Aban blog

Cricket's New Smartphones and Plans for 2011: Hands On

Low-cost carrier Cricket recently got a shout-out from AT&T as being a competitor in the U.S. wireless industry. And while Cricket, with 5.8 million subscribers, isn't going to threaten Big Blue anytime soon, the carrier wants to slake Americans' thirst for low-cost smartphones with a rich new lineup in 2011, Cricket's vice president of devices Matt Stoiber said.

"We'll be just as disruptive this Christmas as we were last Christmas, both in tablets and in smartphones," Stoiber said.

Tablets? Sure. Cricket plans to launch a 7-inch, Wi-Fi-only tablet this summer, with more tablets to potentially follow.

The carrier is also looking forward to 4G. It's building its own LTE network that will debut next year, and has also signed a roaming deal with LTE upstart LightSquared. Cricket is working with Qualcomm to get LightSquared's unusual frequency band integrated into Qualcomm chipsets for future phones. But it isn't throwing all of its eggs in the LightSquared basket, either; Stoiber said they're open to looking at other roaming deals as well. Considering that Cricket currently has other deals with MetroPCS and Sprint, connecting to MetroPCS's LTE network may be in the cards.

Hands-On With Cricket's New Phone Lineup

I got a peek into Cricket's phone lineup for the next few months. First, I got hands-on with the LG Optimus C, the current best smartphone on Cricket. The Optimus C is very similar to all the other Optimuses out there - it's the best possible low-cost Android phone, with a fast-enough processor, good-enough screen and Android 2.2. At $130 with no contract, it's an absolute steal.

LG and Cricket didn't add much to Android on the Optimus C, and what they did add is useful. LG included Facebook and Twitter apps, and a way to organize apps into folders so you don't get lost scrolling through your app tray. Cricket threw in an account management app and a games store that lets you charge games to your phone bill.

There's really no reason to get any other Android phone on Cricket right now. The Huawei Ascend feels cheap and has lower-quality features overall, from voice calling to the camera. And even if you can find the Sanyo Zio, it's also just not as well built as the Optimus C.

But the Optimus C is only the start. Cricket showed me two more Android phones coming by mid-year. The Huawei Ascend 2, also known as the Huawei X7, bumps up all of the Ascend's specs and will probably still be able to hit a $129 price point. Considering it has a 3.8-inch, 800-by-480 screen and a 5-megapixel camera, it'll outpace the Optimus C, too. The big question, of course, is how it will perform; Huawei phones aren't yet known for their solid voice quality and responsiveness, although the company seems to be learning fast.

The Samsung Rookie R720, coming out this summer, will be the first Cricket Android phone to feature the unlimited Muve Music service. This is a big deal; Muve lets you download all the music you want, but it's currently only available on the Samsung Suede, a feature phone which doesn't allow you to mix Muve music with your own music. The Rookie will let you combine your own mixtape or indie band collection with Muve's downloadable tracks, though you'll probably have to play differently-sourced music in different apps.

The R720 is a slab-style smartphone with a 3.2-megapixel camera, but Cricket didn't give me any other details of its specs.

The Samsung Galaxy Indulge will be Cricket's version of MetroPCS's current LTE smartphone. Like the MetroPCS model, the Indulge will be a powerful Android phone with a slide-out keyboard and 1-Ghz processor. But since this is Cricket, it'll trade in Metro's LTE for Cricket's 3G. The Cricket Ascend will also cost considerably less than MetroPCS's model, which retails for $399.99.

Cricket isn't giving up on dumbphones. Stoiber said that touch-screen feature phones will probably go away, but that consumers still want keyboarded texting phones and simple flip phones. So Cricket is bringing in the Samsung Comment R350 and Huawei Pillar M615, two texting phones with full QWERTY keyboards, and the Kyocera Luno S2100 and Samsung Chrono R261, two simple flip phones.

We'll have to review all of these phones to tell which one you should get. The Samsung QWERTY has larger, squarer keys than the Huawei, although the Huawei's keys are nicely separated, more like a BlackBerry Curve's. The Kyocera flip phone is a bit nicer looking than the Samsung; the Kyocera model is a black oval while the Samsung Chrono is clad in cheap, dull silver plastic.

"We're creating a full portfolio of smartphones, but we won't be abandoning feature phones," Stoiber said. We'll learn more about Cricket's plans, and review all of these phones, as the year goes on.

