How to Navigate the Deluge of Netflix Streaming Devices (PC World)
Getting a movie (or an entire season of Lost ) delivered in the mail used be the height of convenience, but discs are so last decade. Consumers are increasingly seeking instant satisfaction, in the form of streaming video on demand. Netflix says that 48 percent of its 12.3 million subscribers used its streaming feature in December 2009, versus just 28 percent the previous year. (See our companion slideshow, ” Netflix Inside: A Comprehensive List of Netflix Streaming Devices .”) And the trend won’t stop there. Steve Swasey, Netflix’s vice president for corporate communications, says that the company hopes to double the number of devices with Netflix Instant Watch Streaming to more than 100 by the end of 2010. The products we know about include the Sony Dash tablet, the D-Link Boxee Box , the Nintendo Wii, Philips Blu-ray players , and Syabas Technology’s Popbox (successor to the Popcorn Hour media streamer). Swasey also told us that Netflix plans to add more titles to its streaming library this year, focusing on “meaningful and relevant” material that people want to watch. To that end, the company just signed a deal with Warner Bros. that allows it to offer a wider range of Warner Bros. content through its streaming service. But where there’s give, there’s also take, and the trade-off in this case is rather unfortunate: Consumers now have to wait 28 days after a Warner Bros. DVD’s initial release before the title is available on Netflix. (Warner has also pressured Redbox into a similar deal.) Another consideration: Right now, only about 6 percent of Netflix’s streaming catalog is in high definition (roughly 1000 out of 17,000 titles, Swasey said in a recent interview ). And by HD, we mean 720p–regrettably, 1080p support is not planned for this year, though improvements such as 5.1 surround sound and closed captioning are on the way. If you’re ready to stream Netflix into your living room, the following hardware list includes the key specs you need to know. Remember, though, that not all Netflix-ready devices are created equal. Some players will let you choose new movies right on your TV, while others will allow you only to play movies you’ve already placed in your Instant Queue via the Netflix Website. In addition, don’t forget that you’ll also need a Netflix streaming subscription. Unlimited access to watch as much as you want starts at $9 a month. Video Game Consoles: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii Price: Xbox 360 starts at $200, PlayStation 3 starts at $300, Wii starts at $200 Netflix selection: Full streaming library, Instant Queue Web content: Online gaming, BD-Live (PS3 only), video rentals (PS3 and Xbox 360), YouTube Connection: Ethernet, Wi-Fi (Xbox 360 requires Wi-Fi adapter, sold separately) Video outputs: Component, composite, HDMI, S-Video (PS3 and Xbox 360); the Wii uses a proprietary video output coming to the Nintendo Wii this spring. But each console has its quirks. Microsoft currently has an exclusive deal that conveniently (and stylishly) integrates Netflix into the Xbox 360’s dashboard interface. The 360 version also lets you host a virtual party-voice chat and stream a Netflix movie with up to seven friends. You will, however, need an Xbox Live Gold membership–which costs about $50 a year–on top of your existing Netflix membership. Xbox Live Gold also gives you multiplayer online gaming and advanced matchmaking features, and we’ve heard rumors of possible streaming access to ESPN and other premium content from Disney. In contrast, the PlayStation 3 offers online gaming “extras” for free. To access Netflix, however, you’ll have to pop in a disc that loads a basic version of the streaming interface. Thankfully, Netflix will send you the disc for free, and the company says it hopes to have an embedded solution available for PS3s via a system software update later this year. Netflix for the Wii looks like it will also need a disc, and it has an extra drawback: no HD (the Wii is limited to 480p). PlayOn software from Media Mall technologies. PlayOn lets you stream Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube, Hulu, and other video to your PC and then display it on your television via a Wi-Fi or ethernet connection. Supported devices include the Xbox 360 (no Xbox Live subscription required), PlayStation 3, Wii, Moxi HD DVR, HP MediaSmart TV, Netgear Digital Entertainer Live EVA2000, and Western Digital TV Live. Play On is free to try for 14 days; after that you have to pay a one-time licensing fee of $40. Be advised that Media Mall says it gives