As technology advances, so do babies. Seriously, it's amazing how often we see toddlers finding their way round smartphones and tablets these days, but according to Rullingnet founder Dr. Dan D. Yang, a lot of these products or apps are either too predictable or too dull to inspire the younglings, especially her own two-year-old daughter. As such, Dr. Yang came up with the Vinci tablet, which is essentially a seven-inch Android Froyo tablet bundled with educational 3D games, music videos and animated storybooks for ages of three and under.
The prototype we saw was actually a Galaxy Tab housed within a rubber frame, but Rullingnet is working with Samsung to produce a similar-looking 1.3-pound device sporting a flush spill-proof housing, an unnamed Cortex-A8 processor, a 3 megapixel camera on the back, and a microSD slot. Wireless components are removed to reduce radiation exposed to children, but parents will be able to install or upgrade apps via the micro-USB port. Expect to see a late Q1 or early Q2 release for about $479. For now, have a look at one of the preloaded games after the break.
We've always liked the idea of having a Bluetooth watch streaming feeds from our phones, because deep down inside, we all want to act like special agents in the public. Sadly, there aren't many of these wearables to choose from in the present market. In fact, with the inPulse smartwatch for BlackBerry seemingly stuck in limbo, what we have left is the Europe-only Sony Ericsson LiveView for Android, and maybe something nice from Fossil as well if its concept design gets picked up. To seize this opportunity, Velocity Micro is now working on its own connected Android watch -- currently known as the Cruz Watch -- that's destined for the sub-$200 market in mid-Q2 2011.
Here's what we learned about this cool-looking prototype during our exclusive hands-on at CES: in many ways, it's conceptually identical to the LiveView -- it's a watch, it's a Facebook feeds reader, it's a multimedia remote control (for Android's music app and Android-powered TVs), and it can show you incoming caller IDs. While the Cruz Watch may be a bit of a lightweight when it comes to apps, its hardware certainly bests SE's offering in several ways: for starters, it has a full touchscreen that takes swipe and tap gesture inputs (instead of using navigation touch controls on the bezel), and it sports a 1.8-inch LCD instead of a 1.3-inch OLED display. There are also a few software features that we dig, especially with the interchangeable clock face: two analog, two digital; and the incoming call notifier pulls the caller's profile photo from your contact list, which is something that the LiveView can't do. We're told that since this watch is powered by Android 2.0 (and possibly something different on retail units), Velocity Micro might be able to implement app installation in the near future, so we shall see. Video walkthrough after the break.
Smartphone integration is the next big thing that's happening right now, but it isn't quite happening the way Denso is doing it. This is the company's dashboard of a future, with its most predominant feature being an iPhone embedded right in the steering wheel. That drives an infotainment system and a small, circular LCD above with a bunch of widgets you can bounce with a touch from the phone to the display. Most interesting is one that communicates with traffic lights to let you know how fast to go if you want to miss 'em all. The idea is to save fuel by not stopping and starting, but we're thinking this could also do a lot to ease hypertension rates nationwide.
Another thing the dash can do is tell when you're about to drowse off. One of those widgets is a cup of coffee that empties as you're getting sleepy. An all-seeing webcam perched atop the dash tracks your face and eyes to know just how alert you are. Drop below a threshold and the dash starts blinking red. It's time for a nap -- or maybe more coffee, for goodness' sake.
Yesterday we saw the junk in the trunk, now here's what's powering it. It's the motor that makes the Ford Focus Electric go, and while we still don't know many details (we couldn't get anyone to quote us a weight) it is a reasonably compact little thing. We did, however, get confirmation that it will not be run through either a standard transmission, like the dry-clutch automatic that the regular Focus comes with, nor something like the two-speed transmission that Tesla uses in its Roadster. It'll be "like a CVT" we're told, keeping the motor at its most efficient RPM, and while we're not sure what that looks like on the inside we're sure that there'll be no shifting involved, neither manual nor automatic.
There's no company in the industry that's better at consistently having confidentiality come off its products in the FCC's database right on time better than Apple -- and indeed, the CDMA version of the iPhone just hit the filing system. Model A1349 (as opposed to the GSM version's A1332) has the expected test results for CDMA / EV-DO Rev. A on the 850 and 1900MHz bands along with Bluetooth and WiFi without a whiff of GSM support for global roaming -- not to say Verizon gave any hint that you might be able to roam outside of CDMA countries anyway.
We just got a look at the Verizon version of the iPhone 4. Guess what? It's just like an iPhone 4! There's no custom pre-loaded Verizon software (like VCAST or some such bloatware), just that mobile hotspot tweak in the settings menu. There's also no Verizon branding on the phone, though that's hardly a surprise given Apple's hatred of all logos that aren't its own. The only real physical difference we can find are those tweaked CDMA-compatible antennas running around the edge -- four in all, placed symmetrically and bumping down the volume / mute buttons. Interestingly, the phone is running iOS version 4.2.5, so perhaps that mobile hotspot functionality will make its way over to other iPhones when they sync up on iOS updates. We did try a speed test, clearing the cache and loading various sites simultaneously on the Verizon phone and our AT&T device, and while there were variations in the load times, there were too many external factors to really make a judgment call just yet.
Whether you're already on Verizon or looking in from the outside, the iPhone 4 just became one of that network's flagship devices. So, we want to know how you feel, will it pull you into Big Red's gravitational sphere or are you impervious to its magical charms? Let us know in the poll below!
The leaks suggested that the Verizon iPhone would have have slightly relocated buttons, and it's true -- as you can see in the photo above, the newly revised CDMA antenna notch has pushed the volume and mute controls down a hair from GSM version. That means a lot of cases -- Apple's current bumpers included -- won't fit properly on the Verizon version, although many third-party cases feature an open slot for the buttons that might still work. Either way, we'd bet Apple and third-party manufacturers are scrambling to have compatible cases in stores before the February 10th launch date -- just make sure to check yours first if you're switching from AT&T.
