LG's Lightwave Oven with remote temperature control via your smartphone

[Engadget]

The Asian model (as reflected on the glass) was cut out of the original ad photo of LG microwave and replaced by NBC 30 Rock's GE Executive Jack Donaghy. 

Advances in oven technology are more the province of Jack Donaghy's former GE overlords, but over in South Korea, LG's taking a real-world stab at making the fictional CEO proud. An update to its Lightwave line, this new, next-gen kitchen appliance employs halogen heaters to cut down on traditional cooking time, a range of menu pre-sets to accommodate your meal-making and, most worrisome of all, a wireless connection for smartphone control. With that last tidbit of information, you should be either horrified by the opportunities for absent-minded, accidental pants pocket activation or pleased and at ease with the convenience it affords (which means you likely have children and can now tend to that bottle of red undisturbed from the couch). So, what exactly can you do from the comfort of your own phone? For starters, you can set the timer while you're away, adjust the temperature and even activate the steam cleaning feature. It's not clear if all of this remote action's restricted to the company's own devices, but if you're living in the company's home territory and have a fancy for haute-tech cuisining, this one's for you.

Here is the original photo

This article appeared on Engadget by Joseph Volpe via Pocket-Lint / WhoWired (Translated): The Joy of remote-controlled Cooking: LG's Lightwave oven makes mealtime mobile-operated


[My Take]

Commanding home appliances remotely sounds terrific yet a bit scary and dangerous as it might burn down your house due to so much convenience that LG brings to American homes and in turn leads to laziness and absent-mindedness.

Perhaps LG is trying to maximize the application of smartphone technology on all home electronic products; from LG Cinema 3D Smart TV remote control technology to LG oven technology advancement.

Decades from now, we might see a Rosie (The Jetsons Robot Maid) being controlled by our own smartphone.

Samsung readying 11.8-inch tablet with 'retina' display, say court documents

The Verge

Court documents made public in the epic Apple v. Samsung trial that kicked off in California today reveal that Samsung is working on a tablet codenamed "P10" that would include LTE connectivity and an 11.8-inch display at 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA) resolution. With the new iPad, Apple has pushed the issue of so-called Retina displays in the tablet form factor — and it's no surprise that Samsung, one of the world's largest suppliers of LCDs and AMOLEDs — would be pushing for a screen to match in its own Galaxy line as quickly as possible. Though 11.8 inches might be on the hairy edge for tablet portability, the P10 would still qualify as a Retina-like device with a pixel density of 256 ppi.

BGR first broke news of a large, high-resolution Samsung tablet late last year, which had been pegged for a "likely" Mobile World Congress reveal — it seems that the Korean company's plans may have slipped several months, though the court documents simply refer to it as a 2012 product. There's an event taking place in mid-August in New York City, which we're hearing will be for the revised Galaxy Note 10.1; might we also see a Galaxy Tab 11.8 there?

This article first appeared on The Verge by Chris Ziegler: Samsung readying 11.8-inch tablet with 'retina' display, say court documents

LG launches in Korea its first set of 3D Games dedicated to its Smart TVs

Akihabara News

LG announced this morning the launch of its first series of 3D Games designed for its 3D Smart TV and its Wireless Joystick.

The Games, adapted from smartphone version includes Air Penguin, Frisbee Forever, Downhill Bowlling2, Burn City and Diversion.

This first batch from LG is just the tip of the iceberg and the company hopes to release more of them in the near future!


via Akihabara News / LG

Apple v. Samsung: The patent trial of the century starts today

CNN

The end of the beginning of Apple's proxy war against Google

Where the trial will be held. Credit: Michelle Meyers/CNET

FORTUNE -- The most important confrontation in the "thermonuclear war" Apple (AAPL) CEO Steve Jobs launched against Google's (GOOG) Android operating system two years ago is scheduled to begin in earnest Monday when two armies of opposing lawyers meet in a federal courthouse in San Jose, Calif.

Their first order of business: To pick the 10-member jury that will decide the case.

The highly-technical confrontation pits the world's most valuable company, whose iPhone once dominated the touchscreen smartphone market and whose iPad still has the largest share of tablet computers, against South Korea's largest manufacturer, which makes tablets and phones that run Google's Android operating system and whose smartphones are now outselling Apple's.

The issues are starkly laid out in first sentences of each side's pretrial briefs:

• Apple's brief: "Samsung is on trial because it made a deliberate decision to copy Apple's iPhone and iPad."
• Samsung's brief: "In this lawsuit, Apple seeks to stifle legitimate competition and limit consumer choice to maintain its historically exorbitant profits."

The two sides have been jockeying for position behind the scenes for months. One series of pretrial motions made headlines last month when Judge Lucy Koh, a former patent lawyer, reversed herself and issued a preliminary injunction banning the sale of Samsung's Galaxy 10.1 tablet pending the outcome of the trial.

Dozens more pretrial motions were unsealed last Thursday in a legal data dump almost too large to digest. But a sampling of their contents gave the tech reporters following the trial a preview of how each side plans to proceed.

Among the details that have emerged:

• Apple is demanding more than $2.5 billion in sales, damages and lost profits for Samsung's alleged infringement of its smartphone patents. For its part, Samsung is reportedly demanding 2.4% of Apple's sales for use of its mobile communications technology. Apple 2.0.
• Apple will show the jury a chart that suggests the design of Samsung's mobile devices changed abruptly after it saw the iPhone. Samsung's version of the chart will show at least 10 iPhone-like designs created in Samsung's labs before the iPhone was unveiled. Apple 2.0.
• Apple will introduce evidence that Samsung was warned by a panel of outside designers that its smartphones and tablets looked too much like the iPhone and iPad, and that Google actually demanded that the devices be redesigned so that they wouldn't be too similar to Apple's. AllThingsD.
• Samsung will claim the iPhone's design changed after Apple hired a designer from Sony and got wind of their plans. Apple fought hard to keep the jury from seeing that evidence. AllThingsD.
• The judge will instruct the jury (on Apple's insistence) that Samsung allowed evidence to be destroyed even though they knew it might be relevant, and that the jury may (but need not) assume that the evidence would have hurt Samsung's case. Foss Patents.
• Samsung tried to prevent Apple from showing the jury five slides in its opening presentation because the images of Steve Jobs they contained might prejudice the jury. Late Sunday, Judge Koh ruled that the images were relevant and could be shown. FOSS Patents.
• Apple, on the other hand, has so far been able to keep Jobs' remarks about "thermonuclear war" out of the record, despite Samsung's objections. (Apple 2.0).

More details as they come to light.

