Wednesday, July 11, 2012

IT News Head Lines (Engadget) 11/07/2012





Thorsten Heins, Mike Lazaridis elected to RIM board during shareholders meeting
What's anticipated to be a testy shareholder meeting for Research in Motion kicked things off in a fairly status quo matter, with 10 directors being confirmed as part of the struggling smartphone maker's board. That list includes CEO Thorsten Heins and founder Mike Lazaridis. The elections, one attendee noted, were "not an overwhelming approval," with 14.8 percent and 19.1 percent of votes withheld for Heins and Lazaridis, respectively.
Thorsten Heins, Mike Lazaridis elected to RIM board during shareholders meeting originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sony Xperia P blushes in metallic pink
Sony Xperia P blushes in metallic pink
If the black, grey and red hues of existing Xperia P models really weren't cutting it, Sony has just previewed a new color option -- pink. The device made a brief appearance at Sony's Weibo event, matching the metallic finish of our review model, but throwing in a little extra feminine charm. No news on release regions or dates, but given the Asia-centric reveal, we suspect it's unlikely to be gearing up for a world tour.
[Thanks Kihoon]
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Sony Xperia P blushes in metallic pink originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nintendo 3DS XL review: bigger is better, but it's still not quite enough
Nintendo 3DS XL review Bigger is better, but not quite enough

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If you like your portable gaming three-dimensional, clam-shelled and big, then Nintendo's 3DS XL fulfills those broad, unconventional requirements. It's a design refresh that more closely references both previous generations of DS hardware (and the incoming Wii U) -- all while touting a substantially bigger, 3D-capable, parallax-barrier screen. Aside from a larger battery, the XL's internals rehash what we first saw over a year ago: the controls remain the same, with no addition of a (mildly) hardcore gamer-courting second analog stick. For what it's worth, the device does arrive with a 4GB SD card in-box (up from 2GB in the original), matching the approximate doubling in physical dimensions. 18 months is a long time in gaming, especially these days, and although 3DS sales have recently rallied against Sony's latest, we reckon the 3DS XL has double the appeal of its forebear. We'll explain why right after the break.
Gallery: Nintendo 3DS XL review
Gallery: Nintendo 3DS XL vs. Nintendo 3DS
Continue reading Nintendo 3DS XL review: bigger is better, but it's still not quite enough
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Nintendo 3DS XL review: bigger is better, but it's still not quite enough originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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AT&T Atrix HD priced at $99: coming July 15 (video)
While we've already stared down the specifications, AT&T's announced that it will bring Motorola's big and skinny slab to the US later this month, while Bell will do the honors in Canada "this summer." Priced at $99, the Atrix HD will tie together LTE connectivity with a 4.5-inch 720p display, available in both Modern White and Titanium colors. Better still, it's all arriving later this week, on July 15. If you're thinking about becoming an early adopter then you'll want to move quickly, as a free Vehicle Dock will ship with each one for a "limited time", designed to work perfectly with the included Smart Actions. Finally, this is the first phone to feature Motorola's "circle widget" on the home screen, designed to take owners directly to their AT&T account info, displaying data usage, battery status and more. Check after the break for a quick video walkthrough from AT&T plus a press release with all of the specs and details.
Gallery: Motorola ATRIX HD
Continue reading AT&T Atrix HD priced at $99: coming July 15 (video)
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AT&T Atrix HD priced at $99: coming July 15 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Kinect PlayFit launches for Xbox Live, tracks all of the calories you burn playing 'Star Wars'
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Get fit playing "Star Wars?" That's the dream, isn't it? Microsoft is looking to make that dream a reality with its Kinect PlayFit, a new fitness dashboard for the Xbox Live that helps users track burned calories across Kinect titles like "Dance Central 2," "Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012" and, yes, "Kinect Star Wars." The dashboard features "social motivation," including rankings, leaderboards and community integration. PlayFit is launching today as a free download for all US-based Xbox Live members. It'll be hitting areas outside the US later this week, so everyone can break a sweat in a galaxy far, far away.
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KIRF Galaxy S III: designed for cheapskates, inspired by Samsung
KIRF Galaxy S III designed for cheapskates, inspired by Samsung
Depending on your location (or carrier of choice) Samsung's Galaxy S III is now ready to take your money. If your assets aren't liquid enough to afford Samsung's flagship on contract, you might be at least tempted by the fakery of the HDC Galaxy S3. The familiar-looking slab packs a 4.7-inch TFT screen, alongside a humble 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and a 5-megapixel camera. According to GizmoChina, the phone will set shady cash registers ringing at around $200 -- a snip compared to the off-contract price of the official iteration. Take a tour of the hardware (and some Nature UX-baiting software) in the quick hands-on after the break.
