Netherlands. He had also proposed to Apple to license its technology, either in whole or essential patents at reasonable costs. What Apple responded that they were neither friendly nor reasonable.

 For Suppliers

 Another point raised, Apple said it purchased the components from Intel and Infineon (now owned by the first in January) and that in this case it did not have to pay licensing puisqu'Intel already did. This may explain today reminds 9to5Mac , why Steve Jobs had said "happy" for this operation (see Infineon: Intel boss Steve Jobs would have consulted ).

Samsung countered that before the takeover of Infineon chips did not include a license for its patents. Apple would have used in the iPhone's sold in the Netherlands without a license. Apple would also have a dozen vendors and keep it to give their names so as not to raise other issues around these licenses.

Apple has denied, reiterating that it obtained supplies from Intel, and added that Samsung had not brought to the table the issue of licenses before 2010 because the Californian was a very important client. According to the Guardian, Apple would have weighed in 2010 to 4% of sales of components to Samsung.

Apple also said that the Korean group had altered its contracts with Qualcomm so that the chips (the iPhone and iPad distributed by the CDMA operator Verizon) sold at Apple are not covered by the patent licenses Samsung. A process according to the conditions FRAND prohibited. The judge's decision to address these issues licenses will be given Oct. 14.

Interface Adjustments
At the same time, Samsung has fixed some interface elements on three phones threatened with a ban on sales to the Netherlands from mid-October. The journalist Andreas Udo de Haes following the case in The Hague and who tweeted the bulk of the discussion yesterday, told a representative of Samsung as an update in the interface of Samsung phones was being deployed. Samsung has withdrawn the rebound effect that has been on iOS when you get to the beginning or end of a list. Android does not offer default, preferring a halo effect, but the Samsung had returned to Apple and slipped into its terminals.

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The deletion iOS protected by patent

The small swipe gesture to remove an item from a list of IOS is now protected by patent (US 7,934,156 ). This patent is part of the vast body around the tactile manipulation introduced in 2007 to protect the innovations of IOS.
This patent counts Scott Forstall among the inventors is not limited just to this gesture, but is interested in mechanics to fine tune the action. To remove an item from a list, it sweeps from left to right, then a button appears on which you can enter to confirm. But if you type in hand, it does not delete, a mechanism to avoid errors.

A move that seems natural and obvious, but is one of those little details that form the "identity", the "look and feel" of IOS, a central point of confrontation between Apple and Samsung (read: Apple and Samsung: small trial with friends ).

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Play divx on its iPad oPlayer HD

By default, the iPad does not play movies other than those purchased from iTunes. A wound to users who have a digital copy of the DVD they have purchased. To watch the train, without damaging the DVD, coughed.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to iTunes to solve this big gap.

I stopped on oPlayer, who appeared to be the most interesting, given what I have read on the Net. I had previously experimented with CineXPlayer, a solution of the same style, for free. But once the app installed on my tablet, you can not find it. Avoid it, then.

OPlayer with HD (€ 3.99 on the App Store), everything is super simple to transfer as reading divx iPad. A short guide.

- It installs the application. Remember, it is here.

- We open iTunes, then click on "iPad Machin" in the left column.

- Apps tab, scroll to display the box below.
- Click Add, then choose the file to be transferred on the iPad. Synchronization is done automatically.

- On the shelf, run the application, then go to My Documents.

- Choose the movie, and ... that's all. It starts in full screen, and it remains only to let the reader do his job.

With this new feature, the iPad is gaining ground on the MacBook in terms of daily use. As for the more mobile, we had to take his MacBook jusque'à this trip, to watch his movies on the go. This is now complete, the iPad marks a considerable and growing up in direct competition with the laptop.

It is rather surprising that Apple left on its App Store an application that provides functionality to be competing with the principle of iTunes. Thank you to them.

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Galaxy Tab tablets ultra-thin 8.9 and 10.1 inch Samsung

Samsung completes its range of bars Galaxy Tab. Models 7 and 10.1 inches, the manufacturer adds two versions (8.9 and 10.1 inches) of only 8.6 millimeters thick.Samsung also unveiled its TouchWiz user interface for tablet UX.

As suggested by the invitation sent to press in early March, Samsung took advantage of the CTIA convention in Orlando to make an announcement in the field of product shelves. The presentation of a 8.9-inch version of the Galaxy and Tabwas expected.But the manufacturer has finally unveiled two new models to its range Galaxy Tab:So a 8.9 inch, and a second in 10.1. This however, should not be confused with the tablet of the same size made by Samsung at the Mobile World Congress.

