Sponsored

Engadget News

---

• Samsung drops counter suit against Apple -- Apple's still got a bone to pick
• Livescribe axes developer program to focus on the cloud
• MoviePass gets kicked out of theaters before it can get a ticket
• Apple seeks preliminary injunction on Infuse 4G, Galaxy S 4G, Droid Charge, and Galaxy Tab 10.1
• Leaked iPad 2 jailbreak available now? (video)
• Modder outfits Nexus One with an Arduino-powered, pager-style display -- of course
• California carpool exemptions expire, quashing yellow-sticker envy
• Kodak granted reprieve in its ITC battle with Apple and RIM
• Screen Grabs: Google Street View car rolls on to set of Burn Notice
• Droid 3 leaks reveal manual, confirm July 7th and 14th release dates
• Cincinnati Bell brings Froyo to Milestone XT720, holds your hand through rooting process
• Barnes & Noble offers 30 free e-books to switch to Nook -- that's one expensive carrot
• Nokia pulls out of Japan: once more, with feeling
• Quantum dots could coat the world in nano-sized solar panels
• Facebook, Hulu partnership accidentally clicks 'security breach' instead of 'Like'
• Rugged gadgets put to the test in Engadget labs, wanton destruction ensues
• Adobe lures unhappy Final Cut Pro X users with half-price video editing tools
• Samsung refreshes 13-inch Series 9 laptop, adds two 11-inchers to the mix
• Toyota Scion iQ EV plugs-in for official 2012 launch

Samsung drops counter suit against Apple -- Apple's still got a bone to pick Posted: 02 Jul 2011 10:56 AM PDT Back in April, Samsung slapped back at Apple's claims of patent infringement with a healthy helping of ten claims of its own. Now Bloomberg is reporting that Samsung quietly dropped its counter suit against the Cupertino-based company on June 30th, in an attempt "to streamline the legal proceedings." Of course that doesn't mean the saga is over: Apple's smartphone infringement accusations stand, as do legal battles in South Korea, Japan, Germany, and the UK Samsung says it will also continue to fight Apple's accusations in the US in the form of a counter-claim. One down, one to go?

Livescribe axes developer program to focus on the cloud Posted: 02 Jul 2011 10:22 AM PDT For the past several years one of the strangest and most interesting platforms with an app store all its own was the Livescribe series of smart-pens. Now, it's just another ditch to be dug in the development graveyard. After three years it will be closing up its SDK shop on July 22nd, and no more submissions too its app market will be accepted. The store will remain open for the time being, but the company won't guarantee compatibility with future models or firmware updates. Instead it will shift focus to cloud services like Livescribe Connect. But, don't get too worried, we're sure the healthy hacker community will keep you knee deep in text adventure ports.

MoviePass gets kicked out of theaters before it can get a ticket Posted: 02 Jul 2011 08:57 AM PDT Here's a bad idea: announce a beta run for your discount subscription movie ticket service, but neglect to inform the 21 San Francisco-based theaters listed that they're part of the fun. That's essentially what Landmark, AMC, Camera Cinemas, and Big Cinemas are claiming MoviePass did earlier this week, and boy has the corn begun to pop. According to The Wrap and Variety, the chains weren't pleased to find out that MP had worked with mutual partner MovieTickets.com to set admission prices without their consent; the intriguing tidbit here is that despite the low cost for consumers, the theaters would still be paid full admission. MoviePass had been hoping to gain more support with the test phase, but it looks like that'll be on pause for a good while. No word on whether the beta will see a rescheduling, but you'll find the full details in the links below, and a PR rebuttal from AMC past the break. Show full PR text AMC Theatres Will Not Participate in MoviePass Program Beta Test Beta test for program to launch in San Francisco included AMC without company's consent KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AMC Theatres® (AMC), a leading theatrical exhibition and entertainment company, today announced it will not participate in the beta test of MoviePass, an initiative launching this weekend in the San Francisco area. "As MoviePass was created without AMC's input and testing, we cannot confidently say the guest experience would be positive for our guests and specifically our AMC Stubs members" "Plans for this program were developed without AMC's knowledge or input," said Stephen Colanero, chief marketing officer at AMC Theatres. "As MoviePass is currently designed, it does not integrate well into our programs and could create significant guest experience issues." Some concerns with the program include AMC Stubs members' ability to receive credit when purchasing a MoviePass. AMC Stubs, the company's rewards program, was rolled out in April 2011 and rewards participants for ticket and concessions purchases. "As MoviePass was created without AMC's input and testing, we cannot confidently say the guest experience would be positive for our guests and specifically our AMC Stubs members," said Colanero. "We were surprised to see the press release and subsequent press coverage of MoviePass earlier this week as it included several of our San Francisco locations. It was news to us to see that we were participants and we will be communicating to those theatres they are not to accept MoviePass." For more information about AMC Theatres, please visit www.AMCTheatres.com. About AMC Entertainment Inc. AMC Entertainment Inc. delivers distinctive and affordable movie-going experiences in 360 theatres with 5,128 screens across the United States and Canada. The company operates 24 of the 50 highest grossing theatres in the country, including the top three. AMC has propelled industry innovation and continues today by delivering premium sight and sound, enhanced food and beverage and diverse content. www.AMCTheatres.com.

