360 DEGREES Weblog

For its next Apple TV, Apple may ditch the set-top box form factor and instead cram a media player into a tiny device running the iPhone OS, according to Engadget.

The blog cites an anonymous tipster who claims the next Apple TV has been described as “an iPhone without a screen,” containing only two ports — the power socket and the video-out — and the same internal architecture as an iPhone (A4 CPU). The next Apple TV is also rumored to feature 16GB of Flash storage and support for 1080P HD.

The device will cost only $100, according to the tipster — significantly lower than the current $230 system. Engadget did not provide a time frame of when to expect the device.

Most interestingly, Engadget claims the device will have a strong focus on cloud-based media, meaning most video you view will be streamed from the internet. That’s plausible, given that Apple is building a gigantic data center and the company recently acquired streaming-music service Lala. Some sources have also said that Apple is planning to reboot iTunes into a streaming media center.

In conference calls with investors, Apple has repeatedly referred to its Apple TV as a “hobby,” implying it’s still a niche product that has yet to be a blockbuster hit. If the rumor turns out to be true (and we find it to be very plausible), then this certainly sounds like a compelling revamp of the Apple TV.

Engadget’s rumor follows Google’s announcement of Google TV, a web TV platform based on the Android operating system. Recent moves reveal that Apple and Google are becoming fierce rivals, competing in the mobility space, maps, and advertising. The next battle could be for streaming media.

Thanks WIRED

We’ve already seen a few uses of interactive technology in bars—both at the Adour Wine Bar in New York and in iBar installations around the globe—but until recently, we hadn’t yet come across a bar that incorporates an online component in its patrons’ interactions. That’s exactly what South Africa’s MiWorld does, however, with a website, a digital wall and touchscreen tables that facilitate both digital and real-world conversation.

To participate in MiWorld, consumers must be invited and given a secret code, which allows them to register online. Then, when they’re ready to head out, they can choose one of two bricks-and-mortar locations in Johannesburg: MiBar Martini, a contemporary cocktail bar in the Design District of Rosebank, or MiLounge Martini, a sophisticated cocktail, champagne and wine bar with a lounge atmosphere in Melrose’s Blu Bird Shopping Centre. In August, a third option—MiCafe—will launch in Rosebank, and there are occasional pop-up “MiEvents” at varying locations as well. Whichever locale they choose, members must first log in at the door. Then, once inside, they can order off the interactive MiTables, e-chat with patrons at neighbouring tables and even different MiLocations, sign into Facebook, view the menu and access the MiWorld network to view exclusive content and special offers. MiWorld is the brainchild of South African LiquidChefs.

Thanks Springwise

Is social media a fad, or the biggest shift since the Industrial Revolution? This video, titled Social Media Revolution 2, provides us with new and updated social media as well as mobile statistics. Here’s just one interesting tidbit: if Facebook were a country, it’d be the third largest in the world.

When it comes to video conferencing, I pretty much stick to Skype. For me, it’s proven itself to be the best cross-platform software for video chat out there. Starting next week, it’s going to get even better. While we have been limited to one-on-one conversations until now, that will no longer be the case.

Next week Skype will roll out 5-way video calling to users. It will be a free service for the time being, but don’t get too attached to that price. Later in the year they plan to charge for the new 5-way video calling service. No word on just how much it will set you back to video chat with four of  your friends at the same time.

Focusing continuously on the success stories of the social networking sites lately, you might have missed the new technological jargon that’s been shaping up for a while. Dubbed Ping is a social networking garment, what we predict is new in the line to become niche with our Facebook and Twitter-crazed Gen-X. Developed by Jennifer Darmour, Ping would keep your eager friends automatically updated on your status using simple gestures such as putting on and taking off the hood. All it takes is a Facebook application to customize different messages to different groups of friends. The garment uses the Lilypad and Lilypad Xbee with custom software to interface with Facebook, meaning the garment is designed to tune to your taps. Oh, and do you remember that old cartoon that said – “On the Internet, nobody knows you’re a dog”? It no longer seems funny.

