HP Buys Palm, Decides not to Make Smartphones. Huh?
Why would anyone go out and buy Palm for $1.2 billion unless they wanted to get into the smartphone business? Well it seems HP just did. HP recently announced they would buy troubled smartphone maker Palm for $1.2 billion and at the time, most analysts speculated HP was making the acquisition to get into the hot smartphone and mobile device market. HP needed a way to better compete with both Google’s Android and Apple’s iPhone business and a Palm purchase looked like it might be a way to accelerate their efforts. According to an article by ZDNet , HP’s CEO Mark Hurd announced Wednesday at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch technology conference, that HP didn’t “spend billions of dollars trying to go into the smartphone business; that doesn’t in any way make any sense.” There’s only one big problem with that statement, Palm is a smartphone company. Even Palm’s website says they’re a phone company ”At Palm, we’re focused on creating instinctive yet powerful mobile products that enable people to better manage extraordinary lives on the go….Today, Palm products for consumers, mobile professionals and businesses include the Palm Pre and Palm Pixi families of phones running the groundbreaking Palm webOS software.” So what are HP’s plans for Palm? It looks like Hurd wants to go embed WebOS into everything from printers to netbooks and maybe even tablet devices to compete with the iPad. “We didn’t buy Palm to be in the smartphone business. And I tell people that, but it doesn’t seem to resonate well. We bought it for the IP. The WebOS is one of the two ground-up pieces of software that is built as a web operating environment…We have tens of millions of HP small form factor web-connected devices…Now imagine that being a web-connected environment where now you can get a common look and feel and a common set of services laid against that environment. That is a very value proposition.” This turn of events comes as a surprise to many Palm Pre and Pixi fans who now feel let down by HP . We also have to question the logic of the acquisition. Apple has demonstrated that having a strong mobile eco-system is a huge bonus in launching a new tablet business. One of the iPad’s main selling points is the fact that it can run 200,000 apps in the Apple App Store and developers have an easy path to creating apps for the iPhone, iPod and iPad. It seems that without a phone platform, HP’s developers and customers will have a much smaller eco-system from which to play. Mark Hurd has proven himself to be a smart businessman, so we’re sure he has thought this one out. However, it seems HP spent a lot of money to just buy WebOS, especially when you consider that competing operating systems from Microsoft and Google are readily available. So what do you think? Is this a business bonanza or business blunder? Leave us a comment and give us your opinion. Tags : Andorid , HP , Mark Hurd , Palm , WebOS Category : iPad News Powered by WizardRSS | Full Text RSS Feeds
Harley-Davidson confirms XR1200X for U.S. in 2011
Filed under: Motorcycle
2011 Harley-Davidson XR1200X – Click above for high-res image gallery
Harley-Davidson’s sportiest Sportster is about to get a wee bit sportier for the 2011 model year, as The Motor Company has just announced that it will begin offering the XR1200X here in the States for the 2011 model year at a price of $11,799. Although originally announced a year ago, the model has so far only shipped to customers in Europe – odd for a brand that celebrates its American heritage so passionately, but whatever.
In any case, we’re happy to welcome the XRX to the fold, as it combines the air-cooled and fuel-injected 1200cc V-twin engine and its 74 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm with a suspension worthy of its 40-degree lean angle capabilities. Included in the springy bits are Showa’s well-regarded Big Piston front forks with adjustable rebound, compression and preload along with dual Showa rear shocks with 36mm pistons and piggyback nitrogen-charged reservoirs.
Up front, a pair of Nissan 292mm full-floating rotors are clamped by four-piston calipers. Seat height comes in at 29.2 inches and rear-mount pegs couple with dirt track-style handlebars to offer a relatively sporty posture. Color choices consist of either black or white in H-D’s matte denim finish, both with blacked-out powertrain, exhaust and wheels. Those wheels are highlighted by an orange stripe that matches the rear springs. It’s certainly a looker. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below and click past the break for the press release.
Office iPad App With Dropbox Integration
Byte Squared has released its office app for the iPad. The app, called Office2 HD, provides DOC compatible document editing and XLS compatible spreadsheet editing, including tight integration with one of your favorite apps, Dropbox. The app also provides integration with Google Docs, MobileMe iDisk and several other cloud based services.
Google Docs users have a way to transfer files to and from Office2 HD. You can manipulate the same files both on your iPad and from within your browser.
MobileMe users can access files stored on an iDisk, either by opening files or editing files directly on the iDisk. Or, you can copy the files from the iDisk and edit them locally.
The app is also compatible with Microsoft Word, NeoOffice and any other “.doc” compatible word processor. It allows you to view, create, edit and save documents in Word 97-2003 format.
The following are some of the high-level features available to you.
