Panasonic launches its first portable LCD projector with Intel Pro WiDi support

Panasonic has launched three new portable LCD projectors in its VW350 series – PT-VW350, PT-VW355N, PT-VX425 with Intel Pro WiDi (Wireless Display) technology. With the launch new projectors, Panasonic aims to capture 20 percent market share by the year 2016. These projectors are a clear departure from the previous projectors which were mainly targeted at education and corporate sector. The new projectors feature Intel WiDi support enabling wireless technology with enhanced security and improved usability. Panasonic’s new projectors support multiple device projection supporting Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. Panasonic says the new LCD projectors are also the smallest and lightest in the 4,000 lumens brightness category and come with an HDMI input, monitor out and two D-sub inputs. The new projectors also feature a built-in 10W speaker
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With the use of Panasonic’s wireless application available on Android, iOS and PC, screen projection from multiple PCs (up to 16 units) and simultaneous wireless transmission from one PC to multiple projectors are possible. The new projectors come with a lamp and filter replacement cycle of maximum 7,000 hours. “The introduction of the new range of LCD projectors reinstates our commitment towards meeting the evolving need of enterprises today. From wireless connectivity to light processing improvements, the new LCD projectors do not only incorporate new technological advancements but also enable easy maintenance and enhanced installation efficiency,” said Vishal Kanwal, Business Head – Projectors & Display, Panasonic India. The new VW350 series comes with horizontal, vertical and corner keystone correction and can fit in any room size. The new projectors are priced at Rs 79,000 for PT-VW350, Rs 1, 05,000 for PT-VX355N and Rs 79,000 for PT-VX425 model. 

In partnership with the Indian tech device maker iBall, Microsoft has released the Splendo- a fully-functional and PC stick running on Windows 8.1 that can convert your TV into a fully functional PC and thus makes it a Smart TV.

Microsoft-backed iBall’s Splendo is priced just at $140 (Rs. 8,999) and it includes a wireless deskset including a keyboard and a mouse. All you have to do is to plug this device in the HDMI port of your TV and get a full-fledged Windows PC experience.
At its launch, Microsoft said: “The iBall Splendo is for people who love devices and want to be connected all the time using multiple form factors. These users are tech enthusiasts who love gadgets, have access to multiple TVs at home, love the Smart TV experience and use Windows for browsing, social networking and multimedia consumption

The iBall Splendo runs on the Intel Atom Quad-core processor with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage space. Apart from these, the other features include multi-channel digital audio, a micro SDXC slot, USB port, micro-USB port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and HD graphics. This device runs on a fanless design and comes bundled with a one-year warranty.

“The new era of exciting, easy to use, miniaturized and affordable devices is becoming the trend. iBall Splendo PC-On-Stick is one such device which will be useful for every home and office conference room providing different dimensions to use the PC as well as get great multimedia and internet experience by attaching it to the TV. A true convergence of technology for every age group and for every need,” said Sandeep Parasrampuria, Director iBall.

Almost exactly a year ago, Mozilla announced that it would (very reluctantly) implement the HTML5 DRM specs into Firefox. Today, the organization officially launched HTML5 DRM support with the release of Firefox 38. In addition, however, Mozilla also announced the launch of a separate Firefox download that won’t automatically install Adobe’s technology for playing back DRM-wrapped content in the browser.

With the launch of Firefox 38 today, the default version of the browser now supports the Encrypted Media Extensions API on Windows desktop (Vista+) and automatically downloads the Adobe Content Decryption Module (CDM).

FX3The argument here is that this will allow users to watch content from Netflix and similar services without having to deal with plug-ins like Microsoft’s Silverlight, which is on its way out, and Adobe’s Flash. Having a built-in DRM solution in the browser that plays nicely with the HTML5 standard means users can watch their videos without having to think about plug-ins and the security issues that come with them. Netflix is already testing Firefox’s DRM solution to stream content to its subscribers.

Mozilla was in a tough position when it decided to adopt DRM in its browser. It’s already having a hard time hanging on to its existing users and most of its users probably don’t care all that much about DRM, but they would care if Netflix suddenly stopped working. In the end, the organization made the pragmatic decision to support this technology, but it clearly didn’t enjoy doing so.

Apple’s latest iOS 8.4 beta, the third for the next significant iOS software update, is now available. This most recent installment continues to offer a revamped Music app, bringing both function and UI changes to the music playback app, a move many suspect also prefaces the possible arrival of a new iTunes streaming music service at the Worldwide Developers Conference early next month.

Reports, including from our own sources, suggest that Apple is planning to debut its new streaming offering at WWDC, during a keynote most likely occurring on June 8, the same day the conference begins. The Apple streaming service will compete directly with the likes of Spotify and be based at least in part on Beats Music, which it acquired last year. Re/code recently shed some light on a few more details about the service, including how it’ll use free samples and a trial period ranging from between one and three months to promote its paid subscription model.

The new Music app appearing in the beta releases carries no overt mention of a streaming service, but instead offers a new look, a new persistent mini-player, new playlist features and easier access to iTunes Radio. The betas appear to be helping refine and zap bugs in this service, and there’s a presumption that in a release update, we’ll see the streaming services housed within the Music app alongside local libraries and iTunes Radio, as well.

Microsoft launches the Surface 3 at $499, debuts trade-in program for older models
By Krystle Vermes — May 5, 2015(Yesterday)