SD Association adds secure NFC support to its smartSD memory cards
Though companies like Visa and Device Fidelity have already come up with a way to make NFC payments via microSD card, the SD Association (the standardization body for SD cards) has introduced a spec that opens up that ability to others. It essentially adds the single wire protocol (SWP) as a Secure Element to enable NFC authorizations like mobile payments and identity verification. Now that any of its members can implement the standard to their microSD cards, perhaps some day we can truly replace our wallets with our phones. We've included the press release and a short video demo after the break if you feel like understanding the tech a little better.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
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Square Enix announces Deus Ex: The Fall for mobile, first installment coming this summer
Square Enix just announced that Deus Ex: The Fall will come to mobile devices later this summer. This is the first title of the Deus Ex series to be released on smartphones and tablets, and the initial installment will cost $6.99 (€5.99). The RPG is set in 2027, the same time frame as the console-based Deus Ex: Human Revolution, and it incorporates characters from James Swallows' novel, Deus Ex: Icarus Effect. We don't have a precise launch date just yet, but Square Enix will have the game on hand at E3 next week. Check out the trailer below the break.
Filed under: Gaming
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Source: Square Enix
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Acer shows off Aspire R7 Star Trek edition, we go eyes-on at Computex
No, we're not making this up. We've always thought the Aspire R7
bore an uncanny resemblance to the USS Enterprise, and now it appears
that Acer's officially in on the fun, too. Our friends at Engadget
Chinese stumbled upon a new version of the starship-esque convertible at
Acer's Computex
booth today -- the company manufactured just 25 of these
special-edition notebooks, one of which it plans to offer up on eBay
from June 14th through the 24th, with all proceeds going to charity.
This variant is unique enough for us to look past the device's
shortcomings, and perhaps place a bid of our own. Star Trek (and
industrial design) fans can get their fix in the eyes-on gallery just
below.
Filed under: Laptops, Acer
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Source: Engadget Chinese
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Lenovo IdeaTab A1000 and A3000 available to order, starting at $189
Not everyone wants an iPad. In fact, some people might even prefer affordable Android tablets if all they want is a slate that can connect to the internet. Two new devices that fit the bill perfectly are Lenovo's IdeaTab A1000 and A3000, which are available to order now in the US for $189 and $229, respectively. Both are pint-sized 7-inch tablets with 1,024 x 600 displays, each running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. However, the A1000 is equipped with a 1.2GHz dual-core MediaTek MT8317 processor while the A3000 is equipped with a 1.2GHz single-core MT6575 chip. They each come with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage that can be supplemented by a microSD card, but only the A3000 will play nicely with 64GB modules. While the tablets both have a VGA front-facing camera, the more expensive one also has a 5-megapixel rear cam. Curiously, the A3000 has a 7-hour battery life that's rated at an hour less than A1000's. Note that if you pre-order the entry-level tablet on Lenovo's website (shipping will begin on June 12th), you can get it at a $40 discount. You can also pre-order the $229 slate, but you'll have to wait at least four weeks before it starts shipping.
Filed under: Tablets, Lenovo
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Via: Unwired View
Source: Lenovo
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Leaked court documents reveal NSA is collecting bulk call logs from Verizon
A court document published today by The Guardian reveals the NSA is currently collecting call records in bulk from Verizon. The request, granted by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court on April 25th, extends until July 19th and mandates Verizon produce all call detail records on a daily basis to the NSA. The data collected includes the numbers of both parties to a call, how long it lasted, location data, IMEI / IMSI numbers, but not the content of the call or identifying information about the customer. As the report indicates, security officials had revealed bulk collection of call records previously, but until now there has been no indication of it happening under the Obama administration. In 2006 Verizon Wireless was one of the few to state it had not turned over call records to the NSA, but that appears to have changed. Among the many things that are still unknown however, is whether this order is a one time event or one in a series of such requests collecting vast amounts of data on unsuspecting citizens, and whether other communications providers have received orders to do the same.
[Image credit: Frédéric Bisson, Flickr]
Filed under: Wireless, Mobile, Verizon
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Source: The Guardian, Court Ruling
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Microsoft teams up with financial services industry, FBI to take down hacker botnets
It turns out Microsoft was serious when it declared war on botnets: the company just announced that its Digital Crimes Unit has successfully disrupted more than 1,400 criminal networks. The company says the action was a coordinated effort between Microsoft and the financial services industry, noting that the FBI chipped in to help out with legal hurdles -- giving Redmond the leverage it needed to shut down malicious servers in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. These machines had been infecting computers with Citadel malware, a keylogger that allowed cyber criminals to skim account information from victims. According to Reuters, authorities don't yet know the identities of the criminals involved, but Microsoft thinks the ringleader lives in eastern Europe, and may be working with 80 or more accomplices. The company has already filed a civil lawsuit, listing the lead hacker as "John Doe No. 1" in the complaint.
