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Engadget News

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• AT&T's brewing HSUPA-gate: the inside story
• Want to write for us? Engadget is looking for a full-time, New York-based Editor
• Minecraft coming to Android, too
• Latest Sprint teaser tweet all but confirms February 24th announcement is for Windows Phone 7
• Sharp's Intelligent Power Conditioner works with EVs to make your house a lean, mean, solar-powered machine
• SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone & iPad updated with video-out support
• The technology of the Porsche 911
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 hitting Vodafone Portugal in March for €699
• Motorola Atrix 4G Laptop Dock demo units have multitouch trackpads -- but yours doesn't
• Samsung Captivate update to Froyo pegged for tomorrow, February 24th (update: HTC Aria update coming 'very soon')
• Apple's holding an iPad 2 event on March 2nd... we'll be there live!
• RedEye universal remote launches 'mini' app on iTunes for users who want something simpler
• BMW Connected hitting 1 Series cars first, lets you tweet your disregard for speed limits
• Square mobile payment system gets simpler pricing, keeps angular shape
• Renault's Zoe EV to give Nissan Leaf competition at lower price -- Nissan-Renault alliance forges on
• Super Talent debuts CoreStore MV, super small, super fast mini PCIe SSD
• Blockbuster going up for sale, hoping to live up to its name
• Arcade Table's Stealth brings high design, crazy price tag to tabletop arcade
• Microsoft pulls Windows Phone 7 update from Samsung phones until it can resolve issues
• Samsung Galaxy S 4G now available from T-Mobile
• Apple's Light Peak implementation called Thunderbolt, coming in new MacBook Pros?
• Android 2.3.3 gives you another reason to want it: WebM support
• Toyota to start selling home battery chargers in 2012, sate the electrical appetites of the Prii
• Shocker! Apple product placements dominate Hollywood
• Sprint renames the HTC 7 Pro the Arrive, launching it tomorrow
• Samsung Galaxy Tab series expanding with 8.9-inch model by summer
• Samsung Galaxy S II first with MHL port for dual-purpose USB or HDMI out (video)
• Drive Bender released, offers to fix your WHS Drive Extender woes
• Apple and other music retailers purportedly looking at 24-bit, high-fidelity audio downloads
• HP gets down to business with redesigned and refreshed EliteBook and ProBook laptops (hands-on)
• Verizon charging for one month's data with Samsung Galaxy Tab, too?
• Samsung launches five more i-Function NX Series lenses, we long for broader compatibility
• Motorola Atrix 4G gets the teardown treatment, fourth G nowhere to be found
• Google disables contact sync in Facebook for Android, but only Nexus S for now
• Scratch that, the Lenovo ThinkPad X120e is on sale now
• Nexus S and Nexus One get Android Gingerbread 2.3.3, fixes random reboots and writes NFC tags
• Tiny EGO pseudo-submarine for the super rich is aptly named
• Hasbro hops on the 3D bandwagon with Transformers Cine-Mask 3D glasses
• Intel to show new technology on Thursday, Light Peak rumors swirl
• Razer's Chimaera 5.1 wireless Xbox 360 surround sound headset up for pre-order, ships in April

AT&T's brewing HSUPA-gate: the inside story Posted: 23 Feb 2011 10:28 AM PST Though it really came to a head with the recently-launched Inspire 4G, users have noticed that there really aren't many phones in AT&T's stable that deliver stellar upload speeds -- the Atrix 4G is suffering the same sub-megabit performance, as are older devices that should seemingly support HSUPA like the Samsung Captivate. We've chatted in the past few days with a source who offers an interesting explanation: AT&T currently requires that all handsets that it sells "handshake" with the network as 3GPP Release 5 devices, the last official set of 3G specifications that lacked support for HSUPA. That feature -- also known as EDCH, or FDD Enhanced Uplink -- was added in Release 6. Though AT&T is apparently working on permitting the bulk of its handsets to handshake Release 6, presently only the iPhone 4 (and presumably all of its recent data devices like USB modems, which may also use Release 7) are allowed. Neither we, nor our source, know why this is. Our source believes that the Release 6 certification may happen within a "month or two," which would explain why some AT&T sales reps in "live" HSPA+ areas are telling customers that the "4G network" isn't live yet. You can form your own conclusions as to why AT&T might be imposing this arbitrary limitation, but we do know that "enhanced" backhaul figures prominently into the company's 4G story; there may be concerns that flipping on HSUPA for everyone right now would overwhelm its legacy infrastructure. At any rate, it sounds like this could all be solved soon through a combination of network changes and possibly firmware updates for individual devices, so let's keep our fingers crossed. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Want to write for us? Engadget is looking for a full-time, New York-based Editor Posted: 23 Feb 2011 10:15 AM PST Yes, it's true, Engadget is hiring. In fact, we're looking for a full-time editor. There are a few requirements which differ from our usual call for applications, so we wanted to state them up front: we're hiring a full-time, New York-based editor, and we want that person to have previous experience writing about technology professionally. We'd love to hear from you, so read on below to find out how to apply. First up, a few requirements -- there are just a few, but they are absolute must-haves (as stated previously). You must live in the metropolitan New York area (or be willing to relocate here!). You must have experience writing about technology. If you do not meet these requirements, please DO NOT apply. We'll let you know when we're hiring for other positions. About the position: This will be a full-time, salaried position, working for Engadget's parent company, AOL. This means health benefits and the whole nine yards. We can talk more about that once you've jumped through our hoops, but know up front that this is a job that requires almost endless dedication, a lot of hours, and a ton of work. You should also have good social skills, since you'll be required to attend meetings and maintain relationships with PR and company contacts. To apply, send an application email with the following: A resume (either in the body of the email itself or as an attachment is fine). A cover letter with links to your previous work. A few words about how you think Engadget differs from other technology news sites out there. If you have any questions, email lauraATengadgetDOTcom directly. We also apologize, but the sheer volume of applications makes it difficult to respond to everyone. If we're interested we'll get in touch, and thanks in advance! To apply to Engadget, please send us an email at jobsATengadgetDOTcom with the phrase "Spring jobs" (no quotes) in the subject!

Minecraft coming to Android, too Posted: 23 Feb 2011 09:59 AM PST Have you been considering ditching your Android phone for an iPhone ever since you heard that Minecraft would be heading to iOS later this year? Then you might want to reconsider, as Kotaku has confirmed that the game that's already inspired a documentary will be headed to Android as well. Interestingly, the site says that the game's creators initially held some talks with third-party developers about doing a mobile version, but ultimately decided to do both ports in-house. Details are otherwise still pretty light but, like the iOS version, this one is said to be coming "later this year." [Image: bloomilkart / deviantART]

Latest Sprint teaser tweet all but confirms February 24th announcement is for Windows Phone 7 Posted: 23 Feb 2011 09:36 AM PST How many mobile platforms can you think of that integrate "with your home game console, like Xbox?" Unless we're completely spacing something out, the answer is one: Windows Phone 7. We'd already figured the Thursday announcement that Sprint has been teasing this week on Twitter -- and that little Arrive leak all but confirmed it anyhow -- but if you needed any more evidence that the phone formerly known as the HTC 7 Pro would be formally announced in CDMA guise this week, here you have it. We'll know more tomorrow, hopefully.

Sharp's Intelligent Power Conditioner works with EVs to make your house a lean, mean, solar-powered machine Posted: 23 Feb 2011 09:13 AM PST So, you've got your government-issued solar panels and you bought a plug-in EV, but being both a budget-minded and green-conscious geek, you're concerned that your home's power generation and consumption isn't exactly optimal. Put your worries aside, because Sharp has created the Intelligent Power Conditioner (IPC) to max out the electrical efficiency of your abode while working in conjunction with public utilities. It operates by temporarily storing the unused solar-generated juice from the daytime -- using both the system's batteries and the cells in your shiny new EV -- to deliver a steady stream of electrons at night. In tests with a Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the system was able to use the EV to supply 8kW of power to a home, and doled out enough electricity (4kWh) to recharge the car in a scant 30 minutes. The IPC is still in the development phase, but Sharp is looking to make it commercially available "in the near future" -- which means the finishing touches on your ultimate eco-house will have to wait.

SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone & iPad updated with video-out support Posted: 23 Feb 2011 08:58 AM PST If you have an iPod, iPhone or iPad with the SlingPlayer Mobile app, you now have a Slingbox to go since the app was just updated with support for video out over component cables in high quality mode. Version 2.1 also includes a few unspecified bugfixes, but we're figuring the opportunity to watch TV, on a TV in high bitrate streams is more than enough to get users mashing that update button and digging out their unused connectors. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

The technology of the Porsche 911 Posted: 23 Feb 2011 08:36 AM PST Regardless of industry, there are few brands more iconic than Porsche. And, of all the car shapes that have sprung from clay over the years, few are more evocative than the classic 911. It started in 1963 looking like a slightly stretched Beetle -- which it wasn't much bigger than. It's considerably larger and heavier now, having lost much of its design purity in the ensuing 40-odd years. Still, its same basic shape and layout remain: bug eyes up front and boxer motor in the rear, slung between the back wheels. Today's 911, also known as the 997, has been around since 2005 and is about due to be replaced by a new model. This means it's at the top of its game, available in a dizzying array of flavors that include the sporty Carrera, sunny-day cruisin' Cabriolet, all-wheel drive powerhouse Turbo, all leading up to the mind-blowingly fast, twin-turbo 911 GT2. That car is as devoid of creature comforts as it is of apprehensions about sending you flying sideways into a tree. Screaming, probably. These varying trim levels offer juicy bits of tech like active center differentials, launch control, and double-clutch gearboxes. Join us as we explore the race-ready bits of technology that make these cars faster and safer on the road and then take them for a spin around Barber Motorsports Park to see how it all comes together. The basics Want a 911? You certainly have your choice, with models starting at the base, $78,000 Carrera, a rear-wheel drive model offering 345hp. Spend another $13,000 and you get another 40hp with the Carrera S, or drop $84,000 for an all-wheel drive 345hp Carrera 4, or $136,000 for the 500hp Turbo, or $161,000 for the 530hp Turbo S, or $116,000 for the race-ready GT3, or a whopping $245,000 for the bombastic GT2, with 620hp. It's a humorously wide array of choices, over 20 basic permutations and a dizzying number of sub-options that ensure well-heeled buyers will have lots and lots of fun customizing theirs. Engine choices range from the 385hp, 3.6 liter all the way up to that 620hp, 3.8 liter, twin-turbocharged selection in the GT2 RS. All motors are flat-sixes, an arrangement called "boxer" because the pistons move back and forth on a flat plane much like a couple of chaps wearing big gloves and having at it. Of course, in this case they'd be three-armed boxers, but you get the picture. That motor is tucked away back behind the rear wheels, its flat profile enabling it to be situated low and yet still leaving room for a pair of back seats in most 911 models, though you wouldn't want to put any full-sized humans you really care about back there. In the RS models those seats make way for a roll cage that would make the kids at the jungle gym jealous -- and the dudes at the Sunday autocrosses, too. In most trims the modern 911 is most certainly a luxury car, with most models offering interiors that stop short of posh but are decidedly upscale, the exceptions again being the hardcore RS models that strip out all that junk in favor of lightness. And handling. Oh, the handling. The handling Having the engine out back can be a blessing and a curse. The next time you're in the grocery store, try putting something heavy in the front of the cart, like a couple-dozen bottles of HFC-free, vitamin-infused, lightly-flavored spring water from somewhere in Scandinavia. A case of beer will do, too. Then, try turning the cart back and forth -- not so easy. Now, shift your beverage toward the back and try again. Suddenly that shopping kart feels more like a go-kart. It's the same in the 911, less weight up front making for more adept turning and more weight over the rear can give a little more traction to the rear tires. But, break the rear-end loose when turning and that heavy lump of a motor tends to want to just keep on going around and around until it hits something solid. Similarly, having the weight at the rear can make things a little interesting under braking, buxom posterior dancing from side to side like a booty girl on a catwalk. Traction control Confession time: traction control isn't the most exciting of topics, but here in Porsche-land it can be used not only to keep you out of a ditch but also to make you faster around the track. TC is, at its simplest, the car automatically cutting power to the driven wheels when they lose grip -- kind of like an anti-lock braking system in reverse. Most cars offer some form of TC, but they aren't all as advanced as Porsche's system. Like others, Porsche's TC system detects when a wheel is slipping or spinning that shouldn't be. If you're accelerating away hard and you over-power the poor tires, starting a burnout, the engine power will be cut until the grip catches up. There's also a stability control (SC) system. This comes in to play when you're too fast in a turn, trying to make it around the bend but the car is sliding wide. In this case the car will automatically brake the inside wheels to help whoa things down and pivot around the apex rather than plow into the barrier. The combined system can be disabled to varying degrees in various cars. In the dry you hardly notice it's there, even on the track, but in the wet skidpad Porsche has created, painted to keep the water from soaking through, you notice it. Switch it off and even a base Carrera will take you for a ride with the slightest provocation of your right foot. Turn it back on and all is well. The engagement in this situation is rather abrupt and harsh, but better that than inadvertent donuts. All wheel drive A lot of cars portend to spin all four wheels on the snow, but many of them do it in a very limited way, only adding torque to the back wheels after the fronts are already zinging wildly out of control. Many systems rely on viscous systems full of goo that turns into a solid when it heats up. Instead, Porsche uses an computer-controlled center differential to split power front-to-rear, and naturally has a special acronym for it: PTM, or Porsche Traction Management. This system relies on electromagnets to engage a central clutch. When the clutch is locked power is evenly distributed to all four wheels, but under normal conditions two-thirds of that power goes to the rear to deliver a taste of RWD feel. This layout is optional on the base Carrera but comes standard on the higher-horsepower Turbo models. They really need the extra grip. However, it's not quite as advanced as systems like that on Nissan's GT-R, which has computer controlled differentials in the center, front, and rear. Most Porsches, on the other hand, have what the company calls active braking differentials, or ABD. These are simple, open differentials that rely on the brakes to keep either of the two driven wheels from spinning up and robbing the other of torque. It'd take a few pages to fully explain why this solution is less than optimal, but suffice it to say the driver probably won't notice the difference. Indeed on the track the Turbo has a slightly heavier feel of the steering wheel and a hint of torque steer tugging at it when accelerating out of the turns. But, the extra grip is noticeable when accelerating, especially when accelerating hard. PDK: Porsche Doppelkupplung That right there is a good German word, a whole heck of a lot of letters that means, simply, "double clutch." It's Porsche's name for its split gearbox, something that's more and more common in road cars and now is available in most 911 models -- if you don't mind paying a $4,000 to $5,000 premium. But, like with most things Porsche, you're not done spending just yet. You want to drop another $1,000 for the Sport Crono Plus option, which gives you the ability tune it and specify just how fast and how hard you want your shifts. But what is it? Basically, Porsche's managed to fit two gearboxes in a space not much bigger than a single one, putting the odd numbered gears in one and the even gears in the other. It's a little hard to explain, so let's look at an example: when in a normal gearbox, either standard or automatic, you start in first gear then shift up to second as you accelerate, disengaging first in the process. As you get faster and faster you move from one gear to the next. In a double-clutch gearbox, like Porsche's PDK, when you start out the first gearbox has engaged first gear like normal. But, the second gearbox has also chosen a gear: it's already engaged second. When you accelerate away and it's time up-shift there's actually no shifting involved: the engine simply switches from one transmission to the next. Almost instantly you're in second gear. The car predicts what gear you'll want next -- higher when accelerating and lower when braking -- and makes sure it's always ready. Shifts now take only milliseconds. In practice, though, it isn't always that fast. In fact in the base PDK cars there's a noticeable lag between you asking for the next gear and actually getting it. Engage Sport Plus mode (part of that pricey Crono Plus package) and the experience becomes much more responsive. Even when left in "D" mode (automatic) the car will now hold a gear right up to redline, even if you're only giving part-throttle, and will downshift absolutely as soon and hard as it can. If you weren't driving aggressively before, hitting that Sport Plus button certainly makes you feel like you should be. The company's driving instructors say a PDK-equipped car is between two and three seconds faster around the track, which is an astonishing improvement. There's a definite cost, though, and we're not just talking money. Driving with PDK feels a little disconnected -- a little vague, even. But, you'll need it if you ever want to feel something absolutely amazing. Launch control Warp factor nine. Going plaid. Getting sucked into a black hole. These are all attempts at describing what it's like to experience launch control in a 530hp 911 Turbo S. The car already has the PTM all-wheel drive system we mentioned above, but launch control turns that knob, which is already at 11, up to somewhere north of 15. Simply enable Sport Plus, put the car in D, place a foot on the brake, and floor it. The car holds revs and, as soon as you drop your foot off the brake, the world gets very, very blurry as you get to 60MPH in 3.1 seconds and explore the depths of the padding in the leather seat's back support. As mind blowing as the G-forces are it's even more impressive to know that the system is actually not harmful to the drivetrain. Porsche reps told tales of cars doing hundreds of launches at press events before driving hundreds of miles to another press event and then doing it again. And again. As fun as this is, we do hope that Porsche discontinues such excessive use of launch control. All those hard launches, while totally fun, are surely slowing the rotation of the Earth and will ultimately lead to extinction for the human race. Infotainment Sadly there's not a lot to report here. The Turbo S model we got a chance to drive on the road had the company's (optional, naturally) universal audio interface. Tucked away in the armrest is an Apple dock connector, USB port, and a simple 3.5mm line-in. Through here you can pump music from your iPod, thumb drive, or any other player and, really, that's about it. No smartphone integration. No Pandora controlled by your voice. Nothing like that. Even Chevrolet is now looking more impressive in this department. Wrap-up The Porsche 911 isn't the most technologically advanced car on the planet, but if you tick all those myriad of option boxes you can certainly equip yourself with a mighty fancy ride with enough circuitry and three-letter acronyms to keep even the brainiest of gearheads grinning. Much of that serves to make the 911 a faster and safer car to drive, but ultimately a lot of it also serves to dilute the driving experience. The top-shelf Turbo S model is bristling with tech and offers enough power to suck your eyeballs somewhere into your temporal lobe, but it also leaves you feeling a little disconnected. If you want that pure driving experience, step it down a few notches (and a few dozen thousand dollars) and go for something like a Carrera S or the GT3 RS, both of which offer old school, six-speed manual transmissions. Chances are cars with three pedals in the footwell aren't long for this world, so enjoy 'em while you can -- even if it means giving up a few seconds on the track.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 hitting Vodafone Portugal in March for €699 Posted: 23 Feb 2011 08:11 AM PST We've been waiting for the pricing and availability pieces of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 puzzle, and a short press release from Vodafone Portugal seems to at least help fill out the edges. While we thought Vodafone's UK branch had exclusive dibs on the 10.1-inch Honeycomb tablet, it looks like it will be hitting Vodafone Portugal first in March for €699. That's not exactly a bargain, but it's in line with the pricing of the other Android tablets overseas. Now, if only we knew more about when this one was going to learn English and hit the US. As always, we're digging as hard as we can on that one. Updated: It looks like Vodafone Spain announced pricing last week, too. Our friends at Engadget Spanish report that the tablet will go for €349 on-contract sometime this spring. [Thanks, The Wizard]

