Thursday, September 30, 2010

IT News HeadLines (Engadget) 29/09/2010



Panasonic announces 10-inch Let's Note J9 laptop in Japan
Panasonic Japan has announced a new compact laptop, the Let's Note J9 series. Specwise, this one's got a 1366 × 768 resolution, 10.1-inch LCD, a 2.53 GHz Core i5 CPU, up to 6GB of DDR3 RAM (with 2GB coming standard), and a 128GB or 160 GB SSD. Other than that, the J9 boasts three USB ports, and HDMI out. A 3G model with an Intel Core i7 CPU, and a 256GB SSD will also be available for purchase online in Japan. There's no information on pricing yet, but hit the source link to see some hands-on shots of the laptops.
Panasonic announces 10-inch Let's Note J9 laptop in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceEngadget Japanese  | Email this | Comments
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Clear WiMAX router passes the FCC without a scratch
The world is not suffering from a dearth of WiMAX routers, but Clear has just a bit of room in their stable: while they offer 4G modems that plug into your computer over USB or Ethernet, along with battery-powered WiFi hotspots, they don't offer any home routers that do the WiFi thing, router thing, and WiMAX thing all-in-one. If this sounds like soft spot in their lineup to you, you'll be happy to know that an honest to goodness plug-it-into-a-wall 802.11n router with WiMAX, Clear branding, and possibly even a VoIP plug has just passed through the FCC. Will it change everything? Maybe.
Clear WiMAX router passes the FCC without a scratch originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink SlashGear  |  sourceFCC  | Email this | Comments
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Scosche MotorMouth II brings handsfree calling to any aux input-equipped vehicle
Nah, it's not the second coming of the Jupiter Jack. In fact, it's not a lackluster FM transmitter at all. Instead of pumping yet another one of those, Scosche has decided to take the high road here with the MotorMouth II, a Bluetooth streaming device that's designed for use in any vehicle with a 3.5mm auxiliary input. The idea here is to pair your Bluetooth handset with the adapter, then plug the adapter into your head unit; once you start a handsfree conversation on your mobile, the caller's voice can be heard loud and clear over your car's stereo. Of course, you may want to avoid this critter if you're planning on taking to your part-time lover while your full-time partner in life is riding shotgun, but for the faithful ones out there, it's available now for $79.99.Continue reading Scosche MotorMouth II brings handsfree calling to any aux input-equipped vehicle
Scosche MotorMouth II brings handsfree calling to any aux input-equipped vehicle originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Gadling  |  sourceFry's Electronics, Scosche  | Email this | Comments
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OCZ Ibis touts 2GBps High Speed Data Link, vanquishes SSD competition
What's after ludicrous speed? If you ask OCZ, the answer is HSDL speed, which is the company's new interface idea for bypassing the bandwidth limitations of standard SATA/SAS interconnects. Using a high-quality SAS cable to hook up its new Ibis drive to a PCI Express host card, OCZ has managed to deliver a cool 2GBps of total bandwidth -- that's one gigabyte up and one gigabyte down... every second. In order to feed this massive data pipe, the company's gone and stacked four SandForce SF-1200 controllers inside the Ibis and RAIDed them together for good measure too. The upshot isn't too dramatic for desktop applications, where'll you'll see performance that's merely world-beating -- reading at 373MBps and writing at 323MBps -- but if you throw in some deeper queues and enterprise-level workloads you'll be able to squeeze out 804MBps reads and 675MBps writes. Needless to say, the Ibis scooped up many a plaudit in early reviews, and though it may be expensive at $529 for 100GB, it still seems to represent good value for those who have the workloads to saturate its High Speed Data Link.
OCZ Ibis touts 2GBps High Speed Data Link, vanquishes SSD competition originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceAnandTech, PC Perspective, Hot Hardware  | Email this | Comments
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Blio for Windows review, now available for download
Last week we brought you news that KNF-B was prepping for a September 28 launch of its Blio e-reader software, and according to our date books, the time has come! The free PC software (Windows XP, Vista and 7 are all supported) can be downloaded now at the source link below; the iPhone app should be hitting the App Store very soon, however. We've been using the program for the last few days to, you know, "read," so before heading over to download it yourself you'll naturally want to hit the break for our impressions of the unique reading application.
Gallery: Blio for Windows preview
Continue reading Blio for Windows review, now available for download
Blio for Windows review, now available for download originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Cisco to announce high-def consumer telepresence device next week?
Cisco to announce high-def consumer telepresence device next week?
