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• NASA's Cassini can hear it when lightning crashes on Saturn
• HTC Status ships July 17th, currently in a pre-order relationship with AT&T
• Cisco boosts stadium WiFi, makes MLB slightly more tolerable for the internet-obsessed (video)
• Android-friendly Samsung CTO abandons ship for Citigroup
• iRiver Story HD becomes first Google eBooks-integrated e-reader, won't be the last
• 3G ASUS Eee Pad Transformer spotted online, priced starting at 499 euros
• Google+ runs out of disk space, floods inboxes with notification spam
• Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray swings through FCC donning AT&T bands
• British researchers design a million-chip neural network 1/100 as complex as your brain
• Apple files second ITC patent infringement complaint against HTC
• BlackBerry Internet Service 4.1 coming October 8th, priming inboxes for the greater good?
• Samsung Galaxy S II gets torn down, found to be just as beautiful on the inside
• Archos sends the A70S2 tablet through the FCC, tells us nothing in the process
• Alienware adds jitter-killing Killer Wireless-N technology to M18x, M17x, M14x and M11x
• Clickfree trots out C6 Easy Imaging backup hard drives, takes 'em to 2TB
• Calling for tech support? IBM's Watson might be on the other end
• Clear Spot 4G sails through the FCC, heading to WiMAX territories soon
• Steve Jobs impersonator officiates mock keynote, hawks Taiwanese tea (video)
• NTT showcases next-gen 802.11ac wireless LAN solution, hopes for near-term commercialization
• Acer's C110 and C112 pico projectors aim to please, travel well
• iMAME4All gains experimental support for iCade, iOS gamers gain infinite happiness
• How would you change HTC's Arrive?
• HTC rolling out unlocked bootloaders to select phones in August
• Lenovo U1 tablet arrives at FCC, finally
• Microsoft Explorer Touch Mouse quietly revealed, touts BlueTrack and haptic feedback
• Inhabitat's Week in Green: bionic eyeglasses, renewable energy island, and a hybrid Popemobile
• Switched On: Wanting webOS
• European Space Agency creates one billion pixel camera, calls her GAIA
• Nyko Zoom gives space-limited Kinect users more room on August 23

NASA's Cassini can hear it when lightning crashes on Saturn Posted: 11 Jul 2011 11:12 AM PDT Some folks can fall asleep to the calming pitter patter of gentle rain. Yeah, we're not those people. But we could be swayed into a somnolent stupor if those sounds came from epic storms -- on Saturn. Captured by NASA's Cassini probe last March, this 11-second clip of AM radio-like electrostatic is actually the agency's first glimpse into storm activity on the planet's Northern Hemisphere. Alright, so we admit the recording's more of a weak 'snap, crackle and fizzy pop' than outright terror-inducing awe, but still these are the noises of another world. Would it help if we told you this storm's been raging since December 2010 and hasn't shown any signs of stopping? Shocking, we know. It's not all doom and gloom, though as the folks behind Cassini think this is simply a sign of impending summer. So basically, it's spring break at the saturnine Señor Frogs. Check the source for a sample of otherworldly rumbles.

HTC Status ships July 17th, currently in a pre-order relationship with AT&T Posted: 11 Jul 2011 10:50 AM PDT Following the usual leak + wait-and-see saga, AT&T has today confirmed that it'll be the exclusive home to one half of HTC's Facebook-infused duo. The so-called Status will be making its way onto Ma Bell's airwaves on July 17th, with eager social networkers able to get their pre-orders in today. It'll sell for $49.99 on a two-year agreement, with that tally netting you a dedicated Facebook "Share" button that'll allow photos / videos /websites to be instantly uploaded to your account. We're also told that it'll ship with Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) onboard, with an "enhanced version" of HTC's Sense overlay. Other specs include a 5 megapixel camera (with autofocus and LED flash), a 2.6-inch touch panel, 480 x 320 screen resolution and capacitive navigation buttons. Oh, and if you're uninterested in the hue you see about, Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile standalone stores will feature an exclusive mauve edition in due time. Fancy. Show full PR text HTC Status Offers One-Touch Facebook Sharing For Just $49.99 First Mobile Phone with Dedicated Facebook Share Button Available for Preorder on ATT.com Arrives in AT&T Stores on July 17 Dallas, Texas, July 11, 2011 Key Facts * AT&T begins presales of the HTC Status today on http://www.att.com/. * The first phone with a dedicated Facebook share button, the HTC Status is exclusive to AT&T customers for $49.99 with a two-year contract. * Best Buy stores to offer exclusive color. * HTC Status available in time for back-to-school shopping season. HTC Status The ultimate phone for customers who love posting on Facebook what they're doing, seeing or listening to, the HTC Status is the first phone to feature a dedicated Facebook share button. Not just a link to a mobile Facebook application, the button lets you quickly share what you are doing on Facebook with a simple press. It is also context aware and lights up when there is an activity to share, such as a song you are listening to, a website you are viewing or a photo you have taken. The Facebook share button allows people to: * Post instantly on your wall or a friend's wall by pressing the Facebook share button from your home screen. * Take a picture or shoot a video and share it instantly with a press of the Facebook share button. You can also post multiple pictures at one time and label and tag them before posting. Or even post photos automatically as you're taking them. * Check in to Facebook Places by pressing and holding the Facebook share button from the home screen. * Share something cool on the Web with a quick press of the Facebook share button and be the first with the news. * Let your friends in on the music you love with the push of a button by pressing the Facebook share button to post the song title and other details. The HTC Status runs on the Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) platform, AT&T's first smartphone to do so. It is also the first phone in the US with an enhanced version of HTC Sense™ that integrates Facebook into more places than ever before. Facebook content and information is integrated in the clock, dialer, calendar, address book and photo gallery. The HTC Status also features a Facebook chat application that lets you maintain your chat conversations, even when you navigate away to take a call, browse the Web or play a game. And the Facebook chat widget shows who is available to chat and allows you to initiate a conversation with just a tap. The HTC Status, with its uni-body design with sleek metal accents, is easy to customize to reflect your style with widgets, shortcuts and wallpapers, and its customizable lock screen lets you open your favorite application quickly when you unlock the screen. The HTC Status also sports a 5-megapixel camera with auto-focus and LED flash on the back and a front facing camera to easily capture and share self portraits. Above the dedicated physical keyboard, HTC Status has a 2.6-inch touch screen with 480 x 320 resolution and capacitive navigation buttons. Exclusive custom cases and a screen protector will also be available for sale with the HTC Status at AT&T company-owned retail stores. Customers can choose from hard- and soft-shell case options from Speck and AGF. The HTC Status will be compatible with a number of universal micro-USB charging options, Bluetooth headsets and corded stereo headsets such as the IFrogz Luxe corded headsets with integrated microphone, which will be available in four colors, black, silver, pink and blue. Accessories will also be available for sale in AT&T's online store. Pricing and Availability Arriving in stores as the lead device in AT&T's back to school promotions starting July 17, the HTC Status will be available in AT&T stores and online for $49.99 after a two-year contract. (Minimum $15 data plan required.) Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile standalone stores will feature an exclusive mauve edition.

