IT News Head Lines (Engadget) 4/18/2012

Microsoft updates Bing Translator for Windows Phone with offline features (video)

Never again will Windows Phone owners worry about ordering raw beef in Spain without first knowing what'll arrive on their plate. That's because the crew at Microsoft have updated the Bing Translator app, which is available for free in the Marketplace. It now allows users to point their cameras at otherwise unintelligible text and then view a proper translation as an overlay on the photograph. As another nifty trick, Bing Translate allows users to speak phrases into their phone, which will then be audibly translated into a foreign language of choice. Most impressive, however, is the app's new offline capabilities, which can be enabled with the simple download of a language pack. Bing Translator supports English, Spanish, German, French, Italian and Chinese Simplified, and if you'd like a peek into its functionality, just hop the break for the video.
Continue reading Microsoft updates Bing Translator for Windows Phone with offline features (video)

Microsoft updates Bing Translator for Windows Phone with offline features (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus Electric test drive and MyFord Mobile hands-on (video)

This is the production version of Ford's Focus Electric for the US market, and we got the chance to take it for a proper test drive last week. Don't fret, though -- Engadget hasn't suddenly turned into a car site. While we'll be happy to share our driving impressions, we're mostly interested in how Ford interfaces the vehicle with our favorite mobile devices and social networks -- tech that we're covered before, known as MyFord Mobile. Hit the break for the details, including our hands-on video.

Gallery: Ford Focus Electric hands-on

Continue reading Ford Focus Electric test drive and MyFord Mobile hands-on (video)

Ford Focus Electric test drive and MyFord Mobile hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple II turns 35, doesn't bother with midlife crisis

It was 35 years ago today that two Steves and a handful of employees introduced the world to a game-changer: the Apple II. Easily recognizable today as one of history's first truly accessible personal computers, it's a bit odd to think that the iconic rig was almost overlooked at its debut at the 1977 West Coast Computer Faire. Even so, the beige box weaseled its way into our homes and schools. $1300 bought the most basic model of the machine that taught a generation of children the dangers of fording a river, rocking a paltry 4KB of RAM and a 1MHz processor. Despite its age, the old Apple II is doing its best to keep up with the times -- making music, going to concerts and even trying out those hip Bluetooth protocols its grand kids are always talking about. Feeling nostalgic? Check out Time's in-depth tribute to the Apple II's history, influence and legacy at the source link below.

Apple II turns 35, doesn't bother with midlife crisis originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint tries the subsidized netbook thing again with WiMAX-infused IdeaPad S205s
Note to everyone: subsidized netbooks aren't a relic. Not quite yet, anyway. In what has to be one of the more bizarre launches of the year, Sprint has seemingly decided it wise to launch a $199.99 netbook with a mandatory two-year data contract, and better still, the 4G module within favors WiMAX. Just weeks after Sprint affirmed that it was over WiMAX phones, in flies a WiMAX netbook. Brilliant. For those unfazed, the IdeaPad S205s offers up an 11.6-inch panel (1366 x 768), a 1.33GHz dual-core Intel U5600 processor, 2GB of DDR3 memory, a 250GB hard drive, 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi module and a six-cell (4400mAh) battery good for around five hours of life. And just so we're clear: it's a netbook, supporting WiMAX (read: not LTE), and it costs $200 with a two-year data contract. And now, you know.
Continue reading Sprint tries the subsidized netbook thing again with WiMAX-infused IdeaPad S205s

Sprint tries the subsidized netbook thing again with WiMAX-infused IdeaPad S205s originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boeing 787 set for first biofuel-powered flight tonight

Biofuel in planes is hardly a new idea, but when Boeing's latest and greatest aircraft gets in on the green game, we take notice. That's right, a ANA 787 Dreamliner is currently preparing to take off from Everett, Washington this evening and will make its way across the Pacific to Tokyo powered by biofuel. Well played, Boeing, we're all for celebrating Earth Day a little early, and it's always good to see someone giving Sir Richard Branson a run for his money.
[Photo credit: Boeing, Flickr]

Boeing 787 set for first biofuel-powered flight tonight originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASA deems SpaceX Dragon worthy of the ISS, locks in April 30th launch date

A month ago to the day, SpaceX informed us all that it was aiming to launch its Dragon spacecraft skyward on April 30th, and rendezvous with the ISS a few days later. Now NASA's finally finished its flight readiness review and has given Elon Musk's capsule the green light to hit that launch window. The capsule will hitch a ride on one of the firm's Falcon 9 rockets and will launch from Cape Canaveral just after noon ET -- from there it'll perform a flyby of the station to check its sensors and flight systems before its inaugural docking with the ISS. Wanna watch the magic happen? Live video of the launch starts at 11AM on NASA TV, and night owls can watch the docking itself occur May 3rd at 2AM.