Continue reading KIRF Galaxy S III: designed for cheapskates, inspired by Samsung
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KIRF Galaxy S III: designed for cheapskates, inspired by Samsung originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Cablevision Optimum apps for iPad, iPhone upgraded with new UI, ratings and discovery features
Cablevision Optimum apps for iPad, iPhone upgraded with a new UI, ratings and discovery features
Cablevision unveiled its Optimum for iPad app with live TV streaming in the spring of 2011, then upgraded it to 2.0 with remote control and DVR scheduling plus an iPhone-compatible edition last fall, and now 3.0 has arrived on iOS with a whole new UI. The updated look makes the app more consistent with the web-based Optimum experience for PCs that launched in April, making it easier to find shows and view the guide well into the future as well as up to two hours into the past. Key to the upgraded discovery experience is the ability to rate TV shows which it uses to make recommendations on other content. The DVR section has even been revamped,making it easier to see what's been recorded and programs that are scheduled, as well as remaining storage space. The full changelog is available on iTunes, subscribers can grab the free apps for their respective devices at the links below.
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Canon expands its PIXMA line with MG2220, MG3220 and MG4220 all-in-ones
Canon expands its PIXMA line with MG2220, MG3220 and MG4220 allinones, adds AirPrint for the latter two
In plenty of time for back to school shopping, Canon has added three new offerings to the PIXMA family. The company just uncovered the MG2220, MG3220 and MG4220 all-in-one printers. The trio boasts 4,800 x 2,400 dpi max resolution, FastFront for easy changing of both ink and paper via the face of the machine, borderless 4 x 6-inch prints in under a minute and handles up to 8.5 x 11 sizes. With the MG2220, you can expect the advertised copy, print and scan functionality, while the other models each sport wireless capabilities. The aforementioned perk includes AirPrint, Google Cloud Print and Canon's own Easy PhotoPrint mobile app. If that wasn't enough, two new bits of software will be available with My Image Garden and you'll gain access to Facebook galleries with Print Your Days.
The pricier pair also touts Auto Duplex printing to keep costs down and the MG4220 tacks on a 2.5-inch LCD for convenient adjustments for its higher price tag. The outfit didn't offer any details on when these peripherals will hit shelves, but when the time arrives, you can expect prices of $69.99 for the MG2220, $79.99 for the MG3220 and $129.99 for the all-inclusive MG4220. Further details lie in the full PR and a look at all three models can be found in the gallery that follows.

Gallery: Canon PIXMA MG2220, MG3220 and MG4220 all-in-one printers
Continue reading Canon expands its PIXMA line with MG2220, MG3220 and MG4220 all-in-ones
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Canon expands its PIXMA line with MG2220, MG3220 and MG4220 all-in-ones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Canon unveils the SELPHY CP900 compact photo printer, allows you to scrapbook from the backseat
Canon unveils the SELPHY CP900 compact photo printer, allows you to scrapbook from the backseat
If you literally can't wait until you get back home to print your Grand Canyon photos, you're now in luck. Canon has announced the SELPHY CP900 compact printer that makes on-the-go postcard making a bit easier. Making use of the peripheral's added WiFi capabilities, you'll be able to output those images from you hiking expedition from a memory card or with the help of the Easy PhotoPrint app for Android and iOS devices. Of course, you'll be limited to 4 x 6-inch snapshots, but the new accessory will take up less room in your backpack compared to the previous models. Can't find a power outlet? No worries. You can splurge for the optional battery / charger combo for printing mid-safari -- should you so choose. The device also sports a 2.7-inch LCD screen for final adjustments and a wait time of under a minute per copy. Details on a release date are scarce, but the mobile kit will be available in both black and white options for around $100 when it does arrive. For now, a few alternate angles await in the gallery below.

Gallery: Canon SELPHY CP900 compact photo printer
Continue reading Canon unveils the SELPHY CP900 compact photo printer, allows you to scrapbook from the backseat
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Apple launches new iPad in China on July 20th
iPad 2012
Apple is about to complete an important part of the puzzle for the new iPad's world rollout: it just confirmed that its Retina display-packing tablet will reach mainland China on July 20th. The company isn't specific about local pricing, but it's promising both WiFi and cellular versions at its own stores and through resellers. The company is keen to avoid some of the mobs and scalping it's seen in the past and will open reservations for pickup starting on July 19th -- although the company is unusually limiting the reservation window to just three hours each day, between 9AM and noon. No matter how it shakes out, the official Chinese expansion is likely to keep the number of slingshot-delivered imports to a minimum.
Continue reading Apple launches new iPad in China on July 20th
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Apple launches new iPad in China on July 20th originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 08:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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BlackBerry Curve 9310 makes a straight line to Verizon, July 12th
BlackBerry Curve 9310 makes a straight line to Verizon, July 12th
RIM's BlackBerry Curve 9310 hasn't exactly been shy. It's already made a cameo over at the FCC and got some Boost Mobile face time, and now the QWERTY keyboard-packing smartphone will be hitting Verizon, arriving on the carrier this week. The curvy package includes BlackBerry 7.1, a 3.2 megapixel camera, a microSD slot and a dedicated BBM key on that aforementioned physical keyboard. The business-friendly handset arrives on VZW July 12th for $50 (after a mail-in rebate for the same amount). More info can be found in the press release post-break.
