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Analysis: The Internet, as we once knew it, will be under renewed attack next year.

This end-of-year article is a looking forward one -- looking forward to a year in which the Internet will be under a multipronged attack that threatens to change it irrevocably in ways that may destroy much of the Internet's potential.

Also read: 2010's biggest security snafus

Throughout its history, the Internet, in most places, has been essentially free from government regulation. There are significant exceptions -- a few countries do quite an effective job of controlling Internet content and a number of countries control specific Internet technologies such as encryption and VoIP. But, on the whole, the Internet has been left alone to disrupt businesses, governments and society. The Internet's impact on the music and film businesses, newspapers, privacy, social unrest, government transparency (voluntary and otherwise), and education, among many other things, has been profound.

Of course, there are a lot of people not all that happy with the changes that have been enabled, or in some cases, forced by the Internet. For quite a few years the copyright industry has been railing against the Internet. They have tried repeatedly to legally mandate technical controls, such as the broadcast flag (see Protecting the past), media taxes (which assume that all users of CDs, for example, are stealing copyrighted material), and penalties such as three-strikes rules, which cut off Internet access on multiple accusations -- not on proof -- of copyright violations. (See ACTA: No longer secret but still plenty to worry about.)

To date, most of these efforts have caused some individuals great pain but not changed anything fundamental.

But efforts to control the 'Net in other ways are beginning to heat up.

There was a great deal of discussion during the recent ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Guadalajara, Mexico about the possibility of bringing the Internet under the same regulatory regime that the world's phone systems are subject to. In the end, strong efforts in this direction were deflected and the meeting ended with global Internet regulation largely nonexistent. But a new threat has surfaced from the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development, which has voted to establish a government-only Working Group on Improvements to the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The IGF is a multi-stakeholder group that meets to discuss Internet governance issues but has largely left the regulatory picture unchanged. Now, a UN government-only group will investigate how to fix the IGF - it does not take much imagination to see what the likely result will be.

Governments, in general, do not much like the Internet, or at least the Internet-based activities that they do not control. Some governments, such as China, have established strong controls over the Internet in their own countries. Venezuela has just proposed to do the same.

Restructuring the Internet so that each country has a control point could easily wipe out the ability of Internet users to find out what is going on in the world.

But we do not have to wait until the UN acts to see the future. The U.S. government recently seized a bunch of domain names without letting the owners contest the seizure.

News reports show that the U.S. government pressured PayPal and Amazon to stop supporting WikiLeaks, again without any due process. You do not have to be a fan of WikiLeaks to understand that letting the U.S. government decide, on its own, without the legal process defined in our Constitution, what should and what should not be accessible on the Internet is not a recipe for freedom. Maybe they can take pointers from China.

Meanwhile the FCC will be voting on a new U.S regulatory regime for the Internet on Dec. 21. The FCC has not bothered to actually be open enough to let us know what the FCC will vote on but the rumors should make anyone interested in an open Internet cringe.

I may be being a bit alarmist above but signs do seem to be converging that the future Internet will be the Internet of old more in name than in fact. Happy New Year.

Source PCWorld

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Video Calling Hits Skype for iPhone

Skype for iPhone with VideoWell, looky here-the iPhone version of Skype we wanted all along is finally here: one that does video calls. It works on the iPhone 4, current iPod Touch, iPhone 3GS, and iPad (although you really want the front-facing camera which the 3GS and iPad lack) and permits calls over both 3G and Wi-Fi. And judging from my very brief time with it so far, the quality seems quite good.

Apple's own FaceTime set the standard for simple video calling from a phone, and other options such as Tango are already thriving. but if you're a Skype user calling another Skype user, the new iPhone app couldn't be much simpler-and you can make calls to Windows users, something that's still not possible with FaceTime. (You can't, however, make video calls to Android users-but you gotta think that a video-capable version for Android will come along before too long.)

If you give the new app a try, let us know what you think. Me, I think I'll use it calling my three-year-old nephew and two-year-0ld niece-neither of who own an iPhone 4, oddly enough...

