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Friday, November 12, 2010

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Verbatim's diminutive MediaShare Mini NAS: memory not included

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 09:50 AM PST

Verbatim, whose business is memory (and whose name means "to reproduce word for word," by the way) has done a Rick Moranis job on its MediaShare NAS, resulting in the MediaShare Mini. One third the size of its predecessor, this guy retains its slight stature by going the Iomega iConnect route of eschewing on-board storage altogether for four USB ports (so it looks like you'll have to factor the four thumb drives into the purchase price). And like the full-size MediaShare NAS server, this bad boy supports remote access via HTTP, support for a number of handhelds (including the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, BlackBerry, Android, and Palm Pre), Facebook integration, DLNA-compliant media streaming, and more. Look for it now for an MSRP of $90.

iTunes 10.1 is out, brings video AirPlay and iOS 4.2 compatibility

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 09:21 AM PST

We've already got the Mac OS X update, and here's iTunes 10.1. Next stop? iOS 4.2. If your copy of iTunes isn't pushing the update, you can head to Apple's page where it'll be there, waiting for you. In addition to paving way for the new iOS, iTunes 10.1 adds the much anticipated video AirPlay feature (it launched as audio only), so fire up that Apple TV and push yourself some vids!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

ASUS Eee PC 1015PN review

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 09:00 AM PST

It's not a secret: ASUS likes to roll out many (and we mean many!) variations of the same laptop. However, while most of the time the differences between the various model numbers -- the PEs, PNs, UCs, UFs, etc. -- usually don't result in much, the $430 1015PN happens to be quite a system in comparison to the many other 1015 or 1215 models roaming the universe. Sure, it has the same chassis as the 1015PE we reviewed not too long ago, but inside it's the first netbook to have Intel's brand new dual-core N550 processor and NVIDIA's Ion graphics. It's arguably the most powerful 10-inch Atom netbook to ever hit the market, but there's one thing that kills the experience for us. Find out just what that is in our full review after the break!
ASUS Eee PC 1015PN review


Look and feel

If you've laid eyes on any of ASUS' recent "Seashell" netbooks, the 1015PN will look extremely familiar. It's got the same soft-to-the touch lid as the 1015PE and 1215N as well as the same chassis design. We're happy to see that ASUS exterminated the traces of glossy plastic around the exterior of the system, however, there are still some glossy surfaces that didn't make the cut -- the wide screen bezel and keyboard deck still love fingerprints. Obviously, we still prefer the thinner design of the 1018P, but even despite the 1015PN's thicker base, the 1.4-inch / 2.8-pound machine still fits into a shoulder bag with plenty of room to spare. The six-cell battery does protrude, but it actually props up the keyboard rather nicely. You get what we are saying here: the design is pretty ho-hum at this point, and its probably time for a refresh, but for $430 it's what most will expect.

Surrounding the netbook are three USB ports along with an Ethernet, HDMI, and VGA jacks. The right edge holds a 4-in-1 media card reader, a headphone and mic / headphone socket. The overall build quality is pretty standard for a plastic ASUS system -- it feels like it could withstand it's fair share of bumps and bruises, but it's still feels like a toy in comparison to something like a Nokia Booklet 3G or the 11.6-inch MacBook Air.

Keyboard, touchpad, and screen

The chiclet keyboard on the 1015PN is identical to the that on the 1015PE and, for that matter, most of the other netbooks we've seen from ASUS in the past year or so. The matte keys are comfortable and provided nice feedback when typing the brunt of this review. With that said, the shrunken right Shift key still trips us up, though it's something you'll probably get used to. The panel doesn't flex nearly as much as that on the 1215N, but it's still got a slight bend to it. As we've said before, it's not the best netbook keyboard out there -- that prize still sits with Toshiba's Mini NB305 or HP's Mini 5103.

The wide touchpad is coated in the same smooth plastic as the lid and palmrest -- it's not as fun as the one's with raised dots that ASUS used for awhile, but it's still quite comfortable on your index finger. Multitouch gestures, such as pinch-to-zoom and two-finger scrolling, do work, but are expectedly jittery and flaky. The single mouse button is a bit mushy, but it's certainly better than the rock solid one we saw on the 1018P.

If the 1015PN and the 1015PE were put in a police lineup, we'd be able to tell them apart by one thing and one thing only -- the 1015PN's matte display. Yep, the the 10.1-inch, 1024x600-resolution LCD isn't coated with a distracting gloss layer, and its pretty great. We actually happen to think that actually improves the viewablity of the panel at most angles -- we didn't have any issues discerning colors when we tilted the screen back and sharing the bright screen with a friend was no problem. And because you never know who could be watching you, the 1015PN has a VGA webcam with a slide-over camera cover. The speakers on the bottom front of the system are typically tinny, but still loud enough for personal listening.

Performance and graphics

We assume this is the part of the review you've really been waiting for, considering the real reason to buy the 1015PN over the other models out there is its new 1.5GHz Intel Atom N550 processor and NVIDIA Ion graphics combo. As we said in our review of the HP Mini 5103, which is powered by the same dual-core processor for netbooks, the everyday performance feels slightly faster thanks to the extra core, but it's not much faster by any means. We actually think the Atom D525 in the 1215N felt snappier, though it also comes with 2GB of RAM. However, the system and its 1GB of RAM was still able to keep up with our usual netbook chores -- including writing this review in WordPad, surfing the web in Chrome, and chatting in Trillian -- there was just the typical netbook lag when opening programs. Unscrewing the small panel on the bottom of the system and upgrading to 2GB of RAM will probably speed things up a bit more. The 1015PN has a 250GB hard drive and 500GB of ASUS' WebStorage.

PCMarkVantage 3DMark06
ASUS Eee PC 1015PN (Atom N550, Ion 2) 1785 151/1495
ASUS Eee PC 1215N (Atom D525, Ion 2) 1942 181/2480
ASUS Eee PC 1201N (Atom N330, Ion) N/A
 1555
ASUS Eee PC 1015PE (Atom N450) 1365 (PCMark05) 154
Dell Inspiron M101z (Athlon II Neo K325) 2572 1311
Acer Aspire One 721 (Athlon II Neo K125)
 1814 1235
Lenovo IdeaPad U160 (Core i7 ULV) 3863 1175
Notes: the higher the score the better. For Ion 2 netbooks, the first number reflects score with GPU off, the second with it on.


