Friday, March 25, 2011

IT News HeadLines (Engadget) 24/03/2011




Kyocera pictures a world of deeply understanding phones
You know what just doesn't understand true feelings enough? Our phones, that's what. But it doesn't always have to be like that if you ask Kyocera. Sure, the company had its dual-screened Echo on display at CTIA, but it also had an interesting exhibit of concept phones, including the ones pictured above, which can change shape based on human emotion. The premise is that since the majority of our communications comes through body language, these handsets would physically morph to express the mental state of your caller. Don't ask us why Kyocera's future just doesn't have better mobile video chatting solutions for that sort of thing, but as you could probably creatively imagine, the black slab on the left would represent a good mood while the one on the far right is clearly all worked up about something. Not zany enough for you? How about some phones that morph in your hand to adapt to how you're holding the device? Okay, that one actually seems pretty awesome, as does the one that looks like a spider web, but we'll let you wrap your heads around the rest of the concepts the company had on display by hitting the gallery below.
Gallery: Kyocera concept phone display
Kyocera pictures a world of deeply understanding phones originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Visualized: preconceived notions about personal computer security
See that chart up there? That's a beautiful visualization of a dozen folk models surrounding the idea of home computer security, devised by Michigan State's own Rick Wash. To construct it (as well pen the textual explanations to back it), he interviewed a number of computer users with varying levels of sophistication, with the goal being to find out how normal Earthlings interpreted potential threats to their PC. His findings? A vast amount of home PCs are frequently insecure because "they are administered by untrained, unskilled users." He also found that PCs remain largely at risk despite a blossoming network of preventative software and advice, and almost certainly received an A for his efforts. Hit the source link for more, but only after you've spiffed up, thrown on a pair of spectacles and kicked one foot up on the coffee table that sits in front of you.
Visualized: preconceived notions about personal computer security originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Boing Boing | sourceRick Wash (PDF) | Email this | Comments
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Columbia doctors turn to IBM's Watson for patient diagnosis, clairvoyance
Who says Watson's only good for laying the smack down on former Jeopardy champions? In what can only be described as the natural progression of things, Herbert Chase -- professor of clinical medicine in Columbia's Department of Biomedical Informatics -- is working with IBM in order to retrofit the supercomputer to "help doctors diagnose and treat patients." According to Chase, this level of robot practice has been impossible for the past score or so, and if the experiment works, Watson could serve to provide physicians "immediate, accurate answers to unusual, head-scratching questions that come up in their daily practice and do so based not only on the latest published research, but also the blogosphere." In other words, Watson could rapidly collect and analyze up-to-date published data from a near limitless amount of online sources, and then use that knowledge to recommend suggestions that a seasoned M.D. may never consider. Furthermore, Chase sees tremendous potential for Watson in the realm of personalized medicine; considering that two patients with the same diagnosis won't necessarily react to treatments the same way, Watson could come up with alternatives on the fly. There's no clear indication of when the testing will wrap up, but see how far you get next time you're in the emergency room by inquiring about Dr. Watson's availability.
Columbia doctors turn to IBM's Watson for patient diagnosis, clairvoyance originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Physorg | sourceColumbia | Email this | Comments
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KonnectUs cloud-based software makes easy cross-platform sharing a reality, we swoon (video)
Last year, we expressed a yearning for something we called the Continuous Client that would allow us to pick up on one device where we left off on another, and in less than a year we saw the advent of HP's "Touch-to-share" technology, but our dreams weren't fully fulfilled -- we longed for a platform that would offer seamless sharing across all of our devices. Well, it's like we rubbed a bottle and KonnectUs popped out. The cloud-based software is a collaborative effort between Sensus and Open Exhibits that enables you to transfer files and information across platforms -- including Windows, iOS, and Android -- with a simple swipe of your finger. As it turns out, KonnectUs was built with museums in mind, but the company is offering APIs for integration into third party applications -- so maybe the perfect world isn't that far off after all. Oh, that's right -- we still don't have a robot to shake our martinis after a hard day at the office. Video after the break. Continue reading KonnectUs cloud-based software makes easy cross-platform sharing a reality, we swoon (video)
Permalink | sourceSensus | Email this | Comments
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iRobot debuts 'throwable' 110 FirstLook robot
Sure, just about any iRobot bot is technically "throwable," but the company's new iRobot 110 FirstLook robot is guaranteed to survive that throw and keep rolling, and even stand up to 15-foot drops onto concrete. As you may be able to tell from appearances, this one's also primarily a military bot, and iRobot says it's ideal for "hasty situational awareness," as well as for investigating tunnels and other confined spaces (it measures just nine inches by twelve inches and weighs only five pounds). What's more, it also promises to continue operating for more than six hours at a time, and it can be controlled using a nifty wrist-mounted touchscreen controller. Head on past the break for a video.
