Playing for the rest of the world.

Small price, small business, big goals: Cheap gaming Zeebo be in digital entertainment emerging bring. A team of only five men developed a device that soon will tap market worth billions - with a cell phone chips instead of high-end hardware.

 

In April it will go. Then, the console Zeebo initially be introduced in Brazil. $ 199, nearly 150 euros, they will cost. The price includes four preinstalled games, and a fifth, which the customers themselves to choose and download. If the console later this year in other countries on the market, the price to 179 dollars, in less than one years at $ 149 even fall.

Sounds like a bargain offer from the electronics supermarket, but it is not. Because here is the new technology toys not found on the shelves. Instead, the aim with the low prices, the new middle class in emerging economies to digital Playing motivation.

This target is estimated Zeebo chief John Rizzio extremely optimistic. There was "potentially a billion new consumers in the world, many of which have never been a game at home had," says the young entrepreneur. The industrialized nations in the usual models, Sony's Playstation 2 or 3, Microsoft's XBox 360 and Nintendo's Wii, for those customers would be simply too expensive. Not only because its part hochgezüchtete hardware costs a lot of money, but primarily because the associated games are much too expensive.

Precisely this problem is to solve Zeebo now - but that does not work now, without sacrificing to make. The show is mainly in the technical equipment of the console. The current competition models has nothing Zeebo oppose. Their skills are somewhere between those of the first two Playstation models from Sony, Rizzio said. This corresponds roughly to the level of 1998. Blame, however, is by no means outdated technology. On the contrary: in the potter Zeebo latest chips. Not just the usual.

The Kindle concept serves as a model

Instead of established PC or console technology to bring the Zeebo developers with the U.S. chip manufacturer Qualcomm together. His technique is otherwise primarily used in mobile phones. And for exactly this area is also the technique of Zeebo. The main feature are Qualcomm MSM chips. The acronym stands for Mobile Station Modem, roughly translated, wireless modem. And that is also shows the difference between the low-priced console in addition to their low performance of established models.

Because the MSM is the Internet access in the quasi Zeebo built. Rather than XBox 360, Wii and PS3 usual, it will be via the cellular network to the Internet. Thus, customers who either do not or just too expensive or too slow network access is available, easily and quickly be brought online.

The fact that this mobile-web access to work, for the console is extremely important. For cost reasons, it was in the Zeebo on a real mass waived. Neither hard nor CD or DVD drive adorn the decorative device. Instead of physical media games via an online connection to the device. This is the Third World, modeled on the console eBook reader Kindle, via the mobile network will be supplied with reading material (this, however, stores).

Cheap games pirated copies

The advantage for the console players: Your access to the so-called Zeebonet is completely free. Neither volume nor monthly fees are due. Conversely, the system requires but a well-developed and functioning mobile infrastructure. According to the manufacturer was in the targeted markets, such as India, China and Brazil, however, already accessible and cheaper to use than wired broadband connections.

In future, this network connection of the users as a standard Internet Zzugang can be used. The Zeebo would like a modem between the PC and operating data. Until then, the network can only be downloaded games. Around ten U.S. dollars per title will be given due, considerably less than the hundred dollars, one for games, according to Rizzio on data pay.

With the low prices will Raubkopierern the water abgegraben be. The developers hope that the comfort, games for small costs directly to the console to load Zeebo customers away, resulting from illegal sources with replenishment supply. Apparently it succeeded Rizzio, a number of game developers of this system to convince. Among other things, Electronic Arts, THQ, Namco and id Software announced Zeebo games.

Replacement for ancient classics

Its graphical presentation is admittedly hardly can keep up with what some of PS3 titles is accustomed. Finally rackert in the low-cost model only faster 528 MHz ARM mobile processor. He is meager 128 MB of RAM and a gigabyte of flash memory to the side. An HD TV will be fun for the game will not need are the graphics capabilities of the integrated 3D chips are already at 640 x 480 pixel resolution exhausted.

That might be for local conditions poor to listen to, be loud Zeebo head Rizzio in emerging countries, but thick enough. As an argument there, he was in Brazil until today Segas Megadrive's most popular video game system - notwithstanding the fact that Sega console in Japan this is already 21 years ago has put in place.

