Sunday, February 6, 2011

IT News HeadLines (Engadget) 05/02/2011




iTunes gifting grifter cleaning out British bank accounts
On January 25th, The Register reported that one unlucky bloke saw his bank account emptied through a series of iTunes monthly gift purchases sent to an unknown Hotmail account. He was informed of the theft by an e-mail from Apple, saying his gift purchase had been confirmed, but alas, he'd already been taken to the tune of £1,000. It's been over a week since the story appeared, but accounts continue to pour into an Apple customer support forum, echoing the accusations made to The Register -- and, boy are people mad. Apparently, customers seeking Apple's help have received a pat response that sounds awfully familiar: cancel your credit card and report the charges to your bank. We've yet to hear of this happening anywhere outside the UK, but we're still interested to see how the great iTunes heist shakes out. If a suspicious Hotmail account is sucking you dry, we want all the sorted details.
iTunes gifting grifter cleaning out British bank accounts originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 06:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink The Register  |  sourceApple Support  | Email this | Comments
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Alienware M11x starting at just $599, but not for long
Alienware's M11x was never outrageously priced -- at least not in comparison to Dell's Adamo XPS -- but there's just something beautiful about sneaking in under that magical $600 mark. Right around a year after it was first introduced, the world's most potent ultraportable is stooping to just $599 in a presumed effort to clear out inventory. Dell makes no bones about this being a "limited quantity sale," with the baseline model sporting 2GB of DDR3-800 memory, a 64-bit copy of Windows 7 Home Premium, 160GB 5400RPM hard drive, an overclockable 1.3GHz Core 2 Duo SU7300, 11.6-inch WLED panel (1366 x 768), 1.3 megapixel webcam, an integrated 10/100 NIC and a 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M GPU. Naturally, the Sandy Bridge models will cost you more, but if you're kosher with buying yesterday's best, that source link is where you need to head, STAT.

[Thanks, Benson]
Alienware M11x starting at just $599, but not for long originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 04:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceAlienware  | Email this | Comments
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Schneider-Kreuznach says it's 'working intensively' Micro Four Thirds lenses
There's not a lot of firm details on this one just yet, but it looks like users of Micro Four Thirds cameras can now count on getting some new lens options from Schneider-Kreuznach sooner or later. The company, known for its high-end lenses and other optical products, has just announced that it's joined the Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group, and it says that it's now "working intensively on a corresponding series of lenses." Company CEO Dr. Josef Staub further added that the he believes the standard has "great potential," and that it "simplifies and improves the options for compact digital cameras and offers an excellent opportunity for the industry as a whole, as well as for us as a lens manufacturer." Head on past the break for the complete press release.Continue reading Schneider-Kreuznach says it's 'working intensively' Micro Four Thirds lenses
Schneider-Kreuznach says it's 'working intensively' Micro Four Thirds lenses originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink SlashGear  |  source43 Rumors  | Email this | Comments
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Ask Engadget: best high-capacity USB thumb drive?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Jakob, who needs a huge (speaking of capacity, not of physical size) USB thumb drive for reasons known only to him. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
"I want to replace my old 4GB USB stick with a new one. It should be at least 16GB, fast, and it can't look awful, either. Oh, and not too pricey."
Brevity. Jakob has it. Here's hoping you've got a favorite flash drive suggestion to toss down in comments. Go!
Ask Engadget: best high-capacity USB thumb drive? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 22:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Hong Kong gadget flea market: a blast from the past
If you've seen our Hong Kong feature from awhile back, then you would've already heard about my favorite gadget hangout Sham Shui Po. By chance, my post-flight stroll in said district yesterday coincided with Apliu Street's Chinese New Year flea market, which featured many vintage items like jade figurines, paintings, jewelry, video tapes, vinyl records, etc. Naturally, what really caught my attention were the old gadgets that were literally piled up along the street, and from just HK$30 (US$3.85), you could easily pick up an old classic such as a Sony Clié, an HP iPaq, a WonderSwan Color, an original GameBoy, a MiniDisc player, or even a proper old school laptop or camera. Hell, some guy even had a couple of Nintendo Micro VS Systems (Donkey Kong Hockey and Boxing)!