Apple seeks preliminary injunction on Infuse 4G, Galaxy S 4G, Droid Charge, and Galaxy Tab 10.1 Posted: 02 Jul 2011 07:04 AM PDT Drama. Rather than leaving well enough alone -- at least long enough for its lawyers to properly enjoy the Independence Day weekend -- Apple has seemingly kicked its ongoing legal battle with Samsung up a notch. According to a filing discovered by FOSS Patents, the perturbed in Cupertino have filed a motion for a preliminary injunction with the US District Court for the Northern District of California. Interestingly, the motion hones in on just four devices: the Infuse 4G, Galaxy S 4G, Droid Charge, and Galaxy Tab 10.1. It's a pretty bold move on Apple's part -- if this thing holds, and it's determined that the aforesaid products may well indeed be infringing on Apple's rights, Sammy could be forced to yank those products from US shelves within a couple of months. If it falls through, however, Apple's entire case will likely take a serious hit. We'd ponder why everyone can't just get along, but at this point, we're guessing the act of forgiveness has become a foreign concept for both parties.

Leaked iPad 2 jailbreak available now? (video) Posted: 02 Jul 2011 04:38 AM PDT Can't say it happened at Mach 3, but the iPad 2 jailbreak that we saw teased back in mid-March seems to have made its way out into the wild at long last. According to the video hosted up just past the break, JailbreakMe 3.0 is now available with support for the iPad 2. It's bruited that the version making its way around now was leaked by a beta tester (read: it ain't the final build), and we're seeing mixed success / failure stories in the related YouTube comments. We'd encourage the daring to tap the links below in order to get started, and if you do, let us know how it all works out below. Per usual, you'd be doing yourself a solid by fully syncing and backing things up before diving off the deep end. Update: This is working only for iOS 4.3, so if you've updated, you're sadly out of luck. Update 2: We've received multiple reports that this particular jailbreak is available for iOS 4.3.0, only. It looks like users rocking 4.3.3 will just have to wait. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Modder outfits Nexus One with an Arduino-powered, pager-style display -- of course Posted: 02 Jul 2011 03:32 AM PDT Not satisfied with a Sony Ericsson LiveView as a secondary display for your Android phone, or a dual-screen device like the Kyocera Echo? Then you might want to consider something like this decidedly more homebrew approach from modder "follower," which uses the Android Open Accessory protocol to connect the Frankenpager-type contraption you see above to an otherwise ordinary Nexus One. Of course, that two-line display does limit things somewhat, but it will at least let you see the time and any incoming text messages without forcing you to leave your game. Hit the source link below for all the details and software you need to build your own.

California carpool exemptions expire, quashing yellow-sticker envy Posted: 02 Jul 2011 01:32 AM PDT It looks like it's time to kiss that sweet HOV goodbye for lone California hybrid drivers. No, there hasn't been a spike in Clean Air Vehicle sticker thievery -- this time it's official. According to the California DMV, those little yellow stickers that once gave hybrid owners the right to ride solo in carpool lanes have expired, leaving some 85,000 drivers to fall in line with the rest of the state's commuters. You'll forgive us if we don't shed a tear over this announcement.

Kodak granted reprieve in its ITC battle with Apple and RIM Posted: 01 Jul 2011 10:41 PM PDT Kodak scored a small victory this week in its International Trade Commission (ITC) case against Apple and RIM for their devices' infringement of Kodak's patent on picture previews. Back in January, an ITC administrative law judge (ALJ) made an initial determination that the patent was invalid and that iPhones and Blackberrys don't infringe Kodak's IP. After reviewing the decision per the parties' request, the Commission changed a few of the ALJ's patent claim interpretations and remanded the case for fresh analysis regarding both infringement and validity. Kodak, naturally, is painting the remand as a victory, even going so far as issuing a celebratory press release. Such swagger seems a bit premature, however, as the judge could once again find in favor of the crowds from Cupertino and Waterloo. The next Kodak moment isn't until August 30th, when the ALJ is due to render his ruling. Stay tuned. Brian Heater contributed to this post.