Motorola Atrix 4G Laptop Dock demo units have multitouch trackpads -- but yours doesn't Posted: 23 Feb 2011 07:55 AM PST We were crestfallen to discover that our review unit of the Laptop Dock for Moto's Atrix 4G didn't have multitouch capability, making scrolling a rather old-fashioned affair -- and considering that a desktop build of Firefox figures prominently into Webtop's capabilities, scrolling is something you'll be doing quite a bit of. Well, this is where it gets weird: a number of people on xda-developers are discussing the fact that in-store demo units of the Laptop Dock seem to mysteriously have multitouch added in, and at least one poster notes that a Motorola rep that visited his local store a while back had multitouch working as well. That means one of three things: either these units are physically different hardware, they're running a prerelease firmware upgrade, or they've got a feature that was pulled at the last minute, possibly because it didn't work very well. Unfortunately, the latter seems plausible because Motorola has indicated to us that the Laptop Dock's hardware doesn't support multitouch and it's not something we can expect to be added in down the road -- but we can hope. [Thanks, Caleb]

Samsung Captivate update to Froyo pegged for tomorrow, February 24th (update: HTC Aria update coming 'very soon') Posted: 23 Feb 2011 07:32 AM PST One false alarm is bad enough, but two would be positively evil, wouldn't it? We're cautiously optimistic that Samsung and AT&T are serious this time about posting the Captivate's update to Android 2.2 starting tomorrow, another step in Sammy's long, drawn-out road to getting all of its promised Galaxy S upgrades out the door. We're sure owners are going to appreciate some of the simple pleasures in life that Froyo (and Gingerbread) owners have come to take for granted like being able to move apps to external storage... and it's all just hours away. Can you feel the excitement? Update: in an official Facebook video just posted, AT&T mentions that it's already in the process of testing a Froyo upgrade for the HTC Aria as well -- and it should be coming "very soon."

Apple's holding an iPad 2 event on March 2nd... we'll be there live! Posted: 23 Feb 2011 07:10 AM PST Hey look at that! The rumors were true. Apple will be holding a media event on March 2nd... and Engadget will be there live covering the whole thing. As you can tell by the image above (sent with the invite), this is going to be all about tablets -- iPads, to be exact.

RedEye universal remote launches 'mini' app on iTunes for users who want something simpler Posted: 23 Feb 2011 06:56 AM PST Did you know that red eyes are not directly caused by lack of sleep, but rather from dryness and irritation caused by simply leaving them open for too long? While you ponder that bombshell, if you've been losing sleep trying to figure out your RedEye universal remote system the company behind the system, ThinkFlood, has something for you. The current solutions allow users to create activities that turn on and control multiple devices simultaneously, but the new "mini" app now available in the App Store simplifies that greatly, a "device focused" approach acting more like a basic universal remote. That's not exactly how we'd choose to use our $49 IR adapter, but if you're so inclined this free download should offer more power to the non-power user. Show full PR text ThinkFlood Releases Dedicated App for RedEye mini RedEye mini users may now choose from original activity-based RedEye app or new device-based app Waltham, MA – February 22, 2011 – ThinkFlood (http://thinkflood.com), maker of award-winning RedEye control products for the home, today announced a new application developed as an option specifically for RedEye mini users. The RedEye mini application is a simpler version of the company's popular activity-based remote control. RedEye mini users can choose to download the original RedEye application (now in version 2.0.1) or the new RedEye mini app, depending on their needs. The RedEye mini app is small enough to download over a mobile network, and enhances RedEye mini's portability. ThinkFlood representatives say the new RedEye mini application suits casual users who are unfamiliar with activity-based control or those who prefer a more basic device-based universal remote. "The RedEye mini application is more for people who have simple 2 or 3 component setups," said Justin Nguyen, lead developer for ThinkFlood. "Those who want something to control a more complex home theater may be more comfortable with the original RedEye application." The RedEye mini application still includes many of the robust features offered in the full RedEye application including a full-color channel guide (US and Canada, with more countries to follow soon) and a database of more than 65,000 infrared control codes. For ThinkFlood's management team, this new application was about meeting customer demand. "Although we sell hardware, we have always felt that software is a vital part of our business," said Matt Eagar, president and co-founder of ThinkFlood. "We update our applications regularly – in fact, this is the seventeenth software release we have rolled out over the last year and a half – and the dedicated mini app is just another example of how we strive to respond quickly to customer feedback." The RedEye mini app is available from iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/redeye-mini/id418230793?mt=8. About ThinkFlood ThinkFlood (http://thinkflood.com/) designs and develops control hardware and software. Its award-winning RedEye line of control products for mobile phones, MP3 players and tablets offers features and functionality previously available only in remotes priced several times as much. ThinkFlood is a privately held company headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

