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• Microsoft unveils new Windows Phone 7 Mango handsets from Samsung, Acer, Fujitsu and ZTE
• Star Trek PADD App is a LCARS-sporting Trekkie's reference bible for the iPad
• Motorola Xoom sees Android 3.2 update, FCC-approved LTE module
• DARwin-OP, CHARLI-2 humanoids make history at RoboCup 2011, 'U-S-A!' chants ensue (video)
• Transparent graphene speakers printed with inkjets, lo-fi musical windows are on their way
• Xbox 360 pops up in Win 8 code, console game compatibility coming to the PC?
• Netflix officially separates DVD, streaming pricing; $15.98 and up for both
• HP TouchPad 4G coming to AT&T this summer with 1.5GHz CPU, won't support LTE
• TiVo app jumps from iPad to iPhone, adds support for Series3 and HD DVRs
• AT&T becomes the first telco to use energy-efficient Bloom Box servers, will power 11 sites in California
• Google teases Photovine, slides back into image sharing
• LG Optimus Pro surfaces, dressed for your next business meeting (video)
• Freescale expands its family of i.MX50 chips, goes beyond e-readers this time
• BlackBerry Bold 9930 blows through the FCC, GSM and CDMA on board
• AT&T revamps global data packages, gives international travelers (slightly) more for their money
• Zoom H2n portable recorder touts five internal mics, adjustable recording range
• Samsung Romania's Twitter account either leaked the next Nexus or just reposted some blog rumors
• AT&T shipping HSPA+ / LTE USBConnect Momentum 4G and Elevate 4G this summer
• Panasonic intros rugged Toughbook H2 tablet, steps up to Core i5 and full-sized ports
• Ben Heck's Xbox 360 automatic disc changer mod targets lazy gamers (video)
• It's official: Nortel patent sale approved by US and Canadian courts (updated)
• Bowers & Wilkins C5 headphones ooze luxury into your ear canals for $180
• Tokyoflash's Kisai Kaidoku LCD watch arrives 12 years too late for Neo, Trinity
• Social x-ray glasses can decode emotions, make your blind dates less awkward
• Pew: Smartphone owners increasingly ignoring other devices to get online
• Panasonic debuts UT-PB1 e-reader tablet, spices it with Android flavor (video)
• Cryptex flash drive uses combination lock sleeve, brings a whole new meaning to hardware encryption
• iOS 5 beta 3 already jailbroken, new features come to light
• Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) starts rolling out to Verizon's Droid Incredible 2
• AMD announces the Radeon HD 6990M, has some pointed words for NVIDIA
• Id co-founder: mobile devices will be as powerful as today's consoles within two years
• Apple seeks patents for 3D and 'physics metaphor' gesture controls
• PROTECT IP Act called unconstitutional by bipartisan group of law professors
• Fossil won't ship the Meta Watch until August, Dick Tracy wannabes get antsy
• Maingear Clutch-15 gets upgraded with NVIDIA Optimus graphics switching
• NTT DoCoMo to power cellphone towers with renewable energy, tenderness
• Georgia Tech engineers pull energy out of atmospheric hat, go on electromagnetic scavenger hunt
• Bing Indoor Maps and Visual Voicemail shown in latest WP7 Mango demo videos
• Samsung's NC215s solar netbook up for pre-order at $399, NC110 follows at $329
• Mini Space Invaders arcade cabinet big on nostalgia, small in size

Microsoft unveils new Windows Phone 7 Mango handsets from Samsung, Acer, Fujitsu and ZTE Posted: 12 Jul 2011 12:11 PM PDT Generally Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference is a relatively low key affair, but today it caught a few in the tech world off guard by unveiling not one or two, but four new Windows Phone 7 handsets running Mango. Acer and ZTE both have models on tap, as does Fujitsu -- which slathered its mobile in pink and gave it a waterproof seal. The biggest news though was Samsung. Microsoft pulled out what is believed to be the SGH-i937, a version of the Galaxy S II that sports the Redmond mobile OS instead of Android. From the screen cap above it appears as if the phone is sporting a front-facing camera, something that has been missing from WP7 handset until now and is rumored to be supported in Mango. It's only a brief glimpse but you can catch it in the video after the break. [Thanks, Simon]

Star Trek PADD App is a LCARS-sporting Trekkie's reference bible for the iPad Posted: 12 Jul 2011 11:49 AM PDT Gather around the iPad Trekkies, have we got a treat for you -- CBS Interactive has just unleashed the Star Trek PADD App. At its core is a deep database of information about the shows and movies, including cast and character data, details about planets that populate the universe, and an episode guide. Best of all, the whole experience is presented in the classic LCARS interface that should be familiar to any fan of The Next Generation (or TNG as the cool kids are calling it). In addition to serving as a reference for all things Trek, the app pulls in feeds from the official Facebook and Twitter pages. You can get grab it, in all its black and pastel-colored glory, for $5 at the source link and check out the gallery below. Star Trek PADD App

Motorola Xoom sees Android 3.2 update, FCC-approved LTE module Posted: 12 Jul 2011 11:26 AM PDT Looks like a bona fide twofer when it comes to Xoom news this afternoon. Just as soon as we heard that Android 3.2 was rolling out to select Xoom WiFi tablets (as in, be patient if yours is still stuck on the current build), in flies an FCC approval for the long-awaited LTE module. As for the former, build number HTJ85B is bringing a new zoom feature to the world's first Honeycomb slate, and as for the latter... well, that one's pretty self-explanatory. We heard back in April that the update was delayed until an undisclosed time in the summer, and now it's looking like early adopters won't be waiting much longer. Do let us know in comments if you see either, won't you? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

DARwin-OP, CHARLI-2 humanoids make history at RoboCup 2011, 'U-S-A!' chants ensue (video) Posted: 12 Jul 2011 11:02 AM PDT While most American sports fans were busy celebrating a World Cup victory over Brazil this weekend, an indubitably more compelling soccer tournament was drawing to a close in Istanbul -- site of RoboCup 2011. Virginia Tech's Team DARwin made history at this year's event, becoming the first US squad to bring home top honors in both the Kid Size and Adult Size competitions. The petite DARwin-OP humanoid danced circles around the lightweight class, while the five-foot CHARLI-2 demoralized Robo Erectus in the big boys' final with a last-minute penalty kick. In its international debut, the CHARLI-2 (pictured, in a moment of Zen, on the right) also earned the vaunted Louis Vuitton Humanoid Cup, ending a nine-year period dominated by teams from Germany and Japan. These programmed Peles may not the most graceful of strikers, but RoboCup organizers remain convinced that autonomous bots will be able to compete with human athletes by 2050 -- which might just give us enough time to develop a taste for soccer. Dribble past the break to see Team DARwin in action, along with an extra clip from the BBC.

Transparent graphene speakers printed with inkjets, lo-fi musical windows are on their way Posted: 12 Jul 2011 10:40 AM PDT Add that magical material known as graphene to the list of things you can make with inkjet printers alongside OLEDs, solar panels, and light-bending metamaterials. Scientists at the Seoul National University used printers and a technique known as vapor deposition to leave a thin film of the graphite-based conductor on sheets of PVDF (poly vinylidene fluoride). By sandwiching the the PVDF between graphene electrodes and applying a current from a sound source researchers were able to create a flat and transparent loudspeaker that could be integrated into windows or screens. Don't expect this low-power sound source to replace your hi-fi though -- since it relies on the distortion-prone piezoelectric effect, it probably won't sound much better than the earpiece on your cellphone.

Xbox 360 pops up in Win 8 code, console game compatibility coming to the PC? Posted: 12 Jul 2011 10:18 AM PDT It's no secret that Microsoft is planning on integrating Xbox LIVE into Windows 8, but rumors are now swirling that Xbox 360 games might actually be playable on the next version of Redmond's OS. References to "XBOX_360_SYSTEM_CRASH" have been found in the kernel code -- an odd bit of text to show up in software that's not designed to run on the 360's PowerPC CPU. There are, of course, other, more mundane possibilities -- like the ability to remotely control your console to trigger update and game downloads, or to receive notifications from the machine on your desktop. But, if Microsoft is bringing Xbox titles to the PC, it would only serve to solidify Windows as the platform of choice gamers. Guess we'll just have to wait bated breath to see what Ballmer has to tell us in January.

Netflix officially separates DVD, streaming pricing; $15.98 and up for both Posted: 12 Jul 2011 10:09 AM PDT Netflix hadn't hinted at any upcoming plans to change the services it offers, but NewTeeVee spotted an unadvertised DVD-only plan on its site a few days ago, and an anonymous tipster from within the company indicates that's just the start. The DVD.Netflix.com page offers unlimited DVDs by mail, per month (one at a time) for $7.99, which slots it between the standard DVD & streaming combo plans and a $4.99 offering that gives just two DVDs per month. According to the tipster we spoke to, Netflix is planning to change its pricing entirely, by also implementing a streaming only plan with no discs for $7.99, and jacking up the minimum pricetag for combined services to $15.98 from the current $9.99 it has charged since November. They indicated the change would take place tomorrow night around 9 p.m., with customers notified by email and no plans to grandfather any of the old pricing setups along. With aggressive expansion plans pressing forward and its costs to acquire content rising sharply, hiking the price by 50 percent on many of its 20 million+ subscribers could be the easiest way to make the numbers add up, it could be just those subscribers who are left to determine exactly what Watch Instantly streaming (or DVD access) is worth to them. Update: Just that fast, Netflix has officially announced these changes to its pricing plans. Just like our information indicated, DVD only or streaming only unlimited plans are available for $7.99 each per month, or $15.98 together. Existing members can float on their current plans until September 1st but new members will see these rates effective immediately. According to a post on the official blog, the change replaces the DVD plan's existence as a $2 surcharge over streaming and from now on it will no longer unlimited discs and streaming as a single package. Two discs at a time will cost $11.99 by themselves now, but there's no mention of higher plans just yet. Fans of the plastic platter should be at least a bit encouraged however, as there's a new team devoted solely to that service -- here's hoping they can get the stagnant Blu-ray catalog refreshed. [Thanks, Anonymous] Show full PR text New Unlimited DVD-Only Plan at $7.99 is the Lowest-Ever Price Offered; Unlimited Streaming Remains $7.99 LOS GATOS, Calif., July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Netflix Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) announced today it is launching new unlimited DVD-only plans in the U.S. at their lowest price ever– only $7.99 a month for the 1 DVD out at-a-time plan and $11.99 a month for the 2 DVDs out at-a-time plan. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101014/SF81638LOGO) New members can sign up for these plans by going to DVD.netflix.com. Netflix also announced it is separating its unlimited streaming and unlimited DVD plans in the U.S. to better reflect the costs of each and to give members a choice: a streaming-only plan, a DVD-only plan or the option to subscribe to both. With this change, Netflix will no longer be offering unlimited plans that include both streaming and DVDs by mail. The unlimited streaming plan will remain at $7.99 a month. The price for getting both unlimited streaming and unlimited DVDs will be $15.98 a month ($7.99 + $7.99). For new Netflix members, the changes will be effective immediately. For existing members, the new pricing will start for charges on or after September 1. "Netflix members love watching instantly, but we've come to recognize there is still a very large continuing demand for DVDs by mail," said Andy Rendich, Netflix Chief Service and Operations Officer. "By better reflecting the underlying costs and offering our lowest prices ever for unlimited DVD, we hope to provide a great value to our current and future DVD-by-mail members." Netflix introduced streaming to its popular DVD-by-mail business in 2007. Since then, membership has climbed from 6 million to 23 million in the U.S. as people have embraced the idea of watching instantly an ever-expanding library of movies and TV shows on the hundreds of consumer electronics devices capable of streaming movies and TV shows from Netflix right to members' TVs. About Netflix: With nearly 24 million members in the United States and Canada, Netflix, Inc. [Nasdaq: NFLX] is the world's leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows. For US$7.99 a month, Netflix members in the U.S. and Canada instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed over the Internet to PCs, Macs and TVs. Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are Microsoft's Xbox 360, Nintendo's Wii and Sony's PS3 consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, Internet-connected TVs, home theater systems, digital video recorders and Internet video players; Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Apple TV and Google TV. In all, more than 200 devices that stream from Netflix are available in the U.S. and a growing number are available in Canada. SOURCE Netflix Inc.