First tablets consistent with TouchWiz UX

These two new Galaxy Tab are well described by the manufacturer as the finestbars in the market. But a title claimed by the Apple iPad 2 with 8.8 mm thick. TheGalaxy Tab latest generation, however, are better with 8.6 millimeters. Apart from this feature, these tablets show the same specifications as the 10.1 inch model of the Mobile World Congress: dual-core processor, two cameras (2megapixel and 3), 1080p HD video, touch screen WXGA (1280x800) and Android 3.0 Honeycomb. But Samsung has also benefited from the CTIA to showcase its new TouchWizinterface UX. Owners of Samsung mobile will know this overlay manufacturer.Samsung is now on the shelf.

Prices remain an unknown

TouchWiz UX will not, however comes with the tablets in their commercial launch.Indeed, the manufacturer announced that the interface will be completed later andaccessible via a software update (at an unspecified date).

The newInternet Tablet is expected this summer edition Wi-Fi and HSPA + (21Mbps).Editions of LTE and WiMax are announced. However, their release will occur later this year.The prices announced by Samsung allow it to remain competitive with the iPad 2.The Galaxy Tab 8.9 inch Wi-Fi will be sold 469 dollars (16 GB) and 569 dollars(32 GB). Prices for the 10.1 inch (Wi-Fi) are respectively 499 and 599 dollars (for16 and 32 GB).

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The tablet of Fire Amazon unable to compete with the iPad?

Amazon is expected to present its tablet Fire this week. But far from the iPad, it should rather follow the footsteps of PlayBook RIM. Not really a success in North America.

Amazon announced a press conference in New York Wednesday, Sept. 28, the opportunity is likely to unveil its future multi-media touch pad. It should be, according to Techcrunch, closer to the Kindle, improved and inexpensive as avery advanced functions iPad. Still according to Techcrunch, the slate will be named Fire (Fire and Kindle) and should be fairly similar to the RIM playbook(200,000 copies sold only in the place of the expected 600 000 Canadian). It will be at least a 7-inch tablet, running Android 2.3 (customized by Amazon). It will in all likelihood, on sale in November in the U.S. and is expected to competeprimarily tablet Nook Color Barnes & Nobles. In anticipation of its launch, Amazonfinalize, according to the Wall Street Journal, agreements with publishers to offeran unlimited monthly subscription service. For their part, analysts are eagerly awaiting the presentation of the tablet. According to Forrester Research, Amazoncould sell up to five 

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Oracle announces super Sparc server available end Q4 2011

During the presentation of its latest processor Sparc T4, Oracle took the opportunity to unveil a high-end server that will compete with Unix platforms from Hewlett-Packard and IBM.

As usual, Larry Ellison was particularly passionate when he took the stage at the headquarters of Oracle to advertise its products. He has made several projections which have the room laughed and said he is "looking forward" to solicit customers of IBM.

The T4 is the latest addition to the family of Sparc processor developed by Sun Microsystems, Oracle acquired last year. This chip has eight cores per processor against 16 for the T3, but each core runs up against 3 GHz 1.65 GHz only for the T3. According to the CEO of Oracle, it gives the T4 single-threaded performance five times higher than its predecessor. The Sparc T4 is now available in rack and blade servers (from 16 000 to $ 160,000). It will also be used in the Supercluster Sparc T4-4, a high-end system that will take up to 128 cores in a single system the size of a server rack.

A common platform to Exadata


Oracle does not yet have a price for the supercluster which he had already started talking about last year. No firm delivery date either, although John Fowler,executive vice president of Oracle Systems Group, said in an interview that the machine will be available by the end of the years. On some points, it will be similar to dedicated servers and ExadataDatabase Exalogic Elastic Cloud. In all three cases, Oracle says it has worked hard on the bricks server, storage and networking to optimize performance, and integrated its software on these platforms.

1024 cores with eight racks


The super server Oracle based on four server nodes Sparc T4, each with foursockets for up to eight cores chips 3 GHz, Infiniband switches, storage systems,ZFS, and Exadata platform. It can be purchased in a half-rack configuration or as afull rack with 4 TB of DRAM and up to 198 TB of storage space. Up to eight racks(1024 hearts so) can be linked together with a single system image, further statedLarry Ellison, "This is a very important machine.

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Does Microsoft use the UEFI to block Linux on Windows 8 PC?

