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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

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Hands-on with the Sony Reader Wi-Fi (video)

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 11:07 AM PDT

The Sony Reader isn't all that much presence here in the States, where the market is largely dominated by Amazon, and, to a lesser extent, Barnes & Noble. The Sony Reader Wi-Fi does go a ways toward keeping up with the competition, offering up WiFi (as advertised), an infrared touchscreen, and the Pearl E-Ink display seen on past versions. The hardware is nice, though it doesn't feel quite as natural in the hand as the Nook or Kobo -- it did indeed feel light, as advertised, though it's hard to get a final judgement, seeing as how the demo product on the show room floor was all wired up. The software also zips along quite nicely, and pinch to zoom functionality is certainly a welcome addition in the e-reader market. Unlike many other Sony Readers, the thing also does well for itself pricewise, at $149. Hands-on video after the break.
Sony Reader WiFi hands-on
Sony Reader WiFi hands-on

Skype outs Freetalk Connect-Me Home Phone Adapter, does VoIP for old fashioned handsets

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 10:58 AM PDT

If you're still sporting a landline as your main connection to the outside world, Skype's now offering a more up-to-date way to use that dusty old handset. The VoIP platform has just introduced two new products that will bring Skype-specific internet calling to your home phone. Billed as a "hassle-free, plug-and-play solution" the Freetalk Connect-Me Home Phone Adapter connects to your landline and broadband allowing you to make free calls to other Skype users as well as plain old landlines and cellphones worldwide (for a price). If you like your home phone with a little extra corporate branding, the outfit's also hooked up with GE to offer a Skype-approved cordless, simply referred to as The GE Digital Cordless Expandable Telephone with Skype, which offers free calling to Skype users as well as "low-cost" calls to your poor Skype-less contacts. The Home Phone Adapter comes with plans ranging from $39.99 to $59.99, while the Skype phone can be yours for between $69.99 and $89.99. Both are now available at the source link below, and full PR awaits you after the break.
Show full PR text
Using Skype from Your Home Phone Just Got Easier

The FREETALK® Connect•Me Home Phone Adapter for Skype and a New Skype-enabled Cordless Phone from GE Open up a New World of Calls from Your Home Phone

At Skype, we strive to ensure anyone can use Skype anywhere, at any time. As a result, you can now use Skype on your computers (Windows, Mac or Linux), iPhones, iPads, Android smartphones and even on a Skype-enabled HDTV or Blu-Ray player. Today we are excited to announce the availability of two new partner products that will help us to enable even more Skype conversations.

Many people today continue to use their home phones as their primary means of communication. If you are one of these people, you will be pleased to learn that you can now have a true Skype experience on your existing handset with the release of the FREETALK Connect•Me Home Phone Adapter for Skype.


The FREETALK Connect•Me Home Phone Adapter for Skype
The FREETALK Connect•Me Home Phone Adapter is a hassle-free, plug-and-play solution that lets you use your existing handset to make free Skype-to-Skype calls, as well as low-cost calls to landlines and mobile phones worldwide at our extremely low Skype rates.

Just connect your home phone, broadband and landline to the phone adapter and enjoy the freedom of making Skype calls anywhere around the house from your home phone. You can also receive Skype to Skype calls from other Skype users on your landline phone using the Connect•Me Home Phone Adapter.

The GE Digital Cordless Expandable Telephone with Skype

In addition to the FREETALK Connect•Me Home Phone Adapter, also available today is a new cordless phone from GE, certified by Skype. The GE Digital Cordless Expandable Telephone with Skype (GE 31591) is the latest in a line of popular Skype-integrated cordless handsets that give you the ability to connect with Skype contacts for free, make low-cost calls to mobiles and landlines and manage your Skype contacts, all without the need of a PC. Both products are available today in the US and Canada.

Product Bundles for Your Skype-Enabled Home Phone Adapter

With our partners we are currently offering both products with a number of cost-effective calling bundles designed to meet a variety of calling needs:

FREETALK Connect•Me Home Phone Adapter Bundles:
• FREETALK Connect•Me + more than 60 minutes** of complimentary calls to landlines and mobiles via Skype ($39.99)
• FREETALK Connect•Me + 12 months of calls to landlines and mobile phones in the U.S. and Canada and 200 minutes**of calls to international landlines and mobiles ($59.99)
• FREETALK Connect•Me + a 3-month Unlimited*World subscription to the US and Canada plus landlines in 40 other countries ($59.99)

GE Digital Cordless Expandable Phone:
• Cordless Phone + 400 minutes** of calls to international landlines and mobiles ($69.99)
• Cordless Phone + 12 months of unlimited* calling to landlines and mobile phones in the U.S. and Canada and 200** minutes of calls to international landlines and mobiles ($89.99)
• Cordless Phone + a 3-month Unlimited* World calling subscription to the US and Canada plus landlines in 40 other countries ($89.99)

Both products are now available in the Skype Store for US and Canada. You can also purchase them directly through the eBuyNow online retail store and other authorized global retailers and etailers.

The products will be available to purchase in other countries later in the year.

CNBC: Facebook to launch music service on September 22

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 10:39 AM PDT

The headline's about all we know at the moment, but CNBC is now confidently reporting that Facebook is set to launch a music service of some sort on September 22nd, which conveniently lines up with the company's F8 developer conference. Could that service also include a dash of Spotify? Maybe some Vibes? We'll be there to find out.

[Thanks, Adam]

Samsung Galaxy S II logs confirm NFC support for AT&T, none for Sprint

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 10:39 AM PDT

What's the point of investing $100 million in a mobile payment system if you don't have the goods to back it up? AT&T may be adopting this philosophy, beginning with the Galaxy S II. With the aid of eagle-eyed Android dev Francois Simond, we conducted an extended analysis of Ma Bell's latest gem and discovered it's rife with NFC. In addition to containing kernel drivers and a pre-installed APK, the system files also indicate the device is running in a mode named NDEF -- short for NFC Data Exchange Format. We haven't been able to determine if the handset will be capable of making payments, but the presence of Near-Field Communications in the Galaxy S II is definitely a good sign. T-Mobile is keeping a tight lid on its variant for the moment, preventing us from getting an in-depth look, but FCC filings confirm it will contain NFC as well.

As for the third handset announced last night, the Epic 4G Touch contains no mention of NFC. Upon further analysis, we uncovered something else potentially more disturbing: it's using the same WiMAX module (cmc732) as the Samsung Nexus S 4G, a handset that was plagued with performance issues when it was originally released (those concerns were eventually resolved in a later update). In this case, it's hard to tell if that means we'll relive the painful experience once again, or if it will come with improved firmware to ensure it doesn't take the same path as its 4G brother. We're starting to unravel the mysteries, folks, and will continue to fill you in as we learn more. If you're considering one of these three lovely models, will these discoveries sway your decision in a particular direction?

[Thanks, Francois Simond]

Sony HMZ-T1 headset hits IFA, we go hands-on (video)

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 10:34 AM PDT

Easily the most unusual highlight of today's Sony IFA press conference, the HMZ-T1 goes where many other companies have tried and failed. The head-mounted display, first introduced as a prototype back in January at CES, has finally graduated into a real product. The device is aimed at gamers and TV watchers, generating a 3D image with use of a pair of 0.7-inch OLED panels, which each display separate images, doing away with the ghost imagery that often comes along with 3D displays. The device is a solid piece of hardware, just what one would expect from Sony -- especially for a piece of hardware that'll run you around $600 when it hits the US around the November / December time frame. Check out a hands-on video of the device after the break.
Sony HMZ-T1 hands-on

Acer's Ultrabook S3 up for pre-order on Italian site, is this the Aspire 3951?

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 10:21 AM PDT

We caught a sneak peek of Acer's Aspire 3951 Ultrabook in the wild a few days ago, and now we have some unofficial specs and pricing to complement the svelte laptop. A report over on Notebook Italia points to an Italian retailer's live pre-order page for an Ultrabook S3 -- naming that matches the Aspire S branding on the company's IFA booth. The notebook, listed as retailing for around 786 euros (or $1,133), is purported to include a Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB of storage and an additional 20GB SSD. Much has been made of ASUS' and Intel's desire to hit the Ultrabook market at a sub-$1000 price point and, currency conversion aside, it's looking like Acer could also hit that target for its planned 13.3- and 11-inch ultraportables. With the Taiwanese electronics maker's official IFA presentation just two days away, expect to get the full skinny on these anorexic notebook entries.

Sony VAIO S Series review (15-inch)

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 10:00 AM PDT

It's sad to say, but most of you who are going back to school have probably already returned by now -- though if you're in class right this moment you should probably be paying attention. If you managed to get back to campus without bringing a new laptop along, you might just want to keep reading -- Sony's just released a 15.5-inch addition to its VAIO S Series that not only adds a crucial bit of extra display acreage, but also bumps things up to a full 1080p.

Yes, this is a laptop that can not only be configured with a Blu-ray drive but has enough pixels to do the resulting footage justice, meaning it could make a passable player for movie night. But, does it have the chops to do your workload justice? Is it worth the $1,000 minimum asking price, at least a $100 premium over Sony's 13-inch models? Join us as we find out.
Sony VAIO S-Series (15-inch)

Look and feel



The new 15-inch S Series definitely carries a lot of design DNA from its smaller SA and SB siblings. If it were closed and you were standing far away, or perhaps aren't so very good at judging the size of things, you'd have a hard time telling them apart. It shares the same thickness as the 13.3-inch SB we recently reviewed and shares the same angularish design, same magnesium alloy case, and same gigantic, swoopy VAIO logo in chrome on the back of the lid. Proud of your brand choice? You best be.

Open things up and you start to see some differences, most notably in the keyboard area. The extra footprint meant Sony had room to stuff a full number pad in here. This of course will be a boon for future and current CPAs, but the result is an offset QWERTY portion that some may find is not quite worth the compromise. Indeed, sitting slightly off-center from your laptop's display can leave everything feeling slightly askew.

Build quality in general left us with some misgivings, as with the SB. Sony touts the durability of its magnesium alloy case, but it makes an even bigger deal of its lightness. Indeed the 4.4-pound weight is more than acceptable for a laptop this size, but with this comes a feel that, to us, doesn't inspire a great deal of confidence.

Press on the keyboard and it flexes inward, and when you lift the screen open it bows precariously. Sony indicated this was by design, arguing that flexibility ultimately offers more strength than rigidity when it comes to protecting the hinge, but it's still not a perception that leads to a high-end feeling device. We'd rather Sony just built a better hinge.

The company did see fit to offer a satisfying array of connectivity options that includes a full three USB ports on the right side, one of them offering the unmistakable blue hue that can only mean USB 3.0. You'll also find a full-sized HDMI port for some digital video, a VGA port for those who like to keep it analog, Ethernet, and a pair of card readers: SD and the separate MagicGate. On the left you'll find the optical drive, a BD-ROM in our case, but purchasers will be bale to choose between a selection of readers and writers.

Keyboard and trackpad



As mentioned above, moving up to the 15.5-inch model nabs you a numberpad to the right of a full-sized, backlit Chiclet keyboard. The island-style design is basically unchanged from the SB in terms of key layout and feel, which means matte keys that match the overall design of the device stylistically. They also have the weight and springy feel that we felt on the SB, meaning they do require a bit more force to hit, but not enough to be a bother. The typing experience is simply a bit more alive than on, say, a MacBook Pro.

The trackpad is quite different-feeling than the usual Apple offerings as well, most notably by eschewing the clickpad trend. Indeed the touchpad does not depress, that functionality handled by a pair of buttons below. The buttons have good weight and feel, but we can't find anything positive to say about the trackpad. For normal dragging and moving of the cursor it does just fine, but two-finger scrolling and other gestures were more often ignored than obeyed, no matter how we tweaked settings.

Display and sound



When it comes to displays, more pixels is almost always better than fewer pixels, and if we're all in agreement there we can start by saying the 15.5-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 display here is better than the 1,366 x 768 unit on the 13.3-incher. That's 1080p, or Full HD as Sony likes to call it, and it'll give you plenty of room whether you're multi-tasking with a few spreadsheets or mono-tasking with Akira on Blu-ray.

Regardless of duty we found the contrast ratio and viewing angles to be very good, only dipping slightly when we went off axis vertically, but delivering good viewing angles from the sides. It's a matte display, for which we're thankful, and this is the single, standard offering on the 15.5-inch S Series models. You won't need to pay extra to step up to 1080p. You can also stream video wirelessly courtesy of the integrated Wireless Display 2.1 tech from Intel, which manages 1080p sans cabling -- though you'll probably need to buy an adapter for your TV.

We do wish you could pay extra to get better sound, though. For a laptop this size we'd have expected a decent audio experience, but like the SB we're left feeling really disappointed. The speakers are loud enough to fill a modest size room, but even though you can hear it you won't necessarily like what's making its way through your ears. Sound is tinny and it simply sounds like the speakers built in here are struggling -- which they are.

Performance and graphics

Our machine came with a standard configuration of an Intel Core i5-2430M processor running at 2.4GHz. That's paired with 6GB of memory and dedicated AMD Radeon HD 6630M graphics with 1GB of memory sitting along side the integrated Intel stuff.

For general tasking and work we found this combination to be well more than adequate, multi-tasking with aplomb. Blu-ray plays full-screen without a hitch, as you'd expect, and full-screen HD content from elsewhere is no issue. Bootup times are reasonably fast (50 seconds) and overall it's a machine that won't leave you wanting, though it didn't exactly shine on the general-purpose Vantage test. It earns solid marks in its class on the more gaming-friendly 3DMark06, however.


PCMarkVantage 3DMark06
 Battery Life
15-inch Sony VAIO S series (2.40GHz Core i5-2430M, AMD Radeon HD 6630M) 5,632 6,898
 3:59 (stamina mode) / 8:58 (stamina mode, slice battery)
Acer TimelineX AS5830TG-6402 (2.3GHz Core i5-2410M, NVIDIA GeForce GT 520M) 6,475 5,330 6:25
Dell XPS M15z (2.7GHz Core i7-2620M, NVIDIA GeForce GT525M) 8,023 7,317 3:41 (Optimus disabled) / 4:26 (Optimus enabled)
HP Pavilion dv6t (2.3GHz Core i5-2410M, Intel HD Graphics 3000) 6,563 5,818 2:42
2011 HP Envy 14 (2.3GHz Core i5-2410M, Intel HD Graphics 3000 / AMD Radeon HD 6630M) 6,735 7,214 3:55
Notes: the higher the score the better. For 3DMark06, the first number reflects score with GPU off, the second with it on.

