IT News Head Lines (Engadget) 03/05/2012

Nokia's cottoned on: launches patent lawsuits against HTC, RIM and ViewSonic

Nokia has just announced that it is commencing patent litigation against HTC, Research in Motion and ViewSonic in the US and Germany. It's claiming that 45 of its standard-essential patents are being infringed and has registered complaints with the ITC and courts in Delaware, Dusseldorf, Munich and Mannheim. Espoo's legal chief Louise Pentland has said that the company currently licenses its FRAND patents to "more than 40 companies," it had no choice but to lay some courtroom smack-down on the named offenders. It appears that after losing its global market share crown and billion-dollar losses, the company is finally going on the offensive with its deep patent portfolio. You can judge that for yourself when you read the official line after the break.
Continue reading Nokia's cottoned on: launches patent lawsuits against HTC, RIM and ViewSonic

Nokia's cottoned on: launches patent lawsuits against HTC, RIM and ViewSonic originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 09:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Environmentally friendly robots will feed the flowers they trample

Dr Jonathan Rossiter, a senior lecturer at the University of Bristol's Department of Engineering and Mathematics, has snagged a two-year research grant of over £200,000 to develop robots that decompose once their mission if complete. This means instead of our automaton friends rusting away, devoid of purpose, they could return gracefully (and more importantly non-toxically) back to mother earth. Not only would this be a boon to the environment, but scientists would no longer need to track and retrieve their mechanical progeny once it reached the end of its usable life, further sparing resources and allowing mass deployment. At least we know, when the day comes, the planet won't be harmed.

Environmentally friendly robots will feed the flowers they trample originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 09:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast earnings beat expectations for Q1
Looks like it's time for a little endzone celebration in the City of Brotherly Love this week. Comcast issued its earnings, and things are looking up, marking a 30 percent profit increase for the first quarter. Revenue for the cable company is at $14.9 billion, beating out analyst estimates of $14.4 billion. The Associated Press chalks the happy results up to Super Bowl advertising and the popularity of the company's broadband offerings.

Comcast earnings beat expectations for Q1 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 09:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Newcastle University preps in-car GPS for the elderly, helps grandmum get home safely

Most Engadget readers will have grown up with GPS, but the UK's Newcastle University has realized that many in the older generation might be first-timers and unfamiliar with all those keep-lefts and turn-rights. Development is underway at the school for a new satellite navigation system that would be easier and more intuitive for your grandfolks, with features that include calling out direction changes by landmark names, limiting turns to the safer variety and keeping the route off of high-speed motorways. When this might come to your local high street shop isn't known, but the university has a £12 million ($19.5 million) research grant to help sort that out.

Newcastle University preps in-car GPS for the elderly, helps grandmum get home safely originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 08:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yes, people still read: e-book sales by UK publishers grew 54 percent in 2011

All hail the e-book! Seriously, if it weren't for this marvelous literary development, try saying with a straight face that you wouldn't at least take pause before adding a new title to your collection. Numbers are in from The Publisher's Association -- a group of 120 companies across the trade in the UK -- which reveals that e-book digital sales have increased 54 percent for the year 2011, and of that statistic, 13 percent of revenues came from academic and professional titles. As a sign of changing preferences, the total sales of both e-books and their traditional counterparts fell by two percent during the year -- and let's be honest, it's not hard to see which group fell short. Also reflective of the shift is the fact that average book prices fell by 1.3 percent during the year, which compares favorably to the UK's current inflation rate of 4.47 percent. Those interested in the full story will find the PR after the break.
Continue reading Yes, people still read: e-book sales by UK publishers grew 54 percent in 2011

Yes, people still read: e-book sales by UK publishers grew 54 percent in 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 08:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Withings WiFi scale syncs weight with BodyMedia site, won't let you hide from the truth

Are you using a Withings WiFi Body Scale to monitor your weight-loss efforts? Are you also using a BodyMedia FIT Armband to track your activity and calories burned? Get ready for a body-stat explosion, because now you can pair the two devices to streamline all that info on your progress. Instead of manually entering your weight into the BodyMedia activity manager, just step on the Withings scale and it will be imported into your BodyMedia online dashboard via WiFi. That's all well and good, but it reminds us an awful lot of Fitbit, which sells a less-expensive body scale that integrates with the company's wearable fitness trackers. The full Withings / BodyMedia press release is after the break, but shouldn't you be out running or something?
Continue reading Withings WiFi scale syncs weight with BodyMedia site, won't let you hide from the truth