Screen Grabs: Google Street View car rolls on to set of Burn Notice Posted: 01 Jul 2011 08:53 PM PDT Screen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dot com. It looks like somebody's got a new publicist. Sure, the Google Street View car's received its fair share of bad press lately -- what with all those invasion of privacy claims -- but we wouldn't feel too sorry for the little guy. A recent episode of Burn Notice saw the camera-equipped auto make its national TV debut. It probably won't win an Emmy for its role -- it didn't have any speaking lines, after all -- but at least it's getting some positive attention. [Thanks, Pat]

Droid 3 leaks reveal manual, confirm July 7th and 14th release dates Posted: 01 Jul 2011 07:40 PM PDT The oft-leaked Motorola Droid 3 is dripping information yet again, this time over on Droid-Life where an internal flyer confirms it will be available at retail locations July 14th, with direct fulfillment orders (upgrade in-store, get the phone by mail) starting a week earlier. If that's somehow not enough, there's also a PDF copy of the manual available for download but if you watched the tutorial videos there's probably not much new information to be digested there. The one detail that continues to elude us however, is a confirmed price for Verizon's QWERTY slider w/ 1080p camera and dual core processor, but after all the early reveals we're sure you've had time to scrape together a suitable dowry.

Cincinnati Bell brings Froyo to Milestone XT720, holds your hand through rooting process Posted: 01 Jul 2011 06:34 PM PDT Rooting is the dark side of the Android platform. It opens your phone up to a world of unsanctioned opportunities and typically has carriers swatting you back with illegal network usage fees. So you'll understand how bizarre it is that Cincinnati Bell is offering Milestone XT720 users software and an instructional video how-to that boots Eclair out, for its Froyo successor. Making use of the widely-popular SuperOneClick app, intrepid owners will be walked through the usual root, back-up and ROM-flashing steps. But the regional carrier's no dummy as the procedure ends with users unrooting their devices, freeing the network from unwanted congestion and reducing the risk of a bricked phone. Customers of this Ohio-based provider should check the source for a forbidden peek into Android's underbelly.

Barnes & Noble offers 30 free e-books to switch to Nook -- that's one expensive carrot Posted: 01 Jul 2011 05:57 PM PDT It seems dangling deals to lure consumers away from competitors is all the rage these days, and Barnes & Noble has jumped on the make-the-switch bandwagon, offering $315 worth of e-books to prospective buyers of its Nook e-reader. Starting today, when owners of those other devices tote their current e-readers into a Barnes & Noble store and buy themselves a new Nook or Nook Color, they'll get 30 free eBooks, with an apparent value of $315. Here's the catch -- because, you know there had to be one -- Barnes & Noble's won't let you pick the books for yourself. Those 30 free eBooks will come pre-loaded on a 2GB microSD card. If you've got the taste of a corporate marketing team, and have been waiting for a reason to get in on the Nook action, check out the source link for more details. Full PR after the break. Show full PR text Barnes & Noble Invites Customers to See for Themselves Why Critics Call NOOK™ Devices the Best Reading Devices on the Market Customers Who Bring Their Old eReader to a Barnes & Noble Store to Compare and Upgrade to NOOK Receive 30 Free NOOK Books™ Worth $315 New York, New York – June 30, 2011 – Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world's largest bookseller, is inviting customers to experience what the critics and millions of customers are raving about: the company's award-winning, bestselling line of NOOK reading devices. Beginning July 1, bring any eReader into a Barnes & Noble bookstore to compare and upgrade to a NOOK device and receive an instant NOOK Book collection – 30 free digital titles valued at $315. The limited-time NOOK upgrade program is offered with purchase of any popular NOOK device including The All-New NOOK and NOOK Color Reader's Tablet™. Beginning Friday, while supplies last, customers will receive a free, 2GB microSD card loaded with 30 NOOK Books – from cooking and lifestyle to classics and reference – when they show a bookseller their old device and purchase the NOOK reader that best suits them. Book lovers of all ages will love The All-New NOOK, The Simple Touch Reader™, which dozens of leading reviewers have praised as the best dedicated reading device on the market. The easy-to-use, ultra-light, portable 6-inch eReader features a simple, immersive experience with a full-touchscreen and the most-advanced E Ink® Pearl display, the longest battery life in the industry with an incredible two months on a single charge and the most social reading experience ever with NOOK Friends™ - all for just $139. For customers who love to read everything in color with the added convenience of key tablet features, NOOK Color Reader's Tablet offers what critics have proclaimed the best value on the tablet market at just $249. The award-winning device is sleek and portable, and features a stunning 7-inch color touchscreen ideal for reading a wide variety of content including books (some enhanced with in-page video), immersive children's picture books with the exclusive AliveTouch™ technology, an expansive collection of full-color, interactive magazines plus newspapers, and more. NOOK Color now delivers customers' most-requested tablet features with a wide selection of high-quality NOOK Apps™ to play, learn, organize and explore, built-in e-mail to stay connected, and an enhanced Web experience. Both NOOK devices connect via Wi-Fi® to Barnes & Noble's expansive collection of more than two million digital books, periodicals and more, and offer customers access to even more free and exclusive content while visiting any of Barnes & Noble's more than 700 bookstores. "Both The All-New NOOK and NOOK Color Reader's Tablet are best-in-class according to the industry's leading reviewers and millions of devoted NOOK customers. We are confident that side-by-side comparisons with other eReaders will show NOOK products to be the superior choice," said Jamie Iannone, President of Digital Products, Barnes & Noble. "We invite reading lovers to visit their neighborhood Barnes & Noble bookstore to see, hold and touch our innovative NOOK products and encourage them to upgrade their reading experience while kicking off their collection with a limited-time bonus of 30 free NOOK Books." The 30 digital books represent a variety of genres including Cooking, Kids, Classics, Humor, Lifestyle, Fiction, Sports, History, True Crime and Reference. Some of the free titles include: The Good Housekeeping Cookbook, Cristina Ferrare's Big Bowl of Love, Creating Your Best Life, Glory in the Fall: The Greatest Moments in World Series History, 21st Century Crossword Puzzle Dictionary, My Boyfriend Wrote a Book About Me and timeless favorites including Secret Garden and Robinson Crusoe. Learn more about this program at www.nook.com/thebest.

