IT News Head Lines (Engadget) 13/06/2012

AnandTech takes a long hard look at the MacBook Pro Retina Display

Not quite fully sated with the latest Apple updates from this year's WWDC? Without doubt, one of the most anticipated goodies to come from the keynote yesterday was the introduction of the MacBook Pro into the Retina Display-fold. We'll, of course, be giving all the new hardware our own thorough shakedown, but in the meantime, AnandTech has given that new display a detailed dissection. In summary: excellent brightness and solid black-levels fend off the glare, apps look amazing, upscaling will cover you in the meantime. For the full nitty-gritty though, number by number, be sure to hit up the source.

AnandTech takes a long hard look at the MacBook Pro Retina Display originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 06:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy Note with T-Mobile-ready 3G swings by the FCC

A T-Mobile-capable version of the Samsung Galaxy Note has been floating around in pictures, but official evidence has been hard to come by. Imagine our surprise when it saunters by the FCC with few disguises: going under a hinted-at SGH-T879 codename, the giant smartphone has passed through the agency with the needed 1,700MHz HSPA band for T-Mobile 3G while also supporting 850MHz and 1,900MHz 3G in the same breath. The wireless support leaves the possibility that the unit we're seeing here is for 1,700MHz Canadian carriers like Mobilicity or Wind Mobile, but earlier photos of T-Mobile branding allude to the American provider having at least toyed with the idea of a Galaxy Note on its network. Fans of supersized phones have reason to cheer, then, although we have doubts revolving mostly around the T879's absence on a leaked roadmap for mid-2012 and the lateness of the arrival. It might be hard for T-Mobile to steer customers to a 2011-era Samsung phone when the Galaxy S III is on the doorstep.

Samsung Galaxy Note with T-Mobile-ready 3G swings by the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kodak plans to sell off digital imaging patents

Kodak has filed proceedings to enable the bankrupt company to sell off its digital imaging patents. With a looming June 30th deadline in its lending agreement, the fallen camera maker is petitioning the court to approve a closed bids auction at a hearing on July 2nd. The company has broken the haul into two portfolios, one surrounding digital camera technology and the other concerning image analysis, manipulation and tagging. It's been pitching the pair around to various interested parties for the past year, with 20 companies reportedly registering an interest. If all is approved, the auction will be held in early August, with the winning bidder to be informed on the 13th of the month. The only question now is to wonder which industry values the portfolio more: the camera guys, or the cellphone guys.
[Image Credit: MercerFilm]
Continue reading Kodak plans to sell off digital imaging patents

Kodak plans to sell off digital imaging patents originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Slacker now streaming six ESPN stations, Radio and Deportes amongst them

Hot off the heels of making its way into those tiny Roku boxes, Slacker has struck yet another deal for your very own listening pleasure. The streaming service just announced it's now offering a total of six "live" stations from The Worldwide Leader in Sports, including ESPN Radio, Deportes, and regional ones such as New York, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles. Naturally, the ESPN offerings will allow users to listen in on live events such as this year's NBA Finals and the ongoing Euro 2012 soccer football tourney. Unfortunately, Slacker notes the "live" lineup is only available gratis for the next 30 days if you're not holding the correct Slacker Radio Plus / Premium Radio credentials. That said, you can give 'em a listen now by heading over to the source link below, or via the Slacker Radio app on your precious smartphone.
Continue reading Slacker now streaming six ESPN stations, Radio and Deportes amongst them

Slacker now streaming six ESPN stations, Radio and Deportes amongst them originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 04:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIA Technologies' $49 Android barebones PC available for pre-order, ships in July

VIA Technologies' small -- but not bite-sized -- Neo-ITX-based barebones Android PC is now up for pre-order. Folks willing to plunk down $49 now will be among the first to play with the APC's version of Gingerbread that's been modified for use with a mouse and keyboard. When can you expect the return on investment? Well, it's slated to ship in early July, meaning you'll get your hands on its 800MHz processor, 512MB of RAM and 2GB of storage before the end of summer.
[Thanks, Nikolas]

VIA Technologies' $49 Android barebones PC available for pre-order, ships in July originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 03:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Apple Design Awards showcase standout apps on iOS, OS X

While we tend to get caught up in keynote hoopla, Apple's WWDC event is about connecting with the third party developers of software for its various platforms and it highlighted a few with its annual Design Awards yesterday. While 2011's winners included standouts like Infinity Blade, selections for 2012 included high profile pics like the Paper sketchbook app for iPad, the game Limbo on OS X, National Geographic's National Parks iOS app and several others. Hit the source link to see all the winners including student projects daWindci and Little Star, along with descriptions of why they were picked. Unsurprisingly, tight integration with the various APIs and services Apple is pushing (plus a polished and widely appreciated user experience, of course) is the way to its heart -- worth keeping in mind for those hoping to be in the winner's circle for 2013.