Is an iPhone 4, an iPhone 4? Not quite, now that Verizon has launched a CDMA version of the device -- in fact, there are a number of notable differences that you're going to want to consider before buying either model (or making the jump from AT&T to Big Red). We wanted to dig in and see exactly what has changed -- how does pricing compare, for instance? What features have been added or removed? In light of both Verizon's and AT&T's harping on 4G data in the past week at CES, do either of these phones support it? Let's have a quick look!
AT&T
Verizon
Price (on contract)
$199 16GB, $299 32GB
$199 16GB, $299 32GB
Data plan1
$15 / 200MB
$25 / 2GB
$45 / 2GB with tethering
$15 / 150MB?
$29.99 / unlimited?
$49.99 / unlimited with 2GB tethering?
Early upgrades available at launch
Yes
No
Global roaming capability
Yes
No
Simultaneous voice / data on 3G
Yes
No
WiFi mobile hotspot option
No
Yes
4G data (HSPA+ / LTE)
No
No
Rated talk time
2G voice: 14 hours
3G voice: 7 hours
3G web: 6 hours
WiFi web: 10 hours
2G voice: Not available
3G voice: 7 hours
3G web: 6 hours
WiFi web: 10 hours
1Verizon hasn't announced iPhone plan pricing yet, so current smartphone pricing is used here for comparison.
Would you look at that, Verizon's iPhone 4 has four notches punctuating its external antenna array -- one more than you may find on AT&T's version, with the top notch migrating to the side. Before you all jump on conspiracy theories about fixes and such, Tim Cook has just confirmed on stage that changes had to be made to work on the CDMA network, meaning that for users this is pretty much an aesthetic alteration. Otherwise, you're looking at an almost identical device to what AT&T users have been enjoying since June of last year -- savvy nerds will just be able to tell the CDMA version apart at one glance.
It'll probably be subject to an additional fee as usual, but Verizon and Apple have just revealed that the new CDMA iPhone 4 will act as a mobile WiFi connection for up to five devices. It'll come with an iOS-specific version of the Verizon 3G Mobile Hotspot that folks have been enjoying on their Droids for many moons now. That should allowing for laptops, tablets and the like to get online via iPhone without a pesky cord, and almost certainly make the long-verboten iPhone - iPad tethering connection finally attainable. Joy to the world!
Update: Verizon called it an app, but getting hands-on we can see that's not the case at all -- Personal Hotspot is built right into the CDMA iPhone 4's build of iOS 4.2.5. Perhaps we'll see it migrate to other devices as well?
We've waited and waited, and now Apple and Verizon have made a million dreams come true: the iPhone is coming to Big Red. After talking up his new LTE network a bit, Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam confirmed a CDMA (non-LTE) version of the iPhone 4 is coming to Verizon Wireless next month. Talks started way back in 2008, and the phone has been in testing for a year -- it sounds like they wanted to get this one right. Current Verizon customers will be able to pre-order on Feburary 3rd for the standard $200 price for the 16GB model on a two year agreement, $300 for the 32GB version -- everyone else can order on February 10th (see it compared with AT&T's iPhone 4). Just to clarify and put any wild rumors to bed, the phone is Verizon 3G (EV-DO) only, no 4G data or GSM roaming. It's not a world phone or an AT&T + Verizon phone, it's just a Verizon phone.
Outside of Verizon connectivity, the phone is basically unchanged, although Verizon's CDMA network doesn't support simultaneous voice and data as with the GSM version. It does have the new antenna design we were hearing about last week, but that's just because CMDA requires a different configuration of antennas. (Apple says they didn't go LTE just yet because first-gen chipsets would force unwanted design decisions, and customers want a Verizon device now.) That slight modification also equates to a slight bump in where the volume buttons and mute switch -- a new case might be required. Software-wise the big innovation is five user WiFi hotspot functionality, something that's standard on Android phones, while Apple has kept the iPhone only able to tether directly to one computer.
Verizon Wireless & Apple Team Up to Deliver iPhone 4 on Verizon
BASKING RIDGE, New Jersey and CUPERTINO, California-January 11, 2011-Verizon Wireless and Apple® today announced that the iPhone® 4 will be available on the Verizon Wireless network beginning on Thursday, February 10. Qualified Verizon Wireless customers will be given the exclusive opportunity to pre-order iPhone 4 online on February 3, ahead of general availability.
iPhone 4 is the most innovative phone in the world, featuring Apple's stunning Retina™ display, the highest resolution display ever built into a phone resulting in super crisp text, images and video, and FaceTime®, which makes video calling a reality. iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless will also include new Personal Hotspot capabilities allowing customers to use iPhone 4 to connect up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices.
"We are pleased to introduce millions of wireless users to the industry leading iPhone 4 on the nation's most reliable network," said Lowell McAdam, president and chief operating officer of Verizon. "This is an important step for the industry as two great companies join forces to give wireless customers one of the most important technological additions to the mobile landscape this century."
"Verizon Wireless customers have told us they can't wait to get their hands on iPhone 4, and we think they are going to love it," said Tim Cook, Apple's chief operating officer. "We have enormous respect for the company Verizon has built and the loyalty they have earned from their customers."
iPhone 4 features a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, HD video recording, Apple's A4 chip, a 3-axis gyro and a beautiful glass and stainless steel design like no other mobile phone. iPhone 4 also comes with iOS 4, the world's most advanced mobile operating system, which includes multitasking, folders, Game Center, AirPlay® and AirPrint wireless printing. iPhone 4 customers have access to the world's most popular App Storeâ„ with more than 300,000 apps available in an incredible range of 20 categories, including games, business, news, sports, health and reference.