BMW Connected hitting 1 Series cars first, lets you tweet your disregard for speed limits Posted: 23 Feb 2011 06:31 AM PST The BMW Connected app has been available for a few months now, following in the footsteps of Mini Connected as it sits there, and taunting you from the App Store. We knew cars supporting the feature would be coming in March, and now we know which ones will be first: BMW's svelte little 1 Series. To enable the streaming radio and even streaming video (when the car is stationary) on the dash-mounted display you'll need to tick the box next to a €150 (about $205) option. In your suitably equipped car you can then get your Facebook and Twitter feeds read to you and even provide automated responses using "vehicle information such as current speed, outside temperature or navigation destination." We're hoping the car can apply some flowery language to such hard data, like "bat out of hell" for those particularly warm days in which you're driving at a high rate of speed from an unpleasant point of origin. Show full PR text BMW offers new interface for extended iPhone connectivity.The special option Apps. 23.02.2011Press Release Munich. For the first time following the launch of MINI Connected, the BMW Group is now also offering select iPhone applications for integrated use in a BMW. This capability sees the already extensive range of BMW ConnectedDrive features enhanced by a function hitherto unmatched by the competition. With this offer, BMW is once again underlining its leadership role in the field of in-car integration technology. The new option is designed to improve the integration of the Apple iPhone in the car and will be available from spring 2011 to coincide with the launch of the new BMW 1 Series Coupé and the new BMW 1 Series Convertible. The special option will cost €150. BMW Connected app: listen to web radio, send and receive Facebook and Twitter posts. With the BMW Connected app, functions such as web radio, Facebook and Twitter can be shown on the car's display and be operated by means of the iDrive Controller. In addition to the new special option Apps, the requirements for this function are Bluetooth connectivity and the Navigation system Professional (both special options), as well as an iPhone with the BMW Connected app, which can be downloaded free of charge in the Apple App Store. If the iPhone is connected to the car via the USB socket or snap-in adapter, the content of the BMW Connected app appears on the display, which is ideally positioned in the driver's line of vision. This means drivers can leave their iPhone in the holder and keep up with personal Facebook or Twitter posts in comfort and safety via the large vehicle display. Using preformulated text modules, which can be individually defined and stored in the iPhone app, the app can also be used to call up vehicle information such as current speed, outside temperature or navigation destination, enabling the driver to reply to new posts and messages from the car at any time. As with Facebook and Twitter, the web radio feature can also be operated via the Navigation display using the iDrive Controller. It means that vehicle occupants have access to thousands of internet radio stations around the world, irrespective of the car's location. As with the iPhone, music station searches can be carried out via a wide range of search parameters such as genre, country or local stations. Stored favourite stations can also be called up. Whereas Facebook and Twitter can only be accessed inside the vehicle, the web radio feature of the BMW Connected App is also available on the iPhone beyond the confines of the car. In addition to allowing the use of the BMW Connected app, this interface also opens up the possibility of using future applications in the vehicle which have been adapted in collaboration with BMW. As such the Apps interface only marks the beginning of extended iPhone integration through BMW ConnectedDrive. Further functions and apps will follow at regular intervals and will be available for download from the App Store to customers who have opted for the special option Apps and the related interface. PlugIn: simple operation of the iPhone's iPod function in the car. As well as permitting the integration of apps, the new interface offers a further in-car entertainment function known as PlugIn. This allows the operation of functions via the familiar Apple iPod user interface that appears in the car's display. Since the PlugIn feature gives the car direct access to the iPod functions of the iPhone, BMW owners can also avail themselves of all the extended options in the car. These include, for example, Genius playlists that allow the driver to automatically generate mixes of similar tracks from the music catalogue. All stored playlists are shown with their original album cover art – just as they would be on an iPhone or iPod. Here, once again, BMW is affirming its leadership role in the field of infotainment. As the software for the various BMW ConnectedDrive options is in the user's iPhone, regular updates can extend and adapt these functions, thereby guaranteeing the long-term use of current and future iPhone functions. It marks a new era in the integration of consumer electronics in the car. The requirement for this comprehensive integration is a snap-in adapter. Video playback: vodcasts in the car as well. Last but not least, the new Apps interface also allows video podcasts from the iPhone's iPod function to be played and watched on the in-car display – when the vehicle is stationary.

Square mobile payment system gets simpler pricing, keeps angular shape Posted: 23 Feb 2011 05:58 AM PST If you hate doing math and you run a small business then surely you've looked longingly at mobile credit card systems like Square's longingly. No handling of cash certainly would make life easier, but Square's system of fees and surcharges weren't exactly easy to figure out themselves. Now the company has simplified things, dropping the $.15 per-transaction fee for swiped purchases, charging a simple 2.75 percent on each transaction. If, however, that transaction is being made without swiping the actual card the $.15 transaction fee sadly comes back, but the percentage fee has gone down from 4.0 percent to 3.5. So, a little less of your handiwork will be absorbed by the man. [Thanks, Brent]

Renault's Zoe EV to give Nissan Leaf competition at lower price -- Nissan-Renault alliance forges on Posted: 23 Feb 2011 05:34 AM PST Ever since they struck an alliance back in 1999, Renault and Nissan have been super tight, sharing both a CEO and a goal to make EVs more accessible, but with Renault's Zoe gearing up to hit the market in 2012, the French automaker has proven it's not pulling any punches when it comes to competing with its Japanese partner. In fact, reports give Renault's EV a starting price of roughly €15,000, which compared to the Leaf's €27,000 price tag, is a pretty hefty difference. The catch -- of course, there's a catch -- is Zoe owners will have to lease their batteries for about €100 a month. With the added battery expense, however, it would still take nearly 10 years for the Zoe to meet the Leaf's price. We hope this doesn't put a damper on this 12-year love affair, but honestly, we'll take an affordable EV any way we can get it.

Super Talent debuts CoreStore MV, super small, super fast mini PCIe SSD Posted: 23 Feb 2011 05:05 AM PST Super Talent is living up to its name today with the release of the world's "smallest and fastest" mini PCIe SSD. When we last took a look at the company's mini PCIe offerings, they were rocking 40MBps reads and 15MBps writes, but with the release of the new CoreStore SSD line, these exceptional storage makers have destroyed those 2009 specs with speeds topping out at 350MBps and 80MBps. The speedy CoreStore MV measures a mere 30mm x 50.95mm, combines Marvell's latest controller with DDR ONFi 2 flash, and is compatible with netbooks, notebooks, and other devices sporting a second gen mini-PCIe slot. Those devices working a standard PCIe slot can expect 350MBps reads and 220MBps writes with MV's big brother, the CoreStore MP. Both drives come in 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB and should be available starting next month at an undisclosed price -- though we figure true speed freaks will pay just about anything to get their fix. Jonesing for specs? Check out the source link below.

Blockbuster going up for sale, hoping to live up to its name Posted: 23 Feb 2011 04:36 AM PST Don't think of this as the end of the road for Blockbuster, think of it as a new beginning. After filing for Bankruptcy back in September, big blue and yellow has been working to get its affairs in order -- and trying desperately to fend off both Netflix and Redbox with offerings like Blockbuster on Demand and Blockbuster Express. Things apparently haven't gone entirely to plan. The next stop is For Salesville, with bids for the company starting at $290 million. CEO Jim Keys put a positive spin on the news, saying that this will "allow for the consolidation of ownership of the company to those with a clear and focused vision for Blockbuster's future." It might also finally let that guy take a vacation -- a potentially very long one.

Arcade Table's Stealth brings high design, crazy price tag to tabletop arcade Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:57 AM PST The tabletop arcade market isn't exactly a crowded one these days, and for the most part we'd say that's for good reason -- remember those Pac-Man-induced neck spasms? Then again, most arcade tables don't look like this. The Stealth console system from the aptly-named Arcade Tables offers 60 classic games, including Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Galaga, in a high gloss cocktail table, sporting an HD LCD screen with an 89-degree viewing angle, built-in speaker system, and two-player controls. Okay, so the thing costs $3,300, which is more than a touch too rich for our blood, but wouldn't it be nice if more throwback consoles looked a little more, well, Stealth-y.

Microsoft pulls Windows Phone 7 update from Samsung phones until it can resolve issues Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:23 AM PST Such a big load of trouble for such a small update. Microsoft's first WP7 firmware refresh has been causing some unfortunate brick-like behavior in Samsung Omnia 7s and the company has wisely decided to pull the new software back until it can correct whatever's going wrong. An official communiqué to WinRumors says Microsoft has identified the issue at hand and is working to correct it and redistribute the update as soon as possible. For any Samsung WP7 phone owners who haven't been able to resuscitate their device yet, the advised course of action is to go back to the store and swap it for a livelier one. Update: Timo wrote in to let us know that some people are still seeing the update. If that's you, you'd be advised to hold off.

Samsung Galaxy S 4G now available from T-Mobile Posted: 23 Feb 2011 02:49 AM PST Samsung's Galaxy S 4G might not have the very latest version of Android or too much hardware differentiation from the original T-Mobile Vibrant, but hey, it brings a front-facing camera and HSPA+ connectivity, so of course it costs $200. T-Mobile will have disappointed many with its clarification that the Galaxy S 4G will cost a pair of Benjamins on contract, exactly as much as its Samsung-built predecessor did seven months ago, and not as the carrier had originally indicated, $150. Also similar is the fact that T-Mo is launching this phone with an Android build that's one iteration behind the cutting edge, meaning the Froyo update headaches of last autumn may return in the form of Gingerbread jitters this spring. All the same, if the Magenta team sees fit to chop the Galaxy S 4G's price the same way it's been doing with its other Android handsets, we could be in for a fine bargain in the near future. [Thanks, Matt]

