Well, finally! That's right, you no longer have to be jealous of your friends who've all been group video calling using Skype 5.0 for Windows for months -- Skype's new Beta 5.0 for Mac finally brings the ability to video chat with up to ten of your Skype contacts to OS X client. Obviously, that's the premiere feature of the new release, but the software has also been retooled to mesh more with the look and feel of the OS -- there's even a cover flow-like contact window -- and a new pop-out call control bar that can be moved anywhere on the screen or be kept open while in another program. We just downloaded the beta and it's certainly a lot better looking than the previous version, but we also noticed that it integrated our Mac address book right into the contacts pane and when we initiated a call it automatically muted the song we were listening to in iTunes. Naturally, we went searching for that Facebook integration that we just saw rolled out in the Windows version, but it's nowhere to be found at the moment, and Skype tells us it's focusing on video and UI tweaks for the Mac version. We could go on and on about the new software, but it's available for download at the source link below, so run along and throw your own virtual cupcake party!
Sad, dreary day at your place? Fret not, as the Boob Tube is just about to get even better. Hulu has just revealed a movement to get Hulu Plus stocked with more content and onto more devices, STAT. Making sure those words aren't empty, we're learning that all 2010 Sony BRAVIA HDTVs will today have access to the subscription programming service, with it bleeding over to Sony's various Blu-ray players, home theater systems, network media players and even the Dash -- yeah, that Dash -- in due time. In related news, Hulu will be soon yanking the invite requirement to get Hulu Plus on the PlayStation 3, and as of next week, any ole PlayStation Network member (as opposed to PlayStation Plus, as it stands today) will be able to grab it. 'Course, even those freeloaders will be forced to pony up $9.99 per month if they're interested in using it, but hey, it's not like Raising Hope is financed with pixie dust, right?
[Thanks, Brian]
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Hulu Plus Subscription Service Available Now On 2010 BRAVIA® HDTVs with BRAVIA Internet Video; Coming Soon to All PlayStation®3 Owners, Blu-ray products in the U.S.
November 4, 2010 – Hulu Plus, the subscription service on the market to bring current TV programming from top broadcast networks in high-definition (HD), is now available on 2010 BRAVIA® HDTVs and BRAVIA Internet Video Link via the BRAVIA Internet Video platform and will soon be available on Blu-ray™ Disc players, Blu-ray™ Home Theater Systems, Network Media Player and DASH. Next week, Hulu Plus will also be available for all PlayStation®Network members who own a PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system.
Hulu Plus subscription service has been available since July 2010 to select PlayStation®Plus subscribers via PS3, but starting next week, PS3 system owners with a free PlayStation Network account can download and subscribe to the Hulu Plus service, accessing it under the "Video" icon on the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) menu. Hulu Plus is still in preview, and subscriptions are available from Hulu for $9.99 per month.
One thing that makes covering LCD TVs so interesting is that the technology is always advancing and one innovation that might be the biggest in LCDs yet, is local dimming. But you're probably wondering, what is it exactly? Well in non-edgelit LED LCDs TV, there's an array of LED lights behind the liquid crystal pixels, and local dimming is when sections of the LED array are turned off or dimmed to help produce the deep blacks -- like Kuro deep. But while this tech can produce very deep blacks and fantastic contrast, there's a catch, it also create an artifact referred to as a halo around bright objects. Example: the two images above are of the opening scene of The Matrix (cops shining a flash light) it's pretty easy to tell which is the plasma and which is the LED LCD with local dimming. Of course we don't exactly watch movies with flash lights or star fields every night, so after the break are more pictures of a normal dark scene that also expose the artifact caused by local dimming (we have to point out that the camera makes it more drastic than it appears in reality). So while we wouldn't buy an LCD without local dimming, there's still a lot to look forward to in the next generation when the dimming is sure to become more local, and thus the artifact will be minimized. At the same time these advancements should help produce more detail in blacks, which is harder to notice at first, but just as annoying once you do.
Verizon has just announced that its lovely HTC Droid Incredible will be getting a fresh software update pushed over-the-air starting next week, and among the "software enhancements" will be the automatic installation of the carrier's V CAST Apps app store. Since this doesn't mean the Android Market is going away, we suppose it's not the end of the world -- and Verizon is quick to note that V CAST Apps supports carrier billing -- but the benefit of having two app stores on a phone is still anyone's guess. Here's Verizon's full statement:
"Verizon Wireless will begin pushing a software update to the DROID Incredible next week. The update includes software enhancements that will pre-install V CAST Apps on the phone. We said earlier this year that we'd be expanding V CAST Apps to the Android platform, and the DROID Incredible is the first Android phone with the store. Developers continue to submit apps, and as a reminder, V CAST Apps allows carrier billing, so customers who purchase applications through our store will see those charges on their monthly bill. For more information about the update customers can go to www.verizonwireless.com/droidincrediblesupport."
Everyone at once: "freakin' finally!" While PCs -- even lowly netbooks -- have been enjoying the spoils of SuperSpeed USB for months on end, those in the Mac realm... well, haven't. We've even seen purported email replies from Steve Jobs noting that USB 3.0 simply isn't mainstream enough to be included as standard gear on new Macs, but that's not stopping LaCie from hurdling the hurdles that lie ahead. The company has just announced bona fide USB 3.0 support for OS X, but the unfortunate part is that new hardware is still required; not only will you need a gratis USB 3.0 driver, you'll also need a LaCie USB 3.0 expansion card ($49.99 for PCIe; $59.99 for ExpressCard). In other words, LaCie's USB 3.0 driver won't magically make any ole USB 3.0 PCIe card play nice in your Mac Pro. But hey, there's always hope, and frankly, hope's all ya need.
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LaCie Brings USB 3.0 Speed to the Mac World
• Full USB 3.0 compatibility with Mac • Stunning performances: up to 220MB/s*
PARIS, FRANCE (Nov. 4, 2010) – LaCie announced today a major breakthrough, introducing industry-leading performance to Mac users with the availability of a USB 3.0 driver for Mac OS®. The driver brings the fast speeds of LaCie's USB 3.0 hard drives to Mac computers and laptops – delivering transfer rates that are more than two times faster than FireWire 800!
By downloading LaCie's USB 3.0 driver for Mac, and using it in conjunction with LaCie's USB 3.0 expansion cards, Mac users can easily experience USB 3.0 speeds. Simply check your compatibility with USB 3.0, install the peripherals, and download the driver.
"LaCie is excited to bring full USB 3.0 compatibility to our Mac customers," said Marketing Director Minh Lê. "This milestone demonstrates LaCie's industry leadership and longtime commitment to delivering the best performance possible to our demanding Mac users."
LaCie USB 3.0 product offerings now include: - LaCie 2big USB 3.0 - LaCie d2 USB 3.0 - LaCie Minimus - LaCie Rugged USB 3.0 - LaCie Rikiki USB 3.0 - LaCie USB 3.0 PCI Express Card - LaCie USB 3.0 ExpressCard/34
If you already have one of LaCie's USB 3.0 products and a LaCie expansion card, visit www.lacie.com/usb3mac to download the driver, get more information, or check your Mac's compatibility.
*Maximum drive speed achieved with a 2big USB 3.0 in RAID 0 using Blackmagic Disk Speed Test.
Recent intel suggests that Motorola's Droid 2 Global will be coming in two colors -- kind of a strange choice for a phone being tagged as "business-grade" -- and now, it looks like we can expect to see at least one of those colors on next Thursday, November 11th. Specifically, the leak we've got here calls out the blue version of the phone (probably the same blue on the Droid 2 of old); the white model isn't mentioned, so it's unclear whether Verizon's planning on holding that one back for a bit longer. We suppose it's possible that the white looks just a little too much like the pricey R2-D2 edition for Big Red's comfort, so they might want to give the spunky little astromech droid a bit more exclusivity before hauling in another white model (with better radios, no less). Seeing how the Droid Pro looks targeted for a week later on the 18th, this might be the very first CDMA / GSM dual-mode Android phone on the market -- so who's excited?
There are those who pick their pants based on the size of the camera they're going to pocket for the day, and those who just pick their pants and take a camera if one fits. For that latter group Nikon's latest, the Coolpix S5100, may be a good choice. It has scored a "Recommended" review over at Photography Blog, delivering good quality images through its 5x zoom and 12.2 megapixel sensor despite that diminutive size -- barely wider than a credit card. And, with a $179 MSRP, it won't put too much of a hurting on those real pieces of plastic you wouldn't dare leave home without.
Blink really slowly and you might miss it. Seriously, though, Dell's 35-second Inspiron Duo teaser plays up the tablet angle for quite a bit -- even prominently showing off a JBL speaker dock -- before getting to the really awesome part. Oh, you know, where it totally flips its screen over and becomes a netbook. Coming soon, and last we heard it was by the end of the year, so that gives them around 57 days to make it happen. Video after the break.
Well, here's some good news -- we just received an internal Verizon pricelist confirming that the Droid Pro will sell for $179 when it hits on November 9th, a far sight lower than the $299 we'd originally heard. That's a pretty tempting price for Moto's Android-with-a-Blackberry-keyboard handset, although we're assuming that it'll be $279 with a $100 rebate at launch. We're also seeing that the dual-display Samsung Continuum Galaxy S phone will hit for the usual $199, while the Droid 2 indeed fell to $149 last week in order to make room for the now nearly-mythical Droid 2 Global, which will come in two colors for $199. We're also separately told that the HTC Merge won't arrive until after the 17th, so those reports of a launch on the 11th might be premature. Either way, it looks like Verizon's going to have a pretty loaded holiday lineup -- and it looks like we've got some serious reviewing to do.
