Tuesday, September 21, 2010

IT News HeadLines (Engadget) 20/09/2010



Ubuntu prototype uses face recognition to intelligently move UI elements (video)
Not that we haven't seen mock-ups before for systems using webcams to intelligently move user interface elements, but it's another thing entirely for a company to make a public proclamation that it's tinkering with implementing something of the sort into a future build of its OS. Over at the Canonical design blog, one Christian Giordano has revealed that the company is in the early stages of creating new ways to interact with Ubuntu, primarily by using proximity and orientation sensors in order to have one's PC react based on how they're sitting, where they're sitting and where their eyes / head are at. For instance -- once a user fires up a video and leans back, said video would automatically go into fullscreen mode. Similarly, if a user walked away to grab some coffee and a notification appeared, that notification would be displayed at fullscreen so that he / she could read it from faraway. There's no mention just yet on when the company plans to actually bring these ideas to end-users, but the video embedded after the break makes us long for "sooner" rather than "later."Continue reading Ubuntu prototype uses face recognition to intelligently move UI elements (video)
Ubuntu prototype uses face recognition to intelligently move UI elements (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Engadget's back to school giveaway, part three: win an HP Envy 14 with Beats Audio and much, much more!
We're finishing up our back to school coverage here for the year and we thought we'd end on a high note. The third and final installment of our back to school giveaways is a doozy, people. On offer, we've got a Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 13, a 500GB Skim eGo Portable Hard Drive, a Zeppelin Mini, a BlackBerry Curve, a Slim External DVD writer, an HP Envy 14, a second generation Mickey, a Logitech Z15, and a Logitech Z305. The total value of this giveaway is nearly $2,400, and all you have to do is read the rules below and get commenting.

Special thanks to all of the companies for donating the gear for us to give away!Continue reading Engadget's back to school giveaway, part three: win an HP Envy 14 with Beats Audio and much, much more!
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We've live from Photokina 2010!
Köln. Home to some of the best pommes frites this world has ever seen, and this year, home to Photokina 2010. We're live on the ground in one of Germany's most charming cities, bringing you the latest from the photography world as it breaks. Fujifilm has already kicked things off with a relative bang, and a slew of press events are slated to happen over the next 48 hours. Sony, LaCie, Leica, Panasonic, Fujifilm and Hassleblad are all on deck (with Samsung and Casio already in the bag), and we're expecting plenty more surprises once the show floor opens in earnest tomorrow. Keep it locked on our Photokina 2010 tag page for all the latest -- it's good for the shutterbug's soul.
We've live from Photokina 2010! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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HP's Photosmart eStation Android tablet hands-on (update: video!)
So here it is, after months of details coming to light an inkdrop at a time, the HP eStation all-in-one printing solution. But we're not gonna dwell but on half of that: the 7-inch tablet skinned out by Yahoo and powered by Android 2.1. As we expected, though, the Google experience is decidedly less that you're accustomed to: search is Yahoo only, and our attempt to find an alternate method was met with a barebones settings menu. Additionally, there is no access to Android Market, relegating your customization instead to HP's print-heavy app store -- sorry, no games, as that's not what the company wants to focus on here, according to the rep. That also means no Gmail, much to our dismay. What Yahoo has provided is a suite of apps and widgets that actually work well in their simplicity, from weather to stocks and search.

We were reminded at numerous points that this is a prototype build, and for good reason -- the responsiveness was questionably slow, especially in the browser. That said, the Nook store and e-reading app was as fluid as you'd ever need. WiFi is equipped on both the tablet and the printer for cloud-based connectivity on the go. Battery life is measured at four to six hours, and Android 2.2 is expected by holiday still sans Market, but beyond Flash (and at this point we question its performance on this hardware), there's probably not a lot of value-add in the update. Expect this AIO to be shipping the in the next few weeks. Continue reading HP's Photosmart eStation Android tablet hands-on (update: video!)
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HP's Photosmart eStation Android tablet hands-on (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Casio reveals Exilim EX-Z2300 and EX-ZR10 point-and-shoots, sells HDR hard
Casio's Exilim EX-H20G and EX-Z16 certainly stole the spotlight in the company's press conference here at Photokina, but a couple of other point-and-shoots managed to sneak out simultaneously over in Tokyo. Unfortunately, neither the Exilim EX-Z2300 nor the EX-ZR10 will be making a stateside debut, but those situated in continents not named North America may certainly be interested. The former of the two utilizes a 14.1 megapixel sensor, a 3-inch rear LCD (960 x 480 resolution) and a 5x optical zoomer, with other specifications including an SD / SDHC card slot, 34.9MB of inbuilt memory, 720p video recording, an ISO range from 50 to 3200, CCD-shift image stabilization and a rechargeable battery good for around 580 shots.

