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- Dell announces Vostro V131 with USB 3.0, Core i3 and i5 CPUs and a chiclet keyboard
- Samsung Gravity Smart review
- Nokia still ahead of Apple in smartphone sales, according to Gartner
- Sony's Face-to-Avatar blimp soars through SIGGRAPH, melts the heart of Big Brother (video)
- Sanjay Jha hints at Motorola's plans to collect patent royalties from Android competitors
- Apple's carrier ranking patent application hints at global iPhone
- FTC reportedly focusing on Android, search placement in Google probe
- Beats Electronics' Jimmy Iovine: 'we have got to get to the phone'
- Mad Catz Cyborg Rat Albino first hands-on
- Researchers use children's toy to exploit security hole in feds' radios, eavesdrop on conversations
- Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy app coming to the iPad, Don't Panic decal not included
- NL ruling on Apple vs. Samsung dispute due on 9/15, courtroom antics catalogued
- Pandora connects to Sony's in-dash receivers, adds iOS, Android and BlackBerry support
- Dell intros slimmed-down Inspiron 13z and 14z laptops with aluminum lids, USB 3.0
- Walmart, Target jump the gun on Nintendo 3DS price drops
- MoleBot interactive gaming table hooks up with Kinect, puts Milton Bradley on watch (video)
- DARPA's Falcon HTV-2 hypersonic aircraft launches today, does New York to LA in 12 minutes
- InteractiveTop brings tabletop gaming to SIGGRAPH, doubles as Inception token (video)
- Minesweeper, Sudoku now available for Windows Phone users, procrastinators
- Visualized: Objet's 3D printer breathes plastic life into Hollywood creatures, layer by layer
- HTC Mazaa's awarded in dev contest, winners promptly splay (and auction) them to world
- Dell's Latitude XT3 goes up for pre-order, swivels your way September 22nd
- Sharp's energy-efficient LED ceiling lights are hip to be square
- Ford teams with SunPower, offers EV owners $10,000 solar charging system
- 3D glasses vending machine lets you be fashionable in the dark
- Archos' Arnova 7 G2 and 10 G2 tablets launch in Hong Kong, taste like Gingerbread
- Willow Garage slashes price, arm with PR2 SE robot
- OnLive crosses the pond, lands in the UK September 22nd
- Blackberry Bold 9900 spotted in the British wilderness, bang on schedule
- T-Mobile to begin charging overage on its 200MB plans on August 14th?
- LG, Sony drop patent infringement lawsuits, strike cross-licensing agreement
- Revved up USB 3.0 carries 10 times the power of Thunderbolt
- Photovoltaic polarizers could make self-charging smartphone dreams come true
- Samsung i927 clears the FCC hurdle, AT&T-bound at last?
- NYPD creates social networking unit to pick perps, not poke them
- HTC to buy a chunk of Beats Electronics, keep Dr. Dre in a lab with a pen and a pad
- Kinect / Arduino hack makes stuffed monkey dance for your amusement
- Watch out Farmville, Kno's bringing Textbooks to Facebook
- Nokia's Chris Weber promises US-centric push for Windows Phone 7 devices
- Researchers demo 3D face scanning breakthroughs at SIGGRAPH, Kinect crowd squarely targeted
| Dell announces Vostro V131 with USB 3.0, Core i3 and i5 CPUs and a chiclet keyboard Posted: 11 Aug 2011 11:40 AM PDT  There's a fine debate going on as we speak about Dell's back-to-school consumer laptops, but personally, we've always had a soft spot for Dell's small business-focused Vostro line. The outfit's just announced a new addition to the lineup, the 13.3-inch V131, and while it doesn't look that different from the last-gen V130, it offers all the spec bumps you'd expect from a laptop announced in mid-2011. With this generation, you get Sandy Bridge Core i3 and i5 processor options, two USB 3.0 ports and a user-replaceable six-cell battery that promises up to 9.5 hours of juice. If you wanted, you could add up to a 320GB 7200RPM hard drive, which we suspect might not be enough storage space for some folks. The resolution, meanwhile, is 1366 x 768 -- typical for budget notebooks. Like we said, the design isn't anything ground-breaking, but Dell did move to a chiclet layout for the keyboard, which you can configure with backlighting if you're so inclined. We're not going to lie, that $499 starting price at the source link seems tempting, given the good-looking mag-alloy chassis and those twin USB 3.0 sockets, though you'll have to pay an extra hundred bucks to step up from the base dual-core Celeron processor. Fancy schmancy product shots below, and full PR after the break. Dell Vostro V131 Laptop Designed To Provide Stunning Style and Optimal Productivity For Small Businesses |
| Posted: 11 Aug 2011 11:00 AM PDT  HardwareSamsung's Gravity Smart is the evolution of the company's Gravity feature phones, and is the first handset in the line to run Android. As such, the device has features that follow its forebears, with a landscape QWERTY keyboard like the Gravity 3, and a capacitive touchscreen like the Gravity T. The Smart's screen is a 3.2-inch, 480 x 320 panel flanked by silver T-Mobile and Samsung logos. Also on its front is a black mesh earpiece, capacitive buttons for menu, back, and search, plus a tactile home button. The display is neither exceptional nor subpar. Viewing angles are quite good -- similar to the LCD on our daily driver, an HTC Thunderbolt -- but colors appear washed out when compared to higher-end displays, and blacks are nowhere near as inky as what you see on Sammy's AMOLED screens. Additionally, the step down in screen size from the massive 4.3-inch LCD on our Thunderbolt to the 3.2-inch panel on the Gravity Smart was quite an adjustment. We regularly found ourselves wishing for more screen real estate while reading emails and surfing the web. Inside, the Gravity Smart packs WiFi 802.11 b/g/partial n (meaning it only does speeds up to 72Mbps) and Bluetooth radios, plus quadband GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and 1700MHz AWS antennae -- so no HSPA or globetrotting 900/2100 UMTS radios here. In our experience, that hardware and the phone's earpiece provided good call quality -- the folks we talked to had little difficulty hearing us whether we had two bars of signal or five, and on our end the dulcet tones of friends and family came through crystal clear. Aside from its ebony face, our phone was appropriately dressed with a rose-colored exterior (it's a T-Mo phone, after all). The metal rim around the screen has a satiny finish, while the matte plastic battery cover and buttons provide a pleasant, grippy feel. A volume rocker resides on the left side of the device, while a micro-USB port and power button sit on the right. Both the volume and power buttons protrude just enough that our fingertips easily found them (but not so much as to negatively affect aesthetics) and provide precise feedback with each press. Up top is a 3.5mm headphone jack ringed in chrome, and on the back you'll find a 3-megapixel shooter, a single LED flash, an embossed Samsung emblem and a diminutive dual-slotted speaker grille. Although the Smart is priced as an entry-level Android device, we must say it's a handsome handset, pink color notwithstanding -- the chrome accents are tasteful and add a touch of luxury, and its matte finish is a welcome change from the shiny and fingerprint-prone skins found on other phones. Slider / Physical Keyboard Pushing the slider up reveals four rows of letter keys that we found preferable to using Swype or the stock Android keyboard, but BlackBerry and Sidekick fans will find the Smart's grid wanting. Firm button presses were met with a short throw and a pleasing click, and touch-typists will appreciate the nubbins on the "J" and "F" keys. Unfortunately, we found the remaining oval keys to be indistinguishable, and we routinely got lost among them, which caused plenty of typos while banging out emails and texts. We also wish Samsung hadn't swapped out arrow keys for a set of shortcut buttons. While it's nice to have search, email, internet, and Facebook just a tactile tap away, we'd much prefer the ability to navigate text by button rather than touchscreen. CameraWhile the slider was less than luxurious, the 3 megapixel fixed-focus shooter actually punches a little bit above its weight class. Samsung has made a point to improve the camera capabilities in its handsets, and it shows in the Gravity Smart. There's a plethora of settings -- including white balance, 13 scene modes, and exposure compensation -- to ensure pictures turn out the way you want. Plus, you can get trippy with a negative picture effect and do some photographic time traveling with black and white or sepia shots. When the lighting was good, we were able to get quality results out of the phone's modest sensor. Video recording was predictably less impressive, as resolution is limited to 320 x 240 and, again, it's a fixed-focus affair. So, you won't exactly be getting Spielbergian results, but it works just fine for capturing YouTube fodder. Software, Performance, and Battery LifeAs we've said before, the Gravity Smart runs Android 2.2 swathed in Samsung's custom TouchWiz skin. The phone also comes loaded with less bloatware than many phones, but there's still several stock applications that cannot be removed -- why can't all carriers follow Sprint's lead? Among these irremovable apps are the useful (cloud and group texting courtesy of Bobsled), the playful (Tetris, Bejeweled 2 and Uno), and ones we could do without (Highlight, a news aggregator, and Glympse, which shares your location and lets you track your friends). There's also free TeleNav GPS, which is similar to Google Navigation, but if you pony up $2.99 a month for the premium version, you get added functionality like traffic camera alerts and real-time traffic updates. Overall, the phone provides the standard TouchWiz experience you've seen elsewhere.  