|  |  |  | | | | | Engadget | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | In a fevered mash up of blockbuster films directed by James Cameron, DARPA is looking to put soldier controlled bi-pedal robots on the battlefield. Think Terminator meets Avatar. The agency has set aside $7 million of it's $2.8 billion 2012 budget to develop an "Avatar program" that will "develop interfaces and algorithms to enable a soldier to effectively partner with a semi-autonomous bi-pedal machine and allow it to act as the soldier's surrogate." DARPA isn't talking about simple remote control rigs, either -- these 'bots are being designed to clear rooms, and facilitate sentry control and combat casualty recovery. The new budget also sets aside $4.1 million to design laser countermeasures to protect military weapons, well, lasers -- ensuring that the future's robot soldiers will be nigh indestructible when they rebel against their human hosts. DARPA's 'Avatar project' aims to give soldiers surrogate robots, make James Cameron proud originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 07:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink  IEEE |  Wired | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Swooping through the trenches of the Death Star likely ranks high on every geek's bucket list, but thanks to the global financial crisis, we likely won't be seeing Dubai's Death Star any time soon. Fortunately, the folks at NASA have rigged up a passable alternative -- flying through a massive 19-mile crack across Antarctica's Pine Island Glacier. The crack was discovered last October and measures 60 yards wide and 50 yards deep, certainly more than enough clearance to accommodate adventurous fliers. Using data gathered by NASA's Operation IceBridge science flight team, the agency generated an animated fly through that, well, mostly flew over the crack -- but we're sure that was a defensive maneuver. After all, you just never know when a TIE fighter flown by someone's father might sneak up from behind. See the icy flyover yourself after the break. Continue reading NASA simulates fly through of ginormous crack in Antarctic glacier, takes you for virtual ride NASA simulates fly through of ginormous crack in Antarctic glacier, takes you for virtual ride originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 04:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | NASA (Facebook) | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Similar to its pre-CES reveals, LG just couldn't wait for Mobile World Congress to get underway on the 27th before showing off its new Optimus Vu handset. These new pics offer a much clearer look at its 4x3 aspect ratio, 1024x768 res, stylus-friendly 5-inch IPS LCD display, while the official specs confirm rumors it would pack a 1.5GHz dual core CPU, 8MP camera, LTE, 2080mAh battery and Android 2.3 in a slim 8.5mm thick frame. An upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich is promised within three months of its launch, currently scheduled for March on Korean carriers SK Telecom and LG+. Check the gallery for a few more glamour shots of this new Galaxy Note competitor, and see if wider truly is better.
Update: You'll find a few more official pictures in the gallery below and the English PR with details on its "QuickClip" hotkey for one-button screenshots and memos and the "Rubberdium" stylus after the break.
Continue reading LG Optimus Vu officially revealed ahead of MWC with stylus, 1.5GHz CPU (Updated) LG Optimus Vu officially revealed ahead of MWC with stylus, 1.5GHz CPU (Updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 01:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | LG | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Similar to its pre-CES reveals, LG just couldn't wait for Mobile World Congress to get underway on the 27th to show off its new Optimus Vu handset. These new pics offer a much clearer look at its 4x3 aspect ratio, 1024x768 res, stylus-friendly 5-inch IPS LCD display, while the official specs confirm rumors it would pack a 1.5GHz dual core CPU, 8MP camera, LTE, 2080mAh battery and Android 2.3 in a slim 8.5mm thick frame. An upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich is promised within three months of its launch, currently scheduled for March on Korean carriers SK Telecom and LG+. Check the gallery for a few more glamour shots of this new Galaxy Note competitor, and see if wider truly is better. Continue reading LG Optimus Vu officially revealed ahead of MWC with stylus, 1.5GHz CPU LG Optimus Vu officially revealed ahead of MWC with stylus, 1.5GHz CPU originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 01:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | LG (Korean) | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | While we already know that Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 will offer a quad-core variant, incorporate LTE and use a 28nm manufacturing process, the company posted an article to its media blog ahead of Mobile World Congress showcasing the new features provided by the chipset's Image Signal Processor. You're likely familiar with some of the imaging functionality available in Qualcomm's existing Snapdragon processors -- technology like Scalado's Rewind (pictured above) which we've covered before. The new SoC cranks things up a notch with support for up to three cameras (two in the back for 3D plus one front-facing), 20-megapixel sensors and 1080p HD video recording at 30fps. In addition to zero shutter lag, the Snapdragon S4 includes proprietary 3A processing (autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance) along with improved blink / smile detection, gaze estimation, range finding and image stabilization. Rounding things off are gesture detection / control, augmented reality and computer vision (via Quacomm's FastCV). Want to know more? Check out the source link below, then hit the break for video demos of the S4's image stabilization and gesture-based imaging chops. Continue reading Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 flexes its imaging muscle (video) Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 flexes its imaging muscle (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 23:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Qualcomm | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Martin, who's planning an expedition and wants something more sophisticated than a cork-board to manage it. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. Hi Engadget, I'm about to start planning for a big expedition. There's plenty of forward planning required and I need some software to handle my to-do lists, notes, phone numbers, mail conversations, images, PDF-files etc. Best case scenario is something that syncs with my Macbook and iPhone but I'd also use a good offline solution if it was available. Is there a consumer-friendly app that suits my needs out there? Project management software? Novice-friendly database? Something entirely better? If you just happen to know the one package that'll solve Martin's woes, do the decent thing and share it with the world. Ask Engadget: Best expedition planning software? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Some weeks, there are descriptive themes we can ascribe to the Engadget Mobile Podcast in retrospect. This isn't one of those weeks. We are simply all over the place: good phones, bad phones, fat phones, skinny phones, phablets, spectra, lions, leaks, rumors, lies, and videotape. So just kick back with your usual hosts and their bud Dan Seifert for two hours of mobile mega-miscellania. You could do worse on a Saturday night!
Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen, Joseph Volpe
Guests: Dan Seifert (MobileBurn.com)
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International)
00:03:04 - AT&T Galaxy Note review
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@tnkgrl @phonewisdom @engadgetmobile @dcseifert @jrvolpe Engadget Mobile Podcast 126 - 12.18.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Some weeks, there are descriptive themes we can ascribe to the Engadget Mobile Podcast in retrospect. This isn't one of those weeks. We are simply all over the place: good phones, bad phones, fat phones, skinny phones, phablets, spectra, lions, leaks, rumors, lies, and videotape. So just kick back with your usual hosts and their bud Dan Seifert for two hours of mobile mega-miscellania. You could do worse on a Saturday night!
Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen, Joseph Volpe
Guests: Dan Seifert (MobileBurn.com)
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International)
00:03:04 - AT&T Galaxy Note review
Hear the podcast
Subscribe to the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes
[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically
[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
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podcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com.
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@tnkgrl @phonewisdom @engadgetmobile @dcseifert @jrvolpe Engadget Mobile Podcast 126 - 02.18.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | From Zatz Not Funny comes word that TiVo owners are being notified their access to Blockbuster On Demand will come to an end March 31st, ending a run originally announced three years before. While this certainly affects TiVo's ability to offer the one box to search multiple services idea introduced with the Premiere, it could be more telling about Blockbuster's plans for the current incarnation of its internet movie service. As forum posters on TiVo Community point out, the list of supported devices is rapidly shrinking, with Vizio and Western Digital WD TV Live owners getting their own Dear John letters only a year or so after the app originally rolled out. Currently, the list of connected TV devices is limited exclusively to Samsung HDTVs and Blu-ray players, plus some cellphones and tablets. Once upon a time, Blockbuster desired an On Demand presence in "nearly every connected device" -- not to mention "major market presence" for the now Redbox-owned Express kiosks -- but after its purchase by Dish Network clearly those days are over. Now the only question is if / when we'll see a new service that better fits with the already announced Movie Pass package and what devices it might work on. Blockbuster On Demand pulls back from TiVo and others, is it on its way out? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Zatz Not Funny, TiVo Community | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Take this with a grain a salt, but it appears that like Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud service is getting dedicated desktop applications for Windows and OS X, along with options for extra storage if you're willing to pony up some funds. Felipe Zorzo of Gemind uncovered the unannounced details (example above) while accessing its Brazilian web interface. Notably, if SkyDrive's free 25GB of storage has been too paltry for your needs, the paid storage options we mentioned should afford you an additional 20 ($10), 50 ($25) or 100GBs ($50) for your account. We gave our SkyDrive account perusal and were unable to verify webpages' existence for ourselves. For now, you'll find the pricing list after the break, and all of the leaked goods at the source link below. Continue reading Microsoft SkyDrive apps for Windows, OS X and extended storage pricing revealed? Microsoft SkyDrive apps for Windows, OS X and extended storage pricing revealed? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Gemind (translated) | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Take this with a salt shaker at hand, but it appears that Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud service is getting some expanded functionality that's been long over due. Dedicated desktop applications for Windows and OS X appear to be in the cards, along options for extra storage if you're willing to pony up some funds. Felipe Zorzo of Gemind uncovered the unannounced details (example above) while accessing its Brazilian web interface. Notably, if SkyDrive's free 25GB of storage has been too paltry for your needs, the paid storage options we mentioned should afford you an additional 20 ($10), 50 ($25) or 100GBs ($50) for your account. We gave our SkyDrive account a perusal and were unable to verify the webpages' existence for ourselves. For now, you'll find the pricing list after the break, and all of the leaked goods at the source link below.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Continue reading Microsoft SkyDrive apps for Windows and OS X, extended storage pricing revealed? Microsoft SkyDrive apps for Windows and OS X, extended storage pricing revealed? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Gemind (translated) | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Take this with a grain a salt, but it appears that Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud service is getting dedicated desktop applications for Windows and OS X, along with options for extra storage if you're willing to pony up some funds. Felipe Zorzo of Gemind uncovered the unannounced details (example above) while accessing its Brazilian web interface. Notably, if SkyDrive's free 25GB of storage has been too paltry for your needs, the paid storage options we mentioned should afford you an additional 20 ($10), 50 ($25) or 100GBs ($50) for your account. We gave our SkyDrive account a perusal and were unable to verify the webpages' existence for ourselves. For now, you'll find the pricing list after the break, and all of the leaked goods at the source link below.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Continue reading Microsoft SkyDrive apps for Windows and OS X, extended storage pricing revealed? Microsoft SkyDrive apps for Windows and OS X, extended storage pricing revealed? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Gemind (translated) | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | HBO has been quietly working on its PunchForce tech since about 2010, when it tried to convince British star Amir Khan and Argentine boxer Marcos Maidana to wear the sensors for their light welterweight title bout. Neither seemed particularly eager. Now though, over a year later, the latest in fist-tracking technology seems to be nearing its big debut. Tiny wireless monitors, worn under the wrist of the gloves feed velocity and impact data back to a laptop with a special receiver -- all of which now have Uncle Sam's approval. The real fun though, is what happens next. The information gathered isn't meant to be locked away in lab, it'll be broadcast to viewers throughout the fight and, eventually, fed to accompanying apps, presumably alongside its PunchZone stats. Check out the gallery below for a behind the scenes glimpse of PunchForce and hit up the source link to peruse the full user manual.
