IT News HeadLines (Engadget) 04/07/2010

Inventec phasing out Kohjinsha brand, opting for Onkyo instead

It may not matter to you Yanks, but for many regions of Asia, this news may just ruin some weekends. Okay, so maybe "ruin" is a stretch, but if you suddenly stop seeing a new flow of Kohjinsha gear at your local computer market, here's why: owner Inventec is killing the brand. As the story goes, Inventec has decided to stop producing mini-laptops and the like using the Kohjinsha sub-brand, instead turning that team into a full-on R&D operation. When it comes to end-user products, the Onkyo brand will be applied; we've seen some pretty radical Onkyo PCs over the past few months, so here's hoping this also means that more and more would-be Kohjinsha products will end up in North America. Fingers crossed, right?

Inventec phasing out Kohjinsha brand, opting for Onkyo instead originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disco Chair is way cooler than its name would lead you to believe

This is the Disco Chair, the brainchild of Kiwi&Pom, and though we're not fans of things with the word 'disco' in their names, this one is outstanding and beautiful. It's made with 200 meters of electroluminescent wire, and the lighting can flash on and off (hence the disco moniker). Hit up the source for a few more shots.

Disco Chair is way cooler than its name would lead you to believe originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 02:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change Sony's VAIO P?

Sony's VAIO P has been around since last decade, but just recently Sony decided to pry it out of the company's left rear pocket in order to reface it and bless it with a few updated components. We still have a hard time stomaching the $800 price tag, but there's honestly not much competition when looking specifically at this form factor. Have any of you all managed to procure one of these buggers over the past month and change? Is it worlds better than your netbook? Would you change the resolution or keyboard layout? How's that CPU treating you? Would a touchpanel have been better? Go on and toss your opinions down in comments below -- there's no telling how long Sony will keep this thing alive, but you might as well contribute to making the next better, right?

How would you change Sony's VAIO P? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skyhook hones in on another partner, Samsung's Wave to geo-locate like no other
Skyhook Wireless seems to have located itself yet another major partner in its continued quest to pinpoint every single cellphone owner in the world. Sure, we're exaggerating a bit just to get you riled up, but there's no arguing the fact that the company fulfills "hundreds of millions of location requests every day across over 100 million handsets, netbooks and cameras." Or so it says, anyway. The latest company to buy into Skyhook's geo-locating promise -- which uses a mysterious combination of GPS, cellular and WiFi data to get a darn good lock on your current position in most any environment -- is Samsung, with the Bada-equipped Wave (S8500) first to tout it. As time goes on, even more Sammy phones will utilize Skyhook's technology, though we're left to wonder what exactly those models will be. Anyone up for educated guessing?Continue reading Skyhook hones in on another partner, Samsung's Wave to geo-locate like no other
Filed under: GPS

Skyhook hones in on another partner, Samsung's Wave to geo-locate like no other originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rogers announces plans for budget-minded 'Chatr' wireless brand
Well, it looks like Canadians will soon have yet another discount wireless brand to consider -- Rogers has just officially announced plans to launch a new budget-minded "Chatr" brand to compete with the likes of Wind, Mobilicity and Public Mobile. Yes, that's the same Rogers that already has the Fido discount brand, but it says that the "launch of a third brand mirrors many other industries like the hospitality and retail sectors and is designed to offer Canadians more choice." The official announcement follows some rumors and leaks that have been circulating as of late, which suggested that Chatr would initially launch in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver on July 5th, although those details still haven't yet been confirmed by Rogers.

Rogers announces plans for budget-minded 'Chatr' wireless brand originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Colorware jazzes up your new Xbox 360

No need for a fanciful new HDTV? Not even a new Segway? There's some colorful home entertainment gear for you yet. The famed gadget painting company just announced that Microsoft's shiny new Xbox 360 is the next to go under the gun, with near limitless color options waiting to be splashed onto each and every panel. If you managed to already pick one up, Colorware's charging $175 for the send-in option; if you're looking to buy new, that'll cost you at least five Benjamins. But hey, that's nothing for the satisfaction of owning a game console that's part orange, part lime green and part purple, right?

Gallery: Colorware new Xbox 360 console

Continue reading Colorware jazzes up your new Xbox 360

Colorware jazzes up your new Xbox 360 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5:30 ET!

Microsoft Kin may have been canned this week, but you know what hasn't been canned? The Engadget Mobile Podcast starring Chris Ziegler and Myriam Joire, that's what. Follow the break to listen in.

The Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5:30 ET! originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP laying off some Palm staff as integration begins

It's not totally unexpected, but apparently HP is laying off some Palm staffers now that the buyout is official. We don't know exactly how many people are being let go, or in what departments -- it certainly makes sense for HP to trim away some administrative and support positions as it integrates Palm into its larger organization -- but there's no question that Palm's lost some key people ever since this turmoil began, and we're definitely curious to see who's left standing after these cuts. For what it's worth, Palm told All Things Digital that "part of the integration strategy is consolidation of functions and operations, as appropriate," and that "Palm employees overall are enthusiastic about having the financial stability and global scale necessary to complete their vision," so we've got hope -- after all, HP needs Palm just as much as Palm needs HP.