refunds for Play On software purchases only in exceptional circumstances, so you’re better off trying out the software first to make sure that it works on your device. Roku Digital Video Player Price: Roku SD $80, Roku HD $100, Roku HD-XR $130 Netflix selection: Instant Queue Web content: Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, MLB.TV, Flickr, Facebook photos, Pandora, Twit.tv, Mediafly Network connection: Ethernet, Wi-Fi Video outputs: Component, composite, HDMI, S-Video Roku SD , HD, and HD-XR –come down to the picture and wireless-signal quality. The Roku SD gives you standard definition and 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, while the Roku HD adds an HDMI connection and high-def playback. Roku’s top-of-the-line model, the Roku HD-XR, is similar to the Roku HD but uses the latest Wi-Fi standard ( 802.11n ) for improved wireless streaming, especially on HD video. TiVo HD DVRs Price: TiVo HD $250, TiVo HD-XL $500, TiVo Series3 prices vary Netflix selection: Instant Queue Web content: Blockbuster, Amazon Video On Demand, Walt Disney Studios, Jaman, YouTube, Music Choice, more Connection: Ethernet (Wi-Fi adapters available) Video outputs: Component, composite, HDMI, S-Video TiVo HD , HD-XL , and TiVo Series3 DVRs. Other Internet services available on your TiVo DVR include Blockbuster and Amazon Video On Demand, Walt Disney Studios movie rentals, international films via Jaman, YouTube, Music Choice, Fandango movie ticketing and previews, One True Media video sharing, and TiVo’s own Web-video search. You can also use your TiVo box to listen to podcasts, view photos from your computer, or enjoy pictures on online services such as Photobucket and Picasa. Insignia Blu-ray Players Price: NS-WBRDVD $180, NS-BRDVD3 $100 Netflix selection: Full streaming library, Instant Queue Web content: Netflix Network connection: Ethernet, Wi-Fi (NS-WBRDVD only) Video output: Component, composite, HDMI Insignia NS-WBRDVD offers Netflix streaming and BD-Live features using 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity. We gave it an overall rating of 3 stars after evaluating its performance, features, and design. Though we liked the Blu-ray player’s low price, Wi-Fi connection, and startup time, we also thought that it was a little noisy; the first-time setup for the player’s Wi-Fi connection seemed difficult, too. Insignia also offers the less costly NS-BRDVD3 for Netflix streaming. BD370 and BD390 Blu-ray players with Netflix streaming. Of the two, only the BD390 is Wi-Fi enabled (featuring 802.11n connectivity). In our reviews, we hailed both LG Blu-ray players for their fast response times and fantastic Blu-ray image quality, but their standard DVD images left a lot to be desired. Samsung Blu-ray Players Price: BD-P1600 $200, BD-P3600 $300, BD-P4600 $350 Netflix selection: Instant Queue Web content: Netflix, Pandora Network connection: Ethernet, Wi-Fi (BD-P1600 requires wireless adapter, sold separately) Video outputs: Composite, component, HDMI, S-Video (BD-P1600 only) BD-P3600 and BD-P4600 (pictured) also include your choice of ethernet and 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi connections. The less pricey BD-P1600 doesn’t come with Wi-Fi, but you can buy a peripheral wireless adapter. We recently chose the BD-P4600 as one of the greatest tech designs ever , honoring the Blu-ray player for its sleek 1.5-inch profile, 18-by-8-inch footprint, and ruby and black color combination. Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Player Price: $200 Netflix selection: Instant Queue Web content: Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, Slacker, YouTube, Crackle Network connection: Ethernet Video outputs: Component, composite, HDMI Sony BDP-N460 does more than just stream Netflix–it also gives you access to YouTube, Amazon Video On Demand, Slacker Internet radio, and the classic-video streaming site Crackle. Sony’s sole Blu-ray player with Netflix inside has an ethernet port, but if you want Wi-Fi you’ll have to pay extra and pick up the Linksys Wireless Ethernet Bridge ($75 to 100). LG Internet-Capable HDTVs Price: $1300 to $2700 Netflix selection: Instant Queue Web content: Netflix, Vudu, Yahoo TV Widgets , Flickr Connection: Ethernet, Wi-Fi (see specific models for connectivity details) Video outputs: Component, composite, HDMI/ HDCP , S-Video (PS80 models only) 42LH50 HDTV. Wi-Fi enabled devices are slated for 2010 ) Video outputs: Component, composite, HDMI, S-Video (specifications for individual models may vary) 11 different models of Netflix-capable HDTVs from its W, XBR, and Z series; sets start around $1119. Each HDTV features a wide range of Internet streaming entertainment–from Netflix as well as from 19 other providers including Amazon, YouTube, Sports Illustrated, and Sony Pictures. For more, read our review of the Sony Bravia KDL-40W5100 , and see the complete list of Sony’s Netflix-capable Bravia HDTVs . Vizio HDTVs Price: SV422XVT $1200, SV472SVT $1800, VF552XVT $2200 Netflix selection: Full streaming library, Instant Queue Web content: Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, Flickr, Rhapsody, Twitter, Vudu, Yahoo TV Widgets, Blip.tv , CBS, CinemaNow, CNBC, Free Stream Media, NBC, more Connection: Ethernet, Wi-Fi Video outputs: Component, composite, HDMI/HDCP, S-Video (SV422XVT does not have S-Video) Vizio’s Via Internet applications program , which provides content from sources such as Netflix, Rhapsody, Amazon Video On Demand, Blockbuster on Demand, Flickr, Pandora, Vudu, Showtime, Revision 3, Radiotime, and Rallypoint Sports, plus eBay for shopping and Facebook and Twitter for social networking. Blu-ray Home Theater Systems Price: $550 and up Netflix selection: Instant Queue Web content: Netflix, CinemaNow, YouTube, Pandora (Samsung systems offer Netflix only) Network connection: Ethernet, Wi-Fi (specifications for individual models vary) Video outputs: Composite, component, HDMI LHB953 and LHB977 (pictured) provide access to Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, and Roxio’s CinemaNow Internet services. Among other features are an iPod dock, an AM/FM tuner, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, and BD-Live access. Samsung’s HT-BD1250 , HT-BD3252 , and HT-BD7200 Blu-ray home theater systems boast Netflix access, and 2.1-channel (BD7200) or 5.1-channel (BD3252 and BD1250) surround sound. For more home theater advice, see the following related stories: * Top Choices: 46- and 47-Inch HDTVs * HDTV Buying Guide: Making Sense of the Specifications * The Best of CES 2010
Jobs: iPad Won’t Tether with iPhone (PC Magazine)
It should come as no small surprise for those still waiting for some kind of tethering option for their iPhones , but Apple’s iPad, scheduled to launch April 3, probably won’t support tethering either. That’s according to Steve Jobs himself, who made the brief–if not curt–announcement in response to an emailed question from Swedish record producer Jezper Söderlund . It’s a fair question to ask, as the tethering situation for Apple’s iPhone can be confusing enough as-is. Officially, the iPhone can share its mobile or WiFi connection with an attached desktop or laptop. It’s not a question of the phone’s technology; it’s a question of the phone’s carrier. AT&T , the iPhone’s sole carrier in the United States markets, doesn’t yet support tethering. Though it promises to bring this feature to iPhones eventually, there’s been no set date for deployment—just a promise that it’ll come “at some point in the future,” says AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel . European users–Söderlund included–are free to tether their connections to their hearts’ contents, provided their carriers support the functionality. But in the case of the iPad , it’s the hardware itself that’s apparently going to be the stopgap. Gone is the idea of a connected platform of devices that all intermingle over the same connection, a dream Söderlund makes note of in his email to Jobs : “I’ll keep it short. I’m Jezper from Sweden , a long time Apple fan, currently about to replace the very last computer at home with a brand spanking new iMac i7. I’m also awaiting the release of the iPad. However, I have one question: Will the wifi-only version somehow support tethering thru my iPhone? Two devices, based on the same OS, with already built-in technology to share one data plan suggests a secondary contract could possibly be redundant. From the look of your keynote, where the iPad sits well between my MacBook Pro and my iPhone, I was hoping the three of them could interact as seamless as possible. All the best, Jezper Söderlund ” Jobs’s reply–”No. Sent from my iPhone”–doesn’t go into great detail as to what exactly is going to be impossible on the iPad. Will a 3G-supported iPad be able to tether a connection to a desktop or laptop PC? What about a WiFi-only iPad? Will a user be able to plug a 3G iPhone into a WiFi iPad to tether the connection? Is anything involving the word “tethering” right out? What about jailbroken iPhones or–presumably–jailbroken iPads? And, of course, there’s the biggest question of them all: Will consumers accept having to purchase separate data plans for mobile Internet on their iPad an iPhone devices?