Battery life



As usual, Sony thoughtfully includes a little switch right above the keyboard that lets you toggle instantly between "Stamina" and "Speed" modes, automatically re-configuring Windows to different settings and, as you'd expect, disabling the dedicated graphics card. We did our testing in Stamina mode, as this is probably the state you'll be in when roaming far away from power ports.

In this mode, and during our video rundown test with WiFi on and the display brightness set to 65 percent, the laptop managed one minute short of four hours. Not bad, but not great. With the $150 optional sheet battery slapped on the bottom we more than doubled that. The slice adds a considerable amount of thickness to the device but, it must be said, not a great amount of extra weight, making it a solid accessory choice for anybody whose flights are the type that usually entail more than one connection -- and whose carry-on or personal item is big enough to accomodate this thing.


Handily, that slice can be charged on its own, even when not attached to the laptop, but you'll need to pack a matchbox-sized adapter to do so.

Configuration options

We don't have final pricing on all configuration options yet, but the 15-inch S Series will start at "around $1,000" according to Sony. On the processor front you have an array of Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 silicon available to you, but choices from the latter two groups of dual-core offerings will be most common. Your selection there can be paired with dedicated AMD Radeon HD 6630 graphics with 1GB of VRAM, which again is disabled when flipping that power switch from Speed to Stamina.

Multiple storage options will be available, with up to 1TB of storage and some solid state offerings too. Our machine has 6GB of memory onboard and a Blu-ray reader, but we're told writers will be on offer as well.


Software



The 15.5-inch S Series comes with largely the same configuration as on the earlier SB. The most immediately notable thing is the VAIO Gate software, a swoopy, wave-like application launcher that hides beneath the upper bezel of your display and flows down when you mouse over it. You can put application shortcuts up there and watch them go.

There's a suite of other VAIO-branded apps, including support apps launched via the dedicated "VAIO" button on the keyboard. You'll also find Norton Internet Security, which will be throwing yellow-bannered warnings in your face from the first time you boot into the machine, but it's BYO productivity suite, as the Office 2010 install here prompts you to buy a license the first time you click on it.

Wrap-up


The 15-inch VAIO S Series from Sony is a solid step forward compared to the 13-inch models in many regards, but not enough so that we can say it's the conclusively better buy. Yes, having a bright, clear 1080p screen is a huge advantage, but the increase in footprint is of course not for everybody, nor will the hour you lose in plug-free running.

In terms of cost it's just $100 more to step up to this bigger model, but more of a premium compared to options like the $800 Acer TimelineX AS5830TG-6402, and for that money you're getting decidedly worse battery life (without the slice, at least). Is it worth the extra cost for that plus a better screen and shinier design? Well, how long do you need to go between recharges, exactly?

Samsung's Series 7 Slate PC hands-on

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 09:46 AM PDT

And you thought Samsung was finished showing off its Series 7 line of PCs. Joining the gaming rig and its smaller laptop brethren is a brand new Series 7 Slate running Windows 7. It sports a 400 nit, 1366 x 768 11.6-inch capacitive panel, Intel's 1.6GHz Core i5 2467M CPU with integrated graphics and 4GB of RAM. On the front there's a 2 megapixel camera and a light sensor, and around the back sits a 3 megapixel shooter. Connectivity comes courtesy of 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, plus there's a USB 2.0 port, micro HDMI, and a SIM slot for surfing waves of 3G (no word on which carrier will send those swells of data, though). Each slate also comes with a capacitive stylus, but will also have Swype on board plus a custom software layer to make Windows a bit more finger-friendly.

It comes in four versions that differ in storage size and flavor of Windows, but all are .5 inches thin, weigh 2.03 pounds, and are swathed in brushed aluminum. There are 64GB SSD variants packing Home Premium for $1,099 or Pro for $1,199, while the 128GB models come with Home Premium, a dock and keyboard for $1349 or Pro sans the peripherals at the same price. They're all scheduled for a late September release, so it won't be long before you can pick one up. Looking to take the tablet plunge into Windows waters? Read on past the break for our impressions of Sammy's new slate.
Samsung Series 7 Slate PC

We got to spend some time with Samsung's newest slate, and we found it to be an intriguing device. We were impressed by both the display's brightness and its responsiveness to finger swipes and taps. The stylus also worked quite well, as the screen picked up its movements once the tip was half an inch from the surface. Plus, there was a little diamond indicator that popped up and tracked the pen's movements to aid the accuracy of our taps. We didn't get to delve too deeply into the custom software layer Samsung installed, but we can say that the larger icons and swipe-able screens made for an experience familiar to any iOS or Android user.

We also got to see the optional dock and keyboard, and thought both of them to be worthy additions to the tablet experience. The dock, which has HDMI, Ethernet and USB ports, has a solid heft to it, and is coated in the same brushed aluminum as the slate itself. The Bluetooth keyboard is razor thin, and the keys were satisfyingly clicky. Overall, we can see the appeal here -- tablet portability with full Windows functionality. However, at such steep prices, we'll have to wait and see if folks just buy a netbook and a Galaxy Tab 10.1 or an iPad instead.

Dante Cesa contributed to this report.

Gmail, Google Docs and Calendar finally regain offline access

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 09:43 AM PDT

Offline Google Mail
Since the death of Gears we've been, rather impatiently, awaiting the return of offline access to our Google apps. Well that day has finally come -- provided you're a Chrome fan. The fine folks in Mountain View just unveiled a new app for their browser (which means it also works on Chome OS) called Offline Google Mail that will keep you connected to your all-important messages even when you can't get a connection. You'll notice the app looks a heck of a lot like the web app for tablets, and that's because that's basically what it is. There are some differences -- keyboard shortcuts work -- but at it's heart it's the same HTML5 browser app mobile users have been enjoying for some time. To install the offline version you'll have to uninstall the standard Gmail Chrome app, which is a little odd, but there's nothing stopping you from typing Gmail.com in the address bar. Docs and Calendar are also going offline. Starting today the feature will be rolled out to users over the next week. To activate it just look under settings for an offline tick box. At the moment Docs is view only when disconnected, but Google promises offline editing is coming soon. Hit up the more coverage link to install Offline Gmail now.

Engadget's back to school guide 2011: gaming

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 09:00 AM PDT

Welcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we're getting our game on -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here!

Let's be honest, balancing coursework with recreation is just as important as maintaining a balanced food diet -- perhaps even more. After you spend countless hours hitting the books, cramming for tests, and writing papers, you're just going to need something to turn your brain to mush. Don't worry, we have just the thing: video games. It doesn't matter how many midterms you have, we're sure we can find something to help you slack off. Of course, it's not going to be easy; you'll have to wait until next semester (at least) to get your hands on the PlayStation Vita, but that doesn't mean that you don't have options now. Jump past the break -- we can probably help you find something to get you through mid-terms with your sanity intact. Don't want to shell out cash to have fun this semester? Enter our back to school sweepstakes! Simply leave a comment below for a chance to win, and drop by our giveaway page for more details.



On the cheap


DS Lite


Nintendo DS Lite

The Nintendo DS isn't just one of the best selling handheld consoles of all time, it's also one of the best alarm clocks you'll ever own. This dual-screen wonder's built-in alarm will tell you exactly how many hours, minutes, and seconds you have before you have to wake up for that big midterm you should have been studying for. But hey, you caught 'em all -- that counts for something, right?

Price: $99 from Walmart

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Nyko Power Pack+ 3DS
The 3DS just doesn't have the endurance of its older brother -- if you want to make it through that between-class stretch, you'll need a bigger battery. This easy-to-install replacement nearly doubles the console's battery life and provides extra grip for adult-sized hands.

$15 on Amazon


Nyko Zoom for Kinect
We have enough trouble playing Kinect in full-sized living rooms, and you want to take that thing to college? Fine, but this doohicky will let you get much closer, reducing minimum distance by 40-percent.

$24 on Amazon



Mid-range


Xbox 360 4GB console

If you still haven't gotten in on the current generation of gaming consoles, the 4GB Xbox 360 S is a great place to start. Last year's refresh produced an affordable, sleek machine, packing built-in WiFi and dropping some of the more aggravating problems that plauged its predecessor. Sure, Microsoft is hyping a whole new gimmick these days, but you've got six years of modern classics to stand on. Besides, you're on a budget -- Kinect can catch up with you later.

Price: $199 on Amazon

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Nintendo 3DS
Sure, you could just get a really big DSi, but thanks to lackluster sales and an unexpected price drop, you can score stereoscopic depth perception for the same scratch. Even if Nintendo's next generation handheld didn't hold your interest at $250, it's worth a second look at $170.


$169 on Amazon


Mad Catz Cyborg RAT
If you're the sort of person who will steadfastly argue that the mouse and keyboard combo is all it takes to make PC gaming superior to console gaming, then you might appreciate this highly customizable transforming input device -- so aggressive, it refuses to be called "mousy." Available both with, and without tail.

$130 on Amazon



Money's no object


Dell Alienware M18x

Kids these days sure love their consoles (and so do we!), but there's still no substitute for pure, unadulterated power. At the end of the day the most powerful gaming experience you can cram into your dorm will be molded in the form of a massive, 18-inch gaming laptop. The world of gaming-centric desktop-replacements is fairly diverse, but we've always stood by Alienware -- and the M18x is no slacker. A customized rig with a factory-overclocked Intel Quad Core i7 CPU at 4.0GHz, 32GB of DDR3-1333 RAM, Dual 2GB GDDR5 Nvidia GeForce GTX 580M, 256GB SSD, and a handful of other tweaks can set you back as much as $6,000 -- but you'd be hard pressed to find a more capable mobile gaming monster. Of course, you could always opt for a smaller, more afforadable alternative. We won't judge.

Price: $2,000-6,000+ from Dell

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PlayStation 3 320GB bundle
This high-end PS3 bundle comes in various flavors - from inFamous 2, to PlayStation Move Sports Champions. Packaged accessories are great, but what you'll really love the PS3 for is in its core experience: a great library of exclusive games, free online play, and a baked-in Blu-ray player.

$299-349 from Sony


Xbox 360 250GB Console with Kinect
If you're a competitive online gamer, Xbox Live is where you belong -- not to say that you've forgotten your casual side. Go ahead and optimize for awesome -- your hardcore edge could use some Kinect augmentation. Besides, it's great for parties, and you are in college -- aren't you?

$399 on Amazon


Engadget's Back to School Giveaway
Official Rules
No Purchase Required to Enter or Win

Eligibility: Engadget's Back to School Giveaway (the "Giveaway") is open only to individuals who are legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including the District of Columbia) and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 years of age or older. Employees of Weblogs Inc. LLC, AOL Inc., their advertising or promotion agencies, those involved in the production, development, implementation or handling of Giveaways, any agents acting for, or on behalf of the above entities, their respective parent companies, officers, directors, subsidiaries, affiliates, licensees, service providers, prize suppliers any other person or entity associated with the Giveaways (collectively "Giveaway Entities") and/or the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members (whether related or not) of each such employee, are not eligible. All U.S., federal, state and local and Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations apply. Void in Quebec, Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law.

Sponsor: The Giveaway is sponsored by Weblogs Inc. LLC, 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 ("Sponsor").

Agreement to Official Rules: Participation in the Giveaway constitutes entrant's full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.

Giveaway Period: The Giveaway begins at 12PM ET on August 2, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011 (the "Giveaway Period"). The Giveaway Period shall be divided into fifteen (15) separate Entry Periods:

Entry Period 1 begins at 12PM ET on August 2, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 2 begins at 12PM ET on August 2, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 3 begins at 12PM ET on August 3, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 4 begins at 12PM ET on August 5, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 5 begins at 12PM ET on August 8, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 6 begins at 12PM ET on August 10, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 7 begins at 12PM ET on August 12, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 8 begins at 12PM ET on August 15, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 9 begins at 12PM ET on August 17, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 10 begins at 12PM ET on August 19, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 11 begins at 12PM ET on August 22, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 12 begins at 12PM ET on August 24, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 13 begins at 12PM ET on August 26, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 14 begins at 12PM ET on August 29, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.
Entry Period 15 begins at 12PM ET on August 31, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on September 9, 2011.

Entry: During the Giveaway Period, go to http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/engadgets-back-to-school-2011-sweepstakes-were-giving-away-3/ and follow the instructions to submit your entry. The use of any agencies or automated software to submit entries will void all entries submitted by that person.

Drawing: At the conclusion of the Giveaway Period, Sponsor will select the name of one (1) Grand Prize Winner from each of the fifteen (15) Entry Periods in a random drawing of all eligible entries received during each Entry Period. The odds of being selected as a potential winner depend on the number of eligible entries received during the applicable Entry Period. Potential Winners will be contacted via email and asked to provide their full name, age and mailing address within a specified time period. If a potential winner does not respond within the timeframe stated in the notification email, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from all entries received during the Entry Period. Non-winning entries from one Entry Period do not carry over into subsequent Entry Periods.

Requirements of the Potential Winners: Except where prohibited, the potential winners will be required to complete and return an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release (the "Affidavit/Release") and IRS W-9 form within seven (7) days of being notified. If a potential winner fails to sign and return the Affidavit/Release and W-9 form within the required time period, an alternate entrant may be selected in his/her place in a random drawing of all entries received. Acceptance of a prize constitutes consent to use winner's name and likeness for editorial, advertising and publicity purposes without additional compensation, except where prohibited by law. In the event the potential winner of any prize is a Canadian resident, he/she will also be required to correctly answer a time-limited mathematical question to be administered by email, mail or phone to receive the prize. Limit one (1) prize per household.

Prizes: Fifteen (15) Grand Prize Winners will each receive a Back to School Prize Pack containing the following items: HP Pavilion dm1z laptop, Sony NEX-C3 digital camera, Samsung 7" Galaxy Tab, Motorola Photon 4G (Sprint) smartphone, Altec Lansing Octiv 650 speaker doc, Bowers & Wilkins C5 headphones, Nook E-reader, Timbuk2 Command Messenger bag, Elgato HDHomeRun TV tuner, Kingston Wi-Drive, 1-year Premium Spotify subscription, Scosche: goBAT II, iMainGo: X, G-Form 11" Extreme Sleeve, Canon X Mark I Mouse Lite, 1-year Premium Skype subscription, Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock, Red Swingline Stapler, Toddy Smart Cloth and Pogo Sketch. Approximate Retail Value of each Prize Pack is $3,141. Subscriptions are subject to issuer's terms and conditions. Activation fees and monthly service fees not included with any smartphone/digital devices. No cash or other substitution may be made, except by the Sponsor, who reserves the right to substitute a prize or portion of a prize with another prize of equal or greater value if the prize is not available for any reason as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion. Winners are responsible for any taxes and fees associated with receipt or use of a prize.