2012 Apple Design Awards showcase standout apps on iOS, OS X originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 03:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Max Payne Mobile hits Android June 14th, metes out justice on your Galaxy Tab

We'd been wondering where Rockstar Games' promised Android version of Max Payne Mobile had gone after missing its original April release window, but the company has at last narrowed down a release for its third-person revenge shooter on Google's OS. The game swings by Google Play on June 14th, although the nature of the platform means Rockstar is only vowing support for certain phones and tablets. You'll find the whole list at the source link, but it's safe to say that you'll want a higher-end Android device made during the past year by Acer, ASUS, HTC, LG, Medion, Motorola, Samsung, Sony or Toshiba. Thankfully, the $2.99 price will cover either form factor and gives you every excuse to take down Valkyr-peddling thugs on New York City's streets.

Max Payne Mobile hits Android June 14th, metes out justice on your Galaxy Tab originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 02:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple releases Mountain Lion Preview 4 and iOS 6 for developers, iTunes 10.6.3 for everyone else

Looking to tame Apple's Mountain Lion? Step right up, Cupertino's latest build of OS X is ready for consumption -- assuming you're a registered developer, of course. Following WWDC's reveals and teases, Apple has released an updated preview of its desktop and mobile operating systems, serving up Mountain Lion Preview 4 and an iOS 6 beta to developers. The rest of us will have to console ourselves with iTunes 10.6.3, which adds support for the mobile and desktop OS' those fancy devs are getting their hands on. Don't worry, the updated music management software will be able to make full use of Mountain Lion next month, but you'll have to wait until this fall to sync with iOS 6. Hit the source link below to get your update.

Apple releases Mountain Lion Preview 4 and iOS 6 for developers, iTunes 10.6.3 for everyone else originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mad Catz partnering with Microsoft Studios for Halo 4-branded headsets
Looks like Mad Catz has more up its sleeve than just the Wii U accessories it announced at E3 last week. The company just announced a partnership with Microsoft Studios to create Halo 4-branded gaming headsets. Mad Catz says it worked with sound engineers to make sure the headsets complement Halo's "epic sci-fi universe." Alas, that's about all we know right now. Photos and pricing into remain MIA, though the accessories maker says the products will be available in time for the 2012 holiday season.
Continue reading Mad Catz partnering with Microsoft Studios for Halo 4-branded headsets

Mad Catz partnering with Microsoft Studios for Halo 4-branded headsets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seagate Backup Plus hard drive: one-click backup with a social twist

Quick: what's more important? Your entire My Documents directory, or your Facebook / Flickr galleries? The answer seems fairly obvious, but for those too proud to admit it, Seagate's got a new hard drive that'll delicately handle both. The outfit's latest line of 2.5-inch mobile HDDs goes by the name Backup Plus, aiming to give consumers one-click backup and the ability to save and share your content on Facebook and Flickr. They'll work interchangeably with both Windows and Mac platforms, and they ship with a new Seagate Dashboard interface that makes all of that "one-click magic" possible. The company's proclaiming that these guys are the world's first external drives to "provide backup for content on social networks, such as Facebook and Flickr," with a single-click path to Save (download) and Share (upload) personal videos and photos. Backup Plus drives can be snagged in the US starting today, with Amazon, Best Buy and other reputable dealers offering 'em in 500GB, 750GB and 1TB capacities for portable drives and 1TB to 4TB for Backup Plus Desk drives. Pricing and color details are spelled out in the presser just after the break.

Gallery: Seagate Backup Plus portable hard drive

Continue reading Seagate Backup Plus hard drive: one-click backup with a social twist

Seagate Backup Plus hard drive: one-click backup with a social twist originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android 4.0.3 now available for T-Mobile Galaxy S II, get it while it's cold

It may be late in the evening here in the States, but for T-Mobile users, your time in the sun has finally arrived -- Android 4.0.3 is now available via Samsung Kies for the Galaxy S II. According to the carrier, the update won't be made available via an OTA download, which means that if you don't have a PC, you'd best shake down a friend at this late hour -- or, at least give 'em a call in the morning. In addition to Ice Cream Sandwich, the update is said to bring WiFi calling improvements and enhancements to the voicemail system. It'd also be wise to ensure that your phone's software is up-to-date before you begin, as Android 2.3.6 is a prerequisite of the upgrade. Ready to dive in? Just hop the source link for the complete set of instructions.