Cisco boosts stadium WiFi, makes MLB slightly more tolerable for the internet-obsessed (video) Posted: 11 Jul 2011 10:34 AM PDT Anyone who's been in a packed stadium or concert venue knows better than to expect to be able to browse the web or even check email, unless of course your device happens to be compatible with a certain underutilized data-only network. A new initiative from Cisco, however, aims to bring connectivity to the over-saturated masses. The company's Connected Stadium WiFi bundles the Aironet 3500p access point, designed specifically for "high-density stadium and arena deployments," with strategically placed antennas that target fewer seats with the same amount of throughput -- likely similar to the 884-device network AT&T deployed at Cowboys Stadium for Super Bowl XLV. We hope the lighter load placed on carriers -- and already sky high ticket prices -- would help make Connected Stadium a free service, but key words like "purchasing" and "monetizeable" in the networking company's announcement make us think that some greenbacks are likely to change hands once the service launches in the real, connectivity-challenged world of overcrowded venues.

Android-friendly Samsung CTO abandons ship for Citigroup Posted: 11 Jul 2011 10:10 AM PDT Android lost a major ally at Samsung Mobile this week, with the departure of Omar Khan. The CTO is leaving the hardware manufacturer for the industry analyst side of things, joining Citigroup's mobile solutions team. Khan has led the charge on a number of Android-based devices, including, recently, the S II and various other products in the Galaxy line -- he also made a memorable appearance on The Engadget Show, back in August of last year. Samsung's Nick Dicarlo and Gavin Kim will be stepping in to grab some of Khan's PR responsibilities at the company.

iRiver Story HD becomes first Google eBooks-integrated e-reader, won't be the last Posted: 11 Jul 2011 09:45 AM PDT We aren't exactly lacking for digital bookstores, but Google's eBooks offering is indeed one of the slickest around. And evidently, it's not in nearly as many places as the marketers in Mountain View would like. The Goog just announced that iRiver's Story HD would soon become the first Google eBooks-integrated e-reader, with the new model going on sale July 17th at Target. It'll still sell for $139.99, and none of the actual hardware specifications will change from the existing model. Of course, the eBooks platform has been open to all publishers, retailers and manufacturers from the start; it's just that iRiver has become the first manufacturer to heed the call. Naturally, Google's teasing us by openly stating that more of these are on the way, and if you just so happen to be an e-reader maker... well, it'd certainly love to have a chat.

3G ASUS Eee Pad Transformer spotted online, priced starting at 499 euros Posted: 11 Jul 2011 09:23 AM PDT By this time, hopefully, all of you who were on the hunt for a Transformer finally got your mitts on one. If you were holding out for the 3G version, though, you can stop fidgeting -- it's already been priced in mainland Europe, putting it almost a month ahead of its expected arrival in the UK. Notebook Italia spotted both the 16GB and 32GB iterations listed online, fetching €499 and €599, respectively, VAT included. Notebook Italia also grabbed a screenshot of an updated product page on ASUS's Italian site, though when we peeped the listing we just found the WiFi-only versions, with predictably lower prices to match. Either way you slice it, though, both the instruction manual and illustrated product guide are alive and well on ASUS' site, suggesting you should see this on the streets of Milano soon enough. [Thanks, Marco]

Google+ runs out of disk space, floods inboxes with notification spam Posted: 11 Jul 2011 09:10 AM PDT If you're one of the lucky ones who landed themselves a Google+ account, you might have felt a little less fortunate when your inbox was bombarded by repeated notifications. Vic Gundotra, the Goog's social mastermind, took to the fledgling service to apologize and explain what happened. Turns out the servers in charge of tracking notifications ran out of disk space for about 80 minutes -- causing them to repeatedly send and resend the same messages. In his Plus posting Gundotra admitted, "we didn't expect to hit these high thresholds so quickly, but we should have." Sure, it may have been annoying to get 17 alerts that your old college roommate added you to his circles, but we've got to give credit to Vic for owning this mini fail. The company better hope it can scale up capacity quick -- Google+ invites are still a hot property and it's got a lot of growing to do before it can truly compete with the likes of Facebook.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray swings through FCC donning AT&T bands Posted: 11 Jul 2011 09:09 AM PDT We've known it as both the Urushi and the ST18a, but Sony Ericsson's latest handset was just "accepted" over at the FCC as the Xperia Ray, getting the fed green-light with a full set of photos to boot. A quick perusal of the docs confirms that the Xperia Ray will bring on quadband HSPA compatible with AT&T and global carriers, but the lack of AWS indicates we won't see this showing up on T-Mobile shelves. Also included on the list of tested items is the ANT+ wireless tech responsible for the device's fitness-monitoring functionality. Making it through the FCC is always a significant hurdle for a company to jump over, so we'd suspect the phone's still on track for its planned Q3 release. In the meantime, however, check out the gallery below for the images so graciously provided to us in the documents. Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray hits FCC

