Hey, bounty hunters: Microsoft is paying $100k for Windows 8.1 Preview exploits
Chalk up one more reason to check out Windows 8.1 Preview when it becomes available on June 26th. Today, Microsoft announced that it'll pay up to $100,000 in cash to those who discover and report novel security exploits within its latest OS revision, along with up to $50,000 in bonus loot for defensive suggestions that relate to the attack. But wait... there's more. Starting on June 26th and running through July 26th, the Redmond outfit will also pay up to $11,000 toward the discovery of critical vulnerabilities within Internet Explorer 11 Preview (Windows 8.1 Preview). Whether you're motivated by your bank account or the good of humanity, you can start taking your best shots at Microsoft's latest code just one week from now.
Filed under: Software, Microsoft
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Via: TechCrunch
Source: Microsoft
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FTC planning to take on patent trolls, hopes to reduce frivolous lawsuits
Sick of endless patent wars yet? According to the New York Times, so is the Federal Trade Commission. Referencing the usual persons briefed on the matter, the NYT reports that FTC chairwoman Edith Ramirez is preparing to propose an inquiry that will put patent-assertion entities -- companies that exist solely to buy and collect royalties on patents -- under federal scrutiny. If approved, patent trolls that catch the FTC's attention will need to detail how they operate and if their legal proceeds pay out to the original patent owner. The chairwoman is expected to explain the proposal in more detail at a patent law workshop later this week. According to the NYT, Ramirez doesn't have any specific company in mind, but aims to investigate companies that might hamper innovation. With any luck, the inquiry will help curb spurious litigation and rampant patent trolling -- something most of us can probably get behind.
Filed under: Misc
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Source: New York Times
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Samsung reportedly shipping 55-inch OLED TV to South Korea next week
Samsung told us to expect its 55-inch OLED TV sometime in July, but there's now a chance that South Koreans will get an early look. Yonhap News Agency hears through tipsters that the premium set could ship to Samsung's homeland next week, with a price somewhere north of 10 million won ($8,840). It might not be alone, either -- those same sources also claim that the company's curved OLED TV may arrive at the same time. Samsung hasn't confirmed anything, but such moves would line up with the firm's tendency to debut products in its home country. Besides, Samsung rarely lets any of LG's salvos go unanswered.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Samsung
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Source: Yonhap News Agency
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Logitech ships Harmony Ultimate Hub in August for $100, remote not required
To date, home theater mavens who've wanted Logitech's Harmony Ultimate Hub have had to buy it as part of a Harmony Ultimate or Harmony Smart Control bundle -- neither kit being a bargain for viewers with existing gear. They'll have a better option soon, as Logitech now expects to ship its promised stand-alone version of the Ultimate Hub to Europe and the US in August. Those who shell out $100 will have the same IR, RF and WiFi support as the bundled hub, just without the redundant hardware. They can even rely solely on Logitech's free Android or iOS apps for input, should a dedicated remote seem archaic. The Ultimate Hub may be well-timed: when alternative remote control bridges are fading away, Logitech may snag some of those customers looking for a replacement.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Peripherals, HD, Mobile
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Via: Blog.Logitech
Source: Logitech
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LG's Optimus G followup to feature a Snapdragon 800 CPU
LG and Qualcomm have enjoyed a close relationship for mobile phone chips, and it appears that will continue with the next Optimus G device, which is due in Q3. A press release tonight promises it will feature a Snapdragon 800 CPU for "the ultimate mobile experience" -- a claim benchmarks seem to back up. Qualcomm says the new 800 chip can best the original Optimus G's S4 Pro by "up to 75 percent" in performance, although what may be more interesting is how this aligns with a LS980 handset that recently leaked on Sprint's website. The release also highlights the new chip's ability to use LTE Advanced carrier aggregation for even faster bandwidth speeds, so while a Galaxy S 4 variant may deliver the feature first, it probably won't be alone for long.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG
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Source: LG
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Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 revisits the FCC with AT&T-native LTE
Yes, we've seen Samsung's Galaxy Mega 6.3 at the FCC before. With its second visit, however, there's something special. The extra-large phone is back as the SGH-i527, and it's carrying AT&T-native LTE that hints at a probable US carrier deal. There aren't any other visible changes in the filing, although we weren't expecting any. The real question is when this behemoth will ship to the States, assuming it ships at all -- for now, any possible AT&T launch remains shrouded in mystery.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, AT&T
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Source: FCC
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TweetDeck for Chrome and web gets drag-and-drop columns
Twitter isn't quite done refining TweetDeck's interface following recent web and desktop overhauls -- there's still a little tweaking left in store. The company has just updated the Chrome and web versions of its social app with grab handles that let users drag and drop columns at will. It's also easier to jump back to the top of a column when there are unread tweets, and a selected column now snaps to the sidebar when there are fewer than three total columns on the screen. While the fresh interface is web-only for now, those who prefer the native Mac and Windows apps should get matching upgrades in the near future.