The age of the underbody lighting craze on cars passed about as quickly as a bottle of N2O lasts on bracket night at the local strip, but that doesn't mean you can't still have some fun on your man-powered means of transportation. No, we're not talking a skateboard here, it's a Ripstik, featuring two narrow inline skate wheels and a weaving motion that will get you going where you're going without kicking -- so long as you aren't in a great hurry. Now modder metsfan1938 over at instructables is showing us how to add a little underbody bling, wiring up blue LEDs that are as practical as they are stylish if you tend to ride in an area that could see you getting run over at night. A little soldering and a bit of Dremel action is all that's required here, so if you live your life a wobbly quarter-mile at a time you'll want to click on through.
Hard to say if it's too little, too late, but one thing's for darn sure -- Acer definitely has a lot of competition to shake off if it wants this Aspire RevoView to truly succeed. Announced originally way back in May, this here network media streamer is just now gaining an image, price and release date. It's able to fetch content from USB hard drives, an internal 3.5-inch HDD, a memory card slot or the world wide web, but the latter seems contained to just YouTube, Picasa and Flickr for the time being. It'll push things out via an HDMI socket on the rear, and the bundled remote will keep your keister firmly planted while it's in operation. No word on whether or not this fellow will ever leave the confines of the UK, but it'll go on sale there next week for £119.99 ($193).
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Acer Aspire RevoView - the best TV companion
London, 3rd November 2010 – The new Aspire RevoView is an HD DLNA certified media player that can playback media content from all DLNA certified devices that helps you share and enjoy your digital media. Featuring network capability and Full HD 1080p playback, it makes watching digital content on a high-definition TV easy and intuitive. There is no need of complex devices settings, burning DVDs or connecting a computer to the TV: Aspire RevoView connects directly to your TV via an HDMI port, plus it seamlessly integrates with your surround speaker system for an immersive entertainment experience.
Four easy steps are all you need to enjoy digital content on your TV with the Acer Aspire RevoView:
1. Save your created or downloaded content to an USB storage device or memory card 2. Plug USB device into the Aspire RevoView or insert memory card in the slot 3. Connect the Aspire RevoView to your TV 4. You are ready to enjoy your HD content on TV!
It can get even easier than that. The Aspire RevoView can be equipped with an internal swappable 3.5" HDD for seamless media exchange. The HDD tray can be shared with the 2010 Aspire M Series desktop PCs, allowing you to easily share and enjoy your downloaded or created content. The RevoView really bridges the gap between the computer and entertainment world.
An Ethernet port provides direct access to the Internet allowing you to watch online videos via YouTube or enjoy your or your friends Flickr or Picasa photo slide-shows in the comfort of your living room.
There's no end to the fun thanks to the extensive digital media support: the Aspire RevoView makes it easy for everyone to store, play and share their media with no concern for compatibility.
A user friendly interface brings together all available media, permitting to effortlessly navigate through music, video and photo collections. Content can be displayed by folder, list or thumbnails and it can be sorted either alphabetically or by date. Plus, you can playback content from USB connected mass storage and memory cards as well as optical disks.
For seamless operation, the Aspire RevoView comes with an handy 26 keys remote control permitting to easily work media playback functions from afar and to swiftly navigate through the user friendly media center. What's more, main functions, such as videos, photos and music are quickly accessible through dedicated hotkeys.
Aspire RevoView can also be used as an USB external hard drive where you can store your growing digital libraries and can be used as a back-up drive. A fully featured media player, Aspire RevoView combines high storage capacity, a compact design and seamless playback functionalities.
The Aspire RevoView will be available from the 8th November with RRP starting at £119.99 inc Vat.
Since 2006, Jawbone's been making noise-canceling bluetooth headsets boasting modern design and military-grade sound. This is not one of those. This is the Jawbone Jambox -- a wireless bluetooth speaker -- and it's what happened when the company decided to let the music out. Functionally it's almost exactly the same as a Jawbone Icon, down to the pairing process, three-button controls and MyTALK upgradable software platform, but instead of a tiny mono earpiece you're getting a stylish portable speakerphone with a 3.5mm input jack and some serious stereo potential. We've had it playing for several hours now, and while it's not going to be the life of a large party even at maximum volume, it pumps out a terribly impressive amount of clear, room-filling sound for its size. If you pick it up or set it down on a table, you'll feel the vibrations nearby.
You can't quite tell from this angle, but that stainless steel grill wraps around an airtight enclosure made of polycarbonate infused with glass, which houses a pair of full-range drivers and a microphone up front and a "moving-wall passive bass radiator" around back for some extra low-end goodness. We're told this last was quite the innovation, which didn't impress us much until we were told what Jawbone put inside the radiator to ensure mass and rigidity: the unit's 800mAh lithium-ion battery. Speaking of juice, Jawbone tells us the unit's good for about eight hours of continuous playback at 75 percent volume. You'll be paying a good bit to get this designer toy pumping out your jams, as any of the black, red, blue or silver units will run $200 at Best Buy and the Apple Store when they hit November 16th, but if you've been aching for a modern, handheld ghetto blaster, this is definitely one way to go. PR after the break.
Update: As some have pointed out in comments, a number of the ideas here aren't actually new -- you can find a very similar portable Bluetooth speaker (down to a patent-pending "BassBattery" and a $200 price) in the Soundmatters foxL v2 with Bluetooth.
Jawbone® Introduces JAMBOX™: The World's First Intelligent Wireless Speaker and Speakerphone A breakthrough in sound, wireless computing and design
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – November 4, 2010 – Jawbone, the leader in personal mobile technology, today announced their latest breakthrough: JAMBOX, the first intelligent wireless speaker and speakerphone.
In addition to delivering full spectrum audio, JAMBOX quickly and easily connects with mobile phones, computers, tablets, iPods® or any other Bluetooth® device, allowing consumers to seamlessly stream and share music, movies, games, phone and conference calls anywhere - all wirelessly, all in the palm of your hand.
"Jawbone has been committed to providing the most advanced technology in compact and elegantly designed lifestyle products," says Hosain Rahman, CEO and founder of Jawbone. "JAMBOX is an extension of this commitment - we've combined cutting-edge innovations in acoustics and microcomputing into a meticulously crafted package. JAMBOX is not just a new kind of stereo speaker; it's a whole new category of high quality mobile audio."
Breakthrough Science Delivers Full Spectrum Sound JAMBOX utilizes more than 40 years of acoustics research to produce sound quality and volume unparalleled for a speaker of its size. Its two highly powerful acoustic drivers and ultra-small dome produce an audio spectrum almost as wide as the human ear itself. These drivers and speakers work in concert with an innovative moving-wall passive bass radiator and airtight enclosure - the only one of its kind in a compact speaker - to deliver such shimmering highs and massive low frequencies that they can literally be felt from feet away.
Constantly Evolving Technology JAMBOX is the only speaker in the world that gets smarter with time. It can be updated with apps, software and new features at Jawbone's industry-first online platform, MyTALK. Audio alerts offer totally hands-free convenience, letting you know battery life, caller ID, call functions and more. JAMBOX can also be personalized with voice and language options. This one-of-a-kind intelligence means JAMBOX will always be up-to-date with the latest and greatest technologies.
Modern Design Looks As Good As It Sounds With its stainless steel construction and industrial-weight molded rubber casing, JAMBOX is a sturdy, highly portable and versatile speaker system in a package that looks like minimalist art. "JAMBOX exemplifies Jawbone's obsession with ensuring that form is always integrated with function," says Yves Béhar, Chief Creative Officer. "It's built totally differently from your typical speaker: All four sides are wrapped in a single grill to cut down on moving parts, achieving a strong, minimal form unlike any other speaker, while also making it highly durable." JAMBOX's innovative single-grill construction also fully exposes the speakers, resulting in a richer, louder, and broader spectrum of sound. Uncompromising attention to detail extends to the four distinct design options, which according to Béhar, "visually reflect sound in the forms of dots, diamonds and waves bringing an artisan quality to JAMBOX's pure box aesthetic."
Fully Experience Mobile Media Wherever You Go With JAMBOX, all mobile media comes brilliantly to life - you will literally feel the thump of every kick drum, cinematic car crash and video game battle. The built-in professional-quality microphone lets you to share conference calls anywhere - in the office, at home, or on the road - alone or with a group. Without docks or cords, JAMBOX can be carried from room to room or thrown in a bag, delivering the freedom of pristine wireless audio anytime, anywhere.
JAMBOX comes in four stunning designs: Blue Wave, Black Diamond, Grey Hex and Red Dot. The full JAMBOX line is available for pre-order today on jawbone.com for $199. JAMBOX will be available at Apple Stores and select Best Buy outlets on November 16, 2010.
About Jawbone For more than a decade, Jawbone has produced personal wireless technologies unparalleled in their innovation, ease-of-use and sophistication of design. Jawbone is the creator of the award-winning and best-selling premium ICON Bluetooth headset and the inventor of NoiseAssassin® technology, the world's first and only military-grade noise-eliminating technology. Jawbone delivers products that innovate and improve the mobile lifestyle through ever-changing software and wearability. Privately-held and headquartered in San Francisco.
