| T-Mobile 2008 Roadmap Calls for 3G, Android
T-Mobile is planning to finally launch their 3G network in the United States some time this summer, finally offering customers a speedier way to get their mobile data. They're a little late to party, seeing how Sprint is already working on some 4G connectivity, but it's good to see T-Mo moving in the right direction. The 3G network for T-Mobile was originally supposed to launch in 2008, but they underwent a series of serious delays that have pushed the deployment to Summer 2008. CEO Hamid Akhavan is confident, though, that the upcoming deployment will bring about a network that is quite "robust". The initial launch will be for major metropolitan areas only, of course, but that's how you build the "best 3G network in the country." In possibly bigger news, T-Mobile also plans on having a Google Android-based handset among their fold by the end of this year.
Where is my sunshine, my only sunshine?
If you suspect you have SAD, visit a mental health professional who specializes in mood or sleep disorders, in part to rule out other problems. And read up on SAD; information can be found on the Web site for The Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms (www.sltbr.org). In addition to exercising and getting outdoors, my own treatment for the winter blues involves re-reading "All Summer in a Day," which is so vivid that you can actually feel the sun's warmth on your face and arms. For a cheerier version, watch the film. The kids change their mind and free Margot just before the sun vanishes, so she can see a sliver of sunlight. Bradbury actually liked that ending more than his own, said Sam Weller, a professor at Columbia College Chicago and author of "The Bradbury Chronicles" (William Morrow, $26.95).
Christmas Shopping Picks Up After Slump
Following a slow start to December, there had been concerns among retailers that hard-up shoppers were planning a frugal Christmas. But on the last weekend before the big day, it was clear people were finally taking the spending plunge and responding to early sales events and heavy discounts. Retailers described it as a critical trading weekend that could make or break their Christmas profits. The decision of many leading chains to offer big discounts to tempt customers appeared to be paying off. A spokesman for the British Retail Consortium said: "We are expecting by close on Christmas Eve to see a modest growth, similar to last year, of about 2.5%. "I think retailers will feel in the current climate that they have done well if they match year on year growth." In London, a spokesman for the New West End company which represents retailers on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street, said Saturday's sales had exceeded retailers' expectations.
A blog about technology from BBC News
Sony is cutting its sales goal for PS3 to 9.5 million units for the year from 11 million. So is PS3 succeeding or not? It depends on how you measure it. In comparison to the Wii, the PlayStation is a failure for Sony. Wii sales are stronger, faster and despite predictions of being short-lived, show staying power. But compared to 360 sales, it may be good news for Sony. Xbox 360 sales are slowing - and worryingly for Microsoft they are slowing during a period of arguably its greatest games line-up. So what does 2008 hold? I don't believe titles like Haze or Metal Gear Solid 4 will shift that many more PS3s. But I do think Blu-ray's impact will begin to bite Microsoft. Few observers believe that HD-DVD will ever be anything more than the second placed finisher in a two horse race.
'Revanche' wins Europa prize
As part of the kudos, "Revanche" will receive the support of extended theatrical exposure and additional promotion from the Europa Cinemas network. "This is a very well-made and dramatic film that we believe has the potential to grip audiences around Europe," the jury said in a statement. "The story is absorbing, the characters well drawn and the performances uniformly strong. This is true European cinema at its best an authentic and uncompromised view of a corner of Europe." Written and directed by Spielmann, "Revanche" stars Johannes Krisch, Irina Potapenko and Andreas Lust. The film was produced by Matthias Forberg, Heinz Stussak, Sandra Bohle and Spielmann for Prisma Film und Fernsehproduktion, in co-production with Spielmannfilm. The Match Factory is handling international sales.
Cheyenne Tozzi and Brandon Davis try luck in Melbourne
CHEYENNE Tozzi and her playboy beau Brandon Davis have hit more bad luck, after arriving in Melbourne for the Millions Main Event tournament at Crown Casino. For starters, it seems Davis can't seem to win a trick, after lucking out at Melbourne's poker tables. The US party boy flew south with Tozzi to buy into the tournament that kicks off on Thursday, but he turned up a day late to actually qualify. Heading to the exclusive Mahogany Room instead, the cards didn't fall much better for Davis or his gal pal, who won few friends among the hotel staff when the couple checked in. Sources tell Confidential the couple came with a list of demands at the neighbouring Crown Towers. Lobby spies say Tozzi was seen on Friday night ordering a Crown concierge to find her a charger for her mobile phone.
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