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Telstra 100Mbps Gateway Unveiled

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Telstra has rolled out two new gateways including one which supports speeds of up to 100Mbps.

According to Telstra, the BigPond Velocity Home Network Gateway is specifically designed to work with the Telstra Velocity Network which supports speeds of up to 100Mbps into the home.

It features four Gigabit Ethernet ports, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and is bundled with a separate 802.11n USB Wi-Fi adaptor which can be plugged into any computer with a USB port. It also comes with two USB ports that will allow customers to plug in an external USB storage device and share content on the device with laptops and PCs around the home.

“Actual speeds a single customer will get will depend on a variety of factors including customer equipment, server limitations, Wi-Fi reception/capacity, and so will be less than the total capacity into the home,” says the company.

Also launched today is the ‘BigPond Ultimate Cable Home Network Gateway’ which is specifically designed for DOCSIS 3.0 cable broadband. It features four Gigabit Ethernet ports, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and is also bundled with a separate 802.11n USB Wi-Fi adaptor.

Both gateways come with a self-install CD, a feature called Wireless Protected Setup (WPS) that makes connecting new WPS enabled devices to the Gateway over Wi-Fi easy, and a unique security key which offers Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2) protection standard.

The gateways are compatible with Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Apple Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6 systems.

Samsung Hits Record Profits

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Samsung has reported a net income of 9.64 trillion won (AU$9.34 billion) for 2009, with the company attributing this increase to strong flat screen TV and mobile phone sales, as well as higher prices for memory chips.Vice President and Head of Samsung Electronics’ Investor Relations Team, Robert Yi, said, “Despite the uncertain business environment in 2009, Samsung was able to achieve record revenues and strong profitability based on our technological and marketplace leadership. We see this positive growth and performance flowing on into 2010 as the global economy continues to stabilise.”

According to the report, Samsung has recorded revenues of 39.24 trillion Korean won (AU$38.15 billion) on a consolidated basis for the fourth quarter ending 31 December 2009, which is an 18.9 per cent increase year-on-year.

This fourth quarter result brought Samsung’s full year 2009 revenue to a record 136.29 trillion won (AU$132.15 billion). Its full year 2009 operating profit was 10.92 trillion won (AU$10.59 billion), while its net income on a parent company basis was 9.64 trillion won (AU$9.34 billion).

Samsung has reported that its strong performance in the fourth quarter was supported by improved pricing for memory semiconductors and the seasonal increase in sales of consumer electronics products.

 

The company said that its strong semiconductor business performance was driven by a rise in market prices for memory chips and solid demand. In DRAM, spot prices increased by 25-30 per cent from the beginning of the quarter, supported by strong PC sales.

“Despite traditionally weak seasonality, sales were boosted by demand for high-density chips for smart phones. During the fourth quarter, Samsung also began production of 30-nm-class, 3-bit Multi-Level-Cell NAND chips for the first time in the industry, providing a further technological edge for 2010,” added the company.

Samsung has also recorded flat panel TV unit sales of 10.88 million, exceeding the 10 million mark for the first time in the industry. The sales record represented a 41 per cent increase year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter. With its new line of LED TVs selling strongly, Samsung was also able to meet its sales target of 2.5 million units for the year.

Finally, Samsung’s sales of mobile handsets for the quarter reached 69 million, up 16 per cent year-on-year. This enabled the company to comfortably exceed its 2009 sales target of 200 million units in reaching 227 million units for the full year.

Samsung forecast positive growth across its businesses in 2010, with the continued economic recovery expected to stimulate demand for flat panel TVs, mobile handsets and notebook PCs. The company aims to continue to enhance its cost competitiveness and bolster market leadership across its core businesses.

Canon Rolls Out Wireless Printers

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In addition to its new DSLR and compact camera range, Canon Australia has unveiled three new wireless multifunction printers as well as a single function printer for document and photo printing.

The Canon Pixma MX870, MX350 and MX340 allows a user to print, copy, scan and fax from the device. These new printers offer wireless connectivity, which means users can scan and print from multiple PCs. In addition, its Easy-PhotoPrint EX application for the iPhone allows a user to print photos straight from their phone to the printer.

Other features include Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Easy-WebPrint EX software which makes printing documents from the web more effective, and Auto Clip feature.  Users will also enjoy the intuitive design, simple menu navigation and new enhanced security features that enable the effortless creation of password-protected PDFs.

 

Also launched was the Pixma iP2700 – an entry- level single function printer offers a wide array of advanced features including Auto Photo Fix II and Easy-WebPrint EX to enhance the quality of print output. It offers borderless printing up to A4 size and ChromaLife100+ ink system which provides more vibrant and longer-lasting photos.

Canon Australia’s Brand Manager – Pixma, Beryl Thomas said, “These stylish new PIXMA inkjet printers help save precious space in home office environments while improving productivity. Easy to use, the new PIXMA models enable users to improve overall workflow by completing all their output tasks in a quick and straightforward manner while maintaining the required professional standard.”

