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Thomson's 5.3-inch X-view 2 brings its dual-SIM capabilities, Android 4.0 to la France
Last we heard, Thomsom had its PoMMeS IPTV tablet land at the rigorous FCC offices -- oh, and how could we forget that perky V888 slider from a few years back. Fast forward to today, and the company's clearly adapted to the "new" times, now introducing its 5.3-inch, dual-SIM X-view 2 smartphone in France. The phablet-styled device boasts a qHD, 960 x 540 display alongside an undisclosed single-core 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, a 2500mAh battery to get you through the days and, as we're finally becoming accustomed to seeing, a flavor of Android 4.0. Thomson notes the X-view 2 will hit French shelves later this summer, though there's no word yet on how much cash you'll have to unleash in order to grab one of these for yourself.
Lodsys patent claim threatens independent developers, what next?
Following up from this morning's flurry of news surrounding a series of legal threats to independent developers, there's this thorough and wonderful dissection of the situation by Florian Mueller, an intellectual property activist. On his blog he states, "...companies like Apple will look at these issues on a case-by-case basis and make a determination in each case how far they go with their support." As Macworld pointed out early on, Section 6.2 of the iOS Paid Apps Agreement seems to put the liability for any infringement back on app developers. But that's unlikely to happen. Still, it's a sticky situation that (once again) turns our attention to some ugly truths about our courts and our patent system. The patent in question, according to Cnet, appears to be patent number 7,222,078, an invention of Dan Abelow. Abelow is a successful inventor and in his resume he notes that his communication and customization patents are licensed and owned by Lodsys, LLC. I'm not a lawyer, but Mueller points out that the patent is broad, covering "methods and systems for gathering information from units of a commodity across a network" and in today's case (along with a previous infringement threat to Computer Logic X) is being applied to the "upgrade" button used to transition free iOS apps to their paid equivalents; it could possibly apply more broadly against the mechanism for in-app purchasing. Again, I'm no lawyer, but I'm not so sure it's that the patent is too broad, but that it is being very loosely applied here.
DirecTV announces positive Q4 results; no word on new HD channels, DirecTiVo or 24/7 ESPN 3D
While its cable competition deals with fears of cord cutting and losing customers DirecTV's Q4 results reveal it's continuing to add subscribers, growing by 289,000 in the US alone and even more in Latin America. Of course, good news for investors doesn't necessarily mean anything for customers, as news on any new HD channels and the much-anticipated DirecTiVo were notable in their absence. However, our friends at ZatzNotFunny points out both a tweet by the official DirecTV account suggesting the DVR could be delayed (again & again & again) to the second half of the year, and a forum post on DBSTalk that pictures what might be the final hardware and suggests it could end up shipping with the classic TiVo interface. One more interesting note? DirecTV hasn't picked up the 24/7 feed of ESPN 3D, opting to keep it live events only for now for unknown reasons, according to Explore 3DTV.
TiVo, Technicolor cut a deal to push DVRs internationally
Don't expect TiVo's international ambitions to stop with Virgin Media, as it's announced a deal with Technicolor (formerly Thomson) to develop "an advanced, TiVo-ready, high definition PVR set-top box" (sounds like Premiere to us, but one can never be sure.) Technicolor is putting TiVo's software on its DSI803 box (pictured above) designed to meet European Low Power Code of Conduct standards, with dual tuners and a minimum 320GB hard drive. Between that and an earlier deal with Conax it expects to be able to offer the combined product to operators worldwide, but there's no word yet on who will be first to bite.
Thomson PoMMeS IPTV tablet hits the FCC
A tablet with the name "pommes" turning up courtesy of the FCC a day before a certain, possibly tablet-related event? Yeah, it's not even close to what you think, but it is something: Thomson's new PoMMeS tablet. Somewhat uniquely, this device is apparently designed primarily for IPTV streaming, although you'll also get a front-mounted webcam for video calls, and at least some basic web browsing capabilities (it's still not clear what this thing runs on). Complete specs are also a bit light at the moment, but this one does apparently pack an 8-inch, 800 x 480 touchscreen display, and includes a dock that will also conveniently prop up the device for easy viewing. No indication of a price or release date, of course, but there's plenty more pictures (including a look inside) at the link below.
RVU Alliance gets Motorola, Pace, Thomson and others to dream the multiroom dream
Chalk up a few more for the multiroom crowd, as the RVU Alliance (get familiar) has added some power names from the set-top box market to its roster as "Promoter" members. The new additions appear to set things up for compatible solutions from your cable or satellite provider arriving sooner rather than later, capable of streaming video and interfaces from set-tops to any screen in the house. Names like Motorola, Pace and Thomson have probably already graced your entertainment rack, while lesser known additions include Entropic Communications, maker of hardware for home entertainment networking, JetHead, focused on creating RVU client software, and set-top manufacturer NXP. Is hoping for a big splash at CES too much? We think not.
