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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

3/7 Engadget


     
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Ten One Design teases pressure-sensitive 'Blue Tiger' stylus for the iPad 3
March 7, 2012 at 8:47 AM
 
It's no secret Steve Jobs felt about styluses, but that doesn't seem to have deterred Ten One Design. The company behind the Pogo Sketch is now teasing a pen designed to work with the as-yet unannounced iPad 3. The stylus, codenamed "Project Blue Tiger," is pressure-sensitive, and pairs with the iPad over Bluetooth 4.0. As you can see in the video below, the pen is meant to be used inside a drawing app Ten One's whipped up, though the outfit's made the SDK available to developers today. Per the press release, all you curious code monkeys out there can email info@tenonedesign.com for more details, though the SDK is ready for download at the source link below. Now about that requisite hardware...

Continue reading Ten One Design teases pressure-sensitive 'Blue Tiger' stylus for the iPad 3

Ten One Design teases pressure-sensitive 'Blue Tiger' stylus for the iPad 3 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia Lumia 800 update reportedly triples battery life
March 7, 2012 at 7:32 AM
 
Nokia Lumia 800 update reportedly triples battery life
Earlier this week in Refresh Roundup, we wrote of a Vodafone-branded update for the Lumia 800 with a designation of 1600.2487.8107.12070. Among the enhancements, the new software version was said to provide longer battery life -- a welcome improvement, no doubt -- but we could've never guessed the significance of the gain. The folks at WPCentral recently forced the update onto their own phones and, get this, they assert the new software has nearly tripled(!) their battery life. While our heads are still spinning at the assertion, they claim the improvements are in part due to better management of the screen's brightness and cite an approximate discharge of 70mA when idle. Meanwhile, reports in the forums of xda-developers claim that battery drain is in the neighborhood of 80mA and 90mA when idle -- not quite as stunning, but still a huge improvement in comparison to the approximate 150mA discharge with the previous version. While your mileage may vary, this latest update could prove to be a true godsend for Lumia 800 owners.

Nokia Lumia 800 update reportedly triples battery life originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink SlashGear  |  sourceWPCentral, xda-developers  | Email this | Comments
   
   
Engadget HD Podcast 289 - 03.06.2012
March 7, 2012 at 6:43 AM
 

We're caught in the middle between Microsoft an Apple announcements this week, but we'll try and make the best of it. The Windows 8 Consumer Preview has hit the streets and word is Media Center is present and accounted, so of course we have to take a look. Afterwards, we dig into the latest digital movie news and the least surprising lawsuit of the week. We've also got an interesting Android dongle and the much-anticipated arrival of the Indiana Jones movies on Blu-ray. Our final question this week: Is Ben the only person in America who still listens to the radio?

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)

Producer: Trent Wolbe

00:10:15 - Microsoft Windows 8 Consumer Preview detailed impressions
00:20:09 - HBO Go coming to Xbox 360 on April 1st
00:23:15 - WSJ: Walmart to offer in-store disc to digital UltraViolet service
00:27:12 - Fox, Warner, SanDisk and Western Digital's Project Phenix: promotes DRM, misspelling
00:29:58 - TV stations predictably sue Aereo over antenna-to-internet streaming plans
00:37:10 - Netflix Watch Instantly's life after Starz includes Academy Award winners, more captions
00:41:03 - Always Innovating HDMI Android dongle gets an ICS update, we swing by for a taste (video)
00:46:33 - FCC puts Dish Network's LTE plans on hold, opts for a longer review
00:48:06 - Redbox deal with Universal keeps DVDs, Blu-rays on 28-day delay through 2014
00:53:46 - The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection finally brings the entire set home in HD this fall
00:57:05 - Must See HDTV (March 5th - 11th)

Hear the podcast

LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)

Engadget HD Podcast 289 - 03.06.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Media Files
EngadgetHD_Podcast_289.mp3 (MP3 Audio, 39.2 MB)
   
   
Engadget HD Podcast 289 - 03.06.2012
March 7, 2012 at 6:43 AM
 

We're caught in the middle between Microsoft and Apple announcements this week, but we'll try and make the best of it. The Windows 8 Consumer Preview has hit the streets and word is Media Center is present and accounted, so of course we have to take a look. Afterwards, we dig into the latest digital movie news and the least surprising lawsuit of the week. We've also got an interesting Android dongle and the much-anticipated arrival of the Indiana Jones movies on Blu-ray. Our final question this week: Is Ben the only person in America who still listens to the radio?

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)

Producer: Trent Wolbe

00:10:15 - Microsoft Windows 8 Consumer Preview detailed impressions
00:20:09 - HBO Go coming to Xbox 360 on April 1st
00:23:15 - WSJ: Walmart to offer in-store disc to digital UltraViolet service
00:27:12 - Fox, Warner, SanDisk and Western Digital's Project Phenix: promotes DRM, misspelling
00:29:58 - TV stations predictably sue Aereo over antenna-to-internet streaming plans
00:37:10 - Netflix Watch Instantly's life after Starz includes Academy Award winners, more captions
00:41:03 - Always Innovating HDMI Android dongle gets an ICS update, we swing by for a taste (video)
00:46:33 - FCC puts Dish Network's LTE plans on hold, opts for a longer review
00:48:06 - Redbox deal with Universal keeps DVDs, Blu-rays on 28-day delay through 2014
00:53:46 - The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection finally brings the entire set home in HD this fall
00:57:05 - Must See HDTV (March 5th - 11th)

Hear the podcast

LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)

Engadget HD Podcast 289 - 03.06.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Media Files
EngadgetHD_Podcast_289.mp3 (MP3 Audio, 39.2 MB)
   
   
Netflix is in talks to partner with cable providers for bundles, could mean higher quality streaming
March 7, 2012 at 6:02 AM
 
After CEO Reed Hastings recently hinted at the possibility of Netflix's Watch Instantly service coming bundled with cable services, Reuters is reporting the company has met with "some of the largest US cable companies" to discuss partnerships. The report goes on to mention it could stream through cable set-top boxes and appear as another line item on customer's bills, however for that, Netflix would have to rework content licensing agreements that bar its service from cable boxes, which has kept it off of TiVo Premieres offered by companies like Suddenlink and RCN. We've also spoken to the infamous people with knowledge of the discussions and are hearing that while deals are being discussed, what's initiated the talks is the increasing bandwidth load that Watch Instantly is placing on networks -- see the Comcast vs. Level 3 dustup from 2010.

What the deals being discussed could bring is a setup where your cable company offer bundled services that include premium access to Netflix -- higher quality audio and video streams that don't count against bandwidth caps, and maybe even a discount from the standard rate. Cable companies could obtain revenue from Netflix under the deal, and also keep customers around thanks to the advantages of the bundled offerings, while Netflix could have more reliable distribution for its video, and a leg up on competition from Amazon and Redbox / Verizon FiOS. We'll wait and see what happens, but in an interesting twist, Netflix could quickly join sports as a tool for providers to keep customers from cutting the cord, instead of a reason for it.