Microsoft says it will use the data it collected from the operation to help ISPs find more efficient ways to detect and notify users if their computer is infected. The company also pledges to make the information available through its own cyber threat intelligence program. Check out the firm's full press announcement for yourself after the break.
Filed under: Internet, Microsoft
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Source: Reuters
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University of Toronto student tech shoots HDR video in real-time (eyes-on)
Sure, you love the HDR pictures coming from your point-and-shoot, smartphone or perhaps even your Glass. But what if you want to Hangout in HDR? An enterprising grad student from the University of Toronto named Tao Ai -- under the tutelage of Steve Mann -- has figured out how to shoot HDR video in real-time. The trick was accomplished using a Canon 60D DSLR running Magic Lantern firmware and an off-the-shelf video processing board with a field programmable gate array (FPGA), plus some custom software to process the video coming from the camera. It works by taking in a raw feed of alternatively under and over exposed video and storing it in a buffer, then processing the video on its way to a screen. What results is the virtually latency-free 480p resolution HDR video at 60 frames per second seen in our video after the break.
When we asked whether higher resolution and faster frame rate output is possible, we were told that the current limitations are the speed of the imaging chip on the board and the bandwidth of the memory buffer. The setup we saw utilized a relatively cheap $200 Digilent board with a Xilinx chip, but a 1080p version is in the works using a more expensive board and DDR3 memory. Of course, the current system is for research purposes only, but the technology can be applied in consumer devices -- as long as they have an FPGA and offer open source firmware. So, should the OEM's get with the program, we can have HDR moving pictures to go with our stationary ones.
Filed under: Cameras, HD
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SoftKinetic and TabletKiosk collaborate on 3D interface for tablets
Perhaps in light of Intel's goal of integrating 3D cameras into its devices by the end of 2014, SoftKinetic has partnered with TabletKiosk to bring what it calls the first-ever 3D interface to enterprise tablets. That chunky slab you see above is based on the Sahara Slate PC i500, but with the SoftKinetic DepthSense 3D camera set inside its lower bezel. As seen in our earlier hands-on with 3D-integrated laptops, the little cam can recognize faces and gestures from as close as 15 centimeters away thanks to a Time-of-Flight (ToF) depth sensor, so there's no need for lots of room. Of course, this is just a prototype, and we'll likely only see this in business implementations in the near future. That's a good thing, though, as it looks like it belongs more in a shopping mall than on your kitchen counter. For more on the device, have a peek at the press release after the break.
Filed under: Tablets
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Source: SoftKinetic
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Visualized: a history of augmented and virtual reality eyewear
We've seen the prototypes that led Google to Glass, but there are many devices that predate Mountain View's smart specs, and Augmented World Expo in Santa Clara, California was able to gather and display a historic number of such headsets this week. From Steve Mann's handmade WearComp 1 and EyeTap prototypes to Glass-like precursors from Optinvent and Vuzix, it's quite the comprehensive collection -- over thirty devices in all. While they may make their way into a museum some day, we're bringing pictures of them all to your screen right now. Enjoy.
Filed under: Wearables, Alt
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The Daily Roundup for 06.05.2013
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.
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Engadget HD Podcast 352 - 06.04.13
Hulu being up for sale and the weekly Engadget HD Podcast: two things you can likely count on to continue for the forseeable future. Ben's still hopped up from viewing Star Wars movies and Richard, well, he's been watching so many films he can't even remember the ones he has seen. Catch all our banter about the notable HD stories from the last few days by streaming this week's episode below.
Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)
Producer: Joe Pollicino (@akaTRENT)
Hear the podcast
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Time Warner updates browser version of TWC TV to allow for out-of-home viewing
For Time Warner Cable subscribers, sly on-the-job TV-watching is about to get easier (don't lie, we know you do it). Starting today, the browser version of TWC TV will offer on-demand and live content from any internet connection, in a move that mirrors the company's mobile app upgrade back in April. Previously, Time Warner Cable customers were restricted to using TWCTV.com inside their homes, but the shackles are now somewhat looser. There are still a few limits: only 26 networks with on-demand programming will be accessible outside the subscriber's home, with up to 11 live channels offering streaming content. It's fairly modest compared to in-home use, which includes as many as 4,000 on-demand titles and 300 live TV channels. But if the restrictions don't bother you and you desperately need to catch up on The Voice during your lunch break, you can register your account at the link below.
