Free IFE and Communication Industry News


	Free IFE and Communication Industry News for January 14, 2008
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Hot Topic: CES Taps Panasonic Avionics For Auto Session It is no secret that the automobile world is awash with new electronic entertainment and information technologies. Nowhere was it more clearly demonstrated than last weeks CES Show in Las Vegas. Our in-flight entertainment connection here is the Automotive Super Session attended by none other than Steve Sizelove, new product guru at Panasonic Avionics - Bothell. According to Sizelove, the auto industry is undergoing an electronics revolution driven by passenger personal entertainment, information and communication devices. The innovative products shown in their “cool room” were the drivers identified by the CES for discussion at the “Connect2Car” Super Session panel in Las Vegas. According to Sizelove, the problems addressed by airlines and car manufacturers alike are a result of the so-called “pig pen” effect - the cloud of electronics, cables, and power supplies dragged around by the traveler. While the goal of one universal device may never be realized, the interconnect with the traveling vessel may have more chance of standardizing and thus greater utility and passenger appeal. “Essentially it was a show-and-tell,” said Steve about the panel. “They know about our efforts with airline passengers via our Panasonic Auto Group in Atlanta and they wanted to see some our innovative approaches”. In case you have not been to the Panasonic booth at recent conferences, Panasonic has demonstrated some really cutting edge technology. Two items come to mind: the “Karma” next generation controller handset with its iPhone-like ability to change its “skin” to become a universal control/entertainment device and the no-connection earphone. Further, the company has developed a very slick interface for carry-on iPods that integrates passenger devices with the aircraft IFE - a product that was developed under a license agreement with Apple. “There is no limit to where this may lead for the auto business, and for aircraft, for that matter,” said Steve referring to technology developments like OLED displays, Satellite-based devices like radio and GPS, Wi-Fi and WiMax, even Telco-based broadband data the will all require an interface with the passenger and the carry-on device. This will surely not be the end of this story - Stay Tuned. Unfinished Business Last year I promised to report on the MagicJack device (magicjack.com) telephone device that uses a standard telephone (rj-11) and the Internet for virtually free calling. Ours came about 3 days after we ordered it and we just plugged it in and it connected to the Internet, downloaded an interface screen and a firmware upgrade. Within 5 minutes we were talking on a regular phone on the Internet - only $20 bucks a year to boot. Don’t believe us, another IFE’er got one and reported the same results. What’s this we hear about Boeing tinkering with Wi-Fi again? Perhaps that is part of the brouhaha about hacking the B787 in the news. More to the point, we hear that the B787 tail number 01 is presently a big empty plastic shell. How will they meet the March flight date? We stand by our November prediction... another year till they are out of the woods! Signs of Progress, Slippage Across 787 Program (Flight Blogger) Last year we reported on the Li-ion concern about batteries on planes. After quite a few incidents, the FAA has issued new rules. Check this out... New Lithium Battery Rules for U.S. Airplanes (Schneier on Security) Think your bags are secure? Someone sent us this video... you need to see this! Luggage Opening Demonstration (MetaCafe)
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Latest IFE News Releases Airbus delivers second A380 to Singapore Airlines 1/14/2008 9:26:30 PM AWAS orders 75 Airbus A320 Family aircraft 1/14/2008 9:25:43 PM Air Pacific Orders Additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners 1/14/2008 9:23:18 PM Boeing, Continental Celebrate Airline's First 737-900ER Delivery 1/14/2008 9:22:31 PM Boeing Confirms Gulf Air's Intent to Purchase 787 Dreamliners 1/14/2008 9:21:32 PM e-Dynasty Launches on China Airlines Website 1/14/2008 9:19:52 PM
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News Around the Net Airbus sales likely to drop in 2008, EADS chief Louis Gallois predicts Chicago Tribune Analysts Predict Further Delays For Boeing's 787 Aero-News Network FAA Responds to Boeing Security Story Wired Blogs What Fliers Can Expect -- Good and Bad -- in '08 Wall Street Journal iJACK PERIL The People Gulf Air 'back in business' Gulf Daily News Some British Airways flights to bypass London stop USA Today
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Upcoming Events WAEA Technology Committee Meeting 1/22/2008 - 1/23/2008 Aircraft Interiors Expo - Hamburg 4/1/2008 - 4/3/2008 8th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2008) 5/20/2008 - 5/22/2008 WAEA 29th Annual Conference and Exhibition 9/8/2008 - 9/11/2008 Aircraft Interiors Expo - Americas 9/9/2008 - 9/11/2008
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