Continue reading iRobot debuts 'throwable' 110 FirstLook robot
iRobot debuts 'throwable' 110 FirstLook robot originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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AT&T planning access to Amazon Appstore, sideloading still an open question
Angry Birds developer Rovio announced on its Facebook account a few hours ago that "AT&T is also working on enabling purchases from the Amazon Appstore soon," which would mark a pretty big move on AT&T's part since they've been firm in their resolve to keep apps from outside the Android Market ecosystem off their branded Android devices -- a frustrating (and arguably illogical) stance, to say the least. Well, first the good news -- AT&T has confirmed to us that they are, in fact, setting up access to Amazon's store:
"We're working to give our Android customers access to third party application stores. This requires updates to our systems and finalizing arrangements with Amazon. We will share more info with our customers in the near future."
The bad news is that AT&T's having any discussions with Amazon about this at all, which would seem to indicate that they're planning on making an exception to their Android Market policy for the Amazon Appstore rather than simply enabling sideloading on devices altogether and calling it a day. We suppose this could involve a round of firmware updates that drops the Appstore in ROM, but that seems like an awful lot of work considering how much red tape is involved in pushing even a single update for one handset on a major carrier. More on this as we get it; hopefully, AT&T subscribers will have their Angry Birds Rio fix soon enough.

[Thanks, Thomas]
AT&T planning access to Amazon Appstore, sideloading still an open question originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceAngry Birds (Facebook) | Email this | Comments
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Rubbery artificial muscles promise to make robots more lifelike
Some robots may already look pretty lifelike, but it's still quite a different story when they're actually moving, when all the mechanical parts inside make themselves known with some unmistakable, robot-like movements. Some researchers at New Zealand's Auckland Bioengineering Institute now have one possible solution to that problem, however -- a motor with none of the usual moving parts. Instead, the rubbery, Cronenberg-esque contraption relies on some electroactive structures that can stretch by more than 300 percent, and expand and contract when a voltage is applied. While things are obviously still very early, it's conceivable that robots could eventually be built entirely out of these artificial muscles -- or, as lead researcher Iain Anders succinctly puts it, "the future is soft." Video after the break. Continue reading Rubbery artificial muscles promise to make robots more lifelike
Rubbery artificial muscles promise to make robots more lifelike originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink PC World | sourceAuckland Bioengineering Institute | Email this | Comments
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Ford Focus Electric hooks up wirelessly with AT&T, incurs jealous looks from T-Mobile
AT&T is keeping up its wheeling and dealing this week, signing an agreement with Ford to provide the built-in wireless connectivity for its upcoming Focus Electric hatchback. The deal's pretty simple, really. Ford has put together a comprehensive MyFord Mobile application to go with its EV, which will allow you to keep track of and schedule charging, while also serving up status notifications, range information, and nearby recharging stations' locations, the latter facility being provided with the help of MapQuest. All that data exchange will need a nice dumb pipe to carry it between the Focus and your smartphone and AT&T is obligingly fulfilling that role -- and don't worry if your phone doesn't support the app (works with Android, BlackBerry and iOS), Ford's got a web interface too. Full PR after the break. Continue reading Ford Focus Electric hooks up wirelessly with AT&T, incurs jealous looks from T-Mobile
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Samsung Apps store crosses 100 million downloads
Alright, so it may have a bit of an advantage being on both cellphones and TVs, but that's not stopping Samsung from boasting that its Apps store has now joined the 100 million download club. That comes just ten months after it launched, and it looks like Samsung can largely thank Europe for reaching the milestone -- France had the most number of downloads followed by Germany and Spain, and the three countries combined accounted for 40 percent of all downloads from the store, which now has more than 13,000 apps.
Samsung Apps store crosses 100 million downloads originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceNetwork World | Email this | Comments
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Alexander Graham Bell's sketchbook reveals ridiculously wonderful imaginings
The image above is a page from Alexander Graham Bell's sketchbook, a self-portrait from the 1870's, is just one page from the large collection of the inventor's papers, now housed at the Library of Congress. Bell's sketches which document the invention of the telephone are the most fascinating of the lot, and happily, the Library has digitized them and made a large selection of them available online.