But that's perhaps what the Zeebo the success could bring. Rather than do what is possible, the company has developed a device that only makes what its potential users to exploit. And they are hardly a brand new flat screen televisions and surround systems in their living rooms for you. Instead, it is expected along the banks of the Amazon or near the beaches of Goa rather old, but good tube technology prevail.

It remains only the question whether there actually his days with the game controller in your hand in front of the screen wants to spend - or can.

This coin argue.

In the spring of Electronic Arts published a game with signal effect. "Battlefield Heroes" for free - but could bring in much money and video games forever. The magazine analyzed the GEE model for the future "digital distribution".

 

"All signs point to growth": This forecast does not come from the time before the global economic crisis, it is currently in a press statement from Karlsruhe. There sits Gameforge, a medium-sized business, and announces it to recruit 200 employees to want: graphic designers, programmers, system administrators and assistants to senior management. Because the transactions go well.

Gameforge distributes almost exclusively Browsergames, the "Gladiatus" and "OGame". This is not about casual games, but about strategy or online role-playing games. Their names rarely appear in hitlists on, but on a lot of banner ads on the Internet. They are used by many hardcore gamers laughed and still played by millions of people. You are free in principle - "Free2Play" is the model - they run on any computer no matter how old and are financed exclusively by "Downloadable Content (DLC), the sale of virtual items to tiny amounts. The player can buy items for real money, which his game, or more personal success.

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Love For Games

April 2009

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And this so-called micropayment is precisely in times of crisis a success. Finally great games are always expensive games, the games from Karlsruhe, however, cost only what the player wants. You are always worth its price. The result: Gameforge grows, while the large video game manufacturer sales declines and job losses have to struggle.

Even the industry giant Electronic Arts is no longer as before any signs of growth, so the group is now responding and this spring the shooter Battlefield: Heroes "on the market is, of course, free and inclusive" Downloadable Content ". It is just a test balloon. But if he flies far, the others follow him.

The best games for the masses.

Facebook is not just a social network, it is with 150 million subscribers will be the largest playground in the world. The magazine GEE has the most beautiful games in the Social Network selected.

 

When Facebook announced in mid-February, user data henceforth for ever to want to save, was the great outcry, and no wonder, but now have 150 million people a profile in the world's largest social network.

Gee

They inform them about their preferences, dislikes and sensitivities, maintain contact with friends and acquaintances volatile - and they play. These are mostly casual games, puzzle games or manager who very quickly found a lot of fans.

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Love For Games

April 2009

Gee

Contents
Current Issue Order
www.geemag.de

Those games do not want to captivate for hours, but always briefly entertained. They are controlled via a simple interface that rather early Windows programs as reminiscent of a computer game. The community consists of games with or against, victories and defeats notify all Facebook friends immediately.

This makes the network is obviously not disinterested: Finally, it lives on the activity of users. And there is hardly a better reason to always back in, as the hunt for a highscore.

Biker, worms and zombies.

"GTA IV" is growing in "The Lost and Damned" on the motorcycle, "Resident Evil V" exchanged against panic and horror "Noby Noby Boy" turns and winds. That and more on the most important games of the month.

 

GTA IV: The Lost and Damned (Xbox 360) download, "GTA IV" will benötigtFür motorcycle rocker with matching console

Kaufhof creates movies and games for adults.

In the Kaufhof department stores of the chain, there are no more movies and video games, which only people aged over 18 are released. They react with the step on the mass murder of Winnenden, said the company.

 

ESRB symbol: None youth released

Cologne - Movies and games for adults are present from the Kaufhof-range deleted. The industry magazine market games a spokeswoman said the company's Galeria Kaufhof, they had "due to the happenings in Winnenden decided USK/FSK-18- computer games and movies from the sale to take." Nationwide appropriate title would already cleared from the shelves.

"From April 2009, Galeria Kaufhof USK/FSK-18-Computerspiele and movies no longer in range," said the spokeswoman, according to market games. They spoke of a "further sign of social and socio-political responsibility." You also have the sellers in the stores again for the theme sensitized minors.

Other retail chains, according to market games have not been followed up. Karstadt and Saturn also offer games and movies from 18 to continue, as before Saturn in special red envelopes - as our own additional measure minors.

Dell makes on design.

It's nice, nice thin and pretty expensive: Dell's super-slim laptop Adamo. But is the noble design pieces, as some experts believe, actually a Macbook Air killer?

