ZTE exec: Grand S won't carry a grand price, at least in China
A cursory look at the ZTE Grand S might leave you worrying that it will fetch quite the premium for that 5-inch screen, LTE and quad-core performance. Not so, according to mobile division lead He Shiyou. He estimates that the smartphone's price in mainland China will hover between ¥3,000 to ¥3,500 ($481 to $561), depending on market conditions -- a reasonable bargain for a high-end model expected to ship before the first quarter of the year is out. We're just left wondering whether the value-minded pricing will hold if and when the Grand S goes on a world tour.
Filed under: Cellphones, MobileCommentsVia:GizChinaSource:MyDrivers (translated)
Read More ...Pwnie Express launches the Pwn Pad, takes hackproofing on the road
Pwnie Express-made security tools like the Power Pwn have mostly been stationary creatures that aren't much help when checking for network vulnerabilities on the move. There's now a more mobile version, though, in the Pwn Pad. The kit combines a Nexus 7 with USB-based Bluetooth, Ethernet and WiFi to gauge the security of a network beyond what Google's tablet can manage on its own. Ubuntu Linux is available in the Pwn Pad's software loadout, but part of the appeal comes from running a suite of tools in Android that aren't always available on the platform, such as Kismet. The $795 price will seem steep to those who bought the plain Nexus 7 at a quarter of the price, although it might end up being a discount for security gurus who want to leave bulkier tools -- even their laptops -- at home.
Filed under: Tablets, Software, ASUS, GoogleCommentsVia:WiredSource:Pwnie Express
Read More ...HTC brings Dashwire back, focuses on setting up new Android smartphones
When HTC dissolved Dashwire's original service just months after acquisition, many wrote off the smaller company; it all but disappeared from the limelight, even with its early cloud sync service still in action. Rather than relegate Dashwire to the oblivion traditionally associated with takeovers, though, HTC is staging a comeback. It's relaunching Dashwire to help carriers get customers up and running on a new smartphone, including contacts and a customized look. Details are short, but the revived service won't be HTC-exclusive: Dashwire will support "leading" Android device makers. While the company's return to form will depend on successful sales pitches at Mobile World Congress, it at least stands a chance of being more than just a footnote.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, HTCCommentsSource:Dashwire
Read More ...Google's future 42-acre 'Bayview' home gets its own Vanity Fair profile
Usually when we get a peek at Google's Mountain View home it's to gawk at the latest Android-related statue but a Vanity Fair article posted today showed the company's future HQ plans. After initiating plans for a new structure next to the existing Googleplex and then abandoning them last year, it's opting for a new facility designed by Seattle firm NBBJ (which also created offices for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) in another area of the city. Planned to open as soon as 2015 -- potentially ahead of Apple's halo-shaped new digs -- it's called Bay View and consists of nine buildings connected by bridges over 42 acres.
According to Google it's designed for many workers to operate just on natural light, and avail themselves of the many cafes and green roofs. Quoted in the article is civil engineer David Radcliffe, who claims that employees will never be more than a two and a half minute walk away from each other, which, along with the bent floorplan of each building, is intended to create opportunities for innovation through "casual collisions". These are just some of the tidbits included in the article waiting beyond the source link, but we're still trying to figure out where they hid parking spots for all the self-driving cars.
