Wednesday, July 7, 2010

IT News HeadLines (Engadget) 07/07/2010



Sony's 2010 ES line includes 3D and excludes online retailers; Android remote app on the way
Given the company's focus on 3D this year, it's not at all a surprise to see Sony's 2010 line of ES receivers (and lone Blu-ray player) touched up with a dash of 3D support and HDMI 1.4-compatible features, but it may be a shocker to see their sale restricted to "specialty AV retailers and custom installers." That means no amazon.com or other online retailers, but wherever one finds the STR-DA5600ES, STRA-DA4600ES, and STR-DA 3600ES, they'll include IP, RS-232 and IR control support for easy home automation integration, iPhone remote control (Android -- and of course we'd expect Google TV -- version coming soon) as well as working as an Ethernet hub and DLNA streaming device. At the top of the line the STR-DA5600ES ships in September for $2,000 and is able to automatically calibrate audio for speaker types (like last year's), plus locations and angles, function as a DLNA Live Audio server itself and stream audio and video to other rooms via HDMI (six in, two out) or CAT5e. While the remaining models do a bit less, for a bit less when they all ship in August, the STR-DN2010 is a new model for 2010 at just $800. As for the Blu-ray player, the BDP-S1700ES ships with 3D movie play back, BRAVIA Internet video and Qriocity streaming WiFi and Gracenote database browser for $400 this August, check for a picture and specs on all after the break.Continue reading Sony's 2010 ES line includes 3D and excludes online retailers; Android remote app on the way
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Apple responds on iTunes fraud, vaguely confirms said fraud
Over the weekend we saw reports of what appeared to be fraud occurring in the iTunes system -- namely, a rogue developer had somehow managed to snag 42 of the top 50 sales positions in the App Store's "book" category with seemingly bogus content. It looked as if there was some correlation between those suspicious sales and word of an increase in iTunes account fraud, but Apple had been mum on the subject over the holiday weekend. We've finally gotten a response from the company, and the folks in Cupertino say that the developer in question -- a gentleman named Thuat Nguyen -- has been chucked out of the Store altogether. Additionally, while they don't explicitly say fraud occurred, they suggest you check with your bank and kill your card if any of your info was stolen... which seems to suggest that something funky happened to some users. Here it is from the horse's mouth:
The developer Thuat Nguyen and his apps were removed from the App Store for violating the developer Program License Agreement, including fraudulent purchase patterns.

Developers do not receive any iTunes confidential customer data when an app is downloaded.