Withings WiFi scale syncs weight with BodyMedia site, won't let you hide from the truth originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 08:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Browse John Peel's legendary record collection, travel back in time

The Peel Sessions -- those are three blissful words to any music enthusiast. John Peel's BBC radio show was the stuff of legends. It launched entire careers and created a legacy of eclectic and intimate musical snapshots by our favorite artists. Can you imagine exploring his record collection? Well, now you can. The Space has created a wonderful site that lets you browse the late DJ's record archive one virtual shelf and album cover at a time -- complete with links to iTunes and Spotify. It looks and feels like the real thing, and provides a fantastic journey back in time. Only the letter A's been cataloged so far -- additional letters will be added (one each week) over the coming months. This is your chance to discover music curated by a man with impeccable musical taste over a period of four decades. Just follow the source links below.

Browse John Peel's legendary record collection, travel back in time originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 07:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adidas MiCoach game launching this summer, headed to Xbox 360 and PS3

Despite being involved in that peaceful conundrum with THQ, we knew Adidas still planned on launching its MiCoach video game at some point in the near future. Now, after weeks of keeping those lips sealed, the German company announced it's teaming up with publisher 505 Games to finally bring the fitness-driven title to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 -- where it'll primarily use the Kinect and Move add-ons. While 505 will handle all publishing duties, Adidas notes the MiCoach game is in the works by UK developer Chromativity "under exclusive license." Of course, the F50 creator couldn't leave its big name reps out of this one, which is why sport celebs like Kaká, José Mourinho and Dwight Howard are going to be teaching "Masterclasses" within the game. Hey, at least now you know you won't have to be out on the field to put that tracking system to good use.
Continue reading Adidas MiCoach game launching this summer, headed to Xbox 360 and PS3

Adidas MiCoach game launching this summer, headed to Xbox 360 and PS3 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 07:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spotify for iPad launches: impressions and a visual tour of the new app

It's here. After all the rumors, leaks and false alarms, Sweden's top music streaming service is finally ready for the big(ger) screen. Spotify has landed on the iPad, and not surprisingly, the new app is a no-brainer of a download for anyone currently in possession of a premium account and an Apple tablet, -- that much we can say right off the bat. But how well did the company harness the capabilities of the magical device, and is the whole thing worth the wait? We got some fingers-on with the app -- follow along after the break.
Continue reading Spotify for iPad launches: impressions and a visual tour of the new app

Spotify for iPad launches: impressions and a visual tour of the new app originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell spreads the Ivy Bridge love to new XPS 8500, Vostro 470 PCs (video)

Not willing to let the new Alienware lineup have all the fun with Intel's Ivy Bridge rollout, Dell has seen fit to trot out a pair of new desktop systems using the new 22-nanometer chips. The XPS 8500 is arguably the center of attention here and comes with your pick of the third-generation, quad-core i5 or i7 processors, along with a new choice for a 32GB or 256GB solid-state drive to cut down on those pesky loading times. The more sober-minded among us can opt for the Vostro 470 business desktop, which skips over the raw video prowess of its rebellious XPS cousin in favor of supporting up to 32GB of RAM, not to mention stacking up the extra security and support that makes IT administrators happy. Should you want to take the plunge, $750 will get you into the XPS 8500 fold, while $550 is all it takes for the Vostro 470 line. Head in past the break for a video peep at both PCs.
Continue reading Dell spreads the Ivy Bridge love to new XPS 8500, Vostro 470 PCs (video)

Dell spreads the Ivy Bridge love to new XPS 8500, Vostro 470 PCs (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 06:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A bird in the hand thanks to a robot that can perch

Land-bound robots? Been there, done that. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are taking things up a notch with a bird-style bot capable of autonomous flight. By replicating the features that enable birds to make a soft landing -- including the flapping wings that help them change direction -- the researchers developed the first micro aerial vehicle (MAV) capable of swooping down to perch on a human hand. The craft forgoes a vertical tail, which birds also lack, to allow for enough agility to land on a small surface. Articulated wings help the robo-bird complete the maneuver successfully, by first gliding into position and then pitching up and slowing down. Who knew perching was so complicated? Besides just providing a super-nifty party trick for these lucky researchers, the autonomous aircraft could be used in urban surveillance, where a small size would come in handy. Check out the MAV in action, along with the press release, after the break.
Continue reading A bird in the hand thanks to a robot that can perch

