Wednesday, March 9, 2011

IT News HeadLines (Engadget) 08/03/2011




Nintendo 3DS review (Japanese)
Nintendo 3DS review (Japanese)
It's been almost a year since Nintendo revealed the 3DS to the world, trotted it out at E3, held proudly by a flotilla of genetically-cloned and identically-dressed ladies. Of course we knew about it long before that, but when it comes to glasses-free 3D screens seeing is believing. After that first glimpse we were left intrigued by the technology, but we wouldn't say we were exactly believers. Now, after spending about a week living with one of Nintendo's $250 consoles, working with one, gaming with one, and practicing kana with one, we've seen the light. The fancy-pants screen works, but it only does so with a lot of caveats.
Gallery: Nintendo 3DS (Japanese)
Continue reading Nintendo 3DS review (Japanese)
Nintendo 3DS review (Japanese) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Phosphor Reveal wristwatch hands-on (and giveaway!)
It usually takes a very particular type of personality to buy a crystal-encrusted object of any sort, much less something that you'd drape across an exposed body part like your wrist. That said, the pure novelty of the movement in Phosphor's Reveal line of watches might be enough to change your mind: it uses some sort of patented black magic to flip between two different colors of crystals to form digits that indicate the time.

We've had a couple of the watches in our possession this week, so we're able to personally confirm the cool factor. What surprised us a bit is the amount of time it takes for digits to change: depending on how many crystals need to flip, we'd estimate it can take as long as a quarter second or so, because the crystals flip in sequence rather than all at once (perhaps to limit current draw). Like E Ink -- another one of Phosphor's specialties -- this "display" is bistable, meaning it'll stay put without any power consumption once a time is set. Of course, we don't know exactly how much power it takes to be flipping all these crystals every minute, so it's an open question how often you'll need to be replacing the coin cell. The most understated men's style is -- in our humble opinion -- simple enough to wear even if you can't stand the thought of donning dozens of Swarovski crystals, thanks in part to the fact that the bezel is a clean dark metal; of course, if you don't mind the crystals, Phosphor is happy to help you bling it up. Follow the break for some video of the watches in action!

Oh, we almost forgot: we're giving two of these away. Right now. Here's what you need to know!

The rules:
  • Leave a comment below. Any comment will do.
  • You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
  • If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
  • Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
  • Winners will be chosen randomly. Two winner will each receive one Phosphor Reveal wristwatch. We choose which style you get. We can't honor requests -- sorry!
  • If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
  • Entries can be submitted until Friday, March 11, 2011, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
  • Full rules can be found here.
Continue reading Phosphor Reveal wristwatch hands-on (and giveaway!)
Phosphor Reveal wristwatch hands-on (and giveaway!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Philips doubles up with both passive & active 3D TVs, new Blu-ray players in Europe
We got a peek at what the Philips/Funai combo has in store for North America during CES, but at today's Philips Pulse event in Barcelona it showed off even more of its 2011 plans. Most distinctively, while it's using FPR passive 3D glasses technology (calling it Easy 3D) in some of its new TVs just like LG & Vizio, it will break from those two by continuing to offer active shutter displays as well, branded 3D Max. If your main interest is one of those sweet 21:9 ultrawidescreen displays (pictured above) you can get it either way as a Gold or Platinum series product while the regular 16:9 sets are divided with the 7000 series featuring Easy 3D and 3D Max slotted for higher end 8000 and 9000 series products. All of the TVs mentioned here and higher end (7000, 5000 series) Blu-ray players include Smart TV features which means Net TV apps including catch-up TV where applicable, recording to USB, sharing from media from WiFi-connected devices and the ability to control the device with a Philips app on your iOS or Android phone. Check the press site for more details, model numbers and the like, but there's no word yet on pricing or availability.
