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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Engadget News

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Polaroid GL10 instant mobile printer now available for pre-order, Lady Gaga-approved

Posted: 26 May 2011 11:07 AM PDT

So you still can't stun 'em in a pair of Haus of Gaga-designed camera glasses, but the Polaroid GL10 instant mobile printer is now officially available for pre-order -- and rumored to be making an early debut in the men's accessories section at Bloomingdale's in NYC. The first of the pop star's Grey Label devices to make it to market, the GL10 connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to smartphones (including Android, Blackberry, and Windows phones) and via USB to computers and digital cameras. The little thing weighs 15 ounces, prints 3 x 4-inch classic Polaroid-style or full bleed prints, and boasts a Li-ion battery apparently capable of spitting out 35 photos per charge. Now you can make a real gallery of all those "this is my lunch" pictures you've been forcing on your Facebook friends for the past few years -- that is, if you're willing to drop $170 for a surprisingly understated celebrity-backed photo printer.

Google Wallet vending on Nexus S hands-on

Posted: 26 May 2011 10:42 AM PDT


We just got done watching the unveil of how Google is going to revolutionize the way you pay for denim shorts at the mall, and we just got to try it in a slightly different way -- buying a Coke out of a vending machine. The process is as easy as can be: just select your beverage and, when you're ready to pay, swipe your phone. In a few seconds out pops your frosty beverage and somewhere Santa Claus laughs merrily. It's retail bliss and a lot easier than fishing filthy coins out of your skinny jeans. Check out the short video after the break -- the break that refreshes.
Google Wallet Hands-On

Some Lenovo ThinkPad X220 owners report downthrottling, reduced performance

Posted: 26 May 2011 10:21 AM PDT

No matter how much time we spend with a laptop while we review it, there are some things that are just harder to gauge -- namely, what happens once you've owned the thing for a while and the Sandy Bridge-fueled honeymoon comes to an end. That couldn't be more true of the Lenovo ThinkPad X220, one of our favorite ultraportables at the moment. We're seeing assorted reports from folks whose machines keep downthrottling to 800MHz, even when they're plugged in, set to the maximum performance profile, and not overheating. The result, they say, is slower HDD and SDD performance and reduced random read / write speeds, among other pernicious side effects. Worse, the only reliable solution so far seems to be shutting down the system and performing a cold boot. (For some -- but not all -- disabling Intel Speedstep and / or CPU Power Management in the BIOS works, too.) Judging by the threads in Lenovo's user forum, the company is definitely aware of the problem, though it's unclear if it's found a fix yet. We've pinged Lenovo for comment and will let you know what we hear. In the meantime, how's your X220 treating you?

Google Wallet mobile payment service, Google Offers announced

Posted: 26 May 2011 09:08 AM PDT

It may not be as big a surprise as Google hoped it would be at this point, but the company has now officially announced its NFC-based Google Wallet mobile payment service, complete with backing from a number of retail and financial partners including Subway, Macy's, Walgreens, Toys 'R Us, First Data, Citibank and MasterCard -- plus Sprint on the carrier side. In the case of MasterCard, that partnership means Google Wallet will be fully compatible with the PayPass contactless payment system that's already widely in place today. Trials are beginning immediately in New York and San Francisco, with a full release planned for this summer. Initially, the Sprint Nexus S 4G will be the only compatible phone, but support for more phones is promised "over time," and Google even suggested that phones without built-in NFC could simply use an NFC sticker (the Google Wallet app itself will work on non-NFC phones as well). You'll also have to use either a Citi MasterCard or Google Prepaid Card with the service, although the latter can obviously be funded from any other card.

Also announced today is Google Offers, which will deliver an "offer of the day" to your inbox, and let you seek out other offers from retailers. Of course, it also ties into Google Wallet, and you'll be able to both redeem offers and receive loyalty rewards from retailers with just a tap of your NFC-enabled phone. As far as Google is concerned, however, mobile payments and special offers are just the beginning for Google Wallet. It eventually sees everything from boarding passes to tickets to IDs (and even keys) being stored on your phone. Not surprisingly, all of this is US-only for the time being, but Google is apparently working on international expansion. Head on past the break for a video and the complete press release.
Google Wallet
Google Offers


Show full PR text
Google, Citi, MasterCard, First Data and Sprint Team up to Make Your Phone Your Wallet

Google Wallet will enable consumers to tap, pay and save with their phones

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At an event today, Google, Citi, MasterCard, First Data and Sprint announced and demonstrated Google Wallet, an app that will make your phone your wallet so you can tap, pay and save money and time while you shop. For businesses, Google Wallet is an opportunity to strengthen customer relationships by offering a faster, easier shopping experience with relevant deals, promotions and loyalty rewards.

"Macy's is always looking for cutting-edge technology that will deliver value and engage our customers in personal ways. Google Wallet delivers this unique interaction across channels."
"Today, we've joined with leaders in the industry to build the next generation of mobile commerce," said Stephanie Tilenius, vice president, commerce and payments, Google. "With Citi, MasterCard, First Data and Sprint we're building an open commerce ecosystem that for the first time will make it possible for you to pay with an NFC wallet and redeem consumer promotions all in one tap, while shopping offline."

Google Wallet is currently in a field test and will be available to consumers this summer. At the event, Google, Citi, MasterCard, First Data and Sprint introduced Google Wallet and invited additional issuing banks, payment networks, mobile carriers, handset manufacturers, point of sale systems companies and merchants to join the initiative.

Next Step in Mobile Payments

At commercial launch, Google Wallet will support payments with two payment solutions: a PayPass eligible Citi MasterCard and a virtual Google Prepaid card. Most people who already have a PayPass eligible Citi MasterCard can simply add it to Google Wallet over the air, using First Data's trusted service manager service. Or, they can fund the Google Prepaid card with any payment card.

Google Wallet uses near field communication (NFC) to make secure payments fast and convenient by simply tapping the phone on any PayPass-enabled terminal at checkout.

Google Wallet is engineered to enable secure payments and goes beyond what's possible with traditional wallets and cards. It will require an app-specific PIN and in the first release, all payment card credentials will be encrypted and stored on a chip, called the secure element, that is separate from the Android device memory and is only accessible by authorized programs.

"Citi's role as the lead bank in Google Wallet is the latest demonstration of how we are committed to becoming the world's digital bank, providing to customers the tools they need to manage their everyday finances with convenience and value," said Paul Galant, CEO, Citi Global Enterprise Payments. "Today's announcement and our active collaboration with Google will be looked at as the inflection point for how mobile payments are evolving from concept to mass utilization."

Accepted in Stores Nationwide

Google Wallet is built to work with the fast growing MasterCard PayPass network-a merchant point of sale service that enables consumers to tap to pay. As a result, Google Wallet will immediately be accepted at more than 124,000 PayPass-enabled merchants nationally and more than 311,000 globally.

"MasterCard has pioneered mobile payments with our PayPass technology and we're proud that it is at the heart of Google Wallet," said Ed McLaughlin, chief emerging payments officer, MasterCard. "We're excited to partner with these industry leaders today and committed to continuing to play a leadership role in the development of mobile payment technologies."

Google is also working with point of sale systems companies and top retail brands to create a new SingleTap shopping experience. Consumers will be able to pay for an item using a credit card or gift card, redeem promotions and earn loyalty points-all with a single tap of their Google Wallet. Google is working with VeriFone, Hypercom, Ingenico, VIVOTech and others to develop these next generation point of sale systems. Retailers participating in the new SingleTap experience include: American Eagle Outfitters, Bloomingdale's, Champs Sports, The Container Store, Duane Reade, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Foot Locker, Guess, Jamba Juice, Macy's, Noah's Bagels, Peet's Coffee & Tea, RadioShack, Subway, Toys"R"Us and Walgreens.

"Google Wallet allows us to harness the power of mobile technology to enhance our in-store shopping experience and helps bridge the gap between our online and in-store consumer interactions," said Martine Reardon, executive vice-president of marketing and advertising, Macy's. "Macy's is always looking for cutting-edge technology that will deliver value and engage our customers in personal ways. Google Wallet delivers this unique interaction across channels."

The first Google Wallet field tests are focused in New York and San Francisco, where many retailers, Coca-Cola vending machines and even taxis are PayPass-enabled, including major outlets such as CVS, Jack in the Box, Sports Authority and Sunoco. First Data, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing, is actively recruiting thousands of new merchants in these areas and will soon expand those efforts to deploy more contactless merchant terminals across the country.

"The payments industry has known for some time that it was not a question of if, but when true mobile commerce would become a reality. We believe today is the day that mobile meets payments," said Ed Labry, president, North America, First Data. "We're proud to play a central role in Google Wallet and to bring innovative technology such as Trusted Service Management and contactless acceptance to our clients."

Saving Made Simple

Google has also been testing a variety of consumer deals that can range from a 20-percent discount on a new pair of boots discovered on a Google search advertisement; to a $5 off check-in offer received upon entering a store; to a "deal of the day" offering a $20 lunch for $10 at a local restaurant. Whenever you buy or save an offer, you will be able to automatically sync it to Google Wallet.

At most stores you will be able to use Google Wallet to show your offer at the register, where the cashier will either scan it or manually type it in. At participating Google SingleTap merchants, you will be able to pay and redeem an offer with one tap of your mobile device.

Because Google Wallet is a mobile app, it will eventually be able to do more than a regular wallet ever could-but without the bulk. Google Wallet will start with offers, loyalty and gift cards but some day items like receipts, boarding passes and tickets will all be seamlessly synced to your Google Wallet.

Open Commerce Ecosystem = Consumer Choice and Innovation

Google Wallet will work best if it's an open commerce ecosystem so you will be able to carry all the credit cards, offers, loyalty and gift cards you choose-and eventually much more. To this end, Google Wallet will make it possible to integrate numerous types of partners, and Google, Citi, MasterCard, First Data and Sprint invite the banking community, mobile carriers, handset manufacturers, merchants and others to work with Google Wallet.

"We are delighted to be the first carrier to sign on as a partner with Google to deliver Google Wallet," said Fared Adib, senior vice president of product development, Sprint. "As a leading innovator and proponent of "open," we are proud that Nexus S 4G is the first smartphone with Google Wallet and we look forward to deploying Google Wallet on many of our upcoming Android phones."

The first release of Google Wallet is expected to be released on the Nexus S 4G on the Sprint network. Additional devices with NFC capabilities will follow. Sign up to be notified about the release at google.com/wallet.

About Google Inc.

Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) is a global technology leader focused on improving the ways people connect with information. Google's innovations in web search and advertising have made its website a top internet property and its brand one of the most recognized in the world. For more information, visit www.google.com/about.html.

About Citi

Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Through Citicorp and Citi Holdings, Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com.

About MasterCard

As a leading global payments company, MasterCard (NYSE: MA) serves as a franchisor, processor and advisor to the payments industry, and makes commerce happen by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, governments, businesses, merchants and cardholders worldwide in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information, please visit us at www.mastercard.com. Follow us on Twitter: @mastercardnews.