Netflix is in talks to partner with cable providers for bundles, could mean higher quality streaming originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cha-ching! IBM's Watson heads to Citigroup to meddle in human finances
March 7, 2012 at 5:23 AM
 
Cha-ching! IBM's Watson heads to Citigroup to meddle in human finances
Watson's been a busy supercomputer since it took a couple of humans to school on Jeopardy last year -- what with its stint at Columbia and a recent foray into hunting patent trolls -- and now it's taking on the financial industry. IBM and Citigroup recently announced plans to explore how America's favorite supercomputer fits into the realm of digital banking. Under the agreement, Citi will examine Watson's ability to "help analyze customer needs and process vast amounts of up-to-the-minute financial, economic, product and client data," in the hopes of providing rapid, personalized banking solutions. According to Bloomberg, Watson's financial assistance will be provided as a "cloud-based service" and will earn IBM a portion of the revenue and savings it helps generate. The full press release (which makes no mention of a vacation for the overworked machine) can be found after the break.

Continue reading Cha-ching! IBM's Watson heads to Citigroup to meddle in human finances

Cha-ching! IBM's Watson heads to Citigroup to meddle in human finances originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Bloomberg  |  sourceIBM  | Email this | Comments
   
   
Samsung's Galaxy S and iPhone-compatible speaker docks (eyes-on)
March 7, 2012 at 4:57 AM
 
Samsung and Apple may be at each others throats in the courtroom, but the two will be getting along just fine with Sammy's new speaker docks. Sprinkled in with the availability details of its 2012 Smart TV lineup, the company's prepped a quartet of stereo speaker-systems affixed with dual-docks for its Galaxy line of devices and, surprise, Apple's iThings (Mini-USB plug and a 30-pin connector). You'll have a choice between two designs (each available in two sizes), starting with the two-channel, bell bottom macaroni-style above (10-watt DA-E550). The remaining models feature a more traditional box-like shape, 2.1-channels of sound, and Bluetooth-connectivity -- this includes the DA-E650 with 40 watts of output and a 20-watt subwoofer, and the DA-E670 with 100 watts of output and a 60-watt sub. Mum's the word on pricing, but you'll be able to pick these mini-rigs in April. For now, check out some close-up shots in the gallery below and the PR past the break for all of the sound-related goodies Samsung unveiled today.

Edgar Alvarez and Michael Gorman contributed to this post.

Continue reading Samsung's Galaxy S and iPhone-compatible speaker docks (eyes-on)

Samsung's Galaxy S and iPhone-compatible speaker docks (eyes-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft Office 15 revealed, simpler UI with touch-friendly features
March 7, 2012 at 4:28 AM
 
Microsoft Office 15 revealed, simpler UI with touch-friendly features
Microsoft started seeding its Office 15 technical preview to a select few partners earlier this year to get it ready for public consumption, and The Verge managed to get a sneak peek at some of the software's new features. As you would expect, the newest Office version got a dose of Metro style, and now has a cleaner interface and touch mode to make browsing documents and presentations as easy on a tablet as it is on a desktop PC. Word also received improvements, like double-click to zoom, smoother scrolling, video embeds and the ability to share documents online through a browser. Excel received some formatting controls and chart animations, among other improvements, while PowerPoint has made it easier to drop Excel charts into presentations without futzing with formatting. Outlook now has weather forecasts built in, in-line replies, and greater multiple email account support, and OneNote received improved tables support. So, it looks like the gang in Redmond is trying to stay a step ahead of its open-source competition, but we won't know for sure until Office 15 gets in the hands of the people this summer.

Microsoft Office 15 revealed, simpler UI with touch-friendly features originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceThe Verge  | Email this | Comments
   
   
Toshiba outs Qosmio X870 gaming laptop with 3D display, not-too-tacky design
March 7, 2012 at 3:53 AM
 
What's this, then? Why, it's what appears to be a brand new, redesigned gaming laptop, courtesy of 'ol Toshiba. Though it hasn't been announced here in the US, UK-based site TechDigest is showing us the first photo of the Qosmio X870, which seems to have a rather reined-in design compared to previous Toshiba gaming machines we've seen (to the extent that a PC with red accents can ever be called staid). According to the site, its specs include a 17.3-inch, 1080p, 3D-capable display; the "latest" Intel processors; unspecified, next-gen NVIDIA GPUs with 3GB of video memory; and up to either 2TB in HDD storage or a (presumably smaller) hybrid SSD. Rounding out the list, the laptop is said to rock Bluetooth 4.0, four USB 3.0 sockets (including two with Toshiba's Sleep-and-Charge technology), HDMI, Harman Kardon speakers, an optional Blu-ray player and that all-important LAN port. Sounds good to us, though as of this writing we've yet to see a press release posted on any of Toshiba's regional or global sites. If TechDigest's report is on the money, though, this thing should land sometime in Q2, which means Tosh has a few months yet to clarify that minor pricing question.

Toshiba outs Qosmio X870 gaming laptop with 3D display, not-too-tacky design originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceTechDigest  | Email this | Comments
   
   
Windows Embedded Standard 8 preview now available for download
March 7, 2012 at 3:29 AM
 
We're guessing it won't get to a million downloads quite as quick as the Windows 8 consumer preview did, but Microsoft has now made another upcoming operating system available for download in "preview" form: Windows Embedded Standard 8. That OS is at the heart the company's big push into so-called "intelligent systems," which includes everything from digital signage and kiosks to manufacturing systems and medical equipment. As you might expect, the OS is also closely tied to Windows 8 proper, including the same Metro-style applications and what Microsoft describes as "all the key functionality of Windows 8." Additional details and download instructions can be found at the source link below.

Continue reading Windows Embedded Standard 8 preview now available for download

Windows Embedded Standard 8 preview now available for download originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android finally gets an official TED app
March 7, 2012 at 3:07 AM
 
TED
TED -- it's exclusive, endlessly fascinating, pretentious and addictive as hell. Sadly, for those of you out there rocking Android devices, getting your fix on the go required you download the talks as podcasts or use one of many unofficial and highly unreliable apps from the market. That source of frustration comes to an end now, though, with the launch of the official TED app for Android. It's free, it works on tablets and phones and it's available now -- what more could you ask for? Hit up the source link to download it and fire up one of the 1,200-plus TEDTalks available.