HP TouchPad 4G coming to AT&T this summer with 1.5GHz CPU, won't support LTE Posted: 12 Jul 2011 09:50 AM PDT Funny what a number can do, eh? Just last month, we heard that a 3G model of HP's TouchPad would be coming to AT&T this summer, and now we're being told that it'll actually be called the TouchPad 4G. 4G as in HSPA+. Not 4G as in LTE. Got that? Good. Aside from the basics -- 32GB of internal storage, integrated GPS and HSPA+ / WiFi radios -- a newfangled 1.5GHz processor (up from 1.2GHz) will make its debut, hopefully improving those performance issues we saw during our review. Sadly, no one's spilling details on pricing or release, with the carrier simply affirming that it'll be on sale prior to the "back to school" season. We're guessing the Summer of 2011 is going to be quite the confusing time to be an in-store AT&T employee -- how exactly do you sell an actual 4G hotspot when you've got HSPA+ devices calling themselves the same? Oh, nomenclature. Show full PR text HP TouchPad 4G to Launch on AT&T Mobile Broadband Network Connected webOS tablet is a productivity powerhouse for businesses and consumers PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced that the HP TouchPad 4G(1) will be available exclusively in the United States on the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T, in time for back to school.(2) "It's particularly well suited for users who rely on connectivity in the field – from large corporations to small businesses and self-employed mobile professionals." With a faster 1.5-GHz processor, 32 GB of internal storage(3), integrated GPS(4) and AT&T wireless mobile broadband capabilities built in, the connected version of HP's first webOS tablet lets users browse the web, check email and get more done in more places – not just Wi-Fi hotspots. "TouchPad 4G is ideal for anyone who needs maximum flexibility for productivity on the go," said David Gee, vice president, Marketing and Enterprise Solutions, webOS, Personal Systems Group, HP. "It's particularly well suited for users who rely on connectivity in the field – from large corporations to small businesses and self-employed mobile professionals." "Consumers and small business customers are seeking cutting-edge mobile computing devices that offer easy access to the web and the ability to stay in touch with friends and clients on the go," said David Haight, vice president, Business Development, Emerging Devices, AT&T. "The TouchPad 4G is a sharp, multifunctional device that delivers the perfect set of features. Pairing it with the nation's fastest mobile broadband network and most extensive Wi-Fi network gives TouchPad 4G users the best mobile broadband experience in the market." AT&T's fast mobile broadband network will enable HP TouchPad 4G users to download large files quickly, stay on top of emails, and access favorite websites with ease. With AT&T's DataConnect Plans for Tablets, users can buy the prepaid or postpaid mobile broadband data service that fits their needs, whether they're an occasional user or want to stay connected all the time. HP TouchPad 4G users also will be able to take advantage of unlimited access to more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide with qualifying data plans.(5) With support for Adobe® Flash Player Beta; video calling capabilities; the ability to print wirelessly to compatible networked HP printers; Quickoffice to view Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files; and Adobe Reader to view PDFs, HP TouchPad is a true productivity powerhouse. It automatically syncs personal and work emails, contacts and calendars from sources such as Microsoft Exchange, Facebook and Google into a single view.(6) With webOS, TouchPad users also have a next-level multitasking experience, integrated access to their information with HP Synergy, the ability to find information on the device or the web using the Just Type feature, and unobtrusive notifications. HP TouchPad is designed to help users accomplish more, letting them connect, play, surf and share more easily. Optional accessories for HP TouchPad include the HP Touchstone Charging Dock, the HP TouchPad Wireless Keyboard and the HP TouchPad Case. U.S. pricing and availability The HP TouchPad 4G on the AT&T mobile broadband network will be available through HP commercial channels, AT&T Business Services and major retailers. Specific pricing and dates will be available at a later date.

TiVo app jumps from iPad to iPhone, adds support for Series3 and HD DVRs Posted: 12 Jul 2011 09:32 AM PDT A magazine ad revealed it was on the way, and today TiVo came through by releasing a version of its remote app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. v1.5 does more than just get the existing iPad interface ready for smaller screens, it also increases compatibility by adding "limited compatibility" (search, browse and schedule recordings, plus the virtual remote) with older TiVo Series3, TiVo HD and TiVo HD XL DVRs, as well as TiVo Premieres supplied by cable providers RCN and Suddenlink. Still waiting in the wings is the promised Android version -- unless you're in the UK. Check out the press release after the break or just click the iTunes link below and give it a download yourself, especially since even the TiVo-less can browse its wares thanks to a new guest mode. [Thanks, @BrennokBob & Larry] Show full PR text TiVo App for iPhone and iPod touch Offers Users a Pocket-Sized TiVo Companion "Guest Mode" Allows Non TiVo Users a Unique TiVo Experience ALVISO, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 07/12/2011 -- TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO), the creator of and a leader in advanced television services including digital video recorders (DVRs), today announced its TiVo® App is now available for iPhone and iPod touch. The TiVo App allows users to search, browse, explore and share comments about their favorite programs all without interrupting the programming currently playing on their TiVo box. Whether replacing the remote as a handheld digital console from the command of the couch or as an on-the-go show scheduler, the free TiVo App enhances the look and feel that TiVo users have come to know and love. TiVo combines the best of broadcast content and access to the world's largest on demand library from services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, Pandora and more. Whether TiVo users prefer on demand movies, web content or live TV, the TiVo App enhances the overall TiVo experience. Based on TiVo's signature TV experience, the TiVo App also brings intuitive remote control operations to the tips of users' fingers with simple gesture-based controls. Users can quickly uncover program guides and information, view, schedule and manage recordings, get recommendations, or even explore an actor's entire career with a single tap. The high-resolution screen and Retina Display of iPhone and iPod touch make viewing the onscreen navigation simple and easy. Since the controls are built right into the app, TiVo lovers never need to worry about losing the remote control to their entertainment universe. Features of the TiVo App include: NEW! Guest Mode -- Even if you don't currently have a TiVo DVR, you can still sample the TiVo experience through the new Guest Mode. Users can browse, search and scroll through program and channel guides and experience the simplicity of the TiVo interface. NEW! TiVo Series3™ Support* -- Now users who have TiVo Series3™, HD and HD XL DVRs can also download the app to browse, search and schedule recordings as well as make use of the reinvention of the TiVo remote. Gesture-based controls -- Take complete control of all recordings, even move forward and backward through a show with a simple tap or swipe. Program Guide -- Browse your full-screen TV program guide without interrupting TV viewing. Schedule -- Schedule one-time recordings and Season Pass® recordings from the device at home or on-the-go. Get more from your shows and movies -- Explore cast and crew and other recommendations of your favorite shows without interrupting the big screen. Search -- Search for all of your favorite TV shows, movies, actors or directors across both broadcast and broadband from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, and more. Share comments with your friends -- From within the TiVo App, comment and share your thoughts on your favorite programming on Facebook or Twitter. "As the maker of the world's first and only smart DVR, offering a brilliant TV experience, the TiVo App is an extension of TiVo's best-in-class user experience to iPhone and iPod touch users. By integrating these devices, the TiVo experience never leaves a users' side, allowing them a new way to access and interact with their TiVo DVR," said Jim Denney, vice president and general manager of product marketing for TiVo. "The new Guest Mode feature is an important addition, as even non-TiVo users have the opportunity to navigate and interact with TiVo's hallmark service and see what they've been missing." The TiVo App is available for free from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, or at www.itunes.com/appstore. The TiVo App for iPhone supports all high definition TiVo DVRs, including TiVo Premiere, Premiere XL, Series3™, HD and HD XL.* A valid TiVo user account is required for full functionality. For more information, please visit www.tivo.com/iphone. * TiVo Series3™, HD and HD XL DVR users will enjoy the app's guide, scheduling, remote control, search and explore features, but these users should anticipate a smaller set of features and capabilities than TiVo Premiere users. About TiVo Inc. Founded in 1997, TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO) developed the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). TiVo offers the TiVo service and TiVo DVRs directly to consumers online at www.TiVo.com and through third-party retailers. TiVo also distributes its technology and services through solutions tailored for cable, satellite and broadcasting companies. Since its founding, TiVo has evolved into the ultimate single solution media center by combining its patented DVR technologies and universal cable box capabilities with the ability to aggregate, search, and deliver millions of pieces of broadband, cable, and broadcast content directly to the television. An economical, one-stop-shop for in-home entertainment, TiVo's intuitive functionality and ease of use puts viewers in control by enabling them to effortlessly navigate the best digital entertainment content available through one box, with one remote, and one user interface, delivering the most dynamic user experience on the market today. TiVo also continues to weave itself into the fabric of the media industry by providing interactive advertising solutions and audience research and measurement ratings services to the television industry www.TiVo.com TiVo, TiVo Logo, Series3, and Season Pass are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. or its subsidiaries worldwide. ©2011 TiVo Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

