Monthly Archives: October 2011
West Virginia University trying to leave Big East for Big 12
West Virginia University filed a lawsuit Monday seeking an immediate divorce from the Big East so it can become a member of the Big 12 before the 2012 football season. Syracuse and Pittsburgh withdrew from the Big East in September to join the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Big 12 announced West Virginia’s acceptance on Friday but Big East bylaws require notice 27 months before a school can withdraw. The complaint alleges that the Big East agreed to West Virginia’s immediate withdrawal by accepting a $2.5 million down payment on its $5 million exit fee. TCU accepted an invitation to join the Big East in September but switched to the Big 12 in October and was not required to honor the 27-month notice requirement. Big East spokesman Chuck Sullivan said “TCU never started with the Big East because they had not formally joined the conference, which would have been July 1, 2012, they were subject only to the financial component.”
The Big East said:
“We are disappointed that West Virginia has adopted this strategy and cannot imagine why it believes it does not have to respect and honor the bylaws it agreed to as a member of the Big East. Based on an initial review of the lawsuit, it is clear that the allegations and claims in it are false and inaccurate. Certainly there is nothing in it that would justify WVU’s not fulfilling its obligations. To put it simply, a contract is a contract,”
West Virginia’s lawsuit says other Big East football members Connecticut, Louisville, Rutgers and Cincinnati have been engaged in discussions with other sports conferences. Pitt and Syracuse left the Big East which left only 6 football members and 8 non-football members. That is an imbalance not contemplated by the bylaws. So when the Big 12 extended its invitation Friday the Mountaineers accepted.
“As the Big East, in less than two months, had denigrated into a non-major football conference whose continued existence is in serious jeopardy, WVU had no choice but to accept the Big XII’s offer,” the lawsuit says.
Redbox ups fees
Redbox said that they will increase their daily DVD rental fees to $1.20 from $1. The statement said “The price change is based on an increase in operating costs, including higher debit card fees that went into effect October 1. This is the first time in eight years Redbox has raised our daily DVD rental price.”
Redbox will continue to charge $1 for the first day of each DVD rental until November 30th. Blu-ray ($1.50 per day) rentals and video game rentals ($2 per day) are not affected by this change. I’m sure unlike Netflix people are still going to keep using Redbox because of the convenience.
Direct from Redbox:
Why did you raise prices?
The price change is based on an increase in operating costs, including higher debit card fees that went into effect October 1. This is the first time in eight years Redbox has raised our daily DVD rental price.
Why did you pick $0.20?
The amount was selected to best offset expenses, while keeping our value commitment to customers. We conducted several months of testing and with careful consideration, decided the 20 cent adjustment would work best to keep prices as low as possible.
Is the new price just for the initial night or all nights?
The new price is the daily rental charge.
Are you raising prices on Blu-ray™ Discs and Video Games, too?
No, Blu-ray™ Discs and Video Games will stay at their current daily rates ($1.50 a day for Blu-ray Discs and $2 a day for games).**
I rented a disc before the price increase and returned it after. Will I be charged the new price for the additional nights?
You’ll be charged the original daily rate that was listed at the kiosk when you first rented your DVD.
Will you ever go back down to $1 a day?
Redbox has no current plans to change prices again. But if you’re interested in renting DVDs for a discounted price of $1 for the first day at Redbox, you still can when you reserve your rentals online! From 10/31 to 11/30, go to Redbox.com to reserve any DVD (even new releases) for $1 for the first day. Additional rental days will be $1.20.*
Are you providing additional services to accompany the increase?
We are always looking for opportunities to enhance our services for you with things like smart phone apps, games product, and more of the top new releases.
Is there a promotion that I can reserve a DVD online for $1?
Yes. From 10/31 to 11/30, reserve any DVD (even new releases) for $1 for the first day. Additional rental days will be $1.20.*
How do I reserve a DVD online?
For more information about reserving online, click here.
Is the maximum rental period still going to be 25 days?
No. The maximum rental period may vary by kiosks. In most cases, the maximum rental period for a DVD is 20 days, a Blu-ray Disc is 23 days and a Video Game is 30 days.
How long is the rental period?
Your rental period ends at 9:00 p.m. the day after you rent. Want to hold onto your disc for longer? No problem. For each additional night you keep it, you’ll be charged for another rental period + applicable tax. If you hold onto your disc for the maximum rental period, you’ll be charged the maximum charge and the disc is yours to keep. Those fees are $24 + tax for DVDs*** ($25.40 in Maryland), $34.50 + tax for Blu-ray™ Discs ($35.51 in Maryland) and $60 + tax for video games ($61.48 in Maryland).
*Maryland pricing for online reservations: $1.00 the first day, $1.27 for additional days. May not combine offers. Normal rental fees apply after first day.
