Apple has begun shipping its Apple TV set-top box which allows multimedia content such as movies, TV shows, music, photos and podcasts on a PC or Mac to be viewed on a widescreen TV. Connectivity includes HDMI, component video, analog and optical audio for the TV and either Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) or Fast Ethernet to the PC.The Apple TV is designed to operate in conjunction with iTunes on a PC allowing users to browse and access their media library away from the computer using the included Apple remote control. Content can be synced from the PC onto the device's 40GB hard drive or can be streamed directly from up to five computers. "Apple TV is like a DVD player for the Internet age-providing an easy and fun way to play all your favorite iTunes content from your PC or Mac on your widescreen TV," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "Apple TV allows you to wirelessly play your content from your PCs or Macs using your existing Wi-Fi network as well as the newest and fastest version of Wi-Fi 802.11n."The Apple TV will be available beginning this week from the online Apple Store, Apple retail stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of US$299. Despite the close integration with iTunes, the Apple TV does not allow users to purchase content directly from the iTunes Store commented some industry watchers. Also some have pointed out that although the Apple TV supports content up to high-definition 720p standard (1280×720) on widescreen TVs, content currently available on the iTunes Store is intended to be viewed on the much smaller screen of the iPod Video and is only offered in low-resolution VGA (640×480) or even QVGA (320×240) format, leading to speculation that Apple may be planning to introduce high-definition content to the service. Additionally, although its a new product from Apple, in terms of functionality, the Apple TV is little more than an apple-flavored version of Windows Media Center (MCE) Extender technology, which Microsoft introduced initially in Windows XP Media Center Edition and is built into the Home Premium and Ultimate versions of Windows Vista. MCE Extender devices are available by multiple hardware makers and support is also included in the Xbox 360.The Apple TVPhoto: Company

Gigabyte Communications has introduced two new handsets, the GSmart t600 with support for mobile digital TV, and the q60 professional handset with qwerty-keypad and 3.5G connectivity. Rather than go head to head with the giants in the Windows Mobile-based handset market, Gigabyte Communications has instead chosen to focus on niche and consumer oriented markets, in particular mobile TV. In its first generation handsets the company introduced roaming analog TV, which it then followed up in the second generation with TV recording. The new t600 takes things a step further with support for digital TV standards – DVB-T and H allowing for fairly widespread coverage in Europe, Asia, South Africa and Australia, and which is schedule to grow in other parts of the world, in particular North America, before the end of 2007. The device also supports DAB radio.To increase the benefit of having digital TV reception, the t600 is also the first Gigabyte Communications handset to feature a VGA (640×480) display. A side-by-side comparison of the t600 with an older model with a standard 32×240 screen showed that the higher resolution improved picture quality noticeably.Another innovation that is introduced with the t600 is video-out which allows the device to be connected to a TV or projector to mirror the handsets display on the larger screen. Gigabyte Communications said that this feature can not only be applied to let users watch TV or video on a larger screen, but could also be used for events such as group presentations. The cable we saw was a USB-mini to composite version, but Gigabyte Communications also mentioned that S-Video may also be supported. Battery-life while watching TV is currently around two hours, but Gigabyte Communications believes that this will increase to three or four hours by the time the t600 launches.The base operating system of the t600 is the recently released Windows Mobile 6 Professional, which includes the Mobile Office suite. Gigabyte Communications will also include its own value-added software bundle.The t600 will be available in either black or white and will launch in Taiwan in April, followed by Italy and Russia in May, with northern Europe soon after.The GSmart t600 is the first handset to support digital mobile TVGigabyte Communications' second new release is the q60. Aimed at the professional market, this handset features a full-qwerty keypad. The q60 is the company's first product to support WCDMA and HSDPA, offering speeds up to 1.8Mb/s. Although the q60 does not come with support for TV as standard, Gigabyte Communications mentioned that DVB-T and H can be added as a manufacturing option. GPS is also optionally available.In order to make the best use of the q60's new features, Gigabyte Communications is working to cooperate with regional telecoms providers offering 3.5G services, who are likely to offer the q60 as part of a subscription package. The q60 is scheduled to launch in Taiwan in June, with trails currently underway in Europe with an aim for launches soon after.As with the t600 the q60 is based on Windows Mobile 6 and Gigabyte revealed that this will be the standard for all of the company's future products. For existing owners, Gigabyte Communications is considering offering Windows Mobile 6 upgrade options, but nothing has been confirmed yet. The company has no plans to support other platforms (such as Linux) at this time as it receives good support from Microsoft.The GSmart q60 is Gigabyte Communications' first handset to support 3.5G connectivityFor complete DigiTimes coverage of CeBIT 2007 go here.

