Samsung's $249 Chromebook lights up benchmarks with the latest Ubuntu build
A Googler managed to load up Samsung's latest Chromebook with Ubuntu and spelled out the process for like-minded DIYers in October, and now some benchmarks of Mountain View's $249 machine running Raring Ringtail -- which is still in development -- have surfaced. With a 1.7GHz dual-core Exynos 5 Dual processor under the hood, the ARM-based machine can hang with -- and in some cases beat -- the likes of a 1.8GHz quad-core Intel Atom D525 chip and a 1.4GHz quad-core Calxeda Highbank node in benchmarks using the Phoronix Test Suite. The rig also holds its own when pitted against a PandaBoard equipped with an OMAP4460 1.2GHz dual-core processor. Hit the source link to dig into pages of the test results for yourself.
Filed under: Laptops, Software, Samsung, GoogleCommentsSource:Phoronix
Read More ...Microsoft trots out Windows 8 mockups circa 2010, details the OS design process (video)
Microsoft's Jensen Harris, who wears the hat of Director of Program Management for the Windows User Experience team, showed off some Windows 8 mockups minted in early 2010 during a talk at last summer's UX Week 2012. Now, a video of the presentation has been posted online, giving us a look at the reference designs. Despite roughly two years separating mockup creation and the launch of Windows 8, the OS remained remarkably true to its conceptual roots. During the hour-long talk, Jensen covers the birth of Windows 8, its driving principles and even mentions some distaste for the faux leather aesthetics in some iOS apps, calling them "cheesy visual effects." Hit the adjacent gallery to catch a peek of the early Start screen, on-screen keyboard, Charms Bar and lock screen. For a video of the hour-long talk covering the story of how Redmond's operating system came to be, head past the jump.
Intel has signed a $50 million deal with Creative Technology to acquire ZiiLabs, a UK-based subsidiary responsible for Android-optimized chip designs like the ZMS-40 and the ZMS-20. Of that $50 million, $30m will be for asset sales and engineering resources while the remainder will be for patent licensing in regards to ZiiLabs GPU technology, which might indicate a move away from PowerVR. We're not sure if this means Creative will soldier on with OEM-focused devices like the HanZPad, but at least now it'll have more money in the bank to explore alternative endeavors.
Filed under: Misc, IntelCommentsSource:The Inquirer, CNET Asia
Read More ...Hulu Plus now available for Nintendo's Wii U
The Nintendo Wii U shipped without some of the services we'd heard it would feature, but now Hulu Plus has joined Netflix on the console. Although it's late arriving, it does feature second screen navigation on the GamePad with several playback control options, or the ability to watch video on the touchscreen. We're still waiting to see the TVii app next month and Amazon's Instant Video, but early adopters should be able to take advantage, assuming they're a subscriber or sign up for a trial membership. Check after the break for a quick demo video to see how it all works.
[Thanks, Quazie]
Continue reading Hulu Plus now available for Nintendo's Wii U
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD, NintendoCommentsSource:Hulu Blog
Read More ...Nissan Leaf to go farther and cost less in 2013
Wondering what the coming year will hold for Nissan's flagship electric car? Well, as expected, there's a small, but not negligible range boost in store. On a full charge, and with all the other electronics turned off, the 2013 Leaf should be able to eke 228 km (142 miles) out of its lithium ion pack, which is up from the 200 km (124 miles) of last year's model. There's also a new battery gauge that tells the driver how much juice is left in percentage points, instead of just miles remaining. The price of entry has also been seriously lowered, putting the EV within the reach of many more consumers. In Japan, the base model will cost just ¥2.5 million (roughly $31,000), significantly less than the 2012 edition which had a starting price of just under ¥3 million (around $37,000). While there's no guarantee that price drop with carry over stateside, we'd say it's a pretty good bet that a cheaper Leaf in our future. Sadly, there's no word about that fancy inductive charger.