General Conditions: In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Giveaway is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, or other technical problem, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) suspend the Giveaway to address the impairment and then resume the Giveaway in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules; or (b) award the prizes at random from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Giveaway or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to undermine the legitimate operation of the Giveaway may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Sponsor's failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. In case of a dispute as to the owner of an entry, entry will be deemed to have been submitted by the authorized account holder of the screen name from which the entry is made. The authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

Release and Limitations of Liability: By participating in the Giveaway, entrants agree to release, defend indemnify and hold harmless the Giveaway Entities from and against any claim or cause of action, including without limitation, any third party claim, arising out of participation in the Giveaway or receipt, use or misuse of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) unauthorized human intervention in the Giveaway; (b) technical errors related to computers, servers, providers, or telephone or network lines; (c) printing errors; (d) lost, late, postage-due, misdirected, or undeliverable mail; (e) errors in the administration of the Giveaway or the processing of entries; or (f) injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant's participation in the Giveaway or receipt, use or misuse of any prize. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Giveaway Entities' liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Giveaway, and in no event shall the Giveaway Entities be liable for attorney's fees. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE PRIZES AND ALL ELEMENTS THEREOF ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF ANY KIND. SPONSOR DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND/OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. Some jurisdictions do not allow the disclaimer of implied warranties. In such jurisdictions, some of the foregoing disclaimers may not apply to you insofar as they relate to implied warranties.

Disputes: Except where prohibited, entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Giveaway or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant's rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Giveaway, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the Commonwealth of Virginia or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Giveaway Results: To request the names of the winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Engadget Back to School Giveaway Winners, Zach Honig, 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003. Requests must be received by September 30, 2011.
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Sony announces VAIO L Series all-in-one PC

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 08:41 AM PDT

Sony didn't exactly dwell on it during its IFA keynote, but the company also expanded its desktop PC offerings today with its latest VAIO L Series all-in-one. This one packs a 24-inch multitouch display complete with a touch-sensitive bezel, along with your choice of second-gen Intel Core processors (yet to be specified), NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics, 8GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and a Blu-ray / DVD burner combo drive. And, judging from the number of times its mentioned in the press release after the break, it also appears to be 3D-capable. Still no word on pricing, but it looks like this one will at least be available in Europe starting in October.
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Explore your 3D world with new VAIO L Series 31 August 2011

61cm (24") all-in-one 3D touchscreen multimedia PC

Slim, space-saving all-in-one PC with large multi-touch 3D screen
61cm (24") Full HD VAIO Display Plus with LED backlight brings entertainment to life in 3D
Convert 2D movies and videos to 3D at the touch of a button
First all-in-one PC with 3D HDMI® input to enjoy 3D PlayStation®3 games
Create 3D artworks with easy-to-use Family Paint 3D software
Now the whole family can watch and create thrilling 3D content with the new VAIO L series 3D multimedia PC from Sony.

Slip on the supplied pair of re-chargeable active shutter glasses – the same as used with latest BRAVIA® 3D TV models. Then let VAIO immerse you in a fast-growing world of 3D movies, games, videos and panoramic photos.

With its slim, space-saving looks, VAIO L Series 3D makes an elegant addition in any living space. Its stunning design is accented by a 61cm (24") Full HD VAIO Display Plus screen with LED backlight. This super-size display brings all your movies, photos, music and games vividly to life with superb clarity and contrast, whether you're watching in 2D or 3D.

Explore your media collection using the generously sized multi-touch LCD screen. Scroll through files, flick between web pages, zoom and rotate images with intuitive fingertip gestures... and no mouse or menus needed. The screen is framed by a touch sensitive 'Edge Access' bezel that gives mouse-free access to key functions. The bezel also houses an embedded 3D transmitter: just slip on your active shutter glasses and enjoy the show in 3D, with no extra hardware needed.

New VAIO L Series 3D offers more ways to enjoy your favourite entertainment. 'Native' supported 3D content includes movies on Blu-ray Disc™, games and videos. You can also enjoy 3D panoramic still images captured with Cyber-shot™ digital cameras and α DSLR digital cameras by Sony. There's also a dedicated button on the bezel that instantly converts 2D content like Blu-ray Disc movies to simulated 3D at a single touch.

With the latest generation of speedy Intel® Core™ processors inside, this all-in-one VAIO provides the power you need to manage today's media collections. Latest graphics by NVIDIA® assure an even more satisfying HD video experience with the new generation of PC games designed for multi-core processors.

Depending on configuration, the integrated Blu-ray Disc writer lets you create, edit and store Full HD content with up to 50GB of storage on a single Blu-ray Disc. And whether you're playing games or watching HD movies in 3D, S-Force Front Surround 3D complements your HD entertainment experience with powerful, ultra-realistic audio.

The integrated HD web camera powered by 'Exmor' technology delivers a crisp, clear High Definition image. It's ideal for more realistic, satisfying web chats and video calls.

Touching the handily-placed WEB button gets you powered up and online in seconds. There's also an ASSIST button that launches VAIO Care software, troubleshooting problems and keeping your VAIO in top condition.

An HDMI® output connects VAIO L Series to any HD Ready television to watch video, photos, graphics and games on your TV screen. It's also the first all-in-one PC with a 3D HDMI input, allowing this VAIO to display 3D video from a connected PlayStation®3. You'll enjoy a superb view of PlayStation®3 games and other connected HD sources - even when the PC's not booted up.

VAIO L Series adds yet another new dimension to your 3D world. It's easy to create colourful 3D artworks with supplied Family Paint 3D software. Select from a choice of backgrounds, then build your masterpiece on the large touchscreen with a wide range of sketch, paint, stamp and text tools. Adjust the depth of up to five separate picture layers, and enjoy the spectacular results in 3D. It's a great way for all the family to have fun making their own 3D content.

The all-in-one 61cm (24") VAIO L Series 3D multimedia PC by Sony is available in Europe from October 2011, depending on country.

Sony's new Reader Wi-Fi is the world's lightest 6-inch e-reader with multitouch screen

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 08:12 AM PDT

Sony's just been showing off its Reader Store for the Android-powered Tablet S and Tablet P, but it hasn't forgotten its more eye-friendly options. Announced at IFA just now, the self-explanatory Reader Wi-Fi (PRS-T1) claims to be the world's lightest 6-inch e-reader with an "enhanced" touchscreen -- the "enhanced" bit referring to its "Clear Touch Infrared" technology that supports multitouch for pinch-to-zoom, though it's also bundled with a stylus. At 168 grams (5.93 ounces) light and 8.9mm thin, this device packs a 600 x 800, 16-level gray scale E Ink Pearl display, along with 1.3 GB of usable internal storage plus microSD expansion of up to 32GB.

The built-in 802.11b/g/n WiFi connectivity also lets users wirelessly borrow eBooks from public libraries -- a first for e-readers, apparently -- in the UK, US, and Canada. As for battery life, a single battery charge will keep digital bookworms busy for up to three weeks with WiFi enabled, or up to a month without WiFi (based on a half-hour reading time per day). Expect this ePub-compatible Reader Wi-Fi to hit the US and Europe in October for around $149, and it'll come in a color choice of either red, white or black. Press release after the break.
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Sony Introduces World's Lightest 15.2cm (6") eReader with Enhanced Touchscreen

31 August 2011

· Hold effortlessly in one hand: just 168 grams and 8.9mm thin
· Browse and download a huge range of eBooks via Wi-Fi
· Turn pages smoothly, zoom in and out, look up in dictionary or make notes, all on advanced, high-contrast touchscreen
· Borrow eBooks directly and wirelessly from your public library
· Over one month of battery life* lets you read without recharging on holidays or trips away
· Available in three fashionable colours: red, white and black

Treat yourself to the most natural and immersive reading experience with the new Reader™ Wi-Fi® (model PRS-T1) from Sony – the world's lightest1 15.2cm (6") eReader that also features an enhanced touchscreen.

Now with Wi-Fi, Reader gives you the additional freedom to buy, borrow or get eBooks for free wherever there's a wireless connection available.

From the latest releases to popular titles and classics, it's easy to browse and download titles in seconds from a huge range of compatible bookstores and other web sites. You will also be able to purchase and download eBooks and periodicals via Wi-Fi from the rapidly-expanding catalogue available at the Reader™ Store2. What's more, Reader Wi-Fi is the worlds' first3 eReader that will allow you to borrow eBooks wirelessly from public libraries thanks to simple, seamless access on the device4 via an on-screen 'Public Library' icon.

Slipping effortlessly into a bag or pocket, Reader Wi-Fi is no bigger than a paperback book. 8.9mm thin and weighing just 168 grams it's supremely comfortable to hold, with a gently curving profile that fits naturally in your hand.

Enjoying your favourite book is even more of a pleasure with the advanced Dual Touch screen. E Ink® Pearl electronic paper displays a clear, glare-free, high contrast image that's easy to read for hours, even in direct sunlight.

Touch the screen to choose a book. Swipe a finger to turn the page, or zoom in and out by pinching your fingers together or apart. Tap on a word and hold to find its meaning from two built-in English language dictionaries. Words can also be translated to and from English using ten built-in translation dictionaries. You can even write notes on the page or highlight text with a finger or the supplied stylus – just like a real book.

Finding your way around the longest title is refreshingly quick and intuitive. Bookmark pages and return to them instantly, or search for particular passages and jump straight to the text you're looking for.

While you're reading, get extra information easily on a word or phrase with in-text access to Google™ and Wikipedia® look-ups. A simple browser also lets you download other compatible5 documents from the web via Wi-Fi for easy reading while you're on the move.

Reader Wi-Fi handles a wide range of digital formats, including the popular EPUB eBook standard plus PDF and TXT documents. View your collection of digital photos on screen, or plug in a pair of headphones and listen to stored music tracks while you're reading. The front cover image of your current title or a favourite photo can be displayed as a screensaver when Reader is in standby.

Fine-tune your reading experience with eight adjustable font sizes plus a choice of six font styles. Screen contrast and brightness are easily adjusted for comfortable viewing in any lighting conditions.

Its long battery life lets you read for over one month without needing a recharge (3 weeks with wireless on). Reader Wi-Fi can be used while the battery charges via USB on a connected PC, so there's no need to interrupt your favourite book.

With a capacity of 2GB – enough to hold around 1,200 eBooks – internal memory space is easily expanded with an optional microSD card to hold tens of thousands more.

Style-matched optional accessories for your Reader include a form-fitting cover with built-in lighting arm that angles for reading at night or in dimly lit places.

Reader Wi-Fi with Pottermore download offer6

Sony's first offer in its collaboration with J.K. Rowling's eagerly anticipated Pottermore website (www.pottermore.com) is a specially-created limited edition of Reader Wi-Fi (PRS-T1) which includes a voucher that enables Harry Potter fans to download the first Harry Potter eBook title, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, from Pottermore. Pottermore, a unique website which builds an exciting and immersive online experience around the Harry Potter books and is the exclusive retailer of the Harry Potter digital eBooks, is partnered by Sony.

Reader Wi-Fi (model: PRS-T1) by Sony is available in Europe from October 2011, depending on country.

1 The world's lightest eBook Reader with diagonal screen size of 15.2 cm (6") as of 31st August 2011.

2 Reader Store will soon be available in Europe, coming first to the UK, Germany and Austria in 2011.

3 World's first according to Sony research as of 31st August 2011.

4 Requires valid library card. Device feature - available only in UK, US, and Canada.

5 Unencrypted ePub and PDF files.

6 Availability of Reader Wi-Fi Pottermore special edition varies by country.

Sprint bumps early termination fee to $350, wants to play with the big boys

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 08:01 AM PDT

Never count the little guy out. It seems Sprint's ramping up its game in preparation for the possible three-way carrier brawl lurking just out of view. In an email to PhoneScoop, the Hesse-led company revealed a coming change to its ETF for customers with smartphones, tabs, laptops and netbooks. Beginning September 9th, Sprint will charge a $350 termination fee -- the same as Verizon and AT&T -- that will be pro-rated depended on the number of months left on a subscriber's contract. The charge is a hefty step-up from its prior fee of $200, clearly signaling to the marketplace that it demands to be seen as a contender.

US government files to block proposed AT&T / T-Mobile merger (update: AT&T and Sprint respond!)

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 07:36 AM PDT

You heard right. Bloomberg is reporting that the United States government (!) just filed court papers in Washington, D.C. to block the much ballyhooed tie-up between AT&T and T-Mobile USA. Oddly enough, T-Mobile and AT&T promised this morning that a total of 5,000 jobs would be hand delivered to the US if the two telcos were allowed to become one, but it'll take a heck of a lot more convincing now. For what it's worth, this doesn't mean that the deal is or isn't happening -- it's just another step in the process -- but it most certainly doesn't bode well for proponents. Nor for AT&T's share price.

According to the report, the Justice Department feels that the deal would "substantially lessen competition" in the wireless space. In fact, it boldly stated the following: "AT&T's elimination of T-Mobile as an independent, low-priced rival would remove a significant competitive force from the market." If things end up falling apart, it's important to remember that AT&T would be forced to pay Deutsche Telekom $3 billion as a break-up fee, which ought to make Tiger Woods' misfortunes look like an outright bargain.

Update: Full press release is now embedded after the break, and meanwhile, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski has issued the following public statement: "Although our process is not complete, the record before this agency also raises serious concerns about the impact of the proposed transaction on competition."

Update 2: Wayne Watts, AT&T Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel, issued the following statement (seen after the break)...

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in] "We are surprised and disappointed by today's action, particularly since we have met repeatedly with the Department of Justice and there was no indication from the DOJ that this action was being contemplated. We plan to ask for an expedited hearing so the enormous benefits of this merger can be fully reviewed. The DOJ has the burden of proving alleged anti-competitive affects and we intend to vigorously contest this matter in court. At the end of the day, we believe facts will guide any final decision and the facts are clear. This merger will:

· Help solve our nation's spectrum exhaust situation and improve wireless service for millions.
· Allow AT&T to expand 4G LTE mobile broadband to another 55 million Americans, or 97% of the population;
· Result in billions of additional investment and tens of thousands of jobs, at a time when our nation needs them most.

