Thursday, March 24, 2011

IT News HeadLines (Engadget) 23/03/2011




ZTE gets tight with T-Mobile, launches Rocket 3.0 modem and 4G Mobile Hotspot for HSPA+
ZTE gets tight with T-Mobile, launches Rocket 3.0 modem and 4G Mobile Hotspot for HSPA+
T-Mobile's 42Mbps HSPA+ coverage is expanding and expanding, and ZTE is helping to bring it back down to earth. The company has launched two new wireless devices especially for the T-Mo's 42Mbps service, the first being the Rocket 3.0, a USB modem that's due this spring. The second is the simply titled 4G Mobile Hotspot, which beams out WiFi connectivity for up to five devices at one time. If you can't handle all that speed, ZTE also has the Jet 2.0 and Rocket 4G, both of which top out at 21Mbps. All should be available in the next few weeks, and all should help you get your bits on from anywhere.
Permalink | sourceMobileBurn | Email this | Comments
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Augmenting your 3DS reality just got a little simpler thanks to an Android app
Before we proceed any further, you owe it to yourself to check out our 3DS review or the video after the break in order to fully comprehend what Nintendo's augmented reality cards mean for 3DS gaming. We'll wait right here, take your time. Now that everyone's fully up to speed, an enterprising dev has put together an app that includes all of Ninty's add-in cards for its soon-to-be-launched handheld, allowing you to stash them on your Android smartphone and freeing up more pocket space for game cartridges and bubble gum. The descriptively titled 3DS AR Cards app costs nothing to own, though we're sure its maker will appreciate a note of thanks should you end up using it. Continue reading Augmenting your 3DS reality just got a little simpler thanks to an Android app
Augmenting your 3DS reality just got a little simpler thanks to an Android app originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Kotaku | sourceAndroid Market | Email this | Comments
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China, predictably, denies Google's accusations of Gmail tampering
On Monday, Google expressed its belief that its email users in China were experiencing "a government blockage carefully designed to look like the problem is with Gmail." Now, as is par for this thorny course, the Chinese state has come out with a terse rebuttal, saying simply that "this is an unacceptable accusation." The retort was, says the BBC, part of a regular news conference on Tuesday and it doesn't appear that any more time was spent on the subject. Which is odd since most people would tend to act to prevent something they see as unacceptable -- but then we suppose China already has a pretty long list of folks it'd like to shut up, Google's just gonna have to get in line and wait its turn. There's a good citizen.
China, predictably, denies Google's accusations of Gmail tampering originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceBBC | Email this | Comments
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Cricket ties up with LightSquared for LTE roaming agreement
Throwing a little caution to the wind over brewing GPS interference concerns, Cricket -- the CDMA budget carrier that specializes in contract-free plans -- has hooked up with LightSquared to deliver additional LTE service through a roaming agreement that'll supplement its own rollout "over the next few years. " All told, the moves should bring it up to technological speed with archrival MetroPCS, which deployed LTE last year (beating Verizon to market, actually) and currently has a pair of Samsung-sourced handsets on the market to take advantage of it. For LightSquared's part, this is exactly the type of deal they've been looking to ink: the company has expressed no interest in lighting up a retail-facing carrier of its own, instead offering wholesale LTE deals to other carriers -- like, say, Cricket -- who don't necessarily have the spectrum, the time, or the budget to roll out 4G in earnest. Follow the break for LightSquared's press release.

[Thanks, Mark] Continue reading Cricket ties up with LightSquared for LTE roaming agreement
Cricket ties up with LightSquared for LTE roaming agreement originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Alienware M11x R3 specs leaked, brings Sandy Bridge to your next LAN party?
Alienware's laptops first hopped on the Sandy Bridge bandwagon when the company's top-of-the-line M17x got Intel's second-gen Core processors, and now it appears the more budget-conscious M11x may get some Sandy Bridge love too. According to Dell News and more -- who correctly foretold the 3D screen on the M17x R3 before its January debut, among other things -- the littlest alien laptop is getting your choice of Core i5-2537M, Core i7-2617M, and Core i7-2657M chips ranging in speeds from 1.4GHz to 2.7GHz. Accompanying the new silicon is an optional 750GB HDD (up from 640GB) and an upgrade from 800MHz to speedy 1333MHz RAM. And, to keep you gaming wherever you please, the company will offer optional 3g, LTE, and WiMAX radios as well. Unfortunately, one minor detail didn't make it out -- how much will the extra goodies cost?