Android finally gets an official TED app originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink MobileSyrup  |  sourceTED (Android Market)  | Email this | Comments
   
   
More Nokia 808 PureView sample shots spotted: 41MP sensor laughs at the notion of motion blur
March 7, 2012 at 2:47 AM
 
More Nokia 808 PureView sample shots spotted: 41MP sensor laughs at the notion of motion blur
Nokia's 808 Pureview was one of the major stories of last week's MWC. We're desperate to get to grips with a final retail model and push that 41-megapixel sensor to its limits -- but until then, a handful of extra sample shots will have to suffice. This sharp, detailed mid-air shot bodes well for some high-speed image capture on Nokia's new cameraphone chimera. (However, at the peak of a board trick, you're largely static.) While several more of these unearthed photos are already embedded into Nokia's own 808 landing page, the unobscured image files appear to be a treasure trove for phone tinkerers, with one Pentax Forums member able to eke out plenty of detail from a previously silhouetted sample shot. We've chopped together a before-and-after to accentuate those differences right after the break. Otherwise, you can take a look at the source for a full-size rundown of those hidden images.

Continue reading More Nokia 808 PureView sample shots spotted: 41MP sensor laughs at the notion of motion blur

More Nokia 808 PureView sample shots spotted: 41MP sensor laughs at the notion of motion blur originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink MyNokiaBlog  |  sourcePentax Forums  | Email this | Comments
   
   
Engadget Interview: Richard Yu, Huawei chairman of devices
March 7, 2012 at 2:25 AM
 
Countless smartphones were announced at last week's Mobile World Congress, but Huawei's showing was one of the more intriguing at the event. The company has some incredibly lofty goals, intending to ditch its past reputation as an ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) focused on budget devices and embracing an exciting future as an industry leader. Since such a thing doesn't happen overnight, what's the vendor's strategy to come out on top in the coming years? We briefly caught up with Richard Yu, Huawei's chair of devices, and picked his brain on some of his company's ambitions.

Continue reading Engadget Interview: Richard Yu, Huawei chairman of devices

Engadget Interview: Richard Yu, Huawei chairman of devices originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After 25 billion downloads, Apple unveils the App Store's greatest hits
March 7, 2012 at 1:59 AM
 
We doubt you've wasted much time contemplating which iOS apps are the most popular, but Apple wants to tell you anyway. Over the past year Cupertino's been keeping its greatest hits up to date in the App Store, and it's made another adjustment to the page in celebration of reaching the 25 billion download mark. The best of the best shouldn't come as much of a surprise -- Angry Birds and its 12 versions are in there, as well as Fruit Ninja, Pandora and Facebook. But if you're even the slightest bit curious as to what else made it to the top of the charts, feel free to scope out the complete listing at the link below.

After 25 billion downloads, Apple unveils the App Store's greatest hits originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon patents intelligent pen for adding annotations to digital and printed media
March 7, 2012 at 1:39 AM
 
We wouldn't call it a comeback, but the stylus is definitely enjoying a mini-renaissance of sorts in the world of phablets. So it should come as no surprise to see Amazon patenting an intelligent input device (most likely a Kindle Pen), as well as a "computer-implemented method" for that associated accessory which can read, write, search, print and email annotations and highlights made on digital (ebooks and video) and physically printed works. The theoretical service also has a social aspect to it, allowing a primary account holder to grant outside users access to notes, in addition to the ability to edit and create their own. With some well-sourced gossip already indicating the Bezos-backed company has a larger, more advanced tablet waiting in the wings, it's a strong possibility this handheld tech could be making its grand debut very soon.

Amazon patents intelligent pen for adding annotations to digital and printed media originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceUSPTO, (2)  | Email this | Comments
   
   
Square takes on New York taxis with new iPad-based payment system
March 7, 2012 at 1:12 AM
 
Anyone who finds themselves in a New York taxi over the next few weeks stands a slim chance of getting their hands on Square's latest experiment. As The New York Times reports, the company will soon begin rolling out the first phase of its new mobile payment system for taxis, which will see 30 cabs equipped with an iPad encased in a metal housing that also includes a credit card reader. That will let folks swipe their card, sign their name on the screen with their finger, and then receive a receipt on their phone either by text or email; taxi drivers are also able to interact with the system, dubbed "Checker," using their own iPhone app. Unfortunately, details beyond that initial roll out remain a bit light, although Square is happy to point out that the system is completely silent and offers no other distractions.

Square takes on New York taxis with new iPad-based payment system originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceThe New York Times  | Email this | Comments
   
   
Nintendo 3DS celebrates first birthday, sells 4.5 million consoles in the US
March 7, 2012 at 12:52 AM
 
Nintendo of America has lifted the lid on how many 3DS handhelds were purchased in the first twelve months of life in the US of A. 4.5 million of the devices have been taken home since March 27th of last year, surpassing the 2.3 million classic DS units sold between 2004 - 2005. Whilst the company's playing coy with how many units were sold worldwide, given that the Japanese arm of the company recently passed the five million mark, we can reasonably expect Ninty Nintendo's outlook to be healthier than it has been for a while. Head on past the break to read the official line on all matters three dimensional and cast your mind back to a simpler time, when games could only travel in the dimensions that existed behind the glass.

Continue reading Nintendo 3DS celebrates first birthday, sells 4.5 million consoles in the US

Nintendo 3DS celebrates first birthday, sells 4.5 million consoles in the US originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget will be broadcasting live outside of Apple's iPad event tomorrow!
March 7, 2012 at 12:30 AM
 
We did it for WWDC 2011 as well as last year's "Let's Talk iPhone" event, and we'll be doing it again before and after Apple launches its next-generation iPad. Tim and Darren will be live in the streets of San Francisco tomorrow, broadcasting video to the known universe on this very site. We'll be set up just outside of the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, with both a pre-event rumor round-up as well as a post-event wrap-up analyzing how the next Apple slate will impact the tablet market at large, your own wallet and the overall molecular makeup of our atmosphere. Keep an eye here on the homepage for our pre-show (we should be live between 6:30AM - 7:30AM PT) as well as our post-show (which should go down between 1:30PM - 2:30PM PT). In between, of course, you can catch our liveblog from the inside at this link right here, given that video streams aren't allowed from the inside. Also, SF -- good weather, alright? Alright.

Engadget will be broadcasting live outside of Apple's iPad event tomorrow! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp working with Japanese government on Home Energy Management System standard (video)
March 7, 2012 at 12:11 AM
 
Sharp HEMS
Sharp is partnering, not with another major player in the consumer electronics field but, with the Japanese government to create a standard based on its Home Energy Management System or HEMS. The platform allows users to not only monitor their energy consumption, but also reduce their electrical burden through home automation tools. With the aid of a tablet or smartphone, home owners can dim lighting and televisions or control thermostats, while monitoring how such changes affect energy consumption in real time. Sharp plans offer the system commercially with a router and WiFi modules that sit between appliances and your electrical outlet. The next step is getting regulators to agree to the standard so that non-Sharp products can become part of the ecosystem. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Sharp working with Japanese government on Home Energy Management System standard (video)

Sharp working with Japanese government on Home Energy Management System standard (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Verge  |  sourceDigInfo TV  | Email this | Comments
   
   
Sony VAIO Hybrid lands U moniker in leaked ad, not much else
March 6, 2012 at 11:53 PM
 
Remember that Sony laptop / tablet hybrid that we spotted on the CES show floor? Well it appears that it will be sporting the VAIO U label when it hits retailers, along the same lines as the outfit's previous UX ultraportable tag. The folks over at Pocketnow ran across an ad with the transforming device being listed as such -- unfortunately, that's about all the info the graphics offered. If you recall, we discovered back in Vegas that the kit would feature both capacitive touch input and an included stylus alongside a keypad that indicated Windows for the OS. You can rest assured, we're keeping an eye out for further details to slide out from cover.

