siemens
Latest
Germany gearing up for maglev railway
While folks living near Shanghai are already enjoying the luxuries of a maglev (magnetic levitation) railway, Germany is getting set to build a similar line to shuttle citizens from Munich's city center to its airport. The €1.85 billion ($2.61 billion) project is finally on track to become a reality after securing the necessary funding, and it should be able to whisk travelers around at nearly 310 miles-per-hour when it's complete. Sadly, there's no word as to when the Munich service will launch, but at least we're moving in the right direction, eh?[Via Slashdot]
-automotive-system-mockup.jpg.cf.jpg)
Microsoft contracts Siemens VDO for in-car entertainment
Siemens VDO and Microsoft just announced a deal to co-develop in-car entertainment systems and navigation products. The companies will initially develop a multi-media platform to more easily integrate mobile phones and music players into automotive systems. The first products based on the Microsoft Auto Platform are expected in 2009. Now go ahead dear readers, leave us your obligatory BSOD, car crashing jokes in the comments below, mercy not required.
Fujitsu Siemens Computers bails on PDA / PNA market
Leaving so soon, are we? Turns out Fujitsu Siemens Computers is ditching the PDA / PNA market after 2007, which means that those bulky, albeit fashionable Loox handhelds will soon be available only in closeout bins and on your favorite auction site -- and just think, things were lookin' so bright just last year. According to a statement by FSC spokesperson Amy Flécher, the decision to cut the proverbial cord was simply "due to the usual examination of the portfolios," and the firm apparently noticed that "the traditional handheld segment (PDA) [had been shrinking] for years." Essentially, the company felt that smartphones would eventually swallow the "traditional handhelds" of the world, and considering that cranking out smartphones "is not its business at all," the choice seems logical.
Fujitsu Siemens Computers bails out of PDA / PNA market
Leaving so soon, are we? Turns out Fujitsu Siemens Computers is ditching the PDA / PNA market after 2007, which means that those bulky, albeit fashionable Loox handhelds will soon be available only in closeout bins and on your favorite auction site -- and just think, things were lookin' so bright just last year. According to a statement by FSC spokesperson Amy Flécher, the decision to cut the proverbial cord was simply "due to the usual examination of the portfolios," and the firm apparently noticed that "the traditional handheld segment (PDA) [had been shrinking] for years." Essentially, the company felt that smartphones would eventually swallow the "traditional handhelds" of the world, and considering that cranking out smartphones "is not its business at all," the choice seems logical.
BenQ-Siemens SL98 reverse slider
Just when we thought that the slider form factor had reached its zenith, BenQ-Siemens has apparently knocked that all to bits with this, the SL98. Rather than always having the screen exposed to the elements -- and über abrasive pocket lint -- this novel approach has a small display to get a quick peek at incoming call info, with the main screen squirreled away inside. With the touch of a button -- or flick of the wrist, we really don't know -- the main screen is unleashed for your viewing pleasure. As proof that these guys are on to something, both Asus and LG have submit patent applications with similar ideas. Pretty slick stuff, we're looking forward to getting more details as soon as we can.[Thanks, Staska]
Fujitsu-Siemens launches ESPRIMO laptop line