British researchers design a million-chip neural network 1/100 as complex as your brain Posted: 11 Jul 2011 08:37 AM PDT If you want some idea of the complexity of the human brain, consider this: a group of British universities plans to link as many as a million ARM processors in order to simulate just a small fraction of it. The resulting model, called SpiNNaker (Spiking Neural Network architecture), will represent less than one percent of a human's gray matter, which contains 100 billion neurons. (Take that, mice brains!) Yet even this small scale representation, researchers believe, will yield insight into how the brain functions, perhaps enabling new treatments for cognitive disorders, similar to previous models that increased our understanding of schizophrenia. As these neural networks increase in complexity, they come closer to mimicking human brains -- perhaps even developing the ability to make their own Skynet references.

Apple files second ITC patent infringement complaint against HTC Posted: 11 Jul 2011 08:05 AM PDT Nothing like a little legalese to take the edge off on a Monday, eh? Just months after Apple smacked HTC with an ITC complaint, it looks as if the company's doing the same thing again. As if one ongoing ITC complaint against Samsung wasn't enough, the US International Trade Commission is reporting that HTC is being accused again. As predicted, the patent infringement complaint is asking for the entity to block the import of "personal electronic devices" by HTC, but until it becomes available for public viewing, it's hard to know exactly which device(s) ticked the lawyers in Cupertino off. As for the prior tiff? A judge is expected to rule on that August 5th, and those findings are then subject to review by the full commission. HTC's not commenting yet given that even it hasn't seen the details, so we'll be sure to keep you posted as the drama unfolds.

BlackBerry Internet Service 4.1 coming October 8th, priming inboxes for the greater good? Posted: 11 Jul 2011 07:54 AM PDT To some it's just a point release, but to others it's much, much more. If the leaked documentation gathered by N4BB.com is correct, the 4.1 release of BlackBerry Internet Service is coming down the pike, due abroad on September 10th and in the US October 8th. As any BB aficionado would expect it brings a suite of improvements, bumping the maximum attachment size to eight megabytes, enhancing some security measures, and adding a delicious-sounding new feature called inbox priming. With this, the first 20 messages of a newly added account will be downloaded immediately, "instantly providing users with the reassurance that their email is setup and working." Suffering a bit of additional hypertension while waiting to see if those first few missives sync correctly? Your diuretic might just be inbound.

Samsung Galaxy S II gets torn down, found to be just as beautiful on the inside Posted: 11 Jul 2011 07:03 AM PDT Here's a tidbit of interest: it took the moving of three million Galaxy S IIs before we saw a bona fide teardown. But hey -- maybe this thing's just too darn delightful to crack open for the sake of cracking it open. iFixit and ABI Research have both sliced into Sammy's best smartphone yet, discovering an Exynos dual-core apps processor, newfangled CMOS-based antenna switch, a low-power XMM6260 cellular chipset from Infineon and a single-packaged multi-band, multi-mode PA from RFMD. 'Course, knowing the surrounding technobabble is only half the fun; for the other half, dig into those source links below.

Archos sends the A70S2 tablet through the FCC, tells us nothing in the process Posted: 11 Jul 2011 06:09 AM PDT You'd think after unveiling a duo of Android 3.1 slates along with a bare-bones model Archos would have washed its hands of tablets for at least a couple months, right? Of course not -- the French company that just won't quit has sent yet another tab through the FCC, this one dubbed the A70S2. And that's about all the outfit let slip on the subject -- at least until August 19th when the confidentiality protection covering the tablet's juiciest details expires. The company wouldn't throw us a screen size, resolution, or even a confirmation that yes, this thing might well run Android like the bulk of Archos' other tablets. So if this game of "what the heck is this?" doesn't bear fruit, let's take the opportunity to have a (one-sided) heart-to-heart with our favorite French tablet maker. Archos, isn't it about time you added an easy-to-hold, 7-incher with Android 3.1, 250GB of storage, and HDMI-out to the mix? We think it'd fit in perfectly.