Sony VAIO Hybrid lands U moniker in leaked ad, not much else originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourcePocketnow  | Email this | Comments
   
   
Samsung unleashes Smart Touch Remote and Wireless Keyboard, we go hands-on (video)
March 6, 2012 at 11:28 PM
 
Along with announcing the official release details for its 2012 Plasma and Smart Interaction TV lineup today, Samsung also introduced its Smart Touch Remote and Wireless Keyboard. Essentially serving as the replacement for its 2011 Qwerty remote, the new Touch variant will come included with the ES7500 and ES8000 LED models and E8000 Plasma display. The retro-looking slab features tactile controls for channel switching and adjusting volume on its edges, while the middle section is dedicated to gesture controls for interacting with services like Smart Hub. Notably, the remote also features a built-in microphone which will assist with voice controls if ya happen to be far away from your TV. Moving along for those who like to type, the Wireless Keyboard will be available separately and features most of what you'll find on the remote cleanly affixed on its right side. We're also told that it's compatible with both models of the Galaxy Tab 2. We haven't heard any word on pricing or availability, but check out the gallery below and a cameo of the remote in the video past the break for further details.

Continue reading Samsung unleashes Smart Touch Remote and Wireless Keyboard, we go hands-on (video)

Samsung unleashes Smart Touch Remote and Wireless Keyboard, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung details pricing and availability for its 2012 Smart TV lineup
March 6, 2012 at 11:08 PM
 
We've already seen pricing leak out for some models, but Samsung has today gotten official with the pricing and availability for its complete Smart TV lineup for 2012 (which includes more TVs than we can mention this post). On the LED side of things, those start out with the 26-inch EH4000 on the low-end, which runs $329.99, and top out with the company's 65-inch ES8000, which will set you back a hefty $5,099.99, although it's one of the few models that remains TBA in terms of availability. The company's plasma TV offerings for the year are comparatively fewer (but still include 16 different sets), and range from the 43-inch PN43E450 at $549.99 to the 64-inch PN64E8000 at $3,949.99. Those looking for a particular model can find the full rundown of prices and dates at the links below.

Continue reading Samsung details pricing and availability for its 2012 Smart TV lineup

Samsung details pricing and availability for its 2012 Smart TV lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceSamsung (1), (2)  | Email this | Comments
   
   
Intel intros Xeon E5-2600 family, finally ushers servers into the Sandy Bridge era
March 6, 2012 at 10:47 PM
 
Xeon E5-2600On the eve of the release of Ivy Bridge, Intel is finally bringing its server chips up to speed by introducing the Sandy Bridge-based E5-2600 family of CPUs. The company claims its latest processors outperform the previous generation of Xeons by up to 80 percent in raw speed, while improving per-watt performance by 50 percent. The eight-core chips support up to 768GB of RAM, PCI Express 3.0, Hyper-Threading, Turbo Boost, Intel Virtualization -- basically the whole Chipzilla portfolio of tricks. A grand total of 17 different Xeons will be available, ranging in price from $198 to $2,050. For complete details hit up the more coverage link and check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Intel intros Xeon E5-2600 family, finally ushers servers into the Sandy Bridge era

Intel intros Xeon E5-2600 family, finally ushers servers into the Sandy Bridge era originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell XPS 13 review
March 6, 2012 at 10:00 PM
 
Dell XPS 13 review
You don't have to be a marketing skeptic to agree that "Ultrabook" is a somewhat hyperbolic term for a class of devices designed a little thinner, a little lighter and maybe a little quicker than those notebooks that have come before. From a pure hardware standpoint there's nothing particularly "ultra" about them when compared to a standard Wintel lappytop, but manufacturers are, thankfully, using this as an opportunity to raise their game on another front that's becoming increasingly important in the world of portable computing: aesthetics.

Compared to clunky laptops of yore, many Ultrabooks mark a truly massive step forward when it comes to purity of design and Dell is showing some impressive chops with the new XPS 13. But, when you're buckled in to coach class and it's time to get to work, looks are less important than having a solid laptop that performs. Does the new XPS have the brawn to match its beauty? Let's find out.

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Dell XPS 13 review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba Satellite P855 glasses-free 3D laptop hands-on (video)
March 6, 2012 at 9:46 PM
 
Remember that glasses-free 3D Qosmio F750 (aka F755 in the US) gaming laptop we saw last year? We're not sure how many of them Toshiba has sold, but the company's PR folks tell us they've been popular enough to justify a further 15.6-inch glasses-free model -- a Satellite P855, which will have a more mainstream target audience. We're looking at exactly the same lenticular technology, which uses a webcam to adjust the 3D effect to the user's head movements, and which delivers effective results if you sit relatively still and give your eyes a chance to adapt. This time, however, the effect is delivered within a textured aluminum chassis that will likely appeal to a wider audience than the red-styled garishness of the Qosmio. The price tag has yet to be disclosed, but that should also be more appealing, since the Satellite range starts at £599 ($940). The P855 won't arrive until Q2 and Toshiba wasn't ready to reveal any concrete specs concerning the processor or graphics, other than saying this laptop is aimed at mainstream 3D gaming as well as Blu-Ray consumption. We asked about memory and storage too, but with no success -- all we could glean is that there are four USB 3.0 ports, HDMI out, Intel WiDi for direct WiFi beaming of 1080 video to a bigger screen, plus Harmon Kardon speakers. C'mon Tosh, give us Ivy Bridge paired with a 28nm Kepler GPU and make the world happy. (Hands-on video right after the break.)

Continue reading Toshiba Satellite P855 glasses-free 3D laptop hands-on (video)

Toshiba Satellite P855 glasses-free 3D laptop hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook hands-on (video)
March 6, 2012 at 9:22 PM
 
First they announce, then we touch. Such is the way of the technology trade show. In our eager paws this time is the U2442 Ultrabook from Gigabyte. Strangely, it was running Windows 8 Consumer Preview, which is all good and well, but the 1600 x 900 pixel display wasn't being shown to its full potential. A shame, as it would have been nice to see how the latest Microsoft OS might actually look in real use. The device itself is a mix of aluminum and plastic, which gives it a mixed-quality feel, and there's definitely some weight to the Ultrabook, although it's nowhere near the heaviest laptop we saw today.