Using a name that sounds vaguely like a conflation of two coffee drinks, Fujitsu-Siemens is setting its sights on the mid-range, business laptop market with a new trio of computers, dubbed the ESPRIMO Mobile Series. The rather reserved looking Core 2 Duo based models, a spinoff of its desktop line, are available in three different widescreen display configurations (12.1-inch, 14.5-inch, and 15.4-inch), and are based on the Santa Rosa chipset. All of the laptops come with Intel's GMA X3100 integrated graphics card, as well as integrated UMTS, Bluetooth, and WLAN. The three models can accommodate a second battery, giving the group up to ten hours of life between charges (according to Fujitsu), which would be a real treat for anyone who's getting tired of being tethered to an outlet. No word yet on pricing or street date, but we shall keep you posted.[Via notebookitalia]Read -- Fujitsu-Siemens ESPRIMO U9200Read -- Fujitsu-Siemens ESPRIMO M9400Read -- Fujitsu-Siemens ESPRIMO D9500
Siemens unveils the P10 handheld ultrasound machine
Ultrasound machines have been getting smaller for a while now, leading some doctors to claim that they'll eventually replace the stethoscope -- and Siemen's latest model, the ACUSON P10, is another step in the transition. The 1.6-pound P10 is designed to fit inside a standard white coat pocket, and can store images and video clips for later examination. The unit is currently undergoing clinical trials in the US; hopefully that "optimized price" Siemens is touting means that we'll be seeing the P10 pop up in hospitals very soon.[Via MedGadget]
Siemens refrigerator gets hacked, adds RFID communication
Although we'd prefer at least a few things in our domicile remain non-intelligent, hooking our refrigerator up with a mind doesn't sound like a half bad idea. Sure, Samsung's already on the ball, but anyone interested in receiving SMS alerts about how out of date their milk is, which peanut butter not to buy, and whether Sally's favorite sherbet is all but empty isn't down with waiting another year. Thanks to Kim Otto of Denmark's Innovation Lab, along with RFID labels / readers, copper wiring, a PragmaSoft-enabled computer, and a (previously) TV-equipped fridge, the task has already been accomplished. Reportedly, the Siemens smart fridge prototype can judge all sorts of facts from foodstuffs that are tagged with RFID, and considering that it's also connected to the internet, it can be made to beam out emails or text messages to alert you of dwindling supplies or warn you of recalled produce. Best of all, the folks even took the time to video the newfangled creation, so be sure to click on through for the not-even-for-sale fridge of your dreams.[Via BoingBoing]
Siemens chairman resigns amidst widespread corruption scandal
Screw getting a dollar a year salary or changing the world, the hip cool chairperson / CEO thing to do these days is resign. Perhaps for obvious reasons, or perhaps for the daunting task of getting your company back on track after major setbacks, the big wigs are falling in droves. This time around it's Siemens chairman Heinrich Pierer who's bailing, because despite the fact that he's not involved in the current embezzlement investigations, he says his duty lies with the firm and its 400k employees. He said that his (soon to be former) company is in a "difficult situation due to the in part apparent and in part alleged misconduct of a number of managers and employees," and that "The sole reason for my decision today is to serve the best interests of Siemens." He also added, just in case we weren't clear on the fact that he isn't in trouble with the popo, that this was "A personal responsibility in view of the current investigations was not the basis for my decisions." Don't worry Heinrich, we don't blame you one bit.[Image courtesy German Press Agency]
BenQ-Siemens' SF71 set to launch?
Although rumors of the BenQ-Siemens SF71 have floated around the web for quite a while now, will the handset be released any time soon? The SF71's shiny metal "armor plating" and flat keypad stay hip to the brushed-metal housings we're seeing in fashionphones these days -- and with UMTS, a microSD slot and Bluetooth 2.0 along with a QVGA display and 2 megapixel cam, specs are right in the mix, too. Alas, with BenQ-Siemens falling on really hard times these days, even this armor-plated phone may not be able to save the company from shooting itself in the foot.[Via Unwired View]
F-Origin's HaptiTouch 2.0: MyOrigo returns!