Moving on to the ZR10 (not to be confused with Pentax's similarly named RZ10), this one is Casio's HDR baby. During the company's presser, executives went on (and on) about how wunderbar the camera's inbuilt HDR ART function was, and honestly, the images that were being displayed were indeed pretty fanciful. The point-and-shoot relies on a back-illuminated 12.1 megapixel sensor, the Exilim Engine HS, 28mm 7x zoom lens, an automatic panorama option and a newfangled burst mode that enables up to 30 shots of 10 megapixel images to be taken, with high-speed burst shooting at a maximum speed of 40 shots per second. Better still, the company has upped the video resolution here to 1080p, while also throwing in an SD / SDHC / SDXC card slot, ISO range of 100 to 3200 and a rechargeable battery. No one's talking pricing, release dates nor release regions just yet (aside from shunning America, of course), but we'll be sure to update just as soon as those facts and figures hit our desk. Oh, and we did manage to score a few precious seconds with this guy here in Köln, and it's exceedingly slim given the feature set. We can't speak for the image and video quality first-hand, but based on what was shown and the aesthetic that we witnessed, we'd say the ZR10 has a bright future ahead of it. Continue reading Casio reveals Exilim EX-Z2300 and EX-ZR10 point-and-shoots, sells HDR hard
Casio reveals Exilim EX-Z2300 and EX-ZR10 point-and-shoots, sells HDR hard originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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fuRo Core bipedal robot can squat with a 100kg payload, puts your puny muscles to shame (video)
What's nearly two meters tall, weighs 230kg, and can lift the equivalent of a generously proportioned man? No, it isn't the ED-209 from RoboCop, but rather the latest robotic biped from Japan. The Core project that's being developed by the fuRo lab in Chiba's Institute of Technology may look and sound quite a bit like your favorite rogue drone, but its objective is rather more peaceful. The hope is to deliver increased mobility for handicapped people -- beyond what wheelchairs can provide, hence the bipedal locomotion system -- and things seem to have gotten off to a good start with the ability to safely balance a 100kg load while performing squats. See that feat, along with some clumsy first steps, after the break.Continue reading fuRo Core bipedal robot can squat with a 100kg payload, puts your puny muscles to shame (video)
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Another HTC HD7 leak: mid-October looks like a go, price is €559 without contract
We're getting very used to spotting the as-yet-unannounced Windows Phone 7-powered HD7 embedded in tables of serial numbers and release dates, and while, you know, a picture would be nice, it's good to see that it still exists in the world of carrier databases. WMPoweruser.com has a leaked O2 Germany lineup courtesy of a tipster, and that chart names an HTC HD7 for the 42nd week of the year, which lines up nicely with that original October 18 rumor we heard for O2 in the UK. What's more, this chart names a price, with €79 on a two year €20 monthly contract, and a hefty €559 tag if you'd like to go contract free. We suppose that sort of decision making is best left for after we've seen the handset, but we won't judge if you'd rather just rush in headlong -- with the HD series pedigree, we doubt you'll be disappointed.
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Lowell McAdam tapped to succeed Verizon head Ivan Seidenberg
This quirky, fun lovin' gent is Lowell McAdam, who becomes the president and COO of Verizon Communications beginning October 1. According to the company press release: "The appointment of McAdam by the Verizon board of directors is an important step in the succession process for when Seidenberg retires from the company." McAdam will be in charge of Verizon Wireless, Verizon Telecom and Business, Verizon Services Operations, and -- presumably -- begging for the iPhone. PR after the break.
Continue reading Lowell McAdam tapped to succeed Verizon head Ivan Seidenberg
Lowell McAdam tapped to succeed Verizon head Ivan Seidenberg originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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HTC said to have placed production order with Pegatron for mythical 'tablet PC'
DigiTimes reports can be shaky at the best of times, but this one takes the digi-biscuit. Reporting on an apparent order by HTC with Pegatron for the production of a new Android-based "tablet PC," DigiTimes claims the new development will help Pegatron achieve its goal of being one of the top four global notebook manufacturers. So is this a tablet or, dare we say it, a smartbook? Nobody clarifies that point, but specs are said to include a 1280 x 720 widescreen display, a 32GB SSD, 2GB of RAM, and Tegra 2 under the hood. Android Market support is also expected (huzzah!), though pricing might be steep at around $790 unsubsidized. At this stage, we'd be more surprised if HTC doesn't bring out a tablet in the next few months, but we wouldn't invest too much of our emotions into this report just yet. Maybe once Mr. Blurrycam decides to join the fray and give us something to look at.
HTC said to have placed production order with Pegatron for mythical 'tablet PC' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 09:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Samsung NX100 priced at $599+ for October release, NX10 gaining i-Function lens support in October
Samsung's press event kicked things off here in Cologne, and Photokina 2010 just wouldn't be Photokina 2010 without oodles of talk about mirrorless cameras. After talking up its NX100 for the better part of an hour, the company took a moment to answer a few questions from the crowd. The biggest news, however, was the unveiling of the price point. Up until now, Sammy has remained mum on how much its latest and greatest compact would run, but we were told the 20-50mm bundle would ship at some point in the near future for $599 (we've confirmed that it'll ship in October), while the 20mm pancake lens bundle would go for $649.

In related news, last year's NX10 will be gaining a huge level of functionality thanks to an October-bound firmware update, which will add full support for the company's range of i-Function lenses. You heard right -- the NX10 you splurged on last year will soon be able to play the same tap-and-scroll settings game as the NX100. Speaking of lenses, Samsung also confirmed that it would be willing to "provide technical information" to other companies in order for third-party i-Function lenses to be created. We didn't get the impression that any other outfit had come forward with interest, but we couldn't be happier to hear that there's no walled garden surrounding the technology -- particularly with how impressive it was during our initial NX100 hands-on.

Lastly, the company admitted that it's hoping to have a 1080p model ready at some point in 2011, and it's also hard at work on an APS-C sensor that's better geared for low-light situations. Music to our ears, to say the least.
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HP intros Envy 100, Android-powered Photosmart eStation AIO with Yahoo widgets (update)
We're not sure where CNET's getting its information, but we're liking what we see -- a streamlined HP Envy-branded printer with a 3.45-inch touchscreen for apps, games, scanning docs, and yes indeed, occasionally affixing dye to pressed wood pulp at 30 pages per minute. It reportedly has a pair of mechanical paper trays that open and close like a CD drive, and CNET says it'll ship October 4th for $249. Before you take those figures verbatim though, know that they might not be quite right, as the publication also says the $399 Android-powered HP Photosmart eStation C510 (aka Zeus with 7-inch Zeen tablet) is coming September 13th -- a day when, we're sure you'll agree, the printer failed to arrive.