If your credit card or iTunes password is stolen and used on iTunes we recommend that you contact your financial institution and inquire about canceling the card and issuing a chargeback for any unauthorized transactions. We also recommend that you change your iTunes account password immediately. For more information on best practices for password security visit http://www.apple.com/support/itunes.
So it looks like even the walled garden isn't impervious to attacks -- here's hoping the problems were limited to a small group of people. Have any of you guys noticed strange charges on your account? Double check it right now!
Apple responds on iTunes fraud, vaguely confirms said fraud originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Oregon Scientific ATC9K HD Action Camera does 1080p underwater (video)
Oregon Scientific ATC9K HD Action Camera does 1080p underwater
Another action cam joins the 1080p fold. Oregon Scientific, maker of many a fine weather station and the odd helmet cam, has released details on its ATC9K Action Camera. It'll do 1080p video, five megapixel photos, is waterproof to 20 meters, comes with an IR remote, and even has an integrated G meter so that you can see just how big a knock your head took on that last ill-advised endo. GPS is an option too, so you can mark your gnarliest adventures on Google Maps, but there's no mention of price despite the thing set to start shipping here in just a few days. An early unboxing video waits for you after the break, as well as a demo clip that uses extreme angles to make you extremely nauseous. Curiously, all of the demonstrations we've seen have had their audio replaced by awful music, leading us to guess this cam has either a poor microphone or simply has none at all.
Gallery: Oregon Scientific ATC9K
Continue reading Oregon Scientific ATC9K HD Action Camera does 1080p underwater (video)
Oregon Scientific ATC9K HD Action Camera does 1080p underwater (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Dell Streak's car dock gets a video unboxing, early road test
Given the size of Dell's Streak (it's rocking a 5-inch screen, in case you were wondering), you've probably considered using it as a dedicated routing machine with Google Maps Navigation at the helm. The only problem? Using your arm as the window mount. We heard a few weeks ago that the Streak's official car dock was finally on sale over in the UK, and it looks as if the bugger is finally shipping there, too. The best news? It seems to hold up pretty well to some of Britain's bumpiest roadways -- see for yourself after the break.Continue reading Dell Streak's car dock gets a video unboxing, early road test
Dell Streak's car dock gets a video unboxing, early road test originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Wet Circuits waterproof power strip presented by all-time best dubbed videos
Can't say we're any keener on the idea of blasting our outlets with Super Soakers, but Wet Circuit's water resistant power strips boast its ability to withstand just such a defiant action -- occasional rain and snow, wet hands, temporary flooding, and accidental water spills (assuredly intentional, too). $35 is the asking price, and while the company claims you can put metallic objects in the socket without fear of electrocution, you probably shouldn't press your luck. Check out a plethora of demonstrations after the break -- no really, we beseech you. Crank the speakers for this one.Continue reading Wet Circuits waterproof power strip presented by all-time best dubbed videos
Wet Circuits waterproof power strip presented by all-time best dubbed videos originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Gear Diary  |  sourceWet Circuits  | Email this | Comments
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ASUS Eee PC 1015, 1016 and 1018 to finally ship in August
Well, it's about time! We've been following ASUS's next generation Eee PC 1015, 1016 and 1018 since their CeBIT debut in early March, and all three are finally primed and prepped to arrive by the end of July / beginning of August. ASUS claims, the aluminum-clad 1016 and 1018 will be hitting the US market in three to four weeks, while the 1015 will trail a few weeks behind. According to Excaliberpc.com -- where the first two are already up for pre-order -- the 1018P will ring up at $429.99 and boasts a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N455 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive and three USB 3.0 ports. The 1016P, which is pictured above, has the same processor, but comes in at a higher $499.99 most likely due to its 2GB of memory and 320GB of storage. The 1015 isn't up for order anywhere, though it did just cross the good ol' FCC, so it shouldn't be long before its final specs and pricing are revealed. We're actually a bit giddy to finally see these higher end Eees arriving, and the pre-order links are below for those reckless adventurers that may share the same excitement.
ASUS Eee PC 1015, 1016 and 1018 to finally ship in August originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Netbook News  |  sourceExcaliberpc (1016p), Excaliberpc.com (1018p), Eeepc.it (1015 FCC)  | Email this | Comments
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JFE Engineering's quick auto charger does 50% charge in three minutes, hits parking lots in March
JFE Engineering's quick auto charger does 50% charge in three minutes, hits parking lots in March
While range is an unfortunate limiting factor for electric vehicles, slow recharging time is perhaps even more troubling. Going 100 miles on a charge would be okay if you could stop at the corner electron stand and top up your cells while hitting the potty, and JFE Engineering's quick charger gets makes that a reality, able to charge an EV's batteries to 50 percent in just three minutes. Five minutes gets you a 70 percent charge, but from there things go downhill, with 30 minutes required for an 80 percent charge. The company is now pledging that these units will be ready for installation at convenience shops and the like by March -- in Japan, of course. The "low cost" version is said to go for $60,000, while the standard model costs twice that. Fast-flowing electrons: expensive business.
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Netflix adds Relativity Media to its Instant queue, takes on HBO and Showtime
Netflix adds Relativity Media to its Instant queue, takes on HBO and Showtime
Ever wonder why premium movie channels (your HBOs and the like) get top-shelf Hollywood movies not long after their DVD release but yet you're still stuck streaming Mystery Science Theater 3000's greatest hits on Netflix? That situation could be changing thanks to a deal with Relativity Media, who you may not have heard of before but has had a hand in the production and distribution of big Hollywood flicks like 300 and A Serious Man. The deal with Netflix will bring some of the company's movies to Watch Instantly within months of their DVD release, avoiding the usual multi-year exclusivity window that pay networks usually require. Right now only a few movies are mentioned, including The Fighter, Skyline, Movie 43, and Season of the Witch, but this deal establishes Netflix as a player in this market, pitting itself against HBO and Showtime for first distribution of premium content to the small (but ever growing) screen. If things go well, your Instant queue could be getting a bit more plump over the next year or so.Continue reading Netflix adds Relativity Media to its Instant queue, takes on HBO and Showtime
