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Thomson Reuters Names ‘Top 100 Global Innovators’ – Now Guess Who’s Missing

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:43:59 +0000

Thomson Reuters this morning announced that it has identified “the world’s 100 most innovative organizations today” through a proprietary program. I wouldn’t normally give such a list much attention, but when I was glancing at the top 100 list , I recognized many of the usual suspects on there, such as Apple, Intel, HP, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Sony, Xerox and Alcatel-Lucent. One notable name that I think everyone in this business would expect on the list was missing, though. Did good old Google really lose that much of its edge of late? Here’s the thing. According to Thomson Reuters, its program analyzes patent data and related metrics to identify the world leaders innovation activity. Allow me to quote David Brown, president of the IP Solutions business of Thomson Reuters: “We salute these companies and their leaders for the innovative spirit they foster and their commitment to protecting intellectual assets.” Thomson Reuters looked at all organizations with 100 or more “innovative” patents, and how many of them were granted, over the past three years, and also how often they get cited in other patent filings. They also looked at how many ‘major world markets’ their patents were protected in, ruling out a bunch of innovative companies that don’t have the resources to do this on a global scale (yet). Now, I’m not an expert, but I daresay patent-related metrics should only be part of the methodology one should use to determine who is innovating or not. Put differently, if a company like Google – despite its flaws, easily one of the hallmark hotbeds of innovation the world knows today – is not worthy of this list, then my assumption is the criteria used to get other companies ranked on there are pretty much worthless. Interestingly, Thomson Reuters ranks ‘Motorola Inc.’ as a top 100 global innovator, even if there’s no such company anymore. That company was divided into two separate entities, Motorola Solutions and Motorola Mobility, so it’s worth questioning the quality of Thomson Reuters’ program some more. Coincidentally, Motorola Mobility is in the process of being swallowed by Google .

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Thomson Reuters Names ‘Top 100 Global Innovators’ – Now Guess Who’s Missing

Virident Grabs $21 Million From Intel Capital, Cisco, Sequoia And More For Enterprise Storage Solutions

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:00:09 +0000

Virident , a company that offers flash-based storage solutions for enterprise, announced today that it has closed a $21 million series C funding round. The investment was led by Globespan Capital Partners , with strategic investments from Intel Capital , Cisco and contributions from existing investors, Sequoia Capital and Artiman Ventures. The series C round brings Virident to a total of $37 million in funding. So why the interest in Virident? For starters, the startup’s management team counts former Google, Sun Microsystems, Cisco, SGI, and Intel employees among its ranks. So it has some talent. Second, the (enterprise) storage space is hot. And Virident has built flash solutions that are compatible with any servers and allow enterprises to enhance not only the speed of their applications but to ensure reliable performance under heavy workloads, specifically for data-intensive workloads, like databases, business analytics, simulation, visualization and high-performance computing. Virident is operating under the belief that bringing flash memory to the storage space (both for data centers and enterprise storage) will fundamentally disrupt how information is stored. As Virident CEO Kumar Ganapathy told infoTECH , a future may well be coming in which the very flash memory chips that are built into billions of smartphones today force data centers “to adopt a completely new storage architecture with massive cost reductions and a significantly smaller footprint”. For Virident, the future is all about solid state devices. Thus, the funding announcement today goes hand-in-hand with the company’s introduction of the next generation of its flagship product, Virident FlashMAX. The new product, according to the company, allows enterprise application performance to be optimized and, something that they reiterate over and over — consistent over time, across a wide variety of dataset sizes and diverse workloads — while “providing at least twice the performance of comparably flash-based solutions”. The product also comes with built-in, Flash-aware RAID. Virident will use its series C round for market expansion and product iteration. For more on FlashMAX, check it out here.

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Virident Grabs $21 Million From Intel Capital, Cisco, Sequoia And More For Enterprise Storage Solutions

What Will the Next 40 Years of Technology Bring? [CONTEST]