Filed under: Internet, HD
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Source: Time Warner Cable, TWC TV
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Soon, we will all be Professor X: researchers demo AR.Drone controlled by thought (video)
Researchers from the University of Minnesota seem hellbent on turning us all into Professor X -- minus the hoverchair and Patrick Stewart-ly good looks, obviously. Why's that, you ask? Well, back in 2011, the team devised a method, using non-invasive electroencephalogram (EEG), to allow test subjects to steer computer generated aircraft. Fast forward to today and that very same team has managed to translate their virtual work into real-world mind control over a quadrocopter. Using the same brain-computer interface technique, the team was able to successfully demonstrate full 3D control over an AR.Drone 1.0, using a video feed from its front-facing camera as a guide.
But it's not quite as simple as it sounds. Before mind-handling the drone, subjects underwent a training period that lasted about three months on average and utilized a bevy of virtual simulators to let them get acquainted with the nuances of mental navigation. If you're wondering just how exactly these human guinea pigs were able to fly a drone using thought alone, just imagine clenching your fists. That particular mental image was responsible for upward acceleration. Now imagine your left hand clenched alone... that'd cause it to move to the left; the same goes for using only the right. Get it? Good. Now, while we wait for this U. of Minnesota team to perfect its project (and make it more commercial), perhaps this faux-telekinetic toy can occupy your fancy.
Filed under: Robots
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Via: SlashGear
Source: Journal of Neural Engineering
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This is the Modem World: So what's next?
Each week Joshua Fruhlinger contributes This is the Modem World, a column dedicated to exploring the culture of consumer technology.
I just spent a week in Japan, where I attended my first Japanese wedding in Tokyo. It was lovely, different and the same all at once. I've been coming here almost annually since 1998, and while most things have remained the same, I've watched Japan's pace of consumer technology innovation take a seeming nosedive in recent years. I have no solid evidence to prove this -- just some observations.
When I first visited Tokyo in 1998, Japanese mobile phones were years ahead of their American and European equivalents. Japanese mobiles were lightweight, had high-resolution -- for the time -- color screens, allowed internet access and some even had video cameras that supported real-time video chat.
Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Peripherals, Software
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Google releases stock Android keyboard to Play store
Forget SwiftKey and Swype, Google's bringing its own keyboard to the Android masses. As of today, users looking for an alternative to their OEM or third-party typing solution can head to Play and download the keyboard (supports Android 4.0 and up) for a "Nexus typing experience." And don't worry if you've gotten used to that swipe-to-text flow on that smartphone or tablet, that's all still here, though Google calls its implementation Gesture Typing. There's also access to Voice Typing, word prediction and correction, in addition to dictionary support for 26 languages. So if you've been harboring Nexus envy and want to bring that skinned device closer to Google's pure vision, now you have a partial fix.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Google
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Source: Android (Google+), Google Play
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Lockheed Martin wraps up functional testing of next-gen GPS III satellite systems
Lockheed Martin flipped the switch on its first (still Earth-bound) GPS III satellite earlier this year, and it's now announced that it's completed functional testing on the satellite's key electronic systems. In a press release, the company says those systems, ranging from navigation and control to communications, are all "functioning normally and ready for final integration with the satellite's navigation payload," and that the satellite remains on track for deliverly to the Air Force in 2014. As previously detailed, the satellites themselves are promising to deliver a range of improvements over current GPS technology to civilian and military users alike, including three times greater accuracy and an eight-fold increase in anti-jamming capabilities, which Lockheed Martin says is designed to "outpace growing global threats that could disrupt GPS service."
Filed under: GPS
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Via: The Verge
Source: Lockheed Martin
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Gmail for Android update sees widespread rollout, new inboxes for all
Hours after Google released the latest update to its Gmail app for iOS, the folks in Mountain View have pushed the new software to the Android faithful everywhere. While some were able to snag a look earlier this week, the retooled mailbox is now available for all. This version touts new inbox features, slide-out navigation, the ability to reply / archive / delete from notifications, improved search and labels API for third-party devs. Also of note: Google hasn't nixed the Delete button, it just hid it by default. You can re-enable the feature in the "Archive & delete actions" tab of the General Settings menu by ticking "Show archive & delete." If you haven't yet recieved the signal atop your handset or slate, head over to the source link below to beam the update to your device(s).
Filed under: Software, Mobile, Google
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Via: Gmail (Google+)
Source: Google Play
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AMD says it's open to developing chips for Android and Chrome OS after all
It was only last fall that AMD said it didn't see a need to make its new "Hondo" chip for tablets to work with Android in addition to Windows and Linux, but it seems that the company now sees things a bit differently. Speaking with PC World at Computex, AMD Senior VP Lisa Su said that while AMD is "very committed to Windows 8," the company also sees "a market for Android and Chrome developing as well." Details remain light beyond that for the time being, with Su offering no indication as to when those chips might actually land in some devices. It does appear that the company is now working with developers on Android applications for AMD chips, though.