Filed under: Misc, GoogleCommentsSource:Vanity Fair, LA Times
Read More ...HTC One for Sprint spotted with FCC approval
The HTC One just made its first official appearance (unless you count its brief showing by Peter Chou at the year-end party as "official") on Tuesday, and while we haven't been given any specific availability in the US, its models are at least starting to receive approval from the FCC. This particular model sports Sprint-specific LTE (band 25) and also includes 802.11ac support, a telltale sign that this is indeed the Now Network's One. The fact that the docs detail the test unit as a production model is a solid indication that HTC's flagship is well on its way to Overland Park, and soon. And it doesn't appear to be alone, either; two other variants snuck through the process of federal approval, one with quad-band LTE (bands 2, 4, 5 and 17) and another with dual-band (bands 4 and 17). It seems that HTC isn't wasting any time on bringing its attack to US shores.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, HTC, SprintCommentsSource:FCC
Read More ...Mystery Nokia Lumia appears with Verizon bands at FCC
Can you smell it? Smartphone season is in the air. Along with recent leaks for the Lumia 720 and Lumia 520, another handset from Nokia was just tipped -- this time at the FCC. The phone in question is known only as the RM-860, but with support for LTE bands 4 and 13, it carries the telltale marks as a Verizon smartphone. As you may recall, Nokia revealed earlier this year that it aims to bring high-end, mid-range and low-end Lumia smartphones to AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Given the relatively blah Lumia 822 that's already at Big Red, could this be a sign that Verizon is set to gain its own iteration of the Lumia 920? Or, might it be that the carrier is aiming for lower hanging fruit?
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, NokiaCommentsSource:FCC
Read More ...XBMC now available for Apple TVs with software update 5.2
Jailbroken Apple TVs with software update 5.2 (iOS 6.1) snagged Bluetooth keyboard compatibility roughly a week ago, and now Cook and Co.'s hockey puck is in store for a heftier perk: support for XBMC. Memphiz, a developer on the entertainment hub project, has managed to tweak XBMC to run on Cupertino's TV box with its latest software release. Ready to load up your hardware with the alternative media suite? Hit the bordering source link for the download and instructions, or check out the "Manage Extras" section if you're running aTV Flash.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, AppleCommentsVia:FireCore (Google+)Source:XBMC
Read More ...Google reportedly in negotiations with music labels to launch streaming service
Surprise, surprise: Apple isn't the only company that's rumored to be developing a music streaming service. According to Financial Times, Google is working to augment its current download store with a streaming service that could take on the likes of Spotify, Slacker and Nokia Music. The outlet's sources suggest that Google is currently in the negotiation stage with record labels, and that its service would likely feature both paid and free, ad-supported components. Naturally, while this news remains in the realm of rumors for both Apple and Google, it seems that the race is now on for which company is both willing and able to supplement its music store with a streaming service. Anyone care to place bets on which company is first to the starting line?
Filed under: Internet, GoogleCommentsVia:CNETSource:Financial Times
Read More ...The Daily Roundup for 02.22.2013
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.Comments
Read More ...Microsoft reveals hackers attacked it too, 'no customer data affected'
Following revelations of hackers accessing files at companies including Apple and Facebook, Microsoft revealed today it also found evidence of intrusions. In a blog post on the Microsoft Security Response Center, general manager Matt Thomlinson indicated "a small number of computers, including some in our Mac business unit" were affected by malware of the type described in the other attacks. As he mentions, such cyberattacks are no surprise to a company with Microsoft's profile, however one wonders if the folks in Redmond aren't having a chuckle that Macs appear to have been exploited in this case. He continued to state that the investigation is ongoing, however it does not appear that any customer data was at risk.
Filed under: Software, MicrosoftCommentsSource:Technet Blogs, Reuters
Read More ...ASUS teases new PadFone MWC launch, with help from talking Christopher Columbus statue
The latest MWC teaser video from ASUS is light on the details and heavy on the talking statue. The 33-second video titled "A New Discovery at Hand," features Barcelona's Columbus Monument taking a phone call on his stone tablet and the tag line "Join ASUS to Discover a New World." No mentions of PadFones (or, for that matter, FonePads) in the video itself, though the accompanying text promises that those who attend the company's February 25th press conference will witness "Pad and Phone come together."
