| Sony Xperia SL shows up in Indonesian POSTEL database Jul 3rd 2012, 01:11  The Xperia S is a mere six months old. Yet, rumor has it that Sony is already prepping a refresh, dubbed the Xperia SL. The handset surfaced at the Indonesian POSTEL site (which appears to be something akin to the FCC), bearing the model number LT26ii. That seemingly random collection of letters and numbers actually reinforces the suspicion that the SL will replace the S, which goes by LT26i -- for those fascinated by nondescript naming systems. What else can we tell you about the device? Well... a whole lot of nothing unfortunately. Chances are it will be mostly a minor spec bump -- perhaps a quad-core CPU and a better camera. For now, though, you'll just have to wait and play the guessing game with the rest of us. Sony Xperia SL shows up in Indonesian POSTEL database originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink  Xperia Blog, Ubergizmo |  POSTEL | Email this | Comments | | Amazon reportedly acquires UpNext, 3D map wars begin in earnest Jul 3rd 2012, 00:09  We might as well call 2012 the year of the 3D map. We've seen both Apple and Google show their cards, but GigaOM now hears that Amazon has jumped in by acquiring newcomer UpNext. The details are scant, but the approximately $2.5 million deal would give Amazon the startup's 3D, Android-native maps of 50 US cities, complete with navigation and extra information about notable buildings. The online reseller hasn't confirmed whether or not the acquisition is happening, which leaves it very much in rumor territory for now. That said, it's not hard to imagine Amazon taking that leap. The Kindle Fire is cut out of the official Android ecosystem and won't get built-in 3D maps without effort on its creator's part -- a buyout would certainly put that mapping on the fast track. Amazon reportedly acquires UpNext, 3D map wars begin in earnest originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 20:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | GigaOM | Email this | Comments | | Micron scoops up Elpida Memory, 50-percent production boost for $2.5 billion Jul 2nd 2012, 23:39  There's no question that Micron has shifted its focus away from PCs in favor of producing components, shipping everything from SSDs to CMOS sensors in recent years, but the semiconductor manufacturer just took a $2.5 billion step even closer to bridging its gap between other companies in the same market, including Samsung, the chip producer's top competitor. Under the deal, Elpida Memory, which is headquartered in Tokyo, will fall within the Idaho-based conglomerate's growing umbrella, netting Micron a 50-percent boost in production capability. That increase did come at great expense, however -- the transaction included $750 million in cash and $1.75 billion in future installments (1,750 easy payments of one million dollars?), which are set to continue through 2019. The acquisition was also paired with a 24-percent stake in Rexchip Electronics for an additional $334 million, which will complement Elpida's investment, yielding a total 89-percent stake for Micron. While the amount does seem quite significant, investors appear to be on board, with Micron's stock ($MU) currently up more than 4 percent since this morning. Both deals will reportedly close within the next year. Micron scoops up Elpida Memory, 50-percent production boost for $2.5 billion originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 19:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Associated Press | Email this | Comments | |
