Wednesday, October 3, 2012

IT News Head Lines (Engadget) 04/10/2012




Purported iPad Mini parts leak as WSJ reports production has started
Purported iPad Mini parts leak as WSJ reports production has
Hey look, another round of purported iPad Mini parts have surfaced, this time courtesy of Ukrainian iPhone. Conveniently enough, the Wall Street Journal also happens to be reporting that its sources have confirmed "mass production" of the still unannounced slate has begun. This time around, we're looking at an anodized black version of the familiar backplate and its insides. As 9to5Mac points out, it's housing a SIM card tray, similar antenna spacers to the current iPhone crop and a similar layout to the current iPod Touch. Alongside that is a separate digitizer in white, hinting that we'll see the final device in the same colorways as the iPhone 5. WSJ also notes that its sources state this tab's LCD screen is indeed 7.85-inches, being sourced from both LG and AU Optronics. Naturally, pricing is almost definitely set to be cheaper than the full-size iPad -- here's to waiting for an invite to the supposed unveiling event set for this month.
Gallery: Leaked iPad Mini digitizer and black housing

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Purported iPad Mini parts leak as WSJ reports production has started originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 04:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink 9to5Mac, The Verge, @asymco (Twitter) | sourceUkrainian iPhone, Wall Street Journal | Email this | Comments

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Logitech Harmony Touch remote officially announced, brings swipe, scroll and tap LCD for $249
Logitech Harmony Touch officially announced, brings swipe, scroll and tap touchscreen for $249
The cat is already well out of the bag, but we finally have some official information about the new Logitech Harmony Touch universal remote. Its first addition to the line in a while, Logitech is pushing its center-mounted 2.4-inch color touchscreen with support for control by tapping, swiping or scrolling through up to 50 channel icons as a way to "unprecedented control" of your home entertainment system. We're still not entirely sure about the transport controls being placed so far up top or the usefulness of a screen focused on direct live channel access in the DVR and streaming age, but it does bring the usual control of up to 15 devices and backlit keys. Just as we saw in the stores, the price is set at $249 and it controls only via IR, not RF like the pricier Harmony 900. Check out more info in the press release after the break (along with quick demo and how-to setup videos) or on Logitech's blog, fans of the new device should be able to find them released widely in the US and Europe this month.
Gallery: Logitech Harmony Touch universal remote

Continue reading Logitech Harmony Touch remote officially announced, brings swipe, scroll and tap LCD for $249
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Permalink | sourceLogitech Blog | Email this | Comments

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Is Nokia selling off its headquarters in Espoo, Finland?
DNP Nokia selling HQ
Just how deep do Nokia's financial woes go? According to Finnish journal Helsingin Sanomat and Reuters, deep enough that the company is mulling the sale of Nokia House, its principal HQ located in Espoo, Finland. The company told the journals that it's looking to divest "non-core parts" of its business, "and that includes the headquarters," according to a Nokia spokesman. Since Nokia has lost billions just in the last two quarters alone, it is likely looking for cash wherever it can and its Espoo property is worth $250-400 million, according to Helsingin. However, the cellphone maker is adamant it would stay in its home country, and could remain a primary tenant in the sprawling complex after such a sale. If they do unload the property, we're just glad we recently got some souvenirs.
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Is Nokia selling off its headquarters in Espoo, Finland? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 03:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink WP Central | sourceHelsingin Sanomat (translated), Reuters | Email this | Comments

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Chrome Beta adds video engagement APIs, promises higher-quality video chats sans plugin
Chrome Beta adds video engagement APIs, promises higherquality video chats sans plugin
After concentrating on gaming and visual improvements in previous releases of Chrome, the browser's latest focus appears to be in video engagement. The latest beta includes a PeerConnection API that lets developers create real-time video chat applications without a plug-in. This builds upon existing WebRTC integration with a new getUserMedia API that should result in higher-quality video, audio, and data communications. The Beta also bundles in track support for HTML5 video, letting developers add in subtitles, captions, and other metadata -- the above photo, for example, is a screencap of a bike ride video enhanced with Google Map and Street View data. Another nice addition is a MediaSource API which adjusts video quality based on computer and network environments, which should put an end to those agonizing waits while the dancing inmate version of Gangnam Style buffers. Those interested can get their mitts on the new Chrome Beta today.
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Permalink | sourceGoogle Chromium Blog | Email this | Comments

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Sony ships new Extra Bass headphone lineup to the US, delivers that Direct Vibe to your brain
Sony ships new Extra Bass headphone lineup to the US, delivers that Direct Vibe to your brain
If you'd like your Sony headphones to be a little less judgmental, we've got good news. The company's MDR-XB400, MDR-XB600 and MDR-XB800 Extra Bass headphones, along with the MDR-XB60EX in-ears, have arrived in the US for those who want low-end frequencies without the talent show branding. All four carry Sony's newer Advanced Direct Vibe to emphasize the sub-bass notes of "today's music styles" (read: electronic and hip-hop) as well as a serrated cord that keeps the cord tangling to a minimum. Working your way up the range mostly improves the frequency range, which starts at an already bass-heavy 5Hz to 22kHz in the XB400 and scales up to a tooth-rattling 3Hz to 28kHz for the XB800; you'll also see the sensitivity jump from 100dB/mW to 106. Provided you don't mind tweaking software to occasionally recover some treble, the entire collection is ready to wobble your head at prices that range from $60 for the starter XB400 headphones to $150 for the XB800.
Gallery: Sony Extra Bass over-ear headphones

Continue reading Sony ships new Extra Bass headphone lineup to the US, delivers that Direct Vibe to your brain
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Permalink | sourceSony (XB400), (XB600), (XB800), (XB60EX) | Email this | Comments