A developer Red Hat accuses Microsoft of using technology in Windows UEFI 8 to lock Linux, which belies the publisher.

Microsoft is used the technology start-Secure Windows 8 to block the use of Linux and other OS on some computers? If the publisher has denied any such intention, Matthew Garrett, a developer of Red Hat, maintained that it could still be the case.Windows 8, Microsoft is to require the use of technology UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) that secures the system boot so that "the end user is no longer able to control your PC" , accused the developer of Red Hat on a blog. But Microsoft says the accusation is based on a misunderstanding. "At the end of the day, customers can regain control of their PC," assures Tony Mangefeste response, program manager at Microsoft, in a blog from the firm of Redmont.

The controversy began Tuesday when Matthew Garrett noted in a blog that computers running Windows certified 8 would perhaps not be able to run other operating systems like Linux. According to the developer, users could not install Linux as second OS, Windows or replace with a copy of Linux. Matthew Garrett says that Windows 8 will require the host to use UEFI, low-level interface between the firmware of the computer and operating system. Presented as a replacement BIOS, UEFI provides a secure boot protocol, which requires the operating system to a digital key before it is loaded by the machine. Without this signature, the UEFI can block the operation of all programs or all drivers. This protocol should prevent malware from infecting machines at boot time and protects the boot process.

Numeric keys to install the OS

Windows 8, Microsoft will require equipment manufacturers (those who want to display the Windows logo on their machines) to deliver computers with secure boot process active. Each machine would then require a digital key provided by Microsoft, the manufacturer or, if it uses a different OS, a secure key for this OS. "Users who customize their own versions of Linux, or using an OS that does not require generic key will perhaps not be able to run the OS on the machine with the boot process secure," said Matthew Garrett. Moreover, there is no guarantee that the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) offer users the option to add their own keys, or let users start with other operating systems without a key.

An option to install the old OS

For enthusiasts who want to run older operating systems, an option will allow them to install the system you want," wrote the manager program. "However, disabling the secure boot will be at your own risk," he added. "The refutation of Microsoft is quite accurate in practice. But it is also misleading, "said the developer in another blog, posted Friday. According to the license agreement, the supplier has no obligation to provide users with the ability to disable the secure boot. However, it must temper the debate by pointing out that Windows 8 will ship with Hyper-V, the hypervisor from Microsoft that will install the OS in a virtual machine.

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Sony launch RDP-V20iP

Abstract

More autonomous with its internal rechargeable battery, the musical sphereRDP-V20iP Sony is also more dedicated to iPhone and iPod counterpartSRS-BTV25. It has a cradle Dock Apple but no Bluetooth. Otherwise, power and price are the same.

Two speakers with Sony's spherical 360 °

For readers with apple, Sony is launching two little spheres that play an audio sound to 360 degrees.

Sony has announced two mini-speakers spherical, the RDP-and SRS-V20iPBTV25. The design of the speakers and special provisions allow these speakers to broadcast music around them 360 degrees.

Uniqueness and compact design does not harm the quality

Nearly identical, they take the shape of a small sphere about six inches in diameter, with the neat and comes in three colors (white, black and red). These speakers include two speakers (a 5.6 inch woofer for bass and a tweeter for treble2 cm) with a total output of 13 watts. They also have a Bass Boost to enhance bass level.

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Dell Inspiron 620, a small well-equipped desktop PC for its price

The desktop is not dead. Dell continues to renew its range of desktop PC family and we offer the Inspiron 620. If we rely on technical information provided by the manufacturer, the lambda-like configuration has a bit in the stomach but is limited to current practices. Audit.Clarify at the outset an important point, it's not a setup to play. The GeForce GT 420 is not at all able to serve you in games, except the very old. With up to 16 frames per second developed with our set of test standards in our games (Resident Evil 5 for example), do not bother to expect miracles. The real power of the Inspiron is its versatility on all common tasks.

Good configuration but no USB 3.0
Although the graphics are not exceptional, Dell offers a good solution for the calculation. The Intel Core i5-2300 is a great processing chip, running at 2.8 GHz on each of their hearts. It is supported in its work by 6 GB memory, ensuring a good speed of execution to the machine as well as fast and consistent exchange of data (encoding, format conversion, etc.)..
Storage is provided by a 1 TB hard disk (7200 revs / min) and it is possible to add another hard drive in the machine. The side of the connector provided, no USB 3.0 but only eight USB 2.0 ports, split between the front and back of the case. The Wi-Fi module is also conspicuously absent. However, the graphics card has VGA, DVI and HDMI to easily connect any type of screen .

