Monday, April 16, 2012

IT News Head Lines (Engadget) 4/16/2012





Best Buy details its 50 big box store shutdowns in the US, most will close by May 12th
We knew Best Buy planned to close 50 of its big box retail locations by the end of its 2013 fiscal year, and now (just days after Mike Mikan took the CEO-reigns from Brian Dunn) it's detailed all of the stores that'll be getting the boot. As it stands, two locations have already been shut down, with six others set to close before the year is out -- and the company hopes to clear out the remaining 42 before May 12th. Employees at most of the stores were informed of the news this weekend, and despite the impending closures, the company says it'll try to re-position them within the company or offer up severance packages. Past that, Best Buy is also reaching out to the customers of these stores, noting that they'll still have other nearby locations to choose from -- try-before-you-buy online shoppers rejoice. There's still no specific word about the 100 Best Buy Mobile stores it hopes to setup, but more information will be forthcoming later in the year. Hit up the press release after the break if you'd like to parse the full list of affected locations or find out more details about the planned closures.
Continue reading Best Buy details its 50 big box store shutdowns in the US, most will close by May 12th
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Canonical's AWSOME API bridges OpenStack and Amazon clouds, Ubuntu has its head in both
Canonical's AWESOME API bridges OpenStack and Amazon clouds, Ubuntu has its head in both
New features and services that improve Canonical's latest version of Ubuntu seem to keep rolling in. The latest addition being the announcement of its AWSOME proxy service. No, that's not us getting over excited about it, that stands for Any Web Service Over Me, and it includes APIs that smooth the transition to OpenStack from Amazon cloud services. Although not open source, Amazon's Web Service has such a large market share, that Canonical clearly want to make integrating with it as smooth as possible. The AWSOME proxy will only provide basic functionality for the AWS side of things, with users still encouraged to adopt the OpenStack infrastructure for deeper capabilities. Still, if you're currently working with Bezos' platform, and this was the last barrier to hopping aboard the Precise Pangolin ship, you're in luck.
Permalink The Inquirer  |  sourceCanonical  | Email this | Comments

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Nouveau open source NVIDIA driver goes stable, gets benchmarked
Nouveau open source NVIDIA driver goes stable, gets benchmarked
Nouveau, the open source graphics driver for NVIDIA GPUs is finally taking off the stabilizers, wandering out from the staging area, and being accepted as part of the standard stable kernel set-up. The project began nearly six years ago, so it's been a long road, but one that has earned it favor in certain corners of the Linux world. Things started gaining traction in the last three years as more and more distros started adopting, and Mr Linux himself, Linus Torvalds, suggested it be part of the kernel. Want to see how it performs? Head on down to the source link where the gents at Phoronix have kindly given it some comprehensive benchmarks.
Nouveau open source NVIDIA driver goes stable, gets benchmarked originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourcePhoronix  | Email this | Comments

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Ask Engadget: best heavy-duty cloud-storage solution?
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We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from is from is from Joe, who needs to backup half a terabyte of data to the cloud, as you do. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
"I'm looking for an online backup solution for between 100GB, up to 500GB of data. New options are popping up everywhere recently, but what's the best cloud storage backup solution that'd allow for easy drag-and-drop backup, syncing across multiple computers both Mac and Windows, access from Android devices and at a reasonable price? Thanks!"
Well, he doesn't want much, does he? Just world-class storage, universal device access and all for a rock-bottom price. There's plenty of contenders in this particular competition, from Dropbox all the way through to, erm, Box. It's kinda clear that Joe's not just backing up his holiday photos, so even enterprise-level offerings are worth suggesting. Still, the floor's now open to you, so fire away.
Ask Engadget: best heavy-duty cloud-storage solution? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 21:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Mobile Miscellany: week of April 9th, 2012
Mobile Miscellany: week of April 9th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, we've seen clues to suggest the Galaxy Nexus will arrive at Sprint in a matter of days, and leaked materials suggest Rogers will have the HTC One X in stock by April 20th. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of April 9th, 2012.
Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of April 9th, 2012
Mobile Miscellany: week of April 9th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Canon 'examining countermeasures' for 5D Mark IIIs experiencing top LCD light leak problem
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Looks like the honeymoon period with Canon's beastly 5D Mark III is officially over. Over the past few weeks some users have noticed that light leaking from its top-mounted LCD can affect exposure readouts, and now the company has confirmed that it's indeed an issue. Essentially, the camera's meter can experience a shift in the readout whenever the LCD's backlight turns on in a dark situation -- ensuring frustration when composing shots. There's no word on how wide-spread the problem currently is, but Canon notes that it's "examining the countermeasures" and plans to circle back once it has a solution. Interestingly, PetaPixel also reports that some folks have experienced the phenomenon when ambient light beams down on the panel as well. This isn't the first time Canon's had an issue with a shooter after its release, but hopefully a fix will be in soon. You'll find more details at the links below, but while your here, let us know if you've got a Mark III showcasing the symptoms in the comments.
Permalink Gizmodo, PetaPixel, Canon Watch  |  sourceCanon  | Email this | Comments