Despite being an Ultrabook, the U2442 has dedicated GeForce GT 640M graphics, which will certainly please those who aren't fans of the whole SoC thing. Also, unlike many other devices it competes with, the Gigabyte also touts a full-size Ethernet port along with those USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports we learned about this morning -- no nasty dongles to carry around and lose with this guy. All we know on release is that it's slated for sometime this summer, with pricing expected to be in the $1,000 range. Shimmy on over the break for the hands-on video, or take a peek at the gallery below to see the Ultrabook in all its full-size-port glory.

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Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Play replaces Android Market, new source for apps, books, movies and music (video)
March 6, 2012 at 9:00 PM
 
Google Play replaces Android Market, your new source for apps, books, movies and music
The Android Market has morphed significantly since its inception, which now allows users to purchase books, music and rent movies, all from within a hub that was originally designed for just apps. To recognize this fundamental shift -- and emphasize the availability of content for sale -- Google is launching a new platform known as Google Play. The move hints at a strategy shift from just Android to the cloud as a whole, and establishes an umbrella brand for the diverse content sold by Google. For example, its Books, Music and Videos apps will now become Play Books, Play Music and Play Movies, while the Android Market itself will take on the moniker of Play Store. Users of Android 2.2 (and above) should notice the software update within the next few days, although other than the new name, initial changes should be minimal. We're also to be on the lookout for a new "Play" tab within the top toolbar of Google's website. To mark the occasion, the company has announced a promotional "Seven Days to Play" sale, which will tease would-be shoppers with discounted apps, books, movies and music throughout the week. For an additional peek at what's in store, you'll find the gallery below and a video after the break.

Continue reading Google Play replaces Android Market, new source for apps, books, movies and music (video)

Google Play replaces Android Market, new source for apps, books, movies and music (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile, Sprint and DirecTV file with FCC to halt Verizon's AWS acquisition
March 6, 2012 at 8:36 PM
 
Ready for round two of the great spectrum wars? In what is undeniably an uncanny bit of wireless industry déjà vu, T-Mobile, Sprint, DirecTV, in addition to the Rural Telecommunications Group and six others, have filed a request with the FCC to halt its 180-day review of Verizon's AWS acquisition. According to the consortium's claims, documents submitted by Big Red and its cabler partners (Cox, Time Warner, Bright House and Comcast) in favor of the transaction are heavily redacted and therefore not in the public interest. The group is petitioning the Commission to place an absolute freeze on all of the operator's pending license transfers until full legal disclosure has been achieved. This latest Capitol Hill impasse comes right on the heels of VZW's own filing, in which it outlines an allegedly impending spectrum drought that would see specific pockets of its network hitting capacity by 2015. Neither the FCC nor DOJ have yet to weigh in on either of these proceedings, but, rest assured, this certainly won't be the last we hear of this mobile saga.

T-Mobile, Sprint and DirecTV file with FCC to halt Verizon's AWS acquisition originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple's next-gen iPad launch event is tomorrow, get your liveblog right here!
March 6, 2012 at 8:15 PM
 
Got plans for tomorrow? Of course not -- you canned 'em a week ago. For those still unaware, Apple will be unveiling its next iPad at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco tomorrow, and as always, we'll be there live to bring you the news as it happens. Feel free to get caught up on the latest from the rumormill right here, and bookmark this page for our liveblog. We'll be on the scene early, with Tim and myself livestreaming (just like we did for WWDC and the iPhone 4S launch last year) a pre-event rumor wrap-up as well as a post-event round-up of what all goes down.

As for the liveblog? It'll get going at 10:00AM PT tomorrow, and you can find how that translates to your neck of the woods below. See you then, rations in tow!

March 7, 2012 10:00 AM PST

Apple's next-gen iPad launch event is tomorrow, get your liveblog right here! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top LulzSec members arrested, group leader reportedly acted as informant
March 6, 2012 at 7:57 PM
 
The LulzSec hacking group may have officially called it quits last June, but that doesn't mean it was able to escape the eye of law enforcement. As Fox News reports, today saw three group members arrested and two more charged with conspiracy -- a move that one FBI official described as "chopping off the head of LulzSec." What's more, it's reported that group leader "Sabu," now identified as 28-year-old Hector Xavier Monsegur, was acting as an informant for the FBI since he was first caught and secretly arrested in June of last year (around the time the group disbanded). Court documents unsealed today also show that Monsegur has pleaded guilty to carrying out attacks on companies like MasterCard and PayPal, and that he's been charged with 12 criminal counts of conspiracy. The full indictments against the group's members can be found at the Gizmodo link below.

Top LulzSec members arrested, group leader reportedly acted as informant originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FTC: Western Digital and Hitachi must give assets and IP rights to Toshiba
March 6, 2012 at 7:38 PM
 

Thought everything was looking rosy for the hard drive hitch of the year? Well, it looks like Federal Trade Commission reckons the union of Hitachi and Western Digital isn't quite there just yet, ordering that the new company would have to shed some of its assets to Toshiba. The FTC wants to ensure a competitive climate in the 3.5-inch hard drive market and avoid Western Digital and Seagate -- the two largest HDD manufacturers -- carving up the whole sector between them. According to the FTC's proposals, Toshiba has to receive the production assets needed to equal Hitachi's current HDD market share, alongside access to Western Digital's research and development resources and licenses to its intellectual property. Regulators had previously stated that WD could expect to sell on some of its production assets in order to get the tie-up okayed. Western Digital now has 15 days to hand over these assets to Toshiba -- who, presumably, aren't complaining -- once the deal with Hitachi is finally inked.

FTC: Western Digital and Hitachi must give assets and IP rights to Toshiba originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zeiss Cinemizer OLED with head-tracking hands-on (video)
March 6, 2012 at 7:06 PM
 
The Carl Zeiss Cinemizer OLED has been a long time in the making -- we first heard about the video glasses at Macworld in 2008 -- but the company has yet to push the head-mounted display past the prototype phase. We stumbled upon Zeiss' booth here at CeBIT, where we found a version of the glasses that look mighty similar to the mock-up we saw in marketing materials from 2010, but are now equipped with a pair of head-tracking modules to expand the yet-to-be released marvel's practicality. With head-tracking now on board, the Cinemizer can theoretically appeal to gamers, architects, even educators, who can use the glasses in the classroom.

We took a look at an Inreal CAD app demo that lets the wearer navigate a yet-unbuilt house, walking through virtual rooms (a joystick is used for forward motion, so you won't be accidentally walking into physical walls) as you judge paint colors, furniture placement and try to convince your significant other that there really is room for a 65-inch HDTV. The tracking modules are located behind the ear rests on each side of the OLED glasses, which have seen a slight boost in resolution since we last heard about them, jumping from VGA to 870 x 500 pixels in each OLED panel. Tracking was responsive and accurate -- the experience of walking around a room felt almost lifelike. What's even more exciting than the device's performance is that we may finally see these hit stores in 2012, with a tentative summer ship date. And, while still a pricey addition to your display collection, the Cinemizer lands on the inexpensive end of the Zeiss product scale, ringing up at €649 (about $850), plus another €100 for the tracking hardware. Jump past the break to see it in action.