Apple's Light Peak implementation called Thunderbolt, coming in new MacBook Pros? Posted: 23 Feb 2011 02:09 AM PST The rumor gears are really starting to churn with regard Apple's upcoming MacBook Pro refresh and now we have a purported leak of the upcoming spec sheet for the new 13-inch model. The highlight is a note (and image, above) seemingly confirming that Apple will implement Intel's Light Peak high-speed interconnect, renaming it the Thunderbolt. Yes, we know there's an HTC handset headed to Verizon with that very same name -- and we've checked the USPTO archives, Verizon's the only tech company with any trademark claim filed for "Thunderbolt" -- but Apple has done weirder things before. Also notable are the apparent inclusion of an SDXC card reader and the absence of a discrete GPU chip, indicating that perhaps the new Core i5 integrated graphics from Intel are finally good enough to convince Cupertino to rely on them full time. Jump past the break to see the full data sheet. Update: We now have an image claiming to show the new Thunderbolt port, which happens to look exactly like the Mini DisplayPort but has a tidy little lightning logo next to it. That's extremely easy to Photoshop, as is the accompanying photo displaying a broader trackpad on the MBP, but we'll let you judge the validity of those images for yourself. Check them out after the break. Update 2: One more image of the spec sheet, this time in English, provided by MacRumors along with the note that it's for the "low-end" 13-inch MacBook Pro. The doc states that the Thunderbolt port supports "high-speed I/O and Mini DisplayPort devices," which would explain why it looks the way it does. [Thanks, Leon and Rodney]

Android 2.3.3 gives you another reason to want it: WebM support Posted: 23 Feb 2011 01:55 AM PST Our first indication of a delivery date for the Gingerbread iteration of Android came way back in May when we were perusing the FAQ to Google's then newly announced WebM video format. There should be no expressions of shock, therefore, to hear that WebM support has indeed been added into Google's mobile OS, with the lowest compatible version being today's freshly introduced Android 2.3.3. Google has already demonstrated its intention to brute-force this format into our lives, which we'll be quite happy to accept just as soon as Gingerbread starts appearing on more devices than its own Nexi.

Toyota to start selling home battery chargers in 2012, sate the electrical appetites of the Prii Posted: 23 Feb 2011 01:28 AM PST We've seen the plug-in Prius (a few times, actually), but what we hadn't seen was how Toyota planned to get the juice from the grid to its car until now. Turns out, the automaker plans to sell home battery chargers starting in 2012 so that buyers of PHEV Prii can fully take advantage of that plug in the front fender. The chargers come in two flavors: one for the garage and one for the exterior of your home, and will cost upwards of ¥200,000 ($2411) fully installed, making it quite a bit more than GM's $2000 Voltec charging station. The good news for us all is that Toyota's charger uses the same SAE J1772 plug found in the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf, so we're hopefully just weeks away from the first-ever EV charger price wars. Popcorn grabbing seems a must given the circumstances.

Shocker! Apple product placements dominate Hollywood Posted: 23 Feb 2011 12:39 AM PST Something you already knew to be true has just been confirmed by Omnicom's Interbrand brand consultancy division: Apple reigns supreme in Hollywood films. Interbrand's Brandchannel website dug deep into the fetid bowels of product placement to reveal Hollywood's preferences (paid or personal) in the 33 films that hit the US box office number one slot in 2010. Brandchannel identified 591 total brand or product appearances for an average of 17.9 placements per film, with Apple appearing in ten of the top films for a 30 percent share -- Nike, Chevrolet, and Ford each appeared in eight. Incidentally, Iron Man 2 won the dubious distinction of being cluttered with the most identifiable brands (64) in 2010. Apple is actually off from its peak of 50 percent of number one films in 2008 and 44 percent in 2009 as demonstrated in the chart after the break. But it's not for a lack of trying. Brandchannel contends that the competition for brand placement has simply intensified resulting in fewer appearances of Janoff's U+F8FF.

Sprint renames the HTC 7 Pro the Arrive, launching it tomorrow Posted: 23 Feb 2011 12:13 AM PST Punch sprint.com/arrive into your address bar and the above is what you shall find. Not a generic error marker but a URL-specific "coming soon" message that would seem to confirm the existence and indeed near-future arrival of the HTC Arrive. Beyond that bit of web sleuthing, we also have ourselves a proven tipster informing us that this will be a carrier-branded version of HTC's 7 Pro and confirming that it will be launched tomorrow. A tweet from Sprint earlier this week, intimated heavily that it's about to introduce a Windows Phone 7 handset on the 24th, which we surmised to mean exactly the long-awaited 7 Pro QWERTY slider. Already available in Europe, this device will serve as the first CDMA representative from the WP7 stable, meaning that you'll soon be able to Glance and Go on the Now Network of alliterative advertising slogans.

Samsung Galaxy Tab series expanding with 8.9-inch model by summer Posted: 22 Feb 2011 11:29 PM PST Not much detail here kids, but the Korean Yonhap News Agency is reporting that Samsung has an 8.9-inch Android tablet due in the first half of the year. This, according to a Samsung company spokesman speaking to the reputable news site over the phone. Yonhap also notes local media reports claiming that the tablet could be for sale as early as next month. We first heard about Samsung's plans for 7-, 8-, and 10-inch tablets way back in June -- long before the 7-inch Galaxy Tab was announced. Now, with the 10.1-incher official, there's no reason to doubt an 8.9-inch Galaxy Tab by summer.

Samsung Galaxy S II first with MHL port for dual-purpose USB or HDMI out (video) Posted: 22 Feb 2011 10:59 PM PST There's a small but important fact about Samsung's newest Android flagship that slipped under our radar last week at Mobile World Congress. The Galaxy S II is the first smartphone to feature an MHL port. MHL, as you'll recall, was first announced in 2008 as the Mobile High-Definition video Link "standard" for mobile devices promoted by a consortium that includes Nokia, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony, and Silicon Image. So yeah, another mobile interconnect standard just like DisplayPort, mini-HDMI, or Light Peak. Essentially, the micro-USB shaped MHL jack at the base of the Galaxy S II features internal circuitry that recognizes USB or MHL impedance and then automatically switches the phone into USB data / charging or MHL audio / video / charging modes. A special 5-wire micro-USB to HDMI cable lets you send video and audio to existing HDMI-equipped displays. Unfortunately, the TV won't charge the Galaxy S II during playback unless you insert a phone charger adapter between the GSII and TV or wait for MHL-enabled TVs to begin shipping later this year. Once connected, you can then use your TV's HDMI-CEC compatible remote to navigate and control the Galaxy S II's media interface. The GSII is just the first MHL device with a half-dozen phones, at least one tablet, and a few TVs coming this summer. More details are available in the video interview after the break.

Drive Bender released, offers to fix your WHS Drive Extender woes Posted: 22 Feb 2011 10:34 PM PST When Microsoft indicated it was killing off Drive Extender tech for its upcoming Vail release of Windows Home Server, many WHS fans poured a 40 onto the lid of their MediaSmart servers. In response to all the sodden warranty claims HP decided to kill off the series and, well, things were looking dire. Indeed Drive Extender will not be a part of Windows Home Server 2011, meaning no integrated ability to easily add and remove disks from a single pool of storage -- but leave it to the individuals offer your fix. You can now try Drive Bender, a sort of alternative Drive Extender developed by a company called Division-M and said to work with any flavor of Windows and offer the same sort of disk merging and replicating functionality, but do it in an unofficial way. The beta is now available if you're feeling rather more brave than we. [Thanks, JagsLive]

Apple and other music retailers purportedly looking at 24-bit, high-fidelity audio downloads Posted: 22 Feb 2011 09:03 PM PST Digital downloads, at least pertaining to music, have come a long, long way. The iTunes Music Store in particular has surpassed Walmart as America's leading seller of music, and it's evolved from a DRM-laden mess to a restriction-free(ish) marketplace with higher-than-average bitrate support. But it seems that 256kbps simply isn't high enough. According to unnamed "executives involved in talks," Apple -- as well as a few other digital music retailers -- are currently in discussions with labels to "improve the quality of the song files they sell." Essentially, these retailers are hoping to hawk 24-bit audio rather than the compressed 16-bit files available today, possibly with a price premium attached. The real trick, however, won't be coercing the labels to cooperate, but to retool future devices to actually play back 24-bit files. iTunes itself is already capable of handling 'em, but the iPod, iPhone and a slew of other handheld devices aren't. The report doesn't mention how close to a deal anyone is, but we're guessing it'll be sooner rather than later. Here's hoping the iPhone 5 ships with 128GB of capacity -- we're going to need an awful lot of space to handle those lossless Police albums.