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Sharp rolls out high-res IGZO LCDs destined for tablets, laptops and monitors
Sharp rolls out high-res IGZO LCDs destined for tablets, laptops and monitors
Well, a week (or two) is a long time in the technology industry, and despite that joint venture with Sony heading south, it's not all bad news for Sharp. According to a press release from the panel maker, it has begun production of the world's first screens based on IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) technology. These screens are said to promise twice the detail as existing panels of similar transparency, which also translates into a hefty 90 percent reduction in power consumption, reports PC World. Sharp did kindly share some sample specifications, such as a 7-inch tablet display touting a 1280 x 800 resolution equaling 217 ppi, and a 32-inch 3840 x 2160 screen at 140 ppi, to give you an idea of what we can expect. There's no indication yet as to any devices where we might see them showing up, but as the firm claims it's ramping up production "to meet market demand" we guess we'll find out soon enough...
Continue reading Sharp rolls out high-res IGZO LCDs destined for tablets, laptops and monitors
Sharp rolls out high-res IGZO LCDs destined for tablets, laptops and monitors originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 17:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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BBS version of Google takes you back in time, won't hog your phone line
BBS version of Google takes you back in time, won't hog your phone line
If the third digit of your birth year is a nine (or heck, a zero), you'll likely never have experienced the true agony joy that was BBS or Bulletin Board Systems. Well, thanks to nostalgic developer Norbert Landsteiner, you can take a glimpse at how your dad got online with an HTML / JavaScript emulation BBS Google. Likewise, more seasoned travelers of the internet can take a trip down memory lane and see what Mountain View's search engine might have looked like "back in the day." All the details are there, right down to the familiar modem tones and ASCII graphics, it's even somewhat functional (when the API isn't over its limit.) So, want to appreciate that browser you complain about on twitter all the time over your LTE connection? Tab on down to the source link for a lesson in gratitude.
BBS version of Google takes you back in time, won't hog your phone line originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 15:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink The Next Web  |  sourceMasswerk  | Email this | Comments

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Alleged ASUS teaser wants us to 'Experience the Infinity,' fails to explain how
Alleged ASUS teaser wants us to 'Experience the Infinity,' fails to explain how
This isn't the first time a mysterious bit of video has come our way with the promise of something new and fabulous from ASUS. The latest such clip comes from a third party, so take it with a hefty pinch of Morton's. It shows some slow motion footage of a drop of water falling into a bigger body of H2O, then a message emerges from the resulting concentric waves telling us to "Experience the Infinity." Whatever that means, it'll be "coming soon" -- next week, apparently, as the video finishes up touting Milano Design Week, which starts on April 17th. Is the video legit? Will some fabulous new device make its mark in Milan? We've no idea, but it certainly has a style similar to other teasers we've seen from the Taiwanese firm. You can make up your own mind once you've watched the vid after the break.
Continue reading Alleged ASUS teaser wants us to 'Experience the Infinity,' fails to explain how
Alleged ASUS teaser wants us to 'Experience the Infinity,' fails to explain how originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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HTC Golf allegedly appears in press shot sporting ICS and Sense 4
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The HTC Golf, as it's known by codename, has been rumored to be in the works for quite some time now, but today marks our first virtual encounter with the device. Thanks to a leaked press image acquired by PocketNow, we can finally get an idea of what HTC's alleged entry-level slab may look like. Aside from being coated with a fresh version of Sense, the 3.5-inch Golf is also said to be packing an underwhelming 480 x 320 display, a single-core CPU, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of onboard storage (expandable via microSD). Additionally, word on the web has the Golf as being an eventual member of the outfit's Wildfire family, though we'd hold off on giving it a different dub just yet. Either way, perhaps this one will be good enough to wave goodbye to that ChaCha of yours.
HTC Golf allegedly appears in press shot sporting ICS and Sense 4 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink TechCrunch  |  sourcePocketNow  | Email this | Comments