Alienware M11x R3 specs leaked, brings Sandy Bridge to your next LAN party? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink PC World | sourceDell News and more | Email this | Comments
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Firefox 4 clocks up 5 million downloads within first 24 hours, fails to beat Firefox 3 download record
We noted Firefox 3's spectacular eight million downloads in a day when discussing the recent launch of IE9, and that mark shall live on as a record for another day. Firefox 4 looks to have a had a thoroughly successful debut, going past the five million milestone within the first 24 hours of its release, but it hasn't quite been able to overshadow its predecessor. And before you go comparing its numbers to the latest Internet Explorer, do be cognizant that FF4 released on a wider set of platforms, rendering direct stat comparisons a little dicey. That's not stopping StatCounter, however, who notes that the latest Firefox already has a 1.95 percent share of the browser market, almost exactly double what IE9 can claim so far. Better get working on that XP compatibility, eh Microsoft? Continue reading Firefox 4 clocks up 5 million downloads within first 24 hours, fails to beat Firefox 3 download record
Permalink | sourceMozilla | Email this | Comments
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Hacker nets two years in jail after pilfering آ£7 million in virtual poker chips
Crime, it just doesn't pay. Well, actually it does, to the tune of £53,612, but then you get caught and you have to work off that salary with two years at Her Majesty's pleasure. One Ashley Mitchell, an enterprising 29-year old from Devon, England, managed to break into Farmville maker Zynga's mainframe, hijack the identities of two of its staffers, and procure for himself a cool £7 million ($11.4m) in virtual poker chips. He then proceeded to sell about a third of them for the above sum, while consuming a big chunk of the rest in satisfying his own gambling habit. Ashley already had a history of digital malfeasance, having previously hacked into the systems of Torbay Council, his former employer, and is now on the receiving end of a two-year prison term for his current crime plus the activation of a 30-week suspended sentence. There's a warning in this tale of woe for us all, however -- Monsieur Mitchell piggybacked on his neighbors' unsecured WiFi networks in order to do his dastardly deeds. Slap a password on that router, won't you?
Hacker nets two years in jail after pilfering آ£7 million in virtual poker chips originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink The Inquirer | sourceGuardian | Email this | Comments
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Tunebug readies the Rumble, adds speakerphone capabilities to its SurfaceSound speakers
Back at CES we took a look at Tunebug's Bluetooth Shake and Vibe speakers, which for those that need a quick refresher, turns any surface into a speaker with SurfaceSound technology. Well, now the company has landed here at CTIA Wireless with a more mobile focused product -- the Rumble. The package actually includes that aforementioned Shake (although, in this case it's being called the TuneRing), which is the triangular shaped part that turns any surface into an impromptu speaker, but the TunePad is really the key addition. That's the base part that you're peering at above, and not only does it provide a surface for the Shake, but it also now has a microphone to morph the package into a Bluetooth speakerphone. We got a look at the whole shebang on display here at the show, and while we couldn't get a handle on the sound quality in a room full of rowdy tech journalists, it did seem surprisingly loud. The $149 kit also comes with a 3.5mm to 3.5mm jack, USB to 3.5mm charging cable, and a helmet mount. Ironically, the Rumble isn't actually ready to rumble yet -- you'll have to wait for this summer, but hit the gallery below for some hands-on shots.
Gallery: Tunebug Rumble hands-on
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LG Optimus 3D reveals T-Mobile 3G frequencies in visit to FCC
If you're an AT&T subscriber, you'll know this handset as the Thrill 4G. And if you happen to be a T-Mobile devotee (yes, those are two distinct groups until the AT&T&T-Mo merger is complete), you'll soon get a chance to familiarize yourself with it too, as it has just slipped through the FCC with support for AWS 3G. Specifically, the FCC has cleared an LG 920 smartphone, which a helpful video from LG itself informs us is the Optimus 3D -- the dual-core OMAP 4-powered Android powerhouse that's at the root of this entire affair. It'll probably get its own, uniquely ghastly moniker if and when it's launched by T-Mobile, at which point every US carrier bar Verizon will have a 3D smartphone on its books. How long do you think that omission will last?

[Thanks, Christian] Continue reading LG Optimus 3D reveals T-Mobile 3G frequencies in visit to FCC
LG Optimus 3D reveals T-Mobile 3G frequencies in visit to FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 06:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Unwired View | sourceFCC | Email this | Comments
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Asus Eee PC 1015B and 1215B go on sale starting at $289
It seems like just yesterday -- okay, more like three weeks ago -- we went hands-on with Asus' latest additions to the Eee PC family, and now these Fusion-equipped netbooks are getting their very own price tags. The Eee PC 1015B and 1215B offer 10-inch and 12-inch displays starting at $289 and $379, respectively. For that price, you'll get 250GB of storage, 1GB of memory, VGA, USB, and HDMI ports, and 1080p output. They grow up so fast -- don't they? Check out the source links to make one of these babies your own.