Alexander Graham Bell's sketchbook reveals ridiculously wonderful imaginings originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceThe Atlantic | Email this | Comments
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Avaak Vue Gen 2 wire-free video monitoring hands-on
Peeping Toms and would-be spies, rejoice! The Vue wire-free video cameras have reached the second generation and now add motion detection and a more rugged outdoor version to the mix. Pricing is a mixed bag: kits start at $199 and include a motion detection camera, the base station, and the mounting base. Extra cams can be had for $159 for an individual outdoor camera with motion detection, indoor camera with motion detection is $129, and a run of the mill indoor camera is $99. The brilliant bit here is this is pretty much a zero setup affair: attach the cameras to the included magnetic mounts (with adhesive, no less), fire up the base station, and off you go. As with many devices launched recently, mobile apps are key, and the Vue's apps are a decent bunch. We had a peek at both the BlackBerry and iPhone flavors -- Android is also supported -- and either will allow video from the remote cameras to be recorded, some small amount of zoom and pan, grab screen shots, and have a peek at all your cameras at once. The required online service to manage it all is free for the first year and $19.95 per year after; you can keep opting for the free version after the first year, but lose the mobile app support, pan / zoom, and all recording features. What's the fun in that? More pics in the gallery below!
Gallery: Avaak Vue Gen 2 wire-free video monitoring hands-on
Avaak Vue Gen 2 wire-free video monitoring hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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NVIDIA's dual-GPU GeForce GTX 590 emerges, can't slay the Radeon HD 6990 titan
1,024 total CUDA cores, 94 ROPs, and 3GB of GDDR5 RAM on board. Yup, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 590 is indeed a pair of GTX 580 chips spliced together, however power constraints have meant that each of those chips is running at a tamer pace that their single-card variant. The core clock speed is down to 607MHz, shaders are only doing 1.2GHz, and the memory clocks in at 3.4GHz. Still, there's a ton of grunt under that oversized shroud and reviewers have put it to the test against AMD's incumbent single-card performance leader, the Radeon HD 6990. Just like the GTX 590, it sports a pair of AMD's finest GPUs and costs a wallet-eviscerating $699. Alas, after much benchmarking, testing, and staring at extremely beautiful graphics, the conclusion was that AMD retains its title. But only just. And, as Tech Report points out, the GTX 590 has a remarkably quiet cooler for a heavy duty pixel pusher of its kind. Dive into the reviews below to learn more, or check the new card out on video after the break.

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Read - TechSpot Continue reading NVIDIA's dual-GPU GeForce GTX 590 emerges, can't slay the Radeon HD 6990 titan
NVIDIA's dual-GPU GeForce GTX 590 emerges, can't slay the Radeon HD 6990 titan originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nintendo 'moving away' from insisting on 3D to play 3DS games, wants them all playable in 2D
The Nintendo 3DS has a slider in its side. A slider that adjusts its namesake feature, three-dimensional imagery, up and down in intensity relative to the user's preference. Now, although the 3DS' screen doesn't force glasses on you, it does demand that it be held just right in order to get the most out of the 3D effect and we can imagine plenty of people might neglect its extra dimension in favor of old-fashioned 2D (not to mention those who can't tolerate the third D for health reasons). It's encouraging, therefore, to hear that Nintendo has taken the stance that no game should require 3D as part of its gameplay mechanics. That's the word from Hideki Konno, one of Nintendo's veteran producers, who says the company wants all of its 3DS games to be playable in 2D, essentially reducing the 3D aspect to an aesthetic enhancement. Some might argue that's underusing the portable's hardware potential, but Nintendo has always been in the business of pleasing the mass market -- there's nothing preventing some daring developer from making a game entirely dependent on a three-dimensional perspective.
Permalink Ars Technica | sourceWired | Email this | Comments
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Jabra Freeway Bluetooth in-car speakerphone hands-on
Jabra was parading its Freeway in-car speakerphone last night at CTIA so we took a chance to watch the show. So what separates it from the myriad of like devices? Well, for one it sports 3 speakers for decent stereo audio quality -- for a change -- a couple mics to reduce ambient noise, a motion sensor that turns the set on automatically when you hop in the car, and voice control for just about every control on the device. Talk time is touted as 14 hours with 40 days standby time and retail pricing looks pinned at $129. Our demo included some music playback in a very noisy space, and while the high end sounded a bit harsh we were suitably impressed coming from a rather thin and light device. Follow on for a few more pics of the Jabra Freeway.
Gallery: Jabra Freeway bluetooth in-car speakerphone hands-on
Jabra Freeway Bluetooth in-car speakerphone hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Microsoft application creates 3D model using a cellphone, blows our minds
Using your smartphone to take regular, or heck, even 3D images, is so last-gen -- thanks to Microsoft's Interactive Visual Media Group, we shall soon be able to use its new app to generate virtual 3D models. For example, if you want to capture that Ferrari on your neighbor's driveway, you'll need to circumambulate it while shooting around 40 photos. The final product, which is compiled using some beefed up PhotoSynth magic as each shot is uploaded to the cloud, is a beautifully crafted 3D model that can be panned around surprisingly smoothly. Hit the source link to feast your eyes on Redmond's new trick.