About First Data

Around the world, every second of every day, First Data makes payment transactions secure, fast and easy for merchants, financial institutions and their customers. First Data leverages its vast product portfolio and expertise to drive customer revenue and profitability. Whether the choice of payment is by debit or credit card, gift card, check or mobile phone, online or at the checkout counter, First Data takes every opportunity to go beyond the transaction.

About Sprint

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 51 million customers at the end of 1Q 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

Live from the Google Wallet press event!

Posted: 26 May 2011 08:47 AM PDT



1:19PM And that's it! Thanks for joining, now, who's up for a shopping spree?


1:18PM Google says that once things are ready the marketing will begin. Has some "exciting marketing plans" coming, which will include retailers.

1:18PM Question regarding how this will be marketed to consumers.

1:17PM In terms of field trials, they're not disclosing how many people will be eligible to ditch their wallet -- assuming they always carry around a spare battery.

1:17PM Google has been working with Mastercard and First Data to identify partners. Won't give out specific numbers, but they're "moving quickly" to get more.

1:16PM Question about how many people will be involved in the NY and SF trials.

1:16PM Google reminding that the company has "principles" that guide it, the first being transparency. Second is control, ensuring that consumers still have control. And the third principle is value -- no value no reason for data.


1:16PM Google now confirming that Google does not store transaction data about cards themselves. But, consumers can opt in for Offers.

1:15PM "We have designed this ecosystem to be 100 percent sure that that covenant is never broken."


1:15PM Citibank -- "We have built this with tremendous integrity... your bank data stays with your bank. Your bank data is never shared. Your bank data is never routed."


1:14PM Google -- "The data is owned by each of the respective partners, and the consumer owns their own data."

1:14PM Questions about privacy, who owns the data being gathered? There are a lot of partners in here...

1:13PM So it sounds like you can't quite leave your physical wallet at home.

1:13PM Google's answer? "You have to use the plastic at that point." Hrm.


1:13PM Question: what is the backup plan if your phone's battery dies?


1:12PM And confirmation that you can use the app even if your phone doesn't have NFC.


1:11PM "No announcements" but yes, Google is working on it.

1:11PM Question about international expansion.


1:11PM Confirmation that the Wallet app is free.

1:11PM Again asking what Google is getting for transaction fees. Google again confirming that it is not charging anything for payments.


1:10PM Google indicates this is just the beginning, still need to re-think current retail practices.

1:10PM "Why do you still have to sign?"


1:10PM Question about security versus convenience. To pay you need to enter the pin, but to capture offers you don't.

1:08PM "The belief is that this thing will proliferate."


1:08PM "This isn't science fiction. It's implemented today... it will just be a matter of time when you see it everywhere."


1:07PM Fared from Sprint came up "Somebody has to pioneer... NFC as a technology is not a complex technology to implement."


1:06PM Google -- "In the last six months, Android issued 50 percent of phones to market." Google is saying it's really pushing to get more phones with NFC.


1:06PM So, yes, they're willing to work with Apple or RIM or maybe even you if you have your own phone OS.

1:05PM Google -- "We will partner with everyone." Could even put a sticker on the phone if it lacks NFC.


1:04PM "How open is this really?" Can you use this on iPhone or Windows Phone devices?

1:04PM Yes, you can wipe them remotely. And there's also the PIN of course.


1:04PM Basically, can you lock or wipe the phone remotely?

1:03PM "What happens if you lose your phone?"



1:03PM Of course this is opt-in, you don't have to provide your location or other info if you don't want to.

1:03PM Stephanie is talking about "geotargeting" -- a "push-pull relationship" of looking for offers vs. offers being pushed.

1:03PM "How will you be tracking consumer data and how do you plan to leverage that for advertising?"

1:02PM Confirmation that Google is not making money on payments.


1:02PM Yes, they'll be point of record, and will make money "Very similarly" to how Groupon does.

1:02PM "Is Google going to be acting as the merchant of record, and how are you guys going to make money on Offers?"


1:01PM Q&A time.

1:01PM "Today we're field testing Google Wallet and we expect to release this summer... we are really excited about what's around the corner."

1:01PM "Google Wallet is built on an open platform so any partner can participate."

1:00PM A giant list of merchants up on the screen. Far from retail ubiquity, but it's definitely a solid start.



1:00PM Phew. Video over. Stephanie again.


12:59PM Subway -- "They could be walking down the street, think about lunch, type in 'lunch' in their phone and get a coupon from Subway."

12:59PM American Eagle -- "It's amazing for the customer. It's going to change how people shop."


12:58PM The Container Store -- "Google Wallet organizes someone's personal data in a way that is more secure."



12:58PM Subway -- looking forward to improve the shopping experience for 30 million customers.



12:57PM Macy's -- "The consumer is looking for a fun shopping experience" -- Google Wallet delivers that.

12:57PM Video time again, let's see who else is working with Google Wallet.


12:57PM Some very thankful people in this room. It's a warm feeling.

12:57PM "A lot has happened over the last year." She's thanking everyone again.


12:56PM Stephanie is back up. "Lots of exciting news."

12:56PM "We're very excited about this opportunity and we really want to thank the Google team."

12:55PM The Nexus S 4G is one of the company's top selling phones at the moment. Over 75 percent of sales today are Android.


12:55PM Can I get an amen?


12:54PM Saying that open platforms "allow for choice." That "A carrier should not dictate your choices on your phone."

12:54PM Also talking up the recent Google Voice integration.


12:54PM "We just recently launched this device you're seeing in all the demos, the Nexus S 4G. It's a pure Android Experience."


12:53PM Fared wins the award for the best suit on stage today. Yellow tie, yellow logo. Nice.


12:53PM Ed is off, Fared Adib from Sprint is up now.


12:52PM TSM being their transaction system. The thing in the middle, there. It does the heavy lifting.


12:51PM All bank and loyalty accounts go through First Data. "Today they are on pieces of plastic... we take those 700 million card numbers and we provision them over to the TSM, which will enable the phone to be used at our four million merchant locations and beyond."



12:51PM Over a billion prepaid cards on file handled by this company. That's with a b.

12:50PM Brings relationships with companies like Citi and others, meaning these guys surely helped Google pave the way to bring these companies together.


12:50PM "More than likely on a day-to-day basis you're using First Data."

12:49PM First Data provides the Mobile ecommerce ecosystems. "Nobody's ever heard of First Data... but we process 40 billion transactions a year."

12:49PM Really makes those late night runs to the border a bit easier, am I right?


12:49PM "In 1999, the thought of putting electronic payments in quick service restaurants was a little ridiculous." Now they all have them.

12:48PM "Think about 1989. You could not use your credit card in the supermarket in the US. Now, over one half of the payments in supermarkets are electronic."


12:48PM "This day was never a question of if, it was a question of when."


12:47PM 27-year veteran here, folks. Respect.



12:47PM Time for Ed Labry from First Data. "What an incredible day."

12:47PM Over 100,000 merchants ready for Google Wallet today.


12:46PM Mastercard is working on expanding and defining the PayPass standard.


12:46PM It's not just speed, though. He's saying the company's smarts set them apart.


12:45PM "At the heart of Mastercard is our network... the fastest, most intelligent payment service worldwide."


12:45PM This is about "bringing together industry leaders to leverage their strengths" to create amazing experiences for consumers.

12:45PM Ed McLaughlin from Mastercard now.


12:44PM And you can tell your grandkids that you were there live!

12:44PM "We're really just at the starting point of mobile payments capabilities." Soon there will be numerous, "but there can be no doubt that today's announcement will be looked at as the inflection point."


12:43PM The point is to "help improve the everyday lives of consumers by bringing them real value, a better shopping experience, and helping them manage their money."

12:42PM "Our engineers have worked tirelessly... around the clock." More love for the engineers. Must have been a lot of late nights and coffee runs to get this ready.


12:41PM They're the future, you know, those touchscreens.

12:41PM He's talking up Citi's new branch here, in Union Square -- lots of fancy touchscreens and the like.


12:40PM Citi wants to be "the world's digital bank."


12:40PM "Today's Google Wallet announcement supports Citi's position as a global leader in payments."

12:39PM "It is indeed a privilege to be on stage today" -- he's really glad to be a collaborator.


12:38PM Paul Galant, CEO of Global Enterprise Payments from Citi, is on stage.


12:38PM We're going to be joined by reps from Citi, Mastercard, First Data, and Sprint.


12:38PM "We want it to be as open as possible, so long as we don't sacrifice on consumer choice or security."

12:37PM Working on developing APIs for banks and retailers.

12:37PM Confirmation that the wallet is free to partners. Even small businesses can put offers and loyalty programs directly into the wallet.

12:37PM What we're seeing today is the "backbone of commerce." Extensibility for financial, mobile, and retail ecosystems.


12:36PM "So what does an open wallet look like? We're starting with wallet objects -- cards that you put in the wallet."


12:36PM "We focus on the user and all else will follow." Hey, that's you!

12:36PM "Open is who we are at Google. It's a deep part of our culture, a part of our history, and open systems drive value for all players."

12:35PM "We want to invite banks, carriers, merchants, POS system providers, to help bring about these richer experiences."


12:35PM "We'd like to extend an invitation to all of you. This can get a lot better."


12:34PM A happy place.

12:34PM And yeah, everyone's still smiling a whole lot. The future is an amazing place.

12:34PM ...buying a new soccer jersey for the kids, paying for art supplies, flowers...




12:33PM Okay, we're saving coupons to the wallet from a computer, getting coupons from posters, buying a latte, smiling a lot...


12:33PM Video time. Google's "Mobile Commerce Vision" -- let's see the future!

12:33PM Reminding us that this is a "real live retail product" that will continue to grow.


12:32PM With a tap that coupon was transferred to his wallet, just in time for the Memorial Day Sale.

12:32PM We're seeing another example, a Macy's poster with an embedded coupon.


12:32PM Osama's back, he's walking off with his shorts.

12:31PM Also, they'll be adding the ability for merchants to automatically suggest signing on to the merchant loyalty programs.

12:31PM You'll be able to pass digital receipts back to the phone soon -- no more paper.

12:30PM "This is just the beginning." They're going to continue adding new features.

12:30PM These transactions rely on multiple secure transactions in one shot, transparently to the user.

12:30PM Talking about the "nuts and bolts" of it all.



12:29PM Another engineer coming up, Jonathan Wall.


12:29PM Beth is completing the transaction, 20 percent coupon applied giving a healthy deal of $4.99. Denim shorts for under $20? That is amazing, Google.


12:28PM Oops, having to tap again... still, two taps isn't bad.


12:28PM Shorts have been bought. Just one tap and three things, the credit card, coupon, and rewards card all applied in one shot.


12:27PM Okay, denim shorts are on stage.


12:27PM Beth McCormick from AE is up, with a real point of sale system up on stage.


12:27PM Loyalty cards now, showing off American Eagle.

12:26PM Flatbread coupon. Osama's definitely watching his carb intake.

12:26PM He's also looking for nearby offers through the app. Subway getting a little attention now.

12:26PM Bam, one click in a browser and the coupon shows up in Google Wallet's saved offers.


12:25PM It is, after all, summer time, and those cutoffs are a little last year.

12:25PM We're looking for denim shorts, and he just found a 20 percent off coupon at American Eagle.



