HP not making Windows Phone 7 devices, focusing on webOS instead

No big surprise here, but HP Personal Systems Group VP Todd Bradley just flat-out confirmed to CNBC that HP will not be making any Windows Phone 7 devices, preferring instead to focus on the newly-acquired webOS for its line of smartphones. Here’s the entire exchange:

Q: Can you make webOS successful with developers when you’re selling Windows Phone 7, maybe Android or Linux at the same time?

A: We continue to be Microsoft’s biggest customer, and we continue to believe we will drive innovation with Microsoft. At the same time, I think it’s clear to say, that we’re very focused on the customer, and giving the customer the experience that’s important to them. We won’t do — will not do a Linux / Android phone. We won’t do a Microsoft phone.

Q: So no Windows Phone 7?

A: We will continue to more broadly deliver the webOS-based phones that are in the market today, and Jon and his team have driven a strong roadmap for the future.

Q: So does that mean you’re going webOS only for phones?

A: For smartphones it does. Our intent is to focus those resources and really make webOS the best OS it can be.

That’s a big ouch for Microsoft — it has to sting when your biggest customer turns its back on your fledgling mobile efforts — but we can’t exactly see HP spending a billion dollars on Palm only to turn around and support multiple platforms. There is a small silver lining for Microsoft, though — Bradley also reiterated that HP’s tablet plans aren’t so locked in, and once again hinted that the Windows 7-based HP Slate has become an enterprise product, which is at least better than being killed off entirely. Lose some, lose some slightly less, we suppose. Full video after the break — the good bit starts around 5:20.

CNBC

Apple Support Says iPhone 4 Yellow Tint Problem Is “Residue From Manufacturing”

For the first time, Apple support technicians have pointed at a manufacturing issue as the origin of the yellow bands and spots that people are finding in their iPhone 4′s displays. There’s no official word from Apple yet, however.

I too have the yellow discoloration on the bottom of my new iphone 4 screen.

I called Apple and they guy told me that it is residue from the manufacturing process and that they rushed the shipments out to hit deadline. He also told me that its just because the residue is not dry fully yet and it should clear up within a couple of days.

Pat Cain

Presumably, this “residue from the manufacturing process” is the adhesive used to bind the glass with the screen, as pointed in our ongoing coverage.

We are still receiving contradicting reports, however: At least three readers have said that Apple support has directed them to ask for a replacement instead of waiting for the yellow spots to disappear. Two readers have told us about this after Pat talked with Apple support. Naldien, a Gizmodo reader who got his iPhone 4 at the University Village store in Seattle, says that Apple Store employees there were aware of the problem:

“So, did you hear about the screens yellowing at all?” and an employee said “Yeah, if that happens to you just bring it back in and we’ll swap it. We have tons of replacement phones in-stock.”

Naldien discovered that his phone also had the yellow tint problem in his car, after leaving the Apple Store.

There is still no word about the other display problem that seems to affect a handful of users: White spots randomly distributed over the screen, resembling a constellation of stars.

iPhone 4G: Records problem with the new iPhone

The iPhone 4G with 1.7 million devices sold just Saturday, is the most successful product in Apple’s history. But the iPhone 4G problems remain, and unleashed the irony of competitor Nokia. Apple announced today that it has reached a quota of 1.7 million iPhone 4G sold in the fourth day Saturday, June 26, just three days after launch. The Apple online store has a time ttes to 3 weeks for orders iPhone 4G and retail costs $ 199 for iPhone 4G 16 GB model and $ 299 for the iPhone 4G 32GB model.

“iPhone 4G is the most successful product launch in Apple’s history,” said Steve Jobs. These record figures would shine a bright sun on Cupertino, but some situations are likely to thicken dark clouds on the horizon, the problems with the new iPhone 4G does not stop. While the Daily Mail had spoken of the possibility that Cupertino withdraw the new iPhone 4G, but only because it had relied on the tweet of a fake Steve Jobs mistaken for the original, Nokia took the opportunity to do irony on the problems of the iPhone 4G on the assumption Cupertino that all phones have the same problem of low reception if challenged in a certain way.

Apple  said today that it sold up to last Saturday, June 26 more than 1.7 million units of its new iPhone 4G mobile phone 4, three days after its launch it has thus become the most successful. In a statement, CEO Steve Jobs apologized to the “customers who were rejected” because the company had adequate supplies. Apple has not stated that the estimates include the pieces that had been pre-booked prior to the start of the June 24. The company in Cupertino, Calif., also announced that by the end of July iPhone 4G will be available in 18 other countries.

Part of the Japan race to win the new iPhone 4G. Hundreds of people braved the humidity ‘of the night and waited in long neat rows that Apple stores would open its doors for the world debut of the iPhone 4G. The time is in favor of Japanese, because ‘today’s iPhone 4G mobile home in Cupertino will be’ available in Britain, France, Germany and the United States. More ‘than 500 people were lined up before dawn the Apple store in Ginza and the first to get their hands on the new iPhone 4G high-definition screen and video-chat’ was a 18 year old student or not to lose that position has passed two nights camped in front of the store for an iPhone 4G.

