By Martin Regtien

Contributing Writer, RealTechNews 

In March DigitalReviews.net took a look at the original Popcorn Hour A-100 and it quickly became our in-house media playback device of choice. Sure, it wasn’t perfect - but its near flawless display of 1080p content, along with its incredible ability to playback almost every file we threw at it, made us sit up and take notice.

Now, less than five months later, Syabas has announced two new Popcorn Hour models which we have been lucky enough to get our digital hands on.

Read on here for our experiences with the new Popcorn Hour A-110 and B-110 NMTs as well as a comparison and update on our take of the original A-100 Network Media Tank.

By Michael Santo
Editor-in-Chief, RealTechNews

OK, Microsoft, I’d better not hear about this being called a Vista Ultimate Extra. After all, we’re still waiting for those wonderfully missing Extras you promised Vista Ultimate buyers.

On the other hand, since this is scheduled to be a freebie that will add Active Storage Platform, Blu-Ray media and smart-card driver functionality to Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008, maybe I should stop complaining and start applauding.

This pack was available as an undisclosed private beta until recently, but now info on the pack is available for the public to peruse on the Microsoft Connect site, whether by design or accident:

Welcome to the Microsoft Connect website for the Windows Feature Pack for Storage.

There are 3 technologies available for this Pre-Release-Each will have its own installer:

• Active Storage Platform: This pre-release package enables the Windows platform to restrict access to portable devices (such as a USB Flash Device) via a certificate or password authentication based on the IEEE 1667 standard specification.

• Image Mastering API update for Blu-Ray media: This feature enables the Windows platform to do master style optical burning on Blu-Ray media.

• Smart Card Driver: This release provides support for new form factors, such as ICCD/CCID.

According to ZDNet Microsoft added the following information:

“The (forthcoming storage pack) release is a follow-on to the feature pack released in 2007, which provided down-level optical platform support. The current feature pack plans to update the optical platform as well as provide support for some additional storage devices. The release plans have not been announced.”

An anonymous tester also said the following:

“It’s going to be one of these free updates that doesn’t necessarily create a lot of buzz, but once it’s out and people are use to it, they’ll wonder how they ever lived with out it…especially the ability in the base OS (operating system) to control removable media.”

Sounds great. I can hardly wait (all right, all right, I can). Now, about those Extras …

By Michael Santo
Editor-in-Chief, RealTechNews

There’s something definitely wrong with the iPhone’s 3G reception. The evidence is undeniable, and as it’s scattered across the globe, it sure can’t be completely blamed on AT&T, much as we might want to.

Rumors are that Apple is working on a firmware fix to correct the issue, which more than one source has said is related to the iPhone 3G’s Infinenon chipset. On Friday, in fact, Business Week said that the firmware update is due in September.

However, the question is: how can a chipset problem be fixed by a firmware upgrade? Or can it, at all?

If the chipset itself is programmed by portions of the iPhone firmware, and that’s what’s causing the problem, it could in fact be fixed this way. But if that’s the case, if in fact it’s simply Apple programing the chipset to require too strong a signal, as has been rumored, you would think it would be a pretty quick fix. What’s the hold-up?

I think the description of the programming error may be off the mark. After all, if that was the case, the iPhone should switch to EDGE and be OK there. Users report iPhones switching back and forth between 3G and EDGE while sitting still, or even having no 3G signal and still not switching.

Of course, something like that could be related to software as well, as I can attest to since I work with various mobile phones.

On the other hand, it’s possible the chipset has a hardware issue, and if so, then there may be no fix — short of replacing the chipset — available at all.

In fact, as Jack Gold, an analyst with Strategic Consulting told Computerworld via email,

“I’d be surprised if it is as simple as a firmware upgrade of the chip, so it is more likely that existing devices will have this defect forever.”

If that’s the case, I would expect there to be a huge backlash. After all, iPhone 3G users are paying $10 more per month for their data plans than original iPhone users. After all, it’s 3G, right?

But if users are not getting 3G, how is that fair? Answer: it’s not. Possible result: class-action lawsuit.

It would be nice if Apple gave some sort of indication as to what’s going on, as well as some sort of real solution for iPhone 3G owners, even a recall, if necessary. If they don’t, it would be the first real customer support failure since the company’s resurgence, and it could destroy the inroads Apple has made with mainstream buyers, apart from the cult audience it used to be restricted to.

I would assume Steve Jobs would be able to see that possibility, and do the right thing if a recall is necessary. If not, and a class action suit were available, I’d certainly join it.

