ComputerNews

Consumers can now personalize their Yahoo! experience with the best of the Web;Customizable apps stay with you when you're mobile

July 21, 2009 -- Yahoo! is launching a new homepage that brings together the best of the Web with the best of Yahoo! in a single destination across both PC and mobile screens. With the new Yahoo! homepage, people can easily add apps – from Yahoo! or virtually any other site on the Web – and access them from their computer or mobile devices so that their favorite content, services and experiences are always at their fingertips. The new Yahoo! homepage is available today in the U.S. at http://yahoo.com/trynew and will roll-out in France, India, the UK, and on mobile devices over the coming week.

Today's launch represents the most significant change to the Yahoo! homepage since the company's inception. By enabling this level of personalization, Yahoo! allows people to get more done, faster, all in a single place. This launch is a major milestone in the Yahoo! Open Strategy, which seeks to mesh the Yahoo! experience with the best online content and services. Read more

Full Broadband Speeds, HTML Web Experience with Touch Screen and Mobile WiMAX/WiFi Access Powered by Samsung Mondi

July 21, 2009 - Samsung Mobile today announced the commercial availability of the Samsung Mondi, the most advanced Mobile WiMAX-enabled handheld device in the U.S. The touch screen Mondi, which is Latin for "world," is designed for use with the Clear Mobile WiMAX service from Clearwire in the activated markets of Atlanta, Las Vegas, Portland, OR and future WiMAX markets.

The Samsung Mondi can harness upload and download speeds that double comparable devices running on 3G networks while taking advantage of the widespread connectivity of Mobile WiMAX. The Mondi is also equipped with WiFi, allowing users to keep strong wireless connections while working outside designated Mobile WiMAX markets.Read more

Twelpforce ™ is a new service from Best Buy for people to ask tech questions to Best Buy employees via micro blogging site Twitter. Staffed by Best Buy employees from across all operations, including Blue Shirts and Geek Squad, Twelpforce will answer product questions, troubleshoot technology challenges and solve customer service issues, all from the comfort of the users' keyboard or mobile phone. Twitter users attempting to reach Twelpforce should address their questions to @twelpforce, to alert Best Buy employees of their problems or questions.

July 20, 2009 -- Best Buy just unleashed a new service that enlists the passion and knowledge of Best Buy's vast employee base to bring assistance directly to customer computer screens via micro blogging site Twitter http://twitter.com. Staffed by Best Buy employees from across all operations, including Blue Shirts and Geek Squad, Twelpforce ™ will answer product questions, troubleshoot technology challenges and solve customer service issues, all from the comfort of the users' keyboard or mobile phone. Read more

June 24, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- From power for iPhone and Smart phones to netbooks and camcorders, Energizer continues to develop innovative and creative portable power solutions for on-the-go consumers. Making its debut will be the new line of Energizer Energi To Go branded rechargeable power packs and emergency charger products for all types of mobile electronic devices.

"Our goal is to make consumers' lives easier by giving them the power that they need, when and how they need it," said Jeff Ziminski, Chief Marketing Officer, Energizer. "Our newest Energi To Go products use the latest rechargeable charging technology to help people - and their high drain gadgets - Keep Going."Read more

June 26, 2009 -- HP just announced it will offer the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system on consumer and business PCs beginning Oct. 22.

To meet customers' computing needs while protecting their investments, the company is participating in the Windows Upgrade Option Program to help customers transition easily to Windows 7. The program will enable customers who purchase qualifying HP PCs to enjoy the benefits of a new Windows-based PC immediately and receive a free(1) upgrade to Windows 7 when it becomes available in October.

Customers who purchase an HP PC starting today may be eligible for the upgrade program. HP customers can visit www.hp.com/go/windows7upgrade to check for upgrade eligibility, register and get answers about their PCs and current operating systems. Following general availability of Windows 7 on Oct. 22, qualifying customers will receive the Windows 7 upgrade and an upgrade utility disk(2) with a step-by-step guide for installation at their convenience.(3)Read more

June 23, 2009 – Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today unveiled the latest models in its top-selling line of Satellite consumer laptops. Built with the new economy in mind, the new Satellite line-up delivers performance, features and style while answering consumer demand for more battery life and eco-efficiency. Offered at a variety of price points starting at $699.99, these Satellite laptops offer maximum value to students, home and power users alike.