Nokia pulls out of Japan: once more, with feeling Posted: 01 Jul 2011 04:23 PM PDT Okay, we've played this game before, but that was almost three years ago. This time, Nokia's really leaving Japan, and they're taking their fancy luxury phones with them. Actually, Nokia's high-end Vertu phones were all it had left in the land of the rising sun, and even those were only readily available in Tokyo's Shibuya and Ginza districts -- so out of Japan by the end of July? No problem. The phones may be gone by August, but the Finnish firm will retain offices in Tokyo through the end of the year to manage refunds, tidy up, and bid farewell to the robot loving maidens of Tokyo's commercial district.

Quantum dots could coat the world in nano-sized solar panels Posted: 01 Jul 2011 03:59 PM PDT We've long believed in the mystical power of quantum dots, so it makes perfect sense to us that one day they'll be used to fully harness the Sun God's rays and thereby save the planet. The nano-particles turn light into electricity, and could potentially be manufactured cheaply and abundantly enough to coat surfaces in current-generating paint. The main obstacle to this has so far been efficiency: the clever little dots just don't work very hard. However, scientists at the University of Toronto now claim to have discovered a fix. Instead of using a single layer of particles, which can only harvest one meager wavelength from the full gamut of solar light, they added a second coat on top and configured it to be sensitive to an additional part of the spectrum. By adding third and fourth layers, the researchers hope to achieve a commercially viable efficiency of 10-percent within the next five years. We humbly call on Ra to be pleased with their efforts.

Facebook, Hulu partnership accidentally clicks 'security breach' instead of 'Like' Posted: 01 Jul 2011 03:03 PM PDT Even though there's a For Sale sign in the window Hulu isn't taking a break and today it unveiled a new partnership with Facebook to make its library of TV shows and movies more social. Adding Facebook Connect (competitor Netflix may be on the board, but it's still working on adding the button) should let the social network log you in, customize things based on preferences from you and your friends, and share time-coded likes and comments. Unfortunately what actually happened for some users was that they were suddenly given access to someone else's Hulu account, a problem documented by both AVRev and NewTeeVee. According to a second blog post, due to approximately 50 users being affected Hulu has shut down the program, required everyone to log in again and cranked privacy settings to the highest for anyone who logged in while it was on. Of course, with rumors from the LA Times that Google (along with Microsoft and Yahoo) is interested in purchasing the service, maybe they can get an invite to the Google+ party and forget the whole thing ever happened

