|  |  |  | | | | | Engadget | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Google Wallet's prepaid experiment hasn't been the smoothest of endeavors, but the company wants to make up for all the headaches -- with cash. A few weeks ago, Google disabled a feature that allowed users to add a Google Prepaid Card to their wallets after either removing it, or resetting their apps. The move came in response to mounting security concerns, but those issues have been allayed with the latest version of Google Wallet, meaning that users can now re-add their prepaid cards and hoover up all the money that was previously on them. To make up for the "inconvenience," Google has added an extra $5 to every prepaid card, and sent an email out to all its customers to let them know about it. So if you count yourself among the legions of inconvenienced, be sure to add your card and spend that $5 on something sublime. Google Wallet supports prepaid cards once again, afflicted users get $5 in compensation originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 02:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Droid Life | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  Giesecke & Devrient's nano-SIM design is fueling quite the standards battle over in Europe, with Apple sitting in one corner, and the troika of Motorola, Nokia and RIM looming in the other. That's according to the Financial Times, which reports today that Cupertino is leading a charge to push its own nano-SIM proposal through Europe's standards body, ETSI, much to the chagrin of its competitors. According to FT's sources, Apple's version of the nano-SIM would call for a "drawer" to protect it, much like the designs already featured in the iPhone and iPad. Though the standard would be available to all manufacturers under license, there's a lingering fear that Apple may eventually own all the patents pertaining to its proposal. Plus, its rivals would have to re-engineer their handsets to meet Apple's proposed design, even though Nokia claims its solution offers "significant technical advantages." ETSI is slated to vote on the proposals next week, but FT claims that the company has already garnered support from most of Europe's providers. Just to be sure, though, Cupertino is applying to become the largest voting member at ETSI, and is looking to register a full six European subsidies under its name. Each subsidy can wield up to 45 votes, meaning that if approved, Apple would overtake Nokia as the organization's largest voting body. Nokia, for its part, has filed a document in protest. Apple's nano-SIM proposal draws fire from Motorola, Nokia, RIM originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink  The Verge | Financial Times | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Square may see the iPad to as an excellent retail tool, but Eventbrite thinks Apple's tablet a box office boon, which is why it created the At The Door app and card reader solution. Eventbrite's a self-service ticketing platform and its new dongle, which connects via Apple's 30-pin connector, lets indie event promoters take reader-encrypted credit card payments with any iPad. Meanwhile, the app lets you see on-site and online ticket sales, keep track of customer contact info and balance the books as well. Plus, any payments taken through the app are service fee-free, meaning users only pay for credit card processing. Not only that, you can wirelessly print tickets and receipts via a compatible printer (should you be willing to buy one), too. But before you go planning your personal Woodstock, perhaps you'd like to know how much this ticketing bonanza costs? Well, the app's free and the reader's 10 bucks, with Eventbrite handing out 10 dollar account credits in return for those who jump on the bandwagon. If that sounds like something your into, hit the PR after the break for more info or pick one up from the source below. Continue reading Eventbrite unveils At The Door Card reader, turns iPads into ticketing terminals Eventbrite unveils At The Door Card reader, turns iPads into ticketing terminals originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Eventbrite | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Right on schedule, Sharp let us know it's begun shipments of Aquos 7-series LED HDTVs in 60- and 70-inch sizes. With MSRPs of $2,300 and $3,300, respectively, the 745U models have edge LED lighting, 3D, WiFi and SmartCentral UI built in featuring apps including Netflix, Hulu and Facebook. The 8-series models will bring the company's latest Quad Pixel Plus 2 Quattron tech when they start shipping towards the end of this month as well as full-array LED backlighting and