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GOWEX bringing free WiFi to French rail stations, starting with Marseille
GOWEX bringing free WiFi to French rail stations
We take free WiFi at our transportation hubs for granted here in the US. (Heck, we've even got it deep in the bowels of NYC.) In other countries, it's not a given that you'll have high-speed broadband at your disposal while waiting for a train or plane. France is working on it though, with GOWEX signing a deal with the National Society of French Rail (SNCF) to bring wireless internet to rail stations across the nation. The first part of the puzzle will be the bustling Marseille St. Charles in the south of France. At some point in 2013 (though, the company refused to specify when) the switch will be flipped and tourists in and around the Marseille station will be able to enjoy 512Kbps internet for free. For a few more details check out the PR after the break.
Continue reading GOWEX bringing free WiFi to French rail stations, starting with Marseille
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GOWEX bringing free WiFi to French rail stations, starting with Marseille originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Ceton announces slight delay for Echo WMC extender, Q DVR shelved indefinitely
Ceton announces slight delay for Echo WMC extender, Q DVR shelved for now
Ceton has, as promised, provided more information on upcoming hardware, however there's not a lot of good news to go around. The bad news is that the Windows Embedded-based Q DVR we were looking forward to will not launch this year. There's a possibility it may launch in 2013, however questions about whether Microsoft will continue to support Windows Media Center in future versions of its Embedded platform are keeping any potential launch plans in doubt. On a slightly brighter note, while the Echo Media Center extender is delayed slightly and the beta units have not yet gone out, Ceton still anticipates a release in time for the holiday season. Finally, there's a positive update on the suite of Media Center companion apps, which are now available on the B&N Nook and Kindle Fire HD as well as optimized for the iPhone 5. Relive our CES 2011 hands-on in video form after the break, we'll get started organizing a march on Redmond to make this happen.
Continue reading Ceton announces slight delay for Echo WMC extender, Q DVR shelved indefinitely
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Ceton announces slight delay for Echo WMC extender, Q DVR shelved indefinitely originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 23:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceCeton | Email this | Comments

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Engadget HD Podcast 318 - 10.02.2012
Engadget HD Podcast 296 - 04.25.2012It was a great week to stop by your local electronics store, as Logitech and Sling both had products pop up on shelves early. Other than taking a peek at the newest Harmony, we're also digging into the future of Verizon's FiOS TV Media Server and the upcoming Redbox Instant service. Netflix, Zeebox, Sky and YouTube all have mobile apps making news, and with word that cable companies might get into cloud gaming all we can think about is the possible return of Sega Channel. We close things out with the weekly listings and a quick peek at some of our favorites from the new shows.
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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)

Producer: Trent Wolbe
09:16 - Logitech Harmony Touch remote pops up unannounced at Best Buy
15:33 - Slingbox 350 and 500 show up unannounced in Best Buy, flaunt 1080p and built-in WiFi
18:05 - Simple.TV clarifies shipping dates, tells backers units will start arriving October 10th
23:15 - Verizon FiOS TV Media Server due in the coming months, delivers content to 3rd party devices
28:54 - Redbox Instant targets launch by year-end, blends subscription streaming and DVD rentals with VOD
34:00 - Netflix Just for Kids comes to iPad, keeps Dora exploring beyond the TV
36:15 - Netflix iOS and Android apps have a remote control easter egg for PS3 owners
37:34 - NFL Network's Thursday Night Football Xtra app comes to Android
38:33 - Zeebox second screen TV companion app crosses over to the US, with a boost from Comcast and HBO
43:05 - Sky+ launches 7-day Catch Up TV, 2TB HD DVRs and adds zeebox extras to its iPad app
44:00 - Sky Sports for iPad update brings second screen to UEFA Champions League, Ryder Cup
45:49 - YouTube for Android update brings preloading to Froyo and Gingerbread, YouTube TV queuing
47:10 - Cable, IPTV providers reportedly testing cloud-based HD gaming for launch next year
50:36 - Fox Broadcast app now available to Xbox Live customers with Dish and FiOS subscriptions
51:34 - Ask Engadget: should companies include a cable with a new product?
53:40 - The Dark Knight Rises Blu-ray officially set for December 4th, limited edition Bat Cowl revealed
56:00 - Must See HDTV (October 1st - 7th)
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Engadget HD Podcast 318 - 10.02.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 23:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Free Skype WiFi hits Ireland and the UK through Wicoms, steps up the quality of public hotspots
Free Skype WiFi hits Ireland and the UK through Wicoms, steps up the quality of public hotspotsLet's face it: many free WiFi hotspots are tacked on as bullet point items to get customers into a shop or hotel, without much concern for quality high enough that it keeps visitors coming back. Wicoms is hoping that a strategy to offer free Skype WiFi in Ireland and the UK will reverse that neglect. Instead of leaving stores to go through carrier partnerships or devise their own solutions, the partnership has stores pick up a £49 Wicoms router and commit to either a £10 ($16) monthly rate or prepaid brackets of £49 ($79) for six months and £95 ($153) for a year. The aim isn't just to provide a more consistent level of performance -- the Skype deal also provides a ready-made sign-in process, whether or not visitors have Skype accounts, as well as someone to turn to for help. While temptations exist to go with earlier alternatives, Skype and Wicoms are giving away the router during October to help sweeten the pot, even for those outlets that drop the Skype WiFi solution later on. Let's hope the hotspots work well enough on the public-facing side; we could all use a few more shelters from low data caps and oversaturated access points.
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Permalink The Next Web | sourceWicoms | Email this | Comments