Permalink   |  sourcePhilips Pulse, (2)  | Email this | Comments
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ViewSonic's dual-booting Android / Windows 7 ViewPad 10 tablet now shipping
It sure took 'em long enough, but ViewSonic's dual-booting ViewPad 10 has finally, really, actually made it to America. A few days after the iPad 2 most likely sucked any remaining wind out of its sails, mind you, but it's quite possible that the target market for an Android 1.6 + Windows 7 tablet couldn't care less about a similar one from Apple. If you'll recall, this one's rocking a 10.1-inch touchpanel (1024 x 600), 1.66GHz Atom CPU, 2GB of RAM, Bluetooth 2.1, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera and a version of Android we forgot about in 1994. You'll also find a microSD slot and a copy of Windows Home 7 Premium (with a 16GB SSD) or Windows 7 Professional (with a 32GB SSD). Still interested? Just wait until we tell you all about the $599 and $679 price tags, respectively. Continue reading ViewSonic's dual-booting Android / Windows 7 ViewPad 10 tablet now shipping
ViewSonic's dual-booting Android / Windows 7 ViewPad 10 tablet now shipping originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Konect USB watch concept is awe-inspiring, hard to tell time on (video)
We've seen some pretty interesting and insanely unique watches in our time, and just when we thought we'd seen it all, artist Olivier Demange whips up this timepiece concept -- dubbed Konect -- that packs a wide range of features and looks futuristic while doing so. Embedded in this Tron-esque gadget watch is a Bluetooth radio that'll act as a receiver -- yes, you can finally fulfill your lifelong dream of using your watch to communicate (only if you've strapped a paired BT headset to your skull). You'll also find proper controls for music playback, a button to answer and end calls, a removable USB stick, and well, a way to tell the time. Judging by the renders, we'd say finding out when it is might take more than a second or two, but you can be sure that we hope to see this thing on our wrists sometime. Check out the concept in video form below the fold -- and yes, we know, House! Continue reading Konect USB watch concept is awe-inspiring, hard to tell time on (video)
Konect USB watch concept is awe-inspiring, hard to tell time on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Gizmodo  |  sourceTokyoflash  | Email this | Comments
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Alaska's Iditarod sled dog race gains GPS, cellphones and live streaming
We were actually pretty shocked at just how stellar the AT&T coverage was during a recent jaunt to Anchorage and Fairbanks, but we're guessing it'll take a satellite phone or two to make calls from the Alaskan wilderness. Whatever the case, the 2011 edition of the Iditarod is being hailed as the most technologically advanced ever, with mushers having "custom-made sleds with adjustable runners for varying snow conditions and, starting this year, GPS devices to check on their progress." Phones and live streaming arrangements will be keeping the world tuned in to the 1,150 mile race from Anchorage to Nome, and if fate has its way, the hot-natured, Red Stripe-drinking kid from Jamaica will take home the gold. C'mon -- who wouldn't want to see Cool Runnings 2: Dog Sled Edition?
Alaska's Iditarod sled dog race gains GPS, cellphones and live streaming originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Techland  |  sourceReuters  | Email this | Comments
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Jolicloud renames operating system 'Joli OS,' promises new web and Android apps
Well, it doesn't involve the company's Jolibook laptop, but it looks like some fairly big changes are indeed in store for Joliclould's upstart operating system. In addition to confirming that version 1.2 be released next week, the company has announced that it will be renaming the operating system "Joli OS" to avoid confusion with its online desktop, which will remain "Jolicloud." What's more, while that latter component is currently only available for Chrome, the company's announced that it will be adding support for Firefox 4, Safari 5 and the iPad (in an "experimental" HTML5 port), and it's even now announced plans for an Android app. Unfortunately, details on it are about as light as can be at the moment, with Jolicloud only saying that it's coming in the "future." More details and screenshots of version 1.2 are promised in the next few days, though.
Jolicloud renames operating system 'Joli OS,' promises new web and Android apps originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceJolicloud  | Email this | Comments
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Apple finds another AirPlay partner in Pioneer's VSX-1021 AV receiver
You may have laughed off the assertion made by BridgeCo's VP of Sales and Marketing back at CES, but the man's looking downright prophetic now. Apple has just nailed down yet another major player in its efforts to take over the streaming media world with AirPlay, as Pioneer's VSX-1021 launched today as the first of eight AirPlay receivers the company has planned for 2011. It's a 7.1 channel affair that supports wireless playback of iTunes libraries so long as you fork over a few extra dollars for the AS-WL300 wireless LAN adapter. You'll also need an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or a Mac / PC with iTunes 10.1+, and the new AVR should show up immediately as an available AirPlay device. This particular one will sell for $549, and if you're looking to spring, you should also know about Air Jam and iControlAV2 -- two new (free) apps that turn iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 4.2 into sources for the aforesaid AVR. The latter actually enables full-on control of the receiver from an iOS device, while the former should do a fine job of handling the song selection during your next part. Hit up the source links for the nitty-gritty, and if you venture down beyond the break, you'll find overview videos for the device shown above as well as the Air Jam app. Continue reading Apple finds another AirPlay partner in Pioneer's VSX-1021 AV receiver
Apple finds another AirPlay partner in Pioneer's VSX-1021 AV receiver originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceBusiness Wire (1), (2), (3)  | Email this | Comments
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Deutsche Telekom thinking of merging T-Mobile USA with Sprint?
It ain't as crazy as you may think. If you'll recall, we actually heard last month that Deutsche Telekom was mulling the idea of spinning off T-Mobile USA from its portfolio, and now it looks as if one carrier in particular is interested. According to the inimitable "people with knowledge of the matter," Bloomberg Businessweek is reporting that Deutsche Telekom has gone ahead with talks to "sell its T-Mobile USA unit to Sprint in exchange for a major stake in the combined entity." Granted, there's no guarantees at this point that the two will actually reach a deal that sits well with both boards, and up until now, they haven't been able to come to terms with T-Mob's valuation. As the story goes, Deutsche Telekom has purportedly said that it could sell "all or part of the US business, and all options are open." Meanwhile, Sprint's remaining mum. A merger of these two would combine the number three and four players in America, but if that doesn't pan out, T-Mobile USA may end up buying wireless spectrum from Clearwire as an alternative. We're hearing that an outright sale of T-Mobile in the US is pretty much off of the table, but considering just how many backroom talks are apparently going on in both camps, we won't be surprised until they tell us to be.
