Apple to Intro Intel's Light Peak Technology?

Apple could be about to announce a new high-speed connection technology, possibly to be included in the new generation of MacBook Pros or the second-generation iPad, it has been claimed.

Intel's Light Peak technology, introduced in 2009, could be the new technology in question, though it is likely to have a different name, CNET reports.

Though the source cited in the article gives few details, Intel has previously said that Light Peak technology would appear in devices in the first half of 2011.

Light Peak has been designed as a high-speed replacement for legacy connector technologies, capable of connecting all kinds of peripheral devices to a computer. It is thought that an initial version of Light Peak will use copper wires though future versions will utilise fibre-optic technology.

Intel considers Light Peak to be a complimentary technology to, rather than a rival of, USB. However, it is significantly faster than USB 3.0, theoretically capable of carrying data at 10Gbps.

Apple is expected to make an announcement about the MacBook Pro product line this week, with dwindling stocks reported in the US and Japann. It is thought they could be on sale as early as 1 March, despite manufacturing delays caused by problems with Intel's Sandy Bridge processors.

 

By Ben Camm-Jones, macworld.co.uk

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/220239/apple_to_intro_intels_light_peak_technology.html

Verizon Challenges Applying Net Neutrality To Wireless

The Net-neutrality plan adopted by the Federal Communications Commission has been challenged by Verizon Communications. Verizon's lawsuit was filed in the same court that struck down a FCC ruling against Comcast. Verizon had joined with Google to propose a neutrality plan similar to the FCC's -- but it exempted wireless providers.

Verizon Communications announced Thursday that it has filed a legal challenge to the Net-neutrality plan adopted by the Federal Communications Commission. The company said it is "deeply concerned by the FCC's assertion of broad authority for sweeping new regulation of broadband networks and the Internet itself."

Approved last month, the FCC plan requires network providers to treat all content the same, without favoring some kinds of content which could, for example, compete with the provider's own offerings. Despite the legal move, the company said it is still "committed to preserving an open Internet," adding that it has worked extensively with "all players in the Internet and communications space to shape policies that ensure an open Internet."

By Barry Levine

http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=12000B12HDJC

CEO Schmidt Will Step Aside for Google Cofounder Page

In a surprise announcement, Google CEO Eric Schmidt will become chairman while cofounder Larry Page moves up to CEO. Schmidt, who will become chairman, said he and Google's founders are clarifying their management roles. Google also reported a jump in revenues, and analysts are questioning whether Page is ready to lead.

In a move that surprised industry analysts, Eric Schmidt will step down as Google's CEO. Google cofounder Larry Page will take over as chief of the company while Schmidt settles into the chairman role.

While Page takes on the day-to-day management, Schmidt will focus externally on deals, partnerships, customers and broader business relationships, government outreach, and technology thought leadership. Internally, Schmidt will continue to act as an adviser to Page and cofounder Sergey Brin, who will focus on strategic projects, in particular new products. The changes will take effect on April 4.

By Jennifer LeClaire

http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=77002&full_skip=1

iPad Gets Some Competition

Tablet computers are all the rage, offering users an easy way to access the Internet. The iPad set the standard for tablet computers, but now its competitors are positioning themselves as new and different. While Samsung, RIM and Dell have focused on mobility with their small displays, the WeTab has decided to go big, or bigger than the iPad.

When it first appeared, the iPad set the standard for tablet computers. But now the first challengers are appearing on the market, offering different sizes and operating systems.

As it turns out, those are exactly the two features consumers who like the keyboard-free devices should be looking at.

Tablet computers seem to have taken the world by storm, probably because they offer such an easy way to access the Internet. But the newer models all have their own pros and cons.

"The iPad is great," says Sophia Kim of Samsung, a Korean-based company. "But our device is different."

The Galaxy Tab has a 7-inch diagonal screen and weighs in at 380 grams, making it significantly smaller than the iPad's 9.7-inch display and 680 grams. As an added bonus, people can telephone with the Galaxy Tab, although that's best done with a Bluetooth headset.

By Peter Zschunke

http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=11100BDIANMU

Sales Boom for iPad

Sales Boom Looms for iPad and Other Tablets

Apple's iPad is driving tablet sales that Gartner expects to reach 208 million by 2014, fueled by strong demand outside the U.S. Gartner expects tablets to cannibalize sales of e-readers, gaming devices, and netbooks. Smartphones could also be affected as tablets become more like phones. One analyst disagrees, and called Gartner a "sensationalist."

The iPad is driving worldwide tablet sales through the roof. Gartner is predicting tablet sales will reach 19.5 million units in 2010 before jumping 181 percent in 2011 to reach 54.8 million. By 2014, Gartner expects consumers to buy 208 million tablets.

"The all-in-one nature of media tablets will result in the cannibalization of other consumer electronics devices such as e-readers, gaming devices, and media players," said Carolina Milanesi, research vice president at Gartner. "Mini-notebooks will suffer from the strongest cannibalization threat as media-tablet average selling prices drop below $300 over the next two years."

By Jennifer LeClaire