Source PCWorld

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Gigabyte slips out Atom N550-based M1005, Q2005 netbooks

We're guessing we'll see a more official announcement about these soon enough, but for now we'll have to make do with some product pages that have quietly turned up on Gigabyte's website for two new Atom N550-based netbooks: the M1005 and Q2005. As Netbook News notes, the latter of those (pictured above) looks to be remarkably similar to the Jolicloud Jolibook, also based on the same dual-core N550 processor, while the M1005 appears to be a relatively minor update to the company's M1022 model, right down to the same docking station (check it out after the break). Still no indication of pricing or availability for either of them, but you can find the complete specs for each at the links below.

Source Engadget

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RIM: BlackBerry PlayBook battery life is still being optimized, won't cause delays

If you've been keeping an ear to the techie ground, you'll probably have heard some analyst chatter suggesting RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook may be delayed due to issues relating to its supposedly poor battery life. That scuttlebutt has now turned out to be mostly unfounded, with RIM clarifying the situation through a communiqué sent to Erictric:

"Any testing or observation of battery life to date by anyone outside of RIM would have been performed using pre-beta units that were built without power management implemented. RIM is on track with its schedule to optimize the BlackBerry PlayBook's battery life and looks forward to providing customers with a professional grade tablet that offers superior performance with comparable battery life."

To be sure, it's not an outright denial that there may be PlayBooks floating about with disappointing battery performance, but the immaturity of the software on them is clearly such as to invalidate any conclusions drawn. Perhaps more important than the imprecise discussion of battery longevity (what does "comparable" even mean in this context?) is the note that the company is still on track to complete its software optimizations and deliver its first tablet on schedule. Guess we can all quit worrying now.

Source Engadget

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Sharp Galapagos media tablets will bring 3G and EPUB content to US e-reader market in 2011

We like a bit of ambition around these parts and Sharp's plans for entering the US e-reader battlefield reek of the stuff. The Galapagos tablets that recently enjoyed their Japanese debut are going to be retooled, according to the Mainichi Daily News, to include new 3G radios for the internet-addicted US consumer, while the primary content format will also be switched from the proprietary XMDF in Japan to the almost universally compatible EPUB. Content partnerships are said to be brewing as we type, because, quite naturally, Sharp intends to have its own e-bookstore for Americans as well. After the Yanks, the company's said to be looking into bringing its 5.5- and 10.8-inch tablets to China, India, and Brazil. Highly ambitious indeed.

Source Engadget

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Grace Digital adds color displays on new Solo Touch, Bravado X, and Mondo WiFi radios

Can't say we had the best of times with Grace Digital's Allegro, but the dawning of a new year means the dawning of a new effort. Three efforts, in this case. Poised for an official unveiling next week at CES, the outfit's new trio of internet radios have all been upgraded with color displays. Up first is the Solo Touch, a $249.99 device with an expansive 4.3-inch touchpanel, bundled remote, Ethernet connection, RCA outputs and a headphone jack. Stepping down a notch, there's the Bravado X ($179.99), which offers a 2.7-inch color display, RCA in / out and a USB connector. Finally, the $169.99 Mondo packs a 3.5-inch color display, a full-on alarm clock (with snooze!) and a USB port of its own. The whole lot can be controlled via a free iPhone app, and they're each capable of tuning into iheartradio, Pandora, Sirius XM, WeatherBug, CBS Radio, MP3Tunes and more. Now, off to Vegas to see if those user interface quirks have been cleared up... 

Internet Radio Goes Color with Grace Digital Audio's New Product Line Debuting at CES 2011

For the first time ever Grace Digital Audio will unveil 3 new color screen internet radios, including CES Innovations Honoree the Grace Mondo Internet Radio

San Diego, Calif. - (December 30, 2010) – Grace Digital Audio, a leading brand of Wi-Fi internet radios, announces its new line of color screen internet radios. The Solo Touch, Bravado X, and Mondo internet radios will be unveiled next week at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The entire Grace Digital product line includes internet radio services Pandora, Sirius XM Internet Radio, CBS Radio, iheartradio, Live365.com, MP3Tunes, NPR, National Weather Service, and WeatherBug.