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Japan's Resident Evil 6 bundle costs $1,300: nets you a leather jacket, doesn't make you cool
Japan's Resident Evil 6 bundle costs $1,300: nets you a leather jacket, doesn't make you cool
Engadget has seen plenty of limited edition items looking to lighten the wallets of oil barons and hedge fund managers alike. Now Capcom's readying its bundle for Resident Evil 6's Japan launch and it includes protagonist Leon's leather jacket -- available in sizes S, M, L and XL. A complete set of as-yet unrevealed "tablet cases", supposedly emblazoned with character designs will also arrive in the set, as those wealthy enough to afford the 104,000 yen ($1,300) set presumably have at least four devices to garnish with Resident Evil livery. Japanese one-percenters can hit up the preorder site -- with their choice of jacket size -- at the source below.
Permalink Joystiq  |  sourceCapcom Japan (translated)  | Email this | Comments

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Apple issues Flashback removal tool for 10.7 Lion systems not running Java
Apple issues Flashback removal tool for 10.7 Lion systems not running Java
The Flashback OS X trojan continues to cast a rainy shadow over Mac owners' sense of security, and even though a fix has been released, this was only for what Apple considered "the most common variants." Users of Lion, who don't have Java installed, weren't included in that initial run, but there is a new removal tool just for them. So, if you're running 10.7 and never installed Oracle's virtual machine, make sure you point your browser at the source link below.
Apple issues Flashback removal tool for 10.7 Lion systems not running Java originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 09:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink TUAW  |  sourceApple  | Email this | Comments

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Facebook for PS Vita adds photo uploading, support for all system languages
Facebook for PS Vita adds photo uploading, support for all system languages
If you were disappointed with the Facebook app for the Vita due to not being able to share your Unit 13 high score screen grabs, then maybe it's time to reconsider. Version 1.01 just landed, and despite sounding like the tiniest incremental increase, there is, in fact, some decent new functionality. Not only can you finally upload images (and therefore those brags scores) to your news feed, you can also tag them, and enjoy any of the system languages of the device while you do so. Enough to win you back? Then point your Vita at the PS store for the goods.
Facebook for PS Vita adds photo uploading, support for all system languages originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 09:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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PSA: Pottermore is no longer colloportus, open to muggles and magicians alike
PSA: Pottermore is no longer colloportus, open to muggles and magicians alike
It's been a waitus longissimus, but finally Pottermore has raised the portcullis to the rest of us muggles. You can sign up right now, after which you'll be allocated to your respective Hogwarts house, but it might take a few more days before you're fully initiated into the hallowed halls proper. Just don't tell Voldemort.

[Thanks Daniel]
PSA: Pottermore is no longer colloportus, open to muggles and magicians alike originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 07:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Dolby Labs and Philips unveil Dolby 3D tech, want to deliver glasses-free 3D in HD
Dolby Labs and Philips debut Dolby 3D tech, want to deliver glasses-free 3D in HD
Dolby helped the 3D revolution happen in movie theaters years ago, and now it's teamed up with Philips to do the same for TVs, tablets, laptops and phones. The two companies have created a format and content delivery technology, dubbed Dolby 3D, to bring high definition 3D content to any and all devices with 3D displays, including those that don't require glasses. Its secret sauce automatically optimizes video for different screen sizes and also upgrades half-resolution 3D to full-res. The idea is to provide both broadcasters and OEMs with a way to deliver 3D HD content to customers buying Dolby 3D devices, while remaining compatible with existing 3D gadgets. All that's left is to actually build some hardware that'll let us see all those snazzy suits from Mad Men in high-def and the third dimension.
Continue reading Dolby Labs and Philips unveil Dolby 3D tech, want to deliver glasses-free 3D in HD
Dolby Labs and Philips unveil Dolby 3D tech, want to deliver glasses-free 3D in HD originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 06:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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HTC launches trio of Dragons in China, Ice Cream Sandwich on all
HTC launches trio of Dragons in China, Ice Cream Sandwich on all
HTC's been far from quiet since unveiling its One series to the masses, and today the company's continuing the trend by launching three new devices in China. This trio makes up HTC's Dragon lineup, which our partners at Engadget China first met at MWC. Leading the way is the 4-inch HTC VT T328t for China Mobile, featuring Sense 4, an S-LCD, WVGA screen, a 1GHz CPU alongside 512MB of RAM, the famed Beats Audio and of course, it's running a flavor of Android ICS. As for the VC T328d (Telecom) and V T328w (Unicom), they're both rocking similar specs as the VT model, with the exception of dual-SIM card slots on each. All three Dragons are expected to be available by month's end, but save for the T328w costing 1999 yuan (around $320), pricing remains a mystery.
Continue reading HTC launches trio of Dragons in China, Ice Cream Sandwich on all
HTC launches trio of Dragons in China, Ice Cream Sandwich on all originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 03:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Unwired View  |  sourceePrice (Translated)  | Email this | Comments