Pricing & Availability iPhone 4 will be available on the Verizon Wireless network beginning Thursday, February 10 for a suggested retail price of $199.99 for the 16GB model and $299.99 for the 32GB model with a new two year customer agreement. iPhone 4 will be available at more than 2,000 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide, online at www.verizonwireless.com/iphone, at Apple Retail Stores, at the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), at Apple Authorized Resellers, and by calling 1-800-2 JOIN IN.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Media can access high-resolution images in the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.)
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 79,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.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.
We're expecting to see the Verizon iPhone finally make its debut in just about a half hour now, but it looks like AT&T is doing some pre-show damage control -- in an interview with the Wall Street Journal this morning, Ralph de la Vega said "we're ready" to lose exclusivity because "we are much bigger than this." That definitely sounds like someone just got spurned by their biggest partner, but don't think AT&T's just going to ignore Verizon -- it's planning an ad blitz that will highlight the iPhone's better data speeds and simultaneous voice / data capabilities when used on its network. Sounds like things are going to get even more heated between the two largest carriers -- and honestly, we can't wait.
11:42AM And that's it! We're racing off to get a hands-on with the new (old) iPhone.
11:29AM We missed a few questions... nothing major -- some pricing talk (none of which were really commented on).
Q: Experience is so paramount at Apple... GSM allows data and voice... how does that experience feel here?
Tim: I think people place different emphasis on things -- I can tell you that the number one question I've gotten is when will the iPhone work on Verizon. I couldn't be happier to tell people that. They will make those sorts of tradeoffs.
11:25AM Question from Ars Technica: what happens when you're on a call and need to use data?
Dan: Same as a CDMA device.
So... you don't.
11:24AM From us: What changes if any have been made to the antenna.
Tim: We had to make changes to work on the CDMA network -- it's going to work great.
Dan: We do not see a problem with that. (We're assuming he means the antenna)
11:23AM Q: Is the CDMA iPhone exclusive to Verizon?
Tim: It's a multi-year, non exclusive deal.
11:22AM Dan: We have a tremendous 3G network -- we want to be sure we can take advantage of that.
11:22AM Q: Why didn't you go the LTE route?
Tim: Two reasons -- the first gen LTW chipsets force design changes we wouldn't make. And Verizon customers told us they want the iPhone now. I can't tell you the number of times we've been asked 'when will it work on Verizon.'
11:21AM Q: Will it be on a one year refresh cycle?
Tim: We don't comment on that.
11:20AM Oh, Lowell isn't on stage. Whoops!
11:20AM Q: Can you address how many you'll manufacture in the 1st year?
Tim: I'm not going to get into our forecast. I think it's fair to say that both of us think there's tremendous opportunity.
Dan: I don't have anything to add to that.
11:18AM Tim, Dan, and Lowell are doing a Q&A now.
11:18AM "We are confident that wireless consumers everywhere will welcome this device and partnership. So as I close, I'd like to thank all of the people at Apple throughout the leadership, to operations. Thank you all for being here today."
11:17AM $199 for the 16GB, $299 for 32GB -- mobile hotspot included! Up to 5 devices.
11:17AM "On February 3rd our existing customers will have an opportunity to pre-order... on February 10th, everyone will be able to order online, in stores, or in Apple stores."
11:16AM "Our iPhone 4 customers will get a terrific wireless experience. So what happens next?"
11:15AM "iPhone 4 is going to run on our network... network capacity -- we have advanced the capacity and built margin into it. We're ready for this launch." Boy, they really want us to know that they're ready. He seems to be emphasizing that the new customers will not hit the network and create the kind of situation AT&T has right now.
11:14AM "I want to spend a minute on how robust our network is. We have designed this network for customers to have an optimum experience. We have been drive testing this on our network. We're now into the thousands of devices, and we could not be more pleased."
11:14AM "Wireless customers have been asking for the iPhone on Verizon -- and we're excited to offer this to existing and new customers. I want to tell you how dedicated we are to launch this. Our employees are ready, we've been scaling our shipping systems. We've been scaling our inventory systems."
11:13AM "We've built our business on building the very best network -- and now our customers have a choice for the iPhone 4 on the nation's most reliable network."
11:12AM "We've been working with Verizon for awhile... this is just the beginning of a relationship between Apple and Verizon. I'm very optimistic about what the future holds. Now I'd like to bring up Dan Dee to talk about the launch."
11:11AM "5 megapixel camera, HD video... the custom A4 chip. But most importantly, it provides an integrated customer experience that's far beyond what anyone else is providing. From iOS, to iTunes, to the App Store -- they're all designed to work together."
11:10AM "We're incredibly pleased to give Verizon's customers the choice we've been waiting for. We've designed an iPhone 4 which connects to the CDMA network -- and it has all the features that you'd expect. Like FaceTime. Features like Apple's stunning Retina Display."
11:09AM "Tens of millions of customers have purchased the iPhone around the world. Customers have downloaded billions of apps. I am incredibly happy, and I can tell you all of Apple, is very very excited to bring the iPhone to Verizon's customers."
11:09AM "I am incredibly happy to be with you all today. We've been looking forward to today for a long time. Since 2007 the iPhone has been a phenomenal success."
11:08AM Tim Cook is out!
11:08AM "I want to thank the senior team at Apple -- it has been a real pleasure to work with them. To explain more about that product, I'm pleased to introduce someone who's become a friend and colleague... Tim Cook."
11:08AM There you go people. Verizon iPhone 4. It exists.
11:07AM "Late in 2010 we started offering the iPad... today, we are extremely gratified to announce that the iPhone 4 will be available early next month."
11:07AM "Our relationship with Apple has developed over the last two years. In 2008 we started talking about bringing the iPhone to a CDMA network. We spent a year testing."
11:06AM "Today we're partnering with a giant of the industry, and that's Apple." Boom.
11:06AM "As we showed at CES last week, we're building on these partnerships with LTE -- it will make broadband even richer for customers. That's including a whole new range of smartphones and tablets. One analyst said 'we displayed an armada of new devices.'"