According to Canon, the PIXMA MX870, MX350, MX340 and iP2700 come with an Auto Photo Fix II software that resolves many common photo printing errors, such as underexposed images, through Multi-Zone Exposure Correction and improvements in overall face detection, scene analysis, and brightness and saturation correction.

The Canon PIXMA MX870 (RRP $TBC), MX350 (RRP $TBC), MX340 (RRP $TBC), and iP2700 (RRP $TBC), will be available from March 2010.

NetComm ADSL Modem Offers Mobility

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NetComm has unveiled a new modem-router that offers both an ADSL and 3G connection. This will allow the modem to automatically switch to 3G should the ADSL connection become inaccessible.


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The NetComm 3G15Wn can switch between the ADSL or 3G connection, allowing users to use the router at home or on the road. You can connect to your Internet service via your phone point and the device’s ADSL port. If there is no ADSL connection available, you can plug in a 3G USB dongle to the router and use that to connect.

Its built-in USB port not only connects to a compatible 3G USB modem, but can also be used to connect an external USB hard drive or other storage device such as a flash memory stick for instant file access on the network. Plugging in a printer to the USB instantly turns it into a networked printer.

The automatic failover function of the 3G15Wn prevents users from losing their connection to the Internet when their ADSL service fails. If a 3G dongle is in the USB port, the 3G15Wn will automatically connect to this service in the event the ADSL signal is lost.

The NetComm 3G15Wn will be available starting next week for $299.00.

World First 12x Blu-ray Writer

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Pioneer unveiled the first 12x Blu-ray Disc Writer for single- and dual-layer Blu-ray Disc (BD) media.


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According to Pioneer, the BDR-205 is ideal for video authoring providers and system builders, with the drive providing accurate, rapid performance for demanding applications.

When used with a suitably configured PC, the drive’s Low Vibration Mechanism Design improves overall writing accuracy, especially for those preserving copious amounts of critical data.

Rob Thompson, General Manager of Optical Disc Sales for Pioneer Australia, said, “With a potential of 50Gbytes of storage space on a dual-layer Blu-ray Disc, professional users can utilise the BDR-205 to rapidly test high definition video during the authoring process, as well as to back up large volumes of data with ease.”

In addition to offering up to 12x write speeds for Blu-ray Disc media, Pioneer’s BDR-205 also provides read and write speed performance up to 16x for DVD and 40x for CD media

“The BDR-205 drive further confirms Pioneer’s commitment to Blu-ray, and this next generation Blu-ray Disc writer is a great example of our no-compromise approach to optical disc product development. We are bringing to market the fastest Blu-ray Disc writer to date, and it is just one of the many ‘firsts’ that have come to define Pioneer’s 30-year heritage in optical disc innovation and leadership,” added Thompson.
 
The new BDR-205 Blu-ray Disc writer will be available this month for $349.

Telstra Rolls Out Unlimited Mobile Plan

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Telstra will be offering an unlimited plan to its business customers that include all standard voice calls, video calls, MMS and SMS to any Australian mobile or fixed number plus unlimited MessageBank diversion and retrieval for $180 a month.According to Telstra, the Mobile PLUS plan is available for a 12 or 24 month minimum term. Customers with their own handset will only pay $150 per month on a 24 month plan. Users with smartphones also have the choice of a BlackBerry or Microsoft email solution or 2.5GB of data for web-based email and internet browsing.

Telstra Business Executive Director, Yasmin Dugan said, “This is the first time Telstra has offered an unlimited mobile plan to our business customers. In addition, customers who switch to Telstra from another provider and take up the unlimited plan for 24 months will receive a bonus credit of $540. For busy small business people, mobiles phones are often a lifeline that keeps them connected and their business running. This unlimited plan is ideal for those who make long calls or are heavy users of SMS or MessageBank. Combined with the Telstra Next G network, business customers now have more flexibility to choose a mobile solution that meets their usage, coverage and speed requirements,” added Dugan.

While this is a first for Telstra, Optus has a similar plan called Timeless Business that was launched last year. The Timeless Business plan includes 2GB Mobile Internet Browsing, unlimited standard local and national calls, text and voicemail to Australian GSM mobiles for $129.

Talk All You Want With New Vodafone and 3 Caps

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Vodafone Hutchison Australia is set to launch new postpaid cap plans that offer unlimited voice calls (3-to-3 or Vodafone-to-Vodafone) and mobile internet data allowance, in addition to the usual included value. These new cap plans will be offered by 3 and Vodafone starting this Thursday.


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Click here to see the new Vodafone Cap Plans

In a press conference held by VHA this afternoon, General Manager of Voice and Broadband, Edward Goff said that they want to give users three things: unlimited value, flexibility, and choice.