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PSA: Watch Coachella on YouTube, Google devices for free this weekend
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Sure, Google's previous Coachella stream ran about as smoothly as Woodstock 1999's final hours, but that's no reason to abandon the idea. Mountain View has decided to give it another go, streaming 2012's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Youtube and to properly equipped devices. Looking to get your rock on? Hit the source link below.
PSA: Watch Coachella on YouTube, Google devices for free this weekend originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Android Central  |  sourceYouTube  | Email this | Comments

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Republic Wireless opening up reservation system next week in advance of summer beta program
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We've already known that Republic Wireless was planning to reopen the beta program for its hybrid WiFi / cellular service this summer, and the company has now finally detailed exactly how that beta will take place. For starters, it'll only be open to those who have already signed up to the company's email list or tried to place an order when that option was available last November, but that's still not a guarantee to get in. Starting next week, those folks will receive an email with details on how to take part in the company's online reservation system, after which you'll then have a week to claim a spot in one of the beta waves that will be rolling out over the course of the summer. Still no word on that new handset that was also promised for April, but you can find all the details on the beta program at the link below.

[Thanks, Andy]
Permalink   |  sourceRepublic Wireless  | Email this | Comments

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ASUS reportedly to release Transformer Pad 300 on April 22nd
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The ASUS Transformer Pad 300 is getting closer to bringing its watered-down Prime flavor to store shelves, as PC World reports a spokesperson confirmed it will begin shipping April 22nd. What they could not confirm was the price, although there are preorders out there for $399 already. In case you've forgotten, the 300 brings the same Tegra 3 processor as the Prime, but matches it with a standard IPS display, optional LTE and only 16GB of built-in storage, as well as 10 hours of battery life. We'll let you know when we hear more, but for now feel free to pencil in a note on your Earth Day calendar entries.
ASUS reportedly to release Transformer Pad 300 on April 22nd originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 22:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sennheiser intros ritzy IE 800 headphones and HDVD 800 amp, your wallet screams
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You thought Sennheiser had already done enough to appease audiophiles this year at CES? Think again. The company has announced yet another new set of headphones with an amp to keep it warm at night, but the high-end wares come at a high-end price. The ceramic IE 800 buds (€599 or $787) offer a broad 5 - 46,000 Hz audio range in spite of their mere 7mm drivers, while stainless steel vents on the back supposedly "improve bass and airflow." If you need some extra juice and don't mind forking over the premium €1,499 ($1,973), the HDVD 800 headphone amp's shell is rocking anodized aluminum and a glass window for peering at the bantam circuitry within -- way over the top, but also, pretty amazing. It supports 24-bit 192kHz sources and is engineered for ideal synergy with Senn's HD 800, HD 700, HD 650 and HD 600. Both should hit the shelves by summer of this year.
Sennheiser intros ritzy IE 800 headphones and HDVD 800 amp, your wallet screams originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceSlashGear  | Email this | Comments

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LG renames Optimus LTE to Optimus True HD LTE, disses Samsung's HD Super AMOLED
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While the Optimus LTE's already made its way to South Korea, Japan and the US (in the guise of the Spectrum and the Nitro HD), LG's decided to give this dual-core handset a new name ahead of its Hong Kong launch at the end of this month. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Optimus True HD LTE. Alas, the "true HD" part here doesn't actually mean the phone's getting 1080p resolution on a 4.5-inch panel (which would be 490ppi; yet Toshiba's actually done it!); but we were told that 'tis really just a dig at Samsung's HD Super AMOLED technology -- you know, the magic behind that 4.65-inch screen on the Galaxy Nexus and the Galaxy S II HD LTE.