11:05AM "This is putting us at the hub of the wheel driving this industry. Collaboration is the key to innovation. We've worked with partners across the industry."
11:04AM He's talking a lot about LTE -- that's surprising.
11:04AM "We've built the most reliable 3G network... we recently launched LTE... now if you promise not to print this, with all the rebranding going on with old networks, we debated calling it 6G." Ha. BURN.
11:03AM "We've set a new standard for home broadband."
11:03AM "We've made great broadband the hallmark of our service. We have a history of pushing the envelope in network innovation. We've invested in infrastructure that will move things to the cloud for distribution to any device anywhere on the planet. We were the first to offer 100GB commercial service. We link major markets on six continents."
11:01AM "The innovation in this market is mind boggling -- and today two innovators are coming together."
11:01AM "Let me put today into context for you. I've just come back from CES, and it was very clear through the week in Vegas that data, broadband, and video are driving tech growth. As we move to handheld devices, users want their digital lives wherever they go."
11:00AM "Okay, it looks like you're expecting a big announcement. I don't think we'll disappoint. If the press write something long enough, eventually it comes true. We're very very excited about our announcement today."
11:00AM Lowell Macadam is out.
10:59AM The lights are going down. Here we go.
10:58AM "Good morning and welcome, please take your seats -- our program is about to begin."
10:57AM We're guessing he's "reacting" to the Verizon iPhone announcement. It's pretty funny actually.
10:56AM Whoa. John Oliver just screamed "F*ck yeah! Thank you!" -- Apparently he's doing a bit. Wait, he's doing it again. "Oh thank god! Thank you!" Ha!
10:55AM We're seated next to the inimitable Michael Gartenberg. He keeps saying it's going to be a Kin 2 announcement.
10:54AM Interesting note -- the screen is white. We're not saying that means anything. But... it could mean something.
10:53AM Man this place is packed with media -- and lots of broadcast people.
10:51AM There are a ton of videographers here, and for you Daily Show / Community fans -- John Oliver is here (with a script). We're sure it's just for the LTE announcements.
10:47AM The small stage in front of us is stark save for a screen currently showing off Verizon's logo and the company's "Rule the Air" slogan.
10:46AM Okay! We're in our seats and there's some lovely, smooth jazz on right now. The venue is really quite handsome -- lots of seating with no obstructions. Great for a live event of this type. Whatever type it is. You know, because it could be anything.
We've waited. We've watched. We've wondered. And now, by the grace of Steve Jobs and Lowell McAdam, we're supposedly going to see a reveal of the mythical Verizon iPhone. Of course, there's always a chance that Verizon just wants to reveal more details on LTE, or talk about the company's commitment to openness and Android... but according to the rumor mill, it's time for Big Red to get some Apple magic.
No matter what happens, we'll be there live, reporting on the news as it happens with the best liveblog in the business. Tune in at the times below on Tuesday, January 11th to see it all go down.
06:00AM - Hawaii 08:00AM - Pacific 09:00AM - Mountain 10:00AM - Central 11:00AM - Eastern 04:00PM - London 05:00PM - Paris 07:00PM - Moscow 12:00AM - Perth (January 12th) 12:00AM - Shenzhen (January 12th) 01:00AM - Tokyo (January 12th) 03:00AM - Sydney (January 12th)
If you're familiar with The Sims-style gaming, where actual life, art, and the game can easily blur, this little story may not come as a huge surprise to you. Grand Theft Auto IV player / enthusiast Mathieu Weschler spent two years making The Trashmaster, a feature-length 'film' made entirely in the game, about a garbage man who has another gig on the side. Now, we'll freely admit that we did not watch the entire thing (yet), but from what we have seen, it actually looks fairly engaging! The film is embedded after the break.
Motion tracking software? Yeah, it's pretty old hat, but steps are being taken each day to take the technology to a place it has never been before. Overly dramatic? Sure, but we doubt you'll have much room to complain after peeking the video just past the break. Tipster Alexandre is responsible for the demonstration that you'll find there, showing off an application that can track an object that you select in real-time, with a single observation / image being enough to kick things off. It can handle zooms, object size changes, occlusion and temporary disappearances, and it's merely a mystery when something like this will get integrated into your motion gaming system of choice. Fingers crossed for "soon," right?
In a move that is sure to excite the outdoorsman (or outdoors-lady, as it were) in us all, German outfit Ego-Kits has unveiled the E-Powered Downhill Bike Kit so you don't have to go through all that pesky exercise getting to the top of the mountain to enjoy the thrill of bombing back down. The kit comes with a 1200-watt aluminum motor that mounts under the down tube of 70 percent of downhill bike models, a battery pack (contained within an included backpack), charger, controller module, crankset, chain, and twist grip throttle with a battery charge indicator. We don't know the price or when the system will officially go on sale, but we do know that when mounted on a mountain bike, it looks cooler than other, more pedestrian electric bikes we've seen previously. Jump after the break to see the Ego-Kit in action.
If you're looking to get your motion-controlled gaming fix, there are plenty of ways to go -- cameras, electromagnets and accelerometers, for starts -- but most figure you'll buy a single peripheral, a few plastic accessories, and call it a day. That's not the Aiken way. North Carolina startup Aiken Labs wants to sell you a set of tiny boxes that you can stick on any body part or toy you own, each with a full inertial measurement package (three-axis accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope) inside. The boxes connect to a base station over 802.15.4 wireless that doubles as a USB recharging unit for the lot, and you can connect up to eight modules to track 24 degrees of freedom at a time. It's not an elegant solution, to tell you the truth, particularly given the hacked-together nature of the prototype devices we saw on the CES 2011 floor, but we love the idea of simply affixing a box to a helmet to get instant head-tracking support in our favorite PC titles. Inventor Chris Aiken tells us a starter set will ship for about $300 with two sensors and the base station in the second quarter of this year -- additional sensors should run $100 each -- and you can see what it looks like in a video right after the break.