Continue reading BlackBerry Curve 9310 makes a straight line to Verizon, July 12th
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BlackBerry Curve 9310 makes a straight line to Verizon, July 12th originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 08:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Autodesk Scaleform lets you use Flash to build high-end portable device games for $299 (video)
DNP Autodesk Scaleform for Mobile Platforms lets you use Flash to build highend smartphone or tablet games for $299
Got some great smartphone game ideas and Flash talent, but no budget and little to no programming savvy? Autodesk's Scaleform for Mobile Platforms could let you launch those ideas from a catapult, cannon or any game weapon of your choice -- all you'll need is Adobe creation tools and $299. That's the price per platform (iOS, Android or Windows 8,) giving you tools to convert your Flash assets and animations into a full blown Unity game, as well as the engine necessary for the mobile OS. That would let your creation take full advantage of the latest smartphone graphics and multi-processing capabilities, giving users smoother play and sharper looking games -- according to the company. The software is heavily based on the console and PC versions of Scaleform, optimized for the small devices and costing thousands less. So, if you think you've got the mad Flash skillz to create the next Infinity Blade, check the PR and video after the break to see how to power up.
Continue reading Autodesk Scaleform lets you use Flash to build high-end portable device games for $299 (video)
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DirecTV vs. Viacom squabble could see MTV, Comedy Central and 16 others go dark at midnight
DirecTV, Viacom squabble could see MTV, Comedy Central and 24 others go dark at midnight
The latest participants in the carriage dispute dance are DirecTV and Viacom, with the two companies attempting to reach a new agreement before their existing one expires tonight. If they don't, the network's 26 channels (MTV, BET, VH1, Spike TV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon etc.) could be cut off at midnight. As usual, each has its own side of the argument with Viacom claiming DirecTV has been underpaying for years, while DirecTV accuses Viacom of seeking an increase that will add up to a billion dollars in a year and is responsible for pulling the channels while negotiations continue. We're not particularly sympathetic to the plight of either corporate behemoth (or optimistic that any savings will ever reach customer's pockets) but if you must support one over the other then there's plenty of propaganda to be found at the links below. This may not be as crucial as Dish Network's (potentially) Breaking Bad-interrupting tiff with AMC, but if we have to miss an episode of Workaholics or Awkward it's going to be bad for everyone.
Update: We've revised the total channel count from 26 as Viacom stated to 18 -- as much as we like HD feeds, we don't usually count them twice.

[Thanks, AJ]
Continue reading DirecTV vs. Viacom squabble could see MTV, Comedy Central and 16 others go dark at midnight
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Ouya's Android-based, hackable game console now official: we chat with designer Yves Behar
Boxer8's Androidbased, eminently hackable Ouya game console becomes official, we have a chat with Yves Behar
A handful of details briefly slipped out about the project earlier, but now it's here: the Ouya, an attempt not just to delve into the cutthroat world of TV game consoles but to try and shift the goal posts. At its heart, the design sounds more like a smartphone than a gaming rig with a quad-core Tegra 3 and 8GB of storage running Android 4.0. The upscale, RF wireless gamepad's standout is a built-in trackpad for playing mobile games alongside the familiar sticks and buttons -- clever, though not entirely new. But with completely open hardware and software, an emphasis on free-to-play gaming and an all-important $99 price, the system is a gamble by a handful of game industry luminaries that at least a subset of players are frustrated with the status quo enough to want a real break. Read on for the full details, including a Kickstarter project as well as added details from our chat with Ouya (and Jambox) designer Yves Behar.
Gallery: Ouya game console
Continue reading Ouya's Android-based, hackable game console now official: we chat with designer Yves Behar
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List of alleged Windows Phones reveals Nokia Dogphone, Fluid and P4301, working titles we hope
Designer discovers list of Windows Phones you'll likely never own
It looks like Nokia has been playing the blindfolded dictionary game again. Well, that's if the image we see above is correct. It's purportedly a table containing names of upcoming Windows Phone 8 devices, found by a curious wallpaper designer. The names listed for Nokia include "Fluid," "Dogphone," and the previously seen "Phi." One slightly less superlative name -- Nokia P4301 -- caught the attention of PhoneArena, who mused that P might be for PureView? An interesting, if not optimistic leap. There are two other items in the table that might pique interest: a Samsung SGH-1687 and a Juggernaught Alpha. There's little else to get excited about specification-wise, bar different versions of Windows Phone, however. That said, no one as yet has mentioned the elephant in the room -- what about that "Virtual" model in the works from Microsoft?
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Garmin unveils Fenix, its first GPS watch for deep-pocketed outdoorsy types (hands-on)
Garmin unveils Fenix, its first GPS watch for deeppocketed outdoorsy types handson
There may be a few more years remaining before a forced retirement, but there's no question that dedicated automotive GPS units are on the way out. Integrated products, apps and the aviation sector will keep companies like Garmin afloat, but now's as good a time as any to focus on other markets -- and where better to slap that global positioning goodness than on our wrists. Watches seems to be a growing focus for the guidance giant, following last month's GPS-less Garmin Swim introduction. That device has a relatively narrow target (namely, swimmers willing to invest $150 in the sport), but the company is back with a more versatile wearable, complete with an altimeter, barometer, compass, an optional external ANT temperature sensor and Bluetooth connectivity. There's also a GPS receiver, which can be used not only to calibrate the time and sensors, but also to track a route, direct you towards waypoints and guide you back to your starting point with TracBack.
