Posts Tagged rumor

O!Play adding wireless Full HD streaming?

Feb 5

Posted by andrew in News | No Comments

ASUS’ plans for its next-generation of set-top boxes have been tipped, with the company expected to add wireless HD support to an upcoming model.  According to DigiTimes’ usual shadowy industry sources, ASUS are using Taifatech’s TF-600 chipset, presumably in a new O!Play box, which is capable of streaming Full HD video over wireless or wired networks.

The talkative industry insiders also reckon ASUS are considering slapping the TF-600 into their netbooks, which would presumably allow them to wirelessly connect with a remote media source.  According to the TF-600 data sheet , the Taifatech chipset has onboard rescaling functionality, controllers for keyboards and mice, and can natively support IR remote controls.

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Amazon considering UK retail stores?

Dec 7

Posted by John in News | No Comments

amazon_box

In our review of the Barnes & Noble nook earlier, we pointed to the US retailer’s network of physical stores as a key advantage over the Kindle; it looks like Amazon aren’t content for that to be the case.  According to a Times report this weekend, Amazon are eyeing up various “high-profile sites” around the UK, believed to be intended as local pick-up points for the larger items the retailer sells.
“When Amazon was just selling books and CDs that fitted easily through the letterbox it was fine to be a web-only business, but now it has branched out into everything from children’s bikes to electricals it believes it could boost sales by having stores that offer a collection point for shoppers. It will probably be an Argos-style operation.” Unnamed Times source “familiar” with the proposals

The Argos comparison refers to a long-running catalog based highstreet retailer, which allows customers to purchase items online but then collect them in-store rather than have them delivered.  Argos has claimed that 18-percent of its internet sales are collected in this manner, presumably by customers unwilling or unable to wait at home or in the office for a delivery to take place.

So, not so much a cosy coffee shop with bookshelves and places to recharge your Kindle, but a convenient depot for Amazon’s larger goods.  Both highstreet and out-of-town locations are believed to be on the consideration list, although Amazon UK have declined to comment on the speculation.

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