Cisco is certainly no stranger to the telepresence world, offering a high-end system catering to your high-paid CEO and his high-def boardroom. However, that doesn't do Ma and Pa Internet User much good when they want to dial up their offspring and see how the grandkids are faring. This, it seems, is Cisco's next step, with the company launching an "inexpensive home telepresence product for personal use" according to All Things Digital. At a press conference scheduled one week from today, a device and service are expected to be unveiled with a cost between $200 and $500 (depending on carrier subsidies) that will enable easy high-def video calling -- something SkypeHD and others do today, but supporting devices have been slow to find success. What will this device look like? Well, Cisco Senior VP Marthin De Beer said earlier this year: "We didn't buy Flip to have it be only a video recorder." He also said: "We would absolutely love to integrate with FaceTime." That latter bit sounds a little optimistic, but high-def telepresence that's as simple to use as a Flip HD? It could be good -- or it could be another FlipShare TV.
Cisco to announce high-def consumer telepresence device next week? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 07:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceAllThingsDigital  | Email this | Comments
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New Kobo eReader gets wireless connection, faster processor, pretty colors
New Kobo eReader gets wireless connection, faster processor, retail availability at Borders
When we reviewed the $150 Kobo e-reader this summer we liked the value it offered, but didn't particularly appreciate the poor performance nor the missing wireless connectivity. Now it's back, a new version offering fixes to those two issues (the system works!) and selling for $10 cheaper to boot. The new Kobo Wireless eReader adds WiFi into the mix, enabling on-device book downloads whenever you're in range of a suitably accommodating hotspot. There's also a new processor to speed things up, but at this point we don't know by how much. That question will be answered on November 1 when the thing starts shipping in your choice of three colors (black, silver, and lovely lavender), but as it's currently up for pre-order now at Borders you'd better hurry and make with the clicking if you want yours by the holidays.
Gallery: Kobo Wireless eReader
Continue reading New Kobo eReader gets wireless connection, faster processor, pretty colors
New Kobo eReader gets wireless connection, faster processor, pretty colors originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 07:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Denon RCD-N7 loves a wireless party, AirPlay too after $49 update
Denon's got the Apple AirPlay bug and bad. The company was showing off several AirPlay compatible 2010 receivers (models ending with "11") at the CEDIA show last week including this new RCD-N7 CD jobbie. The $599 unit coupled with a pair of $199 SC-N7 speakers features an iPhone dock (or USB jack) for local music sourcing. Otherwise, it'll stream audio from the likes of Rhapsody, Napster, Pandora and Last.fm. Better yet, the receiver also features a Party Mode Plus setting for a five-system multi-zone setup scattered throughout the home, all managed by Denon's new iPod / iPhone / iPad Remote App. Look for it to hit shelves in October along side Denon's $49 AirPlay update. That's right, it's no freebie -- an unfortunate precedent for anyone hoping to update their existing audio gear.
Denon RCD-N7 loves a wireless party, AirPlay too after $49 update originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 06:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Akihabara News  |  sourceBig Picture Big Sound (1), Big Picture Big Sound (2)  | Email this | Comments
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Nintendo 3DS 'tag mode' demonstrated in Super Street Fighter IV trailer (video)
Wondering how wireless "tag mode" will work on Nintendo's new 3DS? You're not alone. Fortunately, a trailer for Super Street Fighter IV has been loosed upon the internets giving us a pretty decent overview of what serendipitous game play will be like. To start with, a minigame feature lets you automatically fight your nearby rival's collectable action figures even while the 3DS is tucked away in your bag. The more you fight the more figures you collect. Then there's the more obvious wireless battle mode for active multiplayer gameplay with nearby 3DS owners. Should make for some interesting chance encounters on public transportation. You do live in a densely populated area don't you squirt?Continue reading Nintendo 3DS 'tag mode' demonstrated in Super Street Fighter IV trailer (video)
Nintendo 3DS 'tag mode' demonstrated in Super Street Fighter IV trailer (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 06:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceKotaku  | Email this | Comments
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BlackBerry Devcon 2010 keynote now ready for your streaming pleasure
Can't get enough PlayBook in your life? We understand how it is. After all, it's not every day that you hear of ultraslim 7-inch tablets that promise to take your BBM life to another level. RIM must sympathize with your eagerness as well, since it's now made its Devcon 2010 keynote available for streaming online -- replete with Mike Lazaridis' impassioned speech about a "no compromise" tablet that's enterprise-ready, multimedia-friendly, and even comes with "a full gigahertz of RAM" (19 minutes into the video). It's stirring stuff, and you might even learn a bit more about the QNX-built BlackBerry Tablet OS underpinning the whole thing. The source link is where you'll find the full 142-minute show.