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Oregon Scientific MEEP! tablet ships for $150, gives kids a safe, exclamation-filled place to play
Oregon Scientific MEEP! tablet ships for $150, gives kids a safe, exclamationfilled place to play
For all the enthusiasm Oregon Scientific put into launching (and naming) its MEEP! tablet, the company has been a bit timid about getting the kid-friendly Android device into the market -- we're just seeing it go on sale eight months after it was first shown to the world. Now that the slate is here, it may be worth the patience from parents. The 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 chip, 512MB of RAM, 800 x 480 screen and 4GB of storage won't have the adults regretting their Kindle Fire purchases, but the MEEP! does come in a smash-resistant form with remote parental control and an allowance-based store that lets kids 'buy' apps with virtual coins. Oregon helps its case through the use of Ice Cream Sandwich, preloaded games like Angry Birds and a raft of accessories for games and music. The $150 asking price is just low enough that we can see a few families starting their youngest technophiles on a MEEP! before graduating them to bigger, badder tablets with less punctuation in the name.
Continue reading Oregon Scientific MEEP! tablet ships for $150, gives kids a safe, exclamation-filled place to play
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Permalink Android Community | sourceOregon Scientific | Email this | Comments

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Tokyo University of Science shows off robotic suit powered by pneumatic artificial muscles (video)
Tokyo University of Science shows off robotic suit powered by neumatic artificial muscles video
What can one do with a robot suit? Well, it's certainly not limited to just lifting sacks of rice, but that was exactly what we got to do at CEATEC courtesy of Koba Lab from Tokyo University of Science. First seen in 2009, the magic behind this 9kg kit are the pair of pneumatic artificial muscles (aka McKibben artificial muscles) on the back, which are made by industrial equipment manufacturer Kanda Tsushin. When pressurized with air using electrical components from KOA Corporation, the lightweight, loosely-woven PET tubes contract and consequently provide support to the user's back, shoulders and elbows. As such, our arms were able to easily hold two more sacks of rice (making it a total of 50kg) until the demonstrator deflated the muscles. Check out our jolly hands-on video after the break.

Gallery: Tokyo University of Science shows off robotic suit powered by pneumatic artificial muscles

Continue reading Tokyo University of Science shows off robotic suit powered by pneumatic artificial muscles (video)
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Samsung P500 and i915 tablets for Sprint and Verizon, Galaxy Note II for Sprint reach the FCC (update: Note II for US Cellular as well)
Samsung P500 and i915tablets for Sprint and Verizon, Sprint Galaxy Note II reach the FCC
When it rains, it pours. As if to clear the decks, Samsung has passed three devices through the FCC's scrutiny at the same time. Two, the SPH-P500 and SCH-i915, are LTE-equipped tablets respectively headed to Sprint and Verizon with a dash of mystery; their label images imply a pair of Galaxy Tab 2 variants, but both have previously been spotted in as yet unverified benchmarks that allude to much faster Snapdragon S4 processors instead of the Tab 2's TI chips. The SPH-L900's dimensions and dual-mode support make for a safer bet, pointing to what's likely the Galaxy Note II for Sprint. We're less concerned with the hardware details so much as when everything ships -- although we may get a clearer picture of the Sprint Galaxy Note II's fate around October 24th, the tablets aren't linked to any kind of public schedule, official or otherwise.
Update: Not long after Sprint's Galaxy Note sequel arrived in the FCC, US Cellular's flavor -- the SCH-R950 -- also made it through the federal approval process.
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Permalink | sourceFCC (1), (2), (3), (4) | Email this | Comments

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Zero Motorcycles reveals its 2013 models: Zero X dropped, FX drafted in
Zero Motorcycles reveals its 2013 models: Zero X dropped, FX drafted in
The failing weather reminds us we're fast approaching the end of another year, but Zero Motorcycles wants to brighten our day with the announcement of its 2013 all-electric line-up. Immediately noticeable are the harder lines and healthy dose of matt black on the frames of the Zero S, DS, XU and MX refreshes. New to the team is the FX "Stealth Fighter" (pictured above), touting the fastest acceleration of any Zero moto to date and taking design cues from the late Zero X, which has been removed from the roster. As well as aesthetic improvements to the bikes, each Z-Force motor should produce up to 125% more power than previous iterations, and an optional CHAdeMO charging accessory will juice you up in around an hour. Companion iPhone and Android apps will also be available, allowing you to customize your ride's performance and review other info. The class of 2013 will be hitting retailers throughout January and February, with MSRPs of the basic spec models running from $7,995 to $13,995, depending on your wants and needs. Head over to the source link to review your hardware options and, more importantly, choose your color scheme.
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Zero Motorcycles reveals its 2013 models: Zero X dropped, FX drafted in originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 19:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceZero Motorcycles | Email this | Comments

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Rdio begins paying artists $10 for every user they attract
Rdio begins paying artists $10 for every user they attract
Streaming music services have a bad reputation when it comes to paying their artists, who only earn a few cents each play. Rdio is trying to remedy that (and grow its subscriber base) by paying songsters $10 for every user they personally attract that stays around longer than a month. Brendan Benson, Scissor Sisters and Snoop Dogg Lion have already signed up, but it's not just for big names, any musician with an Rdio account can join -- tempting us to upload our Lady Gaga covers played on the Sousaphone in the quest for some of those rockstar riches.
Continue reading Rdio begins paying artists $10 for every user they attract
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Rdio begins paying artists $10 for every user they attract originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 18:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink L.A. Times | sourceRdio | Email this | Comments