12:25PM Crowd likes that. Crowd likes commerce.

12:24PM Osama's back -- "Let's go shopping."


12:24PM The chip itself is only turned on when the wallet is opened and unlocked, meaning you don't have to worry about someone scanning your card when you're just walking down the street.


12:23PM "When you're doing OTA provisioning, the banks ends some special secret sauce in a way that's known only by the bank and the provisioning element."


12:23PM Yes, it's certified Dr. Evil safe.

12:23PM "It's got a lot of protections built into it" -- including tamper sensors, protection from laser attacks.


12:22PM Talking about the NXP PN65 chip that's in the Nexus S.

12:22PM And so it makes good sense that we're going to talk to Rob von Behren from Google, one of their security experts.



12:21PM "Security is very important to us. It was a fundamental consideration to us."


12:20PM "This is an open platform... the idea here is to continue to partner with other companies."

12:20PM Tap on that and you can add funds from any credit card that you like.


12:20PM It, like the main card, can be used at any of the 300,000 PayPass locations.

12:20PM Then there's also the Google prepay card, which can be provisioned with a single tap.

12:19PM At first you can only use up to $100 until you enter a confirmation code received over SMS or e-mail, but it can be used immediately -- so long as your spree isn't too extravagant.



12:19PM This cycle will "Change the way credit cards are issued in the future."

12:19PM Personal info goes to the customer's bank, which then works with First Data, which is the "Trusted Services Manager."


12:18PM Yeah, we just saw his number. That may have been intentional. It scored some laughs.


12:18PM OOPS... I think we just saw his number.

12:18PM He's adding the data in realtime...

12:17PM Now he's doing it with his actual "wallet" -- which is just a stack of stuff in his pocket. He's entering it into the phone live -- no, he's not showing the number to us.



12:17PM At that point you can add cars, asking for details about a Citi Mastercard.


12:17PM It's asking for a PIN "without it I can't use it to pay or access any information in the wallet."

12:16PM Agreeing to some terms and conditions... reeeeeeally long terms and conditions.


12:16PM Getting a demo now, bringing up a Nexus S with the wallet app.

12:16PM Applause for the coders!

12:15PM Thanking the engineers and partners who've worked "tirelessly" to bring this to market.

12:15PM "This is not just an announcement, this is a real product. It's up and running and merchants are integrating as we speak."


12:15PM "Google is uniquely positioned" to shift us into this new grand payment scheme.


12:14PM Osama Bedier is up on stage, VP of Payments.


12:14PM "Eventually you'll be able to put everything in your Google Wallet" -- even drivers licenses!


12:14PM "Pay, you redeem offers, and you receive loyalty rewards with one tap of your phone."

12:14PM You'll be offer ads that you have to look for, places offers offered by retailers, and check-in items for those who want to be mayor of couponville.



12:13PM To redeem offers you just have to tap your phone, no fumbling for e-mails.

12:13PM Groupon just got Google'd.



12:12PM "Offers will be delivered to your inbox as an offer of the day." You can also go hunting for them through apps.

12:12PM Okay, time to talk Google Offers.

12:12PM Here we go: Macy's, Subway, Wallgreens, Toys 'R Us, Noah's Bagels, and "many more."


12:12PM The service starts in San Francisco and New York, expanding nationally "in the coming months."

12:11PM No more worrying about the guy at the next table over at dinner spying your digits.


12:11PM Phone lock, required pin, encrypted data on the phone itself, and the card is never fully displayed.

12:11PM It's a "wallet you can lock" -- multiple levels of security.


12:11PM Can also use a Google prepaid creditcard that can be funded from any credit card you like.

12:11PM Google Wallet supports multiple cards, by default Citi Mastercards.

12:10PM Okay, we're hearing now that it's 2014 before 50% of smartphones having NFC.


12:10PM Okay, diving in to Google Wallet now. Field test kicks off today, with the official release this summer.


12:09PM "Tap and save" is the phrase here. "Tap and save." We'll be hearing a lot of that.


12:09PM We're being told that this is "just getting started"

12:09PM Retailers can build relationships with consumers and deliver better targeted deals. Perhaps just a little big disconcerting...

12:09PM We spotted people from Macy's, Footlocker, and other retailers on the way in.

12:08PM Now, we're looking at the merchant side -- important, as there are a number of merchants in the house.


12:08PM When you tap to pay, all the loyalty rewards are applied and credited. No need to shuffle through a wallet full of flimsy cards.

12:08PM A pie coupon has popped up. So much for that diet...



12:07PM Based on your location the phone knows to bring up your shopping list. We're apparently out of avocados.

12:07PM We're going to walk through an example now, going grocery shopping.


12:07PM Joined by Citi, Mastercard, and Sprint.

12:07PM Stephanie is back, telling us how things are going to merge.


12:06PM "By working together we'll be able to truly transform the shopping experience."

12:06PM Mastercard estimates that, by next year, half of all phones will have NFC built in.


12:06PM Google Wallet is compatible with PayPass, meaning when this goes live you'll have compatibility in your phone.


12:05PM No more currency exchange! No more bizarre looking coins rattling around in desks and drawers for years after vacations.


12:05PM A phone could, in theory, work anywhere in the world if PayPass is accepted.

12:04PM They've provided the NFC foundation that we'll see "leveraged today by Google."


12:04PM PayPass was embedded in a Nokia phone almost a decade ago -- the basis for what we'll be seeing today.


12:04PM Time for Ed McLaughlan from Mastercard.

12:03PM "We are on the cusp of the next major change."


12:03PM We're looking at a 1950 Diners' Club card and the evolution to now, PayPass in 2011.

12:03PM Google says this is because shopping is not a "truly magical experience." Yes, the euphemisms are in the house!

12:02PM Still, e-commerce is only eight percent of overall retail.


12:02PM We wonder how many of them are PSN subscribers.

12:02PM in 1998 70% of consumers wouldn't pay online. Today, over 70% do. 180 degree transaction.


12:02PM "Virtually every retail brand has invested in building an ecommerce website... you're literally seeing every retail brand, every consumer brand offline come online."

12:01PM eCommerce surpassed $227 billion in 2010, will go over a trillion in 2013.


12:01PM "Your phone will be your wallet -- just tap, pay, and save."

12:01PM This system will "bring together all the pieces of the ecosystem" for payments.

12:00PM She's saying that all commerce, not just e-commerce, needs a reboot.


12:00PM Asking for carriers and banks to create "tomorrow's next best shopping experience."

12:00PM "Today we are announcing a couple of products: Google Wallet and Google Offers"


11:59AM She came over from eBay and PayPal, joining to "improve commerce" for consumers.

11:59AM Stephanie Tilenius, VP of Commerce at Google is on the stage.

11:59AM And here we go folks...


11:57AM Being washed in shades of purple, lime, tangerine, aqua -- always changing, never primary.


11:53AM Silencing our devices. Would hate to be that guy.

11:53AM "The program will begin in a few moments."


11:51AM This is some serious salsa/rap hybrid stuff we have playing here. We're stumped as to the source, and Shazam up and threw a Force Quit trying to figure it out.


11:45AM And some good times.

11:45AM And we're in our seats! Smooth latin beats and lots of multi-colored lights. Get ready for some trippy pics.
Okay, so we're not totally sure Google will be unveiling its Google Wallet contactless payment system, but we're rather certain that whatever the company has to unveil will have something to do with paying for things using a wallet that doesn't contain physical money yet features some sort of Google branding. Would you like to know more? Join us for the full liveblog experience at the times below:

06:00 - Hawaii
09:00 - Pacific
10:00 - Mountain
11:00 - Central
12:00 - Eastern
17:00 - London
18:00 - Paris
20:00 - Moscow
00:00 - Perth
00:00 - Shenzhen
01:00 - Tokyo (May 27th)
02:00 - Sydney (May 27th)

HTC Thunderbolt issues abound, but a fix is on the way

Posted: 26 May 2011 08:32 AM PDT

HTC ThunderboltAs if the one-call-wonder's battery life wasn't enough, the update pushed out to HTC Thunderbolt owners a couple weeks back has some devices randomly rebooting. Verizon and HTC have said they're working on the issue, but that's of little comfort to customers whose phones are spontaneously restarting several times a day. If you were hoping to solve the issue by installing the leaked version of Gingerbread, we've got bad news -- there have been a number of reports at the XDA Developers Forums that the Sensed-up version of Android 2.3 is bricking phones and sending them into an endless bootloop. But don't despair, a fix could be arriving soon. A source at Verizon told Droid Life that Thunderbolt-owning employees "may be entitled" to a software update before it gets rolled out to the general public -- presumably a final test run for that reboot repressing patch. If you're too impatient to wait for yet another firmware update, you can apparently stroll down to your local VZW store and simply trade in your troublesome T-Bolt for a new one. Just make sure it's running the older software before you take it home.

Buffalo's 256GB SSD comes with 6GBps SATA interface, silly price tag

Posted: 26 May 2011 08:11 AM PDT

The SSD market is about to get a little more crowded, now that Buffalo has unveiled a new, 256GB fatty. The company's SSD-N256S/MC400 has a SATA 6Gbps interface, supports multi-level cell NAND Flash memory and boasts read and write speeds of up to 405 MB/s and 223 MB/s, respectively. If you're interested in grabbing one, you'll have to shell out a cool ¥72,200 ($882). Or, you could get an even faster SSD for less money. The choice is yours.

Kenwood's still making Media Kegs, announces bilingual MG-G608 for the Japanese market

Posted: 26 May 2011 07:46 AM PDT

We've been covering Kenwood's Media Kegs since the dawn of Engadget, and though we haven't seen one in awhile, there's no question this line of MP3 players is still alive and kicking. The company just debuted the MG-G608 for the Japanese market with a bilingual UI, stereo Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, and one neon chassis. Otherwise, you might find its specs -- namely, a small 2-inch display, lack of video playback, and a modest 8GB of storage -- a bit ho-hum. To be fair, it does support microSD cards as large as 16GB, though even then, you might prefer 32GB, depending on how expansive your Hatsune Miku collection is. Japanese and English speakers alike can pick one up in Japan next month for ¥15,000 ($183).

Madfinger announces new Shadowgun game, with Tegra 2 and Kal-El support

Posted: 26 May 2011 07:22 AM PDT

Madfinger Games, the Czech Republic-based company behind Samurai II: Vengeance, has just announced Shadowgun -- a futuristic, shoot 'em up game for Tegra 2-equipped Android phones and tablets. Available on both the Tegra Zone app and Android Market, Shadowgun promises to bring console-quality graphics and performance to mobile platforms -- presumably with the extra geometric detail and high-res textures we've seen in other Tegra 2-tailored games. Madfinger is also developing a version for devices powered by NVIDIA's forthcoming quad-core processor, alluringly known as Project Kal-El. Price and availability have yet to be announced, but you can find more information in the PR after the break.
Show full PR text
MADFINGER Games Announces SHADOWGUN

Unity-powered Action Title to StormTablets and Smartphones in 2011

Brno, Czech Republic - 25th May, 2011 – Madfinger Games, creators of Samurai II: Vengeance, today announced the beginning of a new property SHADOWGUN, with an emphasis on next-gen graphics and immersive gameplay.