Filed under: Internet
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Source: Twitter
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Viacom lands deal to show TV highlights on Twitter starting August 25th
While Viacom hasn't always understood how this whole internet video thing works, it's showing some tech savviness today with confirmation of rumors that it's joining Twitter's Amplify program. Beginning with the MTV Video Music Awards on August 25th, Viacom will deliver ad-backed video highlights on Twitter for shows and events across its channel range, including MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon. In theory, the agreement is a win for everyone: Viacom and Twitter get more revenue, while we get a legal way to revisit those inevitable celebrity slip-ups. The two sides haven't said how long their partnership will last, although we wouldn't be surprised if results from the VMA broadcast help shape the deal's future.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD
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Via: Viacom (Twitter), The Verge
Source: Viacom
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The Daily Roundup for 6.19.2013
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.
Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Internet
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Xbox One DRM rollback cuts family sharing features, digital mirroring of retail games out
In the aftermath of Microsoft's stunning reversal of its Xbox One game licensing plans, we talked to Xbox chief product officer Marc Whitten to find out exactly what will change about Redmond's next game box this November. Whitten thankfully assuaged our primary concern right off the bat: the company's (new) used game policy extends to third-party publishers as well as Microsoft first-party games.
Though gamers won't have to put up with requirements for an internet check-in every 24 hours, some lauded features we'd heard about will not be available as a result -- at least at launch. That includes the sharing between up to ten family members, and playing disc-based games without having the disc in the One. It also means new consoles will need a patch at launch to enable this future / past scenario of disc-based console gaming.
"There are some things -- the family sharing stuff is an example -- where as we move to this system, that functionality goes away," Whitten told us. Another such piece of functionality the console's losing: digitally accessible versions of disc-based games. "You're gonna see your online content but you won't see your physical discs," he said. Should you choose to purchase those games digitally, of course, they'll show up as part of your online persona.
Filed under: Gaming, Software, HD, Microsoft
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Appeals court upholds Nintendo victory over IA Labs in patent lawsuit
Companies that prevail in patent lawsuits can't relax until the inevitable appeal is over -- just ask Motorola. Nintendo, however, can take a momentary break. A US Court of Appeals just upheld the company's win over IA Labs, declaring that the Wii Balance Board doesn't infringe on an IA Labs patent. While the ruling isn't all that vital when the accessory is now a rarity at best, it puts IA Labs on the hook for Nintendo's $236,000 attorney bill. It also sends a warning to other companies plotting similar legal assaults, although we'd still expect lawsuits when other patent holders are hitting paydirt.
Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals, Nintendo
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Source: Nintendo
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This is the Modem World: Seven levels of nerd hierarchy
Each week Joshua Fruhlinger contributes This is the Modem World, a column dedicated to exploring the culture of consumer technology.
I have a confession to make. I love /r/cringe, the sub-Reddit dedicated to those moments usually caught on video that make us feel better about our lots in life when we can watch a 30-second chunk of happenstance and walk away thinking, "I am at least one level of dork above that person."
Back in the day you were either a nerd... or not. There were no levels of dorkiness like we have today. You were into computers and Dungeons & Dragons or you weren't: that was pretty much it. You were grouped into a subculture that enjoyed all things electronic, idolized Brian Tochi, knew who Steve Wozniak was and could explain why Weird Science was not a nerd revenge film, but actually a celebration of giving up the machine for love and conformity shrouded in a Hughesian attempt to finally give the dweebs a chance to get some. Still a cool movie, though, and a righteous theme song.
