Archive for August 13th, 2008
Apple’s iPhone 3G reception issues could be more than a network problem — or even a firmware problem. The issue could run as deep as the hardware, which could cause the handset maker millions in product repairs or replacements.iPhone 3G users have been complaining about dropped calls, abrupt network switches, poor reception and service interruptions.
One financial analyst recalls similar complaints with 3G phones launched in Europe five years ago and speculates that the culprit could be the chipset inside the iPhone 3G. The new handset runs on an Infineon 3G chipset.
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August 13th, 2008
Parents are more concerned about their children’s exposure to video games than alcohol, violence and pornography, according to recent polls.Conducted by What They Play, a parent’s guide to video games, nearly 3,000 respondents in two separate polls concluded that drinking beer and watching pornography were less objectionable activities for children than playing certain video games. Further, viewing violence was more acceptable than seeing content involving sex and sexuality within games.
“These poll results demonstrate that parents are as apprehensive about their children’s media diets as they are about traditional social issues such as alcohol, drugs, violence and sex,” said John Davison, president of What They Like, the San Francisco company that runs What They Play. “When it comes to video games, parents should know that What They Play is a resource that helps demystify one of the most popular — and challenging — forms of entertainment their kids are into.”
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August 13th, 2008
Russia is not only attacking Georgia by land and by air, but hackers are attacking Georgia’s computer systems. Cyber attackers began launching virtual missiles at Georgian servers on Aug. 8.A group calling itself South Ossetia Hack Crew claimed responsibility for an attack that defaced the Web site of the Georgian Parliament. The group posted images that compare Adolf Hitler with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. Saakashvili’s Web site also came under attack on Monday.
“We definitely see hactivism taking place from people who have a political ideology and jump on the bandwagon with bots to help promote their opinions and viewpoints, whether that be for war or against war or for or against certain countries,” said Ken Dunham, director of global response for iSIGHT Partners. (Hactivism is using digital tools for political ends.)
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August 13th, 2008
Downtown revitalization is a bona fide trend across the United States in cities large and small, and South Florida’s metro downtowns are in full revitalization swing.
But the strategies and the results in downtown Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are as different as the cities themselves.
“There are differences in the maturity of the commercial uses in the existing downtown markets and also in the public investments already made in the major cities in South Florida,” said Bernard Zyscovich, principal of Miami-based Zyscovich Architects, whose firm designed a Downtown Miami master growth plan that merged urbanism and architecture with economic and social schemes.
Downtown West Palm Beach has completed major roadway and landscape improvements. And for years the city has held regularly scheduled events that aim to woo people to the heart of Clematis Street and the waterfront.
Now, the city is working to adopt a new master plan and zoning regulations to boost its downtown. A new waterfront development and City Center projects are planned. More hotel development is in the works.
In less than two years, more than 30 new retailers have come to the Clematis District and 20 have set up shop in the CityPlace District.
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August 13th, 2008
The purchase earlier this week of the Las Olas Riverfront, an underused lifestyle property in Fort Lauderdale, by Cerberus Capital Management affiliate Madeleine L.L.C., has ignited speculation about the site’s future.
Cerberus filed an emergency motion late Monday in Broward County Circuit Court to postpone the auction so it could exercise its right to buy out the entire loan. The New York City-based firm agreed to purchase the loan for $21.8 million from ACF Riverfront, the senior lender that took over the debt on the property after foreclosing on Boca Developers.
Once upon a time, Boca Developers had ambitious plans to build an upscale condo, hotel and office tower to encourage a work-live-play lifestyle along the New River.
Since the Riverfront project flopped, Fort Lauderdale-based Stiles Development Group has expressed interest in the failing $55 million Las Olas Riverfront entertainment complex that sits on prime downtown land.
“Stiles would be the perfect developer for Las Olas Riverfront,” said Walter Duke, a principal of Clobus McLemore & Duke, a commercial real estate valuation and advisory services firm in Ft. Lauderdale. “If Stiles can work out an arrangement with the lender at the right price, this is a firm that could carefully develop what is the linchpin of the Riverwalk Linear Park downtown.”
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August 13th, 2008
Competition between leasers of executive office space is set to heat up. Fifty-five offices spread over 12,000 square feet in a Class A building in Aventura are now available for leasing.
The project, which is holding its grand opening today, was launched by Daniel Serber, Sergio Waissmann and Raul Pacheta. Like other similar office spaces, their project targets mobile professionals, growing businesses and downsizing companies. Also on offer will be so-called virtual office space, which is leased to tenants who need a physical address but not much more.
“So many companies are looking to optimize their costs. We provide a solution that helps accommodate growth, whether that’s a branch office or a temporary office for executives coming in for abroad,” Waissmann said. “Other companies are downsizing operations, but want to maintain a presence in the market or maintain a professional appearance through a virtual office,” he continued.
Presently there are numerous firms that offer executive office space in Miami, such as Office Suites Plus, Alliance, Urbis and Goldbetter.
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August 13th, 2008
igration is a hot button issue in the 2008 presidential elections, but long after the votes are counted the real estate industry may still be pressing for immigration reform of a different kind.
That’s because some realtors believe current immigration laws, including those dealing with visas and drivers’ licenses, are putting a brake on foreigners interested in investments and second homes in South Florida. Others say the issue is a red herring, a knee-jerk reaction from the real estate community reeling from a downturn. Still others say the bigger issue is immigration’s impact on business.
“The real estate market is obviously going through a terrifically horrible time and there are many other issues that need to be addressed,” said Roy Barquet, a partner at Foley & Larder LLP in Miami.
“Immigration issues are on the periphery of the real estate issue,” he continued. “Immigration law is not having a chilling effect on real estate.”
But some realtors strongly disagree. Their complaints include: foreigners’ difficulties getting long-term visas, a long and rigorous immigration procedure upon entering the country, and driver’s license mandates.
Stefan Bolsen, managing director of Engel & Voelkers Florida headquarters, said Congress doesn’t seem to understand the consequences of these challenges on the local real estate economy.
“As we all know, the procedure of selling is highly influenced by psychology and investors tend to act in herds,” Bolsen said. “If the herd starts to run, everyone follows and the European investor could be the spark to start the engine.”
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August 13th, 2008