techple Boots Wi-Fi-Finder techps with Private techIs (NewsFactor)
Makers of some applications that seek out Wi-Fi access are now seeking a new home after Apple purged a select group from its App Store. In a blog post this week, 3Jacks Software said it is the latest developer to get the boot from the increasingly choosy App Store. “We received a very unfortunate e-mail today from Apple stating that WiFi-Where has been removed from sale on the App Store for using private frameworks to access wireless information,” said 3Jacks. “It also appears that all other competing Wi-Fi-enabled apps have been removed as well. This is very unfortunate as the past two-three months have seen a handful of new Wi-Fi apps get approved. Hopefully Apple will allow this functionality in a future SDK.” Other Wi-Fi-seeking apps that will now seek a new home include WiFiFoFum, and yFy Network Finder, according to reports. Purge Time House cleaners at the App Store seem to be pretty busy these days. Late last month came word that some applications with racy themes had been booted, and around the same time some location-finder programs that collect user data also got the heave-ho. Apple hasn’t made a public statement about the Wi-Fi exclusions and didn’t respond to our request for comment as of publication time. But Current Analysis research director Avi Greengart, citing information from Apple, said the company’s action was consistent with its policy against programs that use private application programming interfaces . “The Wi-Fi-finder apps using private Is have been pulled from the store for violating Apple’s policy of not allowing private Is, while Wi-Fi-finder apps that do not violate these terms are still available in the App Store,” Greengart told us. A non-published interface is a violation of Apple’s terms of agreement with developers, and the company has long weeded out private-I applications because of security and compatibility issues. But in December, Apple seemed to be going lenient on that policy when it allowed Vimov, the developer of iSimulate, which duplicated iPhone features on Mac computers, to sell its app while asking the company to update the program with a documented I. Around the same time, Apple accepted a Google Voice Search program for which analysts were unable to find a public I in the software development kit that sensed proximity to a user’s face. Legal Issue? Some blogs speculated that the crackdown on Wi-Fi finders may reflect concern about legal issues, since in some areas there are restrictions on accessing other people’s Wi-Fi. But Ryan Calo, a fellow at the Center for Internet and Society at Stanford University Law School , said that’s unlikely. “I’m not aware of any statute that prohibits the act of scanning,” he said. “I would think the ability to scan for Wi-Fi is built into most any networked device. Apple appears to be concerned about the use of a ‘private framework.’ Those words don’t ring any regulatory bells.” J.D. Power and Associates wireless analyst Kirk Parsons notes that while Apple may have had a laissez-faire approach to apps initially, stricter guidelines are materializing as the company guards its popular iPhone and iPod user experience from flaws. “People are starting to complain about it, and really, that’s what’s driving this,” said Parsons. “If there is some impact on the consumer experience or on the system integrity . clearly they have to take some measures to fix that.”
iPad’s US Debut Set for techril 3 (tech)
The Wi-fi model of Apple’s highly anticipated iPad multimedia device will be released in the U.S. on April 3, with 3G-enabled devices available later in the month, Apple announced Friday. All iPad models are set for availability in Australia, Canada, France, Germany , Italy , Japan , Spain , Switzerland and the U.K. in late April, the company said. U.S. customers can pre-order either model beginning March 12. Wifi models start at US$499 for a 16GB version, topping out at $699 for a 64GB unit. 3G-compatible model pricing starts at $629 for a 16GB version. Apple also plans to release the iBooks application in the U.S. on April 3. When announced earlier this year, the iPad drew disappointment from some observers over its perceived high price tag and lack of key features, such as Flash support. But if Apple’s track record is any indication, the device should nonetheless pose a serious challenge to competing offerings from Amazon and others.