Deutsche Telekom thinking of merging T-Mobile USA with Sprint? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Phone Scoop  |  sourceBloomberg Businessweek  | Email this | Comments
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Immersion releases SDK to put haptics in Android, helps smartphones move what their makers gave them
About a month ago, we told you about Immersion's MOTIV dev platform to design Android apps with tactile feedback, and today its release has finally arrived. The SDK comes with predesigned haptic effects, sample code, and the ability to tweak the duration and intensity of the feedback -- allowing developers to perfectly tailor the amount of shake in your groove thang. Interested parties can hit up the source link for the SDK download and start indulging in the haptic dark arts immediately. Continue reading Immersion releases SDK to put haptics in Android, helps smartphones move what their makers gave them
Permalink   |  sourceImmersion  | Email this | Comments
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GumPack wearable vitals monitor: the new MedicAlert bracelet?
It may not have the charm or good looks of, say, the uBOT-5, but a new wearable vital signs monitor could cut back on doctor's visits for the chronically ill. Produced by a Kansas State University student, the GumPack -- known as such for its size -- is a multi-sensor monitoring device that fits in the palm of your hand and relays vital stats to your doctor via the internet. Along with a built-in camera and microphone for record keeping, as well as WiFi capabilities for connectivity, the battery-powered GumPack will sport various sensors, like a reflectance pulse oximeter or a two-thumb ECG. The monitor is still in the concept stage, and will likely not be available for mass-market distribution for years -- if ever -- but with technology like this in the works, the "I've fallen and I can't get up" lady might as well start looking for a new gig.
GumPack wearable vitals monitor: the new MedicAlert bracelet? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Medgadget  |  sourceKansas State University  | Email this | Comments
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Next New Networks purchased by yesterday's old YouTube, more custom content on the way
Next New Networks purchased by yesterday's old YouTube
Tired of the unprofessional, poorly-lit, generally unfunny clips that get uploaded to YouTube by the thousands every day? How about some rather more professional looking but still potentially unfunny content? Welcome to YouTube Next. That's what Next Now Networks is calling its new focus, "supercharging content creator development on YouTube" after being bought by that company, which itself is still a fairly recent Google acquisition. The Next New Networks goal was to work with independent "talent" to develop their online following, helping them find "paths to revenue." Along the way that company found itself somewhere south of $50 million dollars, according to The New York Times, and has lost its CEO in the progress. What's next for the two? More YouTube superstars, naturally.
Permalink The New York Times  |  sourceNext New Networks  | Email this | Comments
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Opera Mobile Store launches, has lots of apps for lots of phones
Opera Mobile Store launches, a supermarket for sideloaders
Amazon is set to be launching its own little Market for Android sometime this month, but Opera just flinched first, flipping the switch on the Opera Mobile Store. It's an online clearinghouse for apps available for "virtually any mobile platform and device" -- which right now covers Android, BlackBerry, Palm, Symbian, Windows Mobile, and good 'ol Java. (iOS is notably absent, but supposedly coming with links back to the App Store.) Apps are provided by Appia with the vast majority costing nothing. The vast majority are also junk, but such is the case in most app stores. It's online now, featured in the Speed Dial on the many and various mobile flavors of the Opera browser, meaning you're just a tap or two away from getting MySpace profile pics on all your contacts. It honestly doesn't get much more compelling than that. Continue reading Opera Mobile Store launches, has lots of apps for lots of phones
Opera Mobile Store launches, has lots of apps for lots of phones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink The Register  |  sourceOpera Mobile Store  | Email this | Comments
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Android's everywhere! Xtreamer PVR to serve up a heaping helping of Froyo in your home theater
We got to check out Xtreamer's Prodigy media player and go hands-on with its Ultra HTPC at CeBIT last week, but it turns out that the company has another nifty device set to debut this year. After taking a peek at its 2011 product catalog, we discovered that the Xtreamer PVR is "comming soon" with a similarly sexy exterior and much of the same specs as the Prodigy, but packing a Sigma Designs SMP8656 chip for high-end 3D graphics, optional dual tuners, and Android 2.2. We sincerely hope that Xtreamer's prowess with Froyo far exceeds its aptitude for spelling -- we kid because we care.
Permalink Tweakers  |  sourceXtreamer (PDF)  | Email this | Comments
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JBL's On Air Wireless AirPlay speaker dock gets official, unavailable to purchase
When we first peeked this AirPlay-enabled speaker dock, we were admittedly excited to see how things would turn out after it made rounds through the FCC. JBL just tossed up the splash page for the On Air Wireless speaker and we've gotta say -- it looks to be a promising means of streaming your jams. The system connects wirelessly to your AirPlay-enabled Mac and iOS device on 4.2 or later and packs a screen that'll display the track info of the song you're rocking out to. What's more, the rounded grill sports a dual alarm clock, FM radio, and a USB port for future firmware updates. As you might have surmised by now, the dock is not yet available for purchase and there's no word on price. If you're interested, though, be sure to hit the source link, sign up for more info and get ready to headbang this spring.