Netflix adds Relativity Media to its Instant queue, takes on HBO and Showtime originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Twidroid acquired by TweetUp, soon to be bundled with new Android phones as Twidroyd
Remember our old friend Twidroid? You know, the app that came out as cream of the crop in our little Android Twitter client round-up? Things are about to get interesting again -- following today's acquisition of said app, SEO firm TweetUp has renamed its latest trophy to Twidroyd to avoid upsetting a certain Mr. Lucas. The bigger news, though, is that we're told this action-packed app will be preloaded "on millions of upcoming Android phones from five of the leading handset manufacturers." That's a pretty bold statement to make, especially considering it wasn't long ago when Twitter Inc. pushed out its own Android client, but we'll happily accept this freebie anyway.Continue reading Twidroid acquired by TweetUp, soon to be bundled with new Android phones as Twidroyd
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Wireless presentation controllers prove juicy targets for hackers
Wireless presentation controllers prove juicy targets for hackers
Wireless presentation controllers have changed corporate life forever. Instead of businessmen and women staying tethered to their keyboards while delivering boring PowerPoint presentations, they can wander about the room, gesticulating authoritatively with an ego-boosting gadget in-hand... while delivering that same boring presentation. Now a security researcher by the name of Nields Teusink is showing that those wild gesticulations open the door to crazy hacks, with most wireless presenters being recognized as full keyboards -- some even as keyboards and mice. With no encryption provided it's a (reasonably) simple task for an attacker to replicate the signal, escape the presentation, and completely compromise the machine. Teusink uses an Arduino board for his work here, impressing us while sending a chill into the hearts of slide gurus everywhere.
Wireless presentation controllers prove juicy targets for hackers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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BMW's Pathfinder 'microNavigation' system promises to augment GPS
BMW has been working on augmenting GPS navigation for some time now, and it took another big step forward in recent weeks with the announcement of its Pathfinder "microNavigation" system. As the name suggests, that would supplement your basic navigation system with maps and directions for areas not covered by GPS -- a parking lot, for instance -- and it could be continually updated on an as-needed basis, with users able to download so-called microMaps for a specific area before they go on a trip. You'd also be able to easily jump from the in-car navigation to a navigation app on your phone to complete the final leg of your journey -- and, presumably, find your car when you're ready to leave. Of course, it is still just a prototype, but BMW does at least have a pretty good track record when it comes to actually implementing these sorts of things in its cars.
Continue reading BMW's Pathfinder 'microNavigation' system promises to augment GPS
BMW's Pathfinder 'microNavigation' system promises to augment GPS originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 06:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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HTC quarterly profits improve by a third, beat even its own lofty expectations
We were impressed with HTC back in April when it forecast a record $1.6 billion revenue for itself over the second quarter, but lo and behold, the Taiwanese superphone maker has gone and outdone that with a $1.88 billion income over the period between April and June. Reporting a very solid 33 percent improvement in profits year-on-year -- $268 million versus $202 million 12 months ago -- the company points to strong sales (no doubt catalyzed by Android's growing popularity) as the chief culprit for its newly increased tax bill. Guess that shows that having a wide catalog of high-end devices doesn't preclude raking in the cash, provided they're all desirable enough to garner mind and market share.
HTC quarterly profits improve by a third, beat even its own lofty expectations originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 06:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Roverpad comes clean with five new tablet PCs, one running Tegra
And here you were thinking this whole "tablet revolution" thing was a myth, huh? Out of seemingly nowhere, Russia's own Rover Computer has just issued not one, not two, but five new tablet PCs for its nine time zones, with one of 'em boasting Windows CE 6.0 and the others running on Google's Android system. Kicking things off is the Air G70, which will boast a 7-inch resistive touchscreen, a 667MHz ARM11 CPU, 256MB of RAM, a 4GB internal flash drive, WiFi, optional 3G and a microSD expansion slot. Next up is the Go G50, Android-powered 5-inch slate that relies on a Marvell PXA303, 128MB of RAM, 2GB of storage as well as 3G, WiFi, a microSD slot and a USB socket. Going even smaller is the aptly-named Air G70, which checks in with a 4-inch display (800 x 480 resolution, though), support for a multitude of file formats and compatibility with navigation software. The Go G72 steps it back up to a 7-inch panel, but also throws in a webcam, Bluetooth, GPS chip and a hint of color around the edges. Finally, the 7-inch TegA W70 will hum along with NVIDIA's Tegra within, and being the flagship that it is, it'll also include HDMI, 4GB of flash storage, 3G, a webcam, 512MB of RAM, a capacitive touchscreen and Android 2.1. Pricing details have yet to be hammered out across the line, but we're told to expect the family on store shelves by October.
Roverpad comes clean with five new tablet PCs, one running Tegra originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 05:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nokia sells wireless modem business to Renesas in bid to refocus
Nokia just announced a $200M-ish deal to sell its wireless modem business to Japan's Renesas Electronics Corporation. The deal is part of a broader alliance to develop HSPA+ and LTE modem technologies while working together to research future radio technologies. Per the agreement, Nokia will transfer its wireless modem technologies for LTE, HSPA and GSM standards, "certain" related patents (interesting in light of the Apple lawsuits), and about 1,100 Nokia R&D staff to Renesas, the majority of whom are located in Finland, India, the UK, and Denmark -- assuming regulatory approval of course, something the two expect to receive by the end of the year. Why now? Well, according to Kai Oistamo, Executive Vice President at Nokia, "The alliance enables us to continue to focus on our own core businesses, connecting people to what matters to them with our mobile products and solutions." Sounds like somebody's slimming down in preparation for a fight.