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Sony's 2012 PlayStation torn down, shows its evolved roots (update: another teardown)
Sony 2012 PlayStation torn down to its tiny essentials, shows evolved roots video
We've looked intensely at the outside of the redesigned PlayStation 3 ever since it was unveiled in Tokyo last month. Getting a look inside has proven unusually tougher, but French YouTube member K0st3yr has volunteered to do what few gamers dare and tear down Sony's updated console. As we've quickly learned, Sony hasn't chosen to radically rework the insides like Microsoft did with the slim Xbox 360. The Cell processor and its RSX graphics companion are still separate parts, and a similar power supply capacity suggests that neither of the main chips has been built on a more efficient manufacturing process. Instead, it's everything else that has been given the shuffle: a smaller Blu-ray drive and more clever overall construction appear to be the tickets to the 20 percent volume reduction compared to the last model. While the revealed internals might be disappointments to those who were hoping the PS3's possible sendoff would involve more of a bang than a whimper, they do hint that Sony might have breathing room if it wants to advance the design any further. Just have some popcorn and a grasp of French on hand if you'd like to have a peek at the three-part video dissection found after the break.
Update: Not to be outdone, iFixit has conducted its own teardown. There aren't any shockers in the mix beyond improved repairability, but you'll find many of the components given their exact names as well as more explanations of what's been changed to shrink the PS3 a second time.
Continue reading Sony's 2012 PlayStation torn down, shows its evolved roots (update: another teardown)
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Permalink The Verge | sourceEurogamer | Email this | Comments

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Pew Research finds 22 percent of adults in US own tablets, low-cost Android on the rise
Pew Research finds 22 percent of adults in US own tablets, lowcost Android on the rise
It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that more Americans than ever now own tablets, but if you'd ever wanted some quantifiable data to go along with that homespun wisdom, then the Pew Research Center is glad to help. According to its latest report, 22 percent of US adults now own a tablet of some form. While the iPad remains the dominant player in the space with a 52 percent market share, this figure starkly contrasts the 81 percent share that Pew reported in 2011. As you might expect, Android tablets have made significant inroads and now account for 48 percent of the overall tablet space. Leading the Android charge is the Kindle Fire, which alone accounts for 21 percent of all tablets sold. It's worth pointing out that Pew's survey was conducted before the release of either the Nexus 7 or the Kindle Fire HD, which means that even the most recent information is a bit behind the curve. You'll find a press release after the break that provides a much broader take on Pew's latest findings in the mobile space, but those who want to go straight to the meat should hit up the source link below.
Continue reading Pew Research finds 22 percent of adults in US own tablets, low-cost Android on the rise
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Permalink Computerworld | sourcePew Research Center | Email this | Comments

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TDK breaks the Hard Drive density limit, could go on to develop super-sized storage
TDK breaks the Hard Drive density limit, could go on to develop supersized storage
While the old-fashioned hard drive isn't as fast or slender as an SSD, it can still lord its greater capacities and cheaper price over its upstart rival. TDK thinks it's extended the mediums lead in that area by tweaking the magnetic heads and recording medium of the hardware -- increasing the areal density of a unit to 1.5 TB per square inch. It means that we could see 1TB platters arriving in 2.5-inch laptop drives and 2TB platters in desktop modules, meaning even your commuting machine can store all of your heftiest data with ease.
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TDK breaks the Hard Drive density limit, could go on to develop super-sized storage originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 17:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceTech-On | Email this | Comments

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Fujitsu demos ad transmission technology, sends info from TV to handset via smartphone camera (video)
Fujitsu demos ad transmission technology, sends info from TV to handset via smartphone camera video
Another easter egg at Fujitsu's CEATEC booth was a system for transmitting coupons, URLs and other digital information from a TV screen to a user's smartphone. We'll back up a bit: the data ends up on-screen in the first place thanks to information embedded in light flashing at various levels of brightness (the frame rate is too quick to be detected by the human eye). Theoretically, when a viewer is watching a commercial, they'll see a prompt to hold up their phone's camera to the screen, and doing so will bring up a corresponding coupon or website on their handset -- it takes about two to three seconds here for the recognition. The embedded information covers the entire panel, so users don't need to point their device at a particular section of the screen.
In Fujitsu's demo, pointing a smartphone at the TV pulled up a website on the phone. It only took about a second for the URL to pop up on the device, and there was no noticeable flickering on the TV itself (essentially, the picture looks identical to what you'd see on a non-equipped model, since your eye won't notice the code appearing at such a high frequency). The company says this technology works at a distance of up to two or three meters. Head past the break to take a look at the prototype in action.
Gallery: Fujitsu Video Data Transmission hands-on

Continue reading Fujitsu demos ad transmission technology, sends info from TV to handset via smartphone camera (video)
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eBay UK launches Secretguru beta site, helps you find experts to get stuff done
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Granted, the name sounds a bit questionable, but Secretguru wants to help you make your life a little better. Still in an early beta pilot testing stage, the site was launched by a wing of Ebay's UK staff in attempts to set professionals up with clients, from chefs to painters to vocal coaches to tour guides. The site has hand-picked a list of "gurus" that you can peruse and hire, and those interested in being named a guru can submit an application for consideration. As far as feedback on hired gurus is concerned, that still seems to be a matter of sending complaints directly to eBay itself. No word yet on plans to launch the site in other countries.
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eBay UK launches Secretguru beta site, helps you find experts to get stuff done originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink TechCrunch | sourceSecretguru | Email this | Comments