JBL's On Air Wireless AirPlay speaker dock gets official, unavailable to purchase originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 07:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceJBL  | Email this | Comments
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Optical tweezers manipulate microscopic objects using an iPad, raw brainpower (video)
Okay, so maybe the whole brainpower thing is a distant second to the iPad itself, but still -- being a rocket scientist probably doesn't hurt when manipulating microscopic objects via a multitouch display. That's the kind of setup that students and boffins alike have going at England's University of Bristol, where iTweezers are being used to control a tiny rod about 300 nanometers wide, amongst other things. Essentially, the iPad is able to display what's under a microscope via a wireless display transfer, and then, touch points are converted into laser movements that are used to handle objects that are far smaller than those visible particles clogging up your left ear right now. All told, a user can select up to 11 different objects, and in theory, the iPad could enable scientists to do this remotely. Hey, we're all about new and improved ways to telework. Vid's below, kiddos. Continue reading Optical tweezers manipulate microscopic objects using an iPad, raw brainpower (video)
Permalink   |  sourceJournal of Optics [PDF]  | Email this | Comments
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Philips Fidelio SoundSphere WiFi speakers get AirPlayed
Add one more to the list of manufacturers supporting Apple's AirPlay. Philips just announced its Fidelio SoundSphere speakers that support WiFi music streaming over Apple's new media sharing "standard" from your PC or Mac iTunes library or from any iOS device. Unfortunately, Philips isn't providing any useful detail about these speakers with free-floating tweeters and 360-degree sound. But hey, if you're the kind who buys speakers based on appearance alone, then the €799 (about $1,100 -- nearly twice as much as the Zeppelin Air) price tag for the speaker pair + dock should be no problem when they hit Europe sometime in May. Press release and bonus pic after the break. Continue reading Philips Fidelio SoundSphere WiFi speakers get AirPlayed
Philips Fidelio SoundSphere WiFi speakers get AirPlayed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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HTC seeks EVO View 4G trademark, all but confirming WiMAX tablet for Sprint
Not that we were doubting the veracity of our tipster's info, but here's a nice fat slice of pseudo-official confirmation of what we were told a couple of days ago. HTC has laid claim to the trademark of "HTC EVO View 4G," confirming our indications that an EVO View tablet would be coming to Sprint's Now Network. That postulation is also supported by the fact that the EVO branding has only ever appeared in association with Sprint as well as some pretty compelling circumstantial evidence. There is an interesting new piece to the puzzle, however, in the 4G appendage to the device's name, which would imply that we're looking at our first WiMAX tablet -- something Sprint promised for this year and looks set to unveil at the upcoming CTIA 2011 trade show. Our expectation is that the EVO View 4G moniker will be attached to HTC's1.5GHz Flyer, a 7-inch Android Gingerbread slate with aspirations for Honeycomb glory in its near future. Only one way to be sure though, keep an eye on our CTIA coverage and we'll let you know as soon as the official bird chirps out the official word.
HTC seeks EVO View 4G trademark, all but confirming WiMAX tablet for Sprint originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Good and EVO  |  sourceUSPTO  | Email this | Comments
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Microsoft goes on a hiring spree for new Xbox hardware devs, staffing up for next console push?
Before you go leaping to any conclusions, do remember that Microsoft plans on keeping the Xbox 360 going until at least 2015 so we're not really talking imminent changes here. Nonetheless, the software giant has listed a plethora of new job openings, with the most interesting ones being at its Mountain View research campus, where a team responsible for "defining and delivering next generation console architectures" is looking for fresh blood. A graphics hardware architect is sought to ensure that the next Xbox strikes the optimal balance between the awesome and affordable, while a design verification engineer and a few others will be hired to test and help develop prototypes. This bolstering of numbers seems to indicate Microsoft is starting to ramp up research and development on its next-gen home entertainment linchpin, and while nothing's likely to emerge from those Mountain View labs in the short term, the mere sound of clanking tools and buzzing electrons is getting us excited already.
Permalink Beyond3D Forums  |  sourceLinkedIn (1), (2), (3), (4)  | Email this | Comments
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PlugShare app lets you share your plugs with other EV drivers
Are you the sort that doesn't mind letting random people pull up in your driveway to recharge their electric vehicle? Then you might want to consider using the new PlugShare app for iOS devices that was just released today, which will let you broadcast your location and plug status to everyone passing by. Of course, there are also some privacy settings if you prefer to control things a bit more tightly, and the app also includes a complete database of public charging stations across the US if you'd rather not bother someone else at all when you're out on the road. What's more, while the app is iOS-only at the moment, the company promises that an Android version is "coming soon." Head on past the break for a quick demo video. Continue reading PlugShare app lets you share your plugs with other EV drivers
PlugShare app lets you share your plugs with other EV drivers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Autoblog Green  |  sourcePlugShare  | Email this | Comments
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Sony's see-through Alpha DSLR gets the hands-on treatment, probably won't get a launch date
We've been teasing you with images of this see-through beauty since Sony announced plans to bring its translucent mirror to the A77. Unfortunately, we've still yet to get our dirty paws on its hard shell, but we're happy to live vicariously through Pocket-lint's hands-on of Sony's clear-bodied Alpha camera. According to its post, the concept DSLR is based on a heretofore unidentified mid-range camera that touts an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and "fast continuous autofocus." The camera is slated for a late 2011 release, but chances are it won't come with that sweet transparent body. So soak it up while you can, because this could be the last you see of the crystalline casing -- hit the source link for even more eye candy.
