Friday, November 5, 2010

IT News HeadLines (Engadget) 05/11/2010

Skype 5.0 Beta for Mac finally available, includes group video calling
Well, finally! That's right, you no longer have to be jealous of your friends who've all been group video calling using Skype 5.0 for Windows for months -- Skype's new Beta 5.0 for Mac finally brings the ability to video chat with up to ten of your Skype contacts to OS X client. Obviously, that's the premiere feature of the new release, but the software has also been retooled to mesh more with the look and feel of the OS -- there's even a cover flow-like contact window -- and a new pop-out call control bar that can be moved anywhere on the screen or be kept open while in another program. We just downloaded the beta and it's certainly a lot better looking than the previous version, but we also noticed that it integrated our Mac address book right into the contacts pane and when we initiated a call it automatically muted the song we were listening to in iTunes. Naturally, we went searching for that Facebook integration that we just saw rolled out in the Windows version, but it's nowhere to be found at the moment, and Skype tells us it's focusing on video and UI tweaks for the Mac version. We could go on and on about the new software, but it's available for download at the source link below, so run along and throw your own virtual cupcake party!Continue reading Skype 5.0 Beta for Mac finally available, includes group video calling
Skype 5.0 Beta for Mac finally available, includes group video calling originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Hulu Plus hits 2010 BRAVIA HDTVs, coming to all PS3 users next week
Sad, dreary day at your place? Fret not, as the Boob Tube is just about to get even better. Hulu has just revealed a movement to get Hulu Plus stocked with more content and onto more devices, STAT. Making sure those words aren't empty, we're learning that all 2010 Sony BRAVIA HDTVs will today have access to the subscription programming service, with it bleeding over to Sony's various Blu-ray players, home theater systems, network media players and even the Dash -- yeah, that Dash -- in due time. In related news, Hulu will be soon yanking the invite requirement to get Hulu Plus on the PlayStation 3, and as of next week, any ole PlayStation Network member (as opposed to PlayStation Plus, as it stands today) will be able to grab it. 'Course, even those freeloaders will be forced to pony up $9.99 per month if they're interested in using it, but hey, it's not like Raising Hope is financed with pixie dust, right?

[Thanks, Brian]Continue reading Hulu Plus hits 2010 BRAVIA HDTVs, coming to all PS3 users next week
Hulu Plus hits 2010 BRAVIA HDTVs, coming to all PS3 users next week originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Joystiq  |  sourcePlayStation Blog, Hulu  | Email this | Comments
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HD 101: What is local dimming?
Side by side of plasma vs local dimming LCD
One thing that makes covering LCD TVs so interesting is that the technology is always advancing and one innovation that might be the biggest in LCDs yet, is local dimming. But you're probably wondering, what is it exactly? Well in non-edgelit LED LCDs TV, there's an array of LED lights behind the liquid crystal pixels, and local dimming is when sections of the LED array are turned off or dimmed to help produce the deep blacks -- like Kuro deep. But while this tech can produce very deep blacks and fantastic contrast, there's a catch, it also create an artifact referred to as a halo around bright objects. Example: the two images above are of the opening scene of The Matrix (cops shining a flash light) it's pretty easy to tell which is the plasma and which is the LED LCD with local dimming. Of course we don't exactly watch movies with flash lights or star fields every night, so after the break are more pictures of a normal dark scene that also expose the artifact caused by local dimming (we have to point out that the camera makes it more drastic than it appears in reality). So while we wouldn't buy an LCD without local dimming, there's still a lot to look forward to in the next generation when the dimming is sure to become more local, and thus the artifact will be minimized. At the same time these advancements should help produce more detail in blacks, which is harder to notice at first, but just as annoying once you do.