By focusing on mobile platforms - including smartphones and tablets- Madfinger has created the most advanced handheld game in the market, optimized for superb performance and offering gamers the same quality expected from console gaming systems.

With SHADOWGUN, Madfinger is expanding the entertainment potential of smartphone, iOS devices and tablets. SHADOWGUN will support Android mobile devices powered by the NVIDIA Tegra super chip, and will be available on the Tegra Zone app and Android Market.

Authored with the Unity development platform, SHADOWGUN combines tactical combat with third person harrowing action, ushering in a new visual standard for handheld gaming. SHADOWGUN puts players into the role of John Slade, a professional bounty hunter in the year 2350. Slade's mission: hunt down Dr. Edgar Simon, renowned geneticist and former employee of the trans-galactic corporation Toltech Enterprises. Players must lead "shadowgun" John Slade as he infiltrates Dr. Simon's mountain fortress and fights his personal army of mutants, cyborgs, and genetically-enhanced humanoids. Using state-of-the-art weaponry, ships, and the assistance of S.A.R.A.-Slade's personal android assistant. The story is written by award winning author Micah Nathan who has joined the MadFinger team as executive creative consultant for SHADOWGUN.

"SHADOWGUN is possibly the the best expression of quality production achievable on mobile devices and a great indicator of what consumers can expect from future mobile games," said Brett Seyler, General Manager of Union. "We're very proud to see this kind of creative product created with Unity and excited to offer it to our partners through our Union distribution service."

In addition to an optimized version for Android super phones and tablets powered by Tegra 2, Madfinger is also developing an even more enhanced version supporting NVIDIA's Project Kal-El, the next-generation Tegra quad-core processor. Ashu Rege, Vice President of Game Content and Technology at NVIDIA, said: "SHADOWGUN shows off the console-quality experience that Tegra is bringing to Android devices. We're especially excited that Madfinger is creating a special version of SHADOWGUN that's optimized for multi-core processors and will take advantage of the processing and graphics power of Project Kal-El."

Gadgets convicted of making us miserable, dodgy stats used as evidence

Posted: 26 May 2011 06:59 AM PDT

Gadgets need to be rounded up and thrown in a cell right alongside meat glue, child pageants and other notorious public enemies. The crime? Stressing people out, according to researchers at Ipsos Mendelsohn. The evidence? A survey of affluent Americans with a household income over $100,000 who moaned that their lives are more "complicated" than they were a decade ago. Damningly, the vast majority of these respondents also admitted that their lives are more "technology-infused" than a decade ago. The researchers also highlighted evidence from a separate poll of affluents, showing the growing prevalence of certain gadgets that add to the "complex calculus" of our lives: E-reader ownership has doubled over the last eight months, smartphone ownership is up to 52 per cent, and a third of affluents either own a tablet or expect to buy one soon. Sufficient proof, it seems, to send these poor devices down for life -- especially if we disregard all the other things that have stressed out rich Americans over the past decade (recessions, deficits, bad TV serials) and the possibility that busier people might actually need more technology to help them cope.

Omnio's WOWKeys keyboard now shipping, ready to dock your iPhone for $100 (video)

Posted: 26 May 2011 06:32 AM PDT

Remember that Omnio WOWKeys keyboard we mentioned back in November -- the one that brings full-sized QWERTY functionality to your iPhone or iPod Touch? Well, it's now available for your consumption. Once you lock your iDevice into the port on the right, it will automatically begin charging and syncing with iTunes. From there, you can start typing text directly into your handheld, or use the keyboard's twelve hotkeys to control music playback functions, turn off the display, or switch between PC and iPhone mode. You can even use your mobile's touchscreen as a trackpad for your Mac or PC, though you'll need an app like Mobile Mouse Pro to do so. Basically, it's an EeeKeyboard. All told, this kind of synergy will cost you around $100, so if you're interested, hit the source link for more details, or head past the break for a pretty cringe-inducing video.

Best Buy Mobile Upgrade Checker reveals other numbers on your Sprint account, invites scaremongering

Posted: 26 May 2011 06:07 AM PDT

Some crack reporting from an NBC affiliate news station has revealed a little foible in Best Buy's cellphone upgrade checking utility. If you punch in your Sprint mobile number and ZIP code, you get taken to a screen showing all the other numbers on your account as well. This applies only when yours is the main number on the account, mind you, but the issue is in the obviously lax approach to securing data you might care to keep private -- Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile customers have to pass a security check first. Of course, the actual risks resulting from someone being able to find other numbers associated with your cellular account are so small as to verge on the benign ("somebody can use that... for something", as the KXAN report sagely advises), though that hardly excuses Best Buy from being sloppy with Sprint subscribers. They're human too, you know!

Amphibious Aquapod might be the clumsiest robot ever (video)

Posted: 26 May 2011 05:48 AM PDT

It may look like nothing more than a random piece of seaside trash, but that ugly little creature you're staring at is actually known as Aquapod -- an amphibious robot that crawls around by falling over itself. Literally. Developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota's Center for Distributed Robotics, Aquapod uses two carbon fiber arms and a servo motor system to somersault itself around, like an inebriated horseshoe crab. It's certainly not the swiftest of bots, but this guy's durable enough to move across rough terrains and, per its nickname, is completely waterproof and in full control of its buoyancy. Creators Andrew Carlson and Nikos Papanikolopoulos say their $2,000 brainchild could one day be used to monitor fish populations and conduct underwater experiments -- or to simply scare the bejesus out of beach-going children. Video after the break.

Skype goes down globally, investigation underway (update: restored)

Posted: 26 May 2011 05:11 AM PDT

There's a pretty widespread outage of Skype going on right this minute, judging by the explosion of tweets relating to it. It's not universal, as we've been able to log in and use the internet communicator for both text and video chat, but something's definitely gone wrong. So far, we've noticed our OS X machines are ticking along just fine, but our Windows computers are not. Importantly, we had to upgrade one of our Windows desktops to "break" Skype, which indicates it could be a fault contained in the latest version, but then again, it could have simply been just a case of terrible timing. The iPhone and Android apps look to be unaffected, but skype.com is down and out. Skype is on the case right now and will have more details for us "soon."

[Thanks, Manthan]

Update: Skype has a solution for bringing tech savvy users back online. It requires deleting the shared.xml file, instructions for which are available for Windows 7, XP and Mac OS X (so yes, Apple computers have been bitten by the same bug too). A simpler fix is said to be in the works as well.

Update 2: Looks like Skype is back to normal now. Phew!

KDDI haptic smartphone prototype promises up to seven layers of touch, only shows off two

Posted: 26 May 2011 04:44 AM PDT

Ah, another possibly vaporous, yet intriguing addition to a long line of haptic patents and prototypes. Today's offering: a KDDI smartphone mockup (utilizing Kyocera display technology) promising to render sensation through multiple layers of applied touchscreen pressure. Imagine depressing a camera shutter on a touchscreen, and you've got the idea. KDDI only had a screen sporting two haptic layers on hand when they demoed the prototype at Wireless Japan this week, but Kyocera reportedly told Akihabara News that the technology is capable of up to seven layers of tantalizing touch. Neat. Maybe we'll get a few authentic haptic touchscreens on the market and do away with all the vibrational fakery we've been seeing.

Yahoo upgrades its email for everyone, puts Facebook updates and tweets in your inbox

Posted: 26 May 2011 03:49 AM PDT

Yahoo is the latest in a line of would-be champions to try to topple king Gmail from its perch atop the email mountain. The company's newest Mail Beta (no relation to Gmail Beta) was introduced last October, but now its overhauled UI and fresh features are available to all. With the change comes quicker load times, stronger spam filtration, and it lets you send and receive Facebook updates and tweets. It also automatically turns picture and video links into thumbnail previews and handles up to 100MB attachments. These fancy new features are certainly a step in the right direction (even if the purple paintjob isn't), but time will tell if it'll rule the webmail world.

Hasselblad's 200 megapixel H4D-200MS camera now shipping, breaks your bank

Posted: 26 May 2011 03:02 AM PDT

Hasselblad's H4D-200MS is yet another upgrade to its H4D camera line that we want badly, but wouldn't have a need -- or a budget -- for. This latest piece of kit is nearly identical to the 50 megapixel H4D-50MS externally, but internally adds an astonishing 150 more megapixels to the mix -- yes, that's an astounding 200 megapixels! Don't feel forgotten just yet if you have the older model, though, as Hasselblad can upgrade your sensor for €7,000 (roughly $10,000) -- a great deal considering the full kit costs €32,000 (about $45,000). With that said, we should note that details are null on the medium-format sensor's native resolution -- similar to the multi-shot feature on the 50MS, the new 200MS combines six shots to create ridiculously detailed 200 megapixel still images, and it handles less intensive photos with a four-shot 50 megapixel still mode. Should you dare to venture outside the studio, there's a 50 megapixel single-shot live mode for quick shots as well. Excuse us while we wrap our heads around the sheer number of pixels; you'll find more info after the break in the meantime.
Show full PR text
Hasselblad Launches the New H4D-200MS

25/05/2011 Hasselblad's latest multi-shot camera, which delivers unprecedented 200 megapixel files, is currently shipping. Upgrades for H4D-50MS cameras are also available.

After careful testing for stability and color accuracy, the H4D-200MS - first announced at Photokina last September - is now available. Based on the H4D-50MS platform, the new camera is capable of creating 200 megapixel files for the ultimate in resolution.

Since 2000, Hasselblad has continuously developed its multi-shot technology. In 2008, the company announced the first integrated multi-shot camera - the H3DII-39MS - which was followed more recently by the H4D-50MS. As a further development of the H4D-50MS technology, the H4D-200MS utilizes Hasselblad's patented piezo frame module, which now captures 6 shots and combines them into an astounding 200 megapixel file.

Designed for studio photographers whose work requires the ultimate in resolution, extremely fine details and exact color information, the H4D-200MS is ideal for capturing images of stationary items such as cars, jewelry, artwork and other high end products where there is no room for compromise in image quality. In addition to its extended multi-shot capabilities, the H4D-200MS offers standard multi-shot and single-shot modes as well. Naturally, this extraordinary capture device offers all the benefits of the H4D family of cameras such as True Focus, Ultra Focus and Digital Lens Correction, to name just a few.

The H4D-200MS is available now for 32.000 Euro (plus tax). H4D-50MS owners have the option of upgrading their systems for 7.000 Euro (plus tax) by sending the camera to the factory in Copenhagen, Denmark. While the camera is being converted, the service team will make sure that the firmware and hardware is updated to ensure that the piezo modules' strict tolerances, which are necessary for precise multi-shot capture, are met.