[Thanks, Moazam]
BlackBerry Devcon 2010 keynote now ready for your streaming pleasure originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 05:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceBlackBerry Devcon  | Email this | Comments
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Dell launching 7-inch Android tablet in 'next few weeks,' 10-incher to follow a few months later
Good news, folks. It's looking like the tablet pool will be enriched with another 7-inch contender, running Android, within only a few weeks. The Wall Street Journal cites Dell's Greater China President Amit Midha as saying that the 7-inch slate we witnessed Michael teasing a few short days ago will be with us "very, very soon." Reiterating earlier promises of a family of tablets, Midha claims there'll be "a whole slew" of new devices emerging from Dell's labs over the next 6 to 12 months, which will include 10-inch, 4-inch and 3-inch form factors. Android is confirmed as the OS on the 7-incher, but Windows will be making an appearance somewhere along the line as well. Plenty to look forward to, then.
Permalink   |  sourceWall Street Journal  | Email this | Comments
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Sony A55 / A33 video recording limited by overheating sensor
So this is why the promo video accompanying Sony's launch of the A55 and A33 was set against a snowy backdrop. It turns out that these oh-so-revolutionary translucent mirror shooters can't keep their cool for any longer than 11 minutes when recording video at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius with Image Stabilization turned on. The A55 is even quicker to overheat at 9 minutes, though it's worth noting that with IS switched off you can obtain the maximum of nearly half an hour of footage -- provided the weather doesn't heat up. Sony blames this on the APS-C-sized sensor within, and it' true that plenty of DSLRs come with artificial time limits -- our D5000 won't let us get past five minutes however we try to sweet-talk it -- but it's an irksome limitation to consider if you're thinking of buying either of these Alphas for their otherwise awesome video capabilities.Continue reading Sony A55 / A33 video recording limited by overheating sensor
Sony A55 / A33 video recording limited by overheating sensor originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 04:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceSony Japan  | Email this | Comments
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Nintendo 3DS automatic Mii creation and editing demonstrated on video
Here it is, Nintendo's new Mii Studio software bundled on every new Nintendo 3DS. The software uses any of the 3DS' cameras to snap a photo and automatically create the Mii. It'll blow your mind then let you edit the pieces back together. See what we mean after the break.Continue reading Nintendo 3DS automatic Mii creation and editing demonstrated on video
Nintendo 3DS automatic Mii creation and editing demonstrated on video originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 03:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Chromium OS infiltrates iPad, makes itself comfortable
What is this madness we see before us? Hexxeh, he who provides your nightly Chromium builds, has dropped a small but perfectly formed bombshell by revealing that he's managed to install Google's nascent OS onto Apple's hotcake of a tablet, the iPad. He's evidenced this feat by tweeting from the liberated slate, though one of his outgoing missives includes the dire warning that he'll "dash your hopes later, there are a few catches." Well, at least that gives us a little time to fantasize about Appoogle synergies before those dream-destroying details are revealed in full.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Chromium OS infiltrates iPad, makes itself comfortable originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceHexxeh's Blog  | Email this | Comments
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GE goes rugged with Flip-esque DV1 HD camcorder
It's tough for yet another Flip-like camcorder to stand out these days, but GE might just stand a better chance than most with its new DV1 model, which adds a waterproof, shockproof enclosure to the familiar form factor. It also doesn't look to cut too many corners when it comes to specs, with it boasting full 1080p recording and 5-megapixel stills, a SD card slot for storage, HDMI out, a 2.5-inch display and, of course, an integrated USB connector. No indication of a price just yet, but you'll apparently be able to pick this one up next month in your choice of gray, orange or green.
GE goes rugged with Flip-esque DV1 HD camcorder originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceTech Digest  | Email this | Comments
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Nintendo 3DS ships in Japan February 26, US and Europe in March, auto-generates Mii from camera (update: video!)
Enough with the rumored prices and launch dates for the 3DS already, let's get official. Nintendo just announced a February 26 ship date in Japan for ¥25,000 (about $298). It'll then land in the US and Europe in March for an undisclosed amount. Launch colors are aqua blue or cosmo black. At a press event in Japan, Nintendo demonstrated the ability to take your picture using the 3DS' front-facing camera and then automatically converting the image into a Mii -- you can edit it too using Mii Studio on the 3DS. You can even merge two photos into a single image if you choose. Images can then be exported as QR codes in wireless "tag mode" or as a file to the bundled 2GB SD card.

Ninty also announced a special edition Super Mario DSi LL (no hardware changes) set to launch for ¥18,000 in Japan on October 28th. It also confirmed that a Wii Remote Plus is in development (it'll be announced at a date some time in the future) and a partnership with Fuji TV that will trial 3D video streaming to Nintendo's new handheld. Finally, a virtual console-style store was show serving up downloadable Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games to the 3DS.