[Thanks, Daniel]
Asus Eee PC 1015B and 1215B go on sale starting at $289 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 06:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceEXCaliberPC.com (1), (2) | Email this | Comments
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Samsung Galaxy S II shows up in Ukraine, gets a loving preview (video)
Where would we be without prototypes, eh? One such pre-production unit, of Samsung's dual-core Galaxy S II, has escaped into the Russian Ukrainian wilderness, where it's been thankfully rescued from the cold by the guys over at gagadget. Apart from squaring it up against the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 -- which we can only surmise was the nearest available Android handset, it surely can't have been the best -- they also dig pretty deeply into the latest TouchWiz UI and dish up a thoroughgoing gallery of sample images from that 8 megapixel autofocus camera on the back. It's an enlightening read, once you've enrolled Google Translate's help, though the video after the break might not be too informative if English is your only language. Still, it's a great visual tour of some yummy hardware.

[Thanks, DarkDvr] Continue reading Samsung Galaxy S II shows up in Ukraine, gets a loving preview (video)
Samsung Galaxy S II shows up in Ukraine, gets a loving preview (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 05:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink GSM Arena | sourcegagadget | Email this | Comments
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Verizon renews HTC Trophy offer for Microsoft employees
"Early 2011" is rapidly passing us by -- as, for that matter, is March -- but we still wouldn't rule out a Verizon Wireless launch of the HTC Trophy smartphone. You see, the carrier's seemingly still advertising the Windows Phone 7 device inside Microsoft itself, in a likely attempt to gather preorders before the device hits shelves. We can't say for sure when the phone will actually arrive, of course, but if we were the gambling type, we'd toss some horseshoes in the general direction of April Fools' and pray they find a mark.
Verizon renews HTC Trophy offer for Microsoft employees originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 05:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink WMPowerUser, WPCentral | sourceVerizon Wireless | Email this | Comments
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NVIDIA's next flagship graphics card to be unveiled at 9AM on Thursday, bring your own popcorn
In NVIDIA's own words, this Thursday will bring us the company's "next generation, highest performance graphics card." If that has you thinking GeForce GTX 590, you're not alone. The dual-GPU solution was expected to arrive at the PAX East get-together this month but seemed to shyly dodge the limelight, though now there's no escaping its date with destiny. Just make sure to be up nice and early tomorrow, say around 9AM US Eastern Time, for the inevitable barrage of reviews. An unsatisfyingly brief teaser video, featuring Crysis 2 slyly running in the background, can be found after the break.

[Thanks, Abdulmalik] Continue reading NVIDIA's next flagship graphics card to be unveiled at 9AM on Thursday, bring your own popcorn
Permalink | sourcenvidia (YouTube) | Email this | Comments
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Mozilla Firefox 4 RC for Android and Maemo now up for grabs
If you're liking what Firefox 4 for mobile already offers in its previous beta builds, then you'll certainly want to check out its release candidate that went live on Monday -- just less than six months after the browser when beta. According to Mozilla, this new build provides a better overall user experience with faster scrolling and improved Firefox Sync, along with other goodies like Awesome Screen smart shortcuts, tabbed browsing, Firefox Add-ons, and Persona themes. Sounds a lot like its desktop sibling (which has a healthy 4.9 million downloads already), doesn't it? Head over to the source page for the Android and Maemo download links, or you can have a look at Mozilla's latest video after the break if you need some convincing. Continue reading Mozilla Firefox 4 RC for Android and Maemo now up for grabs
Mozilla Firefox 4 RC for Android and Maemo now up for grabs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Mashable | sourceMozilla | Email this | Comments
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EV milestone: Fisker rolls first Karma off the assembly line, aims to deliver 7,000 this year
Patience can bear such wonderful fruit, can't it? The electrified (and electrifying) Karma, which first graced the world with its presence back in 2008, has managed to negotiate the slalom course of funding and logistical issues that faces any new upstart company and can now boast its very first production unit. The Karma 1 above will be making its way out within a month (presumably after every nook, cranny and capacitor has been polished to perfection) and company spokesman Roger Ormisher says the plan is to ramp up very slowly and carefully, reaching "over 7,000 deliveries" by year's end. Considering the rate at which Leafs and Volts have been selling so far, that doesn't actually sound half bad.
