EL SEGUNDO, USA: HBO will begin picking up modest gains in subscribers through 2015, according to new IHS Screen Digest research.
As a result of this increase, and with total net revenue rising at a 1.5 percent compound annual growth rate through 2015, IHS Screen Digest estimates total net revenue per average subscriber per month for HBO and sister company Cinemax will rise steadily in the coming years, increasing to $8.73 in 2015, up from $7.86 in 2009.
HBO’s reinvigoration has coincided with the coming-of-age of its Internet-distributed multiscreen strategy. The HBO Go online and mobile streaming app already has achieved more than 1 million downloads since its April 29 launch, offering access to more than 1,400 titles on its own library and that of Cinemax.
Available on the Apple iPhone and iPad, and also on Google Android devices, the HBO Go app is available free of charge to customers already paying for HBO and Cinemax through a pay-TV provider, as long as the pay-TV provider has struck a deal with Time Warner to offer the service. Subscribers also have access to HBO Go content via the HBO Go website—or in some cases through partner operator services—and likewise it is accessible to HBO customers via Google TV’s over-the-top platform. It is not inconceivable that further deployments, possibly via games consoles and connected TVs, may appear too.
Such wide availability fits into HBO’s expansive online strategy, which now also includes the first steps towards social TV functionality through HBO Connect, as the premium network seeks to create a wide ecosystem presence across connected devices.
HBO notably has shored up the momentum of HBO Go with its newest hit show Game of Thrones. The show has been made available to HBO Go users a week ahead of its network premiere, with extremely high customer demand for the latest episode of the show online outstripping HBO’s ability to serve it.
HBO Go is offered at present by Comcast, DirecTV, Dish Network, Cox Communications, Verizon, AT&T, and Suddenlink. However, two major cable operators, Time Warner Cable and Cablevision, have yet to sign on. Launched last year, HBO Go is designed to strengthen and enhance the subscription value of HBO customers by expanding their online viewing options, said Erik Brannon, analyst, US Cable Networks, at IHS.
“Just like its website counterpart, the HBO Go app is designed to keep users subscribing to services marketed by a pay-TV operator,” Brannon noted. “By no means is this encouraging pay-TV customers to cut the cord—as access to all HBO Go services requires a current subscription to a pay-TV provider. For now, the impressive usability of the HBO Go service is only working to strengthen the position of the traditional pay-TV subscription fee, though this may well evolve long term as consumer habits change, much like we witnessed with Netflix’s transition away from DVD.”
HBO Go is available to approximately 80 percent of the 39 million-strong HBO and Cinemax subscriber base through the cable and satellite operators that carry it, but the absence of Time Warner Cable and Cablevision means that most of the Los Angeles and New York City markets lack access to HBO Go.
Part of this omission might be rectified soon, given that Time Warner Cable is in talks with former owner Time Warner to carry the service to almost all of the operator’s subscribers.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Kingston Digital transforms iPad, iPhone and iPod touch storage capabilities
MUMBAI, INDIA: Kingston announced the sleek and functional Wi-Drive, built to address the ever-increasing storage needs of Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users.
Wi-Drive, a wireless, portable storage solution, allows users to expand the number of documents, images, music and video files they can access from Apple devices. The combination of this storage expansion, file sharing and a rugged portable form factor makes it a perfect companion device.
Wi-Drive, along with its app from the App Store, allows users to stream videos, access music or share files with other Apple device owners. The distinctively designed, pocket-sized Wi-Drive utilizes Flash-based technology to store data from USB-compatible PCs. These files are then easily retrieved via Wi-Drive’s built-in wireless signal without requiring cables or an Internet connection. Three users can work simultaneously with different file types from a single Wi-Drive without any performance disruption.
Source: Kingston.
“Wi-Drive is an ideal solution for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users who feel confined by their current storage capacity,” said Nathan Su, Flash Memory sales director, APAC Region, Kingston. “Wi-Drive allows Apple device owners to wirelessly manage document and media files, and choose to share them with others, while on the go for work or pleasure. This unique functionality, combined with the durability of a Flash-based device, will satisfy both casual users and the most discerning technophiles.”