Also apparently slated for September 13th is the HP Officejet Pro 8500A Plus, a full-size all-in-one inkjet model with a 4.3-inch touchscreen, now imbued with HP ePrintCenter apps. Why sit and talk to co-workers around that boring water-cooler, when you can play with your office's printer instead? Two more pictures of the Envy 100 after the break, which is apparently badass enough to come with its own tote bag and 802.11n WiFi.

Update: We're waiting for the HP IPG summit news conference to begin and, well, three guesses what that is hanging out on stage (pictured above). There's a second shot after the break, with a Yahoo search widget clearly on display.

Update 2: Now official, dubbed the Photosmart eStation AIO, and unless our eyes deceive us, we definitely spotted an Android lock screen and status bar. All for $399. There's a partnership in place with Yahoo, including numerous widgets (we've spotted search and weather so far). Something tells us there won't be another search option, but we'll find out for sure and let ya know. It's currently being demoed live on stage. Google Calendar is there, as is a web browser.

Update 3: Hands-on! Continue reading HP intros Envy 100, Android-powered Photosmart eStation AIO with Yahoo widgets (update)
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Pentax Optio RZ10 point-and-shoot offers 10x optical zoom, plenty of color options
This one slipped by us when it was introduced alongside the RS1000, but Pentax is once again highlighting the Optio RZ10 point and shoot here at Photokina. This cutesy compact touts a 14 megapixel sensor, a 10x optical zoomer, an upgraded Auto Picture mode (you know, for the newbies), a CCD-shift-type shake reduction mechanism, 720p HD movie mode, face detection, a pet mode for snagging better pictures of Fido and a 2.7-inch rear LCD. There's also nine-point auto focus, an ISO range of 80 to 6400, inbuilt flash, 82.7MB of integrated storage, an SD / SDHC expansion slot and a rechargeable battery good for around 260 shots on a full charge. Pentax still isn't talking dollars and cents, only noting that you'll need to contact a dealer for more. At least you don't need a liaison to decide on a favorite color below, right? Continue reading Pentax Optio RZ10 point-and-shoot offers 10x optical zoom, plenty of color options
Pentax Optio RZ10 point-and-shoot offers 10x optical zoom, plenty of color options originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 09:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Olympus teases Zuiko-equipped compact camera, leaves us desperate for details
Olympus isn't saying much (and that's understating things greatly), but it's using this year's Photokina trade show in order to tease a new integrated compact camera that's meant to serve an exceedingly narrow niche. So far as we can tell, this new "flagship" compact camera is the world's first with an "integrated Zuiko lens," meaning that it's actually not a Micro Four Thirds rig. We're still waiting to speak with someone at the company to find out exactly what the purpose is here, but we're getting the impression that it's meant to provide extreme resolution in the palm of your hand -- no need in grabbing the D3X if you can capture the next LeBron James mural with something this small, right? The press release insinuates that we won't know much more until CES 2011 (or sometime in Q1 2011, anyway), but at least we know that the accessory port will enable it to play nice with PEN peripherals. Continue reading Olympus teases Zuiko-equipped compact camera, leaves us desperate for details
Olympus teases Zuiko-equipped compact camera, leaves us desperate for details originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Samsung NX100 hands-on (video)
We're expecting to get our grubby paws on an NX100 later today for some longer-term testing, but for now, we wanted to go ahead and get you our initial impressions after handling the new mirrorless compact for a couple of minutes following Samsung's Photokina 2010 press event. The device itself is far smaller than the NX10 of last year, but it's still decidedly solid, if not a touch thick. The 20mm pancake lens on the model we tested was well built, and the i-Function capabilities were downright impressive. It took us a tick to grok how it works, but a good 30 seconds of learning presented us with loads of on-the-fly flexibility. You simply tap the i-Function button with your right hand in order to select what type of setting you'd like to change (exposure, ISO, shutter speed, etc.), and then rotate the wheel on the lens in either direction in order to change the value.

Despite our doubts, it actually worked beautifully, and now we're eager to see this type of technology on even more cameras (even if its reserved for Samsung's range). The 3-inch AMOLED on the rear was also stunning, sharp and bright, and the whole thing fit in our hands well. We're still fond of our DSLR for most things, but we could totally see a unit like this making the most sense for amateurs who aren't fond of lugging around something so gigantic. Ergonomics, design and i-Function? All were stellar -- here's hoping the image and video quality meet those same standards, and we'll be bringing you those opinions just as soon as we can form them. Video's after the break, if you're thirsty for more. Continue reading Samsung NX100 hands-on (video)
Samsung NX100 hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Casio debuts Exilim EX-H20G (with Hybrid GPS) and EX-Z16 point-and-shoots
Photokina's kicking off in earnest today with a serious bang in the point-and-shoot realm; Casio just introduced the planet's first camera with Hybrid GPS, which essentially enables it to geotag photos and videos where traditional cameras cannot. Yeah, indoors. The Exilim EX-H20G (shown above) also packs a 14.1 megapixel sensor, SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card slot, a 10x optical zoomer, an ISO range of 80 to 3200, 3-inch rear LCD, CCD-shift image stabilization, 720p movie mode and an HDMI output. Moreover, the company has throw in a world atlas with detailed maps of 140 cities around the world, and the rear screen can actually display a user's current position on said map for kicks and giggles. It'll hit shops this November for $349.99 (or €300 in Europe).