Simply put, LG doesn't think that 1,280 x 720 on PenTile counts as HD due to the lower number of sub-pixels; and while it's at it, the company also criticized AMOLED's over-expressed colors and higher power consumption in "normal user environment" -- for the latter, LG showed that its AH-IPS has a more consistent power consumption across varying levels of overall whiteness. You can see the relevant slides after the break.

Of course, we've already expressed (twice) how much we like the HD Super AMOLED display on the Galaxy Nexus. The clearness issue now is much less noticeable when compared to the original Super AMOLED; but as for color accuracy, many of us are indeed deceived by the vibrancy that we naturally enjoy -- except when you need to inspect photos, of course. Regardless, we're pretty sure that it's only a matter of time before Samsung strikes back with a, ahem, "true HD" Super AMOLED (Plus) panel -- hopefully in time for the upcoming Galaxy S III.
Gallery: LG renames Optimus LTE to Optimus True HD LTE, disses Samsung's HD Super AMOLED
Continue reading LG renames Optimus LTE to Optimus True HD LTE, disses Samsung's HD Super AMOLED
LG renames Optimus LTE to Optimus True HD LTE, disses Samsung's HD Super AMOLED originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Valve employee spills the hardware beans: wearable computers, ahoy
Valve employee spills the hardware beans: wearable computers, ahoy
When Michael Abrash started working for Valve, he expected the higher-ups to hand him a pile of work and tell him to hop to it. They didn't. Instead, he was told to figure out the most valuable thing he could do for the company, and then do it. So, Abrash wound up kicking off an in-house R&D project for wearable computers, and according to a recent blog post, is looking to expand his research team. More than me-too mice and gamepads, indeed. Abrash is quick to put a lid on rumors of "Steam glasses," however, and warns readers not to expect any big reveals at E3 -- this is just an "initial investigation into a very interesting and promising space," he says, and is more "research than development." Rearing to give Google's Project Glass a run for its money? Or maybe you're just itching for a detailed narrative of employee and employer? Either way, you'll find what you're looking at the source link below.
Valve employee spills the hardware beans: wearable computers, ahoy originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink The Verge  |  sourceValve Software  | Email this | Comments

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7digital music store offers Windows Phone users 18 million tracks for purchase
7digital music store offers Windows Phone users 18 million tracks for purchase
In news that can be filed under "better late than never," 7digital has finally brought its impressive music store to the Windows Phone platform. The company has previously promised a January arrival for its eponymous app, which now offers 18 million song tracks for sale. As you'd expect, it offers shoppers with 30 second previews of each track, and purchased music will automatically sync to one's mobile device. The Windows Phone version of 7digital now joins its Android, BlackBerry and iOS counterparts, but unique to this release is a Metro interface and support for Live Tiles -- which allows users to pin their favorite artists, tracks and albums to the home screen. Shoppers will discover a variable pricing scheme for the DRM-free music, where the majority of albums sell between $5 and $12. Inquiring minds will find the full PR after the break.
Continue reading 7digital music store offers Windows Phone users 18 million tracks for purchase
7digital music store offers Windows Phone users 18 million tracks for purchase originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceWindows Phone Marketplace  | Email this | Comments