an ultra-slim bezel design. Check after the break for sizes, specs and prices, and let us know if these models have shown up in your neck of the woods yet. Continue reading Sharp's bigger and better HDTVs for 2012 start hitting store shelves Sharp's bigger and better HDTVs for 2012 start hitting store shelves originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Hot on the heels of our own reporting of cables in the South Pacific (or the lack thereof), in flies a report that at least two new undersea cables are being planned for the arctic. According to New Scientist, a pair of lengthy fiber optic wires will be laid through the Northwest Passage above North America, connecting Japan to the United Kingdom. Moreover, a third cable is planned along the Russian coastline, with the longest of these links to purportedly become "the world's longest single stretch of optical fiber." A number of outfits are on the list to help out, and when complete, the latency between Tokyo and London should be reduced between 168ms and 230ms. The cost for such luxury? An estimated $600 million to $1.5 billion for each line. In other words, totally worth it. New undersea cables planned for arctic passageways, frozen gamers dream of lower pings originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Outcome Magazine, New Scientist | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  We've got a few special treats for you this week, as podcast listener and frequent commenter Andrew Beck joins us on the show. Later on, we have an interview with DTS VP of Corporate Strategy and Development David McIntyre stops by to discuss the latest developments with Ultraviolet and the Common File Format. Of course, there's also a lot of HD news to cover this week, as the 1080p Apple TV arrived, Dish launched its latest multiroom DVR and Aereo's streaming TV service jumped in the game. There's plenty more to talk about, so press play and bask in the sound of a (welcome) third party's opinion.
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)
Guest: Andrew Beck (@arbeck)
Producer: Trent Wolbe
00:24:17 - Walmart in-store disc to digital UltraViolet conversion gets official
00:34:57 - Dish Network starts rolling out Hopper / Joey multiroom DVR setup today
00:45:07 - A closer look at Apple TV's software update and 1080p movies
00:48:00 - iTunes movies in 1080p: less than or equal to Blu-ray image quality?
00:51:00 - Apple TV (2012) gets torn down, confirmed to have 512MB of RAM, 8GB of storage
00:53:17 - Apple to announce plans for its $100 billion cash reserves tomorrow morning
00:54:30 - Pioneer launches its 2012 VSX AV receivers lineup, available now starting at $249
00:59:14 - HBO GO teases vocal controls via Kinect, coming soon to Xbox 360
01:02:42 - Discovery shows hit Amazon Prime Instant Video
01:05:20 - TiVo co-founder, CTO Jim Barton resigns
01:06:32 - Google gets go ahead to provide video services to all Kansas City residents
01:08:21 - Intel plans branded IPTV service, could launch by end of 2012
01:10:28 - Time Warner Cable brings 26 local NYC channels to iOS app, website
01:12:07 - Sky Sports for iPad 2.0 launches with live TV streaming, F1 Race Control companion
01:13:55 - Aereo TV broadcast-streaming service launching today
01:15:05 - Must See HDTV (March 19th - 25th)
01:27:33 - David McIntyre
Hear the podcast
LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC) Engadget HD Podcast 291 - 03.20.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 
Why is this message in spam? It's a question we find ourselves asking our Gmail boxes almost daily, when messages that really should have made it through to the inbox end up in electronic pergatory instead. So why does Google's algorithm choose to filter certain legitimate messages, while letting the vast majority arrive unscathed? The answer can now be found atop each message filed as spam, presented with the simplest of explanations, that generally fails to provide any actual insight as to the email's assigned delivery. Such worthless gems as "It's similar to messages that were detected by our spam filters," "It contains content that's typically used in spam messages" or "Many people marked similar messages as spam" now await you above each note -- seemingly assigned just as casually as the emails themselves. Google adds spam explanation to Gmail, steers clear of enlightenment originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Google | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Ever wondered how much the interwebs contribute to the Uncle Sam's bottom line? Thanks to the Boston Consulting Group, now you don't have to, as it's estimated the net contributes a cool $684 billion