NASA deems SpaceX Dragon worthy of the ISS, locks in April 30th launch date originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WD's 1TB VelociRaptor HDD gets reviewed: substantial gains, moderate price

Western Digital has expanded its line of desktop-grade VelociRaptors to include a 1TB model that's available now for $310, but those kidding themselves with that whole "250GB is enough" thing can get in for as little as $160. Top-level specs include a 10,000RPM spindle rate and a SATA 6Gb/s interface housed within a 3.5-inch heatsink -- useful for lessening the burden of the drive's thermal output on the rest of the machine. Storage Review's tests reveal that sequential read and write transfer speeds top out around 206MB/s, thermal dissipation is excellent with low power consumption, and that random access has improved compared with it's 600GB predecessor. They consider the new HDD to be a "very appealing value proposition" and "a blend of high performance, storage, capacity, and low cost."
Hot Hardware discovered virtually identical numbers with their tests, but wasn't quite as forgiving when it comes to the cost-per-GB versus 7200RPM hard drives. However, they call this VelociRaptor the "fastest HDD yet" at "nearly double the capacity of previous" model. You can find even more stats and impressions to chew on at the sources below.
Continue reading WD's 1TB VelociRaptor HDD gets reviewed: substantial gains, moderate price

WD's 1TB VelociRaptor HDD gets reviewed: substantial gains, moderate price originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DJI multi-rotor aircraft with Ruling live video feed controller hands-on (video)

Well that's a mouthful. Shenzhen-based DJI Innovations was on hand at NAB today to demonstrate its new hex-rotor aircraft, designed to provide photographers (and videographers) with a low-cost tool for capturing aerial images. The vehicle we saw today, coined Spreading Wings S800 (its rotors retract for storage) is a fairly straightforward multi-rotor aircraft, save for a couple pretty slick enhancements. Even more impressive, however, was DJI's Ruling, a "ground control terminal" that enables you to adjust not only aircraft direction and elevation, but also the camera position, complete with a live video feed as captured by a Sony NEX-5N mounted on a multi-axis camera gimbal. The camera mount is designed to maintain a stable image regardless of the craft's position -- once it's fixed on a subject, it will adjust to retain the pre-selected angle.
The Ruling controller is very much still a prototype, with a yet-unpolished military green plastic housing and a built-in LCD. There's also dual joysticks -- one on the left to adjust the camera platform, and a second on the right to control the aircraft itself, letting you climb, descend and turn in every which way with a flick. The duo was very responsive during a brief demonstration, making calculated movements with what looked to be precise accuracy. The video feed was interrupted slightly by the multitude of wireless connections littering the Las Vegas Convention Center airwaves, but reps were still able to verify framing and adjust position -- the aircraft itself never faltered, with a maximum range of 10 kilometers (5km for the video feed, in ideal conditions). The Spreading Wings S800 is available for pre-order now and is expected to ship next month for roughly $8,500. That clever live video controller will cost you another pretty penny, however, with an estimated $5,000 price tag and a TBD ship date. You'll want to take a closer look in the video after the break.

Gallery: DJI multi-rotor aircraft with Ruling live video feed controller hands-on

Continue reading DJI multi-rotor aircraft with Ruling live video feed controller hands-on (video)

DJI multi-rotor aircraft with Ruling live video feed controller hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft outs three flavors of Windows 8: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT

We've known for what feels like ages that Windows 8 would come in at least two flavors: one supporting x86 devices and one for ARM machines. Now Microsoft's ready to put a naming scheme on its much-anticipated menu for the operating system. According to a post on the Windows blog, ARM devices will get Windows RT, while x86 / 64 devices will run Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro (also for x86 devices) will offer the suit-and-tie set added features for "encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity." Windows Media Center will be packaged as an add-on for the folks who go Pro. For a full break down of what each version will hold hit the source link below and check out our hands-on impressions of the OS preview here.