Alienware adds jitter-killing Killer Wireless-N technology to M18x, M17x, M14x and M11x Posted: 11 Jul 2011 05:00 AM PDT And this, friends, is how you make the leap into the mainstream. Bigfoot Networks has been toiling away in an effort to get its gaming-optimized networking guts into just about everything -- there's also a VisionTek GPU with Killer innards, and a trifecta of mainboard makers announced that they too would be joining the bustling integration party earlier in the year. Now, however, the outfit's really got something to hang its hat on: a handshake with Dell's Alienware unit. The Killer Wireless-N 1103 networking adapter will now be listed as an option for the Alienware M18x, M17x, M14x and M11x, promising data rates as high as 450Mbps as well as its Advanced Stream Detect to intelligently classify and prioritize network traffic. Mum's the word on how much the upgrade will be, but based on prior reviews, we'd say the premium will be well worth it for the hardcore among us. Show full PR text ALIENWARE ADDS BIGFOOT NETWORKS KILLER™ WIRELESS-N TECHNOLOGY ACROSS FULL LINE OF GAMING LAPTOPS Alienware Enhances Gaming Laptop Line with Integrated Killer Wireless-N 1103 Networking for Breakthrough Wi-Fi® Speed, Intelligence and Control REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – July 11, 2011 – Bigfoot Networks, the technology company behind the Killer™ line of high-performance networking products, today announced that Dell Computer Corporation is adding Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 high-performance network adapters as a option to all four of its latest gaming laptop PCs, including the Alienware M18x, M17x, M14x and M11x (NASDAQ: DELL). Building on Bigfoot Networks' history of high-performance, low-latency desktop PC networking, Killer Wireless-N 1103 adapters deliver superior wireless networking Speed with data rates up to 450Mbps . Bigfoot Networks' exclusive Advanced Stream Detect™ technology provides network Intelligence by automatically classifying and prioritizing latency-sensitive network traffic such as online games, HD video, voice and audio. Control comes courtesy of Bigfoot Networks' exclusive Visual Bandwidth Control™ application, which lets users easily manage their precious bandwidth and tune upload and download allocations for each online application. As a result, users experience optimized gaming performance, fewer video interruptions and crystal-clear audio and video conferencing. Key Killer Wireless-N 1103 features include: • Advanced Stream Detect™ – Automatically classifies and prioritizes online games, HD video and high-quality audio for fewer interruptions and a better online experience. • Visual Bandwidth Control™ – Enables users to see which applications are hogging bandwidth and tune allocations for each so they don't interfere with online games, video or multimedia applications, allowing users to do more online tasks simultaneously. • PC Monitor™ – Monitor and manage wireless laptop PC health and performance with graphical displays and detailed logging via an intuitive user interface. • Cutting-Edge 11n Performance – Up to 5X better latency than leading competitors and enhanced rate-over-range performance, with 3-stream MIMO enabling industry-leading data rates of up to 450Mbps for higher data throughput over longer distances. "We are excited to be partnering with Bigfoot Networks in being the first company to offer its high-performance Killer Wireless-N 1103 network adapters across our entire line of high-performance gaming laptops," said Frank Azor, Alienware Product Planning Director. "With impressive online networking performance enhancements and Bigfoot's exclusive Advanced Stream Detect™ technology, these new Killer Wireless-based gaming laptops will ensure our customers have the ultimate online gaming and HD video streaming experience." "As all entertainment tends toward digital delivery – games, movies, music, video, even books – PC enthusiasts need more network power than ever before," said Michael Howse, CEO of Bigfoot Networks. "Alienware knows you don't want to compromise your media experience just because you're mobile. That's why they've turned to Bigfoot Networks for a high-performance, intelligent wireless solution you can take wherever you go." Alienware laptop PCs with Killer Wireless-N technology are now available in four configurations – 11" (M11x), 14" (M14x), 17" (M17x) and 18" (M18x). For more details on these offerings, visit http://www.alienware.com/Landings/laptops.aspx. For more information on Bigfoot Networks Killer Wireless-N technology, visit http://www.bigfootnetworks.com/killer-wireless-n-1103/. For more details about Killer Wireless-N performance, visit http://www.bigfootnetworks.com/killer-wireless-n-performance/

Clickfree trots out C6 Easy Imaging backup hard drives, takes 'em to 2TB Posted: 11 Jul 2011 05:00 AM PDT Your favorite no-touch backup company's coming back around again, this time with yet another HDD to tempt your paranoia. Clickfree's newest backup solution is the C6 Easy Imaging, capable of holding backups for as many PCs as necessary (provided there's enough space). It'll work seamlessly with Windows 7, Vista and XP, and it'll get all the juice it needs from a spare USB port. As with the outfit's prior products, this one's also designed for those who aren't exactly "hip" with technical lingo, which means that power users will likely be flustered with the inability to really control too much of what's happening just as soon as this thing's plugged in. That said, the drive does allow users to categorize which files they want backed up, and it'll enable users to restore only personal files should the need arise. The full spiel is hosted up after the break, and you can catch the portable version right now in the US and Canada for $140 (500GB) / $180 (1TB), while the desktop model goes for $150 (1TB) / $180 (2TB). Show full PR text Clickfree Introduces C6 EASY Imaging, making it simple to backup an entire PC, not just part of it There is no easier way to backup and restore everything on a PC computer – personal files, software programs and the Windows operating system TORONTO, July 11, 2011 – Clickfree, the inventors of effortless automatic backup, today announced Clickfree C6 EASY Imaging, the first Total Computer Backup product that makes it easy to back up and restore everything on a PC including personal files (photos, videos, music, emails, spreadsheets, illustrations, documents, and 500+ other types), software programs and the Windows® operating system. Designed for non-technical consumers and small business owner-operators, Clickfree has taken the difficult process of backing up and restoring virtually everything on a computer and made it effortless. To perform a full image backup, just plug the Clickfree C6 EASY Imaging drive in to the computer's USB port, and Clickfree's Patented EASY RunTM will automatically launch and begin backing up everything on the computer. That's as technical as it gets. If a computer crashes due to a software malfunction or virus attack, EASY FixTM will restore all the personal files, software applications and the operating system. ―For many consumers, protecting personal files is enough, but for many others, only total computer protection will do,‖ said Ian Collins, founder of Clickfree. ―Up until now, PC users have had to compromise between backing up only part of their computer with regular file based backup system, or trying to figure out how to use a complex imaging product to backup their entire computer. Clickfree combines its EASY Run technology with imaging capabilities, resulting in a no-compromise solution for total computer protection that is unparalleled in its ease-of-use. Clickfree C6 EASY Imaging provides more flexibility and better options for PC owners Clickfree C6 EASY Imaging takes a very different approach to an image backup than other products. Current solutions combine personal files, software programs and the Windows operating system into one. Clickfree categorizes the user's personal files as one category, and the software programs and Windows operating system as another. This provides the ability to repair only the portion of the backup that has been lost or damaged on the computer, from the original backup on the Clickfree. Additionally, competitive products require the user to reinstall everything even if only a portion of their backup needs to be. If they only need to reinstall the software and operating system, they MUST reinstall the data as well -- which means a long reimaging process and reverting to the last backed up version, which can result in overwriting recent changes to personal files. With Clickfree, consumers have a choice. If they only want restore personal files, not the software programs or operating system, simply using the EASY Restore function will restore all of the PC's personal file backups. The personal files can be restored on a new hard drive or an entirely new computer, making it a great way to move content from an old computer to a new one. To repair software programs and the Windows operating system, simply use EASY Fix reinstalls just the necessary files. To restore personal files and software programs and the Windows o/s to different points in time, EASY Fix can do that too. For example, personal files can be restored to how they were 10 minutes ago, while the software programs and Windows operating system can be restored to 2 weeks or 6 months ago. These points in time are completely user defined. Faster -- because time is just as precious as data Because competitive imaging products reinstall all of the PC's personal files, software and operating system as one, it typically takes hours, perhaps even a full day, to get a computer back up and running. But with Clickfree, consumers can be back in business often within minutes. Clickfree compares what's currently on the computer to the original image backup, repairing only the elements that have been damaged or lost, saving hours and hours of precious time. Backup multiple computers, even if they have different versions of Windows Clickfree C6 EASY Imaging can hold the backups for as many computers as needed, and is limited only by the available space on the Clickfree drive. Computers running different Windows operating systems can be backed up to the same Clickfree C6 EASY Imaging drive -- Clickfree supports Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. All that is required is a free USB port and at least 100MB of free space on the computer(s) being backed up. Capacities, Prices & Availability Clickfree C6 EASY Imaging is available now from Clickfree.com and other major electronics retailers in Canada and the U.S. It comes in both portable and desktop sizes. Capacities and prices follow: Canada & U.S. Portable Desktop 500GB $140 1TB $180 1TB $150 2TB $180