Underneath the phone's pink facade beats the same Qualcomm MSM7227 heart found in the HTC Status, only its CPU is clocked at 600MHz, which pales in comparison to higher-end single and dual-core silicon running at 1GHz or more. There's also 512MB of RAM and a 2GB microSD card included, though media mavens can have up to 32GB of space if their wallets allow. Cutting edge silicon it's not, and the benchmarks reflect that fact: 588 in Quadrant, 9.7 MFLOPS in Linpack, 33fps in Nenamark, and 51.7fps in Neocore. So, while the Gravity Smart can still get you your Angry Birds fix, it sometimes struggled to keep up while we were fighting multiple enemies and casting spells in Inotia3. Additionally, attempts to add app shortcuts and widgets to the home screen were met with a several-second delay before populating the list of choices, and occasionally the phone would lose the input commands completely, forcing us to redo the process. Otherwise, the phone's performance was unremarkable; we experienced some lag swiping between screens, but pinch-to-zoom and scrolling while web browsing were fairly smooth. A beefy (for a phone this size) 1500mAh Li-ion battery provides power for the whole shebang, and it displayed superb battery life during our testing. With the screen set at 50 percent brightness, WiFi and GPS on, Facebook automatically updating every hour, Twitter polling every fifteen minutes, and push email enabled, we got just over seven hours of battery life with a looped video playing at 60 percent volume. During a normal day's use making a few calls, taking pictures, websurfing and checking email, the Smart survived with just under half of its juice left. Impressive, especially compared to our Thunderbolt, which requires a charge at least once each work day. Wrap-up In our opinion, Samsung's Gravity Smart is a serviceable handset. Although saddled with Android 2.2 (can we get Gingerbread, please?) and modest hardware underpinnings, the phone provides a relatively agreeable experience. Sure, there's some lag in its operation and its screen isn't as vivid as others we've viewed, but it does provide excellent battery life and a physical keyboard -- two features that we think will be quite attractive to many. Throw in a sub-$100 price and comely exterior, and you've got a recipe for a decent entry-level Android smartphone. |
| Nokia still ahead of Apple in smartphone sales, according to Gartner Posted: 11 Aug 2011 10:44 AM PDT  Whoa there, Apple, we know you're starting to feel pretty darn good about besting Nokia and Samsung for the title of world's largest smartphone manufacturer, but hold on for just one minute. Gartner has a different idea of how the numbers game really works, and its interpretation makes all the difference in determining who earns the title. Rather than measuring the number of units each manufacturer ships out to the distributors (as IDC, ABI Research and Strategy Analytics do), Gartner gauges its numbers by how many devices were actually sold to end users instead. Thus, Nokia still keeps its title -- for one more quarter, anyways. The firm is confident Espoo won't be the top smartphone contender for much longer, thanks to the company's grim Q3 outlook as it continues to await the transition to Windows Phone. But hey, there's always Q4, right? Right? Check out the full press release after the break. Gartner Says Sales of Mobile Devices in Second Quarter of 2011 Grew 16.5 Percent Year-on-Year; Smartphone Sales Grew 74 Percent ZTE Became Fifth-Largest Mobile Phone Manufacturer and RIM Dropped to No. 6 Egham, UK, August 11, 2011-   Worldwide sales of mobile devices to end users totaled 428.7 million units in the second quarter of 2011, a 16.5 percent increase from the second quarter of 2010, according to Gartner, Inc. The channel built up stock at the end of the first quarter of 2011 in preparation of possible component shortages following the Japanese earthquake. As a result, sell-in demand slowed in the second quarter of 2011 to 421.1 million units, a 4.4 percent decrease from the previous quarter. Sales of smartphones were up 74 percent year-on-year and accounted for 25 percent of overall sales in the second quarter of 2011, up from 17 percent in the second quarter of 2010. "Smartphone sales continued to rise at the expense of feature phones," said Roberta Cozza, principal research analyst at Gartner. "Consumers in mature markets are choosing entry-level and midrange Android smartphones over feature phones, partly due to carriers' and manufacturers' promotions." However, replacement sales in Western Europe showed signs of fatigue as smartphone sales declined quarter-on-quarter. In smartphones, Nokia's sales into the channel in the second quarter of 2011 were low. This was partly due to a very competitive market that deflated demand for Symbian, but also to inventory management issues in Europe and China in particular. The channel bought less and worked hard to reduce stock levels, partly by cutting prices on older products. These factors reduced Nokia's average selling price for smartphones, compared to the first quarter of 2011. "The sales efforts of the channel, combined with Nokia's greater concentration in retail and distributors' sales, saw Nokia destock more than 9 million units overall and 5 million smartphones, helping it hold on to its position as the leading smartphone manufacturer by volume," said Ms. Cozza. "However, we will not see a repeat of this performance in the third quarter of 2011, as Nokia's channel is pretty lean." Samsung achieved strong growth in sales of mobile devices. For example, the Galaxy S II sold well, and this model went on to chalk up 5 million sales by the end of July. A strong performance in the smartphone market helped Samsung increase its market share, to become the third-largest smartphone vendor. However, its overall share dropped year-on-year, and grew only marginally quarter-on-quarter, mainly due to Samsung's weaker presence in more price-sensitive market segments. Apple continued to exceed expectations, even though the iPhone 4 will soon be replaced by a new model. Part of its growth came from the 42 new carriers and 15 new countries that it entered in the second quarter of 2011, which brought its total coverage to 100 countries. This expansion caused its inventory to grow a little by the end of the second quarter of 2011, when sales to end users stood at 19.6 million units. In mainland China, Apple is the seventh-largest mobile phone vendor and the third-largest smartphone vendor. Research In Motion's (RIM's) share of the smartphone market declined to 12 percent in the second quarter of 2011, from 19 percent a year ago. Also, the company lost its No. 5 position in the worldwide ranking of mobile device vendors to ZTE. Demand for RIM's devices in the second quarter was impaired by an aging portfolio and delays in shipping products. In the coming quarters RIM will have to deal with increased competition to its messaging offering and manage a platform migration from BlackBerry 7 to QNX. Google and Apple are the obvious winners in the smartphone ecosystem. The combined share of iOS and Android in the smartphone operating system (OS) market doubled to nearly 62 percent in the second quarter of 2011, up from just over 31 percent in the corresponding period of 2010. Gartner analysts observed that these two OSs have the usability that consumers enjoy, the apps that consumers feel they need, and increasingly a portfolio of services delivered by the platform owner as well. "We expect manufacturers and distributors to remain cautious about raising their stock levels in the second half of 2011, following the recent uncertainty on the world financial markets," said Annette Zimmermann, principal research analyst at Gartner. Gartner expects sales of mobile devices to grow around 12 percent in 2011. |
| Sony's Face-to-Avatar blimp soars through SIGGRAPH, melts the heart of Big Brother (video) Posted: 11 Aug 2011 10:30 AM PDT  |
| Sanjay Jha hints at Motorola's plans to collect patent royalties from Android competitors Posted: 11 Aug 2011 10:21 AM PDT  If Motorola does indeed intend to differentiate itself from its competitors by clutching tightly to its patent portfolio, could we soon see a replay of Microsoft's recent royalty collection binge? We'll just have to wait and see. |
| Apple's carrier ranking patent application hints at global iPhone Posted: 11 Aug 2011 10:10 AM PDT  [Thanks, Neil] |