Already known for its wide array of internet radio services and superior audio quality, Grace Digital radios are now equipped with a vivid color screen. The flagship of the new line is Grace's Mondo Internet Radio. Already a CES 2011 Design and Engineering Award Honoree, Mondo is the perfect bedside radio outfitted with a 3.5" TFT color display and an audio quality that can easily make a run for best in its class. The Solo Touch, big brother to Grace's original Solo Wi- Fi Internet Tuner, features a 4.3" touch screen color display. Grace's celebrated Bravado Internet Radio also gets a makeover, with the Bravado X adding a 2.7" TFT color display and high quality stereo speakers.

Solo Touch (GDI-IRTSC12)
Compact tuner provides complete control over the world of internet radio directly on your home stereo
• 4.3" touch screen color display • Remote control, Ethernet connection, RCA out jacks, and headphone
connection 
• $249.99

Bravado X (GDI-IRD4500)
Wi-Fi tabletop radio provides powerful sound with a user friendly color display
• 2.7" TFT color display
• Powerful stereo speakers, RCA in/out jacks, USB, and headphone connection
• $179.99

Mondo (GDI-IRC6000)
Perfect bedside internet radio with best in class audio and vibrant color display
• 3.5" TFT color display 
• Snooze control and full alarm clock function 
• Remote control, Ethernet connection, RCA out jacks, and USB connection 
• $169.99

The three new color screen radios join Grace Digital's already award-winning line of audio products. "We are excited to start 2011 off with the announcement of 3 new color radios," says Grace Digital Audio's Chief Marketing Officer, Greg Fadul. "In addition to the new eye-catching color screens and superior audio quality, Grace's new radios also feature the best in class content. Grace radios play nearly every AM/FM and HD radio station from around the corner to around the world in pure digital sound with no static or fading. Whether you want to listen to CBS radio, iheartradio, NOOA, Pandora, Sirius, WeatherBug or the 50,000 plus stations from your local station to international you have it all – with Grace."

Source Engadget

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Ford MyKey adds radio censorship to further control teen driving habits

Daddy doesn't have to take the T-Bird away, he can just take all the fun out of driving it. That is, if the T-Bird is actually a Taurus. Ford's MyKey system has been engendering teen resentment since the release of the 2010 Focus, allowing parents to limit max speeds and cap radio volume, but parental control doesn't stop there -- the 2011 MyKey can selectively block radio stations. Starting next year, parents will have the option to block 16 Sirius radio channels from the car's dial, among them Howard Stern, Playboy, and Hip-Hop Nation. Optional radio censorship isn't the only new feature for MyKey, which allows owners to program a key to fit their specific level of paranoia -- the new version allows parents to set top speeds between 65 and 80mph, instead of the previous fixed cap of 80mph. Other controls carrying over from the original system include a chime that sounds at 10mph intervals, starting at 45mph, and an advanced notice when fuel levels are low. The new features will come standard issue on the 2011 Ford Taurus and Ford Explorer, and will eventually reach across both the Ford and Lincoln brands.



Source Engadget

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LucidLogix virtualization tech enables AMD and NVIDIA GPUs to play together with Sandy Bridge

It's baaack. We've gone well over half a year without hearing a peep from black magic makers LucidLogix, but here on the doorstep of CES 2011, the company has resurfaced just in time to ride on the coattails of Intel's forthcoming Sandy Bridge platform. Sandy is expected to take over CES when companies start to introduce new PCs in just a few days, and thanks to Lucid's virtualization software, we wouldn't be surprised if a few are served with NVIDIA and AMD GPUs. This here technology enables the two to play nice, making the outlandish fantasy of using a multi-GPU, multi-vendor setup a reality. DirectX 11 is also supported, with the only real requirement being to "connect the display screen directly to the motherboard's Sandy Bridge display output." We'll be taking a closer look at the peacemaker once we land in Vegas, but for now, go ahead and prepare yourself for a beta version of 'Virtu' -- it'll hit at some point next month.