P.S. Though the 'Shop above only shows a Nokia USB modem, the agreement goes much deeper to cover the modem technologies used inside billions of Nokia handsets. So yeah, this is a fairly signficant change of direction for Nokia.Continue reading Nokia sells wireless modem business to Renesas in bid to refocus
Nokia sells wireless modem business to Renesas in bid to refocus originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 04:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Puma Phone now available somewhere you probably don't live
We never thought we'd live to see the day where we were talking on a shoe, Get Smart-style. Technology still hasn't advanced nearly enough to make authentic shoe-talking anything more than a distant dream, but the next best thing -- a phone from a shoe manufacturer -- is now available. Actually, "available" is a bit of a stretch since the Puma Phone has only launched in nine European, African, and Middle Eastern countries so far, but we'd hope that a wider launch is on the way. And hey, to be fair, we bet the solar panels on back work spectacularly in the African sun. Pricing will naturally vary by locale, retailer, and subsidy, but you can generally look to find it for about €399 ($500) SIM-free.
Puma Phone now available somewhere you probably don't live originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 03:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Canon Wonder Camera Concept promises single-lens perfection (video)
You know all those precious lenses you've been stockpiling for your SLR since the 90s? They're still safe for another couple of decades, but in round about 2030, you're gonna be trashing all that glassware and buying yourself a Wonder Camera. Why would that be? Canon is pretty confident that by then it'll have figured out how to do a single lens capable of going from macro shots all the way out to a 5000mm focal length. And yes, apparently it's small enough to fit in a young girl's hands. This non-interchangeable lens is backed by an all-touch interface (say sayonara to your knobs and dials), an extremely high-resolution sensor, and image stabilization so advanced as to make shooting at that unspeakably high zoom range a viable option. Finally, the whole lurid dream is topped off with video-only capture. Canon argues you won't need to shoot stills when its video is capable of keeping everything in focus all the time -- you'll just pick out your favorite scene from the movie reel. Go past the break to see the highfaultin video demo.Continue reading Canon Wonder Camera Concept promises single-lens perfection (video)
Canon Wonder Camera Concept promises single-lens perfection (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Qualcomm demos augmented reality and peer-to-peer tech, tries to punch cellular gaming's block off (video)
It's just a tablecloth and a piece of paper, until you pull out a Nexus One, at which point it magically becomes an arena where toy robots fire off punches. Augmented reality isn't anything new, of course, but Qualcomm seems determined to bring it to cell phones in a big way -- launching an AR game studio, sponsoring a $200,000 developer challenge, and announcing a free software development kit (which will see open beta this fall) all on the same day. The company partnered with Mattel to build the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots proof-of-concept you see above using that very SDK, and you'll find a hilarious video of grown men pretending to have the time of their lives with it right after the break.