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UK carrier cooperation could see 4G LTE rollout ramp up by summer 2013
UK 4G LTE rollout could ramp up by summer 2013
With the formal creation of Orange and T-Mobile's LTE network lovechild, Everything Everywhere, the UK finally joined the horserace for 4G. Now, it looks like rival domestic operators could get a chance to play catch-up sooner than expected, according to a report from The Telegraph. It appears the mobile companies, having recently put to rest concerns over any potential "first mover advantage" that would see each party entering into litigation, have been freed up to bid in a spectrum auction set to take place in early January. And further speeding this next-gen rollout along, is Ofcom's admission that those precious frequencies could be ready for use as soon as this coming May, allowing carriers to prep service for public consumption by mid-summer 2013 at the latest. All told, it's good news for denizens of the British isles hankering for blazing wireless speeds and the LTE devices that love them. But as with all things commercial, we'd caution you to expect some regulatory bumps in the road to this rollout.
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UK carrier cooperation could see 4G LTE rollout ramp up by summer 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 15:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceThe Telegraph | Email this | Comments

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BBC in talks to build Playlister, a streaming music service for its own music archive
BBC in talks to build Playlister, a streaming music service for its own music archive
The BBC is home to a massive archive of highly desirable music that, sadly, due to licensing reasons, remains gathering dust in is enormous vaults. The Telegraph is reporting that the corporation's music head, Tim Davie, is trying to put some or all of that material online for users to enjoy without additional charges. He's said to be in talks with Spotify, Deezer and Apple to help build a service called Playlister, using the trio's bulk-deals with the record labels to get around the long-winded wrangling that would otherwise be required. If successful, it'll launch in 2013 free to license-fee paying Brits in a similar fashion to the wildly successful iPlayer -- although we'd pay a little extra if Fearne Cotton was excluded from the catalog.
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Permalink | sourceThe Telegraph | Email this | Comments

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First non-game titles now available on Steam, game dev tools lead the charge
First nongame titles now available on Steam,
Valve Software -- maker of the iconic Half-Life series and proprietor of digital storefront Steam -- today released Steam's first non-video game software (originally scheduled to launch in early September). ArtRage Studio Pro, CameraBag 2, GameMaker: Studio, 3D-Coat, 3DMark Vantage, and 3DMark 11 join Valve's own Source Filmmaker in the newly minted software section of the Steam store. All non-Valve software is PC-only for now -- we imagine Mac software will also show up at some point, but nothing's available just yet. Like Steam's games, software titles will receive streamlined updates via the Steam client, and consumers will enjoy similar discount offers to the games section -- the first such sale is already on, with launch day software getting a 10 percent discount until week's end. Bizarrely, the software titles also have Steam achievements. Finally, developers get rewarded for porting their games to Android by something other than crushing piracy!
Continue reading First non-game titles now available on Steam, game dev tools lead the charge
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First non-game titles now available on Steam, game dev tools lead the charge originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 15:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Engineering a better bicycle with DBC City Bike Design
engineering a better bicycle with DBC City Bike Design
My day with Dan Sorger was winding down and the photographers were out joyriding on his bicycles when he beckoned me to look at something on his tiny, age-stained LCD monitor. Nestled in between a curling collection of Post-It notes was an anecdote about a wealthy Italian man which he began to read aloud, "Once upon a time, long ago ..." According to the story he had spent an exorbitant sum of money to modify his prized Alfa Romeo. As a result, his family tried to have him declared insane and wrest control of his fortune. As the trial got underway, the judge asked to see the vehicle in question and, once he set his eyes on the custom-crafted aluminum body, he dismissed the case, declaring, "The search for beauty is the most natural thing in man." The tale is allegedly the origin of storied automobile designer Ugo Zagato, but it's the judge who is the real star and it's his words that struck a chord with Dan, the founder and owner of DBC City Bike Design.

Gallery: DBC City Bike Design

Continue reading Engineering a better bicycle with DBC City Bike Design
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Engineering a better bicycle with DBC City Bike Design originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Google withdraws recent ITC complaint in Motorola v. Apple case
Well, here's a bit of a surprise in the ongoing spate of Apple-focused patent disputes. Google's Motorola Mobility subsidiary has now formally withdrawn its most recent complaint against Apple with the ITC, which was just filed on August 17th and had been, until now, under investigation. Not surprisingly, details are light beyond that, with Google's filing only stating that it asked the ITC to "terminate all claims in this investigation without prejudice," and adding that "there are no agreements between Motorola and Apple, written or oral, express or implied, concerning the subject matter of this investigation." The complaint itself had claimed that Apple infringed on seven patents held by Motorola, and Google was seeking a US import ban on a range of Apple products as a result.
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Google withdraws recent ITC complaint in Motorola v. Apple case originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | sourceFOSS Patents | Email this | Comments

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Deutsche Telekom mulling T-Mobile / MetroPCS marriage
Deutsche Telekom mulling TMobile MetroPCS marriage
Well, turns out that rumors of a MetroPCS and T-Mobile merger weren't completely off base. While we wouldn't expect Deutsche Telekom to announce the sale of its US property any time soon, the German giant has confirmed that its holding talks with America's sixth largest mobile operator to combine the two networks. The prospective deal would involve combining the two into a single entity, with Deutsche Telekom as the majority shareholder. Of course there are significant obstacles in the way, including divergent network technologies and distinctly different marketing strategies. This is, of course, just the latest scene in the ongoing piece of corporate theater that almost saw the struggling magenta carrier absorbed by AT&T. We'll of course be following closely to see if such a move would sit a little better with government regulators. The complete statement from Deutsche Telekom Metro PCS confirming the talks is after the break.
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Deutsche Telekom mulling T-Mobile / MetroPCS marriage originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Editorial: Square gets the attention, but credit cards rule