Last we heard of the HTC 7 Pro, it was taking a casual stroll through O2 Germany's website, throwing around boasts that it'll be on sale come January 2011. Well, guess what? That promise has just been reiterated by O2's German Twitter stream, which says that the 7 Pro will be on sale next week for an unsubsidized price of €569 ($735). That's available via O2's usual MyHandy payment plan, where you dish out €29 in advance and then pay off the phone in equal monthly payments over two years. We can't imagine HTC leaving the rest of the world sitting idly by, twiddling their QWERTY keyboard-loving thumbs, so look out for this WP7 handset to filter through to your local market some time soon.
The Dell Streak 7 might, in many people's eyes, be seen as what the original Streak should have been -- a 4G-equipped tablet with a spicy dual-core filling and the dimensions of a legitimate handheld computer. Unfortunately, it's launching quite a bit later than its precursor and few will be happy to hear it's running Android version 2.2 (Froyo) when we've just been graced by the brilliant light of Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) on other machines launching within the same time frame. That said, it's still a gadget, it's got circuit boards and connectors and tiny, minuscule things, and it's been tenderly disassembled for you on video right after the break. Why not try to figure out what makes the screen look so bland?
There are no surer signs of the apocalyptic onset of middle age than a preoccupation with puzzle-solving and an unhealthy interest in adverts and barcodes. And those just happen to be the three new features Google has added to version 1.3 of its Goggles software. The visual search application for Android is now intelligent enough to decipher tricky Sudoku puzzles (and thereby suck all the fun out of them), while its algorithms have also been tweaked to make barcode scanning "almost" instant. Popular printed ads will be recognized as well, taking you to a Google search on the relevant topic. US newspapers and magazines from August 2010 are being supported for now, but we can't imagine the rest of the world should have to wait too long for this added convenience. Video of the new Goggles' Sudoku skills after the break.
The bounds of Android fandom, will we ever know them? The latest exhibition of one man's love for his mobile OS is this here beverage (we know it's only going to house beer, let's be honest) cooler, which has been lovingly recreated in the form and proportions of the Android logo. Standing somewhere over four feet tall, it's really a fantastically well executed DIY project, and its maker has taken the time to document it on video for us as well. You'll probably find the unfinished droid a little disturbing to see, what with its unpolished skin and rough edges, but maybe that's a fitting metaphor for the constantly evolving operating system anyway. All we know is that the end result is at least as sweet as Gingerbread, if not more so. See it all just past the break.
Etymotic, a company we've seen here at CES and in the past, has developed a pair of earplugs that protect your hearing against things like loud explosions and gunfire. The EB1 and EB15 Electronic Blast PLG Earplugs, retailing for $449 and $499, respectively, are aimed toward buyers such as hunters, musicians and soldiers -- folks who are exposed to loud noises and need protection. The analog earpieces are powered by a 312 hearing-aid battery and will last three weeks. There's no on/off switch -- just a high and low gain control. High gain is used for environments that require an amplification and the opposite applies for low gain. In other words, if a soldier is out on the battlefield and needs to hear an enemy inside a house, he'd switch to high gain to generate a louder sound. The difference between the plugs is simple: the EB1 is for people who are going to be around one-off noises and the EB15 are for those who are going to be exposed to prolonged noises. We got a chance to test out the plugs on the loud show floor and we gotta say, the difference between high- and low-gain modes is easily recognizable and we feel like these earplugs will make superb head-hole protectors. Plenty of complicated graphs and numbers in the gallery below.
You've got to hand it to the Nexus S. In spite of being a souped-up smartphone, it's still unpretentious enough to accept power from a BlackBerry microUSB cable and easy enough to hack that it's just received not one, but two OS ports. MeeGo, in its very raw and unfinished form, has been dropped onto the phone's internal memory without the need for any flashing, and the method has also been successfully used to install Ubuntu on the current Google flagship. There's very little that's actually functional about the MeeGo install at the moment, but the ball has begun rolling and there's a resulting question that's occupying our minds right now -- will the Nexus S have a perfectly hacked copy of MeeGo before or after Nokia releases its device for the platform? Answers on a postcard.
Even though video chat has been available in some form or another for a good few years, it seems to only really be hitting its stride now, perhaps owing to the fact smartphones are no longer the brick-shaped and -sized beasts they once were. The latest evidence for this trend comes from Skype, who unveiled video calling on the iPhone a few days ago and yesterday managed to reach a new milestone in its history: 27 million users online at the same time. That comfortably overshadows the previous record, which wasn't even over 26 million, and while not all of those logged-in Skypers can be attributed to its FaceTime alternative, it's undeniable that the recent growth in Skype's customer base has been catalyzed by its introduction of video calling. And now that it's coming to Android phones and TVs of all creeds, that number should only continue to grow.
Google's headed ever deeper into the clouds this year with a new function for Google Docs: video playback. As of this week, users can upload videos (up to 1GB) in a supported format, and make them available for viewing in Google Docs. As with the previous video sharing set up, you can still download video, including previous versions. Google engineers have warned of excessive processing time, but once videos are up, viewing is as easy as clicking play -- and having a Flash player, of course. We're not entirely sure what the advantage is over Youtube, but we're on board for anything that lets us share our love of creepy robot workout videos with our coworkers.
In one of the most insensitive announcements in recent PR history, T-Mobile UK is telling its customers who want to download or stream online video to their mobile devices to "save that stuff for [their] home broadband." The carrier, one half of the UK's biggest operator Everything Everywhere, had up until now offered one of the better monthly allowance deals with a 3GB data consumption limit on Android phones. It still is, in fact, since its new changes aren't coming into effect until February 1st, but come that fateful Tuesday, T-Mo's understanding of "fair use" will shrink down to 500MB each month -- after which point you'll still get to browse the web and email for free, but any video content will presumably be subject to an extra charge. It's not clear how "that stuff" will be handled by T-Mobile once you cross the frugal new threshold, nor is it clear whether customers who signed up for big bodacious 3GB of data will be set free once this new lockdown on mobile video is in effect. Godspeed to you all.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Update: T-Mobile has responded with a clarifying statement we've added after the break. There will be no surcharges for use over 500MB per month, but once you cross that line, any downloading activity will be "restricted." By which the company seems to mean "restricted to whatever WiFi connection you can scrounge up," because its 3G airwaves will be off-limits.