The Fenix, as the full-featured watch is being called, is expected to retail for $400 when it hits stores at the end of August. Four bills hardly qualifies it for the luxury wristwatch category, but as digital wearables go, that's certainly approaching the top end. We had an opportunity to try out the device in an office setting (not exactly an ideal environment for a rugged GPS watch, but that's the best we could do in the middle of NYC), and the Fenix had quite a bit of heft to it -- it'll surely look out of place on smaller wrists, and probably won't score you any points among fashion-conscious friends. Inner geeks should be appeased, however -- the enclosure definitely seems an adequate size for housing all of those instruments. It also functions quite nicely as a watch -- in default mode, it displays the time and date in large characters on the backlit LCD, with a nifty ring around the digits to indicate seconds. The Garmin Fenix is on track for a late-August ship date, but you can scroll through the gallery below or dive into the PR after the break to get your fix in the meantime.
Gallery: Garmin Fenix watch hands-on
Continue reading Garmin unveils Fenix, its first GPS watch for deep-pocketed outdoorsy types (hands-on)
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Jolla startup receives MeeGo patents, nod of encouragement from Nokia (update: only partially true)
Jolla startup receives MeeGo patents, nod of encouragement from Nokia
We already know that the MeeGo splinter group, Jolla, is following a slightly different path to what we've known and loved on the N9, but don't fear: there's every chance that the smartest features from the original OS will be retained, not least because Nokia has just given the startup a gift-wrapped bundle of patents. Jolla founder Jussi Hurmola mentioned the altruistic gesture in an interview with ItViikko, and although he didn't specify exactly which patents have been transferred, his warm words towards his former employer -- with whom he said he enjoyed a "good and open relationship" -- give us a strong hint as to their value.
Update: We've seen comments on a number of forums saying that ItViiko's mention of the patents is unconfirmed speculation, so we're reaching out to Nokia for further clarification.
Update: Apologies all. Turns out the source article wasn't quite accurate in its description of patents being given to departing employees. Nokia tells us it's supporting Jolla through an incubator program called Bridge, but it has not actually given over patents to any of the Bridge startups.
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Austrian city builds public library with nothing but QR codes, NFC and stickers
Austrian city builds public library with nothing but QR Codes, NFC and stickers
Strangely, the Austrian city of Klagenfurt doesn't have a public library, even though it hosts the Festival of German-Language Literature. However, an initiative dubbed Project Ingeborg is turning the municipality into a book repository of sorts with 70 QR code and NFC chip-equipped stickers. Plastered throughout town, they direct users to web pages where they can download public domain works, largely from Project Gutenberg. Oftentimes, e-books will be located in relevant locations -- so you'll be sure to find Arthur Schnitzler's The Killer near the police station, for example. Come August, the team behind the effort will partner with local talent to distribute books, music and other digital content too. In an effort to build a stronger bond to the location, the organizers have prevented search engines from indexing the links, so you'll have to visit Klagenfurt to access the curated goods. If you'd like to turn your city into a library, the group hopes to release instructions for replicating their system soon.
[Thanks, Michael]
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Austrian city builds public library with nothing but QR codes, NFC and stickers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 06:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Researchers create space-time crystal schematic, still won't undo those ill-advised high school photos
Researchers create spacetime crystal schematic, still won't undo those illadvised high school photosThink your cute little Minecraft schematics are the bomb? Well, a group of international researchers sees your quaint, little 3D masterpiece and raises you the blueprint for a 4D space-time crystal. Building on an idea floated earlier this year by theoretical physics guru and Nobel Laureate Frank Wilczek of MIT, a team led by UC Berkeley researcher Tongcang Li has created a schematic for a crystal with a fourth dimension -- movement in time. The resulting space-time crystal is being described as something akin to an infinitely running clock that does not require any additional energy once it starts going. The researchers also claim that the crystal can be built in just a few years -- provided that the necessary funding is available to the team that decides to take on the project, of course. Unfortunately, the crystal is still a long way from the Mr. Fusion-powered, time-traveling DeLorean that we truly desire. In the meantime, brainy types can feel free to click on the source link for more nuggets of wisdom about the research.
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Parrot Minikit Neo helps you focus on driving, making off-handed Matrix references
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Like talking on the phone while driving, but hate all of the crashing it sometimes entails? Parrot's bringing its Minikit Neo to the states later this year, bringing a free Android / iPhone app along for the ride that helps you locate your car, set parking meter fill-up reminders, schedule driving breaks and set auto-replies like, "I'm driving and will call you later," for those times when you're driving and will call people later. The sun-visor-clipping car accessory can connect two Bluetooth-enabled devices simultaneously and features a vibration sensor that'll turn it on and off as you enter and exit the vehicle. The Neo will arrive stateside in September for $100.
