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Engadget News |
- Replay XD1080 promises to capture your exteme activities without weighing you down
- Sony answers more PlayStation Vita questions: no to video output, yes to region-free
- Motorola Triumph for Virgin Mobile hands-on (video)
- Web browser found hiding in latest Nook, no root required (video)
- Apple iCloud brings previously purchased apps back from the dead
- Hands-on with Nyko's Zoom Kinect and extended battery packs for the 3DS
- Motorola's 4.3-inch Photon 4G brings Tegra 2, kickstand magic to Sprint (video hands-on)
- Virgin Mobile welcomes 4.1-inch Motorola Triumph, brings Froyo to the prepaid side
- Forza Motorsport CSR and CSR Elite wheel and pedals hands-on
- Samsung's 30nm DDR3 DRAM boosts speeds, cuts power consumption
- Ecotricity looks to break 100 mph barrier with Ion Horse electric bike, at Isle of Man TT (video)
- Condiment transporting SWITL robot arm gets a gig moving meat, packing boxes (video)
- Magellan's iOS RoadMate GPS application gains free lifetime maps, Google local search
- The under-appreciated hard drive gets torn apart and explained (video)
- InFocus Mondopad is a 55-inch multitouch display with an identity crisis (video)
- Official: HP TouchPad ships July 1st in US, 3G model coming to AT&T 'this summer'
- Japan trying out roadside service vehicles capable of charging EVs, soothing range anxiety
- Apple gives in to publishers, changes policy on in-app subscription prices
- Improv Electronics updates Boogie Board writing pad lineup, gives notes more ways to get down
- Apple to drop DUI checkpoint apps like a bad habit
- Ricoh unveils waterproof, dirt-resistant PX camera for outdoorsy photographers
- T-mobile, WildTangent to bring 25-cent game rentals to Android devices, harken back to arcade days
- Panasonic, AT&T team up for connected cars, rule out extra-long Ethernet cables
- iOS 5 imposes minor feature limitations on iPhone 3GS, 3G owners still bitter
- CE-Oh no he didn't!: Stephen Elop says 'Apple created Android,' the conditions necessary for its existence
- Nintendo bringing 'Red Flare' 3DS, new Wii package to Japan this summer
- Digital games distribution earned $3.8 billion in 2010, a quarter of entire video game market
- Rich Green, Nokia CTO, takes leave of absence for 'personal reasons'
- Sony Pictures breach affects 37,500 users, far less than Lulz Security claimed
- Dell Streak 10 Pro tablet to launch in China this summer, US may get it next year
- Live transit updates in Google Maps help you plan your romantic bus-catching sprint
- Google doodle lets you play a recordable guitar ditty in honor of Les Paul
- Microsoft, Facebook, RIM, and others write to the FCC in support of AT&T-Mobile merger
- Netflix.com's new look is focused on streaming, cribs UI elements from connected TV apps
- PlayStation Vita title 'Ruin' connects to PS3 for continuous client gameplay, we give it a swing (video)
- Samsung's 2.5-inch Spinpoint M8 1TB drive fits in your laptop, no cramming necessary
- Amazon ad confirms HP TouchPad release date?
- Dell's prototype 7-inch tablet touts slide-out split QWERTY keyboard (update: just a concept)
- Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video)
- THQ uDraw GameTablet goes HD, we go hands-on (video)
| Replay XD1080 promises to capture your exteme activities without weighing you down Posted: 09 Jun 2011 11:41 AM PDT  There's certainly no shortage of options available for those looking to record their death-defying (or not-so-death-defying) adventures, but Replay XD has now rolled out what it claims is the "smallest and lightest full HD action-camera on the market." That would be the XD1080, which measures 1.1 x 3.6 inches, records video up to 1080p / 30 fps, and can be attached to a helmet or just about anything else thanks to a range of accessories. You'll also get a built-in HDMI out port, and support for external audio sources (via an adapter) if you're not satisfied with the built-in mic. Still no word on a price, but that should be made known soon, as pre-orders are apparently starting tomorrow. Head on past the break for a sample video. |
| Sony answers more PlayStation Vita questions: no to video output, yes to region-free Posted: 09 Jun 2011 11:17 AM PDT  |
| Motorola Triumph for Virgin Mobile hands-on (video) Posted: 09 Jun 2011 10:58 AM PDT  Although the Triumph has a 4.1-inch (800 x 480) display, it looks more expansive in person, largely because the glass extends from edge to edge, barely leaving a bezel. For anyone who's ever handled a Droid, the Triumph should feel familiar -- it's decked out in that same soft, rubbery finish that makes it easy to grip. It's also surprisingly light for a phone with this size screen. The trade-off could be that it has a 1400 mAh battery inside, as opposed to the Photon 4G's 1700 mAh, but we'll see if that's the case once we get one of these guys in to review. You'll notice as you tour the device that for better or worse, the sides are pretty clean. That means while you've got a volume rocker, 3.5mm headphone jack, a lock button, microUSB, and mini HDMI, you won't see a dedicated key to launch that 5 megapixel / 720p camera. As for the screen, it's no qHD display, to be sure, but in our brief hands-on time with it the colors looked vibrant and the viewing angles were decent, too. (Actually, you can be the judge of that, as you watch our video.) The display is as responsive to taps and swipes as you'd want it to be and... did we mention this thing comes free of Motoblur? Picking up there here handset and seeing just a few Android widgets is pretty refreshing, and we can't help but hope that this soon becomes the norm rather than the exception. So, is this enough to swing you over to the world of contract-less plans? Only you can call that one, but for people already sweet on prepaid, this looks like a mighty strong option. We won't know the price until closer to its "summer" launch date, but for now, enjoy the hands-on photos and video walkthrough. |
| Web browser found hiding in latest Nook, no root required (video) Posted: 09 Jun 2011 10:55 AM PDT  |
| Apple iCloud brings previously purchased apps back from the dead Posted: 09 Jun 2011 10:33 AM PDT   Zach Honig contributed to this report. |
| Hands-on with Nyko's Zoom Kinect and extended battery packs for the 3DS Posted: 09 Jun 2011 10:11 AM PDT  We also checked out the Shock 'n Rock, Power Grip, and Game Boost external batteries for Nintendo's 3DS. The Shock 'n Rock brings a 2600 mAh battery, quad speakers, and force feedback to the handheld, but the latter two features weren't particularly compelling additions to our gaming experience. While hurling hadoukens on Super Street Fighter IV, the rumble sensations provided by the device were low fidelity affairs -- you won't be confusing it with the haptic feedback given by modern smartphones. And though the speakers were louder than those in the 3DS, the sound produced was no better than the handheld's stock drivers. Upon grabbing the Power Grip, which packs the same 2600 mAh cell as the Shock 'n Rock, we found its ergonomic backside comfortable in the hand, but thought it best suited for smaller mitts than ours. The Game Boost is an unobtrusive, lightweight little snap-on battery that didn't affect our tactile gaming experience, though we certainly appreciate the extra one or two hours of game time it provides. There was a non-functional prototype of the Play Clock charging dock / alarm clock for the 3DS as well -- Nyko is showing the device to gauge public interest before deciding whether to put it into production (our vote: keep this one in the lab, guys). Interested? The Shock 'n Rock, Power Grip, and Game Boost will cost $39.99, $29.99, and $9.99 when they hit stores early this fall, and pics of the gaming goodies are below. |