Permalink   |  sourcePocket-lint  | Email this | Comments
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Adobe Flash Player 10.3 enters beta before Q2 release on desktop, mobile to follow soon after that
Adobe's Flash Player 10.2 is (somewhat infamously) still absent from mobile devices, but the company is bravely promising that its brand new desktop beta of version 10.3 will be coming to both desktop and mobile devices "soon." Improvements in the latest iteration include some acoustic hocus pocus for better internet telephony, new video analytics APIs, privacy controls integrated into browser settings in Firefox 4 and IE8 (Chrome and Safari to follow), and native control panel integration with both Mac's System Preferences and Windows' Control Panel. Beta testing ends in Q2 2011 for the desktop and a mobile release should follow swiftly thereafter. As to when we'll finally be able to stop discussing which devices have or can run Flash, not even Adobe could provide us with a reliable roadmap for that.
Permalink Apple Headlines  |  sourceAdobe Labs  | Email this | Comments
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Samsung HDD manages 1TB per platter, areal-density enthusiasts rejoice
Solid state drives are the geek storage of choice, what with their quiet nature, blazing fast speed, and stunning good looks. However, the limited capacity and sky-high price of SSDs keeps many of us buying traditional disk-based storage solutions -- which is just fine considering Samsung keeps finding ways to fit more bits and bytes on every drive. Last year, Sammy's EcoGreen F4EG squeezed 2TB onto a 3-platter drive (or 667GB per platter), and now the company's primed to release a new series of Spinpoint drives with even greater areal density at a time and price that remains TBD. Whenever they do get here, the new HDDs promise to deliver up to 1TB per platter spinning at 5,400RPM -- meaning 4TB desktop drives and a terabyte of storage (courtesy of two 500GB platters) in standard-sized laptop HDDs. The 3.5-inch version packs a 32MB cache and SATA 6Gbps compatibility, while the 2.5-inch variety has an 8MB cache and a 3 Gb/s SATA interface. Knowing all that, only one question remains: could areal-density enthusiasts be the new pixel-density enthusiasts?
Samsung HDD manages 1TB per platter, areal-density enthusiasts rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Electronista  |  sourceHeise Online  | Email this | Comments
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Boeing's new unmanned X-37B launches into orbit, won't come home until it finds Major Tom
Model X-37B might look familiar to you -- it was the name of an autonomous space vehicle that took flight just about a year ago, orbited for a whopping eight months, and then successfully returned to our planet all by itself. Now a new version of the X-37B has blasted off to hang outside of the atmosphere for a while. The spacecraft left Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 41 down in Florida and hurtled to a low-Earth orbit with help of a Atlas V rocket. Boeing isn't saying exactly what it's doing up there, but we suspect this spaceship knows which way to go. Continue reading Boeing's new unmanned X-37B launches into orbit, won't come home until it finds Major Tom
Permalink   |  sourceBoeing  | Email this | Comments
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HP's Omni Pro 110 all-in-one aims to please the business set
HP's been cranking out all-in-one's for quite a while now, but the company's latest offering -- the Omni Pro 110 -- attempts to be a real hit with the business crowd. Behind that 1600 x 900 20-inch anti-glare monitor comes your choice of Intel Pentium or Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4 gigs of RAM, an HDD ranging from 250GB to 1TB in capacity, and a built-in DVD burner with LightScribe functionality. It's also got a whopping six USB ports, six-in-one card reader, and built-in speakers present in that chin region at the bottom. HP's highlighting the Pro's ease of upgradability , and with a starting price of just $639, the sky's the limit.