With four different product series, Satellite laptops make it easy for consumers to find the laptop that's right for them. The Satellite M and Satellite U Series offer great multimedia performance and everyday mobility, while the more powerful Satellite A and Satellite P Series, deliver an excellent platform for powering HD entertainment.

"Toshiba is the first manufacturer to deliver a fully redesigned and brand new line of consumer laptops specifically for this new economy," said Ron Smith, vice president of marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "This new portfolio of mobility and entertainment laptops is the result of listening to consumer demands. We focused on incorporating premium new features and style elements at price points that make sense for everyone, whether they need a new laptop for home, work or school."Read more

June 23, 2009 – Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced a new look, new screen sizes and a new direction for its popular Satellite L Series of everyday laptops. Designed for budget-smart consumers and "Back-to-School" shoppers, the new Satellite L Series of laptops strike an ideal balance of style, performance and cost at price points starting at just $549.99.

"In this new economy, consumers are demanding more choice," said Ron Smith, vice president of marketing of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "We've expanded our entry level laptop line, adding more screen size options, new features and brought in our Fusion Finish to give the line a fantastic new look. It's a great example of Toshiba's ability to meet the market's demands with solid, high-quality products that exemplify our commitment to value and innovation."Read more

June 22, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon FiOS continues creating the ultimate broadband and home-entertainment experience by introducing on Monday (June 22) new, faster broadband speeds -- both downstream and upstream -- for the most popular FiOS Internet services. The company is also offering compelling incentives for consumers to subscribe to FiOS. New customers who order qualifying FiOS bundles are eligible for a free Compaq Mini netbook* or a Flip Ultra camcorder.

"From its inception just five years ago, Verizon FiOS has transformed the American broadband and home-entertainment experience by delivering innovative services that our competitors can't match," said Mike Ritter, chief marketing officer for Verizon Telecom. "Today FiOS leaps forward again with faster two-way broadband speed options that free customers to fully participate in today's interactive, multimedia Web."Read more

June 18, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 220 destinations for voice calling; more than 175 destinations for global data connectivity; 24-hour customer support; and a unique-to-the-industry relationship with Vodafone, one of the world's largest wireless carriers, means Verizon Wireless customers get the best of wireless while traveling internationally. Added to this state-of-the-art global service portfolio is the new USB1000 Global Modem from Novatel Wireless (Nasdaq: NVTL), which gives customers high-speed data connectivity whether in the U.S. or beyond its borders.

The Verizon Wireless USB1000 Global Modem can be ordered beginning Friday in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. The USB1000 Global Modem joins a host of sophisticated global devices that include the BlackBerry(R) Storm(TM) smartphone and the HP Mini 1151NR netbook. Verizon Wireless global devices use the latest technology for multiple frequency bands and multimode operations on CDMA and GSM networks. Customers can browse the Web, access the Internet, download files, and send and receive e-mail wirelessly whether they are on Chicago's Magnificent Mile or in Paris on the Champs-Elysees.Read more

June 15, 2009--Shutterfly, Inc. today announced the launch of Shutterfly Video, which makes it easy to share video privately and safely with friends, family members and groups on Shutterfly Share sites. Powered by Motionbox, Shutterfly Video enables users to upload and post video clips from their digital camera or camcorder to their own private or public Shutterfly Share sites.

"Customer feedback is critical to us as we continue to enhance our industry leading products and services," said Jeffrey Housenbold, president and chief executive officer of Shutterfly. "The number one request from customers regarding Shutterfly Share sites was video and we are proud to partner with Motionbox to deliver this capability with today’s announcement."

With Shutterfly Video, users can upload and post up to 10 free video clips to their personalized websites. Users have the option to upgrade to a Premium video account, which gives them unlimited video sharing and storage at an introductory annual subscription fee of $29.99. Premium video account users also will enjoy HD-quality playback, higher file size limits and video downloads. All videos can be easily shared to social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and Blogger. Read more