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HTC fixes rare One S chipping finish issue, swaps phones for free
HTC fixes rare One S chipping finish issue, swaps phones for free
The black HTC One S uses a process called micro arc oxidation (MAO) to harden its aluminum unibody and make it feel like ceramic. We've recently experienced some chipping on the finish of one of our review units, so we reached out to HTC to find out if this is a known problem. Turns out we're not the only ones to report the issue, and while rare, the company's gone ahead and tweaked its manufacturing process and is offering to swap affected phones for free for existing customers. Here's HTC's statement:
HTC is committed to delivering a high quality product and great experience for all our customers. There have been a few, isolated reports of this issue. The finish on the One S was laboratory tested as being at a hardness similar to ceramic. While that's hard, it doesn't mean it's impossible to damage. Regardless, HTC takes quality very seriously and are providing all customers with an immediate fix and we are implementing some small changes to ensure customers do not experience this issue in the future.
HTC fixes rare One S chipping finish issue, swaps phones for free originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Canon firmware update for XF camcorders incoming, brings broadcast friendly format along
Canon firmware update for XF Camcorders incoming, brings broadcast friendly format along
Still loving your XF video shooter from Canon, but lamenting the lack of 1440 x 1080, 35 mbps HD? Better sit down on your director's chair then, as it looks like a forthcoming firmware update for the series adds exactly this (at both 50i and 60i.) The format is popular with broadcast and news, and no doubt Canon is hoping to broaden the appeal of the XF line by bundling it in -- or smoothing the workflow of existing owners. The update will be available to all four cameras in the range (XF100, XF105, XF300, and XF305,) and you'll be able to start shooting with it from end of May.
Continue reading Canon firmware update for XF camcorders incoming, brings broadcast friendly format along
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Nokia Lumia 900 data connectivity fix available now, three days early
Nokia Lumia 900 data connectivity fix available now, three days early
Good news came late today for all those Lumia 900 owners out there. It appears that Nokia has officially released the software update to resolve the handset's data connectivity issues -- a full three days early, in fact. Users may download the software through either Zune on the PC or Windows Phone 7 Connector on the Mac. For those who'd prefer to swap out their handset at an AT&T store, you have between now and April 21st to complete the exchange. Naturally, the limited-time offer remains in place for all those who purchase a Lumia 900 before April 21st to receive a $100 credit to their AT&T phone bill, courtesy of Nokia. Quite the graceful recovery, indeed.
Nokia Lumia 900 data connectivity fix available now, three days early originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceNokia, @NokiaUS (Twitter)  | Email this | Comments

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Sprint will activate LTE on the 800MHz band in 2014
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Sprint's Steve Elfman has said that the company's intending to activate an LTE service over its 800MHz spectrum by 2014. Big Yellow's already received 3GPP certification to turn Band 26 into super-fast mobile internet, the only remaining regulatory hurdle left to overcome is a thumbs-up from the FCC. The due date isn't set in stone, as it'll depend entirely on how quickly the company can force current iDEN users to migrate to its CDMA Direct Connect service. Meanwhile, LTE service in Atlanta, Baltimore, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City and San Antonio will activate across next year, with the company confident that it'll be able to keep pace with AT&T and Verizon's services by offloading traffic onto Clearwire's TD-LTE Network which should go live by June 2013. We can only guess that after that the announcement was done, Mr. Elfman looked at a picture of Philip Falcone and had to step outside for a little cry.
Sprint will activate LTE on the 800MHz band in 2014 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Phonescoop  |  sourceFierce Wireless  | Email this | Comments

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Mozilla tests out opt-in system for plug-ins in latest Firefox nightly build
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Plug-ins bogging down your web browsing? Then it looks like you could soon have another option to cut through the clutter right in Firefox. The latest nightly build of the browser includes a new feature that lets users turn off all plug-ins by default and then click on each to enable them (something that, we should note, can already be done through third-party add-ons). While that functionality is still in the early stages, Mozilla's Jared Wein says that they're now working on adding the ability to remember plug-in settings on a per-site basis, and hope to have the feature ready for the release version of Firefox 14 (currently due out in July). In the meantime, you can get an early look at the feature in the latest nightly build available at the source link below.
Mozilla tests out opt-in system for plug-ins in latest Firefox nightly build originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Slashdot  |  sourceFirefox Nightly  | Email this | Comments

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Google named official social platform of 2012 Republican National Convention
Google named official social platform of 2012 Republican National Convention
It's no secret that Big G's tight with the federal government, whether it's White House staff hanging out on Google +, or the company giving us all a personal tour of Obama's abode. This time around, though, Larry Page & Co. have announced a partnership with the GOP which makes Mountain View the official social platform and livestream provider of the upcoming Republican National Convention. Essentially, this means Republicans at the gathering will use sites like YouTube and Google+ to stream live events and pop in at the occasional Hangout. That said, it wouldn't surprise us if attendees dabbled in that other social network, as it's no stranger to politics, either. Too bad Santorum's not around to try on those snorkeling goggles...
Google named official social platform of 2012 Republican National Convention originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink TechCrunch  |  sourceGoogle Politics & Elections Blog  | Email this | Comments