Just getting into HD? Check out these other HD 101 features:
Overscan and why all TVs do it
What is ATSC, PSIP, QAM, and 8-VSB?
How to use Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD with your PS3
Why there are black bars on HDTVs
IR blasters, HDMI-CEC, RS-232 and IP control
Continue reading HD 101: What is local dimming?
HD 101: What is local dimming? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Droid Incredible getting V CAST Apps next week, whether you like it or not
Verizon has just announced that its lovely HTC Droid Incredible will be getting a fresh software update pushed over-the-air starting next week, and among the "software enhancements" will be the automatic installation of the carrier's V CAST Apps app store. Since this doesn't mean the Android Market is going away, we suppose it's not the end of the world -- and Verizon is quick to note that V CAST Apps supports carrier billing -- but the benefit of having two app stores on a phone is still anyone's guess. Here's Verizon's full statement:
"Verizon Wireless will begin pushing a software update to the DROID Incredible next week. The update includes software enhancements that will pre-install V CAST Apps on the phone. We said earlier this year that we'd be expanding V CAST Apps to the Android platform, and the DROID Incredible is the first Android phone with the store. Developers continue to submit apps, and as a reminder, V CAST Apps allows carrier billing, so customers who purchase applications through our store will see those charges on their monthly bill. For more information about the update customers can go to www.verizonwireless.com/droidincrediblesupport."
Droid Incredible getting V CAST Apps next week, whether you like it or not originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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LaCie brings USB 3.0 to Mac: all you need is a driver and an expansion card
Everyone at once: "freakin' finally!" While PCs -- even lowly netbooks -- have been enjoying the spoils of SuperSpeed USB for months on end, those in the Mac realm... well, haven't. We've even seen purported email replies from Steve Jobs noting that USB 3.0 simply isn't mainstream enough to be included as standard gear on new Macs, but that's not stopping LaCie from hurdling the hurdles that lie ahead. The company has just announced bona fide USB 3.0 support for OS X, but the unfortunate part is that new hardware is still required; not only will you need a gratis USB 3.0 driver, you'll also need a LaCie USB 3.0 expansion card ($49.99 for PCIe; $59.99 for ExpressCard). In other words, LaCie's USB 3.0 driver won't magically make any ole USB 3.0 PCIe card play nice in your Mac Pro. But hey, there's always hope, and frankly, hope's all ya need.Continue reading LaCie brings USB 3.0 to Mac: all you need is a driver and an expansion card
LaCie brings USB 3.0 to Mac: all you need is a driver and an expansion card originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceLaCie (1), (2)  | Email this | Comments
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Droid 2 Global launching on November 11th?
Recent intel suggests that Motorola's Droid 2 Global will be coming in two colors -- kind of a strange choice for a phone being tagged as "business-grade" -- and now, it looks like we can expect to see at least one of those colors on next Thursday, November 11th. Specifically, the leak we've got here calls out the blue version of the phone (probably the same blue on the Droid 2 of old); the white model isn't mentioned, so it's unclear whether Verizon's planning on holding that one back for a bit longer. We suppose it's possible that the white looks just a little too much like the pricey R2-D2 edition for Big Red's comfort, so they might want to give the spunky little astromech droid a bit more exclusivity before hauling in another white model (with better radios, no less). Seeing how the Droid Pro looks targeted for a week later on the 18th, this might be the very first CDMA / GSM dual-mode Android phone on the market -- so who's excited?
Droid 2 Global launching on November 11th? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nikon's tiny Coolpix S5100 reviewed before disappearing into someone's pocket
There are those who pick their pants based on the size of the camera they're going to pocket for the day, and those who just pick their pants and take a camera if one fits. For that latter group Nikon's latest, the Coolpix S5100, may be a good choice. It has scored a "Recommended" review over at Photography Blog, delivering good quality images through its 5x zoom and 12.2 megapixel sensor despite that diminutive size -- barely wider than a credit card. And, with a $179 MSRP, it won't put too much of a hurting on those real pieces of plastic you wouldn't dare leave home without.
Nikon's tiny Coolpix S5100 reviewed before disappearing into someone's pocket originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Dell Inspiron Duo flips its lid on official video
Blink really slowly and you might miss it. Seriously, though, Dell's 35-second Inspiron Duo teaser plays up the tablet angle for quite a bit -- even prominently showing off a JBL speaker dock -- before getting to the really awesome part. Oh, you know, where it totally flips its screen over and becomes a netbook. Coming soon, and last we heard it was by the end of the year, so that gives them around 57 days to make it happen. Video after the break.Continue reading Dell Inspiron Duo flips its lid on official video
Dell Inspiron Duo flips its lid on official video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink SlashGear  |  sourceYouTube  | Email this | Comments
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Verizon pricing Droid Pro at $179, Samsung Continuum at $199?
Well, here's some good news -- we just received an internal Verizon pricelist confirming that the Droid Pro will sell for $179 when it hits on November 9th, a far sight lower than the $299 we'd originally heard. That's a pretty tempting price for Moto's Android-with-a-Blackberry-keyboard handset, although we're assuming that it'll be $279 with a $100 rebate at launch. We're also seeing that the dual-display Samsung Continuum Galaxy S phone will hit for the usual $199, while the Droid 2 indeed fell to $149 last week in order to make room for the now nearly-mythical Droid 2 Global, which will come in two colors for $199. We're also separately told that the HTC Merge won't arrive until after the 17th, so those reports of a launch on the 11th might be premature. Either way, it looks like Verizon's going to have a pretty loaded holiday lineup -- and it looks like we've got some serious reviewing to do.
Verizon pricing Droid Pro at $179, Samsung Continuum at $199? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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DIY Ripstik underbody LED kit will make you look styley at night, still get heckled by skaters
DIY Ripstick under body kit will make you look styley at night, still get heckled by skaters
The age of the underbody lighting craze on cars passed about as quickly as a bottle of N2O lasts on bracket night at the local strip, but that doesn't mean you can't still have some fun on your man-powered means of transportation. No, we're not talking a skateboard here, it's a Ripstik, featuring two narrow inline skate wheels and a weaving motion that will get you going where you're going without kicking -- so long as you aren't in a great hurry. Now modder metsfan1938 over at instructables is showing us how to add a little underbody bling, wiring up blue LEDs that are as practical as they are stylish if you tend to ride in an area that could see you getting run over at night. A little soldering and a bit of Dremel action is all that's required here, so if you live your life a wobbly quarter-mile at a time you'll want to click on through.
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Acer Aspire RevoView network media streamer ships this month in the UK
Hard to say if it's too little, too late, but one thing's for darn sure -- Acer definitely has a lot of competition to shake off if it wants this Aspire RevoView to truly succeed. Announced originally way back in May, this here network media streamer is just now gaining an image, price and release date. It's able to fetch content from USB hard drives, an internal 3.5-inch HDD, a memory card slot or the world wide web, but the latter seems contained to just YouTube, Picasa and Flickr for the time being. It'll push things out via an HDMI socket on the rear, and the bundled remote will keep your keister firmly planted while it's in operation. No word on whether or not this fellow will ever leave the confines of the UK, but it'll go on sale there next week for £119.99 ($193).Continue reading Acer Aspire RevoView network media streamer ships this month in the UK
Acer Aspire RevoView network media streamer ships this month in the UK originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Jawbone intros Jambox portable bluetooth speaker, we go hands-on
Since 2006, Jawbone's been making noise-canceling bluetooth headsets boasting modern design and military-grade sound. This is not one of those. This is the Jawbone Jambox -- a wireless bluetooth speaker -- and it's what happened when the company decided to let the music out. Functionally it's almost exactly the same as a Jawbone Icon, down to the pairing process, three-button controls and MyTALK upgradable software platform, but instead of a tiny mono earpiece you're getting a stylish portable speakerphone with a 3.5mm input jack and some serious stereo potential. We've had it playing for several hours now, and while it's not going to be the life of a large party even at maximum volume, it pumps out a terribly impressive amount of clear, room-filling sound for its size. If you pick it up or set it down on a table, you'll feel the vibrations nearby.