Android 4.0.3 now available for T-Mobile Galaxy S II, get it while it's cold originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 23:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft Office 15 leaks suggest Office 2013 name, show off Metro logo and Web Apps UI

Didn't make it into Microsoft's Office 15 Technical Preview? Neither did we, however that has not stopped details about the next iteration of the office software suite from leaking out. CNbeta.com is flashing shots of a new red Metroized logo (no surprise) that's similar to Windows 8's err... window and showing off the name "Office 2013 Preview", while LiveSide.net has a comparison shot of the Web Apps Preview, seen above featuring a flattened look and spaced out buttons similar to screenshots seen earlier. We're still expecting a public beta of Office 15 / 2013 later this summer so it shouldn't be too long before we're all sharing the excitement of filling up cells and parsing data as though it was for the first time.
Update: Added clarification that the shot above is from the Office Web Apps preview.

Microsoft Office 15 leaks suggest Office 2013 name, show off Metro logo and Web Apps UI originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 22:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live tonight at 11pm ET!

It's another fireside chat, but we didn't want to wait any longer than necessary to talk about the happenings at WWDC earlier today. But don't worry, Apple haters: we'll have plenty of other stuff to discuss, since Myriam just returned from Computex and has plenty on her mind. So join her and Brad for a late-night urgent edition of the Engadget Mobile Podcast!

June 11, 2012 11:00 PM EDT

Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live tonight at 11pm ET! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Newport Media claims tiniest, lowest-power 802.11n WiFi chip yet, smartphones get a little less thirsty

Cellular chipsets get all the love these days, but it's WiFi that's still the most ubiquitous -- and often the most consistent drain on the battery. Newport Media might have that last problem solved through its new NMC1000 chip. The part is billed as the lowest-power 802.11n wireless system-on-a-chip you'll find, and potentially a big help to smartphones and other devices that lean heavily on a wire-free existence. At just 2.5mm (0.1 inches) square, the equally record-setting size should also please device makers trying to squeeze wireless into an exceptionally tiny footprint. If you're as excited about the prospect of WiFi everywhere as Newport's Stock Photography Woman above appears to be, you can get more details below and expect full-scale production in the fall.
Continue reading Newport Media claims tiniest, lowest-power 802.11n WiFi chip yet, smartphones get a little less thirsty

Newport Media claims tiniest, lowest-power 802.11n WiFi chip yet, smartphones get a little less thirsty originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Go to school, get a Lumia 900: all incoming Seton Hall University freshmen to receive a Windows Phone

Granted, this'll be just one more way for upperclassmen to quickly identify the newbies, but all incoming freshmen to New Jersey's Seton Hall University will be given a Nokia Lumia 900 upon orientation, as a means to integrate technology with the school's curriculum -- quite similar to previous efforts that we've seen for the iPad and iPhone. Not to stop there, university officials hope to make the smartphone a key component of student life with the SHUmobile app and its Freshman Experience hub. Here, freshmen may interact with each other via social media and direct messaging, find peer academic advisors, learn about their future housing situation and get to know their roommates. As for mobile service, it's said that students will receive pre-paid access to AT&T through the fall semester. After that, it seems that freshman will need to pick up the bill or leverage WiFi networks to remain connected. To learn more of how SHU is thinking very differently, just hop the break for the PR.
Continue reading Go to school, get a Lumia 900: all incoming Seton Hall University freshmen to receive a Windows Phone

Go to school, get a Lumia 900: all incoming Seton Hall University freshmen to receive a Windows Phone originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 20:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon Appstore reportedly travelling to Europe this summer, we hope its passport is up to date

Amazon had a successful first year with its Appstore; outside of a false start, however, no one beyond the US could enjoy it. That looks to be changing, if whispers to AllThingsD turn into shouts. The reputed insiders have Europeans getting their crack at the third-party Android store sometime in the summer, with app submissions starting as soon as next week. Amazon hasn't confirmed anything, so don't be surprised if the Appstore isn't packing its bags for the trip just yet -- especially as other services like Instant Video haven't made the jump. Should the Appstore go on a European vacation, though, it could be an early preamble to the Kindle Fire following suit.