Microsoft application creates 3D model using a cellphone, blows our minds originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceMIT Technology Review | Email this | Comments
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ZTE's Style S and LTE tablet coming to the US during the second half of the year
We've long covered ZTE products at Engadget, but hardly ever do we see the company's phones touch down on a US carrier. Well, that's all going to change very soon. While the Chinese company isn't sharing exact carrier partnerships, it did reveal that its new Style S and LTE tablet will be coming stateside in the second half of 2011. The first of those two is that 4.3-inch Android 2.3 handset up there. Unfortunately, the Style on display at ZTE's booth was just a mockup, but we're certainly digging the large screen and soft back of the device. According to the placard, it will have dual cameras (a .3 megapixel shooter on the front and a 5 megapixel cam around back) and a 1350mAH battery. That aforementioned LTE tablet was also on display on the showfloor, albeit behind glass. The Honeycomb slab, which we hear will be aggressively marketed, has a 1280x800-resolution 10-inch display, two cameras, a 6800mAH battery, and an 1.2GHz processor. Unfortunately, that's all we've got for now, but check out the gallery below and expect to hear more during the second half of the year.
Gallery: ZTE Style S and LTE tablet hands-on
ZTE's Style S and LTE tablet coming to the US during the second half of the year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 07:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Blio e-reading software still alive, will come preloaded on T-Mobile Android devices
Remember Blio? Yes, our memories of this colorful ebook-reading software are starting to fade too, but now T-Mobile's about ready to yank it from the shadows of obscurity with a newly announced partnership. Content provider Baker & Taylor will be responsible for installing the Blio Android app on "select future products from T-Mobile USA" and populating it with compelling content. The Blio store has grown to now encompass a healthy three million titles, both free and paid, and should you have the Windows version of its software, you'll get the sweet automation of having it sync with your mobile device as well. To get your reading started nice and early, jump past the break for the full press release. Continue reading Blio e-reading software still alive, will come preloaded on T-Mobile Android devices
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Mac OS X turns X years old today
Whether it changed everything, made you think different, or was just a sideshow to the Windows centerpiece of your life, there's no denying version X of Mac OS has been the most successful and enduring piece of software Apple has ever produced. It is turning 10 years old today, so we thought we'd spare a moment to say congratulations and to dust off an image of our favorite logo of the bunch. And who knows, with the next iteration being dubbed Lion and the lack of any more senior big cats available, maybe this will be the last big anniversary before Apple takes the leap into version 11.

[Thanks, Robert]
Mac OS X turns X years old today originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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ST-Ericsson's PM2300 will charge smartphones and tablets twice as fast, speeding to market this fall
We can't say the methods for charging mobile devices have been top of our agenda lately, but when you're talking about speeding anything up by 100 percent, our interest is inevitably piqued. ST-Ericsson has come up with a new charger, tailored specifically for servicing tablets and mobile phones, that can juice them up at the brisk rate of 3 Amps. Efficiency is touted all over the place with this accessory, from the 60 percent improvement in PCB utilization to the 92 percent maximum power throughput rating, bringing the drably titled PM2300 dangerously close to a state of desirability. Best of all, tablets featuring its promised double-speed refilling capabilities are expected in the fall of this year, so the wait won't be long, however you look at it.

[Thanks, Ola]
Permalink | sourceST-Ericsson | Email this | Comments
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Sony's NXCAM HD is the NEX-FS100, brings Super 35mm sensor pricetag down to $5,850
Sony may have discontinued the NEX-3, but the future of those interchangeable E-mount lenses seems downright secure -- after all, they'll fit quite nicely on this new NEX-FS100. The NXCAM HD that Sony teased last November is what you're gawking at right now, which is either the pro alternative to the NEX-VG10 or the far-more-affordable PMW-F3, depending on whether you typically tote camcorders or tend to shoot professional film. Either way, $5,850 buys you a Super 35mm sensor that shoots 1080p60 content at up to 28Mbps to SD, Memory Stick (or an optional 128GB SSD) or output uncompressed 4:2:2 footage over HDMI, monitoring the lot on a swiveling 3.5-inch LCD display. The package doesn't include the 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 lens pictured above -- that's an extra $700 on top of the price -- but Sony will throw in that viewfinder tube and shotgun mic. While we all look forward to online availability and some thorough reviews, why not join us after the break for video? Then, scoot on over to F-Stop Academy for the very first footage shot with the unit.