You can't quite tell from this angle, but that stainless steel grill wraps around an airtight enclosure made of polycarbonate infused with glass, which houses a pair of full-range drivers and a microphone up front and a "moving-wall passive bass radiator" around back for some extra low-end goodness. We're told this last was quite the innovation, which didn't impress us much until we were told what Jawbone put inside the radiator to ensure mass and rigidity: the unit's 800mAh lithium-ion battery. Speaking of juice, Jawbone tells us the unit's good for about eight hours of continuous playback at 75 percent volume. You'll be paying a good bit to get this designer toy pumping out your jams, as any of the black, red, blue or silver units will run $200 at Best Buy and the Apple Store when they hit November 16th, but if you've been aching for a modern, handheld ghetto blaster, this is definitely one way to go. PR after the break.

Update: As some have pointed out in comments, a number of the ideas here aren't actually new -- you can find a very similar portable Bluetooth speaker (down to a patent-pending "BassBattery" and a $200 price) in the Soundmatters foxL v2 with Bluetooth.
Gallery: Jawbone Jambox unboxing and hands-on
Gallery: Jawbone Jambox press shots
Continue reading Jawbone intros Jambox portable bluetooth speaker, we go hands-on
Jawbone intros Jambox portable bluetooth speaker, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Gigabyte's Booktop T1125 convertible tablet also converts into a desktop, ships soon
Gigabyte's Booktop T1125 convertible tablet also converts into a desktop, ships soonConvertible tablets are a hardly a rarity, but while their non-convertible cousins may be getting all the press lately how many of those can morph into a mighty desktop? Okay, the T1125 isn't exactly mighty with its Core i5 or i3 ULV processors, but its sideways dock does let it turn into a respectable desktop, still leaving that 11.6-inch touchscreen available for use. USB 3.0 ports are on-offer for your high-speed peripherals, Optimus tech to boost battery life, and THX-certified dual-channel speakers will let you properly shatter Grandpa's teeth on the go. The T1125 is set to ship sometime later this month for $1,299, fingerprints not included. For now, however, check out a thorough hands-on from our pals at Netbook News -- it's just past the break.Continue reading Gigabyte's Booktop T1125 convertible tablet also converts into a desktop, ships soon
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Motorola Droid Pro tipped for November 9 pre-sales through Verizon, November 18 launch
What would we ever do without informative tipsters, eh? Android Central has received an internal Verizon document identifying Motorola's Droid Pro as an iconic device and setting out details for its upcoming launch. November 9 is the date pinpointed for the commencement of pre-sales, which seem to be different from pre-orders insofar as they'll actually ship out to buyers starting November 10, meaning quite a few will have their portrait QWERTY handset in their pocket before the proper November 18 release date. Bear in mind that this is still unofficial information for now, though given that Moto itself promised the Droid Pro for the first week of November, it'd be weird if this wasn't the schedule for the handset's release. Speaking of weird... "iconic device," seriously Verizon?
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Dynamic 3D holograms can now refresh every two seconds, save galaxies in their spare time
Perhaps the biggest challenge in making holograms usable on a daily basis -- aside from having to film your subject with a million trillion cameras -- is in getting their refresh rates up to the levels we're used to with "normal" two-dimensional video. We're still a fair way away from those magical 30fps, but the University of Arizona is touting a heretofore unheard of redraw rate of once every two seconds. This is a major advance from their first dynamic holograms demonstrated two years ago, which required minutes to swap over to a new image. The current prototype is built on a 10-inch photorefractive polymer screen, with lasers beaming information onto it, though 17-inch versions are also being tested. Another present limitation is that the hologram displayed can only be of one color, but that is also subject to the continuing labors of the UA researchers, who foresee no major hurdles preventing them from eventually cobbling together full-color, fast-refreshing, and fully realized 3D holograms. Now that'd be 3D television we can all get behind. Or in front of, depending on the viewing angle we want.Continue reading Dynamic 3D holograms can now refresh every two seconds, save galaxies in their spare time
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Toshiba Folio 100 now shipping its Tegra 2-powered Froyo wares around Europe
If you're LG, you wait until Android becomes a tablet-worthy OS before bringing out your Tegra 2 slate. If you're Toshiba, you're too busy shipping your 10-inch Froyo tablet to care. The Folio 100, powered by NVIDIA's latest and greatest ARM SOC, is making its promised Q4 2010 arrival today, as it begins shipping all across Europe. There are still no release plans for the US, but Euros can now enjoy a 1024 x 600 resolution, 16GB of internal storage, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, mini-HDMI, USB and SD card-reading ports, and up to seven hours of battery life. €399 ($560) is the last price we heard for this Android Market-deprived slate, though we'd recommend trying one in person before letting go of that cash -- our own impressions of the Folio 100 weren't overwhelmingly positive.