This article first appeared on CNN by Philip Elmer-DeWitt: Apple v. Samsung: The patent trial of the century starts today

Wikipad gaming tablet specifications revealed, 3D deferred to 'future models'

[The Verge]

After the Wikipad's debut at CES this year, Gaikai announced an official partnership with the company that would bring its cloud-gaming services to the Android tablet. Today, Wikipad revealed its tablet's official hardware roster in an interview with VentureBeat, including a 1.4GHz Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and at least 16GB of internal storage, though the company says it may choose to increase that figure before launch. It will run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and the gamepad-dock — which allows sound and ports to remain accessible — will be included with every device. The display is still a 10.1-inch IPS panel running at a resolution of 1280 x 800, but Wikipad is going back on its decision to include glasses-free 3D support, saying that the feature will be considered for future models.

What Wikipad didn't mention was the company's partnership with Gaikai, which was purchased by Sony earlier this month. While a natural conflict of interest between the Wikipad and Sony's PS Vita could hamper the Android tablet's chances of cloud-connected gaming, we'll have to wait for official word on the partnership to know for sure. Wikipad expects to release the tablet by the end of this year, but specific pricing and availability have yet to be announced.

This article first appeared on The Verge by Evan Rodgers: Wikipad gaming tablet specifications revealed, 3D deferred to 'future models'


[My Take]

The three major cloud gaming services (Gakai, OnLive, and GameString) are up for a showdown by teaming up with major TV manufacturers; and now with the mobile game console device makers; starting with the Gakai and Wikipad partnership.

Gaikai Cloud Gaming beta launched on some Samsung smart TVs

OnLive announces in-browser game demos, 'spectating' social features, and collaboration with LG Cinema 3D Smart TV

This implies that Gakai, together with Wikipad, will face natural conflict of interest with Sony PS Vita in the future once Wikipad gets released this year; knowing that Sony has just acquired Gakai last month but did not make the cloud gaming system exclusive for its TVs and game consoles.

New purported next-generation iPhone parts photos show fully assembled device

9to5Mac

You’ll remember that 9to5Mac was the first to show photos of purported next-generation iPhone parts. Since then, many of the details – including the smaller dock connector – were affirmed by multiple mainstream reports. Unsurprisingly, as the new iPhone moves into production, more of these parts are starting to leak out to more repair shops.

Today, repair shop iLab has posted its own photos, but these images apparently showcase a fully assembled body. The new photos give a clear look at what a black, fully-assembled next-generation iPhone might look like when it ships to customers this fall. The repair shop also has some photos of other individual components like home buttons and volume keys.

Macotakara has posted another video of purported next-gen iPhone parts to its YouTube channel:

LG set to enter US computer market

LG Electronics is looking to break into the U.S. computer market in October through its partnership with Microsoft as part of efforts to strengthen its foothold in the world’s largest electronics market, according to LG officials Friday.

The Korean electronics giant said it plans to release stylish laptops in the U.S. that run on Windows 8 on October 26. 

``LG will enter the American computer market with help from MS. Through the collaboration, LG expects its computer business to grow effectively,’’ said an LG source familiar with the matter.

The official added LG senior executives are currently working on detailed strategies to make inroads into one of the biggest computer markets in the world.

LG executives handling the computer business recently visited top U.S. retail channels including Best Buy to find ways of expanding there, another company source said in a telephone interview. 

``We are not interested in desktop computers because demand for the devices is too low. LG push its all-in-one PCs and laptop businesses in the United States,’’ the official said. 

The decision looks somewhat risky because chances are low that LG could yield visible returns in the near future through sales of its Xnote laptops in the United States dominated by firms such as Hewlett-Packard, Apple and Dell.

LG has, so far, only achieved sales of its notebooks in Europe and China due to a lack of product awareness but the United States is the world’s biggest laptop market.

The Seoul-based outfit had earlier decided to sell its computer business following lackluster performances. Amid explosive demand for Web-connected portable devices such as tablets and smartphones, traditional computers are losing their luster. 

LG sold some 200,000 notebooks in the first quarter of this year compared to 320,000 in the first quarter of last year. In Korea, it has maintained second place with an 11 percent market share, however, the company is ranked ninth globally, according to market research firm Gartner. 

``The withdrawal plan didn’t materialize as it’s not easy to find new owners in this volatile environment,’’ said the LG official.

Rival Samsung is heavily increasing spending to boost its computer business because it believes corporate awareness of the company and partnerships with outlet channels are at a level stable enough to push the once negligible business.

Samsung has exhibited its notebook lineups that use Windows 8 software. Gartner said the firm ranked seventh in the global laptop market at the end of the first quarter of this year with a 7.1 percent share.

``LG hopes to better compete with Lenovo of China and Asus of Taiwan for high-end notebooks by rolling out various models, moving from budget products to premium ones,’’ said the official.

Last Friday, LG Electronics also unveiled its plan to release robot vacuum cleaners in the U.S.

The move to expand its presence in America is an attempt to offset a decline in profits caused by setbacks in the firm’s mobile phone and television businesses.

``LG Electronics is in negotiations with several big U.S. retailers as LG has keen interests in the American robot cleaner market,’’ said Kwon Taek-ryul, a senior LG Electronics executive.

He said the models to be released in the U.S. will be different from local ones in terms of specifications and pricing because of differences in lifestyles between Koreans and Americans.’’

This article first appeared on The Korea Times by Kim Yoo-chul: LG set to enter US computer market


[My Take]

All-in-on computer, TV, and monitor they say huh? So should I choose this over their own LG Cinema 3D Smart TV products?

3D Olympics Coverage - How to Get It

Tech Goes Strong

How to watch the 2012 London Olympics 3D sports coverage on your 3D TV.

3D Olympics coverage will be available to 80 percent of U.S. households during the London 2012 Olympics that begin July 27th. Of course, you must have a 3D TV (and 3D glasses that work with your TV) to watch it. The 3D sports coverage will not be broadcast live,instead they will be aired the next day on special 3D channels from your cable or telco provider, or from DirectTV.

Which 3D Olympics Sports will be shown?

The Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) will produce the 3D sports broadcasts that include: the Opening and Closing ceremonies, men's and women's gymnastics, cycling from the Velodrome, swimming, synchronized swimming, diving, water polo, full coverage of track and field, and the medal rounds of basketball.

The 3D Olympic coverage will be shown the next day and will include all of the Opening and Closing ceremonies. The opening ceremonies will air on Saturday July 28th, and will be rerun throughout the day starting at 5 am until 5 pm.  Unlike the complete, live events that will be shown on NBCOlympics.com, the 3D coverage will combine multiple sports and will predominantly show U.S. athletes and teams much like Olympics coverage we watched on TV when we were growing up. A total of 242 hours of 3D coverage will be available over the 17 days of the Olympics (approximately 12 hours per day). Each day Bob Costas will host a program of 3D highlights of the previous day's events.


What Cable, Satellite, and Telco TV providers will have 3D Olympics Coverage?