By Michael Santo
Editor-in-Chief, RealTechNews

The Lenovo Thinkpad X300 is cool, but now it’s been surpassed. Lenovo has announced a better, stronger, faster laptop, the X301 (go figure). The X301 ups the ante with, according to Lenovo, on average nearly 20% better performance over the X300 by adding DDR3 RAM and “the latest Intel Core 2 Duo ultra low volt processor.”

That CPU would be the as-yet-unreleased Intel Core 2 Duo ULV (ultra low voltage) U9300 (1.2GHz) and U9400 (1.4GHz) models, both with a 6MB L2 cache and 1066MHz FSB.

SSD size will rise to the occasion, with the same 64 GB SSD available, but also a 128 GB option. The laptop will include a DisplayPort jack, GPS, and up to 250% better mobile broadband. A WiMAX version will appear later this year.

Much of the rest of the laptop will remain as is, with a 13.3″ LED backlit display.

Pricing? Starts at $2,599. Availability? August 26th, but the 128 GB SSD option won’t show up until September.

In an emailed press release, Sam Dusi, vice president, worldwide notebook product marketing, Lenovo, said:

“Lenovo continues to push the technology envelope by giving road warriors the latest enhancements in solid state drive storage and digital display technologies with the new ThinkPad X301 notebook PC. This announcement extends our commitment to blending ultraportability and functionality, and equipping today’s business users with the most advanced, highest-performing computing tools.”

Their latest MacBook Air challenger, right? And it has plenty to take on the MBA with, except that it has to overcome Apple’s perceived mojo.

Additional info from the press release:

Like its predecessor, the industry-acclaimed ThinkPad X300 notebook, the ThinkPad X301 notebook offers cutting-edge features and technologies in a thin and light form starting at less than three pounds and one-inch thin. The notebook offers even greater storage capacity with choices of either 64 GB or new 128 GB solid state drive storage available in September. The ThinkPad X301 notebook provides on average nearly 20 percent better performance over the ThinkPad X300 notebook due to the latest DDR3 memory and the latest Intel Core 2 Duo ultra low volt processor.

New support for DisplayPort makes viewing high definition content easy and ideal for models with the ultra-thin DVD burner. With support for both DisplayPort and VGA, users can even watch high definition content on multiple displays. Designed for maximum options for wireless connectivity, the ThinkPad X301 notebook offers models with high-speed mobile broadband3 and WiFi to connect wirelessly to the Internet, and also with Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband technology to connect wirelessly to other devices. Lenovo offers improved uplink performance by up to 250 percent for models with AT&T mobile broadband over previous ThinkPad notebooks with AT&T mobile broadband4. Models supporting WiMAX will be available later this year. Additionally, GPS on notebook models with high speed mobile broadband allow travelers to more easily navigate to the office or airport.

By Michael Santo
Editor-in-Chief, RealTechNews

Well, William Shatner could, if he was still associated with the Live Autographs, but it appears his association ended after a signing event he participated in earlier this week. I’m assuming, of course, you remember that classic SNL sketch from 1986, where Shatner spoofed his convention experiences.

Live Autographs, according to their site, offers the following experience:

• A personalized celebrity video message
• Authentic autographed memorabilia
• Plus, a free video download that captures and confirms all the action

While you can’t get Shatner any longer, there are a bunch of other celebrities currently signed up (including a ton from Lost, if you’re a fan of that show), such as Danica Patrick, Hulk Hogan, Cindy Margolis, Steve Austin, etc.

You type the message you want them to say or question you want answered, and assuming it doesn’t violate the site’s Terms of Service, the celebrity will respond on video, as well as autograph the memorabilia you choose.

According to Reuters, Shatner gave a curt, virtual “Get a Life” sort of response to someone who asked him if he would rather captain a starship or be an entertainer:

“I can’t even understand your question, but I want you to understand — I’m an actor.”

Of course, he was kinder to others.

There is a piece of Shatner memorabilia still up on the site, but clicking on it just gets you a (mostly) blank page in return.

Fees? Depends on the item chosen. If I were Live Autographs, I’d change the way the site works. If you want to select, say, a picture of Carmen Electra, there doesn’t seem to be a way to get it full-screen (or even, non-thumbnailed). And if I was interested, I’d really like to see what I’m getting.

Definitely still beta, as the site itself says.