AT&T becomes the first telco to use energy-efficient Bloom Box servers, will power 11 sites in California Posted: 12 Jul 2011 09:09 AM PDT Remember Bloom Energy servers, those low-cost, energy-efficient fuel cells born out of a scrapped NASA project? The company made a splashy debut last year, starting with a spot on 60 Minutes and a long list of early-adopting corporate heavyweights like FedEx, Walmart, Google, Coca-Cola, Staples, and eBay. Since then, we haven't heard much from the company, but today she's back -- AT&T says it will be the first telco to use these refrigerator-sized servers to power its operations. For now, the company's planning on using the technology to run 11 sites in California, a move AT&T says will cut its carbon dioxide emissions in half and virtually eliminate SOx, NOx, and other smog-forming particles. All told, its servers should produce 62 million kWh of power annually -- once all of these servers are fully up and running sometime in the middle of next year, that is. We say good on AT&T, though we'll really be stoked when these things start lighting up more average Joe homes. Show full PR text AT&T to Power 11 California Sites with Bloom Energy Fuel Cells Bloom Energy Servers expected to produce 7.5 MW of cleaner power for AT&T facilities Dallas, Texas, Click here to enter City, California, July 12, 2011 AT&T* and Bloom Energy Corporation announced today that Bloom Energy will install Bloom Energy Servers, or Bloom Boxes, at eleven AT&T sites in California. AT&T is the first telecommunications service provider to utilize Bloom Energy Servers to help power their operations. Through the use of this breakthrough solid oxide fuel cell technology, the Bloom Boxes will provide 7.5 megawatts (MW) of clean, reliable, affordable onsite power that reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 50% compared to the grid and virtually eliminates all SOx, NOx, and other harmful smog forming particulate emissions. "AT&T is committed to finding more sustainable ways to power our business operations as part of our efforts to incorporate alternative and renewable energy sources into our energy portfolio. Bloom Energy provided us with a solution that was not only cost comparable but also allows us to minimize environmental impact," said John Schinter, director of energy, AT&T. Once fully operational these Bloom Boxes are expected to produce over 62 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy annually-enough to power over 5,600 homes per year. The Bloom Energy installations will be deployed at 11 AT&T facilities in California including; Corona, Fontana, Hayward, Pasadena, Redwood City, Rialto, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Jose, and San Ramon. "Bloom Energy is excited to be working with AT&T in helping to achieve their corporate sustainability goals," said Bill Thayer, Executive Vice President of Sales and Service at Bloom Energy. "With a shared vision of reliability, environmental stewardship, and innovation, Bloom Energy and AT&T's collaborative efforts are sure to make an impact throughout their facilities in California." The Bloom Energy Server installations will begin later this year, and will be fully operational by mid 2012. Bloom Boxes contain stacked fuel cells and will convert air and natural gas into electricity through a clean electrochemical process. The high efficiency of the Boxes will help AT&T avoid approximately 250 million pounds of CO2 emissions, equivalent to removing over 3700 cars from the road. AT&T recently released their 2010 Sustainability Report highlighting the company's energy commitments, which include reaching nearly 3 million annual kWh of solar energy production in 2010 and contracting for an additional 19 solar deployments in 2011. AT&T is committed to integrating sustainable business practices across its business and was recently added to Corporate Responsibility Magazine's 12th Annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens List. AT&T was also included in the 2010 Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI) and in Carbon Disclosure Project's (CDP) 2010 Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI.) Visit www.att.com/csr to learn more about sustainability at AT&T. Also visit www.att.com/csr to download the 2010 AT&T Sustainability Report. *AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

Google teases Photovine, slides back into image sharing Posted: 12 Jul 2011 08:46 AM PDT Remember when Google acquired Slide way back in 2010? A year after coasting smoothly down the chute into Mountain View, the social gaming company has finally begun to make a splash, launching Prizes (beta) last week, and now teasing Photovine, a social networking app that lets you connect with people through photo-driven themes. You could participate in a vine about your crazy weekend at the lake, join other users in a thread of kitten shots, or share unboxing pics of a new gadget while comparing regional discrepancies with users from around the world. For now, Photovine is little more than an amateurish three-page website with a brief FAQ and a somewhat-hidden reference to Slide and Google, but the service's objective seems to be on-point, and it has potential to attract a diverse group of users. We look forward to watching the vine bud and grow after its yet-to-be-announced public launch, but head over to the source link for a more detailed look in the meantime. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

LG Optimus Pro surfaces, dressed for your next business meeting (video) Posted: 12 Jul 2011 08:23 AM PDT Poor RIM -- everybody wants a piece of the BlackBerry pie, as the company attempts to maintain its position as the face of business-minded smartphones in an era ruled by iPhones and Android devices. It's tough to avoid mentioning the company when looking at these shots unearthed by Italy's Android World blog of the forthcoming LG Optimus Pro, whose form factor ought to prove comfortably familiar to BlackBerry devotees. According to the site, the Gingerbread device has a 2.8 inch screen, a three megapixel camera, an 800MHz processor, and will run €179 ($249) in that country. Not much more info is available at present, but there's a video after the break, and the source link has a few more shots, if you need help imagining it in your hand at your next board meeting.

Freescale expands its family of i.MX50 chips, goes beyond e-readers this time Posted: 12 Jul 2011 08:03 AM PDT We had a feeling that Freescale was onto something when it debuted the i.MX508, a system-on-a-chip that carried the promise of $150 e-readers (and the reality of $129 ones). Given that, we can see where the execs at Freescale would be feeling a bit heady, and might wonder where else they could help push down prices. That's exactly what we have here: the outfit is trotting out three new i.MX50 processors and, as you can see in that handy chart up there, they all sit even lower in the lineup than the low-cost i.MX508. Like the i.MX508, they all pack an 800HMz ARM Cortex-A8 processor, among other similar specs. The new i.MX507, in particular, resembles the i.MX508 in that it's designed to work with E Ink displays, though it lacks graphics acceleration, and Freescale imagines it'll instead find a home in outdoor signs and smart labels. Moving on down the line, the i.MX502 and the i.MX503 were both intended for devices with LCD -- not electronic paper -- displays, with the latter offering OpenVG graphics acceleration. If Freescale's predictions are on the money, you'll find the lower-end i.MX502 in DECT phones and vending machine displays, and the i.MX503 in personal navigators and medical monitoring tablets, among other use cases. For now, companies are sampling the chips, but they'll start shipping later this quarter for a song -- less than $10 for the i.MX502 at volume cost. Full PR after the break, and lots more technical details at the source link. Show full PR text New Freescale i.MX platform extends to advanced, low-power display applications i.MX50 processors with software and dedicated power management IC provide single-source solutions that streamline development and help speed time-to-market AUSTIN, Texas, Jul 11, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Building on its leadership in the eReader market and strong penetration into consumer and general embedded spaces, Freescale Semiconductor FSL -2.33% is expanding its portfolio of i.MX applications processors that integrate hardware-based display controllers and ARM(R) Cortex(TM)-A8 cores with three new members of the i.MX50 product family that enable compelling end devices featuring LCD and/or electronic paper displays (EPDs). Combined with Freescale's complementary new MC34708 power management IC (PMIC), this highly optimized platform helps speed time to market and allows customers to buy right-sized, easy-to-use solutions for their specific applications. The incorporation of hardware-based display control technology is a hallmark of the i.MX50 product family. Freescale announced the initial member of the family last year with the introduction of the i.MX508 system-on-chip (SoC). Designed to bolster and extend Freescale's processing leadership for the growing eReader market, the i.MX508 was the first SoC to integrate advanced ARM Cortex-A8 technology with a hardware-based display controller from E Ink. Offering high resolution, easy readability and exceptional energy efficiency, EPDs allow systems designers to create exciting new display-based products that deliver ultra-low power consumption and extremely long battery life. EPD technology is ideal for applications such as digital signage, kiosks and home/office automation equipment for which "always-on" functionality is essential. Freescale's i.MX50 family of applications processors provides optimal design flexibility and efficiency. Ample memory bandwidth helps i.MX50 processors enable faster memory connections for optimized system performance. Integrating an enhanced pixel processing pipeline (ePxP) and the OpenVG(TM) hardware accelerator, the devices allow customers to display advanced graphics and UIs with minimal CPU overhead. An integrated, enhanced LCD interface offers maximum display flexibility, supporting even the simultaneous deployment of EPD and LCD displays in a single end product. The i.MX50 processors support LCD displays with resolution up to 1280 x 1024 pixels (SGXA). "Freescale is delivering comprehensive, optimized solutions with power savings and flexible design features, allowing customers one-stop shopping, ease-of-use and quick time to market," said Ken Obuszewski, director of product marketing for Freescale's Multimedia Applications Division. "Our new i.MX50 devices offer an outstanding solution for simplified display applications, and now with a comprehensive portfolio to choose from, customers can pick the best option for their specific product needs." The i.MX508 is currently in production, and the additional i.MX50 products are sampling now, with volume availability expected to follow later in Q3 2011. The i.MX502 is the lowest-cost processor offering, and at less than $10 USD (MSRP), provides support for high performance, LCD-based applications such as vending machines and DECT phones. The i.MX503 supports OpenVG acceleration and is ideal for portable products requiring more advanced user interfaces such as medical monitoring tablets and PNDs. The i.MX507 and i.MX508 products both support the EPD controller, with different levels of graphics capabilities for targeted EPD markets. "E Ink is collaborating with Freescale to integrate hardware, simplify design and lower overall system costs," said Giovanni Mancini, director of product management for E Ink Holdings. "This collaboration is creating new markets for ePaper/semiconductor solutions." Freescale plans to offer an i.MX50 evaluation kit (EVK), as well as an eReader reference design. Both development solutions include customized board support packages to streamline development. Complementary power management IC Freescale's commitment to system-level development support for the i.MX50 family also includes power management technology. Designed specifically for use with the i.MX50 family as well as the i.MX53 product line, Freescale's new MC34708 PMIC features a high level of integration targeted toward single-cell Li-ion applications. The MC34708 incorporates a number of power supplies to support the i.MX processor, as well as an array of system peripheral ICs. An integrated dual-input switching charger allows for faster charge time from either direct input supply or USB input, where it supports auto-charge modes compliant with the universal charging standard. An integrated mini/micro-USB switch allows for porting of audio, UART and USB through a single connector, reducing system cost and enabling a more streamlined aesthetic design. Additional features include a coulomb counter, general purpose 10-bit ADC, real time clock with backup battery and charger, indicator LED drivers and six GPIO ports. The MC34708 PMIC also can be used in a number of non-battery powered applications where the charger buck is used for supplemental supply generation. A family of products designed to target varying levels of integration aligned to specific end applications are planned to follow the MC34708. Development support Freescale's i.MX50 and MC34708 solutions are available as reference designs with full software BSPs and backed by integrated technical support. The i.MX50 EVK is a single board solution with optional display add-ons. Freescale also offers a Smart Application Blueprint for Rapid Engineering (SABRE) platform for eReaders reference design and Linux and Android(TM) software for fast time to market. Availability and pricing Samples of the i.MX502, i.MX503 and i.MX507 are available now and start at $9.97 USD suggested resale for 10K units. The MC34708 also is sampling now and is available in both 8mm x 8mm 0.5mm pitch BGA and 13mm x 13mm 0.8mm pitch BGA versions. The 10K suggested resale on the 13mm x13mm device is $4.04 USD, with the 8mm x8mm device at $3.74 USD in the same volume. The i.MX50 EVK, SABRE platform for eReaders, and supporting software are also available now from Freescale. For more information, visit www.freescale.com/imx50

BlackBerry Bold 9930 blows through the FCC, GSM and CDMA on board Posted: 12 Jul 2011 07:43 AM PDT It looks like the BlackBerry Bold 9930 just finagled its way through the FCC, indicating the touchscreen, portrait QWERTY handset may be nearing release. This globe-trotting sibling of the 9900 comes packing a dual-band CDMA radio and a quad-band GSM tuner -- in addition to the standard WiFi and Bluetooth antennae, and the increasingly popular NFC. Of course, being an FCC filing in which most identifying information has been removed, this is a bit of a guessing game. But, judging by the radios on board and the sketch of the label placement, it sure seems like the BlackBerry 7 OS-toting 9930 to us.