LucidLogix GPU Virtualization to Reform Entertainment PC Power Consumption

Allows Discrete and Intel's Sandy Bridge Processor Graphics to Dynamically Manage Power, Features and Performance
KFAR NETTER, Israel and SANTA CLARA, Calif. – December 29, 2010 – The pioneer of multi-vendor/multi-GPU graphic solutions, LucidLogix today announced ground-breaking GPU virtualization software designed for Intel Sandy Bridge platforms. With this technology, next generation PCs will dynamically balance the advanced power-efficient, built-in media features of Sandy Bridge processor graphics with the high-end, DirectX 11 3D performance features of discrete GPUs, while significantly reducing the power drain of traditional entertainment desktops.

Called Virtu, the Lucid GPU virtualization software is able to assign tasks in real time to the best available graphics resource based on power, performance and features considerations, with no need for additional hardware. If high end graphics power is needed for applications like DirectX 11, high-resolution 3D gaming, the system will assign the job to the discrete GPU. If not, the discrete GPU automatically goes into idle mode, while heat drops, fan speed slows down and GPU utilization goes down to zero, resulting in a green, power-efficient, long-lasting system.

"What we have really accomplished here is a seamless visual experience where it is not necessary to choose between the amazingly rich media features of Intel Sandy Bridge platform, like HD playback and powerful video transcoding, and the high-end 3D graphics functionality and performance of a discrete GPU," said Offir Remez, LucidLogix president and founder. "Now it is possible to experience a no-guilt, no- compromise PC entertainment experience, and save on energy at the same time."

Designed for entry-level through mainstream PCs equipped with second generation Intel's Core i3/i5/i7 and NVIDIA or AMD 3D GPUs, Virtu software automatically adjusts the performance, thermal and feature allocation based on the requirements of individual applications. The only system requirement is to always connect the display screen directly to the motherboard's Sandy Bridge display output (DVI, HDMI, etc).

Recently demonstrated to the world's top ODM and OEM system manufacturers, Remez added, "Customer feedback has been tremendous, since Virtu addresses a longstanding challenge in the market for dynamic resource allocation. Now desktops, which in real life rarely get shut down, will have the maximum graphics performance and features when they need it, while saving energy when they do not."

Interested parties can evaluate a demo version of Lucid Virtu immediately and a beta version will be available in January 2011. In addition, the software will be demonstrated in a private suite in Las Vegas during the upcoming CES show, January 6-9. For more information about LucidLogix, visit www.lucidlogix.com.

About LucidLogix
Lucid Technologies has reinvented multi-core graphics with its HYDRALOGIX real-time distributed processing engine that improves visual computing for both business and gaming applications. A fabless SoC provider, headquartered in Kfar Netter, Israel with sales and marketing in Santa Clara, California, Lucids innovations are protected by more than 60 patents pending. For more information, visit the Lucid website or follow @LucidHYDRA on Twitter.

Source Engadget 

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Santech can't wait for CES, lists a bunch of Sandy Bridge CPUs on new N67 laptop

Man, who needs to go to CES anymore? Intel's frailly maintained secrecy around Sandy Bridge processor identities has been blown to smithereens today by Italian systems integrator Santech. The company lists a now familiar Core i7-2630QM (quad-core, 2GHz) alongside an i7-2720QM (2.2GHz), an i7-2820QM (2.3GHz), and an i7-2920XM (2.5GHz), confirming once and for all that Intel has completely lost its mind when it comes to naming chips. Other specs include up to 16GB of DDR3 RAM, up to 750GB of magnetic storage or 160GB of the solid state stuff, a pair of USB 3.0 ports, and a 15.6-inch display that can be either glossy or matte, with a resolution of either 1366 x 768 or 1920 x 1080, depending on your preference and budget. Deliveries are said to start on January 27th and prices range between €1,200 ($1,577) and €3,000 ($3,943).

Source Engadget

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ASUS EP121, EP102, EP101, and EP71 tablets get diagramed in latest teaser

Haven't had enough CES titillation yet? Good. ASUS has apparently been up to some mischief overnight in uploading and then pulling a new version of its teaser video from a week ago, though this time it also included explicit product names attached to some quite informative diagrams. It looks to be the full family of upcoming CES tablets, with the EP121 touting stylus input and a wireless keyboard, the EP102 showing that there will indeed be a slider in ASUS' Pad family, and the EP101 looking like, well, a laptop. There's also a media-centric EP71, whose proportions make it seem likely to be a sort of oversized PMP. Skip past the break for a closer look at them all and don't forget to grace our comments with your theory as to why ASUS feels compelled to have such a segmented product offering.

