All eyes are on Stephen Elop. Just hours ago, he introduced Nokia's first Windows tablet; he's also overseeing his division's integration into Microsoft; and Redmond is even considering him as its next CEO. During our interview today, Elop understandably couldn't comment on the prospect of taking ...
Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/QCA0rsSrEcM/
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GearFactor/~3/FPZJUaCeN54/Introducing Garmin tactix: A Tactically-Inspired GPS Navigator and ABC Watch
Garmin Tactix OLATHE, Kan./ October 22, 2013/Business Wire-Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced tactix, a rugged high-sensitivity GPS navigator and ABC watch inspired by the requirements of Law Enforcement and Police Special Operations. Built for training, exploring, and more, this field-ready wristwatch boasts an altimeter, barometer, 3-axis compass, and extensive tracking capabilities for precise navigation in the field. tactix is waterproof to 50 meters, and can run up to 50 hours in GPS mode on one charge. It comes preloaded with tide data (U.S. units only) and Jumpmaster software, which could prove invaluable for amphibious and airborne operations. It has a stealth, matte black design with a curved lens and green backlight, so it won't flare out with night vision devices or compromise the user's position. tactix can withstand even the most extreme elements and situations, but is sleek enough to be worn as an everyday timepiece.
"Being able to go hands free while still having access to accurate information on barometric pressure, elevation, and GPS position could prove to be invaluable in the field," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "tactix packs Garmin's trusted navigation technology into a GPS watch that both soldiers and civilians can rely on. Plus, the preloaded tide data and Jumpmaster software, along with its stealth design, really sets tactix apart from other wrist worn GPS devices."
tactix is built to endure the roughest conditions. It combines a strong housing with a forged stainless steel rear case to survive shock and impact, and has a scratch-resistant, curved mineral glass lens that reduces "hot spots" from sun reflections. tactix features a large LCD display with a negative mode liquid crystal display for low light conditions. The black background and green LED backlight won't flare out with night vision devices. The preloaded tide data and Jumpmaster software are important features for both military operations and recreational activities. It has a bold, all-black design (bezel, screen, buttons and straps) that is stealthy, yet stylish. tactix is waterproof to 50 meters, and has a battery life of up to 50 hours in UltraTrac mode, 16 hours in full GPS mode, and five weeks in watch mode. Basic watch functions include alarms, tones, vibration alerts, timer, stopwatch and world clock with the ability to display several time zones, military time, and zulu time at once.
tactix boasts a comprehensive navigational toolset that allows users to plan trips, create routes, record waypoints (up to 1,000) such as rally points, landing zones or potential campsites. Users can record GPS bread crumb trails on the move, can navigate to coordinates, along a track or route, towards waypoints, geocaches or along any other selected bearing. A navigation arrow provides clear directional guidance, and the TracBack® function can guide users back along a previously recorded tracklog. This function provides users peace of mind, knowing that they're never "lost" and can easily find their way back in case of emergency or bad weather conditions. tactix also features a dual-position readout, so users can view their current location in multiple formats, including latitude/longitude and MGRS (military grid reference system) on the display simultaneously, simplifying navigation for professional, search-and-rescue and recreational uses. tactix comes preloaded with a worldwide basemap that displays cities nearby. Using the BaseCamp™ desktop and mobile application, tactix users can easily plan trips and share their adventures with friends and family. tactix is equipped with both ANT+™ capabilities and Bluetooth® to wirelessly share tracks, waypoints, routes, and geocaches with other compatible Garmin devices or smartphones with the BaseCamp mobile app. tactix can also be used as a remote for the new Garmin VIRB action camera.
tactix is equipped with ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, and compass) to provide users with relevant, real-time information. The built-in altimeter provides elevation data to accurately monitor ascent and descent, and the barometer can be used to predict weather changes by showing short-term trends in air pressure. Users can keep their bearings the with 3-axis electronic compass, no matter if they're moving or not. Using its GPS receiver, tactix can auto-calibrate its ABC sensors and auto set the time based on location. For an extremely accurate temperature reading, not influenced by the wearer's body temperature, tactix can be paired with tempe™, Garmin's external temperature sensor.
tactix provides real-time performance data, such as distance, pace, cadence (sensor sold separately), and calories, helping users keep track of their progress during physical training (PT), or other fitness activities. tactix is compatible with the premium heart rate monitor for heart rate info, and with the speed/cadence sensor for distance, speed and cadence while on a bike. The displayed data fields are fully customizable right from the watch.
The new Garmin tactix will be widely available for purchase in fall 2013 for $449.99. tactix is the latest solution from Garmin's outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance user's outdoor experiences. Whether it's golfing, hiking, hunting or geocaching, Garmin outdoor devices are becoming essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. For more information about Garmin's other outdoor products and services, go to garmin.com/outdoors, garmin.blogs.com and twitter.com/garmin.