Many cable and telco TV providers will be showing the 3D Olympics even if they have never aired 3D content in the past. DirecTV will show Olympics 3D programming on channel 103. Both Time Warner and Comcast will air 3D sports coverage along with Armstrong, AT&T, Blue Ridge, Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Cox Communications, Insight, Mediacom, RCN, Suddenlink, Verizon, and WideOpen West. Our locally-owned cable company, Bend Broadband, will show 3D. They are calling it a "test" (presumably because they haven't aired 3D before). They will air it on channel 630 (which, with the Olympics a few days off, is not yet showing in the channel lineup) which is close to the NBC Sports channel on 633.

Although I have been combing the Internet and local newspapers to find information on individual cable TV services, there has been no mention of this 3D coverage. If you want to watch in 3D, contact your TV provider and ask what channel will carry the 3D Olympic coverage. When you call, let them know the model of your set top cable box to make sure that your equipment will be able to receive and transfer the 3D signal to your TV.

How to Watch 3D Olympics on your 3D TV

If you have not watched 3D programming on your TV, you will need 3D glasses. Many 3D TVs come with a package that includes the glasses. For 3D TVs with "active glasses," check your instructions for how to charge the glasses before using them. Other TVs, like the Toshiba 7200u, use "Real D" 3D passive glasses like the ones used at movie theaters (IMAX 3D is different). You should have received glasses with your passive 3D TV. You may need to turn on the 3D feature on your TV. Check to see if your remote control has a 3D button. Note, you will only receive 3D if your cable/satellite/telco box is connected to your TV using an HDMI cable.

Dish Network has other Olympic offerings

Dish Network will not be airing the Olympics in 3D but it is offering special Olympics apps for its new Hopper DVR as well as for the legacy VIP DVR boxes. Starting Thursday, July 26, subscribers can go to the Dish home channel (100) to find out how to get the apps. There will also be onscreen instructions for getting the apps on the NBC channels airing the Olympics.

The apps will include medal counts by country, news, and other Olympic related information.

You can also watch all the Olympic sports live online at NBCOlympics.com or by using the NBC Olympics Live Extra app for Android, iPhones and iPads. Find out how to register to watch live Olympics, and get ready for the 2012 London Olympics.


This article first appeared on Tech Goes Strong by Barb Gonzalez: 3D Olympics Coverage- How to Get It


[My Take]

The 3D Olympics will be shown the next day? Therefore that means it is not going to be aired live in 3D. Is London Olympics in 3D good news or bad news? I thought this will be just a showdown between which 3D technology (LG 3D TV's Passive or Active 3D of Panasonic/Samsung/Sony) can produce a better 3D picture quality for the 3D Olympics; however it seems that NBC Olympics and official TV partner Panasonic must first think on how to broadcast Olympic games in 3D as sports has to be broadcast live.

How to follow the London Olympics online

CNN

(CNN) -- It would take you almost five solid months -- without sleeping or bathroom breaks -- to watch every sporting event at this year's Summer Olympics. More than 3,500 hours of competition from London will be crammed into just 17 days.

In the past, people had to settle for watching the delayed, edited bits broadcast on TV or websites, but technology and viewing habits have changed. This year, 40% of people plan to follow the games on more than one device, with 35% checking in on their tablets and 27% using their smartphone, according to a new study by Harris Interactive.

So what are the best ways for today's mobile, multiple-screen owning, Twitter-loving generation to follow the Olympics à la carte? We offer these five:


Live streaming, with a catch
First, the good news: It's finally possible to stream any Olympic event live online, on a tablet or from your smartphone. After years of tape-delayed broadcasts and online video, NBC has caught on that viewers want to follow the Olympics on multiple devices in real time, and is offering the live options in addition to its regular television programming.

The bad news is that anyone in the U.S. who wants to enjoy live streaming of the games needs to have a current cable, satellite or telco TV subscription that includes MSNBC and CNBC (for some areas this may mean be more than just basic cable). You will be prompted on the NBC site and in NBC apps to choose your provider from a list and log in with your official username and password in order to access any live streams.

Cord cutters -- those who have canceled their cable and primarily watch TV online through services like Hulu and Netflix -- are out of luck, however. They can sign up for cable and cancel after the games are over, but there's no one-time payment option just to access live streaming. NBC wants mobile and online options to complement the TV coverage, not replace it.

NBC, which is owned by the largest cable provider in the United States, Comcast, paid $1.18 billion for the rights to this year's Olympics. The network makes a good portion of that amount back on television advertising, which still generates more revenue than online ads.


Online
The Internet portal for all video in the U.S. is NBCOlympics.com. On the main video page, anyone can view the select clips that NBC posts after watching a short ad. These clips are a combination of highlights from events, interviews, profiles, and peeks behind the scenes. Sort by your sport of choice or type of video.

The site is also providing live streams of any sport to cable, satellite or telco TV subscribers. Called LiveExtra, the service will live stream some Olympic trials and every single Olympic sport. You can watch online or through the complimentary app. It's the only option for live streaming in the U.S.

Though hosted through YouTube, all of the videos on the NBCOlympics are in Flash. To view them on iPhones, iPads or other mobile devices, go to the mobile version of the site, m.nbcolympics.com. You can also download one of the official apps to watch official NBC Olympic video on your iOS or Android device.

For the first time, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will live stream 11 high-definition channels simultaneously over YouTube for 64 territories in Asia and Africa that don't have broadcast deals, but those streams will not be accessible outside of those countries. Foreign news websites such as the BBC will also have videos, but again, most will be blocked for U.S. viewers.


Mobile apps
NBC created two official apps for Android and Apple mobile devices, NBC Olympics and NBC Olympics Live Extra, and both are free to download. NBC Olympics has no live video, but tons of content that can be enjoyed by anyone for free, including news, results, video highlights, and the intriguing-sounding Twitter heat map.

NBC Olympics Live Extra app is a mobile version of its LiveExtra online service and requires a cable, satellite or telco subscription. View any event live, watch replays of the ones you missed, and check out medal ceremonies and alternative camera views. Look over the in-app schedule and set up notifications for the events you don't want to miss. (Avid streamers should be careful not to go over their monthly data limits.)

There are two official apps for the London 2012 Olympics, and they're available for a mix of platforms including iOS, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone 7. Official London 2012: Results App has live updates of results, as well as schedules, news, background on sports and athlete profiles. You can follow specific countries and set up custom alerts. The second app, Official London 2012: Join In App, is more for people attending the games, and has schedules and locations for the various Olympic-related festivities going on in London.

The free BBC Olympic iOS and Android app will have a steady stream of quality Olympics news, including a running tally of medals won and live reporting from the BBC journalists attending events.