Microsoft outs three flavors of Windows 8: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Must See HDTV (April 16th - 22nd)

Eureka
One of the better sci-fi shows of late begins its final season on Syfy tonight as we take our final trip back to Global Dynamics' favorite research facility. We'll try not to let knowing it's all coming to an end soon dampen our enjoyment.
(April 16th, Syfy, 9PM)
Parks & Recreation
Originally conceived as a spin-off of The Office, Parks & Recreation had a rough start but has now surpassed the originator of its mockumentary style. It comes back form a brief midseason break this week, and not a moment too soon. All we're saying is, if Aziz ansari really did work in a small-town Indiana parks & rec, we'd get in on the ground floor of any new startup he founded.
(April 19th, 9:30PM, NBC)
Frozen Planet
The Discovery / BBC quest to the actual ends of the Earth wraps up this week with a final, and somewhat controversial, episode focusing on climate change. It's probably impossible to top Planet earth, but what we've seen of this nature documentary has put it above the recent Life series on our lists. Of course, another option is to snag the David Attenborough-narrated BBC version this week instead. Your choice.
(April 22nd, 8PM, Discovery -- $34.99 on Amazon)
Continue reading Must See HDTV (April 16th - 22nd)

Must See HDTV (April 16th - 22nd) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ceton's Echo Extender for Media Center will be the first to support DTS surround sound

What's the Echo Extender for Media Center got that no other Extender for Media Center has? Support for DTS surround sound, that's what. The catch of course is that the Echo is still just on track for "later in 2012," but the press release after the break is a welcome reminder that the first new Extender for Media Center since 2008 is actually going to happen. Unfortunately, there's still no new updates on price, availability or really anything other than the fact that you'll be able to enjoy your favorite content in surround sound that is encoded with DTS -- hopefully that's enough for now.
Continue reading Ceton's Echo Extender for Media Center will be the first to support DTS surround sound

Ceton's Echo Extender for Media Center will be the first to support DTS surround sound originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RED 9-inch touchscreen, OLED EVF and Meizler Module eyes-on (video)

Deep-pocketed RED owners take heed. The company just demoed some pretty nifty module updates, including an OLED EVF, a new 9-inch touchscreen and the crown jewel Meizler Module, which brings to the table such features as wireless 1080p transmission, a wireless timecode transceiver and full wireless lens control -- we're particularly taken with that last feature, which effectively enables remote-controlled follow focus, aperture and zoom control. The new 9-inch will also come in handy with wireless control, making it easier to verify sharpness and exposure. It features the same touch functionality of its smaller sibling, giving you full control of the camera.
The display will likely draw some attention when mounted on an EPIC, which is noticeably smaller than the LCD itself, but once you toss on a lens and power pack, the rig looks slightly better proportioned. That's the good news. The bad news is the price -- you're looking at a cool $13,000 for that wireless module, which is named after its designer, assistant camera Steven Meizler, while the Bomb OLED EVF can be had as an upgrade for $1,200 (if you're willing to trade in your LCD version), or $3,900 if you plan to buy it outright. You can head over to the Red Store to pick that device up today, though you'll need to hang tight for the Meizler and 9-inch LCD, both of which are expected to launch later this year. You'll get an up-close look at all the new gear in the gallery below, and you'll also find a video overview with RED's Ted Schilowitz when you venture past the break.

Gallery: RED 9-inch touchscreen, OLED EVF and Meizler Module eyes-on

Continue reading RED 9-inch touchscreen, OLED EVF and Meizler Module eyes-on (video)

RED 9-inch touchscreen, OLED EVF and Meizler Module eyes-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked video promises Office 15 on a crane, on a train, in a boat, potentially with a goat

What's this, then? It's purportedly a leaked promotional video for Office 15, the upcoming version of Microsoft's perennial favorite software suite. Not surprisingly, the animated short, which was "pulled from beta software," talks up the software's cloud functionality. "It's your Office," says the chipper voice. "It goes wherever you go." That includes a number of motor vehicles and electronic devices, all the while being stored safely online. Hop in after the break for one of the happiest office suite promotional videos ever made.
Continue reading Leaked video promises Office 15 on a crane, on a train, in a boat, potentially with a goat

Leaked video promises Office 15 on a crane, on a train, in a boat, potentially with a goat originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel 330 Series SSDs official, prices start at $89

Been holding off on stuffing solid state storage into your existing machine because of high prices or reliability issues? Bargain hunters, your SSD may have just arrived in the form of Intel's 330 Series SSDs. We got the low down on them weeks ago, but in case you forgot, Intels new 25nm NAND entry utilizes a SATA 6 Gb/s connection to deliver up to 500 MB/s sequential reads and 450 MB/s writes. Such speeds aren't spectacular compared to other SSDs, but combine them with Chipzilla's reputation for crafting quality drives, low prices -- $89 for 60GB, $149 for 120GB, and $234 for 180GB -- and a three year warranty, and the 330 has some serious curb appeal. Want one? All three sizes available now online or at you local retailer (assuming it's still there, of course).
Continue reading Intel 330 Series SSDs official, prices start at $89

Intel 330 Series SSDs official, prices start at $89 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MGM delivers 600 movies to YouTube and Google Play, gives you one more place to watch Robocop

With Robocop currently in rotation on both Netflix and HBO Go, you're probably wondering, "where else can I get my daily dose of media and cultural criticism delivered by a trigger happy law enforcement cyborg?" Well, YouTube and Google Play apparently. MGM has struck a deal with the folks in Mountain View to bring 600 of its titles to the streaming services, including the aforementioned dystopian-Detroit sci-fi classic. Of course, plenty of other top shelf titles will also be available to rent and purchase in the coming weeks -- including Terminator, Rocky and Rain Man. Unfortunately for those not in the northern portion of the western hemisphere the deal is only applicable to the US and Canada. This also means that, regardless of whatever struggles Google has had in the content distribution market, it now has four of the five major studios on board. Though, we wouldn't hold your breath for Fox.