 

Whether this is the right time for a premium laptop to introduce premium price? When computer manufacturers Dell seems to be convinced. While the impact of the financial crisis everywhere prices, cheap products are developed, brings Dell these days the first model of its new design brand Adamo on the market - with a starting price of 1900 euros.

This is probably a potential Macbook Air killer, orakelten several magazines after the company in early January at the CES Consumer Electronics trade show a first look at the device granted. Then
Adamo was the Phantom, advertised by its own web page, which revealed not much more than that it probably will go to design, decorated by black and white photographs pretty people.

But now, in time for the announced date, Dell has the cat out of the bag left. On the music, film and media festival South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas was now a first copy of the precious notebooks sighted. The official announcement will take place on Tuesday lunchtime, confirmed Dell blogs ONLINE.

Blogs, including vanity

What images already betrayed: Optically makes what her neatly Adamo. As Apple's latest MacBooks is the chassis of an elaborately machined aluminum block. It is light and stable at the same time. The display lid also adorns a fine pattern. The processing makes a good impression. Thus, for example, prefers the display hinge almost across the entire width of the screen, which should give additional stability.

The screen itself is so flat that it is from an LED backlight can be assumed. The resolution is supported by Dell spongy 16:9 HD as indicated, should be 1366 x 768 pixels. As it is currently in vogue, Dell will cover the screen, complete with a glossy glass from. That looks chic in effect but under certain lighting conditions like a mirror.

Not quite a MacBook Air

When the Adamo Drive serves as standard an Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 1.2 GHz clock frequency, as a storage medium is a 128 GB flash hard drive used. Two GB of RAM are available for operating system and programs. Contacts with the outside world, via USB, eSATA or Ethernet manufactured. Is wireless via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, a UMTS card, there is an option.

External monitors must be like the Macbook Air via DisplayPort angestöpselt be on the hitherto little display. As with Apple is therefore dependent on adapter to HDMI, DVI or VGA use.

Thus, the commonality of Adamo and Macbook Air, but it already. Compared with the 1.3-kilo heavy Apple flounder is the Dell laptop, with just under two kilograms already no longer lightweight. The computing power is that the Apple product a little higher, as well as the performance of the graphics. Apple uses NVIDIA's 9400M Series Dell while the integrated graphics of the Intel chipset used.

A second model is ready

In return, Dell offers more upgrade options. This allows the Apple to two GB of RAM in Adamo limited to four GB be upgraded. As external drives, various hard drives and DVD burner and a Blu-ray drive for your choice. Visually it is between the Onyx and pearl colors to choose. Black and white would have been safe to cheap belongs.

On top may Adamo Buyer with problems in a dedicated Adamo-Hotline. In addition to the more technical accessories offers Dell, however, how fashionable ladies handbags and leather Köfferchen for transporting the precious notebook.

And yet that this repertoire will grow, Dell has also been betrayed. In a diagnostic program felt "
engadget "a reference to the next model, which hopefully will be cheaper than the current 13-inch laptop. Adamo 9, read. And if the name is, is already determined what will be a 9-inch Netbook with aluminum housing, high-gloss display and hopefully a few functions that are probably not very low entry price will be justified.

Leihvideos from the Web into the living room.

TV on the Internet is slowly massenfähig. Medion adds two IPTV-enabled set-top boxes on supermarket prices on the market, such as video Buster providers deliver the right film offers. High-tech is not.

 

The video-on-Demand Provider
Video Buster is obviously very satisfied with the development. Previously customers had to either of the bid before the PC or put the computer into the living room to the movies from the online video to watch. Now a box web video on the TV screen, pick, quick, cheap and easy.

"There are no more than three connectors and a few seconds loading time needed" until the box for the first time on television reports said the company. Even a little later should one of the movies about a thousand of the company offer comprehensive user. It also allows the box from the TV to music, movies and photos access, on the home PC are stored.

The box itself is a product of the consumer electronics company Medion Essen. 149 Euro, the inconspicuous black box cost. In the device cost is a 25-euro voucher for the video Buster Offer already included. Unlike many currently available set-top boxes is a Medion Life S27022 device is not designated to a specific DSL provider.

Without Windows no videos

Without a computer works the settop box is not. "The films will be selected on the PC, but played on TV," says project leader Matthias Zinecker. In his view, it is easier in this way a TV program, rather than through cumbersome menus hangeln screen.