| FTC reportedly focusing on Android, search placement in Google probe Posted: 11 Aug 2011 09:50 AM PDT  We've known since late June that Google has found itself the target of an FTC probe, but until now we haven't had any indication about exactly what the FTC was probing. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal today, however, the FTC is looking at both Android and Google's search practices, and specifically whether it gives preferential placement to its own products and services at the expense of its competitors. The WSJ also says the FTC is looking into allegations that Google unfairly takes information like reviews of local businesses from its competitors, and then uses it on its own sites while also pushing those competitors down in its search results. For its part, Google denies that it engages in any such practices, and says that it is "happy to answer any questions" the FTC has about its business. |
| Beats Electronics' Jimmy Iovine: 'we have got to get to the phone' Posted: 11 Aug 2011 09:29 AM PDT  The HTC teleconference announcing its $300 million partnership with Beats Electronics just wrapped, and we were able to grab a few tidbits that weren't so clearly evident in last night's press release. The largest questions HTC CEO Peter Chou and Beats head honcho Jimmy Iovine fielded were focused on the effects of the purchase and why it happened. Neither Chou nor Iovine shared many specifics, but we learned that the two companies will be deeply committed in a "special" and "exclusive" relationship, which Iovine referred to as a "marriage." In discussing the possible deal, he mentioned that Beats felt a need of urgency to penetrate the mobile marketplace and were bent on making it happen with HTC: "we have GOT to get to the phone...this marriage expedites that process." Computer and phone companies alike are realizing that they need to upgrade the (currently subpar) audio experience in their products, he said, and we should expect to see many of these businesses launching stellar improvements in sound quality over the next three months. In answer to what HTC is looking for in terms of ROI, Chou discussed the desire to have more differentiation in the market, in terms of the branding and technology the purchase will bring to its products; he also told us that the investment will generate several hundred millions of dollars in return beginning later this year. Rather than solely focusing on headsets, HTC plans to integrate the Beats tech completely into the product portfolio. Exactly how extensive that consolidation will be remains a mystery for now; since the effects of this deal will come to fruition sometime this fall, however, we doubt we'll have to wait terribly long to find out. |
| Mad Catz Cyborg Rat Albino first hands-on Posted: 11 Aug 2011 09:00 AM PDT  It's clear that Mad Catz followed an old rule of thumb: don't fix what isn't broke. The Albino shares the same great design, function, and features that made the regular USB tethered Rat 7 and wireless Rat 9 mice such great pieces of hardware. Save for a new matte white finish, the Albino delivers a nearly identical experience. Like its predecessors, this melanin-challenged rodent rocks a versatile, transforming body -- fitting to the length and width of your hand and mousing style with only a few quick turn of its integrated hex key. Multiple components of the Rat's body can be elongated, adjusted, or simply swapped out for (included) pieces of different shape, texture, or thickness to create a frag machine suited to your own personal specifications. Even the pest's weight can be adjusted by adding or removing up to five six-gram washers from the device's undercarriage.  We found the buttons right where we left them as well -- like the Rat 9, the Albino features four customizable buttons and a horizontal scroll wheel, offering a total of six programmable inputs (two of which are represented in the left / right motion of the horizontal scroller) on top of the standard port and starboard clickers. Custom mapping is always cool, but anyone who's used a cyborg Rat knows its true hotness is embedded in the mouse's 'precision aim' button. Affectionately called the "sniper button," this little red toggle instantly drops the rodent's sensitivity to a customizable, easy-snipe level that's so good, it almost feels like cheating.  Speaking of that magic button, we've just come across our word of the day: sensitivity. As we said, the Albino is pretty much a repainted Rat 7, but it does have a couple of tricks that set it apart from its older brother, namely DPI. The standard Rat 7 and Rat 9 both use a (more than adequate) 5,600 DPI sensor, whereas the Albino knocks it up 800 dot-sized-notches -- totaling out at a max of 6,400 DPI. Discerning users can customize four sensitivity presets from anywhere between 25 DPI and the full 6,400, swapping between the quartet with the Rat's DPI adjustment rocker. The rocker is a Rat standard, however -- the only quantifiable upgrade here is the modest kick in sensitivity. Still, if we had to choose between 5,600 or 6,400, we couldn't think of any reason to choose the former. The revised Rat 7 also has the distinction of being the first mouse in the Rat line to ship with Mac support out of the box, lending a color coordinated excuse for that snazzy  At the end of the day, the Rat Albino is very much the Rat 7, and even bears the moniker of "R.A.T.-7" printed on its body. Its new color, Mac compatibility, and increased DPI may miss for all but the most discerning buyers, but if you're in the market for a new wired gaming mouse, the Albino is still a compelling choice. While it's hardly worth the "upgrade" for existing Rat 7 or 9 owners, at $100 the improved sensitivity (and baked in Mac compatibility) won't cost you a penny more over the MSRP of the existing black model -- and since the Albino is being sold exclusively through the GameShark store (or so we're told), you'll probably be the only kid on the block wrangling the milky-white rodent. In the end, this Rat is a wicked machine with superb performance, unmatched customizability, and a slight leg-up over its inverted brother. We can't say it better than we did in our Rat 9 review: we couldn't find a thing wrong with this sleek, transforming mouse. |
| Researchers use children's toy to exploit security hole in feds' radios, eavesdrop on conversations Posted: 11 Aug 2011 08:40 AM PDT  Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a potentially major security flaw in the radios used by federal agents, as part of a new study that's sure to raise some eyebrows within the intelligence community. Computer science professor Matt Blaze and his team uncovered the vulnerability after examining a set of handheld and in-car radios used by law enforcement officials in two, undisclosed metropolitan areas. The devices, which operate on a wireless standard known as Project 25 (P25), suffer from a relatively simple design flaw, with indicators and switches that don't always make it clear whether transmissions are encrypted. And, because these missives are sent in segments, a hacker could jam an entire message by blocking just one of its pieces, without expending too much power. What's really shocking, however, is that the researchers were able to jam messages and track the location of agents using only a $30 IM Me texting device, designed for kids (pictured above). After listening in on sensitive conversations from officials at the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, Barnes and his team have called for a "substantial top-to-bottom redesign" of the P25 system and have notified the agencies in question. The FBI has yet to comment on the study, but you can read the whole thing for yourself, at the link below. |
| Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy app coming to the iPad, Don't Panic decal not included Posted: 11 Aug 2011 08:20 AM PDT  Canadian indie developer Hothead Games is producing a Hitchhikers Guide app, aiming to replicate the titular guide itself (rather than the novels). When it arrives this fall, we can expect beautifully animated sequences describing the Babel Fish and Vogon Poetry -- but just a single word about planet Earth (the addition of the word "Mostly" should come in a second, more sinister update). Visit the holding page and you'll hear the unmistakably honeyed tones of Simon Jones who played Arthur Dent in the original TV and radio series. If he's voicing the guide then this will be a must-have for fans, taking over a role made famous by his father, Peter Jones, and later Stephen Fry in the movie. As the app is iOS only, Android users should probably still panic -- or make a trip to their local laser etching station. |
| NL ruling on Apple vs. Samsung dispute due on 9/15, courtroom antics catalogued Posted: 11 Aug 2011 07:53 AM PDT  While Danny Crane sadly did not make an appearance the presiding judge still seemed rather amused, calling the various legal representatives "terriers" according to Andreas Udo de Haes, an editor at Webwereld who live-tweeted the proceedings. The judge finished by saying a ruling would come on September 15th and if indeed an injunction were coming it won't appear until October 13th. So, tablet fans in the Netherlands, know that you have at least two months worth of worry-free shopping ahead of you. [Thanks, Paul] |