Trion:Z gains CE Approval as Class 1 Medical Device

s magnetic ionic products were designed to promote a healthy and active lifestyle and have built success over the last 10 years through reputation and credibility. The brands latest achievement allows the brand to now boast a European CE Mark as the products are now registeredas Class 1 Medical Devices, complying with the European health, safety and environmental legislative requirements.

(PRWeb UK) March 25, 2011

’s magnetic ionic products were designed to promote a healthy and active lifestyle and have built success over the last 10 years through reputation and credibility. The brands latest achievement allows the brand to now boast a European CE Mark as the products are now registeredas Class 1 Medical Devices, complying with the European health, safety and environmental legislative requirements.

The alternative health bracelet industry has exploded into the mainstream arena, and the last few months in particular have seen a media fascination with performance bracelets, their technology, the sceptisism and the debate over who is wearing them and why.

Trion:Z has been at the very forefront of this market for over 10 years and is now a global leader in the market with an active presence in over 60 countries worldwide.As a genuine complimentary therapy product with measureable ionic and magnetic technology, Trion:Z stands high above the rest with the recently acquired CE Mark, certification by the Japanese Ministry of Health labour and Welfare and ISO approved manufacturers.

Trion:Z reinvented age-old practices of magnetic therapy with class, style and innovation. Trion:Z products are uniquely designed using 1,000-1,300 guass ferrite magnets in an Alternating North South Polarity Orientation (ANSPO), to ensure maximum magnetic flow. Trion:Z’s Award Winning range of magnetic therapy products include bracelets, necklaces and body supports and are used everyday by millions of people around the world, who genuinely believe in the benefits of the brand.

Whether it is on the snow, the golf course, road circuits or simply to compliment your daily life, there is a trion:Z to suit every type of lifestyle. The use of complimentary health techniques, like magnetic therapy, is becoming more and more prominent worldwide and within the professional sports industry; we are continuously seeing more and more athletes searching for the extra 1% that could give them that last competitive edge.

England and Lancashire professional cricketer, James Anderson, pro-golfer Rory McIlroy and Olympic Silver Medallist, Michellie Jones are amongst the many fans of the Trion:Z range, feeling they benefit them in more ways than one. With growing non-remunerated endorsements from numerous health professionals and athletes from across the sporting spectrum, Trion:Z has created a real following through their Award Winning brand.

Manufactured by Japan’s leading manufacturer of medically certified devices, Arc Quest Co. Ltd, Trion:Z launched its award winning range of products in 1997 and is now a leader in providing magnetic ionic gear to the global health and fitness arena, with a presence in over 60 countries worldwide. The company has prided itself on bringing the highest quality products and service to its rapidly growing consumer base.

The brand has received numerous prestigeous awards and accreditations, and continues to distinguish itself from similar products as the credible choice as it boasts European CE Approval and certification by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

With Trion:Z’s negative ion releasing ‘Mineon Health Fibres®’ and capsules, negative ions are released at rates of 600-800 ions per second and the unique magnetic technology ensures that the magnetic flow remains constant, making it one of the most technologically advanced product on the market.

Trion:Z and Colantotte products are categorised as Alternative or Complementary Health products and do not make any claim that any of its products are intended to prevent, cure, mitigate, treat or diagnose illness.

A 2002 survey of US adults 18 years and older conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine indicated that 74.6% had used some form of complementary and alternative medicine in a 12 month period, demonstrating the increasing use and belief in complimentary health. (Source: )

For more information and to view the full shopping catalogue of Trion:Z products, please visit .

###

Nisha MehtaTrionZ08445610975Email Information

Docs urged to discuss Facebook with kids, parents

The American Academy of Pediatrics on Monday urged doctors to ask parents about their kids' use of social media, texting and the Internet, including Facebook.

"Pediatricians are in a unique position to educate families," said the AAP which pointed to high rates of Internet use among children and teenagers, with research showing 22 percent of youths go online more than 10 times a day.

Doctors can encourage "families to face the core issues of bullying, popularity and status, depression and social anxiety, risk-taking, and sexual development," it said.

New guidelines tell doctors to "advise parents to talk to children and adolescents about their online use and the specific issues that today's online kids face, such as cyberbullying, sexting, and difficulty managing their time."

Parents should learn about how the different technologies work and get involved with kids through conversation and online participation, not just monitoring or spy software, the AAP said.