Editorial Square gets the attention, but credit cards rule
Lower Manhattan, Pearl Street, the Financial District. A Starbucks with broad windows, great for people watching. Sipping my $5 flavored coffee, I watched a homeless man sit on the sidewalk. I liked him immediately: his sharp gaze and thoughtful expression. When I left, I squatted down next to him and put five bucks in his jar, contributing the cost of my first-world coffee to the man's case for survival.
We talked. He knew his tech, this man of no possessions, describing his favorite productivity gadgets of the past decade, scorning Apple for form over function. He had been living on the street day and night for two years. My five dollars was "huge," he said. I knew that was true only microcosmically. He liked cigars. That's where the cash would go.
Meanwhile, Starbucks had recently cut a deal with Square, one of the hottest startup stories of the season, so that people with five dollars to spend on coffee needn't pull out a wallet and ponder their privilege.
Continue reading Editorial: Square gets the attention, but credit cards rule
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Editorial: Square gets the attention, but credit cards rule originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Apple's app search engine goes dark, Chomp joins Ping in obsolescence
Apple's app search engine goes dark, Chomp joins Ping in obsolescence
Ping wasn't the only Apple service to go offline at the tail end of September. Chomp, an app search engine purchased by Cook and Co. earlier this year, also closed up shop. In the spring, the service discontinued support for Android apps, and now its entire website and iOS application have been shuttered. Folks who still have the app installed are greeted with the bad news upon launching it: "Chomp has been discontinued as of September 30. Thanks for being a loyal user." If you're mourning the loss, we hear Yahoo would be delighted to make your acquaintance.
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Apple's app search engine goes dark, Chomp joins Ping in obsolescence originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 13:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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LinkedIn branches out with new blogging and 'following' features for select group
LinkedIn branches out with new blogging and 'following' features for select group
LinkedIn has always been based on the notion of "connections" rather than "followers," but the social network has made a bit of a break with that tradition today. For the first time, it will let users follow people they aren't connected to, although their choice of people is initially limited to a group of 150 individuals that LinkedIn deems to be "thought leaders." What's more, the company is also giving them access to some more advanced blogging tools that will let them publish longer posts with pictures and videos. Of course, while it's fairly limited in scope now, LinkedIn is clear that this is only their first step in this direction. It says it will continue to expand its group of "influencers" over the next few months (it's taking suggestions), and LinkedIn's Dan Roth told TechCrunch that "eventually we want to allow all people to follow each others." In the meantime, you can get the full rundown of what's in store at the links below.
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LinkedIn branches out with new blogging and 'following' features for select group originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 13:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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ComScore: iPhone grew to 34 percent US share in a pre-iPhone 5 world, Android still on top at 52 percent
ComScore iPhone moved up to 34 percent US share in a preiPhone 5 world, Android remained on top at 52 percent
Apple is all too used to the rumor cycle affecting its sales: the company just saw a dip in sequential iPhone shipments this spring as customers waited for what would ultimately become the iPhone 5. If you believe ComScore's US smartphone market share estimates, though, Apple wasn't the worse for wear this August. While the iPhone was in the doldrums this spring, it jumped almost a whole point versus an already positive July to hit 34.3 percent; we're wondering if last-minute discounts played a part in keeping iPhone 4S sales healthy. Google didn't have much to fear and saw Android climb to 52.6 percent, even if its ascent wasn't as rapid as that of its Bay Area neighbor. RIM took the brunt of the losses and dipped to just 8.3 percent of the market in what's increasingly a two-horse race, although Microsoft's Windows Phone held its ground at 3.6 percent.
The wider US cellphone market tells a familiar story, with Samsung on top. There's signs that the narrative is very close to changing, however: LG and Apple are now close enough, at one point's difference, that Apple could seize second place by the time we see ComScore's figures for September. Before interpreting Apple's performance as some sign of a wider reversal of fortune, just remember that most of its challenges are on the world stage. There's no guarantee that the Android-focused markets beyond American borders have been as receptive to iPhone price drops and updates.
Continue reading ComScore: iPhone grew to 34 percent US share in a pre-iPhone 5 world, Android still on top at 52 percent
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Microbial music: Using sound to represent data from the deep blue sea
Microbial music: Using sound to represent data from the deep blue sea