AT&T revamps global data packages, gives international travelers (slightly) more for their money Posted: 12 Jul 2011 07:41 AM PDT Let's face it: roaming internationally, particularly when it comes to mobile data, is a terrible decision. And we've got the breakdown to prove it. Thankfully for you, said decision just became marginally less terrible thanks to a handful of plan revisions from AT&T. The new international data package tiers are slightly less galling than the ones they're replacing, but they're hardly what we'd consider a bargain. Folks looking to roam overseas in around 100 qualified nations will see $24.99 / month net them 50MB of global data (up from 20MB), while $49.99 / month gets 'em 125MB (up from 50MB). The $99.99 monthly package provides 275MB (up from 100MB), while the $199.99 / month tier offers 800MB of data (up from 200MB). Even still, the avid jetsetter can blow through 800MB in a single workday abroad, and none of these new options hold a candle to an unlimited rental from a firm like Xcom Global. Still, it's a huge relief to see a major US carrier moving international data rates in the right direction, and hopefully we'll see sensible figures published in our lifetime. The world ain't gettin' any smaller, you know? P.S. - We're still waiting to hear back on whether your existing global data plan will include a higher amount of data per-dollar. Show full PR text International Travelers Can Use A Lot More Data With New Global Packages From AT&T Available July 17, New Packages Will Offer Better Value and More than Double the Data Allowance in Over 100 Countries Dallas, Texas, July 12, 2011 AT&T* today announced a new lineup of AT&T Data Global Add-On packages that will make it more affordable than ever for wireless customers to enjoy data services while traveling internationally. Launching July 17, the upgraded packages** give customers more than double the data allowance of current packages and offer additional savings. The new international data package tiers are: * 50MB package for $24.99/month compared to the current 20MB package for $24.99/month * 125MB package for $49.99/month compared to the current 50MB package for $59.99/month * 275MB package for $99.99/month compared to the current 100MB package for $119.99/month * 800MB package for $199.99/month compared to the current 200MB package for $199.99/month Designed to give customers the freedom and flexibility to use data abroad, without having to search for a Wi-Fi hotspot, the new packages make it more convenient and affordable for international travelers to use their smartphone, tablet or laptop to stay in touch via email, update their status on popular social networking sites and enjoy convenient access to information such as maps and directions. "Mobile data is a huge part of our customers' wireless experience-whether they are in the United States or traveling around the globe," said Bill Hague, executive vice president of International, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "We've long offered more phones that can be used internationally than our competitors, and now we're delivering industry-leading value with redesigned international data packages." AT&T's wireless customers enjoy a robust selection of world phones and international discount data, messaging and voice packages, along with the broadest global coverage of any U.S. wireless provider. With voice service in more than 220 countries, AT&T customers can travel around the globe and make and receive calls on the same wireless number they use at home. AT&T also offers data roaming service (email, web browsing) in more than 200 countries, including 3G speeds in more than 140 countries, including Japan and South Korea. Coverage is also available on more than 140 major cruise ships. For more information on other AT&T international services, including discount packages for messaging, voice and international long distance services, as well as travel tips, visit www.att.com/global.

Zoom H2n portable recorder touts five internal mics, adjustable recording range Posted: 12 Jul 2011 07:00 AM PDT We'd hazard a guess that just a couple of things evolved in the portable audio world from the year 2007. That's when the original Zoom H2 SD launched, and it's become somewhat of a staple in the years since. Now, some four years later, it's time for a refresh. The outfit's launching the Zoom H2n today, complete with a bolder design, five "studio-quality" microphones and a foursome of recording modes: Mid-Side (MS) stereo, 90° X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel surround sound. The standout feature, however, is its ability to widen and narrow one's recording range on the fly. For reporters, you can hone in on the interviewee and block out other reporters / crowd noise, while concert goers can adjust to target audio from just the singer. Other specs include a 1.8-inch LCD, built-in reference speaker, USB 2.0 connectivity and a thing for pushing through for 20 full hours on a single set of AA cells. It'll sell for $199 when it ships this September, but you'll see that figure head north should you decide to pick up an optional accessory pack with windscreen, tripod, protective case, and remote control. Zoom H2n portable recorder Show full PR text Zoom H2n Handy Recorder. Enjoy the new standard. First and only portable recorder with five studio-quality microphones onboard Hauppauge, NY – (July 12, 2011) – Representing a new generation of portable recording, the H2n is Zoom's most innovative handheld recorder to date. We've packed groundbreaking features into an ultra-portable device that allows you to record pristine audio anywhere you go. The H2n features our best microphones yet and is the only portable recorder with five studio-quality microphones onboard. This design enables the H2n to offer four unique recording modes: Mid-Side (MS) stereo, a technique used for many years in film and broadcast, 90° X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel surround sound. With its newly designed user interface, 1.8-inch backlit LCD display for crystal-clear monitoring and built-in reference speaker that allows you to playback recordings on the spot, the H2n is remarkably easy to use in any application. "A lot of people are going to be knocked-out when they use this device, but we're really interested in seeing the response from the film and broadcast industries," says Scott Goodman, President of Samson. "Mid-Side miking has been used in those industries since the '80s, but it's never been available in a handheld recorder." Further enhancing its flexibility and convenience, the H2n provides over 20 hours of continuous operation on just two standard AA alkaline batteries. In addition, the H2n features a new data recovery function and a High-Speed USB 2.0 interface. You can even use the H2n as a USB microphone and record directly to your computer. No matter the application, the H2n brings the very best in stereo recording to a convenient, user-friendly package that fits in your pocket. Zoom H2n Handy Recorder. The new standard in portable recording. The H2n will be available September 2011 for $199.

Samsung Romania's Twitter account either leaked the next Nexus or just reposted some blog rumors Posted: 12 Jul 2011 06:45 AM PDT So far rumors of the next Nexus phone have been mostly whispered and unverifiable, but they appeared to get a strong confirmation when confirmation and specs were spotted on the Samsung Romania Twitter account (@SamsungMobileRO). Romanian business paper ZF grabbed the tweets saying the Nexus Prime would feature a Super AMOLED HD (1280 x 720) screen and Android 4.0 when it ships later this year, however when contacted, Samsung reps deleted them and claimed the information originated from an outside source. That outside source could be a rumor posted on the Boy Genius Report the day before mentioning the same specs, as well as the possibility of "halo" Ice Cream Sandwich phones from HTC and Motorola at the same time. For now we'll lean towards believing the company line, but if any of the Samsung social media accounts ever cough an accidental DM or two (who hasn't done it?) we'll consider them more carefully. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

AT&T shipping HSPA+ / LTE USBConnect Momentum 4G and Elevate 4G this summer Posted: 12 Jul 2011 06:30 AM PDT So, summertime it is. Not only is the livin' e-zee, but staying connected at an even higher rate of speed should be as well for those situated on Ma Bell's network. AT&T has just confirmed that a duo of HSPA + / LTE WWAN devices will be shipping within the next few months, with the USBConnect Momentum 4G offering plug-and-play access to both high-speed networks and the Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G acting as a liaison for up to five nearby WiFi devices. The former is nothing more than a rebranded Sierra Wireless AirCard 313U -- the same oversized (and we mean oversized) device that launched on Rogers' own LTE network just days ago in Canada. Aside from being large enough to double as a cricket bat, the dongle features a microSD card slot, works with Mac and PC platforms and supports roaming in over 200 nations -- not that you'll be silly enough to actually take advantage, though. Moreover, those using the card will get gratis access to AT&T's growing WiFi network if using a post-paid data plan. Moving on, the carrier's first 4G LTE mobile hotspot device (yeah, that'd be the AT&T Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G) will include a 1.77-inch display for showing just how few megabytes you have left on your plan, support for five simultaneous connections and the ability to seamlessly hop between HSPA+ and LTE. AT&T will begin selling the AT&T USBConnect Momentum 4G for $49.99 with two-year contract after a $50 mail-in-rebate, while the Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G will be available for $69.99 with a similar deal. The company's not going any further than stating a "summer" ship date, and despite our pleading, we can't get anything more solid out of 'em. Naturally, it'll be folks in Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and San Antonio enjoying the LTE spoils first, with ten more cities to be blessed by the end of the year. Too bad it's still not saying what kind of scratch will be required on a month-to-month basis. AT&T USBConnect Momentum 4G and Elevate 4G Show full PR text 4G LTE Devices To Arrive For AT&T Customers New 4G LTE-Compatible USBConnect and Mobile Hotspot Devices Coming This Summer Dallas, Texas, July 12, 2011 Key Facts * AT&T* customers can soon purchase two new 4G LTE devices1, the AT&T USBConnect Momentum 4G and AT&T Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G. * The AT&T USBConnect Momentum 4G features plug-and-play installation of AT&T Communication Manager and access to AT&T's entire national Wi-Fi network.2 * The AT&T Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G includes a 1.77-inch display and connects up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices to the Internet. * Both devices offer an expandable memory slot that supports microSD cards up to 32 GB and global connectivity with data roaming in more than 200 countries.3 * AT&T plans to launch 4G LTE service in five markets this summer – Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio - and extend it to at least 15 markets and to cover 70 million Americans by the end of 2011. Customer Benefits With plug-and-play installation that takes about 60 seconds to complete on WindowsAT&T Mobile Hotspot 4G computers, AT&T USBConnect Momentum 4G customers can access 4G LTE speeds, where available, and when out of range have access to AT&T's nationwide HSPA+ network, delivering 4G speeds when combined with enhanced backhaul. They can also take advantage of unlimited usage on AT&T's entire national Wi-Fi network if using a post-paid data plan, and manage their connections and data usage with the preloaded AT&T Communication Manager. The company's first 4G LTE mobile hotspot device, the AT&T Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G, allows access to 4G LTE speeds on up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices in select markets. Email, browse, download presentations and more when you're out and about – without skipping a beat no matter if you are on LTE or AT&T's nationwide HSPA+ network. With no software to install and an LCD screen to guide you, setting up AT&T Mobile Hotspot is fast and easy. Just power it up and connect your laptop using the Wi-Fi network name and security key displayed on the screen. Easily view device and connection status on the LCD, including battery status, signal strength, and data usage. In addition to 4G speeds and an expandable memory slot, both Sierra Wireless-manufactured devices support global connectivity in more than 200 countries at international roaming rates. Quotes "AT&T recognizes that customers want a consistent, responsive network performance from major cities to their neighborhood. Our deployment of 4G LTE technology backed by our nationwide HSPA+ network allows us to give customers a superior mobile broadband experience today and for years to come," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "As we begin to roll out our 4G LTE network this year, AT&T customers will be able to choose from several new LTE devices, starting with the AT&T USBConnect Momentum 4G and AT&T Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G." Price and Availability AT&T will begin selling the AT&T USBConnect Momentum 4G in black and silver for $49.99 with two-year contract after a $50 mail-in-rebate. The AT&T Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G will be available in black for $69.99 with 2-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate. AT&T expects both devices will be available this summer online and in company-owned retail stores. LTE Roadmap AT&T recently announced plans to roll out its 4G LTE network in five markets – Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio – later this summer. Customers with compatible devices and 4G LTE coverage in those markets will be able to enjoy access to 4G LTE speeds as AT&T's 4G LTE network is turned up. As AT&T rolls out 4G LTE, customers outside of its 4G LTE footprint will have access to AT&T's HSPA+ network. When combined with enhanced backhaul, HSPA+ enables 4G speeds that are up to four times faster than AT&T's already fast mobile broadband speeds. Because AT&T has taken the extra step of deploying HSPA+ technology with enhanced backhaul, its customers will have access to consistently fast mobile broadband speeds when moving out of 4G LTE areas. By the end of 2011, AT&T plans to offer 4G LTE to customers in at least 15 markets, covering 70 million Americans. In addition, the company plans to add 20 4G devices to its portfolio this year, with some of those being LTE compatible. Learn more about AT&T's LTE network, the AT&T USBConnect Momentum 4G and AT&T Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G at http://www.att.com/, www.att.com/attusbconnectmomentum4g and www.att.com/attmobilehotspotelevate4g. AT&T USBConnect Momentum 4G Specifications * LTE (700/AWS) * HSPA+/HSPA/UMTS (850/1900/2100 MHz) * EDGE/GPRS (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) * Expandable Memory: MicroSD up to 32 GB * GPS capable * Dimensions: 2.6' L x 1.02' W x 0.51' H * Weight: Approximately 1.06 ounces * OS Support: Apple® Mac® OS (v10.5 or later), Microsoft ® Windows® 7, Vista®, XP SP3 (32 bit only) AT&T Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G Specifications * LTE (700/AWS) * HSPA+/HSPA (850/1900/2100 MHz) * EDGE/GPRS (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) * Wi-Fi® 802.11 b/g/n * WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) enabled * Display: 1.77 inches, 160x128 pixels color LCD * Web UI for settings and advanced features * GPS capable * Dimensions: 3.8" L x 2.2" W x 0.7" D * Weight: 3.6 ounces * Battery: 1800 mAh * Expandable Memory: MicroSD™ up to 32 GB * Use time: Up to 5hours * Supported OS: Windows® 7, Windows Vista®, Windows XP, Mac® OS (v10.5 or later), Ubuntu Linux® 9.04 *AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. 1. Limited 4GLTE availability in select markets. 4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ (with enhanced backhaul) and LTE, where available. Compatible data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at att.com/network. 2. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for details and locations. 3. International Roaming: Requires compatible device. Availability, quality of coverage and service while roaming are not guaranteed. International roaming rates apply outside the U.S.