Amazon Appstore reportedly travelling to Europe this summer, we hope its passport is up to date originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 20:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony teases new Xperia phone unveiling within days, wants you to speed it up on Facebook

As much as we're used to companies offering big teasers for their future devices, it's still rare that they put the revelation itself under our control. Sony's trying just that: its mobile division's Facebook page is promising a new Xperia phone whose unveiling date is contingent on how many people "fast forward" the unveiling date from its original June 22nd. As we're writing, the date has already been moved up to June 20th, and there's a good chance the phone will show up sooner. Just what we'll see is a mystery -- it could be the finished version of the tiny ST21i we saw in April, an international version of the Xperia Neo L, or something else entirely. We'll know as soon as enough visitors give Sony the go-ahead, although we wouldn't be surprised if the references to time are clues.

Sony teases new Xperia phone unveiling within days, wants you to speed it up on Facebook originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy S III accessories shown on video, that C-Pen never felt closer (video)

If you rushed out to buy a Galaxy S III (or are waiting to buy one) but got skittish over decking it out with extras, it's time to relax. MobileFun has volunteered to show a quintet of the Android 4.0 phone's official accessories on-camera to get a feel for how they work. Samsung's desktop dock, battery charger and flip cover all get the video treatment, but the highlights are the WiFi Display Hub and C-Pen. The wireless hub sadly isn't shown with a live Galaxy S III to demo, but gives a feel for just how minuscule it is next to a TV. However, the C-Pen is mostly notable for working only with Samsung's latest: there's no way to wield it as an upscale Galaxy Note stylus. All of the accessories are already on sale, although it might be wise for Americans to just watch the videos below until they have real phones in their hands later this month.
Continue reading Samsung Galaxy S III accessories shown on video, that C-Pen never felt closer (video)

Samsung Galaxy S III accessories shown on video, that C-Pen never felt closer (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visualized: 100 Retina display iPads sit down at the dinner table...

What if you took 3.1 million pixels, per iPad, and then crammed 100 (or so) of them on a table at WWDC? You'd have a pretty insane, super-connected Retina table. Also, it'd cost at least $50,000 to replicate what you're seeing. You know -- just in case the thought crossed your mind.

Gallery: Visualized: 100 Retina display iPads sit down at the dinner table...

Visualized: 100 Retina display iPads sit down at the dinner table... originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's first smartphone-friendly MirrorLink in-car AV hits European roads, iOS and Symbian get to ride first

Sony outlined a grand future of smartphone-aware MirrorLink AV units back at CES, and the first example of the in-car media system is shipping right in line with the spring target. Although it's the more modest of the two we saw back in Las Vegas, the XAV-601BT aims to be the heart of anything mobile attached to your car with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and two USB ports to take advantage of your phone's music, navigation and other apps in a custom interface while another device charges on the side. Just don't expect Sony's stake in Android to have much bearing: at first, only more recent Symbian phones will have "guaranteed" MirrorLink support at first, with Android and possibly other platforms coming later. Even so, iPhone and iPod touch users still get into the party earlier through a Passenger App Control platform that lets certain iOS apps interact with or play videos through the head-end. Europeans should get a crack at the XAV-601BT before the end of the month, although we suspect Sony will want to wait for more phone support before bringing MirrorLink to less-than-Nokia-friendly American shores. More details await after the break.
Continue reading Sony's first smartphone-friendly MirrorLink in-car AV hits European roads, iOS and Symbian get to ride first

Sony's first smartphone-friendly MirrorLink in-car AV hits European roads, iOS and Symbian get to ride first originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insert Coin: Sensordrone lets your smartphone monitor temperature, air quality, inebriation
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.