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Changes to Mobile Internet fair use policies
T-Mobile is the only operator to give customers the Mobile Internet for a fixed-price. We never charge our customer's more than they expect for their Mobile Internet in the UK.
Therefore you'll never need to worry about how many emails you've sent, how long you've been on-line or the 'data / GB's'
Browsing means looking at websites and checking email, but not watching videos, downloading files or playing games. We've got a fair use policy but ours means that you'll always be able to browse the internet, it's only when you go over the fair use amount that you won't be able to download, stream and watch video clips.
So Whats Changing? - From 1st February 2011 we will be aligning our fair use policies so our mobile internet service will have fair use of 500MB.
What Does This Mean? - We'll always let you email and browse the internet and you'll never pay more than you agree to. We do have a fair use policy but ours is there to make sure we deliver the best service possible to all our customers. This means that you'll always be able to browse the internet.
So remember our Mobile Broadband and internet on your phone service is best used for browsing which means looking at your favorite websites like Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, BBC News and more, checking your email and looking for information, but not watching videos or downloading files.
If you want to download, stream and watch video clips, save that stuff for your home broadband.
Show full PR text
"Yesterday we began notifying our contract customers of changes to their Fair Usage Policies (FUPs) relating to data usage on mobile phones. In line with the industry, T-Mobile will be reducing its FUP for data downloading to 500MB/month from 1st February 2011.
"These restrictions will affect both new and existing customers, and will ensure an improved quality of service for all of our mobile internet users. As the average mobile internet customer uses only 200MB of data each month, this will only affect a small minority of users, whom we have begun notifying.
"T-Mobile will not charge its customers additional rates for exceeding these data limits, and those who do will still be able to access important services such as email and website browsing, but will have file downloading restricted. Customers who have a need for higher volumes of data will be encouraged to take up a separate mobile broadband plan. We are confident that these changes will result in a better experience for all of our customers who use internet on their phone."
Wait, doesn't the ViewPad 10 look oddly familiar? Remember when we reviewed the Tegatech Tega v2 back in October? Well, we think it's safe to say that the ViewPad is a rebranded version of the same tablet. ViewSonic swapped some internals and moved to a smaller 16GB SSD, but it's still the same 1.66GHz Intel Atom processor underneath. The tablet dual-boots Windows 7 Home Premium and Android 1.6 (sans MarketPlace access). Both operating systems run smoothly, and yes, you can pinch to zoom. Some inputs on the machine include USB 2.0, mini-HDMI, microSD and 3.5mm headphone jack. The 10-incher also sports a 1.3 megapixel shooter on the front for your video chatting needs. The company says it'll retail for around $629 when it ships next month.
The 10's sister, the 10s (also a 10.1-inch slate), is launching later this month. However, this tablet is running a skinned version of Android 2.2 on Tegra 2. On the top of the device you'll find the power button, orientation lock and back button. Don't ask us why the back button is up there -- we're just as puzzled as you are. On the right side, you'll find a hinged door hiding an HDMI, USB 2.0 and Micro SD slot. Don't worry, there's a 3.5mm headphone port and volume rocker so you can awkwardly rock out connected to the giant gadget piece. The 10s is only launching in Europe, Asia and Russia and is said to cost a rounded 430 smackaroos.
We heard a brief mention of Samsung's Central Station during its first press event, but it wasn't until we had a chance to check it out for ourselves on the floor did we really understand how the monitor / wireless docking station worked. Turns out it's thanks to a USB dongle that connects the laptop in question to the rest of the setup. A clever idea, for sure, but we'd definitely need to put it through the ringer before we'd suggest. The 23-inch and 27-inch models are coming in March with prices as-yet unspoken. Enjoy the pictures below!
Much has been made of Nintendo's 3DS warning that the six-and-under crowd should probably stick to 2D mode, and while CEO Iwata has consented that "being proactive about informing our customer.... may not necessarily be positive for our sales," the American Optometric Association has put an interesting spin on all this. The group released a statement last week -- yes, during CES madness -- asserting that 3D viewing "may actually help uncover subtle disorders that, left uncorrected, often result in learning difficulties." Not only that, but the 36,000-strong group suggested "children younger than six can use the 3DS in 3D mode if their visual system is developing normally." So yeah, Little Timmy's Christmas 2011 isn't ruined just yet, but that leaves plenty of time for a competing study to come out confusing everyone even further.
We've waited. We've watched. We've wondered. And now, by the grace of Steve Jobs and Lowell Mcadams, we're supposedly going to see a reveal of the mythical Verizon iPhone. Of course, there's always a chance that Verizon just wants to reveal more details on LTE, or talk about the company's commitment to openness and Android... but according to the rumor mill, it's time for Big Red to get some Apple magic.
No matter what happens, we'll be there live, reporting on the news as it happens with the best liveblog in the business. Tune in at the times below on Tuesday, January 11th at this URL to see it all go down!