HBO's PunchForce hits the FCC, turns fists into data... violent, violent data originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink WirelessGoodness | FCC | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Despise those daily injections of essential medication? Well folks, relief could be on the way. Over a decade ago, two MIT professors, Robert Langer and Michael Cima, first considered developing a drug-delivery microchip that could be wirelessly controlled. This past week, researchers in Cambridge -- alongside scientists from MicroCHIPS, Inc. -- announced that they have successfully used the aforementioned chip to give osteoporosis patients their daily allotment of teriparatide. "You can do remote control delivery, you can do pulsatile drug delivery, and you can deliver multiple drugs," Langer noted. Chips used in this particular study housed 20 doses each and results indicated that the delivery showed less variation than administered injections. In theory, microchips like these could be used alongside sensors that monitor glucose levels -- creating tech that could adapt to changes in a patient's condition. More info on the trial awaits in the source link below.
[Thanks, Lydia]MIT duo successfully tests wireless drug-delivery microchips, more consistent than injections originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | MITnews | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | As recovering amateur musicians, some of us still fancy well-made mobile recording gear from time to time. The ability to simultaneously record guitar and vocals using an iPhone 4S is what made the GuitarJack Model 2, in particular, catch our eye. We've taken iPad recording accessories for a spin in the past, but the compact stature of this kit, along with its ability to transform a smartphone into a 4-track recorder seemed quite compelling indeed. At $149, this generation of the GuitarJack costs a full Grant more than Apogee Jam -- excluding the added expense of well-suited apps, of course. So is that hefty investment worth it? Read on to find out. Continue reading GuitarJack Model 2 review GuitarJack Model 2 review originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | As recovering amateur musicians, some of us still fancy some well-made mobile recording gear from time to time. The ability to simultaneously record guitar and vocals using an iPhone 4S is what made the GuitarJack Model 2, in particular, catch our eye. We've taken iPad recording accessories for a spin in the past, but the compact stature of this kit, along with its ability to transform a smartphone into a 4-track recorder seemed quite compelling indeed. At $149, this generation of the GuitarJack costs a full Grant more than Apogee Jam -- excluding the added expense of well-suited apps, of course. So is that hefty investment worth it? Read on to find out. Continue reading GuitarJack Model 2 review GuitarJack Model 2 review originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Apple already asked the European Telecommunications Standards Institute for more transparency on FRAND licensing, and now it's seeking a full-blown intervention. Motorola Mobility claims it received a letter on Friday from the European Commission advising there has been a complaint against it from Apple. The letter also stated that Cupertino wants the Commission to enforce the firm's standards-essential patents that breach agreed FRAND commitments. This latest development comes just one day after a German court awarded Apple an injunction against Motorola's implementation of slide-to-unlock on smartphones, as well as an ongoing saga of similar disputes with the firm. It's also just days after the European Commission approved Google's acquisition of the handset maker, based on beliefs that it "does not itself raise competition issues." Apple asks EU regulators to step in on Motorola patent dispute originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 10:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Reuters | SEC | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | So, have you been following the iPad dispute in China? Wondering exactly who or what this Proview company is and what they're doing with a trademark on the iPad name? Well, wonder no more friends. The company actually stylized the name as iPAD, and it stood for Internet Personal Access Device. They hit the market way back in 1998 and weren't tablets, but all-in-one PCs that looked an awful lot like another machine that debuted that year -- the iMac. Over the course of a decade Proview produced between 10,000 and 20,000 of he 15-inch CRT desktops, before collapsing in 2010 and abandoning its Shenzhen plant, thanks in part to the economic crisis engulfing the globe. Most of its assets, including the iPAD trademark are now the property of eight different banks and it's debts exceed $1 billion, which probably explains why the company is demanding so much money from Apple. For more details about the original iPAD and a photo tour of the deserted factory hit up the source links. Introducing the original iPAD, Proview's late '90s iMac-like desktop originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink MIC Gadget 1, 2 | NetEase (Translated), WSJ, Sina (translated) | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | |  | |  |