| Motorola's 4.3-inch Photon 4G brings Tegra 2, kickstand magic to Sprint (video hands-on) Posted: 09 Jun 2011 09:41 AM PDT  You know something big is about to go down when you can get the CEOs from two major tech companies to sit down together for lunch. As suspected, today's Sprint / Motorola event, presided over by Dan Hesse and Sanjay Jha, marked the debut of the rumored Photon 4G. The handset packs a 4.3-inch qHD display, 1GHz dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of built-in memory, and pre-installed Gingerbread -- plus, for better or worse, the latest version of Blur. The skinny new smartphone's got front and rear facing cameras (the latter of which is eight megapixels), a dedicated camera button, and micro USB and HDMI ports, which will hook into a soon to be announced docking device. The handset is the first from a US carrier to offer up global 4G connectivity, and it's also got 3G support, should you need it (that's CDMA / WiMAX in the US and GSM internationally). Enterprise functionality, traditionally a bit of an oversight with Android handsets, is present too, thanks to business-minded tools built into Blur and increased security, courtesy of the manufacturer's acquisition of 3LM ("Three Laws Mobility" to its friends). Sprint's influence shines through as well, with the inclusion of a built-in active kickstand on its rear, a first for a Motorola device. Flip it open, and the display will automatically switch to landscape mode for optimal viewing. We managed to get a little hands-on time with the device prior to the announcement, and by and large, the touchscreen and software seemed quite responsive. The handset itself is both skinny and narrow and feels good in the hand, though the smooth back doesn't offer much in the way of traction for those prone to dropping their phones. The buttons on the device were a bit stiff and sunken, though we'll have to hold off on passing judgment on that front, since this is a pre-production unit -- hopefully we'll get out hands on something more final in the near future. The Photon 4G is set to hit Sprint this summer -- an exact date and price point have yet to be announced. Dana Wollman contributed to this report.
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| Virgin Mobile welcomes 4.1-inch Motorola Triumph, brings Froyo to the prepaid side Posted: 09 Jun 2011 09:40 AM PDT 
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| Forza Motorsport CSR and CSR Elite wheel and pedals hands-on Posted: 09 Jun 2011 09:22 AM PDT  First up is the CSR, the lesser of the two and built on a design similar to the Porsche GT2 wheel we reviewed earlier this year. But they're far from the same, with new electronics inside and a new design for the wheel itself outside. It's much more racy, rather less Porsche, with a new thumbstick D-pad on the left, four face buttons on the right, and a further four buttons up top, flanking a small LCD. On the back are two big flappy paddles with long throws and clicky detents. Finally, an optional shifter pops on the side using a pair of rails, just like the GT2, and you can source a proper handbrake as well. Those who take their racing a little more seriously will want to step up to the CSR Elite, which is a fully new design featuring a metal case and CNC-machined internals -- internals that are exposed through a transparent window on the top. It's kind of like gazing through the engine cover on a Ferrari 458 Italia, except instead of eight cylinders here you see the belt-driven force feedback. The wheel uses an optical sensor with a disc on the wheel's axis, separated from the feedback mechanism and, in theory, eliminating that hugely annoying shudder you can get when going down the straights on other wheels.  Unfortunately we didn't get to experience this wheel's feedback effects, but our brief hands-on time definitely left us feeling confident of its build quality and precision. We felt similarly good about the new CSR pedals, which take a lot of design cues from the Clubsport pedals, but will be offered with a lower price. Like the Clubsports, there's still an adjustable load cell for the brake, but accelerator and clutch have moved to simpler potentiometers. The design is a bit simpler too, but for those who want to get the GT-style, top-mounted pedal feel, Fanatec will offer a kit that will let you flip any pedal you like (and only those pedals you like) upside down -- ala the Thrustmaster T500 RS, but more gracefully. And, hopefully, less expensively. Both wheels and the pedals are said to be shipping sometime before the year is through, but at this point no price has been established. The systems will all be modular, meaning you can package any wheel, pedals, shifter, and handbrake combination that your budget will allow. Still, you'll probably be looking at around $300 and up for these setups, and if that's too rich for your blood Microsoft also has lesser-expensive options coming from Mad Catz and its own goofy-looking, U-shaped Speed Wheel, which will set you back $59.99. |
| Samsung's 30nm DDR3 DRAM boosts speeds, cuts power consumption Posted: 09 Jun 2011 09:00 AM PDT  Samsung has been taunting us with the promise of 30nm DRAM for quite sometime, and when the tiny chips went into mass production last year it was the world's servers that got first dibs. The average consumer stuck with that aging 40nm stuff -- blech. This summer though, you'll finally be able to snatch up some of Sammy's latest tech in the form of two and four GB DDR3 1600 sticks for both laptops and desktops. The company claims that its new RAM modules are up to two-thirds more energy efficient than more common 60nm chips and 20 percent faster that its own 40nm ones. Both solo and dual packs will be hitting retailers soon starting at "less than $30." Check out the PR after the break. SAMSUNG Introduces First Consumer 30nmâ€class DDR3 DRAM Modules Memory Upgrades for Desktop and Notebook PCs Offer Speed, and Energy Savings Ridgefield Park, NJ (June 9, 2011) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and awardâ€winning innovator in digital consumer electronics and information technology, today announced the introduction of 30â€nanometerâ€class1 DDR3 synchronous dynamic randomâ€access memory (DRAM) modules for PC upgrades. This new generation of faster, more energy efficient DRAM modules will be available through consumer retail channels this summer. "Replacing your DRAM can be one of the easiest, most costâ€effective ways to upgrade your PC's performance, and these new products offer the most energyâ€efficient option currently available to consumers," said Reid Sullivan, senior vice president of mobile entertainment marketing, Samsung Electronics America. "Samsung is committed to bringing performanceâ€enhanced computing to consumers, and our 30nmâ€class process technology offers an outstanding combination of advanced lowâ€power DDR3 technology, with blazing speed up to 1,600 megabits per second (Mbps)." Samsung's new DDR3 DRAM modules are available in 2 and 4 gigabyte capacities, in very low profile (VLP) unbuffered dual inâ€line memory module (UDIMM) configurations for desktop PCs, and small outline DIMM (SODIMM) configurations for notebook PCs. Backwards compatible with systems designed for previous DDR3 and DDR2 memory,2 the modules are available in single or dualâ€pack quantities. Thanks to its leadingâ€edge 30nmâ€class manufacturing technology – which achieves higher memory capacity while using less power – the latest generation of Samsung's DDR3 DRAM modules use up to twoâ€thirds less energy than those manufactured with the industryâ€standard 60nmâ€class technology. This improvement in energy efficiency does not come at the expense of performance. The new modules transfer data at up to 1,600 Mbps, 20 percent faster than Samsung's current 40nmâ€class generation of DDR3 DRAM. Samsung has been leading the advancement of DRAM technology since it developed the industry's first DDR DRAM in 1997. In 2001, it introduced the first DDR2 DRAM. In 2005, it announced the first DDR3 DRAM using 80nmâ€class technology, and in January 2011, it announced the development of the industry's first DDR4 DRAM modules. Availability Samsung's new 30nmâ€class DDR3 DRAM modules will be available in the U.S. through numerous online and retail suppliers, including Amazon, Fry's, Micro Center, Newegg and TigerDirect. Estimated street prices for single pack modules will range from less than $30 to less than $55; dual pack modules will range from less than $55 to less than $110. About Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), based in Ridgefield Park, N.J., is a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. The company markets a broad range of awardâ€winning consumer electronics, information systems, and home appliance products, as well as oversees all of Samsung's North American operations including Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Semiconductor Inc., Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. As a result of its commitment to innovation and unique design, the Samsung organization is one of the most decorated brands in the electronics industry. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com. You can also Fan Samsung on www.Facebook.com/SamsungUSA or follow Samsung via Twitter @SamsungTweets. 1 30nmâ€class means a process technology node somewhere between 30 and 39 nanometers. 2 Check with your PC manufacturer to assure compatibility. |