Other tips for parents include asking: "'What did you write on Facebook today?' 'Any new chats recently?' 'Anyone text you today?'"

Social media is not necessarily bad for kids, the AAP said, noting that its use can enhance communication skills and boost technical abilities.

But risks arise particularly when it comes to peer relationships, inappropriate content, online privacy and outside influences of advertisers, it said.

"A large part of this generation's social and emotional development is occurring while on the Internet and on cell phones," said Gwenn O'Keeffe.

"Parents need to understand these technologies so they can relate to their children's online world -- and comfortably parent in that world."

BHP in $10 billion share buyback

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – BHP Billiton (BHP.AX), the world's biggest miner, bowed to investors with plans to hand back $10 billion and pour money into expansions rather than chase ambitious takeovers, after nearly doubling its first-half profit to a record.

The Anglo-Australian giant, flush with cash, said it plans to spend $80 billion on development and expansion projects over the next five years, playing down the near term chances of a major acquisition.

"The biggest surprise is the commitment to spend $80 billion over the next five years," said James Bruce, portfolio manager at Perpetual Investments, one of BHP's top 10 Australian shareholders.

"We think that this demonstrates the challenges that the industry is having satisfying rising demand, while replacing declining production from mature operations," he said.

BHP Chief Executive Marius Kloppers said the company's acquisitions sights remained focused on snaring long-life, low-cost, expandable assets.

But he said in light of the difficulties it faced on the three big deals it had to ditch over the past three years and the high price of potential targets, acquisitions may be too hard.

"While I can't rule out anything... if you put those couple of things together, you have a clear takeaway of our priorities, particularly in the light of the emphasis of the capital investment program today," he told reporters on Wednesday.

BHP forecast a strong outlook for commodities markets, due to tight supplies, but like its rival Rio Tinto (RIO.AX) (RIO.L), it warned that prices could be volatile.

"While we expect a slowdown in the growth rate of global commodity demand in calendar year 2011, the economic environment still underpins a robust near term outlook for our products," Kloppers said.

Kloppers said industry observers had long overestimated supplies, and he predicted that over the next one to two years supplies would remain tight, with few new large expansions or projects coming on line.

BIG BUYBACK

Investors had high hopes for a big share buyback as the miner is nearly debt free, its cashflow is booming and its failure to complete major takeovers limit its expansion options.

In the two weeks leading up to the result, its shares rallied 9 percent to a 33-month high in expectations of a buyback, and as expected, its shares retreated once the buyback was announced.

BHP shares last traded down 1.8 percent at A$46.50, lagging a 0.3 percent fall in the broader market.

Despite the recent rally, BHP shares are trading on a cheap forward earnings multiple of 11.9, which has 13 out of 16 analysts rating it a buy or strong buy.

The $10 billion buyback follows Rio Tinto's plan to return $5 billion to shareholders over the next two years, which some investors considered too little.

Kloppers said the company was most likely to follow the pattern it has for previous buybacks, buying its UK shares on market and buying its Australian shares off-market, but said no decisions had been made yet.

It is already in the midst of conducting a $4.2 billion buyback of its UK shares.

BHP's (BLT.L) attributable profit before exceptional items soared to $10.7 billion for July-December from $5.7 billion a year ago, beating an average forecast of $10.3 billion from 14 analysts.

"It looks to be a pretty robust set of numbers. I think it's ahead of market expectations and I think the $10 billion capital management initiative will be well received," said Neil Boyd-Clark, portfolio manager at Arnhem Investment Management, another BHP shareholder.

BHP stepped up its interim dividend by 10 percent to 46 cents a share, compared with broker forecasts of around 49 cents.

First-half earnings from iron ore nearly tripled, while earnings from base metals, including copper, jumped 45 percent.

Petroleum earnings, which set BHP apart from its mining peers, rose 23 percent.

BHP added that sharp cost increases cut its earnings by $521 million.

Kloppers said while materials cost increases were offset by price increases on BHP's key products, labor shortages were starting to bite, particularly in engineering jobs in Western Australia where billions of dollars of iron ore and oil and gas projects are competing for manpower.

(Editing by Ed Davies and Balazs Koranyi)

John Legend, Jay-Z early leaders at Grammy Awards

LOS ANGELES – John Legend and Jay-Z were the early leaders at the Grammys on Sunday — both were awarded three trophies each during the show's pre-telecast ceremony.