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:43:08 +0000

This post is supported by Intel , Sponsors of Tomorrow™ and the world leader in silicon innovation, in celebration of the world’s first microprocessor: the Intel 4004 . In the past 40 years, technology has drastically changed our daily lives. Back then, the Internet was barely in its infancy. The smallest computer was the size of a refrigerator and was infinitely less powerful than today’s palm-sized smartphones. Nowadays, children in school can learn with peers across the globe in the classroom . Cars don’t need to run on fossil fuels. The deaf can hear . Computers are sleek enough to fit inside a manila envelope. Looking at how far technology evolved in the past 40 years, we want you to tell us: Where do we go from here? In the next 40 years, what do you think technology will be like? The most inspired response will receive an Asus UX31E-DH52 Ultrabook — so be sure to submit a thoughtful and creative answer. We look forward to hearing what you have to say! How to Enter the Contest: Tell us in the comments below what you think is on tap for the next 40 years in technology, and “like” this post on Facebook, OR Tweet your thoughts on the next 40 years in technology with the hashtag #next40yrs . Submit your answer by Monday, Nov. 14 at noon ET. Please use your real identity in the submission so that we may credit you in the follow-up post. Look out for a post with the winning submission on Tuesday, after the contest closes. This contest is limited to U.S. residents 18 and older. Please read our full contest rules here . Image courtesy of iStockphoto , iqoncept More About: Asus , contest , intel

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What Will the Next 40 Years of Technology Bring? [CONTEST]

Google+ Launches Branded Pages

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:06:45 +0000

Already using Google+? Follow Mashable’s Pete Cashmore for the latest about the platform’s new features, tips and tricks as well as social media and technology updates. Google has finally unveiled brand pages for Google+ , allowing businesses and brands to join Google’s social network. “So far Google+ has focused on connecting people with other people,” Google SVP of Social Vic Gundotra said in a blog post . “But we want to make sure you can build relationships with all the things you care about—from local businesses to global brands—so today we’re rolling out Google+ Pages worldwide.” The new Google+ brand pages look similar to Google+ Profiles, except for the little square icon that designates that it’s a Page rather than a Profile. Users can add brands such as Fox News, the Dallas Cowboys and Angry Birds to their circles, check out their information and browse their photos. When users add a brand to their circles, it increases that brand’s follower count. Google’s launch partners include Angry Birds , CNN, Fox News, the Muppets, the Dallas Cowboys, Pepsi, Toyota, Macy’s, X Games, WWE, Train, Barcelona Football Club and Save the Children. SEE ALSO: 4 Reasons Google+ Brand Pages Will Be Better Than Facebook’s [OPINION] When the search giant first launched Google+, brands immediately jumped on the opportunity to gain additional exposure. Google soon asked brands to stop creating Google+ profiles . It quickly became a controversy that forced the company to accelerate its plans for business pages . What do you think of the new Google+ pages? Let us know in the comments. BONUS: What Google+ Looks Like 1. Angry Birds The popular game welcomes Google+ followers with an excited “Ca-caww!” Click here to view this gallery. More About: Google , trending For more Business coverage: Follow Mashable Business on Twitter Become a Fan on Facebook Subscribe to the Business channel Download our free apps for Android , Mac , iPhone and iPad

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Google+ Launches Branded Pages

HP TouchSmart 620 3D PC

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:45:24 +0000

HP has been very prolific with its HP TouchSmart All-in-One PC lineup, launching the new 320, 420 and 520 last September. The HP TouchSmart 620-1080 3D is an upgrade of the HP TouchSmart 610 introduced in May 2011, it boats a 23-inch 3D display that swivels up to 180 degrees and reclines up to 60 degrees, a built-in 3D webcam, integrated Beats Audio technology, latest generation dual- or quad-core Intel Core processors and discrete graphic processor AMD Radeon HD 6670A. Following the trend of the consumer electronics industry, HP has done everything possible to push the 3D experience in the TouchSmart 620: besides the 3D webcam (see picture) the unit features TriDef Ignition Game Player for playing 3D games and users can convert any 2D picture into 3D at the click of a button. HP TouchSmart 620 3D PC , By Ubergizmo . Top Stories : iPhone 4S Review , Epic 4G Touch Review ,

HP Wireless TV Connect

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:45:24 +0000

HP is refreshing its HP Wireless TV Connect introduced in September last year . Basically, it is a similar technology then Intel WiDi except that it allows people who own computers that do not feature the WiDi chip (integrated to last generation Intel Core processors) to wirelessly stream HD multimedia content from their laptop to their TV display. It is also possible to stream 3D content from a PC to a 3D-enabled television. The main innovation is the smaller size of the box and the sweeter price at launch time: $179.99 (vs. $199 when the first version was released). The HP Wireless TV Connect wirelessly streams 1080p HD content such as photos, videos and blu-ray from any PC or notebook equipped with an HDMI port. According to the manufacturer, unlike other competing products, there is no lag in its solution. HP Wireless TV Connect , By Ubergizmo . Top Stories : Galaxy S2 Review , Droid Bionic Review ,