HP's Omni Pro 110 all-in-one aims to please the business set originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 01:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink 367 Addison Avenue Blog  |  sourceHP  | Email this | Comments
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Adobe outs experimental Flash-to-HTML5 conversion tool, calls it Wallaby
Ah, if only we could flip a big happy switch and convert all the web's Flash content into (functional) HTML5 code. It's a dream shared by many and, funnily enough, the company pushing to make it a reality is none other than Adobe itself, the owner and proprietor of Flash. Its Labs research team has just released an experimental new dev tool, dubbed Wallaby, that's targeted at taking Flash-encoded artwork and animations and turning them into a more compatible mix of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Of course, the intent here is not some magnanimous move to free us from the shackles of Flash -- Adobe openly admits that the initial goal for the new tool will be to help convert animated banner ads so that they work on the iOS platform -- but hey, even bad tools can be used for good sometimes, right? Continue reading Adobe outs experimental Flash-to-HTML5 conversion tool, calls it Wallaby
Adobe outs experimental Flash-to-HTML5 conversion tool, calls it Wallaby originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink The Download Blog  |  sourceAdobe Labs  | Email this | Comments
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Warner Bros. starts renting movies via Facebook
If you were looking for something more worthwhile to spend Facebook credits on than virtual trinkets for some game, Warner has an idea: all those movies you said you "liked." Starting today it is testing out a plan to rent movies right on their respective pages for 30 Facebook credits / $3 each. The first one on deck is The Dark Knight (again?) which should be live later today, with more available to rent or purchase in the future. there's no word on resolution or other features, but at the price we're assuming SD only. Full details are in the press release after the break, but the rentals have the standard 48-hour VOD window and can be paused/resumed simply by logging back into Facebook. In its current state, we doubt Netflix, Amazon and the rest have anything to worry about as far as competition, but maybe Warner thinks it can snag a few bucks from simply making sure there's a buy button of some kind awaiting our various identities in as many places as possible. Continue reading Warner Bros. starts renting movies via Facebook
Warner Bros. starts renting movies via Facebook originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceFacebook  | Email this | Comments
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AMD launches Radeon HD 6990 powerhouse for $699, maintains 'world's fastest' title
If you're scoring at home, NVIDIA currently holds the lead in single-GPU graphics cards with its GeForce GTX 580, but ATI's dual-chip Radeon HD 5970 has been holding down the absolute speed crown for a good long while. Now, bearing the name of AMD Radeon HD 6990, its successor sidles up to the throne and demands attention as the fastest single expansion board you can plug into your shiny new motherboard. The 6990 boasts a massive 4GB of GDDR5, 3,072 Stream Processors, 64 ROPs, and an 830MHz core clock speed. A dual-BIOS switch will let you crank that clock up to 880MHz with a corresponding increase in voltage, but don't expect to see much overclocking headroom above that.

Reviewers note, alongside their fawning assessment of the world's best performance, that the HD 6990 is a massively power-hungry card (375W TDP) and one that makes quite a bit of noise while going through its herculean tasks. That's in spite of a new vapor chamber cooling system that allegedly supports up to 450W of thermal output. If all this strikes you as a somewhat flawed execution, maybe you'll join us in hoping NVIDIA's imminently upcoming response, dubbed the GTX 590, will be able to offer a neater, more efficient assault on the extreme peaks of graphical performance.

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AMD launches Radeon HD 6990 powerhouse for $699, maintains 'world's fastest' title originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Lenovo ThinkPad X220 and X220 convertible tablet official, 24 hours of battery life promised
Come on, you knew this one was coming! Yep, that leaked Lenovo ThinkPad X220 with all its SSD and display options is now the real deal, and it's one heck of an ultraportable. Just as we saw from that spec sheet, the new 12.5-inch (up from the 12.1-inch X201) laptop is configurable with that 1366x768-resolution IPS display, your choice of standard voltage Sandy Bridge Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, and up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM. There are no discrete graphics options, but you can opt to configure this one with USB 3.0 and a selection SSDs, including Intel's 80GB and 160GB offerings. The 720p webcam, dual digital microphones for noise cancellation, and the new buttonless touchpad (aka ClickPad) come standard. However, the real story Lenovo's trying to tell here is in battery life -- with the nine-cell battery the system is rated for 15 hours of endurance, but snap on the $179 ThinkPad external pack and it shoots on up to 24 hours.

Thought Lenovo was going to leave the X Series tablet out in the cold without a refresh? Of course not, the X220T also sips from that same fresh Sandy Bridge well, though it doesn't claim that same 24 hour battery life feat -- the four-pound convertible is rated for 16 hours of run time when paired with the external pack. Oh, and did we mention that the multitouch screen is now available with Gorilla Glass? The X220 and the X220T start at $899 and $1,199, respectively, but won't actually be available until April. That said, our Core i5-2520M X220 and its extended battery just arrived in our "lab" so stay tuned for a full review with lots of endurance testing. Until then, hit the break for the full PR and the gallery below from some images.