HP laying off some Palm staff as integration begins originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Life and death of Microsoft Kin: the inside story

Since our piece on Wednesday, we've had more trusted sources step forward to fill in some blanks and clarify the story behind the amazingly swift fall from grace that Microsoft's Kin phones have experienced since their launch just a few weeks ago. It's a fascinating tale, and we wanted to share everything we've learned.Continue reading Life and death of Microsoft Kin: the inside story

Life and death of Microsoft Kin: the inside story originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conflipper says Shipped Roms is 'here to stay,' will cooperate with HTC

It looks like those worried that firmware site Shipped Roms would disappear after being hit with a cease and desist letter from HTC can now rest a bit easier -- Conflipper, the man behind the site, says that it is "here to stay." That news comes after the site was apparently able to work out a deal of sorts with HTC, in which it has agreed to no longer host so-called test or carrier files (HTC is said to be providing it with a complete list of files it doesn't want hosted). Conflipper also says that he's asked HTC about becoming a license partner, which HTC seemed to at least be open to. Of course, those test and carrier files are one of the big draws for the site, so we'll just have to wait and see exactly what's left when everything shakes out.

[Thanks, Brian W.]

Conflipper says Shipped Roms is 'here to stay,' will cooperate with HTC originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chase Mobile iPhone app update: picture your paycheck deposited, and it's there

While JPMorgan Chase & Co. certainly isn't the first bank to do this -- USAA has allowed its members to deposit checks by snapspot for just under a year now -- it's definitely the first major public bank to bring this stuff to the mainstream. A recent update to the Chase Mobile iPhone app enables customers to photograph the front and back of checks made out to them and then have it deposited directly into whatever Chase account (with their name on it, obviously) they choose. Better still, the service is completely free of charge, though it's limited to Apple's platform at the moment. Too bad you can't just cut checks to yourself and live the life those goofy TV ads push so hard, but hey, at least you're one step closer to pretending.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Chase Mobile iPhone app update: picture your paycheck deposited, and it's there originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brite-View launches CinemaGo BV-5005HD Mini CG HD media player

Brite-View's CinemaTube may have sufficed just fine for your home entertainment needs last year, but there's nothing like a little "Special Edition" to really get the gears turning in 2010. Launched today, the CinemaGo BV-5005HD Mini CG is mostly a revamped version of the CinemaTube BV-5005HD, boasting an eSATA interface, USB 2.0 socket, inbuilt WiFi, a BitTorrent manager and access to MUZEE internet radio channels. As you'd expect, the box is built to handle 1080p output and a cornucopia of file formats including MOV, WMV, MKV, AVI, VOB, DIVX, FLV and RMVB, and content can be delivered via locally attached hard drives or a home network / web connection. Best of all, the $149.99 MSRP is being trumped by a $109.99 pre-order price if you get in now, so really, you should probably get in now. Unless you hate saving money.Continue reading Brite-View launches CinemaGo BV-5005HD Mini CG HD media player

Brite-View launches CinemaGo BV-5005HD Mini CG HD media player originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft prepping Magic Mouse-like Arc Touch Mouse?

Microsoft isn't saying anything about this one just yet, but there's a growing amount of evidence that the company is set to take on Apple's Magic Mouse with its own Arc Touch Mouse. As istartedsomething reports, that includes a product listing for an "Arc Touch Mouse" at several European retailers (with a $70 price tag), an arctouchmouse.com domain registered to Microsoft in late March, and some Microsoft Research projects that show that the company has indeed been working on multitouch mice since at least late last year (one of those prototypes is pictured above). Just one big coincidence? Probably not, but we'll have to wait to hear from Microsoft to know for sure.

Microsoft prepping Magic Mouse-like Arc Touch Mouse? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP ePrint really works: eMails and attachments printed from the cloud (video)

We don't blame you if you missed this the first time round, but HP's ePrint service is probably best seen in action anyway. Fortunately, our brethren over at Engadget Chinese had the opportunity to play with these new web-connected printers recently. The idea is that each ePrint printer gets a unique email address, meaning you can send in a document from any email-enabled device to get it printed, thus eliminating the hassle of finding a computer and drivers or installing an app on certain smartphones and tablets. So how does one go about setting up this bad boy? According to our sister site, you must first register your printer on HP's ePrintCenter website to obtain a randomly-generated email address (don't worry, you can always get a new one if necessary), and then you're good to go, literally. Read on to find out if ePrint's as straightforward as it sounds.Continue reading HP ePrint really works: eMails and attachments printed from the cloud (video)