If that's a bit too fanciful for you, the lower-end EX-Z16 might just fit the bill. Boasting a 2.7-inch rear LCD, VGA (640 x 480) movie mode, a 12.1 megapixel sensor, SD / SDHC card slot, a whopping 14.9MB of internal storage (um... okay?), CCD-shift image stabilization and an integrated YouTube capture mode, this dead-simple cam is designed to be about as hands-off as they come. According to the company, the only settings you have to adjust on the 2.7-inch panel are image size, flash and self timer -- everything else sets itself accordingly. 'Course, that won't sit well with the tinkerers in the group, but you can sure brighten a newbie's day by gifting 'em with one when it ships later this month at $99.99. More details are packed in after the break, should you find yourself thirsty for more.

Update: We snagged a quick hands-on with the EX-H20G, and while the images below don't do it justice, the rear screen on this bad boy was something to gawk at. The map on there actually looked amazing, and while you'll have a tough time prying Google Maps Navigation away from our paws, this is definitely a lovely inclusion for those who'd prefer to simply enjoy nearby attractions on a map without pulling out a smartphone (or encountering roaming charges while navigating abroad). Continue reading Casio debuts Exilim EX-H20G (with Hybrid GPS) and EX-Z16 point-and-shoots
Casio debuts Exilim EX-H20G (with Hybrid GPS) and EX-Z16 point-and-shoots originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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ComScore: Google's Android surpasses Microsoft in US smartphone market share
Considering that Steve Ballmer himself said that Microsoft "missed a cycle" in the smartphone sales universe, we guess it's not too shocking to see Android leap past Windows Mobile and Friends in ComScore's latest US smartphone report. If you'll recall, we saw back in July that Google was tailing Microsoft by the slimmest of margins, and now that the latest data is live, it's clearer than ever that Android is rising while the competition is slipping. The research firm's MobiLens report found that Google's market share in the US smartphone sector surged five percent in the three month average ending April 2010, while RIM sank 1.8 percent, Apple 1.3 percent, Microsoft 2.2 percent and Palm... well, Palm remained flat with just 4.9 percent of the pie. Of course, one has to assume that Microsoft loyalists are holding off on upgrades until Windows Phone 7 hits the market, but there's little doubt that the flurry of higher-end Android phones has done nothing but help Google's cause. And if Gingerbread actually brings support for serious 3D gaming? Look out, world.

[Thanks, S.H.]
ComScore: Google's Android surpasses Microsoft in US smartphone market share originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 07:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Pentax K-5 brings 16.2MP sensor, 'much faster' AF, and enhanced HDR to midrange DSLR party
Photokina is just about getting started over in Germany today, and Pentax has grabbed the opportunity to unveil its next K-series shooter nice and early. The new K-5 looks exactly as a leak earlier this month suggested, meaning it's an almost identical brother to the weather-resistant K-7. Of course, the big changes are taking place within, with a new 16.2 megapixel CMOS sensor -- said to be equivalent in performance to the one in the 645D -- a 100 to 12800 ISO range, 7fps burst mode, much-improved 11-point autofocus, and an overhauled HDR mode. ISO can also be jacked up to 51200 with a custom function, but we wouldn't expect to get the finest imagery out of that. Other specs include a 3-inch, 921k-dot LCD around the back, 100 percent viewfinder coverage, 1080/25p video, and (sadly) only SDHC memory card compatibility -- there'll be no SDXC action for the big spenders among us.Continue reading Pentax K-5 brings 16.2MP sensor, 'much faster' AF, and enhanced HDR to midrange DSLR party
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Samsung Galaxy Tab feature tour reminds of just how pocketable it isn't (video)
Sony tried to convince us that its VAIO P was a pocketable computer, so we quite naturally pointed, laughed and mocked. It seems only fair, therefore, to give Samsung the same treatment when it tries to sell us on the idea that we'd be perfectly comfortable stashing its Galaxy Tab slate in the back pocket of our denims. Listen, the only way we're ever going to put hundreds of dollars' worth of money into our rear pocket is in note form, protected by our Jules Winnfield-endorsed faux leather wallet. But then again, if you actually like your gadgets to protrude a little bit, maybe this is just the Tab for you. Follow the break for the full video tour.Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Tab feature tour reminds of just how pocketable it isn't (video)
Samsung Galaxy Tab feature tour reminds of just how pocketable it isn't (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 06:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Peek 9 is nine times faster than Pronto, adds PeekMaps, weather, Twitter, and Facebook
It's official. The latest Peek -- dubbed the Peek 9 -- is up and dancing with a full list of features. The hubbub boils down to speed improvements thanks to revamped software that claims to reduce lag and sluggishness experienced when connecting to newly enhanced Peek servers. While the hardware appears unchanged, it's still said to offer better reception and be 9 times faster (hence the name) than the Peek Pronto. The 9 comes pre-loaded with native Twitter and Facebook apps with ActiveSync support tossed in for Exchange. They've also added PeekMaps and weather apps to give you an idea of where you are in Google Maps and what the weather forecast is for that location. Rounding things out is the Streams RSS reader; the ability to view Word, PDF, and spreadsheet attachments; and a new Peektop Apps feature that lets you transform Peek into a "tailor-made mobile productivity machine," whatever that means. Peak 9 is priced at $69.99 or $99.99 plus two months of contract-free service (sorry, no lifetime service offering at the moment). After that, the Peek service will cost you $19.95/mth or as little as $9.95/mth for 24 months. Of course, with the 9's broader communications focus beyond just Twitter or eMail, we really have to wonder why anyone would buy this instead of a much smarter featurephone -- a Nokia C3, for example, can be had in the US unlocked for just $129.
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OnLive WiFi beta goes live for all members, your Ethernet cable sings a sad song
As any hardcore gamer would likely attest, we'd still recommend keeping whatever rig you're running OnLive on connected to the world wide web via a patch cable, but if you simply must cut and run, at least a cable-free setup is being officially supported now. From the onset, many OnLive beta users were using a bridge in order to stream their games over the air, but the company has been toiling in the labs to create an officially supported solution that better takes into account the uncertainties of wireless connections. According to Steve Perlman, OnLive's founder and CEO, the technology "handles many real-world WiFi scenarios including management of interference, congestion and drop-outs if you get out of range," and it'll even allow users to lose their connection entirely for up to five minutes without forgetting their place in the game. It's recommended that beta testers use wireless networks that can sustain at least 3Mbps, but feel free to press your luck and the service's boundaries in one fell swoop.
OnLive WiFi beta goes live for all members, your Ethernet cable sings a sad song originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 05:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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PYNK smart system could make those Kodak print kiosks useful (video)
Just because film is dead doesn't mean that companies are at a loss for schemes to profit in the digital age. Take Kodak's PYNK smart print system as the perfect case study. Consumers buy PYNK branded photo frames and mats at $15 and $4 a pop, respectively. They then scan the goods into one of Kodak's 100,000 imaging kiosks and the machine will print photos (at further cost) into a perfectly cropped, sized, and aligned collage suitable for framing. A pretty smart solution for craft-less dummies like us.Continue reading PYNK smart system could make those Kodak print kiosks useful (video)
PYNK smart system could make those Kodak print kiosks useful (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 03:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Napster app arrives on iOS, completes the circle of life
Before the iPhone, the iPod, and iTunes, there was Napster. The original gangster of digital music distribution has undergone many changes since its heyday as a pirate's Shangri-La, though this latest one seems to be the most fitting. A new app for the aforementioned iOS devices as well as the iPad has been launched, giving you the full Napster experience in a more portable form factor. That means that for $10 a month you can stream and cache music from a library of 10 million songs -- yes, offline listening is available too -- essentially turning your iDevice into the Apple equivalent of a Zune Pass-equipped music station. Good times ahead, eh sailor?