BTW, for those who may have forgotten that sketch, one of the best of all time on SNL, IMHO, here’s the climactic part:

By Michael Santo
Editor-in-Chief, RealTechNews

As I noted earlier, Chrysler was planning to add wi-fi to the list of distractions available in cars, in addition to text messaging / email, reading, putting on makeup, talking on cell phones, and the like. They’ve now announced that the increased distraction will begin on August 25th, when 2009 Chrysler models will be able to get this option.

Now, don’t get me wrong; I’d love to be able to use something like this, but there are a couple of problems:

• Do we need still more distractions for drivers?
• I get carsick; this ain’t gonna help (whether or not I am a passenger)
• Do we need more distrations for drivers? (oh, I asked that already)

uConnect Web, as its called, consists of a $499 Mopar car cellular modem / wi-fi router that has to be installed by the dealer as an option. There’s a $35 - $50 installation fee, a $35 activation fee and a $29 (insert recurring pain here) monthly subscription fee.

So what you’re doing is essentially the same as tethering your laptop to a cell phone (using it as a modem). Then using the router to create a hotspot around the car. Based on that, don’t expect cable modem speeds. Of course, the field will extend 100 feet around the car, so I wonder if people will start driving closer to try to poach off a Chrysler’s hotspot.

The router is made by Autonet Mobile and is similar to portable units already offered as $10.95-a-day rental add-ons in Avis Rent-a-Car models in major cities.

Obviously, U.S. car manufacturers need every gimmick they can get, but will it take off? Not likely. The one-time charge isn’t that big, but $29 a month, when you’re already paying for oh, say, your iPhone’s data plan and more? Not something most people will opt for.

Which in our already overly connected / distracted society, is good news, as far as I am concerned.

By Michael Santo
Editor-in-Chief, RealTechNews

I earlier discussed the pain iPhone 3G users are feeling with regards to the 3G network and connectivity. Since then the issue hasn’t faded, and the 2.0.1 software update did nothing to fix the issue.

In fact, more and more media attention has focused itself on the issue.

On Tuesday, Richard Windsor, an analyst with Nomura Securities chimed in. In a research note, he said:

“We believe that these issues are typical of an immature chipset and radio protocol stack where we are almost certain Infineon is the 3G supplier.”

Someone hasn’t been reading iSuppli’s teardowns if he isn’t 100% certain Infineon is the supplier. At any rate, if it’s a chipset problem, it may be difficult to fix via a firmware update.

Of course, Windsor is the same analyst who last year speculated that the original iPhone’s screen would begin deteriorating over time, after three to six months.

On the other hand, it’s not like I haven’t seen issues like this before with other devices, including pre-released devices (I work in the mobile industry). I can’t go into details, but I’ve seen issues like this fixed with firmware updates. I will, however, also attest to the fact that the AT&T 3G network is spotty at best.

Even on other devices I’ve seen switching back and forth between 3G and EDGE, so this behavior doesn’t surprise me. If the chipset is the issue, based on past history, I’d expect Apple to do right by their customers. At least, as an iPhone 3G owner who has noticed no signal at times when a Palm Treo 750 a few seats over was doing just fine, I hope so.

By Michael Santo
Editor-in-Chief, RealTechNews

Hopefully you’re not so into the Olympics that you haven’t taken note of the clash between Russia and Georgia. As of the time of this writing, Georgia claims that by capturing a strategic city, Russia has now cut the country in half. But they also claim Russia is conducting a cyber-war, so how is Georgia getting the news out? Enter Google’s Blogger service.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has created a Blogger site for updates. Going to Georgia’s official government site gets you nothing but a timeout message. The official website of Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili was up for a while, but it’s down again as well.

Blogger has no such issues, and Georgia is using it to get the word out.

One of the posts addresses the outage, and says:

A cyber warfare campaign by Russia is seriously disrupting many Georgian websites, including that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you cannnot access official Georgian government websites, please go to the following sites for the latest official Government of Georgia news.

• http://georgiamfa.blogspot.com/ (this site)

• The website of the President of the Republic of Poland Lech Kaczyński: www.president.pl (go to the link: “information about the latest developments in Georgia.”)

According to Jart Armin, a researcher who runs a website which tracks the Russian Business Network (RBN), a cybercrime organization with close links to the Russian mafia and government, has released data claiming to show that visits to Georgian sites had been re-routed through servers in Russia and Turkey, where the traffic was blocked. Armin said the servers:

“are well known to be under the control of RBN and influenced by the Russian Government.”