The setting on the PC as the control center for the selection of films, however, automatically locks all the Linux and Mac users. A PC with at least Windows XP with Service Pack 2 runs, a 2-megabit DSL connection and Microsoft Windows Media Player 11 are the minimum requirements to use the player.

A switch is enough

The technical equipment of the Medion Life S27022 is meager. Your processor is clocked at 300 MHz, 128 MB of RAM size. The operating system runs on the box an integrated version of Windows CE 5.0. The has also built for the Microsoft copy protection system Media DRM-10 is required. The network either via Ethernet cable or wireless LAN.

On the television is the box via Scart socket, which is the current flat-screen TVs has become outdated. For modern HD TVs, the HDMI socket as standard. The tone, the digital device via an optical SPDIF port, analog ports are not available. As the only mechanical element is an On / Off Switch available on the status LED indicating.

More opportunities with HDD and DVB-T

Some more features, however, the Medion Life S27200. These set-top box is completely self-sufficient from the computer to use, visually resembles even more like a VCR. As the S27022 is also this box wirelessly or via cable into the network involved. So, she can also media content from the PC to bring the TV. Furthermore, the most popular YouTube videos, and other selected web videos available. In addition, the S27200-Buster on Video Rental accessed.

Additionally, this box but with two DVB-T TV receivers equipped. So you can except Internet TV also ordinary digital terrestrial TV channels. A 250-gigabyte hard drive allows you to watch TV even delayed, TV shows such as pause, then continue to look, or recordings to be programmed. Up to 125 hours TV content should focus on this way on the hard disk can store.

Even with this model is specified by the manufacturer but also a Windows-based PC is required. In addition, the recorder as a useful device with 250 Euro is much more expensive than the pure streaming box S27022. Despite this extra charge, the manufacturer but also to the installation of a HDMI port waived. Under the time is no more.

Now comes the Netbook Google.

Now it's official: Asus Netbook plans with the Google Android operating system. In a few months should give first device. An announcement that the far-reaching consequences might be.

 

Hanover - Rumors about such a project swashes through the network for months, now it's official: The computer manufacturer Asus is working on a device with the Google Android operating system. Currently, the use of cell phones to date operating system tailored to future models of the Netbook EEEPC Series tested, confirmed Asus-Europe boss Eric Chen of the Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa at the Cebit computer fair in Hanover. Still, the project in the experimental stage, said Chen. First results will be according to Chen in one to two months.

That it is possible, the Android system on a Netbook to get, it was months before been demonstrated. Already on 1 January, two employees of the news page
Venture Beat 'on their successful efforts reported on an Android EEEPC 1000h to install. Shortly before the reported Google Developer Dima Zavin, he had the system for a 701 EEEPC adjusted.

With prices from 200 to 600 euro are small and lightweight Netbook currently the only significantly growing segment in the PC market. The market researcher Gartner forecast for this year sales jump of 11.7 to 21 million units. At the same time become the overall PC market with a decline in sales from 11.9 percent to 257 million computers registered the highest drop its history.

Asus had the now booming Netbook market for about one and a half years with the introduction of the first EEEPC founded. The success of the relatively cheap equipment, said to the AP's so that many consumer mini-notebooks as second or third unit growth, while desktop PCs on average only once every two to three years would be exchanged.

"Vista is designed for mobile use too large"

The effects of Android operating system for Netbook should be drastically. So far, the devices are either with the free Linux operating system or Microsoft Windows XP shipped. For many models, buyers have the choice of operating system. For the Windows versions, however, most extras in the field from 30 to 50 euros due. In addition, Windows Netbook usually worse equipped than their Linux counterparts.

Microsoft has included in its licensing terms for the long-outdated Windows XP a limit of one gigabyte of RAM and 160 gigabyte hard disk defined. Only once, probably at the end of 2009, the new Windows 7 comes on the market, should those restrictions disappear. While the current Windows Vista due to its high standards are not compatible with Netbook has been repeatedly demonstrated that Windows 7 runs on Netbook - Microsoft at the Cebit show, inter alia, a device Acer, on the Windows 7 is installed.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has also announced that it is a Windows-7-version for notebooks will be small. From this software, Chen expects that a further upturn in the market. He said Vista is "for mobile applications are often simply too extensive."