Engadget

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Samsung's phone division now also in charge of PMPs, Galaxy Player coming in Q2 2011

Yes, CES 2011 will be graced by the presence of Samsung's new 4-inch Galaxy Player, but our pockets, it would seem, might have to wait for it quite a bit longer. The Wall Street Journal today reports that, while Samsung intends to roll out the new Android PMP in its home market of Korea shortly after CES next week, the rest of the world is unlikely to be able to buy it until "the April to June period." Aside from its lack of phone functionality and a Super AMOLED panel, the new Galaxy Player is an almost identical replica of the company's wildly successful Galaxy S smartphone, which apparently has been no accident. The WSJ also lets us in on the knowledge that Samsung's phone division has taken over responsibility for building and selling its portable media player range, hence why we're now seeing such major overlaps between the two categories -- something that might very well continue into the future.

Source Engadget

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MSI teases Killer NIC integration in Big Bang motherboards

You won't be coloring us surprised here -- when we spoke with Bigfoot Networks CEO Michael Howse back at Computex, he didn't hesitate to disclose his interest in embedding Bigfoot's networking technology into motherboards and GPUs of the future. And now, it seems that the future has arrived. Based on a sneaky, nondescript release posted after the break, it looks as if Bigfoot and MSI will be hooking up at CES next week to introduce a newfangled version of the Big Bang motherboard. The announcement doesn't come right out and say it, but considering that at least one MSI motherboard will be "blazing with Killer 2100 performance," we'd say it's fair to read between the lines. Howse is also quoted as saying that he's "pleased to be working with MSI," and up until now, there's been no public partnership between the two firms. According to him, the Killer 2100 gaming network card "is a perfect complement to the MSI Big Bang family of mainboard solutions," and you can bet we'll be on the hunt for a model name, price and release date just as soon as we hit Vegas.

MSI Motherboards Blaze with Killer™ 2100 Performance In MSI Technology Showcase AT CES 2011

MSI to debut and demo next-generation platforms at Press Conference, immediately following CES Unveiled
CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. - December 27, 2010 - MSI Computer Corp., a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, will be holding a Press Conference and Technology Showcase event immediately following CES Unveiled on January 4th at Bellini 2006 in The Venetian.

During this conference, press can enjoy appetizers and refreshments while experiencing debut demonstrations of MSI's next-generation notebooks, all-in-one PCs, motherboards and graphics cards, aimed at extending its award-winning streak and top quality product offerings.

Key gaming-focused attractions of this event include:
· MSI representatives will present on new computing and PC gaming solutions
· Bigfoot Networks executives will be on hand to offer their expertise on superior network performance
· Press can see for themselves the benefits a Killer™ 2100 gaming network card can offer as an upgrade to even an industry-leading motherboar

MSI will also be giving away Bigfoot Networks Killer™ 2100 cards within its prize drawings at the annual MSI Master Overclocking Arena (MOA) Overclockers event, taking place on January 6th during CES. Additionally, MSI and Bigfoot Networks will pursue a variety of joint marketing programs in 2011 with leading online and retail outlets.

"We are pleased to be working with MSI," said Michael Howse, CEO of Bigfoot Networks. "The Killer™ 2100 gaming network card is a perfect complement to the MSI Big Bang family of mainboard solutions that will give gamers a competitive edge in online play."

Andy Tung, VP of MSI USA says "MSI mainboards with Military Class components provide a great backbone for any gaming system and the Killer™ 2100 network card is a way to improve performance and get one step ahead of the competition."

For more information about MOA 2011, visit http://www.msi-moa.com/AM-2011/


Source Engadget 

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Wheego Whip LiFe grabs up EPA certification

Yes! Another reason to write about the darling and awesomely-named Wheego Whip LiFe! This time, it's good news indeed, as the all electric micro-car has received EPA certification. The cars, which are priced at a reasonably affordable $32,995 (or $25,495 after the Federal tax credit), are now simply waiting for final approval from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration before they can roll into dealerships. It looks like the cars will ship at the beginning of the year now, with production well underway for the past few months. We'll take two, please.