Thomson developing tru2way hardware
In a CES surprisingly slim on new tru2way information, Thomson's revealed that it's working on a new set-top box for cable operators. Until it gets through CableLabs certification, what's on display is an OCAP / MoCa (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) set-top box running enable TV widget software pulling news info from the Internet to a TV. Further down the line a triple tuner tru2way DVR is expected, but not until 2010 so patience will clearly be key.
KBRO opens up the HD window for Taiwan cable viewers
Maybe we're off base here, but it seems to us Taiwan could use a serious high-def infusion. Thankfully, KBRO -- a top cable operator in the country -- has looked to Thomson in order to deliver HD content via MPEG-4 to its loyal customers. There's no mention of exactly how many high-definition stations will be delivered, but we don't suspect that it made this kind of investment without some pretty lofty goals. Now, all we can hope is that everyone else vying for business nearby follows suit.
Thomson's ViBE encoders enable 50% faster HD channel changing
Look, 1.9 seconds to change the channel is way, way too long people -- we all know that. Thankfully, the bright engineers at Thomson realize it too, and that's why they've cranked out some seriously awesome advances to their ViBE encoders. The new "fast zapping solutions" enable 50% faster high-definition channel changing, and the secret is in the fancy simultaneous compression that most users won't even notice. In essence, it allows the STB to "quickly decode and display a low resolution version of the channel and transition to displaying the full HD resolution version without disrupting viewing," and if all goes well, we could see this become the de facto way of channel surfing by 2009. Gnarly, dudes.
Technicolor establishes first BDA-approved Blu-ray Disc testing facility in US
We haven't seen too many BD fiascoes of late, and Thomson's Technicolor is out to make sure it stays that way. As of this week, it has established the very first BDA-approved Blu-ray Disc testing facility in the United States, which promises to provide a place for advanced BD-Live / BD-Java testing before titles are publicly released. There's no specific word as to what studios it'll be stamping seals of approval / disapproval for, so we'll just assume anyone who feels like ponying up for its services can apply.
France 2 getting new $3.1 million HD studio in Paris
Though quite a bit of broadcast news is flowing from the States right about now, Thomson is out boasting of its involvement with France 2's forthcoming HD upgrades. The "first public television broadcaster" in France has indeed chosen Thomson to construct a new high-definition facility (studio and control room) in Paris, which will set the network back a cool $3.1 million. Reportedly, the new France 2 HD project will include system design, installation, staff training and around the clock customer service. Among the new equipment is a pair of Kayak HD video production switchers and a Trinix HD router -- both of which should be well-oiled and ready to rock when the studio goes on-air by late August.
Thomson launches HD AVC encoding tools for Blu-ray
Thomson's Tiger AVC encoder that it has been using in house for the last couple of years, is now available for sale to interested Blu-ray (and HD DVD) compression and authoring facilities. Including Thomson's film grain adjustment technology among other parts of a "secret sauce" Thomson says results in better looking MPEG-4 / h.264 encoded movies. Packaged as the Nexcode HD AVC Encoder, its a full hardware and software solution built to scale to business requirements. No word on who exactly will use this technology, but as long as our HDM is artifact-free, we're not too concerned how it got that way.
Thomson intros 9211 HD CMOS image sensor with Full HD resolution
Not that you'll see one of these in your next digicam or anything, but Thomson's latest HD CMOS image sensor could still make the world you watch a lot clearer in due time. The 9211 is currently aimed at industrial applications such as machine vision, medical imaging and high-end video surveillance, and even offers up the ability to capture pixels in progressive or interlaced formats. As expected, this device features a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and on-chip dual 12-bit A/D converters, but who knows how long it will be before your every step in a Las Vegas casino is logged in 1080p.
GE's latest DECT 6.0 phones feature dedicated GOOG-411 button
We've certainly seen some fairly interesting dedicated handset buttons before, but it's hard to argue with the functionality of a standalone GOOG-411 key. Apparently, Thomson has teamed up with Google to integrate the "first ever one-touch, auto-dial GOOG-411 button" into over a dozen of its GE-branded DECT 6.0 phones. In case you've been chilling under a stone of late, GOOG-411 is the search giant's "free, voice-activated, business directory assistance service," and it will be within reach on a slew of April-bound home phones. For more details on specific models as well as pricing information, head on down to the read link.
