HTC One's Big Brother Shows Up

The HTC One Max may sound big and bold, but it's actually a 95-lb. weakling compared to the high-end smartphone competition. "Like Motorola, HTC seems to be trying for value play [with the HTC One Max,]" opined tech analyst Rob Enderle. "You get a lot of screen for not a lot of money." HTC is "clearly making tradeoffs to hit an aggressive price point."

HTC on Monday announced the HTC One Max, a supersized version of its flagship HTC One Android device.

It sports a 5.9-inch full HD 1080p touchscreen, a fingerprint-scan feature, and an upgrade to HTC's Sense skin -- Sense 5.5 -- among other things.

HTC One Max

"At this size, it appears they're breaking into the phablet market," Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group, told TechNewsWorld. "They need to do something -- their sales have been really soft."

HTC recently posted its first-ever quarterly financial loss.

Old Wine in a Supersized Bottle

The HTC One Max has the same quad-core 1.7 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor as the HTC One.

It will be available in 16-GB or 32-GB versions. Storage can be increased to 64 GB through a microSD card, and purchasers will get an additional 50 GB of cloud storage free on Google Drive.

The device has a 3,300 mAh battery and there's an optional Power Flip Case, which has a 1,200 mAh battery, for extra juice.

A fingerprint scanner on the back of the phone lets users lock or unlock the screen. It can accommodate prints of three fingers, each to launch one app.

The new HTC Sense 5.5 upgraded skin comes with a beefier BlinkFeed, which aggregates news and social media content.

The new version includes customizable topic categories and integration with a number of premium services, including Instagram and Google+. Users will be able to download up to 120 articles into BlinkFeed for offline viewing.

HTC One Max owners will be able to simultaneously shoot photos with the front and rear cameras. A Video Highlights feature combines photos and videos to let users create a mini-movie complete with a visual theme and a soundtrack.

The HTC One Max will be available globally from mid-October, in a color dubbed "Glacial Silver."

Belt-Tightening at HTC

"Like Motorola, HTC seems to be trying for value play [with the HTC One Max,]" Enderle opined. "You get a lot of screen for not a lot of money."

The scanner's positioning could perhaps have been better thought out.

"It's an annoying implementation, but they are clearly making tradeoffs to hit an aggressive price point," Enderle said.

Although Microsoft reportedly has approached HTC to load Windows Phone 8.1 onto its devices, the HTC One Max is an Android-only device.

"With Nokia becoming a division of Microsoft, HTC may be unwilling to go that route," Enderle surmised. "Also, since they're using a lower-performing processor for this phone, they may have issues with Microsoft's new [Windows Phone 8.1] specs, which call for the Snapdragon 800."

Even if HTC did pick up Windows Phone 8.1, "I don't think that's going to save it," Michael Morgan, senior analyst at ABI Research, told TechNewsWorld.

"It's next to impossible to stand just on the hardware business out there, you've got to have a lot more," he pointed out. "If all you're doing is hardware, that's focusing on the loss-leader part of the business, and that's a tough spot to be in."

Phablet Market Growth's Just Fab

Offering a phablet might give HTC a chance at hanging on for a while longer, though.

The phablet market is growing "very strongly," ABI's Morgan said.

In fact, Microsoft's latest upgrade to Windows Phone 8.1, also announced Monday, is aimed at phablets.

IDC has revised its sales figures for tablets downward because of competition from phablets and wearable devices.

HTC has not commented on pricing for the One Max, but "they should slide under LG's and Samsung's prices," Enderle suggested.

That might help the device make a dent in the Asia-Pacific market, where demand is strong.

Source: http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/79190.html
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Columnist Doubts Parties Can Resolve Fundamental Differences

Analysis

Columnist Doubts Parties Can Resolve Fundamental Differences

Analysis

Shutdown In Day 14, Debt Ceiling Deadline Nears

Analysis

George Will Compares This Budget Deadlock To Past Conflicts

Analysis

No Political Compromise Keeps Most Federal Offices Closed

Source: http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/234586988/liberal-columnist-doubts-parties-can-resolve-fundamental-differences?ft=1&f=1014
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The ZOMM Wireless leash is the best Moto X or new Droid accessory ever

This tiny Bluetooth puck works as a trusted device and works with Touchless Control

I "rediscovered" a little gadget the other day that works great with my Moto X. Like a lot of tech enthusiasts — as in a whole freaking lot — I hit sites like Woot.com every night to see what little toys and gizmos are on the cheap. Yes, I end up buying a bunch of crap that I never use, and have a drawer (or two) filled with things my wife says I need to throw away, but sometimes you find a little golden nugget.

Like the ZOMM Wireless leash.

I admit, I forgot that Phil had already looked at these, but the lure of $17 off the normal price was too much to resist and I bought a couple. As a Moto X user lover aficionado, I'm really glad I did.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/cPpqJe-fris/story01.htm
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China inflation at 7-month high, limits room for easing despite export tumble

By Kevin Yao and Xiaoyi Shao

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's annual consumer inflation rate rose to a seven-month high of 3.1 percent in September as poor weather drove up food prices, limiting the scope for the central bank to maneuver to support the economy even as exports showed a surprise decline.