| Ecotricity looks to break 100 mph barrier with Ion Horse electric bike, at Isle of Man TT (video) Posted: 09 Jun 2011 08:42 AM PDT  More than two years after breaking the world land speed record with its wind-powered Greenbird, Ecotricity has its eyes set on the record books once again. This time around, the UK-based green energy company is bringing its Ion Horse superbike to the Isle of Man TT raceway, in the hopes that it will become the first electric bike to average 100 mph over the course of the one-lap race. Developed by a team from Kingston University London and constructed in seven months, the Ion Horse is powered by a set of lithium polymer cobalt batteries, allowing it to blast from zero to 60 in three seconds, before topping out at 140 mph. Its engine also boasts up to 100kW of power, which should help the Horse make its way around the Isle of Man's sinuous, 37-mile circuit. The bike cost some £150,000 (about $245,000) to produce, but if Ecotricity breaks the aforementioned barrier during this week's TT Zero race, the team will receive an extra £10,000 (roughly $16,370) from the Isle of Man Government, in addition to all kinds of street cred. The race was originally scheduled for yesterday, but has since been postponed due to rain. In the meantime, though, you can head past the break for a video of the Ion Horse during a recent practice run, followed by the full PR. Kingston University Team e-bike on track to grab £10,000 prize at TT event A wind-powered electric superbike, developed by one the UK's leading universities and backed by Britain's leading green energy company, is taking to the famous Isle of Man TT circuit to become the first electric bike to complete a 100mph average lap. The £150,000 bike, named the 'Ion Horse', has been developed from the ground up by a team at Kingston University London (KUL) and incorporates radical features unseen on an electric bike before. Its lithium polymer cobalt cells power the bike from 0-60mph in three seconds, with a top speed of 140mph. These include a unique new direct drive system expected to give the team the competition edge, whose exact details are being kept closely under wraps. The team is being backed by Britain's first green energy company Ecotricity, as part of its mission to help make sport more sustainable and show that electric vehicles can be fast and fun without damaging the planet. The bike will completely powered by wind energy, which will come from Ecotricity's fleet of 52 windmills. In October 2010, Ecotricity founder Dale Vince unveiled the all-British Nemesis wind-powered sports car, capable of 0-100mph in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 170mph, with the aim of "blowing the socks off Jeremy Clarkson". The TT Zero race on Wednesday 8 June 2011 will see electric superbikes from all over the world compete around the Isle of Man's twisting 37 mile road circuit. The first electric bike to do a 100mph lap will receive a £10,000 prize from the Isle of Man Government that has remained unclaimed since the race began in 2009. Ecotricity founder and keen biker Dale Vince said: "Following hard on the heels of our wind powered car, the Nemesis - comes Ion Horse our wind powered bike. The guys at Kingston have built an amazing machine and we expect it to take the TT by storm. It's another great demonstration of how transport of the very near future will be - powered by renewable energy, made in Green Britain - and with zero pollution." Kingston University London Ion Horse team manager Paul Brandon said: "The Ion Horse is the culmination of years of cutting-edge technology coming together for one purpose – to take the TT's 100mph lap record. But it's also a design showcase for what electric bikes could be like, and thanks to the support of Ecotricity, completely powered by wind energy." This will be the third year that KUL has entered a bike, having come fifth in 2010, and will again be ridden by George Spence with Paul Brandon as team manager. The team will take part in qualifying sessions on 4 and 6 June before the main race itself. |
| Condiment transporting SWITL robot arm gets a gig moving meat, packing boxes (video) Posted: 09 Jun 2011 08:17 AM PDT  |
| Magellan's iOS RoadMate GPS application gains free lifetime maps, Google local search Posted: 09 Jun 2011 07:49 AM PDT 
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| The under-appreciated hard drive gets torn apart and explained (video) Posted: 09 Jun 2011 07:13 AM PDT  |
| InFocus Mondopad is a 55-inch multitouch display with an identity crisis (video) Posted: 09 Jun 2011 06:48 AM PDT  What do you get when you mix buzzwords like "cloud" and "tablet" with an enourmous multi-touch monitor? The InFocus Mondopad, that's what. The company anticipates that this 55-inch 1080p high-definition pane "wall tablet", equipped with WiFi and a 720p webam / soundbar, will bring pad-like functionality to your next presentation in a big way. The proprietary software mimics the feel of a mobile OS -- only bigger and blander looking -- with basic apps like a whiteboard and web browser, as well as support for Office, JPG, and PDF files. Also inside is Intel's vPro tech, enabling remote access and file sharing with mobile devices -- or having dual-screen sessions with a 58-inch iPhone table, for instance. Pre-ordering one will run you $5,949 for delivery in July and VoIP service through Vidtel will cost $49 a month per connection. No word yet on whether a more portable version is the works, but you'll find some PR and a video walkthrough after the break. InFocus Unveils First All-in-One Giant Tablet Designed for Business-Class Video Conferencing and Collaboration Mondopad connects people with cloud video conferencing and lets remote users collaborate from anywhere on any device PORTLAND, Ore. (June 8, 2011) -InFocus® Corp., a digital display technology leader and visual collaboration champion, today unveiled Mondopad™, a giant 55-inch HD wall tablet that combines intuitive touch collaboration applications with Vidtel's any-to-any, cloud-based video conferencing to offer a disruptively priced all-in-one collaboration display. Connected with High-quality Cloud Video Conferencing InFocus has partnered with Vidtel, a cloud video conferencing service provider, to make business-grade video conferencing as easy as making a phone call. Unlike traditional video conferencing, Mondopad requires no upfront infrastructure investment or IT resources, and it connects to all SIP and H.323 standards-based end-points and many proprietary video conferencing platforms-from popular free consumer video conferencing applications like Google Chat, to enterprise telepresence systems from Polycom and Cisco. Vidtel has solved significant video conferencing interoperability issues so organizations don't have to hassle with adopting the same equipment and service to connect with external partners. The Mondopad's 720p HD video camera and soundbar are designed specifically for video conferencing to eliminate conference room clutter and enhance the audio quality of dialogue. "Although the tremendous productivity and efficiency benefits are well established, video conferencing deployments among SMBs remain limited due, at least in part, to the relatively high cost and complexity of traditional solutions." said Ira M. Weinstein, senior analyst and partner, Wainhouse Research. "The combination of the Mondopad wall tablet and the Vidtel managed service yields an affordable, high quality, standards-based