2012

Why we need Windows Phone 7

For a slow holiday news week, there's been plenty of chatter over the last few days about Windows Phone 7.

It all started Tuesday when several tech blogs posted editorials on why Microsoft's operating system was failing, a fact that Mobile Burn's Dan Seifert wryly pointed out on Twitter. And then, almost as if in response, a leaked memo on WMPoweruser spilled details on the next software update, the Windows Phone Marketplace hit the 50,000-app mark, and WinSupersite reported that AT&T will be the first carrier to offer LTE-enabled Windows Phone 7 devices.

I'… Read more

Friday Poll: New Year's tech resolutions?

2012 is coming fast. It's time to quit smoking, cut out the cola calories, and start backing up your data on a regular basis--for real this time.

I know CNET readers will have some technology-related resolutions on their lists. Maybe you're planning to cut back on the 12 hours per day you spend on Skyrim. Maybe you're going to pick up one of the bajillion fitness gadgets that have hit the market recently.

Clink champagne glasses, watch the LED ball drop in Times Square, and enjoy your last few care-free minutes before your New Year's resolutions set in.… Read more

AT&T to get the first 4G LTE Windows Phones?

Will AT&T be the first carrier to offer 4G LTE Microsoft Windows Phones? That's what Paul Thurrott of the WinSupersite blog reported Thursday.

Thurrott didn't name sources for this information. But he was very specific about the devices and launch dates for the new Windows Phone LTE devices. And he was very clear that AT&T and not Verizon Wireless, which has a much larger 4G LTE network deployed today, will be the first to offer a Windows Phone with LTE.

Thurrott also said that AT&T will announce not just one, but three … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 1572: 2012 Predictions Show (Podcast)

It's our annual prediction extravaganza! Stephen, the All-Seeing Eye, NostraTongus, and Molly the Mage look into 2012 and guess at which companies, which gadgets, and which trends will appear, die, expand, or maybe just go horribly wrong. Spoiler: we all think Facebook will IPO.

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RSS (MP3) | RSS (320x180) | RSS (640x360)… Read more

LG's eye-poppin' 84-inch 3D ultra-def TV heading to CES

Looks like LG has already given up its TV goodies for CES 2012.

First, it said it's bringing the world's largest (at least for now) 55-inch OLED TV, and now along for the ride is an 84-inch 3D ultra-defiinition 4K TV, another world's largest.

The 3D UDTV has four times the "resolution clarity" of a full HDTV (3,840x2,160 versus 1,920x1,080 pixels), which is nice and it apparently will make LG's 3D experience that much better. The extra resolution won't matter much for consumers right now, though, because you'll … Read more

AMP to bring Jeep Grand Cherokee EV to Detroit auto show

An all-electric Jeep Grand Cherokee will be shown, and available for a test drive, at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, thanks to AMP Electric Vehicles.

Based in Loveland, Ohio, AMP specializes in the conversion of OEM (original equipment manufacturer) vehicles to electric power. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee EV joins AMP's Mercedes M-Class EV, which has a range of about 100 miles on a single charge.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee EV is powered by a lithium iron phosphate battery with a capacity of 37.6 kWh. The Jeep runs on two rear-mounted Remy AC motors … Read more

LG's mammoth 55-inch OLED TV is CES-bound

It's not every day you can claim making the largest of the thinnest TV screens on the planet--which is precisely why LG is drumming up excitement for its 55-inch OLED TV panel at CES 2012.

What's the big deal? The 5-millimeter-thick display is light, pencil-thin, and promises high definition with no after image--that motion-induced blur you may see in an LCD screen. In addition, it boasts a contrast ratio of over 100,000:1.

What's more, LG is setting up a stepped-up pricing war, strongly hinting that its world's-largest OLED display won't cost an arm … Read more

CNET's soothsayers tackle 2012

CNET reporters go out on limb and offer their predictions about what to expect next year in the sundry segments of the tech world.

Five predictions for security in 2012 More security and privacy problems expected for Android apps, utilities, e-voting machines, and social media users, while hackers may get more political.(Posted in InSecurity Complex by Elinor Mills) December 23, 2011

Five startup predictions for 2012 There's a glut of startups--and also plenty of reasons for optimism going into the new year.(Posted in Digital Media by Paul Sloan) December 22, 2011

Mobile devices: Five predictions for 2012 … Read more

OnStar to demo cloud-based entertainment, is Siri next?

GM's OnStar seems to have a few aces up its sleeve, and will finally show its cards at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in January.

In addition to showing off the new Cadillac CUE infotainment system and the Chevrolet Volt's smart grid, home connectivity, and energy management applications, GM appears to be doubling down on the telematics and infotainment space. In a Volt research vehicle kitted out with Verizon 4G LTE connectivity, OnStar will demonstrate some upcoming prototype cloud-based streaming technologies.

The telematics company demonstrated video chat using 4G LTE connectivity at last year's show, but this … Read more