But few analysts expect a further sharp rise in inflation or policy tightening in coming months as the world's second-largest economy still faces a weak global environment and Beijing tries to tap the brake on credit-fuelled investment.

The inflation rate was higher than a median forecast of 2.9 percent in a Reuters poll and August's 2.6 percent, but was still below the official target of 3.5 percent for 2013.

"We expect CPI inflation to rise further in Q4 and see rising risks that it may rise above 3.5 percent for some months in 2014," said Zhiwei Zhang, China economist at Nomura in Hong Kong.

"The rise of CPI inflation leaves little room for policy easing as the benchmark deposit rate is only 3 percent."

Upbeat September credit data released later on Monday signaled that the central bank may have already eased up its control on bank lending following a liquidity crunch in June, which analysts warn could fan property bubbles and long-term inflation risks.

Month-on-month, consumer prices rose 0.8 percent, the National Bureau of Statistics said, bigger than a rise of 0.5 percent expected by economists.

Food prices gained 1.5 percent in September from August due to droughts and floods in some areas, pushing up the CPI by 0.51 percentage points, Yu Qiumei, a senior statistician at the bureau, said in a statement.

In annual terms, food prices jumped 6.1 percent.

"September CPI inflation gained more momentum on seasonal factors and a low base effect from last year," said Li Huiyong, an economist at Shenyin & Wanguo Securities in Shanghai.

"But we think the inflation situation is still under well control and will not be a concern this year, especially when the economy is struggling with over-capacity problems."

China's exports dropped 0.3 percent in September from a year earlier, against expectations of a 6 percent rise, data showed on Saturday, a disappointing break to a recent run of indicators that had signaled the economy may be regaining momentum. ID:nL4N0I202X]

The decline in exports also raised questions about the strength of the global economic recovery, though solid import data for the same month helped offset some concerns.

FACTORY-GATE DEFLATION EASES

Factory-gate deflation eased further in September, although in annual terms prices still recorded a 19th consecutive fall, highlighting the pressures facing Chinese companies.

Producer prices fell 1.3 percent from a year earlier, a smaller fall than the 1.4 percent expected by the market and the 1.6 percent drop in August.

However, there was some relief to manufacturers struggling to cope with profit-eating price declines, as producer prices rose 0.2 percent from August.

After slowing in nine of the past 10 quarters, the economy looks to have stabilized since mid-year after Beijing acted to head off a sharper downturn with increased spending on public housing construction, railways and tax cuts for smaller firms.

Chinese banks made 787 billion yuan ($128.6 billion) worth of new yuan loans in September, higher than a forecast of 650 billion yuan and more than the previous month's 711.3 billion yuan.

Total social financing (TSF), a broad measure of liquidity in the economy, was at 1.4 trillion yuan in September versus August's 1.57 trillion yuan - which nearly doubled from July's level.

"The September new yuan loan figures were much higher than market expectations, indicating that the central bank has kept liquidity conditions relatively loose to bolster the economic recovery," said Li at Shenyin & Wanguo.

Beijing wants to keep the economy on an even keel in the run-up to a top-level government meeting on economic reforms in November, analysts said.

Annual economic growth is forecast to have accelerated to 7.8 percent in the third quarter from 7.5 percent in the second quarter, but the recovery could fizzle towards the year-end, a Reuters poll showed.

Third-quarter GDP growth data, along with industrial output, fixed-asset investment and retail sales, is due on Friday.

Beijing has a growth target of 7.5 percent for 2013, which would be the weakest rate in more than 20 years, and has repeatedly said it would accept slower growth as it tries to wean the economy off dependence on investment and exports in favor of domestic consumption.

"The economy faces some downward pressures, especially by looking at the export data. Full-year GDP growth could be 7.6 percent," said Zhou Hao, China economist at ANZ in Shanghai.

(China Economics Team; Editing by John Mair & Kim Coghill)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/china-inflation-7-month-high-limits-room-easing-045832601--business.html
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Wife of Steelers QB Roethlisberger expecting again

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The huddle at Ben Roethlisberger's house is getting bigger.

The Steelers quarterback and wife Ashley are expecting the couple's second child in early 2014. Roethlisberger released the news on his official website Monday evening.

Roethlisberger and his wife posted: "We are both excited and blessed to announce that we're expecting baby #2 in the spring!"

The baby will join big brother Ben Jr., born last November.

The Roethlisbergers posted that Ben Jr. is "already preparing to be a protective big brother (but will also keep a close eye on his favorite toys)!"

The Roethlisbergers were married just over two years ago in a small enclave north of Pittsburgh in a quiet ceremony attended by a sizable contingent from the organization.

