Tag Archives: Tech
Union worries over Vodafone call centre closure
Union leaders voiced concerns today about the closure of a Vodafone call centre with the loss of 400 jobs.
The Communication Workers Union said the news, affecting the site at Banbury in Oxfordshire, followed earlier job cuts, a recruitment freeze and greater use of outsource companies.
Deputy general secretary Andy Kerr said: “Obviously, this is really bad news for staff working in the Banbury call centre, but this isn’t an isolated announcement.
“We’re particularly concerned by the growing use of outsource companies by Vodafone which inevitably have lower pay and conditions for staff. Coupled with the job losses, this adds up to a sustained slimming-down of Vodafone’s direct workforce.
New iPhone 4 ad focuses on Every great thing about Retina Display
Apple has just posted a new iPhone 4 commercial, that one called “Every” and focused on the 960×640 Retina Display.
Calling it the highest resolution phone screen ever, it shows zooming in on a photo of a child’s freckled face, the Pixar(!) movie Up, the calligraphic logo-type of the New York Times, highlighting in iBooks, the official Twitter for iPhone app, CoverFlow in the iPod app, Epic’s amazing Unreal engine, and a home video.
It additionally confirms Apple has gone full circle from focusing on features for the original iPhone 2G, to focusing on apps for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, to once again focusing on features for iPhone 4 like FaceTime and now Retina Display. It makes sense as competition first caught up to (and exceeded) features of previous models and are now beginning to catch up on apps. Reframing around the brief window of feature
advantage iPhone 4 enjoys and adding in a big fat helping of emotional resonance will solidify the already iconic Apple sort in customers’ minds.
The only question is, as Retina Displays and video calling becomes the norm, what’s the next differentiator for Apple? AirPlay?
Taiwan, India to co-develop 4G broadband wireless products
Taipei, Sept. 1 (CNA) The Taiwan-based Institute for Information Industry (III) said Wednesday that it would collaborate with India’s Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) to develop 4G broadband wireless technologies and products.
The III and CEWIT signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) focusing on R&D in Taipei Wednesday, marking the first cooperation agreement between the institutes, the III said.
The deal aims to help Taiwanese manufacturers become core network equipment suppliers, it said.
“With fast-growing India expected to become one of the largest 3G and 4G markets in the world, the proposed R&D cooperation is expected to assist Taiwanese manufactures to step into the giant market early,” said C.K. Lee, chief executive officer of the III.
Capgemini acquires a 55% stake in CPM Braxis, the leading Brazilian IT services player
Paris, September 2, 2010 – Capgemini, one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, has just reached an agreement with the shareholders of CPM Braxis which will see Capgemini acquire a 55% interest in the leading Brazilian IT services company.
With a client base of major Brazilian and international companies, particularly in the financial sector, CPM Braxis expects to record 2010 revenues of around BRL 1 billion (€450 million). The deal will enable Capgemini to considerably boost its presence in Brazil an IT services market amongst those with the highest potential. The agreement will see the Group widen its client base and contributes to Capgemini’s ability to better support its international clients in their developments in Brazil. CPM Braxis will benefit from Capgemini’s assets – notably its global reach, methodologies and network of alliances – to serve its own clients, both in Brazil and around the world.
Samsung ships 1 million Galaxy S smartphones
Gamsung Galaxy
Samsung said the Android-based devices’ success can be attributed in part to an aggressive ad campaign. The company has advertised Galaxy S phones on several major TV network shows. It was also quick to point out that its decision to offer the Galaxy S through multiple carriers has helped the smartphones attract customers.
Clearwire launches Rover pay-as-you-go 4G service
clearwire clear 4g modems
The new brand is targeting 18- to 24-year-olds who are recently out of college, urban, and looking to stay connected. The service will not require a contract, and customers can sign up for unlimited data usage for just $5 per day, $20 per week, or $50 a month.
The Rover Puck will offer download speeds of 3Mbps to 6Mbps. The Puck is available for $150. And the Rover Stick is $100 and will work on MacBooks using Mac OS X, as well as Netbooks and laptops using Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. It also offers the same download speeds of between 3Mbps and 6Mbps.
The new pay-as-you-go brand will be available in Clearwire’s 49 markets. It can be bought at Rover.com or at Clear and Best Buy stores, along with some select independent wireless dealers in Houston and St. Louis.