06:00AM - Hawaii 08:00AM - Pacific 09:00AM - Mountain 10:00AM - Central 11:00AM - Eastern 04:00PM - London 05:00PM - Paris 07:00PM - Moscow 12:00AM - Perth (January 12th) 12:00AM - Shenzhen (January 12th) 01:00AM - Tokyo (January 12th) 03:00AM - Sydney (January 12th)
Fuel cell-powered cars provide the efficiency and driveability of an electric vehicle while also offering the unlimited range of a traditional gasoline powered car -- assuming you can find a place to top off those hydrogen tanks. Right now that's a bit of a problem, but Mercedes Benz is out to show that it's not nearly as big of a hindrance as everyone makes it out to be. It'll be driving the B-Class F-Cell model around the world, starting in Stuttgart and motoring down to Lisbon, flying over to the US and driving across that, then across Australia before hopping a boat to Shanghai and driving all the way across Asia, ultimately arriving back to Stuttgart facing in the same direction they left. The B-Class F-Cell can cover 400km on a tank and can be refilled in about three minutes. At this point we have no reason to believe that either Ewan McGregor nor Charlie Boorman will be along for the ride, but given how well things went in Log Way Round perhaps that's for the best.
The chicken littles have been worried about this since long before the first Blu-ray (or even HD DVD) title was ever released, and the first step towards the analog sunset has officially come. Any new Blu-ray player announced after January 1st 2011 will only output HD via HDMI -- players that started shipping last year can still be sold until the end of this year though. If you just love component video, you might figure you'll be able to get a player today and continue to enjoy it for years to come, but maybe not. You see the studios also have the Image Constraint Token (ICT) which when set on a title will tell every and all Blu-ray players to down convert analog output to 540p. The only reprieve is that if its set on a title, it must be marked on the box, and of course it can't be retroactively set (any title you own now will continue to play exactly the same way it does on your existing players). We're waiting for final confirmation, but apparently the ICT hasn't been an option to studios until now so start looking for the icon on your latest purchases. The final stage in the sunset is 2013 when analog outputs will be removed from Blu-ray players completely, but we suspect we'll have better things to worry about by then like ultra HD or digital distribution.
For the most part, Intel's Sandy Bridge introduction at CES made a giant impact in the outlook of future laptops, but not as much was said over in the desktop world. Quietly, a slew of custom PC makers have slid out revised towers with the second generation Core lineup, with Dell's XPS 8300, Digital Storm's entire family, Cyber Power's Gamer Xtreme 1000 / 2000 and iBuyPower's Chimera XLC seeing the new Core i5 and Core i7 chips. Care to dig in deeper? Hit the source links below, and be sure to bust out your credit card -- Intel's fastest doesn't come cheap, you know.
The Xperia Arc is one pretty slice of Gingerbread, don't you think? We certainly did when we got the chance to handle one for ourselves at CES, but today we're less concerned with its exterior and more interested in what lies beneath. The 1GHz processor we knew about already has been specified as a Qualcomm MSM8255 and will be joined in the good fight against sluggish performance by an Adreno 205 graphics chip. On the software front, that random sighting of an Arc with Android 2.4 has been put down as a simple "misconfiguration" by Sony Ericsson, exploding a million conspiracy theories around the web. One encouraging note here is that SE (kinda) acknowledges its inglorious record with Android updates and promises recent changes have put it in "a good position to make sure that Xperia Arc will get later versions in a timely manner." We'll believe it when you make it, Sony.
Got iTunes? Got a Windows Phone 7 device? Then you'll probably want to check out the new Remote app in the Marketplace. It promises to make the two sing in perfect harmony by making them talk over a WiFi connection. There's a basic set of iTunes controls at your WP7 phone's disposal, including volume, starting /stopping music, and searching by album, artist, and song, and a corresponding piece of desktop software you need to install to make the magic happen. It's compatible with both Windows (XP and above) and Mac OS (10.5.8 and above), so all you really need now are $1.99 for the mobile app and the overwhelming desire to control your playlists remotely.
This fifth and final CES 2011 Showcast is multimedia-enhanced. You can order a CD-ROM of the Engadget Podcast Show 005 by faxing $14.99 + shipping and handling to Joshua Topolsky c/o The Little Yellow AOL Man, 9999 Microprocessor Circle, Silicon Valley, USA 99999. Act now and we'll throw in a stress ball that's shaped like the earth and an integrated circuit at the same time. Or just click on any of the hyperlinks listed below!
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Although you won't hear this through official channels, Barnes and Noble's Nook has been plenty of fun for hacksters. And what spells fun better than U-b-u-n-t-u? Certainly nothing that we can mention in mixed company, that's for sure! If you pop over to the always lively XDA Developers Forum, you'll see a crazy little post wherein the author took inspiration from a Nexus One hack and decided to port Ubuntu to the Nook Color. And by jove, it looks like it's worked... even if it is by accounts "a little laggy" and not without errors. Please feel free to hit the source link if you'd like to take in the details on what made this work... and to keep abreast of further developments, to boot.
The US Library of Congress hasn't been shy about embracing the modern age of digital media, though in this case it's having to deal with some decidedly lower-fi data storage. Universal Music Group has announced it's donating over 200,000 master recordings of early 20th century music to the Library, which will be cataloged and digitized -- for future safekeeping and in order to be streamed online starting in the spring. It doesn't seem, however, that the intellectual property rights will be passing with these recordings, as the press release states this agreement continues the Library's "unprecedented authority to stream commercially owned sound recordings online." Either way, it's good to know that the original copies of works by the likes of Louis Armstrong, Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald will reside in the hands of an organization dedicated to their preservation. Full press release follows after the break.
Show full PR text
January 10, 2011
Universal Music Group Donates Over 200,000 Master Recordings to the Library of Congress
Library's Largest Musical Gift Features Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby & Others
The American people, through the nation's library, will receive a post-holiday gift of vintage sound recordings from one of the world's largest recording companies. The Library of Congress and the Universal Music Group (UMG) announced today the donation of more than 200,000 historic master recordings-many long out-of-print or never released-to the Library's Recorded Sound Section, which has more than 3 million sound recordings in its collections.