Continue reading Parrot Minikit Neo helps you focus on driving, making off-handed Matrix references
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Parrot Minikit Neo helps you focus on driving, making off-handed Matrix references originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 04:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Kouziro crafts wired-only, 21.5-inch Android 4.0 mega tablet, makes us think it's compensating for something
Kouziro crafts wiredonly, 215inch Android 40 mega tablet
We're wondering if Kouziro saw the ASUS Transformer AIO and developed a little Freudian envy. That would certainly help explain the company's FT103 tablet, which at 21.5 inches is one of the biggest devices running Android 4.0 without veering into full-size TV territory. If you're having sudden flashbacks to the Toshiba Excite 13 and dreading the thought of lugging around all 11 pounds of this slab, you'll breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Kouziro doesn't make any pretenses surrounding portability: there's no battery, and a kickstand keeps it upright on a desk rather than crushing your lap. The lackluster 1GHz TI OMAP 4428 processor and 8GB of storage certainly won't do much to draw attention, though. All the same, the HDMI input and 1080p screen resolution could make it a very clever secondary display for another device, and the extra-extra-extra-large size lets it stuff in two full USB ports and Ethernet along with the usual front camera and mobile expansion. The late July release in Japan and the ¥34,800 ($437) price aren't outlandish for what's in the box -- just brace yourself for psychoanalysis from friends and family after taking the FT103 home.
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Permalink Mobility Update  |  sourceImpress Watch (translated)  | Email this | Comments

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SiliconDust HDHomerun Prime CableCARD tuners hit Woot for $130
If you've been thinking about building an HTPC without spending a lot of money then first of all we have a post that can help you with that (and a comment section of folks saying they can do even better), and second, it might be time to grab one of SiliconDust's HDHomeRun Prime TV tuners. The three tuner CableCARD device can turn your computer into a cable box, and Woot is selling brand new units for just $130 (plus $5 shipping) in this morning's one day sale, a decent discount form the $180 - $200 prices we found elsewhere. Still not convinced this is for you? Check out our hands-on with the device or a quick video trailer embedded after the break. Oh, and if you need a new HDTV to plug it into, Woot's also running a sale on some LG LCDs with 3D and connected apps for $650 / $900 (47-inch / 55-inch).
Continue reading SiliconDust HDHomerun Prime CableCARD tuners hit Woot for $130
SiliconDust HDHomerun Prime CableCARD tuners hit Woot for $130 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 02:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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AT&T officially releases Watson speech API, gives devs a bit of babel fish for their apps
AT&T officially releases Watson speech API, gives devs a bit of babel fish for their appsMa Bell's been hard at work on its Watson speech recognition system for years, and 2012 has seen the tech show up in an automobile and a real-time translator app. Months after announcing it would grant Watson's skills to the developer masses, AT&T has made good on its promise and officially released its Speech API. In case you forgot, AT&T's Nuance competitor's been tailored for different use cases -- including voice web search, voicemail-to-text and talk-to-text -- so that it can offer contextually accurate results in any app. If you're among the coders itchin' to test out Watson's capabilities, head on past the break for a promotional video, then click the source below to sign up for access.
Continue reading AT&T officially releases Watson speech API, gives devs a bit of babel fish for their apps
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Researchers find space travel prolongs the life of worms
Worm research suggests space travel could prolong life
We've seen research that suggests prolonged space travel could have some adverse effects on the human body, but it looks like there could be some real benefits as well. As BBC News reports, a new study conducted on Caenorhabditis elegans worms sent to the International Space Station has revealed evidence that the trip to space actually slowed their aging process. Specifically, researchers from the University of Nottingham and others institutions part of the ICE-First project found that the time in space reduced activity in a group of genes that have been shown to prolong the worms' lifespan when suppressed on earth. Of course, these are worms we're talking about, but this particular species is often used for such research due to its biological similarities to humans, so the discovery could well lead to more insight into how we age in space as well. Those curious can find the full paper linked below.
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Researchers find space travel prolongs the life of worms originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 01:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Intel to buy 15 percent of silicon fab equipment maker ASML, wants manufacturing machines made faster
Intel to buy 15 percent of silicon lithography equipment maker ASML, wants chip fab machines made more quickly Chipzilla didn't get its position as the king of semiconductors by twiddling its thumbs, folks. It became a Valley behemoth by delivering us faster and better silicon, and its latest $4.1 billion purchase -- a 15 percent stake in silicon manufacturing equipment maker ASML Holding NV -- should help keep Intel atop the CPU heap. You see, Intel's in the process of retooling its chip manufacturing process to use bigger diameter silicon wafers, which'll make those Ivy Bridge, ValleyView and other future chips cheaper for all of us. Such retooling can take years to implement, which is likely why Intel was willing to plunk down so much cash to ensure nothing futzes with its manufacturing timetable. The company's investment will presumably give it the clout to get ASML's crucial lithography equipment on the fast track to completion. Hop to it, fellas, we want our CPUs at bargain-basement prices, and we want them now.
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Next Issue brings its all-you-can-read magazine store to the iPad, plans start at $10 a month
Next Issue brings its allyoucanread magazine store to iOS, plans start at $10 a month
The last time we heard about Next Issue, the all-you-can-read magazine store was launching on Android, with an iOS version said to be coming soon. Three months later, the startup's made good on its promise: the storefront is now up and running on iOS, with an iPad app live in the US App Store. If you're not familiar with the way Next Issue works, it's angling to be the Netflix of digital magazines, with a monthly subscription getting you unfettered access to a library of 39 titles. In brief, the fees break down to $10 per month for all the monthly and bi-weekly mags, and $15 if you want all that plus access to tabloids and other weeklies. One last thing: the free app is just the magazine reader; you'll need to download the apps through Next Issue's browser-based store.