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HP Wireless TV Connect

Intel Itching To Work With Google’s Ice Cream Sandwich

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:36:57 +0000

Intel hasn’t been able to make much of a dent in the smartphone or tablet markets, but they’re not about to give up just yet. ComputerWorld reports that Intel is working to make Ice Cream Sandwich-powered devices a part of their future. The mobile space represents a huge opportunity for Intel, which is made all the more maddening because they’ve never really been able to crack it. Less than a handful of Intel-powered Android tabs ever saw the light of day, and most (like the Cisco Cius , which ran Froyo of all things) were geared heavily toward enterprise use. Meanwhile, if you were to peer into the innards of nearly any smartphone or tablet on the market, you would likely see an ARM-based processor. It’s a reality that can elude some, as processors can bear ostentatious names like Snapdragon and Hummingbird that obscure the nature of their architecture. Now, it looks as though Intel is about to roll their sleeves up and fight ARM’s onslaught. Intel showed off some frankly impressive smartphone and tablet reference designs at a developer event back in September, both of which ran on Intel’s Medfield plaftorm. The company has also promised that the first Intel-powered smartphone would see the a release sometime next year, so it’s apparent they’re beginning to get the lead out. Given that Intel has their eye on both the smartphone and tablet markets, their apparent zeal for Ice Cream Sandwich makes complete sense. Ice Cream Sandwich is intended to be Google’s unifying OS, one that will bridge the experience gap between smartphones and tablets alike. If Intel can ensure that Ice Cream Sandwich will run without a hitch on whatever mobile chipset they go with, they stand a serious chance at popping up in your next tablet. For the time being though, Intel is stuck playing the waiting game. According to an Intel spokesperson, Ice Cream Sandwich “includes OS optimization for x86,” so the actual work of getting ICS running may not be too difficult. Still, a concerted effort can’t begin they actually get their hands on the software, so Intel still has a little while to go before they get cracking.

Intel Itching To Work With Google’s Ice Cream Sandwich

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:36:57 +0000

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Intel Itching To Work With Google’s Ice Cream Sandwich

Intel Capital Leads $35.5M Round In TV E-Commerce Platform Delivery Agent

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:58:28 +0000

TV e-commerce company Delivery Agent has raised $35.5 million in new funding led by Intel Capital with strategic investors, Liberty Global, and Grazia Equity participating. The Series E raise includes re-investment from all current investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners, bringing total funding to date to $107.3 million. Delivery Agent helps TV networks monetize content through two distinct channels. First, the company creates online marketplaces for products and merchandise that are seen on television shows. Delivery Agent has signed on all the major networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and MTV Networks. Delivery Agent catalogues products appearing in movies and shows and then creates an e-commerce site where products can be purchases. By outsourcing all e-commerce for products seen on their networks to Delivery Agent, networks are able to monetize their content while keeping their overhead costs low. Delivery Agent’s second service is coordinating advertising from the brands that manufacture the products that are shown on a networks’ TV shows. Delivery Agent will go through the index of products that will be airing on a show prior to when the episode airs, and then reach out to the brand and offer them the ability to buy an ad package for the show. To date, Delivery Agent has processed millions of entertainment commerce transactions across traditional web, social, mobile and connected television. The company has made a number of acquisitions over the past few years including, media firm The Band and flash sales site Billion Dollar Babes.

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Intel Capital Leads $35.5M Round In TV E-Commerce Platform Delivery Agent