Continue reading Zeiss Cinemizer OLED with head-tracking hands-on (video)

Zeiss Cinemizer OLED with head-tracking hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kodak moves to block Apple's latest patent suit from proceeding in federal district court
March 6, 2012 at 6:53 PM
 
In a move that's sure to surprise no one, Kodak is fighting Apple's latest round of patent litigation -- a suit that would force Kodak to pause plans to sell up to $2.6 billion in digital imaging patents as a condition of its bankruptcy loan. In documents filed late last week, Kodak argued the dispute should be heard by the same bankruptcy court that's already overseeing its insolvency proceedings. In fact, Kodak's bankruptcy filing back in January caused all pending litigation (from Apple and RIM, among others) to come to a screeching halt, but Apple is nonetheless pushing for a reboot, arguing it's the owner of "a number of valuable patents," including one that could be lost if that planned $2 billion sale goes through. So where might this legal catfight take place? A bankruptcy judge is expected to hear arguments from both sides on Thursday.

Kodak moves to block Apple's latest patent suit from proceeding in federal district court originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MSI outs new GT60 / GT70 gaming laptops, we go hands-on (video)
March 6, 2012 at 6:27 PM
 
MSI already popped up on the rumor-radar this week, and now it's confirmed a pair of new gaming laptops at CeBIT. The main difference between the new boys -- that we can see so far, at least -- is the display, with the GT70 sporting 17 inches against the GT60's 15. Both rock an eye-tingling rainbow-effect "SteelSeries" keyboard, as well as some gaming focused hardware. If one hard drive simply isn't enough, then the G-series' support for two SSDs in a RAID 0 configuration, alongside a regular HD, should definitely keep you going -- and support for up to 32 gigs of RAM should help things tick along nicely. We don't have detailed processor specs to share, unfortunately, and the models that MSI had on-hand at the show were simply mock-ups with older components.

After walking up to the duo, the first thing we noticed is how large they are -- especially after spending the day with a handful of Ultrabooks and tablets. The GT60 and GT70 aren't giants in the gaming world, but compared to other slim form-factor devices on offer, these are absolute monsters. We suspect this isn't so much of an issue, however, if you are in the market for this type of machine. The large size isn't wasted, either, with the both housing three USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports (only one for the GT60), an SDHC card slot, and full audio in, out, microphone and headphone ports for audio connectivity, plus an optical drive in each. The final machines will likely have Ivy Bridge processors and are penned in for an April release (provided that Intel's latest-gen processors hit the market by then). You'll be able to pick up the GT60 for around €1,999 (about $2,630), with the GT70 coming in at €2,299 (roughly $3,025). Scoot on past the break to catch our hands on with the pair.

Continue reading MSI outs new GT60 / GT70 gaming laptops, we go hands-on (video)

MSI outs new GT60 / GT70 gaming laptops, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A3 with MMI Touch gesture-based entertainment system hands-on (video)
March 6, 2012 at 6:09 PM
 
CeBIT isn't an auto show in the traditional sense, but we are in Germany after all, so we weren't terribly surprised to see Audi roll up with a brand new car. The latest A3 made its worldwide debut today, bringing with it that wheel-based menu navigation interface we saw in its prototype phase. The touchpad sits atop the jog-wheel and shrinks things down considerably compared to the original version found in the 7-series. To keep things nice and safe, Audi devised a system that recognizes letters you draw with your finger, enabling drivers keep their eyes on the road while selecting music, making calls or setting a destination in the GPS. Also, as is apparently the norm these days, there's Facebook and Twitter integration -- the car can even read updates as you drive. If you know, you can't wait until you're parked.

As you might have gathered, the A3 is a connected vehicle, with a SIM slot or Bluetooth connection providing the car's link to the outside world. It offers another curious addition, too: a "Phone Box" signal boosting system. Details are sparse, but we do know there's an external antenna that relays the signal back to the handset. That particular feature is compatible with any phone you care to toss inside, and requires a wired connection only for charging (the box itself is amplified, so anything that sits within the enclosure will reap those boosting benefits). We managed to get the first hands-on demo with the car, and you can see all those new toys in the video and galleries below.

Continue reading Audi A3 with MMI Touch gesture-based entertainment system hands-on (video)

Audi A3 with MMI Touch gesture-based entertainment system hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Circle your virtual calendars: Nokia World to be held September 25-26
March 6, 2012 at 5:54 PM
 
Last year was a hoot, so why not get excited for the next annual Nokia shindig? The folks from Finland already have Nokia World 2012 in their sights, as they've announced September 25th and 26th as the magic dates for this year's event. So what's in store for us in Helsinki six and a half months from now? Hard to tell this early in the game, but we'd expect to see Stephen Elop touting some new Lumia devices that run Apollo, and -- should we be so lucky -- even one or two with PureView thrown in. It's an exciting prospect, but remember to exercise patience, grasshoppers.

Circle your virtual calendars: Nokia World to be held September 25-26 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Optimus Vu launches in Korea, gets priced
March 6, 2012 at 5:28 PM
 
LG's 5-inch smartphone has finally arrived -- at least over in Korea. While 4:3 ratio display raised a few eyebrows during its debut at MWC, the IPS display, lightweight frame and stylus has us chasing after a review model to give it the full run-down. Anyone in LG's homeland can beat us to the punch -- it's now on sale priced just under the Galaxy Note, a device that's been around for a few months. Expect to pay 990,000 won ($890) for a carrier-free version, but importers should 'note' that they won't be able to take advantage of that built-in TV tuner. We're still sniffing out details on prices and launch dates for the US. Hopefully, the international model will arrive with a rubberdium stylus -- we just want to know what rubberdium is.

LG Optimus Vu launches in Korea, gets priced originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Pocketnow  |  sourceLG (translated)  | Email this | Comments
   
   
Canon unveils PIXMA MX892 wireless all-in-one, prints from the cloud for $200
March 6, 2012 at 5:00 PM
 
If you're in the market for a new wireless printer for that fancy new home office, Canon has a new model that may suit your needs. The PIXMA MX892 wireless all-in-one boasts copy, scan and fax features for those official docs that still have to be sent over the wire. Prints employ the ChromaLife, 5-ink system for high quality images at a resolution of 9,600 x 2,400 dpi. The printer also features a 3-inch LCD screen for last-minute adjustments and will have your 4 x 6 inch borderless Yellowstone photos printed in around 20 seconds each. Built-in effects, such as toy camera and fish-eye, offer quick photo customization in the event of an extreme time crunch. Through software like Google Cloud Print and PIXMA Cloud Link, you can send those documents or photos to the MX892 directly from online albums and your mobile device -- should you be on the move. No word on a shipping date as of yet, but the unit will set you back $199.99 when it hits shelves. Check out all the details in the PR below, should you be in need of a few more.