We remain confident that this merger is in the best interest of consumers and our country, and the facts will prevail in court."

Update 3: Not like anyone asked 'em, but Sprint's just entered the conversation with a statement of its own: Vonya B. McCann, senior vice president of Government Affairs for the carrier, had this to say:
"The DOJ today delivered a decisive victory for consumers, competition and our country. By filing suit to block AT&T's proposed takeover of T-Mobile, the DOJ has put consumers' interests first. Sprint applauds the DOJ for conducting a careful and thorough review and for reaching a just decision – one which will ensure that consumers continue to reap the benefits of a competitive U.S. wireless industry. Contrary to AT&T's assertions, today's action will preserve American jobs, strengthen the American economy, and encourage innovation."

Pretty amazing how two companies in the exact same business can see this so differently.
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Justice Department Files Antitrust Lawsuit to Block AT&T's Acquisition of T-Mobile

Transaction Would Reduce Competition in Mobile Wireless Telecommunications Services, Resulting in Higher Prices, Poorer Quality Services, Fewer Choices and Fewer Innovative Products for Millions of American Consumers

WASHINGTON - The Department of Justice today filed a civil antitrust lawsuit to block AT&T Inc.'s proposed acquisition of T-Mobile USA Inc.

The department said that the proposed $39 billion transaction would substantially lessen competition for mobile wireless telecommunications services across the United States, resulting in higher prices, poorer quality services, fewer choices and fewer innovative products for the millions of American consumers who rely on mobile wireless services in their everyday lives.

The department's lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeks to prevent AT&T from acquiring T-Mobile from Deutsche Telekom AG.

"The combination of AT&T and T-Mobile would result in tens of millions of consumers all across the United States facing higher prices, fewer choices and lower quality products for mobile wireless services," said Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole. "Consumers across the country, including those in rural areas and those with lower incomes, benefit from competition among the nation's wireless carriers, particularly the four remaining national carriers. This lawsuit seeks to ensure that everyone can continue to receive the benefits of that competition."

"T-Mobile has been an important source of competition among the national carriers, including through innovation and quality enhancements such as the roll-out of the first nationwide high-speed data network," said Sharis A. Pozen, Acting Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division. "Unless this merger is blocked, competition and innovation will be reduced, and consumers will suffer."

Mobile wireless telecommunications services play a critical role in the way Americans live and work, with more than 300 million feature phones, smart phones, data cards, tablets and other mobile wireless devices in service today. Four nationwide providers of these services - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon - account for more than 90 percent of mobile wireless connections. The proposed acquisition would combine two of those four, eliminating from the market T-Mobile, a firm that historically has been a value provider, offering particularly aggressive pricing.

According to the complaint, AT&T and T-Mobile compete head to head nationwide, including in 97 of the nation's largest 100 cellular marketing areas. They also compete nationwide to attract business and government customers. AT&T's acquisition of T-Mobile would eliminate a company that has been a disruptive force through low pricing and innovation by competing aggressively in the mobile wireless telecommunications services marketplace.

The complaint cites a T-Mobile document in which T-Mobile explains that it has been responsible for a number of significant "firsts" in the U.S. mobile wireless industry, including the first handset using the Android operating system, Blackberry wireless email, the Sidekick, national Wi-Fi "hotspot" access, and a variety of unlimited service plans. T-Mobile was also the first company to roll out a nationwide high-speed data network based on advanced HSPA+ (High-Speed Packet Access) technology. The complaint states that by January 2011, an AT&T employee was observing that "[T-Mobile] was first to have HSPA+ devices in their portfolio...we added them in reaction to potential loss of speed claims."

The complaint details other ways that AT&T felt competitive pressure from T-Mobile. The complaint quotes T-Mobile documents describing the company's important role in the market:

• T-Mobile sees itself as "the No. 1 value challenger of the established big guys in the market and as well positioned in a consolidated 4-player national market"; and

• T-Mobile's strategy is to "attack incumbents and find innovative ways to overcome scale disadvantages. [T-Mobile] will be faster, more agile, and scrappy, with diligence on decisions and costs both big and small. Our approach to market will not be conventional, and we will push to the boundaries where possible. . . . [T-Mobile] will champion the customer and break down industry barriers with innovations. . . ."

The complaint also states that regional providers face significant competitive limitations, largely stemming from their lack of national networks, and are therefore limited in their ability to compete with the four national carriers. And, the department said that any potential entry from a new mobile wireless telecommunications services provider would be unable to offset the transaction's anticompetitive effects because it would be difficult, time-consuming and expensive, requiring spectrum licenses and the construction of a network.

The department said that it gave serious consideration to the efficiencies that the merging parties claim would result from the transaction. The department concluded AT&T had not demonstrated that the proposed transaction promised any efficiencies that would be sufficient to outweigh the transaction's substantial adverse impact on competition and consumers. Moreover, the department said that AT&T could obtain substantially the same network enhancements that it claims will come from the transaction if it simply invested in its own network without eliminating a close competitor.

AT&T is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Dallas. AT&T is one of the world's largest providers of communications services, and is the second largest mobile wireless telecommunications services provider in the United States as measured by subscribers. It serves approximately 98.6 million connections to wireless devices. In 2010, AT&T earned mobile wireless telecommunications services revenues of $53.5 billion, and its total revenues were in excess of $124 billion.

T-Mobile, is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Bellevue, Wash. T-Mobile is the fourth-largest mobile wireless telecommunications services provider in the United States as measured by subscribers, and serves approximately 33.6 million wireless connections to wireless devices. In 2010, T-Mobile earned mobile wireless telecommunications services revenues of $18.7 billion. T-Mobile is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom AG.

Deutsche Telekom AG is a German corporation headquartered in Bonn, Germany. It is the largest telecommunications operator in Europe with wireline and wireless interests in numerous countries and total annual revenues in 2010 of 62.4 billion euros.

Sony Ericsson announces Xperia arc S at IFA, coming in October

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 07:31 AM PDT

Sony took to the stage at IFA 2011 to unveil its latest handset, the Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S. It appears to be a refresh of the original that was launched earlier this year. The super-slim device just got a few bumps in features, including a 1.4GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 processor and an 8.1 megapixel camera with an Exmor R sensor that includes a "3D sweep panorama" mode, which offers the ability to take 2D (read: not stereoscopic) images and convert them into 3D. The new device will offer a similar 4.2-inch Reality Display that we've seen in the original Arc, and will be available in five colors globally this October. Click on past the break for the company's official presser.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S


Joseph Volpe contributed to this report.
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Sony Ericsson unveils its fastest entertainment experiences to date with Xperia™ arc S
31 August 2011

Xperia™ arc S has a powerful 1.4 Ghz processor delivering up to 25% faster entertainment compared to Xperia arc ™
Winner of the EISA award "European Camera Phone 2011-2012"*

31st August 2011, Berlin, Germany – Sony Ericsson today unveiled Xperia™ arc S at Sony's press conference in conjunction with IFA in Berlin. Taking the award-winning sleek design from Xperia arc*,the latest addition to the Xperia™ family has a processor upgraded to 1.4Ghz, Sony 3D sweep panorama technology and access to the Sony Entertainment Network services – "Music Unlimited" and "Video Unlimited"**. Xperia™ arc S features 25% faster camera start up and media conversion , along with 20% faster web page rendering compared to Xperia™ arc***.

Consumers with a 2011 Xperia™ smartphone are now able to enjoy "Music Unlimited" and "Video Unlimited" subject to market availability**:

"Music Unlimited" has a global catalogue of over 10 million unique songs**** with access to your personal music library and ad free radio channels across multiple devices.
"Video Unlimited" (currently exclusive to Sony Ericsson Xperia™) is the ultimate source for the latest Hollywood blockbusters, all-time classics, and TV shows from all major studios.

Nikolaus Scheurer, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson said: "Xperia™ arc S is the fastest and most entertaining Xperia™ to date and it clearly demonstrates how the Xperia™ family are the best smartphones to experience great entertainment services such as Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited."

In addition to these services, Xperia™ arc S includes best-in-class Sony technology such as 3D sweep panorama. 3D sweep panorama images can be captured and then viewed by connecting the phone to a 3D TV using the HDMI output.

Xperia™ arc S also has a visually brilliant 4.2" Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine, an 8.1mp camera with HD video capability and Sony's award winning Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor that enhances still images and videos even in low light conditions.

Consumers also have access to a uniquely social entertainment experience of sharing and discovery with Facebook inside Xperia™, plus the extensive world of Android with over 250,000 applications.

Xperia™ arc S at a glance:

Super fast 1.4 GHz processor
3D and 2D sweep panorama photography
8.1 MP camera with Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor
4.2" Reality display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
Latest Android™ platform Gingerbread 2.3

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc S will be available globally in selected markets from Q4 2011.
For full details all products news, please visit the press room and the product blog:
http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/corporate/press/pressreleases/latestnews
http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products/

* Xperia™arc S and Xperia™ arc are winners of the EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) award for European Camera Phone 2011-2012. Xperia™ arc is also the winner of the prestigious red dot Product Design Award 2011

** Availability of Sony Entertainment Network services:

"Music Unlimited" and "Video Unlimited" are expected to become available on Xperia™ arc S and launch timing will vary by region. Customers will be notified when services are available.
Markets for Video Unlimited: USA, Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, France, Australia, Canada and Japan
Markets for Music Unlimited: USA, Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, France, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand

*** Based on internal tests.
**** The number of songs available from this catalogue varies by region

Colour

Pure White
Midnight Blue
Misty Silver
Gloss Black
Sakura Pink

Facts 1)2)

Size: 125 x 63 x 8.7 mm
Weight: 117 grams
Operating system: Google™ Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread)
Processor: 1.4 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255

Camera

3D sweep panorama
8.1 megapixel camera
16x smart zoom
Aperture f/2.4
Auto focus
Face detection
Face recognition
Flash/LED
Geo tagging
HD video recording (720p)
Image stabiliser
Red-eye reduction
Scene detection
Self-timer
Send to web
Smile detection
Sony Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor
Sweep panorama
Touch capture
Touch focus
Video light
Video recording
Video stabiliser

Music

Album art
Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
Music tones (MP3/AAC)
PlayNow™ service
Sony Ericsson Music Player
TrackID™ music recognition
xLOUD™ Loudness Enhancement Technology

Internet

Android Market™
Bookmarks
Google™ search
Google Voice™ Search
Pan & zoom
Web browser (WebKit)

Communication

Call list
Conference calls
Facebook™ application
Facebook inside Xperia™ 2.0
Google Talk™
Noise Shield
Polyphonic ringtones
Sony Ericsson Timescape™
Speakerphone
Twitter™ (Timescape™integration)*
Vibrating alert

Messaging

Conversations
Email
Google Mail™
Instant messaging
Multimedia messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Sound recorder
Text messaging (SMS)

Design

Auto rotation
Keyboard (on-screen, QWERTY)
Live wallpaper
Picture wallpaper
Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
Screenshot capturing
Swipe to write
Touch screen

Entertainment

* This service may not be available in every market

3D games
Accelerated Adobe Flash Video
Media browser
Motion gaming
Video Unlimited
Music Unlimited
Radio (FM radio with RDS)
Video streaming
YouTube™*

Organiser

Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Document readers
E-Manual
Flight mode
Google Calendar™
Google Gallery 3D
Infinite button
Phonebook
Setup guide
Widget manager

Connectivity

3.5 mm audio jack
aGPS
Bluetooth™ technology
DLNA Certified™
Google Latitude™
Google Maps™ with Street View
HDMI support
Media Transfer Protocol support
Micro USB support
Modem
Native USB tethering
Synchronisation via Facebook™
Synchronisation via Google Sync™
Synchronisation via Sony Ericsson Sync
Synchronisation via Exchange ActiveSync®
USB mass storage
USB High speed 2.0 support
USB OTG
Wi-Fi®
Wi-Fi® Hotspot functionality

Display

16,777,216 colour TFT
Capacitive multi-touch
4.2 inches
854 x 480 pixels (FWVGA)
Shatter proof sheet on scratch-resistant mineral glass

Memory

Phone memory (user-free): Up to 320MB
Memory card support: microSD™, up to 32GB

Networks

UMTS HSPA 900, 2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

UMTS HSPA 800, 850, 1900, 2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

Battery life

Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 7 hrs 25 min*
Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 460 hrs*

Talk time UMTS: Up to 7 hrs 35 min*
Standby time UMTS: Up to 460 hrs*

Music listening time: Up to 37 hrs*
Video playback time: Up to 6 hrs 25 min*

In the kit

Xperia™ arc S
Removable battery
Stereo portable handsfree
8GB microSD™ memory card
Charger
Micro USB cable for charging
Synchronisation and file transfer
User documentation

*According to GSM Association Battery Life Measurement Technique. Battery performance may vary depending on network conditions and configurations, and phone usage

Legal
1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant. 2) Operational times are affected by network preferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. playing games. Kit contents and colour options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.