- Connections: Bluetooth v2.1+EDR (A2DP 1.2, HFP 1.5, HSP 1.1), 3.5mm audio input & micro USB (charging only) - Wireless Range: At least 33 ft (10 m) - Output: 85dB @ 0.5m - Frequency: 60 Hz-20 kHz - AC Adapter: 5V 550mA Max 2.5W (USB port) - Accessories Included: Carrying case, AC charger, 12.5" and 60" micro USB charging cable, 36" 3.5mm stereo cable - Dimensions: 151mm x 57mm x 40mm - Weight: 347g (12oz)
Convertible tablets are a hardly a rarity, but while their non-convertible cousins may be getting all the press lately how many of those can morph into a mighty desktop? Okay, the T1125 isn't exactly mighty with its Core i5 or i3 ULV processors, but its sideways dock does let it turn into a respectable desktop, still leaving that 11.6-inch touchscreen available for use. USB 3.0 ports are on-offer for your high-speed peripherals, Optimus tech to boost battery life, and THX-certified dual-channel speakers will let you properly shatter Grandpa's teeth on the go. The T1125 is set to ship sometime later this month for $1,299, fingerprints not included. For now, however, check out a thorough hands-on from our pals at Netbook News -- it's just past the break.
What would we ever do without informative tipsters, eh? Android Central has received an internal Verizon document identifying Motorola's Droid Pro as an iconic device and setting out details for its upcoming launch. November 9 is the date pinpointed for the commencement of pre-sales, which seem to be different from pre-orders insofar as they'll actually ship out to buyers starting November 10, meaning quite a few will have their portrait QWERTY handset in their pocket before the proper November 18 release date. Bear in mind that this is still unofficial information for now, though given that Moto itself promised the Droid Pro for the first week of November, it'd be weird if this wasn't the schedule for the handset's release. Speaking of weird... "iconic device," seriously Verizon?
Perhaps the biggest challenge in making holograms usable on a daily basis -- aside from having to film your subject with a million trillion cameras -- is in getting their refresh rates up to the levels we're used to with "normal" two-dimensional video. We're still a fair way away from those magical 30fps, but the University of Arizona is touting a heretofore unheard of redraw rate of once every two seconds. This is a major advance from their first dynamic holograms demonstrated two years ago, which required minutes to swap over to a new image. The current prototype is built on a 10-inch photorefractive polymer screen, with lasers beaming information onto it, though 17-inch versions are also being tested. Another present limitation is that the hologram displayed can only be of one color, but that is also subject to the continuing labors of the UA researchers, who foresee no major hurdles preventing them from eventually cobbling together full-color, fast-refreshing, and fully realized 3D holograms. Now that'd be 3D television we can all get behind. Or in front of, depending on the viewing angle we want.
If you're LG, you wait until Android becomes a tablet-worthy OS before bringing out your Tegra 2 slate. If you're Toshiba, you're too busy shipping your 10-inch Froyo tablet to care. The Folio 100, powered by NVIDIA's latest and greatest ARM SOC, is making its promised Q4 2010 arrival today, as it begins shipping all across Europe. There are still no release plans for the US, but Euros can now enjoy a 1024 x 600 resolution, 16GB of internal storage, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, mini-HDMI, USB and SD card-reading ports, and up to seven hours of battery life. €399 ($560) is the last price we heard for this Android Market-deprived slate, though we'd recommend trying one in person before letting go of that cash -- our own impressions of the Folio 100 weren't overwhelmingly positive.
Update: Toshiba has furnished us with updated pricing. Germany will have to pony up €429 for the 3G-less Folio 100 or €529 for the 3G-equipped SKU (available Q1 2011), whereas Italy gets both of them cheaper at €399 and €499, respectively, and UK buyers will have to find £329 for the thriftier model. All prices include local sales tax.
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Toshiba ships its Android-based tablet FOLIO 100
Toshiba Market Place for FOLIO 100 makes available a broad choice of applications
Neuss, Germany, 4th November 2010 – Toshiba begins distribution of its recently announced media tablet FOLIO 100 throughout Europe. The Android-based device offers a rich entertainment experience and gives access to a wide selection of apps and download services via Toshiba Market Place.
Enjoying a rich multimedia experience Featuring a broad range of connectivity options the 25.7cm (10.1') personal media tablet FOLIO 100 provides a seamless, user-friendly experience across entertainment, social networking and mobile Internet. Support of Adobe® Flash 10.1 enhances FOLIO 100's rich multimedia capabilities. A plug-in to allow playback of Flash videos will be available for download free of charge as of mid-November 2010 via Toshiba Market Place[1].
A wide selection of apps allow personalisation of FOLIO 100 Via Toshiba Market Place, FOLIO 100 offers access to a download area with a wide selection of apps optimised for FOLIO 100's 10.1' screen. Users can choose from several hundred[2] apps that are neatly organised in categories including communications, games, travel & maps, business & finance, e-books, utilities and many more.
Developer platform offers professional support To support software developers, Toshiba offers access to a platform (www.toshibatouch.eu) that is especially dedicated to their needs. They will find useful tools and get professional support for developing new apps which are optimised for FOLIO 100 and Toshiba's Internet companion AC100. Apps can be uploaded and will be added to the Market Place portfolio as soon as they get approval to be used on FOLIO 100 and AC100. An attractive revenue share model allows developers to participate with up to 70 per cent of the revenue of their app.
Download and music sharing made easy Music Place, powered by 7Digital, offers an easy to use client that gives access to one of the widest catalogues of music. Users can either download purchased tracks and file it on the FOLIO 100 or store it on a personal cloud storage area and then sync their connected devices via internet. This opens up a modern way to enjoy content anytime and anywhere.
Facts & Figures* · CPU: Nvidia® Tegra™ 2 · 25.7cm (10.1'') capacitive multi-touch display with 1,024 x 600 pixels · Highly intuitive graphical interface that runs on top of Android 2.2 (Froyo) · On-board storage capacity: 16 GB · Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR, WLAN (802.11 b/g/n), Mobile Broadband (soon available in certain models and countries) · DLNA® compatible · 1 x mini HDMI®, 1 x USB 2.0 (client and hub), SD/MMC Card Reader · Supports Adobe® Flash 10.1. Software download available as of mid November 2010 · Rotation of displayed content on the screen by accelerometer · Webcam with 1.3 MPixel · Battery life: 7 hours (65% web browsing, 10% video playback, 25% standby) · Weight: 760g · Size: 281mm x 181mm x 14mm · Pre-installed software (excerpt): Toshiba Media Player, Fring, Document to Go, Evernote
* depending on configuration and local availability
Boxee might get all the attention but Plex is without a doubt one of our favorite Mac media center apps. So it's with wide-eyed interest that we tell you about the Plex client making its first tentative steps onto the second generation Apple TV platform. Naturally, Cupertino's not behind the initiative to replace Apple's own "Lowtide" 10-foot user interface -- this work is being done by the Apple TV jailbreak community. The ATV2 build is still just a proof of concept so it's buggy and limited to video playback (no music, images, or app management) for now. But hey, it's another iOS app for ATV2 and it does work as evidenced by the video after the break. Man, we're getting all tingly at the thought of scattering a few $99 boxes around the house to serve up the wide variety of codecs supported by Plex in addition to Apple's more limited AirPlay.
10Gbps. In both directions. At the same time. That's been the tantalizing promise of Intel's Light Peak optical interconnect, and now we're hearing its penchant for speed is overflowing into the company's roadmap. CNET cites a source familiar with developments behind the scenes in reporting that Light Peak is expected to arrive in the early part of next year, slightly accelerating the already known plans for delivering the technology at some point in 2011. We've already been graced with a set of Light Peak-enabled prototypes, so you could've guessed things were gathering pace, but it's always good to get the odd bit of anonymous confirmation that things are moving along swiftly. And hey, when Light Peak hardware finally drops, we can just switch gears and start salivating over improvements that'll lift that 10Gbps ceiling even further.
Look, we don't want to think about those brutally cold winter days ahead either, but there's no denying that Columbia's new electrically heated apparel could take the sting out of those below-zero temperatures. Similar to the company's Bugathermo boots, its new gloves, jackets and boots pack what they call Omni-Heat Electric technology, which basically outfits the clothing with lithium polymer battery packs and a specially tailored heating system. Dubbed "on-demand" heat, you can turn on and off the heat with the touch of a button, and then adjust the level by pressing the color-changing LED-backlit button. The number / size of batteries depends on the article of clothing -- for instance, the jackets are equipped with two 15Wh batteries while each glove, as you can see up there, has a smaller capacity cell. So, how long will they keep you warm and toasty on the slopes? About six hours, says a Columbia product manager, and once out of juice you can charge them via any USB cord. Oh, and yes, you can refuel your phone or iPod using the battery pack itself -- obviously, we asked!
At its press event in New York City this week, Columbia dressed us in a Circuit Breaker Softshell jacket (yes, that's what it's called) and a pair of the Bugaglove Max Electric gloves and threw us into its Omni-Heat freezer booth -- we have to say, our arms and back stayed mighty toasty and the jacket didn't feel as heavy as we expected. The gloves, on the other hand, are bulky, though may provide some good cushioning for novice snowboarders like ourselves. Of course, that heat is gonna cost ya. The aforementioned jacket rings up at $850 and the gloves at $400. Sure, picking up a few hand and boot warmers would be cheaper, but believe us, you wouldn't look or feel nearly as cool.