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HTC One X gets unofficial power management fix, boosts battery life 10 to 20 percent
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Somewhere along mike1986's development of Android Revolution HD, a custom ROM for the HTC One X, he found that something amiss with the smartphone's stock system -- its Tegra 3 power management software didn't function properly. According to the developer, an app known as NvCPLSvc.apk was misplaced in the /system/bin folder, rather than its proper destination of /system/app. Along with the custom ROM, mike1986 has released the fix as a separate bundle, which is detailed in the source below. To apply the patch, users must push the new APK to their handset via ADB, and then alter the file's permissions. Unless you're seriously hindered by your phone's battery life, however, it seems safe to wait for an official update from HTC. On the upside, users report an battery life increase in the neighborhood of 10 to 20 percent once with the fix in place, and we can only hope that all users will soon benefit from similar gains.

[Thanks, Nitin]
Permalink   |  sourcexda-developers  | Email this | Comments

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Facebook Offers starts rolling out, spamming your news feed with coupons (video)
Facebook Offers starts rolling out, spamming your news feed with coupons
When Facebook first announced Offers you we're probably wondering if there was even room for yet another coupon service. Between Google, Groupon, Yelp, Living Social and countless others we're not entirely sure there's a niche left untapped for Facebook, but that isn't going to stop Zuck and crew from trying. The service is officially rolling out as we speak, and offering its wares to any business with a Facebook page, regardless of size. The hope is that it'll catch on with smaller businesses in particular, which will now have an easy way to place deals directly into user's news feeds. Of course, after the failure of Facebook Deals, you'd be forgiven for assuming this experiment is doomed from moment one. Check out the video after the break and the source link for more details.
Continue reading Facebook Offers starts rolling out, spamming your news feed with coupons (video)
Facebook Offers starts rolling out, spamming your news feed with coupons (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink The Verge  |  sourceFacebook  | Email this | Comments

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The Engadget Show returns Friday, April 20th!
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We're back, fresh off a Webby nomination and ready for a very special episode of The Engadget Show. We took our film crew to Asia this time out, to check out the markets of Taipei, Hong Kong and Shenzhen. We'll also be speaking with top reps from Huawei and ASUS on our trip and bringing you the latest and greatest gadgets, surprises, music and a whole bunch more.

Best of all, if you're in New York City, you can be a part of the live show -- just fire off an email to engadgetshow [at] engadget.com. And if you can't make it in person, fear not, we'll be streaming live at 6PM on Friday. Just bookmark this here URL.

Here are the deets:
o. The event is all ages.
o. We'll open doors and begin seating at 5:15pm on April 20th, and the taping begins at 6:00PM. We'll be closing the doors at 5:50PM.
o. A limited number of tickets are available, first come first serve. We will also have a limited stand-by list available.
o. Please bring a photo ID with you to the taping.
o. The show length is around an hour.

If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia [at] engadget [dot] com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow [at] engadget [dot] com.

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The Engadget Show returns Friday, April 20th! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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IRL: oStylus Dot, Sansa Clip+ and SanDisk's Extreme Pro 128GB CompactFlash Card
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

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This week's IRL is a quirky mix of vintage and modern, with Billy getting comfy with a new iPad stylus and Jason clinging to the Sansa Clip+ player he's owned since 2009. Rounding things out, Darren's decided to put all his digital media in one proverbial basket: a 128GB CompactFlash card.
Continue reading IRL: oStylus Dot, Sansa Clip+ and SanDisk's Extreme Pro 128GB CompactFlash Card
IRL: oStylus Dot, Sansa Clip+ and SanDisk's Extreme Pro 128GB CompactFlash Card originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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FCC Fridays: April 13, 2012
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We here at Engadget tend to spend a lot of way too much time poring over the latest FCC filings, be it on the net or directly on the ol' Federal Communications Commission's site. Since we couldn't possibly (want to) cover all the stuff that goes down there individually, we've gathered up an exhaustive listing of every phone and / or tablet getting the stamp of approval over the last week. Enjoy!
Continue reading FCC Fridays: April 13, 2012
FCC Fridays: April 13, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Professors develop food-magnifying glasses, no need to super size
Professors develop food magnifying glasses, no need to super size
Big eyes, small stomach. We've all been there at some point, when we load our plate up with more than our tummies can handle. Now, a team of Professors at Tokyo University has created special glasses that magnify the food on your plate, to create the illusion of larger portions, and trick your brain into creating a sensation of fullness. Now this might just sound like "magnifying glasses" but to give it credit, it's a little smarter than that. The diet-specs house a camera that only expands your nosh (up to fifty percent,) and not your hands. The proof of concept has been backed up by a small group test of 12 people. The subjects consumed 9.3 percent less cookies when magnified, and ate 15 percent more when the treats were set to appear smaller. Certainly these are the wackiest glasses we've seen in, oh, over a week.
Professors develop food-magnifying glasses, no need to super size originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink The Verge  |  sourceYomiuri Online (Japanese)  | Email this | Comments