Update: Nintendo just launched its 3DS microsite in Japan with a bit more product detail including new feature overview and software lineup videos found after the break. There you'll see a built-in pedometer with activity graph and what looks like background multitasking (or at least a state save) letting you launch other apps and then return to a game at the exact same point you left it. Nintendo also demonstrates the Mii Plaza app that lets you collect and view Miis from 3DS owners you pass throughout the day (even when the 3DS is sleeping); Augmented Reality gaming with six AR cards included in the box; a long-press home button for in-game access to web browsing, WiFi toggle, and more; a Book app; and note writing / diary software.
Gallery: Nintendo 3DS final hardware
Continue reading Nintendo 3DS ships in Japan February 26, US and Europe in March, auto-generates Mii from camera (update: video!)
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Sonos controller goes live for iPad (update: Spotify too)
It's been a long three months, but the Sonos app for iPad is finally here, joining your iPhone in a quest to easily serve up music to every one of your fancy mesh-networked rooms. It's a free 7MB download, so if you've obtained the requisite technology, what have you got to lose? And hey, once you get used to the extra real estate, the company has a nice resting place for your iPhone, too. PR after the break, iTunes link immediately below.

Update: Europeans are also getting treated to Spotify access today with the release of the Sonos 3.3 software update. The Sonos Controller for the iPhone / iPod touch stll hasn't been updated but it has to come soon -- those Spotify tracks won't change themselves.Continue reading Sonos controller goes live for iPad (update: Spotify too)
Sonos controller goes live for iPad (update: Spotify too) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceiTunes  | Email this | Comments
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BlackBerry Style 9670 spotted in Sprint's database, yet another YouTube clip
Any lingering doubts about this thing's existence? Scatter 'em. The BlackBerry Style 9670 has just shown up in what appears to be a Sprint database leak, and given that it just received FCC approval earlier in the month, we'd say this is all lining up nicely for a near-term release on one of America's most well-known CDMA carriers. As the story goes, these database slips usually happen just weeks before the official public release of a phone, and we're guessing that both RIM and Sprint would love to have this out and about before the holidays. Head on past the break for yet another look -- assuming you need one, that is.Continue reading BlackBerry Style 9670 spotted in Sprint's database, yet another YouTube clip
BlackBerry Style 9670 spotted in Sprint's database, yet another YouTube clip originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 23:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceCrackberry (1), (2), Poder PDA  | Email this | Comments
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Star Wars flicks to see 3D re-release, starting with Episode 1 in 2012
The Star Wars series hasn't even hit Blu-ray yet, but The Hollywood Reporter reports sources are saying George Lucas definitely intends to refill his money pit in 2012 by bringing out the movies, one each year, in 3D. Unfortunately that means even if you're optimistically expecting a well done 3D conversion process Episode IV is at least five years away since the plan is to release the movies in numerical order. According to the sources, even after demoing converted 3D footage of the movies in the past, Lucas was moved to greenlight the process after experiencing Avatar and realizing that by the time the movies hit theaters, and eventually homes, there will be more than enough capable screens to watch them on. Of course, all could be forgiven if this meant there were enough petty cash floating around to convince Lucas it's time to restore and rerelease the original editions on Blu-ray, but we're not holding our breath.
Star Wars flicks to see 3D re-release, starting with Episode 1 in 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 22:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceThe Hollywood Reporter  | Email this | Comments
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Raytheon's Sarcos XOS 2 military exoskeleton just does the heavy lifting -- for now
Raytheon's XOS 2 has a right hook that can rip straight through a wall, but Dr. Fraser Smith assures us that death-dealing variants are still a good ways off. We caught up with the good doctor earlier today, who's been working on the military-grade exoskeleton for eight years, and quizzed him on the hows and whys of building a would-be Iron Man. Find out what we learned after the break, and see the mean machine in our gallery below!
Gallery: Raytheon Sarcos XOS 2 exoskeleton - press pics
Continue reading Raytheon's Sarcos XOS 2 military exoskeleton just does the heavy lifting -- for now
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Origin PC's EON17 laptop packs desktop performance, with desktop processors
Desktop processors in laptops may not be quite as common as they once were, but Origin PC is keeping the practice alive with its line of high-end gaming laptops, to which it's now added a new EON17 model. That packs a big 17.3-inch display, along with your choice of processors up to a Intel Core i7 980X, plus dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480M graphics cards, up to 24GB of DDR3 memory, up to three hard drives for over 2TB of storage, and range of other high-end specs that contribute to a starting price of $2,499. Head on past the break for the complete press release, and hit up the source link below if you're ready to get your order in.