Update: Toshiba has furnished us with updated pricing. Germany will have to pony up €429 for the 3G-less Folio 100 or €529 for the 3G-equipped SKU (available Q1 2011), whereas Italy gets both of them cheaper at €399 and €499, respectively, and UK buyers will have to find £329 for the thriftier model. All prices include local sales tax.
Continue reading Toshiba Folio 100 now shipping its Tegra 2-powered Froyo wares around Europe
Toshiba Folio 100 now shipping its Tegra 2-powered Froyo wares around Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 06:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Plex arrives on jailbroken Apple TVs (video)
Boxee might get all the attention but Plex is without a doubt one of our favorite Mac media center apps. So it's with wide-eyed interest that we tell you about the Plex client making its first tentative steps onto the second generation Apple TV platform. Naturally, Cupertino's not behind the initiative to replace Apple's own "Lowtide" 10-foot user interface -- this work is being done by the Apple TV jailbreak community. The ATV2 build is still just a proof of concept so it's buggy and limited to video playback (no music, images, or app management) for now. But hey, it's another iOS app for ATV2 and it does work as evidenced by the video after the break. Man, we're getting all tingly at the thought of scattering a few $99 boxes around the house to serve up the wide variety of codecs supported by Plex in addition to Apple's more limited AirPlay.Continue reading Plex arrives on jailbroken Apple TVs (video)
Plex arrives on jailbroken Apple TVs (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Netputing, 9to5Mac  |  sourcePlexApp  | Email this | Comments
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Intel Light Peak on track for release in first half of 2011?
10Gbps. In both directions. At the same time. That's been the tantalizing promise of Intel's Light Peak optical interconnect, and now we're hearing its penchant for speed is overflowing into the company's roadmap. CNET cites a source familiar with developments behind the scenes in reporting that Light Peak is expected to arrive in the early part of next year, slightly accelerating the already known plans for delivering the technology at some point in 2011. We've already been graced with a set of Light Peak-enabled prototypes, so you could've guessed things were gathering pace, but it's always good to get the odd bit of anonymous confirmation that things are moving along swiftly. And hey, when Light Peak hardware finally drops, we can just switch gears and start salivating over improvements that'll lift that 10Gbps ceiling even further.
Intel Light Peak on track for release in first half of 2011? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Columbia rolls out Omni-Heat Electric gloves, jackets and boots, batteries included
Look, we don't want to think about those brutally cold winter days ahead either, but there's no denying that Columbia's new electrically heated apparel could take the sting out of those below-zero temperatures. Similar to the company's Bugathermo boots, its new gloves, jackets and boots pack what they call Omni-Heat Electric technology, which basically outfits the clothing with lithium polymer battery packs and a specially tailored heating system. Dubbed "on-demand" heat, you can turn on and off the heat with the touch of a button, and then adjust the level by pressing the color-changing LED-backlit button. The number / size of batteries depends on the article of clothing -- for instance, the jackets are equipped with two 15Wh batteries while each glove, as you can see up there, has a smaller capacity cell. So, how long will they keep you warm and toasty on the slopes? About six hours, says a Columbia product manager, and once out of juice you can charge them via any USB cord. Oh, and yes, you can refuel your phone or iPod using the battery pack itself -- obviously, we asked!