Step asside Immersion, you're not the only ones offering haptic technology for mobile devices. From the ashes of MyOrigo's assets comes F-Origin's HaptiTouch 2.0 force-sensing technology. Pressure sensors measure your push on the screen to cause a "pinpointed vibration" directly below your finger. In contrast, Immersion uses resistive technology which measures the changes in electrical current as your grubby finger smudges across the display. See, as good as they look, the problem with the latest round of button-less, touchscreen handsets is the lack of that good ol' fashioned haptic feedback. Something you'll surely miss while tapping away on a zero-feedback, touchscreen keyboard. Immersion's VibeTonz tech can already be found in Samsung's SCH-W559 phone loosed in China. With any luck, F-origin will be licensing their newly acquired technology to manufacturers such as Siemens who will "likely" be first to market with product before the year is up. Check the 2003 MyOrigo Mydevice with 2007 F-Origin corporate voice over (and complimentary audio cheese) after the break. [Via Wired Gadget Lab]
Siemens board member arrested in payola scandal
With all of the bribery, corruption, and kickback scandals plaguing German giant Siemens at the moment, we're half expecting to wake up tomorrow and learn that one of their executives drunkenly wrapped his exotic car around a tree after a night of boozing it up with notorious Deutchland bad boy Dietrich. The latest player to get caught up in this mess -- and the highest ranking -- is board member Johannes Feldmayer, who was detained yesterday while prosecutors tore his life apart executed search warrants on three of his offices. Interestingly enough, Feldmayer's alleged payoff of already-arrested union official Wilhelm Schelsky has nothing to do with the larger $500 million embezzlement scandal involving the company's communications division, which sparked that countrywide raid late last year. Siemens has reportedly brought on an anti-corruption expert to advise the firm on how to, um, not be so corrupt, and we hear that the bidding war for his services got pretty heated when BenQ also learned that there are people out there who can help you run your business in a less shady manner.
SmartWeb project to use P2P networks to keep drivers informed
Intelligent roadways are nothing new, as we've seen project after project (and even countries) look at varying ways to keep drivers informed whilst cruising about, but a new rendition showcased at CeBIT is looking to utilize P2P networking in order to spread pertinent information about road hazards to drivers behind the mishap. SmartWeb, which is being coordinated by the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence along with a myriad of other corporations, would allow vehicles to detect hazards (such as an oil slick or road block) and pass the information on to surrounding vehicles in order to hopefully prevent accidents and give motorists ample time to locate a detour. This doesn't mark the first time P2P has been used for the betterment of mankind, and the data would reportedly be conveyed via a "dashboard screen or through a mobile handset," potentially adding yet another distraction to overload our brains while trying to remain between the blinking yellow lines. Of course, those of you with real-time traffic updates are already on top of the game, but we could definitely see this technology being marketable to thrill-seeking cops looking to pinpoint information feeds coming from speeding criminals.
Nokia Siemens Networks to open doors on April Fool's Day
Everyone stay calm -- we're just talking boring back-end equipment here, not handsets. Nokia Siemens Networks -- formerly Nokia Networks -- will officially open its doors for business here in a few weeks on April 1, 2007. It's no joke (we think) that the new company chose that particular date in light of Siemens having a horrible run of luck in the wireless biz lately, even indirectly assisting with bankruptcy issues with certain benefactors of its old handset division. Nokia's strong presence in the GSM network infrastructure market will be bolstered by having Siemens' lengthy customer call caddy nearby as well as being able to more fully compete with wireless telecom heavyweights Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson.
Siemens AySystem utilizes GPS / GRPS for emergency tracking, alerting
While Siemens HQ is probably still dusting itself from last year's invasion, that's not stopping the whole show 'round those parts, as the firm is introducing a new form of emergency communication with its AySystem. By utilizing worldwide GSM / GRPS networks (and optionally, GPS), the pocketable device can be tracked, modified, and used as a channel of communication between a caregiver and patient, parent and child, boss and subordinate, or any other useful combination of individuals. Essentially, the Ay token is given to the person who needs monitored, and the other party can adjust various "thresholds" such as motion (or the lack thereof), temperature, and sound, and if that limit is surpassed (i.e. a patient stops moving), the token will sound an alarm whilst simultaneously texting / calling a user-selected individual. Moreover, it can be remotely controlled and tweaked via a web-based interface, and users can add "SnapOns" such as GPS receivers and cameras to extend its functionality even futher. Thankfully, the platform in which the device runs on is entirely Java-based, which should please those looking to code their own programs to take full advantage of what's being offered. As of now, we're not exactly sure how much this fancy panic button will end up costing, but it is slated to be made available "via mobile carriers or through pre-paid plans" in the not too distant future.[Via Gizmag]