[Thanks, Nate W.] Continue reading Sony's NXCAM HD is the NEX-FS100, brings Super 35mm sensor pricetag down to $5,850
Sony's NXCAM HD is the NEX-FS100, brings Super 35mm sensor pricetag down to $5,850 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 05:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Crews.TV | sourceSony (1), (2), (3) | Email this | Comments
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Microsoft serves up a 'NoDo' update schedule for Windows Phone 7 devices
Where is your Windows Phone 7 "NoDo" update? That's the question Microsoft is aiming to answer with a new spreadsheet it has cobbled together to detail the software status of all WP7 handsets released so far. A February preparatory patch and the long-anticipated first proper upgrade to the OS, herein titled merely "March update," are sat side by side, with a set of delivery states under them for each WP7 phone. Things aren't looking awesome in the US, where AT&T's batch is still undergoing carrier testing and T-Mobile's pair of phones are "scheduling" (which Microsoft says takes no more than 10 days), but news is better overseas, where most have received the February OTA and are mere days away from the final NoDo goodness. Sprint's HTC Arrive and AT&T's upcoming HD7S will both have that software preloaded, so at least new buyers won't have to fret unduly.

[Thanks, Arty]
Microsoft serves up a 'NoDo' update schedule for Windows Phone 7 devices originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 05:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceMicrosoft (USA), (International) | Email this | Comments
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Inkling signs with major publishers to bring 100 textbooks to iPad by 2012, no actual ink
Major publishers signing on with Inkling to bring up to 100 textbooks to iPad by 2012
Inkling is a pretty cute name for a product, you have to admit, but by the end of the year it could be pretty serious business. It's a company that specializes on publishing textbooks on the iPad, devices that are rapidly killing the poor paper industry. As of now the company's products are few, but two major publishers, Pearson and McGraw-Hill, have signed on to support the service, a deal that will see Inkling's product catalog swell by several orders of magnitude. Up to 100 books are expected to be there by the end of the year and, while that's nothing compared to the massive variety of volumes that swell students' backpacks and diminish their drinking funds at the beginning of every semester, it is a solid start. Best of all, Inkling's current texts cost 35 percent less than their printed doppelgangers, meaning there's hope for cheaper e-books after all.
Permalink | sourceThe New York Times | Email this | Comments
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Sharp LE830 series HDTVs now shipping: edge-lit LED, WiFi, no 3D
Add another to your list of new HDTVs to keep an eye out for, as Sharp has announced its new LE830 series LCDs are shipping this month from its 10th generation plant. This lineup doesn't include any slick 3D features or the size of its 70-inch behemoth from CES, but they are embued with Quattron quad pixel tech, 120Hz refresh rates, edge LED lighting and built in WiFi. The jury's still out about whether the extra yellow pixel is a positive influence, but included wireless internet access is unfortunately still not a given for all new HDTVs and it will come in handy if you plan to use the included Netflix, Vudu and CinemaNow movie streaming apps. The line ranges in size from 40- to 60-inches, and the MSRPs are between $1,299 and $2,799. Check after the break for the rest of the details and price breakdown, plus a video of their CES presentation. Continue reading Sharp LE830 series HDTVs now shipping: edge-lit LED, WiFi, no 3D
Sharp LE830 series HDTVs now shipping: edge-lit LED, WiFi, no 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 04:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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HTC locks down Incredible S against custom ROMs too, starts a fight with its best friends
The Thunderbolt, you might have noticed, marked an unpleasant change for HTC by making it a tiny bit difficult to replace the company's own Android software with your favored community-sourced alternative. Well, turns out it's not alone and could in fact be just be the tip of an unhappy iceberg heading our way. The AndIRC guys responsible for cracking it open have also noted with some distress that the Incredible S -- likely to become the Droid Incredible 2 in the States -- features a similar signature check when flashing recovery images. In short, that means any ROMs that don't know HTC's "open sesame" password, won't be allowed to ride on your device. Bogus? Totally, dude.
Permalink | sourceAndroid Police | Email this | Comments
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Energy-efficient military uniforms to make solar-powered necktie so last season
This definitely isn't the first time we've heard of wearable solar cells, but a new development underway in the UK could certainly have a greater impact than, say, an iPod-charging denim jacket. By combining photovoltaic cells with thermoelectric devices, a team of researchers is working to create new, more efficient uniforms for British troops. The solar-powered outfits could cut the weight of traditional battery packs in half, allow for significantly longer military missions, and actually absorb energy across the electromagnetic spectrum, decreasing the possibility of detection by infrared technology. To ensure 24-hour power, the solar cells will collect energy in daylight, with thermoelectric devices taking on the task at night. A prototype is set for 2013, but we wonder how long it will take to hit the catwalk.