Continue reading Origin PC's EON17 laptop packs desktop performance, with desktop processors
Origin PC's EON17 laptop packs desktop performance, with desktop processors originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Onkyo dropping three Windows 7 slates on totally-suspicious-by-now public
Never saw this coming, did you? Oh, right, you did. Onkyo is joining the Windows 7 slate tablet fray with three new models, which will begin shipping next month in Japan. The variety is minor, though each tablet is getting its own design language: the 11.6-inch and 10.1-inch TW317A5 and TW217A5 both rock 32GB SSDs, while the TW117A4 kicks it old school with a 160GB HDD. Thanks to Windows 7 Home Premium the trio will be getting all the touch-friendly benefits the OS can offer, and Atom N450 and Z530 processors will sipping battery on behalf of the machines. No word on price, but we really prefer the "Windows 7 slate that will only ship internationally and that nobody we know will buy" more as a construct anyway.
Onkyo dropping three Windows 7 slates on totally-suspicious-by-now public originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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iOS 4.2 beta 2 now available for iPhone, iPad developers
Hey, would you look at that: if you're a developer, you can download iOS 4.2 beta 2. We're installing it right now, and we'll let you know as soon as we see what's new -- but we're hoping it fixes some of the nasty bugs we grappled with in beta 1.

Update: We've only used beta 2 for a couple minutes, but it's already so much less buggy than beta 1 we're weeping with joy.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
iOS 4.2 beta 2 now available for iPhone, iPad developers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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HP's Todd Bradley slips 'PalmPad' tablet name during analyst call
Well well, Mr. Bradley -- hast thou said too much? During an analyst call today the outspoken head of HP's Personal System Group confirmed that it's sent more than 200 employees to work at Palm.... and then casually mentioned that HP will have "a webOS-powered PalmPad that will be set for release early in 2011." If you'll recall, HP filed for a trademark on PalmPad back in July, and it's been talking about tablets since it bought Palm in May, so we're thinking ol' Todd just let one slip. Now let's just hope all this "early 2011" talk means really early... like, say, CES.
HP's Todd Bradley slips 'PalmPad' tablet name during analyst call originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourcePreCentral  | Email this | Comments
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Sony's Google TV makes an early public appearance, reveals little
We weren't expecting to see Sony's first Google TV for a few more days, but that didn't stop this 46-inch LCD from showing up today at Best Buy's press event in New York. Sporting a NSX-46GT1 model number, it sat up on that chrome lipped stand pictured in the invite for its October 12 debut but didn't have much to show in terms of software that we haven't seen already. HDGuru was also on hand and notes a rear USB-mounted WiFi dongle used for the internet features to go along with the Dish Network receiver below. Still waiting to see a production remote/keyboard or remote control apps on a mobile device before you decide to stroll into an IR-blaster connected future? So are we, but for now check out a few more pictures of the set in this gallery.
Gallery: Sony Google TV
Sony's Google TV makes an early public appearance, reveals little originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Franklin Roadie modular music system needs a table to boom
We've seen speaker systems that use flat surfaces as a diaphragm before, but Franklin's Roadie might be the first modular to splash down in the new millennium. It's a three part system (if you want it to be), consisting of the EVS-2000, EVS-3000 and EVS-4000. In order of mention, you've got a base model that accepts sources via a 3.5mm input jack, a rechargeable battery with SD card slot, and a bonus tweeter / equalizer. It ain't much good in your hand, but slap it on a table (or any other flat surface, like a floor) and the tunes start to boom. Or become marginally more audible, anyway. The trio should go on sale soon for $99.99 as a bundle, while the 2000 and 3000 can be picked up by themselves for $49.99 / $79.99, respectively.Continue reading Franklin Roadie modular music system needs a table to boom
Franklin Roadie modular music system needs a table to boom originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceFranklin  | Email this | Comments
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Operation Cyber Storm III underway, makes digital certificates cool again
Fans of cyberwarfare (which we are, if only because we like to imagine that it looks like Battlezone) take note: following hot on the heels previous Cyber Storm I and II and Cyber ShockWave wargames, the Department of Homeland Security is sponsoring a little something called Cyber Storm III. Starting yesterday, the three-day exercise simulates more than 1,500 different types of attack, with a special emphasis on identities, trust relationships, and digital certificates. As Brett Lambo, director of Homeland Security's Cyber Exercise Program, told AFP, "we're kind of using the Internet to attack itself. At a certain point the operation of the Internet is reliant on trust -- knowing where you're going is where you're supposed to be." The exercise will test the National Cyber Incident Response Plan as well as the new National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. But you can breathe easily: the operation is focusing on defense, not offense (for now).
Operation Cyber Storm III underway, makes digital certificates cool again originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink CNET  |  sourceYahoo News  | Email this | Comments
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NFL FanVision review -- and behind the scenes
We've been wanting to try out Kangaroo TV's FanVision in-stadium video handheld ever since we first heard it was coming to 10 NFL teams (and the Michigan Wolverines) this year, and we finally got our chance last night during the Packers / Bears game here in Chicago. The system is actually super interesting, as it's the only large-scale DVB-T operation we've seen in the States; FanVision sets up a private network for each team and sports event they work with. At Soldier Field, that means there are two transmitters at either end of the field for people in the stadium, and another located in the scoreboard so the devices work while people are tailgating in the parking lot. The system has about 8Mbps of bandwidth, so each of the 10 channels on the device streams at about 800Kbps, a quality level the produces some blockiness but is perfectly watchable on the FanVision handheld's 4.3-inch QVGA screen.