| Pandora connects to Sony's in-dash receivers, adds iOS, Android and BlackBerry support Posted: 11 Aug 2011 07:20 AM PDT  Sony Connects Drivers with SiriusXM and Pandora® on New Car Stereo Lineup New models integrate exciting connectivity features at lower price points SAN DIEGO, Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony is expanding its mobile audio lineup with eight new in-dash CD receivers. The new models range from entry-level units to advanced receivers and digital media players that offer SiriusXM satellite radio and Pandora internet radio connectivity in the car. "Consumers want their audio choices personalized to match their individual needs and preferences, especially while they are in their cars," said Mike Kahn, director of the Audio Product Division at Sony Electronics. "Sony is redefining content selection in the car. Whether someone wants convenient access to commercial-free music and sports, news, talk and entertainment from SiriusXM, music discovery services like Pandora or iPod® and iPhone® compatibility, we now have a solution at lower prices than ever before: We now offer SiriusXM compatibility from as low as $90 SRP and Pandora compatibility from as low as $130 SRP." Universal SiriusXM™ Satellite Connectivity Four of the new models (CDX-GT565UP, CDX-GT660UP, CDX-360MP, CDX-GT56UI) feature SiriusXM compatibility, using the new SXV100 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit (sold separately, XM subscription required). The compact SiriusXM vehicle tuner has a simple connection, providing integration of SiriusXM in an inexpensive and easy-to-install package. The SiriusXM vehicle tuner also provides numerous new features including the ability for listeners to pause and rewind live SiriusXM satellite radio. The entry-level CDX-GT360MP model is SiriusXM compatible plus offers great sound quality from its built-in equalizer and powerful 52x4 watt high power amplifier – all at an affordable price point of $90 SRP. The step-up CDX-GT56UI model offers all the features of the CDX-GT360MP receiver and adds iPod and iPhone control, allowing users to control digital music using the USB 1-wire, and 7 Band Digital Equalizer, Time Alignment and Automatic Level Optimizer. The CDX-GT565UP model, also SiriusXM compatible, allows users to stream Pandora from an iPhone, customize the receiver's illumination to complement existing lighting components with the Dynamic Color Illuminator and create an impressive listening experience with the Advanced Sound Engine. Users can also control digital music players using the USB 1-Wire feature. The receiver features Automatic Level Optimizer, which analyzes each track's playback levels and adjusts output level to optimize transitions between tracks and sources. The CDX-GT660UP unit adds a drop down panel design, two line LCD display and SensMe™ channels to organize music into playlists that perfectly match any mood, scene or location. "The SXV100 connects drivers and their passengers to entirely commercial-free music and exclusive entertainment they can only find on SiriusXM," said Sean Gibbons, Vice President, Consumer Electronics Product Marketing, SiriusXM. "We are thrilled that Sony is introducing a car stereo lineup that is SiriusXM-Ready, giving customers the ability to control and enjoy satellite radio on the road." Sony offers SiriusXM capability, starting at only $90 SRP, on the CDX-360MP, CDX-GT56UI, CDX-GT565UP and CDX-GT660UP models. Stream Pandora Wirelessly – From Any Device Sony's two newest Digital Media Players, the DSX-S210X and DSX-S310BTX models, feature an integrated Tune Tray to connect and control an MP3 player without unsightly and distracting wires, dual USB 1-wire inputs and an easy to read 4-line OEL display. Both also feature the SensMe application, to better organize playlists. The Pandora integration on the DSX-S210X and the Bluetooth® enabled DSX-S310BTX digital media players allows listeners to stream Pandora via the application on their smartphone, and transfers the Pandora-related controls to the head unit. Both models allow listeners to access their personalized Pandora stations and the ability to fine-tune the listening experience by offering thumb ratings directly on the receiver. The DSX-S210X digital media player is iPhone compatible; the DSX-S310BTX is iPhone compatible and is also the first aftermarket product to offer Pandora integration with the Android™ and BlackBerry® smartphone platforms. "The car is the most popular place to listen to the radio," said Jessica Steel, executive vice president of Business Development at Pandora. "We are excited that Sony is making Pandora available in its in-dash receivers, enabling seamless access for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry users alike." Sony offers Pandora compatible receivers starting at only $130 SRP and up to $280 SRP on the CDX-GT565UP, CDX-GT660UP, DSX-S210X and DSX-S310BTX models. Entry-Level Value, Top-of-the-Line Sound Also joining the car audio lineup are the CDX-GT260MP and the CDX-GT40U receivers. The CDX-GT260MP model is a front auxiliary model with a slot panel design that features crisp and clear sound at an affordable price. The receiver delivers 52 watts of peak power to all four speakers for powerful output (208 watts total power) while the red key illumination helps users locate buttons quickly during evening playback. The CDX-GT40U unit additionally offers a front USB connector and intuitive search features Quick-BrowZer®, which finds music by artist, album, genre, song or playlist, and ZAPPIN™, which plays a 6/9/30 second introduction clip to help find a specific song. Also included in the CDX-GT40U model is Automatic Level Optimizer. All six CDX models also feature a Digital Clarity Tuner™. A conventional tuner loses stereo sound of FM radio when further away from the station, but the new digital processing tuner expands stereo area, improving sound performance. |
| Dell intros slimmed-down Inspiron 13z and 14z laptops with aluminum lids, USB 3.0 Posted: 11 Aug 2011 06:56 AM PDT  Can you blame Dell for deciding its laptops needed a makeover? After suffering some serious market share losses and earning a reputation for bland designs and questionable customer service, we can see why the company would be keen on revamping its lineup as a way of distancing itself from its not-so-sunny rap. That seems to be precisely what the outfit's doing with the Inspiron 13z and 14z, which Dell unveiled today. Both laptops move to aluminum lids and palm rests, available in a small (and fairly toned-down) color selection, with black and red being your only choices. The two have also whittled to under an inch thick, with the beefier 14z leaving enough room for an optical drive. Not surprisingly, the resolution's 1366 x 768 -- precisely what you'd expect in a $600 laptop. Also predictable: this generation of Inspirons offers USB 3.0 and Sandy Bridge, with a choice of Core i3 and Core i5 processors. Both models start at $599.99, with the 14z available in the states today, and the 13z launching in "select" Asian countries. Curious? We've got a handful of hands-on shots below and the full PR after the break. Dell Unveils the Inspiron 13z and Inspiron 14z – the Latest in Thin and Powerful Computing |
| Walmart, Target jump the gun on Nintendo 3DS price drops Posted: 11 Aug 2011 06:20 AM PDT  |
| MoleBot interactive gaming table hooks up with Kinect, puts Milton Bradley on watch (video) Posted: 11 Aug 2011 05:55 AM PDT  When we dropped by, the Kinect mode was disabled in favor of using an actual joystick to move the ground below. In theory, one could hover above the table and use hand gestures to move the "mole," shifting to and fro in order to pick up magnetic balls and eventually affix the "tail" onto the kitty. The folks we spoke with seemed to think that there's consumer promise here, as well as potential for daycares, arcades and other locales where entertaining young ones is a priority. Have a peek at a brief demonstration vid just after the break, and yes, you can bet we'll keep you abreast of the whole "on sale" situation. |
| DARPA's Falcon HTV-2 hypersonic aircraft launches today, does New York to LA in 12 minutes Posted: 11 Aug 2011 05:30 AM PDT  All eyes are on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California today, where DARPA's Falcon HTV-2 unmanned aircraft is scheduled to launch into space at hypersonic speeds, as part of a critical test flight. Measuring just 12 feet in length, the HTV-2 maxes out at a speed of about |
| InteractiveTop brings tabletop gaming to SIGGRAPH, doubles as Inception token (video) Posted: 11 Aug 2011 05:05 AM PDT  |
| Minesweeper, Sudoku now available for Windows Phone users, procrastinators Posted: 11 Aug 2011 04:40 AM PDT  Got a Windows Phone 7 and an addictive personality? Well then today's your lucky day, as the Xbox Live versions of both Minesweeper and Sudoku have now landed in the US Marketplace. With these new additions, users can now sweep for virtual landmines in either Classic or Speed mode, or put their logic skills to the test by playing Sudoku in Lightning mode -- all while racking up achievements and powerups. Both are available for free and either will do a great job of destroying your productivity. Hit up the source links to download them for yourself and let the magic unfurl. |