Of course, the CPU doesn't have to do it all on its own, and the discrete NVIDIA Ion graphics sure do help with graphics intensive stuff, like streaming Flash video at full screen, watching local HD content and light gaming. Like we saw with the 1215N, the benchmarks topple Intel's integrated graphics and rival AMD's ATI ATI Radeon HD 4225 platform, which we've seen in similar systems like the Acer Aspire One 521. You will notice that the 1015PN didn't score as high as the 1215N on the 3DMark06 -- besides the 1215N having a faster processor it also has a faster version of Ion that's meant for larger 11.6- and 12-inch systems. Still, with the discrete GPU turned on, the little machine had no problem not only playing a 1080p on its screen, but also on a 40-inch HDTV when we hooked it up via HDMI. If gaming is your thing, the 1015PN managed to let us grab a gun and shoot around in Battlefield Heroes at 28fps. Although, we should note that loading up this game and World of Warcraft was sluggish -- the processor just wasn't made for this sort of thing.

However, it's that task of actually turning on the GPU that has us all worked up. Yes, that's that major pain point that you've been waiting for. While the next generation of Ion includes NVIDIA's Optimus, which should automatically switch between the integrated and discrete graphics depending on what program is being used, the 1015PN doesn't support Optimus because it runs Windows 7 Starter. (Apparently Starter doesn't allow for that sort of dynamic switching, and ASUS decided to use the OS to keep the cost down.) The result is a very dated experience, which requires you to select the graphics setting you want through that software panel above, and then reboot every time you want to make the switch. It's that two minute (one minute 30 seconds to be precise) rebooting process that really gets us since we don't remember the last time we had a laptop that required us to shut it down to just switch the graphics processor -- log out maybe, but actually shut down? It's been awhile. It works, and gets the job done, but we just wish we didn't have to go through the trouble, and our guess is that many will feel the same way and probably never end up switching graphics modes.

Battery life and software

Ultimately, that means that you lose the benefits of longer battery life, which is a pretty big bummer since when the Ion GPU is on, the netbook's six-cell, 56Wh battery only lasts around four and a half hours on a charge. Obviously, switching to the integrated lengthened the runtime, and on our video rundown test, which loops the same standard definition movie at 65 percent brightness, the system lasted 5 hours and 53 minutes. Of course, that's not bad in comparison to the 1215N's five hours and 42 minutes, but it's shorter than the HP Mini 5103's six hours.


Battery Life
ASUS Eee PC 1015PN (GPU on/off)
 4:07 / 5:53
ASUS Eee PC 1018P 4:40
ASUS Eee PC 1215N 5:42
HP Mini 5103 6:10
ASUS Eee PC 1005PE 8:10
Toshiba Mini NB305 6:30
Acer Aspire One 521 4:02

We should also mention that the system gets slightly hotter than other netbooks we've tested -- the left vent blew out warm air more often than not and the bottom left side of the machine warmed up our leg. Because somebody refuses to turn on the heat heat in our office we didn't necessarily mind it, but most people have heat, right?

Unsurprisingly, ASUS loads up the machine with proprietary software and some other stuff, including CyberLink's YouCam software and a shortcut to Bonigo's WiFi service. Along with the typical EeeDock, which is locked to the top of the screen, the machine comes with ASUS' Splendid photo editing software and some new Games Park suite of downloadable games -- the preloaded Chicken Invaders 2 game is actually quite entertaining. It also comes with a VIBE Fun Center, which we'd describe more as slow than "fun." It took over a minute to launch the software and then about another minute to access the library of music and video content. There's also ASUS' ExpressGate Cloud instant-on OS, which you can boot into by pressing the lighting button above the keyboard.


Wrap-up

Sure, the 1015PN differs from the other 1015 models out there, but we just wish it were more like its larger 1215N brother. While the 1015PN has a smaller footprint and slightly longer battery life, its processor just isn't as powerful and having to reboot every time you want to switch between graphics cards is a serious inconvenience. If you must have a 10.1-inch netbook with solid graphics, the 1015PN is still one of your best bets since there isn't much else out there -- there's that $330 Acer 521 with AMD's Neo II and ATI graphics, but we're just not big fans of its build quality or design. (It makes us wonder why ASUS didn't just throw an AMD Neo processor in a 1015. Of course, there is the 1015T, but that has a slower AMD V105 CPU. You know you want to throw another one on the production line, ASUS!) Honestly, what we'd really suggest is either settling for an underpowered 10.1-inch netbook in the $350 range with a Broadcom Crystal HD accelerator (i.e. the Eee PC 1005PR or HP Mini 210) or spending $70 more and going up to the larger 12.1-inch 1215N.

T-Mobile's $15 tethering option, tiered data available this Sunday

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 08:02 AM PST

The $14.99 monthly unlimited tethering / mobile WiFi hotspot add-on for your phone that T-Mobile promised in time for the holidays will be getting real this weekend, hitting on Sunday, November 14th. Of course, owners of myTouch 4Gs, G2s with the latest firmware update, and a couple other models in the T-Mobile stable have already been enjoying the option, gratis, for a couple weeks -- so it'll be interesting to see how many subscribers they convert for the $15 upcharge. Certainly makes those roots seem a little more appealing, doesn't it? Available at the same time will be the new 200MB data option for $10, though it won't be available (smartly) in combination with tethering.

On a related note, Big Magenta will be rolling out two promotional Even More plans on the same date: a 1,500 anytime minute individual package for $79.99 and a 3,000 minute family plan for $149.99, both including unlimited text and web. Both require re-upping your contract and will be available "for a limited time," though the carrier isn't saying just how long that "limited time" may be. Follow the break for the release.

Show full PR text
Even More Promotional Plans
The new Even More Promotional Plans are:
Even More® Individual 1,500 Talk + Text + Web plan for $79.99/mo.
Even More® Family Plan 3,000 Talk + Text + Web Plan for $149.99/mo.

These new Even More Promotional Plans will be available beginning Sunday, Nov. 14 and will offer unlimited text, unlimited 4G Web, unlimited T-Mobile to T-Mobile and unlimited Nights and Weekends, in addition to the included 1,500 (Individual) and 3,000 (Family) Whenever minutes®. For the same $79.99 price point at AT&T and Verizon, customers only get 900 Whenever minutes and unlimited text.1 These new plans require a two-year contract and will only be available for a limited time.