Calling for tech support? IBM's Watson might be on the other end Posted: 11 Jul 2011 04:13 AM PDT Watson may have Jeopardy! and the medical realm under lock, but retail / service industries? Not yet, but soon. Very soon. According to a new piece in Hemispheres Magazine, IBM's now looking to shop the supercomputer's world-class vocal recognition technologies to outfits in retail and customer service, with those enterprises in particular drooling at the thought of having a sophisticated machine recognizing human speech. In theory, at least, basic questions could potentially be answered entirely by Watson, but that's honestly not a future we're too fond of. There's also the possibility of using analytical data that Watson collects in order to better position deals, service and other tech support centers based on what kinds of requests come in the most. So, eager to speak with a kindhearted, potentially confused robot? Or will that flustered, potentially sympathetic Earthling still suffice?

Clear Spot 4G sails through the FCC, heading to WiMAX territories soon Posted: 11 Jul 2011 03:45 AM PDT Remember that Clear Spot 4G that was unveiled a fortnight or so ago? Hello, again! The so-called WIXFMM-122 has just made its way into the FCC's blossoming database, boasting 4G-only hotspot functionality (here we're talking WiMAX, not LTE), a minuscule display for showcasing signal strength and battery life, and support for up to eight simultaneous connections. Per usual, there's no information regarding a solid price or release, but given the inability to switch over to a 3G network if necessary, we're guessing it'll go for a song.

Steve Jobs impersonator officiates mock keynote, hawks Taiwanese tea (video) Posted: 11 Jul 2011 01:27 AM PDT Well, there's clearly no better way to legitimize any new product than to have a faux Steve Jobs hawking it on-stage, in front of dozens of applauding mock journalists, with a 20-foot iPad 2 projected behind. The Jobs / John Stamos hybrid dropped by to pitch a Taiwanese company's vast selection of tea, of all things, for a TV advertisement that's apparently currently airing in Taiwan. Decked out in light jeans, a black mock turtleneck and sneakers, the impersonator even matched Steve's hair color, rimless glasses, and current weight. The only thing missing was an actual Apple product -- and months of media speculation. The "keynote" even ended with "one more thing," as they often do: Tea drinkers will have a shot at winning a bonafide iPad 2 with each purchase of oolong, milk, or Apple-infused Tong Yi Cha.

NTT showcases next-gen 802.11ac wireless LAN solution, hopes for near-term commercialization Posted: 10 Jul 2011 11:39 PM PDT NTT DoCoMo's never been one to back down from the future, and some might say this carrier is actually already living in 2012. You know -- Land of the Rising Sun and all. At any rate, its latest foray into what's next came at the Wireless Technology Park in Yokohama, where it demonstrated a fully-functional 802.11ac prototype wireless system. For those unaware, that's what is scheduled to make 802.11n look like the 101 at lunchtime, with an effective throughput of 1Gbps per system. If all goes well, NTT will be commercializing the system "within a few years," and based on a demonstrated throughout of 120Mbps (as in, real-world results), we're hoping "few" becomes "one."