Sensordrome is an attempt to pair a sensor-heavy dongle with your smartphone. The result is something slightly Star Trek, with the device connecting across Bluetooth to share a wealth of data on what's going on around you. Pledging over $149 to the Kickstarter project will net investors a spot on the first production run, while over $99 will land you a beta version for slightly zealous devs and testers. The sensor array includes some standard offerings like temperature and humidity but it also throws in a light sensor, non-contact IR thermometer and barometer. It can also analyze breath alcohol levels, and detect Carbon Monoxide and even gas leaks. Throw in an expansion connector to open up even more options, including medical equipment like blood pressure monitors, and you can see why it's piqued our interest.
Sensors aside, the gadget will hook-up with Android (other platforms will be considered in the future) and will be able to connect to the likes of Twitter and Facebook. Sensordrone can offer up its data in three different ways; call-respond mode will give you immediate read-outs, while streaming mode will send continuous data to your phone. Data logging mode will store the same data in its built-in memory which can be downloaded later as a .csv file -- and should mean graphs abound. Sensordrone's application software will also be open-source, allowing plenty more apps to utilize that sensor medley in the future. We'd still love a built-in radiation detector though. That aside, you can take a tour of Sensordrone's talents after the break. How can you say no to that face?
Previous project update: Motion-controlled sword-em-up Clang has just under a month left to go and has notched up just shy of $160,000 for the project -- all from under 3,100 backers. However, plenty of support is still needed to reach its heady $500,000 target.
Continue reading Insert Coin: Sensordrone lets your smartphone monitor temperature, air quality, inebriation

Insert Coin: Sensordrone lets your smartphone monitor temperature, air quality, inebriation originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Must See HDTV (June 11th - 17th)

NBA Finals
The NHL Stanley Cup could be decided in just a few hours if the LA Kings can (finally) take care of business and send the Devils home for the summer, but the NBA finals are just getting started and this should be a good one. The LeBron James-led Heat face off against Kevin Durant's Thunder, pitting (arguably) the game's two best players in a best-of-seven battle for the championship. If you're a fan of basketball, this should be the matchup for you.
(Tuesday / Thursday / Sunday, ABC)
Falling Skies
TNT is all out of NBA coverage for the season, but now its exciting sci fi series is returning for the summer. It doesn't have the biggest special effects budget, but the producers seem to get a lot out of what they're given and the writing improved as its first season went on last year. Noah Wylie of E.R. fame stars as the main character (Moon Bloodgood also appears, if that matters to you), a history professor turned resistance militia member after aliens take over the planet, and somehow manages to pull it off. We'll be watching again for the two hour premiere Sunday night, check out a season two preview trailer embedded after the break.
(June 17th, TNT, 9 & 10PM)
Continue reading Must See HDTV (June 11th - 17th)

Must See HDTV (June 11th - 17th) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget's post-WWDC live broadcast from San Francisco!

Whew, that was quite a rush. The WWDC 2012 keynote is over and the conference itself is underway, but if you missed any of the announcements from this morning's hectic action don't worry. Just like this morning's earlier broadcast, Tim Stevens and Darren Murph are here to break it down with a live video stream. It's waiting for you after the break, so click on through, won't you?

Continue reading Engadget's post-WWDC live broadcast from San Francisco!

Engadget's post-WWDC live broadcast from San Francisco! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dish Network, Qualcomm team up on Snapdragon S4 chips for hybrid satellite / cellular mobiles

Qualcomm's dual-core Krait S4 MSM8960 processors have already found friends in Samsung's Galaxy S III and HTC's One X thanks to their integrated support for 3G/LTE, and now Dish Network has announced it's working to use them in devices for its future network. According to the press release (included after the break), the new satellite air interface tech developed by Qualcomm called Enhanced Geostationary Air Link (EGAL), and will allow Dish to support "mobile handsets and other devices" in both terrestrial and satellite modes on the 2GHz / AWS-4 band. Of course, it's moving forward on this tech even while we wait to hear about the FCC rulings in play before it can launch LTE service, but if/when it does arrive there's a chance we could see satellite-boosted superphones sooner rather than later.
Continue reading Dish Network, Qualcomm team up on Snapdragon S4 chips for hybrid satellite / cellular mobiles

Dish Network, Qualcomm team up on Snapdragon S4 chips for hybrid satellite / cellular mobiles originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple's WWDC keynote video is up, play along at home (update 2: video for everybody)

Next-generation MacBook Pros? iOS 6? The new Maps app? Sure, you watched the whole thing live, but is that really enough? Apple's tossed up the Tim Cook-led WWDC keynote, so now you can experience the magic of liveblogging the whole thing all over again. Check out the video in the source link below.
Update: Looks like it's only Safari users who get a peek at first: if you're on Chrome, Firefox or another browser, you'll have to sit tight for a little while longer.
Update 2: The keynote video now looks to be working for most, so stream away.