[Thanks, Louis Choi]
Napster app arrives on iOS, completes the circle of life originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 03:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Pixel Qi announces development of 7-inch screen, provides status update
We just got a status update from one of Pixel Qi's earliest customers, Notion Ink, last week, and we've now finally gotten a pretty significant update on the state of things from the company itself. In addition to announcing that it's completed the first tranche of its Series B funding, Pixel Qi has also revealed for the first time that it currently has a 7-inch screen for tablets and e-reader in development, and that it's set to go into mass production in the first half of next year -- it notes that samples could be available by the end of the year, though. Pixel Qi's Mary Lou Jespen also explained that tight supply and maxed out factory usage combined with the "disruptive" iPad accounted for a number of tablet delays over the spring and summer, but she says that manufacturers have used the downtime to refine their designs into products that are "highly differentiated from the iPad," and adds that Pixel Qi will be announcing additional products using its displays sometime in the future.
Pixel Qi announces development of 7-inch screen, provides status update originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 02:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Einstein brings Newton OS to the iPhone, handwriting recognition and all
Palm OS on the iPhone? Check. Android on the iPhone? Quasi-check. Newton OS on the iPhone? As of today, that's a trio of affirmations. Developer Matthias Melcher has wisely used a good bit of his free time to port one of the world's forgotten-but-not-forgotten operating systems onto Apple's iOS platform, and while things are understandably sluggish right now, he's currently working on performance optimizations that'll hopefully have it running like a clock before long. He's also made the source code available to anyone willing to tinker with the emulator, and somehow or another, he's even managed to bring over the much-hyped handwriting recognition aspect. Don't believe us? Hop on past the break and hit play.Continue reading Einstein brings Newton OS to the iPhone, handwriting recognition and all
Einstein brings Newton OS to the iPhone, handwriting recognition and all originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 01:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink TUAW  |  sourceYouTube (quadraturencoder)  | Email this | Comments
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Flip updates UltraHD and MinoHD, rolls out new Designed for Flip accessories
With pocket HD camcorders multiplying by the dozens (most with 1080p functionality), we were starting to think Flip, er Cisco had fallen asleep at the wheel (or the Slide!), but the category pioneer has finally gone and updated its core Flip MinoHD and UltraHD lines with some much-needed features. Starting on the lower end, the 4GB Flip UltraHD is now just $149 --it'll capture one hour of 720p video at 30fps. That's a great price, but it's certainly the least interesting of the bunch -- the more notable additions are baked into the $199.99 8GB UltraHD, which is 20 percent slimmer with a new rubber casing and finally (finally!) gained image stabilization. Flip's still not playing the raw specs game, though -- the 8GB Ultra shoots 720p/60 video, which Cisco says maximizes video quality while keeping file sizes easier to share. Sure -- we don't think a 1080p/30 mode would have overly complicated things, but Flip's all about one-button simplicity, after all.

The 8GB Ultra also sports a new FlipPort expansion port, which is the centerpiece of the "Designed for Flip" accessory program. All kinds of things can plug into the FlipPort; highlights of the launch lineup include a Scoshe wireless microphone, an iGo pico projector, and a SeaGate portable hard drive / storage extender. Cisco tells us the FlipPort will hit the other Flip models over time, and that it's expecting tons of Designed for Flip accessories -- beyond those for the new FlipPort, there will be a Bower magnetic wide angle lens and loads of new cases. It's an interesting sort of complexity to offer on a camera otherwise almost aggressive in its simplicity.

