Solaris Mobile extends mobile broadcast network in France

Solaris Mobile, the Dublin based pioneer of next generation mobile communication networks, is expanding its Paris-based network to cover Rennes and Nancy and the surrounding areas. The network was launched in November 2009 to demonstrate the broadcast of TV and radio services to mobile phones, other handheld devices and cars within Paris.

Solaris Mobile and its partners in this collaboration, Alcatel-Lucent and towerCast, have built a hybrid network based on satellite and terrestrial mobile technology. Based on its success within France, Solaris Mobile is looking towards a pan-European roll out programme in the near future.

The collaboration sees Solaris Mobile providing satellite capacity and spectrum rights; Alcatel-Lucent manages the system integration and is providing transmission equipment, and towerCast is providing its antenna sites in, and around, Paris. The resulting ‘hybrid network’, under the overall management of Solaris Mobile, combines the instant coverage of satellite with the deep network capabilities of cellular mobile systems, making it the first such network to be deployed within Europe.

Such networks, operating across the whole of the EU, in frequency bands adjacent to the existing 3G mobile bands around 2GHz, will open up new opportunities to deliver next generation broadband and broadcast services to people on the move. Video, data downloads and ubiquitous voice services delivered to people’s phones, or cars, will soon match the range currently available only with fixed line services in their offices or homes.

"Due to the success of the hybrid network in Paris, we are delighted to be able to utilise our technology and expand the service out to two other regions in France. The roll-out of the network in Nancy and Rennes will enable the delivery of mobile broadcast services to people on the move," said Steve Maine, Chief Executive Officer at Solaris Mobile.

This hybrid network was enabled after the European Commission and the 27 EC member States authorised Solaris Mobile to operate services in 2 x 15 MHz blocks of S-Band spectrum across Europe in May 2009.

mSATA flash drive moves to 32nm

Toshiba Electronics Europe (TEE) has moved to 32nm NAND flash technology for a series of solid state drive (SSD) modules, increasing the capacity and lowering the cost for portable devices. The SG2 modules come in two types, one based on the new low-profile mini-SATA (mSATA) interface standard and the other a Half-Slim type, which uses a SATA connector. The drives are available in 30GB and 62GB modules. Volume production will start in October.
The two types of modules, each smaller than a business card, provide greater design flexibility and save space and cost compared to SSDs with hard disk drive form factors and cases. The 62GB module is only one seventh the volume and one eighth the weight of a 2.5-inch form factor SSD, and consumes half the power. With interface speeds up to 3Gbit/s, a maximum sequential read speed of 180MByte/s and a maximum sequential write speed of 70MByte/s,the modules will help bring the performance advantages of SSDs to notebooks, portable electronics and embedded systems. An advanced controller features a translation mode, which enables any drive configuration, and the drive supports 28-bit LBA (Logical Block Address) mode commands and 48-bit LBA mode commands. Multi-word DMA, Ultra-DMA modes and Advanced PIO commands are supported. The drives have an optional capability for secure Full Disk Encryption (FDE) backup that prevents unauthorized data access.
Industry analyst IDC expects mini-notebook shipments to grow at an annual average of around 15% from 2009 to 2013, and, PC manufacturers are looking for SSDs that combine small size with higher storage capacities and advanced performance.

The mSATA modules use the popular SATA interface in a small form factor module measuring 1.18 in. x 0.19 in. x 2 in. (30mm x 4.75mm x 50.95mm) that connects to the system board using the low profile SATA connector. Adaptive Power Mode and SATA Device Initiated Power Management typically reduce power consumption to less than half of the Read power level when the device is in idle, standby or sleep mode.
The Half-Slim SATA II modules feature a SATA connector, measure 1.18 in. x 0.19 in. x 2 in. (54mm x 4 mm x 39mm). The Half-Slim SATA II modules have the same SATA connector used on 2.5-inch HDD and SDD form factors. Thus, this smaller form factor can easily be used in applications designed to use 2.5-inch storage form factors. The Half Slim is also compliant to JEDEC SFF 8156.

Mobile TV chip adds DAB radio

Siano Mobile Silicon has launched a new multi-standard mobile TV receiver chip that supports the major global broadcast mobile TV standards of DVB-T, T-DMB, and ISDB-T, and, in addition, digital radio (DAB/+) and FM Radio. The SMS1230 is the high-end member of Siano's multi-standard MDTV receiver chip family, which includes also the SMS1150, SMS1130, and the low cost SMS1140, launched earlier this year.
The SMS1230 is a highly integrated, all-CMOS single chip receiver designed for high-end reception of mobile digital TV and radio, at low power consumption.
Exceeding the performance requirements of technical specifications such as NORDIG and MBRAI, the SMS1230 has several unique features. Siano’s SMS1230 enables reception of DVB-T at speeds of 200 Km/hour; In ISDB-T (deployed in Japan and Brazil); it exhibits extremely high immunity to analog and digital interfering signal. In addition, it supports digital radio – DAB and DAB+ technologies as well as analogue FM radio.
Interestingly, two units can be used together for antenna diversity, which further increases the reception performance.

"Siano’s new high-end SMS1230 is targeting customers that are pursuing top-notch DTV reception performance – reception in extremely tough conditions such as vast distances from the nearest broadcasting tower, or in the presence of very strong interfering signals, or while commuting by car or by train at very high speeds," said Alon Ironi, CEO of Siano.

The SMS1230 is currently available in sample quantities, while mass volumes will be available starting November this year.

Qualcomm launches 45nm Snapdragon chipset with 3G ...