| Visualized: Objet's 3D printer breathes plastic life into Hollywood creatures, layer by layer Posted: 11 Aug 2011 04:13 AM PDT  Objet-Created Models From Blockbuster Movies Showcased at SIGGRAPH 2011 BILLERICA, Massachusetts, August 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Objet Ltd., the innovation leader in 3D printing for rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing, will be showcasing its advanced 3D printing solutions at SIGGRAPH's 38th International Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, 7 - 11 August 2011 in Vancouver, Canada. Objet's newest multi-material 3D printer, the compact Objet260 Connex - based on the company's patented inkjet 3D printing technology and the world's only system able to jet two materials at the same time - will be on display. Objet will be showcasing Objet-created models from two blockbuster movies: Destroyer, from the 2011 American superhero film Thor and Neytiri of the Na'vi clan from 2009's Academy Award winning movie Avatar. The models are just a few examples of how Objet's technology is used by Legacy Effects - an award winning, full service character design, make-up, specialty prop and animatronic studio - to help bring movie characters to life. Jason Lopes, senior systems engineer at Legacy Effects, says that rapid prototyping has been integral to their design process since Jurassic Park 3: The Lost World. "From the moment we were introduced to Objet's technology, we knew it would change our business," says Lopes. "Things we had never thought of are possible with this technology. All detail is captured and nothing is ever lost or forgotten in translation. Basically, anything that we can think up, the Objet 3D printers can print within hours." Objet will also have several extraordinary models on hand to demonstrate the breadth and versatility of its materials, capable of simulating properties ranging from varying grades of rubber to clear transparency, all the way to rigid, ABS-grade engineering plastics. Objet currently has over 60 3D printing materials, including 51 composite materials (Digital Materials), allowing designers and engineers to print typically challenging parts. Visitors to Objet's booth (934) can view: * A model motorcycle from the workshop of Orange County Choppers - a New York-based custom and production motorcycle manufacturer featured on Discovery Channel's American Chopper. The motorcycle was built to demonstrate the ability to adhere different Objet materials together to produce a prototype to help the team at Orange County Choppers fully understand the design intricacies of the motorcycle. * A fully functional skateboard, printed on an Objet Connex multi-material 3D printers which has similar high dimensional stability, thermal resistance, and toughness as ABS-grade engineering plastics, enabling it to repeatedly sustain the weight of a person. Objet 3D printers use patented inkjet-based technology to jet ultra-thin layers of photopolymer materials onto system build trays, where each layer is cured with UV light. The process delivers models which can be handled immediately, with exceptional accuracy and allowing complex geometry, including thin walls, overhangs and even moveable parts. Objet's true-to-life models offer unique opportunities for the Animation and Entertainment industry. Objet looks forward to hosting SIGGRAPH attendees at the Objet Booth 934 to experience the latest in 3D printing systems and materials. |
| HTC Mazaa's awarded in dev contest, winners promptly splay (and auction) them to world Posted: 11 Aug 2011 03:46 AM PDT  What would you do if you'd won an unannounced smartphone that sported Windows Phone Mango? Naturally, we hope you'd first send us the dirt, but what if you were a college student and knew the weekend was rapidly approaching? Undergrad winners of Microsoft's WPAppitUp competition are facing this smartphone / cheap beer conundrum, as they're now holding HTC Mazaas as prizes, yet many are selling them for cash instead. If you'd like to adopt an orphan, the phones come with Qualcomm's MSM8655 SoC -- the same as the Thunderbolt and Droid Incredible 2 -- which supports (but may not feature) dual mode GSM / CDMA for world roaming. A 1GHz Scorpion CPU and the Adreno 205 GPU are in the mix, and while the over-sized earpiece seems to indicate that this is the same 12-megapixel monster previously shown off by Eldar Murtazin, one of the contest winners, Heedeok Lee, informed us that the camera is actually of 5 megapixel resolution only. Frankly, it's unclear whether the Mazaa is heading for retail shelves at all, but if you're wanting an early taste of Mango, you should consider befriending a thirsty student developer. |
| Dell's Latitude XT3 goes up for pre-order, swivels your way September 22nd Posted: 11 Aug 2011 03:11 AM PDT  |
| Sharp's energy-efficient LED ceiling lights are hip to be square Posted: 11 Aug 2011 02:36 AM PDT  |
| Ford teams with SunPower, offers EV owners $10,000 solar charging system Posted: 11 Aug 2011 02:04 AM PDT  Here Comes the Sun: Ford and SunPower Team up to Let Focus Electric Customers 'Drive Green for Life' Ford and SunPower team up to provide a high-efficiency rooftop solar system that will provide Focus Electric owners enough renewable energy production to offset the energy used for charging. Login to download images. Ford and SunPower team up to provide a high-efficiency rooftop solar system that will provide Focus Electric owners enough renewable energy production to offset the energy used for charging. The 2.5 kilowatt SunPower system will produce an estimated 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. SunPower systems are backed by a 25-year warranty. Ford's aggressive electrification strategy includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013. The new Focus Electric is a zero-emissions, gasoline-free version of Ford's popular global Focus model. Dearborn, Mich., Aug. 10, 2011 – Ford and SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA, SPWRB) have teamed up to offer customers a rooftop solar system that will allow Focus Electric owners to "Drive Green for Life" by providing customers with enough clean, renewable energy to offset the electricity used to charge the vehicle. "Under the 'Drive Green for Life' program, Focus Electric owners can reduce their total cost of ownership by generating enough energy from their high efficiency SunPower rooftop solar system to offset the electricity required to charge the vehicle at night," said Mike Tinskey, Ford director of Global Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure. "It's an eco-friendly solution that perfectly complements our plug-in products and other green initiatives." "SunPower's innovative partnership with Ford is a win-win for customers, providing a comprehensive sustainability program," said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. "By taking advantage of this program, Focus Electric customers can receive the added benefit of installing a SunPower solar system, the highest-efficiency, most reliable on the market today, generating the electricity needed to charge their vehicles." The 2.5 kilowatt rooftop solar system is comprised of the SunPower® E18 Series solar panels that produce an average of 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. These high-efficiency solar panels generate approximately 50 percent more electricity than conventional panels and utilize a smaller footprint on the roof. The system was sized to accommodate a customer who drives about 1,000 miles per month. The complete SunPower solar system is offered at a base price of less than $10,000*, after federal tax credits. Local and state rebates, along with other incentives, may drive the system cost down even more, depending on a customer's location. Included in the purchase is a residential monitoring system, which includes the ability to track the performance of their solar system on the web or through an iPhone application. Affordable financing options for the solar system are available through SunPower. This price point does not include local sales tax. Interested Focus Electric customers will be contacted by a participating SunPower dealer who will visit their home to begin the installation process. SunPower leads the industry with more than 400 dealers in the U.S., and can support the initial Focus Electric roll out in all 19 markets. In addition to the Focus Electric, the SunPower rooftop solar system will be compatible with the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle Ford is rolling out in 2012. Two Complementary Charging Solutions for Focus Electric Owners By partnering with SunPower, Ford now offers Focus Electric owners two complementary charging solutions to make the overall experience of owning an electric vehicle easier. In January, Ford announced an agreement with consumer electronics leader Best Buy to offer a 240-volt home charging station for the Focus Electric and future electric vehicle owners. "The goal of working with both SunPower and Best Buy was to offer Focus Electric owners solutions to charging needs that help lower the vehicle's overall cost of ownership," said Tinskey. The Power of Choice Electrification is an important piece of Ford's overall product sustainability strategy, which includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and in Europe by 2013. Ford launched the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010 and will launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year. In 2012, these models will be joined in North America by the new C-MAX Hybrid, a second next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid. This diverse range of electrified vehicles allows Ford to meet a variety of consumer driving needs. *This offer assumes normal installation conditions, not including modifications to a roof, electrical service panel or excessive wire requirements. |