MGM delivers 600 movies to YouTube and Google Play, gives you one more place to watch Robocop originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The art of the gimmick: an interview with the Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne
The Flaming Lips have never done anything small, from the "Parking Lot Experiments" of the mid-90s to this year's Record Store Day album, "The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends." Set for an April 21st release, the limited edition vinyl record features an odd cast of characters, including Bon Iver, Erykah Badu, Neon Indian, Nick Cave and Ke$ha, many of whom have lent their actual blood to the record.

"That is totally a gimmick," Wayne Coyne answers with great relish. "It's a beautiful gimmick. I think all things that we marvel over are based in gimmicks."
He's on the phone for a day of back-to-back interviews, a trapping of the job that would cause lesser, more jaded men to roll their eyes and submit with dragged heels, particularly those who've been playing the game through 30 years and 13 LPs. But Coyne, much to his credit, dives into everything he does headfirst with the manner of childlike wonder that's come to be established with the vast majority of the Flaming Lips' catalog.

At the beginning of our conversation, he lets it be known that he's slightly distracted. His wife is photographing him. And he's in his underwear. He didn't bother putting anything else on, knowing that he'd be running a marathon of phone interviews all day. Maximum comfort is important. It's a hard image to erase from my mind as Coyne settles in to explain the band's decision to embrace Siri on a recent web-only track called "Now I Understand."
Continue reading The art of the gimmick: an interview with the Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne

The art of the gimmick: an interview with the Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google finally grabs Gmail domain and trademark in Germany: users can drop the 'oogle'

Google has offered its email client to willing Germans since 2005, however the typical Gmail domain had already been snapped up by a local businessman in Germany and the company had to plump for the longer googlemail.de addresses. Now, according to the Financial Times, both the Gmail trademark and domain were transferred across to Google earlier this month, although there are no specifics as to how much money changed hands in the deal. With that minor issue sorted, Google packs its backs for its next destination -- maybe it should try Iran.

Google finally grabs Gmail domain and trademark in Germany: users can drop the 'oogle' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tupac hologram performs at Coachella, keeps all eyez on him

Have you been getting a kick out of Coachella's jams and arts in Indio, California? Or, did you decide to peacefully enjoy it from home via YouTube's site? Either way, you may have heard Tupac made an on-stage holographic appearance over the weekend, performing Hail Mary and 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted alongside Snoop Dogg. Tupac's hologram was made possible by AV Concepts in partnership with Dr. Dre's production company and Digital Domain, after reportedly working on the project for a few months. The outfits used a display technology dubbed "Eyeliner" that, with the help of a custom rig and a mechanical solution, was able to shoot out a life-sized, 3D illusion of Mr. Shakur onto the Coachella platform. Don't believe us? Hit 'em up at the source below, though we feel compelled to tell you language isn't exactly for all ages.
Continue reading Tupac hologram performs at Coachella, keeps all eyez on him

Tupac hologram performs at Coachella, keeps all eyez on him originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blackmagic Cinema Camera packs 'feature film' 2.5K quality, touchscreen for $2,995

While Canon, Sony and Red have already stolen the show with new camera announcements here at NAB 2012, Blackmagic Design is trying to carve out a niche for its new Cinema Camera. Priced at $2,995, where the company sees this as differing from the competition is its ability to capture film quality video on its 2.5K sensor and output it to CinemaDNG RAW, ProRes and DNxHD file formats. That camera housing can take Canon or Zeiss lenses on the front, contains a built-in SSD within and has a capacitive touchscreen display for control and metadata entry. Once you've captured the video, the included copy of DaVinci Resolve can take care of all color correction needs, while the video can be pulled from the SSD over a variety of high speed ports including BNC SDI and Thunderbolt. Check out a few in-person pics in our gallery below and more specs in the press release after the break.