Social media and news
Perhaps you have no interest in seeing your favorite diver's perfectly executed reverse 3 1/2 somersault tuck. You just want to know who got the gold as soon as it happens. Individual sports have official, automated Twitter feeds that will tweet out the results as they happen. You can narrow it down to just the events you're interested in and follow those feeds (say @L2012Trampoline or @L2012Judo), or keep an eye on all of them at once by following the London 2012 official Twitter list of automated feeds. The official London 2012 feed is @London2012.

This year a lot of the fun will be following the athletes themselves. You can look up your favorites or follow this list of verified Olympic athlete Twitter accounts, the London 2012 list of Olympians or find a list just for your preferred sport of team, like Team USA.

If you want more color, find a hashtag for the event you're interested in to get live tweets of the excitement as it happens from attendees and journalists. There's also an official London 2012 Facebook page you can like to get updates.

And of course, there are old-fashioned news sites and blogs filled with words and pictures. There are 21,000 journalists in London covering the Olympics (outnumbering the 10,500 athletes competing).
With all the content online, on TV and on social media, keeping up with the Olympics won't be nearly as much of a challenge as avoiding spoilers.


Television
Oh right, there's TV, too. If you have cable, you can catch NBC's coverage scattered across a number of its channels: NBC, NBC Sports Network, MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo and Telemundo. Check the schedule for your location, sorted by time or sport, at the NBC Olympics site.

If you don't have cable, you can still tune into NBC over the air for nearly round-the-clock coverage, including the four-hour prime-time broadcast that will show the most popular events mixed in with the usual profiles and athlete interviews. The channel will broadcast a total of 217 hours of Olympic coverage.

This article appeared on CNN by Heather Kelly: How to follow the London Olympics online

NBC planning more than 5,000 hours of Olympic coverage

NBC Olympics via The Detroit News

More than 1.1 million Comcast subscribers across Michigan, and those through other providers, are expected to have an unprecedented Summer Olympics viewing experience during the London Games.

NBC is scheduled to provide 5,535 hours of Olympics coverage, and cable subscribers who at least have the basic digital service will get to view events on NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo and Telemundo, as well as online in real-time.

"People want content when they want it," said Patrick Paterno, a Comcast spokesman for the company's Heartland region. "We didn't have the kind of technology four years ago that we have now."

Subscribers of Comcast's on-demand service also will have the luxury of watching events whenever they want to — either on TV, or online, a tablet or mobile device.

If that isn't enough, NBC offers a mobile app called "Olympics Live Extra" that live-streams 3,500 program hours from a total of 32 Olympic events and the awarding of 302 medals.

Another mobile app, "NBC Olympics," will update viewers on the latest news with live results, TV and online viewing listings and social interaction opportunities during live broadcasts during the 17-night programming schedule.

Both mobile apps are free and available at itunes.com/app store or play.google.com.

The technological advances should excite viewers, said Mark Lazarus, NBC Sports Group's chairman.

"It is a tremendous undertaking — things that have never been done, to a level that's never been done before," Lazarus said in a recent teleconference. "We're going to build the optimum mix for viewership and for fan experience."

The Olympics Live Extra app only is available to verified cable and satellite providers, including Comcast, and requires activation through the service.

For information on Olympics Extra, visit nbcolympics.com/liveextra/help.

Given the number of Olympic events and broadcast hours, an event might end up on multiple NBC-affiliate channels or it could be limited to one.

All broadcasts times are subject to change, so cable subscribers should check their local listings daily.

The easiest way for Comcast subscribers to find which Olympic-related channels they have is to use the "Menu" function on their remote, press "Find shows" and search "2012 Olympics."


3D also available

NBC and Panasonic teamed up to provide coverage of the Olympics, and it's expected to be available in 80 percent of all United States homes.

This is an Olympics first.

Comcast, AT&T, Bright House Networks, Wide Open West and most other major cable providers have this service, part of the network's enhanced Olympics package.

The 3D coverage of events is expected to be on a one-day delay and can only be viewed with a 3D-ready TV and glasses.

This article first appeared on The Detroit News via NBC Olympics by Eric Lacy: NBC planning more than 5,000 hours of Olympic coverage


[My Take]

The NBC Olympics would be a more practical app to use if they create an app for Google TVs (LG/Sony) since Olympics games are normally watched on televisions. Imagine watching 2012 Olympic games while checking out the results and schedules at the same time on the same TV screen.

Google Fiber Announcement in Kansas City, July 2012

Engadget

Google just kicked its Google Fiber efforts into overdrive. The company's Kansas City effort is getting a full launch and now includes Google Fiber TV -- a "real" TV service with recognizable channels and its own, fully searchable interface that mixes DVR results with Netflix and YouTube. As many as 500 shows can be stored in full 1080p HD, and several TVs within the home can tune in at the same time.. Not surprisingly, there's also a major mobile component taking advantage of that 1Gbps fiber link, as users will have the option of browsing, sharing and eventually watching live TV directly from tablet apps. The company is also promising an ever-evolving service that includes Google+ video hangouts. For hardware, Google has its own dedicated Network Box with a four-port gigabit Ethernet router and 802.11n WiFi, a TV Box with live viewing and a WiFi access point as well as a Storage Box DVR with 2TB of data and the ability to record eight shows at once. Your remote control? A free, bundled Nexus 7 tablet, naturally.

The overall service will come with 1TB of Google Drive space, although it's expensive to get started: there's a $300 "construction fee" (currently being waived) to wire a home for the fiber optics. Three packages will be on offer, starting with a Gigabit + TV package that includes the essentials, all major channels and "hundreds" of fiber channels (plus on-demand content) for $120 a month. Skip traditional TV and it costs $70 a month -- and if you're a local resident willing to pony up the construction free, you can get 5Mbps internet access for free for "at least" seven years. Key institutions are getting the full gigabit access for free, as well. Only small slices of Kansas City in both Missouri and Kansas state should have access at first, but Google is conducting a six-week "rally" where the most people paying a $10 pre-registration fee dictate where Google Fiber goes next. Now if only other cities would go the same route.

This article first appeared on Engadget by Jon Fingas: Google Fiber gets formal launch, adds Google Fiber TV

LG Q2 profits climb thanks to cost cutting, but mobile business flounders

The Verge

Korean manufacturer LG Electronics has reported Q2 net profits of 159 billion won ($138 million), up 46 percent from the second quarter of last year. Attributable largely to a program of cost reductions and a shift away from low-margin products such as tablets, the jump comes amid a 10.6 percent decline in overall takings. While LG's home entertainment, appliance, and air conditioning divisions performed strongly, revenues from the company's mobile business fell 28.5 percent year-on-year.