| 3D glasses vending machine lets you be fashionable in the dark Posted: 11 Aug 2011 01:37 AM PDT  Attention San Diego Moviegoers: Watching 3D Movies in Style Just Got Easier With Launch of the First-Ever 3D Glasses Vending Machine Experience the Best in 3D-Viewing with Fashionable EX3D Eyewear SAN DIEGO, Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- WHAT: In the heart of the summer blockbuster season, 3D movie fans in San Diego can escape the sweltering heat and come see the latest 3D blockbusters in style! Join EX3D™ for the debut of the first-ever RealD 3D glasses vending machine, with easy-to-use digital interface, to theater-goers in San Diego. Movie fans can now easily access the extensive line of affordable, stylish RealD-Certified EX3D glasses! WHO: EX3D, a recently launched brand of Marchon3D, the premier designer and supplier of the most technologically-advanced and fashionable 3D eyewear on the market, and UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas are teaming up to unveil the first in-theater sale of the EX3D line of 3D glasses. EX3D will bring movie-goers the most comfortable, exciting 3D movie viewing experience available today. WHEN: Saturday, August 13, 2011 For matinee and evening shows WHERE: UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas 7510 Hazard Center Drive, #100 San Diego, CA 92108 DETAILS: EX3D offers the perfect pair of RealD 3D glasses for every member of the family! The latest line features 25 styles for men, women and kids that all incorporate the patented M3D® curved lens technology at an affordable retail price (about $22 - $30). EX3D also has great, fashionable solutions for prescription wearers! These versatile glasses will not only work in any RealD enabled theater around the world, they are compatible with most passive systems including 3D televisions and 3D gaming systems. You can also visit EX3D on Facebook, Twitter (@EX3DEyewear) and at www.ex3d.com for more information and to enter for a chance to win movie tickets for a year, along with family pack of EX3D glasses, discounts on products and other great prizes. NOTE TO REPORTERS: EX3D will have a limited supply of samples at the theater. Please RSVP to M3D@kcsa.com to secure your sample today! About Marchon3D™ EX3D (www.EX3D.com) is a brand of Marchon3D (www.marchon3d.com), a division of Marchon Eyewear, which markets 3D eyewear featuring a portfolio of patented and patent-pending M3D™ lens technologies that stand apart from all other premium 3D lenses due to its unique, optically contoured lens design. The lenses are inserted into premium-style frames that offer wearers superior fit, comfort and an outstanding 3D viewing experience. M3D lenses also provide 100 percent UVA/UVB/UVC protection. Contacts: Anne Donohoe / Samantha Wolf KCSA Strategic Communications 212-896-1261 / 212-896-1220 adonohoe@kcsa.com / swolf@kcsa.com SOURCE Marchon3D Back to top RELATED LINKS http://www.marchon3d.com |
| Archos' Arnova 7 G2 and 10 G2 tablets launch in Hong Kong, taste like Gingerbread Posted: 11 Aug 2011 01:01 AM PDT  |
| Willow Garage slashes price, arm with PR2 SE robot Posted: 11 Aug 2011 12:55 AM PDT  Looking to build your own Bakebot using Willow Garage's PR2 robot development platform but can't quite scrape together the necessary $400k? Then we've got some good news for you. The company's now offering a modified version dubbed the PR2 SE for a mere $285,000 (or less if you meet the requirements for a 30 percent discount). The bad news? You'll have to make do with just one arm. As seen previously with the aforementioned Bakebot, both the existing PR2 and the new PR2 SE also now come equipped with an updated sensor system that includes a Microsoft Kinect, and you'll be glad to know that the SE model can indeed be upgraded to two arms at any time. Press release is after the break. Willow Garage Announces Availability of New PR2 Robot for $200,000 Availability of One-Armed PR2 SE Expands Market for Personal Robot Platform MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Willow Garage announced today the availability of a modified PR2 robot, the world's most advanced personal robot platform. In response to a burgeoning PR2 community Willow Garage is now offering its personal robot platform with a single arm for $285,000. The model will be known as PR2 SE. With the added 30% discount offered to individuals with a proven track record in contributions to the open source community, this integrated hardware and software platform becomes affordable for researchers receiving grants from such new programs as the NSF National Robotics Initiative. All PR2s now come with an updated sensor suite incorporating a Microsoft Kinect device. PR2 SE can be upgraded with a second arm at a later time. With approximately two dozen PR2 robots already deployed at commercial and academic research institutions around the world, today's announcement is expected to grow the PR2 community and advance the personal robotics industry. Through bi-monthly PR2 community conference calls and special gatherings at major robotics conferences, the benefits of newly-enabled collaborations, reproducibility, and code sharing are accelerating R&D in personal robotics. While more limited in capability than its dual-arm sibling, this new PR2 increases the market by allowing more scientists and engineers to explore the innovative capabilities for personal robots at a much faster pace. Bill Smart, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis is a recent PR2 owner. Professor Smart took delivery of his robot two weeks ago. "From a standing start (robot off, never logged into a PR2 before), two of my graduate students were able to learn a map, get the navigational stack working, and drive the robot autonomously to the chair's office on the other side of the building in less than two hours," he reported. "I've been in robotics for about 20 years now, and this is the first time I've seen something work this well out of the box." "The goal at Willow Garage is to lay the groundwork for a revolution in personal robotics by providing the hardware and software platforms upon which robot scientists can develop applications," according to Steve Cousins, President and CEO of Willow Garage. "The introduction of PR2 SE will only help to grow an already passionate community of researchers, engineers and robotocists." The combination of PR2 and the open source Robot Operating System (ROS) means that researchers benefit from immediate time to innovation. Right out of the box, the PR2 and ROS provide a complete, integrated hardware and software platform for research and development in the personal robotics field. In the past, researchers had to spend a substantial amount of their time building a robot and its operating system before they could start designing and deploying applications for personal robotics use in homes and offices. PR2 was first delivered to eleven leading robotics research institutions at no cost in May 2010. In September, Willow Garage announced that the PR2 was available for purchase. On December 15, 2010, four institutions on three continents were announced as the first to purchase the PR2 robot. Since then, PR2 has expanded its presence into the U.K., Canada, and India as well as some institutions purchasing a second PR2 to further accelerate their research programs. About Willow Garage Based in Silicon Valley, Willow Garage is a company dedicated to designing robots, developing open source robotics software, and the advancement of the open source personal robotics community. Willow Garage has developed a hardware platform called the PR2 (Personal Robot 2), and an open source software platform called ROS (Robot Operating System). The ROS software that Willow Garage contributes is BSD-licensed, making it completely free for anyone to use and change and free for other companies to commercialize. A major goal is to enable robotics innovation and ensure that the adoption of robotic technologies is a transparent process with positive societal impact. Willow Garage actively engages research labs and companies as partners, collaborators, customers and advisors in the development of both their hardware platform and open source software, and also supports researchers who would not otherwise have the bandwidth or funding to open source their work. For more information, please visit: http://www.willowgarage.com and follow on Twitter @willowgarage. Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6826264⟨=en |