Continue reading Canon unveils PIXMA MX892 wireless all-in-one, prints from the cloud for $200

Canon unveils PIXMA MX892 wireless all-in-one, prints from the cloud for $200 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon: give us more spectrum, we're gasping over here
March 6, 2012 at 4:35 PM
 
Verizon: give us more spectrum, we're gasping over here
VZW has stacks of money and plenty of ambition, but apparently it's already running out of mobile spectrum. The operator is trying to buy an extra block of airwaves from some cable companies in a $3.9 billion deal, but it has faced bitter resistance from rival networks who claim it's wrong for one company to hog so much electromagnetism. In a filing to the FCC yesterday, Verizon told regulators that its LTE network will start hitting spectrum limits as soon as next year in some areas of the US, with more areas being affected by 2015. Is it time to panic?

Verizon: give us more spectrum, we're gasping over here originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acer Aspire V3 notebook hands-on (video)
March 6, 2012 at 4:13 PM
 
Hot off the tails of the Aspire V5 is another new release from Acer. This time it's the Aspire V3 notebook, which comes in any one of three configurations, with 14, 15.6 and 17.3-inch screens in-tow. Each variation will be powered by an Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processor, with NVIDIA GeForce GT series graphics throwing up the visuals. As with the V5, specs are difficult to come by at this point, though Acer has confirmed that the 17.3-inch model will include a 1600 x 900 pixel display. There's Blu-ray, HDMI, Bluetooth 4.0 and USB 3.0 on board, as well as support for SSD and hard drive combos (17.3-inch model only). Aesthetically, it'll launch in three colors (black, gold and gray) when it eventually debuts in Q2 of this year. Pricing starts at €400 (about $520) for the entry-level spec, rising to €900 (roughly $1180) at the top end.

Unlike the V5, we got to try out a fully-working model here at CeBIT. The V3 feels much larger and heftier when compared to its slimmer siblings, but the full-length speaker above the keyboard and generous LCD size tells you that Acer intended this model for a very different user. The finish may be plastic, but the gloss and matte combination looks nice enough. It feels relatively heavy in the hand, but it is carrying a reasonable amount of I/O baggage. Be sure to check out our video after the break for a more-detailed look.

Continue reading Acer Aspire V3 notebook hands-on (video)

Acer Aspire V3 notebook hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iRobot's 'throwable' 110 FirstLook bot gets drafted into the military (video)
March 6, 2012 at 4:00 PM
 

There's something pretty damn appealing about a controllable robot that can be hurled through a window and live to tell the tale. It looks like the military brass agree; The Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) has ordered over 100 of iRobot's 110 FirstLook scouting units. Unsurprisingly, these robots are tougher than your garden variety RC vehicle. Aside from managing our desperate throws, these can survive 15-foot drops, self-right, relay radio communication over a digital mesh network and feed back video from its four built-in cameras. After a year of internal testing, the bots will get their first on-the-job trial in an "operational assessment" later this spring. Check out the (military) man-toy in action right after the break.

Continue reading iRobot's 'throwable' 110 FirstLook bot gets drafted into the military (video)

iRobot's 'throwable' 110 FirstLook bot gets drafted into the military (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harman, Rinspeed partner on Dock + Go dashboard concept
March 6, 2012 at 4:00 PM
 
Harman is kicking off the Geneva Auto Show by unveiling its new dashboard concept for cars of the future. The Dock + Go system turns your dashboard into a "learning," Aha cloud-connected platform that'll try to eliminate traffic jams, or at least you're kept entertained in line. Your smartphone will connect over NFC and immediately the car will remember your preferred settings and social networks for access. The navigation will learn your driving habits and tweak the GPS settings accordingly and it'll even measure your alertness level and suggest you take a nap, or at least drive down a less busy street. It can recognize gestures and with a wave of the hand, it can start reading your new emails or tweets and, best of all, when driving past a store, the cloud system can show you vouchers and deals for your road-based impulse purchase needs -- after all, there's nothing better than being offered half-price meat while you're cruising down the freeway.

Continue reading Harman, Rinspeed partner on Dock + Go dashboard concept

Harman, Rinspeed partner on Dock + Go dashboard concept originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Experimental controller has 'thumbstick within thumbstick' for blistering sensations (video)
March 6, 2012 at 3:22 PM
 
Experimental controller has 'thumbpad within a thumbpad'
Just when you thought slingshots were the future, here comes a whole new way to enjoy baddie deletion in Uncharted 7. Each thumbstick on the prototype controller above has a secondary force feedback-enabled nub at its center, which moves independently and creates different sensations by stretching the skin on the pad of your opposable digit. In the video after the break, the designers at the University of Utah show how they've created effects for crawling, collisions, explosions and even fishing. They're apparently hoping to push their technology into next-gen games consoles, but they'll have to join the queue.

Continue reading Experimental controller has 'thumbstick within thumbstick' for blistering sensations (video)

Experimental controller has 'thumbstick within thumbstick' for blistering sensations (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Gizmag  |  sourceUniversity of Utah  | Email this | Comments
   
   
Acer launches Ultrabook-like Aspire V5 series, we go hands-on (video)
March 6, 2012 at 2:58 PM
 
After trotting out some mobile fare at MWC, Acer hasn't pulled in the reigns on its new product horse, announcing its new V5 notebook this morning at CeBIT. Yes, notebook. At 30 percent slimmer than the class it replaces, these are still trim machines. The 11.6-inch model is only 15mm thick, which is way into Ultrabook territory, while the 14- and 15-inch models land at 21 and sub-23mm respectively. It's Intel on the inside, including Core i3 and Core i5 processors, with NVIDIA GeForce GT series on-board to handle graphics. Release is penciled in for Q2, and pricing is expected to range from €499 to €699 (about $650 to $920). If you're in the market for something a bit less expensive but you're into the V5's design, you might take notice of the Aspire One netbook, which is set to use the same chassis but will ship with Intel Pentium and Celeron processors instead, with pricing estimated between €399 and €449 (about $525 to $590).

We went hands-on with a dummy model of the V5 at CeBIT, though the prototype we saw today may not be the exact design you'll find in stores later this month. The 15.6-inch sample was very thin and relatively light, with a full-size chiclet keyboard and numberpad on the side. There's a USB 3.0 port on the left-hand side, along with two standard USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI connector and proprietary Ethernet port. There's also a pop-out optical drive on the right, though there's no SD slot in sight. Overall, it's a very nice design, but we'll need to wait for the company to demo functional versions before we can pass judgement on performance. As always, you'll find our video overview just past the break.

