Technology Briefs - April 26 - May 2
The Latest Headlines:
- Nextel, Motorola Introduce New Ruggedized Phone
- EPA Issues Refrigerant Warning
- XM Radio’s Loss Narrows as Subscriptions Rise
- Sirius Reports Higher Loss, Increased Revenue
- Ridge Joins Technology Firm's Board
- EPA Issues Refrigerant Warning
Nextel, Motorola Introduce New Ruggedized Phone
Nextel Communications Inc. and Motorola Inc. said Monday they had teamed to create a new ruggedized mobile phone for use in transportation and related industries.The phones incorporate Bluetooth technology and Nextel’s walkie-talkie service, and have glare-resistant screens, the two said in a statement. Bluetooth allows a wireless exchange of information to about 30 feet.
Nextel, which is being acquired by Sprint Corp., said Thursday its first-quarter earnings of $595 million or 52 cents a share were unchanged from the previous year.
EPA Issues Refrigerant Warning
The Environmental Protection Agency, several trade associations and manufacturers of heating and air conditioning systems warned commercial vehicle owners to avoid hydrocarbon refrigerants being sold as inexpensive substitutes for HFC-134a and CFC-12.The agency said the refrigerants, marketed under such names as OZ-12, Duracool 12a and HC-12a, are not worth the risk to buyers.
The refrigerants may contain large quantities of propane, butane or other highly flammable gases, and there is insufficient proof that they are safe for mobile air conditioning systems, EPA said.
EPA warned that leaking air conditioners charged with hydrocarbons pose serious risks of fire or explosion under the hood or inside the passenger compartment of a truck. Transport Topics
XM Radio’s Loss Narrows as Subscriptions Rise
XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. Wednesday reported it lost $119.9 million or 58 cents a share in the first quarter, compared with a loss of $170 million or 96 cents a year earlier.evenue jumped to $102.6 million from $43 million.
In the quarter the company added more than 541,000 subscribers to reach 3.77 million, Chief Executive Officer Hugh Panero said in a statement. It was on track to reach 5.5 million subscribers by the end of the year, he said.
The company also began its coverage 2005 Major League Baseball season, launched its third satellite and exited the quarter with an annualized revenue run rate of $430 million, Panero said. Transport Topics
Sirius Reports Higher Loss, Increased Revenue
Sirius Satellite Radio said Thursday it lost $193.6 million or 15 cents a share, compared with a loss of $144 million or 12 cents a year earlier.Revenue rose to $43.2 million from $9.3 million a year earlier.
Sirius said it had about 1.5 million subscribers, adding 305,000 in the quarter. It raised its 2005 subscriber estimate to 2.7 million, up from previous guidance of 2.5 million.
The company said it expects to generate $215 million of revenue this year, up from previous guidance of $210 million, and expects an adjusted loss from operations of about $510 million, compared to previous guidance of $480 million for the full year.
Sirius added 132,211 net subscribers from its automotive, trucking and boating channels, a 449% increase, and 174,000 net subscribers from its retail channel, a 166% increase. Transport Topics
Ridge Joins Technology Firm's Board
Savi Technology, Sunnyvale, Calif., announced the appointment of Tom Ridge — the first secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and former governor of Pennsylvania — to the company’s board.Savi provides active radio frequency identification services for supply chain management and security.
Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, President Bush created DHS and named Ridge to head it. It became a cabinet department in January 2003.
“Secretary Ridge has demonstrated throughout his career in public service the leadership, knowledge and strategic insights that he would bring to our board,” said Vic Verma, Savi’s chief executive officer. Transport Topics