| OnLive crosses the pond, lands in the UK September 22nd Posted: 11 Aug 2011 12:29 AM PDT  OnLive's Revolutionary Cloud Gaming Service Hits the UK on 22nd September Play latest top video games instantly on HDTV, PC, Mac, Tablets via Internet Free membership, demos and exclusive massive spectating and Facebook integration London, UK - August 11, 2011 - OnLive, the pioneer of cloud gaming, today announced its breakthrough instant-play video game service will launch on 22nd September at the opening of the 2011 Eurogamer Expo London, with over 100 top-tier games instantly available for play via almost any broadband Internet connection throughout the UK on HDTV, PC, Mac, and iPad and Android tablets. Eurogamer Expo attendees not only will experience four days of OnLive hands-on, sneak previews of upcoming games and upcoming OnLive tech, but will be eligible for unprecedented promotions, including handing out thousands of free OnLive™ Game Systems, enabling instant OnLive play on any HDTV. OnLive membership is free, providing free instant demos of any game, exclusive massive spectating with voice chat of any live game in play on OnLive-whether in the UK or around the world, Brag Clip™ videos of the most awesome (or most hilarious) gaming moments, and Facebook Brag Clip postings and notifications. Over 100 games, including top titles released the same second as consoles and PCs, available for great deals under a range of pricing plans, including OnLive's flat-rate PlayPack bundle with over 70 games, rentals and full purchases. With free try-before-buy demos, spectating and trailers all with full Web-based parental controls. Just sign up for free at www.onlive.co.uk, and get priority access, starting 22nd September with almost any PC or Mac via a small browser download, on the iPad or Android tablet via the free app, or on any HDTV via the OnLive Game System. "OnLive will utterly transform gaming in the UK," said OnLive Founder and CEO Steve Perlman. "No discs, big downloads or specialised hardware needed. OnLive gives you the latest games instantly, anytime, anywhere on HDTV, PC, Mac, as well as iPad, Android tablets. High-performance gaming as accessible as streaming video, with unique social features such as massive spectating with voice chat and Facebook integration." As previously announced, OnLive is working closely on its UK launch plans with BT plc, our exclusive broadband partner in the UK. Further details will be announced shortly. OnLive in the UK will be fully integrated with OnLive's North American service, including trans-Atlantic massive spectating and voice chat, as well as multiplayer gaming for games suited for long-distance multiplayer. OnLive will steadily expand to other European countries as well as to other continents following the UK launch. Subject to local rules and regulations, OnLive Player Tags will give OnLive members access to their OnLive account anywhere in the world that OnLive is available. As well as being able to try, rent or buy games, UK members will have access to the best value in gaming: the OnLive PlayPack Bundle. PlayPack subscribers have unlimited access to a growing library of more than 70 games including Homefront Large-Scale Warfare Multiplayer, F.E.A.R. 3 Multiplayer, LEGO® Batman and the original Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition. |
| Blackberry Bold 9900 spotted in the British wilderness, bang on schedule Posted: 11 Aug 2011 12:08 AM PDT  [Thanks, Avi] |
| T-Mobile to begin charging overage on its 200MB plans on August 14th? Posted: 10 Aug 2011 11:34 PM PDT  |
| LG, Sony drop patent infringement lawsuits, strike cross-licensing agreement Posted: 10 Aug 2011 11:01 PM PDT  The testy patent battle between LG and Sony has finally come to an end, now that the companies have decided to lay down their arms and call a truce. In a statement issued today, an LG spokeswoman declared that the two parties have "agreed to drop patent infringement lawsuits against each other," adding that they've struck a cross-licensing deal on the TVs, smartphones and other gadgets in question. A Sony representative confirmed this, but did not offer further details. The spat began back in December, when Sony filed a complaint with the ITC over a handful of allegedly patent infringing LG mobile devices. The Korean manufacturer later struck back with an ITC complaint of its own, targeting Sony products like the Bravia and PlayStation 3. Now, however, the two have apparently learned how to play nice, though details on their settlement remain scarce. As soon as we have them, we'll pass them along. |
| Revved up USB 3.0 carries 10 times the power of Thunderbolt Posted: 10 Aug 2011 10:28 PM PDT  |
| Photovoltaic polarizers could make self-charging smartphone dreams come true Posted: 10 Aug 2011 10:03 PM PDT  Phone losing charge? Technology created by UCLA engineers allows LCDs to recycle energy With photovoltaic polarizers, devices could be powered by sunlight, own backlight We've all worried about the charge on our smartphone or laptop running down when we have no access to an electrical outlet. But new technology developed by researchers at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science could finally help solve the problem. The UCLA engineers have created a novel concept for harvesting and recycling energy for electronic devices - one that involves equipping these devices' LCD screens with built-in photovoltaic polarizers, allowing them to convert ambient light, sunlight and their own backlight into electricity. LCDs, or liquid crystal displays, are used in many of today's electronic devices, including smartphones, TV screens, computer monitors, laptops and tablet computers. They work by using two polarized sheets that let only a certain amount of a device's backlight pass through. Tiny liquid crystal molecules are sandwiched between the two polarizers, and these crystals can be switched by tiny transistors to act as light valves. Manipulating each light valve, or pixel, lets a certain amount of the backlight escape; millions of pixels are combined to create images on LCDs. The UCLA Engineering team created a new type of energy-harvesting polarizer for LCDs called a polarizing organic photovoltaic, which can potentially boost the function of an LCD by working simultaneously as a polarizer, a photovoltaic device and an ambient light or sunlight photovoltaic panel. Their research findings are currently available in the online edition of the journal Advanced Materials and will be published in a forthcoming print issue of the journal. "I believe this is a game-changer invention to improve the efficiency of LCD displays," said Yang Yang, a professor of materials science at UCLA Engineering and principal investigator on the research. "In addition, these polarizers can also be used as regular solar cells to harvest indoor or outdoor light. So next time you are on the beach, you could charge your iPhone via sunlight." From the point of view of energy use, current LCD polarizers are inefficient, the researchers said. A device's backlight can consume 80 to 90 percent of the device's power. But as much as 75 percent of the light generated is lost through the polarizers. A polarizing organic photovoltaic LCD could recover much of that unused energy. "In the near future, we would like to increase the efficiency of the polarizing organic photovoltaics, and eventually we hope to work with electronic manufacturers to integrate our technology into real products", Yang said. "We hope this energy-saving LCD will become a mainstream technology in displays." "Our coating method is simple, and it can be applied in the future in large-area manufacturing processes," said Rui Zhu, a postdoctoral researcher at UCLA Engineering and the paper's lead author. "The polarizing organic photovoltaic cell demonstrated by Professor Yang's research group can potentially harvest 75 percent of the wasted photons from LCD backlight and turn them back into electricity," said Youssry Boutros, program director for the Intel Labs Academic Research Office, which supported the research. "The strong collaboration between this group at UCLA Engineering and other top groups has led to higher cell efficiencies, increasing the potential for harvesting energy. This approach is interesting in its own right and at the same time synergetic with several other projects we are funding through the Intel Labs Academic Research Office." Ankit Kumar, a materials science and engineering graduate student at UCLA Engineering was the paper's second author. Yang, who holds UCLA's Carol and Lawrence E. Tannas Jr. Endowed Chair in Engineering, is also faculty director of the Nano Renewable Energy Center at the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA. The research was supported by Intel through a gift to UCLA, and by the Office of Naval Research. The UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, established in 1945, offers 28 academic and professional degree programs and has an enrollment of almost 5,000 students. The school's distinguished faculty are leading research to address many of the critical challenges of the 21st century, including renewable energy, clean water, health care, wireless sensing and networking, and cybersecurity. Ranked among the top 10 engineering schools at public universities nationwide, the school is home to seven multimillion-dollar interdisciplinary research centers in wireless sensor systems, nanoelectronics, nanomedicine, renewable energy, customized computing, and the smart grid, all funded by federal and private agencies. (www.engineer.ucla.edu | www.twitter.com/uclaengineering) For more UCLA news, visit UCLA Newsroom and UCLA News|Week and follow us on Twitter. |