visual collaboration solution that is easy to install, manage, and use. It is just this type of solution that will help video conferencing break into the SMB space." Transforming Conference Rooms into Collaboration Rooms Offering a 55-inch full-HD 1080p (1920x1080) LCD display and designed for multi-touch from the ground up, Mondopad changes the way people interact with information and each other. Sharing documents and visuals in a meeting is extremely easy, whether users are local or remote. Mondopad's multi-touch display works with Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF, JPGs and more. Presentation, whiteboard and annotation applications-including a complete set of writing and drawing tools-open the dialogue, increase engagement and make it easy to brainstorm and quickly save and distribute ideas. Multiple Mondopads on the same network support multi-party whiteboard sessions. Share, View and Control Content from Anywhere on Any Device Local or remote users can easily share, view and control presentations from their PC, tablet or smartphone. The Mondopad's WiFi ensures meeting participants have the right level of access: from authorized users being able to connect directly to a corporate network through the display, to meeting guests being able to easily deliver documents to the display or access the Internet without connecting to an organization's private network. Remote participants are able to see what's on the Mondopad via a Web page served by the Mondopad. "From small businesses to the enterprise, InFocus now offers a business-grade HD video conferencing and all-in-one collaboration solution at an incredibly low price of entry," said Mark Perini, InFocus VP/GM visual solutions. "Mondopad offers a future-proof collaboration solution with none of the expense, setup, maintenance or updates traditionally required." Administrators Can Monitor and Manage Mondopad from Anywhere IT administrators and managed service providers can securely monitor and manage the Mondopad from anywhere. Embedded Intel vPro technologies and compatibility with industry-leading remote monitoring and management software provide immediate access for controlling, analyzing and administering the Mondopad as a hooked IT asset. Administrators can also add their own Windows applications to the Mondopad. Availability Mondopad is scheduled for delivery in July 2011 for $5,949 USD with video conferencing services starting at less than $49 per connection per month. Resellers can place Mondopad orders through Ingram Micro part number INF5520. Editor's Note: For additional multimedia content, click here. About InFocus Corp. InFocus is a digital display technology leader and visual collaboration champion. InFocus digital displays empower and inspire people located anywhere (in the room, down the hall, across the campus or around the world) to turn their bright ideas into brilliant results. Backed by more than 20 years of experience and innovation in digital displays, InFocus is dedicated to setting the industry standard for large format visual displays. The company is based in Portland, Ore. For more information, visit the company's website at www.infocus.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InFocusCorp, or follow InFocus on Twitter at @InFocusCorp and @InFocusEDU. InFocus, In Focus, INFOCUS (stylized) and Mondopad are either registered trademarks or trademarks of InFocus Corp. in the U.S. and abroad. All other trademarks are used for identification purposes only and are the property of their respective owners in this and other countries. All rights reserved. |
| Official: HP TouchPad ships July 1st in US, 3G model coming to AT&T 'this summer' Posted: 09 Jun 2011 06:18 AM PDT  [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
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| Japan trying out roadside service vehicles capable of charging EVs, soothing range anxiety Posted: 09 Jun 2011 05:57 AM PDT  Nissan and JAF to Test Roadside Service Vehicle With EV Charger YOKOHAMA/TOKYO (June 6, 2011)–Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) today announced a joint trial operation of a roadside service vehicle equipped with a charger to assist electric vehicles (EVs) which run out of battery power. The trial service commences on June 7, 2011. Nissan is taking part in a technology development project for measures to counteract global warming that was launched by Japan's Ministry of the Environment and aimed at promoting green innovation. In line with this effort, Nissan developed a prototype roadside service vehicle equipped with a charging system for EVs which become inoperable. JAF will deploy the roadside service vehicle with the charger from its Kanagawa branch office and will use it on a trial basis as part of their service menu from fiscal year 2011. This trial project will be a valuable first step as Nissan and JAF move forward in promoting the real-world use of this type of roadside vehicle, intended to create a safety net and render assistance to EVs which may run out battery power, and to help stranded motorists. In December 2010, JAF conducted roadside assistance training for EVs using a Nissan LEAF, including towing, at the Nissan Education Center for its staff from throughout Japan. JAF also initiated related practical roadside service training across Japan using other EVs in cooperation with other automakers. Hitoshi Kawaguchi, Nissan's senior vice president of External and Governmental Affairs, said, "As EVs gain wider consumer acceptance, it is important to create a roadside assistance system that can help motorists driving EVs which have run out of battery power, as well as to build a charging infrastructure. Nissan is leveraging the development and trial operation of this roadside service vehicle with charging equipment – and the accompanying staff training – to strengthen cooperation with JAF and to benefit customers. This will build confidence in EV use and contribute toward achieving a society with low carbon emissions." Masakazu Kume, Executive Director, Japan Automobile Federation, said, "JAF has been working on ways to create an environment where motorists can drive EVs with the assurance that assistance is available and to support the adoption of environmentally-friendly EVs as part of our social contribution activities. Our participation in this trial operation is one of these activities. We have already prepared insulated gloves and goggles for our service vehicle staff to assist EVs. We will actively respond to requests from EV motorists as more and more EVs hit the road." |
| Apple gives in to publishers, changes policy on in-app subscription prices Posted: 09 Jun 2011 05:27 AM PDT  It looks like Apple has decided to make some pretty major changes to its App Store Review Guidelines -- and, in particular, to its controversial in-app subscription policy. Under the new guidelines, publishers will be able to offer subscriptions to content outside of the App Store, as long as their apps don't include a "buy" button that directs users away from Apple's marketplace. Under the previous version of the policy, which was set to go into effect at the end of this month, app owners offering subscriptions outside of App Store were required to sell equivalent, in-app services at the "same price or less than it is offered outside the app," while giving a 30 percent cut to Cupertino. Now, however, they can price these in-app subscriptions as they see fit, or circumvent the system altogether, by exclusively selling them outside of their apps. Apple will still receive 30 percent of the revenue generated from in-app subscriptions, but won't get any money from purchases made outside of its domain. Theoretically, then, publishers would be able to offer in-app subscriptions at higher prices, in order to offset Apple's share. This is how the new rules are worded:
It's important to note, though, that Apple hasn't made any changes to its policy on sharing user information. Publishers had been lobbying to gain access to subscribers' credit card data and other personal information, which they see as critical to applying a TV Everywhere model to online publishing. With today's concessions, though, these demands may become less insistent.