techple Abolishes Wi-Fi Scanners From techp Store (tech)
First adult apps, now Wi-Fi. iPhone apps that find Wi-Fi hotspots by actively scanning for them are no longer welcome in Apple’s App Store , Softpedia reports . The ban does not apply to Wi-Fi locators that use a database of hotspots combined with GPS, so there are apps you can use. But that’s of little consolation to developers who’ve wasted time and effort developing their apps and getting Apple’s approval. A developer for Three Jacks Software, who saw its WiFi-Where app wiped out in the ban, vented frustrations on the company blog. “I find it quite ironic that Apple removes these very handy, very useful apps from the app store when there are so many useless gimick [sic] apps that just pollute the App Store pages,” developer “codemonkey57″ wrote. In a separate blog post , the developer said Apple took issue with Wi-Fi apps that use a “private framework” for detecting hotspots. Apple explained that it doesn’t publish any application programming interfaces that detect Wi-Fi in the way that these apps do, hence the ban, but the company didn’t explain why this method of Wi-Fi detection isn’t allowed in the first place. Other banned apps include WiFiTrack, WiFiFoForum, yFy Network Finder, WiFi Get, eWifi, and WiFi Analyzer. Apple’s decision isn’t a total shock. As the WiFi-Where developer noted, a couple of these apps were allowed in the app store “since its very early days,” but similar apps were blocked until November 2009, when Apple began letting them in again. WiFi-Where was finally approved in January 2010. I can only imagine how frustrating that roller coaster ride of an approval process must have been. This move might not be as clumsily implemented as the sex app incident, but if I was a developer whose iPhone app was approved with some reluctance from Apple, I’d be on edge.
Foxit Software’s Pocket-sized E-book Reader Due Soon (tech)
Foxit Software will soon release a new version of its eSlick e-book reader, which has been redesigned to better fit into a pocket. The eSlick PS, which stands for ” Pocket Size ,” will be released in about seven weeks, said Alex Alexander Foxit corporate marketing manager. The most significant change to the eSlick PS versus the original eSlick Reader is that the device is bit wider and not as tall but the screen is still six inches measured diagonally from top to bottom. Foxit found that people did not want a smaller screen but did want something that was easier to put in a pocket, Alexander said. The original eSlick Reader is 7.4 inches in height. The new eSlick will also support eight languages rather than four as the original eSlick did, Alexander said. Foxit also changed the back cover, which now closely resembles the semi-curved plastic on the back of the iPhone. The eSlick PS will come in white and black and will cost about the same as the original one, US$259.99. Alexander said he expects the price will drop over time to between $250 and $230, but Foxit’s eventual goal is to release one that’s under $200. The latest eSlick does not have 3G or WiFi yet, although Foxit has considered adding connectivity, Alexander said. Ideally, Foxit would like to partner with a content provider that would subsidize the cost of a 3G SIM card, for example, and charge people per book. Last December, Foxit launched www.eslickbooks.com , which has about 60,000 e-books for sale, in partnership with Fictionwise, which is part of bookseller Barnes & Noble . ESlick users can also download books from Barnes & Noble, which has about one million titles. The eSlick can use the eReader, ePub, “.txt,” HTML and PDF formats plus a variety of image formats. Foxit also includes a copy of its PDF ( portable document format ) Creator program with the eSlick so people can covert other documents to PDF to read on the device. The eSlicks are the only hardware products from Foxit, which specializes in developing PDF software that performs faster and is cheaper than equivalent products from Adobe. Alexander said Foxit only sold about 5,000 units of the original eSlick Reader and would like to move more units of the eSlick PS. The company’s real hope, however, is to license its high-performance PDF engine to other e-book manufacturers such as Sony or Amazon, Alexander said.
AT&T CEO: iPad will be ‘Wi-Fi driven’ device (tech)
In an odd move, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said at an investor conference on Tuesday that the iPad would be primarily a “Wi-Fi driven device.” This despite Apple’s plans to release a 3G-enabled version that will run on AT&T’s own network. “My expectation is that there’s not going to be a lot of people out there looking for another subscription,” Reuters reports him saying . Apple’s 3G iPad won’t appear until about a month after the Wi-Fi only versions hit the market, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said at the device’s unveiling in January , due to regulatory hurdles such as FCC approval. But Jobs also said that the iPad would not require users to sign a contract with AT&T, instead letting them sign up for a prepaid $30 per month unlimited data plan or a $15 per month 250MB data plan. The 3G versions will also be more expensive than their Wi-Fi-only counterparts, to the tune of $130. In fact, there has been no indication so far that a contract option would even be possible with the iPad, though there have been rumors that the wireless provider might flog a subsidized version. So either Stephenson is confused about the matter or he’s alluding to something we haven’t heard of yet. This wouldn’t be the first time the AT&T CEO has dropped details of formally unannounced plans: Stephenson said in November 2007 that a 3G version of the iPhone would appear the following year, about seven months before the iPhone 3G was announced. Either way, it seems counterproductive for an executive to discount the usefulness of his own company’s services. Part of this might have to do with the technological problems AT&T has suffered over the immense influx of iPhone-related traffic on the company’s 3G network, and the resulting public relations fallout . Even with the improvements the company is reputedly rolling out to its network, the addition of millions of more 3G-enabled devices might spell disaster for AT&T. The company, however, has said that it’s well prepared for the iPad . Famous last words, perhaps?