The MinoHD line also nabs the new image stabilizer and 720p/60 video mode -- the new silver 4GB MinoHD will retail for $179.99, while the matte black 8GB MinoHD will run $229.99. All the new models can be ordered on Flip's website today, and if personalization if your thing, each can be customized with different designs or an uploaded picture of your own. We can't say there's a lack of new stuff, and while we're still a bit confused by the absence of 1080p recording and a still shot mode, there's something to be said for the company's studious focus on simplicity. Whether 720p/60 video can hold up to the competition's 1080p is still a giant question mark, but we just got our review models and we'll let you know how things go later this week. Until then, enjoy some of the beauty shots below as well as the full press release after the break. Continue reading Flip updates UltraHD and MinoHD, rolls out new Designed for Flip accessories
Flip updates UltraHD and MinoHD, rolls out new Designed for Flip accessories originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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PlayStation Move gets broken down -- so easy, an end-user could do it
Another week, another well-detailed tear down from the kids at iFixit. Blessed with an eight out of ten on the repairability index, the PlayStation Move was said to be one of the easiest devices yet to break down and reassemble, so there's a good chance that any novice DIYer with a steady hand and a Phillips screwdriver could accomplish what's shown in the link below. No huge surprises were found once the PCB's clothing was removed, but we were told that the Move controller contains a great many components that are found in today's modern smartphones: a processor, accelerometer, gyroscope, Bluetooth transmitter, vibrating motor, and even a MEMS compass. The sphere at the top can flash any color thanks to the included LEDs, and the integrated Li-ion battery can be disconnected (and thus, replaced) from the device without any soldering. Hit the source for the nitty-gritty, and hop on past the break for the highlights. Oh, and as a reminder, you can grab your own Move starting today if you call North America home.Continue reading PlayStation Move gets broken down -- so easy, an end-user could do it
PlayStation Move gets broken down -- so easy, an end-user could do it originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Minox PX3D concept camera produces 3D images viewable sans glasses
The doors of Photokina open in a matter of hours, and we'll most definitely be venturing over to Minox's booth in order to have a look at the PX3D. According to the barebones teaser release, this here concept camera will be able to capture 3D images that are viewable sans glasses. It should be noted that the world's first consumer-oriented 3D cameras haven't exactly seen the fondest of reviews, but tossing the glasses requirement may just flip things on its head. It's still unclear what kind of display / digital photo frame will be required to view the effect (we're guessing a parallax barrier panel will be thrown up for display), but we'll be barging in soon in order to get the full skinny.
Minox PX3D concept camera produces 3D images viewable sans glasses originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Slashgear  |  sourcePhotographyBLOG, Press Anzeiger  | Email this | Comments
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Apple's iPhone 4 coming to China on September 25
Turns out the rumors weren't too far off. After fighting for ages to get the iPhone 3G to Chinese shores, citizens of the aforementioned nation will soon be able to pick up one of Apple's latest (the iPhone 4, if you're keeping count) without reverting to importers and KIRF shops. Starting on September 25th, the iPhone 4 will be available across China in retail locations as well as China Unicom shops, with off-contract pricing set for CNY4,999 (16GB model) and CNY5,999 (32GB model) -- that's around $743 and $892 in greenbacks, respectively. Those looking for subsidization options will need to do some digging once China Unicom starts talking numbers. But hey, at least this one has WiFi!Continue reading Apple's iPhone 4 coming to China on September 25
Apple's iPhone 4 coming to China on September 25 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 21:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Inhabitat's Week in Green: Honeycomb skyscrapers, solar funnels, and the Karma PHEV supercar
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

High tech architecture took the spotlight this week as Aedas unveiled a set of photovoltaic crystalline honeycomb skyscrapers for Abu Dhabi and San Francisco unfurled plans for a sail-shaped solar stadium for the America's Cup yacht race. We also took an exclusive look inside a high-tech solar home that actually produces more energy than it consumes, and spotted a new technology that can transform any home's electrical wiring into an information-transmitting antenna.

We also showcased some of the world's most efficient vehicles as the winners of the $10 million Automotive X-Prize were announced, and we were excited to hear that the first factory-built Fisker Karma supercar will be rolling up to the Paris Auto Show next month. Finally, we peek inside Jay Leno's envy-inducing green garage in this week's episode of Green Overdrive.

In other news, MIT made waves on the renewable energy front as they revealed a new "solar funnel" technology that could increase the efficiency of photovoltaic cells 100 times. We also took a first look at Eddy GT's new streamlined city-friendly wind turbine, and we saw Tesla batteries jump-start residential solar systems by storing excess energy.
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Fujifilm intros FinePix X100: 12.3MP APS-C-based camera with Hybrid Viewfinder, loads of gorgeous
Hello, beautiful! The clock just struck midnight here in the wilds of Cologne, Germany, and it's safe to say that Photokina 2010 is underway. Fujifilm's press event isn't scheduled until Tuesday, but it looks as if it'll be teasing us all by releasing information on its drop-dead gorgeous new FinePix X100 tonight. This rangefinder-esque cam packs a 12.3 megapixel APS-C sensor, and it's obviously designed to go mano-a-mano with Micro Four Thirds and the slew of other mirrorless / interchangeable lens compacts that are hitting the market. Aside from supporting 720p movies, boasting an EXR processor and shipping with a 23mm F2 Fujinon lens, this new handheld includes a Hybrid Viewfinder that enables users to toggle between optical and electronic viewfinders and display intricate shooting information right into the OVF.

