TV tuner streams live content via iPad's 30-pin dock connector

As seen at CNET, Elgato, a maker of Mac accessories, has released its EyeTV Mobile iPad 2 TV Tuner, a proprietary dongle for the iPad 2 for streaming live television via mobile sources. The dongle connects to the iPad's ubiquitous 30-pin dock connector; its retractable aerial antenna picks up local broadcast television signals. The device includes a free app that allows users to Tivo-esquely record live programs to the iPad 2 to watch later. The tuner supports broadcasts in DVB (Digital Video Broadcast) transmissions -- a global standard in most first- and second-world countries. So, the gadget is only available in Europe, so far. No word yet on the existence of any analogous North American ATSC M/H (I am assuming) device...yet.

Apple to include magnetic connector in future iPads

Patently Apple is reporting that Apple has been granted a U.S. patent for the assembly of a unit supporting the MagSafe connector into an iOS device like an iPad. The patent reportedly states that "in one particular embodiment, the connector may be a power connector such as the MagSafe." The MagSafe power connector adheres to the unit by a magnet as opposed to being held in place purely by port insertion into the port; newer model MacBooks are equipped with the connector design for their power adapters. Parents of small children and the accident-prone value the MagSafe connectors, as a tug on the cord releases the connection, alleviating the dreaded "laptop hitting the floor" syndrome in the event of a tug on the power cord.

Precious metal thieves scale all cell tower heights

The Enterprise of Brockton, MA has reported that police were called to a Verizon cell tower near Route 140 in Lakeville, MA to find a male individual engaged in a literal high wire attempt to steal the copper grounding plates used to protect the towers in the event of lightning strikes. “He was over 100 feet above ground,” relayed Lakeville Police Chief Frank Alvilhiera. “This has been the trend with copper prices high. Thefts are on the rise everywhere.” The reporting continues to note that, in nearby New Hampshire, three cell towers were targeted in the towns of Salem and Londonderry during the last weekend in June; and that, in April, two men were arrested in Salem, NH and charged with stealing copper wire from National Grid.

This sort of theft has indeed been rampant everywhere. Some experts have speculated that rising copper prices and theft may drive up demand for fiber deployments in the telecom space. Other players in the industry have suggested that copper alternative solutions may help to reduce cabling theft. What do you think?

Foxconn calls on robot workforce to quell labor, suicide woes

Taiwan-based contract manufacturing colossus and noted Apple partner Foxconn says it plans to enlist a one-million strong robot workforce over the next 3 years. As reported by Reuters, the plan "highlights an increasing trend toward automation among Chinese companies as labor issues such as high-profile strikes and workers' suicides plague firms in sectors from autos to technology." Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou reportedly told China Business News that the company expects to put 1 million robots on its production lines within three years, up from about 10,000 in use now and an expected 300,000 by next year. Gou also said the company plans to move its more than 1 million human employees "up the value chain beyond basic manufacturing work."

Link: Foxconn to rely more on robots; could use 1 million in 3 years (reuters.com)