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Saturday, June 11, 2011

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Samsung Galaxy S II for AT&T ratted out by its own HDMI dock

Posted: 11 Jun 2011 11:05 AM PDT

Oh, we've been fairly certain for a while now that we'd see the sexy Samsung Galaxy S II saunter on over to AT&T, but now we've attained what appears to be the first official photo of the handset. Samsung's Singapore division has a series of professional shots of planned accessories, including this "Samsung Galaxy S II Desktop Dock," a handsome pyramid stand sporting HDMI and 3.5mm stereo-out jacks -- and of course, an AT&T logo on its comfortably cradled smartphone. We're still not quite sure when Samsung's flagship will hit the US, but it had better get a move on -- we're slated to see a Galaxy S III by this time next year, after all.

[Thanks, Solomon T.]

Sony NEX-C3 hands-on (video)

Posted: 11 Jun 2011 10:00 AM PDT


Sony announced the successor to its NEX-3 digital camera earlier this week, so we decided to take a post-E3 road trip down to the electronics maker's US headquarters in San Diego to check out the $599 NEX-C3 for ourselves. We'll analyze the new sensor's image quality in a full review before the camera hits stores later this summer, but from our initial impressions, the new cam appears to offer fairly minor tweaks compared to its predecessor. It's incredibly small for a camera with an APS-C sensor -- perhaps even awkwardly so, when paired with the comparatively massive 18-55mm kit lens or Sony's enormous 18-200mm optic -- but not small enough to be any less functional than the previous iteration. Like the NEX-3, the camera was designed to be held by resting the lens on your left palm, rather than by the grip, so size isn't likely to be an issue. Cosmetic changes include a magnesium alloy top panel, front microphone positioning, and a more efficient display hinge, which helped reduce the camera's thickness. We'll be posting a full review in several weeks, but jump past the break for more observations, and a hands-on video from Sony HQ.
Sony NEX-C3 Hands-on

There's also separate battery and SD card compartments, and Sony claims a 20-percent improvement in battery life, using the same battery as the previous model. While there aren't many new features for DSLR vets, mid-range cam newbies will benefit most from the camera's UI improvements, which includes Sony's Photo Creativity interface. The new tool simplifies advanced settings, labeling aperture adjustments as Background Defocus, for example, with "Crisp" representing a smaller aperture, and "Defocus" representing a larger aperture with shallow depth of field. Advanced users will benefit from custom key settings (also available with the latest firmware for NEX-3 and NEX-5 models), which let you assign specific functions to four-way buttons on the selection wheel. Overall, the settings menu hasn't improved, so you'll still need to dig around to format the SD card, among other frequently used options. There's plenty more to share about the NEX-C3, which we'll be testing over the next few weeks, so check back later this summer for our complete analysis.

Portable electronic devices may / may not make your plane fall out of the sky

Posted: 11 Jun 2011 08:03 AM PDT

We've all no doubt mocked an in-flight call to shut off all portable electronic devices at some point -- heck, we've all probably had a saucy flight attendant who's done the mocking for us. After all, the idea that our plane might plummet 30,000 feet because we're fiddling with our iPhone seems a bit silly, given all we know about portable electronics. A newly discovered study conducted by the International Air Transport Association, however, calls into question the flippant nature with which most of us dismiss those warnings. Between 2003 and 2009, the study found 75 incidents in which electronic interference may have affected flight controls, navigation systems, or set off engine indications. It's far from definitive proof -- it's more along the lines of anecdotal evidence from crew members, but hey, anything we can do help our plane keep flying is probably a good thing, right?