HP gets down to business with redesigned and refreshed EliteBook and ProBook laptops (hands-on) Posted: 22 Feb 2011 08:01 PM PST Two weeks ago "consumers" got totally redesigned HP Pavilion dv and g-series laptops, leaving those poor guys in the conference room with nothing but their "old" Calpella-based machines and sad Excel spreadsheets. Well, it's their turn now alright -- HP's been stirring up brand new EliteBook and ProBooks for the guys and gals in suits (though, we're really of the mind that these laptops are for anyone looking for some tough and powerful hardware). All ten of the new machines (yep, 10!) have been given new metal designs, Intel's latest Sandy Bridge processors, facial recognition software, and an easy-access latch to get to the hard drive and RAM. And there's more -- hit the jump for a break down and impressions of each of the models, and don't forget to check those galleries below for some shots of these rigs in the flesh. HP EliteBook p-series hands-on HP ProBook b-series, s-series hands-on HP EliteBook p-series The 14-inch EliteBook 8460p and 15.6-inch EliteBook 8560p still look like they belong in the office, but the new bead-blasted magnesium-aluminum lid, edges, and palmrest, which are resistant to smudges, make the machines tough enough to take a serious beating on-the-go. They've even met the MIL-STD 810G military standards making them "business-rugged." And that's not the whole durable story -- both models have a double-shot display frames and aluminum-alloy hinges (picture of that here). Overall, we have to say we were really impressed with the tough feel of the chassis, although it makes them a bit heavy (the 8460p weighs 4.56 pounds and the 8560p 6.1 pounds). However, our favorite two features are more focused on actual usability. The first is the chemically strengthen glass touchpad. It feels great under a finger -- a lot like the one on the Lenovo U260 actually -- and it has two dedicated right and left mouse buttons. In fact, HP's decided to exterminate the ClickPads altogether on these new business models. Still alive, however, are the pointing sticks. The second is the easy access panel on the bottom of the systems -- snap off the rear cover and you've got full access to the hard drive, RAM, etc. Seriously, it looks insanely easy to pull out the hard drive and put in, oh say, one of those new OCZ Vertex 3 Pro SSDs. So, what are you getting exactly on the inside of these rigs? Both will be configurable with Sandy Bridge Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, up to 8GB of RAM, a USB 3.0 port, and AMD Radeon HD 6470M graphics. There will also be three-, six-, and nine-cell battery options, and HP's claiming that the SSD, nine-cell battery, and "ultra-capacity" extended battery configurations will keep these bad boys running for 32 hours. Obviously, that setup will cost quite a bit more than the $999 starting price. HP ProBook b-series As always, HP's ProBooks are for the more mainstream business users, which basically means, they're cheaper. The new 13.3-inch 6360b, 14-inch 6460b, and 15.6-inch 6560b, are similarly made out of aluminum, although they don't have the same finish as the EliteBooks and are a darker tungsten color. They also don't get the higher quality glass touchpad, but the pad is roomy and the rubbery right and left buttons have a nice texture to them. Spec-wise, the ProBooks are very similar to the EliteBooks -- they're available with Intel Celeron, Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, up to 8GB of RAM, and AMD Radeon 6470 graphics. Oh, and did we mention they'll have an HD webcam option? Both the ProBooks and the EliteBooks have HP's new facial recognition software and the usual HP QuickWeb pre-boot environment. The b-series will start at $799. HP ProBook s-series This series is definitely the middle child of the bunch -- it just doesn't get the same kind of love as the others, but then again it's the cheapest. It may have a brushed-aluminum finish, but it's pretty plain in design. All the versions -- there's the 14-inch 4430s, 15.6-inch 4530s, and 17-inch 4730s -- will have Intel Celeron, Core i3, i5, and i7 processor options. (Note: there are 12- and 13-inchers as well, but they won't be coming to the US). While there will be AMD GPU options, the models offered will primarily have integrated graphics, which makes sense for the $579 starting price. HP EliteBook and ProBook press shots Show full PR text HP Unveils Business Notebooks Designed with Precision Engineering PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 23, 2011 – HP today revamped its corporate and enterprise (C&E) and small and medium business (SMB) notebook PC lineup with new technology aimed at boosting performance and productivity, while offering an enriched and sophisticated industrial design that improves notebook quality and reliability. The company's new FORGE design framework ensures HP business notebooks embody a timeless construction, with precision-engineered durability features that are designed for maximum reliability and with the environment in mind. Precision aluminum-alloy hinges, cast titanium-alloy display latches and the HP DisplaySafe frame are a few of the design highlights behind the FORGE approach. New products and services include: - HP EliteBook 8460p and 8560p notebook PCs feature an aerospace- inspired HP DuraCase that meets the MIL-STD 810G military-standard testing specifications, (1) enabling it to withstand wear and tear while still sporting an attractive, professional-looking platinum color tone finish. The EliteBook 8460p also provides industry-leading battery life up to 32 hours.(2) - HP ProBook 6360b, 6460b and 6560b notebook PCs offer configuration flexibility in areas such as processor, graphics and battery technology. Boasting an all-new 13.3-inch diagonal display option, the ProBook b-series also features a new smudge-resistant and wear-resistant tungsten-colored design. - HP ProBook s-series 4230s, 4330s, 4430s, 4530s and 4730s notebook PCs are available in an array of sizes – from ultra-light to desktop replacement – making them an excellent, affordable choice for SMBs. "HP is the market leader in business notebooks and we have raised the bar with a completely revamped line of business-grade notebooks‖ said Dan Forlenza, vice president, Business Notebooks, Personal Systems Group, HP. "Our all-metal EliteBooks meet military standards and will surpass customer expectations in durability" Rugged, optimized design for premium business performance Bold, confident and modern, the HP EliteBook 8460p and HP EliteBook 8560p are the culmination of creative design and precision engineering. Starting at only 4.56 pounds and 6.10 pounds, respectively, the HP EliteBook 8460p and 8560p offer 14- and 15.6-inch diagonal high- definition (HD) LED-backlit displays(3) that deliver incredible portability without sacrificing screen legibility. The EliteBook p-series delivers optimum business performance with second-generation Intel® CoreTM i7 quad-core processors and Core i7, i5 and i3 dual-core processors,(4) while offering flexible choices of UMA or high-performance AMD Radeon HD 6470M discrete graphics with responsive performance and rich media capabilities. The notebooks also feature new USB 3.0 ports and a USB 2.0 charging port, in addition to a range of wireless connectivity options, choice of multiple operating systems, and either hard disk drive or solid-state disk drive options. The HP EliteBook p-series also offers 3-, 6- and 9-cell options for lightweight and extended battery run time, and an HP Long Life Battery option(5) for the highest-achieving notebook battery lifespan on the market. The notebooks also are compatible with the new HP Extended Life Notebook Battery and HP Ultra-Capacity Notebook Battery. With the new HP Ultra-Capacity Notebook battery, the HP EliteBook 8460p can achieve up to 32 hours of battery life.(2) The new HP EliteBook p-series easily connects to the HP 90W Docking Station or the HP 120W Advanced Docking Station(5) for use with peripherals like a monitor and keyboard, enabling users to have a desktop experience without needing to plug and unplug accessories. In addition, the HP EliteBook p-series offers SRS Premium Sound, which delivers optimized audio settings for voice and multimedia applications. Smartly designed, productivity-enhancing notebook series The new HP ProBook 6360b, HP ProBook 6460b and HP ProBook 6560b are ideal choices when smart design, ultimate configurability and business-critical attributes are top priorities. The HP ProBook b-series sports bead-blast aluminum display enclosures, a magnesium-reinforced ABS chassis and a bottom-case drain that helps protect against accidental minor spills on the keyboard. Other new features include an HP DisplaySafe frame for added panel protection, precision display latches for a more secure fit and a spill-resistant keyboard set in a full aluminum deck for a better look and feel. Available with 13.3-inch (6360b), 14-inch (6460b) and 15.6-inch (6560b) diagonal HD LED backlit displays,(3) the HP ProBook b-series offers a range of processing options, including second-generation Intel Core i7, i5 and i3 dual-core processors or an Intel Celeron® processor.(4) For businesses looking for simple multimedia functionality, the ProBook b- series offers an optional HD webcam(3, 5) and features a standard Media Card Reader, SRS Premium Sound, discrete launch buttons and a touchpad on/off button. Stylish with affordable enhanced security for small businesses The HP ProBook s-series balances business functionality with style and affordability. Designed with small business needs in mind, the HP ProBook 4230s (12.1-inch diagonal), ProBook 4330s (13.3-inch diagonal), ProBook 4430s (14-inch diagonal), ProBook 4530s (15.6-inch diagonal) and ProBook 4730s (17.3-inch diagonal) are available in a stylish yet durable brushed-aluminum finish in metallic gray color. The HP ProBook s-series offers second-generation Intel Core i7, i5 and i3 processors for high performance and advanced processing speed or an Intel Celeron processor.(4) Additionally, HP ProBook s-series notebooks are optimized for business and home multimedia usage. The ProBook s-series includes a spill- resistant keyboard set in a full aluminum deck, touchpad with gestures supported, integrated HD webcam(3) with optional dual-array microphones(5) and SRS Premium Sound. The series also includes a choice between Power Express Switchable Graphics (6) and Integrated Graphics, and offers a productivity suite including USB 3.0, standard media card reader and a fingerprint reader. HP Professional Innovations HP is focused on innovations that enhance productivity and simplify how people use technology. The latest version of HP QuickWeb(7) builds on the premise that users have a need to get online fast – without waiting for long boot times – whether they are browsing the web or using applications such as email and conferencing. The newest version of HP QuickWeb now includes web browser, offline email, video conferencing via Skype and multiple widgets such as weather, stocks and social media apps. The updated is a single software application that manages integrated mobile broadband connections, as well as reports the status of Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections. It now supports 3G/4G,(8 )Wi-Fi(9) and Ethernet for most networks across Windows® 7, Vista® and XP and has been redesigned to integrate with IT managers can now centrally manage and view mobile broadband usage for client machines with HP mobile broadband modules on their networks. Bluetooth® wireless on a user's mobile phone, paired with face recognition authentication, delivers robust user access to Windows and websites.(10) HP Power Assistant(11) software extends battery run time while reducing energy consumption through a simple, new user interface. It is an integrated solution that measures and logs reported energy usage by the PC and up to four HP connected monitors (for a total of five screens).(12) Users can now create custom power plans and track energy consumption to meet specific computing needs around the clock. Pricing and availability(13, 14) - The HP EliteBook 8460p and 8560p start at $999 and $1099, respectively, and are expected to be available in the United States on March 15. - The HP ProBook b-series starts at $799 and is expected to be available in the United States on March 15. - The HP ProBook s-series starts at $579 and is expected to be available in the United States on March 15. More information about the products, including product specifications and images, is available at www.hp.com/personal.