A bird in the hand thanks to a robot that can perch originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 06:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verbatim's Store 'n' Go V3 thumb drives pack USB 3.0, start at $20 for 8GB
Portable flash drives specced to USB 3.0 have been around since before Apple's original iPad was introduced, but finding 'em on the cheap can still be quite the task. Enter Verbatim's Store 'n' Go V3 drives, which are set to fit said bill, starting at just $20 bucks for 8GB of storage with options up to 64GB. The USB connector retracts for storage to save you from fussing with caps, and you'll also have your pick from "seven trendy colors." Mum's the word on the maximum transfer speeds you can expect, but we doubt it's a major concern at this price. The Store 'n' Go V3s are already on sale and you'll find more details in the press release after the break.
Continue reading Verbatim's Store 'n' Go V3 thumb drives pack USB 3.0, start at $20 for 8GB

Verbatim's Store 'n' Go V3 thumb drives pack USB 3.0, start at $20 for 8GB originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 06:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NVIDIA GTX 670 spotted at Malaysian retailer: either it's fake or MSI has a small problem

This surprise package has apparently escaped not only MSI's proof-readers, but also NVIDIA's strictly-controlled release schedule. If it's legit, it hints at more affordable Kepler cards just around the corner -- potentially around $150 less than a GTX 680, if previous GeForce generations are anything to go by. That said, the list price associated with this particular box doesn't stack up: 1380 Malaysian Ringgits converts to $450, which seems over the odds and gives us even more reason to be wary. Hopefully the next customer will pop it open and check for spring phling before heading to the checkout.

[Thanks, Donny]

NVIDIA GTX 670 spotted at Malaysian retailer: either it's fake or MSI has a small problem originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 05:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola MOTOACTV now likes Ice Cream Sandwich, to its nutritionists dismay

Motorola is pushing out an update for the MOTOACTV that'll improve the dinky machine's calibration with heart rate monitors and improved media selection. Golfers who plumped for the tailored edition of the unit will find links-friendly features like better score tallies and longer-distance club suggestions. The concomitant mobile app also gets a bump to make the unit compatible with Ice Cream Sandwich handsets -- although we'd suggest avoiding too many sugary snacks if you're off for a run.

Motorola MOTOACTV now likes Ice Cream Sandwich, to its nutritionists dismay originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 05:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Olympus TG-1 iHS Tough leaks out at Best Buy, brings OLED to the rugged camera party

Looks like Olympus won't be waiting long to follow up on its 2012 Tough camera updates: Best Buy accidentally posted details of the TG-1 iHS Tough. Although it's since been taken down, the store listing showed that Olympus will be bringing a 3-inch, 610,000-pixel OLED display to the mix, making a preview of your scuba diving photos that much prettier. It shares the 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and 1080p movie making of the TG-820 iHS, with waterproofing now good for up to 40 feet. Olympus is, however, making a trade-off, where photogs get a shorter 4X optical zoom in return for a much wider f/2.0 aperture that will get those fish in focus. There's no word on when the TG-1 will ship, but Best Buy was showing a $400 price tag before the store took down its inadvertent sneak peek.

Olympus TG-1 iHS Tough leaks out at Best Buy, brings OLED to the rugged camera party originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 05:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vision Research Miro 120 footage hits the internet, looks amazing (video)

Filmmaker Jim Geduldick got hold of a Phantom Miro M120 super-slo-mo camera and decided to put it to the test. The small-bodied camera can record a staggering 730fps at a full resolution of 1920 x 1200, but can go as 200,000fps if you aren't too fussed about image quality. After the break we've got the video that'll make you rush excitedly to the Vision Research website, only to find that prices start from $25,000 -- keeping it strictly for music video directors (and Engadget Show segments).
Continue reading Vision Research Miro 120 footage hits the internet, looks amazing (video)

Vision Research Miro 120 footage hits the internet, looks amazing (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 05:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia 808 PureView available this month in Russia and India

Are you eagerly awaiting to get your hands on that 41 megapixel Symbian Belle flagship? We bet you are, and perhaps today is your lucky day -- if you live in Russia or India, that is. Nokia's just officially announced that the 808 PureView will be available this month "in select markets." Strangely, the company didn't give a specific date or list any countries beyond the aforementioned two. The handset, which was revealed at Mobile World Congress in February, is expected to retail for 450 Euros and "revolutionize the imaging experience" with its large sensor, Zeiss optics and pixel oversampling technology. Speaking of which -- Nokia's also just renewed its partnership with the German lens manufacturer. Coincidence? We think not. Check out the full PR after the break.
Continue reading Nokia 808 PureView available this month in Russia and India