Sanyo recently introduced its Xacti CG65 digital video camera with Advanced Video Codec H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) video compression technology, which the company claims, reduces MPEG-4 file size approximately 25% when compared to other digital video cameras.The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG65 features a 6-megapixel resolution still camera function with ISO 1600 sensitivity and a built-in Gyro Sensor shake-resistant system for correcting unintentional camera shake during photo taking. In addition, high-speed video-processing using 9-pixel mixture technology makes recording of both movies and stills possible even in semi-dark or under lit environments of approximately 2lux.A dedicated Qpixel brand H.264 video compression IC was incorporated into the camera that was designed specifically for portable consumer devices to achieve high video quality while simultaneously reducing the system power consumption. The camera can record up to a total of 10 hours of video with an 8GB SDHC memory card. The CG65 can also record up to a total of five hours of video with a 4GB SDHC memory card, up to 2.5 hours with a standard 2GB SD card, and up to 1.25 hours with a standard 1GB SD card, according to Sanyo.The Xacti CG65 has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$399.99, and is scheduled to be released in the US in April. The CG65 will be available in black, silver and green.The Sanyo Xacti CG65 digital video camera with Advanced Video Codec H.264 video compressionPhoto: Company

Motorola announced on March 19 the expansion of its line of MC70 enterprise digital assistants (EDA) to include support for CDMA-EVDO networks to compliment its existing GSM/EDGE version.Designed to withstand all-day everyday use in harsh work environments, Motorola's MC70 is a compact handheld mobile computer combining multi-mode wireless networking, voice and data communications and data capture capabilities in an ergonomic form factor. The MC70 is intended for use both indoors and outdoors allowing users to perform applications such as asset management, parcel delivery, direct store delivery, medication administration, fleet management and mobile point-of-sale, according to Motorola.The MC70 supports high-speed 3G EVDO networks based on the CDMA standard as well as WAN/LAN/PAN functionality to deliver cost-effective coverage in a range applications.The MC70 with EVDO functionality has a list price ranging from US$2845-3195, depending on configuration, and is available immediately.The Motorola MC70 enterprise digital assistant with support for CDMA-EVDO networksPhoto: Company

Fujitsu Computer Systems has introduced pen-enabled notebooks with solid state drives (SSDs). The LifeBook P1610 and LifeBook B6210 ultra-portables will offer an option for an SSD, an NAND flash-based replacement for traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). Fujitsu also introduced a rugged case for added durability and reliability. The rugged-enhanced notebooks, designed for optimal portability and data protection, are suitable for medium-sized and large organizations within vertical markets, including healthcare, aviation, and field service, which require a light and compact, but highly durable mobile computer, said Fujitsu.The 2.2-pound LifeBook P1610 convertible touch screen notebook and 3.2-pound LifeBook B6210 touch screen notebook are now offered with two flash-based SSD configurations, 16GB or 32GB. SSDs offer lower power consumption, added ruggedness, high reliability, and improved performance.As there are no moving parts to fail or heads to crash, SSDs can provide more durability and data protection than traditional HDDs. SSDs are noise free, generate virtually no heat and weigh half as much as traditional notebook hard drives, according to Fujitsu.The LifeBook P1610 notebook and its predecessor, the LifeBook P1510 notebook, can be further protected in tablet mode with an optional 3/4-inch thick flexible Santoprene case. The case, which provides access to all ports, offers additional protection against accidental drops, bumps and the rigors of a day on the road.The LifeBook P1610 convertible notebook offers full PC functionality and an 8.9-inch indoor/outdoor touch screen. It is designed for on-the-go mobile professionals who require the flexibility of a tablet for note-taking or navigating through forms-based applications, along with the traditional keyboard input of a notebook computer, noted Fujitsu. The LifeBook B6210 notebook is equipped with a bright 12.1-inch XGA display offering the flexibility of touch screen input and the productivity of a notebook computer.The SSD for the LifeBook P1610 and B6210 notebooks will be offered with 16GB and 32GB storage capacities and available to corporate customers and agencies on a project-basis. Fujitsu LifeBook P1610 notebook with rugged casePhoto: Company