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| Improv Electronics updates Boogie Board writing pad lineup, gives notes more ways to get down Posted: 09 Jun 2011 05:12 AM PDT  Love doodling but hate wasting paper? Improv Electronics' latest suite of optimized Boogie Boards may delight you -- just don't also try to go water skimming with one. To jog your memory, these dry-erase board killers let you scribble down your thoughts with a stylus or your fingers, by way of pressure-sensitive reflex LCDs. To start, there are two 8.5-inch flavors including a $45 binder-affixing slate for students, and a Brookstone exclusive fitted with an acrylic case available in black or red hues for $40. Next up, the $60, 10.5-incher has about fifty percent more surface area -- for doodles of epic proportion, and "charm loops" to step up the note-jotting style game. Lastly for owners of the original Boogie, there's a $20 cork board-sporting Message Center dock that's great for wall-mounting (and making your whiteboard feel inadequate). To sweeten the deal, each item comes with a stylus. If your writing bug is finding itself piqued, you'll find all the pre-order info in the PR after the break. Improv Electronics Launches New Boogie Board™ LCD Writing Tablet Models and Accessories Kent, Ohio, USA – Tuesday, May 31, 2011: Improv Electronics has announced the launch of four new Boogie Board™ products as part of the company's Push Green™ efforts. The new products create a comprehensive family of environmentally-friendly eWriters and accessories. The following products are included in the launch: Boogie Board 10.5 LCD Writing Tablet Boogie Board 8.5 LCD Writing Tablet for Binders Boogie Board Message Center Boogie Board 8.5 LCD Writing Tablet (custom Brookstone design) The Boogie Board 10.5 LCD Writing Tablet is now available for purchase from various online and in-store retailers in Japan for 6980 yen MSRP. It can be pre-ordered for shipment to addresses in all other countries through www.improvelectronics.com for $59.95 USD. The Boogie Board 10.5 tablet includes a 10.5" (diagonal) writing surface that is nearly 50% larger than the 8.5" surface of the original Boogie Board tablet. It also features replaceable batteries, an integrated stylus holder, charm loops and an erase lock button. The new Boogie Board 8.5 LCD Writing Tablet for Binders clips easily into 2, 3 and 4 ring binders, making it ideal for student use. The Boogie Board Message Center is an accessory that attaches to almost any flat surface and allows the original Boogie Board tablet to be slid in for stationary use and out to take it on the go. Both of these products can be pre-ordered through www.improvelectronics.com for $44.95 USD and $19.95 USD, respectively. The Boogie Board Message Center includes a reversible cork/metallic insert; the metallic side can be custom engraved for $9.95 USD. In early June, a custom-designed Boogie Board 8.5 tablet will be sold exclusively at Brookstone stores and through Brookstone.com for $39.95 USD. The design features a clear acrylic case, red or charcoal top cover plate, and integrated stylus holder. "Our original 8.5" Boogie Board tablet was met with tremendous worldwide demand after its launch in 2010," said Kent Displays/Improv Electronics CEO Dr. Albert Green. "It and the four new products we announced today are major steps toward creating a robust eWriter product segment that will replace traditional paper for average, everyday writing and drawing tasks. As a leader in this segment, we will continue to introduce additional Boogie Board products including the much anticipated save version in fall 2011." In conjunction with today's product launch, Improv Electronics has introduced www.improvelectronics.com to accommodate the expanded Boogie Board product family and future products lines. In mid June, Improv Electronics will launch the first of its new product lines, color-changing iPod Touch cases. The cases will utilize Kent Displays Reflex™ LCD Electronic Skins. About Improv Electronics Improv Electronics was formed in 2010 as the consumer products subsidiary of Kent Displays. Founded in 1993, Kent Displays, Inc. is a world leader in the research, development and manufacture of Reflex No Power LCDs for unique, sustainable applications including electronic skins, writing tablets, smartcards and eReaders. Go to the following Web sites and online communities for additional information: · Learn more about Boogie Board LCD Writing Tablets and register for e–mail alerts at www.improvelectronics.com · Become a Boogie Board follower/friend on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube · Submit a Boogie Board reseller application at www.improvelectronics.com/us/en/retailer-distributor.html · Learn more about Kent Displays at www.kentdisplays.com or e-mail info@kentdisplays.com Boogie Board, Reflex and Improv Electronics are trademarks of Kent Displays, Inc. |
| Apple to drop DUI checkpoint apps like a bad habit Posted: 09 Jun 2011 04:48 AM PDT  In a move that's bound to get at least a few MADD moms smiling, Apple's officially decided to block apps that encourage drunk driving. Section 22.8 of the newly revised App Store Review Guidelines reads:That revision comes on the heels of a request from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, asking that Google, Apple, and RIM yank offending apps from their respective mobile outlets. At the time, Google declined while RIM was quick to jump on the bandwagon, leaving Apple to stew. For now, it looks like the rest of us still have to keep our eyes out for Android users with a propensity for boozing and skirting the fuzz. |
| Ricoh unveils waterproof, dirt-resistant PX camera for outdoorsy photographers Posted: 09 Jun 2011 04:16 AM PDT  Capture all the action with Ricoh's new adventure-proof PX Series Waterproof, shockproof and impermeable to dust, dirt and sand, Ricoh's PX promises fun, hassle-free photography in any environment 9 June 2011: Adding everyday toughness to its digital compact camera range, Ricoh has today launched the all new waterproof and shockproof PX. Ready for anything outdoor-loving Australians can throw at it, the PX partners the latest photo-taking technologies with intuitive operation and rugged features. Waterproof to 3 metres, shockproof for falls up to 1.5 metres and impermeable to dust, dirt and sand, it promises fun, hassle-free photography in any environment. In the pursuit for durability, image quality has not been forgotten. The PX combines a responsive 16 megapixel CCD sensor with the Smooth Imaging Engine IV and a 5x optical wide zoom lens (28mm-140mm) to deliver natural images, even in challenging low light conditions. With the help of innovative new Super Resolution Technology - which works by effectively discerning a subject's many outlines, textures and gradations, then processing the image based on the optimal settings for each - the PX's telephoto range can be extended even further to a focal length of 280mm (10x optical zoom equivalent) with almost no drop in image quality. To capture all the action, the camera springs to life within just 1.4 seconds and features a range of settings that can spontaneously adapt to the subject including auto scene selection, subject-tracking auto-focus and face-priority multi auto-focus. Staying true to its Ricoh heritage, the PX exhibits many of the same attributes that has seen Ricoh's CX Series be named Consumer Compact Camera of the Year for the last two consecutive years*. Popular creative shooting modes such as miniaturise, high contrast black-and-white, soft focus and toy camera feature alongside more than 20 other shooting modes including beach, snow, party, cooking and night scene. With so many to choose from, users can also customise a 'my modes' menu for quick access to their favourite settings. The PX ensures snapping stunning images is as easy as A B C. Specially designed for intuitive operation, the camera features easy to navigate menus, an independent lever-style flash dial and one-touch underwater movie recording. While built to be tough, this stylish compact is a far cry from the usual sports utility. Available in black, silver and green, the PX can be further personalised through the addition of a range of vibrantly coloured protective silicon sleeves. Meanwhile, the camera's fully flat design and 2.7" scratch-resistant LCD screen means it can be carelessly thrown into a backpack, pocket or handbag without fear of lens damage. The new Ricoh PX will be available in leading camera and electronics retailers from late June 2011. RRP $299 Protective jacket PJ-1 (option) available in five colours: yellow, pink, blue, brown and white. Neck Strap ST-4 (option) available in five colours: black, pink, blue, green and brown. |