Gallery: Blackmagic Cinema Camera

Continue reading Blackmagic Cinema Camera packs 'feature film' 2.5K quality, touchscreen for $2,995

Blackmagic Cinema Camera packs 'feature film' 2.5K quality, touchscreen for $2,995 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RED Dragon 6K sensor upgrade eyes-on (video)

"Obsolescence Obsolete" -- that's RED's tagline for the just-announced Dragon sensor upgrade, which is set to bring 6K resolution to EPIC and Scarlet cameras beginning later this year. The sensor module was on display at the company's NAB booth today, under a backlit case that could only have been designed to make photographing the new chip a near-impossible task. We did manage to snag a few frames of the device, which appears as a mere silhouette to the naked eye. Sensors aren't designed for us to look at, however -- they're supposed to do the looking -- so we won't get any more hung up on the presentation. Existing RED camera owners can look forward to an incredibly impressive 15+ stops of native dynamic range and up to 120 frames-per-second at resolutions up to 5K. And as we discovered earlier today, the upgrade will roll out to EPIC owners sometime in 2012 for $6,000 while Scarlet users will need to hang tight for a release date, and a price tag. That's all we've got as far as details go, so click on through the gallery below for a flashlight-enhanced peek at the Dragon.

Gallery: RED Dragon 6K sensor upgrade hands-on

Continue reading RED Dragon 6K sensor upgrade eyes-on (video)

RED Dragon 6K sensor upgrade eyes-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reed Hastings takes Comcast to task for skirting net neutrality

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings let loose a mini rant on Facebook Sunday, setting his sites squarely on Comcast and its data accounting practices. Highlighting one of the arguments for net neutrality, Hastings pointed out that viewing streaming videos using the Comcast Xfinity app on his Xbox doesn't count against his monthly cap, but other services do. "If I watch last night's SNL episode on my Xbox through the Hulu app, it eats up about one gigabyte of my cap, but if I watch that same episode through the Xfinity Xbox app, it doesn't use up my cap at all." It's slightly odd that different rules would apply to the same device using the same connection to stream the same content from different sources -- and exactly the sort of preferential and self-promoting behavior that net neutrality advocates are afraid will become the norm in an unregulated market. Of course, Hastings is also irate because his own company would love the same preferential treatment, but hasn't been able to close any deals. For the full rant hit up the source link.

Reed Hastings takes Comcast to task for skirting net neutrality originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dreamworks Animation joins Walmart's disc to digital program

DreamWorks Animation has signed up with Walmart's VUDU-powered disc to digital service. From today, you can take any of the studio's movies (such as Shrek or Kung-Fu Panda) and have them converted to standard quality video for $2 or a HD version for $5. There's no word on if DreamWorks proper would sign up, but given the complex nature of its ownership, we won't hold our breath.
Continue reading Dreamworks Animation joins Walmart's disc to digital program

Dreamworks Animation joins Walmart's disc to digital program originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REDray 4K cinema laser projector and player eyes-on (video)

There's no better way to control the visual experience from shoot to show than to create the camera and the projector. That's likely the thinking behind the REDray, the 4K laser cinema projector making an appearance at the company's NAB booth today. The device supports 2D and passive 3D (up to 120fps in 3D mode), with 4K projection for each eye and has a rated laser life of over 25,000 hours. While the device itself is likely to be hidden behind glass in an elevated projector room, the REDray has the same industrial look and feel of its Scarlet and Epic capturing counterparts, with a solid matte metal construction, heavy duty bolts and dedicated access panels for the lens filter, the laser phase adjustment oscillator and the angular refraction aberration indexer. There's also a T1.8 50mm lens mounted up front, sufficiently completing the beautifully monstrous package. Also on display was the tablet-controlled REDray Player, which includes four HDMI 1.4 video outputs with 7.1-channel audio output, the ability to move 4K video to the internal hard drive and an SD reader for ingesting content. You'll also find dual gigabit Ethernet ports, along with USB and eSATA connectors.
The projector experience is much less about the hardware than it is the projections themselves, which certainly did a justice here -- especially considering the imaging device's mid-development status. During a screening of the 3D short Loom, which was shot with the RED Epic, images looked fantastic with accurate color and excellent dynamic range, allowing us to see every detail in a contrasty dark scene, where we were able to make out a very dimly lit female actress. The projection was incredibly sharp on the 24-inch foot screen, despite the film being displayed with 2K for each eye, rather than the maximum 4K. There will be two versions of the REDray projector, including a home theater flavor that supports screens up to 15 feet in size that'll ring in at under $10,000, and a professional model with support for larger venues. RED CEO Jim Jannard confirmed that the home-bound version will ship sometime this year, though he was unable to provide a more precise ship date. We weren't permitted to record video during the screening -- which is for the best, considering that there's really no way to do this thing justice -- but you can still flip through the gallery below for an early look at REDray.