Bing Mobile updated, news and maps get minor facelifts

Posted: 11 Jun 2011 06:26 AM PDT

How can you "be what's next" without having what's next on your phone? Bing is here to help you fulfill its tagline by updating its mobile site for any device that runs HTML5. If the update had a highlight reel to show off the newest features, here's what would be on it: a carousel-like interface in the news section that lets you swipe your finger left or right to switch to other categories; maps that show directions together in split-screen format; a search history complete with trending topics; and the ability to share images and links on Facebook. The new enhancements are now available to iOS, Android, and BlackBerry, so it's an easy jaunt over to your browser to check it out. Or, if you're reading this on your phone, give the ol' More Coverage link a quick tap.

iPhone rides Atlantis into space, where no one can hear its ringtone scream

Posted: 11 Jun 2011 04:33 AM PDT

Smartphones have been going to space for a while now -- well, technically near space in most cases -- but in decidedly DIY ways, including a "shuttle" made out of Styrofoam beer coolers. But the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to complete its final voyage with a pair of space-ready iPhone 4's aboard. After docking with the International Space Station, astronauts use the phones, not to become Foursquare's Mayor of Space, it seems, but to run an app called SpaceLab for iOS. Designed by Houston's Odyssey Space Research, the app contains a number of navigation tools that will test the iPhone cameras and gyroscopes, alongside a self-monitoring experiment that will reveal the effects of radiation on the devices. The Space Shuttle launch is tentatively scheduled for July 8, but in the meantime even earth-bound astro-nots (aww) can pick up the app for $1 by following the source link.

ASUS slipping Eee Pad Slider and Transformer 3G into UK hands this August

Posted: 11 Jun 2011 01:32 AM PDT

Oh, ASUS -- what a teaser. Especially when it comes to the release dates and exact prices of your latest keyboard-packing Eee Pad 10.1-inch Android tablets. The word remains mum regarding final pricing, but the company's UK division recently announced via its Facebook page that the Transformer 3G and Slider tabs will be available in the region during August; and sadly, that's about all. It'll be letting out more details on how to snag one just before they're out, and hopefully you'll get a chance to before they sell clean out. For now, you can re-skim our review of the UK Transformer and additional Slider coverage -- just think of it as a consolation prize.

Panasonic's new suite of colorful camcorders hits stores this July, gets priced right now

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 10:34 PM PDT

Panasonic's new suite of colorful camcorders hits stores this July, gets priced right now
When Panasonic introduced us to its Skittles-like array of candy-coated camcorders, they gave us a taste of the little things, but left us hanging on price and availability. Well, if you've been slobbering over the specs since February, you can sate your appetite soon, because the HM-TA20, HM-TA2, HX-WA10, HX-DC10, and HX-DC1 will hit stores starting in early July. The Flip-style, 1080p HM-TA20 rings in at $200, while its less rugged little brother, the HM-TA2, will run you $170. The upright and rugged HX-WA10 will do 1080p video and 16-megapixel stills for $350, and you'll drop $280 on the HX-DC10 for the same functionality without the weather-proofing. For the same look at an even lower price, you can shoot 14-megapixel stills on the HX-DC1 for $200. Hungry for more? Full PR awaits you after the break.
Show full PR text
PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR ITS MOBILE CAMERAS AND DUAL CAMERAS – ALL AVAILABLE IN EARLY JULY 2011

SECAUCUS, NJ (June 9, 2011) – Panasonic today announces pricing for its new full-High Definition*1 (HD) mobile cameras, the HM-TA20, HM-TA2 and its new dual cameras, the HX-WA10, the HX-DC10 and the HX-DC1. All five new models will be available in early July 2011 for the following suggested retail prices: $199.99 for the HMT-TA20; $169.99 for the HM-TA2; $349.99 for the HX-WA10; $279.99 for the HX-DC10; and $199.99 for the HX-DC1.

The HM-TA20 is a full-HD mobile camera, which has a rugged design that is waterproof to approximately 10 feet, shockproof to approximately 5 feet and dustproof*2 and with the Night View Mode – it shoots exceptional video and photos, even in low-lighting. The Panasonic HM-TA20's small and compact size, combined with tough exterior, make this the ultimate video camera when it comes to portability. Plus, with a large, 3.0-inch Touch LCD, the HM-TA20 is easy and intuitive to use.