Hey, what could the maker of the 3DS' autostereoscopic display be doing in its spare time? Why, stealing a bit of thunder for itself, by the looks of it. Sharp has just trotted out a pair of glasses-free 3D Android handsets for Japan's Softbank network in the form of the touchscreen slate 003SH and QWERTY-slidin' 005SH. A 1GHz Snapdragon powers Froyo on both, with the 3D-capable displays stretching to 3.8 inches and 800 x 480 resolution. The 003SH also comes with a 9.6 megapixel camera, while the 005SH settles for 8 megapixels, although both are capable of 720p video. There are also bundled 3D content deals in place, such as the one with Capcom that will see Mega Man, Resident Evil and Ghosts 'n Goblins titles coming preloaded on the handsets. Intrigued? The 003SH is coming this December, to be followed by the 005SH in February.
Windows Phone 7 launched with a dizzying variety of handsets. On closer inspection though, all nine WP7 devices hitting retail space in 2010 feature the same processor and display resolution. So outside of a few notable hardware variations, software is going to be a big differentiator for consumers. That's why LG has teamed up with Microsoft to offer a revolving portfolio of free, so-called "quality" apps to owners of LG Windows Phone 7 handsets. Ten free apps valued at more than $30 will be given away every 60 days via the LG Application Store -- that's 60 apps per year. These are in addition to the free apps already developed exclusively for LG handset owners like the PlayTo media streaming app we fawned over during our Optimus 7 review. Keep it up LG and your mobile handset division might finally pull itself out of the ditch. See the first ten apps listed after the break.
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LG Owners to Get Free Access to Popular Windows Phone 7 Applications
LG and Microsoft collaborate on developer program for a new mobile platform.
SEOUL, South Korea - Nov. 4, 2010 - LG Electronics (LG) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq "MSFT") announced today that they are teaming up to provide customers with a free selection of quality applications for LG customers with Windows Phone 7 handsets. LG and Microsoft will subsidize a revolving portfolio of hand-picked applications, providing free access to quality applications that take advantage of the unique features and design of Windows Phone 7.
LG and Microsoft will offer Windows Phone 7 applications across popular categories - including social connectivity, gaming and helpful utilities - ensuring that customers have access to the applications they value most. Ten free applications with a value of more than $30 (U.S.) will be given away every 60 days. LG's Windows Phone 7 customers can download these applications for free (for a period of 60 days) via LG Application Store, which will be accessible directly from LG Windows Phone 7 models.
Selected Windows Phone application developers will be provided with exclusive marketing opportunities and resources to promote their applications with LG. Developers of selected applications will benefit from promotional support through LG's marketing presence and Microsoft's Windows Phone Marketplace. LG will promote the new applications through in-store sales events and on the LG Mobile Global Facebook page (http://on.fb.me/bltMvp), creating a larger market for developers and bringing them closer to their audiences.
"When we pledged early last year to support Microsoft's smartphone strategy, we knew we were making a decision that had the potential to generate ripples in the ecosystem," said Chang Ma, vice president of the Mobile Communications (MC) Marketing Strategy Team at LG. "Microsoft's commitment to the developer community is well known and respected in the industry, and we look forward to seeing this partnership with Microsoft lead to greater things."
"We built the new Windows Phone Marketplace to create new business opportunities for developers and partners alike," said Brandon Watson, director for Windows Phone at Microsoft. "This collaboration with LG creates a win-win situation for consumers and developers and will further showcase the variety of quality games and applications available on Windows Phone 7."
What's more, LG will also be offering its Windows Phone 7 customers free access to even more applications developed directly by the company. These applications will also be available from the LG Application Store and will span social networking services, such as Type n Walk and Voice SNS, as well as practical tools like Subway AR.
LG and Microsoft's developer program will kick off in November. More information can be found at http://www.facebook.com/LGMobileHQ.
GO LED. GO GREEN. No, it's not some whippersnapper's 2010 Presidential campaign slogan, it's the motto of ViewSonic's newest LCD monitor range. The VG36-LED series is comprised of two units as of now, the 22-inch VG2236wm-LED and the 24-inch VG2436wm-LED. Both of these guys boast LED-backlit panels, a native 1,920 x 1,080 screen resolution, VGA / DVI connectivity options, a borderline comical 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and EPEAT Gold certifications for all the Sierra Club members in attendance. You'll also get a stand with more adjustments than your mother could ever figure out, and thankfully, neither one is positioned to break the bank -- they're available now for $229 and $259 in order of mention.
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ViewSonic Backs LED Display Commitment With Launch of Environmentally-Friendly VG36-LED Series
Company Announces 24" VG2436wm-LED and 22" VG2236wm-LED Ergonomic, Cost-Efficient Displays
WALNUT, CA--(Marketwire - November 3, 2010) - Following its recent announcement to take its entire display line to LED by early 2011, ViewSonic® Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today announced the launch of its latest LED backlit monitors -- the VG36-LED Series.
Furthering its commitment to smarter, greener computing, the VG36-LED Series makes its debut with the 24" (23.6" vis.) VG2436wm-LED and 22" (21.5" vis.) VG2236wm-LED. These environmentally-friendly LED monitors feature a slim bezel profile and native 1920x1080 resolution. In addition to Full HD resolution and DVI and VGA connectivity options, both mercury-free monitors offer an impressive 20,000,000:1 MEGA contrast ratio and built-in stereo speakers for the ultimate viewing experience. Teamed with Energy Star® and EPEAT Gold certifications and an energy savings of up to 50%, the VG36-LED Series combines the best of all worlds.
For a full range of ergonomic options, these monitors include 90-degree pivot, height adjustment of up to 5.4", 360-degree swivel and tilt for a truly customized desktop set up. Alternatively, users can mount these monitors to the wall with a VESA® compliant monitor stand. And at 24" and 22", their generous sizes allow for side-by-side document viewing to aide with multitasking for maximum utilization of desktop space.
"With the introduction of the VG36-LED Series, ViewSonic continues to deliver on our promise to offer our customers significant energy cost savings and improved performance and brilliant picture quality," said Sally Wang, senior director of product marketing for ViewSonic. "These monitors represent another step towards our commitment to delivering an array of green LED products that best fit the needs of our customers."
The VG36-LED Series provides the crisp, clear picture quality users have come to expect from ViewSonic, coupled with the company's strongest pixel performance guarantee and a three-year limited warranty. The 22" VG2236wm-LED and 24" VG2436wm-LED are both now available for respective ESPs of $229 and $259.
At long last, the Lumix DMC-GF2. Hitting the scene just a few weeks after the GH2, this here Micro Four Thirds rig is Panasonic's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera, and it's packin' quite the specs list. From the top, you're looking at a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor, compatibility with the company's own 3D interchangeable lens (the LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12) and an enclosure that's seven percent lighter (not to mention 19 percent smaller) than the GF1. You'll also find a three-inch touchpanel on the rear, contrast AF system, a freshly designed Touch Q user interface, internal dust reduction system and the ability to record video at 1920 x 1080/60i or 1280 x 720/60p in AVCHD. Better still, lower resolution options are available with Motion JPEG recording, and the 23-area focusing system shouldn't have a difficult time nailing your subject. We should point out that the ISO only ranges from 100 to 6400, but the included hot shoe accessory definitely allows for a flash. Of course, there's no optical viewfinder here, but hey, you can't have it all when you're looking to save space. The GF2 will ship in January with three color choices (silver, red and black) and two bundle options: a 14mm F2.5 pancake kit and a 14-42mm zoom lens kit. Unfortunately for you, pricing won't be announced until mid-to-late December. Bah, humbug!
PANASONIC INTRODUCES COMPANY'S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST DIGITAL INTERCHANGEABLE LENS SYSTEM CAMERA WITH FLASH
New Panasonic LUMIX GF2 Features Touch-Screen Operation, Full HD Video Recording Capability and Compatible with Panasonic's Interchangeable 3D Lens
SECAUCUS, NJ (November 4, 2010) – Panasonic today announced the LUMIX DMC-GF2, the latest of the company's DSL Micro (DSLM) compact mirrorless cameras, which is Panasonic's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera – complete with a built-in flash. The LUMIX GF2 is compatible with lenses from the Micro Four Thirds standard, meaning the system is small and compact, while not compromising ease of operation or image quality. Even more, the LUMIX GF2 is compatible with Panasonic's new 3D interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12, so users can take 3D photos.
"The LUMIX GF2 is key in the Panasonic DSL Micro line-up, as it's the smallest and lightest model we offer, while still offering superb image quality, which our consumers have come to expect from LUMIX. Compared to the GF1, its predecessor, the GF2 has been reduced approximately 19% in size and approximately 7% in weight yet is still retains its signature built-in flash," said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "We expect the LUMIX GF2 to be an attractive model for consumers who want to step up to a more powerful camera that is easy to use, and a camera that is 'future-proof' with its 3D capabilities."
The LUMIX GF2 is extremely easy to operate for consumers at any level, thanks to a newly- designed user interface, which allows for the focus to be set, or shutter released, by simply touching the large 3-inch touch-screen LCD. The touch-screen LCD with a 460,000-dot-resolution makes taking great photos intuitive. Once a user locks on a subject by touch, the LUMIX GF2 tracks the subject with the AF tracking function, even if the subject moves – making it easy to take photos of moving subjects, like children playing. The contrast AF system adopted by the LUMIX DMC-GF2 is not only accurate and easy to use, but also very fast. Users can choose from a wide range of AF (Auto Focus) modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection, and AF Tracking.
The touch operation also dramatically shortens the time spent navigating the menus. With the LUMIX GF2's newly-designed Touch Q-menu, the user can customize the camera's shortcuts with the most commonly used settings. Together with the simple button components, including dedicated buttons for video recording and iA (Intelligent Auto) mode which lights in-use, users can operate the camera intuitively with ease.