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First details on 2011 BMW X3 leak out
Filed under: Spy Photos , SUV , Europe , Paris Motor Show , BMW , UK , Luxury , Off-Road 2011 BMW X3 - Click above for image gallery BMW has just dropped a few juicy details about the 2011 X3 on the web along with a few camo’d photos. With the addition of the X1 in European markets, the Bavarian automaker is looking to give its middle child a little extra interior space, so the 2011 X3 will be slightly wider and longer than the beasts currently prowling the Costco parking lot. Even so, weight has been slimmed by around 55 pounds and in a nod to ever-increasing fuel economy concerns, the automaker has also decided to switch the power steering on the X3 from pneumatic to electric to reduce drag on the engine. Speaking of engines, there won’t be any major surprises under the hood. UK buyers will be able to choose between a total of four engines - the standard fair available here in the land of the free plus two turbo-diesel mills. We wouldn’t exactly hold our breath waiting for those to show up in our neck of the woods at launch. Interestingly enough, Autocar reports that BMW is currently investigating a turbocharged four-cylinder variant as well as an AcitveHybrid flavor, though who knows if either of those are slated for U.S. consumption. Look for a full unveil at this year’s Paris Motor Show . Gallery: 2011 BMW X3 [Source: Autocar ] First details on 2011 BMW X3 leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
2011 Chevrolet Cruze priced at $16,995, LTZ at $22,695
Filed under: Car Buying , Sedan , Chevrolet 2011 Chevrolet Cruze RS - Click above for high-res image gallery General Motors has slapped a price tag on the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze , and with a starting price of $16,995 (including destination), the new compact contender is well positioned to compete with the segment stalwarts. The entry-level Cruse LS comes packing the 138-horsepower 1.8-liter Ecotec four-cylinder and a six-speed manual transmission, along with 10 air bags, traction ctonrol, OnStar and keyless entry. If you option up for the $18,895 LT, the standard four-pot is replaced with GM’s new Ecotec 1.4-liter turbo and a six-speed automatic box, and the Eco version rings up the same sticker with a six-speed manual, 17-inch wheels with low rolling resistance tires and an enhanced aero package. The top of the line LTZ will set you back a suitably high $22,695 and comes with the aforementioned 1.4-liter turbo and automatic ‘box, along with cruise control, leather seats, Bluetooth, USB audio, redundant steering wheel controls, rear-parking assist and 18-inch wheels. Navigation, a nine-speaker Pioneer stereo, heated seats and RS Appearance package are all available as separate options. And you can start specing out your own cruise by checking out the press release after the break. Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze RS Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco Continue reading 2011 Chevrolet Cruze priced at $16,995, LTZ at $22,695 2011 Chevrolet Cruze priced at $16,995, LTZ at $22,695 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic is more than just a movie prop
Filed under: Crossover , Mercedes-Benz , Reviews , Luxury 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 - Click above for high-res image gallery When you launch a vehicle during the year’s most over-hyped estrogenfest, you’re obviously trying to appeal to a specific demographic. Specifically, not us. There’s a reason we haven’t taken a crack at the Mercedes-Benz GLK until the sequel to Sex and the City hit the screen. It was just too easy to pigeonhole this cute ‘ute as nothing more than a boxy four-wheeled trinket - a cynical fashion accessory designed to compliment your rat-faced pooch and Manolo Blahniks (yes, we had to look that up). But a funny thing happened on the way down I-5. While blasting the stereo and hauling along at a decidedly Germanic clip, all of the stereotypes about the GLK’s target demographic flew out its expansive sunroof. For as much as we dislike the mere idea of “entry-level luxury” - and in particular the scads of pseudo-SUVs that populate it - the GLK started to make sense. It’s well proportioned, has adequate power and comes with nearly enough amenities to match its tri-pointed badge. We actually enjoyed it, even though our manhood might’ve taken a hit in the process. Gallery: Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc. Continue reading Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic is more than just a movie prop Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic is more than just a movie prop originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Olympus Releases Stylus Tough 6020 Rugged Digicam
The new Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 is now available for purchase. This rugged digital camera comes equipped with a 2.7-inch LCD display with 230,000 pixels, a 14-megapixels CCD sensor, a 5X optical zoom lens (equivalent to 28mm – 140mm with f3.9-5.9) and a sensor-shift image stabilization. The Stylus Tough 6020 is waterproof up to 16 feet, shockproof from 5 feet, freezeproof to 14F and dustproof. What’s more, the Stylus Tough 6020 can record video at 1280 x 720 (30 fps) with sound using the MPEG-4 codec. Other important specs include an HDMI output, a USB port, an SD/SDHC card slot and a LI-50B lithium-ion battery (240 shots per charge). Available in black, blue, green, and pink, the new Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 is priced at $299 each. [About Digital Cameras]
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China reportedly adding big incentives for hybrid, electric purchases
Filed under: Hybrid , China , Government/Legal Geely Emgrand plug-in hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery If you pay them, they will come. At least that’s the philosophy China is applying to the electric car business these days. The people’s republic is set to roll out new pilot programs in four of its largest cities aimed at curbing emissions by promoting plug-in hybrids and EVs . The country is handing out the equivalent of around $7,320 in incentives for the purchase of more green-minded automobiles. At first, the program will only be available to those who live in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Hefei, though depending on its success, it may spread to other parts of the country. As a result of the incentives, Chinese manufacturers are beginning to give EVs and plug-in hybrids some serious thought, and automakers like BYD , Geely and SAIC Motor Corp have all announced varying plans for production. The news will likely go a long way toward helping China get a grip on its raging air quality problems, especially in its larger metropolitan areas. According to Automotive News , the Chinese government is also offering a nationwide subsidy program for small-engine vehicles. Any car with a 1.6-liter engine or smaller that consumes 20 percent less fuel than current standards is eligible for a $440 incentive. Gallery: Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GE [Source: Automotive News ] Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc. China reportedly adding big incentives for hybrid, electric purchases originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