The Panasonic HM-TA20 shoots in full-HD 1920 x 1080 video, and records in the MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), which is convenient for editing images with a computer and uploading files to the Internet. The HM-TA20 includes an integrated USB terminal in its compact body and after editing images within the camera, the user simply connects the camera to a computer and the built-in software, which must be installed first, will then always launch automatically upon connection. The HM-TA20 can also be used as a web camera, for online video chatting. Additionally, extended voice recording is also possible, for recording and storing sounds.

The Panasonic HM-TA2, is also a compact and mobile camera with the same features as the HM-TA20, except it is not waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. Like the HM-TA20, the HM-TA2 features the Night View Mode, a large 3.0-inch LCD for easy and intuitive Touch Operation for controls such as, play, record, stop, zoom, and also settings such as edit – all accessible with the touch of a finger.

The three new Dual Cameras, the HX-WA10, the HX-DC10 and the HX-DC1, all of which have an easy-to-hold vertical design, making it easy and seamless to shoot full-HD videos (1920 x 1080) or photos – without having to switch between the two settings as there are separate video/photo capture buttons. The HX-WA10 is waterproof down to approximately 10 feet*3 making it extremely versatile, and the HX-WA10 and HX-DC10 models include Panasonic's Backside Illumination (BSI) technology, which allows for optimal shooting in dimly-lit conditions.

Panasonic's three new Dual Camera models record video in the MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), which is convenient for uploading images to the Internet or editing on a computer. Beyond the full-HD video capabilities, the HX-WA10 and HX-DC10 also offer 16-megapixel still photos, while the HX-DC1 takes 14-megapixel photos – resulting in high-quality images. All three models can take 2-megapixel still photos while shooting full-HD videos. Despite being compact in size, all three models have a powerful 5x optical zoom, giving the user more range when shooting video and photos.

Vuzix Star 1200 headset augments your reality, not your bank account

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 09:03 PM PDT

Be honest, you've been waiting for an affordable augmented reality headset ever since Schwarzenegger rocked the robot vision Terminator 2. And while $5,000 still seems like a lot for consumers to pay for a pair of glasses that let you see stuff that's not actually there, it's certainly cheaper than the sort of military-grade options currently available. Vuzix's Star 1200 feature motion sensors and a camera that track reality in order to augment it via 3D computer generated graphics. The headset is available for pre-order now and will start shipping in August, so you can finally get down to hunting and destroying all of the people who make fun of you for wearing funny looking glasses.

[Thanks, Matthew]

Roger Ebert's Great Movies app hits iOS devices, pulls you from your Netflix-recommended slump

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 07:39 PM PDT

Struggling to decide on a few movies to watch this weekend? Then you can always peruse the solid suggestions offered by Roger Ebert's ongoing Great Movies series, which is now available in convenient app form for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch (though not optimized for iPad, unfortunately). In addition to over 300 reviews from Ace in the Hole to Yojimbo, the app offers stills and fully searchable details for each film in the series, plus links to add a movie to your Netflix queue or buy it from Amazon, and the ability to make your own lists of what you've seen and what you want to see. There's still no indication of a release for Android or other platforms just yet, but iOS users can grab the app right now for $0.99 via the iTunes link below.

New LG P330 laptop has it all: brains, brawn, and beauty

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 06:43 PM PDT

LG P330
Well, look what we have here. It's the LG P220's big brother, the P330, and, as you can tell, good looks run in the family. Glancing at the spec sheet (after the break) it's pretty clear this guy has been hitting the gym -- there's plenty of muscle inside in the form of an NVIDIA GT 555m. This 13.3-inch laptop isn't just some meathead though, it's got brains to spare thanks to a Sandy Bridge class Core i7. But, that's not all -- it's also a sharp dresser that looks quite fetching in its magnesium and aluminum suit, and just try not to get lost staring into that beautiful IPS screen. We don't know how much you'll have to shell out to spend time with this svelte 3.6-pound beauty, but it should be making the retail rounds this September.