Gallery: REDray 4K cinema laser projector eyes-on

Continue reading REDray 4K cinema laser projector and player eyes-on (video)

REDray 4K cinema laser projector and player eyes-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Raspberry Pi boards begin shipping today (video)

The moment has finally arrived: Eben Upton's Linux-powered dream of a super-cheap PC that could revolutionize the way we teach computer science begins shipping from today. RS Components and Allied Electronics have begun to mail the dinky devices out to the lucky pre-order customers who managed to get through before the overwhelming interest forced the servers offline. If you missed out originally, Model B is now available in the UK for £31.86 (inclusive of VAT and P&P) or $35 in the States -- if you'd like to see the momentous occasion when Mr. Upton personally delivered the first batch of devices, head on past the break
Continue reading Raspberry Pi boards begin shipping today (video)

Raspberry Pi boards begin shipping today (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're live from NAB 2012 in Las Vegas!

Three months ago to the day, we were packing up our CES trailer and making a run for the airport, expecting another year to pass before our return to Sin City. But now, as the National Association of Broadcasters' annual trade show has begun overlapping with the consumer electronics market -- from a gear perspective, at least -- we've decided to make our way back to the desert, calling this oasis home for another week in 2012. If you're a high-end camera buff, this is the show for you, with Canon, Sony and RED introducing products that are sadly priced out of reach of photo enthusiasts, but carry mass appeal among professionals with million-dollar equipment budgets, and a need to shoot with the latest and greatest digital devices. It's yet unclear what else we may see at this year's NAB, but rest assured that we'll be scouring the halls of the LVCC, bringing you updates from the floor throughout the week.

Protip: Use the 'NAB 2012' for the latest show news and hands-ons.

We're live from NAB 2012 in Las Vegas! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft job ads hint at a browser-based version of Skype based on HTML5

There's something thrilling about using job postings to parse a company's strategy, especially when the advert is so gosh darn low on secrecy. Take Microsoft, for instance, which posted four openings for developers to work on its Skype for Browsers project. If that weren't self-explanatory enough, the various ads each explain that Microsoft is looking for code monkeys to help "bring [the] Skype experience on to the Web," a position that calls for HTML5 know-how, along with proficiency in C#, Java or C++. That's as official a heads up as any, though if you've been paying attention you know Skype already powers Facebook's web-based video chat service. So it shouldn't exactly be surprising, then, that a Skype-branded version is likely in the works as well. Armchair investigators can find the postings at the source links, where any brilliant, Europe-based developers can try their hand at one of the four openings.

Microsoft job ads hint at a browser-based version of Skype based on HTML5 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Ars Technica  |  Microsoft (1), (2), (3), (4)  | Email this | Comments

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Report: HP's South Korean offices raided over alleged price fixing

Korea Times is a publication that isn't shy of the odd bold statement and today it's claiming that HP's South Korean offices were raided on suspicion of price-fixing deals made with IBM and Oracle. The country's Fair Trade Commission seized documents, computer records and questioned employees over alleged price-rigging on public-sector contracts. A company spokesperson said that the visit was routine, while FTC officers refused to comment about ongoing matters, but what is clear is that if any wrong-doing is found, the case will be turned over to prosecutors with the aim of commencing criminal proceedings for those responsible.

Report: HP's South Korean offices raided over alleged price fixing originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sergey Brin says the internet is under attack by governments, Apple and Facebook

One of the qualifications for scoring a CE-Oh no 'round here is actually being a CEO -- so Sergey Brin does not receive that honor. We will, however, draw attention to what some might call his hyperbolic ramblings. In an interview with the Guardian, Google's cool uncle said he was worried about the state of the internet and that his company could not have flourished in an online ecosystem like today's. According to Brin, the threats are coming from all sides -- most notably governments. While oppressive regimes like those in China and Iran get top billing, the US doesn't escape without criticism thanks to SOPA and PIPA which seemed perilously close to passing with support from the media industry. The co-founder also took shots at Apple and Facebook, which he said have built "really restrictive" walled gardens. For more smack talk from one of the most influential men in the tech industry, hit up the source link.
[Image via Thomas Hawk]

Sergey Brin says the internet is under attack by governments, Apple and Facebook originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget Giveaway: win a pair of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Zeal Optics Z3 Transcend GPS goggles!

Nothing like a smooth action movie with Tom Cruise to inspire our latest giveaway, eh? This time Paramount Home Media Distribution is stepping up to the plate to celebrate tomorrow's release of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol on Blu-ray and DVD, and it's offering a pair of special edition Zeal Optics Z3 Transcend GPS goggles (by special edition, we mean the box is M:I-branded), as well as a copy of the movie! But if you don't win this time, you may still have a chance to get something: the first two runners-up will receive the movie as well. Fortunately, all you need to do is leave a comment -- we're not asking you to climb a skyscraper or anything.