“These caps offer endless same network standard national voice calls, and what separates us from our competitors is the fact that our customers don’t need to exhaust their monthly Cap value before reaping the benefits of unlimited same network standard national voice calls. Vodafone and 3 customers will immediately benefit from endless same network standard national voice calls from the very first call they make,” said Goff.

The new Vodafone and 3 plans offer unlimited Vodafone -to-Vodafone standard voice calls and unlimited 3-to-3 calls, within Australia, 24 hours a day, seven days a week from just $29 a month.  In addition to this, the company also said that users can now use their whole Cap value on International voice calling and texting. “This will make it even easier to stay in touch with family and friends in Australia or overseas,” added Goff.

 

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Click here to see the new 3 Cap Plans

Postpaid users who sign up for a $49 cap or above will also receive monthly data allowances that can be used for Internet browsing.

For Vodafone users, it means:

  • A $49 cap will now come with 50MB of data or unlimited Blackberry Email and Internet browsing +50MB;
  • A $69 Cap comes with 500MB of data or unlimited Blackberry Email and Internet browsing +500MB; and     
  • A $79 Cap comes with 1GB of data or unlimited Blackberry Email and Internet browsing +1GB

For 3 users, it means:

  • A $49 cap will now come with 50MB of data;
  • A $69 Cap comes with 100MB of data or unlimited Blackberry data + 100MB; and     
  • A $79 Cap comes with 250MB of data or unlimited Blackberry data + 250MB

“New Postpaid customers on contracts above $49 per month can also count on a generous monthly data allowance, to enjoy internet and email on the go.” said Goff.

As part of the new Postpaid plan refresh, Vodafone and 3 will also be launching new month-to-month SIM Only contracts aimed at customers who want to ‘pay as they go’.

 

“There has never been a better time to jump on the Vodafone and 3 bandwagon. We’re thrilled to be launching a new and exciting range of products. We’re certain this launch will rattle the market. If you want incredible value, flexibility and freedom, Vodafone and 3 have you covered,” concluded Goff.

The Vodafone SIM Only Cap (month-to-month) includes:

  • $20 – $200 Vodafone to Vodafone; $150 included value; 50MB Mobile Internet
  • $35 – Unlimited Vodafone to Vodafone; $350 included value; 250MB or unlimited Blackberry Email and Internet browsing + 250MB
  • $55 – Unlimited Vodafone to Vodafone; $550 included value plus unlimited standard TXT and PXT in Australia or to Overseas; 500MB or unlimited Blackberry Email and Internet browsing + 500MB

The 3 SIM Only Cap (month-to-month) includes:

  • $20 – 225 minutes of 3 to 3 calls; $150 included value; Planet 3 (Sports or News and Info); 50MB Mobile Internet
  • $35 – Unlimited 3 to 3 calls; $350 included value; Planet 3 (Sports or News and Info); 250MB Mobile Internet or unlimited Blackberry data + 250MB
  • $55 – Unlimited 3 to 3 calls; $550 included value; Unlimited national SMS and MMS; Planet 3 (Sports or News and Info); 500MB Mobile Internet or unlimited Blackberry data + 500MB

BenQ Unveils 27-inch Full HD LCD Monitor

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BenQ has launched a 27-inch LCD monitor that displays images in 1080p and can be used as a main desktop display, secondary monitor, or a screen for HD gaming.


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The M2700HD is a 16:9 LCD monitor that claims to deliver better sight and sound via its 50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 400-nit brightness, patented Senseye Human Vision Technology, and a 10-watt EmbracingSound surround sound system.

Ports found on the M2700HD include two HDMI 1.3 connectors, component, composite, and SPDIF for all office and entertainment needs.

Ideal as a main desktop display, multi-monitor setup, or as a second display to a notebook, the large-format 27-inch size affords higher work productivity with less scrolling and more content display.

The M2700HD visually outperforms similar-sized/-priced TVs as it displays images in Full HD 1080p. The Senseye Human Vision Technology innately optimises picture quality via six proprietary calibration techniques encompassing brightness, dynamic contrast ratio, hue, saturation, 3D noise reduction, and dual-trace sharpness.

 

In addition, the Senseye 3 digital image enhancement calibrates true colors in all multimedia and office display scenarios via the 6 preset viewing modes: Standard (office and Internet), Movie (DVD and TV), Game, Photo, sRGB (for 100 per cent color consistency across all sRGB devices), and Eco (for power-savings) modes.

The native 16:9 aspect ratio likewise promotes uncompromised definition, true-to-source proportions without distortion, and the assurance that every pixel on the screen is utilized.

It also comes with EmbracingSound, a new stereo surround technology that enables the listener to experience their content’s full spatial information. Five surround sound modes (Standard, Movie, Game, Pop, Rock) offer an unrivaled multimedia experience exuding from the integrated 10-watt sound system.

A smart remote control caters to TV-style viewing, enabling the user to switch video sources, adjust audio options, and access the OSD from the couch, the bed, or other distance.

The BenQ M2700 is available now for $799.