Continue reading Acer launches Ultrabook-like Aspire V5 series, we go hands-on (video)

Acer launches Ultrabook-like Aspire V5 series, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon launches 'faster than wired' broadband for the home
March 6, 2012 at 2:57 PM
 

Verizon Wireless is making good on that name, aiming to rid your home of those ugly, ugly wires. The carrier wants to substitute them with the not-exactly-subtle, bucket-sized antenna you can see on the left. Its HomeFusion service aims to replace DSL-connected domiciles, with Verizon reckoning its own wireless broadband can offer up better upload and download speeds. According to the Washington Post, the hardware will set potential customers back around $200, but installation costs will be included in the service. The entry-level $60 per month package will net you 10GB of data, with HomeFusion currently readied for launch in Dallas and Birmingham later this month. Users will be able to connect up to 50 different devices and Verizon intends to roll out the wireless internet package as far as its LTE network tendrils can reach. Plans go up to 30GB for $120 per month, with additional gigabytes charged at $10 a pop. For anyone in broadband-unfriendly homes looking for a step up in internet speed, you may want to start looking for somewhere to hide hang that antenna...

Continue reading Verizon launches 'faster than wired' broadband for the home

Verizon launches 'faster than wired' broadband for the home originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square's new Register app turns the iPad into a full-on point of sale terminal
March 6, 2012 at 2:21 PM
 
Square's Register app turns the iPad into a full on point of sale terminal
Square continues to add functionality to its mobile payment platform, and the latest addition is its new Register app for iPad. The refresh brings a sleeker interface and greater Card Case integration along with analytics to break down sales by transaction type and chronology to track your business' performance. Additionally, you can set up custom permissions to limit employee access, create customer loyalty programs and there's an improved inventory system feature as well. Naturally, it still relies on Square's trusty card reader for swiping cards and charges 2.75 percent per transaction using Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Small businessmen, your payment chariot awaits, so check out a video of the new Square Register in action after the break.

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Square's new Register app turns the iPad into a full-on point of sale terminal originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Electronista  |  sourceSquare  | Email this | Comments
   
   
French government to digitize out-of-print 20th century works, plans ebook initiative
March 6, 2012 at 1:41 PM
 
It's a case of having one's cake and eating it, too. Or, in this instance, digitizing the works of others and reselling them online for a 40 percent cut. According to Le Temps, a controversial new law recently passed by the French government will see out-of-print books from the 20th century converted into ebook format for preservation and an eventual commercial release. The effort, backed by a 30 million Euro subsidy and curated by the Bibliothèque nationale, encompasses some 500,000 to 700,000 books and has caused a number of the country's writers to raise their baguettes and pens in protest. Indeed, the legislation dives into murky IP territory, granting rights holders a measly six month window to opt-out of the initiative. It's safe to say, La France is taking a page directly out of Google's book. We just hope they read the end to that particular story.

[Image credit via Britannica.com]

French government to digitize out-of-print 20th century works, plans ebook initiative originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink paidContent  |  sourceLe Temps (Translated)  | Email this | Comments
   
   
Samsung announces cutesy Galaxy Pocket with 2.8-inch display, coming 'later this year'
March 6, 2012 at 12:56 PM
 
Space will always have room for another galaxy, and your pocket should equally have room for this little piece of Android 2.3 TouchWizadry. The Galaxy Pocket has just been announced in London and will arrive in the UK "later this year," bearing a 2.8-inch screen with a 240 x 320 (QVGA) resolution, an 800MHz processor, 3GB of expandable storage. That's an even smaller display than last year's crop of budget Androids, so hopefully this one will be priced accordingly. Full spec table and PR after the break.

Continue reading Samsung announces cutesy Galaxy Pocket with 2.8-inch display, coming 'later this year'

Samsung announces cutesy Galaxy Pocket with 2.8-inch display, coming 'later this year' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 04:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The ukulele's future is now with 'Futulele' iPhone, iPad app (video)
March 6, 2012 at 12:13 PM
 
Nothing quite says "check me out" to the ladies like riffing on a frickin' pink ukulele -- until now. For folks rocking both an iPhone and an iPad, Touch DJ app maker Amidio Inc., is releasing its latest magnum opus, the "Futulele." Ah, be still, your beating heart. This dual-device ukulele synthesizer connects the aforementioned iOS devices via Bluetooth, creating a virtual four-string strummer on which to throw down a soulful rendition of "Tiny Bubbles." Users get their groove on by touching the iPhone to select up to 12 chords per song and using the iPad to strum; chord sets also can be changed on the fly. Amidio says the app should drop sometime in April, and will be optimized for the iPad 3, to boot. Sure, a regular ukulele might be cheaper, but who are you to argue with the future? Speaking of the future, check it out in all its cheerful glory with the Futulele video posted after the break, as well as some not-so-futuristic PR.

Continue reading The ukulele's future is now with 'Futulele' iPhone, iPad app (video)

The ukulele's future is now with 'Futulele' iPhone, iPad app (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 04:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Gizmodo  |  sourceAmidio Inc.  | Email this | Comments
   
   
ROCCAT Power-Grid app, Phobo gaming keyboard shift PC controls to your phone
March 6, 2012 at 11:00 AM
 
ROCCAT Power-Grid app, Phobo gaming keyboard shift PC controls to your phone
Razer's switchblade concept may not have made it out of CES 2011, but its dynamic, adaptive keys lived on, both in the outfit's Star Wars: The Old Republic keyboard and Blade laptop. The hardware is slick, to be sure, but what if you could snag similar functionality for free from your local app marketplace? That's what ROCCAT hopes to deliver with its newly announced Power-Grid application. In addition to providing quick-key hungry gamers with a programmable touchscreen grid of applications and in-game macros, the handheld suite will let iOS and Android users monitor their gaming PC's vital statistics (such as CPU status, RAM usage, hard drive space, etc), manage Facebook, TeamSpeak, Skype and Twitter traffic, and even fine tune their audio settings -- all without the need to minimize their game.

Of course, delegating all of your text chatter to your smartphone means you'll be tapping up your responses on its itty-bitty touchscreen keyboard -- at least until ROCCAT finishes its companion keyboard, Project Phobo. The modular PC keyboard not only provides a dock for your Power-Grid equipped mobile, but also lets you respond to texts, chats and tweets using its full array of keys. Pairing your phone with the Phobo will even route voice calls to your PC's gaming headset, leaving you free to continue to rack up kills without missing important business calls. The German peripheral outfit will be rolling out the beta to iOS devices after CeBIT, and says an Android version is scheduled for release at Gamescom 2012. Hit the break for the official press release and a look at the Phobo keyboard.

Continue reading ROCCAT Power-Grid app, Phobo gaming keyboard shift PC controls to your phone

ROCCAT Power-Grid app, Phobo gaming keyboard shift PC controls to your phone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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