However, augmented reality is only half of Qualcomm's mobile gaming plan -- a rep told Pocket-lint games like Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots are only financially viable if they can work across platforms. To that end, the company also demonstrated a simple three-player peer-to-peer title, but with -- get this -- a Nexus One (over Bluetooth), a Nokia N900 (over WiFi) and a Dell Latitude laptop all playing the same synchronous game. To commemorate this mishmash of awesome, the company funded another video; listen to an individual with a ludicrously bad accent give you the play-by-play after the break. Oh, and find some press releases, too.Continue reading Qualcomm demos augmented reality and peer-to-peer tech, tries to punch cellular gaming's block off (video)
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Sony CECH-ZVS1 Surround Sound System for PS3 hits Japan on September 30th
More PS3 news from Sony. What was already known to be a fall release has just narrowed to September 30th for Sony's $199 PS3 Surround Sound System -- at least in Japan. As you might recall, this budget Sony soundbar with integrated sub-woofer and S-Force PRO Front Surround technology tethers up snuggly with your PS3 over optical digital supporting Dolby digital, DTS, MPEG-2 AAC and Linear PCM audio formats. Model CECH-ZVS1 then bounces the surround sound off the walls when placed in front of your television. It's not Sony's best soundbar but it's the only one with a matching PlayStation logo. And for some gamers, that's likely all they'll need to know.
Sony CECH-ZVS1 Surround Sound System for PS3 hits Japan on September 30th originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 01:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Microsoft patent application proposes six-axis remote that's buttered on both sides
We've usually pleasantly surprised by the interface technology out of Redmond, but we rarely see Microsoft tackle anything as simple as a TV remote control. However, a July 1st patent application by the software giant describes a fairly interesting gizmo with controls on multiple sides. With a six-axis inertial sensor package, the unit always knows which direction is up and activates only that side -- allowing engineers to slim down the unit (or cram more buttons into the same space) by putting contextually-aware touchscreens on any surface of the device. When you move the remote, the sensors detect that, too, and immediately illuminate the screen. Just goes to show you can always find a new angle for mundane technology, eh?
Permalink Being Manan  |  sourceUSPTO  | Email this | Comments
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White PS3 Slim with 160GB HDD hits Japan July 29th, new 320GB HDD option
Looks like we've (almost) solved the mystery of PlayStation 3's FCC-bound CECH-2501 models. Sony just announced a "classic white" PS3 Slim (as opposed to the "ceramic white" original) for Japan, model CECH-2500, coming July 29th with 160GB HDD. For 34,980 yen (about $400 translated to US currency) you can now start off with 320GB of storage in your "charcoal black" model -- not to worry, the aforementioned 160GB still retails for 29,980 yen ($342). So, when are we gonna see this elsewhere in the world, hm?