Gallery: NFL FanVision review and behind the scenes
Continue reading NFL FanVision review -- and behind the scenes
NFL FanVision review -- and behind the scenes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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BlackBerry 6 shows up on Bold 9700, Pearl 3G -- and we check it out
To the untrained eye, you might think you're looking at a garden variety Bold 9700 here -- but you'd be wrong. So wrong! It's actually running BlackBerry 6, something that no device other than the touchscreen-equipped Torch has managed to do in public (in an official capacity, anyway) so far. We're not convinced that the multiple home screen navigation bar concept translates very well here -- you've got to scroll up then left or right to move between bars, which seems like too much trouble when you can just get to your entire list of apps with approximately the same amount of effort. The WebKit browser is unquestionably a huge improvement over what BlackBerry OS 5.0 users are used to, but we still witnessed it bog down significantly when checking out ye olde standby engadget.com, to the point where other UI actions in the OS were impacted. We guess it's going to take another generation of hardware or two with quicker cores (and more RAM) to fix up that stuff... hopefully. In addition to the 9700, we also checked out the re-upped Pearl 3G, which is exactly what you'd expect in practice: the same user experience, just narrower. A rep told us that the updates are expected to launch within a few weeks, though it'll depend on your carrier. Follow the break for some quick videos!
Gallery: BlackBerry 6 shows up on Bold 9700, Pearl 3G -- and we check it out
Continue reading BlackBerry 6 shows up on Bold 9700, Pearl 3G -- and we check it out
BlackBerry 6 shows up on Bold 9700, Pearl 3G -- and we check it out originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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T-Mobile G2 preview
Well, well, well... would you look at what we found lounging around Best Buy's NYC holiday event! Yes, indeed, it's the T-Mobile G2 (the US version of the HTC Desire Z if you happen to think it looks familiar). After months of leaks and blurry shots we finally got to check out T-Mobile and HTC's G1 replacement, and it's got everything we've been waiting for -- a 3.7-inch display, Android 2.2, 4GB of internal memory, an 800MHz Snapdragon processor and a 5 megapixel cam with a flash. Oh, what's it like to use? That answer, dear friends, is after the break along with a hands-on video.
Gallery: T-Mobile G2 preview / hands-on
Continue reading T-Mobile G2 preview
T-Mobile G2 preview originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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iControlPad to use Bluetooth instead of dock connector
It's supposedly already headed into production, but it looks like the iControlPad is still undergoing a few last minute changes. The group behind the iPhone game controller peripheral has just announced that the device will actually use Bluetooth instead of an Apple dock connector -- a change that's apparently being done in part due to Apple's recent litigation with Hypermac, and to avoid any actual licensing issues. As you might expect from such a small project, that's also put the team in something of a bind, and they're now looking for help from folks experienced with using Bluetooth in iOS. Of course, while the device is being pitched as an iPhone peripheral to start, there's also been support for other phones promised, and it's now been officially confirmed that those other phones will include Android phones with Bluetooth.
iControlPad to use Bluetooth instead of dock connector originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink SlashGear  |  source@Craigix (Twitter)  | Email this | Comments
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Konami's Road Fighters 3D hits Japan's arcades
We know it's tough to deal with the sorry state of arcades these days, but they're still thriving in Japan, and Konami has just announced one more reason to be jealous in the form of Road Fighters 3D. As you can see, that's actual 3D complete with 3D glasses, although the game can apparently also be played in 2D if you're not quite ready to experience "one of the most thrilling arcade racing experiences on the planet." Keeping up with other modern arcade machines, the game also has an online multiplayer mode, and it incorporates Konami's PASELI digital cash system so you don't have to worry about having enough change. Look for it to hit arcades in Japan by the end of the month.