President Barack Obama gestures while speaking in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, on the initial rollout of the health care overhaul. Obama acknowledged that the widespread problems with his health care law's rollout are unacceptable, as the administration scrambles to fix the cascade of computer issues. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Barack Obama gestures while speaking in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, on the initial rollout of the health care overhaul. Obama acknowledged that the widespread problems with his health care law's rollout are unacceptable, as the administration scrambles to fix the cascade of computer issues. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Barack Obama, standing with supporters of his health care law, speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, on the initial rollout of the health care overhaul. Obama acknowledged that the widespread problems with his health care law's rollout are unacceptable, as the administration scrambles to fix the cascade of computer issues. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Barack Obama gestures while speaking in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, on the initial rollout of the health care overhaul. Obama acknowledged that the widespread problems with his health care law's rollout are unacceptable, as the administration scrambles to fix the cascade of computer issues. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Crammed into conference rooms with pizza for dinner, some programmers building the Obama administration's showcase health insurance website were growing increasingly stressed. Some worked past 10 p.m., energy drinks in hand. Others rewrote computer code over and over to meet what they considered last-minute requests for changes from the government or other contractors.
As questions mount over the website's failure, insider interviews and a review of technical specifications by The Associated Press found a mind-numbingly complex system put together by harried programmers who pushed out a final product that congressional investigators said was tested by the government and not private developers with more expertise.
Project developers who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity — because they feared they would otherwise be fired — said they raised doubts among themselves whether the website could be ready in time. They complained openly to each other about what they considered tight and unrealistic deadlines. One was nearly brought to tears over the stress of finishing on time, one developer said. Website builders saw red flags for months.
A review of internal architectural diagrams obtained by the AP revealed the system's complexity. Insurance applicants have a host of personal information verified, including income and immigration status. The system connects to other federal computer networks, including ones at the Social Security Administration, IRS, Veterans Administration, Office of Personnel Management and the Peace Corps.
President Barack Obama on Monday acknowledged technical problems that he described as "kinks in the system." He also promised a "tech surge" by leading technology talent to repair the painfully slow and often unresponsive website that has frustrated Americans trying to enroll online for insurance plans at the center of Obama's health care law.
But in remarks at a Rose Garden event, Obama offered no explanation for the failure except to note that high traffic to the website caused some of the slowdowns. He said it had been visited nearly 20 million times — fewer monthly visits so far than many commercial websites, such as PayPal, AOL, Wikipedia or Pinterest.
"The problem has been that the website that's supposed to make it easy to apply for and purchase the insurance is not working the way it should for everybody," Obama said. "There's no sugarcoating it. The website has been too slow. People have been getting stuck during the application process. And I think it's fair to say that nobody is more frustrated by that than I am."
The online system was envisioned as a simple way for people without health insurance to comparison-shop among competing plans offered in their state, pick their preferred level of coverage and cost and sign up. For many, it's not worked out that way so far.
Just weeks before the launch of HealthCare.gov on Oct. 1, one programmer said, colleagues huddled in conference rooms trying to patch "bugs," or deficiencies in computer code. Unresolved problems led to visitors experiencing cryptic error messages or enduring long waits trying to sign up.
Congressional investigators have concluded that the government's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, not private software developers, tested the exchange's computer systems during the final weeks. That task, known as integration testing, is usually handled by software companies because it ferrets out problems before the public sees the final product.
The government spent at least $394 million in contracts to build the federal health care exchange and the data hub. Those contracts included major awards to Virginia-based CGI Federal Inc., Maryland-based Quality Software Services Inc. and Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.
CGI Federal said in a statement Monday it was working with the government and other contractors "around the clock" to improve the system, which it called "complex, ambitious and unprecedented."
The schematics from late 2012 show how officials designated a "data services hub" — a traffic cop for managing information — in lieu of a design that would have allowed state exchanges to connect directly to government servers when verifying an applicant's information. On Sunday, the Health and Human Services Department said the data hub was working but not meeting public expectations: "We are committed to doing better."
Administration officials so far have refused to say how many people actually have managed to enroll in insurance during the three weeks since the new marketplaces became available. Without enrollment numbers, it's impossible to know whether the program is on track to reach projections from the Congressional Budget Office that 7 million people would gain coverage during the first year the exchanges were available.
Instead, officials have selectively cited figures that put the insurance exchanges in a positive light. They say more than 19 million people have logged on to the federal website and nearly 500,000 have filled out applications for insurance through both the federal and state-run sites.
The flood of computer problems since the website went online has been deeply embarrassing for the White House. The snags have called into question whether the administration is capable of implementing the complex policy and why senior administration officials — including the president — appear to have been unaware of the scope of the problems when the exchange sites opened.