Filed under: Misc, Internet
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SiriusXM internet radio coming to Ford's SYNC AppLink, complete with in-dash controls
Ford said a while back that it wanted more applications with support for voice control inside its vehicles, and slowly but surely the company's getting what it wished for. Just as Spotify did a few months ago, SiriusXM is now introducing its own app for the SYNC AppLink ecosystem, giving drivers access to the internet radio service right from their Ford's in-dash system. This also includes features like voice commands and steering wheel controls, as well as access to SiriusXM On Demand and MySXM. As part of the deal with the Satellite Radio company, the American car maker announced that customers purchasing one of those SYNC AppLink-ready autos will get a six-month subscription to the All Access Package -- which is usually $199 per year and has more than 160 channels to choose from.
Filed under: Transportation, Software
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Source: SiriusXM
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Nokia RM-875 reaches the FCC, may be an international EOS
Nokia keeps slipping out clues as to what we might expect from its Zoom Reinvented event: following the RM-877's appearance at the FCC, an RM-875 device has also popped up at the US agency. This new hardware looks like an international variant of the RM-877, and thus a second take on what we believe is the EOS. The RM-875 sheds what traces were left of its sibling's 1,700MHz HSPA+ data and switches the LTE to more exotic 850MHz, 1,800MHz, 2,100MHz and 2,500MHz frequencies, but it's otherwise a near perfect match in terms of dimensions and antenna layouts. The camera grip accessory and wireless charging cover persist, too. As such, it's quite possible that whatever Nokia unveils on July 11th will ship worldwide -- let's just hope it ships quickly.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Nokia
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Source: FCC
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Twitter acquires Spindle, a 'news feed for your neighborhood'
Good news for the folks at Spindle came today, as the provider of hyperlocal offers from businesses was acquired by Twitter. Described by the company as, "a tool for tuning into your surroundings," the service pulls updates from Twitter and Facebook and categorizes offers around themes such as restaurants and shopping. Spindle also includes a social element, with the ability to share check-ins through Facebook and Twitter. The service is currently limited to 11 cities, which includes New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago, but according to the company, "By joining forces with Twitter, we can do so much more to help you find interesting, timely, and useful information about what's happening around you." As sad news to current users of Spindle, however, the service will shut down effective today, as the team prepares for its transition to the Twitter team in San Francisco. At any rate, it looks like the folks at Lucky Sort won't be the rookies of Twitter HQ anymore. For a peek at what Spindle entails, just hop the break.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile
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Via: All Things D
Source: Spindle
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Stratasys to acquire 3D printing company MakerBot for $403 million in stock
Stratasys, an Israeli-based 3D printer and additive manufacturer has just agreed to acquire 3D printing company MakerBot for a proposed amount of $403 million in stock. They've announced a "definitive merger agreement" where MakerBot would converge with a subsidiary of Stratasys in a stock-for-stock transaction. After selling more than 22,000 3D printers since its inception in 2009, MakerBot is seen as a leader and pioneer in the 3D printing space, and about 11,000 of those sales were due to the Replicator 2 alone. MakerBot will operate as a separate entity with its own branding and marketing as part of the deal, and will provide an affordable 3D printing market for Stratasys. If all goes well with the regulators, it should be done by the third quarter of 2013.
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Microsoft reportedly neared deal for Nokia's device business, but talks broke down
It's often been rumored that Microsoft had an eye on Nokia's handset business. It made perfect sense for both companies -- one a struggling pioneer of the mobile industry and the other a struggling stalwart from the first wave of smartphones. According to the Wall Street Journal's sources, the two were actually quite close to striking a deal and were having "advanced talks" in London as recently as this month. But, according to the all-too-familiar "people familiar with the matter," those talks have broken down. Those same sources say it was Microsoft that walked away from the table over concerns about Nokia's asking price, especially in light of its continued failure to put a significant dent in Apple and Samsung's market share. Though it seems like dreams of a Microsoft-Nokia merger are dead for the moment, don't expect the disagreement to severely affect the duo's partnership. Nokia is still reliant on Microsoft's help to stand out in the market and Microsoft needs the Finnish manufacturer to keep pumping out flagship handsets with Windows Phone on them.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, Nokia
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Source: Wall Street Journal
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Microsoft reverses Xbox One DRM policy, kills required online check-in and used game complications (updated)
Microsoft's next game console, the Xbox One, is perhaps best known for its complex used game system and once-per-24-hour online check-in requirement. Today, Microsoft is rolling back those policies, and the company took to its Xbox blog to explain. "I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360," Xbox head Don Mattrick writes. He then states:
"An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games - After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24 hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360.
Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today - There will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360."
Mattrick further explains that this is a direct response to gamer outcry. "Since unveiling our plans for Xbox One, my team and I have heard directly from many of you, read your comments and listened to your feedback. I would like to take the opportunity today to thank you for your assistance in helping us to reshape the future of Xbox One," he says. Further, he confirms that Xbox One games will be region-free, and that disc-based games will have to be kept in the disc tray rather than ripped to the console and played digitally (a previously touted Xbox One feature).
Though the One's down a couple features -- Mattrick specifically says, "These changes will impact some of the scenarios we previously announced for Xbox One" -- it sounds like gamers won this round.
Filed under: Gaming, Software, HD, Microsoft
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Source: Xbox Wire
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Microsoft demos real-time co-authoring for Office Web Apps
With Microsoft's Build developer conference kicking off in just a week, we're frankly surprised the company is choosing to release any news ahead of time. Today, though, the firm posted a video showing some changes to Office Web apps. In particular, the preview indicates that these various apps will now support real-time co-authoring, with multiple users making changes at once (yep, just like Google Docs). That's a nice, long-awaited improvement over the current setup, in which multiple users can make changes, but not alongside one another. According to Microsoft, this set of features will roll out over "the next several months." For now, we've got the video preview embedded after the break. And don't be put off by the 14-minute length; the demo doesn't actually begin until five and a half minutes in.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Microsoft
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Source: Microsoft
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Engadget + gdgt Live is happening in NYC on June 24th, come join us!
What's better than an Engadget reader meetup? An Engadget and gdgt reader meetup! That's right, folks, Engadget + gdgt Live is a mere five days away, and you can (and should) come join us. Doors open on June 24 at 6pm at 82Mercer in Manhattan (the physical address is 76 Mercer Street). The best part: tickets are free and you can get 'em right here. Those who come out will get to kick it in mobile lounges packed with the latest tech from from Samsung and Sony. And, we'll have many more companies showing off their wares, including Qualcomm, Toshiba, Slingbox and Goji, the smart lock company that won our Startup Contest. Plus, there will be on-stage chats with Sony about 4K, Samsung about its Galaxy devices and an editors roundtable with journalists from around the web talking the latest tech news.
We'll also be giving away tons of gear, but you'll have to attend to find out how to grab the schwag for yourself -- rest assured, it'll be worth your while. If free stuff won't entice you (unlikely, we know), then the prospect of an evening with a gaggle of Engadget editors and thousands of other like-minded gadget-geeks should do the trick. Still not enough? We'll be capping off the night with live musical performances presented by IK Multimedia featuring Sound of Contact (featuring Simon Collins, son of Phil Collins) and Vernon Reid (Living Colour founder and guitarist). So, come on out, folks! You'll be glad you did.
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University of Tokyo's fast-tracking camera system could revolutionize sports coverage (video)
Researchers at the University of Tokyo's Ishikawa Oku Lab have been hard at work on a camera system that can track fast moving objects incredibly well, and the technology may change the way sports like baseball and soccer are televised. Recently, the team building the system has entered the next phase of testing: taking it outside, to see if will perform as well as it has in a lab setting. If all goes according to plan, they expect it'll be ready for broadcast use in roughly two years.
Demos of the tech are pretty impressive, as you can see in the video below showing the (warning: not recommended watching for those easily prone to motion sickness). To get the ping-pong ball-centric shots, the system uses a group of lenses and two small mirrors that pan, tilt and move so the camera itself doesn't have to. The mirrors rely on a speedy image tracking system that follows movement, rather than predicting it. Swapping the camera out for a projector also has some interesting applications -- it can paint digital pictures on whatever its tracking. Sounds like the perfect gadget for folks who wish their table tennis balls looked like emoji.