For more information, please go to: www.hasselblad.com/H4D-200MS

Chinese prisoners forced to produce virtual gold, real profits for their guards

Posted: 26 May 2011 02:14 AM PDT

The virtual goods economy of massively multiplayer online games may be thriving, but it's also stimulating an undesirable side-effect: exploitation. A former detainee at a prison in Heilongjiang province, China, has told the Guardian about how he was habitually forced into playing MMOs like World of Warcraft for the collection of loot, which the prison guards would then resell online for as much as ¥6,000 ($924) per day. Such totals would be the product of up to 300 inmates working 12-hour daily shifts, though predictably they saw none of the profits themselves. The unnamed source was at a "re-education through labor" camp where the usual toil would involve actual, rather than virtual, mining. The profitability of the online market has seemingly inspired prison bosses to move with the times, however, with business being so brisk that the computers "were never turned off." A Chinese government edict from 2009 is supposed to have introduced a requirement that online currencies only be traded by licensed entities, but it's believed that the practice of using prisoners in this fashion continues unabated.

Kingmax flaunts world's first 64GB microSD card

Posted: 26 May 2011 01:29 AM PDT

In case you'd forgotten (and who could blame you), Kingmax used to have a thing for setting small records -- even if it meant one-upping itself. Four years later, the king is back and he brought a 64GB microSDXC card with him; the world's first, wouldn't you know? If history repeats itself, we can expect similarly sized storage from SanDisk and other manufacturers soon. We love passing storage milestones, but don't get too excited: only a handful of devices currently have the architecture to support microSD cards bigger than 32GB, so make sure you have a compatible device before you empty your wallet. Don't have one? Don't sweat it; there's no word yet when the new cards will be available, so you have plenty of time to upgrade. Head past the break to check out the press release.
Show full PR text
KINGMAX Unveils World's Largest Capacity 64GB Micro SD Card:
Wide Application , Perfect for High-End Mobile Devices

KINGMAX has implemented the 9 Stacked Die technology for this Class 6 micro SD card. It complies with the latest SD3.0 and Class 6 specifications but is also compatible with SD Card Association's SD2.0 specification. Although it comes in a compact size, it definitely satisfies consumer' needs for massive multimedia data storage. Simply plug the micro SD card into mobile devices and one can instantly enjoy the convenience of memory expansion. Whether it is high-resolution or video clips, photos, mp3 files, mobile games or multimedia downloads; the 64GB micro SD card makes entertainment on-the-go possible. Moreover, with the help of an adapter, KINGMAX's micro SD card can also be used as a SD card or USB flash drives. With its wide ranging applications from digital cameras, multimedia players, PCs, PDAs, card readers to printers, this multi-purpose tiny memory card is definitely a great value buy!

KINGMAX's micro SD card has a built in Error Correction Code (ECC) which acts through controller to auto detects and reconstructs lost data during transmission to ensure reliable data transfer. In addition, micro SD comes with Wear leveling algorithm function which allocates all the information into different areas in the memory card to increase each area's average usage and helps to maximize product lifetime. From multimedia files, address book, business applications to personal data, KINGMAX's mega-capacity 64GB micro SD card makes files storage fast and easy; enabling consumers to enjoy quality and convenient on-the-go experience.

All of KINGMAX's micro SD cards have been approved by various safety and environmental standards including CE, FCC, and RoHS; they have also been certified compatible with major OS. KINGMAX is proud to say all of its products are subjected to the most stringent quality control; all products go through rigorous testing to ensure product quality. And finally, all microSD products come with lifetime warranty to provide 100% satisfaction guarantee to customers

Product Feature:
̢ۤHigh compatibility & reliability
̢ۤUltra fast transfer rate
̢ۤplug and play

Product specifications:
̢ۤSD3.0
‧Capacity：64GB
‧Speed：Class6
‧Dimension：15 mm x11 mm x1.0mm
̢ۤWear leveling algorithm to maximize product lifetime
̢ۤBuilt-in Error Correction Code that auto corrects data
̢ۤEnergy efficient, extends mobile devices' battery lifetime

Leica announces $749 V-LUX 30 compact camera

Posted: 26 May 2011 12:37 AM PDT

You know the drill: Panasonic introduces a perfectly capable camera, and a few months later Leica tweaks a few angles, paints it black, and slaps its iconic logo on its own version of it -- admittedly, changes that make all the difference in terms of design. In this case it's the Panasonic ZS10 that's gotten revamped as Leica's new V-LUX 30, a followup to its V-LUX 20 compact. At $749, this is actually one of Leica's more affordable offerings, but that will still only buy you the exact same guts as its $400 (or less) Panasonic counterpart: a 15.1 megapixel sensor (14.1 effective), 16x optical zoom, 1080i video recording, a 3-inch LCD 'round back, and built-in GPS for geotagging. Head on past the break for the complete press release, and look for the camera to be available in June.
Show full PR text
INTRODUCING THE LEICA V-LUX 30

Leica Camera announces a new digital compact camera, the Leica V-Lux 30. A universal camera for carefree photography, this newest addition to the Leica portfolio is an ideal companion for all life's situations from this summer's family vacations to backyard barbeques. Equipped with a 15.1 MP sensor (14.1 effective), high performance Leica lens with extended 16x zoom range, built-in GPS capabilities and a new 3D mode, the V-Lux 30 guarantees images of unmatched brilliance.

One of the most outstanding features of the V-Lux 30 is a video recording mode that offers performance comparable to that of digital camcorders. A particular highlight of the video mode is its efficient, 1080i-AVCHD-Full-HD, recording format with the entire 16x zoom range available during video recording and an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack.

The built-in GPS feature makes archiving and organizing photos quick and easy, during or after a trip. When travelling, the V-Lux 30 can also display the sightseeing highlights of the immediate neighborhood (1,000,000 so-called "Points of Interest"). Furthermore, for photographers posting images on social networks, image portals or map sites such as Google Maps or Google Earth, the data automatically reveals exactly when and where the photos were taken.*

As a compact camera for the whole family, the V-Lux 30 achieves ease of use along with timelessly elegant styling. A new 3" LCD touch screen allows many camera features to be controlled for the first time by touching the screen with a fingertip. Images on the screen are displayed with outstanding brilliance with a display resolution of 460,000 pixels. The V-Lux 30 also features a new 3D mode to allow users to realize fascinating, creative images in addition to its numerous automatic features and manual setting options.

The Leica V-Lux 30 retails for $749.00 and will be available beginning June 2011.

* It is possible that GPS tagging may not function in the People's Republic of China and neighboring regions. Satellite signal reception may be impossible, depending on the location. In such cases, the positioning data may be recorded inaccurately or not at all.

Verizon bonanza: Droid X2, Revolution, Trophy, and Xperia Play hit Big Red today

Posted: 25 May 2011 11:30 PM PDT

Verizon is seriously diversifying its portfolio today with the official in-store launch of four new smartphones. Three of them roll up in Android gear, though they all have major selling points beyond Google's software. LG's Revolution is the sole LTE-capable handset of the bunch, bringing with it a 4.3-inch screen and pre-installed Netflix for $250. The Droid X2 undercuts it on price, at $200, but doubles the core count with its Tegra 2 processor and ramps up resolution to qHD (960 x 540). Gaming aficionados can spend the same amount on the Xperia Play from Sony Ericsson, which offers a slideout gamepad and unique PlayStation Certified status. Bringing up the rear is HTC's well-traveled Trophy, a 3.8-inch Windows Phone that accepts it's a little late to the party and therefore slices $50 off its asking price, with a $150 levy before the obligatory two-year contract. What say you -- buy, try, or keep waiting?

HTC's 10-inch 'Puccini' Honeycomb tablet still rumored for summer release

Posted: 25 May 2011 10:56 PM PDT

What would a morning be without a little injection of rumorjuice courtesy of DigiTimes? Today's tattle has HTC's 10.1-inch LTE "Puccini" tablet hitting mass production in June with AU Optronics and Wintek pegged as the touch panel suppliers. Other specs, like the 1.5GHz MSM8660 processor and Android 3.0.1 build, seem to have been culled from that 911sniper leak which DigiTimes graciously cites as "sources in the supply chain." Of course, the June date has been tossed around before by DigiTimes but it's good to hear it again so close to the 10-incher's rumored summer release.

Sony makes good, doles out identity protection activation codes for PSN and Qriocity users

Posted: 25 May 2011 09:43 PM PDT

Still feeling burned by Sony's record-breaking PlayStation Network outage? Fret not, promised reparations have arrived: a short form on the PlayStation website is now distributing activation codes for a free year of Debix AllClear ID Plus identity theft protection. The offer is good for all US PSN and Qriocity account holders who activate before June 28th, netting users up to $1 million in identity theft insurance coverage. Feel better? Hit the source link below to get your redemption code.

Barnes & Noble clarifies battery life on new Nook, calls out Kindle

Posted: 25 May 2011 08:32 PM PDT

Barnes & Noble clarifies battery life on new Nook, calls out Kindle
Wondering which electronic reader reigns supreme when it comes to extreme battery life? If you ask Amazon, it's the Kindle, but Barnes & Noble begs to differ -- and it has some numbers to back that up. Earlier today we received a statement from the company explaining just how thrifty the new Nook is when it comes to sipping from cells. With WiFi disabled on both devices, B&N says it managed 150 hours on the new Nook when turning a page every minute. The current-gen Kindle, meanwhile, petered out after 56. That's almost three times as long and maybe, just maybe, enough to finally get you through Anna Karenina on one charge -- or at least through the Cliffs Notes version. More details on the testing overview below, which we promise can be rather more rapidly ingested.

With up to two months on a single charge, the All-New NOOK has the longest-battery life in the industry and superior battery performance to Kindle 3. In our side-by-side tests, under the exact same conditions, continuous use of the device resulted in more than two times Kindle's battery life. While reading at one page a minute, the All-New NOOK battery lasts for 150 hours where the Kindle battery, using the same page-turn rate, lasts for only 56 hours (both with Wi-Fi off). We've also done a continuous page turn test and at one page turn per second, the All-New NOOK offers more than 25,000 continuous page turns on a single charge.

Google's NYC partner event happens tomorrow, join the liveblog fun here live

Posted: 25 May 2011 07:26 PM PDT

Google's NYC partner event happens tomorrow, join the liveblog fun here live
Well, it's certainly been a busy week in the city! First Kobo, then Mango, then Nook, and now... Google Wallet? Yes, it looks like Big Search is coming to contactless payments, finally giving Nexus S users something good to do with that NFC chip. The event happens at noon EST, and we'll be bringing it to you live. Set your bookmark here if you'd like to join in the fun, and if you happen to be tuning in from a land far, far away, check out the local times below:

06:00 - Hawaii
09:00 - Pacific
10:00 - Mountain
11:00 - Central
12:00 - Eastern
17:00 - London
18:00 - Paris
20:00 - Moscow
00:00 - Perth
00:00 - Shenzhen
01:00 - Tokyo (May 27th)
02:00 - Sydney (May 27th)

Google gets creative, names new NFC payment system Google Wallet? (Updated)

Posted: 25 May 2011 06:36 PM PDT

Yesterday, anonymous sources said that El Goog and Sprint would debut a new NFC payment system on May 26th -- otherwise known as tomorrow. Today, a leak allegedly from The Container Store appears to have spilled the beans on the moniker for Mountain View's mobile money method: Google Wallet. Not the most creative cognomen, but at least it sums up the service succinctly. Still, it's no Ice Cream Sandwich, but we'll find out how it tastes live at tomorrow's event.