Now, if you're wondering what sorts of magazines will be represented in that list of 40-some-odd titles, know that every bigwig in magazine publishing is on board: Conde Nast, Time, Hearst, Meredith and News Corp. That means the The New Yorker is on board, as are Esquire, GQ, Vanity Fair, Sports Illustrated and Popular Mechanics. In an interview, a company rep told us that Next Issue Media plans to double the catalog by year's end, as well as ink deals with additional publishers. The biggest caveat, it seems, is that content providers have the prerogative to make a title available on one platform but not the other, so don't count on the iOS and Android apps offering identical selections. Feeling a bit tentative? The company is offering new customers a 30-day free trial, and we've also got not one, but four (yes, four) demo videos after the break.
Gallery: Next Issue for iPad
Continue reading Next Issue brings its all-you-can-read magazine store to the iPad, plans start at $10 a month
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Wacom outs the Cintiq 24HD touch, adds multi-touch controls and more to its largest pen display
Wacom outs the Cintiq 24HD touch, adds multitouch controls and more to its largest pen display
Hot off the heels of the more modest Wacom Cintiq 22HD's introduction, the outfit has announced a new version of its 24HD pen display as well. Labeled the 24HD touch, the upcoming offering adds multi-touch functionality to the company's 24-inch input device -- just as the name would suggest. The added features don't stop there. A touch-enabled 24HD also touts an improved display that shows 1.07 billion colors while covering 97% of Adobe's RGB gamut and implementing RGB backlighting that improves on-screen color rendition. Similar to the sans-touch offering, you can expect to utilize Express Keys and Touch Rings to customize your workflow for maximum efficiency in addition to the touchscreen. When the 24HD touch hits shelves, it'll play nice with Windows 8 and will work just fine without installing drivers. In order to customize those pricey multi-touch commands, though, you'll need the requisite software.
If you splurged for the regular ol' 24HD, we can understand your frustration. However, Wacom says that it intended for the touch model to be released at the same time as the pen-only version, but the development took a bit longer than anticipated. Part of the reason for the delay was the extra time needed to perfect features like palm rejection in the kit's software. The peripheral company also hopes that software developers will take the gesture tech and create features that will showcase its full range of potential -- your move, Adobe. Itchin' to snag one already? Well, you'll have to wait until sometime in August to get your hands on this model and be prepared to shell out $3699 for the pen display ($1100 more than the previous release). Need a bit more info before emptying your savings account? Hit the PR button for all the particulars or take closer look in the gallery below.

Gallery: Wacom Cintiq 24HD touch
Continue reading Wacom outs the Cintiq 24HD touch, adds multi-touch controls and more to its largest pen display
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Wacom announces Cintiq 22HD pen display, we go hands-on (video)
Wacom announces Cintiq 22HD pen display, we go handson video
Oh, to sit in a darkened room all day and get paid to do art. No phone calls, no stress, and no technology except for a PC and a brand new $1,999 Wacom Cintiq 22HD tablet display (and maybe also a pair of equally well-engineered Beyerdynamics). Alas, only our Distro magazine crew get to live like that -- the rest of the Engadget team must make do with spec sheets and quick hands-on impressions, which are precisely what you'll find after the break.
Gallery: Wacom Cintiq 22HD hands-on
Gallery: Wacom Cintiq 22HD publicity photos
Continue reading Wacom announces Cintiq 22HD pen display, we go hands-on (video)
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Wacom announces Cintiq 22HD pen display, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Rogers details 28-city LTE upgrade for rest of 2012, RIM's hometown included
Rogers details 28city LTE upgrade for rest of 2012, RIM's hometown included
Rogers' LTE network is old enough to mark its first birthday. Unless you happened to live in one of the seven largest cities in Canada during that time, however, you've largely been left out -- that status indicator on the Rogers version of the One X may as well have been a subtle form of mockery. To the delight of our friends up North, the carrier has detailed a much more aggressive LTE rollout for the rest of the year: a total of 28 more cities will get that sweet 4G nectar in the next few months. Most of these expansions will blanket the southern half of Ontario, but major cities in the Prairies, Quebec and the Maritimes will all get their fair share. Arguably, the most important upgrade is coming to RIM's home base of Waterloo; when the company is virtually betting its future on likely LTE-ready BlackBerry 10 devices, having widescale LTE to test against is a slightly important prerequisite. The full city list is available after the break.