Thomson leaves consumer electronics altogether
It's a sad day indeed for Thomson fanboys worldwide, as the storied French corporation has announced plans to exit the consumer electronics industry altogether in an effort to refocus its resources on B2B digital video services. Following completion of the sale of its remaining non-European AV businesses to Audiovox on December 31st (which, as you'll recall, already bought the RCA brand and accessories division), Thomson will no longer have a presence on domestic or foreign retail shelves, and will also be short €30 million ($42.5 million) as a result of yesterday's announcement to shutter its AVA Europe operations. So here's to you, Thomson: we can't honestly say that we ever got into any of your various products, but as with any other departing member of our loving CE family, you'll be missed.Update: After speaking with a Thomson rep, it seems inaccurate to state that the company is getting out of consumer electronics altogether, when in fact they do continue to sell home telephones. Therefore, please note that this is just an exit from the company's various A / V businesses.[Via generationmp3]
Thomson offers up V888 slider PMP
Although Thomson's V888 isn't apt to make any calls, it sure slides with the best of 'em. This interestingly designed portable media player maximizes screen space by relocating the full gamut of controls beneath the display, and with all that space for buttons, we're delighted to see a control pad layout for playing any built-in games. Additionally, this unit packs a four-inch display, supports MPEG1/2/4, DivX, MP3, WAV, WMA, ASF, DAT, MOV and a host of other formats, includes an image / text viewer, and even does video out. You'll also find a removable battery, voice recording capabilities, and an SD expansion slot for loading up media. No word on pricing or availability at the moment, but click on for a few more snapshots of this unique device.[Via PMPToday]
Thomson touts A1 media player as "world's smallest"
Tired of bulky media players? Hate having to lug around your iPod Nano? Well, welcome to the Thomson A1, a tiny PMP that the company claims is the "world's smallest," (which of course we recommend you take with multiple grains of salt). Truth be told, it is rather petite, clocking in at just 3-inches and weighing only 87 grams. Somehow, they managed to slap on a 16:9 display and cram 4GB or 8GB capacity into the little guy, and of course it plays all your favorites, like MP3, WMA, WAV, and AVI, plus it rocks an FM tuner. The only real question is this; what are those colored "nubs" in the photo, and what exactly are they doing? The A1 will hit China first, going for around $106 for the 4GB and $120 for the 8GB, but no word on when or if we'll see this Stateside.[Via Tech Digest]
Thomson gets experimental with TV and radio-enhanced VoIP phones
The words "Thomson" and "experimental" don't usually see much of each other, but the company is exploring a few new angles for its burgeoning VoIP lineup, and seems to have come up with a couple of interesting hybrids. The T2700 is a DECT phone with a fancy looking base station and a few hidden qualities. In addition to the usual VoIP duties, the phone can become a stereo loudspeaker for internet radio, and boasts of "HD sound" with enhanced bass and treble over your usual phone audio quality. Next up is an unnamed device (pictured) that seems positioned to compete with Nokia's N800, including an 800 x 480 touchscreen, internet browsing and a USB webcam for videoconferencing, with the main thrust of IPTV over WiFi or the use of a digital TV tuner via USB. Thomson is also sending its GE InfoLink RSS reader phone to Europe and announcing a video watermarking chip for set-top boxes. Unfortunately, we don't have the greatest pics of either of these phone devices, but we'll keep an eye out.Read - Thomson VoIP phonesRead - Thomson watermark chip
RCA announces Small Wonder EZ201 MPEG-4 digital camcorder
Thomson has announced plans to introduce RCA's Small Wonder EZ201, a solid state storage based MPEG-4 digital camcorder that will sell for the relatively affordable price of $129, sometime later this Spring. The camcorder is similar to a lot of solid state camcorders in that it features an SD card slot: we'll take the failure to mention the specific amount of built-in storage as a clumsy hint to potential buyers that they should bring their own storage if they want to get the most out of the camera. Unfortunately, in their efforts to keep costs down, RCA didn't include a rechargeable battery: instead, you'll have to feed the EZ201 2 AA batteries at a time, which will only keep it going for a pitiful 2 hours tops. Externally, the device looks to be not much larger than a pack of cards, and has a 1.5-inch, 180 degree swivel LCD display. The Small Wonder can also be plugged directly into televisions, and can transfer its MPEG-4 files to a PC without software. Later on this year RCA also plans to release what it calls the Memory Maker, a DVD dock and recording system for the EZ201 that lets users burn footage onto a DVD without the use of a PC.
Audiovox buys out Thomson's accessory biz, including RCA brand
It hasn't been all glimmer and glam for RCA of late, with the ancient consumer electronics brand lagging behind innovators in the field, being mostly relegated to cheap also-rans. But there's hope for that once-great purveyor of radios: Audiovox just snapped up the rights to RCA-branded accessories from Thomson to the tune of $50 million, which hopefully means a mild cred boost for the brand. We really couldn't have said it better than Patrick Lavelle, President and CEO of Audiovox: "We believe the acquisition of this business will enhance both our top and bottom line performance and create powerful marketing synergies for our organization." Gotta love those powerful marketing synergies. The acquisition includes 115 employees in North America and Asia, and Thomson also threw in Recoton, Spikemaster, Ambico and Discwasher brands for use on any products and the Jensen, Advent, Acoustic Research and Road Gear brands for accessory products. Audiovox expects the acquisition to pay off in over $150 million of sales in 2007.