Filed under: TransportationCommentsVia:Japan Daily PressSource:Associated Press
Read More ...Skype for Windows 8 update adds Messenger contact support
Microsoft recently revealed that it would be retiring its longstanding Live Messenger platform. However, instead of receiving a commemorative wristwatch and rocking chair for its services, the once prominent IM client will be integrated into Skype during Q1 2013. Taking its first step to get the ball rolling, the company issued an update to Skype for Windows 8. The latest software push brings group searches, improved video performance, bug fixes and most notably Messenger contacts are now available to call. While these changes are subtle, it's good to finally see Microsoft making moves after shelling out $8.5 billion for the privilege a little over a year ago. Hopefully, this will lead to more practical roads, like finally bringing Skype to the Xbox 360. But that would make too much sense, wouldn't it?
Filed under: Internet, Software, MicrosoftCommentsVia:The Next WebSource:Microsoft
Read More ...Educators battle Eternal September by teaching digital citizenship with MinecraftEdu
Eternal September is now somewhat of an antiquated term, but its relevance as a concept is nonetheless alive and kicking on the internet today. Once upon a time, September was the month when a whole new group of individuals -- primarily college students -- were introduced to Usenet discussion boards, and many took a few bruises as they were introduced to online etiquette. Eventually, tightly knit digital communities became unable to cope with the deluge of new users, and it's said that online discourse has never fully recovered. So the saying goes, we now live in Eternal September.
As proof that not all hope is lost, developers and educators are now collaborating on a project known as MinecraftEdu, which aims to teach digital citizenship in the classroom. Through virtual interaction with others, the game exposes students to a wide variety of concepts such as ethics, privacy, research and safety. From there, educators are able to use the in-game experiences to lead discussions that focus on protecting oneself and taking responsibility for one's actions. In effort to reinforce these concepts, developers are also integrating quizzes and lesson reviews into MinecraftEdu. Much like the real world, Minecraft's open-ended style is thought to demonstrate that an online community is what you make of it, and as development progresses, perhaps we'll all come to benefit from its lessons. In the meantime, you can stick your nose into these forward-thinking classrooms with the video below.
Continue reading Educators battle Eternal September by teaching digital citizenship with MinecraftEdu
Filed under: Internet, Software, AltCommentsSource:Fast Company
Read More ...Court approves FTC's $22.5 million penalty for Google over Safari cookies
The FTC might not have been impressed with Google bypassing Safari cookie settings in the name of +1 functionality, but it'll at least be satisfied with the outcome. A Northern District of California federal court has approved the FTC's proposed settlement, which sees Google pay a $22.5 million penalty in addition to altering its cookie behavior to respect privacy in Apple's browser. The fiscal punishment is a drop in the bucket for a company that might well make up that loss by the time you're done reading this; all the same, we'll take it if other web companies are more mindful of their behavior in the future.
Filed under: Internet, Apple, GoogleCommentsSource:FTC
Read More ...EyeSee mannequins used to spy on shoppers, confirm paranoid fears
If you feel like you're being watched when you're shopping, you might be right. Some stores, like the ones owned by Benetton Group SpA, have set up EyeSee mannequins that have a camera embedded into one eye. It then feeds data into facial-recognition software, and would log age, gender and race of the people it sees. The original rationale of such technology was to identify criminals in places like the airport, but retailers are apparently now using it to personalize store offerings. For example, one store found that a lot of shoppers after 4 pm were Asian, so it placed Chinese-speaking staff by the entrance at that time. Made by Italian mannequin maker Almax SpA, the EyeSee went on sale last December and is currently in use in three European countries as well as the US, though major chains like Nordstrom and Burberry have publicly stated they have not implemented them. Future mannequins might even have the ability to "eavesdrop" on passers-by, allowing store owners to hear what they have to say about the mannequin's outfit. It's not quite as unnerving as see-through security cams and that Japanese android mannequin, but it'll still make us avoid a mannequin's stare the next time we head to the shops.
[Image Credit: Elvert Barnes, Flickr]
Filed under: RobotsCommentsSource:Bloomberg
Read More ...DirecTV, ViaSat launch Exede satellite broadband and TV bundles
Rural dwellers waiting for those promised DirecTV and ViaSat bundles can at last swing into action. The two have launched Exede satellite broadband bundles that slash the monthly internet access rates by $10 during the first year, and waive the $50 setup, in return for signing a 2-year satellite TV contract at a same time: the 10GB, 15GB and 25GB data tiers now cost a (slightly) more reasonable $40, $70 and $120 per month, respectively. The partnership doesn't represent a dramatic bargain, then, although it will let subscribers buy in through either DirecTV or ViaSat if they're already comfortable with either provider. Just be sure to act before the bundles' January 31st expiry date if one-stop satellite service is tempting.