Apple's WWDC keynote video is up, play along at home (update 2: video for everybody) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET
It's Monday, which means it is time for you to listen into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to mp3 at 5:30PM. Please be a part of it by reviewing the list of topics after the break, then participating in the live chat too.
Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple selects TomTom as primary iOS 6 maps provider (update: confirmed)

Been wondering exactly which data service is replacing Google as Apple's map provider? According to these leaked screenshots (shown above) from the iOS 6 developer beta running on an iPhone 4S, it appears to be TomTom. The company is no stranger to iOS, as its navigation app and car kit have been available on the iPhone since 2009. On an interesting note, the maps application specifically mentions "data from TomTom, others," which means there may be other suppliers that aren't getting called out by name. We'll keep you posted as we hear more what's going on behind-the-scenes.
Update: TomTom has independently confirmed to us that it indeed "has signed a global agreement with Apple for maps and related information."
[Thanks, Anonymous]

Apple selects TomTom as primary iOS 6 maps provider (update: confirmed) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple rolls out Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter for $29

When it rains, it pours -- and today is a downright thunderstorm in Cupertino. If you need some wired internet access for your Air or Next Generation MacBook Pro, Apple's got you covered. The company added a Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter to its store. You can pick one of the "small and compact" add-ons up in the source link below.

Apple rolls out Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter for $29 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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D-Link outs MovieNite Plus, still expects you to buy the popcorn

D-Link has refreshed its MovieNite Apple TV / Roku competitor to enable the media streamer to add a wide variety of apps -- including Hulu Plus (soon). The 1080p video pusher is nearly unmistakable for the original edition, which was available for as little as $48 online, except that it won't be exclusive to Walmart anymore -- oh, and this time out it'll set you back $80.
Continue reading D-Link outs MovieNite Plus, still expects you to buy the popcorn

D-Link outs MovieNite Plus, still expects you to buy the popcorn originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple MagSafe vs. MagSafe 2: photos of the two incompatible power connectors

Apple quietly introduced a newer, slimmer, snazzier MagSafe connector here at WWDC, with the Retina display-equipped 15-inch MacBook Pro (yeah, the "next-generation" one) and the newly-unveiled MacBook Air machines utilizing it. Still, the original MagSafe is finding its way onto the refreshed MacBook Pro (both 13- and 15-inch), but we're guessing the original isn't long for this world. As with anything, change ain't easy -- for the two to talk to one another, you'll need an optional $10 adapter (which evidently ships gratis with the 27-inch Thunderbolt Display). It's also worth noting that the actual AC power plug returned to the "T-style" form factor, rather than the "side-style" seen in the MacBook units that were new... well, yesterday. We stacked a next-gen MBP atop a last-gen MBP just to showcase the differences; hit the gallery below if you're interested in such things.

Gallery: Apple MagSafe vs. MagSafe 2: product comparison shots at WWDC 2012

Continue reading Apple MagSafe vs. MagSafe 2: photos of the two incompatible power connectors

Apple MagSafe vs. MagSafe 2: photos of the two incompatible power connectors originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple next-generation MacBook Pro (with Retina display) hands-on at WWDC 2012

Not satisfied looking at the latest and best Mac that Apple has ever made under glass? Neither were we, so we tracked one down, ripped it out of its box and stacked it up against the last-generation MacBook Pro 15-inch. How does it compare? Can it compare? Is the new MagSafe 2 connector going to mean you need all new adapters? And, just how amazing is that Retina display? You'll have to join us after the break to find out.

Gallery: Apple's 15-inch 'next-generation' MacBook Pro hands-on at WWDC

Continue reading Apple next-generation MacBook Pro (with Retina display) hands-on at WWDC 2012

Apple next-generation MacBook Pro (with Retina display) hands-on at WWDC 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple adopts new MagSafe 2 connector, offers an adapter for your old gear

While Apple was busy unveiling a completely new MacBook Pro and a refreshed MacBook Air, it also introduced a new MagSafe 2 power connector. The new version is longer but slimmer than its counterpart, no doubt to make sure it fits in the MacBook Pro's skinnier confines, but also renders obsolete the connectors for your existing MagSafe adapter or Thunderbolt Display power connector. Not to fear if you absolutely need the connection, however: there's a new, $10 MagSafe to MagSafe 2 converter (seen above) that will keep your new laptop powered up. We're worried the adapter may crowd out wider USB devices, as you might have gathered from the above shot, but it's good to know that earlier peripherals will keep humming along.
Update: Check out our hands-on photos of the new connector versus the old!