LG P330 Specs

HTC invades Belgian train stations with miniature Android army

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 05:21 PM PDT

HTC invades Belgian train stations with miniature Android army
The master of bizarre marketing ploys, HTC, has employed a more militant approach to its latest PR stunt. In a move apparently aimed at promoting the launch of a bunch of new Android phones (specifically the Flyer, Sensation, Incredible S, Desire S, and Wildfire S), the outfit meticulously filled railway stations in Antwerp, Brussels, and Namur with varied configurations of the little green monsters. While the stunt's grabbed our attention, we're happy the bantam buggers weren't there to greet us at the outset of our morning commute. More pictures await you at the source link below.

Government report finds LightSquared's LTE interferes with GPS -- color us surprised

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 04:31 PM PDT

Government report finds LightSquared's LTE interferes with GPS -- color us surprised
No one said bathing the great United States in LTE would be easy, but the hits just keep on coming for Falcone and co. Following up on reports and concerns about LightSquared's possible interference, a government study has found that the outfit's proposed broadband network does indeed impede GPS signals. According to the National PNT Engineering Forum, the federal advisory group that conducted the study, LiqhtSquared's network disrupted GPS signals for all of the devices tested in the area. The report lists OnStar, Garmin, John Deere, emergency services, the FAA, and NASA among those affected by interference. Both LightSquared and the GPS industry are scheduled to present their own tests for the FCC's consideration next week. The news isn't exactly shocking, but it certainly doesn't bode well for the ambitious LTE network.

Vizio's VTAB1008 tablet hits the FCC: your $349 slate now one step closer to shipping

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 03:41 PM PDT

Vizio hasn't had much to say about its tablet plans since it entered the fray at CES in January, but it looks like things are now starting to pick up again, and fast. We just got wind of a listing for a Vizio VTAB1008 tablet priced at just $349 in Walmart's system earlier this week, and now that same device has passed through the FCC -- which, if you place the two together, could well indicate that a launch may finally be imminent. Unfortunately, the FCC listing doesn't provide much in the way of details beyond the crude outline above and some expected specs (WiFi, Bluetooth and HDMI), but the agency has only been asked to hold back the confidential parts of the filing until August 30th, so we should at least know more by then at the latest.

Datamancer Steampunk Laptop now available for anacrhronistic pre-order

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 02:59 PM PDT

Datamancer Steampunk Laptop
We really hope you've haven't grown tired of Steampunk over the years. Over-saturated? Passé? Perhaps, but there's still something undeniably alluring about the blend of Victorian-era mechanics and modern technology. That's why, even three years after we first caught a glimpse of it, we're pretty psyched to hear that Datamancer's Steampunk Laptop is actually being made available for purchase. Detailed specs haven't been offered, we only know that it will feature "cutting-edge internal components," but we can tell you there are a bevy of customization options. You can choose everything from the wood stain color, to keyboard fonts, to etched brass lids or clockwork gears like the original design (except these will tick and turn). You can pre-order one now (at the source link) for $5,500 -- a healthy discount over the estimated price once production on these one-of-a-kind machines kicks in to gear ($7,500+). Now we just have to decide between food and rent, or a work of PC art.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition gets Android 3.1 update, that much cooler

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 02:26 PM PDT

Nothing like a little software update to get the weekend started right... right? Just days after Samsung shipped the first consumer units of its Galaxy Tab 10.1 (you can find our review here), the Android 3.1 update that first struck Motorola's Xoom is now gracing the Limited Edition models that were handed out at Google I/O 2011. We've confirmed here at Engadget HQ that the update is indeed percolating, with Americans needing to simply register with Samsung (select "UK" in the options list, it's cool) and proceed to the Software Update within the Settings pane. If you've applied the update, let us know how things went in comments below; if you ran into any issues, give those More Coverage links a look. Either way: lucky!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Windows XP users will finally need to upgrade to enter the iCloud

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 01:51 PM PDT

This got a bit lost amid all the WWDC 2011 hubbub earlier this week, but Apple quietly delivered a bit of bad news to steadfast Windows XP users with its iCloud announcement. Unlike its MobileMe service and recent versions of iTunes, which have somewhat surprisingly supported Windows XP all this time, use of Apple's iCloud service on a PC will require either Windows Vista or Windows 7. Of course, XP users shouldn't feel too bad about being left behind -- as TUAW notes, Apple's only extended support for the Mac version of iTunes 10.3 back to OS X 10.5, which was just released in 2007 (when Windows XP was already starting to tell other upstart operating systems to get off its lawn).