LG Mobile Communications Company made a 57 billion won ($49 million) operating loss in the second quarter, which the company attributes to marketing expenses for devices such as the Optimus 4X HD. Reuters notes that LG has been squeezed from both ends of the mobile market in recent months, with Chinese manufacturers ZTE and Huawei putting pressure on the low end and the premium segment proving difficult to crack. LG's mobile division reported a 22 percent increase in smartphone shipments as a proportion of overall sales, but much of this can be attributed to a decline in demand for its lower-end feature phones.

LG Home Entertainment Company has posted far more positive results — while overall sales declined 5.8 percent year-on-year, Q2 operating profit more than doubled to 216 billion won ($188 million). The company's Cinema 3D TVs performed particularly well, and LG stresses that it will continue to "aggressively promote" the technology to drive further sales. It expects general demand for TVs to increase into next year, due partly to growing sales in the developing world. Whether this will be enough to jumpstart overall revenue growth in the coming quarters remains to be seen.

This article appeared on The Verge by Louis Goddard: LG Q2 profits climb thanks to cost cutting, but mobile business flounders

MS Office: We’re ready for Mountain Lion!

The Verge

Make sure you have Office for Mac’s AutoUpdate enabled

We found quite a lot to like in OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, but upgrading your computer's operating system always carries with it the potential to harm the stability of your essential apps. Users of Microsoft Office are in the clear, however, with Redmond stating today that both Office for Mac 2011 and Office for Mac 2008 work just fine with Apple's new operating system. There is one wrinkle, however: according to Microsoft, standalone software updates for Office won't launch due to Mountain Lion's Gatekeeper security feature. The solution is to enable Office's AutoUpdate component; initiating updates through that software will work correctly.

Of course, it's important to note that Redmond is simply talking about compatibility — Office won't suddenly allow you to save documents to your iCloud account, for example — but for Office users anxious to take the Mountain Lion plunge the news will no doubt be quite welcome.

This article appeared on The Verge by Bryan Bishop: Microsoft confirms Office for Mac is compatible with Mountain Lion


[My Take]

Good news but Google Docs have started to gradually replace my MS Office. Well, probably just simple word processing? I still make presentations on MS PowerPoint and account stuff using MS Excel.

LG releases a new 3D TV Monitor with the DM2792D

[Akihabara News]

Here you are LG’s latest all in one monitor the DM279D. Available in either 17 or 27” this Cinema 3D Full HD Monitor come with an IPS Panel offering a 178 degrees view angle as well as natural color reproduction but also comes with a thing 1mm bezel.
The DM2792D comes with a pair of USB ports letting you access to movies and pictures stored on a USB Stick for example as well as basic PIP features.

Finally the DM2792D as been announced at around 500,000 Won in Korea and will be shortly available in other countries soon.

This article first appeared on Akihabara News via LG: LG releases a new 3D TV Monitor with the DM2792D

[My Take]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The award-winning design of the LG LM9600 was hailed by Red Dot Design and CNET so why not recycle the successful form and apply it onto other electronic products like this new monitor. It still sports the stunning ribbon-inspired design of the Cinema 3D Smart TV launched this year 2012.

Apple to release Mountain Lion system

The Verge

As part of its quarterly earnings press release, Apple has confirmed that OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, the latest version of its desktop operating system, will be released via the Mac App Store tomorrow. Priced at $19.99, Mountain Lion brings a number of elements from iOS to the Mac with new features including Notification Center, expanded iCloud support, Reminders, a revamped Messages app, and more. We took an in-depth look at an early preview of OS X 10.8 back in February, and Apple has also detailed each of the 200+ new features you'll find inside the OS starting tomorrow. When the moment does finally arrive, you'll need to be running either Mac OS X Lion or the most recent version of Snow Leopard (10.6.8) to upgrade.

This article appeared on The Verge by Chris Welch: Apple announces OS X Mountain Lion will be released on Wednesday

LG introduces new IPS Monitors with Cinema Screen Design and MHL

[Akihabara News]

LG announced the global roll-out of its premium IPS7 series monitors, launching first in the Asian markets of Korea and China, including Hong Kong. The IPS7 series features LG’s own CINEMA SCREEN Design, with an almost invisible bezel for an unobstructed entertainment experience and a sophisticated, modern appearance. The IPS7 series also delivers lifelike color consistency and representa-tion across a wider viewing angle, thanks to LG’s own IPS technology. The addition of Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) makes it easy to connect external devices, like smartphones, for immersive viewing on a larger screen.

Incorporation of LG’s CINEMA SCREEN Design results in an impressively thin 1.2mm bezel, practically eliminating any visual distraction and allowing for greater viewing immersion. In addition to the incredibly narrow bezel, the overall depth of LG’s IPS7 moni-tors has been reduced to a mere 14.1mm. The streamlined metallic stand creates an aesthetically sharp profile and the cable management feature further enhances the visual appeal. What’s more, traditional plastic buttons have been replaced by capacitive touch controls for a sleeker look. CINEMA SCREEN Design delivers in style what LG’s advanced IPS technology provides in stunning picture quality. The clean lines and modern, minimal design add value to any space, while the lifelike colors and crisp tones add up to a visual experi-ence that is second to none.

Addressing the need for easier connectivity, LG has provided the perfect solution with today’s newest technology: MHL. With Mobile High-Definition Link technology, IPS7 series owners can easily connect mobile devices to the monitor with a single cable to the HDMI input port. With MHL, photographs and movies stored on smartphones can be viewed on the larger monitor screen. The IPS7 series even charges connected mobile devices while users enjoy their favorite content.

Full Entertainment Experience with Lifelike Colors and Ultimate Visual Comfort
The IPS7 series uses In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels rather than conventional Twisted Nematic (TN) technology found in most monitors. This brings advantages in picture quality and color consistency, letting users enjoy the most vivid and true-to-life colors around. The IPS7 series produces an incredibly smooth viewing experience, without the blur that often accompanies rapid motion in action scenes, sports and video games. This means less stress on the eyes, even when using the monitor for an extended period of time. With improved response times when viewing motion pictures, users can enjoy the benefit of the smoothest entertainment experience around.

And IPS panels excel under a wider range of viewing angles when compared to their TN counterpart. Users can play games or watch videos while sitting, standing or lying down without experiencing any color shift or distortion.

Specifications
Screen Size: IPS277L (27-inch) and IPS237L (23-inch)
Panel Type: LED IPS
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Brightness: 250nit
Contrast Ratio: Mega
Response Time: 5ms
Viewing Angle: 178/178
Functions: H/W Calibration Ready, Dual Smart Solution, Super Energy Saving, 6 Axis Control, Factory Calibration

This article first appeared on Japan Probe via Akihabara News: LG introduces new IPS Monitors with Cinema Screen Design and MHL!


[My Take]

Can this Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) which is a proposed industry standard display better video and picture quality compare with the quality shown through LG's own Smart Share on TVs in the LG Cinema 3D Smart TV product line?