What of possible additions? Hardly any. Apart from the hard drive and optical drive further, it is useless to think about changing the graphics card because the power of 300 watts will not support large models and offers no connectivity to PCI-Express (or for Molex use an adapter).
To add Wi-Fi or USB 3.0 machine, you must choose a PCI-E 1x (three ports are present on the motherboard).

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Change your smartphone without losing data

Smart phones have invaded our daily lives: in world, there would be 27.8 million subscribers using a mobile multimedia. And at the end of 2011, there will be more smart phones than traditional laptops. Since the launch of Apple's iPhone, in 2007, the sauce has really taken to the general public. Then competition took place following the arrival on the market giant Google and its Android operating system. Now the smart touch mobile phones are no longer the preserve of a few geeks.


We walk the streets all over the world being guided through the functions of location-based terminals, there consults his e-mails, it surfs the Web, it carries with it its media library, be it pictures , music or videos, it manages its time with the schedule board. And since it's also a phone, it retains a rich address book, it makes calls, sends text messages ... A galaxy of services all the more useful than others. And these activities that we offer smart phones are getting richer, as and when the release of new material: more powerful, they pave the way for activities richer.


Distinct worlds:


 The problem is that there are distinct families of smart phones: the Apple iPhone with its system IOS, smart phones with the Android operating system from Google, the RIM BlackBerry, devices with operating system Microsoft Windows 7 Phone ... and some other more exotic. And once entered one of the world, it feels a bit stuck: when our phone becomes obsolete, they are reluctant to change operating system. By staying in the same universe, we are sure that the data stored in our old phone, and installed applications, we will follow.Is it really so difficult to move from one platform to another without losing data?Both say right away: it is still complicated. Porting data from one smartphone to another will always be incomplete or slightly wrong: you risk losing information or applications, not available on the new platform. But there are many tools to make such a transition, be it software provided by manufacturers of smart phones, for telecom operators or publishers of online services. By following our advice, you'll find in our case the best solution to migrate mobile in the best conditions!

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Top Ten tablets tested

Riding the wave of worldwide success of the Apple IPad, the major manufacturers have rushed in recent months, in the area of ​​touch pads. It is true that there is still a year or two, the real utility of such a product, halfway between notebook and smartphone - without, so far, it really can replace one or the other - was not easy. Today, the shelf, despite a high price and use not necessarily essential, is increasingly a place in the home.

One reason for this enthusiasm? More elegant and less cumbersome than a notebook, it delivers the content instantly the most popular with users (e-mail, online news, weather, music, video) with distinct advantages over the computer (to slow ignition) or telephone (recharge daily, reduced size of the screen). Furthermore, the development of application stores - all categories (games, social networks or desktop, free to download or order fee) - has also increased the possible uses of the shelves, contributing to their success. As proof, the first five months of this year, it has already sold 350,000 tablets in World and forecasts of 1 million units by the end of 2011.

A different size depending on the use:

But as good as new models and manufacturers how to make the right choice? To help, we offer a selection of ten tablets among the best-equipped models of the leading manufacturers and may well meet the main uses, with maximum ergonomics. In short, models can be measured by the iPad 2, which remains the best selling tablet in the world!

Two trends come together, models, small and large formats, we have classified these ten references into two categories: the shelves from 8.9 to 10.1 inches, more comfortable to use as part of a family use and in the home, and seven inches better suited for mobility and easy to transport on holiday. We have considered the same criteria, but with a rating scale may be slightly different as not to penalize one group over another. Finally, we opted for 3G models and a database of 32 GB of internal memory, where possible, to obtain relatively similar prices.

Three operating systems

To achieve this classification, we relied on the characteristics and tests to evaluate all our models. The quality of the touch screen, independence, ergonomics and functional richness (included or potential through the application stores) to hold a prominent place. Aside from Windows, which is not really suitable for shelves, all operating systems are present: IOS (Apple), Android (Google) for many models, and the recent Tablet OS BlackBerry (RIM).

New ARM processors to double heart alongside older models (at least 1 GHz single-core): a criterion that we chose not to note, emphasizing the opinions of the jury to determine the actual performance of these tablets.Our selection comes out with flying colors - with a few exceptions - but sometimes very different reasons. Just make the right choice according to your expectations in terms of design, equipment or usage.

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