At its press event in New York City this week, Columbia dressed us in a Circuit Breaker Softshell jacket (yes, that's what it's called) and a pair of the Bugaglove Max Electric gloves and threw us into its Omni-Heat freezer booth -- we have to say, our arms and back stayed mighty toasty and the jacket didn't feel as heavy as we expected. The gloves, on the other hand, are bulky, though may provide some good cushioning for novice snowboarders like ourselves. Of course, that heat is gonna cost ya. The aforementioned jacket rings up at $850 and the gloves at $400. Sure, picking up a few hand and boot warmers would be cheaper, but believe us, you wouldn't look or feel nearly as cool.
Gallery: Columbia Omni-Heat gloves and jacket hands-on
Gallery: Columbia Omni-Heat Electric apparel
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Sharp Galapagos 003SH and 005SH bring glasses-free 3D to Japanese Android lovers
Hey, what could the maker of the 3DS' autostereoscopic display be doing in its spare time? Why, stealing a bit of thunder for itself, by the looks of it. Sharp has just trotted out a pair of glasses-free 3D Android handsets for Japan's Softbank network in the form of the touchscreen slate 003SH and QWERTY-slidin' 005SH. A 1GHz Snapdragon powers Froyo on both, with the 3D-capable displays stretching to 3.8 inches and 800 x 480 resolution. The 003SH also comes with a 9.6 megapixel camera, while the 005SH settles for 8 megapixels, although both are capable of 720p video. There are also bundled 3D content deals in place, such as the one with Capcom that will see Mega Man, Resident Evil and Ghosts 'n Goblins titles coming preloaded on the handsets. Intrigued? The 003SH is coming this December, to be followed by the 005SH in February.
Sharp Galapagos 003SH and 005SH bring glasses-free 3D to Japanese Android lovers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 03:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Engadget Japanese  |  sourceSoftbank (003SH), (005SH)  | Email this | Comments
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LG giving away ten free Windows Phone 7 apps every two months
Windows Phone 7 launched with a dizzying variety of handsets. On closer inspection though, all nine WP7 devices hitting retail space in 2010 feature the same processor and display resolution. So outside of a few notable hardware variations, software is going to be a big differentiator for consumers. That's why LG has teamed up with Microsoft to offer a revolving portfolio of free, so-called "quality" apps to owners of LG Windows Phone 7 handsets. Ten free apps valued at more than $30 will be given away every 60 days via the LG Application Store -- that's 60 apps per year. These are in addition to the free apps already developed exclusively for LG handset owners like the PlayTo media streaming app we fawned over during our Optimus 7 review. Keep it up LG and your mobile handset division might finally pull itself out of the ditch. See the first ten apps listed after the break.
Continue reading LG giving away ten free Windows Phone 7 apps every two months
LG giving away ten free Windows Phone 7 apps every two months originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 02:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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ViewSonic introduces 22- and 24-inch VG36-LED monitors, tips hat to Ma Earth
GO LED. GO GREEN. No, it's not some whippersnapper's 2010 Presidential campaign slogan, it's the motto of ViewSonic's newest LCD monitor range. The VG36-LED series is comprised of two units as of now, the 22-inch VG2236wm-LED and the 24-inch VG2436wm-LED. Both of these guys boast LED-backlit panels, a native 1,920 x 1,080 screen resolution, VGA / DVI connectivity options, a borderline comical 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and EPEAT Gold certifications for all the Sierra Club members in attendance. You'll also get a stand with more adjustments than your mother could ever figure out, and thankfully, neither one is positioned to break the bank -- they're available now for $229 and $259 in order of mention.Continue reading ViewSonic introduces 22- and 24-inch VG36-LED monitors, tips hat to Ma Earth
ViewSonic introduces 22- and 24-inch VG36-LED monitors, tips hat to Ma Earth originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 02:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 now official: 12.1MP, Full HD movie mode
At long last, the Lumix DMC-GF2. Hitting the scene just a few weeks after the GH2, this here Micro Four Thirds rig is Panasonic's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera, and it's packin' quite the specs list. From the top, you're looking at a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor, compatibility with the company's own 3D interchangeable lens (the LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12) and an enclosure that's seven percent lighter (not to mention 19 percent smaller) than the GF1. You'll also find a three-inch touchpanel on the rear, contrast AF system, a freshly designed Touch Q user interface, internal dust reduction system and the ability to record video at 1920 x 1080/60i or 1280 x 720/60p in AVCHD. Better still, lower resolution options are available with Motion JPEG recording, and the 23-area focusing system shouldn't have a difficult time nailing your subject. We should point out that the ISO only ranges from 100 to 6400, but the included hot shoe accessory definitely allows for a flash. Of course, there's no optical viewfinder here, but hey, you can't have it all when you're looking to save space. The GF2 will ship in January with three color choices (silver, red and black) and two bundle options: a 14mm F2.5 pancake kit and a 14-42mm zoom lens kit. Unfortunately for you, pricing won't be announced until mid-to-late December. Bah, humbug!
Gallery: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Micro Four Thirds camera
Continue reading Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 now official: 12.1MP, Full HD movie mode
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 now official: 12.1MP, Full HD movie mode originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 01:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Kinect for Xbox 360 review
And just like that, all three of the major game consoles now have some semblance of motion controls. Unlike the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation Move, however, Microsoft's Kinect for Xbox 360 opts to get rid of buttons altogether, relying on body gestures and voice commands. As the (estimated to be $500 million) ad campaign says, "you are the controller" -- for better and for worse. Read on for our full review!
Gallery: Kinect for Xbox 360 review
Continue reading Kinect for Xbox 360 review
Kinect for Xbox 360 review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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StumbleUpon launches App Discovery on Android, trips over clumsy interface
StumbleUpon's been serving up crowdsourced, personalized website recommendations since the turn of the century with the simple idea that like-minded surfers will enjoy the same stuff, and if that sounds like a fantastic formula for recommending apps, then you're in a spot of luck. StumbleUpon's bringing App recommendations to Android today as part of an update to its app, and we have to say, the program's got some potential if it catches on.