Verizon charging for one month's data with Samsung Galaxy Tab, too? Posted: 22 Feb 2011 07:17 PM PST Looks like Verizon's idea of levying mandatory data fees on tablet buyers may be a global thing -- not only will new Xoom owners have to activate and pay for a month of data, but an eagle-eyed tipster sent in this image of a Best Buy price tag that confirms the very same for Samsung's Galaxy Tab. There's nothing to suggest that WiFi-only versions of either tablet would be subject to the surcharge -- with these cellular variants, we can almost understand -- but we don't see 3G iPads carrying mandatory activations, so what's the deal, Verizon? [Thanks, Brian R.]

Samsung launches five more i-Function NX Series lenses, we long for broader compatibility Posted: 22 Feb 2011 06:43 PM PST Outside of the D3S's ridiculous low-light performance, Samsung's i-Function lenses just might be the best thing to happen to digital photography in the past five years. Sure, some of you are probably spitting out your morning Cup of Joe at the thought, but it's one of those things that you truly have to use to appreciate. For those out of the loop, have a peek back at our NX100 preview, and once you're sold, feast your eyes on five new ones in the 2011 NX Series stable. The new range is comprised of Samsung's 18-200mm multi-purpose Long Zoom Lens, a light, compact 16mm F2.4 ultra-wide pancake lens, a 60mm macro, 85mm F1.4 CSC lens (for those low-light shoots needing plenty of bokeh) and a 16-80mm standard zoom. Hit the source link for all of the specifics, but don't go hunting for prices or release dates -- those are still hidden in the background, regrettably. Show full PR text Samsung Launches New 2011 NX Series Lens Line Up NX Series Further Strengthened with Launch of Five New Lenses, Allowing Every Photographer to Create Professional Quality Images SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced five innovative new lenses for its NX camera system. The new lenses bring more premium innovation to the range, featuring class-leading technology such as a premium portrait lens and lenses for movie capturing, opening new creative avenues for NX users to explore. "At Samsung we are committed to ensuring that we remain at the cutting edge of imaging technology, and these five new lenses are testament to that ambition and the growing strength of compact system camera photography" All of the lenses are compatible with Samsung's unique i-Function system, which helps users create powerful effects easily through quick and convenient controls. The new launches, along with the five lenses released in 2010, mean that there are now 10 high-performance lenses available for the NX system, making this one of the most comprehensive ranges available in the Compact System Camera (CSC) market. Samsung's new lenses have been created to allow users to maximize the potential of their NX system cameras, achieve professional-looking results and enjoy taking photos whatever their level of photography experience. The new lens range includes Samsung's 18-200mm multi-purpose Long Zoom Lens. This model features modes which are optimized for creating high-quality movie content with a single lens. The new long zoom lens also has a fast, silent Auto-Focus due to Samsung's use of Voice Coil Motor (VCM) technology, so users can capture important events without recording the sound of the camera's AF. The lens also features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to cancel out any hand movement and deliver crisp, clear images, even when a subject is far away. Samsung has also launched a light, compact 16mm F2.4 Ultra Wide Pancake Lens. The bright aperture of this lens helps to capture wider images even in low light, and deliver a shallow depth of field. The new lens' compact size and sleek design make it the perfect companion to the stylish NX camera range, and its ultra wide angle is ideal for taking landscape shots and deep perspective pictures. For the ultimate in super fast and silent Auto Focus, Samsung's new 60mm Macro Lens features a Super Sonic Actuator (SSA) to deliver a fast, quiet Auto-Focus and also has an Optical Image Stabilization so users never have to miss the timing of that perfect close up shot. For more advanced photographers, the lens offers the ability to manually fine-tune focusing using the Full-Time Manual Focus. The Premium Portrait Lens also launched today is the ultra bright 85mm F1.4 CSC lens, designed for professional photographers. This lens also includes the SSA to provide a fast and silent Auto-Focus. Like Samsung's 60mm Macro Lens, the 85mm Premium Portrait Lens also includes the Full Time Manual Focus, giving advanced photographer's greater control over their preferred settings. The bright F1.4 lens offers the ideal solution for capturing perfect and professional looking portrait pictures of friends or loved ones. Samsung's 16-80mm Advanced Standard Zoom Lens is optimized for taking great movies and still shots. Like the 18-200mm long zoom lens, it has a fast, silent Auto-Focus and Optical Image Stabilization. To make capturing great footage easy in any situation, the lens includes VCM modes ranging from landscape to portrait. "At Samsung we are committed to ensuring that we remain at the cutting edge of imaging technology, and these five new lenses are testament to that ambition and the growing strength of compact system camera photography," said Mr. Hyunho Chung, executive vice president and head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. "These are products that a professional photographer would be proud to use, but we make them so easy to use that a novice could get amazing results every time, and that is a credit to our strong R&D team. We are continuing to innovate in this exciting market and we have more significant developments planned for the future, which will add to our growing strength in the compact system camera market."

Motorola Atrix 4G gets the teardown treatment, fourth G nowhere to be found Posted: 22 Feb 2011 06:02 PM PST If our review of the Atrix left you hungering for more, you can now feast your eyes on the guts of Motorola's new Android powerhouse. Thanks to the folks at iFixit, its teardown reveals a familiar range of parts -- 16GB of NAND flash, 960x540 PenTile LCD, 1GB DDR2 RAM and that beast of a NVIDIA Tegra 2 CPU. What's more, is that the teardown brings to light some enticing news -- the glass panel is not glued to the LCD. This allows for the clumsy to not have to spend the extra dough if they crack the glass (which is usually affixed to the display). Hit the source link if you've got your Atrix and are ready to dismantle the thing yourself. P.S. -- There is a Qualcomm MDM6200 HSPA+ chip inside the phone. The title is meant to be a joke in reference to misconceptions about 4G wireless technology. You can read about them here.

Google disables contact sync in Facebook for Android, but only Nexus S for now Posted: 22 Feb 2011 05:23 PM PST You know that Android 2.3.3 update that's trickling out to Nexus S smartphones right now? Google's decided to take this opportunity to push its data portability agenda with regards to Android. Simply put, the feature of the Facebook for Android app to provide the social network's stored contact information to your Nexus S has been revoked from here on out, and as soon as you get the update all that contact information will disappear from your contacts app on your phone. We've spent a while chatting with a Google rep, and they explained that the company is actually just reinstating the official rules -- typically, apps have to use Android's contacts API, but Facebook was granted an exception which allowed its contacts to remain in the cloud. In effect, what Google's claims it's doing here is the same thing that would happen if you uninstalled the app, or deleted your Facebook account -- your contacts created and stored in the network would no longer be visible in your contacts app. In other words, Google's attempting to push Facebook into making that data available to itself, which would be handy (think of the other apps that could use your Facebook data on the go) but potentially worrisome in terms of privacy as well. Either way, the argument is not likely to directly affect many individuals in the short term -- Google tells us that Facebook's sync privileges will only be revoked in the Nexus S (not the Nexus One) and other "lead devices" yet to come. Read the company's full statement after the break, and decide for yourself if this is worth arguing about. We believe it is very important that users are able to control their data. So in the over-the-air update for Nexus S, we have a small change to how Facebook contacts appear on the device. For Nexus S users who downloaded the Facebook app from Android Market, Facebook contacts will no longer appear to be integrated with the Android Contacts app. Since Facebook contacts cannot be exported from the device, the appearance of integration created a false sense of data portability. Facebook contact data will continue to appear within the Facebook app. Like all developers on Android, Facebook is free to use the Android contacts API to truly integrate contacts on the device, which would allow users to have more control over their data. We are removing the special-case handling of Facebook contacts on Nexus S and future lead devices. We continue to believe that reciprocity (the expectation that if information can be imported into a service it should be able to be exported) is an important step toward creating a world of true data liberation -- and encourage other websites and app developers to allow users to export their contacts as well.