The Netbook for mobile

If, however, Asus Android-based Netbook on the market, the cards could be the new mix. Since Android is built on Linux, it is subject to no restrictions on what the hardware is concerned. In addition, Android is already well prepared to mobile communications. This would be perfect for Netbook with built-in wireless card suitable. This new category of UMTS Netbook is still relatively young and running especially with mobile operators open door.

T-Mobile has about two Netbook with built-in UMTS card offer, from a euro - including mobile data contract - are to have. Data from firms circles is that this offer a great success, the devices are selling faster than the shelves can be refilled.

A friendly and nice UMTS Netbook with good hardware, integrated wireless card and Android operating system would be an almost secure success. And not only for the manufacturer and a potential partner from the mobile industry. Also Google should such projects favorably watch. Finally, Google Android in the deep-rooted system. Thus, each new Android-Netbook users automatically have a Google user.

Amazon brings Kindle software on the iPhone.

The announcement came without warning: starting Wednesday, the online mail-order an Amazon Kindle software for iPod touch and iPhone offer. First opens the company so that its digital books treasure for devices from other manufacturers - not without deeper meaning.

 

The Kindle program for Apple's mobile gadgets is starting Wednesday in Apple's App Store for download. The company has argued that the software will allow Apple users, the same electronic editions of books, newspapers and magazines on their devices to look like Kindle buyers. With one big difference: While the
E-book Reader Amazon Kindle 2, that will cost $ 359, the iPhone and iPod software free of charge.

The special thing is not that there is now an e-book software for Apple products, such programs have existed for a long time. The special feature is that Amazon's Kindle for the first time produced content to another device available.

It is hardly Apple's user restrictions to the original feel. All content for the Kindle 2 special offers will also be using the new software to be usable. Since the Apple devices as opposed to Amazon's reader, however, equipped with color screens are produced according to books on the iPhone even in color. The Kindle, on the other hand has only a monochrome display.

Apple users need to read yourself

Forget the iPhone-users have, however,
the controversial ability of the Kindle, text aloud. In addition, they must be new books on the computer on the Amazon web buying, while the Kindle via the wireless network to the current 240,000 titles in Amazon's digital library can access.

Who do both devices, ie a Kindle and an iPod or an iPhone, take their digital books can synchronize with each other. So begins one example, a book on the Kindle to read can be found on the Apple cell phone exactly at the point more to the man on the Kindle is removed by the bookmarks of the devices are synchronized with each other. Digital donkey ears, so to speak.

The development of the Kindle software for iPhone and iPod touch have several months, said Ian Fred, Amazon's vice president for the Kindle. Fear that free software could be potential customers from buying Kindle-hold, the company did not seem quite the opposite. Much more will be supply to use as bait, hoping in this way, technikaffine users to the system used Kindle, and finally move to buy them.

Whether and when the software is also available in Germany, was on Wednesday morning not to know.

The Modbook is not a Macbook.

Out keyboard, touchscreen purely: The Modbook is what Apple does not create. Per-screen transformation from an ordinary Apple Mac laptop computer with mobile-screen control. Matthias Kremp is the first in Germany tried copy available.

 

Well, that
Jamiri not seen before. Because such a Modbook, the dream of many designers, including our house draftsman's. At least, though, as Jamiri, computer mouse has long said farewell, drawings and paintings by drawing pen on the digital screen of their computer.

Photo: blogs ONLINE
Video: sac

But right on the screen is at least with the Macs, which many designers are using, are not. A touchscreen computer from Apple, there are still not, despite the rumors it cooks
already have several predicted. Even
a patent on such a Tablet Mac, Apple has already filed - without the patent a real computer to do.

In such a device would be a good thing: it writes and paints it with a pen, almost like on a canvas. Only that is just digital. Geht mal a dash next to it, simply delete it if you would like to fill a large area, use the filling as a paint bucket. A digital dreamland for creatives. And that is exactly what there is now. Although not from Apple, but almost. Modbook is the name of the device and is a Macbook, as it is from Apple so far can not get.

Where is the keyboard?

Because the screen of the Modbook is a digital canvas. A real touch screen, however, he is not. With the fingers can be pointed herumtippen as much as you want, a reaction can not trigger. To actually do something to move, one has to use the stylus, which just below the screen is pushed into the housing. By the computer can then not only as Malunterlage using it, can be made by pen also quite normal to control the operating system. The plastic pen is used here simply as a mouse replacement - and you need.