Permalink Autoblog Green, Autopia | sourceAutoweek | Email this | Comments
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Engineers create 3D microscope lens, see the tiny elephants in your ear
The ability to view tiny images in the third D has been made possible by Lei Li and Allen Yi of Ohio State University. The two have crafted a one-of-a-kind 3D lens that, unlike other three-dimensional microscopes that capture images by circling around the subject, sees teeny objects while stationary. Although the engineers crafted the lens on a precision cutting machine using a diamond blade themselves, they say it can be produced using traditional molding methods. At the size of a fingernail, the thermoplastic material, aka acrylic glass, was cut with 10 nanometer spacing (that's tiny) to ensure a flat plane. The top is surrounded by eight facets -- sort of like a gem stone, but not symmetric -- allowing the viewer to see 9 different angles at once. This should pave way for scientists to get better angles of microscopic objects, but they can always try using the 3DS and some DIY lens attachments, right?
Engineers create 3D microscope lens, see the tiny elephants in your ear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 02:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink PhysOrg | sourceOhio State University | Email this | Comments
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Monirobo measures radiation following nuclear crisis at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi power plant
According to a report by a Japanese news agency, a radiation monitoring robot, aptly named Monirobo, is the first non-human responder to go on-site following the partial meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The machine, which was developed by Japan's Nuclear Safety Technology Centre to operate at lethal radiation levels, reportedly began work Friday, enlisting a 3D camera, radiation detector, and heat and humidity sensors to monitor the extent of the damage. A second Monirobo, used to collect samples and detect flammable gases, is expected to join its red counterpart soon -- both robots are operated by remote control from distances up to one kilometer away. They join the US Air Force's Global Hawk drone in unmanned surveillance of the crisis.
Permalink Boing Boing, NewScientist | sourcegetnews.jp | Email this | Comments
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DARPA M3 program to make cheaper, more mobile robots for the US war machine
DARPA, that governmental black magic factory that gave us the flying Humvee and Hummingbird spybot, has unveiled its new Maximum Mobility and Manipulation Program (M3) program that plans to put us on the fast track to our robotic future. M3 aims to improve robotic research through four specialized development programs -- design tools, fabrication, control, and prototype demonstration -- that divvy up the work between commercial labs and universities. The program will not replace existing bionic projects, but some, like the Autonomous Robotic Manipulation (ARM) program, will be folded into the new scheme. DARPA anticipates that the plan will result in cheaper bots superior to those we have today, but not superior to man... we hope.
DARPA M3 program to make cheaper, more mobile robots for the US war machine originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Information Week | sourceDARPA | Email this | Comments
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Japan's space agency considers using rockets with artificial intelligence
The keyword here is obviously "considers," but it looks like Japan's space agency, JAXA, is indeed seriously thinking about using artificial intelligence to improve their rocket launches. As JAXA scientist Yasuhiro Morita explains, as opposed to simply being "automatic" as rockets are today, an "artificially intelligent" rocket would be able to keep watch on its condition, determine the cause of any malfunction, and potentially even fix it itself. According to JAXA, that would not only make rocket launches more efficient, but more cost-effective as well given the reduced manpower needs. That's not the only new measure being explored to cut costs, though -- as Space.com reports, JAXA's new Epsilon launch vehicle is also being built using fewer, but more advanced components, which promises to let it be moved to the launch pad nearly fully assembled. It's currently set to launch sometime in 2013, although it's not yet clear how much it will actually be relying on AI if such a system is put in place.
Japan's space agency considers using rockets with artificial intelligence originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceSpace.com | Email this | Comments
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Audi Connect signs contract with T-Mobile, surprised like the rest of us by the AT&T thing
Audi Connect signs contract with T-Mobile, surprised like the rest of us by the AT&T thing
T-Mobile subscribers at this point are preparing for what could be a new, blue overlord, and now you can count Audi among the ranks of those wondering what's next. Yesterday the company with the rings signed on with the company with the magenta to power its Audi Connect system on US cars. It'll launch first with the 2012 Audi A7, where it will provide the wireless data pipe through which the car's MMI infotainment system will pull down Google Earth imagery, Local Search POIs, Sirius Traffic information, and even act like a Quattro hotspot for folks in the back seat. Audi's not specified how much this service will cost, but "not free" sounds like a safe bet for now. Continue reading Audi Connect signs contract with T-Mobile, surprised like the rest of us by the AT&T thing
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Amazon blocks Lendle e-book sharing service (update: it's back!)