5 Ways Tech Companies Are Committing to Sustainability

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:18:46 +0000

The Commerce With a Conscience Series is supported by Fedex . FedEx does more than shipping. They offer solutions like transporting heart valves to those in need and helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. See how . The Great Law of the Iroquois places responsibility on the tribe’s chief for his decisions’ impact on the seventh generation to come after him. David Conrad, Nokia ‘s senior manager for sustainability operations, says the Nokia corporation is charged with the same responsibility as an Iroquois chief. As a company with global influence, Nokia — like many other tech giants — embeds sustainability into its initiatives. “We need to provide for the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of the future generation,” says Conrad. Sustainability — that is the practice of considering of the earth’s long-term well-being — has become a major buzzword. An MIT and Boston Consulting Group study found that 70% of corporations intend to invest more time or attention from management in sustainability this year. The study also emphasizes that investment in sustainable practices have survived the economy’s downturn. As world governments struggle to agree on policies for addressing climate change, corporations are paving the way toward a sustainable future. Tech companies are among the leaders of the sustainability movement, which is not surprising because they’re in the business of innovation. We’ve highlighted some of the ways tech companies are committing to sustainability. 1. Developing Green Products Can you imagine what it would be like to never need to plug in your computer? Samsung has made the no-charge computer a reality with the creation of the solar-powered laptop, the NC215, which is a hot commodity for emerging markets with inconsistent electricity supplies. The company has also developed a series of mobile phones — Replenish, Reclaim and Blue Earth — available on Sprint , that are made of bioplastic from corn, have energy efficient chargers and have fully recyclable packaging. “For some consumers, this is a huge factor in the decision,” explains David Steel, Samsung executive vice president of strategy and corporate communications. “Consumers take interest in companies and then they see if they do have specific products that don’t harm the environment.” Intel also debuted a solar-powered processor in September at its annual developer conference. Intel CTO Justin Rattner claimed the chip is five times more energy efficient than today’s processors — the chip recaptures the energy it emits — but it is not close to ready for mass production. A company representative told Mashable it has hopes of integrating the energy-efficient chip into Ultrabooks in the future. 2. Encouraging Innovation Intel not only offers a Sustainability in Action grant to any of its employees who want to undertake a project in sustainability, but also awards its employees bonuses based on their environmental performance. Grants can be awarded for small initiatives — like planting sunflower seeds in a vacant lot — or much larger ones, such as the green algae project featured in the above video. An Intel employee proposed growing algae from emitted CO2 gasses to use as biofuel for the company’s factories. “There’s a lot of potential innovation from employees at your company who may not be working full-time in one of those areas,” says Gary Niekerk, Intel’s director of global citizenship, noting that the algae project was proposed by a company attorney. 3. Rethinking the Entire Life Cycle Unlike Samsung, Nokia does not offer any specific green products because, Conrad says, sustainability is embedded into all of its operations. The company takes a holistic “life cycle” approach to sustainability, meaning environmental impact is considered in device production, packaging, transporting and removal. Environmental engineers are involved in design, materials specialists eliminate hazardous chemicals, packaging specialists focus on reducing paper and the company administrates a voluntary device take-back, ensuring devices’ responsible recycling that does not involve reexporting (see above). As another leader in device take-back, Samsung offers device return opportunities in 1,200 locations across the U.S. and has processed 60 million pounds to date. For Intel, a major part of a sustainable product life cycle is the use of renewable energy. The company is now the largest producer of renewable energy in the U.S., meeting 85% of their needs through with green energies. 4. Spreading the Word In 2007, Nokia realized that as its devices spread across the world, so too could its influence. The company, which has now served over a billion customers, began including labels reminding consumers to unplug their chargers from the wall when not in use. Conrad says each user would hopefully save one dollar’s worth of energy each year for device standby. “If you can get people to unplug, then you’re talking about a billion dollars of energy,” says Conrad. “We’ve got this information device, why not try to spread some information to influence customers to make better choices?” 5. Developing Partnerships In 2007, Google and Intel started the Climate Savers Computing Initiative , a non-profit consortium of consumers, businesses and other organizations dedicated to meeting certain energy usage targets. Cisco, Samsung, Microsoft and hundreds of other companies have joined the program, which is partnered with the World Wildlife Foundation. “It’s about asking questions, like how can we make computers, servers and server farms more efficient,” explains Intel’s Niekerk. Another such group of almost 20 leading tech companies is the Digital Energies Solutions Campaign , which works to advance policies to drive sustainable economic growth. “We say to governments around the world, how are we going to grow your economy and reduce your climate change emissions,” says Niekerk. “How can we make countries with more energy efficient to postpone climate change?” Does your company promote sustainability? Let us know in the comments below. Series supported by Fedex The Commerce With a Conscience Series is supported by Fedex . FedEx does more than shipping. They offer solutions like transporting heart valves to those in need and helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. See how . Image courtesy of iStockphoto , NREY More About: Commerce With a Conscience Series , corporate social responsibility , features , intel , mashable , Nokia , samsung , sustainability For more Business coverage: Follow Mashable Business on Twitter Become a Fan on Facebook Subscribe to the Business channel Download our free apps for Android , Mac , iPhone and iPad

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5 Ways Tech Companies Are Committing to Sustainability