“iPhone 4G is the most successful product launch in Apple’s history,” said Steve Jobs. These record figures would shine a bright sun on Cupertino, but some situations are likely to thicken dark clouds on the horizon, the problems with the new iPhone 4G does not stop. While the Daily Mail had spoken of the possibility that Cupertino withdraw the new iPhone 4G, but only because it had relied on the tweet of a fake Steve Jobs mistaken for the original, Nokia took the opportunity to do irony on the problems of the iPhone 4G on the assumption Cupertino that all phones have the same problem of low reception if challenged in a certain way.

Apple responds to congressional inquiry, details location data collection in 13-page letter

When Apple’s latest privacy policy revealed the company could track any iPhone’s location in real time, it threw some for a loop… including a pair of gentlemen from the US House of Representatives, who asked what Cupertino was up to. In a thirteen page letter dated July 12, Apple’s legal counsel explains the whole matter away, while giving us a fascinating look into how the company collects — and justifies collecting — all that GPS data. Legally the defense is simple, as Apple claims users grant express permission via pop-up messages for every single location-based service and app, and if you don’t care to be tracked, you can simply shut down location services globally or (in iOS 4) on a per-app basis in the phone’s settings panel.

Where it gets more interesting is when Apple explains what it actually collects, and who they share it with — namely, Google and Skyhook, who provided location services to earlier versions of the operating system. In iOS 3.2 and beyond, only Apple has the keys to the database, and what’s inside are locations of cell towers, WiFi access points, and anonymous GPS coordinates. None of these are personally identifying, as the company doesn’t collect SSIDs or any data, and in the case of device coordinates they’re reportedly collected and sent in encrypted batches only once every 12 hours, using a random ID generated by the phone every 24 hours that apparently can’t be linked back to the device. In the case of iAd, Apple says coordinates don’t even make it to a database, as they’re immediately converted (by remote server) to a advertising-friendly five-digit zip code. Concerning location data collection for services other than iAd, there’s still the little question of why, but we’ll just leave you with Apple legal’s quote on that subject after the break, and let you hit up the full document yourself at Scribd if you want the deep dive.

ASUS Eee Pad EP101TC opts for Android, dumps Windows Embedded Compact 7

The lesser of ASUS’ two Eee Pad tablets announced at Computex this year, the EP101TC, is getting itself a software rejig ahead of its planned early 2011 launch. Originally slated to run on Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Compact 7 — a wordy OS, if nothing else — the Pad will now entrust its operational infrastructure to Google’s Android. ASUS is currently working on prototypes with Froyo on board, but Gingerbread (or Android 3.0) has not been ruled out as a possible final OS choice. We’re told to expect the first public demos at CES 2011, with retail units likely following on from there at a relatively brisk pace.

Sharp’s XMDF format looks to bring e-books into the next generation

When it comes to boring ‘ol text and images, there are plenty of formats that modern e-readers can manage — your EPUBs and OPFs and the like. But, when it comes to integrating multimedia content into a kind of next-gen e-book experience, the sort Wired is pushing on the iPad, things are rather less standardized. Sharp wants to be on the forefront of bringing that style of content together under a single standard: XMDF, or ever-eXtending Mobile Document Format. It enables video and animations and flashy presentation to be mingled in with the text, surely with the intent of distracting you from actually having to read anything. Of course, XHTML can manage all this stuff too, but it never was particularly great at the sort of precision text layout publishers crave, and presumably that’s also being addressed here. Naturally we’re a little more excited about hardware, and Sharp showed off two prototype readers measuring 5.5- and 10.8-inches respectively… though it didn’t have much to say about them otherwise. More details later this year, supposedly.

Akihabara News

Henry: Tough decision awaits Fabregas

Having been in the same position three years ago, New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry admits he does not envy the decision facing Cesc Fabregas’ about his Arsenal future.

GettyImages

Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas played together for four years at Arsenal

• Wenger wants to end Fabregas saga

Fabregas has consistently been linked with a move back to the club Arsenal signed him from as a teenager, with Barca’s interest firming since the end of last season.

The Catalans had a €35million offer for the midfielder turned down by the Gunners last month, who for their part have shown little sign they would like to part with one of their most prized players.

Arsene Wenger attempted to draw a line under the summer’s longest-running transfer saga on Saturday by claiming the speculation surrounding his captain’s future “has to stop”.

“It is very important we give the impression that just because somebody wants a player from us, we do not just give in,” Wenger said said.

But Henry, Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer, was himself lured away from north London three years ago and while he said he would like to see Fabregas remain, he admitted it would be understandable if the 23-year-old returned to his homeland.