Because basically it is the Modbook nothing more than a modified Macbook. Each piece is unique, by specially trained technicians manually rebuilt. Keyboard and screen to fly out, be covered by a near-touchscreen replaced. However, is not like a normal notebook display as a protective cover on the device. Instead, the display lugt rigidly outwards.

This design is unusual. For Windows users have been around for years called the Tablet PC, also via pin can be controlled. These devices are, however, mostly with a 180 degrees rotating display. Fold has a normal notebook with a keyboard and touchpad. Only when the display on a complex hinge is reversed, the keypad disappears under the lid and the screen is swept outwards. The disadvantage of this type: Tablet PCs are often relatively thick and heavy.

Including digital eraser

But whether or tablet PC Modbook: The special Malstift to Herumkritzeln on the screen must be used. At the Modbook delivers it to the manufacturer in wise foresight equivalent in duplicate with. Because the use of interchangeable tips, not only over time, the inconspicuous pointing devices in the creative chaos can also be time lost. And even though the pen felt no more than 50 cents worth is likely to be charged replacement loose 50 euros.

This is probably due to the fact that this technology from the graphics tablet manufacturer Wacom werkelt. Anyone who has ever such a graphics tablet has worked is the typical Wacom form immediately recognize. Among other things, because the two extra side buttons to get to your mood with functions can occupy. Equally useful is the digital eraser on the head end of the stylus, which does exactly what we expected of him: It erased digital paintings back from the screen.

Hakeliges portrait

But of course you can use the Modbook also do other than just paint. But then should you look at the small luxury, keyboard and mouse. This is often faster. Not quickly, however, is the integrated GPS module, which is in the current version can be safely forgotten.

A software problem prevented in the current version is still a fast and reliable satellite tracking. Compared with USB GPS receivers and portable Navis, the Modbook great difficulty to determine its position. In the test worked only under the open sky. At one Fester behind several other GPS devices can be easily located by, found the Modbook although some satellites, but it was not finished, and their signals to a meaningful position specification to come. After all: A software update will soon remedy this.

This is also for the monitor control is necessary. As with so-called pivot monitors can display the contents at 90 degrees into portrait shoot. This works fine - but only in one direction. Once the display is turned upright, squeeze the menus of the Apple desktop (Finder), the menu entry for turning back of the screen. The only way out of this Sackgase is to create a program that has fewer features menu items, so that the monitor control again becomes visible.

The pen-Mac is a luxury item

Which brings us the price would be, and is simply too high. 1300 Euro, the Modbook conversion in
mStore cost of the device in Germany. A matching Macbook to get from 1000 euros. Compatible moment, however, is only the model in a white plastic housing. The modern
Aluminum Macbook can not be rebuilt. Similarly, there is as yet no Modbook based on the Macbook Pro. Such a Modbook Per the manufacturer wants the end of June to offer. Meanwhile surcharge over the base model Apple will, however, even at less than 3000 Euro.

In the best case cost of a pen by Macbook operate in minimum configuration that is around 2500 euros. A similar tablet PC to get on the other hand, even at prices which are just over 1000 euros, including a rotating display and an integrated keyboard. However, even including Windows Vista, with which Mac users can hardly friends.

And therefore the Modbook remains, as long as Apple is nothing comparable to offer, the only way for Apple users to a mobile touchscreen Mac to come. But only if they are willing and capable of challenging the hearty surcharge to pay for the Axiotron calculated Modbook. After a somewhat more favorable conversion set is being planned. This should be without S Modbook GPS offered and about 500 euros cheaper than the current model. Really cheap but also not.

Living room TV from the Web.

The TV is at the center of the digital lifestyle back - hope its manufacturer. This is why TV sets are now webtauglich. The electronics group Philips, the technology soon in many devices installed. The whole internet to get to but can not see.

 

Philips wants to create what TV manufacturers have long been dreaming, the Internet, bring into your living room. Net TV is called the Dutch electronics group, and the promises the launch of a new generation of multimedia-screen televisions. " The aim of your couch from "a simple and quick access to a variety of entertainment and information offerings of the Internet" offer. And they also - but not much more.

