BLACKBERRY OS 6 FIPS 140-2 SECURITY-CERTIFIED

The RIM has unveiled that the cryptographic kernel of its BlackBerry 6 mobile operating system has received the FIPS 140-2 certification. FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) is a classification used to validate the security of a computer system's cryptographic services and in this case makes the operating system suitable for use by government employees handling sensitive but unclassified information.

via Uberphones

TOSHIBA POWER TV SERIES FOR ASEAN COUNTRIES

Toshiba Corporation today is unveiling a strategy and product line-up for the ASEAN countries to promote its latest “Power TV” series, which is available in three different flavours with the PB1 (24”), PC1 (32”) and PS1 (40”). These countries include Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam as Toshiba’s targeted market.

The reason given is that these countries might not have consistent power as compared to Europe or Japan where electricity power supply is very stable and efficient. Such TV could actually provide its owners with the basic information needs during Typhoon seasons and during blackout. I’m not sure about the statistics of blackout occurring, but as far as I know, Taiwan has more earthquakes and natural disasters per year compared to the numbers totalled up in these countries.

Anyway, these three TV are power efficient and comes with LED panel as well as an internal battery capable to provide up to two hours of continuous play. Toshiba is hoping to offer these TVs at a price ranging from USD 190 to USD 400 in these countries.

Brand new Power TV series :
"Toshiba's Power TV family includes the world's first LED TVs with integrated battery back-up. Developed to bring quality viewing to wide segments of the market at affordable prices, the Power TV family draws on Toshiba capabilities in innovation and design to deliver high picture quality, dramatic sound and low power consumption, all housed in slim, handsome designs."

"Power TVs series are designed for tough infrastructure conditions. The PC 1 range, one of three in the series, are the world's first TVs to integrate a stand-by rechargeable battery, a useful innovation in areas where power supply can be uncertain. Fully charged, the battery can power a TV for approximately 2 hours, long enough for the broadcast of a full soccer game. Power TV series also features "Auto Signal Booster" that improves signal sensitivity and allows viewing in areas with weak signal strengths and "Auto View", optimizes picture settings according to the ambient lighting condition for greater viewing pleasure and lower electricity consumption."

via Toshiba

GOOGLE EARTH 6 STREET VIEW AND 3D TREES

Google Earth is already an awesome application. Besides being free, which makes it so awesome, it has been the best tool to search for directions, and show others ‘how to get there’. Though, adding the cloud there might be a dumb move as it really irritates me, but now Google has gone further and adds new cool feature to its Google Earth yet again.

This times, Street View is getting seamless integration into your virtual travels, with the little yellow Pegman set right next to the navigation controls for placing any which where. Google has also “planted” millions of 3D trees to make the 3D building view a bit more realistic, and has a new easy-access method for pulling up historical imagery. Just makes Google Earth a whole lot more realistic. One day, you might just be able to track your girlfriend jogging in the park.

via Google

SONY PLAYSTATION MOVE REACHED 4.1MILLION

Sony has launched that the company has thus far shipped 4.1 million Playstation Move controllers worldwide. Though, that number comes with a catch. This number is actually the amount that Sony shipped to retailers, not the amount that is really sold. Also, more than 75 percent of the Move sales in the US are bundles — meaning new console sales or software groupings.

“While we don’t disclose our exact sell-through number, the key is that our retailers continue to ask for more Move units and are taking every unit we can supply them with based on their sales.”

via Joystiq

BLACKBERRY CURVE 8980

Just like how RIM named the Bold 9780 after the Bold 9700, the new Curve is called the 8980, quite similar to the Curve 8900’s naming. The Curve 8980 just got FCC approved, even with access to a user’s manual and external shots. The shots show a proper optical pad, with a 3.2-megapixel camera with flash. The screen seemed to be an improved one with higher resolution. Sadly the filing shows that it’s probably an EDGE-only device. Funny, as this device is coming in 2011 yet there’s no 3G. Hopefully RIM would actually throw in 3G before they release this new Curve.

via Phonescoop