Panasonic intros rugged Toughbook H2 tablet, steps up to Core i5 and full-sized ports Posted: 12 Jul 2011 06:00 AM PDT When Panasonic unveiled the Toughbook H1 tablet last year, it at least got the tough part down pat. This Windows 7 slate had a magnesium alloy chassis and met the military's MIL-STD-810G standards for shock, dust, heat, water, and cold resistance -- comforting claims for construction workers, soldiers, and pretty much anyone used to working in the wild (or, at least, standing up). The problem was, it ran on a dinky Atom processor, and left the rugged types using it with just one miniature port for attaching peripherals. Clearly, Panny agreed those were some serious shortcomings, because the brand new H2 goes a wee bit beyond mere spec bumps. The latest generation leaps forward to a 1.7GHz Core i5-2557M ULV processor with Intel's vPro technology, along with USB 2.0 and serial sockets, and space for either a second USB port or an Ethernet jack. At the entry-level (!) price of $3,449, you'll get a 10-inch (XGA), 6,000-nit display, 4GB of RAM, a removable 320GBGB 7200RPM shock-mounted hard drive, WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1 radios, and twin swappable batteries that promise up to six and a half hours of runtime. After that, the list of possible add-ons runs long for corporations and government agencies with deep pockets. These include up to 8GB of memory, a 128GB SSD, Gobi 3G or 4G radio (the latter's coming in the fall), GPS, barcode or RFID reader, 2 megapixel camera, an insertable or contact-less SmartCard reader, or a fingerprint sensor. Good thing the boss is treating, huh? Update : Lots of you are asking about the weight. Here's your answer, folks: it's 3.5 pounds, compared with 3.4 pounds for the last-gen H1. Panasonic Toughbook H2 Show full PR text PANASONIC INTRODUCES TOUGHBOOK® H2 – FASTER, MORE VERSATILE RUGGED HANDHELD TABLET COMPUTER Next-generation device offers enhanced performance, capacity and outdoor viewability for mission-critical professionals Secaucus, NJ, July 12, 2011 – Panasonic Solutions Company, provider of collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for government and commercial enterprises, today announced the Toughbook H2, a fully-rugged, ergonomic Windows® tablet PC. The device's handheld design offers the right mix of mobility, performance and connectivity for field service workers, first responders, clinicians and other mission-critical professionals. This next-generation tablet includes an enhanced processor, increased RAM and hard drive capacity, I/O ports and a screen that delivers exceptional viewability in all lighting conditions through the use of Panasonic's TransflectivePlus technology. The Toughbook H2 is powered by an Intel® Core™ i5-2557M vPro™ processor (1.7GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz) for faster speeds and enhanced device management. The device also comes standard with 4GB RAM, expandable to 8GB, and a 320GB 7200rpm hard disk drive, with an optional 128GB solid state drive available. Starting at only 3.5 pounds, the H2 delivers 6.5 hours of battery life and includes fast charging twin hot-swappable batteries that allow for virtually limitless use, maximizing up time. Panasonic has also upgraded the desktop cradle to improve charge time to three hours. "Panasonic is committed to providing our customers the ultimate in performance, mobility and connectivity," said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Solutions Company. "The Toughbook H2's enhancements are designed to provide mission-critical workers with additional functionality and computing capabilities. The H2 maintains the same level of durability as the previous models and continues the H1's industry-leading reliability of less than one percent annualized failure rate." Designed for the Truly Mobile Worker The Panasonic Toughbook H2 includes a 10.1" dual touch display that offers both digitizer and touchscreen functionality. The display also features Panasonic's TransflectivePlus display technology, which can generate up to 6000 nit of transflective brightness, in addition to a circular polarizer, plus anti-glare and anti-reflective screen treatments, making it easily viewable in direct sunlight. The Toughbook H2 offers exceptional ergonomics, including a molded hand strap, which allows workers to comfortably stand or carry the device for an entire shift. As a fully-rugged device, the Toughbook H2 is MIL-STD-810G tested – with a six foot drop rating. It is designed to be operational in extreme weather conditions and is engineered and certified for vehicle use. Toughbook H2 in Healthcare For healthcare environments, the Toughbook H2 has been designed for easy disinfection, and does not require a fan, reducing the risk of potentially pathogenic microorganisms being spread from patient to patient. The device is a secure and intuitive platform for barcode medication administration (BCMA), vitals capture and electronic medical records (EMR) capture and review. To further aid in disinfection, a Panasonic-designed software utility can be programmed to remind users to wipe the unit down at defined intervals. The utility automatically records a successful cleaning for the hospital's permanent records. Embedded Wireless Connectivity The Toughbook H2 offers a variety of embedded wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® and optional Gobi2000™ 3G mobile broadband technology from Qualcomm. The device is certified on the Sprint and Verizon Wireless 3G networks – with others to be announced later in the year – allowing workers to stay connected virtually all of the time. With certifications coming later this year, the Toughbook H2 will also offer embedded support for 4G networks. Integrated Features to Maximize Productivity The Toughbook H2 includes optional integrated features like barcode and RFID readers, camera and GPS receiver to enhance worker productivity and minimize the number of devices in the field. Additional accessories include carrying cases, shoulder straps, power adapters, charging cradles and a Toughbook-certified vehicle dock. The Toughbook H2 includes multiple security features, including options for a fingerprint reader, contactless or insertable SmartCard reader for government common access cards (CACs), helping to ensure that critical data is kept secure. Panasonic Toughbook H2: Select Features and Specifications Genuine Windows 7® (32-bit or 64-bit) Intel® Core™ i5-2557M vPro™ processor (1.7GHz) 4-8GB RAM 320GB (7200rpm) shock-mounted HHD or optional 128GB SSD 10.1" XGA sunlight-viewable dual touch LCD TransflectivePlus technology (up to 6000 nit) Circular polarizer with anti-glare and anti-reflective screen treatments 6.5 hour battery life Twin hot-swappable batteries 3.5 lbs (with both batteries) 10.8" (L) x 10.6" (W) x 2.3" (H) Fully-Rugged MIL-STD-810G certified (6 foot drop)1 Magnesium alloy chassis – encased in polycarbonate Sealed all-weather design Embedded Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n Bluetooth® v2.1 + EDR (Class 1) Optional 4G mobile broadband (Fall 2011) Optional Gobi™2000 3G mobile broadband Integrated Options Global positioning system (GPS) receiver Barcode reader 2MP auto-focus camera with LED light RFID reader Interfaces True serial USB (optional 2nd USB port – replaces ethernet) Ethernet Optional Security Features Fingerprint reader Contactless SmartCard reader Insertable SmartCard reader – configurable for Common Access Card (CAC) use Pricing and Availability The Panasonic Toughbook H2 will be available worldwide in July 2011. In the United States, the base Toughbook H2 model is expected to be available at an estimated street price of $3,449 from authorized Panasonic resellers and distributors. The Toughbook H2 is backed with a three-year limited warranty.

Ben Heck's Xbox 360 automatic disc changer mod targets lazy gamers (video) Posted: 12 Jul 2011 05:09 AM PDT The latest creation from modder extraordinaire Benjamin J. Heckendorn? This mashup of an Xbox 360, Maker Faire-provided Arduino board and a Sony CD changer lets gamers play their entire collection without ever needing to leave the couch again. The latest episode of The Ben Heck Show takes viewers through the build process in a bit under 19 minutes, but leaves the device still needing a bit of polish in the end. Sponsor element14 is offering motivated viewers a chance to with this and finish it off properly as they see fit, removing the hassle of L.A. Noire disc swaps once and for all without buying a PS3. The video, and press release with details on how to win the as-yet unfinished project for yourself, can be found after the break. Show full PR text Modding Guru Pairs Xbox 360 and CD Disc Changer to Create the Ultimate "Lazy Man's" Gaming Tool in element14's "The Ben Heck Show" Show commemorates element14's two-year birthday and gives viewers the opportunity to win and mod Ben's latest project CHICAGO, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- element14, the first collaborative community and electronics store for design engineers and electronics enthusiasts, and modding guru Benjamin J. Heckendorn, a.k.a. Ben Heck, create the ultimate "lazy man's" gaming tool on the latest episode of "The Ben Heck Show." The newest modding feat – an automatic video game disc changer – gives gaming junkies access to multiple discs at one time, resulting in uninterrupted game play. "Let's face it – everyone calls us video gamers lazy. Not true, of course. I'm sure it's just a 'coincidence' that this particular build has been one of the more popular requests we've gotten for the show," said Ben. "Couch potatoes unite!" The episode follows Ben's mechanically and electronically intricate build process, focusing on replacing the DVD drive in the Xbox 360™ with the changer's CD player and disc carousel and configuring the casing and components to ensure discs load properly into the player. Ben also spends a significant amount of time on programming, replacing the existing electronics to streamline the switches that control the CD cycle, as well as sensors that allow for the disc changer control. "Modders and gaming enthusiasts alike will enjoy this episode, as it displays Ben's signature mix of ingenuity and practicality," said Kevin Yapp, chief marketing officer, Premier Farnell. "This episode also commemorates element14's second birthday, and I'd like to thank the viewers and fans of 'The Ben Heck Show' for helping to make the element14 community such a successful collaborative resource." Another unique aspect of this episode is that Ben leaves the project unfinished, allowing viewers to enter for a chance to win the automatic video game changer to "mod Ben's mod" and finish the project to their own liking. In honor of element14's two-year anniversary, 214 prizes will be awarded to new and existing community members during July. Show fans are invited to learn how they can win a Fluke Multimeter and other great giveaways. About "The Ben Heck Show" "The Ben Heck Show" is a bi-weekly online television series aired in English that's dedicated to the science and art of system and hardware modding with a global audience of design engineers, students and electronic enthusiasts. Sponsored exclusively by element14, each episode spotlights Ben's mods of popular electronic devices while educating viewers on the underlying technology powering each project. About element14 Launched in June 2009, element14 is the first information portal, collaborative community and electronics store specifically built for electronic design engineers. The community recently unveiled its element14 knode, a unique automated platform that enables engineers to quickly research, design, develop and prototype in a single, intelligent environment. element14 is an innovative offering from Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl), FTSE 250, a leader in multi-channel electronics distribution trading throughout Europe (Farnell), the Americas (Newark) and Asia Pacific (element14). The company had group sales of 990.8m pounds Sterling and underlying profits of 93.3m pounds last year. SOURCE element14 Back to top RELATED LINKS http://www.element14.com