Update: Eagle-eyed reader Steve pointed out that looking up the WHOIS info for googlewallet.com does indeed lead you to Mountain View, though this was created way back in 2005. You may recall that Google Checkout was initially known as Google Wallet, as reminded by InformationWeek, but we just noticed that the URL is now plain dead instead of taking us to a Google error page, as it did minutes ago. Very intriguing.

Pioneer AppRadio hands-on (updated with video!)

Posted: 25 May 2011 05:39 PM PDT

We got a chance to experience Pioneer's iOS-connected in-dash AppRadio in action this afternoon, and even got to see the thing running in a real-deal automobile. So did it meet our expectations? Well, to be perfectly honest, we didn't know what to expect, but for what it promises, which is bringing the convenience and connectivity of iOS apps to your car, we suppose it does a fine job -- even if it only supports a handful apps at the moment. More after the break.
Pioneer AppRadio Hands-on


Setting up AppRadio is a relatively simple affair -- you just connect your fourth gen iPhone or iPod touch via the proprietary 30-pin connector, push a button and you're in. Once there, you choose from a series of options -- Radio, iPod, Apps, or Phone -- from a menu on the multitouch capacitive display. We didn't get a chance to test out the phone, but the other three options were relatively straightforward. The radio is set up in a pretty simple fashion, but we imagine the lack of physical buttons will take some getting used to -- you won't be able to blindly reach out and fiddle with the keys right out the gate. When you hit the app button, you'll have to have one of the four -- Pioneer says it expects more to come before the big launch -- approved apps running before a scrollable list appears. Once you're in any of the apps, controls are relatively simple, but you'll have to return to your phone or iPod to switch between applications. Multi-touch controls, including pinch-to-zoom work well, and all of the apps we tested moved pretty swiftly.

Our big gripe here -- and it is a big one -- is that AppRadio is short on apps. There are currently only four official apps running on the system: Rdio, Pandora, MotionX-GPS Drive, and INRIX. The first two, are, as you might already know, music apps, and the last two are a GPS and traffic app, respectively. All of these applications have been designed specifically to meet Pioneer's standards, with a focus on safety. When it comes to Pandora, that means you won't be able to set up any new stations while driving and, similarly, search functions have been disabled on both Rdio and Pandora. That also means you won't be seeing all the apps the App Store has to offer popping up on your dash -- so don't expect to play Angry Birds while sitting in rush hour traffic. Like we said before, Pioneer says it expects more apps to show up in the future, but we'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, check out our gallery of AppRadio in action, and keep your eyes out for our video (coming shortly) hop on past the break for video.

Comcast will start testing an IPTV service at MIT, new Xcalibur guide coming your way sooner

Posted: 25 May 2011 04:27 PM PDT

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Comcast will start testing a new video delivery system that is completely internet protocol based at the Massachussetts Institute of Technology in "the coming months." AT&T's U-verse uses IPTV already, while others use similar technology for video on-demand or some of the new initiatives that stream TV to the iPad. Comcast plans to let students watch by connecting TVs, computers or other devices to the campus network, followed by a test just for employees and eventually an all-IP service to run alongside -- but not replacing -- its traditional cable TV service. This could allow the company to deliver video to devices with no set-top box required and even potentially outside its current footprint. That however is unlikely given the headache just a move to multi-platform IP delivery might cause when it comes to negotiating broadcast rights. Being able to watch pay TV on whatever you want and potentially wherever you want may help fight off subscribers temptation for cable cutting, but between testing and the aforementioned legal wrangling, it could be a while before we get to see it.

What is much closer is the new HD and internet connected guide software we spotted testing in Georgia. As the cabler celebrates passing 20 billion video on-demand views (PR after the break), it's bringing the internet and cloud technology behind its mobile apps back to the cable box to help organize it all. Dubbed Xcalibur, the new DVR setup pictured above is available to all new customers in the Augusta, GA area now and will roll out next year, assuming there are no worldwide calamities or product delays before then.

Show full PR text

COMCAST ANNOUNCES MILESTONE IN TV VIEWING:
CONSUMERS WATCH 20 BILLION ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES ON DEMAND

Comcast Launches Xfinity On Demand Awards To Recognize Most-Viewed Artists and Programs: The Hangover, South Park and Beyoncé Earn Top Honors

PHILADELPHIA – May 25, 2011 – Comcast, one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services, today announced that its customers have watched 20 billion entertainment choices On Demand since the service launched in 2003 – an industry first in television (TV). Comcast celebrates this milestone with the launch of the Xfinity On Demand Awards, honoring the top-performing movies, TV series, musical artists and other programming as determined by what customers watched the most on the service.

"On Demand was the first technology to give millions of our customers instant access to entertainment choices to watch on their schedule," said Marcien Jenckes, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video Services, Comcast. "By making a huge library of content available for free with a click of the remote, On Demand was an instant hit and continues to drive viewership. The service has been a major influence in the adoption of time-shifted viewing, which has now become mainstream."

ON DEMAND: THEN AND NOW
Comcast launched On Demand to half of its customer base eight years ago with 740 movies, music videos and cartoons from a handful of content providers. Available today to 20 million customers, On Demand usage continues to explode with approximately 350 million programs viewed each month. Over the years, both the number of entertainment views and choices on the service have increased dramatically:

Entertainment Views (Overall) Entertainment Choices
â–ª 2003: 200 million entertainment views â–ª 2003: <1,000 entertainment choices
â–ª 2005: 1 billion entertainment views â–ª 2005: 3,500 entertainment choices
â–ª 2007: 5 billion entertainment views â–ª 2007: 13,000 entertainment choices
â–ª 2009: 14 billion entertainment views â–ª 2009: 17,000 entertainment choices
â–ª 2011: 20 billion entertainment views (to date) â–ª 2011: 25,000 entertainment choices

Comcast is creating new personalization tools including a "Watchlist" where customers can save and track their favorite shows and movies across platforms and watch thousands of them online at XfinityTV.com and through the Xfinity TV app on the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch®, anytime, anywhere. Customers can also use these devices and Android™-powered devices as a remote control to find what to watch, change the channel in real time, start On Demand titles on the TV, program DVRs to record TV shows and movies and sort content based on different filters, keywords or titles.

XFINITY ON DEMAND AWARDS
With 20 billion views to date, Xfinity On Demand provides a pulse on what consumers are watching. The following are the all-time, most-viewed new release movies, TV series, musical artists and other programming on the service, and recipients of the Xfinity On Demand Awards:

Overall Most-Viewed New Release Movies:
1. The Hangover (Warner Bros.)
2. The Blind Side* (Warner Bros.)
3. Couples Retreat* (Universal)
Please see addendum for most-viewed new release movies by genre: action, comedy, drama, horror, indie and kids.



Overall Most-Viewed TV Series:
1. South Park (Comedy Central)
2. Entourage (HBO)
3. Sex and the City (HBO)
Please see addendum for most-viewed TV series by genre: comedy, drama, reality and kids as well as sports and special 3D programming.

Overall Most-Viewed Musical Artists:
1. Beyoncé
2. Chris Brown
3. Ciara
Please see addendum for most-viewed musical artists by genre: country, hip hop, pop, R&B and rock.

Comcast Xfinity TV customers can watch many of these films and artists this month on Xfinity On Demand under the Top Picks 20 Billion folder. Customers can also watch more than 60,000 TV and movie entertainment choices across Xfinity On Demand, online at XfinityTV.com and on the iPad, iPod touch and iPhone through the Xfinity TV app.

Additionally, in late June, Comcast will kick-off a sweepstakes to celebrate 20 billion Xfinity On Demand views. Entrants can sign-up for the sweepstakes online to enter for a chance to win a grand prize package which includes a walk-on role on NBC's 30 Rock plus a Universal Orlando Resort vacation and tickets to a Universal Pictures Premiere and after-party. Other prizes include 50" HDTVs, plus weekly prizes. The sweepstakes ends on July 31, 2011.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services. Comcast is principally involved in the operation of cable systems through Comcast Cable and in the development, production and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and other content for global audiences through NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential and business customers. Comcast is the majority owner and manager of NBCUniversal, which owns and operates entertainment and news cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, local television station groups, television production operations, a major motion picture company and theme parks.

ADDENDUM:
Xfinity On Demand Award Winners

Most-Viewed New Release Movies:

Overall Movie:
The Hangover (Warner Bros.)
The Blind Side* (Warner Bros.)
Couples Retreat* (Universal)
Action Movie:
Taken (20th Century Fox)
The Book of Eli* (Warner Bros.)
Avatar (20th Century Fox)
Comedy Movie:
The Hangover (Warner Bros.)
Couples Retreat* (Universal)
He's Just Not That Into You* (Warner Bros./New Line Cinema)
Drama Movie:
The Blind Side* (Warner Bros.)
Gran Torino* (Warner Bros.)
Twilight* (Summit Entertainment)
Horror Movie:
1408 (Warner Bros.)
The Last House on the Left* (Universal)
The Wolfman* (Universal)
Indie Movie:
All Good Things** (Magnolia)
The Killer Inside Me** (IFC)
Centurion** (Magnolia)
Kids/Family Movie:
Alvin and the Chipmunks (20th Century Fox)
Night at the Museum (20th Century Fox)
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (20th Century Fox)

Most-Viewed Musical Artists:

Overall Musical Artist:
Beyoncé
Chris Brown
Ciara
Country Musical Artist:
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Rascal Flatts
Hip Hop Musical Artist:
Lil Wayne
T.I.
Bow Wow
Pop Musical Artist:
Michael Jackson
Justin Bieber
Britney Spears
R&B Musical Artist:
Beyoncé
Chris Brown
Ciara
Rock Musical Artist:
Green Day
Aventura
Nickelback

Most-Viewed TV Series:

Overall TV Series:
South Park (Comedy Central)
Entourage (HBO)
Sex and the City (HBO)
Comedy TV Series:
South Park (Comedy Central)
Entourage (HBO)
Sex and the City (HBO)
Drama TV Series:
The Sopranos (HBO)
NCIS (CBS)
CSI (CBS)
Reality TV Series:
Intervention (A&E)
Survivor (CBS)
Real World (MTV)

Overall Kids Series:
SpongeBob SquarePants (Nickelodeon)
Tom and Jerry (Cartoon Network)
Caillou (Sprout)
Animated Kids Series:
Age: < 7
SpongeBob SquarePants (Nickelodeon)
Tom and Jerry (Cartoon Network)
Caillou (Sprout)
Age: 7+
Ben 10 (Cartoon Network)
Naruto (Cartoon Network)
Dragon Ball Z (Cartoon Network)
Live-Action Kids Series:
Age: < 7
Barney and Friends (Sprout)
Sesame Street (Sprout)
Teletubbies (Sprout)
Age: 7+
iCarly (Nickelodeon)
Hannah Montana (Disney Channel)
Drake & Josh (Nickelodeon)
Overall Sports Programming:
NFL Game Highlights (NFL)
Greatest Hits (HBO)
World Championship Boxing (HBO)
Overall 3D Programming:
Yule Log 3D (iND)

NOTE: Xfinity On Demand Awards were awarded to studios with video-on-demand movie rights.
*Indicates the film was available on Xfinity On Demand the same day as the DVD release.
**Indicates the film was available on Xfinity On Demand the same day as the theatrical release.