The catch? Well, there was obviously no warranty for these old timers, plus the broken screens or the lack of compatible batteries for some meant that most were more suitable as collectibles. Regardless, we took a $6 gamble with a Sony Clié PEG-NR70 Palm PDA with docking station and boom! It works! Well, except for the battery that only lasts for an hour, but I'll figure something out.
Gallery: Hong Kong gadget flea market: a blast from the past
Hong Kong gadget flea market: a blast from the past originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Ricoh CX5 reviewed: only marginally better than the CX4
Well, isn't this just cute? If you'll recall, Ricoh's CX4 was found to only be "slightly superior" the CX3 that came before it (and the same with the CX2 / CX3 before that). Fast forward a few months, and it's the same song and dance all over again... but with different model numbers, of course. The fine folks over at Photography Blog recently put the similarly styled CX5 through its paces, and autofocus aside, it's essentially the same camera as the CX4. The lone standout feature on the new guy is the Hybrid AF feature, which most certainly improves autofocus times, but critics were quick to point out that the focus time on the CX4 was never really an issue to begin with. In fact, the following line just about sums it up: "The CX5 is virtually indistinguishable from the slightly older CX4 in terms of its design, image quality and feature set, with only the faster AF system to get truly excited about." Furthermore, the rest of the point-and-shoot world has evolved quite a bit during all of this time, making the CX5 an even less compelling option than the CX4 was during its own launch window. Feel free to hit the source link for the whole shebang, but don't expect to leave feeling any warmer about that impulse buy you just made.
Ricoh CX5 reviewed: only marginally better than the CX4 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourcePhotography Blog  | Email this | Comments
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AT&T fires back with latest iPhone ad: simultaneous voice and web more important than you think (video)

We get it AT&T, your iPhone can do voice and data at the same time, and Verizon's can't. Big Red's Test Man proved that calls aren't always doomed to drop on the iPhone, but AT&T's firing right back and saying how you could be doomed in certain social situations, like forgetting to make a dinner reservation on your anniversary. Props for creativity here, but now that both sides have fired a shot across the other's bow, can't we all just get along? Yeah, probably not.
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T-Mobile's upcoming HSPA+ WWAN offerings get leaked, comical codenames revealed
It's been a hot minute since the folks at T-Mobile have introduced a new USB WWAN modem, but if the document above is to be believed, that could be changing in short order. As the Jet ages, it looks like a few others -- codenamed Kitty Hawk, Washington and Wayne -- could be swooping in to take things from here. The former is rumored to hit shelves in March, offering HSPA+ speeds of 21Mbps and the ability to solve most of the world's problems. As for Washington? That'll be T-Mob's first USB modem to offer HSPA+ speeds approaching 42Mbps, and if all goes well, this guy will also splash down next month. Moving on, there's a pair of Waynes that'll serve as the carrier's first mobile hotspots, enabling five WiFi-enabled devices to mooch off of a 21Mbps (Lil' Wayne) or 42Mbps (Big Wayne) connection. Here's hoping T-Mobile does the smart thing and sticks with the codenames -- the marketing exec in us just knows it's the right thing to do.
T-Mobile's upcoming HSPA+ WWAN offerings get leaked, comical codenames revealed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Electronista  |  sourceTmoNews  | Email this | Comments
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iPhone 4 on Verizon: how, when, where, and whether to buy it
The day of destiny is nearly upon us: on February 10th, you'll finally be able to get an iPhone that works on Verizon. For us in the tech media, that's one blown-out, seemingly never-ending rumor that we never have to write about again -- whew! -- but for you, this could very well mark the beginning of a magical journey. Of course, there are many, many things to consider that'll influence your decision to buy: what carrier are you on currently? Do you already have an iPhone? How much traveling do you do? Are you a vegetarian? The list goes on and on -- and we intend to help you figure it all out in time for launch day. What's more, we'll take a look at some of your best alternatives, too, because let's be honest: just because the Verizon iPhone is here doesn't mean that it's right for everyone. So without further ado, let's dive in and get this figured out.Continue reading iPhone 4 on Verizon: how, when, where, and whether to buy it
iPhone 4 on Verizon: how, when, where, and whether to buy it originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Samsung Smart Touch Android remote app is now available for download
Great news, channel surfers -- Samsung's Smart Touch Android remote application is now finally available in the Android Marketplace as a free download nearly nine months after originally launching on iOS. If you dropped a hefty quantity of cheddar on a new model C Samsung Internet TV in 2010 (those with older models are out of luck) and can't wait for your Android handset to assimilate yet another life-task, today could be momentous. We say 'could' simply because our CES hands-on with the software wasn't exactly swell -- but then again, a massive trade show floor isn't exactly the best WiFi testing environment. Currently, the application has an average of four stars from 25 people, but it's not completely free from a smattering of crash and error reports. Feel free to give it a whirl if you've got the necessary gear, and if that match made in couch-potato heaven feeling doesn't come... well, don't give up hope, because that dual-sided QWERTY remote could save the day soon.
Gallery: Samsung Smart Touch Android remote app hands-on
Continue reading Samsung Smart Touch Android remote app is now available for download
Samsung Smart Touch Android remote app is now available for download originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Phone Scoop  |  sourceAndroid Market  | Email this | Comments
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Dell Streak 7 phone app discovered, so far is much ado about nothing (video)
Remember when we all laughed about making calls on the 5-inch Streak? Those were the days. Now it looks as if some clever tweakers have discovered a hidden phone app in Dell's 7-inch model... but beyond the shell of a presentation, there's not much to it. According to Streak Smart, rotation is enabled, there's a dedicated voicemail button, and calls will not seem to connect (which is, in this particular instance, seemingly unrelated to the carrier). See the frustration for yourself in the video after the break; not to worry, fans of holding giant slates up to the ear when talking to loved ones, someone somewhere will assuredly get this working at some point.Continue reading Dell Streak 7 phone app discovered, so far is much ado about nothing (video)
Dell Streak 7 phone app discovered, so far is much ado about nothing (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceStreak Smart  | Email this | Comments
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The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:15PM EST!
We're back! Sure, that horrible, flashy Engadget Show with its fancy "cameras" and "special guests" came between us last week, but nothing can keep us apart today. There's plenty to talk about, of course, and we even have a special guest of our own: Chris Ziegler, fresh from Google's Android event this week. We should get started around 5:15PM EST -- you can place your bets on the actual start time in the comments below.