[Thanks, Stephen]

Tennessee law bans 'distressing images,' opens your Facebook inbox

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 01:19 PM PDT

Distressing Images
Congratulations Tennessee! Governor Bill Haslam has put your state in the national spotlight and, for once, it has nothing to do with Bonnaroo or how bad the Titans are. The republican executive of the state signed a ban on "distressing images" into law last week that we're sure constitutional lawyers are going to have a field day with. Anyone who sends or posts an image online (and yes, that includes TwitPics) that they "reasonably should know" would "cause emotional distress" could face several months in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. The best part? Anyone who stumbles across the image is a viable "victim" under the law and the government doesn't even have to prove any harmful intent. So, Tennessee residents who aren't cautious enough using Google image search could get a few people in trouble. Another, and perhaps more perturbing, part of the same bill also seeks to circumvent restrictions on obtaining private messages and information from social networking sites without a search warrant. We give it about a month before this gets struck down on obvious grounds that it's unconstitutional.

HTC EVO View 4G tries to sneak through FCC, gets caught

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 12:46 PM PDT

We're only a fortnight away from Sprint's launch of the HTC EVO View 4G, and we were beginning to wonder if we'd see the WiMax tablet wander into Washington, DC anytime soon. Today is the day, friends, as we just dug up some test reports for the HTC PG41200 tablet with WiMAX support. While the documents don't offer up any more juicy details, we won't have to wait terribly long before we can fork over $400 for the privilege of holding this baby in our own hands. Head past the break for more imagery.



Panasonic Toughbook 19 scores upgraded internals to match its mighty shell

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 12:14 PM PDT

Toughbook 19
If it ain't broke, don't fix it -- words Panasonic has clearly taken to heart with the Toughbook 19. It's time for the rugged, 10-inch convertible tablet to get its annual refresh and not much has changed visibly. Instead, the company gave its internals a boost with some Sandy Bridge goodness and slapped a new TransflectivePlus screen in this military-grade machine for computing in direct sunlight. Impressively, the Core i5 found inside is not of the ULV variety, it's a standard voltage 2520m powering this completely sealed, fanless design. Additionally, the Toughbook 19 now comes standard with 4GB of RAM and has a pair of SSD options for added durability. You'll be able to pick one up, and use it as a frisbee, in September starting at $3,349. While you wait, feel free to check out the PR after the break.
Show full PR text
PANASONIC TOUGHBOOK 19 RECEIVES SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, DISPLAY AND STORAGE UPGRADES

Rugged, Lightweight, Convertible Notebook Offers Enhanced Functionality and Outdoor Viewability

Secaucus, NJ, June 9, 2011 – Panasonic Solutions Company, provider of collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for government and commercial enterprises, today announced a series of upgrades to its Toughbook® 19 fully-rugged convertible tablet. The updated device features a standard voltage processor, increased RAM and hard drive capacity as well as speed, a brighter sunlight-viewable screen and more. With these enhancements, the reliable Toughbook 19 continues to be the ideal device for utilities, first responders, maintenance and field service workers.

Powered by the second generation Intel® Core™ i5-2520M (2.5GHz) standard voltage processor with Intel® HD 3000 graphics, the Toughbook 19's start-up time is more than 20 percent faster and overall CPU and graphics performance have also been improved compared to the previous model. This is also the first time a standard voltage CPU and Intel HD 3000 graphics have been included in the Toughbook 19. The device still does not require a fan, ensuring reliability in a challenging environment remains a priority. The new device also comes standard with 4GB RAM, expandable to 8GB, and runs a 32 bit or 64 bit Windows 7 professional operating system. A 320GB 7200rpm hard drive is standard, with an optional 128 or 256GB solid state drive available.

