16 Megapixel Sensor To Be In Smartphones Later This Year/Early Next.

While the biggest number of megapixels doesn’t always transfer to the greatest picture, there’s something to be said abou ta 16-megapixel sensor for a smartphone camera. Renesas Technology has announced a new sensor of theirs that could allow up to 16-megapixel image capture. On top of that, the chip is said to support high-speed continuous shooting at 15fps at 13 megapixels.

The company has already started shipping sample chips to manufacturers for testing purposes, and announced via press release that commercial shipments should being in March of this year.

Wireless Industry Joins Canadian Gov’t in Opposing “iPod Tax”. #ipodtax

For almost a year now, various members of the Canadian government and various content owner executives have been pushing for an “iPod Tax” that would levy a hefty C$75 surcharge onto every digital music player and smartphone on the market. The false guise of course relating to copyright and how the digital revolution is killing the music industry. The thought of such a bill passing didn’t make much sense then, and almost a year later still doesn’t. That’s why it with great relief that I announce the bill is being rejected by not only the Canadian government as whole, but the wireless industry as well.

President and CEO of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), Bernard Lord had this to say:

“This is absolutely the right decision for consumers as the Government moves forward with its digital economy strategy. We don’t agree that law-abiding consumers should have to pay twice – once to legally download a song, and once again for the right to play it on a MP3 player or smartphone. There are also lots of uses for digital media players and smartphones that don’t involve playing recorded music, and this proposal would have unfairly penalized consumers that way too. The Government definitely got this right.”

This is definitely a win for the Canadian people.

iPad Subscription Terms Delaying Apple/Publishers Deal. #ipad #appstore #ios

While Apple has been rumored many times to be in the final stages of preparing a new iOS update to handle in-app subscriptions, specifically for magazines and other digital publications, new information from AllThingsD details a sticking point between Apple and publishers — consumer information. Publishers want your credit card info and Apple won’t let them have it. Apparently, the current terms that have been put forth BY Apple give publishers the access to poll for a reader’s name, mailing address, and email address, but not credit card information. Such information is generally highly sought after by publishers due to the ability to better market advertisements and other product offerings. Furthermore, publishers are said to also be unhappy with Apple’s 30% keep on subscription costs.

On one hand, Apple deserves 30% as they’re handling all of the front end consumer transactions, distribution, marketing, etc. Publishers would surely demand at least 30% if they were acting as the digital store front themselves. So why not Apple? On the other, Apple is demanding to keep a chunk of what little profits the print industry can still claim…

Microsoft Re-launches Games for Windows Live.

For PC gamers, one of the most widely used and popular digital storefronts is Steam. Steam has a vast library, an intuitive interface, and pretty respectable prices. Microsoft’s Games for Windows Live on the other hand isn’t as big nor as popular. But one thing that does tip the scales in their favor is the ability to use Xbox Live Gamertag points on Windows Live and vice versa. The best of Xbox on the PC if you will. Up until today, Microsoft’s Games For Windows Live storefront required it’s own standalone app. But that ends tonight.

Thanks for Nothing DRM: Netflix for Android Not Coming to All Devices.

While other platforms have started to dip their feet into the mobile Netflix sphere, Android in particular has been left out. We knew it was only going to be a matter of time before Netflix trickled down, though we weren’t sure exactly how it was going to go with all the different hardware devices on the market. The reason this matters is because Netflix relies on some pretty hefty DRM *puke* to keep the major content owners happy. And it is that same DRM (unsurprisingly) that is ruining Netflix for Android…

The Foot Hath Been Shot: Hulu’s Attempts to Block Boxee Box Black Out Most Online Users.

Big content-owning companies (and companies who do business with them) aren’t the most intelligent, often being completely blind to the larger picture. Case in point: Hulu blocking any device that accesses their free, public web streams. The theory and rationale behind it is beyond backwards and stupid. But arguing about that could take weeks, countless pages, and at least a few trips to some heart-healthy fast food joint. For the sake of time and health, we’ll just say that the whole Hulu blocking tactic is ridiculous.

On that note, it appears an update pushed out by Hulu to block the newly released Boxee Box isn’t quite working as planned. Apparently, users on various browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple’s Safari, and Microsoft’s Internet Explorer are seeing a block message stating that they are using a Boxee Box and are therefor ineligible to watch whatever it is they’re trying to watch.

A rather minor issue no doubt. But an issue that doesn’t have to exist in the first place. You stay classy Hulu. God knows I love your paid “premium” service that still crams ads down my throat.

Apple Increasing iTunes Song Previews to 90 Seconds.

iTunes users will soon find previewing songs before purchasing more enjoyable as well as more useful. Currently, there is a 30-second time limit on song previews. While a fair chunk of songs start the ball rolling before the 30-second mark, there are quite a few out there that need 2-3x that length before you start getting into the meat of the melody.

On that note, emails are being sent out to various content owners and record labels today, detailing a pretty important change. Specifically, song previews on any and all songs that are longer than 2 minutes and 30 seconds will see their preview time increased from 30 seconds up to 90 seconds! Songs that are shorter than 2:30 will continue on with current 30-second preview.

The licensing issues that caused this feature to pass the music event back in September look to have been finally resolved. As of writing, no official launch date has been announced. But rest assured, as soon as I know, you’ll know.

Another battery love story: 30% longer runtime brought to you by Titanium Oxide.

We’ve seen this scenario before — batteries are languishing behind technological improvements in our digital devices. Roughly every couple of months, we see some story detailing an all new method of creating/charging batteries or some new material that supposedly will increase runtime considerably. And yet many years and several stories later, we’re still left with this pathetic Lithium-Ion gig we’ve been using for the last several years. Though like clockwork, another new spin on the traditional battery is hitting the airwaves.

Bought to us by talented researches of the Japan’s Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), this new battery promises to make our digital-powered lives many times better. For this tale, we’ll be looking at the anode material. Specifically, the new oxide negative-electrode material is comprised of a titanium oxide where as current batteries use Lithium titanate. The chief improvements of this new material over the latter include enhanced battery capacity, lower cost, and increased life span. Sounds like a win-win to me!

I’m already impressed with the runtime of my iPhone 4 compared to other smartphones I’ve had in recent years. But I’m sure it’s nothing compared to what a battery powered by the above could achieve. Here’s to hoping this tech makes it into our hands sometime this century…

Disc-less Netflix streaming finally coming to PS3!

I always thought it was pretty ridiculous to offer a digital service such as Netflix movie streaming, but shackling it to an antiquated piece of technology — the DVD. But that’s exactly what happened for the big 3 gaming consoles from the onset. The Wii is already making strides to rid itself of the Netflix disc requirement. And now thankfully, the PS3 is too! Starting this coming monday, PS3 owners can kick back, relax, and fire up Netflix on their PS3 via a new Netflix app in the video section.

But that’s not all. Also debuting this Monday will be 1080i content, Dolby 5.1 surround sound support, as well as a revamped UI that Sony claims is “sleeker and faster”. We’ll see about that, Sony. Any PS3 owning, Netflix streaming users jumping for joy?

**Bonus: Send us pictures of your new uses for that decrepit Netflix DVD.