Gallery: Lenovo ThinkPad X220 press shots
Continue reading Lenovo ThinkPad X220 and X220 convertible tablet official, 24 hours of battery life promised
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Kinect hack turns Arduino-controlled delta robot into aggressive claw crane (video)
Candy crane, teddy picker, claw machine, whatever you call it, this arcade mainstay was robbing children of their golden tokens long before we slid into our first pair of Hammer pants, but despite the changing face of the plush offerings within, the crane game's remained mostly the same. Now a team of students at the Bartlett School of Architecture have produced a Kinect hack that could change the way you drop that claw. The rather temperamental delta robot enlists the ever-hackable peripheral in combination with Processing and Arduino to mimic the movements of a user's arm. As you can tell by the video below, the delta hasn't quite figured out the subtleties of human gestures, but the robot's creators say they intend to implement "several autonomous behaviors" once all the kinks are worked out. Frankly, we'd pay our weight in tokens to see the crane game bite back at an unsuspecting whippersnapper. Video after the break. Continue reading Kinect hack turns Arduino-controlled delta robot into aggressive claw crane (video)
Permalink Make  |  sourceEnrique Ramos  | Email this | Comments
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Android Honeycomb's music app extracted, brings cloud sync and streaming to phones
Those who are familiar with Android Honeycomb might have already come across its music player's cloud syncing feature, though previous attempts to port said app to phones hadn't been successful. Whatever it was that kept crashing the app back then, it seems to have fixed itself -- after xda-developers member WhiteWidows slapped the leaked app onto his rooted EVO 4G, the phone started to automagically sync his tunes to his Google account. The modder then swapped in an empty SD card, but he was still able to stream music straight from the cloud after checking the "Stream music" option in the app. Pretty neat, eh? That said, we do wonder if Google will be able to handle the exabytes worth of high-quality Justin Bieber and Spice Girl tracks.
Android Honeycomb's music app extracted, brings cloud sync and streaming to phones originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink MobileCrunch, Download Squad  |  sourcexda-developers  | Email this | Comments
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Cisco's Umi and TelePresence video calling systems: now with work at home and home at work
It was only a matter of time before Cisco's Umi and TelePresence services got together for some HD video calling synergy, and the company has finally enabled "full interoperability" between the two. Not only that, but the networking giant is also rolling out a free HD calling client called Umi Connect for PC and Mac (think SkypeHD) and a new Umi 720 system that works with slower broadband connections. The 720 will cost $399 upon its market arrival this summer, while the already available Umi 1080 gets a much-needed-yet-still-underwhelming hundred dollar price drop to $499. Service fees have also fallen from $275 to $99 a year and from $24.95 to $9.95 monthly for those who are commitment-averse. Maybe now you can persuade the bossman (or bosslady, as it were) to finally let you work from home -- though pants-free employment will undoubtedly remain off, or maybe just under, the table. PR's after the break.

[Thanks, Adam] Continue reading Cisco's Umi and TelePresence video calling systems: now with work at home and home at work
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Nao robot gets a new charging station, Kinect / Wiimote controls
Robots that are able to find a charger and plug themselves in may not be that unique anymore, but most of those chargers tend to leave the robot with little to do while it replenishes its batteries. Not so with this new charger developed by Aldebaran Robotics for its Nao robot, which basically consists of a retractable extension cord that leaves the robot free to continue interacting with its owner, or simply sit down and chill out as the case may be. What's more, while that comes from Aldebaran itself, we're also now starting to see some results out of the company's new developer program, and it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that one of the first standout projects involves Wiimote and Kinect controls. Head on past the break to see both it and the new charging station on video.
Continue reading Nao robot gets a new charging station, Kinect / Wiimote controls
Nao robot gets a new charging station, Kinect / Wiimote controls originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceRobot Dreams (1), (2)  | Email this | Comments
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Editorial: Facebook, single identities, and the right to be anonymous
Here in the small but intense world of writing for tech blogs, trolling and spam are a daily nuisance. In fact, on a highly commented-upon blog such as Engadget, dealing with them (i.e., deleting comments, banning spammers, and responding to irrational people) can sometimes feel like a full-time job. I know this firsthand, as I have, possibly more than most of the other editors here over the past few years, made it one of my primary daily tasks (along with our three amazing interns). By engaging with our commenters, I've made a few friends. Mostly though, it's a thankless task, an unending, uphill battle for Engadget, which ranges between 10 and 20,000 comments per day. The low quality of many comments is largely caused by anonymity on the internet, and the fact that anyone can sign up for as many Disqus accounts as they wish. Sure, people can log in using Twitter or Facebook, and while the number of people who choose to do so has risen drastically, nearly half of our commenters still use the Disqus option, which is the most anonymous. I'd venture to guess that 100 percent of our spammers and trolls do so. It's a major headache, and one which we've spent an incredible amount of time combating and discussing, and occasionally, just giving up on. Continue reading Editorial: Facebook, single identities, and the right to be anonymous
Editorial: Facebook, single identities, and the right to be anonymous originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Skeletonics exoskeleton stars in thrilling demonstration video
This so-called Skeletonics exoskeleton may not have any motors or hydraulics like most of its powered counterparts, but that doesn't mean it isn't still plenty capable -- as a new, elaborately produced video amply demonstrates. We won't spoil it all for you, but lets just say things pick up when the guitar licks start, and there's definitely someone running for their life before the end. See for yourself after the break.