Rugged gadgets put to the test in Engadget labs, wanton destruction ensues Posted: 01 Jul 2011 02:00 PM PDT Lets be honest, we've all had those moments where we've wanted to hit our phone with a hammer or throw our laptop against the wall. Generally though, we resist those urges, knowing full well that it would spell the end for our precious gadget. There's a special class of rugged devices though, that are designed to withstand anything you throw at it -- or throw it at, as the case may be. We took a few of these beefy products, as well as one Extreme Sleeve for your non-military grade electronics, and put them through a battery of tests that would turn your average gadget into an unrecognizable pile of silicon and plastic. Head on after the break for a dose of dramatic destruction porn and to find out how this bevy of brawny portables held up against our gratuitous onslaught. Panasonic ToughBook CF-31 -- starting at around $3,300 This bulky beast is actually a bit lighter than you'd expect on first glance, with a starting weight of 7.9 pounds -- though that's still more than twice the heft of your average 13-inch laptop. It's built like a tank, and you might actually find one of these inside an M1 Abrams thanks to its military-certified ruggedness. Short of being left at the bottom of a river for several days, it'd be tough for mother nature to take out the CF-31. It's designed to survive dust storms, torrential downpours, and temperatures ranging from negative 60-degrees Fahrenheit all the way up to 160. Sadly, we don't have a meat locker at the Engadget compound, and the rest of the crew probably would have been understandably irate if we triggered the sprinklers just to test how waterproof a laptop is. We did, however, give its shock resistance a serious trial. The rather pricey ToughBook should be able to survive repeated drops from up to six feet without batting an eye, so, we grabbed the handle, lugged it up a ladder, and let it drop with a mighty thud. Then we did it again, and again, and again... ultimately, it survived ten or so falls without so much as a scratch or a loose hinge. Casio G'zOne Commando -- $200 with 2-year contract from Verizon Ga-zone? Ji-zone? Gee-zone? Giz-One? You know what? Let's just stick with Commando. There's more military grade goodness here, though it doesn't meet the same exacting specifications as some of the other devices we tested, Casio's latest is quite resilient, and surprisingly pocketable, for a phone that is both rugged and smart. Underneath its pleasantly rubbery exterior is a passable, though hardly blazing, 800MHz processor that pushes a heavily skinned version of Android 2.2 to a 3.6-inch capacitive touchscreen. Again, extreme temperatures and dust shouldn't pose a problem for this gadget, but we decided to focus on its resistance to water, drops, throws, and champagne (don't ask). We actually dropped the Commando from higher than its rated four-foot threshold (more than a dozen times) and skipped it across a table like a stone on a lake, and it looked no worse for wear. Then, it was time for the fish tank. We dunked this decidedly masculine handset over and over, left it submerged for a period of time, and it didn't even blink. And, outside of a slight stickiness, it came through our champagne spray test unscathed. Sure, next to a Galaxy S II it looks a little bulky and sluggish, but outdoorsy types or folks with jobs that might put more fragile gadgets at risk could easily over look those drawbacks. Kodak PlaySport Zx5 -- $180 The PlaySport is, on paper at least, the least rugged device we tested. We figured this 1080p-shooting digicam would put up a valiant effort, but were prepared for it to give up the ghost as we escalated the abuse -- we were wrong to doubt it. The extreme sport-friendly Kodak suffered all the same trials and tribulations as the Casio Commando and, at the end of the day, still looked and worked as well as when it came out of the box. We dropped it, threw it, dunked it, and sprayed it with sparkling fermented grape juice -- and it recorded HD clips of our unrelenting attacks without a hiccup. Truth be told, it probably could have survived more -- the Zx5 can stay submerged under ten feet of water for up to two hours. The camcorder is slightly more expensive than other models that produce similar quality video -- video which, we might add, is fine for sharing on YouTube, but we wouldn't recommend shooting your next short film on one. ioSafe Rugged Portable -- $149 - $3,000 Looking over the list of specs and certifications you might believe that ioSafe's latest rugged drive is actually indestructible. The aluminum-ensconced 120GB SSD model we tested ($499) can stay submerged in ten feet of salt water for up to three days, be dipped in toxic chemicals, survive 20-foot falls, and withstand 2,500lbs of crushing force -- clearly, we had to find a way to break its will. We started, simply enough, with about half-a-dozen drops from around six feet, then a couple of throws across the room, and the Intel 320 series drive just kept on ticking. The plan was to slowly escalate our abuse but, instead, we jumped straight to hitting it with a sledgehammer. We channeled years of pent up aggression into every swing, bashing it for all the hugs we didn't get as children and all the girls who wouldn't talk to us in high school. Alas, we felt a load lift off our chests, and the casing had suffered some serious denting but, when we plugged it into our ThinkPad, Windows 7 immediately recognized the device and installed the drivers. We hit it a few more times for good measure and a grip decided to put his MMA training to good use -- punching the drive through a cinder block. Then, frustrated, and bored of simply dropping stuff in the fish tank, we hurled the Rugged Portable through the aquarium, but did little more than make a big mess. Finally, with a mildly deranged look in his eye, Brian reached for the drill -- that spelled the end for our poor SSD. Honestly, we were surprised by how easily the standard, household 18-volt drill and bit designed for poking holes in plaster walls pierced the metal case. Amazingly, even after all that, the device still powers on and Windows recognizes the drive, but its storage remains stubbornly out of reach. ioSafe assures us that, despite our normally warranty-voiding behavior, the company would still shell out up to $5,000 to recover any data lost due to our "carelessness." G-Form Extreme Sleeve for Laptops -- $80 These laptop sleeves are made out of a material called Poron XRD, which has previously been used to make flexible, but surprisingly protective, pads for mountain bikers and skateboarders. The foamy substance behaves somewhat like oobleck, the kitchen-creatable non-Newtonian fluid -- normally soft and pliable but, under pressure, hardens to create a shock-absorbing shell. At some point the creators realized, "hey, if we wrap gadgets in this stuff, they won't break when you drop them." The company has even made a name for itself with some rather dramatic YouTube clips involving bowling balls and balconies -- obviously we had to recreate these tests. We slipped a 15-inch MacBook Pro inside one of these gaudy, yellow cases and got back up on our ladder for a series of drops. We let the laptop go, encased in its bumble bee suit, and let it fall about six feet to the table top. In total it suffered about ten falls, and emerged fully functional with only a few minor dings and scratches. Then, it was on to the bowling ball test. In their videos, the G-Form folks drop a 12-pound pin killer from three feet onto an Extreme Sleeve encased iPad. We only had a ten-pound ball, so we added an extra foot to the drop height -- let's just say things didn't go so well. Though, we suppose technically our MacBook survived the first impact, the massive dent in the lid and shattered screen rendered it, for all practical purposes, unusable. With the second hit, she died completely. Pressing the power button did elicit a few clicks and a brief hum but, like a car in need of a jump, it refused to turn over. As part of the movie making magic, we did drop the bowling ball on it a few more times, but it was long gone by the time we got around to hitting it with a hammer. What did our final round of abuse prove? Just how little protection the sleeve offered. Each hit resulted in a perfectly clear imprint of the hammer head in the lid of our already mangled laptop. For the occasional, accidental drop or bump the squishy exterior maybe sufficient, but we wouldn't recommend treating it like an impenetrable force field for your gear. Wrap-up At the end of the day, we learned there are some seriously tough gadgets out there. Things that you would have to go to MythBuster's-like lengths to destroy (note for next time: invest in force sensors). They might cost more, or sacrifice portability and power for durability, but we know a number of people who would trade a few ounces and a couple of hundred MHz for a device that wont crumble at the sight of a rocky crag or sandy beach. We also learned that we have some serious issues -- ones that, maybe, we should address with a therapist instead of with a sledgehammer and a hard drive. Update: If you want to see the aftermath, check out the latest episode of the Engadget Show.