Acer's C110 and C112 pico projectors aim to please, travel well Posted: 10 Jul 2011 10:15 PM PDT Ah, the pico projector. An idea that flourished if but for a moment, but never really hit that critical mass that CE companies yearn for. Evidently that matters not to Acer, who has decided to kick out two more for good measure. The downright diminutive C110 (seen above) is a DLP-powered beamer that gets all the juice it needs via USB, measures just 110- x 85- 25mm and offers up a WVGA (854 x 480) native resolution. The LED bulb is said to last up to 20,000 hours, and it'll go from dead to dazzling in five seconds flat. Moving up a couple notches, there's the C112 (pictured after the break), complete with an optional external battery (good for two hours, we're told), a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and an identical WVGA resolution. Both of these guys are slated to hit UK shops at the end of the month, with prices set at £199 and £220, respectively. Show full PR text Acer C110 Pico-Projector with DLP Technology Smart projection via USB and ultra-light design London, July 7th 2011 – Pictures, videos, presentations have an increasingly prevailing role in our lives, both personal and professional. We use our smartphones and cameras to take photos or record videos and then we want to show them off to our family and friends. At work, we create presentations we need to share with our colleagues. As a result, we need the right instruments to enjoy and share this wealth of multimedia formats. With the C110 pico-projector, Acer has created the perfect match for your notebook. Not only the new projector is extremely light and ultra compact, but doesn't even need a power adapter and display port. It only needs a single USB cable to connect to your laptop and be powered while allowing you to enjoy your favourite movies, your holiday pictures or show your presentations. The C110 pico-projector is designed to fit in perfectly with your mobile lifestyle. On top of working out of a single USB cable – which means no power adapter, no tangle of cables and no issues with plugs – it weighs a mere handful of grams (175 g) and measures just 110x85x25 mm, thus allowing to make brilliant presentations without adding any burden. The extreme portability is completed by a sophisticated black case that portrays refined elegance. The Display over USB feature also makes for exceptional ease of use, as you simply need to connect the projector to the laptop to immediately display images, videos or presentations. In addition, the Acer SmartFormat technology supports a wide range of PC formats and users no longer need to worry to adjust the resolution of the notebook. And the performance is striking. You can enjoy your multimedia with a display size varying from 30cm (12") to 254cm (100"). The 1000:1 contrast, the amazing WVGA (854x480) resolution and native 16:9 format ensure crystal clear, vibrant projections with quite impressive image quality. To achieve the best projection wherever you are, the C110 can be provided with the optional Acer foldable screen. This screen combines extreme mobility as it can be folded to the size of a magazine, with enhanced projection thanks to the increased brilliance (double the reflex of standard projection screens) and the 25" display size that is perfect for group viewing. The Acer C110 pico projector combines DLP technology with LED lamp technology, dramatically enhancing picture quality. LED technology offers several benefits over traditional lamps. First of all, it makes lamp replacement virtually unnecessary as a LED lamp lasts up to 20,000 hours; moreover, the lack of breakable parts, such as filaments or tubes increases durability. Finally, it can achieve higher color saturation and contrast. As a result, the images displayed are more vivid and realistic. The C110 pico-projector is the concrete evidence of Acer continued dedication to creating greener, more environmentally friendly products, LED lamp technology is free of hazardous substances such as mercury or halogen gases and compared to a traditional lamp can reduce power consumption up to 30%. Over time, projectors can be affected by colour decay that adds a yellowish or greenish shade to the images on screen. Now Acer's projectors take advantage of ColorSafe and DLP® technology to ensure picture integrity even after prolonged use, making them virtually immune to colour decay. The C110 pico-projector also helps you to save precious time. Thanks to the Quick Start feature the projector starts working within 5 seconds after the USB cable is connected to the laptop PC and you can leave in a hurry. With Acer InstantPack there's no need to wait for a cooling period; you just unplug and pack the projector and you are ready to leave. Acer C110 pico-projector comes with 5 years warranty on the DLP chip and 1 year warranty on the lamp without hour limit. The Acer C110 will be available the end of August with a SRRP of £199 Inc VAT ______ Acer C112 PICO-Projector with DLP Technology Extra-small size, Extra-large performance London, July 7th 2011 – Acer introduces the C112 pico-projector, enriching its range of ultra-portable projectors, an extremely light and ultra-compact device that can set you free from both notebook and cables for total projection freedom. Just find a screen where to project your photos or videos: with the Acer C112 pico-projector you don't need anything else. The C112 comes with an optional external battery that lasts two hours. You can place the projector in the best position to display fantastic visuals, relax and watch an entire movie without worrying about cables, plugs and power outlet. What's more, this projector sets you free from your notebook. Just plug in your USB flash drive and enjoy your multimedia on a big screen via the embedded USB Slide Show and USB multimedia functions. All these features give an entire new meaning to the concept of on-the-fly projection. With the integrated USB port the C112 pico-projector can be easily connected to your laptop, and you can immediately display images, videos or presentations thanks to the Display over USB feature. In addition, the Acer SmartFormat technology supports a wide range of PC formats and users no longer need to worry to adjust the resolution of their notebook. In terms of performance it's just like having a portable cinema in your pocket. You can enjoy your multimedia with a display size varying from 38cm (15") to 254cm (100"). The 1000:1 contrast, the amazing WVGA (854 X 480) resolution and native 16:9 format ensure crystal clear, vibrant projections with quite impressive image quality. And, with the internal speaker you don't even need to care about carrying along a separate speaker to enjoy the show! Weighing only 220g (7.75 oz) and measuring just 137x91.5 mm, the C112 pico-projector is the ideal companion for mobile users looking for an easy to carry device for instant projection anywhere. The high portability is completed by a sophisticated matte black case that portrays refined elegance. The control pad is embedded on the top surface for easy and friendly use. The new Acer C112 pico projector combines DLP technology with LED lamp technology, dramatically enhancing picture quality. LED technology offers several benefits over traditional lamps. First of all, it makes lamp replacement virtually unnecessary as a LED lamp lasts up to 20,000 hours; morever, the lack of breakable parts, such as filaments or tubes increases durability. Combined with DLP, LED lamp technology increases color saturation and contrast. As a result, the images displayed are more vivid and realistic. Finally, Acer continues drive to offer greener, more environmentally friendly products, LED lamp technology is free of hazardous substances such as mercury or halogen gases and compared to a traditional lamp can reduce power consumption up to 30%. Over time, projectors can be affected by colour decay that adds a yellowish or greenish shade to the images on screen. Now Acer's projectors take advantage of ColorSafe and DLP® technology to ensure picture integrity even after prolonged use, making them virtually immune to colour decay. The C112 pico-projector also helps you to save precious time. Thanks to the Quick Start feature the projector starts working within 15 seconds after you turn it on and you can leave in a hurry, too. With Acer InstantPack there's no need to wait for a cooling period; you can turn off and pack the projector promptly, so you can leave immediately. Acer C112 pico-projector comes with 5 years warranty on the DLP chip and 1 year warranty on the lamp without hour limit. The Acer C112 will be available the end of July with a SRRP of £229 Inc VAT