Other multiple winners included Lady Gaga, Usher, Lady Antebellum and Jeff Beck, who won two apiece. Lady Gaga was carried down the red carpet in a huge egg.

Eminem was the leading nominee with 10, but his chance of a huge Grammy sweep was diminished as he lost five of the awards in the pre-telecast. He still won one during the pre-telecast ceremony, for best rap solo performance, for "Not Afraid."

___

Online:

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — With his 10 nominations, Eminem has the potential to sweep Sunday night's Grammy Awards — as well as win that elusive album of the year trophy.

But the gifted and twisted rapper might get tripped up by some fierce competition, including a song that rivals him for coarseness — Cee Lo Green's "(Expletive) You," which is in competition with Eminem's "Love The Way You Lie," featuring Rihanna, in the record and song of the year categories.

Rihanna and Lady Gaga were among the early winners at the Grammys, with awards given out in a ceremony before the prime-time CBS telecast later Sunday.

Eminem's "Recovery" was 2010's best-selling album and a favorite to win in the album category. It marked a major comeback for the rapper, considered one of the greatest but who had been addled by a prescription drug addiction and critical malaise in recent years. It is the third time he's been nominated for album of the year; he's lost twice before.

But he also faces tough competition in the category, from the likes of Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs" and Lady Gaga's "The Fame Monster." Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" and Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" are also nominated.

Lady Gaga won the first award of the day as the Grammys pre-telecast ceremony, hosted by best new artist nominee Esperanza Spalding and Grammy winner Bobby McFerrin, began in the afternoon. Rihanna was also among the early winners, beating out Lady Gaga for best dance recording with "Only Girl (In The World)." It's where the bulk of the Recording Academy's 109 awards are doled out. The show is only broadcast online and top nominees usually don't attend; Lady Gaga wasn't present to pick up her trophy for best short form music video for "Bad Romance" — she was too busy being carried down the red carpet in a huge egg, on a cross.

Inside the Los Angeles Convention Center, comedian Kathy Griffin, a presenter, took advantage of not having to censor herself for TV as she peppered her jokes with expletives. She joked about the dozens and dozens of categories to go through: "Seriously, keep these speeches short, we have 90 (expletive) categories."

The live telecast will feature the top nominees, like record of the year. "Need You Now" is nominated in both song and the record of the year categories. Other nominees for record of the year include Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind," the New York native's anthem for his city featuring Alicia Keys, and rapper B.o.B's "Nothin' On You," with a melodious hook courtesy of Bruno Mars.

Although Mars is enjoying solo success on the charts now with "Just The Way You Are," which got him nominated for best pop male vocal performance, the bulk of his seven Grammy nominations come from his collaborative efforts. He is also a co-writer on "(Expletive) You" and his production group, the Smeezingtons, is up for producer of the year.

"(Expletive) You" is an unlikely hit — a retro groove with a vulgar rebuke to a former girlfriend and her new lover. Its popularity was boosted when the clean version of the hit, "Forget You," was performed by Gwyneth Paltrow on Fox TV's "Glee." Paltrow and Green are slated to sing the song on the Grammy telecast on Sunday, along with Jim Henson's puppets, completing an ironic family-friendly transformation of a wash-your-mouth-out-with-soap song.

The collaboration is among the many buzz-worthy moments the Recording Academy has planned for the Grammy telecast.

Mick Jagger — along with Raphael Saadiq — is set to perform a tribute to the late soul great Solomon Burke, marking the first time Jagger has sung on the Grammy stage. He'll join two other icons at the Grammys this year, Bob Dylan and Barbra Streisand. Ailing icon Aretha Franklin will be honored in absentia by Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera and Martina McBride, Yolonda Adams, and Florence Welch of the best new artist nominee Florence and the Machine.

Another best new artist hopeful, Justin Bieber, is set to sing with his friend Jaden Smith (son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith) and Bieber's mentor, Usher. Eminem is also slated to perform with his mentor, Dr. Dre.

Other artists expected to perform on Sunday's show include Bruno Mars, Arcade Fire, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Drake and Rihanna. The ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS from Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented Saturday to Julie Andrews, Roy Haynes, the Juilliard String Quartet, the Kingston Trio, the Ramones, Dolly Parton and George Beverly Shea.

___

Online:It Ain't Safe No More .Split 1 (SEND021) .Jazz Express presents .Kiss100 Late Night Session (30 november 2005) .Soul Full Chic (4 march 2007)