is to the US gross domestic product. That's roughly 4.7 percent of US GDP, the same tranche as its effect on Japan's economy, but less than the 5.5, 7.3 and 8.3 percentages clocked in by China, South Korea and the United Kingdom, respectively. And per the report, the internet is just getting started, with future growth set to hit eight percent on average by 2016 for developed countries, and well north of 20 percent in booming economies like those of Argentina and India. Hit the source for the full report. Surprise! Study finds internet worth a lot of money, is responsible for 4.7 percent of US economy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Mashable | Boston Consulting Group | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Now that Aereo has launched its antenna TV-over-the-internet service it can devote some attention to its legal issues, and today countersued the TV networks suing it (Fox, PBS, Univision, WPIX and WNET) in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan. It's already filed another suit against Disney, CBS NBCUniversal and Telemundo, as they wrangle over whether or not its scheme -- using an individual "microantenna" for each subscriber and streaming to that person over the internet, as long as they're in the broadcasting area -- violates their copyright. According to Aereo, it's merely relocating the equipment form the customer's home to its remote facility. We'll see if that argument works out any better than it did for Zediva, which announced last week that customers wouldn't be getting their money back after it was sued out of existence last year. Aereo countersues broadcasters over its internet TV streaming service originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Reuters | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  Many phones have WiFi, and there are hotspots in all sorts of places these days, so wouldn't it be cool if you could use them for roaming, regardless of provider? Well, if a new collaboration between the GSMA and the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) has any say in the matter, one day you might be able to do just that. The goal is to simplify how cellphones can connect to those hotspots, by developing a technical framework for seamless WiFi roaming. The new standard will be based on the WBA's "Next Generation Hotspot" initiative and the WiFi Alliance's "Passpoint certification" system, taking cues from the GSMA's established roaming experience. The basic principles have already been laid down, and just require network formalities such as security and billing to be taken care of. No peep on when we might start seeing dividends, alas, so for now your subway ride can continue in (relative) peace. Continue reading GSMA and WBA team up to develop WiFi roaming framework for cellphones,tablets GSMA and WBA team up to develop WiFi roaming framework for cellphones,tablets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The TiVo iOS app has been updated v1.9, and whether you're on iPad or iPhone there's a slew of new fixes and tweaks available. On both platforms, the Facebook login has been streamlined, there's To Do List / Season Pass management for Series3 DVRs, ability to create a WishList search and more. The iPad version features a new full-screen Browse UI (shown above) and collapsible folders while the iPhone receives high res retina display quality images. Zatz Not Funny mentions those higher quality pics will come to the iPad as well in the next few weeks, while TiVo's blog post mentions all of these features will arrive in its Android app(s) this summer. We say apps plural, because that's including a specialized Tablet version due in the springtime. For now however, the changelogs for the iOS versions are available at the links below. TiVo iOS app updated to v1.9 with a few new features, Android tablet app on the way originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Zatz Not Funny | TiVo Blog, iTunes | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | For the smattering of hardcore argonauts on staff here at Engadget (guilty as charged), we've clung tightly to Android when it came time to navigate on the move. Why? Google Maps Navigation, that's why. To date, there's simply no better all-around navigational app from a global perspective -- one that gets updated daily in the cloud gratis, and one that provides at least basic roadways in pretty much every nation that's fit to visit. Slowly but surely, Nokia and Windows Phone have been building a formidable opponent, and today's updates to Nokia's trifecta of navigational tools might be just the thing Google loyalists needed to cast a glance in Microsoft's direction.