HP ePrint really works: eMails and attachments printed from the cloud (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1&1's 7-inch SmartPad is the most unlikely Android tablet you'll ever see

We knew at Computex that tablets were on track to completely take over the world, but now it's official: a German internet provider has just revealed that it'll soon be offering a branded tablet PC of its own. You heard right -- a German ISP is making a tablet. The delightfully named SmartPad is a 7-inch, touchscreen-based slate that'll eventually support Android 2.2 (v1.6 will be pre-installed), and there's also inbuilt WiFi and an optional 3G module for those looking to "stay connected." It seems as if the company is still hammering out the final specifications, but we are told to expect an SD card reader (2GB will be included), a USB socket, a 500MHz ARM11 processor, 256MB of RAM and a proprietary app store that'll undoubtedly enrage you. According to the promotional video hosted just past the break, it should ship later this month for precisely nothing so long as you pick up a data plan to go alongside of it. 'Course, getting one outside of Deutschland is another challenge entirely...Continue reading 1&1's 7-inch SmartPad is the most unlikely Android tablet you'll ever see

1&1's 7-inch SmartPad is the most unlikely Android tablet you'll ever see originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google acquires ITA for $700m, dives headfirst into airline ticket search

Look out, Kayak / Bing Travel -- you both are about to have your respective worlds rocked. While Google has managed to stay on top (or close to the top) when it comes to almost everything search related, the company has curiously allowed smaller niche brands to handle the travel side. Even amongst the hardcore Googlers, avid flyers typically head to a place like Kayak to weigh their options, while vacation planners either do likewise or turn to Bing Travel. In a few months time, we suspect some of that traffic will be diverted back to El Goog. The company has just announced plans to acquire Cambridge-based ITA Software for a cool $700 million, which will put one of the world's most sophisticated QPX software tools for organizing flight information into the hands of the planet's most dangerous search ally. According to Google, the pickup will allow consumers to search and buy airline tickets with less hassle and frustration, though it's quick to point out that it has "no plans to sell airline tickets [directly] to consumers." For the travel junkies in attendance, there's a high probability that you won't find any better news coming your way today than this.

[Thanks, Matthew]Continue reading Google acquires ITA for $700m, dives headfirst into airline ticket search

Google acquires ITA for $700m, dives headfirst into airline ticket search originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Droid Incredible OTA update said to be bringing mobile hotspot, 720p recording

Well, it looks like Droid Incredible owners might soon be rewarded with more than a $25 gift card -- Droid Life is reporting that the phone is set to get an OTA update that will add some of the most oft-requested features. That includes mobile hotspot functionality, 720p video recording and, last but not least, the familiar Droid red eye boot animation that's been curiously absent. No word on a rollout date just yet, but Droid Life's tipster has provided some pics, and a video of that boot sequence (check it out after the break).

[Thanks, Dustin]

Continue reading Droid Incredible OTA update said to be bringing mobile hotspot, 720p recording

Droid Incredible OTA update said to be bringing mobile hotspot, 720p recording originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget Podcast 203 - 07.02.2010

Robots, death, Epic Fascination, and tropicalia: genre-surfing tokenism dominates the Engadget Podcast this week.

Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller
Guest: Chris Ziegler
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Castor - Rude Boy

Hear the podcast

00:02:58 - Motorola Droid X review
00:04:40 - Introducing review scorecards!
00:18:48 - Droid X ad pokes fun at iPhone 4 antenna troubles
00:26:15 - Samsung's American Galaxy S phones pose for family portrait
00:26:48 - Samsung Vibrant is official on T-Mobile, coming July 21 for $200
00:26:53 - Verizon ropes in Samsung Fascinate, US Cellular gets a Galaxy S too
00:26:55 - Samsung T-Mobile Vibrant and Verizon Fascinate preview
00:27:00 - Samsung's Epic 4G for Sprint seems to live up to its name
00:30:10 - Samsung Epic 4G preview
00:42:41 - Microsoft says Kin software update is scheduled for mid-summer
00:42:45 - Kin One drops to $29, Two drops to $49, data plans remain silly expensive
00:42:50 - Microsoft Kin is dead
00:42:55 - T-Mobile kills off current Sidekicks, Kin says 'welcome to the club'
00:47:00 - What killed the Kin?
01:11:05 - Hulu Plus announced with support for iPad, iPhone, PS3, Xbox Live, and more (update)
01:15:15 - Hands-on with Hulu Plus via Samsung HDTV, iPhone and iPad
01:15:45 - Hulu Plus preview arrives in iTunes App Store, Flash be damned
01:16:00 - Hulu CEO: we're 'complementary' to cable
01:16:23 - HP / Palm buyout officially complete -- get ready for webOS printers
01:19:35 - MeeGo for handsets makes its first appearance

Subscribe to the podcast

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Download the podcast

LISTEN (MP3)
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Contact the podcast

1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.

Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadgetFiled under: Podcasts

Engadget Podcast 203 - 07.02.2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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