Continue reading DirecTV, ViaSat launch Exede satellite broadband and TV bundles
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Networking, Internet, HDCommentsSource:Exede
Read More ...Disney to shut down its Online streaming site
Ever heard of Disney Movies Online? Apparently not many have, as Disney announced it'll be shutting down the online movie streaming service at the end of the year. It isn't a shock that a movie streaming site that only offers flicks from one studio and no integration with something like UltraViolet (Disney remains the only major studio avoiding that kludge) wasn't a success. People who were actually using it can use the same redeem code that came bundled with their discs, in iTunes or Windows Media Player. Those few who actually paid for access have until the end of February of next year to request a refund. There's talk of a replacement "Disney Movies Anywhere" solution on the way -- possibly based on its KeyChest system -- but joining UltraViolet, in its current form, doesn't seem much better then Disney Movies Online was.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HDCommentsSource:Disney Movies Online
Read More ...Windows Phone 8 not working with Xbox Video purchases
If you just bought a Windows Phone 8 device like the Nokia Lumia 920 or the HTC 8x and were hoping to load it with Xbox content for the holidays -- after all, they're both from Microsoft, right? -- it seems that you may be in for some disappointment. As of right now, purchases or rentals from the newly-branded Xbox Video will not sync to Windows Phone 8. Microsoft has even officially acknowledged the issue in its support page, stating: "Windows Phone 8 does not currently support playback of rented or purchased content from the Xbox Video Store." The article goes on to say that you can go to the Windows Phone Feature Suggestions page to recommend it for future releases. Gee, thanks, Microsoft; that's so helpful. Now we'll actually have to talk to our families. The horror.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, MicrosoftCommentsVia:WP CentralSource:Microsoft Support
Read More ...3D book scanner blows through tomes at 250 pages per minute
Dai Nippon Printing probably isn't a company you're terribly familiar with, but you might feel inclined to keep closer tabs on the Japanese outfit. With help from the University of Tokyo, Dai Nippon has created a book scanner that can plow through texts at up to 250 pages each minute. A mechanism flips through pages at lightning speeds while a pair of cameras overhead snap detailed images of each sheet as it flies by. Special software then flattens out the photos and turns the picture into a machine readable, 400 pixel-per-inch scan that can easily be converted to PDF, EPUB or other format. Unlike many other high-speed scanners, this doesn't require a book be damaged by removing the pages. In fact, it's quite similar to Google's creation that powers Books. Dai Nippon is actually planning to bring this beast to market sometime in 2013, but it has yet to announce a price.
Filed under: PeripheralsCommentsVia:CNETSource:Dai Nippon Printing
Read More ...ESPN3 finally comes to Cablevision, WatchESPN 'coming soon' to Optimum TV to GO
We knew it was coming, and after over a month of making the official announcement, ESPN and Cablevision have let it be known that, as of today, Optimum Online subscribers can now start enjoying content from ESPN3. Naturally, this will bring a plethora of sporting events from The Worldwide Leader in Sports to Cablevision customers which hold an Optimum internet account -- tidbits like live events and replays of the NCAA Championships, basketball, tennis, golf, cricket and, of course, both types of football. As for the company's Optimum TV to Go, it has said that WatchESPN, Watch Disney Channel, Watch DisneyXD and Watch DisneyJunior will indeed be "coming soon" to the service, though it wasn't quite clear about how "soon" that's going to be.