Energy-efficient military uniforms to make solar-powered necktie so last season originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 03:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink ScienceDaily, I4U | sourceEPSRC | Email this | Comments
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Sprint announces Drive First app to stop distracted driving, expects you to pay $2/month for it
Sprint announces Drive First app to stop distracted driving, expects you to pay $2/month for it
Driving whilst distracted is becoming enough of a problem for our various government agencies to start looking into ways to proactively prevent it, rather than just pass laws against it, but Sprint is being more proactive than most. It's announced an app called Drive First, developed by Location Labs, which won't be available until sometime in the third quarter. The app runs on Android and basically puts your phone into lock-down mode "when driving is detected," automatically sending incoming calls to voicemail, auto-replying to texts that you're unavailable, and preventing you from using much of any applications outside mainstream navigation fare. As always with these apps we're not sure just how they'll differentiate between driving and, say, sitting on a train, and we're guessing they'll be just as effective at locking out those riding shotgun, but for parents worrying about whether Junior is texting when he should be driving home from band practice it could be a good solution. That solution, however, will cost those 'rents $2 per month -- and certainly won't earn them any love from their angsty teen. Continue reading Sprint announces Drive First app to stop distracted driving, expects you to pay $2/month for it
Permalink Autoblog | sourceSprint | Email this | Comments
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Motorola recognizes, investigates Atrix 4G voice quality issues
Experiencing voice quality woes with your otherwise delightful Atrix 4G? You aren't alone, buster. In fact, the issue has become so prevalent and widespread that Motorola itself has taken notice, with one of its forum managers creating a sticky to confirm that the company is looking into things. As of now, there's no clear indication of why the problem is emerging, but the positive news is that you aren't actually losing your hearing -- it's a legitimate quandary, and if you'd care to help Motorola fix it, you can visit that source link to tell your story. Till then, we hear local phone providers are offering unbeatable deals on landline connections.

[Thanks, Kyle]
Motorola recognizes, investigates Atrix 4G voice quality issues originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceMotorola | Email this | Comments
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TelePresence Tech kiosk to bring virtual shopping to a mall near you, we go hands-on
If Amazon were to venture beyond the web in favor of a more tangible medium to peddle its wares, it might consider something like Telepresence Tech's new telepresence kiosk for the job. We got a surprise demo of the system at a Samsung event today and came away intrigued. The technology renders 2D images that float and rotate in space, giving retailers a way to let customers see their products as if they were actually there, and at a fraction of the cost -- about $1.50 per hour -- of paying meatbags to man a traditional brick-and-mortar store. A separate touchscreen lets shoppers scroll through available items, speak face to virtual face with customer service, and make purchases. Check the gallery to see more of what our retail future looks like.
Gallery: Telepresence Tech Kiosk at Samsung Mobilization
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Gevey SIM provides janky but jailbreak-free unlock for iPhone 4 on iOS 4.3
If you've updated your iPhone 4 to iOS 4.2.1 or above, you might be aware that there is currently no unlocking software available for the accompanying basebands. Naturally, we'd imagine the Dev-Team will soon provide a remedy for this lack of freedom, but for now, Gevey has you covered... somewhat. For $70, this imposter SIM promises to unlock, without the need to jailbreak, all the current basebands found embedded within 4.0 - 4.3. In the video after the break, it appears multiple -- and frankly, just plain inconvenient -- steps are required to get the kit working on your iPhone. What's more, apparently you'll need to do all of this again if you switch off the phone. Oh, and we should mention this involves snipping off a corner on your SIM card, and carriers tend not to like that. Our recommendation regarding this contraption? If you're absolutely in the need of a carrier unlock and have the cash, proceed with caution. Otherwise, patience is your answer. Continue reading Gevey SIM provides janky but jailbreak-free unlock for iPhone 4 on iOS 4.3
Gevey SIM provides janky but jailbreak-free unlock for iPhone 4 on iOS 4.3 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink TiPb, Gadgets DNA | sourceapplenberry | Email this | Comments
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Femto Forum publishes API specification for femtocell apps, places focus on 'awareness information'
As if the world needed one more association to keep up with, CTIA Wireless 2011 is delivering just that. The Femto Forum, which has done an excellent job remaining undercover of late, has just published an "industry-wide agreed set of API specifications" that will enable "advanced mobile applications based on femtocell technology." Truth be told, the first apps based on the specifications have already been built, and their currently available to the femtocell community. The specifications are for network-based APIs, which will purportedly "allow operators to drive the development of femtocell-powered open access, enterprise and consumer applications," and it'll also provide awareness information in order to allow developers the opportunity to incorporate enhanced presence, context and location-sensitive features into new and existing apps. Granted, we'd care a lot more about those location-based apps if we could drag our 3G MicroCell to Panama to use it to make free calls whilst on vacation, but hey -- maybe that's the next logical step. Not that we're much for passing along hints or anything.