P.S. And don't forget that Ustream has Android and iPhone clients as well, if you're out and about and you can't join in on the Flash-based fun below.Continue reading The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:15PM EST!
The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:15PM EST! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Google shows off Fragments API for Android 3.0
Following up on its Android event on Wednesday, Google is giving us an in-depth look at Honeycomb's Fragments API: a tool designed to make developer workflows more fluid. As the name suggests, Fragments are smaller pieces of the larger UI puzzle, allowing you to independently control and reuse certain aspects of an action in their own modular space. These modules, like the panes that came before them, are also meant to make the transition from different screen sizes (tablet to phone, for example) simple and functional. We got a glimpse of Google's new API in action with a demo of CNN's new tablet app, and despite its everything-and-the-kitchen-sink aesthetic, it looks like an easily navigable interface. While Honeycomb is currently a tablet-only OS, Matias Duarte hinted strongly that it would eventually make it to phones, and indeed, the screenshots of Fragments in use are all suspiciously phone-sized. What's more, Google intends to bring Fragments to older Android versions through a static library -- there's no timeline, but the plan is to go as far back as Android 1.6. Now that's Android fragmentation we can get behind.
Google shows off Fragments API for Android 3.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceAndroid Developers  | Email this | Comments
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Nissan delivers 190 Leaf EVs to rental companies in Japan, pre-orderers still get none
Nissan delievers 190 Leaf EVs to rental companies in Japan, pre-orderers still get none
If you're still waiting on your Nissan Leaf pre-order slip to bear fruit, you're not alone. But, know that you might be able to finally go and rent one of the things -- if you live in Japan (or have the appropriate international drivers license and willingness to travel). Nissan just delivered 190 of the hotly-desired hatches to rental companies across its home country and, while Hertz is planning to offer the things up around these parts, we don't see any available for reservations yet. There are some lovely mid-sized alternatives available, though, if you don't mind white paint, Velour interiors, and gas-powered engines.
Permalink   |  sourceElectricCarsReport  | Email this | Comments
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Hotmail announces disposable e-mail addresses, those with disposable personas rejoice
Hotmail announces disposable e-mail addresses, trolls with disposable personas rejoyce
It's 3:27am and something is wrong on the internet. You just have to rip that hipster blogger a new one but don't want all the hateful responses from the Kool-Aid drinkers going to your precious Hotmail account that contains just your first name and year of birth -- plus your zip and area codes too. What do you do? You try out Hotmail Aliases, which let you create multiple, "disposable" e-mail accounts that all filter back to your primary one. This is something that you can do on Yahoo, but there you have to pay extra for Plus service and, while Gmail will let you create unique addresses too, there you can only add an extension to your existing handle. Here you're home free to create anything you want. Might we suggest GasPoweredLoverEVsSuck3915@hotmail.com?
Permalink CNET  |  sourceWindows Live Hotmail  | Email this | Comments
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Microsoft rolls out copy and paste update to Windows Phone 7 developers
There's still no word on a public release, but Microsoft has now finally at least given Windows Phone 7 developers the long-awaited gift of copy and paste. That word comes straight from Microsoft's director of developer relations, Bandon Watson, who confirmed today's release on the PPCGeeks podcast last night, and also announced that the Windows Phone Developer Tools software was about to cross one million download mark. In addition to copy and paste, the new update also includes a number of performance improvements that promise to speed up application launch times -- here's hoping the release is also a sign that Microsoft is about to speed up the roll out to Windows Phone 7 users.
Microsoft rolls out copy and paste update to Windows Phone 7 developers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink CNET  |  sourcePPCGeeks, Microsoft  | Email this | Comments
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Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc vs. LG Optimus 2X... fight!
Android is our future, the stat mavens all agree, but for all its rapid growth, Google's OS still suffers from a shortage of top tier differentiation. This has in part been down to LG and Sony -- two of the world's biggest phone makers -- spending the majority of 2010 watching the battle for Android supremacy from the sidelines (the X10 disqualified itself when it announced it neither knew nor cared what Froyo was). 2011 might just be the year of redemption for both, however, as LG will soon assault the European market with a pair of truly desirable and powerful Android smartphones in the Optimus 2X and Black, while Sony Ericsson's well leaked portfolio of new Xperias includes the Arc, Neo and Play, each one of them coming with Gingerbread preloaded. We've wrapped our mitts around a pair of these high-hope devices, one from each manufacturer, and photographed the living daylights out of them sat side by side.
Gallery: Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc vs. LG Optimus 2X... fight!