Previously announced as coming for the holidays:

4G Mobile Data Plans
T-Mobile recently announced two new mobile data plans that now have official names: 4G Web – 200MB plan and the 4G Web – Unlimited plan. These plans will be available for all T-Mobile phones2 beginning Sunday, Nov. 14 and the details of the plans remain the same - the 4G Web – 200MB plan is $10 per month with a new two-year service agreement or contract extension for a limited time or $15 per month with no contract extension, the 4G Web – Unlimited plan is $30 per month.

Tethering and Wi-Fi Sharing
T-Mobile recently announced the upcoming availability of a Tethering and Wi-Fi Sharing service plan that enables select smartphones to function as wireless modems for connecting devices, such as laptops, tablets and netbooks, to the Internet through the T-Mobile network. Starting Sunday, Nov. 14 T-Mobile customers can add the Tethering and Wi-Fi Sharing plan to their 4G Web – Unlimited $30 monthly Even More plan or 4G Web – Unlimited $25 Even More Plus no contract monthly plan for an additional $14.99 per month.

Beseto Japan's PCM audio recorder runs for one week off 4 AA batteries

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 07:39 AM PST

For old Dead Heads like ourselves, there is nothing sweeter than sleeping in a tie-dyed t-shirt for weeks at a time and living on the road, in search of that great lost chord. We only wish we had one of these new-fangled digital audio recorders while Dylan was rockin' out with Jerry Bear and the gang back in '87. Due out in March 2011, Beseto Japan's DP1000 handheld features three mics (right, left, and center) for either mono or stereo recording, 2GB internal memory, support for microSD and SDHC cards up to 32GB, both Linear PCM (16bit / 44.1kHz) and MP3 recording, and while it holds two AAA batteries (for up 168 48 hours of use) you can attach an external battery case which will give you an entire week of operation with only four AA batteries. Just imagine a week long guitar solo! Your mind would like, melt, dude. Also includes a 300Hz low-cut filter, ten second pre-recording (just in case), and USB 2.0 jack. Open price, but it's estimated retail is ¥15,000 (about $180).

Microsoft's adorable new Windows 7 ad touts Blu-ray, shows Macs and PCs really just want to be friends

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 07:17 AM PST

With the holiday buying season descending upon us, fancy new commercials are naturally ramping up in tandem. Microsoft has a new spin on its Windows 7 promotional efforts with its latest ad, which shows a Mac and a PC bonding over a Blu-ray copy of Avatar during a long flight. Naturally, the PC is the only one who can play Blu-ray, which is Microsoft's semi-subtle pitch, but really this commercial is about the power of Friendship and Sharing Things With Others. We were halfway about to ruin it all by smarmily suggesting the fact that the Mac can play a very similar HD copy of Avatar pulled down from iTunes that won't put as much of a hurt on his battery, but for whatever reason there's no Avatar on the US iTunes Store right now (possibly James Cameron's upcoming extended special collector's millennium edition release has something to do with it?). Which brings us around to Apple's real reason for not supporting Blu-ray: they can't take it away from you.

Samsung 'prints' 19-inch OLED TV, teases our display daydreams yet again

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 06:49 AM PST

Considering Seiko Epson was touting its inkjet OLED technology over a year ago and researchers have supposedly been developing OLEDs as cheap as newspapers for some time now, at this point we're really more interested in seeing electronics manufacturers do more walking and less talking. Thankfully Samsung has acknowledged our tech impatience by sharing a prototype 19-inch OLED that's capable of displaying 58ppi -- or about a quarter of full HD's resolution -- and 16.77 million colors with a limited 8-bit color scale at a brightness of 200 nits. No, it may not look or sound as sexy as the 0.5mm thick flapping panel or 40-inch 1080p OLED sets Samsung shared back in 2008, but unlike those dinosaurs, this latest prototype was made via the old OLED "inkjet method." Sadly the Korean tech giant dashed our hopes of heading over to Kinkos anytime we needed a fresh OLED big screen by stating "the technology is still under development." Now if we had a nickel for every time we've heard that before, we'd probably be staring at an OLED printer on our desk right now.

New version of The Incident offers glimpse of world where Apple TV is the console, iPhone is the controller

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 06:24 AM PST

We love us some big fancy grown-up consoles like the PS3 and Xbox 360, but ever since we saw the new Apple TV we've been wondering what would happen if Apple gave it the App Store and let developers go wild. Surely the results would look a lot like the video above. The developers of The Incident are showing off the upcoming 1.3 build of their ultra-addictive falling objects platformer, which allows for an iPhone to control the game while it's running on an iPad, which is in turn outputting video to the TV. Of course, The Incident guys aren't the first to think of this, we actually saw an SNES emulator running on a jailbroken iPad months ago, and plenty of other apps use the iPhone as a controller. Still, it's some pretty great execution, and the iPad video out seems to be key. Still seem tame to you? Imagine the OnLive iPhone app up and running on this thing. Mind = blown, right? Right.

Ford adds race-ready TracKey to Mustang Boss 302, leaves no doubt about who's in charge

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 06:01 AM PST

The use of a second key to unlock extra potential in a vehicle isn't exactly new: Bugatti's mind-blowing Veyron has a special tumbler-tickler that will let it hit 253mph; the Segway PT offers different fobs for different speeds. But such high-tech foppery on a Mustang? Yes, Ford continues to impress as the domestic marque with the techiest toys, announcing that buyers of next year's Boss 302 can purchase an optional TracKey package, shown after the break. Take the standard black key and you'll have a rip-roaring, 444hp monster. Take the red key, though, and you'll see how fast that pony can run down the rabbit hole. The car detects a different RFID chip in the fob and loads a secondary, track-specific engine tune, tweaking 200 ECM parameters to boost everything from throttle response to engine braking. It'll turn a semi-civilized muscle car into a completely track-ready beast, including launch control. When it's time for a more leisurely cruise users can just switch back to the black key, return to daily driver status, and leave Wonderland -- for a little while, at least.