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, ASUSComments
Read More ...Nokia Lumia 720 and Lumia 520 press shots revealed
See that group of phones just sitting around, pretending not to have a care in the world? Turns out, this is the new Lumia 720, which is now greeting the world for the first time in a leaked press photo. If you'll recall, this device, along with the Lumia 520 (shown after the break), was recently leaked for arrival within Indonesia. While we've yet to learn of other markets or concrete specs for the pair of smartphones, it just became a bit more likely that we'll see the Lumia 720 and Lumia 520 formally greet the world in just a matter of days. Game on, Nokia.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, NokiaCommentsVia:The VergeSource:@evleaks (Twitter) (1), (2)
Read More ...SpiderSense ultrasonic radar suit lets you know when danger is near
Know that feeling when someone wanders too far into your personal space? The University of Illinois' Victor Mateevitsi does, which is why he'd built a suit that does the job to a far greater degree of accuracy. SpiderSense is a onesie that uses a series of microphones to rend and receive ultrasonic signals from the space around you, like high frequency radar. When the outfit senses something approaching, a robotic arm corresponding to the microphone exerts pressure on your skin, pointing you in the direction of the danger. Mateevitsi tested the gear by blindfolding researchers and asking them to throw a cardboard ninja star whenever (and wherever) they sensed a threat -- with positive results 95 percent of the time. SpiderSense will get its first public showing at Stuttgart's Augmented Human conference in March and it's hoped that the hardware will eventually help Blind people get around easier.
[Image Credit: Lance Long]
Filed under: Wearables, AltCommentsVia:New ScientistSource:Victor Mateevitsi
Read More ...Facebook's main app for iOS adds free voice calls inside North America
Facebook has been spreading voice messaging throughout its mobile apps for awhile, but it's clear the Palo Alto crew is no longer happy leaving interaction to canned speeches. Following a quiet rollout of live voice calls to Facebook Messenger earlier in the year, a version 5.5 update to Facebook's core iOS app is giving social networkers a similar chance to talk to each other for free. The only stipulations are that users have the bandwidth to burn and live in either the US or Canada. Otherwise, the interface and functionality are dead ringers for the Messenger equivalents we tried in January. There's still no word on when full voice calls will reach Android or other platforms, although they typically get feature parity before too long.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Internet, FacebookCommentsSource:App Store
Read More ...HTC settles with the FTC over claims of insecurities in logging software
Much of the firestorm surrounding remote phone diagnostics in late 2011 ultimately enveloped Carrier IQ and the providers that used it, but HTC was also scorched by accusations that its phones' software flaws (including in HTC Loggers) made privacy breaches possible. The FTC went so far as to level charges against the company for allegedly not doing enough to secure software. That saga may be winding to a close now that HTC's American division has agreed to settle the whole affair. The smartphone designer has to do more than just deliver patches, which it already has -- it's now required to run a "comprehensive" security program to weed out flaws in advance, and it will be the subject of outside assessments every other year for the next 20 years. As tough as those conditions may seem, they're easier than dealing with fines or stiffer penalties. They'll hopefully prevent repeats of any privacy scares as well, even if the real-world risk has been slight.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTCCommentsVia:The VergeSource:FTC
Read More ...Engadget Podcast 332 - 02.22.13
Before you ask... no, we haven't actually seen the PlayStation 4, and we might not actually know what it's going to look like. But, you can bet we've got some actual details on what has to be the the hottest announcement this week. Unless you're a fan of HTC. Or Chromebooks.
Hosts: Brian Heater, Ben Gilbert
Producer:James TrewHear the podcast
Filed under: PodcastsComments
Read More ...Editor's Letter: PlayStation nextIn each issue of Distro, editor-in-chief Tim Stevens publishes a wrap-up of the week in news.
We're not even through February yet, but already we're looking at a time where there are three major product unveilings in a single week! If anyone was wondering whether 2013 would see the private event trend continue, rest assured that we'll be jetting all over the damned place even more this year than we did the last. Not that we're complaining, mind you, especially when the events are prefaced by the kind of excitement that Sony built up ahead of its PlayStation 4 unveiling in New York City on Wednesday night.