Scratch that, the Lenovo ThinkPad X120e is on sale now Posted: 22 Feb 2011 05:11 PM PST We know, last week we told you that Lenovo's ThinkPad X120e wasn't going to be available until March 8th, but we guess you could call us liars, since the new AMD Zacate-powered, 11.6-inch laptop is up for sale right now on Lenovo's site. The base model with a 1.5GHz E-240 processor and three-cell battery starts at $399, but if you're looking to go up to the 1.6GHz E-350 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a six-cell battery -- the configuration of our review unit -- it'll set you back $569. According to the system configurator most systems will ship within eight business days. You've had a few weeks to decide at this point... so, are you going to get one or what?

Nexus S and Nexus One get Android Gingerbread 2.3.3, fixes random reboots and writes NFC tags Posted: 22 Feb 2011 04:36 PM PST Your Nexus One is a second-class citizen no more: Today, Google's rolling out Android 2.3.3 to both its premier smartphones. The latest build, still referred to as Gingerbread, brings even more NFC goodies than foretold, as the Nexus S will soon be able to write (not just read) rewritable NFC tags as well as act as a glorified NFC tag itself. (You can see both possibilities in the three screenshots above.) What's more, Google tells us Android 2.3.3 will fix the random reboots that have plagued the Nexus S as of late, and offers other random bugfixes as well. You'll find the whole kit and kaboodle streaming to your phones over the air during the next few weeks to come. Update: We're also hearing that integrated Facebook contacts will be treated differently in Android 2.3.3 -- we've reached out to Google for more information. Update 2: Here's the deal with regards to Facebook.

Tiny EGO pseudo-submarine for the super rich is aptly named Posted: 22 Feb 2011 04:19 PM PST Imagine you are so rich you want your own underwater pleasure vehicle, and you don't mind dropping what is likely to be a boatload of cash get it, today may be your lucky, lucky day. A company called Raonhaje has developed the EGO mini-submarine which floats atop the water, but which boasts a submersible capsule for passengers to check out what's going on beneath the surface. Sounds intriguing, right? Sure does! The relatively eco-friendly EV vehicle cruises at just less than five knots for four hours on a full charge. There are no details on price yet, but we expect it will be quite a lot. Video of the rendered model is after the break.

Hasbro hops on the 3D bandwagon with Transformers Cine-Mask 3D glasses Posted: 22 Feb 2011 03:44 PM PST Have any kids that want to see Transformers: Dark of the Moon this summer? Then you'll likely want plan on adding $10 to the cost of each ticket, as Hasbro has come up with the ingenious idea to produce these Transformers Cine-Mask 3D glasses and sell 'em in stores before the movie's release. Available in Optimus Prime and Bumblebee versions, the masks each envelop a standard set of RealD 3D glasses, which makes them suitable the majority of theaters out there and, of course, other 3D movies as well. And, no, there's no adult sizes available -- you'll have to stick with your Oakley, Gucci, or Calvin Klein glasses.

Intel to show new technology on Thursday, Light Peak rumors swirl Posted: 22 Feb 2011 03:11 PM PST We know Light Peak is ready, at least in its 10Gbps copper form. We think that Apple will be the first to use it, possibly in a set of new MacBooks. Now, this Thursday, Intel has invited journalists to a San Francisco event, where it will "discuss a new technology that is about to appear on the market" and provide tech demos. There's no hard news here, but things appear to add up, and so the web's ablaze with rumors that Thursday's the day Intel will unveil the finished first generation of its interconnect technology to the world. Here's what happens now: We'll be in San Francisco this Thursday, reporting live from the event, to let you know for sure.

Razer's Chimaera 5.1 wireless Xbox 360 surround sound headset up for pre-order, ships in April Posted: 22 Feb 2011 02:46 PM PST We were told back at CES that Razer's Chimaera 5.1 would soon be on sale, and sure enough, the company's keeping its word with today's launch. As of... oh, right about five minutes ago, the wireless Xbox 360 headset has been listed for pre-order, with $199.99 (or €199.99 in Europe) netting you a 5.1 channel Dolby surround sound headphone, 5.8GHz wireless technology, a docking base station (up to four are supported), adjustable circumaural ear cups, independent audio and microphone controls on the ear cups and a flexible microphone boom and detachable Xbox Live communication cable. We're told that they'll keep up the good fight for eight hours on a full charge, which should be plenty for even the hardest of hardcore single-session freaks. Word on the street has these shipping in April, but there's no time like the present to commit. Razer's Chimaera 5.1 wireless Xbox 360 surround sound headset Show full PR text Razer™ Chimaera Wireless Gaming Headset Roars To Life In Surround Sound Tuesday, 22 February 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RAZER CHIMAERA WIRELESS GAMING HEADSET ROARS TO LIFE IN SURROUND SOUND Razer Brings Wireless 5.1 Surround Sound to Xbox Gaming Carlsbad, Calif. - February 22, 2011 - Boom. That's the sound of gamers being blown away as Razer, the world's leading high-end precision gaming brand unleashes their wireless Razer Chimaera 5.1 Surround Sound and Razer Chimaera Stereo Gaming Headsets for Xbox 360®. Be it the explosions and gunfire in Halo, the high octane release of nitro in Need for Speed, or grooving beats on DJ Hero, the Razer Chimaera kicks Xbox gaming immersion into overdrive. "Putting on this headset may cause serious jaw-dropping aural intensity," said Robert "RazerGuy" Krakoff, President Razer USA. "With the Razer Chimaera 5.1, we're giving every gamer the opportunity to experience surround sound in complete wireless freedom. We drew from our expertise in PC gaming audio and worked with Dolby® to develop a headset that lets you hear everything with absolute clarity to pinpoint enemy locations, prevent backstabs, and just take your gaming enjoyment further. I recommend using it with the Razer Onza controller for serious Xbox ownage." Both 5.1 and Stereo editions of the Razer Chimaera are wireless so you can hear the destruction of your opponents anywhere, be it on the couch or on the way to the fridge to get a refreshment. With up to 8 hours battery life on the 5.1 edition and 12 on the Stereo edition, as well as extra large circumaural ear cups, your Xbox gaming marathons just got longer, without worry and in maximum comfort. When it's time to charge, just hang the headset onto the base station that doubles as the audio processing unit, letting you customize the game audio to your absolute satisfaction. You and three teammates can also locally connect 4 Razer base stations for a crystal clear, lag-free, and dedicated voice channel for laughing together at the opposing team as you crush them mercilessly. And as the icing on the cake, both editions of the Razer Chimaera are PC compatible, so you can have just as much audio fun on the PC as you will on the Xbox. About the Razer Chimaera 5.1 Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox 360 The Razer Chimaera 5.1 gives discerning gamers a tournament-grade surround sound audio solution for the most immersive and competitive Xbox gaming edge. With massive 50mm speakers in each sound-isolating ear cup, interference-free wireless up to 8 hours, flexible boom mic and a base station with audio processing and local team-communication capabilities, your perfect Xbox gaming experience is now complete. Price: US $199.99 / EU €199.99 Availability: Razerzone.com – April 2011 Worldwide – April 2011 Product Features: * 5.1 Channel Dolby® surround sound * 5.8 GHz interference-free wireless headset (up to 33ft / 10m receiving range) * Docking base station for audio processing, recharging and advanced controls * Connect up to 4 base stations for dedicated lag-free team communications * Adjustable circumaural ear cups for optimal sound isolation and comfort * Independent audio and microphone controls on the ear cups * Flexible microphone boom and detachable Xbox LIVE communication cable * Up to 8 hours rechargeable battery life * Digital optical connection for superior sound quality * PC compatible* *RCA to 3.5mm cable required and sold separately For more information about the Razer Chimaera 5.1, please visit http://www.razerzone.com/chimaera

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