Google's first Nexus 7 commercial airs on YouTube

The Verge

Google's Camping commercial for the Nexus 7 has just hit YouTube, bringing with it all manner of schmaltz. Watch as a bearded gentleman and (we're assuming) his son strengthen their bond through the glory of camping, Google apps, and an unusually strong outdoor Wi-Fi signal. The entire family bonding scenario reminds us of a commercial produced by one of Google's tablet OEMs, Acer, which depicted a similar scene of idyllic family fun facilitated by an Android tablet — we'll let you decide which of the two glosses over the lack of tablet-optimized apps the best.

iPhone 5 Release Date & Rumors Roundup

 The release date of the new brilliant iPhone 5 is quite a thing to debate about. The truth is - we just don't know anything for sure until Apple tells us! People expected it to be out in June, yet here we are - awaiting the end of July and still no news about anything important related to the highly anticipated iPhone 5. Are the rumors about the iPhone 5 2013 release due to the battery dispute true? Hope not! Foxconn CEO reminded us not to worry and that the new product that they are creating for Apple will be quite a charming device that will blow away the competition. No doubt that we trust in his words, but the question remains - when will we see that happen already?

 

 We can agree that the longer Apple waits, the harder things will get and more will be expected of the new iPhone 5. Fans are furious already and while true Apple addicts (no disrespect meant, I'm one of them!) will wait for the new release before selling their old phone and upgrading, many will go over to other manufacturers. In particular I am referring to Android OS based phones such as Samsung and HTC which are honestly very brilliant.  A rumor on the release date is also that we can expect it on October 5th as a tribute to Steve Jobs which would probably be a lovely thing and a smart move considering that it is often good to make people buy things out of emotions. Yes, its not a very nice thing to do, but it is a smart thing to do for Apple!

List of other rumors/announcements:

• iPhone 5 to features a 3D Camera
• The brand new iPhone 5 design
• iPhone 5 screen size explained

LG 84 Inch 4K Ultra Definition UHDTV Now Available To Pre-Order

Engadget

It looks like LG is actually going to sell that sweet 84-inch ultra-definition TV we saw at CES. With a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 (UHDTV) it will maintain a full 1080p picture for 3D movies even with LG's FPR Cinema 3D passive glasses technology, and also includes the standard suite of Smart TV features. Of course, the launch is quite predictable, considering there's no way LG could let Korean rival Samsung rule the roost with its 75-inch ES9000 that's on the way. While we'll wait for an English language PR for all the details on the 84LM9600, native speakers can scrounge some won together and hit the source link below for more information.

This article appeared on Engadget: LG 84-inch 'ultra definition' 4K HDTV going on sale in limited quantities




[My Take]

Once we get the chance to see the quality of passive 3D on this LG 4K Ultra High Definition TV; will the claim or argument that passive 3D is like active 3D when it comes to full 1080p resolution immediately vaporize?

i-mate's JAMA

i-mate's JAMA Budget WM5 Pocket PC Buzz Announced

Today, i-mate appear its new JAMA Windows Mobile 5.0 PDA buzz aimed at users absent a abbreviate and failing way of befitting in blow and organized. The abridgement of Windows Mobile 6.0 and no ascribe adjustment added than the 2.4" QVGA resolution blow awning may avert some abeyant owners, but for those attractive for a basal admission into the Windows Mobile apple the JAMA could be the answer.

Nothing hasty can be apparent back casual over the blueprint sheet, with aloof dual-band (900/1800MHz) GSM/GPRS and Bluetooth v1.2 accessible for connectivity; the abridgement of WiFi or added forms of accelerated abstracts could be the device's downfall. Up to 128MB ROM, 64MB RAM, and a microSD anamnesis amplification aperture booty affliction of accumulator for the device, with a 2.0MP camera a nice admittance for imaging. A 300MHz Samsung processor runs the appearance for the JAMA, and while it isn't outstanding, is a little aloft boilerplate for this chic of device.

i-mate's accepted account of arranged custom applications is present, and includes nice add-ons like the i-mate Profile Controller and i-mate Media Control Panel, which lets you admission songs and videos appropriate from the device's Today screen. A complete set of Windows Mobile 5.0 applications is additionally present for abounding PIM functionality, burning messaging, and certificate editing. The i-mate JAMA will be accessible during June 2007 in what the architect is calling "...global fast growing smartphone markets."

Sony Handycam HDR-CX200

Sony's leash of entry-level camcorders -- the Handycam HDR-CX190, CX200 and CX210 -- assume amazingly, aggressively priced. But they're priced like standard-definition camcorders because they use SD-level apparatus to aftermath video in HD architecture but not HD quality. Sony's not abandoned in this: both Canon and Panasonic comedy the aforementioned bold to assorted degrees with their entry-level models. All of them use low-resolution sensors and admit the video up to HD resolution. In this case, Sony absolutely is application a sensor that's alike abate and lower-resolution than the 2-year-old CX110.

The three camcorders alter from anniversary added in a few ways. The CX200 and CX210 absorb blow screens; the CX190 has a baby joystick and playback button on the LCD bezel for operation. In addition, the CX210 has 8GB of centralized anamnesis -- accumulate in apperception aback comparing prices amid the CX200 and CX210 that an 8GB beam agenda costs beneath than $10. This analysis is based on testing of the CX190. (There's additionally a adaptation of the camcorder with a congenital projector, the PJ200.)

As far as I can tell, the video affection doesn't attending any worse than predecessors like the CX130, which abounding association accede acceptable. If you appearance your video scaled bottomward and played on a computer, or like to shoot close-ups, which usually bear the best after-effects for both cameras and camcorders, it looks good. But for archetypal day-tripper and home-video blazon cutting of average distances and beheld at absolute admeasurement or on a large-screen TV, I begin it acutely bendable and mushy. The aggregate of sensor and eyes assume decumbent to fringing, and can aftermath an all-embracing purplish casting on the video rather than aloof on edges. In low ablaze -- say, aboriginal dark -- it's alike softer and absolutely noisy. The audio is archetypal for its class; a little too bright-sounding, but the mic picks up the sounds you want.

If you alone appearance the video scaled bottomward (inset), it can attending accomplished -- provided you don't apperception the casual amethyst casting acquired by fringing. At abounding size, though, it's affectionate of messy.

Stills attending appealing bad -- bendable and overprocessed. Abounding camera phones are better. (Unsurprising accustomed that Sony's "5.3-megapixel" photos are absolutely 1.3-megapixel photos aggrandized up for specsmanship.) Allotment of the botheration is that you can't aces a focus area, at atomic on the CX190. You aloof accept to point and pray. The CX200 and CX210 both accept atom focus and acknowledgment via the blow screen.