Update: Post edited to make clear that the new "classic white" model is only available with a 160GB HDD.
White PS3 Slim with 160GB HDD hits Japan July 29th, new 320GB HDD option originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Engadget Japan  |  sourcePlayStation Japan  | Email this | Comments
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AT&T stores getting Windows Phone 7 retail materials, launch coming sooner than expected?
Microsoft's mobile efforts may look like they're slightly in disarray after the expensive and embarrassing Kin debacle, but it looks like Windows Phone 7 may yet emerge unscathed from the chaos -- and potentially even earlier than expected, if this sheet of AT&T retail signage that's being sent out for a July 24th store overhaul is to be believed. Don't get too excited, however: we're told that cards like this have hit in July for September launches in the past -- which would line up with that hint of an October Telstra launch -- and that the "QTY: 6" label likely points to two devices, not a sextuplet. (We'd guess... Samsung and LG?) Either way, it would be a big win for Microsoft if it can manage to get Windows Phone 7 in store shelves before that promised "holiday 2010" due date -- we'll see what happens.
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Inhabitat's Week in Green: street-legal Tron lightcycles, electronic eyeglasses, and the American Solar Challenge
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us.

This week Inhabitat saw solar-powered vehicles blaze trails around the globe as the University of Michigan's sleek pod car crossed the finish line to win the American Solar Challenge. We also watched the Solar Impulse gear up for its first eagerly anticipated night flight -- a pivotal undertaking as the sun-powered plane prepares to circle the earth. In other clean transportation news, and we were stunned to see a set of street-legal electric Tron lightcycles pop up on eBay.

The field of renewable energy also heated up this week as researchers revealed an innovative tri-layered solar panel that's capable of catching the full spectrum of the sun's rays. Wind power made waves as well as Principle Power unveiled a new ultra-sturdy ocean platform that's able to support the world's tallest wind turbines.