Sony Vaio S line gets mild refresh with second-gen Core CPUs

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 07:30 AM PDT

Sony Vaio S
That slinky 13.3-inch Sony Vaio S is getting itself something of a refresh. Not much is changing about the sub-four-pound notebook -- you're looking at the same 4GB of RAM and superb battery life, even on the base models. The folks at Sony are simply giving the line something of a brain transplant, swapping in Intel's latest Core processors (that's Sandy Bridge for those of you in the dark). You'll still have your choice of i3s, i5s and i7s, but now they'll run a little bit faster and a little bit longer. The slightly refreshed models will land on October 2 and no change in price has been announced. Check out the PR after the break.
Show full PR text
SONY UNVEILS NEW VAIO® S SERIES LAPTOP WITH 15 INCH FULL HD DISPLAY
Full-featured and portable HD PC weighs just 4.4 pounds
SAN DIEGO, August 31, 2011 – Sony today unveiled an all new VAIO S Series laptop
with a 15.5-inch Full HD 1080p display featuring a slim and light design and optional sheet
battery for all day mobility. The new 15.5-inch S Series continues Sony's efforts to offer users
advanced performance and design that fits their mobile lifestyles.
At just under 1-inch thin and 4.4 pounds, the 15.5-inch S Series is easy to handle, while
the Full HD display paired with Hybrid Graphics allows for increased productivity. The new
15.5-inch model sports an elegant design in jet black or platinum silver and is crafted with
magnesium and aluminum materials for lightness. When coupled with the advanced large-
capacity optional sheet battery, you can stay mobile and unplugged for up to 12 hours while also
offering a thin battery profile. Intelligent charging enables you to charge the optional sheet
battery separately from the PC and attach it to the system at any time without shutting down for
maximum flexibility.
"We're proud to announce a new addition to the VAIO S Series family. The 15.5" S
Series adds a Full HD display and backlit 10-key numeric pad to increase productivity while
maintaining a thin and lightweight profile," said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Networked
Technology and Services Division at Sony Electronics. "You can fly nonstop from Los Angeles
to New York and back, or attend a full day of classes on just one charge with this S Series laptop
when combined with the optional sheet battery."
Performance and Mobility
Performance is top priority with the available second generation Intel® CoreTM i7
processor that delivers even more performance automatically when you need it. With Intel Turbo
Boost Technology 2.0, the processor increases speed automatically, delivering the performance
needed for multitasking. For quicker boot-ups, faster application launches and overall maximum
performance and ample storage, select models are equipped with solid state drives and feature
Quad RAID 0 technology up to 1TB. Security features include Trusted Platform Module (TCG
ver. 1.2 certified) and enhanced online security by Symantec VIP Access technology.
AMD RadeonTM HD 6630 Hybrid Graphics card (select models) with 1GB VRAM gives
a premium visual experience and intense HD performance without placing huge demands on the
CPU. A conveniently placed performance switch lets you choose between Speed mode for
maximum power or Stamina mode for optimized battery life.
The S Series laptop comes with one-touch VAIO, ASSIST and WEB buttons, for
launching Media GalleryTM software, VAIO CareTM support software and access to the web
without full boot-up into Windows®, all with a touch of a button.
Developed by the same people you trust to engineer amazing flat-panel HDTVs, the
VAIO 15.5-inch S Series laptop features exceptional picture quality. The LED backlit display
helps ensure a clear, bright image while conserving battery power. Plus, with an anti-glare
coating, you'll enjoy more true-to-life images with less light reflection.
The new 15.5 inch S Series also includes a built-in HD web camera powered by an
ExmorTM sensor offering superb video conferencing quality with great low-light performance.
With a built-in microphone, video chats are crisp and clear with family, friends and coworkers.
Face tracking technology allows the camera to automatically adjust focus and follow you as you
move around while video chatting.
Packed with Multimedia
Sony knows entertainment is always at the forefront and the VAIO S Series delivers
whether you're watching a Blu-ray DiscTM movie or enjoying video captured from your
compatible camcorder. The versatile Blu-ray Disc drive on the VAIO S Series laptop (select
models) combines the power of HD video playback with the convenience and utility of DVD and
CD read/write functionalities. Providing the best picture and the best sound with stunning
clarity, Blu-ray Disc technology is the ultimate way to enjoy your entertainment.
With Intel® Wireless Display 2.1, you can sit back and experience your favorite videos,
photos and music on your TV. Stop crowding around a laptop screen and view and share content
from your hard drive, home network or the Internet wirelessly on your HDTV (adapter sold
separately).
A range of optional accessories includes a sheet battery (VGP-BPSC29), docking station
(VGP-PRS25) and privacy filter (VGP-FL17).
Pricing and Availability
The new VAIO S Series 15.5 inch laptop PC will be available in October at
www.sony.com/sseries starting at about $1,000, and the optional sheet battery at about $150.
Additionally, Sony is refreshing the existing 13.3 inch S Series with the latest second
generation Intel® Core processors and will be available at www.sony.com/sseries starting
October 2, 2011.

Sony Tablet S preview

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 07:30 AM PDT

Even back when it was just a sketch we were suitably intrigued by Sony's Tablet S. Then it was the "S1," a name that, indistinct as it was, still had more character and mystery than the unfortunately generic moniker it will ship with. Still, a dull name can't obscure the most distinctive design we've yet seen in an Android Honeycomb slate, an aerofoil-like shape inspired not by a flying machine, but a rather more pedestrian folded magazine.

But, the result is a tablet that's considerably thicker than the current king of the Android hill, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 (not to mention the iPad 2), a chunky design that isn't always as hand-friendly as it looks. Is this the glossy, perfectly-paginated future of tablet design, or is it just a misshapen slate with a broken crease and shattered dreams? Read on to find out.

Note: at this time Sony was able to provide a device with final hardware, not software. So keep in mind this preview covers only the hardware, and that discussions of software and performance are liable to change.
Sony Tablet S preview

Look and feel


So what about that famous folded design? Well, the first time you pick it up, you'll wonder why all tablets aren't shaped like this. It fits comfortably and securely in either hand, with subtle dimples adding extra grip to what would otherwise be a slick, fingerprint-prone plastic back. If you're the sort who likes to hold a tablet in one hand, portrait-style, whilst tapping away with the other, you'll quickly feel right at home.

The Tablet S is also particularly well-suited to sitting on a desk in landscape, like a little keyboard. Sony thoughtfully attached a pair of rubber nubs on the top and, thanks to the gentle incline of the screen when placed on something flat, it makes for a decent typing surface -- much more so than other tablets that are less inclined to your touch.

But, try to use this slate in any other position and the design becomes something of a hindrance. Sitting on a lap in landscape, for example, we found the incline a bit too steep. Meanwhile, in portrait orientation you'll never manage to get the screen flat -- it's always angled one way or another.


Hold it in both hands and you'll also be struggling. We found the 9.4-inch screen to be a little too wide to comfortably type on with our thumbs. Turn it 90 degrees and it's much easier to opposably tap at the thing, but then the somewhat sharp edges on the skinny side start cutting into your palms. Unless we were sitting with this on a desk, we had a hard time getting comfortable typing on the Tablet S, and while that's a problem that can be assigned to any tablet these days, the asymmetrical styling isn't much help.

Again, all this results in a bit of a chunky girl. At its thinnest, Sony claims it's 0.3 inches (7.62mm) thick, but it of course swells out from there, growing to about 0.8-inches (20.23mm). That means it's even plumper than the Motorola Xoom on one side, but even its thinner end is no more slender than the Tab 10.1 -- unless you count the beveled edge, which we don't.

Its footprint on the other two dimensions is almost identical to the 10.1, measuring 9.5 x 6.8-inches (241 x 173mm). That means it's only a fraction of an inch narrower, despite giving up 0.7 inches on the diagonal of the screen size. Sure, you probably won't miss that extra space, but why settle for less?

Look between the black bars of the bezel and you'll be greeted with a 1,280 x 800 display that Sony says uses the company's TruBlack technology -- already a staple in its Bravia televisions. While such trademarked tech is usually fluff, we must say the results here are quite good. You'll get contrast ratios that hold up from any angle and very accurate color reproduction that surpasses the Tab 10.1. And, yes, the blacks are indeed about as good as you're going to get on an LCD these days -- no concerns about light leakage here.


You will, however, have to worry about getting a case. The surface that covers the screen is rather sadly not Gorilla Glass and, while Sony says there's a protective layer here to keep the display scratch-free, after just one trip into a messenger bag unprotected it came out with a few new fine lines. This is a trip the Corning-clad Galaxy Tab 10.1 has made many, many times before, and it's still looking as good as the day it came out of the box.

The rest of the Tablet S is similarly scratch-prone, with a few fine scuffs appearing on the pimply back, and should you make the mistake of tapping on it you're greeted with a sound that can only be described as hollow. Meanwhile, the sides are made of what can only be called plastic, with a fine matte silver paint job that offers a high-end look, but a low-end feel. This is best demonstrated with the flimsy door that covers the tablet's full SD card reader. But, we must make it very clear that this is not the storage augmentation you might be hoping for.

The tablet cannot directly play media from the SD card; it must first be copied to the internal storage. So, if you had dreams of buying the 16GB version then slapping a cheap 16GB SD card in there to make up the difference, let this be your rude awakening.

Performance and battery life


This is where we need to start the caveats. While the device we were given to review has final hardware -- the same you'll find in the box when this thing starts shipping in mid-September -- the software that's been flashed to it still has some revisions pending. That could certainly have some impacts on the performance and longevity of the thing, so bear that in mind as we say we certainly hope some fixes improve the experience here, because things aren't always seamless.

Like the best of the rest at the moment, the Tablet S runs on NVIDIA's Tegra 2 SoC and so it proves more than adequate at tackling graphics-demanding applications, including HD video and games. Overall, though, we found the tablet to be less than responsive. For example, the screen is a bit sluggish to come on after you've prodded the power button, and the device is often slow to detect rotation. Neither of these things are deal-breakers, but neither do they result in a tablet that feels like a proper screamer. Hopefully a few code tweaks will help here.

In terms of pure performance, though, we have no complaints. On the SunSpider JavaScript benchmark the Tablet S scored a healthy 2,117ms, very close to the 2,200ms our Galaxy Tab 10.1 scores. Meanwhile, we managed an average Quadrant score of 1,608 -- also unsurprisingly on par with the Tab.

Battery Life
Sony Tablet S 8:35
Apple iPad 2 10:26
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 9:55
Apple iPad 9:33
HP TouchPad 8:33
Motorola Xoom 8:20
T-Mobile G-Slate 8:18
Archos 101 7:20
RIM BlackBerry PlayBook 7:01
Toshiba Thrive 6:25
Samsung Galaxy Tab 6:09

When it comes to longevity the thing does a reasonably stout job of putting up with our battery torture test, lasting roughly eight and a half hours with a movie looping and WiFi on. That doesn't match the 10-hour mark put up by the Tab 10.1 or the even greater performance of the iPad 2, but it's enough to ensure that you won't have to worry about running for the plug.

And that's a good thing, because the plug here is a big, fiddly thing with two plastic tabs and four metal connectors. Those connectors are obviously meant to make life easy for the upcoming dock, but if you don't pay up for that accessory prepare to ask yourself why Sony didn't opt for something a little more standard here.

Software


Again, Sony was quite clear that the stuff running on here is not final, so we're going to consider this more of an overview than any sort of judgement. We will of course come back with a full review in due time.

For now, the tablet is running Android Honeycomb 3.1, as you'd expect, and doing a reasonably good job of it. Sony being Sony, the Tablet S will offer a number of custom apps, starting with a Chumby emulation that can be run manually or set to go off automatically whenever the wedge is docked. It can also be used as a sort of remote control thanks to the integrated IR emitter and remote control software. There will be easy DLNA sharing, compatibility with the company's newly unified Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited services, a pair of custom keyboards with word prediction (one with a number pad) and a bunch of other odds and ends that, by and large, have cool purple icons.

The most exciting addition in the software front, without a doubt, is the inclusion of the PlayStation Suite. PlayStation Certification makes the Tablet S the first tablet capable of playing PlayStation and PSP games via the included emulator (Crash Bandicoot and Pinball Heroes are included), and this is definitely an area where the thing can stand ahead of the competition. However, it's disappointing that the company didn't take advantage of this situation by throwing some real gaming controls on here (that chubby binder edge has plenty of room for L1, L2, R1 and R2 -- if not more), and of course the PlayStation Suite continues to have a hugely disappointing selection of games. But, perhaps that'll change in the weeks between now and the release.

Camera


We're still not ready to give up our cameras and start capturing social events with slate devices such as this one, but should you find yourself at a birthday party with only a Tablet S, rest assured that those annual wishes will look decent. The five megapixel shooter on the back captures bright, clear (if a bit washed out) images that are reasonably presentable. Video, too, looked more than adequate, but came through largely without the accompaniment of audio -- despite recording on a rather noisy Manhattan street. We'll put that one down to software, too.
Sony Tablet S samples

Wrap-up

As this is not final software we simply can't draw a definitive conclusion of the whole package. But, looking at the hardware alone, it's hard to not smile at the Sony Tablet S. In a world of interchangeable rectangular slabs of glass (and patent litigation to match) it's genuinely pleasing to see something so different. The problem is, it's just different -- not necessarily better. Yes, the wedge works in some situations, but it's unhelpful in others. Instead of a confident step forward in tablet design it's more of a hop to the side with a little twist.

Beyond that, the flimsy feel of the device just doesn't inspire confidence about the thing's durability, and the few scuffs on our screen -- though small -- are disconcerting given the existence of technology that makes displays seemingly impervious to attack. Especially given the price here: $499 for the 16GB model or $599 for 32GB, both shipping in a few weeks.

So, as with all Honeycomb tablets, it basically comes down to whether this one is clearly better than the identically priced Galaxy Tab 10.1. While we'll withhold our definitive judgement until we get final software, we will say say what we've seen so far is not clearly better -- even if it is clearly different.


Show full PR text
Sony Announces Market Launch of Sony Tablet
Two Optimally Designed Android™ Devices Deliver Portability, Easy Handling and an Immersive Entertainment Experience

　
SAN DIEGO, August 31, 2011 -- Sony today announced the market launch of its first two Sony Tablet™ devices. The Android-powered Sony Tablet S and Sony Tablet P devices combine unique hardware, content and network services with seamless usability to create a world of engaging networked entertainment experiences.

Available for pre-sale today and on shelves next month, the Sony Tablet S device is optimized for rich media entertainment on its 9.4-inch touchscreen display. With a powerful NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 mobile processor, the Sony Tablet S device lets you enjoy the web as well as your favorite content and applications on its large, high-resolution screen. Weighing in at just about 1.33 lbs., its unique asymmetric design allows for hours of comfortable use and built-in Wi-Fi® compatibility means Internet connectivity virtually anywhere there's a hotspot.

Available later this year, the Sony Tablet P device is ideal for mobile communication and entertainment. With its innovative folding design, two 5.5-inch displays and weight at about 0.83 lbs., it can easily fit into a pocket, purse or backpack. It features the same NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 mobile processor and is both Wi-Fi compatible and 4G capable exclusively on AT&T's mobile broadband network,1 offering users access to digital content including videos, games, and e-mail, while on the go, nearly anytime.

Both devices run on Android, Android 3.1 on Sony Tablet S devices2 and Sony Tablet P devices will be equipped with Android 3.2 by the time they ship. Both models feature front and rear facing cameras that allow for video recording and capturing still images. The devices also support micro USB interface and SD card.

Sony Tablet devices are also distinguished by four key features that set them apart from any other tablets on the market. These include: optimally designed hardware and software, a "swift and smooth" experience, network entertainment services and cross-device functionality.

"These devices truly represent the best of everything Sony has to offer," said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Sony Electronics' Networked Technology and Services Division. "From hardware to software and services, Sony Tablet devices embody all our innovations rolled into one."