Source Engadget

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Verizon to demo Home Monitoring and Control system at CES, launch pilot in Jersey next month

Looks like home automation may finally be taking baby steps towards the mainstream -- Verizon's just announced that it'll be demoing that long-rumored Home Monitoring and Control system at CES 2011, with a planned beta rollout in New Jersey to follow. The system will allow users to remotely view security cameras, lock doors, and control lights, thermostats, and appliances through their smartphones or FiOS TV boxes -- the same capabilities most other automation systems offer, but with the added benefit of being integrated and installed by Verizon. The pilot homes in Jersey will receive an energy reader, smart appliance switches and thermostats, door and window locks, a power strip, motion sensors, an indoor pan-and-tilt camera, and a fixed indoor / outdoor camera when the system launches next month, but Verizon says that's just the beginning. We're told the system will use Z-Wave wireless control units and WiFi security cameras, so we're guessing there'll be a central box that integrates everything -- and we've got a feeling this whole thing is based on 4Home (pictured above), which was just acquired by Motorola Mobility. We'll find out more at CES -- stay tuned. 


New Verizon Home Monitoring and Control Service Will Make the Concept of the 'Connected Home' a Reality 

Service Being Tested in New Jersey, Offers Home Owners Anytime, Anywhere Access to Lights, Thermostats, Appliances and Monitoring Systems, via Smartphones, Computers and FiOS TV 

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – You're miles from home when you realize that you've forgotten to lock the front door. With a new, fully integrated and customizable home monitoring and control service developed by Verizon, you won't have to panic and frantically call a friend or neighbor. The service, now in the trial phase and expected to be available in the first half of 2011, will enable customers to lock doors remotely; see what's going on at home via networked cameras; and set, adjust and control lights, smart thermostats and appliances -- all by using a smartphone or a computer or through FiOS TV.

Verizon will showcase the new service, Home Monitoring and Control, and many other new technologies, at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, from Jan. 6-9. Verizon's demo will be available in the press room and blogger lounge, located in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and will be among the demonstrations in Verizon's booth (LVCC, South Hall #35215) on the show floor.

(NOTE: To take a video tour of Verizon's home monitoring and control offering, visit www.XXXXXX.)

Beginning in January, a pilot program for the new service will be conducted in New Jersey. The homes selected for the program will be outfitted with an energy reader, smart appliance switches and thermostats, a smart power strip, a smart door and window locks, motion sensors, an advanced pan-and-tilt camera, and a fixed indoor and outdoor camera.

"What we'll be testing in these homes is just the beginning," said Eric Bruno, vice president of product management for Verizon. "We're giving customers a remote control for their homes that they can use to cut CO2 emissions and their energy bills and give them anytime, anywhere access and control of their homes. The concept of the connected home has been discussed for many years, and now Verizon's high-IQ networks are making that concept a reality by converting customers' homes into bandwidth-rich ecosystems that enable a wide variety of customizable options."

High-IQ Networks Like FiOS Are Platforms for Innovation

Since launching FiOS, Verizon has pushed the boundaries of TV and broadband speed by introducing innovations that have spurred the industry's evolution.

Verizon is the only major provider to offer ultra-high-speed symmetrical Internet service to customers, and earlier this year the company began offering 150/35 megabits per second Internet service, the fastest speeds available on a mass scale. Consumers can choose from various FiOS Internet downstream and upstream options including 15/5 Mbps, 25/25 Mbps, 35/35 Mbps and 50/20 Mbps. 

Verizon also offers a Media Manager, available to all HD customers, that enables them to access PC-based personal photos, videos and music – as well as search and enjoy online videos from YouTube, blip.tv and Dailymotion. DVR customers can remotely access their DVRs from any broadband connection or Internet-enabled phone. And in November, Verizon launched Flex View, a new feature that allows customers to take their video content with them and purchase, rent or watch videos on TV, online and on select mobile devices.

Source Engadget

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