Business

We're still a few years away from the self-opening home front door of the Jetsons. But that's okay -- we're making progress. A few weeks ago we told you about Unikey and Kwikset's Kevo, a keyless entry system for your own front door. Now the fine folks at Engadget have had a chance to work with the system hands on, and they seem to be impressed. The system uses the iPhone's Bluetooth LE to connect with the smartlock. Simply walk up to your front door with your phone in your pocket, tap the lock, and turn the knob. Users and security are handled via iPhone and desktop apps that allow you to share keys with family and friends as administrative, normal or scheduled users. Having someone house sit for you? Register their iPhone with the house for the week and never worry about them forgetting to return your key. Having family come into town to visit? No need to worry about having enough house keys to go around. You can even set on-off access in case someone needs to come by, but only once. At the moment the system will only support the iPhone; Android and BlackBerry 10 support is on the way. Kevo is expected to go on sale soon. Head over to Engadget for their complete run down of the system, or check out the video below. Unikey is currently taking emails at their website for people interested in pre-ordering when the lock becomes available. Engadget takes Unikey's iPhone assisted keyless entry for a spin originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Source | Permalink | Email this | Comments

An an unusual show of solidarity, leaders of the US Congress intellectual property and antitrust subcommittees submitted a letter to the US International Trade Commission (ITC) reiterating the prior request that "the Commission carefully assess the substantial public interest considerations that exist with regards to this and other cases at the ITC in which SEPs are at issue."...

A Pixel Sandwich Video URL (mobile): http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp4/twit.cachefly.net/video/twig/twig0199/twig0199_h264b_640x368_256.mp4 MP3 feed URL: http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/twit.cachefly.net/audio/twig/twig0199/twig0199.mp3 Hosts:Leo Laporte, Jeff Jarvis, and Gina Trapani Google IO aftermath, Yahoo Tumblrs, privacy risks from Glass, and more. Guest:Matt Cutts Download or subscribe to this show at twit.tv/twig. We invite you to read, add to, and amend our show notes. Thanks to Cachefly for the bandwidth for this show. Running time:1:30:08 People: Gina Trapani Jeff Jarvis Leo Laporte Sponsors: twig.ting.com 99designs.com/twig

An anonymous reader writes "The open-source Intel Linux graphics driver has hit a milestone of now being faster than Apple's own OpenGL stack on OS X. The Intel Linux driver on Ubuntu 13.04 is now clearly faster than Apple's internally-developed Intel OpenGL driver on OS X 10.8.3. when benchmarked from a 'Sandy Bridge' class Mac Mini. Only some months ago, Apple's GL driver was still trouncing the Intel Linux Mesa driver." Read more of this story at Slashdot.

With Google Reader fading into the sunset in July more and more users are looking to replace its functionality. Zite for iOS (free) has some solutions that should please many news hounds. The app was originally born out of a desire to replace Google Reader with something that learned your interests and had a more compelling display. In a new release, released today, Zite is trying to go further to embrace what's good in Google Reader and add some bells and whistles. First, Zite has increased the prominence of sources. Those sources now appear in a topic drawer after you mark an article that you like. Another welcome feature is that articles grey out ofter you read them. One of the best additions is the ability to highlight sources that are obscure. Google Reader always had a bit of a signal to noise problem because the volume of feeds could overwhelm some of the smaller sources. Zite fixes that and will aggressively display more obscure content that you like. Zite has also made setting up the app easier for new users. There are on-screen guides and built-in tips that explains how Zite works and what you can expect. Gallery: Zite update There are some subtle interface changes as well this time around, and some new sponsored sources have been added. I've found Zite a frequent and preferred stop for my news browsing on iOS. What I'd really like to see is a Mac app that gets me the same content so I'm covered on my desktop and laptop. I'm told this is under consideration and I hope to see it sooner rather than later. Zite is a universal app and requires iOS 6 or later. Zite update is aimed at Google Reader orphans originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Source | Permalink | Email this | Comments