So far, attempts to make Internet-TV, usually failed. Various problems plagued the manufacturer. It was at the time of the CRT TVs, the resolution of the devices too low to display Web pages easy to read them. This has resulted in periods of HD-TVs are changed, but remained an operator problem. By remote control can be difficult to control normal web browser, a keyboard, even if it is wireless, though not everyone on the sofa table and have a good replacement for mouse sofa surfers, there are not yet.

Is apparently aware of these problems, Philips engineers have not even tried the Internet, just as you would know from the PC to the TV to transfer. Instead, it runs on the Net-TV-sets of TV habits adapted version of the WWW. This is apparently by a modified version of an Opera browser and it works really well and easy.

The Web from the perspective of a TV

On the remote control of the device has only a Net-TV Key pointed out that there is an Internet-TV is at work. Pressing this button launches the browser and displays several rows of large icons that symbolize the various web sites - these are the bookmarks. By operating on the remote junction can be viewed by hangeln this list, pressing the OK button loads the current page.

So easy does the TV-Internet but only with websites that are sent to the Philips system were adjusted. That means, first, that these websites in the Internet-dialect CE must be HTML formatted. On the other hand, that images and text for display on TV should be optimized. About 200 partners who provide their content on this way of presenting the Dutch have so far found. Below Tageschau.de, eBay, kickers and Tomtom.

YouTube killer app

Some nice deals are in the process of the Internet but is still something larger. Conceptually, this is reminiscent of the mobile portals, which network providers and long tried in vain to make their mobile phone customers to mobile internet usage to make palatable. Popular Internet was on the phone but only when devices like the iPhone a mobile access to normal web pages allowed.

ON TO ONLINE blogs

Cinemascope-TV: The first TV in cinema format (14.01.2009)

My Personal TV Digital: TV times personally (02.10.2008)

Ifa Trends: IPTV wants out of the niche (31.08.2008)

Meets network TV: The end of living gap (09.05.2008)

And there is also on the Web TVs from Philips. Web addresses to enter with the remote a bit awkward, but reasonably well. The result is however not always as expected. Philips used the Opera browser is optimized CE-HTML, which is the navigation of a website only via remote control possible. Correctly displayed on the Philips equipment only a question of pages that the server is already a CE-HTML version offer. Otherwise - an obvious compromise - often the mobile version of a web page delivery, reflecting the wide-screen LCD but at best, strange effect.

So far there are but very few web site operator, a version in the CE-HTML offer: It hides a chicken-egg problem. Philips is the first manufacturer ever, especially for the consumer electronics devices (hence CE) optimized HTML version uses. Whether it will develop a standard, wait, most website operators, but only once: There is evidence, because as the Open IPTV Forum so decides. However the big advantage of Philips' competitors Samsung, Sony, Sharp and Panasonic CE-HTML for their Internet TV, although some of them of the Digital Living Network Alliance, who here living standards for web development and wants also supports CE-HTML . Everything seems to be still open.

What with the device really works well, is the retrieval of online video. That, however, only if they are streamed. The built-in TV cache is quite small, more movies can not accommodate. Youtube videos and movie trailers but can enjoy fine as long as the internet connection is fast enough. Here, the killer application of network TV are: In addition to the Häppchenkram of YouTube, there are finally more and more legal, streamed video-on-demand offerings.

Net TV is standard, but not cheap

But Philips has chosen the non-exclusive basis for wisdom. Panasonic, for example, has been in early 2008 at the CES Consumer Electronics trade show a similar concept. It is now called Viera Cast, in the U.S. may already be used. In Europe, the system in spring 2009 at the starting line.

Samsung, however, is moving hintenan content, instead, wants information primarily in text form on the screen magic. Info Live is the appropriate system for retrieving RSS feeds with the TV and is in the top models of the manufacturer's. Similarly, also for Sony, whose new Bravia models on the AppliCast Service "news or weather information [...], Lifestyle News" can be consulted.

Like its competitors, the Internet TV at Philips also not extra charge, at least not directly. Starting in April, many new Philips TV set by default with the web technology. But not all. Only those models, even with Ambilight (light bars on the chassis to fit the television screen lights) are fitted, you can also go online. The starting price here is around 1400 euros for a TV set in 32-inch format.

The Web service itself is financed by advertising, is for the customer that is almost free. Almost, because of course still an Internet connection is required on the TV with the Web can connect. But do we need anyway to get the rest of the World Wide Web to look - with a computer.