Nokia 808 PureView available this month in Russia and India originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 04:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ivy Bridge-packing Inspiron 15R hiding in plain sight on Dell's Singapore site

It may not be as wavy as the alloyed 15R from a couple of years back, but this new "special edition" Inspiron is packing a few goodies that are far more interesting than a set of sinuous patterns. Thanks to a product page on Dell's Singapore website, we were able to spot one of the company's first Ivy Bridge machines, the Inspiron 15R. Per the listing, Dell's 15.6-inch laptop is sporting a hot-off-the-press Core i7-3612QM CPU, 6GB or 8GB of RAM (depending on configuration), AMD Radeon HD 7730M graphics and a 1TB, 5400RPM hard drive. Additionally, you'll be able to choose between two different displays: an HD WLED, 1366 x 768 or a 1920 x 1080, FHD True-Life. As of right now, the better-specced of the two models is carrying a hefty S$1,749 price tag (around $1,410 in American dollars), while the lower-end 15R is S$1,599. Those living in Singapore can hit up the source link below if you'd like to grab a piece of that fresh Ivy Bridge pie.
[Thanks, Jason]

Ivy Bridge-packing Inspiron 15R hiding in plain sight on Dell's Singapore site originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 04:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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German court grants Motorola injunction against Windows 7 and Xbox 360 (updated: Microsoft comments)
Microsoft and Motorola continue to duke it out in courts across the world, and it looks like the Google-owned manufacturer has just chalked up a victory in Europe. Based on a pair of patents involved the H.264 video codec, the Mannheim regional court ruled on four lawsuits between the two companies, granting an injunction against the continued distribution of Windows 7, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player and the Xbox 360 in Germany. Microsoft has already upped sticks from the country to reduce the effect of its current legal predicament. FOSS Patents reports that Motorola won't be able to immediately enforce the ruling. The company is still being investigated by the EU over possible antitrust violations related to licensing its patents -- something that could further complicate today's ruling.
Update: Microsoft's just got in touch to comment on the recent ruling -- it doesn't look like it's over just yet:

"This is one step in a long process, and we are confident that Motorola will eventually be held to its promise to make its standard essential patents available on fair and reasonable terms for the benefit of consumers who enjoy video on the web. Motorola is prohibited from acting on today's decision, and our business in Germany will continue as usual while we appeal this decision and pursue the fundamental issue of Motorola's broken promise. "

German court grants Motorola injunction against Windows 7 and Xbox 360 (updated: Microsoft comments) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 03:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony unveils its first Ultrabook, the VAIO T13 / T11

Finally escaping its plate glass prison at CES, Sony's unveiled its first Ultrabook, the VAIO T13 and T11. It's set for release next month and currently packing a Sandy Bridge Intel Core i3-2367M processor (no third-generation processor just yet), within a 323mm-thick frame that weighs in at around 1.6kg for the 13-inch version. Storage is a hybrid of a 320GB HDD and 32GB SSD, which promise to juggle fast start-up times with capacity, while a HD web cam beams out from above the 13.3-inch (1366 x 768) display; no word on the res of the 11-incher. There's 4GB of DDR3 memory with Intel's own HD Graphics 3000 on the side and Sony reckons you'll be able eke out up to nine hours from its SSD model. Other connectivity options include Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI output, and USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports. Interested? Then hit up the full gallery of Sony's new Ultrabook below, with a press release thrown in after the break for good measure.

Gallery: Sony VAIO T13 ultrabook

Continue reading Sony unveils its first Ultrabook, the VAIO T13 / T11

Sony unveils its first Ultrabook, the VAIO T13 / T11 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 03:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gmail updates: good news for globalists, bad news for drunks

Ever used Gmail's automatic message translation feature, which lets you receive and send emails without even bothering to notice the native language of your contact? If not, that's probably because it's been lurking in the Labs section along with other ideas undergoing live experimentation. As of now though, translation should be right there in front of you as a regular feature, and honestly, it brings a whole new life to foreign spam. Meanwhile, other Lab features have been sacked, such as the Old Snakey time-frittering game and also Mail Goggles, which tested your sobriety with math puzzles before letting you click 'Send' in the wee hours of the morning. Ah well, the best labs are often the least crowded.