As with all crowdsourced software, StumbleUpon's not terribly good at its job right off the bat and a moderately unresponsive UI (with tiny touchscreen buttons) doesn't really help, but the app presently pulls from a set of existing Android app databases that give it a nice head start. After you log in with your StumbleUpon ID, it asks you if it can (a la AppBrain) take a look at the existing apps on your phone, after which point it displays likely correlations one by one (complete with descriptions, screenshots and Android Market star ratings) for you to vote up or down. We got quite a few flashlights, soundboards and fart machines, mind you, but most everything we saw had plenty of ratings and at least four stars, and a good number of our favorites (and some probable soon-to-be-favorites) popped up as well, and voting up and down app concepts is an amusing diversion in and of itself. Sadly, it doesn't use your existing StumbleUpon topic preferences to recommend apps, but it will hopefully align them to your tastes soon, assuming that enough folks can look past the iffy UI long enough to help their fellows and give the free app a go. PR after the break.

Update: It's on the Android Market right now -- find it at our source link, or use the handy-dandy QR code at right.
Gallery: StumbleUpon App Discovery for Android
Continue reading StumbleUpon launches App Discovery on Android, trips over clumsy interface
StumbleUpon launches App Discovery on Android, trips over clumsy interface originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceStumbleUpon (AppBrain)  | Email this | Comments
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Get your Kinect launch coverage at Joystiq!
It's less than an hour away until Kinect drops in Times Square, as the motion-sensing peripheral is set to make its debut to a throng of freezing buyers. You know what that means -- our brothers-from-other-mothers at Joystiq are on the scene, chatting with folks that have sat for over two days waiting for the camera-equipped controller. Head on over for the full scoop!
Get your Kinect launch coverage at Joystiq! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceJoystiq (1), (2)  | Email this | Comments
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Mac App Store begins accepting apps, submit your Trism, I Am Rich and fart programs now
If the original iTunes App Store and Android Market launches were any indication, it's going to take software devs some time to adjust to another platform still... but the acclimation process for Apple's desktop marketplace starts right now. Registered Mac developers are receiving emails inviting them to begin submitting programs to the Mac App Store even as we speak, and the above banner is flying high on Apple's developer website. If you're comfortable with Apple's extensive guidelines and have a idea ready to go, you'd best get a move on -- there are fewer than 76 days remaining before the whole shebang goes live. By the way, we're joking in this article's headline: please, if you're reading this, please don't submit any fart programs this time.
Permalink TUAW  |  sourceMacLife, MacStories  | Email this | Comments
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AUO solar-powered touch keyboard connects your laptop with the sun
Call us crazy, but we're sensing a trend. Just hours after Logitech came forward with its solar-powered desktop keyboard, in flies AUO with something similar for laptops. Demonstrated alongside its deadzone-free 3D panel at FPD International 2010, the 14-inch solar-powered touch keyboard laptop solution (it's a working title, folks) is meant to be integrated into laptops in order to cut power usage by as much as 20 percent. So far as we can tell, a solar module is built within the laptop's lid and its keyboard panel, and the touch-sensitive overlay enables light to travel through while giving you a totally outlandish typing experience -- something akin to the Libretto W105, most likely. There's no word on a scheduled release date or price, but we'll definitely be keeping an eye out for a nearby prototype.
AUO solar-powered touch keyboard connects your laptop with the sun originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 21:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceFocus Taiwan, DigiTimes  | Email this | Comments
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Skyfire disappears from iTunes App Store due to technical difficulties (update: 'sold out')
Trying to get a copy of the Skyfire browser for your iOS device? You may not have much luck, as the pseudo-Flash-capable browser has just disappeared from iTunes App Stores around the globe, mere hours after its splashy debut. When we try to download it for ourselves in the United States we get the message immediately above, and RazorianFly readers are chiming in with reports that the app is no longer available in Greece, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, Spain and the UK.

We just pinged Skyfire for comment and they say it's not Apple's fault; demand for a Flash video workaround is apparently so high that the company's having server issues and decided to pull the app rather than introduce new users to a sub-par experience. Skyfire assures us that it's adding servers as quickly as it can, but didn't provide an ETA on when we might see the app once more.

