Telefonica selects Oregan Networks as supplier of client-side middleware. Oregan's software will power OTT video deployments in Telefonica's markets across its global footprint.

The technology enables Telefonica to provide online services using its broadband system, independent of network infrastructures. Services are to include content search, playback, TV catch-up and premium pay-per-view libraries from personal home and mobile devices.

Go Oregan and Telefonica Collaborate on Connected Devices

In order to reflect new trends in the CI industry CEDIA updates its award categories for next year's CEDIA Awards.

Technician of the Year is a new award, open to nomination by CEDIA member companies.

The price-points within the Integrated Home section are now revised to 3 different categories while the 'Best Multi-Dwelling Installation' category is now renamed to 'Best Multiple Scheme for a Property Developer'.

The closing date for entries is 14th January 2011, with the awards ceremony taking place on 8th April at a yet undisclosed location.

The CEDIA 2010 awards attracted more than 90 entries from 10 countries across Region 1 territories.

Go Apply for the Award You Deserve

Savant Systems files a lawsuit against Crestron Electronics. The complaint charges Crestron with violations of U.S. antitrust laws.

Savant accuses Crestron of  "threatening or financially dis-incentivizing dealers who offer or express an interest in offering Savant products". The company also believes that Crestron sought to exclude Savant from dealers reselling controllers to installers and end users.

Robert Madonna, Savant CEO, alleges some of Crestron's documents lie about Savant's products.

No examples of specific threats are provided.

Savant is requesting a jury by trial.

Go Complaint filed by Savant against Crestron

Cisco launches its Cius tablet (pronounced ”SeeUs”) for business, a 7” touch-screen tablet computer running on Android operating system.

Yes, it’s definitely going to be compared to the iPad. But this Cisco product is all about business and Cius comes in two form factors: tablet and a desktop dock (a phone-like format).

CEO John Chambers showed Cius at the Cisco Live customer event, using a live videoconferencing transmission from researchers on a submarine in the Aegean Sea. The device works with cellular 3G and 4G networks, as well as with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. HD 720p video is supported.

Cisco officials say Cius will be generally available in the first quarter of 2011.

The tablet weighs 1.5 lbs. and has a detachable eight-hour battery. An Intel Atom 1.6-GHz processor powers the device.

Chambers also demonstrated a slightly smaller version of the Cius for use by students, so think “Education Market” and Cisco's ability to sell into school and university networks across the world.

And soon the Home Version? It remains unclear whether the Cisco tablet will eventually become a consumer product. "That hasn't been a point of focus," Chambers insists.

When asked about comparisons of Cius to the iPad, Chambers told Computerworld reporters, "Cius is all about collaboration and telepresence." He added, "It's a business tablet. I use the iPad and love it. I love anything that loves networks. We do a lot with Apple and they are a great customer and good partner. I think of Cius as a business tablet, so Cius and iPad are complementary products with different target markets."

And since when have the IT market Big Guys ever drawn their customer border lines so clearly?

Watch Cius ("SeeUs")

Or read about Cius in old-fashioned print