Gmail updates: good news for globalists, bad news for drunks originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 03:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twitter's Discover tab now snags popular stories and commentary from those in your Twitterverse

If you fancy seeing what headlines those who you follow on Twitter are chatting about in one compact list, some new functionality in the Discover tab will offer their insight in a few clicks. Essentially, the new feature tracks stories that your pals in the Twitterverse post and allows you to see what the commotion is all about via the "View Tweets" option along the bottom of each article link. From there, you can tweet the link yourself and include your thoughts on the particular matter. While the outfit boasts ongoing improvements to the Discover tab, this particular feature will see daylight on the web while hitting both iPhone and Android apps in the next few weeks. Go on. Navigate to your Twitter home page to take it for a spin yourself.

Twitter's Discover tab now snags popular stories and commentary from those in your Twitterverse originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 02:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba sings NAND Flash's praises, thinks you should too

Have you taken a moment today to stop and thank NAND Flash for existing? No? Well, Toshiba would like to say tsk, tsk. Today the company launched a full-scale campaign to promote this storage technology -- and by full-scale we mean a dedicated "25 Years of NAND Flash" website, a "NAND Flash Deprivation Experiment" video series, new Facebook and Twitter accounts and a Toshiba Excite 10 giveaway. We must have missed the memo that NAND was dangerously underappreciated, because we're still trying to figure out why it needs a marketing campaign of its own. Toshiba has a slew of laptop refreshes and the Excite 7.7 and 13 tablets just around the corner -- and that interim period between announcement and launch date can be killer -- but somehow talking up NAND Flash doesn't seem the right course of action. Take a look at the campaign's first video below the break and decide for yourself.

Continue reading Toshiba sings NAND Flash's praises, thinks you should too

Toshiba sings NAND Flash's praises, thinks you should too originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 02:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kanex unveils ATV Pro, gives VGA projectors the power of AirPlay mirroring

If you wish you could use your legacy projector with your iPad for educational or business purposes, then crack a smile. Kanex has released the ATV Pro, a HDMI-to-VGA adapter that will allow older gear to get access to AirPlay mirroring. It's designed to get iPads into the classroom and even offers a 3.5mm audio-out port for stereo sound. Its available from today and will set you back $60.

Kanex unveils ATV Pro, gives VGA projectors the power of AirPlay mirroring originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 01:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft granted patent for wearable EMG device

Those muscle spasms? They're now good for something. Okay, so Microsoft's just-granted patent for a wearable EMG device doesn't really thrive off of involuntary twitching and such, but it does use your movements to control your smartphone, notebook and other gadgets. The "Wearable Electromyography-Based Controller," which we first glimpsed back in 2010, uses sensors to interpret the electrical signals generated by a user's muscles, and then communicates with the wearer's computer via a wireless (or wired) connection. Redmond envisions the wearable device in various incarnations: as an armband equipped with sensors, a shirt, eyeglasses and even nodes attached directly to the user's body. In the armband example, motion control could be used to interact with a PMP while the user is jogging. No matter the setup, a calibration process allows the system to locate specific sensors and collect information based on specific gestures or movements, which means playing Guitar Hero with only an air guitar may someday be a reality after all.
Continue reading Microsoft granted patent for wearable EMG device

Microsoft granted patent for wearable EMG device originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 01:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Auto-composing keyboard creates tunes tailored to your taste

We love listening to our favorite tunes, as they provide a soundtrack to our otherwise dull and silent blogging existence. But, sometimes the lyrical stylings of Jay-Z and glorious jams of Trey Anastasio simply don't meet our musical needs. We need something different, something never before heard by human ears, to get us through the news day. Enter Cornell students Charong Chen and Siyu Zhan, who have constructed an electric keyboard that one ups Yamaha's singing piano by creating and playing its own compositions. Users simply select between two mood modes -- happy or tender -- to determine the tune's tempo, then play a couple notes and the piano sets to sating sonic cravings. There's another mode that allows users to play a melody to "train" the keyboard, which then plays permutations of that melody in an automated jam session. In that training mode, users can play as long as they like to give the keyboard a better idea of what they're into, which allows the algorithm to better tailor its audial output. The hardware making the music happen is comprised of a microcontroller (MCU) with the composing algorithm on board, a numpad for choosing the operational mode, and a 23-key piano that communicates with the MCU through a trio of encoders. The results are impressive, if not quite concert-hall quality. Hear it for yourself in the video after the break.
Continue reading Auto-composing keyboard creates tunes tailored to your taste

