Blog articles from 12/2010

Swindon-based British company Dialog Semiconductor has created a chip that can perform real-time 2D to 3D conversion for mobile devices, including phones and tablets. The DA8223 also contains a parallax screen driver that, when combined with a parallax barrier filter, will create 3D images to be viewed without glasses. It works by analysing each 2D video frame and creates a layered depth map, bringing forward foreground objects and sending backgrounds to the rear of the image -...

A decade ago Bill Gates, founder and former chief executive of Microsoft, presented a new class of computing to the world: a tablet PC that offered a fully functional computer with the “intuitive aspects of pencil and paper.” Since then, Microsoft has struggled to gain traction with a slate-like device, yet each year the company announces new products, software or operating systems that try to promote a world of Windows-based slate computers. Next month, at the 2011...

As U.S. video viewers increase their multiplatform viewing habits, advertising firms’ demand for an integrated tool to measure both TV and online video viewing will intensify over the next year. A new report, Cross-Platform Ad Metrics & Reporting , shows 71 percent of U.S. broadband households access videos online, compared to 87% who watch traditional TV content. Younger audiences, ages 18-34, are even more inclined to watch online video, with 88% watching online compared to...

Movie server company Kaleidescape has begun shipping the industry’s first Blu-ray Disc movie server, which can rip and stream high-def copies of discs throughout the home when paired with Kaleidescape’s M500 or M300 players. Priced at just less than $1,500, the server must be connected to a player and the discs must remain in the server. The server displays high-resolution cover art along with a brief synopsis of a film, as well as other movie details. For the...

Harry Wang , Director, Health & Mobile Product Research, Parks Associates, will present key findings from a recently completed global study on femtocells on behalf of Femto Forum at the Femtocells Americas 2010 Conference during the session, “ Global Consumer Research on Femtocells ” on Tuesday, December 14th at 9:50 AM, in Miami, Florida. Femtocells can have a major impact on consumer satisfaction and loyalty. Among U.S. consumers likely to change operators in the next 12...

There are increasing rumors of a new PlayStation Portable with wireless capabilites . While neither Sony or Sony Ericsson have confirmed its existence, videos of the device have been circulating online. Other analysts have called it dead on arrival. We believe instead that this device will be very appealing to a relevant share of consumers. Thanks to the strength of the PlayStation brand and its alleged graphics capabilities, the new PSP will capture the attention of gamers looking...

The user interface (UI) has emerged as a key factor in the success of the connected home. This new white paper by Parks Associates examines its evolving role as consumer habits change and multiple connected devices enter the home. UIs must meet these challenges while also taking on new roles as platform mediator and new revenue source. Download this new white paper today.

Netflix Inc. inked a licensing deal with Walt Disney Co. that allows for online video streaming of ABC television network and the Disney and ABC Family channels . Netflix has been expanding its streaming offerings, signing deals with content providers such as NBC Universal, and has said its members are watching more content streamed over the Internet than on discs delivered by mail. It recently launched its first streaming-only subscription plan in the U.S., continuing its...