“It is hard because the guy is from Barcelona. I wouldn’t like to be in his shoes that’s all I can say,” Henry told Radio Five’s Sportsweek programme.

“I wouldn’t like to be in his position because he is from there and he loves Arsenal. I don’t know what to say about this, because I don’t want to talk for him.

“But as an Arsenal fan, for me, I want him to stay at Arsenal, but I would also understand if he goes back home.”

Henry is preparing to begin a new chapter in his life after he signed for Major League Soccer side the New York Red Bulls this week.

The 32-year-old is likely to finish his career in the United States after he signed a “multi-year deal”, but revealed when his playing days are over he would like to return to the Emirates Stadium in some capacity.

“What I want to do is when I retire, I don’t know how, but I want to come back to Arsenal,” he said, “I have just come here (New York) to play and to compete and win another title.

“After everything is done then I will think about it. Whatever it is I want to come back (to Arsenal), maybe as a waterboy, I just love this club.”

Coincidentally, Henry’s first game for New York could be against the Gunners’ north-London rivals Tottenham, with the teams to meet in a pre-season friendly on Thursday.

“I’m trying to get back in shape (for the match),” Henry said. “I’ve not done much since the World Cup. I don’t think I will play long, but we will see.”

DARPA-funded prosthetic arm reaches phase three, would-be cyborgs celebrate

Last we heard from Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory, it wanted a neurally-controlled bionic arm by 2009. Needless to say, the school overshot that goal by a tiny bit, and have now been beaten (twice) to the punch. But DARPA sees $34.5 million worth of promise in their third and final prototype, which will enable the nine pound kit (with 22 degrees of freedom and sensory feedback) to begin clinical trials. Rechristened the Modular Prosthetic Limb, it will be grafted onto as many as five real, live persons, the first within the year. Using the targeted muscle reinnervation technique pioneered at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, patients will control these arms directly with their thoughts, and for their sakes and the fate of humanity, hopefully not the other way around. Press release after the break.

Mouseless – An Invisible Mouse

The computer mouse has advanced over the years by trimming down a little, becoming optical, becoming more responsive and becoming wireless to name a few advances. The next step is to get rid of the mouse altogether and have an invisible mouse, also known as Mouseless.

The concept was created by Pranav Mistry along with Patti Maes and Liyan Chang and basically gets rid of the mouse completely.

By using an IR sensor with some custom software, the movements of a hand on a desk can be interpreted in to mouse and finger movement allowing users to simple glide their hand on a desk and tap the desk with their finger.

The IR sensor sits on the back of a laptop

and detects movement to the side of the laptop. By skimming the IR beam across the desk the software can pick up where the signal is cut off and calculate where your hand is and move the mouse pointer appropriately.

The system costs just $20 to build which is interesting and would allow laptop users to more comfortably work as well as carry less around when out and about.

The video below shows a demonstration of how the software works and how accurate it is. It’s fairly impressive stuff and would be good for companies to adopt in the future.

Teens Using Digital Drugs to Get High

Kids around the country are getting high on the internet, thanks to MP3s that induce a state of ecstasy. And it could be a gateway drug leading teens to real-world narcotics.

At least, that’s what Oklahoma News 9 is reporting about a phenomenon called “i-dosing,” which involves finding an online dealer who can hook you up with “digital drugs” that get you high through your headphones.

And officials are taking it seriously.

“Kids are going to flock to these sites just to see what it is about and it can lead them to other places,” Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs spokesman Mark Woodward told News 9.

I-dosing involves donning headphones and listening to “music” — largely a droning noise — which the sites peddling the sounds promise will get you high. Teens are listening to such tracks as “Gates of Hades,” which is available on YouTube gratis (yes, the first one is always free).

Those who want to get addicted to the “drugs” can purchase tracks that will purportedly bring about the same effects of marijuana, cocaine, opium and peyote. While street drugs rarely come with instruction manuals, potential digital drug users are advised to buy a 40-page guide so that they learn how to properly get high on MP3s.

Oklahoma’s Mustang Public School district isn’t taking the threat lightly, and sent out a letter to parents warning them of the new craze. The educators have gone so far as to ban iPods at school, in hopes of preventing honor students from becoming cyber-drug fiends, News 9 reports.



We at Threat Level are stunned and have hundreds of questions.

Will future presidential candidates defend their i-dosing past by saying, “But I had it on mute”? Are we supposed to declare a war on cyberdrugs or a cyberwar on cyberdrugs? How will police know if a teen is with headphones on is i-dosing or just listening to Justin Bieber? Is the iPod the bong of the future? What would happen if some ne’er-do-well took over the console of the Super Bowl and dosed the entire country? What if kids smoked dried banana peels and listened to these trippy tunes at the same time — could they OD? What happens if someone sells a tainted MP3?

Perhaps most importantly, what will happen if the kids move onto harder stuff like Steve Reich, Philip Glass or even Janet Cardiff’s installation, “The Killing Machine“?