With the Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode, the camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode and a touch on the background or scenery switches to the scenery mode, while a touch on the subject close to the camera switches to the close-up mode. With the MF assist mode for manual focusing, users can enlarge the subject by just a touch to select 1x, 5x or 10x and smoothly move the subject by dragging it on the screen. In iA mode and the Peripheral Defocus mode, the range of defocus can be adjusted by just moving the slider with a finger, something not possible with larger more complicated DSLR cameras that don't feature touch control.
While achieving breakthroughs in compactness of design and outstanding photo and video quality, the Panasonic LUMIX GF2 can contribute its professional-level imaging performance to well-balanced engine and sensor technologies. For the image processor, the Venus Engine FHD is incorporated, featuring exceptionally high performance signal processing capabilities in both photo and movie recording. With the advanced noise reduction system employing the 3D NR and CNR (Chromatic Noise Reduction), users can capture clear, naturally-balanced images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels to help prevent the color bleeding.
Panasonic's Venus Engine FHD enables Intelligent Resolution technology, which means that three areas – outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation – are automatically detected. Then, the outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges more clearness while giving a moderate accentuation to the texture areas to look more finely detailed. To the soft gradation part, noise reduction system is applied to make it smoother. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel, resulting in images that are naturally clear and crisp in both video and photos. The 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor featured in the LUMIX GF2 offers the best of both worlds – the superb image quality of a CCD sensor, plus the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor.
All of Panasonic's LUMIX G-Series DSLM cameras are equipped with the highly-efficient Dust Reduction System. If dust gets inside the camera when the user changes lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in photos. The Dust Reduction System helps to reduce this risk by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles.
The LUMIX GF2 shoots professional-quality full High Definition (HD) videos as well as handling still photography. The LUMIX GF2 can record 1920 x 1080 videos at 60i or smooth HD 1280 x 720 movies at 60p in AVCHD. For those looking for better compatibility with computers, the LUMIX GF2 can also record HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 and QVGA, VGA and WVGA. A dedicated video record button makes it easy to start shooting videos, and high quality sound is recorded with the stereo microphone for Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. Panasonic's iA mode extends to video recording, with the following features: Optical Image Stabilizer, Face Detection, Intelligent D-range Control and Intelligent Scene Selector.
The Panasonic LUMIX GF2 is artistic not only in form, but also in function, as it provides an array of features that lets users capture true-to-life images while also creating their own expressive, beautiful images. The LUMIX GF2 features My Color mode which is integrated with the conventional Film mode. My Color mode offers a total of eight preset effects - Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Cinema, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette, plus Custom mode, which lets users manually set the color, brightness, saturation and contrast levels. Also, with the Full-time Live View function, users can see how these settings will affect the images before they shoot, which makes it easier to capture the exact effect desired. The LUMIX GF2 has 17 Scene modes, most which can be used during video shooting, too. The exposure meter can be displayed in the P/A/S/M shooting modes for entry-level users to visually learn the correlation between shutter speed and aperture to enhance their photography skills.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF2, with a quality and solid aluminum body, will be available in black, silver, white, and red models with the following kit options: DMC-GF2C – 14mm F2.5 Lens Kit and DMC-GF2K – 14-42mm Zoom Lens Kit. The LUMIX GF2 will be available in January 2011 and pricing will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipment.
And just like that, all three of the major game consoles now have some semblance of motion controls. Unlike the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation Move, however, Microsoft's Kinect for Xbox 360 opts to get rid of buttons altogether, relying on body gestures and voice commands. As the (estimated to be $500 million) ad campaign says, "you are the controller" -- for better and for worse. Read on for our full review!
We were first tipped off to Microsoft's motion-packed future via a May 2009 leak that's held up pretty well, in retrospect. It was just a month later, at the company's E3 press conference, that the sensor then known as Project Natal made its official debut. We've been playing it in various stages of development ever since, so much so that by the time the original 3D breakout title made it into the bundled Kinect Adventures title (c.f. Rallyball), we were already pretty burned out on it.
All the pieces started falling into place in June 2010, when Microsoft ceremoniously unveiled the final name (that's "Kinect," if you weren't paying attention) and its November 4th release date. The requisite Engadget Show appearance came later that month, and less than 30 days after that, we were told the final price ($149 standalone, $299 with 4G Xbox 360). So, here we are.
Microsoft isn't straying from the packaging aesthetic it uses for Xbox 360, with arguably the biggest differentiator being a slit in the cardboard for Kinect Adventures to go (the retail package is covered by another thin layer of cardboard and ads that keep the game in place). Opening the top flap reveals a very purple interior, Kinect's color choice (as further demonstrated by the DVD cases for all motion titles). Behind the sensor itself, there are a handful of pamphlets, a USB extension cable, and an AC adapter for using Kinect with older Xbox 360 models (more on that later).
The Kinect sensor itself is very glossy, on par with the new Xbox 360 look -- which means dust and fingerprints will settle in on the surface just nicely. The motorized stand tilts the sensor vertically for calibration, and to us felt mighty sturdy. Looking at the front, you'll see a green LED light when powered on, and three cameras. The one in the middle is the "RGB camera," as Microsoft prefers to call it -- as earlier listings have indicated, it's likely 640 x 480, 32-bit color at 30fps. The outer pair are the depth sensors, which according to Microsoft "combine an an infrared projector to allow Kinect to see the room in 3D under many lighting conditions." (We were told that darker rooms would work better, and in near pitch-black testings, tracking did improve, at the cost of the RGB camera seeing virtually nothing. There's a common ground.) A quartet of microphones are used to detect what's being said and approximately from where in the room.
Then there's the "special sauce," as Microsoft calls it -- the software that takes all this information and parses through it for skeletal mapping and facial / voice recognition. That's software-driven and requires a bit of processing power reserved for the Kinect, but as we heard, it's pretty minimal. The only portion of significance, as we were told, was a 60MB (of 512MB total for the Xbox 360) memory footprint reserved specifically for the motion sensor. That's a fixed amount that can't be lowered, so do us a favor, developers, and make the most of it.
Setup / calibration
If you own a new Xbox 360, all you need to do is plug in via the dedicated Kinect port in the back, just above the ethernet cable. For older models, the AC adapter provides power while also extended a USB input for plugging in via the back port. For those with a WiFi dongle, Microsoft's suggesting you use that packaged USB extender and plug your wireless connection into one of the front two ports.
As you'll be reminded at least once every game, Kinect recommends (and at times requires) that you be six to eight feet away from the sensor while in play, with no coffee table or ottoman in your way. This isn't exactly the easiest setup to obtain, especially in apartments and dormitories. We set up the Kinect in multiple locations, and none of them were quite right -- we moved couches, twisted the TV diagonally, even pushed back the sensor a few inches to maximize as much space as possible. Point is, the six feet isn't just a recommendation, it's pretty much a requirement.
Whenever you turn on the Xbox 360, Kinect will do what it can to detect human life, and in doing so will use its motorized vertical tilt to get said individuals into the frame as much as possible. If it's the first time using the device, you'll be prompted to calibrate the audio. It takes several minutes, but you'll definitely want to endure -- in essence, it's learning what audio will be ambient / coming from the television (and therefore can be ignored) versus your own vocal cord vibrations. It's how you'd be able to, theoretically, watch a video of someone sternly screaming "Xbox" and the Kinect sensor never mistaking it for a voice command.
If you need to set up the play space, there's a "smiley face" calibration card, of sorts, that comes bundled with Kinect Adventures and a handful of other games. Assuming lighting conditions are ideal -- not too bright (presumably for the infrared), not too dim for the webcam to detect anything -- you'll be walking forwards and backwards a lot as you try to line up the card with on-screen glasses. Seriously.
Lastly, there's calibrating your Avatar ID, and this is where we think Microsoft is just having a laugh at our expense. If you want to be automatically signed in whenever you walk in front of the Kinect sensor, you'll be asked to move around the play space and lineup with a series of grids while simultaneously doing various arm poses reminiscent of antiquated dance routines (the robot arm slump, the disco finger point, and so on). Far be it from us to ask, but we hope this isn't some plan from Redmond to secretly record us in the goofiest poses possible.
Menu navigation
If you're going to be the controller replacement, you'd hope the menu system would be tailored for ease of use and efficiency, right? Unfortunately, that's not exactly the case here. The Kinect dashboard can be navigated two ways, through either voice or hand gestures, though both have their limitations. Let's start with hand gestures; from a standing position, simply motion the icon to hover over the menu item you want to select from. Only catch is, that can take a couple seconds. A physical annoyance, sure, but it's also a painful reminder that pushing a button is so much quicker and more convenient. Lead Software Dev Alex Kipman tells us the hover selection time was picked after "hundreds of hours of playtesting," which we don't doubt -- we just don't agree with. Half of the launch titles we played with managed to find alternate methods (or use quicker hover periods) that worked much better.
The universal pause gesture. Get used to this one: place your right hand down at your side and raise your left hand, palm out, 45 degrees outward from your side -- then wait a few seconds. This will pull up the Xbox guide in dashboard, and a special pause menu for every Kinect title. We guess this one's a necessary evil -- after all, you need a way to pause that isn't going to produce false positives and accidentally activate when you're playing. That said, if you're in a clutch position and have to step away, take our advice and keep a gamepad handy for quickly jamming on the guide button to pause.