For starters, Nokia Drive is seeing a monumental update -- one that supports a completely offline experience. Anyone who has traveled overseas and been forced to find a local SIM (or worse, eat roaming charges) in order to navigate understands just how crucial this addition is, and we're hoping that Nokia's inclusion will force Google to take its own offline offering to the next level. Moving right along, Nokia Maps has seen an update that makes sharing favorites a bit easier, and you'll also get live traffic in a slew of countries. Public commuters will appreciate the overhauled Transport app, which is now capable of providing walking / mass transit directions for over 510 cities in 46 countries. The new kit is available in the Windows Phone Marketplace today for those lucky enough to own a Lumia. Nokia Drive gets full offline access, Maps / Transport also updated originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Phone Scoop | Nokia | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | My, my, my, how the mighty have fallen. In this case, the mighty is the roughly $6 billion Oracle initially sought in its suit against Google. By September of last year that number had dropped to a comparatively paltry $2 billion, which was still to high for presiding Judge William Alsup. Now that has plummeted precipitously, with Oracle's new starting figure sitting at $32.3 million. Of course, the final total for the damages will likely be higher than that, but we'd be mighty shocked if the ultimate settlement was even close to $100 million. Google's own estimates put the valuation at between $37.5 million and $46.6 million -- a far cry from the $100 million starting point Alsup had suggested in July of last year. Now all that's left is for this sucker to actually go to trial. Hit up the source to read the full filing. Oracle's final damage claim against Google well under $100 million originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Groklaw | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Pop quiz: which of the following is being marketed as an Ultrabook? Behind door number one, we have a 2.5-pound wisp of a laptop with a 13-inch screen, Core i5 CPU and 128GB SSD. Next up there's contestant number two, a 3.94-pound notebook with a 14-inch display, 500GB hard drive, and DVD burner. If you guessed the latter, well, congrats on reading that headline correctly, though we'd understand if you said that first option sounds like the Ultrabook.
Indeed, Samsung's Series 5 Ultrabooks are a tad plumper than most, and look especially oversized next to the Series 9, that other ultraportable we've been describing. But it's not just Samsung that's playing hard and fast with the definition of Ultrabook. If Intel's own forecast is correct, half of the 75-plus models that go on sale this year will have 14- or 15-inch screens, and we've already seen a sampling of contenders from HP, Acer and Toshiba. The idea, say PC makers, is to lure in a more old-fashioned kind of customer, shoppers who aren't quite ready to ditch their DVD drive, and who aren't keen on stepping down to a too-small screen. At the same time, these laptops are thinner and lighter than similarly sized laptops, last longer on a charge and hold the promise of faster performance -- three reasons manufacturers can get away with charging more than they would for a plain 'ol laptop.
In a nutshell, that's the value proposition behind the 14-inch Series 5, which costs $949 and comes bearing a Core i5 processor, 500GB hybrid hard drive and, of course, a DVD burner. But do the benefits of a bigger Ultrabook outweigh the annoyances? And how does it compare to regular 14-inch laptops that aren't classified as ultraportables (and that don't command the Ultrabook tax)? Let's find out.
Continue reading 14-inch Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook review (NP530U4B-A01U) 14-inch Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook review (NP530U4B-A01U) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | As you probably know, we're in a lot of exclusive, behind-closed-doors briefings of products that won't find their way to retail availability for months to come. We do our best in every post to give you the full experience and virtually bring you along with us, but for the first time we're doing something different. Next week, Panasonic will be giving the media an up-close look at some of its biggest home entertainment products shipping later this year, including the 55-inch WT50 IPS LCD and the VT50 plasma (successor to last year's HDTV of the Year). This time, we've been given permission to take a lucky few of you along for the ride.
The event takes place next Tuesday, March 27th in New York City at 7:00pm. To get a chance to attend, you need to email nycevents [at] engadget.com with your full name. If you make it, we'll respond back with details on the event, but it'll be up to you to find your way to Manhattan.
Winners will not only get to check out Panasonic's 2012 line of cameras, HDTVs, Blu-ray players and other home entertainment products but a few particularly lucky attendees will get to take some of them home. Yes, there will be giveaways, and they'll be good ones.
Here are the deets: - The event is open to those 18 and older.
- The event begins at 7:00pm and will run for approximately two hours.
- This is not first-come-first-serve, so there will be no need to line up.
- Please bring a photo ID and your confirmation with you for admission.