2012 Mustang Boss 302 comes with race-ready TracKey, resolves any lingering doubts about who's in charge
Show full PR text
2012 MUSTANG BOSS 302 LETS LOOSE WITH TRACKEY; CHOOSE STOCK OR FULL-RACE CALIBRATION

TracKey, available for 2012 Mustang Boss 302 owners through Ford dealers, adds TracMode powertrain control software to the car for track use, providing full race calibration and two-stage launch control in addition to stock calibration, without compromising factory warranty
Using a dual-path powertrain control module (PCM), TracKey software is installed after the vehicle is purchased; accessed by a specially programmed vehicle key, new code coexists with stock Boss software, allowing drivers to choose between street or track use simply by selecting a key
No aftermarket chips or permanent modifications are made when TracKey is used, allowing owners to return to the stock setting by starting the car with a regular key

You hold two keys: One has a black Boss logo, the other red: Either will start your 2012 Mustang Boss 302. Slide the all-black key into the lock cylinder, give it a twist and you're treated to 444 ponies worth of smooth, streetable driving joy. Or choose red - the TracKey - and you have a competition-ready track car.
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DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 11, 2010 – You hold two keys: One has a black Boss logo, the other red: Either will start your 2012 Mustang Boss 302. Slide the all-black key into the lock cylinder, give it a twist and you're treated to 444 ponies worth of smooth, streetable driving joy. Or choose red – the TracKey – and you have a competition-ready track car.

A joint project between Mustang engineers and Ford Racing, TracKey adds a second set of powertrain control module (PCM) software to a customer's Mustang Boss 302, activated by a specially programmed vehicle key. When invoked by TracKey, the new TracMode software alters more than 200 engine management parameters, increasing low-end torque and turning the potent but well-mannered stock Boss into a competition-ready track car. Remove TracKey and start Boss with the standard key, and all factory engine settings are restored for a comfortable drive home from the course.

"From an engine management standpoint, we've done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience," explains Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer. "It's not for use on the street – for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits."

As part of the TracKey software package, Ford engineers also devised a two-stage launch control feature similar to that used on the Cobra Jet race car. Using a combination of steering wheel buttons, drivers can set the tach needle to a desired launch rpm. Floor the throttle and the engine will rev to the preset rpm until the clutch is released, helping aid acceleration and vehicle control from a standing start.

One key, hundreds of changes
Devised during an all-night garage brainstorming session among core Mustang team members, TracKey introduces the concept known as the dual-path powertrain control module. The industry-first, patent-pending innovation allows two separate sets of engine management software to exist on a single PCM, selected through the existing SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transceiver found in current production keys.

The TracKey PCM software, installed by an authorized Ford dealer after a customer takes delivery of the car, adjusts variable cam timing, spark maps, engine braking, fuel control and other engine parameters – more than 200 in total – to provide a complete race car calibration. The result is an aggressive, race-bred driving experience all the way down to the lopey idle rumbling through the Boss quad exhaust.

"Anything that could possibly affect all-out performance is deleted from the TracKey calibration," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. "Throttle limiting and torque management – any daily driveability enhancements are removed and replaced with a pure Ford Racing competition calibration."

When TracKey is removed and the vehicle is started with the standard key, the PCM settings are automatically drawn from the factory Boss 302 instruction set again without any additional modifications needed – a huge advantage over aftermarket tuning chips and ECU reprogramming. The convenience is useful for enthusiasts who want all-out performance at the racetrack but stock driveability for the journey there and back.

An after-hours obsession
In the early stages of TracKey development, a major challenge was the complexity of installing multiple PCM computers and switching between them. However, Ford controls engineers developed a method to choose between two unique sets of software in a single powertrain control module on the Boss 302: The dual-path PCM was born.

"We installed the 302R software on the same PCM that held the stock Boss software," says Seaman. "Then the controls engineers developed a software system to activate one or the other, depending upon which key was used to start the vehicle. Really, all the parts to make this work existed – the Ford MyKey® system was already using the PATS transceiver to perform specific actions based on the key used to start the car, and the PCM was flexible enough to handle multiple control modules. It was just putting everything together."

As the project unfolded, the team was driven by the uniqueness of what they were trying to accomplish, and TracKey became an obsession. Considering the compressed time frame in which the technology was developed, motivation was essential to the creation of the finished product.

"We've all been really excited about TracKey, so it came together quickly," explained Pericak. "The concept was first discussed in spring 2009, and here we are 18 months later with a finished, tested, verified product. It's a perfect example of what can happen when you get a core, cross-functional team willing to contribute 24/7 to bring a great idea to life."

TracKey powertrain software installation and key programming will be available to 2012 Mustang Boss 302 owners through Ford Racing authorized dealers. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

# # #

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

Apple contributing to OpenJDK project, ensures continued Java availability on OS X

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 05:14 AM PST

Apple contributing to OpenJDK project, ensures continued Java availability on OS XAs of just a few weeks ago, Java's legacy of write once, debug everywhere was looking in doubt. Apple's flavor of the Java 6 runtime was deprecated and all those .class and .jar files on Macs were looking like they'd swirl to a lingering death in the great coffee pot in the sky. That all changes today with an announcement from both Apple and Oracle that Cupertino developers will "contribute most of the key components" for OpenJDK Java SE 7 implementations on 32- and 64-bit flavors of OS X, with runtime virtual machines set to cover both Snow Leopard and the upcoming Lion release. Additionally, Apple will continue to make the SE 6 version of Java available, while Oracle will take over responsibility for ownership and distribution of version 7 and those to come. Makes sense -- Apple might be pulling away from the enterprise and server markets, but there are lots of Java devs using Mac OS X out there, and it's only natural for Oracle to pick up support for them.


Show full PR text
Oracle and Apple Announce OpenJDK Project for Mac OS X

REDWOOD SHORES and CUPERTINO, California-November 12, 2010-Oracle and Apple® today announced the OpenJDK project for Mac OS® X. Apple will contribute most of the key components, tools and technology required for a Java SE 7 implementation on Mac OS X, including a 32-bit and 64-bit HotSpot-based Java virtual machine, class libraries, a networking stack and the foundation for a new graphical client. OpenJDK will make Apple's Java technology available to open source developers so they can access and contribute to the effort.

"We are excited to welcome Apple as a significant contributor in the growing OpenJDK community," said Hasan Rizvi, Oracle's senior vice president of Development. "The availability of Java on Mac OS X plays a key role in the cross-platform promise of the Java platform. The Java developer community can rest assured that the leading edge Java environment will continue to be available on Mac OS X in the future. Combined with last month's announcement of IBM joining the OpenJDK, the project now has the backing of three of the biggest names in software."

"We're delighted to be working with Oracle to insure that there continues to be a great version of Java on the Mac," said Bertrand Serlet, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "The best way for our users to always have the most up to date and secure version of Java will be to get it directly from Oracle."