Continue reading Skeletonics exoskeleton stars in thrilling demonstration video
Skeletonics exoskeleton stars in thrilling demonstration video originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Gearlog  |  sourceSkeletonics  | Email this | Comments
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SNAK Facebook keyboard features custom hotkeys for all your trolling, poking, and cyber-stalking needs
Sometimes you have to keep tweaking a concept until you have a winner. Do you really think that Robert Amato, CEO and founder of Social Keyboards, quit when his dedicated Classmates.com keyboard flopped? No, he went on to re-tweak the design for OK Cupid and even MySpace with the aptly titled Social Keyboard Applied to Networking and Kegs (S.K.A.N.K.) before hatching his latest plan, the Social Network Access Keyboard -- or S.N.A.K. Essentially a Multimedia Keyboard from Dynex with custom drivers and decals, this bad boy features nineteen Facebook-friendly hotkeys that take you to your inbox, events, photos, and more with the mere push of a button. And when you sign out? The hotkeys become disabled, so no one can maliciously (or hilariously) update your profile behind your back. This device is compatible with XP, Vista, and Windows 7. Yours now for $30! And yes, we were lying about the OK Cupid, Classmates.com, and MySpace keyboards -- although we sort of wish we weren't. Hit the source link to get rolling.
Permalink   |  sourceSocial Keyboards  | Email this | Comments
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Canon's Rebel T3i / 600D reviewed: not exactly a compelling upgrade
Shocker of shockers -- the T3i really isn't a monumental upgrade from the T2i that came before it. Granted, you could probably glean as much from the raw specifications list, but at least we've got a handful of reviews now to confirm it. The folks at Camera Gear Guide have a fairly exhaustive critique up, and while they lauded the overall image quality and the addition of the new video features (a digital in-shoot zoom and a swiveling LCD), they couldn't wholeheartedly recommend it as an upgrade for existing T1i and T2i owners. Even for newcomers to the mid-range DSLR game, Canon's own 60D seems infinitely more compelling at just $100 more, and it's also hard to ignore Sony's SLT-A55 for $50 less than what the T3i is retailing for. That's not to say the T3i wasn't impressive; quite the opposite, in fact. But it seems as if you'll need to seriously survey the competition before deciding that this one's worth your hard-earned Benjamins. Hit the source link for the full skinny, and hop on past the break for a preview video. Continue reading Canon's Rebel T3i / 600D reviewed: not exactly a compelling upgrade
Canon's Rebel T3i / 600D reviewed: not exactly a compelling upgrade originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceChad Soriano, Camera Gear Guide, FroKnowsPhoto  | Email this | Comments
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Sensor-laden surfboard collects gnarly statistics, finally quantifies 'tubular, dude!'
Oh, sure -- it ain't the first time an array of data-collecting sensors have found their way into a surfboard, but the goal with this one is quite different than the one crafted last year at UC San Diego. Tecnalia and Pukas have cooperated in order to build a board with a downright astounding amount of sensors within: there's an embedded PC, gyroscopes, accelerometers, a compass and even GPS, all of which combine to generate a ridiculous amount of data from a ride and its rider. Every ounce of the collected information is stored in a flash memory stick, and after a session is wrapped, all of those bits and bytes are beamed over WiFi to a more potent computer for analysis. The software system to visualize and process the data has been developed in ROS, and with that, researchers can not only judge performance, but also see which techniques were superior. There's a video of the board in action just past the break, but sadly, no pre-order page has emerged just yet. Hint, hint. Continue reading Sensor-laden surfboard collects gnarly statistics, finally quantifies 'tubular, dude!'
Permalink Gizmag  |  sourceVimeo (Pukas Surf), ROS  | Email this | Comments
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Nokia E7 up for pre-order in the states with presumed April delivery
Dedicated stateside Nokia watchers, we have good news: the E7 is up for pre-order on the company's American storefront for a hearty $679. Set to ship in the beginning of April, this bad boy has been kicking around Amazon since late last year, and much to our surprise the price hasn't changed one penny since then. Of course, if you'd gone through Amazon Prime you'd have saved $4 on shipping (which you probably need after spending the better half of a grand on a handset). Get out your credit card and hit the source link!

[Thanks, Evaristo]
Nokia E7 up for pre-order in the states with presumed April delivery originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceNokia  | Email this | Comments
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Bloomberg: Microsoft to pay Nokia 'more than $1 billion' to make Windows Phones
Though neither Nokia nor CEO Stephen Elop ever said there was an exchange of billions of dollars as a part of the company's tie-up with Microsoft for the Windows Phone platform, Bloomberg is sourcing "two people with knowledge of the terms" in saying that something in excess of $1 billion is flowing from Redmond to Espoo. Though the deal isn't yet finalized -- Elop said as much back at MWC -- it'd apparently call for Microsoft to pay out at least some of the cash upfront with Nokia sending cash in the other direction for device licenses. Interestingly, the deal is said to give Microsoft access to parts of Nokia's expansive patent portfolio -- and they'll have it for quite some time, too: the contract's apparently going to be good for "more than five years." That's more than most marriages, it seems (and roughly as expensive).
Bloomberg: Microsoft to pay Nokia 'more than $1 billion' to make Windows Phones originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceBloomberg Businessweek  | Email this | Comments
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