Whether via public library or personal collection, e-books may be getting harder to borrow and loan out -- HarperCollins put the squeeze on government-funded rentals last week, and today Amazon has allegedly disabled e-book sharing startup Lendle with one fell stroke. Lendle allows readers to trade e-book rentals, in a fashion, by tapping Amazon's API to list books they agree to loan out, and in return, gain access to a Lendle database of books available to borrow from readers like themselves. The service allegedly fell under the auspices of Amazon's existing 14-day, one-time-only loaning policy, but that didn't stop Amazon from revoking Lendle's access to the API, effectively shutting the service down. According to the no-reply email Lendle received, the reason is that the service doesn't "serve the principal purpose of driving sales of products and services on the Amazon site." Perhaps there's some deeper reason behind the move, but that explanation certainly sounds pretty narrow-minded.

Update: Well that was quick -- Lendle is now reporting that Amazon has reinstated its API access under the condition that Lendle disables its Book Sync tool, which is a non-essential feature anyway. Great, just in time for bedtime stories on the west coast as well.
Amazon blocks Lendle e-book sharing service (update: it's back!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 23:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink CNET | sourceLendle | Email this | Comments
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ComScore: Microsoft becomes second for online video in one month
Earlier this month, we got word that Bing had surpassed Yahoo! as the world's second most used search engine, and now Microsoft's solidifying its place as runner-up, coming in behind YouTube as the internet's number two provider of streaming video, with 48 million unique viewers in February. According to ComScore's latest ranking of online video providers, the software giant went from number seven to number two in just one month, bumping Yahoo! down to third place. Of course, YouTube is still way out in front, with over 140 million visitors, but given the speed with which it leaped ahead, we'd say Bing is doing something right. Check out more online video results after the break. Continue reading ComScore: Microsoft becomes second for online video in one month
ComScore: Microsoft becomes second for online video in one month originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink PCWorld | sourceComscore | Email this | Comments
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Toshiba Portege R830 priced, Core i3 model ready for pre-order at $899
We've never been shy about our love for Toshiba's lightweight magnesium laptops, so we're ecstatic to see that the Portege R830 is nearly here, bringing Intel's second-generation Core i3 and Core i5 processors to the 3.2 pound, 13.3-inch form factor. We spotted the R830 and siblings at MWC last month, but today you can lay down the cash, with nine Benjamins buying you the cheaper Core i3 variant, as well as two weeks to gleefully anticipate your newfound mobility before the notebook ships to your door. Alternatively, you could wait and drop an extra $30 for a 2.3GHz Core i5-2410M that can turbo up to 2.9GHz under load, but otherwise the units are identical inside and out -- you'll find a 1366 x 768 LED-backlit screen, 4GB of DDR3 memory, 640GB of storage, a DVD burner and integrated Intel graphics no matter which numbered door you open.

[Thanks, Essie S.]
Toshiba Portege R830 priced, Core i3 model ready for pre-order at $899 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceToshiba | Email this | Comments
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Cricket teases CDMA-only Samsung Indulge, Huawei Ascend 2 at CTIA (hands-on)
Regional carrier Cricket surprised at CTIA today by showing off a couple new units that aren't out yet -- but they're in the pipeline for the second quarter, which the company points out is coming "very soon." First up is the Huawei Ascend 2, which -- you guessed it -- would be the follow-on to the original Ascend that the company launched last year. The display's still HVGA; WVGA obviously would've been nice, but Cricket is promising to launch it at the same sub-$150 price point as the first model and it's got a 5 megapixel camera around back (up from 3.2 before).

Next up, the Indulge is pretty much the same midrange QWERTY Android slider that already launched on MetroPCS, albeit with one big difference: this one has no LTE compatibility (Cricket has no live LTE network, after all). As with the Ascend 2, we would've preferred a WVGA display -- this one's just HVGA -- and the four physical buttons up front seem a bit out of style, but Cricket's still in a position where any new Android hardware is a very good thing. Look for it to launch for under $350 -- off contract, of course.
Gallery: Samsung Indulge and Huawei Ascend 2 for Cricket hands-on
Cricket teases CDMA-only Samsung Indulge, Huawei Ascend 2 at CTIA (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Netflix suffers temporary website outage today (fixed!), permanent Dexter outage this summer
The bad news is that our bulging tips box reports Netflix's website and Watch Instantly streaming service have been mostly inaccessible for the last couple of hours. Those lucky enough to have the page open from earlier may still have access, and devices based on older UIs are up and running while the newer HTML5 based frontends seem to be down for the count. The worse news is Crain's New York Business reported today that a new licensing deal with Showtime will not renew streaming access to older seasons of currently airing shows like Dexter and Californication when they expire this summer. Instead, their arrangement will cover shows that are off the air like The Tudors and Sleeper Cell.

