The UMTS FORUM has released a new report that predicts the global existence of one billion Consumer Electronics (CE) devices connected to mobile broadband networks by 2016. Titled “Two Worlds Connected: Consumer Electronics Meets Mobile Broadband”, the report explores the relationships between the CE and Cellular industries. It predicts that CE device connectivity will outstrip overall wireless market growth over the next five years.
Cavium Networks and DSP Group have collaborated to develop a new reference design with integrated Digital Enhance Cordless Telecommunication (DECT) capabilities and VoIP functionality. The multi-service gateway, market-ready reference design is designed to enable manufacturers of digital home network equipment to bring to market gateway solutions with voice communications features such as high definition voice, address book synchronization and PBX functionality.
Motorola Mobility, has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 4Home, Inc., a developer of a patented and award-winning software and services platform that bridges the gap between the consumer and the devices that deliver services and information in today's connected home. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close by the end of the year.
Prodea Systems has been selected by Azerbaijan’s WiMAX service provider AzQtel to support its long-term strategy of offering and advance connected home solution. The Prodea platform initial implementation will enhanced AzQtel’s broadband service (known as ‘Sazz’ locally) by offering an App-store and connected life services, which could include video-on-demand, internet applications, home security, personal media and smart home.
Broadcom Corporation, a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Gigle Networks Inc., a privately-held company that develops system-on-a-chip (SoC) solutions for home networking over power lines.
Lenovo has announced that they will be joining the list of android tablet supplier as early as next year, when they release the LePad Android Tablet. According to the company the LePad will debut in the US early next year possible after the CE Show in Las Vegas. The company did not say how much it The Lenovo LePad Android tablet will cost but did say it will initially run on Google Android mobile OS – version unknown, with the possibility of moving to Google Chrome OS later. When release the LePad will go head to head with the likes of the Asus Eee Pad, ViewSonic Viewpad and others.
The home phone has taken on a new face with the released of the new iHomePhone from Binatone. Released on the back of the iPhone, iPad and Windows 7 Phone; the iHomePhone is Android based and offers the functionalities similar to its Android based smartphone counterparts. The iHomePhone will allow users to browse the web, listen to music, chat to friends and even download apps. It is due out this month and prices start at £99.99.
Vodafone Spain announced that they are planning to launch a connected TV solution called 'Vodafone Internet TV' for its Spanish customers. According to IpTV-news, the service will combine both free-to-air and pay DTT channels (including HD), an intelligent HD PVR, content streaming from the home network via DLNA technology, access to various Internet video services via Widgets, OTT portals and catch-up TV. So far they have selected Wyplay to provide a Hybrid IPTV Box.
Alcatel-lucent and Etisalat have teamed up to deploy the UAE’s (United Arab Emirates) first femtocall project. The project is to enhance the quality of mobile broadband connectivity for people living in remote areas of the UAE, and increase mobile bandwidth for high traffic areas. According to Estisalat, femtocell has the potential to support the increase growth in data usage and consumption of data services.
Sigma work on Android for the home has begun the gear fruit announced that DViCO has selected their SMP8656 Secure Media Processor for its TVIX Xroid A1 Android based connected media player. The TVIX Xroid A1 is DViCO first Android-based Over-the-Top (OTT) media player and is part of the company’s plan to develop an Android-based product line to support the growing Connected Home market. The TVIX Xroid A1is the first Android connected media player on the market to use Sigma's SMP8656 media processor.