OtterBox, a pioneer in smartphone case technology based in Ft. Collins, Colorado, today got a little bit larger. The company acquired LifeProof, a company that builds a line of waterproof cases that provide superior protection without adding a lot of bulk or weight to devices. OtterBox will begin incorporating the LifeProof line into its own line of cases over the next month, and it appears that both companies will retain existing employees for the time being. OtterBox has about 650 employees worldwide, while LifeProof has about 250 in its San Diego office. It will be interesting to watch this acquisition unfold. Could this be the start of consolidation of accessory manufacturers in the booming Apple market? We'll keep an eye out for other rumor or takeover talk. Show full PR text FORT COLLINS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OtterBox(R), the global leader in protection for handheld technology, today announced the acquisition of TreeFrog Developments Inc., DBA LifeProof(R). Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Diego, LifeProof is an award-winning maker of protective cases and complementary accessories for smartphones and tablets. Much like OtterBox, LifeProof is a rapidly growing, multi-million dollar business with a strong global brand, comprehensive product offering, impressive intellectual property and thriving company culture. Over the next 30 days, OtterBox will begin incorporating the LifeProof brand into the OtterBox family. More information about product availability and alignment will be determined at the completion of the integration. "The joining of OtterBox and LifeProof is a way to combine two great brands and provide customers with even more great products, services and choices for smartphone accessories," OtterBox CEO Brian Thomas said. "Both companies are successful because we foster an environment where everyone takes pride in being part of a culture that knows how to identify opportunities and grow them quickly. Our goal in this acquisition is to create more value for our customers than we ever could have generated while operating individually." A key driver for the acquisition is about creating customers who are passionate about the OtterBox brand. "Our strategy is to utilize our combined brand momentum, and world-class talent to create a great customer experience that generates OtterBox brand ambassadors for life," Thomas said. "Our customers and our employees are the ones who have the passion for the brand that allows us to succeed. This passionate spirit motivates us to build better teams, better companies and ultimately, better communities. At the end of the day, that is our goal." OtterBox employs approximately 650 people worldwide. LifeProof employed approximately 250 people, who are now members of the OtterBox family and will remain in their San Diego location for the foreseeable future. OtterBox has been a family-owned business since 1998. The financial details and terms of the agreement are confidential. About LifeProof: Based in San Diego, LifeProof designs, manufactures and markets cases for smartphones and tablets that deliver protection, style and functionality. LifeProof is built on the idea of giving everyone the complete freedom and confidence to use their mobile devices in any environment. Designed to defend against water, dirt, snow, shock and the hazards of daily life, LifeProof lets consumers use their mobile device every day, everywhere, and for everything, without worry. For more information, visit lifeproof.com. About OtterBox: Founded in 1998, OtterBox creates premium technology accessories for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices. The top mobile device manufacturers, big box retailers and wireless services providers in the world value their partnership with OtterBox to increase device sales and to strengthen their own brand equity. OtterBox works endlessly to create a strong connection with consumers through first-class customer service, commitment to premium product qu

We recently asked if Apple's ongoing legal battles with Samsung were worth the effort for the computer giant. As if to answer our question, this week Apple amended their infringement claims with a new motion filed in the second California patent case targeting five patents that the Galaxy S4 infringes on. But the motion contained a new component; the targeting of Google Now's search app. Foss Patents has a thorough run down of Apple's claims, including the specific five patents Apple says Samsung is in violation of. The main point of contention that the Android Quick Search Box and Google Now infringe upon several of their patients covering their own voice search program Siri. In a footnote found in their motion Apple sums up their claim thusly: Apple determined that the Galaxy S4 product practices many of the same claims already asserted by Apple, and that the Galaxy S4 practices those claims in the same way as the already-accused Samsung devices." It will be interesting to see how the courts rule on this motion. Head over to Foss Patents to read the complete motion and find an explanation of the patents Apple says are currently being violated. We will keep you updated as this case continues to develop.Apple: Google Now violates Siri patents originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Source | Permalink | Email this | Comments

At an event today at this week's CTIA conference, major casemaker OtterBox announced the acquisition of one of its chief rivals, LifeProof. The former says it will keep LifeProof's San Diego location, and that workers will remain in their current place. "Over the next 30 days, OtterBox will begin incorporating the LifeProof brand into the OtterBox family," an OtterBox statement reads. "More information about product availability and alignment will be determined at the completion of the integration."...