There's also a 2.8-inch rear LCD, a hot shoe on top and a magnesium alloy top / base plate that might be the sexiest we've ever seen on a camera in this sector. Low-light shooters will appreciate the ISO range of 200 to 6400, and there's also 5fps continuous shooting, a full-on manual mode, SD / SDHC / SDXC card support and dimensions of 127- x 75- x 54mm. Something tells us a lot of to-be DSLR buyers will be shifting to this far more portable alternative when it drops in early 2011... provided it doesn't cost a small fortune, of course. Needless to say, we'll be first in line come Tuesday to (prayerfully) get some hands-on time with this beaut. Video after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Continue reading Fujifilm intros FinePix X100: 12.3MP APS-C-based camera with Hybrid Viewfinder, loads of gorgeous
Permalink Digital Journal of Photography  |  sourceFujifilm (1), (2)  | Email this | Comments
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Fring reveals FringOut for cheap VoIP calls, challenges Skype head-on
When we first caught wind of Fring a while back, Skype compatibility was the draw, but as the years progressed and Fring grew some, the VoIP services didn't exactly get along. Today, the company's taking matters into its own hands with the not-so-subtly named FringOut, which appears to provide even cheaper calls to landlines and mobile phones than its powerful namesake. Starting on Nokia's S60 platform and "coming soon" to Android and iPhone, FringOut's promising as-low-as one-cent-a-minute calls. Sounds like a deal to us, but of course, call quality is paramount -- let us know if you like what you hear if you happen to try it out. PR and video after the break.Continue reading Fring reveals FringOut for cheap VoIP calls, challenges Skype head-on
Fring reveals FringOut for cheap VoIP calls, challenges Skype head-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 19:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Apple patent app hints at iPod-based phones, Peel 520 turns shades of green, red, blue and yellow
Looking for that elusive CDMA iPhone? You won't find it here -- but you might hear about a device Apple's trying to patent that could enable it one day. This spring, Cupertino filed an application for an "accessory transceiver" clearly intended to bring mobile calling, data and the requisite APIs to the likes of the iPod touch, not wholly unlike a certain Chinese case you might have heard of. What's more, the patent filing clearly states that this accessory isn't limited to MIDs and PMPs, but could be applied to "any type of mobile computing and/or communication device without limitation," including the iPhone itself... and specifically calls out CDMA as a possibility "because mobile telephone network quality and contract plans can vary" on GSM. Fancy that!

To be clear, patent filings typically try to speak as broadly as possible to assist lawsuits down the road, and as you're probably aware a patent doesn't mean an intent to bring a device to market. Still, we have to wonder whether these veiled jabs mean Jobs and company hit upon a workaround for that AT&T exclusivity deal, and what ZTE might do if Apple puts such a device on sale. Oh, and speaking of the Apple Peel 520 cellular case for the iPod touch, MIC Gadget's reporting that it now comes in eight colors at least as far as a Chinese launch is concerned. Think you'll buy one?
Permalink AfterDawn, MIC Gadget  |  sourceUSPTO  | Email this | Comments
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Entelligence: Putting a spotlight on the invisible
Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.

When Apple refreshed the latest version of the iPod nano, the combination of the square form factor, touch display, clip and cool clock app made me think it would make a great watch. I was not alone. I've already seen a number of vendors scrambling to create straps and wrist cases for the nano. While Apple stopped well short of calling it a watch replacement, there's no doubt Cupertino will be looking carefully to see if there's an iWatch in your future.

From Microsoft's Smart Personal Object Technology devices to watches that ran Palm OS, vendors have tried and failed to push high-tech watches every few years. I personally think the watch space and the larger invisible space hasn't been exploited properly beyond the core feature of telling time. Here's why.Continue reading Entelligence: Putting a spotlight on the invisible
Entelligence: Putting a spotlight on the invisible originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 17:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Entourage Pocket Edge in the wild at Marvell event, scared out of hiding by Schwarzenegger
What's this -- the slim, Verizon-bound successor to the Entourage Edge, out in plain sight? Just so, because Marvell wanted to look its best when the Governator came by. When California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger toured Marvell headquarters as part of a trade mission to Asia, a Forbes camera crew tagged along, and got us this first glimpse of the "Verizon Pocket Edge" shown immediately above. Though it's hard to tell what's changed from this angle -- save a lack of front-facing camera on the right -- a second photo taken by the Associated Press (after the break) shows the e-reader is significantly smaller in size, so perhaps it's the 7-inch device we were originally told about. Hats off to The Digital Reader for spotting the device, weeks after the newswires had packed up and moved on.Continue reading Entourage Pocket Edge in the wild at Marvell event, scared out of hiding by Schwarzenegger
Permalink   |  sourceThe Digital Reader, Forbes  | Email this | Comments
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Samsung Cetus i917 is in this video, automating your homes (video)
Believe it or not, we know most everything about the Samsung's Windows Phone 7-powered Cetus -- what it looks like, where it's going and what's inside, despite never seeing the device invoke a single pane of that Metro UI. Well, that's just changed with a new video from WMPowerUser, who tricked with WP7 program manager Charlie Kindel showing off his personal device -- albeit running a humble garage door opener app and thumbing through the dialer rather than showing a potent program of some sort. Still, that 4-inch AMOLED screen is very much in attendance, as you can see from the saturated orange squares above, and we'll just have to hope the last pieces of the Cetus puzzle -- release date and price -- come together in good time. Video after the break.