Optimally Designed Hardware and Software
Unlike other tablet devices, Sony Tablet S device has an ergonomic, asymmetric design which allows it to be easily held or carried for long periods of time. The unique form factor shifts the device's weight closer to your palm, making it feel lighter and more comfortable while reading an e-book or watching a video. The screen is sloped when placed on a flat surface, enhancing visibility and making typing more comfortable. Placing a Sony Tablet S device onto a specialized charging cradle (sold separately) converts the device into a digital photo frame, a digital clock that displays customizable information or chumby with access to over 1,500 fun and entertaining apps.

Software taking advantage of the unprecedented design of the Sony Tablet P device allows its dual screens to be used for different functions simultaneously such as playing video on one screen while using the other as a controller or reading email on one screen while using the other as a virtual keyboard. The displays can also be combined to form a single large screen for Internet browsing and more. By holding the device vertically, you can also read eBooks much in the same manner you would a physical book.

Both Sony Tablet devices are equipped with Sony's TruBlack™ displays which reduce reflection and glare from sunlight or fluorescent light for high-contrast visibility both indoors and out.


Swift and Smooth Experience
A combination of Sony technologies, Quick view and Quick touch, allow for faster loading of web pages, a highly responsive and fluid touch screen as well as an exceptionally intuitive user interface. The large keys of the virtual keyboard take full advantage of screen real estate while automatically adjusting to the task at hand. A numeric keypad pops up when inputting passwords and word suggestions or auto word complete make email and texting a breeze.

Networked Entertainment
Both Sony Tablet devices come complete with access to a full suite of Sony's network entertainment services.

• Sony Entertainment Network services: Video Unlimited is your ticket to the latest releases from every major movie studio to rent or own. A pre-open campaign for the Sony Tablet devices will be offered at device launch with limited content and more content will continue to be released over time. Music Unlimited, available in October, offers instant access to a global catalog of over 10 million songs from every major record label (numbers vary by country). Simply sync to the cloud and enjoy the music you love on Sony Tablet devices or any other Internet-enabled Sony device. A six month trial basic membership from Music Unlimited and a free movie download from Video Unlimited come with the purchase of each device.

• PlayStation® Certified: Sony Tablet devices are the first PlayStation® Certified tablets that provide out-of-the-box gaming with included favorites "Crash Bandicoot" and "Pinball Heroes."

• Reader™ Store: Access bestsellers, new releases, classics, magazines and more from more than 2.5 million titles at Reader™ Store by Sony. The store's intuitive reading interface is ideal for on-the-go reading, allowing book lovers to set bookmarks, make highlights and adjust font sizes as they read. A free eBook download is included with the purchase of the device.

• Personal Space™ by Sony: This free service allows you to easily share pictures and videos captured on Sony Tablet devices. You can also access albums that were previously uploaded from other devices.

Video, music, games and other content can be directly accessed by way of the "Favorites" menu without the need to re-launch any of the respective applications.

Cross Device Connectivity
Control your home entertainment system and enjoy content in new ways. With Sony Tablet devices, you can "throw" personal pictures and video to DLNA compatible televisions such as BRAVIA® HDTVs with the touch of a button. You can also throw music to compatible wireless speakers such as Sony's HomeShare™ speakers. The Sony Tablet S device, which is equipped with infrared technology, can act as a remote control for multiple home entertainment components such as TVs, Blu-ray Disc™ players, cable and satellite boxes, and more. The built-in Universal remote not only controls your Sony products, but other brands as well. Sony Tablet S device is the world's first Android Tablet running Honeycomb with a built in A/V remote control. Both Sony Tablet devices are compatible with the Media Remote™ app which allows you to control Sony devices, including BRAVIA televisions, through Wi-Fi® technology.

Wide Range of Applications
A variety of applications add to the entertainment options. With access to the Android Market™, you can browse thousands of useful time-saving and fun apps. Sony Tablet devices also provide instant access to Google™ mobile services and applications, including 3D maps and easy web search with Google Voice Search. To make app discovery even easier, Sony offers its Select App site which highlights new and unique Android applications in a number of categories, recommended for Sony Tablet devices. Recommended applications will be spotlighted at launch with more to come in the following weeks and months.

Accessories, Pricing, Availability
A range of optional accessories includes a cradle, AC adapter, LCD screen protector, carrying case and USB adaptor cable for Sony Tablet S devices, and a rechargeable battery pack, AC adapter, LCD screen protector, carrying case and detachable panels for Sony Tablet P devices. A Bluetooth keyboard is also available for both models.

The Sony Tablet S device is available in both a 16GB and 32 GB version and will be sold at Sony Stores including online and other authorized retailers nationwide for about $499 and $599, respectively. For more information, please visit www.sony.com/tablet or check out www.sony.com/tabletvideo for a video unboxing.

Sony officially renames the S2 the Tablet P, opens up about the software (video)

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 07:30 AM PDT

Compared to the S1 tablet -- make that the Tablet S -- Sony's dual-screen tab remains something of an enigma. AT&T hasn't said how much it'll cost on contract, nor do we know when it'll finally go on sale. Still, the tablet just get one step closer to becoming a real, shipping product, with Sony renaming it the Tablet P, as rumored, and clarifying the full range of specs -- namely, that it weighs in at 0.82 pounds and runs a dual-core 1GHz Tegra 2 SoC with twin 5.5-inch (1024 x 800) displays, dual 5MP and VGA cameras, an HSPA+ radio, a 3,080mAh battery, a full-sized SD card slot, 4GB of internal memory, a micro-USB socket and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Those displays use the same TruBlack technology found in Sony's Bravia TVs, promising blacker blacks and whiter whites. What's more, Sony is opening up about the software, a topic it pointedly ignored when we first handled the hardware, then codenamed the S2. For starters, by the time it ships, it'll join the ranks of a growing number of tablets (most of them 7-inchers) running Android 3.2. And guess what? We recently sat down with the Tablet P a second time for a preview of how the outfit's optimized Honeycomb for those dual displays. Here's what to expect.
Sony Tablet P hands-on

Some of the software flourishes -- namely, a tweaked app menu, PlayStation Certification, remote control app and streaming to DLNA devices -- can also be found on the more traditional-looking Tablet S. Here, too, you'll be able to download media from the newly re-branded Music and Video Unlimited services, whose catalogs include more than 10 million songs and over 6,000 movies, respectively. But some features were designed specifically with the Tablet P's dual-screen form factor in mind. For example, Both tablets come loaded with Pinball Heroes and Crash Bandicoot but on the Tablet P the controls take up the entire lower screen, with the game running up top. You might notice, too, that in addition to tapping those gaming controls, you can slide your finger between them without lifting a finger, which made for some insanely comfortable game play in our brief hands-on. You can also read email on one screen, with the custom onscreen keyboard taking up an entire panel while you reply. Similarly, with music and video playback the controls sit on the bottom panel, leaving five-plus inches of screen real estate for browsing media on top. Since the software we saw that day wasn't final, we're going to reserve judgment until our full review, which will hopefully happen when the Tablet P becomes available "later this year." For the time being, though, Sony's released a (silent) video walk-through of the software experience. Find that below, along with photos above of that hardware you've come to know so well.


Show full PR text
Sony Announces Market Launch of Sony Tablet
Two Optimally Designed Android™ Devices Deliver Portability, Easy Handling and an Immersive Entertainment Experience

SAN DIEGO, August 31, 2011 -- Sony today announced the market launch of its first two Sony Tablet™ devices. The Android-powered Sony Tablet S and Sony Tablet P devices combine unique hardware, content and network services with seamless usability to create a world of engaging networked entertainment experiences.

Available for pre-sale today and on shelves next month, the Sony Tablet S device is optimized for rich media entertainment on its 9.4-inch touchscreen display. With a powerful NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 mobile processor, the Sony Tablet S device lets you enjoy the web as well as your favorite content and applications on its large, high-resolution screen. Weighing in at just about 1.33 lbs., its unique asymmetric design allows for hours of comfortable use and built-in Wi-Fi® compatibility means Internet connectivity virtually anywhere there's a hotspot.

Available later this year, the Sony Tablet P device is ideal for mobile communication and entertainment. With its innovative folding design, two 5.5-inch displays and weight at about 0.83 lbs., it can easily fit into a pocket, purse or backpack. It features the same NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 mobile processor and is both Wi-Fi compatible and 4G capable exclusively on AT&T's mobile broadband network,1 offering users access to digital content including videos, games, and e-mail, while on the go, nearly anytime.

Both devices run on Android, Android 3.1 on Sony Tablet S devices2 and Sony Tablet P devices will be equipped with Android 3.2 by the time they ship. Both models feature front and rear facing cameras that allow for video recording and capturing still images. The devices also support micro USB interface and SD card.

Sony Tablet devices are also distinguished by four key features that set them apart from any other tablets on the market. These include: optimally designed hardware and software, a "swift and smooth" experience, network entertainment services and cross-device functionality.

"These devices truly represent the best of everything Sony has to offer," said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Sony Electronics' Networked Technology and Services Division. "From hardware to software and services, Sony Tablet devices embody all our innovations rolled into one."

Optimally Designed Hardware and Software
Unlike other tablet devices, Sony Tablet S device has an ergonomic, asymmetric design which allows it to be easily held or carried for long periods of time. The unique form factor shifts the device's weight closer to your palm, making it feel lighter and more comfortable while reading an e-book or watching a video. The screen is sloped when placed on a flat surface, enhancing visibility and making typing more comfortable. Placing a Sony Tablet S device onto a specialized charging cradle (sold separately) converts the device into a digital photo frame, a digital clock that displays customizable information or chumby with access to over 1,500 fun and entertaining apps.

Software taking advantage of the unprecedented design of the Sony Tablet P device allows its dual screens to be used for different functions simultaneously such as playing video on one screen while using the other as a controller or reading email on one screen while using the other as a virtual keyboard. The displays can also be combined to form a single large screen for Internet browsing and more. By holding the device vertically, you can also read eBooks much in the same manner you would a physical book.

Both Sony Tablet devices are equipped with Sony's TruBlack™ displays which reduce reflection and glare from sunlight or fluorescent light for high-contrast visibility both indoors and out.

Swift and Smooth Experience
A combination of Sony technologies, Quick view and Quick touch, allow for faster loading of web pages, a highly responsive and fluid touch screen as well as an exceptionally intuitive user interface. The large keys of the virtual keyboard take full advantage of screen real estate while automatically adjusting to the task at hand. A numeric keypad pops up when inputting passwords and word suggestions or auto word complete make email and texting a breeze.

Networked Entertainment
Both Sony Tablet devices come complete with access to a full suite of Sony's network entertainment services.

- Sony Entertainment Network services: Video Unlimited is your ticket to the latest releases from every major movie studio to rent or own. A pre-open campaign for the Sony Tablet devices will be offered at device launch with limited content and more content will continue to be released over time. Music Unlimited, available in October, offers instant access to a global catalog of over 10 million songs from every major record label (numbers vary by country). Simply sync to the cloud and enjoy the music you love on Sony Tablet devices or any other Internet-enabled Sony device. A six month trial basic membership from Music Unlimited and a free movie download from Video Unlimited come with the purchase of each device.

- PlayStation® Certified: Sony Tablet devices are the first PlayStation® Certified tablets that provide out-of-the-box gaming with included favorites "Crash Bandicoot" and "Pinball Heroes."

- Reader™ Store: Access bestsellers, new releases, classics, magazines and more from more than 2.5 million titles at Reader™ Store by Sony. The store's intuitive reading interface is ideal for on-the-go reading, allowing book lovers to set bookmarks, make highlights and adjust font sizes as they read. A free eBook download is included with the purchase of the device.

- Personal Space™ by Sony: This free service allows you to easily share pictures and videos captured on Sony Tablet devices. You can also access albums that were previously uploaded from other devices.

Video, music, games and other content can be directly accessed by way of the "Favorites" menu without the need to re-launch any of the respective applications.

Cross Device Connectivity
Control your home entertainment system and enjoy content in new ways. With Sony Tablet devices, you can "throw" personal pictures and video to DLNA compatible televisions such as BRAVIA® HDTVs with the touch of a button. You can also throw music to compatible wireless speakers such as Sony's HomeShare™ speakers. The Sony Tablet S device, which is equipped with infrared technology, can act as a remote control for multiple home entertainment components such as TVs, Blu-ray Disc™ players, cable and satellite boxes, and more. The built-in Universal remote not only controls your Sony products, but other brands as well. Sony Tablet S device is the world's first Android Tablet running Honeycomb with a built in A/V remote control. Both Sony Tablet devices are compatible with the Media Remote™ app which allows you to control Sony devices, including BRAVIA televisions, through Wi-Fi® technology.

Wide Range of Applications
A variety of applications add to the entertainment options. With access to the Android Market™, you can browse thousands of useful time-saving and fun apps. Sony Tablet devices also provide instant access to Google™ mobile services and applications, including 3D maps and easy web search with Google Voice Search. To make app discovery even easier, Sony offers its Select App site which highlights new and unique Android applications in a number of categories, recommended for Sony Tablet devices. Recommended applications will be spotlighted at launch with more to come in the following weeks and months.

Accessories, Pricing, Availability
A range of optional accessories includes a cradle, AC adapter, LCD screen protector, carrying case and USB adaptor cable for Sony Tablet S devices, and a rechargeable battery pack, AC adapter, LCD screen protector, carrying case and detachable panels for Sony Tablet P devices. A Bluetooth keyboard is also available for both models.

The Sony Tablet S device is available in both a 16GB and 32 GB version and will be sold at Sony Stores including online and other authorized retailers nationwide for about $499 and $599, respectively. For more information, please visit www.sony.com/tablet or check out www.sony.com/tabletvideo for a video unboxing.

HTC's 10-inch Puccini tablet gets official as Jetstream, brings LTE and laughable price to AT&T

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 07:23 AM PDT

It's like AT&T just wants its consumers to only buy the 3G iPad. Just days after we snuck out leaked shots of the HTC Puccini, said tablet has gone official as the HTC Jetstream. As predicted, it's packing a 10.1-inch WXGA capacitive touchscreen, 1.5GHz Snapdragon dual-core processor, Android 3.1 and HTC's latest tablet-centric edition of Sense (that'd be Sense UX). Of course, it's the first LTE / HSPA+ tablet to be announced for Ma Bell's network, but it's not like it matters. For whatever reason, the powers that be decided to price this thing at $699.99 on a two-year contract, which has somehow managed to top Verizon's equally comical pricing for its LTE-equipped Galaxy Tab 10.1. Sure, that tally enables you to sign up for a $35 / month 3GB plan, and yeah, the HTC Scribe digital pen accessory is being tossed in "at no extra cost" for a limited time, but let's be real -- neither you, nor anyone else you know, is buying one. So much for even pretending to compete on price, eh?