Send those emails in soon, and we hope to see you next week!Win a chance to ride along with Engadget for a private briefing on Panasonic's 2012 home entertainment lineup! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Looks like the rumors were all too true -- according to All Things D, Beats Audio is picking up MOG. For those unaware, MOG is yet another music streaming / subscription service, and while the feature set bests even the vaunted Spotify in many ways by including a Pandora-like playlist generator, it's had a tough time procuring the same hype machine. Regardless, there's no more hiding under the radar now, and you can bet that anything with a Beats label on it will soon be using MOG as a musical pillar. We're reaching out for comment and will update when we can. Beats Audio is buying MOG music streaming service originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | All Things D | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | No, it doesn't cover the totality of the Smart Cover itself (or any case that folds into a triangle), but Apple has now managed to obtain a patent for one of the accessory's key bits of functionality. First filed in July of 2011 and published by the USPTO today, the patent described as an "accessory device with magnetic attachment" details how magnets can be used in a particular manner to attach a cover to a device (like an iPad) and secure it in place, yet still allow it to be easily released. Again, that doesn't cover all cases that use magnets -- just magnets used in this very specific way. Hit the source link below for all the details in patent-speak. Apple snags a patent for the Smart Cover's magnetic know-how originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | USPTO | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zinio's had a comfortable spot sitting on the Android and iOS stores for months, but up until now, it'd been steering clear of a certain App World. Fast forward to today and the digital magazine service is staying true to its tweet, at last making its way to that 7-inch BlackBerry slate. The PlayBook flavor brings along the usual traits, including over 5,000 mags in 33 different languages, multiple device syncing, as well as full subscriptions or à la carte issues . Early adopters have already taken the app for a spin, giving it mixed reviews, and you can do the same directly from your two-dot-oh slab or via the source link below. Zinio finally hits the PlayBook, becomes your Berry own magazine stand originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink MobileSyrup | App World | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Concepts, concepts, darned concepts. Teasing us with their curvy lines, and never-to-be-seen futuristic promise. Every once in a while, though, one pops out from the drawing board and into reality -- the Porsche 918 hybrid supercar being one such example. We'll admit we drooled a little when we saw the initial shots, and trembled slightly at the real world concept outed at the Geneva Motor Show 18 months ago. So, knowing it's finally made it out on the track filled us with more than a little glee. It seems development is coming along just fine, with three test versions out in the wild, and our friends over at Autoblog were lucky enough to get a ride in one of them. Sure, it was "only" at half power, so not the full roar of that 770 horsepower engine, but we're still pretty jelly. The $845,000 price tag might make you wince a little, but tears of joy will wash any pain away 3.1 seconds later, as you hit that magical 60mph. You've got until September 18th next year to save up the pennies, or ogle the gallery below. Porsche 918 hybrid supercar rolls out of our dreams, onto the tarmac originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Autoblog | Wired | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | All this talk about overheating iPads isn't getting Apple all that excited, apparently. The company issued a fairly noncommittal response on the matter, stating that in spite of the tablet's LTE support, fast processing, battery life and resolutionary display magic, it still "operate[s] well within [Apple's] thermal specifications." That said, if anyone happens to have concern with regards to an overheated lap, "they should contact AppleCare." There may be a chance, after all, that you've been holding it wrong. Apple: don't worry about hot iPad reports, it's cool originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | All Things D | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The New York Times just gave you more reason to consider making the jump to a paid online subscription -- beginning in April, that free article allowance will see a 50-percent cut, from 20 monthly articles to just 10. This modification comes one year after NYTimes.com launched its infamous content paywall, and following an announcement that the publisher has signed up 454,000 digital subscribers. Paying readers will receive a 12-week subscription that they can gift to anyone on the fence about swiping for access, and smartphone and tablet app users will continue to have access to the "Top News" sections for free. You'll also be able to read articles linked from other sites on the web, including your inbox, and can access five free posts a day that appear in search engine results. Completely unfettered access will range in price from $15 to $35 per month -- you'll find full details in the PR just past the break, and at the source link below. Continue reading New York Times nears half-million online subscriber mark, halves free article allowance to celebrate New York Times nears half-million online subscriber mark, halves free article allowance to celebrate originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | NYTimes.com | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  What could be better than our usual Monday morning giveaway? Why, a Tuesday morning giveaway of a new iPad, of course. If you missed the pre-order madness or can't be bothered to hit your local bricks and mortar to pick up a new iPad, no sweat, Kabam's got you covered. Celebrating the launch of its first iOS title, Kingdoms of Camelot: Battle for the North, Kabam decided to gift one of Apple's newest toys for you to make the most of its free game. Entering is as easy as dropping a comment in this post -- and reading the rules. But don't sweat it if you miss out on winning this iPad as Kabam's giving one away each day until the 31st of March for just playing the game. Good luck! The rules: - Leave a comment below. Any comment will do. Duplicate entries will be filtered out and discarded, so adding additional comments won't increase your likelihood of winning.
- Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
- Winners will be chosen randomly. One winner will win a new iPad.
- If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
- This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. Apple, Kabam and Engadget are not held liable to honor warranties or customer service.
- The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
- Entries can be submitted until March 21, 2012 at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Engadget Giveaway: win a new iPad, courtesy of Kabam! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | What could be better than our usual Monday morning giveaway? Why, a Tuesday morning giveaway of a new iPad, of course. If you missed the pre-order madness or can't be bothered to hit your local bricks and mortar to pick up a new iPad, no sweat, Kabam's got you covered. Celebrating the launch of its first iOS title, Kingdoms of Camelot: Battle for the North, Kabam decided to gift one of Apple's newest toys for you to make the most of its free game. Entering is as easy as dropping a comment in this post -- and reading the rules. But don't sweat it if you miss out on winning this iPad as Kabam's giving one away each day until the 31st of March for just playing the game. Good luck! The rules: - Leave a comment below. Any comment will do. Duplicate entries will be filtered out and discarded, so adding additional comments won't increase your likelihood of winning.
- Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
- Winners will be chosen randomly. One winner will win a new iPad.
- If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
- This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. Apple, Kabam and Engadget are not held liable to honor warranties or customer service.
- The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
- Entries can be submitted until March 21, 2012 at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Engadget Giveaway: win a new iPad, courtesy of Kabam! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Both Verizon and HTC are experimenting with remote diagnostics and tech support. Big Red will be offering the tool to owners of the LG Revolution first. The VS910ZV8 update delivers a number of changes, but the most notable new feature is the integration of Verizon Remote Diagnostics. Now, when a customer calls support, the technician (or script follower, as the case may be) on the other side can take control of the user's device to troubleshoot or demo apps. And, just in case you're paranoid about handing over the keys to your handset, the tool only collects info such as battery temp, OS version and what apps are installed -- your contacts and other personal data are safe from prying eyes. HTC plans to offer similar capabilities on its phones, but through LogMeIn Rescue. Future handsets from the company will come with the app preinstalled so that HTC's own technicians can diagnose issues and tweak settings. For more details on the Revolution update hit up the source link and check out the PR after the break for the low down on HTC's initiative.
Update: It looks like the Droid Charge will also be getting an update soon that will install Verizon Remote Diagnostics. This could be a pretty quick roll out.Continue reading Verizon updates Revolution with Remote Diagnostics, HTC turns to LogMeIn Verizon updates Revolution with Remote Diagnostics, HTC turns to LogMeIn originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Verizon, Android Central | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  It's not quite ready for widespread use just yet, but it looks like we could soon have yet another way to virtualize one computer desktop on another device. Tentatively dubbed WSX, VMware's latest option relies on HTML5 to do away with plug-ins or dedicated applications altogether (a "lightweight Web server" acts as an intermediary), which means that you'll need nothing more than a web browser to run Windows or other operating systems on any capable device. As of now that includes laptops and desktops running Firefox, Chrome, and Safari, as well as iPads, but not Android devices (though that is apparently in the works). What's more, while it's still described as experimental, it apparently offers "near-native quality and framerates" when viewing 720p YouTube videos, and VMware is already toying around with optimizing it for the new iPad's Retina display. Those interested in a sneak peak can try it out with VMware's Workstation Tech Preview for Linux, although there's no word yet on a wider release. VMware's WSX promises to bring virtualized desktops to the web browser with HTML5 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Wired Cloudline | ChipLog | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Nikon faced some backlash following the announcement of its D800 DSLR, due both to the camera's potentially excessive 36.3-megapixel resolution and its relatively limited top sensitivity of ISO 25,600. Then, less than one month later, Canon revealed its own mid-range full-frame cam -- the 5D Mark III -- with a 22.3-megapixel sensor, and an option to shoot at ISO 102,400. Both models appeal to the same market of professional photographers, but with vastly different specs, which is the better pick? Low-light shooters will likely base part of that decision on high-ISO capabilities, and after reviewing samples from both cameras, there appears to be a clear winner.