Update: While we're not sure how an digital app can be "sold out," that's exactly what the company says happened to its $2.99 browser today -- after quickly becoming the top grossing app in the iTunes App Store, Skyfire is "temporarily not accepting new purchases" and says it will issue Facebook and Twitter status updates when the next batch of licenses is available. In other words, Skyfire's throttling the flow of purchases from now on. PR after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Continue reading Skyfire disappears from iTunes App Store due to technical difficulties (update: 'sold out')
Permalink   |  sourceSkyFire for iPhone (Facebook), Skyfire (Twitter)  | Email this | Comments
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Hitachi GST's G-Drive Slim: world's thinnest 2.5-inch external hard drive
Not like we need our 2.5-inch external drives to get that much smaller, but who are we to kvetch about progress? Hitachi GST has just outed what it calls the thinnest 2.5-inch external hard drive in the world. The G-Drive Slim is encased in a 128.6- x 82- x 9.9mm aluminum enclosure, and tucked within is a slimmer-than-usual 7mm Travelstar Z5K320 hard drive. The USB-powered unit comes formatted for use with Macs, but a quick reformat on your Windows machine will have its mind changed in no time flat. For now, it's only available in a 320GB flavor for $99.99, and you'll only find it at your local Apple Store.Continue reading Hitachi GST's G-Drive Slim: world's thinnest 2.5-inch external hard drive
Hitachi GST's G-Drive Slim: world's thinnest 2.5-inch external hard drive originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 19:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink PC World  |  sourceG-Technology  | Email this | Comments
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HP slips out budget-minded G62m, Pavilion dv7t laptops
No 3D or over-the-top designs here, but HP has just rolled out a pair of new laptops for those simply looking for the basics. First up is the 15.6-inch G62m series laptop (pictured above), which packs a 2.2GHz Celeron 900 processor, 3GB or DDR3 RAM, a 320GBHard Drive, and integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics on the base model, and starts at just $529.99 (a few upgrades are available, though you're stuck at the Celeron level for processors). On the slightly higher-end is the 17.3-inch Pavilion dv7t, which is considerably configurable, but starts out with a Core i3-380M processor, 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, and the same integrated Intel graphics for $774.99 (after a $150 instant rebate and $25 coupon). Hit up the links below to check out all the configuration options available.
HP slips out budget-minded G62m, Pavilion dv7t laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Logicbuy  |  sourceHP G62m, HP dv7t  | Email this | Comments
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OLPC XO-3 debut delayed till February as the quest continues for an 'unbreakable' screen
You'll read about many a wonder at CES this January, but you can cross the OLPC XO-3 off the list -- One Laptop Per Child founder Nicholas Negroponte told PC World that the slate's debut has been pushed back roughly 45 days, until the middle of February instead. Whether the Marvell Moby-based tablet turns out to be a sexy, paper-thin device or a chunky contraption wasn't discussed, but Negroponte did have a simple explanation for the delay -- he needed a suitable surface to cover that probable Pixel Qi touchscreen. "The issue has been really finding an unbreakable material," he said, hinting that "it may be glass or some flavor of glass," rather than plastic as originally planned. Might we suggest a taste test at the Corning laboratories, Mr. Negroponte? We hear they have a Gorilla that does quite nicely. Video after the break.Continue reading OLPC XO-3 debut delayed till February as the quest continues for an 'unbreakable' screen
Permalink Lilliputing, ARMdevices.net  |  sourcePC World  | Email this | Comments
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Twitter for Android updated, adds speed, polish, more options
It's not just Facebook for Android that's getting an update today -- Twitter just pushed out a new version of its Android app, and while it doesn't add a ton of new features, it's gotten a big speed boost and some polish. The biggest addition is pull-to-refresh, which the iPhone client has had for a while, as an option bar that's revealed by swiping on a tweet. There's also new quoting options for retweets and avatar photos are now high-res, which is nice. We just tried it out and it is indeed faster, which is nice, but we noticed that avatars don't load in right away while you scroll -- they're generic until you stop. Just a minor niggle, and you've no reason not to upgrade -- it's free, after all. Hit market or scan the QR code after the break.