iMAME4All gains experimental support for iCade, iOS gamers gain infinite happiness Posted: 10 Jul 2011 08:58 PM PDT Guess what, emulation junkies? iMAME4All, a staple amongst retro iOS gamers, can now support iCade. Thanks to one Todd Laney, there's now a 3.5MB download that'll bring the joys of iCade to a relatively commonplace MAME application (and vice-versa). We're told that the best way to use these two is in fullscreen portrait mode, and after tapping the option button (and selecting "Options), the onscreen controls will fade out and the iCade buttons will appear. Looks like that Benjamin you just saved up now has yet another reason to be spent. [Thanks, Jim]

How would you change HTC's Arrive? Posted: 10 Jul 2011 07:31 PM PDT We know, we know: Mango. But outside of wishing for Microsoft's most significant update yet to Windows Phone 7, we're curious to know how else you'd change the HTC Arrive. Your pickings are slim for WP7 on The Now Network, and while the Arrive has an absolutely rock-solid design, we're sure you've picked up on a few quibbles over the past few months. Would you have tweaked the keyboard in any way? Boosted the resolution? Thrown in a WiMAX radio? Improved the camera? Softened the edges somewhat? Go on and get vocal down in comments below!

HTC rolling out unlocked bootloaders to select phones in August Posted: 10 Jul 2011 07:15 PM PDT HTC is rocking the world this Sunday evening with an announcement on its Facebook page, stating that, as promised, it's ready to begin rolling out unlocked bootloaders to the global HTC Sensation in August, followed by the Sensation 4G on T-Mobile and the EVO 3D on Sprint. The process is two-fold: first, HTC pushes a "maintenance release" to the phones, but this won't mean a thing until step two -- releasing the actual unlocking tool -- is complete in early September. This all sounds like a sure thing for the global HTC Sensation, but the major hurdle the company faces in the US is carrier approval. In order for it to push out the update, T-Mobile and Sprint first must give the final go-ahead for the Sensation 4G and EVO 3D, so nothing here is completely set in stone until then. Fortunately, HTC doesn't plan to stop there. According to its Facebook page, it will "continue rolling out the unlocking capability over time to other devices as part of maintenance releases and new shipments." There was no word on which handsets will receive the capability or when we can expect to see it. Naturally, with the tight grip US carriers have on subsidized handsets, it's possible you won't reap the benefits despite HTC's good intentions.

Lenovo U1 tablet arrives at FCC, finally Posted: 10 Jul 2011 05:28 PM PDT Well, hello there little guy. Did you get lost on your way to production? Many, many moons since we got our first hands-on with the thing it looks like the Lenovo U1 has found the way to retail reality, making a stop by at the FCC to ensure that it can, some day, be released -- somewhere. When will that magical day come? We still don't know, but if you've forgotten just what this little guy is all about, take a trip down memory lane in the video after the break.

Microsoft Explorer Touch Mouse quietly revealed, touts BlueTrack and haptic feedback Posted: 10 Jul 2011 04:03 PM PDT Microsoft's Touch Mouse? Yeah, you've heard of that. But have you caught wind of its Explorer Touch Mouse? Nah, we didn't think so. In fact, neither had Pocket-lint, but they stumbled across this critter at the outfit's London Christmas in July event. It's positioned between the Touch Mouse and the Arc Mouse, boasting a blue hue, BlueTrack technology (for mousing on a pant leg) and the same kind of haptic scrollpad that's used on the aforesaid Arc. There's a grand total of five customizable buttons, which can be configured for left or right-hand use, and naturally, those good vibrations can be disabled if you simply aren't kosher with 'em. Microsoft didn't spill too many other details, but it's slated to land later this month (at least in the UK) for £69.99. Update: Our pals over at WinRumors managed to snag an official press shot, too.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: bionic eyeglasses, renewable energy island, and a hybrid Popemobile Posted: 10 Jul 2011 03:15 PM PDT Technology wired the human body in incredible new ways this week as Inhabitat reported that a paralyzed Japanese man embarked upon an adventure through France with the aid of a robotic exoskeleton. We also watched NASA launch a pee recycling bag that turns urine into a sports drink, and we spotted a pair of bionic eyeglasses that could help the blind see. On the other hand, robots are getting more and more creative - check out these psychedelic LED light paintings made by Roomba vacuums. We also saw a new study show that kids are predicting the future of technology, and Toysmith gave ordinary cardboard packaging a fun robot reboot. Futuristic aviation made major headwinds this week as the European Union invested $6.2 million dollars to develop a new breed of "myCopter" flying cars. We also watched as the eGenius airplane shattered a world speed record and Thomson Airways launched the UK's first airline powered by cooking oil. Green machines hit the streets as well as BMW unveiled its blazing Motorrad E-Bike and Pope Benedict XVI scored an M-Class Mercedes hybrid Popemobile. In other news, alternative energy gained major ground as a report revealed that America now receives more power from renewable sources than from nuclear plants. Meanwhile, we set sail for the world's first renewable energy island, and we dug up a deserted tin mine that has been transformed into a 1.4 MW solar plant. We also explored the greener side of technology in our Ask a Tech Geek series as gadget expert (and Engadget founder) Peter Rojas explained ways to cut your laptop's power consumption, the key to energy-efficient gadget charging, the intricacies of your laptop's sleep mode, and the best way to recycle your old cables and chargers. Finally, as summer hit its peak we took a look at a few fresh new designs for fun in the sun - check out this incredible grass globe illusion that popped up in Paris and this beautiful wind chime bridge that sings with the forest winds.