Auto-composing keyboard creates tunes tailored to your taste originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 00:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warner Bros. intros 'Inside the Script' eBook series, gives film buffs a deeper look

From time to time, we see movie studio Warner Bros. bring forth ways to give its oldies-but-goodies a longer life span. On this occasion, Warner's launching a novel eBook series titled "Inside the Script." The new release will give movie buffs a deeper look into a handful of the studio's films, which will include tidbits such as complete shooting scripts, deets about the flick's development and other "rare" goods. At launch, Warner will offer classics like Casablanca, Ben-Hur, An American in Paris and North by Northwest -- all available now on iBooks, Kindle and B&N's NOOK for $10 each. Those eager to flip through the antique pages can head to the source below, where you'll be able to grab the version best suited for your device.
Continue reading Warner Bros. intros 'Inside the Script' eBook series, gives film buffs a deeper look

Warner Bros. intros 'Inside the Script' eBook series, gives film buffs a deeper look originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 23:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boingo, Deutsche Telekom team up for international in-flight WiFi

Boingo is best known for providing WiFi on the ground, but it's now working with Germany's Deutsche Telekom to spread its paid internet access to international flights, not just flights in the US. Lufthansa trips both inside Germany as well as to Canada and the US will soon let you pay with your Boingo account to stay online while you're in the air, using DT's broadband internet access as the conduit. More airlines will be coming soon, although those of us who get itchy staying offline for more than a few hours will have to pay an unspecified premium for that connection when it's ready. Check the PR after the break for the official word.
[Image credit: Jon Fingas, Flickr]
Continue reading Boingo, Deutsche Telekom team up for international in-flight WiFi

Boingo, Deutsche Telekom team up for international in-flight WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 22:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rimac Concept_One EV now a reality: cash in those stock options (video)

If you don't have a sonorous v-something under the hood guzzling gas, do you still have a supercar? Judging by the nearly one million large needed to buy its Concept_One high performance EV, Rimac clearly thinks so. Since our last dalliance with the sinuous eco-powerhouse, the Croatian maker has announced that it's producing 88 units priced at $980K each -- with its carbon fibre body, 1088 HP, 190 mph top speed, and 2.8 second 0-62 mph time all still intact. Sure, there's no Lamborghini rumble, but at those speeds you'll be gone so quickly no one would appreciate it anyway. Watch it cruise sedately in the video after the break.
Continue reading Rimac Concept_One EV now a reality: cash in those stock options (video)

Rimac Concept_One EV now a reality: cash in those stock options (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 22:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony exec confirms IPTV aspirations, says they're on hold due to bandwidth caps

CES came and went without an update on the status of an alleged cable TV alternative the Wall Street Journal claimed Sony was building to push ahead its four screen strategy, but now Sony Network Entertainment VP Michael Aragon has given the rumor new life. Variety reports that during its Entertainment & Technology Summit Monday Aragon confirmed the company is considering offering TV services over the internet, but is waiting to see what happen with ISP bandwidth caps. Specifically referring to the Comcast 250GB limit that has recently come under fire from Netflix and others now that its Xfinity TV app on Xbox 360 skirts the cap entirely, Aragon noted cable companies have the pipe and the bandwidth and can restrict competing services. We've heard Netflix has been trying to negotiate its own path around such restrictions even as Redbox partners with Verizon on a video service, and rumors have periodically popped up linking Apple, Microsoft and any other tech giant you could name to similar plans. What does all this mean for the future? No one can say for sure yet, but unless some of the key players start to partner up instead of go to war we may need the FCC to step in before anything significant changes.

Sony exec confirms IPTV aspirations, says they're on hold due to bandwidth caps originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 21:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Galaxy Nexus for Verizon Wireless receives Android 4.0.4 update

Owners of the Galaxy Nexus for Verizon Wireless are now joining the proud ranks of Android 4.0.4 users. As a common practice, it seems the rollout is gradual, and many of the devices receiving the update appear to be the property of corporate stores. Nonetheless, the 39.8MB download carries a build number IMM76K and similarly brings an update to the baseband software -- which is reason to hope that the (resolved) connectivity issues reported by Android 4.0.4 users of the HSPA+ and Sprint variants will be a non-issue. Are you one of the proud and few to receive the refresh? Let us know in the comments below.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Galaxy Nexus for Verizon Wireless receives Android 4.0.4 update originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 21:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tizen 1.0 Larkspur arrives, fuels your open-source phone dreams