Showtime has decided to hold the fresher stuff back for its TV Everywhere portals accessible by pay-TV subscribers despite Netflix's best efforts to pitch itself as a friend to the premium networks, which could also explain its plan to start offering original content of its own next year. Wide outages like this have been relatively rare and while we'll just keep an eye on @NetflixHelps until it's back up, there's no telling what other blank spaces we might find in our instant streaming queues in the future.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Update: Things appear to be back to normal as of 10:30 p.m. EST or so, there's no official word via Twitter yet but between the commenters below and the episode of Firefly we're watching, it's all good. Wait -- Not so fast, while PC streaming is a go, devices are still mostly locked out.

Per @NetflixHelps UPDATE: Streaming is back on the website. We're still working on getting streaming back to all devices. Thanks for your patience!

Update 2: From @NetflixHelps - RESOLVED: The website and devices are back up and running. Thanks again for your patience while we worked to get this fixed!
Permalink The Hollywood Reporter | sourceCrain's New York, @NetflixHelps (Twitter) | Email this | Comments
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Flatbed scanner becomes multitouch panel in five-fingered DIY documentary (video)
Flatbed scanner becomes multitouch panel in five-fingered DIY documentary (video)
Few things do a better job at decimating desktop real estate than a bulky old flatbed scanner. Skinnier replacements are cheap these days, but what's one to do with the old ones? An enterprising hacker who goes by the handle Sprite_tm, the same bloke who brought us a knock-operated door, has managed to create a multitouch panel out of his. He extracted the single-line CCD and mounted that below the display. He then attached five LEDs above it to shine light down. When his finger touches the screen it casts a shadow on the CCD and, with a little (probably a lot) of custom software he's able to triangulate the position of the touch. The system even works with multiple fingers, though we're guessing should they overlap vertically the system might get a little finicky. Check out a demo below and then click on through the source link for one heck of a detailed how-to. Continue reading Flatbed scanner becomes multitouch panel in five-fingered DIY documentary (video)
Flatbed scanner becomes multitouch panel in five-fingered DIY documentary (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 21:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Hack A Day | sourceSpritesMods.com | Email this | Comments
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Eurotech's Zypad WL1500 wearable computer won't let you forget you're wearing a computer
Eurotech's Zypad series of wearable tablets may all look like props from mid-1990s sci-fi movies, but we can't help but admire them just a little bit for that very reason -- even if we wouldn't be caught dead wearing one. The latest is the "faster" and "lighter" Zypad WL1500, which packs a 3.5-inch QVGA display (resisitive, naturally), a Marvell PXA320 processor, a whopping 128MB of flash storage, and some 3G connectivity in addition to WiFi and Bluetooth -- not to mention Windows CE 6.0 for an OS. If you haven't figured it out by now, this one isn't exactly intended for consumer use, but Eurotech is still targeting a fairly broad audience of professional users, including folks in everything from law enforcement to transportation to medical fields. Look for it to be available in the second quarter of this year for a yet to be disclosed price.
Continue reading Eurotech's Zypad WL1500 wearable computer won't let you forget you're wearing a computer
Permalink | sourceEurotech | Email this | Comments
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Cobra iRadar detection system for Android hands-on
We'd mentioned Cobra was porting the iRadar app to Android a while back and had a chance to actually have a peek at Showstoppers last night. Like its iPhone cousin, the iRadar system ships with a simple radar detector and an app for your set. Pricing is set at $129 for this kit and it is apparently shipping as of April 4th. So If you enjoy speeding and want a little help getting that done, the following video tour and gallery are for you.
Gallery: Cobra iRadar detection system for Android hands-on
Continue reading Cobra iRadar detection system for Android hands-on
Cobra iRadar detection system for Android hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 20:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Chinon's Avi Stylix iPod / iPhone docking station packs 7-inch LCD, streams Netflix*
It doesn't scream quality (or maybe the legion of professional stock photographers were all on vacation last week), but the June-bound Avi Stylix does have something that the vast majority of me-too iPod / iPhone docking stations do not: an embedded 7-inch LCD. The usual suspects are also here, including a Dock Connector port, twin two-watt speakers, USB port, SD card slot and a bundled remote. The kicker is its ability to stream Netflix, but there's an obvious catch; you'll need an iPhone or iPod touch with a live internet connection in order to do so. There's no actual WiFi module built into the main unit, so you'll need to rely on your connected device to pull in the content. Still, for $99.99, it might not be a bad bet for your guest room. Or your office desk, since you know you aren't getting any actual work done. Continue reading Chinon's Avi Stylix iPod / iPhone docking station packs 7-inch LCD, streams Netflix*
Permalink | sourceChinon | Email this | Comments
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Google brings check-ins to Google Latitude on iPhone, 30 languages to Places
Unsurprisingly, El Goog gifted the Android versions of Latitude and Places with these updates a few weeks back, but now the iOS loyalists are being brought into a similar circle. The search giant has just added check-ins to the iOS version of Google Latitude, with any iDevice using iOS 4 or higher being deemed compatible. In related news, the Applefied build of Google Places is now available in 30 languages, and there's an added 'Saved Places' feature for keeping tabs on your favorite spots. You can check your phone for updates, or if you haven't dug in yet, have a poke around in the App Store.