Switched On: Wanting webOS Posted: 10 Jul 2011 02:34 PM PDT Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. The last Switched On discussed why HP could have more success licensing webOS than Palm or PalmSource ever did with Palm OS. To put it in the context of a more modern conflict, HP's handsets could be the equivalent of a Google Nexus devices (but selling better in HP's ideal), competing with phones from other Android stakeholders. Even the Nexus phones, however, are ultimately produced by existing licensees such as HTC and Samsung. WebOS as a licensed operating system would likely compete most directly with Windows Phone 7, an OS that offers licensees and consumers some choice but preserves a consistent user experience -- particularly as it is trying to court developers. Unlike Windows Phone 7, though, webOS is rapidly being expanded to new form factors, with the TouchPad serving as the first tangible proof. HP has said that it's most interested licensing to companies that wouldn't compete with it in its core markets. For now, let's count out HP's major PC competitors Acer, Dell (which once may have tried to build its own webOS-like platform when it acquired Zing), Lenovo and Toshiba. However, many companies that could help develop meaningful (in terms of absolute volume but also as a relevant development platform) scale for webOS in at least the US market offer, at minimum, handsets. A handset licensee could imbue webOS phones with features such as a 4.3-inch display that HP has shied away from, but which has been present in many successful smartphones. Apple, RIM and Nokia clearly wouldn't bite, and Sony Ericsson likely couldn't afford to switch gears to a new OS, leaving HTC, LG, Motorola and Samsung. HP has had a strong relationship over the years with Samsung, which has been rumored to be a potential webOS licensee. Samsung is rapidly en route to becoming the world's highest-volume handset vendor. But in addition to licensing both Android and Windows Phone 7, it has its own smartphone OS. Like Samsung, HTC licenses both Android and Windows Phone 7, but tends to do what it can to pave over the operating system interface while capitalizing on available apps and extensive driver support, neither of which are provided bountifully by webOS. While some of Sense's widget-heavy UI might actually complement webOS' widgetless desktop, it could also be an awkward marriage. Motorola has been focusing exclusively on Android now for a few years, which has been paying off, but ultimately has no hedge in an increasingly crowded Android field. In addition, its once vaunted software differentiator, Motoblur, has been vanishing. While Motorola has been pushing into the clamshell notebook market with products like the lapdock, it's a relatively pure handset play. Motorola also has strong carrier relationships and a brand name with a far tighter association with wireless than HP. That leaves LG. Once touted as Microsoft's premiere hardware partner for Windows Phone 7, it was left out in the cold when the folks in Redmond signed their blockbuster deal with Nokia. LG has been behind Samsung in both the Android and burgeoning Windows Phone market, and is less of a threat in the laptop and printer market than Samsung. However, like Samsung, LG is a high-volume manufacturer of TVs, a complementary market for HP, which only dabbled in the TV market years ago. There could also be potential in a carrier licensing webOS for its own branded handsets. While its debut did little to elevate Sprint when it had the first Pre as an exclusive, webOS continues to improve. Sprint would still find exceptional value in a webOS exclusive as it grapples with not having the iPhone, and webOS' friendly power could be a great fit for the prepaid market where Sprint is strong. Unfortunately for HP, the carrier that has been most aggressive about branding its own handsets under its name has been T-Mobile, which HP has not cracked with a webOS device, and which is likely vanishing soon anyway. Finally, if an operator is a candidate, why not a retailer? Amazon and Best Buy are also both potential licensees. Amazon, of course, is a short hop from entering the tablet market with the Kindle, and Best Buy has been aggressive in building out its Best Buy Mobile stores, and has experimented with Chumby-based information appliances under the Insignia brand it also uses for its lineup of potentially webOS-enriched flat-panel TVs. Decisions, decisions....

European Space Agency creates one billion pixel camera, calls her GAIA Posted: 10 Jul 2011 12:28 PM PDT When we hear the name GAIA, our memory automatically zooms back to the Whoopi Goldberg-voiced Mother Earth from Captain Planet. This isn't that GAIA, but it does have to do with planets. Back at the turn of the millennium, the European Space Agency devised an ambitious mission to map one billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy -- in 3D (insert Joey Lawrence 'whoa!'). To do this, it enlisted UK-based e2v Technologies and built an immense digital camera comprised of 106 snugly-fit charge coupled devices -- the largest ever for a space program. These credit card-shaped, human hair-thick slabs of silicon carbide act like tiny galactic eyes, each storing incoming light as a single pixel. Not sufficiently impressed? Then consider this: the stellar cam is so all-seeing, "it could measure the thumbnails of a person on the Moon" -- from Earth. Yeah. Set to launch on the Soyuz-Fregat sometime this year, the celestial surveyor will make its five-year home in the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrange point, beaming its outerspace discoveries to radio dishes in Spain and Australia -- and occasionally peeping in your neighbor's window.

Nyko Zoom gives space-limited Kinect users more room on August 23 Posted: 10 Jul 2011 11:11 AM PDT Maybe you're one of the lucky few who have plenty of space where 65-inch televisions are barely big enough to outfit your palatial estate. If so, we hate you (not really). Or perhaps you're like us at Engadget HQ where our city apartments are barely big enough for our Nabaztags. If so, Nyko has a $29 device coming August 23 called the Zoom that'll attach to your Kinect sensor to reduce the amount of flail-space required by about 40 percent. That translates to just four feet of distance from your Kinect. How does it do it? With lenses that refocus the sensors, so it has no power requirements. Call them glasses for your Kinect without the jabs from your classmates because they can't see you playing Kinect Adventures anyway, trooper.

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