Even as the president spoke at the Rose Garden, more problems were coming to light. The administration acknowledged that a planned upgrade to the website had been postponed indefinitely and that online Spanish-language signups would remain unavailable, despite a promise to Hispanic groups that the capability would start this week. And the government tweaked the website's home page so visitors can now view phone numbers to apply the old-fashioned way or window-shop for insurance rates without registering first.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee was expected to conduct an oversight hearing Thursday, probably without Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius testifying. She could testify on Capitol Hill on the subject as early as next week.
Uninsured Americans have until about mid-February to sign up for coverage if they are to meet the law's requirement that they be insured by the end of March. If they don't, they will face a penalty.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., plans to introduce legislation to delay that requirement because: "It's not fair to punish people for not buying something that's not available," Rubio told "CBS This Morning" on Tuesday.
On Monday, the White House advised people frustrated by the online tangle that they can enroll by calling 1-800-318-2596 in a process that should take 25 minutes for an individual or 45 minutes for a family. Assistance is also available in communities from helpers who can be found at LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov.
___
Associated Press writer Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar contributed to this report.
___
Follow Jack Gillum on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jackgillum or Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC.
Associated PressSource: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2013-10-22-US-Obama-Health-Care/id-9b31583f4f7d4cffbe14f9c3d40a2089BANGKOK (AP) — Asian stock markets wavered Tuesday as investors battened down for U.S. earnings and the September employment report that was delayed by the government shutdown.
Benchmarks in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and South Korea fell while Japan and Australia posted modest gains. Stock markets in Southeast Asia were mixed. Oil traded below $100 a barrel.
Markets are absorbing quarterly U.S. earnings, with about 30 percent of S&P 500 companies releasing results this week, and also awaiting the September jobs report which was delayed more than two weeks.
U.S. employers are forecast to have added 180,000 jobs, up from 169,000 in August. The unemployment rate is expected to remain at 7.3 percent, which will support arguments in favor of the Federal Reserve continuing its super easy monetary policy.
Employers are adding jobs at only a modest pace, and many of the hires are in lower-paying industries. Economists think the shutdown slowed growth in the October-December quarter and likely dampened hiring.
Japan's Nikkei 225 stock average was up 0.2 percent at 14,723.44 and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 added 0.5 percent to 5,378.
Seoul's Kospi lost 0.1 percent to 2,051.65. Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 0.5 percent to 23,324.50 and China's Shanghai Composite Index was off 0.7 percent at 2,214.51.
Benchmarks in India and Singapore rose while Indonesia and Thailand fell.
Monday's batch of U.S. earnings were mixed. McDonald's confirmed that it faces greater competition, shifting eating habits and tough economic conditions around the world. The share price of toy maker Hasbro spiked sharply after reporting better-than-expected results.
The S&P 500 closed up a fraction of a point at 1,744.66, an all-time high, its third consecutive record close. The Dow Jones industrial average edged down 7.45 points, or 0.1 percent, to 15,392.20. The Nasdaq composite rose 5.77 points, or 0.2 percent, to 3,920.05.
Benchmark crude for November delivery was down 27 cents at $98.95 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The November contract expires Tuesday.
Oil closed below $100 a barrel Monday for the first time since early July as U.S. supplies keep rising and the risks of disruption to Middle East shipments subside. The contract fell $1.59 to $99.22
In currencies, the euro fell to $1.3667 from $1.3673 late Monday. The dollar rose to 98.31 yen from 98.18 yen.
He may be single but he is DEFINITELY not ready to mingle!
Not yet, anyway!
Even though Bruce and Kris Jenner are officially separated, that doesn't mean the Olympian is sprinting to get back on the dating market. Because his heart might still have a special place in it for Kris!
A source close to the family recently explained why Bruce doesn't want to date right away. After 22 years of being together with Kris, Bruce has unexpected thoughts on dating, with an insider saying:
"We talked about it and he said, 'I'm not even going to think about another relationship at this point. After being with [Kris] for so long, I can't imagine getting involved with someone else.'"
This Saturday, Bruce, 63, was spotted out at the Troubadour in West Hollywood to catch a performance by Brandon and Leah, the pop group made up by his son Brandon Jenner and his wife.
Bruce was in great spirits, watching from the upstairs area with his daughters Kylie and Kendall!
What a fun family night out!
The times might be tough right now Bruce, but you can always count on your kids to make you smile!
Ch-ch-check out the pic of Bruce and Kendall at the show below and more shots of him with the love of his life, Kris!
[Image via Mavrix Online.]
Tags: brandon and leah, bruce jenner, keeping up with the kardashians, kendall jenner, kris jenner, kylie jenner, love line, troubadour, west hollywood