Continue reading Rogers details 28-city LTE upgrade for rest of 2012, RIM's hometown included
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Rogers details 28-city LTE upgrade for rest of 2012, RIM's hometown included originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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BMW's 3 and 7 Series to be the first with Nuance's Dragon Drive! Messaging aboard
http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/nuance-dragon-drive-messaging-on-bmw-7-3-series/
It somehow feels like it was only yesterday that Nuance unveiled its Dragon Drive! creation to the world, hoping to in the process make drivers' lives easier by delivering a fresh eyes / hands-free messaging system inside connected cars. Unfortunately, back then the savvy company didn't announce any partnerships with auto manufacturers -- still, we had a feeling it wouldn't be too long before one of them would want to come along for the voice dictation ride. The good news is, that's about to change pretty soon. Per the outfit itself, BMW's decided to bring the Dragon Drive! tech to its 2012 7 Series later this month, with the 3 Series Touring and the eco-friendly 3 Series ActiveHybrid expected to get it "later this year." Notably, Dragon Drive! will offer multi-language support, including English, Spanish, Italian, French and German. There's no word yet on just how much the fee for the service will be, but we do know those who land themselves one of these new Beemers will get a two-month trial to take Dragon Drive! for a quick spin.
Continue reading BMW's 3 and 7 Series to be the first with Nuance's Dragon Drive! Messaging aboard
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BMW's 3 and 7 Series to be the first with Nuance's Dragon Drive! Messaging aboard originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Kickstarter sends some love to Europe, will support UK projects beginning this fall
Kickstarter sends some love to Europe, will support UK projects beginning this fall
Kickstarter's US-based micro funding site has seen measurable success on this side of the Atlantic, and it looks like the company is planning to capitalize on that momentum, bringing its service to the United Kingdom later this year. A company spokesperson was unable to comment on the move beyond what was offered up in an earlier tweet, but judging by the 110 characters you see above, it appears that Kickstarter plans to open the site up to UK projects beginning this fall, with more information to come at a later date. That 140-character limit is hardly to blame for the micro-size tease, with much space to spare even beyond that rather informal sign-off -- it seems that the site just wants to get its ducks in a row before revealing more. For now, feel free to hit up the source link below to read the post and share your thoughts on Twitter.
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Carriers face big surge in cellphone surveillance requests, raise a few alarm bells
Marcelo phone call wiretap
Color us unsurprised that US law enforcers would push hard for surveillance access. Congressman Ed Markey has published a new report on requests to cellular carriers that shows a recent rush of demand for information, including last year. The rates vary sharply, but T-Mobile has seen a yearly hike of 12 to 16 percent, while Verizon has seen its own grown 15 percent -- and Sprint took nearly twice as many surveillance requests as AT&T or Verizon in 2011, despite its smaller size. Markey's concern is that police and other investigators are casting too wide a net and sweeping up innocent customers through widescale requests, potentially violating their privacy in the process. Whether or not cell tower dumps and other broad fishing attempts are problems, carriers have been quick to point out that they have huge teams in place to deal with police requests and cling steadfastly to requiring a warrant when the law demands it. Needless to say, there are a few groups that strongly disagree with that last claim.
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Android 4.1 Jelly Bean source code now available
Android Open Source Project technical lead Jean-Baptiste Queru has announced the source for the newest version of the OS, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (relive the releases for ICS, Gingerbread and Froyo), will be made available today. Currently, binaries are available for the Nexus 7 and Galaxy Nexus, with Nexus S and Motorola Xoom versions promised soon. As usual, this gets the countdown started for more manufacturers to work on builds for their devices and means third party coders like CyanogenMod can dive in as well. One other thing we should be used to by now is a warning that it still may take some time for things to go live as the code is replicated. Hit the source link for all of the information on the latest build or hit the AOSP site for more information what exactly this is and how to get it.
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean source code now available originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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New Google Chrome beta lets webcams go plugin-free, video chat gets a lot less Flashy
New Google Chrome beta lets webcams go pluginfree, video chat gets a lot less Flashy
Google has been talking up the prospects of integrating WebRTC into Chrome for the past several months. It's now ready to put theory into practice with a fresh beta of the web browser. The upgrade uses WebRTC to let typical microphones and webcams talk to the browser without using a plugin like Flash or something otherwise so very 2011. Just to embrace this future of direct hardware support ever the more tightly, Google is also building in a gamepad programming interface that lets controllers tap into Chrome without having to rely on Native Client's magic. There's more waiting at the source link, including more direct tie-ins with Cloud Print, so the more adventurous among us can get to chatting (and playing) right away.
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YouTube's reportedly working on adding 'premium' channels in France
YouTube's reportedly working on adding 'premium' channels in France
The idea of YouTube having premium content on its site isn't anything we're not familiar with, and according to French site Le Figaro, the Google-owned video giant's about to bring a similar styled service to the home of the Eiffel Tower. Rumor has it The Tube's quite close to striking a deal with content creators in France, one that'd allow it to offer prime channels from production companies such as Endemol and actors like Jean Dujardin. Furthermore, Le Figaro goes on to say programming partners involved in the deal would see between €500,000 and €1,000,000 (about $1.2 million) for pumping out more than 20 hours of original content in a 12-month period. The "premium" channels are said to be coming as early as October of this year, however we'd hold off on expecting to catch Oscar-winner Dujardin on the small, internet-based screens until something becomes official.
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YouTube's reportedly working on adding 'premium' channels in France originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Apple Mountain Lion Gold Master is up for the download
Apple OS X 108 Mountain Lion Gold Master is up for the download
Last month at WWDC, Apple promised that consumers would be able to get their grubby paws on Mountain Lion come July. It looks like the latest version of OS X is one step closer to being fully-baked, with seeds of the Gold Master hitting the company's developer download site today. The operating system upgrade will run you $20 when it's ready for us non-developers. In the meantime, here's a hands-on with the beta version of the OS.