Science and music, many would say opposite sides of the same coin. Unless you're DOE biologist Peter Larsen at the Argonne National Laboratory, who would probably argue your legal tender has been double-headed all along. While Larsen is more likely to be studying the intricacies of microbes than Miles Davis, his latest work puts the two of them closer than ever before. Faced with the task of studying vast amounts of microbial data gathered from the English Channel, the biologist explored alternative ways of making sense of it all. While he could have made a spiffy set of charts, Larsen claims that there are certain parameters, like sunlight and temperature, that give the data a structure that lends itself to musical representation.
While classical music might seem the typical choice, due to the irregular nature of the data, the result is more free-form jazz, yet still surprisingly musical. If you were wondering if there is something particularly groovy about the microbes in the English Channel, there isn't. Larsen and his colleagues used a similar idea in previous work looking at the relationship between a plant and a fungus. This isn't the first time data has been "sonified," but these processes that might initially seem to have no relation to music, rhythm and melody, actually highlight the patterns in natural phenomena. Want to get down to the microbial beat? You can hear a sample at the more coverage link.
[Image Credit: Argonne National Laboratory]
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Microbial music: Using sound to represent data from the deep blue sea originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Lenovo building PC production facility in North Carolina
Lenovo building PC production facility in North Carolina
North Carolina is fast becoming a haven for tech behemoths, with Chinese giant Lenovo becoming the latest to plant its flag in the Southeastern soil. The Wall Street Journal reports that the company is readying a PC production facility near its US headquarters which will kick off operations next year. Aside from securing bragging rights over competitors which no longer manufacture in the US, the factory is intended to satisfy stateside customers who "demand for flexible supplies and product customization." While it's initially a small operation -- employing slightly over 100 people -- the aim is to expand in the future, meaning that elusive "Made in America" sticker may become a little more commonplace.
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Lenovo building PC production facility in North Carolina originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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New York Times releases 'experimental' HTML5 iPad app, puts Twitter trends front and center
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The New York Times isn't beyond a little "experimentation" -- not when it comes to iPad apps, at least. The old gray lady today is showing off its "experimental" iPad web app, an HTML5-powered reading experience available to digital subscribers with its Web + Tablet and All Digital Access packages. The app's got four ways to consume all the news that's fit to digitize, including the Trending format, which offers up the past hour's top 25 trending stories on Twitter and the more traditional Today's Paper, which recalls those days when people used to get their news from dead trees. More info can be found in the press release after the break, and if you're on an iPad, you can access the site via the source link below.
Continue reading New York Times releases 'experimental' HTML5 iPad app, puts Twitter trends front and center
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Jolla resuscitates MeeGo with 'Sailfish' OS, plans to show off new device this November
Jolla resuscitates MeeGo with 'Sailfish' OS, plans to show off new device this November
If competition breeds innovation, then there's plenty promise in this latest mobile development from Jolla. The Finnish company, comprised of former Nokia employees, is poised to enter yet another combatant to the wireless arena with a MeeGo-based OS, codenamed "Sailfish," as early as this November. According to The Wall Street Journal, an initial round of funding has raised €200 million to push the effort forward and the small start-up is investing €10 million of its own to bolster the platform's prospects. Having been recently abandoned by Elop and co. after the arrival of the N9, this iteration of the operating system will continue to be open source and should pave the way for OEM adoption, although certain aspects of the UI will be licensed. According to CEO Jussi Hurmola, the new hardware's expected to hit next month -- just in time for a glut of other smartphone bows. Until then, we'll reserve our judgment and hope for the best.
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Rohm 5Wh hydrogen fuel cells power up smartphones, ready for the trash after one charge
Rohm 5Wh hydrogen fuel cells power up smartphones, ready for the trash after one charge
Rohm's hydrogen fuel cells are meant to power smartphones and other mobile devices, but unlike other juicing-up solutions, the cells are only good for one charge. Rohm says disposable fuel cells can be made smaller and lighter than their multi-use counterparts, and as the only byproduct is hydrogen, the company is touting the cells' eco-friendliness. The system generates electricity by using hydrogen that's created by the reaction of a metal material and water. While the device we saw here at CEATEC is a prototype, Rohm may offer its recharging system as both a smartphone case and a USB-attachable juicepack. Each offers 5Wh and can fully charge a handset once. There's also a 200W power generator, which certainly stretches the meaning of portable but can keep a laptop, LCD TV and a peripheral or two going for three to four hours. Rohm says its fuel cells will see a commercial release some time in 2013; for now you can get a sneak peek in our hands-on gallery below.
Gallery: Rohm Hydrogen Fuel Cells hands-on