Google brings check-ins to Google Latitude on iPhone, 30 languages to Places originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 20:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceGoogle Mobile Blog, iTunes | Email this | Comments
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Apple TV 4.2.1 update puts kibosh on flickering screens
If you've been using an HDMI to DVI adapter to hook up your Apple TV, there's a chance you've been dealing with some annoying flickering on the boob tube since downloading the latest update to the device. Well, the end to your flashing screen woes is here: Apple's just let loose a followup that promises to fix the flickering. Update 4.2.1 also addresses audio issues and a glitch that puts the thing in a permanent slumber when it goes to sleep. So there you have it -- now you won't have to miss even a split second of your favorite episode of That's So Raven, even though we all know you have it committed to memory. Follow the source link to get your fix.
Apple TV 4.2.1 update puts kibosh on flickering screens originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink MacRumors | sourceApple | Email this | Comments
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HTC's WiFi-only Flyer launching exclusively with Best Buy 'this spring'
Now that it's received its big US debut courtesy of Sprint and under the name EVO View 4G, HTC's Flyer tablet is free to, um, fly under the radar with a WiFi version this spring, exclusively through Best Buy. Specs on the Flyer are somewhat atypical for the current crop of Android tablets, as it opts for Gingerbread instead of Honeycomb and a 1.5GHz Qualcomm chip intead of the popular Tegra 2 dual-core solution. That, and it's a 7-inch tablet with a capacitive stylus and an aluminum unibody shell. Notably, this WiFi-centric variant looks set to beat the WiMAX-capable EVO View (which Sprint expects in the summer) to market, so we'll be keeping a very curious eye on pricing as and when it is announced. For now, we have a retailer and a rapidly dwindling release window. Oh, and a press release, which you'll find just past the break, augmented with a neat little promo video.

[Thanks, Michael] Continue reading HTC's WiFi-only Flyer launching exclusively with Best Buy 'this spring'
HTC's WiFi-only Flyer launching exclusively with Best Buy 'this spring' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Reuters (Yahoo! News) | | Email this | Comments
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Google's deal for book digitization rejected by judge, Books plans sent back to drawing board
It's taken a long, long time to fully consider Google's proposed $125 million settlement with publishers and authors of out-of-print works, but now the ruling has been handed down and it's not the one the Mountain View team wanted. Circuit Judge Chin, who had preliminarily approved the deal back in November 2009, has returned with the new conclusion that actually it goes "too far" in Google's favor. The origins of this settlement stem from a class action lawsuit filed against El Goog for a book digitization project it began back in 2004, and it's important to note that terms were agreed way back in 2008, before a bunch of external objections made them revise the document to its current state and refile it with the court in '09. Since then, the Department of Justice has had a look at antitrust concerns relating to Google potentially having a monopoly on orphan works (those whose author cannot be identified) and Amazon, Microsoft and Yahoo have all piped up to say it's a bunk deal. Now, the one man standing between us and a whole ton of web-accessible reading materials has agreed with them. He does leave a pretty large door open for reconciliation, however, should Google be willing to accede to less favorable terms. Let's just hope whatever else transpires doesn't take another year and a half to do so.
Permalink New York Times | sourceUS District Court, Southern District of New York (PDF) | Email this | Comments
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Boeing's biggest jet takes flight, promises lowest 'seat mile' cost of any commercial airliner
Boeing took a huge -- both literally and figuratively -- step in the development of the largest commercial jet in its history when the 747-8 took to the skies for the first time. Granted, the airframe's cargo version has already logged over 1,600 hours up in the air, but putting the 250-foot passenger plane with a 224-foot wingspan -- 19 feet longer and 13 feet wider than the gargantuan 747-400 -- through its first few paces without incident is no small feat. The 747-8 borrows some of the 787 Dreamliner's weight-trimming tech for better fuel efficiency and lower operational costs than older 747s and jumbo jet competition from Airbus. We just hope it didn't inherit the 787's penchant for delays as well. If all goes according to plan, the new jetliner should complete the 600 test flight hours needed for FAA certification in time to deliver the first 747-8s to customers by the end of the year. We doubt airlines will use the plane's extra space to give us shlubs riding coach any more legroom, but at least its improved all-around efficiency should make flying a little cheaper. PR's after the break. Continue reading Boeing's biggest jet takes flight, promises lowest 'seat mile' cost of any commercial airliner
Permalink Wired | | Email this | Comments
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Energizer makes single-device Inductive charger for singles looking to wirelessly mingle
Energizer makes single-device Inductive charger, for singles looking to wirelessly mingle
Standardized inductive charging with the Qi standard is a beautiful thing, but previously Energizer's only charging pad had room for not one but two devices. If your independently-minded smartphone just still isn't ready for that kind of commitment, the pink bunny has you covered with a new single-pad Inductive charger. Like before it supports the Qi standard and offers compatibility with a variety of devices -- if you don't mind using a variety of goofy sheaths and backpacks. No word on price or availability, but really it shouldn't take long to get this to stores.