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Engadget Podcast 289 - 04.13.2012
The Real Engadget Podcast: New York City: It's when bloggers stop being polite, and start getting real, which for these Engadget Podcasters means talking to their pets and talking to their beers, with a stiff dose of tech talk up top that can't be out-realed.

Host: Brian Heater
Guests: Michael Gorman, Terrence O'brien
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Orbital - Never

00:02:00 - The Engadget Show is nominated for a Webby Award!


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Engadget Podcast 289 - 04.13.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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PSA: Sony details ICS rollout for 2011 Xperia smartphones, Nordic regions to get first dibs
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Good news for all you owners of 2011 edition Xperia smartphones -- Sony's Xperia Product Blog has just confirmed that the devices will begin receiving a tasty upgrade to Android Ice Cream Sandwich. The update is set to first rollout in the Nordic countries of Norway (naturally), Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland -- specifically for the Xperia arc S, ray and neo V -- followed by an expansion into other markets within the next "four to six weeks." Don't fret if you don't own one of the aforementioned devices, though, as Sony has noted that near the end of May it should have ICS ready for the Xperia arc, Play, active, neo mini, mini pro, pro and Sony Ericson Live. If you're hungering for more specific information on when you'll be able to update your device, you'll have to keep it posted to the source links below in the meantime.
Permalink   |  sourceSony Xperia Product Blog, Sony Xperia support forum  | Email this | Comments

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HTC One V review
HTC One V review
It's the other One. While HTC's One X and One S jostle over which has the more potent processor, and customers weigh high-definition screens against high-science coatings, the One V has held back. Quite rightly, as this phone has no delusions of flagship grandeur. Negri Electronics has lent us an off-gray HTC One V to try out, although it will also be available in a black finish. With a nod to HTC's design past, a now relatively modest 3.7-inch screen and a ho-hum single-core 1GHz processor, the phone's looking to capture first-time smartphone buyers, along with anyone looking for a reasonably priced upgrade. For the money -- around $346 (£229) -- they'll get the latest version of Android topped by a slightly tweaked version of HTC's Sense 4 skin. Is this the new benchmark for entry-level smart phones? Can a such a weedy processor handle Android 4.0? And what's with that chin? We'll answer all those questions and more after the break.
Gallery: HTC One V review
Continue reading HTC One V review
HTC One V review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceNegri Electronics  | Email this | Comments

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Spotify's got a 'special announcement' coming next week
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Looks like Spotify's not done with its big news. Two days after launching the new Play Button, and a day after getting entirely too excited about adding the Red Hot Chili Peppers to its catalog, the music streamer sent out invites for an event in New York City featuring the company's CEO, Daniel Ek on center stage. Oh yeah, and we'll be there too, of course.
Spotify's got a 'special announcement' coming next week originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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ChevronWP7 officially closes up shop for good, hands out App Hub memberships
ChevronWP7 officially closes up shop for good
We were a tad disappointed when ChevronWP7 stopped handing out unlock token for Windows Phones in early January, only two months after launching. But, we held out hope that one day the shop might reopen its doors and once again offer a cheap option to those of us that wish to free our WP7 devices from Microsoft's shackles. Sadly, that dream is officially dead, as ChevronWP7 has been shuttered for good. On the plus side, current customers will be rewarded with a one-year membership to Microsoft's App Hub -- currently the only legit way to unlock your Windows Phone. So, we're sad to see ChevronWP7 go but, if you were lucky enough to score a token before the 10,000 available sold out, you got a pretty sweet deal in paying $9 for a $99 App Hub membership. Hit up the source link for full details.

[Thanks, Joe]
ChevronWP7 officially closes up shop for good, hands out App Hub memberships originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink WinSource  |  sourceChevronWP7  | Email this | Comments

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