DPReview spent some time with the D800, and we took the Canon for a spin last week. We scaled the D800 sample down to 22.3 megapixels to match the 5D, then pasted a 300-by-400 1:1 pixel section from each camera side-by-side in the image above. The D800 JPEG (on the left) appears to be the noisier of the two, which seems logical, considering that Nikon opted to boost the camera's resolution instead of its sensitivity. Still, the cam's top-ISO is quite usable, and if you plan to shoot in a studio setting or can live without a six-digit sensitivity, the D800 will likely suit you just fine. Hit up our source link for samples shot at the full ISO range, including full-res downloads, to make that call for yourself. Nikon D800 studio samples posted, noisier than 5D Mark III at ISO 25,600 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | DPReview | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  So, AMD's 2012 rampage continues. Having outed a full stack of Radeon HD 7000-series graphics cards on the consumer side of things, it's now ready release the next in its line of Opteron enterprise server chips. Like the 4200 and 6200 series before it, the Opteron 3200 is based on the Bulldozer architecture. It comes in four or eight-core configurations, with 45W to 65W power consumption, plus a 2.7GHz base frequency that gets a 1GHz adrenalin kick in Turbo Core mode (which prioritizes half the cores and shuts down the other half). However, the 3200 series is designed to offer cloud and web hosting server functionality in a cheaper, "desktop-like infrastructure", which means these processors squeeze into a regular AM3+ socket and undercut comparable Xeons by up to $90. Can we expect server builders like SeaMicro to switch to these processors instead of Intel? Oh, you can count on it. Continue reading AMD has a server chip for the cheap seats: the 'desktop-like' Opteron 3200 AMD has a server chip for the cheap seats: the 'desktop-like' Opteron 3200 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  It's easy to get bored of safe, monetized, mass-gaming fare -- even if it's set in space. Good news, then, that the indie game intellect behind the likes of VVVVVV and At a Distance, Terry Cavanagh, has curated a whole raft of free indie games, housing his choices at a site with the same name. We've dipped into the eclectic selection, which includes both downloadable and online titles, with current favorites including Socially Awkward Conversations and Wolfenstein level generator Meinstein 3D. However, given that all the games are gratis, there's plenty more to sample (and then drop) guilt-free. Check the source below for the full selection. Free Indie Games does what it says it will, offers online and downloadable titles originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Waxy | Free Indie Games | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  Sure, six terabytes of storage might seem like hot stuff, but Western Digital's stackable MyBook Thunderbolt Duo drives aren't exactly portable. Lucky for you and your massive photo, music and film collections, WD's My Passport drive just crossed the 2TB border. At $250, this USB 3.0 storage sanctum claims to be the first -- and so far, only -- portable hard drive to break the two terabyte mark. "It's the perfect blend of monstrous capacity, reliability and user-friendly technology in a sleek form factor," said WD executive vice president and general manager Jim Welsh, "now in five colors." Count 'em, five. You didn't think the lizards were after your data, did you? Read on for WD's official press release. Continue reading Western Digital unveils new My Passport portable hard drives, upgrades visa to 2TB Western Digital unveils new My Passport portable hard drives, upgrades visa to 2TB originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | You'll be forgiven if ZTE's N910 smartphone isn't at the forefront of your mind -- when we attempted to grab some hands-on time with the demo unit at Mobile World Congress, the phone straight up wasn't functional. Nonetheless, if priced appropriately, the CDMA / EV-DO handset should be able to kick up a modicum of interest with its 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 4.3-inch WVGA display, Android 4.0 OS and LTE connectivity. The N910 just received the FCC's stamp of approval, but with only AWS (Band IV) and PCS (Band II) support for LTE, it seems most appropriately suited for a