Totaling in excess of 5,000 linear feet, UMG's gift is the largest single donation ever received by the Library's audio-visual division and the first major collection of studio master materials ever obtained by the nation's oldest cultural institution. Among the collection's thousands of metal and lacquer discs and master mono tapes are released and unreleased versions of recordings by such seminal artists as Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Tommy Dorsey, Billie Holiday, the Andrews Sisters, Connee Boswell, Jimmy Dorsey, the Mills Brothers, Guy Lombardo, Ella Fitzgerald, Fred Waring, Judy Garland, and Dinah Washington, among others.
They include:
* Bing Crosby's 1947 version of "White Christmas" * Louis Armstrong singing "Ain't Misbehavin'" * The Mills Brothers' "Paper Doll" * Ella Fitzgerald's and Louis Armstrong's duet "Frim Fram Sauce" * Les Paul's "Guitar Boogie" * Josh White singing "Jim Crow" * Machito and his Afro-Cuban All Stars Mercury recordings
"It is certainly within the national interest to acquire this recorded collection, and all its accompanying materials, for custodial care," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "A surprisingly high percentage of America's recording heritage since the early part of the 20thcentury has been lost due to neglect and deterioration. The donation of the UMG archive to the Library of Congress is a major gift to the nation that will help maintain the inter-generational connection that is essential to keeping alive, in our collective national memory, the music and sound recordings meaningful to past generations."
UMG has one of the most extensive catalogs of music in the world and its gift to the Library includes historic masters from such subsidiary labels as Decca, Mercury, Vocalion and Brunswick, dating from the late 1920s through the late 1940s. "Music is a distinctive feature of any historical period, and this particular collection of masters provides true insight into popular music's humble beginnings and who we are as a culture today," said Zach Horowitz, UMG's president and chief operating officer. "We are delighted to be collaborating with the Library of Congress to preserve and call attention to the groundbreaking musical achievements of these amazing musical pioneers."
The Universal Music Collection, which consists of the company's best existing copies, will be cataloged and digitized at the Library's Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation in Culpeper, Va., which will permanently secure their exceptional sonic quality. "The Packard Campus and its employees will work hard to protect the Library's comprehensive collection and make these recordings accessible to the American people and this generous contribution by Universal Music will help preserve our nation's rich cultural heritage," said Congressman Eric Cantor, Majority Leader for the 112thCongress and U.S. Representative from the 7thDistrict of Virginia, which includes Culpeper.
This gift is particularly important in the context of the findings of the first comprehensive, congressionally mandated study ever conducted in the U.S. on a national level. It found that only an estimated 14 percent of pre-1965 commercially released recordings were currently available from rights holders. The study also found that of the music released in the U.S. in the 1930s, only about 10 percent of it could be readily accessed by the public.
The Library will stream recordings from the collection on a website to be launched in the spring. The additions of these recordings will significantly broaden the scope of the site and enhance the Library's already unprecedented authority to stream commercially owned sound recordings online.
Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution. It seeks to spark imagination and creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs and exhibitions. Many of the Library's rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov and via interactive exhibitions on a personalized website at myloc.gov .
The Packard Campus is a state-of-the-art facility where the nation's library acquires, preserves and provides access to the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of films, television programs, radio broadcasts and sound recordings (www.loc.gov/avconservation). The Packard Campus is funded as a gift to the nation by the Packard Humanities Institute and is home to more than six million collection items.
Universal Music Group is the world's leading music company with wholly owned record operations or licensees in 77 countries. Its businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, the industry's leading global music publishing operation. UMG's record labels include: A&M/Octone, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Disa, Emarcy, Fonovisa, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, Lost Highway Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Polydor Records, Show Dog–Universal Music, Universal Motown Republic Group, Universal Music Latino and Verve Music Group as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. UMG owns the most extensive catalog of music in the industry, which includes the last 100 years of the world's most popular artists and their recordings. UMG's catalog is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). UMG also includes eLabs, its new media and technologies division; Bravado, its merchandising company; and Twenty-First Artists, its full service management division. UMG is a unit of Vivendi, a global media and communications company.
It looks like Verizon's gone and added yet another device -- make that two -- to their 4G LTE network. The company announced Thursday that it will offer the business-savvy Cius tablet on LTE starting this March, and will also offer LTE interfaces for Cisco's second generation Integrated Service Router. Verizon says it's got about one-third of the US covered with LTE, which offers downstream speeds between 5Mbps and 12Mbps, and will have the other two-thrids blanketed by 2012. If you're lucky enough to live in that first one-third, the Cius tablet, which sports a 7-inch diagonal touchscreen and weighs about 1.15lbs, could become your preferred form of business communication -- it offers HD video streaming, real-time video, and multi-party conferencing. Cius will also have 3G capability for those unfortunate souls operating outside of the LTE sphere. Verizon isn't ready to settle on a data plan for the tablet, as its main functions have potential to eat up a ton of bandwidth, but they're pretty sure employers will be the ones footing the bill.
Motion tracking software? Yeah, it's pretty old hat, but steps are being taken each day to take the technology to a place it has never been before. Overly dramatic? Sure, but we doubt you'll have much room to complain after peeking the video just past the break. Tipster Alexandre is responsible for the demonstration that you'll find there, showing off an application that can track an object that you select in real-time, with a single observation / image being enough to kick things off. It can handle zooms, object size changes, occlusion and temporary disappearances, and it's merely a mystery when something like this will get integrated into your motion gaming system of choice. Fingers crossed for "soon," right?
For the most part, Intel's Sandy Bridge introduction at CES made a giant impact in the outlook of future laptops, but not as much was said over in the desktop world. Quietly, a slew of custom PC makers have slid out revised towers with the second generation Core lineup, with Dell's XPS 8300, Digital Storm's entire family, Cyber Power's Gamer Xtreme 1000 / 2000 and iBuyPower's Chimera XLC seeing the new Core i5 and Core i7 chips. Care to dig in deeper? Hit the source links below, and be sure to bust out your credit card -- Intel's fastest doesn't come cheap, you know.
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