The unveiling of Tizen left many mobile open-source aficionados wondering when the OS would reach its all-important 1.0 status. The answer is now: the coalition between Intel, Panasonic, Samsung and a raft of carriers has posted the first non-beta release in both source code and software development kit forms. The finished versions of either carry new features to reward developers for the wait: SDK users get a new browser-based simulator and a faster emulator, while those scouring the source code will find new point-of-interest and route searching features in location-aware apps as well as WiFi Direct and more HTML5 support. About the only wait left is for an actual Tizen phone to ship.
[Image credit: Realnorth]

Tizen 1.0 Larkspur arrives, fuels your open-source phone dreams originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 20:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget HD Podcast 297 - 05.01.2012
This week's podcast runs a little longer than normal, but only because we've got so much to discuss. From Ben's review to the new Dish Hopper whole-home DVR to the latest Windows Media Center news from Ceton. There's a little bit of everything also, from talk of high-framerate 3D to Dolby's new Atmos surround sound setups, and even a juicy rumor about where TWC TV will touch down next. Just in case that's not enough, we pause to consider a future full of 145-inch 8K plasma TVs. Press play and come dream along with us.

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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)

Producer: Trent Wolbe
00:18:00 - Dish Hopper whole-home DVR review
00:37:30 - Ceton's Media Center mobile apps are for all, app and Echo extender beta signups open now
00:45:15 - Peter Jackson unfazed by 'Hobbit' footage pushback, but will stick to 24 fps for trailers
00:59:00 - Dolby's Atmos technology gives new meaning to surround sound, death from above
01:01:25 - Time Warner Cable is preparing for TWC TV IPTV streaming on Roku boxes
01:03:43 - Reuters: Apple in talks to stream films owned by Epix, no deal expected before September
01:04:50 - DirecTV Everywhere brings streaming movies, TV shows to Android right now, iPhone keeps waiting
01:07:13 - Panasonic teams up with NHK on 145-inch 8K Super Hi-Vision plasma TV
01:10:30 - Samsung's Q1 2012 profits nearly double year-over-year on higher margins for TVs and phones
01:11:00 - LG's Q1 2012 earnings show greater profits on strong TV, phone sales
01:12:43 - Sky considering launching Sky Sports 3D, one channel too small for three dimensions
01:13:50 - Star Trek: The Next Generation Season One Blu-ray beams down July 24th
01:17:50 - Must See HDTV (April 30th - May 6th)
Hear the podcast

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Engadget HD Podcast 297 - 05.01.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 20:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on with Logitech's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover

Logitech announced its Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the new iPad and iPad 2 a couple of weeks ago, and today we got our grubby mitts on the thing. In case you forgot, it attaches to your Apple tablet like a Smart Cover when not in use, but perhaps you didn't know that those magnets secure the slate in stand mode as well. And secure is the operative word, once you slot your slate in, it takes a concerted effort to dislodge it -- plus, there's virtually no shaking of the screen while typing away on the keyboard. As for those chiclets, they have a predictably short throw, but aside from a hollow feeling when pressing the spacebar and shift keys, the rest of the grid gave a satisfying snick with each button press. Build quality of the keyboard was good, without any massive seam gaps or other glaring defects, and the aluminum back makes for quite an attractive package when attached to the iPad. The deck is, unfortunately, slathered in glossy black plastic -- a customer preference, Logitech was quick to point out -- which results in plenty of finger and palm prints when typing. Other than those niggles, however, it's a compelling option for folks wanting to do some tactile tablet typing.

Gallery: Hands-on Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover

Hands-on with Logitech's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 19:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda test house features Smart Home System for controlling energy usage

The term "smart home" seems to turn up in tech circles every so often, only to fade into the background again without much sign of ultra-connected dwellings becoming a reality. Honda's at least putting one foot forward, with a just-unveiled test house in Saitama, Japan featuring a system for controlling and monitoring energy usage. The Honda Smart Home System (HSHS) consists of thin-film solar cell panels, a rechargeable home battery unit, gas and hot water supply systems and the Smart e Mix Manager. The latter is the central part of the energy-control system, and it keeps track of all the other components in addition to monitoring the home's use of power supplied by the grid. In emergency situations, it can also provide electricity via the home battery unit. On the day-to-day level, however, the system is there to let home owners know what sources of power they can kill. Honda also integrates its Japan-only Internavi system for controlling home appliances remotely. The car maker hopes to use the house for extensive demo testing, with an ultimate goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 50 percent. No word on how many decades till we actually call this sort of place home, though. Click on past the break for a look (in Japanese) at the test home's features.
Continue reading Honda test house features Smart Home System for controlling energy usage