regional carrier such as Cricket or MetroPCS. Perhaps one or more of the little guys aren't far off from adding a new LTE smartphone to the stable. ZTE N910 clears the FCC with LTE support for AWS and PCS bands originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 07:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | FCC | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Get out the salt shaker, because there's a new Windows Phone rumor making its way across the web today. Citing sources "familiar with Sprint's LTE game plan," SprintFeed is reporting that the carrier is looking to launch a new LTE-enabled handset later this year -- one that'll allegedly run Windows Phone 8, commonly known as Apollo. These sources also claimed that the device still has to run through a series of tests, implying that it would likely hit the market this Fall, at the earliest. Beyond that, details run pretty thin, but we'll be sure to keep an eye on it going forward. Sprint to launch an LTE Windows Phone handset this fall? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 05:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | SprintFeed | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Intel's empire-building in non-PC markets could almost be considered Napoleonic, were it not so inherently rational. Having given us the lauded Medfield SoC for smartphones and tablets, it has now announced its next-gen processor for cable boxes. Nicknamed "Berryville", the dual-core Atom CE5300 is loaded up with integrated 2D/3D graphics, hyperthreading, virtualization and ultra-realistic car chases, which Intel hopes will allow Pay TV providers to offer smarter services, like gaming, home security and home automation. Can't let ARM have all the fun now, can we? Intel refreshes set-top silicon with Atom CE5300 Media Processor, aka Berryville originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 05:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Intel | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  Your worst nightmares? Felix Baumgartner's breakfast. Determined to cement his legacy in the Pantheon of Daredevilry, the famed skydiver successfully leapt from an altitude of more than 70,000 feet last week -- and that was just a trial. It's all part of Baumgartner's attempt to complete a record-breaking 120,000 foot "spacedive" later this year and, based on early returns, he seems well on his way. His latest jump, completed on March 15th, saw the fearless Austrian carried up to more than 13 miles above the Earth, protected only by a pressurized suit and capsule that hung from a 165-foot high helium balloon. Not long after jumping out, he reached a maximum speed of 364.4 mph, with the entire free fall lasting a little over eight minutes, according to Red Bull Stratos, which is sponsoring the effort. The idea behind last week's run was to test out the balloon and pressurized capsule, though Baumgartner is apparently hoping to complete another jump from about 90,000 feet above ground, before attempting the record breaker sometime this summer. Somewhere, Yves Rossy is furiously polishing off his jetpack. For more details on the equipment used to pull off the feat, check out Red Bull Stratos' video, after the break. Continue reading Man skydives from 13 miles above Earth, isn't satisfied (video) Man skydives from 13 miles above Earth, isn't satisfied (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Wired | Red Bull Stratos | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The fitness fanatics from Fitbit are looking to aid and abet the Android-loving, calorie-counting masses. The company has announced the release of its self-titled Android application, which will assist users in tracking their health and dietary goals. Through manual entry, or with the assistance of a Bluetooth sensor, Fitbit tracks your daily activity and creates a dynamic nutrition plan to help you achieve your weight loss and fitness goals. What's more, the app and service keep a log of your progress allowing users to feel shame track their progress. The app is available via Google Play for the always attractive price of $0. Have yourself a download... and a quick jog. Fitbit for Android helps track your I/O originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 03:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Droid-life | Fitbit, Google Play | Email this | Comments | | | | | | | | | |  | |  | |  |