Apple adopts new MagSafe 2 connector, offers an adapter for your old gear originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple rolls out updated Mac Pro lineup with faster processors, not much else

They didn't warrant a mention during the big keynote, but those patiently waiting for an update to the desktop-bound Mac Pro weren't left behind by Apple today. The company has quietly updated the line on its website, bringing a rather modest spec bump to the familiar tower. That includes a single 3.2GHz quad-core Xeon processor on the base $2,499 model, which comes paired with 6GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, and a pair of 2.4GHz six-core processors on the higher-end model, which gets 12GB of RAM as standard and the same 1TB hard drive for $3,799. The $2,999 Mac Pro Server will give you a 3.2GHz quad-core Xeon with 8GB of RAM and a pair of 1TB hard drives. Notably lacking is the addition of Apple's otherwise standard Thunderbolt ports, or 802.11n WiFi connectivity. You can check out all the options available at the source link below.
Check out our full coverage of WWDC 2012 at our event hub!

Apple rolls out updated Mac Pro lineup with faster processors, not much else originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 2012 MacBook Air vs. the 2011 model: what's changed?

No, we didn't get the Retina Macbook Air many of us may have been hoping for, but the Apple ultra-portable did get a significant Ivy Bridge boost, including a pair of USB 3.0 ports. There's also an option to double the flash storage capacity with a 512GB SSD, along with adding up to 8 gigs of 1600MHz DDR3L RAM and Apple's new MagSafe 2 connector on the 13-inch Air. Base model pricing remains the same for the 11-incher, at $999 for the bare-bones configuration, while the larger Air will be available starting at $1199 -- a $100 drop over its predecessor. All of the new Airs will ship beginning today, but that doesn't mean it's upgrade time for you. Click on past the break for our side-by-side comparison and a closer look at what's new.
Continue reading The 2012 MacBook Air vs. the 2011 model: what's changed?

The 2012 MacBook Air vs. the 2011 model: what's changed? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple axes 17-inch MacBook Pro, giant laptop owners weep

As we suspected when Apple updated traditional MacBook Pros, Apple has quietly dropped the 17-inch MacBook Pro. From here on out, it's either the 13- or 15-inch models if you want Apple's conventional form factor. The next-generation MacBook Pro is now your best option if you want more than a 1680 x 1050 resolution in a portable Mac, and there's no internal recourse for an ExpressCard slot if you lived on it. That said, we imagine Apple is counting on two pairs each of USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt on the new system to take care of ExpressCard's former duties. We'd add that it's also the end of an era: Apple was one of the first with a 17-inch widescreen laptop, and it's now one of the first to bow out.

Apple axes 17-inch MacBook Pro, giant laptop owners weep originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple intros new iPad Smart Case: clever enough to cover both sides, priced at $50

And we're still not done. A new iPad case has managed to sneak onto the Apple Store's online shelves, and it'll protect your precious slab on both the back and front. The Smart Case appears to augment last year's Smart Cover with an additional (polyurethane hardshell) coating for the back of your iPad. Priced at just under $50, the case fits both second and third-generation iPads and will arrive in six different color options. And yes, you can still get that ever-pressing message engraved onto it too.
[Thanks Nikhil]
For more coverage of WWDC 2012, please visit our event hub!

Apple intros new iPad Smart Case: clever enough to cover both sides, priced at $50 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 2012 MacBook Pros vs. the 2011 models: what's changed?

Since the epic rise of the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro has become something of a dark horse in the Apple notebook family. Sure, it may not be Cupertino's thinnest, sexiest product, but it has the heavy-duty internals to handle intense graphics for artists and gamers alike. Apple just announced its updated 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros -- not to mention a new 15-inch model with a brilliant Retina display, and these new machines boast some pretty impressive upgrades. There's no shortage of spec changes to keep track of, so check out our comparison charts below to see what the new models bring to the table (hint: highlights include USB 3.0, Ivy Bridge and a thinner design for the new Retina model).