| T-mobile, WildTangent to bring 25-cent game rentals to Android devices, harken back to arcade days Posted: 09 Jun 2011 03:43 AM PDT  Test driving an app isn't entirely unheard of -- Apple introduced its lackluster "Try Before You Buy" system last summer and the Android Market's got a 15-minute return policy. Now T-Mobile's teamed up with mobile gaming outfit WildTangent to bring a novel approach to looking under the hood of gaming apps: rentals. The partnership promises to bring 25 cent game rentals to your phone or tablet (considering you're a T-Mo faithful rocking an Android device), giving you the opportunity to see what a particular game is working with before you commit. The new service also lets users play games for free with advertisements, and applies the cost of rentals to future purchases -- rent-to-own style. So it won't bring the same juvenile thrills as the arcade, but it will let you get your game on at 25 cents a pop. No word yet on when the service will go into effect, so don't go breaking that piggy bank quite yet. |
| Panasonic, AT&T team up for connected cars, rule out extra-long Ethernet cables Posted: 09 Jun 2011 03:14 AM PDT  Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America and AT&T to Explore Connected Car Concepts Industry-leading technology providers to explore connected lifestyle projects in Peachtree City, GA test community DETROIT, June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* and Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America have formed a working agreement to explore and test connectivity solutions for consumers and commuters. The new project provides a framework for the two companies to create customized products for global automotive manufacturers in North America. Initial concept testing for interfaces between in-car infotainment systems and emerging mobile devices will begin in late 2011, in the Peachtree City testing community. AT&T will provide network services and Panasonic Automotive Systems Company will supply the hardware and integration services. Financial terms of the agreement are not being disclosed. "As today's drivers spend increasing amounts of time on the road, they continue to seek vehicles that complement their 'always-on', hyper-mobile lifestyles," said Steve Deguchi, President of Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America. "Automakers that successfully make vehicles that deliver smart, personalized services to drivers on demand have a tremendous opportunity to stand out from the competition. The most appealing vehicles will be those that serve as yet another node in a driver's existing network of devices." By creating in Peachtree City, a connected model city, fully open to automotive manufacturers, technology providers and others in the ecosystem, the project will provide the framework to help drive innovation for the connected, in-vehicle lifestyle. Both companies will continue to pursue independent initiatives, but plan to work together on select programs in which their combined strengths and expertise will provide increased value and return to automakers and provide an enhanced connected driving experience for consumers and commuters. "There are incredible wireless opportunities in the automotive space and we've only scratched the surface," said Glenn Lurie, President of emerging devices, resale and partnerships, AT&T. "We continue to explore ways to develop a safer connected ecosystem for emerging devices." *AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. About AT&T AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T â"‚DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT. About Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America Based in Peachtree City, Georgia, and with Detroit area operations located in Southfield, MI, Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America is a division company of Secaucus, New Jersey-based Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. (NYSE: PC) of Osaka, Japan, one of the world's leading developers and producers of innovative digital and other electronic products for consumer, business and industrial use. Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America also acts as the North American operating company of Panasonic's Automotive Systems Company, which coordinates global automotive industry systems and components operations. For more information on Panasonic, www.panasonic.com/automotive. Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise. © 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America |
| iOS 5 imposes minor feature limitations on iPhone 3GS, 3G owners still bitter Posted: 09 Jun 2011 02:41 AM PDT  |
| Posted: 09 Jun 2011 02:06 AM PDT  Nokia's freshman CEO is speaking at the Open Mobile Summit right now. As expected, he's covering the same ol' ground, explaining why Nokia ditched Symbian and MeeGo to build the "third ecosystem" with Microsoft -- you know, after totally dominating the high-end smartphone market just three years ago. He's also being credited with the following quote: We're on to you, Mr. Elop. It's a classic diversionary tactic. Get the one and two smartphone / tablet OS vendors squabbling and then execute a flanking maneuver while nobody's watching. Why else would the Nokia CEO make such an emotive claim? Unless it's true? |
| Nintendo bringing 'Red Flare' 3DS, new Wii package to Japan this summer Posted: 09 Jun 2011 01:20 AM PDT  Now that we're all sitting on summer's doorstep, Nintendo has decided to add a little heat to its 3DS lineup, with a new 'Red Flare' handheld, coming to Japan next month. Offering a sanguine alternative to the Aqua Blue and Cosmo Black variants, this little fireball will retail for ¥25,000 (about $312) when it hits Japanese stores on July 14th -- just in time for the release of Star Fox 64 3D. The company is also planning to unleash a new Wii bundle on June 23rd, which will package two Wii Remote Plus controllers (one in black or white, one in blue) with Wii Sports Resort software, for ¥20,000 (around $250). No word yet on whether these offers will be coming Westward anytime soon, but you can find more information in the translated press release, after the break. Nintendo Wii controller and software bundle to add new color to its own set of 3DS body "Red Flare" Add Nintendo Co., Ltd. (President Iwata Satoru) is Niokimashite Japan, so we decided to add the following new color changing product specifications will be announced. (1) stationary game machine for home use "Wii" (released December 2006) Ni Shimashite, from June 23 this year, the body set dedicated controller "Wii Remote plus" a single, specialized software and the Wii [Sports Resort] (released June 2009) will be sold bundled with add. In addition, manufacturer's suggested retail price of 20,000 yen (tax included) will not change. The addition of this time, Wii has two main sets "Wii Remote +", so that now comes bundled with an additional "Wii Remote Plus" without your purchase, your family and friends Togo [with] you can enjoy Wii Sports Resort. Since the Wii is released, you feel popular with intuitive and exhilarating action, cumulative shipments of domestic sales at the end of this year, with over three million units in 1159. Gameplay to reflect accurately detect the hand position and movement of the player's "Wii Remote +" while taking advantage of and enjoy the fun of Wii Sports Resort [12] resort to sell and ship the additional controller In it, a person can enjoy it, play with it more enjoyable than to tell you that the Wii's appeal, we aim to further spread. (2) mobile gaming, "Nintendo 3DS" (released February 2011) Ni Shimashite, from July 14 this year, new body colors, "red flare" will be on sale. Existing color of "aqua" and "Cosmo Black" together with the body color becomes Nintendo 3DS three colors total. On June 16 [3D] Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Following the launch of the Company on July 14 [3D] Star Fox 64, this year is [Mirror] Shin Akira Parutena myth, [SUPER The latest series] Mario, Mario Kart] and are expected to launch latest series, the work is expected to be released from a number of software makers also fully equipped with special software we will from now until the end of So by increasing the body colors, Nintendo 3DS body aims to spread in earnest. |