Honda test house features Smart Home System for controlling energy usage originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 19:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple patents that moment when you text-bomb everyone with your new number

So, you've changed your phone number to escape that stalker (look, we're sorry, we just wanted to sell you a pyramid scheme), but how do you let all 104 of your remaining friends know without manually texting 'em? The answer lies in Apple's newly granted patent, which aims to end the tedium by having your device recognize when your number switches and automatically send an updated contact entry to everyone in your address book. Of course, there's nothing in the claims to say it's discriminatory, so now we've got your number again -- have you changed your mind about that pyramid scheme?

Apple patents that moment when you text-bomb everyone with your new number originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 18:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Times sees higher circulation numbers, digital paywall smiles knowingly

Given how aggressively The New York Times pushes its digital packages -- we've long since dropped our subscription yet are still bombarded with offers -- you'd hope the paper was at least seeing some results. Well, never fear: it is. A report by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) found that the Times has seen a healthy increase in circulation, with the Sunday edition selling 2,003,247 copies (up 50 percent from last year) and the weekday editions racking in an average of 1,586,757 (up 73 percent). The ABC attributes much of this gain to the NYT's addition of digital access to paper subscriptions, and we're sure the paywall, which limits non-subscribers to just ten free articles a month, has something to do with it, too.

New York Times sees higher circulation numbers, digital paywall smiles knowingly originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 18:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC One X for AT&T review

HTC One X review

HTC One X exclusive to AT&T in the US, brings LTE, Beats, ICS and Sense 4 to Ma Bell

AT&T HTC One X hands-on

After last year's scattered lineup of products, HTC's been going through a bit of a renaissance lately thanks to the One X, One S and One V -- a beautifully focused trio of phones that run the company's new, lightweight Sense 4 skin on top of Ice Cream Sandwich. Hot on the heels of T-Mobile's One S comes AT&T's One X, which is launching May 6 for $199 on contract. The reworked device gains LTE and drops NVIDIA's quad-core Tegra 3 chip for a dual-core Snapdragon S4. So, does this brain transplant make it a better or worse proposition than the global One X? Hit the break to find out.

Gallery: HTC One X for AT&T review

Continue reading HTC One X for AT&T review

HTC One X for AT&T review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celebration Pack Xbox 360 drapes itself in Union Jack, sings Rule Britannia

If the Queen's Jubilee and 2012 Olympics pride have overcome your sense of subtlety, Microsoft has a special game console for you. The Celebration Pack Xbox 360 is a plain-jane 4GB Kinect bundle underneath, but it slathers the console, the wireless gamepad and the Kinect sensor in a tattered Union Jack to remind everyone you're not from Canada. Gamers also get copies of Kinect Adventures and Kinect Sports to help them train for the 500-meter relay. Showing your patriotism with an Xbox will cost you £250 ($406) when the console is ready on May 25, while Microsoft will gladly sell you a just-as-British Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 for £30 ($49).

Celebration Pack Xbox 360 drapes itself in Union Jack, sings Rule Britannia originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 17:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile USA's chief marketing officer, Cole Brodman, calls it quits

Maybe he's finished running with the underdog, or maybe he's just done with the corporate gig altogether, but one thing is certain: as of May 25th, Cole Brodman will mark his exit from T-Mobile. For the past two years, Mr. Brodman has served as the carrier's chief marketing officer, and his departure concludes 17 years with the company. During his tenure, Cole Brodman railed against the subsidized handset game, helped drive the adoption of smartphones and -- sadly -- crushed our dreams for the potential of a Magenta-branded iPhone. He must also claim at least partial responsibility for the carrier's net loss of customers in 2011, with a total of 802,000 subscribers jumping ship in Q4 alone.
One thing is certain of Mr. Brodman's exit, however: he seems content with the decision. Likening the move to a retirement, he remarked, "It's an opportunity to step away, get a break and start to think about how I want to do something next." Andrew Sherrard will replace Cole Brodman as T-Mobile's interim chief marketing officer while the company searches for a permanent replacement. So long, Mr. Brodman, and thanks for the smartphones.
[Cole Brodman photo via CNET]

T-Mobile USA's chief marketing officer, Cole Brodman, calls it quits originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 17:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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