It's official: Nortel patent sale approved by US and Canadian courts (updated) Posted: 12 Jul 2011 04:43 AM PDT Nortel was just looking for some quick cash when the company put its 6,000 telecommunications patents up for auction. Then Google decided that IP would make a mighty fine troll deterrent, and started a crazy bidding war to get it. A coalition of the willing -- including Apple, EMC, Ericsson, Microsoft, RIM, and Sony -- opposed Big G and paid $4.5 billion for the prize portfolio pending approval by the powers that be. Well, both Canadian and US bankruptcy judges just gave the purchase two thumbs up, and the deal is officially done. Now the question is whether the auction's victors will use these patents as a shield against those with trollish intentions or as a sword to strike at their enemies? Update: To clarify, the deal was only approved by the bankruptcy courts, and the US DOJ is examining the sale for its possible anti-competitive effects.

Bowers & Wilkins C5 headphones ooze luxury into your ear canals for $180 Posted: 12 Jul 2011 04:19 AM PDT Maybe you've wanted to step up your iPhone listening-game with Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones Maybe its $300 price tag or supra-aural fit just weren't appealing. Well then, maybe you'll be pleased hear about the company's new and extra-mobile $180 C5 noise-isolating in-ear headset. Crafted mostly from aluminum, its bullet-shaped earbuds look like a posh blend of the Zeppelin Air and Mini geared for mobile. The 'buds come equipped with an iDevice compatible inline remote / mic to get a handle on phone calls or swap though playlists, and have a few unique features to boot. To ensure a proper fit on-the-move, you'll find Secure Loops that can be adjusted to hug the inner cartilage of your ear, along with added heft (Tungsten Weighting) near the inner-ear side for a tight seal. Internally, there's a Micro Porous Filter to widen the perceived soundstage, while also preventing any leakage to folks around you. We'll be checking these out in due time, but for now, audio lovers will find full specs at B&W's website linked below. Show full PR text Bowers & Wilkins is proud to announce C5 in-ear, noise-isolating headphones C5 in-ear, noise-isolating headphones offer pristine sound quality on the move. The innovate Secure Loop design keeps C5 comfortably in place, and aids fit and performance. Plus the proprietary Micro Porous Filter enables C5 to produce a wonderfully open, natural performance, perfect for longer listening sessions. N. Reading, MA-July 11, 2011 B N. North Reading, MA-July 11, 2011 Bowers & Wilkins' debut of the C5 in-ear headphones brings the option of amazing clarity of sound, innovative design, and high-quality materials for the discerning customer who demands premium performance from in-ear headphones. Best in class sound quality is an attribute long associated with Bowers & Wilkins products. From the 800 Series Diamond to Zeppelin Air to the highly-regarded P5 mobile hi-fi headphones, Bowers & Wilkins products have stood out within their respective categories for 45 years. C5 takes this quality to a new arena: in-ear headphones. As with all Bowers & Wilkins products, C5 is a mixture of long-held acoustic principles and technological advances. Key among the advances is the Micro Porous Filter. This acts as a diffuser, enabling C5 to deliver pristine, natural audio, while also providing a more spacious performance than previously possible from in-ear headphones. It also has the advantage of limiting noise bleed, and together with the noise-isolating properties of the sealed fit, this allows users to lose themselves in flawless audio. Almost as vital as performance in the in-ear headphone arena is comfort and quality of fit. C5 addresses this with the introduction of the proprietary Secure Loop design, an ingenious innovation where a cushioned loop fixes quickly and comfortably in the inner ridge of the user's ear. This solution holds C5 in place for improved sound, and also makes it ideal for use on the move and during activities. The Secure Loop is infinitely adjustable, so it works perfectly with anyone's ears. Adding to this sense of comfort is C5's Tungsten Balanced design. Here, high-mass material is located closer to the user's ear, for an improved seal for better sound and noise isolation. Elsewhere C5 is crafted from high-grade aluminum for a premium-quality finish. C5 comes supplied with a Made For iPhone compatible cable, which is ideal for making calls on the move, and a quilted pouch for easy storage. For additional information visit: http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Headphones/Headphones/C5/product-details.html C5 is available August 2011 and will cost: $179.95 (U.S. & Canada)

Tokyoflash's Kisai Kaidoku LCD watch arrives 12 years too late for Neo, Trinity Posted: 12 Jul 2011 03:02 AM PDT There's something to be said about someone who'd rather strap an LCD full of words on their wrist instead of a tried-and-true pointer-based timepiece. Comically enough, that description is likely to flow across the LCD of Tokyoflash's new Kisai Kaidoku. This limited run watch is available with a black or white strap, and shockingly enough, was designed by a 15-year old by the name of Tynan Mayhew. The whole thing's water resistant, and the EL backlight enables nighttime viewing; unfortunately, it's hard to know just how long that CR2016 battery will last, but those who'd rather not think about such trivial matters can snag one now for $139.

Social x-ray glasses can decode emotions, make your blind dates less awkward Posted: 12 Jul 2011 01:18 AM PDT You may consider yourself a world-class liar, but a new pair of "social x-ray" glasses could soon expose you for the fraud you really are. Originally designed for people suffering from autism, these specs use a rice grain-sized camera to pick up on a person's 24 "feature points" -- facial expressions that convey feelings of confusion, agreement and concentration, among others. Once recognized, these signals are analyzed by software, compared against a database of known expressions and then relayed to users via an attached headphone. If their date starts to feel uncomfortable, a blinking red light lets them know that it's time to shut up. Rosalina Picard, an electrical engineer who developed the prototype with Rana el Kaliouby, acknowledged that her algorithm still needs some fine tuning, but told New Scientist that the glasses have already proved popular with autistic users, who often have difficulty deciphering others' body language. No word yet on when these social specs could hit the market, but they'll probably make us even more anti-social once they do.

Pew: Smartphone owners increasingly ignoring other devices to get online Posted: 12 Jul 2011 12:17 AM PDT Some more fun phone facts from the folks at Pew: 83 percent of American adults own a cellphone, 35 percent have a smartphone, and 87 of percent smartphone owners use their handset to browse the internet and read email, apparently having decided that the things are good for more than just making phone calls and keeping papers from blowing away. Also of interest is the fact that 28 percent of the 2,277 people surveyed actually use their small screen devices as their primary method for accessing the internet. It's worth noting that it's not a huge sample size we're working with here, so maybe hold off on declaring the PC dead -- still, it may be a sign of lots of squinting to come.

Panasonic debuts UT-PB1 e-reader tablet, spices it with Android flavor (video) Posted: 11 Jul 2011 11:14 PM PDT Listen up, bibliophiles. Current e-readers don't have enough pizazz for ya? Panasonic's Japan-bound prototype e-book reader tablet may just be your fancy. According to DigInfo, the UT-PB1 was recently shown-off at e-Book Expo Tokyo sporting a 7-inch 1024 x 600 display, micro SD slot, webcam, and WiFi, all running atop a dual-core processor. Being Android-based, there's confirmed support for basic apps like email, but it's hard to tell just how restricted customized the build will be. The reader will have 600 "previewable" titles to get you started, and Rakuten's e-book store will serve up content and real-time updates -- via a custom API -- in August when the service goes live. Panny's remaining coy about specific price and release details, but before you get back to that hardcover on your desk, head past the break to view it in action.

Cryptex flash drive uses combination lock sleeve, brings a whole new meaning to hardware encryption Posted: 11 Jul 2011 10:17 PM PDT 256-bit AES not doing it for ya? Now you can replace that dedicated-processor encryption with actual mechanical hardware, thanks to the Cryptex flash drive and its five-wheel combination lock sleeve. Modeled in AutoCAD and constructed using various glistening metals, the Cryptex's five-digit combination will keep prying eyes far from you sensitive files -- and, well, it just looks insanely awesome. Like many shiny objects that seem too good to be true, it's barely more than a concept at this point, so you'll have to settle for the digital version for now.

iOS 5 beta 3 already jailbroken, new features come to light Posted: 11 Jul 2011 09:41 PM PDT Who needs sleep, right? Rather than putting in the tried-and-true "eight hours" that your mum still insists that you get, you're going to be doing something a bit more adventurous this evening. Something involving a "jailbreak" of your recently updated iPod touch, iPhone or iPad. Just hours after Apple pushed out iOS 5 beta 3 to its developers, a Sn0wbreeze update has been confirmed to support jailbreaking on that very build. Sadly, it's still tethered for the time being, and the iPad 2 remains unsupported, but those with nerves of steel (and gobs of vacation days) can hit the source links to get started. Furthermore, we're just starting to see what kind of wacky tricks beta 3 has up its sleeve -- things like custom alerts for text messages and what appears to be a shattering of the app grid on the iPad. For more on that, hop on past the break; for more on the jailbreak, we'd encourage you to talk amongst yourselves in comments below. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) starts rolling out to Verizon's Droid Incredible 2 Posted: 11 Jul 2011 09:22 PM PDT Messin' with hacked ROMs? Fuhgetaboutit. HTC's Droid Incredible 2 is finally getting the Android 2.3 it has long deserved, with the luckiest of Verizon Wireless subscribers seeing the update pushed to their phones this evening. The update (coined 2.18.605.4) brings along performance improvements with mobile IM, solved Hotmail sync issues, better device connectivity, a built-in browser bookmark for the New York Times, the addition of the Wireless Charging UI and a new desktop dock app. Don't be shocked if it takes a week to get to your particular phone, but be sure to let us know how things go in comments once your turn arrives. [Thanks, Jimmy]