| Digital games distribution earned $3.8 billion in 2010, a quarter of entire video game market Posted: 09 Jun 2011 12:52 AM PDT  |
| Rich Green, Nokia CTO, takes leave of absence for 'personal reasons' Posted: 09 Jun 2011 12:19 AM PDT  Rich Green's only been with Nokia since 2010, making his way onto the leadership team in February when the Elopcalypse rolled through Espoo. As CTO, the former VP of Sun Microsystems is charged with defining Nokia's technology vision; be it hardware, software, user experience, cloud services, or developer programs. So yeah, he's the guy looking at what's next, what's beyond Windows Phone and S40. Well, we just got official word from Nokia that he's taking a leave of absence for an unspecified duration for "personal reasons." Of course, that could mean anything -- business is always personal, regardless of those empty bromides tossed around whenever something distasteful happens between corporate personalities. The story first broke in the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, citing two independent sources claiming that Green likely won't be returning to the company because of disagreements over strategy. Interesting, don't you think?Update: Reuters says that Henry Tirri, head of Nokia Research Center, will be acting CTO |
| Sony Pictures breach affects 37,500 users, far less than Lulz Security claimed Posted: 08 Jun 2011 11:39 PM PDT  Sonypictures.com data security incident June 8, 2011 - Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has provided notice to the approximately 37,500 people who may have had some personally identifiable information stolen during the recent attack on sonypictures.com. SPE did not request, and the stolen information did not include, any credit card information, social security numbers or driver license numbers from these people. * * * * On June 2, 2011, we learned we were the target of a cyberattack when a hacker claimed that he had recently broken into sonypictures.com. Upon learning of this cyberattack, our team retained outside experts to conduct an investigation and forensic analysis. In addition, we promptly took offline all potentially affected databases containing personally identifiable information and contacted the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. We are working with the FBI to assist in the identification of those responsible for this crime. We greatly appreciate your patience, understanding and goodwill as we work to resolve these issues quickly and efficiently. We are continuing to investigate the details of this cyberattack; however, we believe that one or more unauthorized persons may have obtained some or all of the following information that you may have provided to us in connection with certain promotions or sweepstakes: name, address, email address, telephone number, gender, date of birth, and website password and user name. For your security, we encourage you to be aware of email, telephone, and postal mail scams that ask for personal or sensitive information. Sony Pictures Entertainment will not contact you by email or otherwise to ask for your credit card number or social security number. If you are asked for this information, you can be confident Sony Pictures Entertainment is not the entity asking. When our website features are fully restored, we strongly recommend that you log on and change your password. If you use your Sony Pictures website user name or password for other unrelated services or accounts, we strongly recommend that you change them there, as well. If you have concerns about the effect of this cyberattack on information you may have provided to us, we have listed below additional information and resources for your consideration: U.S. residents are entitled under U.S. law to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call toll-free (877) 322-8228. At no charge, U.S. residents can have the three major U.S. credit bureaus place a "fraud alert" on your file that alerts creditors to take additional steps to verify your identity prior to granting credit in your name. This service can make it more difficult for someone to get credit in your name. Note, however, that because it tells creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you, it also may delay your ability to obtain credit while the agency verifies your identity. As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the others are notified to place fraud alerts on your file. Should you wish to place a fraud alert, or should you have any questions regarding your credit report, please contact any one of the agencies listed below. Experian: 888-397-3742; www.experian.com; P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013 Equifax: 800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 TransUnion: 800-680-7289; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790 You may wish to visit the web site of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or reach the FTC at 1-877-382-4357 or 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580 for further information about how to protect yourself from identity theft. Your state Attorney General may also have advice on preventing identity theft, and you should report instances of known or suspected identity theft to law enforcement, your State Attorney General, and the FTC. For North Carolina residents, the Attorney General can be contacted at 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001; telephone (877) 566-7226; or www.ncdoj.gov. We will provide you separately with information about a complimentary offering to assist you to the extent you may be interested in enrolling in identity theft protection services and/or similar programs. We thank you for your patience as we complete our investigation of this cyberattack, and we regret any inconvenience. Our teams are working to restore as soon as possible any website features that have been disabled. Please contact our Toll Free Information Line at 1-855-401-2644, Monday-Friday, between 9 am and 5 pm Central, should you have any additional questions. Sincerely, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. |
| Dell Streak 10 Pro tablet to launch in China this summer, US may get it next year Posted: 08 Jun 2011 11:04 PM PDT  Update: Dell has confirmed all of the foregoing in a blog post. |
| Live transit updates in Google Maps help you plan your romantic bus-catching sprint Posted: 08 Jun 2011 10:41 PM PDT  Brooklynites on their way to the latest Reggie Watts show have long had real-time bus-tracking information, but public-transit aficionados in six other cities now have one less reason for BK envy. With the latest version of Google Maps, even the least cool citizens of Boston, Portland, Ore., San Diego, San Francisco, Madrid and Turin can see not just when their bus or train is scheduled to arrive, but when it actually will. Selecting a stop on the map displays "live departure times" and service alerts, thanks to Google's data-sharing partnerships with city transit operators. That won't always guarantee fewer delays or less waiting, but will help riders budget their time, and maybe find those precious seconds necessary to post more Tumblr pictures of "ironic" Hitler-kittens. |
| Google doodle lets you play a recordable guitar ditty in honor of Les Paul Posted: 08 Jun 2011 10:03 PM PDT  |
| Microsoft, Facebook, RIM, and others write to the FCC in support of AT&T-Mobile merger Posted: 08 Jun 2011 09:19 PM PDT  |
| Netflix.com's new look is focused on streaming, cribs UI elements from connected TV apps Posted: 08 Jun 2011 08:28 PM PDT  That said, we're not fans either because it still requires an additional click to find out if a movie is in HD or has subtitles, a misdirected click starts playing the wrong movie too easily and selecting "your queue" still takes us to our discs first instead of Watch Instantly. If the new front page isn't working there's always alternatives in Netflix queue managers like InstantWatcher.com and FeedFliks, or any number of mobile apps. Let us know if you'll be riding with the redesign or hitting the back button in the comments here. |