Continue reading Konami's Road Fighters 3D hits Japan's arcades
Konami's Road Fighters 3D hits Japan's arcades originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Akihabara News  |  sourceKonami  | Email this | Comments
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Jabra Go 660 Bluetooth headset 'solution' pairs an Extreme with a USB adapter
Jabra Go 660 Bluetooth headset 'solution' pairs an Extreme with a USB adapter, does double-dutyJabra certainly loves to trumpet the noise cancellation abilities of its Bluetooth headsets, and while our own experiences haven't quite lived up to the hype, we always look forward to the company's latest name for its noise cancellation tech. Disappointing, then, that the new Jabra Go 660 "headset solution" (with its Extreme ear jewelry) is said to be the company's "first Bluetooth headset with Noise Blackout Extreme." That's despite the Stone shipping with tech that went by the same name this time last year. Hopefully that system has been improved since then and will now actually live up to its name, putting background noise in a headlock and rendering it completely unconscious. In addition to the headset you get a USB Bluetooth adapter for a computer so that you can quickly go from VOIP to voicemail. The Go 660 is available now for $110, including the adapter -- which of course you won't need if your system is already down with the Bluetooth.Continue reading Jabra Go 660 Bluetooth headset 'solution' pairs an Extreme with a USB adapter
Jabra Go 660 Bluetooth headset 'solution' pairs an Extreme with a USB adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Hulu Plus coming to TiVo Premiere too
It looks like the Hulu overlords have finally seen the light, because Hulu Plus is coming to the living room in a big way -- in addition to the cheap'n'easy Roku players, the service will hit TiVo Premiere DVRs sometime "in the coming months." It's a little stranger to pay $9.95 a month for streaming TV on your DVR, which is presumably plugged into a cable subscription and a TiVo service subscription, but hey -- whatever floats your boat, Captain Moneybags. Full PR after the break.Continue reading Hulu Plus coming to TiVo Premiere too
Hulu Plus coming to TiVo Premiere too originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Roku adding Hulu Plus channel this fall
Oh boy, here we go: Hulu Plus is coming to Roku's lineup of players, which now starts at $59 and goes up to $99 for the Roku XDS we just reviewed highly. That certainly makes the Roku / Apple TV comparison far more interesting -- ten 99-cent Apple TV rentals or the $10 Hulu Plus monthly subscription fee? -- and depending on what you watch, it could make cutting your cable subscription a no-brainer. We don't know about resolution or bitrate yet, but we're working to find out -- and we're definitely looking to get some hands-on time before the channel goes live this fall, so stay tuned. PR after the break.Continue reading Roku adding Hulu Plus channel this fall
Roku adding Hulu Plus channel this fall originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Bose VideoWave fits surround sound into TV, custom UI aims to simplify set-top box clutter (video)
Keep it simple, stupid. That seems to be Bose's driving philosophy in its just-announced VideoWave entertainment system, and it's all about integration. There's no separate sound system to speak of: everything is built into the 46-inch 1080p LCD display. There are 16 speakers in all, including six woofers in a magnesium enclosure -- yeah, that's heavy; the total weight of this sucker is just under 100 pounds, according to PR. The surround sound is calibrated automatically via Bose's own Adaptiq, and its PhaseGuide sound radiator technology shoots high frequency audio waves to bounce off adjacent walls to recreate the effect of surround sound (i.e. a surround sound bar). The bare minimum of wires runs out of the TV, connecting to the separate console set-top box. There are three HDMI and two component ports on the back, and on the front are composite, HDMI, and USB ports (one apiece). There's an IR emitter in front for controlling other consoles, and while Bose claims you won't need IR blasters if the STBs aren't hidden away, they're bundled just in case.

The second pillar of VideoWave is a radio-frequency ClickPad remote control, and it's as basic as it gets -- power, input, channel selection, volume, and mute. Bose claims that this remote will run all the connected boxes, with the console detecting what they are and automatically adding to the input list. Now, here's where it gets interesting: running your finger along the surface activates a border of options around your screen (the video source is shrunken) and you can select options that are custom-tailored to the source (DVR, cable boxes -- there's even a custom iPod interface with a proprietary dock). Like we said, the company believes it's got a handle on the set-top box scene and has custom-tailored border interfaces for pretty much everything out there, which can be upgraded via firmware (hence the USB input on the console). In person, the software and control is pretty slick and snappy.

And now for the price and release date. It's actually just around the corner, October 14th, and sold exclusively through Bose stores. The upfront cost is mighty steep at $5,349, and that includes a mandatory personal delivery and installation. Then again, if you have much money to spend, is a 46-inch screen really large enough? And what of any number of other TVs with integrated sound bars? (Mitsubishi's similar Unisen series, for example, starts at $1,699.) Too early to say, but it's Bose, and that name alone packs a premium. Video after the break.