Zach Honig contributed to this report.
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Smartphones for audiophiles: is the iPhone 5 more musical than its rivals?
Smartphones for audiophiles the iPhone 5 vs rival flagships

Related reviews

The love of audio. It's a dangerous condition, because every minute spent obsessing over headphones or specs or conflicting opinions is a minute not spent enjoying your favorite tracks or discovering new ones. That's why a review like this, which compares the iPhone 5 with rival phones based largely on acoustic qualities, runs a high risk of time-wastage -- no one really needs a cacophony of flowery words with no concrete conclusions.
How to steer clear of the technological equivalent of a wine-tasting? By trying our damnedest to focus only on the more practical pros and cons of these top handsets, specifically from the POV of someone who listens to a lot of music on their phone. We're talking about someone who likely prefers high-bitrate recordings and who is ready to spend money on something better than the earbuds (or EarPods) that come in the box.
In addition to testing Apple's new flagship we'll also look at the iPhone 4S, which is now a ton cheaper than it was a few weeks ago, as well as the Galaxy S III (both the global and the Sprint US version) plus the HTC One X (global and AT&T), and run them all through an audiophile obstacle course that goes right from purely subjective observations through to slightly more scientific tests as well as storage, OS and battery comparisons. There'll also be some consideration of the iPhone 4, Nokia Lumia 800 and PureView 808, although it'll be more condensed.
And yes, we'll end up with an overall winner, but the research here is about more than that. Different phones may suit different people, depending on their priorities. Moreover, new handsets are just around the corner -- the Lumia 920, the Note II, the LG Optimus G and whatever other goodies the future undoubtedly holds -- and so it makes sense to have a bed of knowledge against which new entrants can be judged. Interested? Then let's get started.
Continue reading Smartphones for audiophiles: is the iPhone 5 more musical than its rivals?
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Smartphones for audiophiles: is the iPhone 5 more musical than its rivals? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nokia launches Belle Feature Pack 2 firmware OTA, Pureview 808 gets extra imaging goodies
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Like the proverbial groundhog, Nokia's Feature Pack 2 for Symbian Belle peeked out a bit too early last month and had to withdraw back into its burrow. Now the new firmware upgrade for the Nokia 701, 700, 602 and Pureview 808 is out for realsies, with the latter star of the lineup getting the lion's share of new trinkets. Specifically, the big-sensored phone will now have a landscape Gallery Grid view option, which will enable faster and easier zooming, editing and sharing of images; more picture info like ISO value, white balance and location; and a reset button to get back to the default image setting in one touch. All the above Symbian Belle phones will get an updated browser with better HTML5 support, a (much) faster keyboard, the Video Pro editing application and Car Mode -- which gives "easy access to your phone's key features when you're driving," according to Nokia. If that makes you feel better about your legacy Nokia OS investment after all the company's Windows Phone 8 hoopla, check the source to see how to get it.
[Thanks, Fakhre]
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NTT DoCoMo translation app converts languages in real time (hands-on video)
NTT DoCoMo translation Android app converts languages in real time handson video
Last year at CEATEC, we saw NTT DoCoMo demo its translation app, which made life easier by translating a Japanese menu into English text. This time around the carrier is showing off the new Hanashite Hon'yaku service for Android devices, which can translate spoken Japanese to English and vice versa (it supports a total of 10 languages, including French, German and Korean). In addition to providing an on-screen translation, the system reads out your speaking partner's words in your language.To use the service, you need an Android-enabled (2.2 and higher) device running on either the carrier's spumode or moperaU plan. Provided you fit those requirements, you'll simply have to dial the other party, speak into the phone and wait for it to play back your words in a foreign tongue.
Of course, you can also use the service in person, which is exactly what we did at DoCoMo's booth. When we gave it a test run with some simple questions ("Where are you from?", "What time is it?"), the app had no trouble spitting back those phrases in Japanese so the DoCoMo rep could respond. When he answered in Japanese, the translation to English was equally seamless, taking just a second or two to communicate that he is from Japan. Though the app is free, you'll have to pay call and data charges (using the service for face-to-face conversation only entails a data fee). The cross-cultural barriers will break down starting November 1st, but you can get a glimpse of the service in action just after the break.
Continue reading NTT DoCoMo translation app converts languages in real time (hands-on video)
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NTT DoCoMo translation app converts languages in real time (hands-on video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Google patents smart watch with flip-up display that could reveal everyday objects' secrets
Google patents smartwatch
It looks like Google has considered transferring ideas from Project Glass over to your wrist by patenting a smart watch with a transparent, flip-up touchscreen. If such a device ever came off the USPTO papers, it would present notifications and other info transmitted from your smartphone at a glance, like many, many others now on the market. However, Mountain View's added a new twist when you'd flip up its bezel -- at that point, it's claimed that the watch could channel a plethora of other Google apps, like Gmail, Goggles, and Maps. Of course, you'd be able to privately view messages inside the bezel, but since the display would also be transparent, you could see through it to landmarks or object around you. According to the patent, you could then be given directions based on GPS coordinates and the buildings "seen" by the watch, while a Goggles-like implementation would be able to identify smaller items in the display. That would let the search giant throw ads or other data about the product your way, giving you the info you need to snap it up -- and likely not hurting Google's bottom line.
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MoviePass launches iPhone app and card combo, takes unlimited viewing to all US theaters
MoviePass launches iPhone app and card combo, takes unlimited viewing to all US theaters
While MoviePass was in early beta, it got more than a small amount of pushback from theaters that didn't like someone changing the price formula without their explicit say-so. The company just found an end-run around that conspicuous obstacle. It's releasing both an iPhone app and a reloadable card that, when combined, let MoviePass' effectively unlimited subscription model work at just about any US theater. The app unlocks the card for a specific showing; after that, it's only a matter of swiping the plastic at a payment kiosk like any old credit card. It's not as sophisticated as NFC or Pay With Square, to be sure, but it should keep the rude surprises to a minimum. Both the iOS app and the card require an invitation to the $30 monthly service if you're eager to get watching movies today. If either is too limiting, there's promises of both an Android app and wider availability in the future.
Continue reading MoviePass launches iPhone app and card combo, takes unlimited viewing to all US theaters
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AT&T adds HTC One X+ and One VX to its future lineup, will arrive in the 'coming months'
AT&T plans to carry HTC One X, introduces One VX
HTC decided to reveal the oft-rumored One X+ earlier this morning, and it didn't take long for AT&T to announce its intent to carry the device in the "coming months." Fans acquainted with the original AT&T One X won't find much different on the outside -- we're still looking at a 4.7-inch Super LCD2 720p display, 8MP BSI f/2.0 rear camera with ImageSense and gorgeous polycarbonate build. Indeed, it's what's inside the LTE-capable phone that counts: a 1.7GHz quad-core Tegra 3 chipset, an impressive 64GB internal memory (nice, given the device still lacks microSD support), Jelly Bean with Sense 4+ and a nicely improved 2,100mAh battery.
That's not all, folks: AT&T's also introducing another HTC handset for its mid-range lineup known as the One VX (pictured above on the right). The device, which utilizes a 4.5-inch qHD Super LCD2 display, is packing Android 4.0 (upgradeable to Jelly Bean after launch), a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 MSM 8930 with 1GB RAM, LTE, a 5MP BSI f/2.0 ImageSense camera capable of shooting 1080p video, a VGA front-facing cam, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, FM radio and 8GB internal storage. How about dimensions? It measures in at 9.19mm (0.36 inch) thick and weighs 4.4 ounces (124.7g), so it's slightly thicker and lighter than the One X+. We're quite curious to hear details on pricing and availability, but we haven't heard anything aside from the coming months (we'd like to believe, however, that AT&T wouldn't wait until after the holidays to push this out). Hopefully we'll get to play with the new device soon, but feel free to check out our galleries of picture-perfect press images below.

Gallery: AT&T HTC One X+


Gallery: AT&T HTC One VX

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