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An Cloud-Based Imp in the Internet of Things

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Electric Imp has a simple proposal to bring about the so-called "internet of things"-- connecting almost any device to the internet with the addition of a simple card in a slot.

Created by ex-Apple and Google engineers, the Electric Imp card looks very similar to standard SD cards. It carries a wifi 802.11b/g/n radio, a Cortex M3-based processor and software-controllable I/O pins.

Once the user installs the Imp card into a device (be it a coffee machine, a washing machine or a lighting system) using an Electric Imp circuit board-- the company is also in talks with OEMs to get slots pre-installed into products--  the card connects to the internet, allowing users to control the device remotely via Electric Imp's online cloud and simple web-based software.

The "internet of things," in other words.

Currently the Electric Imp card exists as a developer preview, which company will start shipping from June 2012 for $25. It is also in talks with vendors, who will release compatible devices later this year.

Go Electric Imp

Tizen Devices Coming Out in 2012?

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DigiTimes reports Intel and Samsung's Tizen OS is coming out sometime in H2 2012 inside a variety of devices-- including smartphones, netbooks and even in-vehicle infotainment systems.

TizenVendors to supposedly sell Tizen-based devices include HTC, Acer and Asus. Apparently Acer and Asus will be testing the waters by launching a Tizen netbook in emerging markets by Q3 2012.

Announced on September 2011, Tizen is an Intel and Samsung co-development borrowing code from Intel's MeeGo and Samsung's LiMo platforms. The Tizen Association counts a number of operators, including NTT DoCoMo, Orange, NEC, Panasonic, Sprint, Vodafone, SK Telecom and Telefonica.

The Linux Foundation is reportedly is also working with the Association.

Go Tizen-Based Devices to Appear in H2 2012 (DigiTimes)

Samsung Galaxy One Tablet Projector Concept

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The Samsung Galaxy One Tablet Projector Concept is just a design concept at this point, but a convincing one at that (look at photos in link below).

Galaxy ProjectorIt’s a combination of three characteristics from three different devices. It has the mobility of tablets, the widescreen of desktops, and the power of a laptop.

It’s 305x195x14 mm.Adding a back kick-stand and projector, the device gets additional presentation functionality by coming bundled with Windows 8.

Concept designers are Laura Hong and Charles de Belizal.

Go Galaxy One Tablet Projector Concept

Dell Q1 2012 Profits, Revenues Down

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Dell posts negative results for Q1 2012, with a -33% Y-o-Y drop in profits and revenues falling by -4%-- declines the company blames on current economic woes and changing consumer preferences.

DellPC revenues are down by -6% Y-o-Y for the quarter, while consumer sales fall by -12% to reach $3 billion. The company explains some of the PC declines with supply chain disruptions caused by the 2011 Thailand floodings, as well as consumers buying tablets instead of PCs.

Most regions see drops in revenues-- Dell EMEA revenues are down by -1%.

The decline in spending from corporations and public sector hits Dell even worse now that it appears to focus mostly on the enterprise services market. Solutions and services account for 50% of Dell gross margin.

During the earnings call CEO Michael Dell gives hints on Dell's future direction-- Windows 8 will result in new products occupying higher price bands, even if the upgrade cycle to Windows 8 will not match that for Windows 7. The company should have a "full complement" of Windows 8 devices once Microsoft releases the OS.

"Unlike other Windows transitions, this is a transition where you are going to need a new PC," Dell concludes.

Go Dell Q1 2012 Earnings

Ebode Intros Bluetooth Sound

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Bluetooth speakerEbode Electronics launches the Bluetooth Sound product group with a small wireless Bluetooth speaker ideal for use with mobile devices and laptops.

Weighing just 120g, the Bluetooth speaker has 10m RF range, frequency response of 100Hz-20KHz and loudspeaker output of 3W. It pairs with devices using Bluetooth V2.1.

Ebode says the battery provides up to 8 hours of music, with 1 month of standby time.

Go Ebode Electronics

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