Permalink | sourceSlashGear | Email this | Comments
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T-Mobile G-Slate bundled apps tour (video)
The G-Slate from LG (aka Optimus Pad) was on display at T-Mobile's booth here at CTIA, so we spent a few minutes investigating the apps the carrier is bundling with the 8.9" Honeycomb tablet at launch, namely Need for Speed Shift, T-Mobile TV, and Zinio eReader. Interestingly, the same three apps are also pre-installed on T-Mobile's other dual-core LG device du jour, the tantalizing G2x. Check out the tour in our video after the break. Continue reading T-Mobile G-Slate bundled apps tour (video)
T-Mobile G-Slate bundled apps tour (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Google scores a patent for its 'Doodles'
Google's Doodles have certainly come a long way from their humble beginnings, but the company has now pulled off what may be its most jaw-dropping feat yet -- it's just been awarded a patent for them. Described as "systems and methods for enticing users to access a web site," the patent credits Google co-founder Sergey Brin as the sole inventor, and it comes more than ten years after Google first filed the application. As you might expect, the patent seems to cover some fairly broad territory, although it's not clear how or if Google actually plans to enforce it -- either way, we can only assume that some other companies who enjoy having a bit fun with their logo from time to time might have something to say about it.
Google scores a patent for its 'Doodles' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Slashdot | sourceUSPTO | Email this | Comments
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AT&T's LG Thrill 4G hands-on (video)
AT&T showed off a new 3D set today, the LG Thrill 4G -- also known as the LG Optimus 3D -- and as we've seen before, the 3D glasses-free display is quite fun. The final device design and Android 2.2 software were not final -- so this could all change by the time it launches in the next couple months -- but it will ship with 2.2 and not the Gingerbread we're seeing so much of lately. With Sprint's launch of the EVO 3D just a couple hours ago, we're thinking 3D in handsets may not be a passing trend. The video samples seen during the demo -- which, sadly, you'll not be able to enjoy in all their three-dimensional glory -- are a pretty convincing argument for just how impressive this tech has gotten in such a short time. Enjoy the goods.
Gallery: AT&T's LG Thrill 4G hands-on (video)
Continue reading AT&T's LG Thrill 4G hands-on (video)
AT&T's LG Thrill 4G hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Verizon says 4G LTE network will cover 'at least' 147 US cities by the end of 2011
Verizon used CES back in January to announce 49 new markets that would be covered by its 4G LTE network by the end of 2011, and it's now taken advantage of CTIA to announce an additional 59 cities, which brings the total up to "at least" 147 that will be covered by year's end. Those new markets span just about the entire US (including Hawaii, but not Alaska), and they build on the initial group of 39 markets, which already covers some 110 million people. Head on past the break for the press release with the complete list.
Continue reading Verizon says 4G LTE network will cover 'at least' 147 US cities by the end of 2011
Verizon says 4G LTE network will cover 'at least' 147 US cities by the end of 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Tesla CEO Musk says the days of batteries are numbered, ultracapacitors will power us into the future
Tesla CEO Musk says the days of batteries are numbered, ultracapacitors will power us into the future
The upcoming Tesla Model S has a big 'ol slab of batteries that make up the floor of the thing, shown above, but Tesla CEO Elon Musk says that sort of technology just won't do in the long run. He thinks that the days of the battery are numbered, and that it's the humble capacitor that will "supercede" traditional cells and let our future selves roam wild in our Teslas, largely free of range anxiety. Ultracapacitors are basically big, powerful versions of the capacitors that make all electronics work. Like a battery they hold a charge, but unlike a battery they can be juiced up almost instantaneously and suffer virtually no degradation through cycle after cycle. The big problem now is energy density, where batteries still have their capacitive competition beat, but hopefully that'll change soon -- maybe in time for another of Musk's predictions to come true.
Permalink Autoblog Green | sourceGigaOm | Email this | Comments
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