AT&T CEO: iPad will be ‘Wi-Fi driven’ device (tech)
In an odd move, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said at an investor conference on Tuesday that the iPad would be primarily a “Wi-Fi driven device.” This despite Apple’s plans to release a 3G-enabled version that will run on AT&T’s own network. “My expectation is that there’s not going to be a lot of people out there looking for another subscription,” Reuters reports him saying . Apple’s 3G iPad won’t appear until about a month after the Wi-Fi only versions hit the market, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said at the device’s unveiling in January , due to regulatory hurdles such as FCC approval. But Jobs also said that the iPad would not require users to sign a contract with AT&T, instead letting them sign up for a prepaid $30 per month unlimited data plan or a $15 per month 250MB data plan. The 3G versions will also be more expensive than their Wi-Fi-only counterparts, to the tune of $130. In fact, there has been no indication so far that a contract option would even be possible with the iPad, though there have been rumors that the wireless provider might flog a subsidized version. So either Stephenson is confused about the matter or he’s alluding to something we haven’t heard of yet. This wouldn’t be the first time the AT&T CEO has dropped details of formally unannounced plans: Stephenson said in November 2007 that a 3G version of the iPhone would appear the following year, about seven months before the iPhone 3G was announced. Either way, it seems counterproductive for an executive to discount the usefulness of his own company’s services. Part of this might have to do with the technological problems AT&T has suffered over the immense influx of iPhone-related traffic on the company’s 3G network, and the resulting public relations fallout . Even with the improvements the company is reputedly rolling out to its network, the addition of millions of more 3G-enabled devices might spell disaster for AT&T. The company, however, has said that it’s well prepared for the iPad . Famous last words, perhaps?
Skype comes to Nokia smartphones, companies say (tech)
HELSINKI (AFP) – Mobile phone giant Nokia said on Wednesday that its smartphone users could begin making free calls after it teamed up with Internet phone pioneer Skype which permits free calls. “Skype for Symbian will allow Nokia smartphone users worldwide to use Skype on the move, over either a WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G),” Nokia said in a joint-statement with Skype. Nokia has faced rising competition in the smartphone market. Industry observers have said that the outdated Symbian operating system, which drives most of its smartphones, is one of the reasons many consumers prefer Apple’s iPhone or Research in Motion ’s (RIM) BlackBerry, which are easier to use.
techple IPhone With Wi-Fi May Soon Enter China (tech)
China Unicom , the only mobile network operator selling iPhones in China , is in talks with Apple to sell a version of the popular smartphone with Wi-Fi, something the companies could not do previously due to government regulations. Wi-Fi is seen as important to the success of the iPhone in China because many people want to use the devices to surf the Web, but don’t want to pay higher data rates for using the mobile network. China so far has required mobile phones with Wi-Fi also to support WAPI ( WLAN Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure ), a homegrown security protocol. Versions of the iPhone on sale now in China do not offer Wi-Fi. “I know that in the market there is hope we will offer an iPhone with Wi-Fi,” said Chang Xiaobing, chairman and CEO of China Unicom, outside an event in Beijing . “We have been holding talks with Apple in this area.” Chang did not give a timetable for any release. When asked if the phone will come with WAPI, he said the phone will satisfy demands in the Chinese market. Sales of the iPhone in China have disappointed some industry watchers, who blame slow uptake of the smartphones on a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is that users who want one can buy an iPhone for a lower price, and with Wi-Fi, in neighboring Hong Kong . The 32GB iPhone 3GS with no service contract costs 6,999 yuan (US$1,024) in China, compared to about US$800 in Hong Kong. Other people seek out iPhones at electronics bazaars throughout China, where entrepreneurs that have carried them into the country sell them on the gray market .
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