Update: It's going for $849 outright, which is even more silly. Why not just price it at $2,000, guys? Might as well milk the most from the four folks that'll accidentally mash the "buy" button.
Show full PR text
New HTC Jetstream™ Tablet Available Exclusively to AT&T Customers

Company's First 4G LTE/HSPA+ Tablet Available Sept. 4 Nationwide
First Tablet To Feature Android™ 3.1 (Honeycomb)


DALLAS, Aug. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --


Key Facts

· Customers can purchase HTC Jetstream, AT&T's* first 4G LTE/HSPA+ tablet, online and in company-owned retail stores starting September 4.

· HTC Jetstream is HTC's first tablet running on the Android™ 3.1 (Honeycomb) operating system which was specifically built for tablets.

· Tablet features a 10.1" HD display, Snapdragon 1.5 GHz dual core processor and front and rear facing cameras.

· For the first time, AT&T customers can receive discounted tablet pricing after committing to a two-year agreement for a new $35, 3GB monthly data plan.

· For a limited time, HTC Scribe ™ - an optional digital pen accessory- will be available at no additional cost.

Customer Benefits

Exclusive to AT&T customers, HTC Jetstream is the company's first 4G LTE/HSPA+ tablet. It runs the Android™ 3.1 (Honeycomb) operating system and represents the first iteration of the HTC Sense™ user experience on Honeycomb. HTC Jetstream boasts a large 10.1" WXGA high-resolution display for an immersive entertainment experience, third-generation Snapdragon 1.5 GHz dual core processor for fast multi-tasking and instant screen refresh. A rich web browsing experience supports Adobe® Flash® Player and an enhanced HD video experience with 1080p playback and capture.

The tablet is also compatible with HTC Scribe™ - an optional digital pen accessory, which is sold separately, - for content creation as well as Evernote integration for storing your documents in the cloud. Additionally, HTC Jetstream is preloaded with services optimized for the tablet such as AT&T Family Map, AT&T Navigator ®, HTC Watch™, HTC Hub, Friendstream™, Android Market, and much more.

Android 3.1 (Honeycomb)

HTC Jetstream is AT&T's first tablet to showcase the Android™ 3.1 OS. The brand new operating system was designed from the ground up for devices with larger screens. It improves on Android favorites with new interactive and resizeable widgets plus improved multi-tasking, browsing, notifications, and customization. The new version of the platform also features Google Maps 5.0 with 3D-like interaction, access to over three million Google eBooks, incognito mode for browsing internet with no history tracking and Google Talk with video chat over Wi-Fi.

Quotes

"This tablet is a beautiful 10.1-inch, LTE powered masterpiece," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobilityand Consumer Markets. "When you combine powerful options like HTC Jetstream with our upcoming LTE technology and nationwide HSPA+ network, it flies."

"HTC Jetstream combines the acclaimed HTC Sense experience with Android Honeycomb to provide an innovative and engaging experience on a 10.1 inch tablet," said Martin Fichter, acting president, HTC Americas Region. "Paired with AT&T's upcoming 4G LTE speed and mobility, HTC Jetstream delivers connectivity for social and entertainment needs alongside productivity and creativity tools in a portable package."


Price and Availability

On September 4, the tablet will be available exclusively to AT&T customers online and in company-owned retail stores for$699.99 with a new two-year contract.

AT&T postpaid tablet customers now have a new $35, 3 GB monthly data plan option with a two-year contract. Customers who do not choose a long-term commitment may still select one of two existing monthly billing options:

· Postpaid: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment will be charged $10 per 1 GB of overage. Charges will appear on customers' monthly wireless statements.

· Prepaid: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment may choose to purchase an additional 2 GB for $25. Charges will appear on customers' credit card statements.

Offering the simplicity of a single bill, the postpaid option will show up on customers' monthly wireless bill after the data is used. The new postpaid billing option will be available online at www.att.com and across AT&T retail locations.

For more information, please visit www.att.com/jetstream.

HTC Jetstream Specifications

· LTE (700/AWS)
· HSPA+/HSPA/UMTS (850/1900/2100 MHz)
· EDGE/GPRS (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
· Android 3.1 (Honeycomb)
· HTC Sense™ UX for tablets
· Display: 10.1" WXGA HD screen
· Processor: Third-generation Snapdragon 1.5GHz dual-core processor
· Camera: Front Facing 1.3 MP, Rear facing 8 MP and Dual LED Flash
· Battery: 7,300 mAh
· Expandable Memory: MicroSD up to 32 GB
· Dimensions: 7" (l) x 9.87" (w) x 51" (d)
· Weight: 25 ounces

Netgear announces Universal Push2TV HD, dual-band WiFi adapter for Blu-ray players and TVs

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 07:13 AM PDT

Not due for a laptop upgrade anytime soon? For those of you carrying on without Intel Wireless Display, Netgear just trotted out a so-called universal version of its Push2TV HD adapter that brings wireless media streaming to the masses. Like the WiDi-compatible version already on the market, it mirrors your Windows desktop on a TV or monitor, streaming DVDs, 1080p movies, photos, YouTube videos and other content. As with the WiDi model, the setup consists of a small box that connects to your TV via HDMI, though because the intended customer presumably lacks Wireless Display, it also comes with a thumb drive-sized USB adapter. Look for it in the US and Europe in late September for $129.99 -- a good thirty bucks more than what you'd pay for that WiDi model. Meanwhile, Netgear also announced an $80 dual-band, USB-powered WiFi adapter meant for TVs and Blu-ray players. Full PR for both products after the break.
Show full PR text
Display Anything on Your PC onto Your TV With NETGEAR's Universal Push2TV HD Adapter

The new Universal Push2TV HD Wireless PC to TV Adapter displays the contents of a Windows computer's screen on TV, allowing consumers to enjoy any Internet content on the biggest screen in the house
NETGEAR LOGO NETGEAR logo. (PRNewsFoto/NETGEAR) SANTA CLARA, CA UNITED STATES

BERLIN, Aug. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today introduced the Universal Push2TV® HD Wireless PC to TV Adapter (PTVU1000) here at IFA, one of the world's largest consumer electronics trade shows, where NETGEAR is exhibiting in Hall 12, Booth 102, of the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds. The NETGEAR Universal Push2TV HD Adapter enables users of Windows PCs or laptops to wirelessly display the contents of a computer's screen onto a TV.

Many of today's connected TVs, Blu-ray™ players and video game consoles can only access a limited list of online sites. The NETGEAR Universal Push2TV HD Adapter breaks down this barrier – all Internet content you can display on your Windows PC or laptop can now be displayed on your HDTV. This includes high-definition video from web sites such as Netflix, Vudu and YouTube; news from online sources including the BBC, CNN and The New York Times; and social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Google+; along with personal content including photos, music and home videos; DVD movies from the PC's drive; and even business presentations.

Video resolution up to full HD 1080p provides a high-quality picture with crisp color and sharp detail on your big-screen HDTV – no more crowding around a small laptop display when watching movies or playing photo slide shows.

Getting started with the NETGEAR Universal Push2TV HD Adapter is easy. Simply plug in a wireless adapter, about the size of a USB flash drive, into the USB port of a Windows laptop or desktop computer. A small wireless receiver connects to the HDTV through an included HDMI cable. After a simple one-time installation of software, the PC screen is wirelessly displayed on the TV.

"Experience all your favorite content right on your HDTV," said Damir Skripic, Product Line Manager for Connected Entertainment at NETGEAR. "The NETGEAR Universal Push2TV HD Adapter makes it easy to watch movies, TV shows and clips from the Internet on the biggest screen in the house."

Pricing and Availability

The NETGEAR Universal Push2TV HD Wireless PC to TV Adapter (PTVU1000) will be available in the United States and Europe in late September, at $129.99 in the U.S.

More information

To learn more about the NETGEAR Universal Push2TV HD Wireless PC to TV Adapter, please visit http://www.netgear.com/home/products/hometheater/media-players/default.aspx and http://www.netgear.com/ptv.


NETGEAR Brings High Performance Dual-Band WiFi Connectivity to Smart TVs and Blu-ray Players

The new Universal Dual Band Wireless Internet Adapter for TV & Blu-ray players connects home theater devices to the Internet and provides enhanced performance for HD video streaming
NETGEAR LOGO NETGEAR logo. (PRNewsFoto/NETGEAR) SANTA CLARA, CA UNITED STATES

BERLIN, Aug. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today introduced the Universal Dual Band Wireless Internet Adapter for TV & Blu-ray player (WNCE3001) here at IFA, one of the world's largest consumer electronics trade shows, where NETGEAR is exhibiting in Hall 12, Booth 102, of the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds. The adapter connects any Ethernet-enabled smart TV or Blu-ray™ player to a home wireless network, while dual band WiFi provides maximum performance for video streaming.

Many TVs and Blu-ray players in homes today have an Ethernet port for connecting to the Internet, but don't have built-in WiFi and aren't in the same room as the home router. The easiest way to bring these devices online is with a WiFi adapter. But proprietary WiFi adapters, built by manufacturers for specific TV and Blu-ray player models, are expensive and only use the congested 2.4-GHz band, which can lead to video jitter.

The NETGEAR Universal Dual Band Wireless Adapter solves these problems by making it possible to connect on the cleaner 5GHz WiFi band, which is ideal for demanding tasks such as HD video streaming. The adapter plugs into a TV or Blu-ray player through an Ethernet cable, making it compatible with any device that has an Ethernet port. The compact adapter can be placed on the included stand or even mounted on a wall. The NETGEAR adapter is also a future-proof investment that operates in the 2.4GHz band for users who have only a single-band WiFi network today, but intend on upgrading to a dual-band WiFi router.

For those who already have a dual-band router, the NETGEAR Universal Dual Band Wireless Adapter is a way to add 5GHz performance to TVs and Blu-ray players that only have built-in single-band 2.4GHz WiFi.

The compact and elegant NETGEAR Universal Dual Band Wireless Adapter has a glossy black finish and is designed to blend in with other home entertainment devices, without drawing attention to itself.

The adapter is powered through a USB cable, which can be connected to the USB ports found on most smart TVs and Blu-ray players – eliminating the need to run a separate power cord to a wall outlet or power strip. The product also comes with an AC adapter for situations where a USB port is not available.

"With all the video and music now online from services such as Netflix, Hulu, Pandora and more, there's a growing demand to connect smart TVs and Blu-ray players to the Internet," said Damir Skripic, Product Line Manager for Connected Entertainment at NETGEAR. "The NETGEAR Universal Dual Band Wireless Adapter brings the Internet to home theater devices with minimum effort and maximum performance."

Pricing and Availability

The NETGEAR Universal Dual Band Wireless Internet Adapter for TV & Blu-ray (WNCE3001) will be available worldwide in the second half of September, at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $89.99 in the United States.

More information

To learn more about the NETGEAR Universal Dual Band Wireless Internet Adapter for TV & Blu-ray, please visit http://www.netgear.com/home/products/hometheater/networking-for-home-theater-and-gaming/default.aspx.

Live from Sony IFA 2011 press event

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 06:44 AM PDT


10:56AM Look for hands-on with all the new products shortly.



10:55AM And that's all she wrote.



10:53AM Ultra-low noise for shooting still images.

10:52AM The NEX-7 has 24.3 megapixels and a newly developed sensor.



10:52AM Precision tracking of moving subjects is crisper than ever.

10:51AM The Alpha A 77 enables users to continuous shoot at 12 frames a second.


10:50AM Now moving onto cameras for real.



10:48AM Coming to more countries later this year.


10:47AM Announcing the expension of the Reader Store into Europe. Opening in the UK in October.


10:47AM The reader is available in October in Europe.


10:47AM Can instantly loo kup words with built in dictionary. Can connect to Google and Wikipedia via Wifi.

10:46AM Pinch to zoom and handwriting with fingertips directly onto device.



10:46AM Less than 9mm thick with a touchscreen.


10:46AM Reader WiFi, the world's lightest 6 inch e-ink reader.


10:45AM Will be made available as an optional feature in Europe in October.

10:45AM Vaio S goes glasses-free 3D.

10:45AM The Vaio S series has a 15.5 inch LCD display.


10:44AM Can connect the PlayStation 3 to play 3D games and watch personal 3D content.

10:44AM The latest addition to the Vaio lineup. 24 inch, full HD, the new Vaio LCDs bring entertainment in 3D to your home.




10:42AM Will move into the UK and expanded across Europe in the fall.


10:41AM We have just launched video services in Germany, Poland, France, and Portugal.



10:41AM More than 15 million video streams are watched across Europe every month.


10:40AM 75 percent of our Bravia lineup and 100 percent of our Blu-ray players are network connected.




10:39AM Fujio Nishida president of Sony Europe is taking the stage.


10:36AM We're moving on to cameras now.


10:36AM Music Unlimited adding Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

10:35AM Both available now in nine countries.


10:35AM Video on demand will be called Video Unlimited and the music service will be called Music Unlimited.

10:34AM It's a more streamlined way to enjoy entertainment experience. Will have first and third party apps.

10:34AM Can enjoy entertainment across Sony products.

10:34AM Establishing a comprehensive global platform called Sony Entertainment Network. Home entertainment, mobile, and gaming.



10:32AM New flagship Android-based Walkman.


10:32AM Will debut a new reader at the show.



10:32AM Can take 2D and 3D panoramic images.

10:32AM Coming globally October 2011.



10:31AM Can view content on your Sony Bravia television.

10:31AM The Experia Arc S has a "Reality Display."





10:30AM The tablet P available in Europe in November.



10:30AM Available in Europe from the end of september 479 euros.




10:28AM Cross device connectivity. When a user in in the living room, they can turn on their TV and throw pictures onto the screen.




10:27AM The tablet also has access to Sony's Reader Store for eBooks.



10:27AM Sony Tablet devices are PlayStation Certified. Will be able to enjoy PlayStation 1 games.


10:27AM For film lovers, our premium movie experience.




10:26AM Third: Network Entertainment. A personalized music experience through Music Unlimited.

10:26AM Quick Touch offers a slick and smooth experience when browsing the internet.


10:26AM Quick View lets you view content instantly.

10:25AM Tablets have a "swift and smooth experience."


10:25AM Tablet P has two screens. Can be held vertically to read ebooks.


10:25AM The Sony Tablet S has an enhanced viewing purpose.