Continue reading Engadget Giveaway: win a pair of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Zeal Optics Z3 Transcend GPS goggles!

Engadget Giveaway: win a pair of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Zeal Optics Z3 Transcend GPS goggles! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint confirms Galaxy Nexus release date: coming April 22nd for $200, preorders open now

Remember CES? It feels like an age since Sprint went official with the Google flagship, but now it's finally -- almost -- here. Yep, anyone unhappy with the Verizon variant can now lay claim to the Now Network's version of the Galaxy Nexus, which is up for preorder now, priced at a smidgen under $200, and set to arrive next week. As an added incentive, Google Wallet dabblers will get $10 credit from the start, with an additional 40 bucks given after three weeks. Commence throwing that physical money at the screen once you've hit up the source below.
[Thanks Korey]
Continue reading Sprint confirms Galaxy Nexus release date: coming April 22nd for $200, preorders open now

Sprint confirms Galaxy Nexus release date: coming April 22nd for $200, preorders open now originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformer Prime GPS dongle spotted, won't play nice with keyboard dock

Remember those GPS issues that hobbled ASUS' quad-core tablet? Now, after the company announced a free module to fix this, Land of Droid has managed to snap the first pictures of the Transformer Prime GPS Extension kit, adding that it looks likely to get an official reveal sometime today. This not-particularly-subtle add-on apparently improves GPS performance noticeably and attaches to the base of the tablet, meaning that you won't be able to juggle both keyboard typing and location functions. The source below packs several more blurry shots of the dongle on its own -- if you're into that sort of thing.

Transformer Prime GPS dongle spotted, won't play nice with keyboard dock originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG opens up 3D World video store for 2011, 2012 Cinema 3D Smart TVs

Own one of LG's Cinema 3D Smart TVs? If so, you're in luck. The company formerly called Lucky Goldstar is now offering up 3D World, an online video store that, surprise surprise, sells 3D content. You'll have access to a catalogue of entertainment, sports, documentary, kids and lifestyle programming that'll swell as the company ties down more deals with providers. If you've got a 2011 model, you can download the 3D World app from today, while those who purchased the hardware this year will find it magically appear as a card on the dashboard.

Continue reading LG opens up 3D World video store for 2011, 2012 Cinema 3D Smart TVs

LG opens up 3D World video store for 2011, 2012 Cinema 3D Smart TVs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'New' iPad landing in South Korea, Israel and 19 other countries, officially ceases to be new in US

Are you not in one of the 35 countries that already has the "new" iPad? Well, this week may finally mean you can get your hands on the tablet that's already become old hat here in the US. The "resolutionary" slate is landing in South Korea, Venezuela and ten other nations this Friday, while Israel, India and seven more will be granted membership to the cool club on April 27th. Outside of some region-specific language tweaks the devices will be exactly the same as those that have been on sale here in the US for whole month now. (Isn't it amazing how time flies!) If you want to see if you're home is joining the list of places you can pick up a Retina display-equipped tablet head on after the break.
Continue reading 'New' iPad landing in South Korea, Israel and 19 other countries, officially ceases to be new in US

'New' iPad landing in South Korea, Israel and 19 other countries, officially ceases to be new in US originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insert Coin: 'Epic Mario' aims to build entire Super Mario Bros. Level 1-1 with Legos (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

What's cooler than Super Mario Bros. and Legos? Why, Super Mario Bros. with Legos, of course. That's the premise behind Lego artist Zachary Pollock's "Epic Mario" project, which aims to recreate the entire Level 1-1 of Super Mario Bros. using one Lego block at a time. At one brick per pixel, Pollock's project is expected to come in at around six feet tall and 90 feet wide once completed. He also estimates that he's going to need "just over 780,000 Lego studs" and some significant coinage -- to the tune of $26,400. Unfortunately, money just doesn't come from punching bricks in real life, and Pollock is turning to Kickstarter to get all the extra coin he needs for the project. This isn't the first time Legos were used to re-imagine a beloved classic -- heck, it isn't even the first Mario level to get the blocky treatment. That doesn't make the concept any less amusing, however, and Pollock promises to hold brick-building parties and take his project on the road to various conventions if it gets funded. Check out the potential project in all its blocky glory in the video after the break, as well as an update on our last Insert Coin project, the Berlin Boombox.
Continue reading Insert Coin: 'Epic Mario' aims to build entire Super Mario Bros. Level 1-1 with Legos (video)

Insert Coin: 'Epic Mario' aims to build entire Super Mario Bros. Level 1-1 with Legos (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vatican and Oxford libraries scan ancient works, let scholars stay in their armchairs

Two of the world's most hallowed libraries are about to get even quieter, having been given $3 million to go with the flow and put some of their oldest collections online. The Vatican Library and Oxford University's Bodleian Library will together offer up 1.5 million pages of hoary text, including Gutenberg's Latin Bible from the 15th Century, a 1,200-year-old Hebrew codex called the "Sifra," and enough Greek philosophy to make even Homer seem succinct. At the end of a five-year flatbed scanner marathon, these digital copies will be accessible to speakers of dead languages everywhere, and hopefully for less than sacrilegious prices.