Adobe lures unhappy Final Cut Pro X users with half-price video editing tools Posted: 01 Jul 2011 01:10 PM PDT To say the latest version of Final Cut Pro wasn't well received, would be a major understatement. Well, Adobe hasn't wasted any time taking advantage of consumer discontent, and is now offering dissatisfied users of Apple's video editing software a 50 percent discount to make the switch to its alternatives, Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5 and CS5.5 Production Premium. If you're not feeling the latest iteration (or any version) of Final Cut Pro or Avid's Media Composer, the offer stands through September 30th. And here we thought Apple and Adobe had buried the hatchet. Full PR after the break. Show full PR text Save 50 Percent on Adobe Creative Suite CS5.5 Production Premium or Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5 SAN JOSE, Calif. - July 1, 2011 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced an upgrade program for video professionals who have purchased any version of Apple® Final Cut Pro or Avid Media Composer and want to switch to industry-leading professional video tools by Adobe®-Creative Suite® CS5.5 Production Premium or Premiere® Pro CS5.5. These customers will be eligible for a 50 percent savings on Adobe Creative Suite CS5.5 Production Premium or Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5, both launched in April 2011 at the National Association of Broadcasters Show to industry acclaim. Eligible Adobe suite and point product customers also qualify for the program. "We're hearing from video professionals that they want pro level tools that address cutting edge work but also allow them to use legacy footage and workflows," said Jim Guerard, general manager and vice president of professional video and audio, Adobe. "At Adobe we've been in the trenches with video pros for years and with Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5 and CS5.5 Production Premium we've delivered professional-grade tools that are already being battle-tested by some of the most innovative filmmakers, broadcasters and video pros." Built by professionals for professionals, Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Production Premium is a fully featured video suite with tools that deliver massive productivity enhancements and enable video and audio pros to dramatically accelerate their post production workflows. The powerful Adobe Mercury Playback Engine, introduced in Adobe Premiere Pro CS5, allows users to open projects faster, get real-time feedback for more GPU-accelerated features, and work more smoothly at 4k and higher resolutions on both laptops and workstations. Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5 boosts performance for powerful editing with a toolset that is native 64-bit, optimized for multicore systems, and is GPU-accelerated to provide real-time effects, color correction/color grading, accelerated rendering and superior multilayer performance. Professional video editors can also utilize all the system resources on modern Macs with Thunderbolt, 64-bit, and multicore CPUs for increased performance. Adobe is continuing to lead in truly native editing solutions with Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5 as it saves users time and eliminates the need to transcode or rewrap file based and DSLR footage. Editors can also leverage Adobe After Effects® and Adobe Photoshop® software to seamlessly integrate visual effects and still imagery into their workflows. For customers who use other editing programs, Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5 includes Final Cut Pro project import and export so projects can be shared between both applications without conversion or re-rendering. Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5 also includes many Final Cut Pro and Avid keyboard shortcuts to help users get up and running fast. Eligibility Requirements For more information on eligibility requirements for the switcher program, visit www.adobe.com/products/premiere/switch, or participating resellers. The program will end Sept. 30, 2011.