**Maryland pricing for Blu-ray and games: $1.59 a day for Blu-ray; $2.12 a day for games.
***At kiosks where DVDs rent for $1, the maximum rental period remains 25 days and the maximum rental charge is $25.
Sony to acquire Ericsson’s share of Sony Ericsson
Ericsson is selling its stake in Sony Ericsson to Sony Corporation for billions in cash. Sony will integrate Sony Ericsson devices into its electronics products. Sony will have access to patents from Ericsson.
Ericsson Press release: Sony to acquire Ericsson’s share of Sony Ericsson
- Sony Ericsson to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony and integrated into Sony’s broad platform of network-connected consumer electronics products
- The transaction also provides Sony with a broad IP cross-licensing agreement and ownership of five essential patent families
- Ericsson to receive EUR 1.05 billion cash payment
- Sony and Ericsson to create wireless connectivity initiative to drive connectivity across multiple platforms
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) and Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that Sony will acquire Ericsson’s 50 percent stake in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (“Sony Ericsson”), making the mobile handset business a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony.
The transaction gives Sony an opportunity to rapidly integrate smartphones into its broad array of network-connected consumer electronics devices – including tablets, televisions and personal computers – for the benefit of consumers and the growth of its business. The transaction also provides Sony with a broad intellectual property (IP) cross-licensing agreement covering all products and services of Sony as well as ownership of five essential patent families relating to wireless handset technology.
As part of the transaction, Ericsson will receive a cash consideration of EUR 1.05 billion.
During the past ten years the mobile market has shifted focus from simple mobile phones to rich smartphones that include access to internet services and content. The transaction is a logical strategic step that takes into account the nature of this evolution and its impact on the marketplace.
This means that the synergies for Ericsson in having both a world leading technology and telecoms services portfolio and a handset operation are decreasing. Today Ericsson’s focus is on the global wireless market as a whole; how wireless connectivity can benefit people, business and society beyond just phones. Consistent with that mission, by setting up a wireless connectivity initiative, Ericsson and Sony will work to drive and develop the market’s adoption of connectivity across multiple platforms.
“This acquisition makes sense for Sony and Ericsson, and it will make the difference for consumers, who want to connect with content wherever they are, whenever they want. With a vibrant smartphone business and by gaining access to important strategic IP, notably a broad cross-license agreement, our four-screen strategy is in place. We can more rapidly and more widely offer consumers smartphones, laptops, tablets and televisions that seamlessly connect with one another and open up new worlds of online entertainment. This includes Sony’s own acclaimed network services, like the PlayStation Network and Sony Entertainment Network,” said Sir Howard Stringer, Sony’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. Mr Stringer also noted that the acquisition will afford Sony operational efficiencies in engineering, network development and marketing, among other areas. “We can help people enjoy all our content – from movies to music and games – through our many devices, in a way no one else can.”
“Ten years ago when we formed the joint venture, thereby combining Sony’s consumer products knowledge with Ericsson’s telecommunication technology expertise, it was a perfect match to drive the development of feature phones. Today we take an equally logical step as Sony acquires our stake in Sony Ericsson and makes it a part of its broad range of consumer devices. We will now enhance our focus on enabling connectivity for all devices, using our R&D and industry leading patent portfolio to realize a truly connected world” said Hans Vestberg, President and CEO of Ericsson.
When Sony Ericsson started its operations on October 1, 2001, it combined the unprofitable handset operations from Ericsson and Sony. Following a successful turnaround the company has become a market leader in the development of feature phones by integrating Sony’s strong consumer products knowledge and Ericsson’s telecommunications technology leadership. The WalkmanTM phone and Cyber-shotTM phone are well known examples.
With the successful introduction of the P1 in 2007, Sony Ericsson early on established itself in the smartphone segment. More recently, the company has successfully made the transition from feature phones to Android-based Xperia(TM) smartphones. By the end of the third quarter of 2011, Sony Ericsson held a market share of 11 percent (by value) in the Android phone market, representing 80 percent of the company’s third quarter sales. During its ten years in operation Sony Ericsson has generated approximately EUR 1.5 billion of profit and paid dividends totalling approximately EUR 1.9 billion to its parent companies. Prominent models include “XperiaTM arc” and “XperiaTM mini” which received 2011 EISA Awards, while recent notable additions to the lineup include “XperiaTM PLAY” and “XperiaTM arc S”.
The transaction, which has been approved by appropriate decision-making bodies of both companies, is expected to close in January 2012, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Ericsson has accounted for its 50 percent share in Sony Ericsson according to the equity method. Following completion of the transaction, Ericsson will have no outstanding guarantees relating to Sony Ericsson and will no longer account for Sony Ericsson as an investment on balance sheet. The transaction will result in a positive capital gain for Ericsson which will be defined after closing of the transaction.
SEB Enskilda is acting as Ericsson’s sole financial advisor in the transaction.
Sony Ericsson just the facts
Sales (FY 2010) EUR 6,294 million
Net income (FY 2010) EUR 90 million
Number of employees 7,500
(December 2010)
Headquarters London
R&D sites Beijing, Lund, Silicon Valley and Tokyo
Market share 11% in Android (FY2011/3Q)
80 % of sales are smartphones (Android)
InfoGraphic: Where are you spending your time online?