###

ASUS Matrix GTX 580 and MARS II desktop graphics cards revealed, devour PCI slots

Posted: 25 May 2011 03:40 PM PDT

ASUS Matrix GTX 580
With all the talk of ASUS's tablets recently it's easy to forget the company also dabbles in graphics cards, some large enough to blot out the sun. We've got some details on its latest contestants for your PC gaming dollar, the MARS II and Matrix GTX 580 (above), and you might have to buy a new case just squeeze these unwieldy pixel-pushers inside. The Matrix will come in two flavors -- standard and Platinum -- both with 1.5GB of RAM and an enormous dual-fan cooling solution that eats up a jaw-dropping three PCI slots. But, hey, it should afford you some serious overclocking headroom. Though we've yet to seen any pics of the MARS II, the 3GB, dual-GPU behemoth is bound to be even more massive -- we wouldn't be surprised if ASUS had to provide a breakout box for whatever cooler it strapped to those pair of GTX 580 cores. Prices and release dates are still up in the air, but we're sure all will be revealed during the official announcement at Computex. Check out the image after the break for more detailed specs.

[Thanks, Robert and Alexandre]
ASUS MARS II and Matrix GTX 580

EVO 2 console promises to bring Android gaming to your TV this fall

Posted: 25 May 2011 03:03 PM PDT

Remember the Linux-based EVO game console? We can certainly forgive you if you don't, but it did actually end up shipping, and "sold out" according to the company the behind it. Now that company, Envizions, is back for a second try with another big promise: an Android-based game console dubbed, naturally enough, the EVO 2. First announced earlier this year, the console is now supposedly set to hit the US sometime this fall and, to prove that it's not completely vaporware, Envizions is making EVO 2 developer units available today -- the unit is "free," although developers will have to pay an annual $149 software support fee.

As for the console itself, it will apparently pack an unspecified 1.2GHz Samsung processor, a "modified" Android 2.2 OS, and both a TV remote and game controller. Leaving no stone unturned, Envisions says it's also planning to add a motion sensor by the end of the year, and it even has its own points system in mind that will let you buy Android games with "EVO tokens." As for a price, you can expect to pay $249 when/if the console actually ships, and those willing to take a chance can reserve one right now for $15 at the link below.
Show full PR text
New Android EVO 2 Console Offer Gamers Premium Android Games Free

It's Your Social Connection, Your Media Storage Device, and Game App Console

Media Advisory

ANNISTON, Ala./May 25, 2011 --- Today, the Envizions Computer Entertainment Corporation announced that its new Android-based game console EVO 2 will be available this fall in the U.S. with goals of an international release with availability in certain locations of Europe. EVO 2 earlier adopters can pre-order the system at http://store.envizionsinc.com from the Envizions online store.

The new EVO 2 console will retail for $249 and include an EVO TV remote, EVO game controller and HDMI cable. Specifications include a Samsung 1.2 GHZ processor, DDR2-512MB, and support modified Android 2.2 operating system. The EVO 2 dimensions are 170mm (L) 111mm (W) 30mm (T)

EVO 2 is the first Android gaming console that will offer users real time gaming playlist and social friend connections. Gamers will also have the opportunity to earn points to purchase premium Android games free with EVO tokens. The system will ship equip with game cloud storage and Envizions new Qquip SMS blogging reward service. To ensure that the EVO 2 system surpasses expectations, Envizions plans to add motion 3D sensor capabilities toward the end of fourth quarter in 2011 and developers can start testing the software via website download in two weeks. EVO 2 will incorporate the core software components of Envizions' beta EVO Smart Console released in 2009.

EVO 2 is an open console and gamers can modify any part of the system. New updates and upgrades will be released periodically after the system launch.

Android developers can get the free EVO hardware SDK today from the Envizions store with a required annual $149 software support fee per unit. Developer fees and royalties are waived for the first 1000 developers."Game development for EVO 2 is cheaper for developers so they have the opportunity to create games on a platform that will increase their return on investment. Developers can also submit pre-existing Android games", stated Derrick Samuels the CEO and Founder of Envizions.

And last, the EVO 2 is the first crowd source and social participation console. Envizions will let customers participate in the design roadmap of the console by means of Twitter, FaceBook and the new EVO 2 website. The community can vote on the system's first launch location and the appearance of the console in terms of color, package design, and product image.

Sony announces VAIO SA series ultraportable, puts VAIO F series up for pre-order

Posted: 25 May 2011 02:23 PM PDT

Having trouble keeping Sony's slim VAIO S series laptops straight? It's okay, we are, too, especially now that the company's officially unveiled the SA series, a 13.3-inch ultraportable that's poised to go toe to toe with the skinny Lenovo ThinkPad X1. Although it's got almost the same magnesium-and-alloy chassis as the VAIO SB series we saw at CES, the SA is a hair thinner, at 0.95 inches, and comes standard with AMD Radeon HD 6630 graphics and 1GB of video memory, 1600 x 900 resolution, a 500GB hard drive, fingerprint reader, and a Blu-ray drive. You can also trick it out with a dual channel solid-state drive, which promises to help let you work up to 16 hours unplugged if you combine it with a $100 sheet battery. If you fork out a minimum of $1,650, you can snag one with an SSD.

If the SA's $1,350 starting price is more than you're willing to spend, there's still the SB series, though the $999 base model naturally has less impressive specs, including 512MB of video memory, 1366 x 768 resolution, a DVD player, and a Core i5 -- not Core i7 -- processor. For what its worth, its color options now include pink and navy, if that floats your boat more than the high-end SA's black, silver, and brown palette.

In other news, Sony's also taking orders for the VAIO F Series, which comes in two flavors: one with a 16-inch 3D display with a 2D-to-3D conversion button, starting at $1,840, and a 16.4-inch 2D model with a more modest $1,100 base price. But if you want a 2D display with 1080p resolution and a Blu-ray drive, you can expect to pay at least $1,125. Both these and the SA series are up for pre-order today, with gussied-up photos below and full PR and past the break.
Sony VAIO SA series
Sony VAIO F series
Show full PR text

NEW SONY® VAIO® F SERIES LAPTOP

Made for multimedia enthusiasts who want to game, watch movies or listen to music anywhere, anytime,

Sony's new VAIO® F Series laptop is a multimedia entertainment powerhouse. This laptop packs the power and state-of-the-art performance of a full-sized PC into a portable design.

Multimedia Marvel

Experience Blu-ray Disc™ movies and games in stunning 1920x1080 Full HD 1080p on a 16.4-inch widescreen display
Enjoy cinematic sound with S-Force™ Front Surround 3D technology and rich audio sound from Dolby® Home Theater® v3
Outstanding graphics performance and responsive game play with NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 540M (1GB) or 520M (512MB)
Type and chat in dim light with backlit keyboard and HD web camera powered by an Exmor™ sensor
Press VAIO button to enjoy your media in a whole new way with Media Gallery™ software
Connect your VAIO® PC to a PlayStation3® system and other Sony® connected devices with Remote Keyboard
A/V control buttons let you play, pause, stop and move from track to track with ease

Power and Performance

Quad Core Intel® Core™ i7 processor for visibly smart performance at its best

Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium

USB 3.0 ports allow for speedy transfer to external devices
Up to 750GB HDD for extra-large capacity and storage
One touch web access without full boot up into Windows® with WEB button
Maintain and troubleshoot PC issues with VAIO Care™ software, just push ASSIST

WHEN:

Available May 25, 2011 for pre-sale at www.sonystyle.com/fseries and at select retailers around the country for about $1100. The new F Series comes in silver, matte black or a premium white Signature Collection model. Images are available at www.sony.com/news.

Show full PR text
SONY BRINGS MORE POWER TO GO WITH NEW S SERIES LAPTOP

Optional Sheet Battery Doubles Battery Life Up to 15 Hours

SAN DIEGO, May 25, 2011 – Sony's newest S Series VAIO® laptop combines for the first time portability, performance and power in a thinner, lighter design perfect for everyone from students to business travelers.

The new S Series continues Sony's efforts to offer users more personalized options and flexibility that fits their lifestyle. Select S Series models sport elegant design in burnished brown, jet black or platinum silver with magnesium and aluminum materials, and incorporate a built-in lithium polymer battery that when coupled with the advanced large-capacity optional sheet battery, can stay mobile and unplugged for up to 15 hours with solid state drive configurations. Intelligent charging enables you to charge the optional sheet battery separately and attach it to the system without shutting down for maximum flexibility.

"Users these days want a laptop that will last for hours without charging, is small and light enough to carry around with you but doesn't sacrifice any of the performance and power that you'd find in a full-sized PC," said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Networked Technology and Services Division at Sony Electronics. "You can fly nonstop from Los Angeles to Tokyo or attend a full day of classes on just one charge with this S Series laptop when combined with the optional sheet battery."

This 13.3-inch S Series is packed with powerful performance-all in a thin 0.95-inch profile that only weighs 3.8-pounds with the standard battery. Incorporating all the mobility of VAIO laptops, this new model delivers impressive portability and performance with the available second generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor. Coupled with Hybrid Graphics as well as dual channel solid state drive options (select models), the S Series laptop is truly top of the line.

Ultra Mobility and Performance

Performance is top priority with the second generation Intel Core i7 processor that delivers even more performance automatically when you need it. With Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, the processors increase speed automatically delivering the performance needed for multitasking.

AMD Radeon™ HD 6630 1GB Hybrid Graphics card (select models) with 1GB VRAM gives a premium visual quality and intense HD performance without placing huge demands on the CPU. Plus, it offers a performance boost to your day-to-day processor functions for a faster, more optimized overall computing experience.

For maximum performance and ample storage, select models feature dual channel solid state drive with RAID 0 technology.

The S Series laptop comes with one-touch VAIO, ASSIST and WEB buttons, for launching Media Gallery™ software, VAIO Care™ software and access to the web without full boot-up into Windows®, all with a touch of a button.

The new S Series models offer a built-in web camera powered by an Exmor™ sensor that allows for great low-light performance. With exceptional picture quality, the 13.3-inch (1600x900) widescreen display includes an LED backlit keyboard, illuminating the lettering for typing in low-light situations. And with the built-in microphone you can video message with family, friends and coworkers. Face tracking technology allows the camera to automatically adjust focus and follow you as you move around while video chatting.

Packed with Multimedia

Sony knows entertainment is always at the forefront and the VAIO S Series delivers. Whether you're watching a stunning Blu-ray Disc™ movie (select models) or enjoying video captured from your compatible camcorder. The versatile Blu-ray Disc drive on the VAIO S Series laptop (select models) combines the power of HD video playback with the convenience and utility of DVD and CD read/write functionalities. Providing the best picture and the best sound with stunning clarity, Blu-ray Disc technology is the ultimate way to enjoy your entertainment.

With Intel® Wireless Display 2.0, you can sit back and experience your favorite videos, photos and music on your TV. Stop crowding around a laptop screen and view and share content from your hard drive, home network or the internet wirelessly on your HDTV utilizing the adapter (sold separately; restrictions apply).