Samsung refreshes 13-inch Series 9 laptop, adds two 11-inchers to the mix Posted: 01 Jul 2011 12:31 PM PDT It's only been three months since we drooled over the thin, powerful, expertly built -- and expensive! -- Samsung Series 9. Of course, that's dog years in the world of consumer electronics -- the company has just refreshed its premium 13-incher, adding a Core i7 processor option, a 256GB SSD (up from 128GB), and 6GB of RAM to the highest-end model. While Samsung was at it, it added two 11-inch models, the lower-end of which which starts with a Core i3 processor, 64GB SSD, and 2GB of RAM. All told, you'll find two 11-inchers and three 13-inch models, ranging in price from $1,049 to $2,049, leaving the one we reviewed three months ago $300 cheaper. Full PR and a list of basic specs after the break. 11-inch configurations: • NP900X1B-A01US ($1,249, available in August) Intel Core i3-2357M CPU, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD • NP900X1B-A02US ($1,049, available in August) Intel Core i3-2357M CPU, 2GB RAM, 64GB SSD 13-inch configurations: • NP900X3A-A05US ($2,049, available now) Intel Core i7-2617M CPU, 6GB RAM, 256GB SSD • NP900X3A-B02US ($1,649, available now) Intel Core i5-2467M CPU, 4GB RAM, 256GB SSD • NP900X3A-B01US ($1,349, available now) Intel Core i5-2467M CPU, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD Show full PR text SAMSUNG EXPANDS AWARD-WINNING SERIES 9 LAPTOP LINE UP WITH FIVE NEW MODELS FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL July 1, 2011 New Line-up Includes Performance Upgrades and Pricing Options in 13-and 11-inch Models Ridgefield Park, N.J., July 1, 2011 - Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, today announced an expanded Series 9 laptop line that is scheduled to arrive on store shelves in time for the back-to-school shopping season. The expanded line of sophisticated, ultra-thin and lightweight models includes five different configurations designed to meet the needs and budgets of a variety of users. "We've seen a very positive reception to the original Series 9 models introduced at CES earlier this year," said Scott Ledterman, director of mobile PC marketing at Samsung Enterprise Business Division. "As we look to expand the line for the remainder of the year, we've maintained the premium duralumin design and form factor while offering consumers a wider range of options and powerful performance." Upgraded Performance to Match Unparalleled Styling Samsung has packed the three new 13.3-inch models with powerful performance enhancements, creating a more dynamic experience for the consumer. The new 13.3-inch models maintain the 2.89 lb, 0. .62-inch thin form factor and feature Intel® Core™ i5 and i7 processors, while bulking up storage capacity and increasing speeds. Samsung brings two 11-inch versions to market as well for consumers looking for an even more compact mobile computing option. The new Series 9 laptops retain the sleek, breakthrough duralumin design, which is twice as strong as aluminum. This design choice, coupled with rugged solid state drives (SSD) for storage, makes the Series 9 an attractive option for frequent travelers looking for an ultra lightweight solution that can withstand the bumps that come from time on the road. For added functionality and ease of use, the entire Series 9 line features a bright backlit keyboard for added productivity in dark environments. Offering twice the brightness of traditional laptop screens, the Series 9 laptops' HD LED SuperBright displays make them easy to see both indoors and out and the 7 hours of battery life will keep users working all day, anywhere. Expanded Versatility with Multiple Models All five new models answer the computing needs of a variety of users. Powerhouse multi-taskers will appreciate new 13.3-inch model, sporting an Intel® Core™ i7 Processor, 6 GB of system memory and a 256 GB SSD, allowing them to be ready to work at a moment's notice. Jet-setters can turn to the new 11.6-inch model, which not only fits easily into a carry-on bag or overhead compartment, but also offers a powerful experience with its Intel® Core™ i3 Processor, 3 GB of system memory and a 64 GB SSD. Centered on product enjoyment and seamless operation, all models are equipped with Samsung's FastStart technology, which readies the Series 9 for use in as little as 3 seconds. The Series 9 models also feature chargeable USB 3.0 connections which can conveniently charge a cell phone or MP3 player, even while the laptop is off. The new line of Samsung Series 9 will be launching over the next four weeks at major electronics retailers and online. Pricing for the new models will range from $1,049 to $2,049. All Samsung mobile PC products are available through Samsung resellers and distribution channels, which can be located by calling 1-800-SAMSUNG or by visiting www.samsung.com.