I just ended my Netflix because I was not using it enough. everything on there was old or not full seasons. Luther was the last straw. It only had season 1. Not cool Netflix. I will not being going to Hulu until they end the 30 Second spots. If I am paying for something why should there be commercials? Just make it free.
How to get me time in a Social World
Have you ever tried to fade away for some me time? Back in the day you could just turn off your phone and be invisible on AIM. It’s hard to do now a days. With Social Media giving your current status to pretty much everyone you directly or indirectly know.
Your thoughts, moods and location are constantly updated to the likes of Facebook, twitter, Google plus, Xbox live, PS3 even WordPress if they subscribe to the rss feed of your blog. Just fading away no longer happens its more like you become a ghost.
I don’t think it’s even possible to completely ignore the social space. It’s in almost everything we do. Your phone has a GPS to check in to FourSquare. Your car can tweet when you’re low on gas or need a charge.
Mainstream news such as CNN has adopted tweets. Where are you going to find a nice calm place for me time? Worse yet, let’s say you this magical place. Would you be able enjoy it without constantly thinking about your post and tweets?
[ Some parts via RubenSaintel.com]
Meet the iOS 5 semi-tethered jailbreak
If your like me you are keeping far away from iOS 5 if you can help it. Very far away. The reason is that it can not be jailbroken. Hold on, that is not the whole truth. There is a jailbreak for the iOS 5 but it’s tethered.
A tethered jailbreak means you have to plug your iPhone in to a computer every time you reboot your device. If this happens while your on the road, you’re pretty much without a phone for the rest of the trip. If the iPhone is your only means of communication or your iPad is the only means you have to keep the kids from driving you crazy on a trip; then tethered is not for you.
Today you’ll be glad to know that there is now a semi-tethered jailbreak. A semi-tethered jailbreak is not a 100% untethered but not 100% tethered. It’s a happy balance between the two. If your iDevice reboots while out in world it will still be usable, somewhat.
The trade off for this jailbreak is the limited functionality. So here is what you can and can’t do:
AT&T says Apple iPhone 4S is 4G. Good PR but bad on facts
I’m not sure where these reports that AT&T is working with Apple to change the network indicator to “4G” from “3G” for iPhone 4S is coming from but thus far it has not happened. It is unlikely that Apple would call the iPhone 4S a 4G phone after the fact it has already been released.
There are some that say AT&T hasn’t waited for Apple to make to the indicator change. The report is that AT&T’s website already has the iPhone 4S is a 4G device. This can not be confirmed. When we visited the website to check the iPhone 4S was still listed as a 3G phone. A rep for AT&T said “AT&T considers the iPhone 4S as a “4G” device because of HSPA+ but its more 3.5G than actual 4G.
AT&T however is showing off the Apple iPhone 4S next to Impulse 4G, BlackBerry Torch 9810, Samsung Infuse 4G. We can see how that is misleading as those aforementioned phones are all 4G. To be fair iPhone 4S on AT&T is the only one in the states that supports the faster HSPA+ network. Verizon and Sprint both are using CDMA for the iPhone.
Senior Vice President at Apple Phil Schiller said; “Now, if you follow the phone industry, these numbers might sound familiar – 5.8 up, 14.4 down. Where have I heard that before? Well, this is what the majority of our competitors claim when they talk about 4G performance. The Motorola Atrix 4G, the LG Thrill 4G, the HTC Inspire 4G – they even put it in their names. We’re not going to get into a debate in the industry of what’s 4G and what isn’t. We leave that to others to talk about. What’s most important, when it comes to real-world performance – the iPhone 4S is just as fast as all these phones. In fact, we think with some of our software enhancements, it’s even faster in real-world use.”
If Apple does indeed give AT&T the go ahead for the change. This should anger Verizon to no end as they have a true for 4G network in LTE. Many carriers claim HSPA+ is a 4G network and market that way. So AT&T is not alone here but since they have e iPhone it is big news. The fact still remains calling the iPhone 4S a 4G device is very misleading.
Sprint ends unlimited data
Well that was fast. Sprint ends unlimited internet. AT&T now has one less reason to worry about the little yellow company. Starting in November Sprint will no longer have to claim to “true unlimited” Sprint will now have data caps of 3GB, 5GB, and 10GB. That does not mean your cell phone. It’s only for all data sent and received through tethering. Sprint subscribers that have unlimited data now will not be grandfathered in.
How to use iPhone 4S Siri to send Twitter and Facebook post.
To send a message to Facebook is straight forward. The steps a below easy to do. In 3 steps you will be able to Post to Facebook with just the sound of your voice.
Post to Twitter on the on the other had is not as simple. Any mention of the word Twitter will cause Siri to remind you it can not send tweets. The work around is similar to the Facebook one but 1 extra step is added in.