Continue reading ESPN3 finally comes to Cablevision, WatchESPN 'coming soon' to Optimum TV to GO
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HDCommentsSource:ESPN
Read More ...AT&T, Boingo, T-Mobile agree to back wireless in 30 more New York City subway stations
As welcome as Transit Wireless' strategy for wireless in New York City subways has been, having access in just six stations around one Manhattan district has been limiting for locals who want to stay online underground. Thankfully, there's plans afoot to cover a much wider base. AT&T, Boingo and T-Mobile have offered to back a next wave of expansion that will cover 30 extra stations with cellular and WiFi access, in places we're more likely to recognize: Columbus Circle, Rockefeller Center and Times Square are all part of the rollout. While the tragedy of Hurricane Sandy has pushed back completion to early 2013, it shouldn't be too long before some of the city's most important hubs (and tourist traps) are covered -- and Transit Wireless' ambitions to eventually put wireless in all of New York City's subways could keep every borough online during the daily commute.
[Image credit: Retromoderns, Flickr]
Continue reading AT&T, Boingo, T-Mobile agree to back wireless in 30 more New York City subway stations
Filed under: Wireless, NetworkingComments
Read More ...SmartScreens begin rollout to NYC payphones, City24/7 and Cisco eying expansion to additional cities
Slowly but surely, payphones around New York City are losing their innocence. As planned, City24/7 has started to convert seldom-used booths into LCD-equipped information kiosks, with so-called SmartScreens broadcasting "neighborhood news, current events and entertainment listings, local deals and specials." We're told that multiple mobile apps are being made available via the 32-inch multitouch panels, though as of now, only ten installations have gone live. Over the next several months, the number of installations will increase to up to 250 participating phone booths throughout the five boroughs, and once it's reached saturation in the Big Apple, City24/7 and Cisco are planning to expand into over a dozen other foreign and domestic cities. The SmartScreens are designed to use real-time, location-based services, tied in to the network throughout the city, and moreover, each booth is equipped with gratis WiFi, NFC and Bluetooth capabilities. In other words, they're fit to live in.
Continue reading SmartScreens begin rollout to NYC payphones, City24/7 and Cisco eying expansion to additional cities
Filed under: InternetCommentsSource:Smart City 24/7
Read More ...Samsung to outline 8-core big.LITTLE ARM processor in February
Apple was today granted a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, filed as 8,316,046, which lays out the framework for a mobile device to "collect and store journal event data over a time span, the journal event data comprising data associated with a plurality of events, including a location and a timestamp of each event." Moreover, the first independent claim spells out that the system would utilize geotag data ("locations and timestamps") in order to parse events.
In layman's terms, the platform would be able to automatically separate check-ins, pit stops, photos, activities and movements based on when and where things happened. From here, it's anyone's guess as to what Apple would do with the information, but you don't have to gaze beyond the 'Events' section in the company's own iPhoto application to get a few solid ideas. One might even say that Apple's attempting to provide a Path-like experience within the iOS core, but who knows if it'll ever actually act on its earlier inclinations. Those who like to let their imaginations run wild can have at it in the source link below.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, AppleCommentsVia:AppleInsiderSource:USPTO
Read More ...The Daily Roundup for 11.20.2012
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.Continue reading The Daily Roundup for 11.20.2012Comments
Read More ...Apple TV 5.1 update causing issues for many, downgrading cited as popular solution
Whenever you get the urge to ingest an update without doing a bit of research, just remember: things don't always end with streamers falling and glasses raised. Such is the case with the latest Apple TV update, which arrived back in September as v5.1. At the time, it promised users the ability to tap into Shared Photo Streams and to easily switch between iTunes accounts. Now, however, Apple's support boards are rolling with comments about the update. In fact, many users are reporting that the update has killed their device entirely, with most everyone else hitting up links to downgrade in an attempt to dodge the Reaper. Are you amongst the troubled? Let us know how things are going for you in comments below -- particularly if you've stumbled upon a bulletproof solution.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, AppleCommentsVia:TUAWSource:Apple Support Forums
Read More ...Razer DeathAdder adds 4G optical sensor, available now for $69
Razer's had a good thing going with its DeathAdder gaming mouse. So much so, that it's left the peripheral largely untouched, varying only its colorover the years and adding a left-handed edition. Which makes today's refresh notable, since it brings a major update to the mouse's optical sensor -- now 4G -- that should improve accuracy with a resolution maxing out at 6,400 dpi. The unit still retains the same form and function as the original, although a textured, rubber grip has been added to the sides for increased comfort. And in keeping with tradition, gamers can also sync this mouse with the company's Synapse 2.0 software to access firmware updates, as well as settings for button mapping across titles. It's available now for $69 / €69, so hit up the source below to get your order set.