Qualcomm has developed a new version of its ARM processor-based Snapdragon platform with a next-generation chipset that uses 45nanometre process technology to provide faster processing, significant battery life improvements and other enhancements for smartphones and netbooks, as well as adding 3G data capability.
The Snapdragon QSD8650A chipset – scheduled for sampling before the end of 2009 – boosts the clock to 1.3GHz for 30 percent higher performance as well as enhanced multimedia and 2D/3D graphics, while reducing power consumption by 30% and a low standby power of less than 10 millwatts.

“This latest addition to the growing family of Snapdragon chipsets will help our customers to develop faster, more power-efficient smartphones and smartbooks,” said Luis Pineda, senior vice president of marketing and product management at Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. “This new 45 nm device shows our continued commitment to extending the capabilities of the Snapdragon platform with leading-edge process technology and an expanded list of integrated features.”

The QSD8650A chipset also offers multi-mode UMTS and CDMA 3G mobile broadband connectivity in the same 15x15mm package as current Snapdragon chipsets. A standalone, power-efficient 2D graphics accelerator and enhanced 3D graphics core deliver a powerful multimedia experience with better Adobe Flash performance. It also features integrated GPS and high-definition video recording and playback, the latest Bluetooth 2.1 technology and support for Wi-Fi, high-resolution WXGA displays and mobile TV technologies such as MediaFLO, DVB-H and ISDB-T.
This is interesting as Qualcomm had already has a 45nm dual core version, the QSD8672 that runs up to 1.5GHz, but there was obviously a need for a single core, lower cost, lower power version.

... as Snapdragon support grows
More than 15 manufacturers are now developing more than 30 Snapdragon-based products, the first of which is the Toshiba TG01 Smartphone, introduced in February 2009. Others on show in Taipei this week include ASUS, Compal Communications, Foxconn, High Tech Computer (HTC), Inventec and Wistron.

“The mobile industry is evolving, and it’s become apparent that consumers are more sophisticated in their expectations than ever before,” said Stephen Chen, president of Compal Communications. “Snapdragon’s integrated 3G mobile broadband brings a new level of connectivity and convenience to the smartphone and smartbook categories.”

Software developers now supporting Snapdragon chipsets include those developing:
Digital media services: Zinio
Multimedia players: RealNetworks, Inc, Bluestreak and Varia Mobile
Operating systems: Phoenix Technologies, ThunderSoft and Xandros
Productivity applications: Haansoft, Remoba
Social networking applications: Conveneer
System integration services: Bsquare, Movial

Netbooks - the next generation

Netbooks could have a very different look as new mobile multimedia technologies change the opportunities for design.
Freescale Semiconductor has been working with a prestigious industrial design program to demonstrate next-generation form factors powered by processors based on ARM technology, such as Freescale’s i.MX515 device.
Freescale worked with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for a program to explore requirements related to ergonomic issues, user interfaces, alternative form factors and even accessories for next-generation smartbook devices.

“As the smartbook market emerges, new form factors and product categories will evolve to support and better align with user needs, and our engagement with SCAD demonstrates Freescale’s intention to lead this evolution,” said Glen Burchers, Consumer Segment marketing director for Freescale. “This initiative has given Freescale valuable insight into how end-users prefer to interact with smartbooks, and this knowledge will be fed back into our chip design processes, ultimately resulting in future i.MX processors that enable compelling consumer experiences and entirely new classes of consumer devices.”

The best of the designs are being presented at the Computex trade show in Taipei tomorrow.
Last year, SCAD’s industrial design program was ranked among the most prestigious in the nation by the Almanac of Architecture and Design. Industrial design students work with the form and function of everyday products – designing them to suit user needs while also considering the demands and limitations of production. Coursework is combined with professional practice involving actual clients on projects for industries including consumer electronics, communications, entertainment, housewares, interaction, marine, toys, lawn and garden, consumer products and transportation.

Motorola survey on multimedia and mobility

Motorola has surveyed 1,200 young people across Europe and the Middle East regarding their consumer technology decisions and media consumption habits, looking at the behaviour of the Millennial generation (16-27 year olds). The results are unsurprising but if, as Motorola believes, they influence the buying decisions of their parents, the data can be useful. However, a sample size of 1200 across Europe and the Middle East is small and the data is really only a curiousity.

"Technology is the lifeblood of this generation. Millennials feel that their personal lifestyle would change dramatically without internet access," said Joe Cozzolino, corporate vice president, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility EMEA. "By understanding the desires of this generation, Motorola can design and customize solutions for our customers that enable them to deliver rich media experiences."

Millennials not only engage with new technologies, they actively influence their parents' adoption habits, says Motorola. The majority of respondents stated that they influence the broadband (83 percent) or TV services (84 percent) purchased by their parents.

Prime Time to My Time

Television is still a favoured form of entertainment; however how, where and when we watch is changing:

* 78 percent would prefer a TV programme to restart the moment they switch over to that channel
* 66 percent would be interested in pausing TV in one room and restarting it in another
* 32 percent prefer to watch programmes on a PC rather than a TV set

Media mobility

Access to full-length movies and favourite shows on the move is enticing, as are shorter bursts of content:

* Shifting TV programmes from the set-top at home to a mobile device enticed 81 percent of Millennials
* 75 percent indicate that watching movies while travelling is appealing
* 62 percent would be interested in watching 15 minute mobile versions of 30 minute TV programmes

Rich media

Millennials increasingly want to interact with what they're watching:

* Over half would like to be able to interact and get information about the content they are watching
* 68 percent would be interested in learning about and possibly purchasing items featured in TV shows

There are signs that Millennials are adopting HDTV, and the figures point to strong growth potential

* HDTV is popular, especially in Germany and the UAE with 53 percent and 58 percent saying they love HD content.
* 43 percent of respondents have an HDTV set; the highest percentage was in the UK (54 percent).