Voice is a different beast altogether, and while it's limited in function from time-to-time, it works very well. From any menu, simply shout "Xbox" -- even when watching a fairly loud program, so long as it's calibrated to ignore that noise -- and you'll see a menu pull up that suggests all the commands you can shout. You can even have your friend join in, saying every other word -- it should work, with some margin of error. We've been impressed with our time using it, even when navigating though video. We just wish there were more options, but that's really a software issue, and Microsoft is pretty adamant about evolving this functionality as time goes on.
As we discussed in our Dashboard Preview from last month, Microsoft added Kinect functionality to ESPN, Last.fm, and Zune. What's great is that the gesture controls work while sitting -- at least for other people we talked to. Perhaps it was our lighting situation, but the gestures were pretty finicky when seated. Our Joystiq brethren were able to just fine, so we'll trust their input that it's not a fundamental concern (as many had previously thought), but consider yourself forewarned. The good news is, even if hand waving isn't optimal, ESPN can be navigated entirely in voice commands. A shame we can't say the same for the other two services, as voice search doesn't exist (no, you can't even shout individual letters, the functionality just isn't there).
Games
Along with our Kinect sensor, Microsoft provided us with six titles to play around with. We'll leave it to our good friends at Joystiq for the more in-depth reviews; here's our brief impressions:
Kinect Adventures
Let's start with the bundled title, seeing as this will likely be the first (and in some instance the only) Kinect experience for gamers. For all intents and purposes, Adventures is your requisite pack of minigames meant to give a taste of the "body as controller" experience, under the guise of a jungle theme. And for that, it does a pretty good job. There's five games in all, each with some multiplayer component, including River Rush and the aforementioned Rallyball. It's a party game at its core, so don't expect a lot of replay value beyond showing your friends for the occasional round. (Joystiq review)
Dance Central
A crowd favorite. The Rock Band gurus at Harmonix have made a rhythm game that's, well, Rock Band for choreographed dance. It's the kind of thing that really highlights what Kinect can do -- track your movement, actually teach you dance, and provide all the embarrassment you ever asked for. We had a lot of fun with this one, despite it continually punishing us for misaligned arm movements and the occasional confusion as to which foot we step out with first. Additionally, its menu navigation -- using horizontal swipes to select from a vertical list of options -- is super fast and worked with only a few mistaken selections on our part. (Joystiq review)
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved
Ubisoft's exercise game is the other great example of Kinect's potential. The menu system feels fast (despite using the hovering technique), your on-screen avatar is eerily accurate (some amalgamation of your infrared position and your monochrome visage -- if you're wearing a collard shirt, it'll show the buttons), and the skeletal mapping is added to the equation as another check to how accurately you're maintaining proper Tai Chi positions -- yes, it'll deduct points for not bending your knees as low as the virtual instructor demands. There's also a handful of games, full lesson plans, and yes, it keeps track of your progress. (Joystiq review)
Kinectimals
Something of a pet simulator with a much heavier focus on minigames, its utterly cute art style and character design can't mask the aggravation of trying to throw a virtual toy pig into totem polls and having the game non-intuitively launch the projectile out of your hands too early or too late. It's one of those times where we wish it either detected finger movements or let us push a button instead. We suspect we're not exactly the target audience, but even so, the pacing is mighty slow and the on-screen narrator (some flying half-raccoon creature) will grate on more than a few people's nerves. Still, kudos for implementing a smart horizontal swipe mechanic for sifting through lists, and for tracking your body position and moving the camera accordingly (e.g. for scratching your little tiger friend on his back and side and... okay, it really is adorable). (Joystiq review)
Kinect Sports
If Kinect Adventures is the equivalent of Wii Sports Resort, Kinect Sports is just plain Wii Sports -- and we don't say that in a good way. Games like bowling felt inaccurate in the same way Kinectimals had an "underhanded throw" issue, and table tennis has a huge amount of leeway in how you swing -- on numerous occasions, a forehand in real life would turn into a backhand in order to make the on-screen shot. Additionally, for whatever reason, the sensor had a hard time keeping track of our hand, violently shaking the cursor despite our relatively-still position in lighting conditions that were fine for other titles. If there is such a thing as an inherent yearning for motion-controlled party gaming, the already-bundled Kinect Adventure should more than fill that void. (Joystiq review)
Kinect Joy Ride
It's a racing game that requires you to stand up, which is sure to frustrate a number of people to begin with. The menu system also seems to suffer from the same detection glitches as Kinect Sports (see above). There's just not a lot of depth when you consider this is a $50 title, and the steering mechanic at times seemed a little off with what our bodies were doing. (Joystiq review)
You have a VGA camera and a powerful multi-array mic -- video chat's kind of a no-brainer, at this point. We're happy to say this part works great -- once you get connected, that is. Like we said before, the sensor still isn't too fond of us sitting down, with lighting conditions seeming to be the biggest culprit in our inability to gesture our hands. Thankfully, you have some options to use a controller here. We chatted up Joystiq's Justin McElroy for a few minutes, with the Kinect sensor tracking his head and body as he performed a ritual dance for us (if you could call it dancing). Even just for audio, using the Kinect as a mic (with smart noise cancellation) decidedly beats wearing a headset any day.
Wrap-up
We can't help but quote our Google TV review here: "It's always hard to review version 1.0 of a platform -- it's tempting to give concept and potential nearly as much weight as execution." The Kinect as hardware is great, but there's plenty of room for software engineers and UI designers to improve. And speaking of room, if you're worried about cramped space, you might want to get a measuring tape before shelling out $149. Former Microsoft exec Robbie Bach called the Kinect a "midlife kicker" for Xbox 360, so you can bet the company will continue to pool resources into improving the experience for a good while (and hopefully the Dashboard is pretty high on that list of to-do's).
The comparison everyone wants to make -- including Microsoft and Sony themselves -- is how Kinect stacks up against the Move. By the numbers, picking up Move starter bundle and an extra controller is the same price, and in that setup you also get a two-player experience. Move's Sports Champions is arguably a stronger bundled title compared to Kinect Adventures. But really, we feel like both systems -- along with Nintendo and the Wii -- are just taking a different approach to the same issue. Where does interaction go next? How do you bring it to the living room? Back to the Kinect, though: we think there's some fighting spirit inside that glossy shell, but it's definitely got a lot of growing up to do first.
StumbleUpon's been serving up crowdsourced, personalized website recommendations since the turn of the century with the simple idea that like-minded surfers will enjoy the same stuff, and if that sounds like a fantastic formula for recommending apps, then you're in a spot of luck. StumbleUpon's bringing App recommendations to Android today as part of an update to its app, and we have to say, the program's got some potential if it catches on.
As with all crowdsourced software, StumbleUpon's not terribly good at its job right off the bat and a moderately unresponsive UI (with tiny touchscreen buttons) doesn't really help, but the app presently pulls from a set of existing Android app databases that give it a nice head start. After you log in with your StumbleUpon ID, it asks you if it can (a la AppBrain) take a look at the existing apps on your phone, after which point it displays likely correlations one by one (complete with descriptions, screenshots and Android Market star ratings) for you to vote up or down. We got quite a few flashlights, soundboards and fart machines, mind you, but most everything we saw had plenty of ratings and at least four stars, and a good number of our favorites (and some probable soon-to-be-favorites) popped up as well, and voting up and down app concepts is an amusing diversion in and of itself. Sadly, it doesn't use your existing StumbleUpon topic preferences to recommend apps, but it will hopefully align them to your tastes soon, assuming that enough folks can look past the iffy UI long enough to help their fellows and give the free app a go. PR after the break.
Update: It's on the Android Market right now -- find it at our source link, or use the handy-dandy QR code at right.
StumbleUpon Brings Personalized App Discovery to Android
Find Mobile Apps Tailored to Your Individual Interests
SAN FRANCISCO – November 4, 2010 – StumbleUpon, a discovery engine, today announced StumbleUpon App Discovery, a free beta feature of the StumbleUpon Android app that suggests mobile apps based on each user's individual interests and preferences and those of friends and like-minded users. The feature allows users to browse, or "stumble," through recommended apps on their Android phones.
"Currently, discovering apps from the over 100,000 apps available in the Android Market is limited to keyword-based search features," said Garrett Camp, StumbleUpon CEO and co-founder. "With StumbleUpon App Discovery, users can now find applications that are personally recommended to them and in many cases would previously have gone unnoticed."
StumbleUpon App Discovery is included in the free StumbleUpon mobile app for Android. Using StumbleUpon's personalized recommendation technology, StumbleUpon considers each user's app preferences, as well as those of a user's friends and like-minded users, to recommend specific apps. Users simply click "Install" to download any app discovered through StumbleUpon.
To try the free StumbleUpon Apps Discovery feature, download the StumbleUpon mobile app for Android by visiting the Android Market on your phone and searching for "StumbleUpon." Current users of the StumbleUpon mobile app for Android can expect an automatic product update.
About StumbleUpon StumbleUpon is a discovery engine that finds the best of the web, recommended for each user. With more than 15 billion stumbles to date, more than 12 million users and 600 million personalized recommendations per month, StumbleUpon is the leading way to discover great, peer-sourced content on the Internet. More than 50,000 advertisers are using StumbleUpon to promote their products and services. Founded in 2001, StumbleUpon is based in San Francisco and backed by some of the same investors behind Google and Facebook. For more information, visit www.StumbleUpon.com.