Finally, we saw the light this week as Illumitex unveiled the world's first square LED bulb, which they claim is cheaper, more efficient and more practical than typical round bulbs. We also peered at an innovative new type of electronic eyeglasses that can change your prescription with the push of a button. And for all you shutterbugs looking to share your vision with the world, you won't want to miss this handy solar camera strap that ensures you'll never miss a shot.
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Switched On: Kin's seven deadly sins
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

There may have been a lot of behind-the-scenes machinations at Microsoft and Verizon that resulted in the discontinuation of the Kin One and the Kin Two, but there were also many marketplace miscues that resulted in the demise of the handsets. Here, then, were Kin's seven deadly sins:

Lust. With the Kin handsets, Microsoft was too eager to get its hands into the pockets of young social networkers for whom the smartphone market had proven elusive. The key paradox of this was that the Kin data plan was the same for that of other smartphones at Verizon, and that continued to shut out those who aspired to mobile digital sharing nirvana.

Gluttony. If Microsoft was angling to get Verizon to offer a sweetheart deal for Kin data, it certainly didn't help its cause with the automatic backup of rich media to the Kin Studio website. If there was one aspect to the Kin handsets operation that may pave the way toward future success, it was the Silverlight-based web interface to all the media that was captured with the device. This also allowed Microsoft and Sharp to minimize the amount of on-device storage. However, constantly backing up high-resolution photos and even standard-definition videos to the cloud required a lot of bandwidth, making it difficult for Verizon to justify a "light" data usage plan for Kin users.Continue reading Switched On: Kin's seven deadly sins
Switched On: Kin's seven deadly sins originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Mongoose Studio's dozen iPod cluster display is an expensive way to watch Tron (video)
Mongoose Studio's 12 iPhone cluster display is an expensive way to watch Tron (video)
Most of us would be happy to get a single video to play on our PMP without having to run it through some sort of transcoder first, but the folks at Mongoose Studio needed something more complex. They've released a video of a project that's been in the works for some time, clustering 12 iPod touches into a sort of bezel-riffic widescreen display. All are controlled by a master, 13th iPod that can cause them to display a clock in the interest of verifying synchronization (which is far from perfect, as you'll see in the embed below), or to trigger the playing of a movie. We're guessing that the footage must be manually split into appropriate files for each device, and we're also guessing that horrible things would happen should someone come along and re-shuffle them. But, if you have a lot of friends with iPhones and a lot of free time to prep the film, this could make for a rather interesting movie night -- until someone gets a call, that is.Continue reading Mongoose Studio's dozen iPod cluster display is an expensive way to watch Tron (video)
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Alleged Russian spies used WiFi and pre-paid cellphones, got caught anyways
Are the new crop of Russian spies nerds like us? We doubt it (we probably have more in common with Lil Wayne than a certain "Anna Chapman," if that is her real name). How do they do their dirty work, then? Apparently their kit is mostly off-the-shelf: including laptops and flash memory cards. According to the FBI, two of the recently accused perps would meet at a coffee shop in Manhattan every Wednesday, where one would sit inside, while they other passed by in a van. When in range, they would connect over WiFi and transfer encrypted communications over their network. (The FBI was able to sniff this out using commercial software. Had they used ultra-wideband radio, however, the investigator's task would probably have been all but impossible). It's also believed that the spies used pre-paid cellphones to communicate. One such unit, purchased by Chapman, had the following listed for her address: 99 Fake Street. It just goes to show you that all the gadgetry in the world will not protect you from your lack of common sense.
Alleged Russian spies used WiFi and pre-paid cellphones, got caught anyways originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Slurp digital eyedropper sucks up, injects information wirelessly (video)
How does Jamie Zigelbaum, a former student at MIT Media Lab, celebrate freedom from tyranny, drool-worthy accents and "standing in the queue?" By creating Slurp, of course. In what's easily one of the most jaw-dropping demonstrations of the year, this here digital eyedropper is a fanciful new concept that could certainly grow some legs if implemented properly in the market place. Designed as a "tangible interface for manipulating abstract digital information as if it were water," Slurp can "extract (slurp up) and inject (squirt out) pointers to digital objects," enabling connected machines and devices to have information transferred from desktop to desktop (or desktop to speakers, etc.) without any wires to bother with. We can't even begin to comprehend the complexity behind the magic, but all you need to become a believer is embedded after the break. It's 41 seconds of pure genius, we assure you.Continue reading Slurp digital eyedropper sucks up, injects information wirelessly (video)
Slurp digital eyedropper sucks up, injects information wirelessly (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink MAKE  |  sourceSpime, YouTube [zigg1es]  | Email this | Comments
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Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 4:30 PM
It's Monday, and we know that getting the week started can be tough. We're here to help by letting you peek into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to tape at 4:30 pm. Think of it as a kind of time machine that will help you power through your day by reviewing what happened in the week HD-wise. Embedded Ustream tools and a list of topics after the break.Continue reading Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 4:30 PM
Join the Engadget HD podcast live on Ustream at 4:30 PM originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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iPhone 4 Diamond Edition: white, unlocked, and $20k
Looking for something a bit more eye-catching than a iPhone 4 with a wooden veneer? Then it looks like you can once again thank Stuart Hughes for throwing any subtlety to the wind and going all out with the so-called iPhone 4 Diamond Edition. As you can see, not only does the phone pack a smattering of diamonds (including a bedazzled Apple logo), but it's a white iPhone 4 (32GB, naturally), and unlocked for good measure. Of course, there's no guarantees you'll actually get it before white iPhone 4s become commonplace, but we're pretty sure this is $20,000 well spent either way.
iPhone 4 Diamond Edition: white, unlocked, and $20k originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceStuart Hughes  | Email this | Comments
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Sony cuts e-reader prices: Pocket Edition now $149
Not much of a surprise here, but it looks like you can officially include Sony in the e-book reader price wars. It's now dropped the prices on its three current models: the Pocket Edition is down from $169 to $149, the Touch Edition drops from $199 to $169, and the 3G-equipped Daily Edition is now $299 (down a full $50 from $349). As The Digital Reader blog notes, however, that still leaves Sony a bit out of step with the competition -- the Pocket Edition lacks the WiFi of the similarly-priced Nook, for instance, and the Daily Edition remains a tough sell even at $299.
Sony cuts e-reader prices: Pocket Edition now $149 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Gear Diary  |  sourceThe Digital Reader, Sony  | Email this | Comments
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BMW Megacity EV gets sketched out in more detail
Admit it, you've been desperately refreshing this page in the simple hope of learning more about BMW's first all-electric vehicle. Originally announced with nary a visual clue to its appearance, the Megacity has now been fleshed out in the above futuristic sketch, which gives us an inkling of the car's design direction. Don't expect it to have too much bearing on the final product, though -- we do anticipate the real deal to have, y'know, tyres. BMW is also putting together an all-new chassis specifically for this battery-powered city transporter, and has already begun crash-testing the carbon fiber-equipped shells. In spite of its compact dimensions, the Megacity is being described as a "premium sustainability" vehicle, meaning its 2013 launch will be relevant to a somewhat select group of people.Continue reading BMW Megacity EV gets sketched out in more detail
BMW Megacity EV gets sketched out in more detail originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink Inhabitat  |  sourceNew York Times  | Email this | Comments
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BlackBerry Curve 9300 gets FCC approval? (update: or just an AWS version of the 8500 series?)
Like many companies, RIM generally does a superb job of concealing model numbers of unannounced devices when it files for FCC certification -- but given what we know of Waterloo's product pipeline, we think it's safe to take a stab at what we're looking at here. In all likelihood, this is the upcoming Curve 9300, evidenced by the general shape of the rear and... well, the obvious "Curve" label up top. This particular unit appears to have triband CDMA including AWS, meaning we could definitely see it launch on some of the AWS-packing regionals like MetroPCS. Physically, it's a step up from the 8500 series below it -- but by all appearances, it's not a major redesign. How about that 9800, RIM?

Update: Wireless Goodness points out that this could simply be an AWS CDMA version of the 8500 series, since we haven't seen such a version launch yet on the regionals. Seems plausible -- but either way, the 8500 and 9300 seem like awfully similar devices.
Permalink   |  sourceFCC  | Email this | Comments
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Iran's got a walking humanoid robot, too (update: video!)
Two years ago, Iranian students built Sorena, a white humanoid machine that reportedly wheeled about via remote control. For 2010, robots experts at Tehran University decided to update the creature -- and apparently, channel a little bit of Asimo. Surena 2 was unveiled by Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad this week, its purpose unknown. Named after a famous Persian warrior, the robot stands 4.7 feet tall, and can walk about slowly carrying its own weight of 99 pounds. Gulf News reports the robot will get vision and speech modules later on down the road. If it ends up conducting orchestras or performing show tunes, we'll be sure to keep you informed.Continue reading Iran's got a walking humanoid robot, too (update: video!)
Iran's got a walking humanoid robot, too (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 03:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink   |  sourceAFP, Gulf News  | Email this | Comments
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مرسلة بواسطة Abdalrhman Albayyat
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