AMD announces the Radeon HD 6990M, has some pointed words for NVIDIA Posted: 11 Jul 2011 09:01 PM PDT Here are five words you've heard before: "the world's fastest notebook GPU." Why, NVIDIA made just that claim two weeks ago, when it touted the GeForce GTX 580M as the nimblest card this side of Pluto. Not so fast, says AMD. The outfit just unveiled the Radeon HD 6990M with DirectX11 and HD3D support, and it insists this is the speediest GPU on the block -- specifically, up to 25 percent faster than any other GPU that's been announced to the public. And yes, AMD's well aware of that 580M. Just like NVIDIA came out swinging, making pointed comparisons to the Radeon HD 6970M, AMD's got some fighting words of its own: the company says the 6990M can whip the 580M in the benchmark AvP and games such as Batman Arkham Asylum, Dragon Age 2, Shogun 2, BattleForge, Left 4 Dead, Metro2033, Wolfenstein MP, The Chronicles of Riddick, and ET: Quake Wars. We don't need to remind you that these numbers merely represent the story each company wants to tell. Still, you get the idea: these are the top-of-the-line cards each has to offer at the moment, and they'll likely be competing for space in your next gaming rig. As you can imagine, the 6990M joins other Radeon HD cards in supporting the company's Eyefinity technology, as well as GPU app acceleration. Let it be known, too, that while the 6990M supplants the popular 6970M as far as performance claims go, AMD tells us the 6970M will still be available for the foreseeable future. Speaking of availability, the 6990M will be offered in the Alienware M18x -- right alongside NVIDIA's 580M. Additionally, you'll find it packed inside Clevo's P170HM and P150HM. And you didn't think we forgot about specs, did you? Head on past the break to find the full PR, along with a handful of technical details straight from the horse's mouth. Show full PR text AMD Launches AMD Radeon™ HD 6990M - World's Fastest Single Mobile Graphics Processor -- Newest addition to AMD Radeon™ family raises the bar on unprecedented GPU power for mobile gaming enthusiasts -- SUNNYVALE, Calif. - Jul. 12, 2011 – AMD (NYSE: AMD) today launched the AMD Radeon™ HD 6990M GPU – the world's fastest single mobile graphics processor – an uncompromising GPU that delivers massive computing power to mobile users. The AMD Radeon HD 6990M GPU was measured to be up to 25% faster than any other announced notebook enthusiast GPU1. Furthermore, hardcore gamers can experience additional gaming performance through AMD CrossFireX™ technology. Ultra-fast performance and portability is imperative for enthusiast mobile gamers who crave technology that helps deliver an incredible gaming experience with the latest graphic-intensive titles. With the arrival of the AMD Radeon 6990M GPU and the recently launched AMD A-Series Accelerated Processors (APU), AMD is pushing graphics capabilities to the limits for a wide range of notebook form factors and price points while enhancing the experience through technologies like AMD CrossFireX™ and Dual Graphics2,3 (using a combination of AMD Radeon GPUs or an AMD Radeon™GPU and an AMD APU). AMD CrossFireX technology combines the output of two GPUs that helps deliver increased performance allowing gamers to immediately notice higher resolutions and greater image quality. With two AMD Radeon HD 6990M GPUs and AMD CrossFireX technology enabled, the notebook gamer can appreciate exceptional performance scaling in their favourite games. "There's always been a belief that when it comes to mobile computing you need to make performance compromises. Today AMD demolishes that myth," said Matt Skynner, corporate vice president and general manager, GPU division, AMD. "The AMD Radeon HD 6990M GPU, which not only packs AMD Eyefinity technology with unprecedented specs, also provides full Microsoft DirectX® 11 and Stereo 3D support. Bottom line, this processor is epic and it's here - now." The AMD Radeon HD 6990M also represents a significant upgrade from AMD's current gaming notebook graphics solution, the AMD Radeon HD 6970M, raising the bar from both a performance and image quality perspective. With support for DirectX® 11, users can expect ultra-fast frame rates and superior image quality, which gives gamers every advantage their desktop computers once enjoyed exclusively. With AMD Eyefinity technology users can immerse themselves in an ultra-rich environment that supports up to six displays.5 The AMD Radeon HD 6990M graphics processor also delivers AMD App Acceleration technology6, which uses the power of the GPU to improve video playback, streaming and faster web browsing with Internet Explorer 9 and Mozilla Firefox. AMD HD3D technology7 ensures mobile users aren't just watching videos or viewing pictures -- rather they become immersed in a truly stereoscopic 3D environment backed by an open ecosystem with supporting software and hardware. "At its core, the Alienware brand is about pushing the limits and finding new extremes in gaming performance," said Arthur Lewis, Vice President and General Manager for Alienware. "By offering two AMD Radeon HD 6990M graphics processors in our flagship M18x laptop, Alienware and AMD have come together to provide gamers the ultimate mobile experience." As the PC gaming technology leader, AMD is dedicated to delivering the fastest technology and industry support needed to help create the best possible gaming experience on the PC. Whether it's driving up frame rates, extending quality settings or pushing clock speeds8, the AMD Radeon HD 6990M GPU is the ideal notebook for hardcore gamers looking to run the industry's most demanding DirectX 11 games such as Dragon Age 2, DiRT 3 and Shogun 2. "We're excited by the new AMD Radeon HD 6990M GPU for enthusiast Clevo notebook users, specially implemented in our X7200/P170HM/P150HM gaming product lines," said Stephen Chien, Sales and Marketing Vice President, Clevo. "With 2GB GDDR5 memory along with 1.6 teraFlops of raw compute power and 1120 stream processing units, those notebook users will reign supreme. The AMD Radeon HD 6990M will help users achieve intense effects and blazing fast frame rates for outstanding performance." "Eurocom high performance notebooks offer exceptional performance with the addition of AMD Radeon HD 6990M graphics," said Mark Bialic, President, Eurocom. "Our customers can expect record breaking gaming with unmatched realism and blistering speeds in all Eurocom systems powered by AMD Radeon HD 6990M in both single and AMD CrossFireX configurations!"

Id co-founder: mobile devices will be as powerful as today's consoles within two years Posted: 11 Jul 2011 08:17 PM PDT Id Software has taken that whole "can it play Doom" challenge to heart in recent years, embracing the mobile space in a big way. Given the explosion of phone-based gaming, it's not hard to see why -- in fact, the speed with which devices have advanced has apparently left co-founder John Carmack's mind reeling. In a recent interview, the Wolfenstein / Doom / Quake developer noted how iOS has gone from non-existent to a major gaming player in the time that it has taken the company to develop the still forthcoming Rage. And while the iPad 2 isn't quite as advanced as some might suggest, Carmack predicts that in two years, mobile devices will "almost certainly" be as powerful as the current crop of high-end consoles. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Apple seeks patents for 3D and 'physics metaphor' gesture controls Posted: 11 Jul 2011 07:44 PM PDT Deep in the stodgy bowels of the USPTO sits a folder full of Apple patent applications specifically for gesture controls. A few more pages from that expanding tome were just made public, and the concepts unearthed are certainly thought-provoking. The first involves using a proximity sensor in addition to the touch panel to register gestures in 3D. For example, you could use three fingers to mark out the corners of a triangle on the screen and then "pull up" and pinch to create a pyramid for use in a CAD application. The second idea involves gestures based on intuitive "physics metaphors" that are recognized using motion sensors. So instead of navigating menus in order to start a file transfer between an iPhone and iPad, the user could arrange the desired files on the phone's screen and then pretend to "pour" them onto the tablet -- an idea which rather reminds of the funky Project Blox. Oh, did we just make a Cupertino lawyer twitch?

PROTECT IP Act called unconstitutional by bipartisan group of law professors Posted: 11 Jul 2011 07:19 PM PDT Turns out Eric Schmidt is not alone in his vehement opposition to the PROTECT IP Act, and the resistance is hardly partisan. A group of over 100 law professors signed a letter (jointly authored by Mark Lemley, David Levine, and David Post) arguing that the legislation working its way through congress is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that speech can't be suppressed without the speaker being given an opportunity to defend his or her actions. Yet, under the bill being advocated for by the RIAA the MPAA, a judge can issue a temporary restraining order that will essentially shutdown a site based only on evidence presented by the government. The letter warns that, not only could overseas domain owners be cheated of the right to due process but, plenty of protected speech could be censored based a single piece of infringing material. As we warned, this can only get nastier and this nascent battle is still only just getting started. Check out the full letter at the source.

Fossil won't ship the Meta Watch until August, Dick Tracy wannabes get antsy Posted: 11 Jul 2011 06:41 PM PDT Some of you with a James Bond complex might have been waiting on Fossil's Meta Watches, a duo of wristpieces that use Texas Instrument's CC2560 Bluetooth radio to pull in emails, Facebook updates, weather forecasts, and more -- depending on what else developers cook up for it, that is. On top of that, the SDK allows Android smartphones and tablets to register button presses and receive sensor data from the watches, and then respond by sending text or triggering the vibration motor. If you already set aside $200 when they went up for pre-order two months back, you're going to have to twiddle your thumbs a bit longer. In response to a tweet from a curious customer, Bill Geiser, vice president of Fossil Watch Technology, said that thanks to some part delays, the two are now on track to ship in August, not July. If this is all new to you, that means you've got some time to ponder whether you'd rather have the analog / digital version or the fully digital one with a larger memory-in-pixel LCD. Decisions, decisions, folks. [Thanks, Alex]