As an unapologetic console gaming fiend, I was certainly looking forward to what Sony had to show. While I can't say that when the lights came up I was totally fulfilled -- the event was something of a big tease -- I did leave feeling generally enthused that Sony is actually making gaming a priority. I had serious concerns the PS4 would be more of a holistic media consumption device, gaming existing as just one of many, many facets. Indeed that may yet prove to be true, but for now the story was all about game developers and the cool stuff they're doing with the system. For that I am thankful.
Comments
Read More ...PS4's final look is unknown even to a Sony exec, but it won't support the DualShock 3
There's been some debate over the state of the PlayStation 4's hardware when Sony declined to display the console itself at its PlayStation Meeting. As we're quickly learning, the company had good reason to keep the box under wraps: it's not quite done yet. Sony Computer Entertainment Japan President Hiroshi Kawano has revealed to 4Gamer that even he hasn't seen the finished system, and he only saw the DualShock 4 the day before it went on stage. We wouldn't worry about the design's progress just yet, but the news hints that Sony's timing on pulling it all together is much tighter than it was for the PS3 -- although that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Whatever the PS4 looks like in the end, we know it won't support the DualShock 3. Perpetual font of wisdom (and Worldwide Studios President) Shuhei Yoshida has warned that the PlayStation Move is the only controller making the leap to the next generation. That's not entirely surprising given the changes in button layout and the addition of some Move technology -- Sony likely wants to set some expectations, and our existing game library won't play on the PS4 as-is. The cutoff may still be disappointing for anyone who invested in a full set of gamepads for LittleBigPlanet sessions and has to once more start from scratch.
Filed under: Gaming, SonyCommentsVia:Joystiq, KotakuSource:4Gamer (translated), IGN
Read More ...Insert Coin semifinalist: Hodu is a 'zero failure' physical therapy hardware / software combo
Hodu borrows its name from the Korean word for "walnut," a reference to the culture's use of the nut as an exercise tool in traditional medicine. The barbell-shaped device is a "zero failure" physical therapy tool, aimed at rewarding patients for even the slightest level of feedback. There are on-board pressure sensors and accelerometers for detecting activity and a series of colored LEDs that light up based on feedback levels. The team behind Hodu is also working on proprietary software to help log patients' squeezing and rotational progress.
After the break is a video that should give you a bit of a better idea of precisely what Hodu is capable of.
Check out the full list of Insert Coin: New Challengers semifinalists here -- and don't forget to pick a winner!
Filed under: PeripheralsComments
Read More ...Office Web Apps update brings web image pasting, PowerPoint slide editing and more
Microsoft's Office Web Apps are great for those with a SkyDrive account and any device with an IE, Firefox, Chrome or Safari browser who don't want to lug the full Office 365 suite around. Since functionality can be a tad limited, however, Redmond's just added more features with the latest update. For starters, you can now copy and paste pictures from the web into Word, PowerPoint and OneNote Web Apps. Other new functions include cursor-following tools in all the programs, the ability to rearrange slides in PowerPoint Web App along with comment viewing, touch-based chart resizing and more in Excel Web App. Microsoft's posted some sample files that work without a SkyDrive account, so if you want to give it a whirl, hit the source.
Filed under: Internet, Software, MicrosoftCommentsSource:Office Web Apps
Read More ...The After Math: A PlayStation 4 special
The big story of the week, no, month, is Sony's next-generation console, the PlayStation 4. Well, the company didn't show us the physical box itself and instead chose to detail a new DualShock controller, some not-hugely-specific hardware outlines and titles we can expect to see (in some form) on the fourth generation PlayStation. As Pythagoras said: "Number rules the universe," and the After Math prefers it that way. Find some of those numbers after the break.