Apple also confirmed that Java SE 6 will continue to be available from Apple for Mac OS X Snow Leopard® and the upcoming release of Mac OS X Lion. Java SE 7 and future versions of Java for Mac OS X will be available from Oracle.

Java is a general purpose software development platform that is specifically designed to be open and enable application developers to "write once, run anywhere." The Java platform is most widely used in business software, web and mobile applications.

For more information on Java, visit:

Java Platform, Standard Edition
OpenJDK
JDK 7 Feature Roadmap
Oracle is the world's most complete, open and integrated business software and hardware systems company. For more information about Oracle, please visit our Web site at www.oracle.com.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple is reinventing the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime dishes cumulative sales numbers for current console generation

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 04:48 AM PST

Rather like Nokia and its market share obsession, Nintendo just can't seem to stop talking about its hardware sales lead. The company's US chief, Reggie Fils-Aime, recently dished some NPD data detailing the specific advantage that the Wii has over its competitors in the US since the current console generation launched: Mario's team has managed to sell 30.4 million units of its hardware, followed by Microsoft's Xbox 360 at 21.9 million and Sony's PS3, which lags somewhere far behind with 13.5 million total sales. On the more mobile front, DS sales have ratcheted up to 43.1 million, more than doubling the PSP's 17.7 million shipments to the US of A. Nothing we haven't heard before, really, but it's always good to get a statistical update for the sake of keeping flamewars as informed as possible.

Samsung Galaxy Tab torn down, is indeed not full of stars

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 04:19 AM PST

Samsung Galaxy Tab torn down, is indeed not full of stars
What's that, the greatest Android tablet of the moment caught without its pants on again? Oh, no, it's just another iFixit special, tearing down a Samsung Galaxy Tab into its requisite bits, bobs, and a slab of Gorilla Glass. The removal of that pane turned out to be the trickiest part, requiring a lot of heat and a little "nervous prying" before it yielded. But, yield it did, and you can see the piece-by-piece teardown on the other end of the source link below.

USC Institute for Creative Technologies gets new building to amp up its military VR work

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 03:53 AM PST

University of Southern California's Institute for Creative Technologies has just moved into 72,000-square feet of shiny new facilities in Playa Vista, California -- on the same grounds which once served as the headquarters for Howard Hughes' aircraft company. Funded by the US Army to develop virtual reality technology, the ICT's work is now found on 65 military sites across the country. Before your brain starts wandering towards thoughts of Call of Duty on military-grade steroids though, keep in mind that much of the institute's innovations revolve around simulating surrogate interactions with so-called "virtual humans". For example, thanks to advanced AI language programming, soldier patients projected on life size semi-transparent screens help teach doctors about treating combat trauma, while virtual Army personnel characters such as Sergeant Star can interact naturally with soldiers in leadership training exercises.

Still, that shouldn't imply ITC doesn't dabble in good ole' fashion combat simulation work. In fact, it's currently running a training exercise on three military bases designed to prepare soldiers for an insurgent ambush within a highly-realistic virtual town reconstructed from satellite imagery. No, it may not sound as wild as robotic exoskeletons, flying Humvees or ultrasound-based mind control, but it does make your life on The Sims seem totally fake. To judge for yourself, check out the video overview on the next page.

Geminoid-F takes the stage for Japanese play

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 10:13 PM PST

Japan's uncannily realistic robots have been creeping us out for years, but one was deemed emotive enough to have a stint on stage -- yesterday evening, Hiroshi Ishiguro's Geminoid-F made its debut in a Japanese play. It's a fairly small step for robotkind, really, as the android was completely controlled by a real-life human actress from a soundproof room behind the stage, and no attempt was made to pass off the robot as human, as Geminoid portrays a caretaker android assigned to a dying girl. Still, the possibilities must have Hollywood agents agape -- it's only a matter of time before the world's highest paid actors can literally phone in their lines.

FIC launches 10.1-inch Windows 7 Tycoon tablet, prices it at $660

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 09:04 PM PST

FIC launches 10.1-inch Windows 7 Tycoon tablet, prices it at $660
Way back at Computex, a little orange tablet brazenly called the Tycoon seared our retinas and won our hearts. Now it's going on to charm early adopting tableteers everywhere. Well, everywhere in Taiwan, anyway, with maker FIC indicating it will sell its first tablet on Saturday, priced at NT$19,800. That equates to roughly $660 American, for which you'll get a 10.1-inch model with Windows 7 installed on a 120GB HDD, powered by an Atom N455 processor with 2GB of memory. The OS is said to have been adjusted to make it more finger friendly, though we don't have any details on exactly how, nor do we know when this little guy might be making an appearance outside of Taiwan. We just hope they kept the tangerine sheen.

Samsung Orion dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 chip spotted in the wild

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 07:36 PM PST

We know it's a little tough to get excited about a chip, even if that chip is the hotly anticipated Samsung Orion. Still, bear with us, because this isn't your average slab of cellphone silicon -- the Orion's got a dual-core 1GHz ARM Cortex-A9 CPU and a quad-core Mali 400 GPU on board. We spotted it at the ARM Technology Conference this week where it was pimping "Linaro" Linux middleware, as well as some stock Android 2.2. Unfortunately, the development boards still have a few kinks, so representatives couldn't show it pumping all those pixels to nearby HDTVs -- though we did get a butter-smooth demo of Futuremark's old Cyber Samurai benchmark running on the smaller screen. There are still rumors of this chip hitting some products late this year, but next year is much more likely. Either way, we're expecting some pretty impressive benchmarks from this thing when it inevitably winds up in the next Galaxy Tab or a flagship phone of some sort.
Samsung Orion 1GHz SoC with Mali 400 GPU

Ask Engadget: best method for getting the internet on your HDTV?

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 06:55 PM PST

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Troy, who clearly longs to relive the glory days of WebTV. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
"I can hardly believe I'm saying this, but I've got a curious desire for a good-to-great web browsing experience on my television. I know there are countless connected HDTVs out there, a few new Google TV options and the idea of using an HTPC. I'm not afraid of putting the legwork into hooking up a full-blown computer, but I'm trying to keep everything under $400 or $500, so that eliminates the high-end rigs with Blu-ray, CableCARD, and the like. I also am leaning towards the HTPC so I can have a standard user agent for viewing Hulu content, etc. Anyone in the same boat with any opinions?"
With Google TV just hitting the marketplace, you've got more options than ever before. Hard to say just yet if that's a boon or not, but surely a few readers have a couple pennies each to share on the matter. Toss out yours in comments below.