On the upside, the achievement isn't bad, admitting the array seems to run bottomward a little faster than I'd like -- it lasts about an hour. The LCD absolutely charcoal absolutely arresting in ablaze sunlight and the camcorder focuses almost bound and accurately. The angel stabilization works able-bodied for about three abode of the zoom range; I anticipate allotment of the botheration is that the camcorder is a little too ablaze and harder to accumulate abiding than some.

Of course, its compact, ablaze architecture is one of the attractions of the camcorder, admitting it additionally makes it feel absolutely plasticky and flimsy. It fits calmly in a ample anorak abridged or bag. The architecture is additionally archetypal of these entry-level models, with a zoom switch, photo bang and approach (movie/still) button on top and a almanac button in the aback for deride operation. A chiral about-face opens and closes the lens cover.

Creative WP-450

Creative has, according to our count, at atomic four wireless Bluetooth headphones in its accepted artefact lineup. The two top models, the WP-450 and WP-350, accept actual agnate specs on cardboard but accept altered designs and prices. I advised the WP-350 beforehand this year and gave it a absolute review, highlighting the actuality that it delivers a lot of blast for the buck. That archetypal can be begin online for aloof beneath than while the swankier WP-450 headphones (reviewed here) go for about..

The aboriginal affair you apprehension back you analyze the two models is that the WP-450 seems to accept the bigger design. Its earcups arise to be bigger bedlam and the chaplet additionally appears sturdier. The WP-350 folds collapsed while the WP-450 folds up. Neither ends up actuality all that bunched in the bankrupt state. Both appear with simple careful accustomed bags.

The WP-450 folds up but not flat.

After aggravating anniversary one on, I was afraid to acquisition that I anticipation the WP-350 was the hardly added adequate headset. For starters, it's a bit lighter and its chaplet has some added on the top while the WP-450's doesn't. I doubtable the WP-450 will authority up bigger over time, but it aloof acquainted like it was clamped a little too deeply to my arch and it was a bit afflictive afterwards about 20 minutes. Of course, people's active and aerial alter in size, as does abundance akin from being to person. I did analysis the models out on a brace of added CNET editors; one begin the WP-450 added adequate while the added gave the slight nod to the WP-350.

Both models are on-ear (meaning they sit on your ear, instead of surrounding the ear). They're not as adequate as aggressive on-ear active headphones like the Bose OE2i or the Sennheiser HD 238i models, and my aerial did get a little mild on warmer days.

I was able to accomplish a bound allowance on my ears, and the WP-450 earcups do a appropriate job of shutting out the alfresco apple (depending on your ear, you will apparently get a tighter allowance with the WP-450s than the WP-350s, but that's partially because they artlessly fit tighter on your head). I can't say I acquainted all that beautiful cutting them, but they're adorable abundant and are a cleft up in the appearance administration from the WP-350s. That said, they do extend out added from your ears.

While they action a bit added ability than the WP-350s and attending a little pricier, there's annihilation awfully adorned about the WP-450 headphones.

The buttons are able-bodied placed and accessible to accomplish blindly.

The WP-450 angle has a hardly altered button arrangement than the WP-350 archetypal has, but both are appealing able-bodied anticipation out. The aggregate button is calmly placed on the close lip of the appropriate earcup forth with the clue forward/back button, so they're calmly begin by touch. You shouldn't accept to bollix about or abolish the headphones to accession and lower aggregate or acknowledgment and end calls, and, yes, there's a congenital microphone. Of course, if you're application a smartphone to beck audio, you'll best acceptable use the basic buttons on the accessory rather than the adamantine buttons on the headphone to ascendancy audio playback.

LG Electronics suspends Olympic ads

LG Electronics, Korea’s second-largest consumer electronics maker, temporarily suspended its television advertisements promoting the company’s Cinema 3-D Smart TV and the London Olympics last week.

The company stopped showing its ads for two days after receiving a warning from the Korean Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee, according to media reports.

Non-Olympic corporate sponsors are not allowed to market their brands or products using the word “Olympic.”

LG Electronics’ 3-D Smart TV ads starring popular film actor Won Bin and K-pop group Girls’ Generation mention that they will see the 2012 Olympic Games in 3-D on LG’s Cinema Smart TV.

LG’s rival Samsung Electronics is the official Olympic sponsor in Korea and can only promote its mobile devices, but not television.

Japan-based Panasonic is the official television sponsor.

LG Electronics said that it has started re-broadcasting the ads after correcting its mistakes late Friday.



This article first appeared on The Korea Herald: LG Electronics suspends Olympic ads

LG selected to develop 60-inch flexible OLED by 2017

Engadget

While regular consumers still wait for the first big screen OLED display to make it to big box stores, Korea's Ministry of Knowledge Economy has chosen LG to lead the consortium charged with developing a 60-inch flexible OLED by 2017. Part of the Future Flagship Program, its goal is to generate exports and create jobs by promoting next-generation technologies. The idea is that these flexible displays could be used in windows displaying information say at a bus stations or other public places like a store. So while it appears the focus is currently on commercial applications, we for one have our hopes that we'll one day be able to roll down a giant OLED screen where most might expect the screen for a projector.

This article first appeared on Engadget: LG selected to develop 60-inch flexible OLED by 2017


[My Take]

Will this future OLED TV be just like a LED/LCD LM 9600 model of the LG Cinema 3D Smart TV product line-up? Meaning same great design and 3D quality but way much better picture quality as stunning OLED display will replace the Edge-lit LCD display? Will the Cinema 3D Passive technology of LG LED Edge-lit LCD TVs work perfectly on their OLED TVs? 

Marissa Mayer, top Google executive, selected as next CEO of Yahoo

The Verge

The Googirl Google geek is now the Yahoo CEO.

Marissa Mayer, an executive at Google who ran its Search product, will be the next CEO of Yahoo. While the news comes as a bit of a surprise — some speculated that the company would tap Ross Levinsohn for the role — Mayer comes to Yahoo with a long list of credentials. Mayer was the first female hired at Google and was among the first employees to join the company. She was considered a top executive at the company near the level of Schmidt, Page, and Brin — though during last year's reorganization at Google she was pushed by Page from Search to become Vice President of Local, Maps, and Location Services.

Mayer's predecessor, Scott Thompson, was ousted from Yahoo's top spot after his falsified resume was discovered — but this time the company's new CEO comes with a real MS degree in computer science from Stanford. Still, she'll have an uphill battle at the once-flourishing web giant, which is still going through an extensive restructuring effort that came with a 14% workforce reduction and the shuttering of 50 services.

The New York Times reports that Mayer resigned from Google by telephone this afternoon, and that she starts at Yahoo as the new CEO and as a board member on Tuesday. Mayer tells the Times that she "had an amazing time at Google," but that "it was a reasonably easy decision" to join Yahoo -- calling it "one of the best brands on the internet." She says that when she first started at Google, "people didn't understand the difference between Yahoo and the internet."