Siemens' Party Dishwasher keeps the wine glasses sparklin'
In today's world, locating a dishwasher to meet your precise needs is becoming a reality, as we've got ones that work on countertops, sans water, and with icky toys, but now Siemens is offering up one for the night owls who'd rather jazz it up at home than head out on the town. The aptly-named Party Dishwasher sports a sleek, silver finish and your standard under-the-counter boxy design, but what it lacks in originality outside, it certainly makes up for inside. Designed specifically for party-throwers who'd rather blow around $900 for a new kitchen appliance than order up a extra dozen or so Merlot glasses, this machine touts a 29-minute rapid wash cycle that can blast the bacteria off of whatever partyware that's dirty so the late arrivals will have fresh glasses (while the early birds' thirst). Additionally, the built-in varioSpeed technology reportedly cuts the wash time of even normal, non-party serving cycles "in half," and it also allows you to use whatever choice of detergent you have (or have on hand, anyway), and then automatically detects the right temperature and amount of water to both conserve resources and finish faster. Of course, all these niceties do come at a price, but whether it's all worth the €679 ($884) is certainly debatable.[Via Appliancist]
Siemens AG breaks network speed record
Data speed records are falling left and right these days but there doesn't seem to be any signs of the madness letting up, with Reuters reporting today that Siemens AG has joined the party, smashing the previous record for transmission rates over a single fiber channel using "exclusively electrical means." They maxed out at a speed of 107 gigibits per second before running out of steam -- that's reportedly a full 2.5 times faster than the previous record for a single fiber channel. What's more, they did it outside of the laboratory, using an existing a 100 mile-long fiber optic route in the U.S. According to Siemens, this record is particularly significant as it will reduce the need to split signals into a number lower data-rate channels in order to avoid bottlenecks, ultimately resulting in networks that are both faster and cheaper for customers. It looks like we'll still have to wait a while before we can take advantage of the speedy new technology, however, with the first prototype products based on it still a few years away.[Via Reuters/Yahoo News]
Corruption investigation postpones Nokia-Siemens merger
A review into Siemens's compliance with an investigation into corruption has postponed the company's equipment merger with Nokia. A merger of network infrastructure at the two companies may now be put back several months as investigators determine the validity of bribery charges levied at Siemens, and the effects of the arrest of the former head of Siemens's equipment group come to light. As recently as November, the two companies had stated that they expected to become Nokia Siemens Networks -- which was estimated would produce $20 billion a year in revenue -- by January 2007. The companies now expect the merger to be complete by sometime in the first financial quarter of next year, although that depends on how well, or badly, the investigation progresses. As long as the two companies keep on cranking out the phones, then we'll remain obliviously happy, but if the investigation turns up s'more dirt, we'll be sure to shovel it through the nearest web browser window.
BenQ-Siemens P51 now available (in China, that is)
Save for a recent cameo in the FCC's files, BenQ's latest P51 Pocket PC phone has been a longstanding resident of vaporware land -- and thanks to the relentless, ever-onward march of time, a phone that had some folks drooling when it was first announced is now relegated to the midrange. Yeah, we're a little jaded about the whole thing, but anyone still interested in picking up the GPS-enabled QWERTY Pocket PC can apparently now do so over in China for around 6500 yuan ($825, give or take). Now if you'll excuse us, we need to walk to the Cingular store to pick up an HP hw6925 for, like, half the dinero.[Via Pocket PC Thoughts]
Siemens HQ raided by cops over alleged embezzlement
Oh Siemens employees, have you been naughty this year? German prosecutors and law enforcement seem to think so, given that police searched company buildings and employees' residences as part of an investigation alleging that workers embezzled somewhere around €20 million ($25.6 million), and that there was possible fraud, bribery and/or corruption within the company. More than 200 officers, prosecutors and tax inspectors checked nearly 30 business locations in Munich and other sites around the country. To be fair, Andreas Schwab, a company spokesperson, acknowledged that although "certain Siemens employees have engaged in fraud," the company was "cooperating fully" with the investigation. If authorities ever do manage to recover the money, they may have to just accept that the first million was already spent on lifetime supplies of Krombacher and bierwurst -- well, that's what we'd spend it on if we were in Germany, anyway.[Via The Inquirer, image courtesy German Press Agency]Read - Der SpiegelRead - BBCRead - The Associated PressRead - Bloomberg