Filed under: Misc, Gaming, SonyComments
Read More ...Keyport Slide 2.0 hits Kickstarter, still has a drinking problem
We were sold on the Keyport Slide when it promised not only to banish key-based clutter, but also incorporated two of our favorite things: flash storage and a beer access device. Now, the team behind it has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Keyport Slide 2.0, which is faithful to the original design but adds more scope for customization. Six slots play host to keys (obviously) and a mixture of inserts, such as the familiar USB drive (up to 32GB) and bottle opener, as well as the new mini-torch and barcode holder. The inserts can be switched out easily, and several others are in the pipeline, including a Bluetooth locator, "aftermarket auto remote," pen, stylus, and the pièce de résistance, a letter opener.
An important question remains: how do you stuff keys inside it? If you reside in the US, you'll need to fill out a form, send off pictures of your keys, and you'll be provided with blank "Blade" inserts for making compatible copies. It's a little more complicated for international folks, as they'll need to ship out the actual keys for conversion. This all depends on whether you decide to back the Keyport Slide 2.0, of course, and at the time of writing, over a third of its $75,000 goal has been met, just one day in. Head to the Kickstarter page if you're already interested, or check out the video below for the full pitch.
Filed under: Misc, HouseholdCommentsSource:Kickstarter
Read More ...Turquoise Jeep's Flynt Flossy dances through the Engadget Questionnaire (video)
Every week, a new and interesting human being tackles our decidedly geeky take on the Proustian Q&A. This is the Engadget Questionnaire.
In the latest installment of our weekly session of inquiry, Turquoise Jeep Co-CEO Flynt Flossy chats about shower meditation and capturing hooks on the go. Join us on the other side of the break for all of the responses and a look at Mr. Flossy's stellar dance moves.
Filed under: MiscComments
Read More ...Toshiba mobile RAM uses prediction, adaptation to cut power use by up to 85 percent
RAM remains one of the principal drains on a smartphone's battery: it's almost always in use, and it saps power even when its host device is idle in a pocket. Toshiba hasn't eliminated that demand entirely, but its new SRAM (not yet pictured here) is intelligent enough to cut a lot of the waste. The memory can better predict what power it's going to need while it's active, and includes a smarter retention circuit that occasionally wakes up to tweak buffer size while it's on standby. While these sound all too abstract, they should lead to some very tangible gains. Toshiba estimates that the SRAM chews up 27 percent less power when live, and 85 percent less when it's just waiting for action. The company doesn't yet know when the RAM will reach finished devices, but we're hoping it's soon when even mainstream phones like the Optimus F7 will ship with 2GB of RAM; that energy draw isn't going down all by itself.
Filed under: StorageCommentsSource:Toshiba
Read More ...Enyo arrives to Windows 8, WP8 and Blackberry 10 with version 2.2
Enyo originally came along from HP to help developers create resolution-independent webOS apps, but since version 2.0, it's become platform agnostic. While support for Windows 8 and WP8 through IE10 has been around for awhile, version 2.2 now brings packaged app creation for those OSes along with Blackberry 10 at the highest Tier 1 support level. The platform still requires native "container" software to package apps, with Enyo advising Visual Studio for Windows 8 and Cordova for WP8 and Blackberry 10. The company's swatted a few bugs and added contextual popups too, so if you're looking to get your JavaScript on, hit the source.
Filed under: SoftwareCommentsSource:Enyo
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ZTE exec: Grand S won't carry a grand price, at least in China
Hodu borrows its name from the Korean word for "walnut," a reference to the culture's use of the nut as an exercise tool in traditional medicine. The barbell-shaped device is a "zero failure" physical therapy tool, aimed at rewarding patients for even the slightest level of feedback. There are on-board pressure sensors and accelerometers for detecting activity and a series of colored LEDs that light up based on feedback levels. The team behind Hodu is also working on proprietary software to help log patients' squeezing and rotational progress.
After the break is a video that should give you a bit of a better idea of precisely what Hodu is capable of.
Check out the full list of Insert Coin: New Challengers semifinalists here -- and don't forget to pick a winner!
Filed under: Peripherals
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