At a little under a year, Walton Chaintech is a relative newcomer in the memory market, but the company's pedigree and unique wafer-in module-out manufacturing capability means that its recently announced Apogee GT memory might just give high-end memory giants such as Corsair, OCZ and Kingston a run for their money.Aimed at gamers and advanced users looking to maximize the performance of their systems, Apogee GT series memory comes with extruded aluminum and high-performance heat sinks and is sold as matched pair kits to increase reliability when running in dual-channel mode. Currently 1GB and 2GB kits are available with 4GB kits scheduled for the second or third quarter, according to sources at Chaintech. Speeds available are 800+ (the plus indicates that Chaintech guarantees overclockability above 800MHz) at 4-4-4-12 CL4 and 1066+ 5-5-5-15 CL5, with prices around US$450 for a 2GB 1066+ kit.So far so ordinary, but what gives Chaintech the potential to become a player in the high-end memory market is the fact that the company is part of the Passive System Alliance (PSA) group, which means that unlike most brand-name memory companies, Chaintech and its sister companies are involved in the entire RAM manufacturing process, from the original wafer, to burn-in and testing, to module assembly and packaging. This means that Chaintech has the opportunity to cherry pick the top samples from each production batch while avoiding premium prices. It also allows Chaintech to guarantee its products with confidence – its memory comes with a lifetime guarantee, and, by the company's figures, has a defect rate of 0.1% compared to the industry average of 0.5%.In other news, Chaintech has also added a third product to its Nvidia GeForce 8 GPU-based graphics lineup. The 8800GTX with 768MB DDR3, 8800GTS with 640MB DDR3, and new 8800GTS with 320MB GDDR3 are all reference design cards but Chaintech also revealed that the company is working on ten more GeForce 8-series cards. Some of these are based on as yet unreleased GPUs (which Chaintech declined to discuss for non-disclosure agreement reasons but it can be speculated that these are the upcoming G84 and G86 parts) while some will be non-reference 8800 based cards which could carry a different cooling solution or higher performing memory produced by Chaintech and its sister companies.Apogee GT series memory comes with high-performance heat sinks and is sold as matched pair kitsPhoto: CompanyFor complete DigiTimes coverage of CeBIT 2007 go here.

Asustek is showcasing its new C1000 HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) broadband data card and several new handsets, including the P735, P526, M530W, V88i, Z802i and J502, at CeBIT 2007, noted sources at Asustek.This is Asustek's first-time to showcase its C1000 card. The card supports the PCI Express interface and SMS (short message service) and MMS (multimedia messaging service), according to the sources.In its 3G lineup, Asustek is showing the P735, V88i and Z802i, while the company is also featuring its P735, P526 and M530W smartphones. The P526 and M530W both support the Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 operating system. The Z802i, with a leather case, is targeted at the mid-range and high-end fashion markets, noted the source.The P735 will be first to launch at the end of March, followed by the V88i in April. The P735 is an upgrade of the P535 with support for WCDMA, but does not support GPS functions, while the V88i, an upgrade of the V80, will support WCDMA and multimedia functions, noted the sources.For complete DigiTimes coverage of CeBIT 2007 go here.

RTX Telecom on March 16 announced the launch of its new DUALphone 3058, an integrated ordinary phone and cordless Internet USB phone for use with Skype.The DUALphone 3058 is a cordless USB phone that is connected to a regular telephone socket and works with Skype by using the USB port on a PC. Users are then free to make cordless Skype calls with the handset anywhere in the home or office. The handset's color display shows whether other Skype users on your contact list are available. If they are, users simply have to press the Skype button to talk to them for free, according to RTX.To reach friends or colleagues who are offline or do not use Skype, users can simply use the ordinary landline via the Public Switched Telephone Operator connection as normal. Alternatively, they can make SkypeOut calls to landlines and mobiles anywhere in the world. Skype users can also purchase an optional SkypeIn number that allows them to receive calls from regular telephones via Skype. The DUALphone 3058 product features a hands-free speakerphone, a color display on the handset and supports Windows Vista. In addition, the unit uses DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) technology.The DUALphone 3058 will be available from April 1 at a recommended reseller price of 89 euros.The new DUALphone from RTX TelecomPhoto: CompanyFor complete DigiTimes coverage of CeBIT 2007 go here.

