Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Canada's 700MHz auction pushed to January 2014, Telus denied Mobilicity spectrum transfer Mobile

Canada
Oh, Canada. Just one day after we received word of the CRTC's new wireless code, Industry Canada -- its government's equivalent of the FCC -- announced further postponements of the country's pending 700MHz spectrum auction. Already delayed from the first half of this year to November, IC is pushing the auction back yet another two months to January 14th, 2014, while the application deadline has been reset for September 17th of this year. The main reason for the setback? This morning, the government denied Telus' request to transfer AWS spectrum from Mobilicity -- one of the most important factors in the potential merger of the two networks. As a result, IC decided to allow more time for the affected companies to figure out what to do next; more than likely, Telus will need the extra two months to pull an AT&Tand rethink its acquisition strategy. Read the release below for a few more details behind the rationale.

ASUS MeMo Pad HD 7 gets August release date

For once, we were offered some nicely specific pricing for ASUS' incoming MeMo Pad HD 7 (namely $129 for the 8GB model and $149 for the 16GB option), but were left wanting on any sort of release date. Fortunately, ASUS' UK branch has told us to expect the colorful Nexus 7 doppelgänger this August. As mentioned during the company's Computexreveal, the smaller, cheaper iteration is geared towards developing markets and it looks like ASUS is sticking with that -- only the 16GB model will go on sale in the British Isles, priced at £149.

Insert Coin: Virtuix Omni VR treadmill gives gamers the run around from $249

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.
Insert Coin: Virtuix Omni VR treadmill gives gamers the run around
If the unison of Virtuix's Omni Treadmill and Oculus Riftgot your left thumb hungry for a well deserved retirement, then it'll also want to push you in the direction of the game controller's official Kickstarter. Yup, for just $249 (if you get in there quick enough), you can snag yourself an Omni in DIY kit form plus on set of shoes (additional pairs costing $49). Those with deeper pockets can opt to get the full kit (including belt, tracking hardware and software) from $399, or go all out and get the Omni Rack (for holding your Rift control box, favorite beverage etc) and some exclusive merch on top for $539. Really dig this thing? Then why not lay down $7,999 for a custom design made from wood and steel? Those of you who are still undecided can delve into the project a little further (at the source), but it seems likely that the final retail price could be somewhat higher than that offered to Kickstarter backers so, you know, you might not want to hang around too long.

Wikipad slated for June 11th US launch at $250, worldwide 'to follow this summer' Mobile

The 7-inch Android tablet with a game controller cradle -- the Wikipad -- launches in the United States on June 11th for $250, with a worldwide launch following later this summer. As for the initially announced 10.1-inch variation, that remains unclear -- it's not even mentioned in Wikipad's press release from today. The same can be said for Gaikai / PlayStation Cloud support, though it's possible we'll hear more when Sony's ready to unveil its streaming plans; Wikipad's in a weird place in that relationship, having worked with Gaikai on streaming ahead of Sony's purchase of the company. We've been repeatedly promised by Wikipad representatives that the functionality is still on the way.
The device is perhaps the largest outside of Sony internal products to carry PlayStation Mobile support, which gives owners access to a variety of classic PlayStation titles (think Crash BandicootJet Moto). Of course, at $250, the Wikipad costs the same as Sony's own PlayStation Vita, which packs an arguably much nicer (though smaller) OLED screen and access to a much larger library of PlayStation games. The choice will be in consumers hands come June 11th.