Gallery: Bose VideoWave press shots

Gallery: Bose VideoWave hands-on (and peek at internals)
Continue reading Bose VideoWave fits surround sound into TV, custom UI aims to simplify set-top box clutter (video)
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Xerox to sell on-demand Espresso Book Machines to retailers who sell books to people (video)
Xerox now selling on-demand Espresso Book Machines to retailers who sell books to people (video)
When we got our first glimpse of the Espresso Book Machine from On Demand Books we were of course thoroughly charmed by the Rube Goldberg nature of the thing, but were left feeling unconvinced of the practicality of it -- would people really pay money for custom-printed physical copies of classic books they can download for free? Is it really a viable choice for self-publishing? We may be skeptics, but Xerox is a believer, putting its reseller weight behind the machine (which uses not one but two of the company's printers internally), selling, leasing, and servicing the things through its retail connections. This means Espressos could start showing up more frequently at bookstores and perhaps even coffee shops early next year. Until then, watch the magic happen after the break.Continue reading Xerox to sell on-demand Espresso Book Machines to retailers who sell books to people (video)
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BlackBerry PlayBook vs. iPad vs. Galaxy Tab vs. Streak: the tale of the tape
What a day -- yesterday, that is. Research in Motion finally announced its long-awaited BlackBerry tablet, the 7-inch PlayBook (thankfully not named the BlackPad). While there's still quite a few missing details, and nary an unit in site for us to try first-hand, we've still got a sampling of specs for this little guy to go tête-à-tête on the quantitative field of proverbial battle, at least as it can be seen so far (that early 2011 release date is still a ways off). Looks very promising so far, lined up against Apple's iPad, Samsung's Galaxy Tab, and the Dell Streak, but our known unknowns -- i.e. price, app support, and overall feel of using the QNX-built operating system -- are what will really make or break the slate. Until that time, enjoy our number-crunching below:



BlackBerry
PlayBook

Apple
iPad


Samsung
Galaxy Tab

Dell
Streak
Screen size 7 inches 9.7 inches 7 inches 5 inches
Resolution 1024 x 600 1024 x 768 1024 x 600 800 x 480
Pixel density (approx.) 170 133 170 187
Platform BB Tablet OS iOS 3.2.2 (4.2 in November) Android 2.2 Android 1.6 (2.1 / 2.2 in future)
Adobe Flash support 10.1 Not Supported 10.1 Not supported
Processor 1GHz dual-core Cortex A9 1GHz Apple A4 (ARMv7) 1GHz Cortex A8 1GHz Snapdragon
Graphics Unknown PowerVR SGX 535 PowerVR SGX 540 Adreno 200
RAM 1GB 256MB 512MB 512MB
Internal Storage 16GB / 32GB (unconfirmed) 16GB / 32GB / 64GB 16GB / 32GB 512MB
Expansion Unknown None microSD microSD
Connectivity 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Cellular data 3G and 4G promised for future 3G optional (AT&T) 3G (all carriers) 3G (AT&T)
GPS None 3G models only Yes Yes
Camera 3MP front,
5MP rear		 None 1.3MP front,
3MP rear
 VGA front,
5MP rear
Weight 0.9 lbs 1.5 - 1.6 lbs 0.84 lbs
 0.49 lbs
BlackBerry PlayBook vs. iPad vs. Galaxy Tab vs. Streak: the tale of the tape originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Toshiba takes Canvio portable hard drive line to SuperSpeed heights
How does one make a Canvio hard drive better, you ask? By adding USB 3.0 support, of course! Toshiba has just unveiled the latest rendition of its stylish pocket drive, the Canvio 3.0. As with practically every other HDD on the market, this one is also making the SuperSpeed leap in order to provide transfer rates around ten times higher than those of prior generation units. Naturally, it'll play nice with your USB 2.0 machine (albeit at USB 2.0 speeds), and will ship in capacities of 500GB, 750GB and 1TB. For the Windows users in attendance, Tosh is tossing in NTI BackupNow EZ software for free, and if you're tired of the standard black motif, you'll be thrilled to know that it'll ship in high gloss black with red, green, blue, white, or silver graphical accents. Check 'em right about now in North America for $119.99, $129.99 and $179.99 in order of mention.Continue reading Toshiba takes Canvio portable hard drive line to SuperSpeed heights
Toshiba takes Canvio portable hard drive line to SuperSpeed heights originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sony, Warner and Disney mulling $30 at-home viewing option, we laugh and wait for the $100 option
Ah, "premium" video-on-demand. Media controllers have been fighting the inevitable forever, but now it seems they're finally coming around to the future -- letting users watch silver screen gems (or duds, for what it's worth) in their home shortly after release in the theater. Before you bust out the golf claps for these dudes and dudettes, you should know that they're planning to ding you for around $30 for the privilege, so it's only remotely of interest if you happen to have a family of eight. According to a new Bloomberg report, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., and Walt Disney Co. are all in talks with major cable systems to "offer films for as much as $30 per showing soon after they run in theaters." Disney's also thinking of streaming its content to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with Warner expected to begin testing an offering later this year that lets consumers watch new(ish) release material for "$20 to $30 per viewing." Of course, we guess it can't hurt to throw the option out there and see exactly who is desperate enough, but we're guessing this won't exactly be the demise of the cinema. Or Redbox.
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