6 July 2009
Al Jazeera English, the world’s first global 24-hour English-language world news channel based in the Middle East, is today launching AJE Live, a software application which gives viewers access to the channel live on their Apple iPhones and iPods anywhere in the world.
AJE Live provides unlimited viewing of the Al Jazeera English channel on both Wi-Fi and 3G networks. The application, developed with online TV specialist Livestation, is available for an introductory one-off fee of $2.99 on all Apple App Stores, which are accessible via iPhone and iPod touch devices or via iTunes.
Phil Lawrie, Director of Global Distribution at Al Jazeera Network comments: “The Web 2.0 generation is online 24/7 and demands to be constantly updated on global news as it happens. AJE Live is now part of the iPhone apps phenomenon, and is giving users instant access to an exciting brand of journalism when they want it, where they want it. Al Jazeera English is already firmly established as one of the most viewed news channels on YouTube and now AJE Live is keeping the station at the fore of the digital revolution.
Matteo Berlucchi, CEO of Livestation adds: “The fresh perspective on international news and current affairs offered by Al Jazeera English is an ideal match for the generation of iPhone users who want alternative news online. This is demonstrated by the success of Al Jazeera on the Livestation online service and by the high levels of web traffic generated by the iPhone and iPod Touch devices. I am confident iPhone users will welcome the ability to watch Al Jazeera on the move or at home through this high quality application”.
6 July 2009
The GSMA Mobile Business Briefing reports:
A new GSMA-backed study has made the case for new Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum as a key driver of mobile broadband growth in the Americas. The study by US-based research firm Global View Partners said the spectrum – as a core 3G band in the Americas – will accelerate the launch of new services in the region and put it on a par with Asia and Europe in terms of 3G reach. “Regulators should move quickly and not delay in making this valuable and viable spectrum available to meet the rapidly growing broadband needs of consumers and businesses across the Americas,” said Ricardo Tavares, senior vice-president at the GSMA. The spectrum – 90MHz in the 1.7-2.1GHz range – has already been auctioned-off to operators in the US (in 2006) and Canada (in 2008), and the study notes that the prices paid for AWS spectrum in these countries “revealed high market demand,” as well as adding significant mobile broadband capacity and coverage. Many Latin America markets are planning to license the spectrum this year.
According to the study, additional licensing of the AWS spectrum across the region should bring total subscribers with AWS-enabled devices from an estimated 12.4 million at the end of 2009 to an estimated 177.8 million at the end of 2013, a growth rate of 94 percent each year. As the subscriber base increases, the research suggests that device sales will also grow from an estimated 10.9 million in 2009 to an estimated 114.5 million in 2013, representing a growth rate of 80 percent each year. The research also highlighted operator plans. For example, T-Mobile USA plans to continue to drive AWS device and subscriber penetration over the next several years. Global View Partners’ market forecast predicts approximately one half of the operator’s subscriber base are expected to be using HSPA-enabled devices capable of operating in the AWS band within two years, with more than 90 percent within five years.
6 July 2009
Two Radio Netherlands Worldwide programmes have won prizes in the prestigious New York Festivals Radio Broadcasting Awards. The documentary, A prison within a prison, about depression in the Gaza Strip won a gold medal in the keenly contested category, Human Relations. The jury also voted a series of interviews and reports on Zimbabwe as one of the certificated finalists in the category, National/International Affairs.
The Zimbabwe series was produced as part of RNWs English-language programme, The State Were In. Both prize winning broadcasts were made by RNW journalist Eric Beauchemin. The Head of RNWs English department, Andy Clark, believes in the importance of this international recognition: These awards underline RNWs strong international reputation, especially in the challenging field of accurately reporting about human rights issues.” he says. The programmes can still be heard on demand via the website www.radionetherlands.nl or downloaded as a podcast.
NYF Radio Broadcasting Awards
The NYF Radio Broadcasting Awards, also known as the Radio Oscars, are given to distinguished radio productions from all over the world. Each year, hundreds of programmes are considered by various juries made up of international experts, with criteria including production, presentation, originality and creativity.
3 July 2009
As reported by Tornado Insider:
NXVision, a UK-based provider of place-shifting technology, has secured a follow-on investment. Investors in the 300,000 funding round included Braveheart, Scottish Enterprise, LINC Scotland and the companys management. The funds will help the company boost sales.
NXVision (previously known as Inxstor) has developed technology for the place-shifting market. Place shifting allows users to watch TV in any location on devices other than TV sets. They can access audio and video content from a mobile device by processing images and sound from home video equipment into digital signals and transmitting them to the new viewing location over the home internet connection.
NXVisions first is product is embedded into set top boxes incorporating media processors (STi7109 or equivalent) and runs alongside existing content protection and middleware. It has been evaluated by a number of operators and allowed them to access Freeview and satellite set-top boxes remotely from personal computers, laptops and mobile phones over Internet Protocol through 3G or WiFi networks. The companys technology currently works with Apple iPhone/ iPod Touch, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, LG, Google Android, RIM and Windows Mobile handsets.
Late last year, the company introduced a side-loading product (push TV) which allows programs to be tagged for mobile recording through the electronic program guide. Once recorded the program is transferred either via WiFi or 3G to a selected mobile device for viewing.
3 July 2009
Satellite communications firm TerreStar has successfully launched what is believed to be the world’s largest communications satellite, which will provide mobile broadband coverage across North America.
Launched by Arianespace from Kourou, French Guiana, yesterday, the satellite – called ‘TerreStar-1’ – is the foundation for TerreStar’s satellite communications network targeted at government users, emergency responders, enterprises and those in rural communities without conventional mobile network coverage. The all-IP-based mobile broadband network supports voice, data and video services. “We are creating a new paradigm in mobile broadband network services and devices that will leverage our integrated satellite and terrestrial communications components to enable true ubiquity and reliability – anywhere in the United States and Canada,” said Dennis Matheson, CTO of TerreStar.
TerreStar’s network will operate in two 10MHz blocks of contiguous MSS spectrum in the 2GHz band throughout the US and Canada, and claims to have a spectrum footprint that covers a population of nearly 330 million.
The firm has already launched a handset compatible with the network in collaboration with partner firm, EB (Elektrobit). Launched at the CTIA Wireless trade show in April, the ‘TerreStar smartphone’ claims to be the world’s first quad-band GSM and tri-band WCDMA/HSPA smartphone with integrated all-IP satellite-terrestrial voice and data capabilities. TerreStar has a nationwide roaming agreement in place with AT&T in the US.