It's less than an hour away until Kinect drops in Times Square, as the motion-sensing peripheral is set to make its debut to a throng of freezing buyers. You know what that means -- our brothers-from-other-mothers at Joystiq are on the scene, chatting with folks that have sat for over two days waiting for the camera-equipped controller. Head on over for the full scoop!
If the original iTunes App Store and Android Market launches were any indication, it's going to take software devs some time to adjust to another platform still... but the acclimation process for Apple's desktop marketplace starts right now. Registered Mac developers are receiving emails inviting them to begin submitting programs to the Mac App Store even as we speak, and the above banner is flying high on Apple's developer website. If you're comfortable with Apple's extensive guidelines and have a idea ready to go, you'd best get a move on -- there are fewer than 76 days remaining before the whole shebang goes live. By the way, we're joking in this article's headline: please, if you're reading this, please don't submit any fart programs this time.
Call us crazy, but we're sensing a trend. Just hours after Logitech came forward with its solar-powered desktop keyboard, in flies AUO with something similar for laptops. Demonstrated alongside its deadzone-free 3D panel at FPD International 2010, the 14-inch solar-powered touch keyboard laptop solution (it's a working title, folks) is meant to be integrated into laptops in order to cut power usage by as much as 20 percent. So far as we can tell, a solar module is built within the laptop's lid and its keyboard panel, and the touch-sensitive overlay enables light to travel through while giving you a totally outlandish typing experience -- something akin to the Libretto W105, most likely. There's no word on a scheduled release date or price, but we'll definitely be keeping an eye out for a nearby prototype.
Trying to get a copy of the Skyfire browser for your iOS device? You may not have much luck, as the pseudo-Flash-capable browser has just disappeared from iTunes App Stores around the globe, mere hours after its splashy debut. When we try to download it for ourselves in the United States we get the message immediately above, and RazorianFly readers are chiming in with reports that the app is no longer available in Greece, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, Spain and the UK.
We just pinged Skyfire for comment and they say it's not Apple's fault; demand for a Flash video workaround is apparently so high that the company's having server issues and decided to pull the app rather than introduce new users to a sub-par experience. Skyfire assures us that it's adding servers as quickly as it can, but didn't provide an ETA on when we might see the app once more.
Update: While we're not sure how an digital app can be "sold out," that's exactly what the company says happened to its $2.99 browser today -- after quickly becoming the top grossing app in the iTunes App Store, Skyfire is "temporarily not accepting new purchases" and says it will issue Facebook and Twitter status updates when the next batch of licenses is available. In other words, Skyfire's throttling the flow of purchases from now on. PR after the break.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
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Skyfire Becomes Top Grossing iPhone App in App Store and Sells Out of Inventory in Five Hours
Historic demand forces mobile browser to halt new sales and expand server capacity within hours of availability
Mountain View - Skyfire, the first iPhone browser that plays video designed for Adobe Flash Player, is announcing that they have sold out of inventory within five hours of its public launch.
Skyfire for iPhone has been received with overwhelming enthusiasm -- far beyond internal projections. The result: the company is currently sold out of its first batch of Skyfire for the iPhone and is temporarily not accepting new purchases. The company is working to increase capacity and will be accepting new purchases from the Apple App StoreSM soon.
Skyfire is assuring users that the app's sold out status was a temporary measure taken by Skyfire, and was not the decision of Apple, Inc., which has approved the app.
The app, previously available in the Apple App StoreSM for $2.99, bridges one major gap between Apple and Adobe technologies, enabling consumers to view millions of previously unavailable videos designed for Flash Player on Apple iOS devices.
The company which became the top grossing app in iTunes today ahead of popular titles like Angry Birds, experienced overwhelming consumer demand for its browser within hours of going live. The company is no stranger to consumer demand of its products as its Android browser generated over one million downloads in its first few months.
"Skyfire has historically generated high demand for its browser products but nothing like this," states Skyfire CEO Jeffrey Glueck. "It was hard to predict consumer demand since this was our first paid app, but we were blown away by the demand and sales."
The company plans to open another batch of its iPhone application in the near future. It recommends interested customers follow the company on Twitter @skyfire or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GetSkyfire.iPhone for the new availability batch.
Not like we need our 2.5-inch external drives to get that much smaller, but who are we to kvetch about progress? Hitachi GST has just outed what it calls the thinnest 2.5-inch external hard drive in the world. The G-Drive Slim is encased in a 128.6- x 82- x 9.9mm aluminum enclosure, and tucked within is a slimmer-than-usual 7mm Travelstar Z5K320 hard drive. The USB-powered unit comes formatted for use with Macs, but a quick reformat on your Windows machine will have its mind changed in no time flat. For now, it's only available in a 320GB flavor for $99.99, and you'll only find it at your local Apple Store.
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G-Technology Puts Super Sleek USB Storage in Your Pocket
Known for its Premium External Storage Solutions that are Trusted by Creative Pros, G-Technology(TM) by Hitachi Makes Quality Storage More Affordable for Consumers
SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov 02, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Portable storage has never looked so good with the new G-Technology G-DRIVE(TM) slim from Hitachi GST. Just in time for the holidays, and making a perfect external storage companion to the Apple(R) Macbook(R), MacBook(TM) Pro or Macbook Air(TM), the new G-DRIVE slim external hard drive gives users 320GB of storage and ubiquitous USB 2.0 connectivity in an amazingly slim form factor. The new drive is designed from the inside out to emulate G-Technology's known quality and style for the Apple Mac market, providing simple, reliable and affordable external storage for college students, business professionals and consumers on the go.
The new G-DRIVE slim leverages Hitachi GST's rugged, 7mm Travelstar(TM) Z5K320 drive, making it the thinnest, 2.5-inch external hard drive in the world. With its diminutive footprint -- just a mere 128.6 mm (L) x 82 mm (W) by 9.9 mm (H), -- sleek design and recyclable aluminum enclosure, users now have a stylish drive to help them move, work and play with their digital content. Lightweight and compact, weighing in at approximately 144g (5 oz), users can easily carry up to 80 hours of high-definition video, 320 hours of standard video, 114 movies, 80,000 songs or 160 games(1) wherever they go.
Rugged on the inside, the Hitachi Travelstar Z5K320 drive gives the G-DRIVE slim superior operating shock protection and quiet acoustics for use in the home, in the office or on the road. On the outside, the G-DRIVE slim's solid aluminum enclosure acts as a heat sink, keeping the internal drive cool and data protected. Because of G-Technology's ongoing commitment to quality, the G-DRIVE slim can be easily stowed and transported in a purse, backpack or briefcase.
Formatted for Macs with simple plug n' play connectivity, the G-DRIVE slim is Time Machine(R) ready for added backup protection. It is USB-powered, so there is no need to carry around an extra power cord.
"Our new G-DRIVE slim is yet another way that we're making high quality storage more accessible and affordable for consumers," said Mike Williams, vice president and general manager, Hitachi GST Branded Business. "There's been mounting interest from our global network of retailers and distributors to provide a G-Tech-quality, entry-level portable offering and the G-DRIVE slim is that drive. It gives users a simple external storage solution with the same quality and attention to detail that we put into our entire line of premium external storage solutions."
The new G-Technology G-DRIVE slim comes with a three-year limited warranty and is currently available online and at Apple Retail Stores. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 320GB drive is $99.99.
For more information, or to find other G-Technology external drives with higher capacities, faster interfaces or screaming throughput for HD video editing, please visit www.g-technology.com.
Stay connected with G-Technology:
G-Technology drives are engineered specifically to meet the needs of the content creation and Apple Mac communities, including heavy users of multimedia content, Final Cut Pro(R) digital audio/video specialists and other pre/post production professionals. From rugged portable drives to ultra-fast rack-mount arrays, G-Technology's USB, FireWire, eSATA, SAS and Fibre Channel storage solutions support virtually all levels of AV production and can be found in post-production facilities worldwide.
Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST) develops advanced hard disk drives, enterprise-class solid state drives, and innovative external storage solutions and services used to store, preserve and manage the world's most valued data. Founded by the pioneers of hard drives, Hitachi GST provides high-value storage for a broad range of market segments, including Enterprise, Desktop, Mobile Computing, Consumer Electronics and Personal Storage. Hitachi GST was established in 2003 and maintains its U.S. headquarters in San Jose, California. For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachigst.com.
No 3D or over-the-top designs here, but HP has just rolled out a pair of new laptops for those simply looking for the basics. First up is the 15.6-inch G62m series laptop (pictured above), which packs a 2.2GHz Celeron 900 processor, 3GB or DDR3 RAM, a 320GBHard Drive, and integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics on the base model, and starts at just $529.99 (a few upgrades are available, though you're stuck at the Celeron level for processors). On the slightly higher-end is the 17.3-inch Pavilion dv7t, which is considerably configurable, but starts out with a Core i3-380M processor, 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, and the same integrated Intel graphics for $774.99 (after a $150 instant rebate and $25 coupon). Hit up the links below to check out all the configuration options available.
You'll read about many a wonder at CES this January, but you can cross the OLPC XO-3 off the list -- One Laptop Per Child founder Nicholas Negroponte told PC World that the slate's debut has been pushed back roughly 45 days, until the middle of February instead. Whether the Marvell Moby-based tablet turns out to be a sexy, paper-thin device or a chunky contraption wasn't discussed, but Negroponte did have a simple explanation for the delay -- he needed a suitable surface to cover that probable Pixel Qi touchscreen. "The issue has been really finding an unbreakable material," he said, hinting that "it may be glass or some flavor of glass," rather than plastic as originally planned. Might we suggest a taste test at the Corning laboratories, Mr. Negroponte? We hear they have a Gorilla that does quite nicely. Video after the break.