Toyota Scion iQ EV plugs-in for official 2012 launch Posted: 01 Jul 2011 12:05 PM PDT The Scion iQ, Toyota's tiny EV car that could, got an official 2012 launch yesterday at the automaker's annual dealer meeting in Vegas. The quiet, though far from specific launch announcement frees this 65 mile-per-charge roadster from its pre-production limbo. Shown off last March at the Geneva Motor Show, the Scion iQ had been put on indefinite hold while factory production in the carmaker's disaster-stricken homeland ramped back up to speed. With all signs now set to go, the only red-light still lingering is the micro-subcompact's undisclosed MSRP. Considering the recent bankruptcy of Norwegian Think's EV offering, we're glad to see Toyota looking out for its little guy. Show full PR text Toyota Confirms Highlights of Annual National Dealer Meeting LAS VEGAS, NV (June 29, 2011) -- Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. confirmed that its annual national dealer meeting took place here today. The private meeting was attended by representatives from Toyota's 1,233 U.S. dealers. Speakers included Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) President Akio Toyoda, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMA) President and COO Yoshi Inaba, TMS President and COO Jim Lentz, TMS Senior Vice President, Automotive Operations Don Esmond, Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter and Vice President-Scion Jack Hollis. Mr. Toyoda acknowledged the tremendous disaster that struck Japan on March 11, 2011 and thanked dealers for their extraordinary support and donations. Together, Toyota dealers and friends have contributed $11.5 million to Japan disaster relief. Mr. Toyoda emphasized his focus on product and the company's core philosophies that will make Toyota better than ever. Other themes from his speech included: The all-new 2012 Camry and Camry Hybrid. Designed to meet the changing needs of the 21st Century driver, the new Camry will provide technologically advanced features, a contemporary design inside and out, improved performance and refined ride and handling. Future vision of mobility. New technology offerings like the all-new RAV4 EV and telematics advancements stemming from the Microsoft alliance will help make Toyota's vehicles even better. Greater regional autonomy. Calling it his "most important goal," Mr. Toyoda stated he will empower those with local knowledge to make their own decisions. Looking forward, Mr. Toyoda said the company is more committed and more passionate than ever about being a leader in the automotive industry, adding, "We must earn it with our actions and with our words, with great products and great service and with genuine affection for our customers and our communities." Highlights from other executive speeches included: Recovery from the disaster has far exceeded expectations. In Japan, production is expected to return to normal levels after July. In North America, eight locally-built models, including Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, Sequoia, Sienna and Venza returned to 100 percent production in early June. The remaining four North-American built models, including Tundra, Tacoma, RAV4 and Lexus RX, will return to 100 percent beginning in September. Prius family launch remains on track. Prius dominates the hybrid market with over 50% market share. With the launch of Prius family, Toyota is capitalizing on that brand strength and providing all the benefits of Prius in a variety of vehicles. Prius v, which arrives this fall, has SUV like cargo capability, nearly 60% more than the current Prius, but still is expected to deliver estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 42 mpg combined. The Prius c compact, arriving in the spring of 2012, offers expressive styling in a city-friendly vehicle that we believe will be the most fuel efficient hybrid in the U.S. Advanced technology vehicles. New, advanced vehicles arriving in 2012 include the Prius plug-in hybrid, RAV4 EV and Scion iQ EV. Toyota has committed to putting a fuel cell vehicle on the road by 2015, and is researching bio-fuels and next-generation materials to help make vehicles that will be lighter, safe and more fuel-efficient. Investment in North America. Our new plant in Mississippi opening this fall will build 150,000 Corollas per year, create 2,000 jobs and represents Toyota's faith in the North American market. State-of-the-art multimedia. Toyota's new Entune system, which will feature simple, seamless functionality and is compatible with virtually every smart phone, will debut this fall in the new Prius v and Camry.

You are subscribed to email updates from Engadget News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610