To begin using Wi-Drive with any of the compatible Apple products, users simply drag and drop files from their PC to Wi-Drive via USB cable, similar to a typical USB Flash drive data transfer. Users then download the Wi-Drive application from the App Store before connecting the Wi-Drive to their device.
Kingston offers Wi-Drive in 16GB and 32GB sizes. The product will be available for purchase in late June 2011.
Wi-Drive, a wireless, portable storage solution, allows users to expand the number of documents, images, music and video files they can access from Apple devices. The combination of this storage expansion, file sharing and a rugged portable form factor makes it a perfect companion device.
Wi-Drive, along with its app from the App Store, allows users to stream videos, access music or share files with other Apple device owners. The distinctively designed, pocket-sized Wi-Drive utilizes Flash-based technology to store data from USB-compatible PCs. These files are then easily retrieved via Wi-Drive’s built-in wireless signal without requiring cables or an Internet connection. Three users can work simultaneously with different file types from a single Wi-Drive without any performance disruption.
Source: Kingston.“Wi-Drive is an ideal solution for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users who feel confined by their current storage capacity,” said Nathan Su, Flash Memory sales director, APAC Region, Kingston. “Wi-Drive allows Apple device owners to wirelessly manage document and media files, and choose to share them with others, while on the go for work or pleasure. This unique functionality, combined with the durability of a Flash-based device, will satisfy both casual users and the most discerning technophiles.”
To begin using Wi-Drive with any of the compatible Apple products, users simply drag and drop files from their PC to Wi-Drive via USB cable, similar to a typical USB Flash drive data transfer. Users then download the Wi-Drive application from the App Store before connecting the Wi-Drive to their device.
Kingston offers Wi-Drive in 16GB and 32GB sizes. The product will be available for purchase in late June 2011.
Kingston announces collaboration with Symantec, EA, PopCap and Maxthon for future versions of urDrive
MUMBAI, INDIA: Kingston has announced relationships with Symantec, Electronic Arts, Inc., PopCap Games and Maxthon. Software and games from these four companies will be a part of urDrive, a free pre-loaded application on various Kingston USB DataTraveler Flash drives that allow users to explore, organize and acquire content through a growing catalog of offerings including games, entertainment and productivity. urDrive transforms the USB from a passive storage device into an active storage experience.
Kingston will distribute Norton PC Checkup on its USB drives worldwide beginning in Q3. urDrive users benefit from added security as the program scans the PC for potential risks. “This new collaboration gives Kingston USB users an extra level of security and performance protection,” said Kevin Chapman, GM and VP, Norton Consumer
Services. “Norton PC Checkup acts as a trusted advisor, giving consumers personalized, in-depth information that help diagnose problems and security risks to help keep their PCs running like new.”
With hours of entertainment at their fingertips, casual gaming is made easy with an expansive, constantly evolving library of the hottest games from both EA and PopCap. Users can access their favorite games, such as Bejeweled 3 and Zuma’s Revenge! from any USB-enabled device.
The Maxthon 3.0 browser provides urDrive users with a fast and safe browsing experience. This is important for travelers and users who might use a PC in a business center or Internet café as cookies, temporary files and browsing history are all contained on the urDrive USB when surfing with the Maxthon browser.
Kingston will distribute Norton PC Checkup on its USB drives worldwide beginning in Q3. urDrive users benefit from added security as the program scans the PC for potential risks. “This new collaboration gives Kingston USB users an extra level of security and performance protection,” said Kevin Chapman, GM and VP, Norton Consumer
Services. “Norton PC Checkup acts as a trusted advisor, giving consumers personalized, in-depth information that help diagnose problems and security risks to help keep their PCs running like new.”
With hours of entertainment at their fingertips, casual gaming is made easy with an expansive, constantly evolving library of the hottest games from both EA and PopCap. Users can access their favorite games, such as Bejeweled 3 and Zuma’s Revenge! from any USB-enabled device.
The Maxthon 3.0 browser provides urDrive users with a fast and safe browsing experience. This is important for travelers and users who might use a PC in a business center or Internet café as cookies, temporary files and browsing history are all contained on the urDrive USB when surfing with the Maxthon browser.