Maingear Clutch-15 gets upgraded with NVIDIA Optimus graphics switching Posted: 11 Jul 2011 06:00 PM PDT It's been a while since we last laid eyes on Maingear's fine looking Clutch-15, and while it's still rocking that sexy exterior, the latest iteration has a little surprise for you under the hood. With the recent addition of NVIDIA's graphics switching Optimus technology, this portable's bringing the juice -- battery juice, that is. Aside from that, things look mostly the same, inside and out; you've still got your pick of Intel Core i3 or i5 CPUs, a 750GB HDD or 512GB SSD, up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, and the same (still disappointing) WXGA display. This go 'round, however, the dedicated graphics have been bumped up a touch with NVIDIA's GeForce GT 525M GPU (1GB). If automated graphics switching is your thing, you can get your custom laptop on at the source link starting at $1,030. Full PR after the break. Show full PR text MAINGEAR UPDATES ROAD WARRIOR CLUTCH-15 SERIES NOTEBOOKS WITH NVIDIA® OPTIMUS™ TECHNOLOGY Kenilworth, New Jersey – July 8th, 2011 - MAINGEAR, an award-winning PC system builder offering custom desktops, notebooks, workstations and media centers, has updated their Clutch-15 catering to business users and students with NVIDIA Optimus Technology. With a full HD 15.6" screen size and powered by second generation Intel® Core i3 or Core i5 series mobile processors, this diverse notebook offers the latest in portable productivity, multimedia and gaming performance. The MAINGEAR Clutch-15 is a hybrid notebook that offers outstanding graphics performance while prolonging battery life utilizing NVIDIA® Optimus™ technology. The Clutch-15 is packed with a dedicated NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 525M GPU with 1GB GDDR3 memory, your choice of second generation Intel® Core™ i3 or i5 mobile processors, 1366 x 768 16:9 HD resolutions, up to 8GB of DDR3 1333MHZ memory, and up to 512GB Solid State Drive or up to 500GB Hybrid SSDs hard drives. Gamers and PC enthusiasts who are on the go will enjoy watching a HD movie, surfing the web, or playing the latest casual PC games with the reassurance of getting the best performance and the longest battery life. Clutch-15 users will be able to take advantage of an optional 90 watt, charging docking station that features extra connectivity such as VGA, DVI, RJ-45, audio out, USB 2.0 x 4 ports and optional optical disc drives including Blu-ray™. The MAINGEAR Clutch-15 not only offers a 15.6" screen that is thinner and lighter than many notebooks out in the market and featuring a full size keyboard with a numeric keypad. The sleek and lean modern profile aesthetics of the Clutch-15 sets it apart from the crowd with the unique exterior texture for an enhanced tactile experience. MAINGEAR Clutch-15 Notebook: 15.6" WXGA (1366 x 768) 16:9 Glossy LED LCD display Second Generation Intel® Core™ i3, i5 mobile processors Intel HD Integrated Graphics or NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 525M 1GB Graphics Up to 8GB DDR3-1333 memory Up to SATA 2.5" 7200RPM 750GB, 500GB Hybrid SSD, or up to 512GB SSD 802.11g/n wireless connection, Bluetooth, 10/100/1000 Ethernet HDMI out, eSATA, 34mm ExpressCARD support Optional docking station includes: VGA, DVI, RJ-45, audio out and USB 2.0 x 4 ports, and a choice of Blu-ray, Super Mutli DVD, DVD-RW Microsoft Windows 7 Operating System Intel® Anti-Theft Technology Support, Intel® Always Aware Features, Intel ® My WiFi Technology Support Full size keyboard with number pad 15.35"(w) x 9.8" (d) x 1.3" (h) 4.75lb (fully loaded) Starting at price $1,029 (without docking station)

NTT DoCoMo to power cellphone towers with renewable energy, tenderness Posted: 11 Jul 2011 05:12 PM PDT When they're not busy carving handsets out of teak (or rockin' out with their pupils), the folks over at NTT DoCoMo apparently focus their efforts on saving the environment. Next year, the Japanese provider will begin outfitting its expansive cellphone tower network with ten "green transmission stations," to be powered by an artillery of biofuels, wind and solar energy. This kind of infrastructure would obviously bring a smile to the face of ol' Mama Nature, but it could also help mitigate the adverse effects of power outages and elfin insurgents. And for that, we should all be grateful.

Georgia Tech engineers pull energy out of atmospheric hat, go on electromagnetic scavenger hunt Posted: 11 Jul 2011 04:30 PM PDT Mankind's about to plunge into the depths of a wireless sensor-powering ether binge -- braincell annihilating vapors not included. Spearheaded by Georgia Institute of Technology's professor Manos Tentzeris and his engineering team, this ambient energy scavenging tech harnesses electromagnetic frequencies in the 100MHz - 15GHz range -- anything from your FM car radio to radar -- and converts it into a useable DC power source. So, it's free energy -- kind of. The cheap, self-powering paper or flexible polymer-based sensors are created using standard inkjet printers and Tentzeris' "unique in-house recipe" of circuit-building silver nanoparticles. Current testing hasn't yet yielded significant enough wattage to power your PS3 Slim, but it could soon via the help of supercapacitors and future solar cell integration. Imagine clothing embedded with health-monitoring biometric sensors, airport security run by something other than aloof TSA agents, or even spoilage-aware drink cartons -- milk that tells you when it's gone sour. The invisible radio band-charged possibilities are endless, but with storage still in the microwatt to one milliwatt range, it's more concept than solid vaporware reality. Show full PR text Ambient Electromagnetic Energy Harnessed for Small Electronic Devices July 6, 2011 Atlanta Researchers have discovered a way to capture and harness energy transmitted by such sources as radio and television transmitters, cell phone networks and satellite communications systems. By scavenging this ambient energy from the air around us, the technique could provide a new way to power networks of wireless sensors, microprocessors and communications chips. "There is a large amount of electromagnetic energy all around us, but nobody has been able to tap into it," said Manos Tentzeris, a professor in the Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineering who is leading the research. "We are using an ultra-wideband antenna that lets us exploit a variety of signals in different frequency ranges, giving us greatly increased power-gathering capability." Tentzeris and his team are using inkjet printers to combine sensors, antennas and energy-scavenging capabilities on paper or flexible polymers. The resulting self-powered wireless sensors could be used for chemical, biological, heat and stress sensing for defense and industry; radio-frequency identification (RFID) tagging for manufacturing and shipping, and monitoring tasks in many fields including communications and power usage. A presentation on this energy-scavenging technology was scheduled for delivery July 6 at the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Symposium in Spokane, Wash. The discovery is based on research supported by multiple sponsors, including the National Science Foundation, the Federal Highway Administration and Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Communications devices transmit energy in many different frequency ranges, or bands. The team's scavenging devices can capture this energy, convert it from AC to DC, and then store it in capacitors and batteries. The scavenging technology can take advantage presently of frequencies from FM radio to radar, a range spanning 100 megahertz (MHz) to 15 gigahertz (GHz) or higher. Scavenging experiments utilizing TV bands have already yielded power amounting to hundreds of microwatts, and multi-band systems are expected to generate one milliwatt or more. That amount of power is enough to operate many small electronic devices, including a variety of sensors and microprocessors. And by combining energy-scavenging technology with super-capacitors and cycled operation, the Georgia Tech team expects to power devices requiring above 50 milliwatts. In this approach, energy builds up in a battery-like super-capacitor and is utilized when the required power level is reached. The researchers have already successfully operated a temperature sensor using electromagnetic energy captured from a television station that was half a kilometer distant. They are preparing another demonstration in which a microprocessor-based microcontroller would be activated simply by holding it in the air. Exploiting a range of electromagnetic bands increases the dependability of energy-scavenging devices, explained Tentzeris, who is also a faculty researcher in the Georgia Electronic Design Center (GEDC) at Georgia Tech. If one frequency range fades temporarily due to usage variations, the system can still exploit other frequencies. The scavenging device could be used by itself or in tandem with other generating technologies. For example, scavenged energy could assist a solar element to charge a battery during the day. At night, when solar cells don't provide power, scavenged energy would continue to increase the battery charge or would prevent discharging. Utilizing ambient electromagnetic energy could also provide a form of system backup. If a battery or a solar-collector/battery package failed completely, scavenged energy could allow the system to transmit a wireless distress signal while also potentially maintaining critical functionalities. The researchers are utilizing inkjet technology to print these energy-scavenging devices on paper or flexible paper-like polymers -- a technique they already using to produce sensors and antennas. The result would be paper-based wireless sensors that are self-powered, low-cost and able to function independently almost anywhere. To print electrical components and circuits, the Georgia Tech researchers use a standard-materials inkjet printer. However, they add what Tentzeris calls "a unique in-house recipe" containing silver nanoparticles and/or other nanoparticles in an emulsion. This approach enables the team to print not only RF components and circuits, but also novel sensing devices based on such nanomaterials as carbon nanotubes. When Tentzeris and his research group began inkjet printing of antennas in 2006, the paper-based circuits only functioned at frequencies of 100 or 200 MHz, recalled Rushi Vyas, a graduate student who is working with Tentzeris and graduate student Vasileios Lakafosis on several projects. "We can now print circuits that are capable of functioning at up to 15 GHz -- 60 GHz if we print on a polymer," Vyas said. "So we have seen a frequency operation improvement of two orders of magnitude." The researchers believe that self-powered, wireless paper-based sensors will soon be widely available at very low cost. The resulting proliferation of autonomous, inexpensive sensors could be used for applications that include: • Airport security: Airports have both multiple security concerns and vast amounts of available ambient energy from radar and communications sources. These dual factors make them a natural environment for large numbers of wireless sensors capable of detecting potential threats such as explosives or smuggled nuclear material. • Energy savings: Self-powered wireless sensing devices placed throughout a home could provide continuous monitoring of temperature and humidity conditions, leading to highly significant savings on heating and air-conditioning costs. And unlike many of today's sensing devices, environmentally friendly paper-based sensors would degrade quickly in landfills. • Structural integrity: Paper or polymer-based sensors could be placed throughout various types of structures to monitor stress. Self-powered sensors on buildings, bridges or aircraft could quietly watch for problems, perhaps for many years, and then transmit a signal when they detected an unusual condition. • Food and perishable-material storage and quality monitoring: Inexpensive sensors on foods could scan for chemicals that indicate spoilage and send out an early warning if they encountered problems. • Wearable bio-monitoring devices: This emerging wireless technology could become widely used for autonomous observation of patient medical issues.

Bing Indoor Maps and Visual Voicemail shown in latest WP7 Mango demo videos Posted: 11 Jul 2011 03:43 PM PDT Steve Ballmer may have confessed during today's WPC keynote that Windows Phone 7's market share is still "very small," but it's obvious the team is doing monumental things with Mango. As the mobile OS finds it own, things like indoor mapping and a pristine iteration of Visual Voicemail could be key to swaying folks who still believe that Microsoft's latest attempt in the smartphone universe still lacks the basics. The fine folks over at Pocketnow and WMPowerUser have been putting the latest build of Mango through those exact paces, and both instances are looking downright delicious. We won't bore you with textual details; head on past the break for a bit of visual proof.

Samsung's NC215s solar netbook up for pre-order at $399, NC110 follows at $329 Posted: 11 Jul 2011 03:19 PM PDT It's hard to forget a face like this one, and if Samsung's NC215s solar netbook has been tickling your brain for the past few weeks, you'll likely be delighted to hear that you can pre-order one now for $399. We'd actually not heard yet of Sammy's plans to ship this thing here in North America, but it's fairly clear that Amazon intends to hawk it -- complete with an Atom N570 CPU, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, 1GB of DDR3 memory, 25GB HDD and Windows 7 Starter. If you're not exactly keen on ponying up for the solar panel, the otherwise similar NC110 has also popped up in pre-sale fashion, with $329 getting you in line for that one. Per usual, tap those links below to do the deed(s).

Mini Space Invaders arcade cabinet big on nostalgia, small in size Posted: 11 Jul 2011 02:55 PM PDT Always wanted an 80's arcade cabinet for your living room, but the square footage in your studio apartment won't cooperate with your gaming plans? Well, a master mini craftsman has created a seven-inch replica of Space Invaders that can fit on your desktop, coffee table, or bedside stand. It was cobbled together using the guts of a Game Boy Advance, some lilliputian controls, and a custom cabinet coated in shrunken decals that's made of medium density fiberboard. Best of all, thanks to those Nintendo internals, there's an entire arcade's worth of games at your tiny fingertips. Between this and its diminutive Donkey Kong cousin, perhaps mini arcade cabinets are the future of gaming. Video of the little gem in action is after the break.

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