Filed under: AMD
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Source: PC World
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Google Maps Engine API helps enterprise users create custom maps
In order to equip enterprise devs with the proper tools to create custom Maps, Google announced the Maps Engine API. The kit allows users to leverage the outfit's cloud muscle to layer appropriate info on a Google Map and publish the results for either internal or widespread use. Direct access to Maps Engine is provided through the API and web, Android, iOS and server-to-server platforms are all in play. A few companies have already put the goods to use -- FedEx is leveraging it to search its locations for the closest shipping option.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
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Via: TechCrunch
Source: Google Enterprise Blog
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Fairphone hits its production goal, promises to deliver more ethical smartphone by October
It's spent the last few months talking up its ambitious plan to produce what it describes as a more ethical smartphone, and Dutch startup Fairphone is now one fairly big step closer to realizing that goal. The company hit its production target of 5,000 pre-orders yesterday, with eight days still left in its initial campaign that will see early customers get a "limited edition" version of the phone for €325 (or roughly $425). While the phone itself appears to be a relatively capable device (if a tad behind the curve in terms of specs), its real selling point is of course how it's made. Fairphone is promising to use conflict-free resources in its construction, and says that it's working with its factory in China to ensure better working conditions and wages; three euros from each phone sold will also go to a program that works to remove electronic waste from Ghana.
Speaking to ZDNet, Fairphone's Miquel Ballester does admit that "we are not 100 percent conflict-free," suggesting that's all but impossible given the current state of the industry where the "supply chain has become so difficult." He also notes, however, that "this is just the start," and that they hope to make more changes as the company grows in scale. Those interested in can find out more about the phone (and get their pre-order in) at the links below.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
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Source: Fairphone
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Jetpack Joyride finally lands on Windows Phone
Android, iOS, Windows 8, BB10. Jetpack Joyride, which has been available on the aforementioned platforms for quite some time, is no stranger to mobile or desktop users -- unless you're using Windows Phone. Despite the fact that Microsoft announced the free game seven months ago when Windows Phone 8 was officially launched, smooth rider Barry Steakfries is now finally collecting coins and getting electrocuted on the mobile OS, and will do so with Xbox Live integration. It's no Halo, but it's still a solid timewaster.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Microsoft
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Via: WPCentral
Source: Windows Phone Store
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Review roundup: Intel Haswell vs. AMD Richland on the desktop
See that slide above? When we first clapped eyes on it we couldn't help but wonder if Intel had finally managed to turn the tables on AMD, at least in terms of integrated desktop graphics. After all, running BioShock Infinite at 1080p is no easy task and Intel's claimed frame rate of 35 fps is actually 4 fps higher than what AMD claims for its flagship Richland processor in a similar test. But, as ever, things are more complicated than that. For a start, this particular marketing slide represents a very niche version of Haswell with a BGA socket, rather than the Core i7-4770K that a regular upgrader might purchase. Secondly, it's hardly fair to stack a Haswell chip that costs more than $300 up against an AMD APU that comes for $150. What we need are independent tests that allow us to weigh more factors, and fortunately, those are exactly the sorts of reviews we'll be rounding up after the break.
Filed under: Desktops, Gaming, AMD, Intel
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Kindle DX available from Amazon once again for $299
Well, it seemed like Amazon had finally moved on from its large-format Kindle DX e-reader last fall, but it turns out that was only a brief hiatus. As spotted by The Digital Reader late last month, the circa-2010 device is now available to order once again for $299. Amazon itself isn't offering much indication as to how long it will remain available this time, though, saying only in a statement that "our website lists the most up to date availability for all products," and adding that "we're excited to offer customers this option."
Filed under: Amazon
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Via: The Verge, The Digital Reader
Source: Amazon
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Google reverses course, makes CalDAV and CardDAV APIs open to all developers
Though Google chucked open API access to CalDAV back in March, it appears the company's had a change of heart. Up until today, only a select few whitelisted developers could make use of Google's calendar open standard; a decision it made based on actual usage data. But given the amount of feedback it's received from blocked devs in the time since, Google's decided to re-instate access to CalDAV APIs, in addition to those for CardDAV -- a first -- its open standard for contacts. The news won't make much difference for Windows Phone 8 users (CalDAV and CardDAV support was already promised), but at least your third-party apps can now continue to play nice with your social calendar.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Google
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Source: Google Developers Blog
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The Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 3PM ET!
And there was much rejoicing -- it's the 181st edition of the Engadget Mobile Podcast! Join us as Myriam, Brad and Joseph pontificate about things that are mobile. And pontificate about the word "pontificate." We're live at 3PM ET.
Wed Jun 5 15:00 2013
Filed under: Announcements, MobileComments
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