Vatican and Oxford libraries scan ancient works, let scholars stay in their armchairs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 07:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola engineer leaks Droid RAZR HD, could lose his desk

If you spent your weekend scanning Picasa for photos shot on a Motorola Droid RAZR HD smartphone, then ordinarily you'd have wasted your time. No phone by that name officially exists, and the PenTile Super AMOLED displays on both the standard Droid RAZR and the RAZR Maxx are distinctly not high definition. Surprising then, that when Blog of Mobile searched Picasa they discovered an album shot by a Motorola engineer supposedly using a RAZR HD. The photos have since been removed, leaving only the blurry desk image shown above, which is also attributed to a RAZR HD even if we can't be certain who shot it. Fortunately, the EXIF data was grabbed before the wipe, and if you glance past the break you'll see that it mentions a possible 'Vanquish' codename for the phone as a well as ICS build 4.0.3. There, just when you needed yet another reason to love EXIF.

Continue reading Motorola engineer leaks Droid RAZR HD, could lose his desk

Motorola engineer leaks Droid RAZR HD, could lose his desk originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget Mobile Podcast 134 - 04.16.2012

This week we've put together a Sprint-centric podcast with the help of TechnoBuffalo's Mark Hearn, but that doesn't mean afficionados of other services will be left in the dark: we'll use the carrier's yellow beacon to shine a light on more magenta, red, and orange providers and their policies. If you're not into network news, we'll wax poetic about Instagram for you, just to round things out, you know.

Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen
Guest: Mark Hearn
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International)

00:01:33 - Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE preview (video)

00:31:26 - LG Viper 4G may hit Sprint stores on April 22nd
00:32:00 - Sprint LG Viper 4G up for pre-order now, coming on April 22nd
00:46:40 - HTC Titan II review

01:03:05 - Facebook to buy Instagram
01:21:02 - Verizon pushes its upgrade fee to $30 on April 22nd

01:23:08 - PSA: AT&T now unlocking out-of-contract iPhones
01:27:12 - US carriers agree to build stolen phone database, blacklist hot handsets

01:32:30 - Sprint announces ICS for the Nexus S 4G, official download now available

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Engadget Mobile Podcast 134 - 04.16.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RED unveils Dragon sensor upgrade, turns Epic and Scarlet into a 6K camera

Love gadgets named after Hannibal Lecter movies? Good, because RED's announcing the RED Dragon upgrade kit that'll bolt onto your EPIC or Scarlet camera to provide resolutions of 6K at 85fps or 5k at 120fps with 15+ stops of Dynamic Range. Company founder Jim Jannard has said that the sensor is slightly larger than that of the Mysterium-X, but the pixel size is smaller, promising that "most of the current lenses will work" with the new hardware. It'll cost EPIC users $6,000 and arrive "late in the year," but bad news if you've got a Scarlet: it's back of the queue time for you until 2013, with no word on what it'll cost you, either.

RED unveils Dragon sensor upgrade, turns Epic and Scarlet into a 6K camera originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: PlayStation Network goes down for maintenance from 9am EST

Sony is taking its PlayStation Network offline for another health check, starting this morning. During the 13-hour tune-up, you won't be able to access PlayStation Home, Store, their account or play online. Similarly, official PlayStation sites will also go down, but you can steel yourself through those offline hours by checking on the PlayStation Twitter account, which will provide all the latest details.

PSA: PlayStation Network goes down for maintenance from 9am EST originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RED teases 4K REDray player and projector for the theater / millionaire set

We don't deny our unhealthy love for RED's gear, so just imagine the look on our poor-but-aspiring faces when Jim Jannard teased a 4K laser projector coming this year. Now the spec-list is out, we can see that the subtly branded REDray Laser will display 2D or 3D for passive glasses at up to 120fps, while lasting over 25,000 hours and costing less than $10,000. At the same time, there are more details on REDRay, a compatible player that'll throw out 4K content from its internal HD, SD cards or flash media. Wish list. Added.

RED teases 4K REDray player and projector for the theater / millionaire set originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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