Hands-on with FiOS Flex View

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 06:07 PM PST

Verizon Flex View demo
At the grand re-opening of a Verizon Plus store in Tampa today, Big Red was demoing its latest FiOS TV feature, Flex View. As announced, this feature lets you take your video on demand content with you on your PC as well as various other Verizon Wireless devices -- no iOS support though as Apple doesn't license its FairPlay and the Microsoft PlayReady DRM used doesn't work on Apple's products either. There are about 2,000 movies available for rent now, with a subset of them available for purchase. Currently they are all SD with stereo sound, but HD and discrete surround sound are planed for later versions. Unlike the FiOS VOD, you can download these shows from any internet connection and play them back on the go or at home -- resume between devices is also in the coming-soon category. Overall the user interface looked good, but we did see lots of blocking artifacts that we just hope were a result of the in-store demo and not an indication of what customers can actually expect. The content is linked to your Verizon FiOS user ID, which means that purchased content can still be viewed even if you cancel your FiOS TV service. No word on if Verizon's free VOD selection will ever become available, but we have to say we really like the idea of watching content on the go no matter how good our network connection isn't.

Exclusive: Samsung 'flagship' phone with Gingerbread and huge display coming in early 2011 (update)

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 05:13 PM PST

Okay, so you're not feeling Samsung's Nexus S. We'd say that's a little premature, but still, we get it. We understand. How about this, then? Is this more to your liking? We've just been tipped with a few morsels on what should become Samsung's flagship Android device early next year -- February, to be specific, suggesting we could see an unveiling at MWC -- and it's looking promising. Different parts of the slide deck describe it as having either a 4.3- or 4.5-inch "sAMOLED2" display, presumably standing for "Super AMOLED 2" and implying that Sammy's made some advancements over the screens we've been seeing on the Galaxy S series this year. It'll naturally have Android Gingerbread and be equipped with an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p video capture, 14.4Mbps HSPA, Bluetooth 3.0, a 1.2GHz core of some sort, and 16GB of storage onboard. The deck describes it as having an "ultra sleek design," and judging from the side shot, we'd tend to agree. So who's holding out for this?

Update: We're confident that the above slide comes from Samsung, but one of the pictures therein is most definitely not of a new Samsung phone -- but rather a VoIP handset by Apiotek from several years ago. Considering the image in question pops up right away in a Google Image search for "ultra slim phone," we're inclined to think Samsung got a little hasty putting together the PowerPoint this time round. [Thanks, Nathan H.]
Samsung 'flagship' phone with Gingerbread and huge display coming in early 2011

Confirmed: Kin One and Two are returning to Verizon. Wait, what?

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 04:57 PM PST

Unbelievably, against all odds and better judgment, we are able to independently confirm that Microsoft's short-lived Kin One and Kin Two are coming back for an encore performance on Verizon, possibly as soon as this quarter -- but it won't quite be the same product you remember from earlier this year. The phones were famously bashed for the unrealistic plan pricing model that put them head-to-head with actual, full-fledged smartphones -- despite the fact that the devices were targeted squarely at tweens, teens, and twentysomethings -- and we're hearing that the revised phones will be totally, completely debundled from data services. Data-centric features like the Loop "are out," we're told -- but the good news is that you'll still be able to use one of the product's most redeeming qualities, Zune Pass, over WiFi if you're not signed up for a proper data plan. Of course, the value proposition of a Kin without... well, without its only value proposition is questionable at best, so we're thinking this might just be a way to clear huge backlogs of hardware inventory before pulling the plug on the program. Seriously, who wants a Kin without the unlimited photo uploads?

Hacked Kinect taught to work as multitouch interface

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 04:20 PM PST

We gotta say, the last time we were this excited about hardware hacking For The Greater Good was when people started using the Wiimote for all sorts of awesome projects. Kinect is naturally a lot more complicated, but there's also a lot of potential here, and we can't wait to see what people come up with. Florian Echtler took that open source driver and hooked the Kinect into his own multitouch UI "TISCH" software library (which actually supports the Wiimote as an input already, funny enough). The result is a bit of MS Surface-style multitouch picture shuffling and zooming, but it uses full body tracking instead of touchscreen input, of course. The self-effacing Florian had this to say in the video description: "I thought I'd get the mandatory picture-browsing stuff done so it's out of the way and everybody can focus on more interesting things." You're still a hero in our book, man. Always a hero.

Feeling left out on all these Kinect shenanigans because you're rocking a Mac? Well, libfreenect has also now been ported over to OS X by Theo Watson (who sounds unenthused about his accomplishment in the video embedded after the break). Also: once you're done admiring your IR-rendered visage on your shiny Apple-built hardware, scrounge yourself up a working Linux box. All the cool people are doing it.

N-Control Avenger gives your Xbox 360 controller hair triggers (video)

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 03:34 PM PST

We happen to like our existing Xbox 360 controller, squeaky triggers and all, and though we're eagerly awaiting an improved D-pad it hadn't really occurred to us that some might prefer an overhaul. N-Control, however, has done just that with this insane lever-filled shell, which wraps around the gamepad to provide simultaneous control over a host of inputs at once. The idea is that you'll never need to take your thumbs off the analog sticks to swap weapons or reload, because you'll just flick one of those weighted levers instead. You'll also apparently gain a split-second advantage over opponents on the draw since the contraption constantly applies tension to each of the controller's triggers, making them easier to press. For $60, the Avenger even comes with a tripod, which could be a good move on the company's part -- it looks like you might need one to hold the beast up. Video after the break.

HTC Mecha / Incredible HD pictured for Verizon with a fancy '4G' symbol

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 02:31 PM PST

If you weren't so keen on that LTE-enabled LG handset for Verizon that we saw recently, feat your eyes on this puppy. What we're looking at here is allegedly the HTC Mecha -- which may be known at retail as the Droid Incredible HD -- and from the looks of it, it'll be the first true EVO 4G equivalent from HTC for Big Red. And yes, when we say "EVO 4G equivalent," we mean 4G network support, too: you'll notice a little "4G" symbol up there toward the right side of the status bar, suggesting this will likely be among the company's inaugural LTE phones early next year. Android Central's source says that the phone is getting 9Mbps down and 5Mbps up in testing right now... so let's just hope those speeds hold up when the network actually launches.