Filed under: Cameras, Alt
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Via: Diginfo
Source: Ishikawa Oku Laboratory
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Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 4:15PM ET!
Myriam and Brad are behind the mics once again, ready to tackle the latest topics from this past week. What's on the agenda? We'll be chatting about the HTC Butterfly s, Sony Xperia ZU, the upcoming Nokia EOS (which is quickly becoming the world's worst-kept secret) and plenty more. Also, we won't be covering this on the podcast, but you should probably check it out anyway. Join us in 45 minutes!
Update: We're going to have to push the podcast back to around 4:15 (give or take). Our apologies, and appreciate your patience!
June 19, 2013 4:15:00 PM EDT
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Lytro finally enables camera's WiFi chip, introduces iOS companion app as well
Though Lytro early adopters might not know it, every one of those little light field cameras actually has a WiFi chip embedded inside,
lying dormant until the company decides to flip the switch. Well, that
time has finally come in the form of a firmware update, and wouldn't you
know it, it coincides nicely with the release of a new iOS app as well.
Dubbed Lytro Mobile, the app connects with the device over WiFi
(naturally), letting you view its contents on your favorite iOS device.
Simply select the Camera feature in the app, and it'll prompt you to
swipe the Lytro's menu drawer until you see the WiFi logo as shown in
the picture above. Tap it, follow the on-screen instructions, and voilà,
you're now able to upload your images directly to Lytro.com either over
a cellular or WiFi connection, no USB plug required.
Like the Lytro desktop app, the mobile version lets you refocus a picture and change its center of perspective via Perspective Shift.
You can also add captions and geotagging data, and share your living
pictures via Facebook, Twitter, email or SMS. Along with letting you see
what's on your camera itself, the app also gives you access to a mobile
version of the Lytro website. You can check your profile, view the most
popular and most recently uploaded pictures and "like" any photo that
strikes your fancy. Interestingly, the app also lets you create an
animated GIF out of a living picture -- simply select either "refocus"
or "perspective shift" on any of your Lytro shots to have one of those
two animations added to your camera roll (we've included an example GIF
after the break). Last but not least, the Lytro Mobile app has a series
of tips for Lytro owners to learn more about their camera. To learn more
about the app, check out the screenshots, video and release after the
break. Or you can just head to the App Store link to download it right
now.
Filed under: CamerasComments
Source: Lytro Mobile (App Store)
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The Xbox One and live TV -- here's what to expect
What's in a name? A whole lot, if you're asking yours truly. "All Your Entertainment. Input One." Such intriguing statements were declared in a document that leaked from Redmond last summer. The slogan "All in one, input one" was on the Microsoft banners decorating the LA Convention Center for E3 this year. But this probably left many wondering: what is "input one," exactly? It didn't go unnoticed by those who follow the TV industry. Input one is commonly used in the biz to refer to the TV input most Americans use to access the majority of their content. This is the input that's displayed when the TV is turned on, and it's the input that most connect their set-top box from their cable or satellite provider to. Naturally, it's a highly coveted position in the content industry and one that is well fortified by the incumbents.
Microsoft has had its sights on input one for a long time, and this particular go-round isn't all that unfamiliar. The Xbox One intends to share input one in what I'd call a man-in-the-middle attack. How well it works won't be revealed until later this year, but clicking through will reveal how I think it'll play out, why this attempt is a direct result of industry constraints and finally, how it matches up with the competition.
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD, Microsoft
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Facebook comments get image embeds, give online flame warriors graphical ammo
Facebook comment threads are apparently a bit too calm, so the social network company's decided to mix things up with the addition of in-line image embeds starting today. But wait -- put down the link to your hottest GIF -- apparently the service only supports static images for now. And not everyone has it thus far, with the service only rolling out to folks who have a camera icon appear in the comment response field.
The functionality is rolling out on both web and mobile versions of Facebook; product engineer Bob Baldwin debuted the addition on his Facebook profile, where he said he built the image embedding "at a hackathon" with a gaggle of other FBers. Let us know in the comments below if you've already got it, and leave some pictures on the Engadget Facebook page!
Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile, Facebook
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Via: The Next Web
Source: Bob Baldwin
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