Permalink PC World | | Email this | Comments
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Yahoo intros Search Direct, takes on Google Instant with insular effect
Remember Google Instant? Now, Yahoo's got something like that -- it's called Search Direct -- and like Instant, it consists of a search box that quickly and automatically suggests results as you type. Unlike Instant, however, it won't update the entire results page to reflect the outcome of your potential search, but rather just an enlarged search box like the one you see above, providing up to ten suggested queries and three suggested results. That makes it a little bit speedier (we were able to use it on our 3G phone connection quite easily) but also fairly limited in comparison. It's also a bit... ahem... self-serving, as any search that happens to include the same letters as one of Yahoo's own services will promote them above all others in the results -- in fact, only five letters of the alphabet presently bring up anything but a Yahoo website as the first result when typed in solo.
  • I = iTunes
  • J = Jennifer Lopez
  • Q = QVC
  • X = Xbox 360
  • Z = Zsa Zsa Gabor
Some of the improved functionality is pretty useful, though, as that Xbox query will instantly bring up prices for the console, and you can type in "movies" or "weather" and your zip code to immediately plan your night out. ("Restaurants" and "food" don't work, though.) Anyhow, Search Direct is in beta. Why not give it a go? Continue reading Yahoo intros Search Direct, takes on Google Instant with insular effect
Yahoo intros Search Direct, takes on Google Instant with insular effect originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Mashable | sourceYahoo | Email this | Comments
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Voice-controlled Japanese robot assists with eating, makes veggies more fun (video)

Isao Wakabayashi, a student at Chukyo University in Japan, seems to have made the arduous chore of eating easier. Using a customized version of a Robix robot kit, Wakabayashi coded a program that makes the feeder recognize individual food items and feed them to you. The meal-assistant features two arms, dexterous enough to handle utensils, and can be controlled using your voice. In theory, this system would be ideal for the elderly, folks that currently have trouble eating by themselves, or you know -- for those that may or may not be too lazy to bring food to their face.
Permalink Dvice, IEEE Spectrum | sourceYouTube (mspetitegeek) | Email this | Comments
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Wysips wants to turn your phone's display into a solar cell (hands-on with video)
We chatted with a fascinating French startup by the name of Wysips here at CTIA today that's showing off transparent photovoltaic film -- in other words, it generates power from light... and you can see right through it. It's the only such film in the world, apparently -- and though you can probably imagine a host of possible applications for something like that, turning the entire surface of a touchscreen smartphone into a self-sufficient, solar-powered beast is clearly high on the list. Read all about it after the break!
Gallery: Wysips hands-on
Continue reading Wysips wants to turn your phone's display into a solar cell (hands-on with video)
Wysips wants to turn your phone's display into a solar cell (hands-on with video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Samsung sees a Retina Display in your tablet future, and perhaps glasses-free 3D
Samsung gazed into its crystal ball today, and what did it see? The pixel density of tablet screens drastically increasing. Yes, while Apple may not have managed to cram a screen into the iPad 2 worthy of the Retina moniker, it sounds like Samsung may be working on just such a thing, as the company projects that it will have tablet displays with 300 to 400 pixel-per-inch resolutions by 2015. Presently, the Samsung Galaxy Tab has a seven-inch, 1024 x 600 panel, which translates to only about 170ppi, but Samsung suggests that tablets of the exact same size might stretch well beyond 1080p desktop resolutions as pixel density increases, and yet still manage a respectable 8 to 10 hours of battery life. Samsung also said that while it's still waiting to see if consumers adopt stereoscopic 3D, it might be interested in joining the throng, perhaps bringing a glasses-free tablet display to market in the years to come. Curious what else the future might hold, according to Samsung? Take a peek at our gallery below.
Gallery: Samsung Display Strategy 2011
Samsung sees a Retina Display in your tablet future, and perhaps glasses-free 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Original iPad retrofitted to play nice with Smart Cover, magnets largely to thank (video)

Although we don't exactly know how they work, magnets are one of Earth's many fascinations and are used in many gadgets today -- perhaps most notably in Apple's new Smart Covers. As you might have already known, the iPad 2's first party screen concealer uses a bunch of magnets to make the magic happen; it snaps on and fits almost too well. By taking a few rare earth magnets and gluing them to the original slate's hip, blogger Dan Provost is able to use a Smart Cover with the iPad uno. He positioned them according to how they stuck to the hinge of the cover, which explains the lack of spacing between the four magnets. As you'll see in the video, Apple's screen protector works well with the tablet, but it lacks the auto-unlock mechanism found in the iPad 2. Care to give your original iPad a taste of modernity? Hit the more coverage link to find the main ingredient for this DIY project.