Update: It appears this is actually a clip from Microsoft's internal Channel 9 crew, going behind-the-scenes with part of the Windows Phone 7 team, as many have noted in comments. We've updated our links to reflect that.Continue reading Samsung Cetus i917 is in this video, automating your homes (video)
Samsung Cetus i917 is in this video, automating your homes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 15:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink WMPowerUser  |  sourceMSDN Channel 9  | Email this | Comments
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Is Facebook working on a phone? (update: No.)
A report from TechCrunch today claims that Facebook may be working on a phone of its own to compete in the ever-warming smartphone race. According to a "source who has knowledge of the project," the social networking site has put two high level employees to the task of creating a smartphone which will allow deep integration with Facebook contacts. Apparently, says the source, Facebook has been concerned that Apple and Google represent some kind of threat as competitors, though there is rather deep Facebook integration in the Android platform, and even the iPhone app allows for contact merging. Additionally, the site speculates that the device could be targeted at the low end of the market ($50 or less), which would not place it as a direct competitor to anything but featurephones. The article goes as far to suggest that Facebook and Spotify investor Li Ka-Shing (who apparently had a hand in the Spotify featurephone with INQ) may have started putting those efforts and relationships into the Facebook handset. But, INQ's been down this road with Facebook already -- take a look at the INQ1.

Still, TechCrunch says that Joe Hewitt and Matthew Papakipos are "secretly working on the project," which is being kept tightly under wraps; even Facebook employees are in the dark about the plan. Hewitt and Papakipos have certainly both worked in this space: the former created the Facebook iPhone app, and the latter was head of Google's Chrome OS team until June. But the article strangely leaves out what could be the most telling piece of the puzzle -- the departure of Android's lead project manager, Erick Tseng. After leaving the company in May, he went directly to Facebook to take on the job of head of mobile products. Keep in mind, Erick was high-up enough at Android to act as a spokesperson for the brand -- even appearing on the Engadget Show to talk about the platform.

But does this make for a Facebook Phone in our future? That's not so clear -- the idea that the company would see an opportunity in an already overcrowded smartphone marketplace is questionable, and if it's truly worried about the major players, it wouldn't be targeting a low end handset. We also may be giving the company a little too much credit to think that it can pull off being a heavy hitter in the social networking space (platform and all), and make a dent in the hardware and services game (remember, the competition is Microsoft, Apple, Google, RIM, and Nokia). Like all rumor and speculation in the gadget world, take it with a grain of salt, but you can be sure we'll be putting our feelers out to get a concrete answer on this one.

Update: Facebook wasted no time today shooting the idea down: "The story, which originated in Techcrunch, is not accurate," a spokesperson told Mashable. "Facebook is not building a phone." The company told the publication that it's focusing on "deep integration" with existing mobile platforms, but that "building phones is just not what we do."
Is Facebook working on a phone? (update: No.) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 14:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceTechCrunch, Mashable  | Email this | Comments
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Motorola Europe repents, restores Milestone XT720 CPU to 720MHz speed with software update
Bought a Motorola Milestone XT720, only to find that "up to 720MHz" processor was actually clocked at a paltry 550 million cycles per second? If you live in Germany or the UK, you're in luck -- Motorola's poised to wash your troubles away with a software update that restores the OMAP3440's full 720MHz potential, and reportedly adds DLNA connectivity to the device as well. The company released the news on its official Facebook page earlier this week, and it was then reportedly available "today," so barring accident or injury you should be able to update your device or wait for the OTA. It feels like just yesterday we were discussing how software-updatable silicon felt slimy, but look -- it's not all bad.
Permalink EuroDroid, Cool Smartphone  |  sourceMotorola Europe (Facebook)  | Email this | Comments
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Three lightweight fuel economy meisters split $10 million in X Prize dollars
Three lightweight fuel economy meisters split $10 million in X Prize dollars
We're big fans of private entities giving away big chunks of cash to fund cool research, and the X Prize foundation seems to be making the most waves lately. Most recent is the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize, a $10 million total purse going to cars able to score at least an equivalent MPG of 100. There were two main classes and three total prizes, all of which recently found winners. Besting them all was the Team Edison2 Very Light Car, taking home $5 million thanks to its four-passenger configuration clocking in at 102.5MPGe running on E85 ethanol. There were also two "alternative" winners, each scoring $2.5 million: Team Li-On's two-seater Wave-II EV (187MPGe) and Team X-Tracer Switzerland's E-Tracer, an awesome and electric two-wheeled enclosed motorcycle with auto-deploying outrigger wheels. That sucker, pictured above, managed 205.3MPGe and will do 0 - 60 in under seven seconds, something that certainly can't be said of the rest. But, none of them are exactly what you'd call four star safety rated nor can any be found on dealer lots. In other words: it remains to be seen when mere mortal commuters will get to be the winners of this contest.
Three lightweight fuel economy meisters split $10 million in X Prize dollars originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 12:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink AutoBlog Green  |  sourceProgressive Automotive X Prize  | Email this | Comments
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Caption contest: not feeling so Mega today
This year's Tokyo Game Show is naturally full of people in interesting costumes, but there was just... something about this Mega Man that caught our eye, making him stand out from the sea of similarly giant-headed mascots. Despite having a laser for an arm he just didn't look like he was having a particularly good day.

Josh T.:
"Ladies, here's one you don't want to miss. Tall, handsome, shoots fireballs, ice, or electricity from his left arm, total sex machine. Bidding starts at $200."
Tim: "You'd be making this face too if you had a saggy diaper that leaks."
Darren: "P90x... what a rip-off."
Paul: "If I have to star in one more shameless reissue cash-in..."
Sean: "...but not as dour as the day he posed for the original Mega Man box art."
Vlad: "Stewie was far from happy. He'd specifically asked for an aquamarine supervillain outfit, not turquoise. Philistines!"
Chris: "When he gets like this, autograph sessions usually end in a fatality or two."
Richard Lai: "Have you seen the size of his cannon in the Mega Man movie? No wonder he's mad."
Caption contest: not feeling so Mega today originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 11:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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