It's not just Facebook for Android that's getting an update today -- Twitter just pushed out a new version of its Android app, and while it doesn't add a ton of new features, it's gotten a big speed boost and some polish. The biggest addition is pull-to-refresh, which the iPhone client has had for a while, as an option bar that's revealed by swiping on a tweet. There's also new quoting options for retweets and avatar photos are now high-res, which is nice. We just tried it out and it is indeed faster, which is nice, but we noticed that avatars don't load in right away while you scroll -- they're generic until you stop. Just a minor niggle, and you've no reason not to upgrade -- it's free, after all. Hit market or scan the QR code after the break.
P.S.- Hmm, a big Twitter app update on the same day as a Facebook event? That timing feels like a little more than a coincidence to us, especially since Facebook is gunning hard for location-based check-ins, which is traditionally Twitter's domain. Dare we say that this relationship is complicated?
They're cheap, they can't access the Android Market and they're rocking resistive touchscreens. They're the two newest devices from the lairs at Creative, and the folks over at PCPro were able to spend a few quality minutes with both the 7- and 10-inch ZiiO slates. They noted that the ZiiLabs ZMS-08 processor managed to handle the Android 2.1 load quite well, and while they definitely would've preferred a capacitive, multitouch display, they... managed without one. Hit the source link for a few more impressions and glamor shots, but don't go in expecting a Galaxy Tab killer or anything.
If you have a Lamborghini, a surfeit of money, and an absence of good taste, have we got the phone for you! Out now in Hong Kong, the Tonino Lamborghini Spyder Series of handsets feature a 2.2-inch display, 3 megapixel camera, 4GB internal storage, 316L-grade stainless steel casing, and -- if you shell out a little extra -- a crocodile skin back. Sort of makes Vertu look reasonable in comparison, eh? No, we suppose not. Prices start at HK $13,800 (that's about $1,781 here in the states) and climb upward fairly quickly. Get a closer look after the break.
It's been over two months since it was first submitted for approval, but the Skyfire 2.0 web browser for iPhone is now finally, officially available for download, complete with the ability to play Flash videos... sort of. To get around the iPhone's Flash restrictions, the browser actually transcodes the video in a way that lets the phone only see HTML5, and it compresses all videos by about 75 percent in the process to ease bandwidth concerns. Of course, that workaround also means that Flash video is the only type of Flash that the browser supports, and the company also notes that Hulu is currently blocked but that "scores of other premium sites are supported." Skyfire also points out that the browser has more than just Flash going for it -- it's a full-fledged Webkit browser in its own right, and packs a few other tricks like easy sharing to Facebook and Twitter, and a so-called Facebook Quickview mode. Head on past the break for a quick video overview, and hit up the App Store now to grab the browser for the "special early adopter price" of $2.99.
Update: Skyfire is now "sold out." What could that possibly mean? Find out right here.
Sure, showing an image and boasting wildly is one thing, but it's another thing entirely to see something as outlandish as this functioning on video. The gurus behind the Table Connect for iPhone have returned, using a jailbroken iPhone, a dedicated app (for now) and a freshly washed hand to demonstrate what iOS looks like on a 58-inch multitouch table. We've got to say -- for early software, it sure is snappy. Of course, practicality is still in question, but who ever cared about that? Head on past the break and mash play.
We received an interesting email from Ripxx this morning, stating that due to an unprecedented outpouring of comments on our previous post for its sports GPS, the company's gone and developed its very own iPhone app. That's right, instead of planning your ski trips around a piece of dedicated hardware, you can now do it on the same device you use to read Texts From Last Night while sitting on the loo. The Ripxx iPhone Ski App, as it's called, features trail maps from over 200 North American ski resorts, Google Maps integration, the ability to track time, speed, distance, and vertical drop for your various trips down the mountain. Whatever that means. But hey -- it's only five bucks! And it's available now. Video after the break.
Facebook admitted during its mobile event today that the app for Android devices has been lagging behind other clients and has already made a push to correct that with a new version, 1.4, now available on the Android Market. Not much has changed, but the list of fixes indicates it now supports check-ins with Places, Groups and some much needed improvements to notifications. Check out the gallery for a few screens of the new functions in action or snag the QR code after the break.
Update: It looks like the iPhone app is getting an update as well. Unfortunately, some folks are having trouble downloading it. Let us know how it goes for you.
Facebook for Android makes it easy to stay connected and share information with friends. You can share status updates from your home screen, check out your News Feed, review your upcoming Events, look at your friends' walls and user info, upload photos, share links, check your Inbox, and view posted videos.
Recent changes: - Groups: share posts with small groups of friends - Places: share where you are with friends, see where friends are, discover places nearby - Improved Notifications - view comments and updates within the app - Various bug fixes
Well, it looks like Intel's settlement with the FTC isn't quite a done deal just yet -- the FTC has now announced that it's approved a change to one key measure of the settlement following a public comment period on the matter. That specifically involves Intel's Atom-based Oak Trail platform, which Intel will now be allowed to ship without PCI Express support -- as opposed to the earlier stipulation that it be required to support PCIe in order to "not limit the performance of graphics processing chips." In the short term, that basically means that Oak Trail devices (mainly tablets) likely won't have non-Intel GPUs, and that Intel will be able to continue to ship such products until June 2013. After that, the original settlement requirements will go into effect, and Intel says it is, in fact, already working on an Oak Trail successor that supports PCIe.
Verizon has just announced that its lovely HTC Droid Incredible will be getting a fresh software update pushed over-the-air starting next week, and among the "software enhancements" will be the automatic installation of the carrier's V CAST Apps app store. Since this doesn't mean the Android Market is going away, we suppose it's not the end of the world -- and Verizon is quick to note that V CAST Apps supports carrier billing -- but the benefit of having two app stores on a phone is still anyone's guess. Here's Verizon's full statement:
Everyone at once: "freakin' finally!" While PCs -- even lowly netbooks -- have been enjoying the spoils of SuperSpeed USB for months on end, those in the Mac realm... well, haven't. We've even seen purported email replies from Steve Jobs noting that USB 3.0 simply isn't mainstream enough to be included as standard gear on new Macs, but that's not stopping LaCie from hurdling the hurdles that lie ahead. The company has just announced bona fide USB 3.0 support for OS X, but the unfortunate part is that new hardware is still required; not only will you need a gratis USB 3.0 driver, you'll also need a LaCie USB 3.0 expansion card ($49.99 for PCIe; $59.99 for ExpressCard). In other words, LaCie's USB 3.0 driver won't magically make any ole USB 3.0 PCIe card play nice in your Mac Pro. But hey, there's always hope, and frankly, hope's all ya need. 
Convertible tablets are a hardly a rarity, but while their non-convertible cousins may be getting all the press lately how many of those can morph into a mighty desktop? Okay, the T1125 isn't exactly mighty with its Core i5 or i3 ULV processors, but its sideways dock does let it turn into a respectable desktop, still leaving that 11.6-inch touchscreen available for use. USB 3.0 ports are on-offer for your high-speed peripherals, Optimus tech to boost battery life, and THX-certified dual-channel speakers will let you properly shatter Grandpa's teeth on the go. The T1125 is set to ship sometime later this month for $1,299, fingerprints not included. For now, however, check out a thorough hands-on from our pals at Netbook News -- it's just past the break. 
Kinect Adventures
Dance Central
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved
Kinectimals
After you log in with your StumbleUpon ID, it asks you if it can (a la AppBrain) take a look at the existing apps on your phone, after which point it displays likely correlations one by one (complete with descriptions, screenshots and Android Market star ratings) for you to vote up or down. We got quite a few flashlights, soundboards and fart machines, mind you, but most everything we saw had plenty of ratings and at least four stars, and a good number of our favorites (and some probable soon-to-be-favorites) popped up as well, and voting up and down app concepts is an amusing diversion in and of itself. Sadly, it doesn't use your existing StumbleUpon topic preferences to recommend apps, but it will hopefully align them to your tastes soon, assuming that enough folks can look past the iffy UI long enough to help their fellows and give the free app a go. PR after the break.
Call us crazy, but we're sensing a trend. Just hours after Logitech came forward with its solar-powered desktop keyboard, in flies AUO with something similar for laptops. Demonstrated alongside its deadzone-free 3D panel at FPD International 2010, the 14-inch solar-powered touch keyboard laptop solution (it's a working title, folks) is meant to be integrated into laptops in order to cut power usage by as much as 20 percent. So far as we can tell, a solar module is built within the laptop's lid and its keyboard panel, and the touch-sensitive overlay enables light to travel through while giving you a totally outlandish typing experience -- something akin to the Libretto W105, most likely. There's no word on a scheduled release date or price, but we'll definitely be keeping an eye out for a nearby prototype.
Well, it looks like Intel's settlement with the FTC isn't quite a done deal just yet -- the FTC has now announced that it's approved a change to one key measure of the settlement following a public comment period on the matter. That specifically involves Intel's Atom-based Oak Trail platform, which Intel will now be allowed to ship without PCI Express support -- as opposed to the earlier stipulation that it be required to support PCIe in order to "not limit the performance of graphics processing chips." In the short term, that basically means that Oak Trail devices (mainly tablets) likely won't have non-Intel GPUs, and that Intel will be able to continue to ship such products until June 2013. After that, the original settlement requirements will go into effect, and Intel says it is, in fact, already working on an Oak Trail successor that supports PCIe.
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