"The rugged Toughbook 19 convertible tablet has been on the market for five years, providing reliable connectivity to users in some of the most demanding environments including emergency services and utilities," said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Solutions Company. "With the new Intel processor and enhanced functionality, our users will benefit from improved performance and outdoor screen visibility without sacrificing battery life."

Improved Functionality

The 10.1-inch XGA touchscreen on the Toughbook 19 now features a TransflectivePlus display, which, in addition to an adjustable LED backlight, harnesses the rays of the sun by using an internal reflecting layer to illuminate the screen and can generate up to 6000 nit of transflective brightness equivalent under 200K lx environment. This exclusive technology comes standard with anti-reflective and anti-glare screen treatments plus a circular polarizing filter for an unparalleled outdoor viewing experience. The LED backlight can deliver as little as 1 nit, useful in dimly lit areas or for concealed nighttime use, which is critical to the safety of military and public sector users.

The Toughbook 19 also includes a new dashboard designed to conveniently customize each Toughbook to the user's preferred settings, providing a user-friendly quick launch interface for common functionalities such as brightness, volume, and tablet button backlighting. The dashboard also allows easy management of the device using helpful tools, such as the popular Panasonic Power Plan extension utility and PC information viewer utility.

To ease customer usability in the field, the Toughbook 19's display rotation mechanism has been redesigned so mobile workers can convert from traditional laptop to tablet mode with just one hand.

Embedded Wireless Connectivity

The Toughbook 19 offers a variety of embedded wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth® 2.1, optional GPS receiver and optional Gobi2000™ 3G mobile broadband technology from Qualcomm. The device is certified on the AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless 3G networks, allowing workers to stay connected virtually all of the time. With certifications coming later this year, the Toughbook 19 will also offer embedded support for 4G networks.

Platform Compatibility

The upgraded Toughbook 19 maintains the same platform footprint as previous generation devices. This ensures existing customers can continue to use peripheral equipment, including vehicle docking stations, which significantly lowers the total cost of ownership.

Panasonic Toughbook 19: Key Upgraded Features

· Intel® Core™ i5-2520M (2.5GHz) standard voltage processor with Intel® HD 3000 graphics

o Intel Turbo Boost up to 3.2 GHz

· Genuine Windows 7® Professional (32-bit or 64-bit)

· Screen Brightness: Up to 6000 cd/m2 (nit) in direct sunlight (under 200K lx environment)

o TransflectivePlus

· RAM

o 4-8GB DDR3 (1333 MHz)

· Storage

o 320GB 7200rpm shock-mounted HDD

o Optional 128GB or 256GB SSD

· Embedded Connectivity

o Optional embedded 4G LTE (available later this year)

o Wi-Fi

§ Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 802.11a/b/g/n

· Interfaces

o SDXC

For a full list of Toughbook 19 specifications, go to the Toughbook website.

Pricing and Availability

The upgraded Panasonic Toughbook 19 will be available worldwide starting September 2011. In the United States, the Toughbook 19 is expected to be available starting at an estimated street price of $3,349 from authorized Panasonic resellers.

The Toughbook 19 includes a full three-year limited warranty, parts and labor, providing coverage wherever the unit may be deployed.

Follow the Toughbook Brand

The Panasonic Toughbook brand can be followed on various social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and Toughbloggers.com.

About Panasonic Solutions Company

Panasonic Solutions Company empowers people whose jobs depend on reliable technology. The company delivers collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for customers in government, healthcare, education and a wide variety of commercial enterprises. Products and services within the company's portfolio include Panasonic Toughbook mobile computing solutions, projectors, professional displays (including both plasma and LCD), and HD and 3D video acquisition and production solutions. As a result of its commitment to R&D, manufacturing and quality control, Panasonic is known for the reliability and longevity of its products. Panasonic Solutions Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic Solutions Company's full line of products can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at www.panasonic.com/business-solutions.
at 12:00 PM

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