Apollo Display Technologies recently announced its new PRISMA II series of RGB/DVI/video converter boards with analog control for connecting TFT LCDs to standard graphics and/or video interfaces. Input signals such as analog RGB, analog video or DVI are automatically converted into TTL or LVDS signals accepted by TFT displays, according to the company.PRISMA II series boards scale the input signal to the appropriate TFT resolution as needed. A dynamic OSM (on-screen-menu) enables the user to make adjustments to any of the LCD's display attributes, such as adjusting the brightness, contrast, color, auto adjust, etc. An external OSD (on-screen display) control button board is optionally available for all PRISMA II series converter boards, stated the company.All PRISMA II series converter boards support TFT displays from 6.4-inches to 82-inches diagonal with 6-bit and 8-bit color depth, and single- and dual-channel LVDS supported. With the auto-detect/auto-config function, all analog RGB signals are automatically detected and optimally displayed on the LCD screen.The PRISMA II series includes the new PRISMA II board, the next generation of Apollo's standard PRISMA RGB/DVI/Video Converter board, which is optimized for multimedia applications. It provides a range of functionalities and characteristics, including component video-in, support of resolutions up to full HD, WUXGA (1920×1200), improved video quality and de-interlacing, improved auto-adjust, power supply options up to 24V, and a HM-Interface option. With the new PRISMA II, the OSD can be controlled remotely over RS232 and, due to its picture-in-picture (PIP) and picture-by-picture (PBP) functions, two input sources can be displayed at the same time.The PRISMAeco II is the next generation development of the compact, cost-effective PRISMAeco RGB converter board and is equipped with an additional DVI input and improved auto-adjust functionality. It can be used for basic monitor applications connecting TFT displays to RGB analog and DVI standard graphics interfaces. PRISMAeco II supports TFT displays from VGA to SXGA resolution, with TTL and LVDS output, according to the company.The PRISMAeco Slim is the most compact and cost-effective member of the PRISMA II series. PRISMAeco Slim supports TFT displays from VGA to SXGA resolution (1280×1024), with LVDS output, and is the low-cost choice for basic monitor applications connecting TFT displays from VGA to the RGB analog standard graphics interface, said the company.All PRISMA II Series boards are backed by long term availability (3-5 years), product stability, compatibility of subsequent products, and expert technical support, according to Apollo.Pricing for Apollo's new PRISMA II series RGB/DVI/video converter boards starts at US$51 for the PRISMAeco II in production quantities (10K units). Delivery is typically 4-6 weeks for samples.Apollo Display Technologies' new PRISMA II series of RGB/DVI/video converter boardsPhoto: Company

At a press conference at CeBIT 2007, Studio Canal, Universal, Toshiba and Microsoft announced the formation of a new trade organization, the European HD DVD Promotional Group.The new organization will include movie studios, distributors, consumer electronics companies, IT companies, PC makers, disc replication companies and authoring houses companies throughout Europe and around the globe. As the European counterpart to the North American HD DVD Promotional Group and working with the HD DVD Promotion Group originally organized in Japan, the new non-profit organization completes the global promotion structure for HD DVD, working to educate consumers on the quality and value of the format.The existing marketing campaign, which showcases HD DVD as "The Look and Sound of Perfect" will be used to highlight European perspectives, with the launch of country-specific pages to the www.hddvdeurope.com website. The group and its member companies plan to back the campaign with promotions, and trade and consumer marketing through the 2007 holiday season and into 2008. The campaign will promote the format and co-market HD DVD hardware with the more than 300 HD DVD titles already on the market today and the more than 600 expected on store shelves by year-end 2007.For complete DigiTimes coverage of CeBIT 2007 go here.