Kingston Digital unveils first SandForce-based SSD
MUMBAI, INDIA: Kingston Technology, the independent world leader in memory products, has teamed up with SandForce Inc., a leader in high-performance SSD (Solid-State Drive) processors, to launch its first SATA Rev 3.0 (6Gb/s) based SSD targeted at enthusiasts, gamers, and performance users. The Kingston HyperX SSD feature the fastest and most reliable SandForce controller to date, and is also available as a bundle with the HyperX Upgrade Kit for easy installation.
Shipping in 120GB and 240GB capacities, the HyperX SSD is based on SandForce SF-2281 controllers featuring SATA Rev 3.0 (6Gb/s). It allows for incredible sequential read/write throughputs of 525/480MB/s, 4KB random read/write speeds of up to 95,000/70,000 IOPS, and SandForce DuraClass technology to provide best in class endurance.
The Kingston HyperX name has long been synonymous with high performance DRAM solutions for enthusiasts looking to achieve maximum system performance. Kingston’s new HyperX SSD is powered by the latest SandForce controller and Intel 25nm compute NAND (P/E 5K) to provide the performance and endurance that the most demanding users require.
“This launch is very exciting for us at Kingston. The SandForce controller allows us to deliver the high-end performance that is needed for power-users, gamers, and enthusiasts,” said Nathan Su, Flash Memory sales director, APAC Region, Kingston. “Achieving a final production quality controller and firmware has been an exacting process, but well worth the wait. By pairing SandForce’s latest controller with Intel 25nm compute NAND (P/E 5K), we have built an SSD that meets the requirements set by true enthusiasts.”
Shipping in 120GB and 240GB capacities, the HyperX SSD is based on SandForce SF-2281 controllers featuring SATA Rev 3.0 (6Gb/s). It allows for incredible sequential read/write throughputs of 525/480MB/s, 4KB random read/write speeds of up to 95,000/70,000 IOPS, and SandForce DuraClass technology to provide best in class endurance.
The Kingston HyperX name has long been synonymous with high performance DRAM solutions for enthusiasts looking to achieve maximum system performance. Kingston’s new HyperX SSD is powered by the latest SandForce controller and Intel 25nm compute NAND (P/E 5K) to provide the performance and endurance that the most demanding users require.
“This launch is very exciting for us at Kingston. The SandForce controller allows us to deliver the high-end performance that is needed for power-users, gamers, and enthusiasts,” said Nathan Su, Flash Memory sales director, APAC Region, Kingston. “Achieving a final production quality controller and firmware has been an exacting process, but well worth the wait. By pairing SandForce’s latest controller with Intel 25nm compute NAND (P/E 5K), we have built an SSD that meets the requirements set by true enthusiasts.”
Global Internet traffic projected to quadruple by 2015
BANGALORE, INDIA: Cisco predicts that the number of network-connected devices will be more than 15 billion, twice the world’s population, by 2015. In the fifth annual Cisco Visual Networking Index (VNI) Forecast (2010-2015) released today, the company also said the total amount of global Internet traffic will quadruple by 2015 and reach 966 exabytes per year.
The projected increase of Internet traffic between 2014 and 2015 alone is 200 exabytes, which is greater than the total amount of Internet Protocol traffic generated globally in 2010. On the verge of reaching 1 zettabyte, which is equal to a sextillion bytes, or a trillion gigabytes by 2015, global IP traffic growth is driven by four primary factors, according to Cisco. They are:
An increasing number of devices: The proliferation of tablets, mobile phones, connected appliances and other smart machines is driving up the demand for connectivity. By 2015, there will be nearly 15 billion network connections via devices -- including machine-to-machine -- and more than two connections for each person on earth.
More Internet users: By 2015, there will be nearly 3 billion Internet users --more than 40 percent of the world’s projected population.
Faster broadband speed: The average fixed broadband speed is expected to increase four-fold, from 7 megabits per second in 2010 to 28 Mbps in 2015. The average broadband speed has already doubled within the past year from 3.5 Mbps to 7 Mbps.
More video: By 2015, 1 million video minutes --the equivalent of 674 days -- will traverse the Internet every second
The projected increase of Internet traffic between 2014 and 2015 alone is 200 exabytes, which is greater than the total amount of Internet Protocol traffic generated globally in 2010. On the verge of reaching 1 zettabyte, which is equal to a sextillion bytes, or a trillion gigabytes by 2015, global IP traffic growth is driven by four primary factors, according to Cisco. They are:
An increasing number of devices: The proliferation of tablets, mobile phones, connected appliances and other smart machines is driving up the demand for connectivity. By 2015, there will be nearly 15 billion network connections via devices -- including machine-to-machine -- and more than two connections for each person on earth.