| Posted: 08 Jun 2011 07:42 PM PDT Cross-platform gaming is a wonderful idea, but Sony's showing off something even more impressive at E3 this year -- a game that you can starting playing on either PS3 or the PlayStation Vita handheld and immediately transfer to another console. Ruin leverages cloud storage to save your entire hack-and-slash RPG game, right down to the positions and actions of every nearby enemy and the structures you've destroyed. Then, a second or eight after you hit load on another machine, you're right back in the very same fight. Resuming on console or handheld and picking up exactly where you left off -- yep, it's a bona fide continuous client, and we had to give it a try. So, off to Sony's E3 2011 booth we went, to seek out developer Idol Minds. With both Vita and PS3 connected to a local router, it was both as simple and as mind-blowing as you'd expect -- simply save on one (no matter what you're doing), load on the other, and everything (save certain scripted animations) loads exceptionally quickly. In fact, Idol Minds VP Jeff Litchford said that while show floor conditions necessitated the local router, Ruin's cloud resume functionality would even work over 3G, as the save files are actually fairly small, on the order of 250KB. He couldn't tell us whether you'll have to purchase two copies of the game to make the magic happen (we're hoping not), but he did have some good news on the cloud storage front: it won't cost a thing to save your game data, not even a subscription to PlayStation Plus. Sean Buckley contributed to this report. |
| Samsung's 2.5-inch Spinpoint M8 1TB drive fits in your laptop, no cramming necessary Posted: 08 Jun 2011 07:00 PM PDT  Samsung Electronics Unveils Terabyte Hard Drive for Notebooks SEOUL, Korea, June 9, 2011: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a world leader in digital consumer electronics and information technology, today announced its 500 gigabyte per platter, one terabyte internal hard disk drive, Spinpoint M8 for use in mobile computing applications such as notebooks. Samsung's Spinpoint M8, which consists of two 500 gigabyte platters, provides users with one terabyte storage space. The form factor support the 9.5mm height to comfortably fit in mobile computing applications. The high density was achieved by utilizing advanced format technology (AFT), which raises the data storage density per unit area, enabling efficient and convenient data storage. A reduced number of components such as disks and heads also contribute to approximately seven percent increase in operation speeds and eight percent decline in power demand. The dual-platter Spinpoint M8 operates on a high-performance 3 gigabits per second SATA interface, provides an eight megabyte buffer memory and incorporates EcoSeek™ and NoiseGuard™ features for minimal noise levels. A redesign of the overall structure ensures enhanced shock resistance to protect the disk from physical fracture and data loss. Samsung's C.H. Lee, vice president of storage strategic marketing said, "The new Spinpoint M8 line-up supports the ongoing growth curve for high density data storage densities, especially as it raises the bar to exceed terabyte density levels in the mobile computing space." Spinpoint M8 is currently in mass production and available worldwide with the 1TB drive at an MSRP of $129.00. About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, semiconductors, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsungelectronics.com. |
| Amazon ad confirms HP TouchPad release date? Posted: 08 Jun 2011 06:13 PM PDT  [Thanks, Michael] |
| Dell's prototype 7-inch tablet touts slide-out split QWERTY keyboard (update: just a concept) Posted: 08 Jun 2011 05:30 PM PDT  Update: So it turns out that these photos were actually taken by Tweakers, who met up with the crew from Dell's Austin Design Center to gaze upon this prototype tablet earlier this week. Tweakers says that the concept is about three to four years old, and it eventually led to the development of the eccentric Inspiron Duo. Unsurprisingly, Dell also confirmed to us that this device will never make it to the market; but of course, there's still the Streak 10 Pro Android tablet to look forward to. |
| Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video) Posted: 08 Jun 2011 05:28 PM PDT  We already had a chance to try out Immersive Motion from Aiken Labs at CES, but now the nine-axis modular sensing system is making its way to Android and other mobile platforms, including iOS and Windows Phone. The more compact battery-powered server brings motion-controlled gaming to mobile environments, capturing position data from matchbox-size modular sensors that you can tape to a wooden sword or Viking helmet for live-action outdoor role-playing, or on you paws and dome during a virtual jam session with friends, for example. The mobile kit includes a pair of wireless sensors with a 50-foot range that you can attach to literally any accessory or appendage, and is expected to sell for about $300 when it ships later this year. You'll also be able to connect up to two smaller wired sensors to each wireless sensor, for about $50 a pop. The kit's price tag makes it cost-prohibitive for all but the most hardcore gamers and devs (there's an SDK available as well), but Aiken hopes to make its flagship product more affordable if its able to sell the kits in high volume. The tool has applications in other industries as well, including research and Hollywood, where it could be used as a (relatively) low-cost outdoor motion-capture suit. The early version we saw at E3 today is definitely not ready to head to production, but we're still months away from an actual release, giving Aiken some time to improve accuracy, and perhaps find a way to reduce that price. Jump past the break to see how it works. Tim Stevens contributed to this report. |
| THQ uDraw GameTablet goes HD, we go hands-on (video) Posted: 08 Jun 2011 04:44 PM PDT  Nintendo's Wii U controller is a gaming display, video conference device, and yes, a stylus-toting tablet, but no such tool has been announced for those other consoles, so PS3 and Xbox 360 owners who want to get their sketch on will have to turn to THQ's new uDraw GameTablet instead. Tablets for both gaming systems were announced last month, and today we had a chance to paint on the big (HD) screen at E3. Though the drawing surface feels just as roomy as the Wii version, the tablets are noticeably smaller than last year's counterpart, with the obvious absence of a Wiimote holder taking credit for the device's reduced footprint. That Wiimote also made it difficult for lefties to tackle the tablet, but no such issues exist on the PS3 and Xbox versions. Other major design changes include shifting stylus storage from the rear to just above the touch surface, and trimming some girth off the instrument itself. Both tablets will be coming in November for less than $100, though specific pricing has yet to be announced. For now, you're limited to uDraw Studio and Pictionary on the game title front, which appear noticeably sharper in HD, though otherwise similar to the versions we used with the Wii. THQ has promised more games for future release, including Disney Animator, though reps weren't able to confirm any other titles or dates. We had a chance to draw in both games, which respond to both the stylus and hardware buttons for brush selection and other functions, such as undo and navigation. A rep pointed out that the new versions are also more sensitive to stylus pressure, adjusting brush thickness based on how hard you press, for example, but we didn't find that to be the case. After you've spent a few minutes concocting your next digital masterpiece, you can fire off your work of art via email, instead of just sending it to an SD card like on the Wii version. Overall, there's nothing groundbreaking here, but if you've been looking to balance out your Halo and Resistance by sketching honeybees and rainbows (or making your console a bit more kid-friendly), then uDraw may be worth the investment. Tim Stevens contributed to this report. |
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