Apple Mountain Lion Gold Master is up for the download originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Must See HDTV (July 9th - 15th)
Must See HDTV July 9th 15th
Senna
This documentary about the life of legendary Formula One driver Ayrton Senna finally gets a US release on Blu-ray this week. If you haven't already watched it in theaters or on Netflix Watch Instantly then you should (trailer included after the break), as the combo of voiceovers and archived footage create a flick that should reach you whether you're a racing fan or not. The picture quality probably won't blow you away, since it's largely grainy videograbs from three decades ago One note - the US version reportedly only contains the 106 minute theatrical release, if you want the extended cut then you may want to get the UK version instead.
($19.99 on Amazon US)
Breaking Bad
Season five kicks off Sunday night (presumably without Dish Network) and should be an exciting one for Walter and Jesse. We'll try to avoid spoilers for those who haven't caught up yet (trailer after the break), but it seems safe to assume that this season will include being pursued by the DEA, cooking lots of meth and dealing with various unsavory characters in the drug underworld. We're still having trouble understanding how this is the guy who played the dad on Malcolm in the Middle.
(July 15th, AMC, 10PM)
The Closer
Brenda & crew come back for their final season on TNT, and there's always more murderers to catch. We've heard talks of a spinoff, but if this is it for The Closer then it's been a good run. There's a mole in the department that still needs to be exposed and the threat of lawsuits continues to hang over the division's head which should keep the storylines fresh for the final six episode run that kicks off tonight.
(July 9th, TNT, 9PM)
Continue reading Must See HDTV (July 9th - 15th)
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Must See HDTV (July 9th - 15th) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Samsung EX2F point-and-shoot with f/1.4 lens hands-on (video)
Samsung EX2F pointandshoot with f14 lens handson video
We've been generally unimpressed with the latest round of basic point-and-shoots, including those from Samsung's mid-range Smart series, but we do tend to take heed whenever a manufacturer opts to focus on optics rather than bumping up the megapixel count to boost sticker appeal. Compared to sub-$200 shooters, there's a fairly limited market for $549 pocketable models -- a price point that often prompts would-be owners to dig beyond superficial specs in search of full manual control, solid high-ISO performance, fast focusing and a lens that enables both low-light shooting and shallow depth of field. Samsung's EX2F appears to fit the bill, offering a 12.4-megapixel 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor, a top extended ISO setting of 12,800, a 3-inch VGA-res AMOLED display and -- the crown jewel -- an f/1.4-2.7, 24-79mm lens. That optic delivers an additional one 2/3 stop of sensitivity over the EX2F's predecessor, the two-year-old TL500. Other advantages include a lighter magnesium alloy body, an NX power pin-enabled hot shoe for adding an external mic or flash, and a new micro-USB trigger cable.
Though the EX2F was noticeably lighter than the 2010 model during our hands-on, it retains much of the TL500's heft -- at least from a size perspective. The camera's footprint makes it too bulky to slip in a pocket, as we were able to do with the Sony RX100, though the flip-out AMOLED display is certainly a welcome addition. An NX-like smart UI mode enables instant access to key settings, as do the dual control dials, which let you adjust shooting modes (on the right) and capture speed (on the left). There's also a new in-camera HDR mode which merges two back-to-back shots (one underexposed and the other overexposed) in order to retain additional shadow and highlight detail. The camera was quite responsive during a quick shoot earlier today, powering on, focusing and capturing an image quickly. We'll need to spend much more time snapping outside of an office environment before passing any formal judgement, but it's easy to see the appeal of such of device -- and the advantage over less-abled point-and-shoots. For now, you can take a closer look in the gallery below, and in our hands-on demonstration after the break.
Gallery: Samsung EX2F camera hands-on
Continue reading Samsung EX2F point-and-shoot with f/1.4 lens hands-on (video)
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Samsung EX2F point-and-shoot with f/1.4 lens hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Noise Free Wireless alleges Apple is tone deaf over sound reduction patent, files lawsuit to match
Noise Free Wireless alleges Apple is tone deaf over noise reduction patent, files lawsuit to match
Apple faces litigation claiming that it's using patented technology all the time, often from small patent holding companies with dollar signs in their eyes. Noise Free Wireless has just filed a patent lawsuit against Apple whose allegations are considerably, well, louder. The firm maintains that it had been pitching its patented noise cancellation to Apple in periodic meetings between 2007 and 2010, only to watch as 1 Infinite Loop used Audience's technology for the iPhone 4 instead -- and supposedly handed some of Noise Free's work to a competitor. An Apple patent filed the same year borrows some of that work, Noise Free insists, in addition to the iPhone in question. Neither side is talking about the details to outlets like Macworld, although we'd be cautious about accepting either company's position at face value. However much Apple may protest its innocence regardless of circumstances, Noise Free certainly has a vested interest in retribution after losing out on such a big contract.
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مرسلة بواسطة Abdalrhman Albayyat
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