15-inch MacBook Pro (2011)

15-inch MacBook Pro (2012)

Retina display MacBook Pro (2012)

Dimensions	14.35 x 9.82 x 0.95 inches	14.35 x 9.82 x 0.95 inches	14.13 x 9.73 x 0.71 inches
Display Resolution	1440 x 900	1440 x 900	2880 x 1800
CPU	Up to 2.4GHz quad-core Core i7 (Sandy Bridge)	Up to 2.7GHz quad-core Core i7 (Ivy Bridge)	Up to 2.7GHz quad-core Core i7 (Ivy Bridge)
Graphics	Intel HD Graphics 3000 + AMD Radeon HD 6750M / AMD Radeon HD 6770M	Intel HD Graphics 4000 / NVIDIA Kepler GeForce GT 650M with up to 1GB of memory	Intel HD Graphics 4000 / NVIDIA Kepler GeForce GT 650M with up to 1GB of memory
Memory	Up to 8GB	Up to 8GB	Up to 16GB
Storage	Up to 750GB	Up to 1TB or a 512GB SSD	Up to a 768GB SSD
Ports	Thunderbolt, FireWire 800, two USB 2.0, SD card slot, MagSafe power port, Kensington lock slot, audio line in, audio line out	Two Thunderbolt, USB 3.0, FireWire 800, SD card slot, new MagSafe2 connector, Kensington lock slot, audio line in, audio line out	Two Thunderbolt, HDMI, two USB 3.0, SD card slot, new MagSafe2 connector, Kensington lock slot, headphone port
Battery life	7 hours	7 hours	7 hours
Weight	5.6 pounds	5.6 pounds	4.46 pounds
Price	$1,799 (2GHz Core i7, 500GB hard drive) / $2,199 (2.2GHz Core i7, 750GB hard drive)	$1,799 (2.3GHz Core i7, 500GB hard drive / $2,199 (2.6GHz, 750GB hard drive)	$2,199 (2.3GHz Core i7, 256GB SSD) / $2,799 (2.6GHz, 512GB SSD)

Continue reading The 2012 MacBook Pros vs. the 2011 models: what's changed?

The 2012 MacBook Pros vs. the 2011 models: what's changed? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WWDC 2012 keynote roundup

If you didn't have the opportunity to follow along with us on our liveblog of the opening keynote at WWDC 2012, fear not -- we've put all the juicy deets together into one place. There was a lot to cover today: Retina displays on next-generation MacBook Pros, refreshes for the rest of the MacBook lineup, a full helping of new features coming in OS X Mountain Lion and iOS 6. Head on below to catch up on the latest news from the Moscone Center!
Also, don't forget to check out our full coverage of WWDC 2012 at our event hub!
Continue reading WWDC 2012 keynote roundup

WWDC 2012 keynote roundup originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple next-generation MacBook Pro (with Retina display) eyes-on at WWDC 2012

Heh -- rumor didn't have this one! We just wrapped our eyes around Apple's new 15.4-inch "next-generation" MacBook Pro here at WWDC 2012, and while it was under lock and key, it doesn't take a touch to see that this thing is devilishly thin. For all intents and purposes, this is the 15-inch MacBook Air that many have been waiting for. Gone is the optical drive, and in are two USB 3.0 ports, two Thunderbolt sockets (side-by-side, instead of one on each edge), a full-size HDMI socket, a 3.5mm headphone port and an SD card slot. Oh, and a MagSafe 2 power connector. On one hand, it's great to see Apple finally embracing USB 3.0; on the other, it's obvious by the duo of Thunderbolt sockets that it'd prefer use those. Whatever the case, the new Pro is quite the looker, and we're guessing Apple won't have any issues moving too many of these beauts -- even at $2,199 (and up).
Unfortunately, there's no new Pro sitting around outside of a case, but you can enjoy a few glass-enclosed glamor shots in the gallery below.

Gallery: Apple next-generation MacBook Pro (with Retina display) eyes-on at WWDC 2012

Apple next-generation MacBook Pro (with Retina display) eyes-on at WWDC 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple announces Guided Access for iOS devices, offers expanded accessibility controls

We didn't get a ton of details on this one during the keynote, but Apple has announced a new Guided Access feature for iOS that promises to let folks limit what sort of input their devices are able to respond to. Some examples given by Apple are a parent of an autistic child who could disable on-screen controls so they don't accidentally exit an app, a teacher who could prevent students from exiting a test app, or museums who could keep folks locked in to their own display apps. That includes the ability to confine touch input to certain parts of the screen, in addition to disabling the home button or touch input altogether.

Gallery: Guided Access for iOS 6

Apple announces Guided Access for iOS devices, offers expanded accessibility controls originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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