Continue reading Razer DeathAdder adds 4G optical sensor, available now for $69
Filed under: Gaming, PeripheralsComments
Read More ...Opera Mini for BlackBerry and feature phones catches up with download manager update
A mere six months since its last update to feature phones and Blackberrys, Opera Mini has refreshed itself again, this time offering up an improved download experience, both in regards to speed and file management. The new web browser is available to download now, with users able to pause and resume their downloads, customize exactly where files are saved and -- would you believe it -- download multiple files at the same time. But in all seriousness, it's hard to complain as Opera continues to roll out additional functionality for its data-savvy browser even on humbler hardware. Those looking for a quick install should point their phone's browser to m.opera.com.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Software, MobileCommentsSource:Opera Mini
Read More ...Editorial: Vanishing 'copywrong' document blasts RIAA, suggests radical reform, and should be taken seriously
Something startling happened over the weekend. It came and went in a flash, but the repercussions could, and should, be lasting. An unexpected and most unusual policy brief from the Republican Study Committee was released. (The RSC is a 165-member congressional policy review group.) Entitled Three Myths About Copyright Law and Where to Start to Fix It, the eight-page document is an astonishing declaration of revisionism, bristling with policy arguments that align with the most excitable rants of P2P advocates over the last 10 years. It is a devastating indictment of American copyright law.
Then, in less than 24 hours, the paper was rescinded. The committee's Executive Director, Paul S. Teller, offered an obscure apology with no explanation. Of course the thing is easily available, and its message remains a permanent part of the conversational record, deletion be damned.
By arguing that the current iteration of American copyright law is broken in several respects, and by proposing extreme solutions, the rogue document debilitates the talking points of institutional copyright holders and their agencies such as the RIAA. Anyone who has been following the hardened rhetoric over what copyright should be in a copy-share digital world will be startled by the accusatory language and sharply reformist intent of this document.
Continue reading Editorial: Vanishing 'copywrong' document blasts RIAA, suggests radical reform, and should be taken seriously
Filed under: InternetComments
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Samsung's $249 Chromebook lights up benchmarks with the latest Ubuntu build
Before we take in Thanksgiving and all the football it has to offer, we've got this week's podcast episode. The new Wii U represents Nintendo's official entry into the HD age, so of course we'll discuss it, however with many of its TV-centric features arriving only recently or still awaiting their debut, we still have our doubts. Amazon and Netflix both continue to make moves in subscription streaming, and Google Fiber is finally rolling out across the land. Of course, it's already time for a CES preview and we're ready for the latest Ultra HD news from Samsung (and even a breaking update from Sony.) Press play to find out what's up this week in everything from 4K to Formula 1.
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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)
Producer: Trent Wolbe
00:14:20 - Nintendo Wii U review
00:16:22 - Wii U's Nintendo TVii, Amazon Instant Video, and Hulu Plus pushed to December
00:23:58 - Amazon stops testing monthly Prime subscriptions, leaves the results a mystery
00:24:48 - Netflix original series House of Cards gets its first trailer
00:35:17 - Vudu brings HDX 1080p streaming and downloadable movies to PCs
00:40:59 - XBMC 12 'Frodo' Beta 1 appears, includes support for Android, Raspberry Pi, HD audio and more
00:41:55 - Google TV gets voice search and a quick guide to make content discovery easier than ever
00:44:00 - Dish Network's Hopper gets an off-air digital TV tuner, software update packing new features
00:47:04 - Google Fiber installations begin, come with a larger TV channel choice in the bargain
00:48:18 - Elgato EyeTV Mobile ships to the US, brings Dyle live TV tuning to data cap-dodging iOS users
00:55:15 - Samsung bringing 85-inch ultra high definition TV to CES
00:59:29 - Initial projects from 3net Studios include the world's first native 4K TV show
01:03:10 - Formula 1's on-board cameras may switch to HD next season
01:06:20 - Star Trek: Enterprise Blu-ray release next year tipped as fans pick box art
01:09:22 - Must See HDTV (November 19th - 25th)
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