More Internet users: By 2015, there will be nearly 3 billion Internet users --more than 40 percent of the world’s projected population.
Faster broadband speed: The average fixed broadband speed is expected to increase four-fold, from 7 megabits per second in 2010 to 28 Mbps in 2015. The average broadband speed has already doubled within the past year from 3.5 Mbps to 7 Mbps.
More video: By 2015, 1 million video minutes --the equivalent of 674 days -- will traverse the Internet every second
GIGABYTE offers bundle on Z68XP-UD3-iSSD motherboard featuring 20GB Intel SSD 311 series
TAIPEI, TAIWAN: GIGABYTE Technology Co. Ltd announced the new GIGABYTE Z68XP-UD3-iSSD motherboard based on the Intel Z68 Express chipset and pre-bundled with the 20GB Intel Solid-State Drive 311 Series.
The included mSATA-based single level cell (SLC) solid-state drive (SSD), allows users to take advantage of the performance benefits of Intel Smart Response Technology straight out of the box. The package is expected to be available to end-users in early June from selected online retailers internationally.
“We are thrilled to deliver the world’s first motherboard to come pre-bundled with an Intel SSD 311,” commented Richard Chen, VP of Worldwide Sales and Marketing at GIGABYTE. “Our customers realize the performance benefits that Intel Smart Response Technology has to offer, and the Z68XP-UD3-iSSD is the easiest way for them to instantly take advantage of the performance boost.”
“By offering the Intel SSD 311 Series, optimized for Intel Smart Response Technology, with GIGABYTE’s Z68XP-UD3-iSSD MOTHERBOARD, we can bring the benefits of increased system responsiveness to more users,” said Pete Hazen, director of marketing for Intel’s Non-Volatile Memory Solutions Group. “A bundle such as this offers users an easy, plug-and-play entry into the quicker response environment of caching with an SSD.”
Intel Smart Response technology
GIGABYTE Z68 series motherboards are equipped with the much anticipated Intel Smart Response Technology, allowing users to experience system performance similar to SSD-only systems. Intel Smart Response technology works by using intelligent block-based caching of frequently used applications to improve system performance and responsiveness.
In fact, GIGABYTE Z68 motherboards with Intel Smart Response technology are able to outperform hybrid drive systems by more than 4X (PC Mark Vantage HDD test score) and deliver a 60 percent performance improvement over HDD-only systems in PC Mark Vantage Suite.
The included mSATA-based single level cell (SLC) solid-state drive (SSD), allows users to take advantage of the performance benefits of Intel Smart Response Technology straight out of the box. The package is expected to be available to end-users in early June from selected online retailers internationally.
“We are thrilled to deliver the world’s first motherboard to come pre-bundled with an Intel SSD 311,” commented Richard Chen, VP of Worldwide Sales and Marketing at GIGABYTE. “Our customers realize the performance benefits that Intel Smart Response Technology has to offer, and the Z68XP-UD3-iSSD is the easiest way for them to instantly take advantage of the performance boost.”
“By offering the Intel SSD 311 Series, optimized for Intel Smart Response Technology, with GIGABYTE’s Z68XP-UD3-iSSD MOTHERBOARD, we can bring the benefits of increased system responsiveness to more users,” said Pete Hazen, director of marketing for Intel’s Non-Volatile Memory Solutions Group. “A bundle such as this offers users an easy, plug-and-play entry into the quicker response environment of caching with an SSD.”
Intel Smart Response technology
GIGABYTE Z68 series motherboards are equipped with the much anticipated Intel Smart Response Technology, allowing users to experience system performance similar to SSD-only systems. Intel Smart Response technology works by using intelligent block-based caching of frequently used applications to improve system performance and responsiveness.
In fact, GIGABYTE Z68 motherboards with Intel Smart Response technology are able to outperform hybrid drive systems by more than 4X (PC Mark Vantage HDD test score) and deliver a 60 percent performance improvement over HDD-only systems in PC Mark Vantage Suite.
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