Permalink TUAW | sourceThe Russians Used A Pencil | Email this | Comments
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TeleNav bringing hybrid navigation to GPS apps, eases reliance on data connection
If there's two things the world needs, it's a complete lack of international roaming charges, and GPS signals that never fade. Oh, and for Slash to not play the last Super Bowl with the Black Eyed Peas -- we suppose that makes three. At any rate, at least we're moving somewhat closer to a reality that solves the middle issue, with TeleNav announcing this week that it'll be implementing "hybrid navigation technology" into its apps (including the new iOS version) in the very near future. Post-implementation, TeleNav software will automatically cache maps and directions for routes you look up, and if you drop your mobile connection or GPS signal en route, you'll still be able to have a look at the original plan. 'Course, any deviations from the prescribed route will lead to endless frustration, but if you (or your 63 year old father) are familiar with following a paper map, you ought to be just fine. The company asserts that the new addition will be rolling out to "select applications" that it develops for carrier partners "in the near future," and you won't be ask to pay a dime more for the added convenience. Sometimes life's just too kind, eh?

Update: TeleNav pinged us to say that its version will actually download full maps to the device (so you'll need a good chunk of free space), so you really won't suffer too much from not having a live connection. Also, the iPhone build is better known as AT&T Navigator v1.8i.
TeleNav bringing hybrid navigation to GPS apps, eases reliance on data connection originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceTeleNav | Email this | Comments
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Google HQ gets juiced with Plugless Power EV charging unit

We've seen it adorned with a giant Honeycomb and an oversized Gingerbread man, and now Google's bringing a more practical addition to its Mountain View campus -- specifically, a Plugless Power EV charging station. Its maker touts the installation as "the first public release" of the handsfree re-juicing system, and says it will eventually provided power to a fleet of low-speed EVs already in use at El Goog HQ -- the first of which has already been retrofitted to get pumped up. Who knows, maybe now we'll see something come of Google's claims to make electrical vehicles charge more efficiently. Full PR after the break. Continue reading Google HQ gets juiced with Plugless Power EV charging unit
Google HQ gets juiced with Plugless Power EV charging unit originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Electric Cars Report | sourcePlugless Power | Email this | Comments
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Best Buy signs up for LightSquared's wholesale LTE service
First it was Cricket Wireless, and now another piece of LightSquared's puzzle has fallen into place -- it's just announced at CTIA that Best Buy has signed on as a wholesale customer for the yet-to-be-launched LTE network. Details on the agreement are still pretty light, as you might expect, but Best Buy will apparently use the network to bolster its Best Buy Connect wireless service, which currently relies on Sprint and Clearwire's 3G and 4G networks. Exactly when that will happen isn't clear, unfortunately, but LightSquared CEO Sanjiv Ahuja says the first trials are expected to begin in the first quarter of next year.
Best Buy signs up for LightSquared's wholesale LTE service originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceReuters | Email this | Comments
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Apple could be licensing AirPlay for video streaming, HDTV integration seems imminent
There's nothing concrete to sink your teeth into just yet, but a couple of people "familiar with the matter" have informed Bloomberg that Apple could be taking AirPlay to the next level. Up until now, companies have been shelling out $4 per device to add AirPlay audio streaming into their products, but there's a very real demand for video to be included in that as well. According to sources, the video streaming protocol is already baked in, but not enabled / allowed under the current licensing agreement. It's bruited that the folks in Cupertino could soon expand the AirPlay license program to include video streaming from iPhones and iPads, with integration into HDTVs being the most obvious application. Specifically, the new plan would enable electronics makers to "use [AirPlay] in devices for streaming movies, TV shows and other video content," but there's no clear time table as to when any of this would go down. Will CEDIA 2011 be the launchpad for AirPlay-enabled televisions? If so, don't ever say we didn't see it coming.

[Thanks, Nilay]
Permalink | sourceBloomberg | Email this | Comments
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Kyocera launches developer program for dual-screen Echo smartphone
Kyocera promised that an SDK for its dual-screen Echo smartphone would be coming soon when it announced it last month, and it's now delivered that and more. It's just kicked off a full-fledged Android Developer Program for the phone, which will give developers access to Kyocera's support team, additional promotion and co-marketing opportunities for their apps, and even loaner units, although it's not clear exactly who's eligible for the latter. Those interested in taking part can download the SDK and contact Kyocera for additional information at the link below. Continue reading Kyocera launches developer program for dual-screen Echo smartphone
Kyocera launches developer program for dual-screen Echo smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Phone Arena | sourceKyocera | Email this | Comments
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مرسلة بواسطة Abdalrhman Albayyat
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