P.S.- Hmm, a big Twitter app update on the same day as a Facebook event? That timing feels like a little more than a coincidence to us, especially since Facebook is gunning hard for location-based check-ins, which is traditionally Twitter's domain. Dare we say that this relationship is complicated?Continue reading Twitter for Android updated, adds speed, polish, more options
Twitter for Android updated, adds speed, polish, more options originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceTwitter blog  | Email this | Comments
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Creative's 7- and 10-inch ZiiO Android tablets get the hands-on treatment
They're cheap, they can't access the Android Market and they're rocking resistive touchscreens. They're the two newest devices from the lairs at Creative, and the folks over at PCPro were able to spend a few quality minutes with both the 7- and 10-inch ZiiO slates. They noted that the ZiiLabs ZMS-08 processor managed to handle the Android 2.1 load quite well, and while they definitely would've preferred a capacitive, multitouch display, they... managed without one. Hit the source link for a few more impressions and glamor shots, but don't go in expecting a Galaxy Tab killer or anything.
Creative's 7- and 10-inch ZiiO Android tablets get the hands-on treatment originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourcePCPro  | Email this | Comments
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Lamborghini Spyder handset totally unnecessary, available in Hong Kong
If you have a Lamborghini, a surfeit of money, and an absence of good taste, have we got the phone for you! Out now in Hong Kong, the Tonino Lamborghini Spyder Series of handsets feature a 2.2-inch display, 3 megapixel camera, 4GB internal storage, 316L-grade stainless steel casing, and -- if you shell out a little extra -- a crocodile skin back. Sort of makes Vertu look reasonable in comparison, eh? No, we suppose not. Prices start at HK $13,800 (that's about $1,781 here in the states) and climb upward fairly quickly. Get a closer look after the break.
Continue reading Lamborghini Spyder handset totally unnecessary, available in Hong Kong
Lamborghini Spyder handset totally unnecessary, available in Hong Kong originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink iTech News  |  sourcehkepc.com  | Email this | Comments
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Skyfire browser for iPhone hits the App Store, ready to play your Flash videos (update)
It's been over two months since it was first submitted for approval, but the Skyfire 2.0 web browser for iPhone is now finally, officially available for download, complete with the ability to play Flash videos... sort of. To get around the iPhone's Flash restrictions, the browser actually transcodes the video in a way that lets the phone only see HTML5, and it compresses all videos by about 75 percent in the process to ease bandwidth concerns. Of course, that workaround also means that Flash video is the only type of Flash that the browser supports, and the company also notes that Hulu is currently blocked but that "scores of other premium sites are supported." Skyfire also points out that the browser has more than just Flash going for it -- it's a full-fledged Webkit browser in its own right, and packs a few other tricks like easy sharing to Facebook and Twitter, and a so-called Facebook Quickview mode. Head on past the break for a quick video overview, and hit up the App Store now to grab the browser for the "special early adopter price" of $2.99.

Update: Skyfire is now "sold out." What could that possibly mean? Find out right here.Continue reading Skyfire browser for iPhone hits the App Store, ready to play your Flash videos (update)
Permalink   |  sourceSkyfire  | Email this | Comments
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Table Connect for iPhone demonstrated on video, makes us want
Sure, showing an image and boasting wildly is one thing, but it's another thing entirely to see something as outlandish as this functioning on video. The gurus behind the Table Connect for iPhone have returned, using a jailbroken iPhone, a dedicated app (for now) and a freshly washed hand to demonstrate what iOS looks like on a 58-inch multitouch table. We've got to say -- for early software, it sure is snappy. Of course, practicality is still in question, but who ever cared about that? Head on past the break and mash play.

[Thanks, Bogdan]Continue reading Table Connect for iPhone demonstrated on video, makes us want
Table Connect for iPhone demonstrated on video, makes us want originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink TUAW  |  sourceTable Connect for iPhone  | Email this | Comments
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Ripxx ski app for iPhone great for athletes, useless for Epyx Winter Games
We received an interesting email from Ripxx this morning, stating that due to an unprecedented outpouring of comments on our previous post for its sports GPS, the company's gone and developed its very own iPhone app. That's right, instead of planning your ski trips around a piece of dedicated hardware, you can now do it on the same device you use to read Texts From Last Night while sitting on the loo. The Ripxx iPhone Ski App, as it's called, features trail maps from over 200 North American ski resorts, Google Maps integration, the ability to track time, speed, distance, and vertical drop for your various trips down the mountain. Whatever that means. But hey -- it's only five bucks! And it's available now. Video after the break.
Continue reading Ripxx ski app for iPhone great for athletes, useless for Epyx Winter Games
Ripxx ski app for iPhone great for athletes, useless for Epyx Winter Games originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceApp Store  | Email this | Comments
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New Facebook app for Android available, adds Places, Groups & improved notifications (update: iPhone, too)
Facebook admitted during its mobile event today that the app for Android devices has been lagging behind other clients and has already made a push to correct that with a new version, 1.4, now available on the Android Market. Not much has changed, but the list of fixes indicates it now supports check-ins with Places, Groups and some much needed improvements to notifications. Check out the gallery for a few screens of the new functions in action or snag the QR code after the break.

Update: It looks like the iPhone app is getting an update as well. Unfortunately, some folks are having trouble downloading it. Let us know how it goes for you.
Gallery: Facebook for Android version 1.4
Continue reading New Facebook app for Android available, adds Places, Groups & improved notifications (update: iPhone, too)
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FTC approves Intel settlement change, will let it ship Oak Trail without PCIe support
Well, it looks like Intel's settlement with the FTC isn't quite a done deal just yet -- the FTC has now announced that it's approved a change to one key measure of the settlement following a public comment period on the matter. That specifically involves Intel's Atom-based Oak Trail platform, which Intel will now be allowed to ship without PCI Express support -- as opposed to the earlier stipulation that it be required to support PCIe in order to "not limit the performance of graphics processing chips." In the short term, that basically means that Oak Trail devices (mainly tablets) likely won't have non-Intel GPUs, and that Intel will be able to continue to ship such products until June 2013. After that, the original settlement requirements will go into effect, and Intel says it is, in fact, already working on an Oak Trail successor that supports PCIe.
Permalink Electronista  |  sourceFTC  | Email this | Comments
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