App review: Wall Street Journal Tablet Edition for Android

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 01:51 PM PST

We'd always thought this was going to be the year of Android tablets, but until the day Google gives its full blessing for the tablet form factor, the market will still be lacking in apps that make good use of the extra screen estate. Funnily enough, today the Wall Street Journal took a leap of faith and pushed out an Android version of its tablet app, just in time to ride on the Samsung Galaxy Tab's first wave. In many ways, WSJ's Android app appears to be a slimmed down version of its iPad equivalent. Once logged in with a subscription account, users are greeted by the same start screen for choosing your papers, which are automatically downloaded at launch. Naturally, once the papers are on your device, you can read them regardless of internet connectivity, and you can save your favorites to a dedicated area there for quick access as well. More after the break.
App review: Wall Street Journal's Android tablet app

Once you've loaded your desired copy of the paper, you'll be shown the front page, which is comprised of three headline blurbs, three smaller excerpts from the business and finance section, and a feature blurb in the bottom-right corner. Scroll further down and you'll see teasers for posts from the U.S. News and World News sections, most of which come with a little square thumbnail. There's no stock ticker at the top of the page, but you can always pull up a quotes search box using the Android device's menu button at any time. To jump from one section to another, you can either swipe horizontally or use the menu prompted by tapping the top bar -- we prefer the latter to avoid the annoying fullscreen ads cheekily inserted in between sections. Interestingly though, you don't get any ads while swiping through articles, but don't let Rupert Murdoch know about this.

The biggest difference between the iPad version and the Android version of WSJ's app lies in the article layout: rather than splitting the body into multiple columns and spreading them across pages horizontally, the Android version does it all in a single column on a single page. This makes sense in portrait mode given the smaller screen size, but it's not as pleasing to the eye in landscape mode; that said, if you do have a thing for wider paragraphs, then they're certainly tolerable if you pick the large text size -- you can do so using the button with the larger "A" at the bottom right corner of the page. Speaking of which, you'll also find two more buttons next to the text size keys -- one's for jumping to the top of the page, and the other's for jumping to the bottom, just like the "Home" and "End" keys on a desktop keyboard. We haven't been using these four tiny buttons much yet, but they could do with some sizing up to cover more of our fingertip.

Another big difference between the two versions is the way video clips are embedded in the articles. In short: it's not for the short-tempered -- it's bad enough that the articles take almost twice as long to load, but you're also forced to watch them in full screen only; whereas the iPad version lets you watch them right inside the article (like HTML5 videos in iOS' Safari) or in fullscreen mode. In WSJ's defense, this is probably more to do with certain limitations on Android, so here's hoping that Google will throw in some useful tweaks in the near future to aid developers on this matter.

Wrap-up

Despite all the shortcomings, we'd say WSJ's done a pretty good job here, especially for being the first major publication to take a dip in this new pool with little support from Google for the tablet form factor. There'll of course be certain limitations if you compare with the iPad version, but we're assuming you've been reading this to see how well the app runs, rather than deciding which device to buy because of the app. Anyhow, if you're picking up an Android tablet soon, it's worth giving this app a shot.

Verizon FiOS Flex View shows off VOD across TV/PC/mobile screens, will stream your files in 2011

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 01:28 PM PST

Verizon's showing off the full capabilities of its Flex View service, already available on a number of its mobile phones, which brings FiOS TV On Demand even when you're away from the cable box. Up to five devices (all set-top boxes in the home collectively count as one device) can be authorized for viewing of any titles rented through VOD and can even be played offline on PCs running its Media Manager software or smartphones. The feature that allows users to keep personal content like music, video files and pictures synced across all three screens is due next year, but still no word on exactly when that live TV-to-iPad streaming will launch.

Show full PR text
Verizon Takes FiOS Anywhere With the Launch Of Flex View - On-Demand Programming Anytime, Anywhere

Customers Now Can Rent or Purchase Movies - and (Soon) TV Shows - Online, on TV, and on Select Mobile Devices; Personal Photos, Videos and Music Also Soon Accessible

NEW YORK – November 10, 2010 –

Verizon continues to pioneer the future of TV with the introduction of Flex View, giving FiOS TV customers anywhere, anytime access to on-demand video entertainment. Flex View enhances FiOS TV Video on Demand to let customers take video programming outside of the home and view it on various portable devices, including a growing number of compatible smartphones, tablets and laptops. The new feature is now available to most FiOS subscribers and will be in all FiOS markets by the end of the month.

With more than 1,400 currently available movie titles - which are expected to grow to more than 2,000 titles by year-end and at least triple that by next year, including TV shows - customers can enjoy the ease of watching their favorite titles any time, anywhere.

Unlike typical streaming services, Flex View lets users download titles to computers and smartphones so users can watch even when there is no Internet connection available. In addition, next year users will be able to access their personal content - including photos, videos and music - on the go. There is no additional subscription fee required to use Flex View.

"Verizon is taking the triple play to the triple screen, making on-the-go video programming quick and easy," said Shawn Strickland, vice president of consumer strategy and planning for Verizon. "This is a valuable extension of our FiOS TV VOD service, enabling customers to rent or purchase video programming and enjoy it anytime, anywhere - even outside of Verizon service areas. On planes, trains and automobiles; in hotel rooms and waiting rooms; at work or at play - you name it - Verizon's new Flex View capability puts video content at customers' fingertips."

Where to Find Flex View

FiOS TV customers can find Flex View videos in the Interactive Media Guide under "Video on Demand" or by pressing the "On Demand" button on the FiOS TV remote control. Flex View titles will be found in a "Flex View" folder within the "Featured" or "Browse All" sections of the VOD menu.

Customers also can access Flex View online through their personal computers by downloading Media Manager, a free software application from Verizon that provides a rich interface for FiOS customers to store and access personal content. Media Manager already lets users organize and enjoy their personal content, including photographs, music and home videos. Customers can click the Flex View store icon on the Media Manager interface to purchase or rent a title, watch a trailer or bookmark a title. Subscribers already using Media Manager don't have to do anything to receive the free Flex View software update, which will be added automatically to their service by Verizon.

In addition, customers can access Flex View via a mobile device. The Flex View Mobile application - called "Media Manager Mobile" - is available for download at https://m.verizon.com/apps/ and is also available free of charge in a growing number of app stores. Currently, Flex View is supported by the following mobile devices, with more to come soon: Blackberry Storm2, HTC HD2, HTC Imagio, HTC Touch Pro2, LG VS750, DROID 2 by Motorola, DROID X by Motorola, Samsung Omnia II, Archos 605 Wi-Fi Portable Media Player and Toshiba Satellite T230.