HP today announced financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2013. Second quarter diluted earnings per share was $0.55, down from $0.80 in the prior-year period and above its previously provided outlook of $0.38 to $0.40 per share. For the second quarter, net revenue of $27.6 billion was down 10% year over year....

‘iWatch’ Concept (many more here) KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has provided seemingly accurate information about previous Apple hardware releases (timing non-withstanding), claims that Apple’s much-rumored wearable wrist device will not arrive until late 2014. The analyst pinpoints production to begin sometime in the second half of the year: Apple may not have adequate resources to develop an iWatch version of iOS because it may require big changes to iPhone and iPad iOS this year. In addition, wearable device components aren’t mature. For these reasons, we think mass production of the iWatch is more likely to begin in 2H14, not 2H13 as the market speculates. This timeline is notable because previous reports about the rumored device have claimed a release date sometime in late 2013. Bloomberg, a typically accurate source for technology news, previously reported that Apple is eyeing a release by the end of this year. Kuo also explains why he feels that Apple is developing a wrist-device, not glasses: Apple will likely enter the wearable device market via iWatch first, not glasses. We think glasses aren’t likely to be mass produced in the next 1~2 years given cost and consumer behavior. Take Google Glass for example. We forecast Jabil will make only around 40k units in 2Q13, a far cry from mass production. We think Apple has accumulated abundant experience in designing wearable products through developing the sixth generation of the iPod nano, and the iPhone has many accessories similar to wrist bands. Moreover, Apple has applied for many curved screen and battery patents, which would be helpful for developing watch-like products. Multiple reports have noted some potential features for an Apple wrist-device. Rumors and speculation have covered uses such as receiving phone call, message, and social network notifications via the wrist-device in addition to uses for health-related applications. Indeed, Kuo reiterates some of the health-related apps rumors with claims of biometric sensor integration in the device. iWatch Concept by Anders Kjellberg In today’s report, Kuo also claims that the device will feature a display based on the iPod nano’s touch screen. iWatch panel to be 1.5-2.0 inches, and likely to be made by Japanese or Korean supplier. We think a 1.5-2.0 inch panel suits watch applications best. The reason for choosing Japanese or Korean suppliers is that they enjoy closer cooperation with Apple, hence are more likely to become suppliers for Apple’s new products. iWatch may use iPod nano’s GF2 touch technology and AP. Currently, the iPod nano uses the same GF2 touch technology as used by the iPad mini. Since the size and computing ability requirements of the iWatch are similar to those of the iPod nano, we think iWatch will use iPod nano’s GF2 touch technology and AP. Earlier this week, a report claimed that Apple is gearing up to test 1.5-inch OLED displays for its wrist device. Apple recently patented a slap-wrist-band design for a wearable accessory. Earlier this year, we rounded up all of the publicly available tidbits about the upcoming Apple device. Kuo also believes that iOS device integration and biometrics will be key selling points: Biometrics to be a focus. With a biometrics function, the iWatch can provide safer and more convenient user identification and offer more health care applications, which would create new business opportunities. Integration with other Apple products a key selling point. The more secure identification mechanism and a biometrics function that we forecast the iWatch will have are complementary to other Apple products, and will therefore enhance the user’s experience of Apple’s ecosystem. Apple has several patents for curved glass display and manufacturing technologies that could be useful for such a product. We have also highlighted Apple’s current competition in the market and the ski