With all the online profiles many consumers maintain these days, there’s a greater need than ever for flattering photos. Which is why Estée Lauder is offering customers a free makeover and online photo of the result.

Late last month, Estée Lauder offered shoppers at the Carson Pirie Scott store in Orland Park, Illinois, a chance to get a free professional makeup job and photo for use on a social networking page, website or blog. Consumers had only to book an appointment and come into Estée Lauder on Jan. 30; no purchase was necessary. In addition to the makeover and photo—which, it should be noted, included the Estée Lauder logo in the background—participating customers also received a complimentary 10-day supply of foundation. Similar events were held last fall in other Estée Lauder spots around the U.S., beginning with New York’s Bloomingdale’s in October, StyleList reported. More are planned over the next few weeks in select locations in Canada.

Combining free love, tryvertising and sympvertising into a palette with unique off=on appeal, Estée Lauder’s effort is one that could be replicated by any beauty-focused enterprise.

Thanks Springwise

This is awesome and just plain makes sense: With Amazon’s Disc+ on Demand, when you buy a DVD or Blu-ray movie, you’ll be able to stream it instantly via Amazon On Demand.

So far, they’ve got this going for a few hundred titles it looks like, and it’s restricted to the US, but hopefully it grows. (And hopefully, they’ll stop being stingy with the high def streams.) Just look for the Disc+ on Demand logo on movie pages to see if it’s eligible.

A few forward-thinking libraries in the UK have started offering ebook downloads as an alternative to borrowing physical copies of books, and the local public’s reaction has been one of overwhelming enthusiasm. Seemingly attracted by the idea of being able to collect and return books without having to actually attend the library, Brits have been eagerly joining up to the new scheme. Free downloads that last for 14 days before self-deleting can be had either in the library or at home, and transitioned onto your Sony Reader, iRex iLiad, or that new hotness, B&N’s nook. Naturally, the proprietary-format Kindle isn’t invited to this party. We’ve already seen a similar initiative in the USA, and can only hope this kind of convenience becomes mainstream before too long.

Thanks Engadget

Being a pioneer from the day one of the e-Book reader industry, Irex, a Philips subsidiary company, has now introduced a new device for the gentle reader abroad. The DR800SG is armed to capture the throne with unlimited 3G wireless access powered by Verizon, and HSDPA connectivity provided by Qualcomm Gobi radio, to unopposedly buy books wirelessly from the Barnes & Noble’s e-bookstore in addition to 1.140 newspapers in their original layout from Newspapers Direct. Till the 2GB built-in storage is reached, which is enough to comfortably store a private library’s content, an side-note feature is on hand. Besides aforementioned media, the new Irex also supports a few common formats such as ePub and PDF, displayed on an 8.1-inch touchscreen with advanced visibility and contrast ratio.US 399

Combine advances in medical genetics with the age-old pursuit of immortality, and it comes as no surprise that DNA storage is a growing industry. In such a personal line of business peace of mind is paramount for consumers. Recognising this, Swiss DNA Bank offers ultra-secure DNA storage that meets Swiss banking regulations. For a one-time fee of USD 399, customers can store both their self-swabbed DNA and up to 1 GB of digital data, forever. The DNA and the web servers are held in a former Swiss military underground nuclear shelter in Gstaad, aptly named Swiss Fort Knox. Subscription fees are invested in “conservative Swiss investment formulas”, the annual interest from which Swiss DNA Bank claims is sufficient to sustainably cover storage costs.

By saving both DNA and digital ‘memories’ (in any file format), Swiss DNA Bank is aiming to preserve the fullest approximation of an individual for his or her heirs, who can buy access to their relatives’ shared data for USD 69. The online data storage can also be purchased individually for USD 299, and will likely appeal to a separate market of consumers eager to keep confidential info out of the wrong hands. The encrypted “Forever Account” is accessible only to the holder of two passwords: one created by the user upon sign-up, the other generated by a constantly changing key card supplied by Swiss DNA Bank.

Thanks Springwise