We humbly submit that the Xperia Arc looks and feels far more refined than LG's admittedly well designed Optimus 2X. The Arc's curvature seriously makes it feel like the thinnest phone we've ever handled and its weight is also dramatically, unreasonably minimal. Another note of import is that the 2X comes with a 4-inch screen whereas the Arc offers a more generous 4.2-inch display, yet their overall dimensions are nearly identical. All in all, we'd hardly object to having either one in our pockets, but the Arc wins it for us in terms of aesthetic appeal. Of course, the Optimus 2X has a dual-core Tegra 2 heart beating within, it's not all about looks, though in the case of this hands-on comparison, it kind of was. We'll have a full review of LG's handset in the coming days, while Sony Ericsson promises the Xperia Arc will land in Europe by the end of March. You can see more of the prototype unit we got to handle in the gallery below and there's a video comparison of the two Android newcomers after the break as well.
Gallery: Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc detailed hands-on
Continue reading Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc vs. LG Optimus 2X... fight!
Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc vs. LG Optimus 2X... fight! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Kenko shows off C-Mount-based compact camera with interchangeable lenses
C-Mount lenses (commonly used on 16mm film cameras) have already found a bit of new life on Micro Four Thirds cameras thanks to adapters, and it look like the compact lenses are now also found another fan in the form of Japanese camera manufacturer Kenko. It's now showing a new compact camera that will apparently accommodate C-mount lenses directly, and be available in Japan this summer for ¥32,000, or about $370 (it's not clear if that includes any lenses). Details are still fairly light beyond that, unfortunately, but it looks like you'll at least have plenty of lenses to choose from if the company's display at the Tokyo International Gift Show is any indication.
Kenko shows off C-Mount-based compact camera with interchangeable lenses originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 01:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Photography Blog  |  sourceKenko  | Email this | Comments
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