This article first appeared on The Verge

Angry Birds land on Samsung Smart TVs, wage war with gestures

Samsung Electrics releases a popular mobile game Angry Birds as a smart TV app in July. The Bird Sling Shot game produced by Finnish mobile game developer Rovio for smart phones back in Nov 2009 has been downloaded for more than 1 billion times. Now Rovio has brought its most popular game to the Samsung’s Smart TV platform which allows the viewers to enjoy the game by controlling the sling shot to fling angry birds using the motion control features of the Samsung Smart TV.

via Samsung flickr

[My Take]
On which Smart TV would you want to play the popular smartphone games? Fruit Ninja 3D on LG Smart TV? Or Angry Birds on Samsung Smart TV?

LG Electronics' First-Ever Appearance At Comic-Con Showcases Groundbreaking 3D And HD Technology

     PRNewswire via COMTEX

Alliance With Legendary Entertainment Brings Blockbuster Movies To Life

LG HD TVs, Mobile Phones Create Unprecedented Cinematic Viewing Experience For Legendary Movie Reveals

SAN DIEGO, July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics USA and Legendary Entertainment are joining forces to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime entertainment experience for visitors to the Legendary booth (#3920) at Comic-Con International, the nation's largest gathering of film, gaming and comic-book fans, running from July 12–15.

As more than half a million Comic-Con attendees descend on San Diego this week, many will be treated to an awe-inspiring entertainment phenomenon when Legendary provides a sneak peek of future films and other content exclusively on LG CINEMA 3D Smart TVs and premium LG smartphones with 3D and True HD displays. In this groundbreaking event, LG will prove it's possible to bring a movie-theater-quality viewing experience into the living room—and even into the palm of one's hand.

"Legendary and LG share a common vision of delivering an unparalleled entertainment experience," said James Fishler, senior vice president of marketing and go-to-market operations, LG Electronics USA. "Legendary's highly acclaimed film and media catalog takes Comic-Con attendees to the front line and into the action on LG 3D and HD devices, allowing them to experience their favorite heroes and villains like never before."

Legendary content will be shown exclusively on LG displays, such as the popular LM7600 and LM6200 LED CINEMA 3D Smart TVs, and on LG HD smartphones, including the LG Spectrum and LG Nitro. These viewing platforms are expected to thrill attendees with amazing HD picture quality and LG Cinema 3D technology for TVs.

Legendary fans attending Comic-Con also will have the opportunity to experience "The Pass," a fun and interactive contest in which participants are challenged with a set of tasks and rewarded with a Legendary T-shirt and the chance to win a VIP ticket for access to two exclusive screenings, shown for the first time on the LG CINEMA 3D Smart TVs and LG smartphones with True HD displays. Winners also have a chance to get a first-look at upcoming films such as "Pacific Rim" and "Seventh Son," and get up close and personal with some of Legendary's directors and other talent.

For more information about how to participate in the contest, show attendees can "Like" Legendary's Facebook page or follow @LegendaryEnt on Twitter where real-time clues will be provided during the convention.

For more information about LG, please visit LG.com or "Like" and follow us on www.facebook.com/lgusamobile and @LGUS.

For complete information about Legendary's Comic-Con schedule, please visithttp://www.legendary.com/events/event/san-diego-comic-con-2012/

For official rules, please visithttp://www.legendary.com/uploads/promotions/the_pass_official_rules.pdf

Designs, features and specifications subject to change without notice. LG LED TVs are LCD TVs with LED backlighting.

For a small percentage of the population, the viewing of stereoscopic 3D video may cause discomfort such as dizziness or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue using the 3D functionality and contact your health care provider.

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $49 billion global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and energy solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. LG Electronics is a 2012 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

About Legendary Entertainment

Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with film (Legendary Pictures), television (Legendary Television) and comics (Legendary Comics) divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to mainstream audiences with a targeted focus on the powerful fandom demographic. Legendary is building a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world's most popular intellectual property.  Among the wholly-owned projects that Legendary Pictures is currently developing in-house are the upcoming Seventh Son, directed by Sergei Bodrov; the Jackie Robinson biopic 42; an adaptation of the phenomenally successful interactive game universe Warcraft; Godzilla, based on Toho Company's famed character; Warren Ellis' Gravel; and Mass Effect, based on Electronic Arts' and BioWare's hit videogame franchise. Upcoming Legendary releases with partner Warner Bros. include the highly anticipated Pacific Rim, as well as Hangover 3, Man of Steel, Jack the Giant Killer, 300: Battle of Artemisium, and this summer's The Dark Knight Rises.  Previous successful Legendary and Warner Bros. releases include the critically acclaimed Inception, which has been a box office smash grossing more than $823 million worldwide, as well as the global blockbusters The Hangover, Parts I and II (over $1 billion worldwide total), Clash of the Titans ($493 million worldwide), The Dark Knight ($1 billion worldwide), and 300 ($456 million worldwide). The Legendary Comics division is releasing The Tower Chronicles this fall, created by Thomas Tull and developed by Tull and Matt Wagner. For more information, please visit www.legendary.com.

Report: iPhone 5 Will Be Announced August 7

[Wired]

Tim Cook closes the 2011 ‘Let’s Talk iPhone’ event. Photo: Brian X. Chen/Wired

If the latest report ends up proving true, we could be seeing the next iPhone launch sooner than expected. A “reliable industry source” told KnowYourMobile that the next iPhone will be unveiled during an August 7 Apple keynote. The next iteration of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS 6, is also expected to be officially released at the same time.

Last year, the iPhone 4S debuted October 4 and went on sale a week later. The iPhone 4 was launched in June at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference the year before that. This year, Apple has largely been expected to unveil the next-generation iPhone in either September or October.

A late-September to early-October launch puts the iPhone in a good position for holiday sales, giving Apple the full span of its holiday quarter for beefy profits and sales numbers. An August launch feels a bit early for us, but Apple shook things up with the launch date of the iPhone last year, so it’s certainly in the realm of possibility.

Forrester analyst Charles Golvin told Wired that the main benefit to an August launch would be to take advantage of the back-to-school buying period. But given Apple would still need to get FCC approval by that time, Apple could face more challenges in making the new iPhone available in its stores and through operator channels to tap this opportunity. “I believe that the more likely scenario is that Apple will release the new iPhone in September-October and focus on the Christmas selling season, which is the most significant sales opportunity,” Golvin said.

Regardless of when the iPhone does officially debut overseas, enterprising sellers on a Chinese website are letting iPhone fans pre-order or order an iPhone 5 even though it hasn’t been announced yet.



This article originally appeared on Wired.com: Report: iPhone 5 Will Be Announced August 7