Panasonic's Stingray Workstation - the power to change

Full article (press release) here

Panasonic Information Systems, a division of Panasonic System Solutions Company and a world leader in point of sale and drive-thru communication solutions, will be showing their revolutionary Stingray Workstation (model JS-950) at FS/TEC 2008. With its flexible open architecture and versatile modular construction that provides lower total cost of ownership, this unique workstation is transforming the POS market with “the power to change."

“Stingray is so innovative in its approach to providing users what they need, it has changed the way POS workstations are selected and sold in the quick service and hospitality industries,” said Doyle Ledford, Director, Panasonic Information Systems. “The open platform design of our new Stingray applies both to software and hardware, as this workstation will run virtually any operating system, and software and can be configured with the selection of components and capabilities that best meet users’ specific needs. Most importantly, Stingray allows for change – both in terms of software upgrades and hardware changes – both easily and cost-efficiently. It’s the POS solution that offers lower total cost of ownership by evolving as your business needs change and by offering user replaceable components such as the LCD display and hard drive.”

Stingray’s open architecture runs virtually any operating system and software, allowing users to implement most off-the-shelf or custom POS applications to meet their specific needs. With a high speed processor and up to 2 GB of on-board RAM, Stingray is ideal for stand-alone applications and can also be integrated into a LAN network to run the most demanding back office operations. It can also run multiple software applications to further extend its functionality and overall efficiency. In addition, it's backwards compatible, allowing operators to replace one workstation at a time for maximum cost-efficiency.

Stingray’s unique all-in-one modular design allows convenient, cost-effective customization to meet specific application needs. Users can design it to fit their operations with the confidence of knowing they have the power to change the unit’s configuration at any time. Stingray allows users to easily increase RAM, swap or change hard drives, remove/replace the LCD display, switch the 15” LCD display from landscape to portrait, add a card reader in the position they want, or add security devices – all with no need for a technician. Stingray’s dual back lit LCD adjustable displays deliver high-resolution, high-contrast images and are available with resistive or capacitive touch screen technology for faster, more accurate order taking.

Apple iPhone prices - confirmed to be cut

Article from Macworld.com (visit original article)

O2 has officially confirmed its anticipated £100 (US$200) discount on the 8GB iPhone, offering the device for just £169 until 1 June 2008. The move matches a discount recently initiated by Apple’s German network partner, T-Mobile, but the discount isn’t being applied on sales of the 16GB iPhone, which continues to cost £329. The offer is available from April 16th on all O2 iPhone tariffs and is designed (according to O2) to add momentum to what it calls its “fastest-selling device”.

O2 notes that iPhone users are among its most satisfied customers and declared the aim of the deal is to “bring its benefits to an even greater number of customers”.

“The iPhone has also been hugely successful in attracting new high value customers to O2 who are also more likely to recommend O2 to their friends and family. Sixty percent of iPhone customers are new to O2 while iPhone customers spend on average 30 percent more than other Pay Monthly customers”, O2 explained.

The move - which occurs a little more than a week after O2 said it had no immediate plans to cut iPhone prices - also comes as expectation continues to build that Apple will introduce a second-generation iPhone that supports the fast 3G wireless standard, perhaps as soon as June. The move also seem designed to clear stock of the existing 8GB model, possibly indicating higher capacity models are on the road map. O2 explains its offer to be “subject to stock availability.”

Samsung Electronics and Giorgio Armani - Premium LCD Television

From the official Samsung website: Press release

With the occasion of the Milan International Furniture Fair Samsung Electronics and Giorgio Armani, one of the leading fashion and luxury goods groups in the world, unveil the new Armani/Samsung premium LCD television, designed for a discriminating consumer, who is seeking a prestige television that combines sophisticated design and leading flat screen technology.

The Armani/Samsung LCD Television is the second product (following the Giorgio Armani - Samsung mobile phone) designed by Giorgio Armani under a strategic marketing alliance announced by the two companies in September, 2007. The alliance foresees the development of a range of prestige portable and home consumer electronics products matching Giorgio Armani’s iconic design aesthetic with Samsung’s cutting-edge technology and leadership in consumer electronics.

Unique design elements include a stylish remote control and a special 4-mode lighted power switch that customizes the display of the two companies’ logos on the front of the television. At rest, the remote mirrors the simple elegance of the television itself. When handled, the unit immediately comes alive with radiant backlights to present a full range of convenient features. The television also comes with a smaller, pebble-shaped remote for basic functions that rests at the corner of the stand.

The unit is further accentuated by glass in the front and shows simple but solid natural lines that convey pure emotional expression. Both models, 46-inch and 52-inch, are to incorporate many of the features and cutting-edge technologically, such as 100Hz Full HD and HDMI connectors, that have made Samsung Televisions world renowned for their outstanding picture quality and high-end functionality.

The design of the Armani/Samsung LCD Television has been inspired by Giorgio Armani's new 2008/09 Armani/Casa home furnishings collection, which includes the Brahms tea table in pleated effect glossy black lacquered wood which has been specifically designed to host the new television.

Giorgio Armani said, "There was once a time when one would want to hide a television as it never failed to disturb the ambience of a living room. Now, through the incredible advance in technology, flat screen televisions can easily be incorporated into the design solution for a home."

Bookeun Yoon, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Division of Samsung Electronics said, “There are more and more consumers today who are increasingly style conscious in their selection of home electronics products. They are looking for products that unite the best contemporary design with technological performance and functionality. This partnership therefore affords us the chance to offer those consumers unique products matching Giorgio Armani's sophisticated, iconic style with Samsung's leading technology."

The 46-inch Armani/Samsung Television, will be launched initially in Europe, Korea and Russia in mid summer . The 52-inch model will be launched in late-summer in the same market.