___

Online:

www.bigben7.com

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/wife-steelers-qb-roethlisberger-expecting-again-005228546--spt.html
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Senate deal on debt and shutdown would put the heat on Boehner (reuters)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories Stories, News Feeds and News via Feedzilla.

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Mount Rushmore to reopen amid fed shutdown

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Obama administration's willingness to reopen national parks shuttered by the government shutdown came with a big caveat: States must foot the bill with money they likely won't see again.

So far, only Utah, Colorado and South Dakota have jumped at the deal. Governors in other states were trying to gauge Friday what would be the bigger economic hit — paying to keep the parks operating or losing the tourist money that flows when the scenic attractions are open.

South Dakota and several corporate donors worked out a deal with the National Park Service to reopen Mount Rushmore beginning Monday. Gov. Dennis Daugaard said it will cost $15,200 a day to pay the federal government to run the landmark in the Black Hills.

He said he wired four days' worth of the donations on Friday.

In New York, state and federal officials were discussing the possible reopening of the Statue of Liberty, while Arizona officials weighed whether to pay the federal government to reopen Grand Canyon National Park.

In Utah, federal workers rushed to reopen five national parks for 10 days after the state sent $1.67 million to the U.S. government with the hope of saving its lucrative tourist season.

Zion National Park superintendent Jock Whitworth said staff members began opening gates and removing barriers and expected to have the park fully operational Saturday.

"This is a practical and temporary solution that will lessen the pain for some businesses and communities in Utah during this shutdown," Interior Department Secretary Sally Jewell said in a statement.

It was welcome news for beleaguered shop owners in the small town of Springdale adjacent to Zion. Hotels have been vacant and rental and retail shops have seen sales plummet during the shutdown.

"It's going to be awesome," said Jenna Milligan of Zion Outfitters, an outdoor gear rental shop. "A lot of businesses have suffered severely because of the government. I just hope it does stay open through autumn."

In Colorado, officials said a deal had been struck for the state to pay $360,000 to reopen Rocky Mountain National Park for 10 days to allow tourists to reach Estes Park. The visitors are needed to help the town recover from flooding.

Just over 400 national parks, recreation areas and monuments — including such icons as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite — have been closed since Oct. 1 because of the partial government shutdown.

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees have been furloughed, and lawmakers from both parties have complained that the closures have wreaked havoc on communities that depend on tourism.

Officials in some states were not happy about paying to have the parks reopened.

In Arizona, Republican Gov. Jan Brewer balked at spending about $112,000 a day for a full reopening of the Grand Canyon. She said a partial reopening would be much cheaper while allowing tourists to visit and businesses to benefit.

"The daily cost difference is enormous, especially without assurances that Arizona will be reimbursed," said Andrew Wilder, a spokesman for Brewer.

At this time of year, the Grand Canyon draws about 18,000 people a day who pump an estimated $1 million a day into the local economy.

The town of Tusayan, just outside the South Rim entrance, and area businesses have pledged $400,000 to help reopen the canyon, but Wilder said it was unclear if the Interior Department could accept private funds.

Interior Department spokesman Blake Androff said Thursday the government had no plans to reimburse states that pay to reopen parks. But members of Congress introduced legislation Friday to refund the money within 90 days.

In Utah, Herbert estimated the economic impact of the federal government shutdown at $100 million in his state.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon's administration was working on a proposal to reopen parks in that state, including the Gateway Arch grounds in St. Louis and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park in southern Missouri.

In South Dakota, Gov. Dennis Daugaard, a Republican, was considering the federal government's offer but wants to see how much it would cost.

Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee said his state can't afford to reopen its parks, as did Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval.

Sandoval said Nevada is already facing critical funding decisions on dozens of programs, including food stamps, unemployment insurance and aid to women, infants and children.

In Wyoming, Gov. Matt Mead's office said the state would not pay to reopen two heavily visited national parks or Devil's Tower national monument.

"Wyoming cannot bail out the federal government and we cannot use state money to do the work of the federal government," Mead spokesman Renny MacKay said.

Outside the Grand Canyon, some tourists made the most of their trek by taking photographs in front of the park's sign.

Rassie Erasmus and his wife, Yolando, from Cape Town, South Africa, said they had been saving money for their trip to America for some time and were disappointed to find the park closed.

"We actually looked forward to going to the Statue of Liberty, but we believe that's closed as well, so we'll see what else is left," Erasmus said. "Maybe Vegas."

___

Associated Press writers Matthew Daly in Washington, Brady McCombs in Utah, Brian Skoloff and Bob Christie in Arizona, Ken Ritter in Nevada, Colleen Slevin in Colorado, Mead Gruver in Wyoming, David Lieb in Missouri, Jonathan Lemire and Michael Virtanen in New York and Chet Brokaw in South Dakota contributed to this report.

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Follow Michelle Price on Twitter: https://twitter.com/michellelprice.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/mount-rushmore-reopen-amid-fed-shutdown-225651130.html
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