FCC seen reviewing rules for carrier spectrum sales, might try one-size-fits-all model

The FCC currently decides on concerns of wireless spectrum concentration on a case-by-case basis: what's acceptable in one deal might be forbidden in another. That inconsistency can be maddening to carriers and advocacy groups alike, which is why FCC Chairman Juilus Genachowski is reportedly on the cusp of distributing an order to review the process. Talking to The Hill, an official at the agency claims that the review would ask for input on creating a universal standard that would apply to all deals, hopefully providing "clarity and predictability" for any company making a spectrum grab. The order could be distributed to the FCC's commissioners next week and voted on next month, although there's no sign of an impending revolution -- it's just a call for opinions, after all. Regardless, the two sides of the spectrum debate already like the idea, as it could both prevent complaints by carriers of ambush regulation as well as toughen up rules that critics say hands too large a slice of the airwaves to the incumbents.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

FCC seen reviewing rules for carrier spectrum sales, might try one-size-fits-all model originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford taking Model T-like approach in China

Filed under: China, Ford

Ford Motor Company knows a thing or two about building an empire on the back of a rock-bottom-priced automobile sold to customers in rural regions. That's why the company's strategy in China has been baffling to some analysts. Fords are expensive in China, and there are only a few models that you can get there. This is a problem for Ford, especially as the market for new cars in China, once hotter than the sun, cools a bit. With other markets plumbing new depths, Bloomberg reports that Ford is going back to something like Henry's own game plan.

If you want to become a volume leader in the world," says Ford Motor China Ltd. Chairman and CEO Joe Hinrichs, "you'll have to compete at the lower price points because that's where the growth is." Ford is spending nearly $5 billion to build factories in Asia, with the goal of bumping sales to five times current levels by 2020. It's a strategy intended to beat back the aggressive moves of General Motors and Volkswagen deeper into the Chinese countryside.

"Nearly every established Western automaker has a jump on Ford selling cars in China. Ford hasn't helped itself by offering a limited selection of models at higher prices than the competition, either, though that's beginning to shift with low-priced offerings like the hot-selling Figo B-segment entry. Hinrichs thinks there's gold in the Chinese countryside, and that's why Ford's adding three utility vehicles to its Chinese offerings, importing the Explorer, and expanding local production to get vehicles in Chinese showrooms that don't have import duties tacked on.

With the car market in Europe teetering on the razor's edge of failure and North America still an open question, automakers are looking for more steady success, and executives seem to think that Asia has potential. Ford's going to try and make up lots of ground in what may prove to be the fight of its life, rather than merely an exceptionally ambitious growth plan in a market the Blue Oval was late in embracing.

Ford taking Model T-like approach in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(PR) Thecus Presents New Model N4510U 4-Bay Eco 1U Rackmount NAS

The embedded Intel Atom CPU provides over-the-top performance to power on hungry NAS demands. In fact, utilizing a 64-bit driver allows the N4510U NAS to perform at its best. With HDMI output, USB 3.0 and hot-swap ability, the N4510U NAS packs powerful and dynamic features despite its 1U size. Attaching a TV tuner to the N4510U allows the ability to watch TV via your Thecus NAS. The flexibility of Thecus NAS elevates the user experience. In fact, not only watch TV but also record what you are watching directly to you NAS for instant media playback.

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(PR) Thecus Unveils New Model Naming Scheme

Following this new scheme, you will be able to know right away a few details about the device you are looking at. New units will be available soon, stay tuned with Thecus to find out what the creator in storage will have to offer to the world.

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FlyNano proto takes to the air, final model will soar mainly with electrons (video)

Last time we saw the FlyNano amphibious ultralight plane, we weren't sure if it would be gas or electric, and we wondered who'd be brave enough to fly the tiny thing -- if it flew at all. That's all been answered, because the sub-154 pound carbon fibre vehicle completed its first flight, taking a brief skip above a Finnish lake with pilot Pekka Kauppinen at the helm. The short trip showed promise, and the company affirmed it would continue development and airborne tests with the aim of delivering to customers in late 2013. According to the maker, recent technology gains mean that electric motors will now be the main power option. No change to the $27k base price tag was announced, so if you've got the nerve to strap one on -- and a lake to launch from -- click the source or watch the video after the break.

Continue reading FlyNano proto takes to the air, final model will soar mainly with electrons (video)

FlyNano proto takes to the air, final model will soar mainly with electrons (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jun 2012 19:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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