Subscribers can authorize Flex View on up to five devices per account, including mobile devices, PCs or laptops, and FiOS TV set-top boxes (all set-top boxes in the home count collectively as one device). Once a subscriber purchases or rents a title, it automatically becomes available for viewing on each of the authorized devices. Customers who opt to rent a title have up to 30 days following the purchase to play the movie, and will have 24-48 hours to watch it.

Personal Content on the go

Next year, FiOS customers also will enjoy expanded access to their personal content - including photos, videos and music - through Flex View. Customers can upload their personal content from digital cameras, mobile phones, home storage, the Internet and more by using Media Manager. Once the content is uploaded, the customer will be able to access it on the TV screen, online or on select mobile devices.

"With the introduction of Flex View, we are developing an offer that goes beyond the traditional idea of phone, TV and Internet, providing customers with access to their personal and commercial content - any time, anywhere, and on any device," said Strickland. "FiOS has always been the catalyst for innovation in our industry, being the first to introduce an advanced widget offering, social media applications on TV, multi-room DVR, and now Flex View."

Flex View is part of Verizon's next-generation FiOS service, which also includes interactive services like an advanced interactive media guide; social networking, news and entertainment widgets; DVR management via broadband or cell phone; and more. FiOS TV offers a broad collection of programming that includes more than 520 all-digital channels with up to 140 HD channels and 18,000 monthly video-on-demand titles. FiOS Internet offers the country's top-rated broadband service, with download speeds of up to 50 Mbps (megabits per second) and upload speeds of up to 35 Mbps.

For the latest news, updates and information about FiOS TV, visit www.verizon.com/newscenter and http://www.verizon.com/athomeblog.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 93 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 195,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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One million Chinese cellphone users reportedly infected with zombie virus

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 12:44 PM PST

Viruses have been making the rounds on cellphones for quite a while now, but it looks like China has now been hit by a particularly troublesome one. According to Shanghai Daily, a so-called zombie virus disguised as an anti-virus app has infected more than one million cellphone users in the country, and it's left users' phones vulnerable to the malicious hackers that created the virus. They've naturally taken advantage of that access to not only spread the virus further, but cash in by spamming the phones with money-making links and other general annoyances -- all of which has also added up to about $300,000 a day in added text message charges for the users affected. What's more, while authorities have apparently tracked down the company that created the anti-virus application, it apparently insists that it had nothing to do with the virus, and that it's actually a victim of it as well.

Droid Incredible update starts rolling out, packs fixes and V CAST Apps

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 12:19 PM PST

As expected, Droid Incredible users are now starting to receive an over the air update that packs a number of fixes and additions. The biggest of those additions, of course, is the V CAST Apps store, which will let you purchase apps and bill them straight to your Verizon account. Otherwise, you can expect to get an updated Slacker application, a Flash update with some security improvements, some Visual Voice Mail fixes, and the ability to email attachments larger than 5MB. Look for the update to hit your device within the next few days if it hasn't already.

Mega Hurtz gun-wielding robot has a menacing look, unfortunate name

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 11:31 AM PST

Sure, we know how this works: cities need to justify their budgets for continued funding from state and national governments, so they buy expensive -- and often unnecessary -- high-tech toys for their police. And when your town's ready to make that transition from Barney Fife to SWAT, why not call Inspector Bots? The paramilitary nature of its Mega Hurtz Tactical Robot isn't softened by the delicious pun in its name, and if you don't believe us ask any nogoodnik who's had to face down its turret-mounted 20RPS Modified Mil-Sim Paintball Gun / Assault Rifle, capable of firing off twenty non-lethal (but extremely painful) pepperball rounds per second. The beast is billed as a "heavy duty 280 lb two-man-portable monster" that can record audio and video, be controlled by a remote operator, and has night vision capability. But that ain't all! Not only does it feature a welded steel chassis designed to demolish doors and concrete walls, it also looks really awesome in the video... even if it doesn't make the streets safer. See for yourself after the break.

Galaxy Tab now available for pre-order to Sprint Premier customers

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 10:59 AM PST

It may not exactly be a huge lead time over the general release, but Sprint is now offer its Premier customers a special three-day pre-sale of the Galaxy Tab, which will let you order it now for $399 (on-contract) and skip the wait at the store on November 14th. Worried that you'll miss out 'cause you're not a Premier customer? Well, chances are you might be one and not even know it -- it more or less covers any Sprint customer with an account in good standing who maintains a plan of $69.99 a month, or anyone that's been a customer for at least ten years.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Dell intros XCD28 and XCD35 Android phones for India

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 10:37 AM PST

If Windows Phone 7 isn't your thing and the upcoming Venue doesn't interest you -- or hey, if you just live in India -- you might be interested to know that Dell has just introduced a pair of new India-specific (for the moment, anyway) Android phones designed specifically to be sold for a song without getting a carrier subsidy involved. First up, the XCD28 sports a 2.8-inch display (hence the name), a 3.2 megapixel cam, 200MB of internal storage expandable with up to 16GB worth of microSD, and FM radio; it sells for Rs. 10,990 (about $247) devoid of a contract. Moving upmarket a bit, the Rs. 16,990 ($382) XCD35 goes with a 3.5-inch capacitive display. Both devices feature 3G support for India's up-and-coming high-speed networks, WiFi, Bluetooth, and that overwhelming sense of freedom that comes with not signing a contract at the point of purchase. Look for the XCD28 to be available right now, while the 35 follows next month -- no word on when we might see them outside India, but it turns out they're little more than rebranded versions of ZTE's Racer and Blade, so you can just pick 'em up in ZTE livery if you're elsewhere.

[Thanks, Pradeep]

This is the Nexus S

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 10:19 AM PST

Here it is: the Nexus S, your Gingerbread-running Google phone from Samsung, and the presumed sequel to the HTC-produced Nexus One. These pictures were taken about a month ago, but it's still unclear exactly when we can expect an announcement. Needless to say, if you happen to be near a Google or Samsung campus, keep a keen eye out for these things right now.

[Thanks, Christian]

Update: We contacted Google for comment and were told that the company doesn't comment on rumors or speculation -- the usual drill.
This is the Nexus S
at 11:42 AM

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