Pricing and Availability

The VAIO S Series laptops are available for pre-sale today at www.sonystyle.com/sseries starting at about $1,350, and the optional sheet battery at about $150.

Additionally, Sony added two new colors to its existing S Series line. The new pink and blue S Series models will available at www.sonystyle.com/sseries starting in June.

Pioneer unveils its AppRadio, integrates iOS into your automobile

Posted: 25 May 2011 01:47 PM PDT

Rumors regarding Pioneer's AppRadio hit the web last month, promising unparalleled iDevice integration for our automobiles. Pioneer has finally unleashed the double-DIN device, and it's everything we thought it would be -- namely a big car stereo that plays nice with iOS. There's an 800 x 400 6.1-inch multitouch capacitive display, Bluetooth connectivity, and it teams up with your iPhone or iPod touch (running iOS 4.2) via a 30-pin connector and Pioneer's AppRadio app. There's also an external mic and GPS antenna, full iPod music control and Google Maps integration, and specially formatted apps from Rdio and Pandora. Pioneer suggests a price "below $500" when it goes on sale June 22nd. We're going hands-on with the new stereo as we speak, so peruse the PR after the break and stay tuned for pics and impressions.


Show full PR text
Pioneers AppRadio Provides a Revolutionary Way to Use Apps in the Car

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., the leader in aftermarket car electronics technology, today unveiled its latest innovation, the game-changing AppRadio™. Drawing upon Pioneer's technology integration expertise and following its "Rethinking Connectivity" strategy, AppRadio is the first in-vehicle product designed to utilize the processing power, storage capacity, network connectivity and apps of the iPhone and iPod touch (4th generation) as the primary source for its information and entertainment capabilities. Pioneer's AppRadio also features the industry's first capacitive touchscreen that enables control of most functions using similar touch and motion gestures as many of today's most popular smartphones, but in a larger 6.1-inch screen designed specifically for safer in-vehicle operation. For safety and convenience, AppRadio features built-in Bluetooth1 for hands-free calling and an input for an optional vehicle mounted rear facing back-up camera.

"Pioneer is rethinking connectivity by tapping into the power of the smartphone, while simultaneously providing a solution that safely merges the consumer's connected lifestyle into the vehicle," said Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the car electronics division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "AppRadio fully embraces the iPhone, which has become the window to our mobile connectivity and provides a comprehensive and safer way to use apps in the car."

The power of AppRadio comes from the ability to simply and easily update its software, similar to many of today's most powerful mobile devices. The front of the unit features a clean and simple aesthetic with only three physical buttons; a home button, a volume up button and a volume down button combined with a high resolution WVGA (800 x 480) 6.1-inch capacitive touchscreen display. This capacitive touch panel requires less pressure, responds faster and can recognize multiple touch points simultaneously, advantages when compared to traditional resistive touchscreen displays. Touchscreen control is used for all functions including the app interface, iPod control/playback, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth hands-free calling features.

Pioneer Centric Apps
When connected to an iPhone and iPod touch (4th generation) with the Pioneer AppRadio application and compatible third-party apps, the full potential of the AppRadio is unleashed, bringing an ever-expanding world of convenience and connectivity directly into the dash. The Pioneer AppRadio application, available free in the App Store, enables access to the data and connectivity of the iPhone 4, providing users the ability to access Google Maps and stay current with recommended compatible third-party apps.

Google Maps appears on the AppRadio screen with the same mapping information and features that consumers are familiar with. The system enables users to search2, route to locations, view route directions and create bookmarks with the ability to drop pins directly on the map.

Pioneer has initially partnered with several app providers to integrate AppRadio compatibility into a few of today's most popular apps, formatted specifically for safe use and access in the vehicle. AppRadio compatible apps are now available including INRIX, MotionX-GPS Drive, Rdio, and Pandora Radio.

With the vehicle parked and the parking brake fully engaged, additional apps featuring second screen video output can be viewed on the AppRadio screen.

Access to the Future
As the library of AppRadio compatible applications grows, users will be automatically notified via Pioneer's AppRadio iPhone application, with a link to the respective app(s) page within the App Store. Additionally, the AppRadio software itself is updatable offering the potential for future hardware, software and app compatibility changes.

Music and Communication
AppRadio continues Pioneer's strong audio heritage, with a built-in AM/FM tuner with RDS text information display (when available) and full iPod audio control/playback. Pioneer employs Apple's iPod Out feature enabling the AppRadio system to display the familiar iPod navigation menu, displaying album art, song title and artist. This promotes a safer driving experience, as all of AppRadio's controls have been designed specifically for in-vehicle operation. This newly developed interface technology supports iPhone 4 and iPod touch (4th generation) running iOS 4.2 or later. In addition, AppRadio enables direct access to the latest iPod functions, such as custom playlists and Genius Mixes, which let users automatically create playlists of music with similarities from their music library.

Safe, in-vehicle phone functionality is simple with built-in Bluetooth, enabling hands-free cellular phone operation using the car's speakers and the included external microphone to turn the car into a rolling speakerphone. Access to the user's phonebook is provided via Bluetooth phonebook transfer, with browsing and searching available by touchscreen controls.

The AppRadio includes a 30-pin connector, external GPS antenna, external microphone for hands-free calling and input/output connections to support the addition of an optional rear view camera, wired remote steering wheel control adapter and an external amplifier via one set of preamp outputs.

Pioneer's AppRadio will be available in late June with a suggested retail price below $500.

Sony announces 160GB PlayStation 3 bundle with Call of Duty: Black Ops

Posted: 25 May 2011 01:27 PM PDT

If you still haven't given in to your hankering for a PlayStation 3, you might want to check out this promotion Sony is teasing. The company just announced a limited edition PS3 bundle pairing Call of Duty: Black Ops with a 160GB console. For $299, Sony's also throwing in the First Strike content pack -- not too shabby, considering that's the standard price for a bare console. Depending on your proclivities, that may or may not trump a complimentary RC toy or Michael Jackson singalong, but if you've got a taste for first-person shooters, it should be right up your alley. First-time buyers can find it next week, starting on May 31.

Spotify and Facebook partner up, send Europe a friend request?

Posted: 25 May 2011 01:04 PM PDT

Spotify may still be in tough negotiations with record labels to bring its streaming music service to the US, but the Swedish company has managed to score a powerful stateside ally, reportedly striking a partnership with Facebook. Neither party is dropping any cash on the deal -- set to be called either "Facebook Music" or "Spotify on Facebook," according to Forbes's anonymous sources -- which will let members of the social network stream songs at the same time as friends and share their listening habits with those in their social circle. The service is reportedly currently in testing and could be launched in a fortnight, but its arrival in the US still hinges on those ever important label deals. In the meantime, we'll all have to share our listening habits the old fashioned way: by posting on our friends' walls.

Microsoft to launch web-based Windows Phone Marketplace alongside 'Mango'

Posted: 25 May 2011 12:42 PM PDT

We're not quite sure why Microsoft didn't make mention of it during its big event yesterday, but the company has now confirmed that its forthcoming "Mango" update will also bring with it another significant addition to the Windows Phone scene: a web-based Marketplace. That will of course let you browse and buy apps right from your favorite web browser, and then have them installed on your phone over-the-air ("via SMS or email," apparently). You'll also be able to take advantage of various social networking tie-ins to share apps with your friends, and the Marketplace will hang onto your download history so you can easily reinstall all of your apps if you switch phones -- and, yes, you can count on plenty of Bing integration as well.

Update: Microsoft got in touch with us to clear up some of the confusion about how apps are actually delivered to the phone. It says it expects the vast majority of customers to install apps OTA in a single step using its regular notification system. SMS would only be used in instances where that service is not already turned on, and in that case there would still be "no links or added engagement on the phone." Customers can also choose to send themselves an email with a link to the app but, again, it expects most folks to simply let apps install in the background.

Sprint teams up with Motorola for June 9 event, finally launching a Tegra 2 device?

Posted: 25 May 2011 12:31 PM PDT

Sprint and Motorola have a little special something up their sleeves, and are rolling them up to show off their latest "collaborations" at a press luncheon on June 9th. Since big bosses CEO Dan Hesse and Sanjay Jha will be in attendance, and the event will be held during Apple's WWDC, we have a feeling this is going to be something big. Whatever this project is, it's been kept under the radar very well -- until now. We're hearing buzz about a Tegra 2-powered device planned for a launch next month; different reports have come out over the last few days claiming Sprint will finally take a turn sporting a Tegra 2 Android -- the yin to the EVO 3D's yang, we suppose -- sometime next month.

The device may be called the Motorola Photon 4G, a name that first appeared in a WiFi certification form (seen after the break) a month ago. According to the rumors, Sprint was ready to launch its own version of the Atrix 4G back in March, but stalled the phone's release in order to make a few design changes. Some of these changes supposedly include a 4.3-inch display, Gingerbread pre-installed, and a look that closely resembles the EVO 4G (it would even come with a kickstand). The Photon 4G is a probability for the event, but note that the invite mentions "collaborations," implying there will be more than one product to showcase. This could mean a Xoom with WiMAX is just about ready for primetime -- or perhaps it's something else magical and unexpected. No matter what's hiding in Hesse's pocket on June 9th, we'll be there to tell you all about it.

North Korea apparently pumping out state-sponsored PCs (updated)

Posted: 25 May 2011 12:11 PM PDT

North Korea has already made its mark on the tablet market -- albeit a rather unimpressive attempt -- and even produced a supreme leader-approved OS, and now the DPRK is further proving its tech ambitions with the production of three different PC models. In a post published to PCWorld today, Martyn Williams reports on a March 10th state TV broadcast that revealed a North Korean factory where workers are busily assembling the machines by hand. According to Williams, the models in production include a desktop PC and a netbook-sized laptop, designed for educational use. The third variant, an enterprise laptop, boasts dual USB ports, internet connectivity, and two and half hours of battery life. That's about it in the way of specs, but from what we've seen, we doubt these machines are set for world domination. For a series of screen shots from the broadcast, check out Williams' blog at the coverage link below.

Update: Surprise! The North Korean netbook, pictured above left, is an identical clone of $99.99 Sylvania model sold at CVS pharmacies in the US, both presumably sourced from the same Chinese OEM.

Panasonic resurrects Sanyo's pistol-grip camcorders, trots out three new models

Posted: 25 May 2011 11:43 AM PDT

Worried that Panasonic would kill off Sanyo's signature pistol-grip camcorders after it bought its rival last year? Fear not -- Panny just went and resurrected Sanyo's ergonomic design with three new models - slapping its own brand on 'em, of course. And, in a move that would do Sanyo proud, Panasonic brought back the DMX-CA100 / VPC-CA100, a 1080p camcorder Sanyo released last year under the same name. It's gotten a spec boost, though, with the ability to snap 16 megapixel still photos, up from 14.4. The other two -- the HX-DC15 and the HX-DC1 -- both shoot 1080p video as well, with the DC15 offering 16GB internal memory and a 16 megapixel sensor, and the DC1 able to take 14.4 megapixel stills. No word on availability outside Japan, but we're sure those of you with a penchant for flip-out displays and candy-colored plastic will find a way to snag one.
at 11:25 AM

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