| Samsung i927 clears the FCC hurdle, AT&T-bound at last? Posted: 10 Aug 2011 09:31 PM PDT  Yeah, the Samsung i927 definitely exists -- and the FCC's flaunting the docs to prove it. That doesn't mean we're allowed to know all its deep, dark secrets yet; sadly, the Galaxy S II-esque device doesn't bare it all for us to see. Granted, we've already seen pics of the QWERTY landscape slider, and it seems like that it'll make its way onto AT&T's smartphone lineup, so we already know more about the device than most FCC filings could ever reveal. But is it the mystical Samsung Attain we've postulated about for months? It utilizes the usual 850 / 1900 bands for WCDMA and HSPA (though it leaves no mention of any global frequencies that may lie in the phone), and the dimensions show a striking resemblance to those on the unlocked GSII -- it's roughly one mm off in both directions -- so we can't let go of the possibility yet. Whatever it is, this thing can't come soon enough. |
| NYPD creates social networking unit to pick perps, not poke them Posted: 10 Aug 2011 09:02 PM PDT  |
| HTC to buy a chunk of Beats Electronics, keep Dr. Dre in a lab with a pen and a pad Posted: 10 Aug 2011 08:24 PM PDT  HTC and Beats by Dr. Dre Set to Introduce New Era in Mobile Audio Strategic HTC investment to result in Beats-integrated HTC phones this fall TAOYUAN, Taiwan and SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- HTC Corp., a global designer of mobile devices, today announced a strategic partnership and investment with Beats™ Electronics LLC., the company redefining the audio market with its iconic Beats by Dr. Dre™ audio experience. The two fast-growing brands will focus on bringing high performance sound to HTC phones. "The HTC and Beats by Dr. Dre partnership is an opportunity for two world-class companies to redefine the smartphone industry and define the future," said Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Beats by Dr. Dre and chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, which is a division of Universal Music Group and a stakeholder in Beats. "For Beats by Dr. Dre, this represents a critical step in our continued mission to clean up the destruction of audio caused by the digital revolution and reengineer how sound is delivered, so the consumer feels the music the way that the artist intended." HTC and Beats have been working together to create superior mobile audio experiences for consumers, which will result in a line of HTC devices integrated with Beats sound innovations, available this fall. "Beats has found a unique way to harness popular culture in a manner that is unlike any other brand today," said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corp. "It's an exciting brand that has been built around providing something very special, and we believe our strategic partnership will provide customers with unbeatable sound on HTC phones. We obsess over every detail of a consumer's mobile experience, and audio is a critical part of that experience." HTC is known for unifying content, services and devices into unique mobile experiences. And Beats is known for its unique consumer brand appeal and ability to reproduce the full spectrum of sound captured in professional recording studios, allowing consumers to hear music the way the artist intended. Bringing these two great brands together will create superior mobile music and sound experiences while accelerating HTC's entry into the youth and accessories markets globally. Beats Electronics will continue to operate autonomously - with Iovine as chairman and Luke Wood as president and chief operating officer - with its current business partnerships, including Monster Cable Products Inc., HP and Chrysler Group LLC. Iovine also will continue serving as chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. "Our customers have clearly responded to Beats and HTC, and Best Buy is proud to feature their products in our stores," said Brian J. Dunn, CEO, Best Buy. "We are committed to offering innovative and entertaining technologies that help consumers enhance their lives. Our customers expect that from us. The unique HTC Sense experience and the great sound of Beats provide prime examples of that focus." |
| Kinect / Arduino hack makes stuffed monkey dance for your amusement Posted: 10 Aug 2011 08:13 PM PDT  Just when you thought that people had squeezed the last drop of creativity out of Microsoft's Kinect, something like this comes along. It's a stuffed monkey with a robotic skeleton that can mimic the movements of the person standing in front of it. "Monkey Business" is an art installation of sorts created by Jan M. Sieber and Ralph Kistler. It uses a camera sensor from a Kinect, an Arduino mircocontroller, and 10 servomotors. The smirking robo-monkey, meanwhile, is suspended from the wall, giving it a full range of movement. The resulting video is pretty darn delightful. |
| Watch out Farmville, Kno's bringing Textbooks to Facebook Posted: 10 Aug 2011 07:47 PM PDT  Now this is clever. Adorable education / tech company Kno may not have had the best start in life, what with its large (and largely unsuccessful) dual-screen tablet and the subsequent sell-off of its hardware division. Since those dark days, Kno has reinvented itself as a software company, bringing an educational e-book store to the iPad and now opening up the market by going for the big one: any student with a Facebook account. All you have to do is add the Kno app to your Facebook profile and you get full access to the store, including the option to rent rather than buy the textbooks you need (all of which must be read in-browser). At the moment the service lacks the more interactive features common to the iPad but they're said to be "coming." What's clear is the potential such a move has, now we have to wait and see if studying can actually trump watering your pretend broccoli. |
| Nokia's Chris Weber promises US-centric push for Windows Phone 7 devices Posted: 10 Aug 2011 07:16 PM PDT  Nokia's US prexy Chris Weber's been making the media rounds lately, talking up the company's Windows Phone near-future and offering a peek at the marketing blitz to come. In an interview with VentureBeat, Weber confirmed the death of Symbian and the N9's North American release, but was much less straightforward when asked about the WP7 launch, saying only that a US focus is paramount to the OEM's global success. The MS-blessed smartphones are set to debut "in volume" next year, at which point Nokia hopes to have ironed out its complex negotiations with carriers, bringing aggressively subsidized handsets to market. Nokia's chief also engaged in a bit of mobile OS grandstanding, touting Microsoft's live tile integrated approach as superior to the "outdated" app focus popularized by iOS and Android. And if you're wondering just how the OEM plans to differentiate its hardware in this cluttered wireless market, expect to see phones with an emphasis on "state-of-the-art imaging technology and battery performance." Here's to hoping Weber's words don't come back to haunt him when his bet goes live next year. |
| Researchers demo 3D face scanning breakthroughs at SIGGRAPH, Kinect crowd squarely targeted Posted: 10 Aug 2011 06:46 PM PDT  Those folks relied on a markerless system that used a well-lit, multi-camera system to overcome occlusion, with anchor frames acting as staples in the success of its capture abilities. J. Rafael Tena et al. developed "a method that not only translates the motions of actors into a three-dimensional face model, but also subdivides it into facial regions that enable animators to intuitively create the poses they need." Naturally, this one's most useful for animators and designers, but the first system detailed is obviously gunning to work on lower-cost devices -- Microsoft's Kinect was specifically mentioned, and it doesn't take a seasoned imagination to see how in-home facial scanning could lead to far more interactive games and augmented reality sessions. The full shebang can be grokked by diving into the links below, but we'd advise you to set aside a few hours (and rest up beforehand). |
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