10:24AM They have four key features: optimally designed hardware and software.


10:23AM The tablet is simple and easy to use.

10:23AM He has one device in each hand.



10:22AM Ladies and gentleman, the Sony tablet.


10:21AM Continued to work with Google on Google TV.


10:21AM We call it "Sony Convergence."

10:21AM We're continuing to build toward a single network services program and a common interface to deliver an integrated user experience.


10:20AM Everything from TVs, Vaios, PCs, to digital imaging products, and PlayStation.


10:20AM In April, we created the consumer products and services group.


10:19AM The whole of Sony is greater than the sum of its parts.



10:19AM I agree with you that Sony is coming back.



10:18AM Kazuo Hirai is taking the stage.


10:18AM Anything that youn can imagine, we can make real.

10:16AM Mantra is to connect awesome entertainment with awesome devices.

10:16AM Only come company has both artists and engineers in abundance.


10:16AM Sony is where art meets technology.

10:15AM Consumers around the world use 800 million Sony products.



10:13AM Yo will be able to play Uncharted in 3D on your headset.



10:12AM The world's first 3D compatible OLED display headset.



10:12AM A new limited edition Harry Potter reader with free download of first book is coming. This is the first time they will be available as a download.

10:11AM And announcing an exclusive deal with Harry Potter.


10:11AM Will also be seing the Xperia Arc S.


10:10AM It's not who makes it the first that counts, it's who makes it better.

10:10AM Let's start with the tablet.



10:09AM Have seen three million new customers since network came back online.


10:09AM PSN is more secure than ever.

10:09AM A dozen new products. PlyStation Vita, binoculars, and a tablet.


10:08AM The summer of our discontent (hacking, Japan earthquake) is behind us.


10:08AM He hopes an economic miracle will inspire the rest of the world.



10:08AM CEO Sir Howard Stringer is taking the stage.

10:07AM "With Sony, we are connected."



10:07AM Now they're flashing nature images on the screen. Perhaps Sony is introducing a new tree today.


10:05AM Lots of ambient music and color bars at the moment.

10:04AM And the lights are down. Let's get this party started.





9:53AM And we're here, front row center. The decor in here is really, really white.

What better way to kick this year's IFA conference in beautiful Berlin, Germany than a good old fashioned Sony press conference? We're getting ready to get things started here, so sit down, grab a beverage and reach for those 3D glasses to read along at home [note: this live blog is not in 3D].

Panasonic shows off twin-lens 3D camera prototype, announces HDC-Z10000 3D camcorder

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 06:31 AM PDT

We're here in Berlin, covering IFA 2011, and Panasonic's getting things started by showing off a concept camera, its first with a twin-lens capable of shooting 3D stills and video. Alas, the company's press release is light on technical info, though it does reveal the system's built on dual 4x lenses with "thin, folded" optics. Hopefully, we'll see this thing in person while we're in town and learn a bit more. In similar news, the company also announced the HDC-Z10000 (pictured), its first 2D / 3D camcorder with an integrated twin-lens. The camcorder records 1080p / 1080i AVCHD 3D video, has dual CMOS sensors with a combined resolution of 13.1MP and a glasses-less 3.5-inch LCD. It's also capable of 3D macros as close as 17.8 inches -- a record for twin-lens 3D camcorders, according to Panasonic. As the company's been known to do, though, it's holding off on revealing any details about pricing or availability, so it looks like we'll have to save that for a rainy day. Full PR after the break.
Show full PR text
PANASONIC DEVELOPS COMPACT, TWIN-LENS 3D DIGITAL CAMERA WITH 3D HD VIDEO CAPABILITY
LUMIX Twin-Lens 3D Digital Camera on Display at Panasonic's IFA 2011 Booth
SECAUCUS, NJ (August 31, 2011) – Panasonic today announced the development of a twin-lens 3D digital camera, complete with 3D HD video capability. The new LUMIX 3D prototype will be on display at IFA 2011, one of the world's largest electronics shows, from September 2-7, 2011, in Berlin, Germany. IFA conference attendees can visit the Panasonic booth at Messe Berlin, Hall 5.2

The new 3D digital camera will also shoot 2D photos and HD video. With its 3D still and video capabilities, the compact camera will allow users to take 3D photos and 3D HD videos, while further expanding the world of consumer 3D entertainment.
The LUMIX 3D camera's compact size, was achieved by employing two recently-developed 4x zoom lenses with thin, folded optics, which allow users to capture crisp and clear photo and video footage even from afar. The optical zoom system enables highly-versatile 3D shooting from wide angle to telephoto while the Optical Image Stabilization works during both 2D and 3D shooting to produce high-quality photos and videos with minimal blurring. The unique, twin-lens design further helps in providing stunning, high-resolution 2D photos while shooting 2D videos instantaneously. Using the side-by-side method, the camera can also capture 3D HD videos in AVCHD format.

The versatility of the 3D capture technology allows users to quickly go from shooting photos and videos to viewing them. Working synergistically with other Panasonic products, the new camera allows photos and videos to be easily viewed on a VIERA 3D TV with the simple insertion of the SD memory card into the TV's SD card image viewer slot or by connecting the camera to the TV with an HDMI cable.

PANASONIC'S NEWEST CONSUMER CAMCORDER SHOOTS OUTSTANDING FULL-HD 2D AND 3D VIDEO
Panasonic HDC-Z10000 Shoots Professional-Quality 2D/3D Videos with a Twin-Lens Design that is Technically Advanced, and Also Features a 3D LCD – No Eyewear Needed
SECAUCUS, NJ (August 31, 2011) – Panasonic today announces the HDC-Z10000, its first* integrated twin-lens 2D/3D camcorder that is fully compatible with the AVCHD 3D/Progressive standard, which was also recently announced. The HDC-Z10000 builds on Panasonic's 3D innovations, having the closest 3D video macro setting with a twin-lens 3D camcorder at approximately 17.8 inches. With this industry-best macro setting, the Panasonic HDC-Z10000, helps capture 3D video that is typically difficult to do, such as flowers, animals and jewelry.

New to Panasonic's 3D-capable camcorders, the HDC-Z10000 features a 1,152,000-dot, 3.5-inch LCD that appears 3D to the naked eye – no 3D eyewear needed. By using a parallax barrier to control the direction of the light from the LCD, images with slightly different perceptions are viewed by the right and left eyes, thus creating a 3D effect. The user can check 3D images while shooting, without having to connect a monitor. Naturally, the display can also be switched between 2D and 3D.

Furthering its technical excellence, the HDC-Z10000 features Panasonic's unique Double 3MOS System, which produces superb color and detail reproduction. Featuring two high-sensitivity 3MOS sensors (with an effective pixel count of 6.57 megapixels each) that are independently mounted left and right, the Double 3MOS system creates outstanding full HD 3D video content. Using Full-HD image quality backed by the accurate colors, meticulous detail, and high dynamic range that distinguish the 3MOS sensor, separate images are recorded simultaneously for the left and right eyes. The advanced image sensor separates the light received through the lens into the three primary colors – red, green and blue – and processes each color independently. As a result, the Full HD 3D image quality is outstanding. Naturally, the 3MOS System provides the same effects for 2D, achieving precise and sharp Full HD 2D image quality in combination with progressive recording. The HDC-Z10000, with a newly-developed and ultra-high speed Crystal Engine Pro II engine powers the high-speed processing needed to create superb image quality both in 2D and 3D images.

"Adding to Panasonic's top-of-the-line 3MOS full-HD camcorders, the HDC-Z10000 naturally excels in the recording of high-quality 2D images. It also meets the constantly increasing need for full HD 3D videos, as both professionals and consumers desire more flexibility and power when shooting 3D," said Chris Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "The HDC-Z10000 is a unique camcorder in that it has high-end features to suit advanced users, but is easy enough to use for those looking for excellent 2D video and who may want to explore 3D video shooting as well."

The HDC-Z10000 features new F1.5 lenses that excel when shooting in low light conditions, and allow the user to record bright images with reduced noise. For the first time on a Panasonic camcorder, the lenses feature Nano Surface Coating, which is microstructure film with an ultra-low refractive index on the lens surface, greatly reducing the light reflection and thus reducing ghosting in order to produce crisp, clear image rendering. With a 32mm wide-angle lens, the HDC-Z10000 is extremely versatile and also has a 10x optical zoom while shooting in 3D or 12x optical zoom while shooting in 2D. When shooting in 2D, HYBRID O.I.S. helps to correct handshake that occurs when shooting while zooming or walking, in addition to horizontal, vertical, yawing, and pitching four-axis correction. When shooting in 3D, the system activates POWER O.I.S., which helps to suppress handshake, especially helpful while zooming.

The HDC-Z10000 excels both in performance and ease-of-use – thanks to extremely flexible operating options. For more advanced users seeking professional-level control, there are enhanced functions, such as three independent rings for adjusting the zoom, focus, and iris control. There are built-in microphones for recording Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound/2-channel stereo, the HDC-Z10000 features two XLR audio inputs with a 48-V phantom power supply for external microphone use. Clear audio is recorded with minimal noise.

Uncompressed Linear PCM (2-channel only) is also supported for recording original sounds with extremely high fidelity. Plus, a dedicated dial lets the user finely adjust 3D convergence (parallax). Frequently-needed features, such as O.I.S. ON/OFF, Color Bar ON/OFF, Zebra Pattern Display, 3D Guide Display, Auto/Manual Iris, Auto/Manual Auto Focus, and Auto/Manual White Balance are available on the side of the body as separate buttons for quick, intuitive access.

Based on the AVCHD format, which offers high compression and excellent compatibility, this new standard has been upgraded to AVCHD 3D, which uses MVC (Multiview Video Coding) to record and playback 3D images via the Frame Sequential Method, and AVCHD Progressive for progressive formats. The HDC-Z10000 also employs the 1080/60 progressive method to record twice as much image data as the 1080/60 interlace method. Fast-moving subjects, such as in sports scenes, are smoothly recorded. The progressive recording of the HDC-Z10000 fully complies with the new AVCHD Progressive standard. For those looking for control over which recording modes are available, the user can select the preferred recording mode from AVCHD 3D (1080/60i, 1080/24p, and 1080/30p**, AVCHD Progressive (1080/60p), and AVCHD (1080/24p, 1080/30p** and 1080/60i PH/HA/HE mode). Other features of the Panasonic HDC-Z10000 twin-lens 2D/3D camcorder include:
- A bright 0.45-inch Live View Finder (LVF) with high-speed responses and a 1,227,000-dot high-resolution. The superb LVF makes it easier to optimize the focus, or for use in a situation that requires no excess light from an LCD screen.
- A dual SD Memory Card slot with the option of extended recording or back-up. When two SD Memory Cards are inserted and the first card reaches full capacity, the system automatically and seamlessly switches*** to the second card. This allows extended recording without having to worry about interruptions due to a lack of card capacity. Or, during backup recording, the same data is recorded onto both cards for immediate duplicating or archiving purposes in the case of a faulty SD card
- The bundled HD Writer XE 1.0 Software lets users cut out full HD 3D and progressive images and save to a computer.
- 2D/3D Still Image Recording Any Time. The user simply presses the shutter button to record a 2D or 3D (MPO compliant) still image**** at any time. It is also possible to cut out images in all modes while shooting or playing videos. 3D and 2D still images are recorded simultaneously with 2.1-megapixel resolution.

The Panasonic HDC-Z10000 will be available in black and the pricing and availability will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping. For more information about Panasonic camcorders, please visit www.panasonic.com.

* As of August 31, 2011
** Images shot in the 1080/30p mode are recorded as 1080/60i
*** The SD card is switched only once for continuous recording
**** 3-megapixel resolution for 2D, 2.1-megapixel resolution for 3D

We're live from IFA 2011!

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 06:03 AM PDT


Guten tag, Berlin! We'll be sending you live updates from the German capital all this week as we explore IFA, the country's absolutely monstrous consumer electronics trade show. This year, 3D, smartphones and Android tablets are all the rage, and we're expecting a generous spattering of product announcements in the days to come. So pack up the laptop, head over to your local biergarten and grab a brezel and brat as you sit back and enjoy the slew of hands-ons and liveblogs that'll be hitting the site later this week. And you may want to cancel those weekend plans as well -- we'll be posting gadgets directly from the show floor all day Friday and Saturday. Danke schön!

Protip: Use our "ifa2011" tag to see this week's hottest IFA news!



Siemens shows off iPad-controlled homeConnect appliances

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 05:59 AM PDT

You use your mobile device for pretty much everything these days, right? So why not the kitchen? That was part of Siemens' pitch today at IFA -- the ability to control your cooking and dish washing from afar. The company debuted homeConnect, a "networked kitchen," which lets homeowners check on their energy consumption, shut down appliances remotely, receive notifications when the washing is done and view the contents of their fridges in real time -- with the help of internal cameras trained at the food. By downloading recipes from the internet, users can also import temperature and cooking times. This isn't the first time we've seen some kitchen-based connectivity, of course -- LG debuted the similar smartphone-based Thinq line at CES earlier this year.
Siemens homeConnect
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IFA 2011: Siemens showcases the networked kitchen
The future moving in: Switch off the oven or monitor the power consumption of appliances remotely

The kitchen is still one of the few places that is not networked – not yet at least. Siemens will be demonstrating at IFA 2011 that the technology is already available: The oven is controlled using a tablet PC, the power consumption of appliances monitored and the fridge asked whether there is enough milk. Apart from making appliances easier to use and saving time, these applications can reduce costs by leveraging cheaper tariffs available through new technologies in the smart grid.

In a few years consumers will be able to operate their household appliances via smart phone, tablet PC, notebook or TV set – with access to a host of handy functions. Siemens will be showcasing how it is all possible at IFA 2011 on Booth 101 in Hall 1.1. Here visitors will be able to use a remote control to operate various household appliances, such as a washing machine, dishwasher and hob, using an iPad. Recipes can be downloaded from the internet including preparation tips, while the oven automatically imports the correct temperatures and times. To check whether you already have a particular ingredient, the iPad displays real- time images from inside the fridge. The user can check the current energy consumption and the program status of the household appliances, and is notified when, for instance, the washing machine has finished. The appliances automatically notify the owner of any need for servicing or repairs, with short videos providing instructions on how to use the appliance, say when topping up the dishwasher salt. Finally, all the appliances can also be switched off remotely – after all, better safe than sorry.

More than five years ago, Siemens was the world's first manufacturer to market a networked appliance portfolio based on Powerline technology (networking via the power network). Today the trend is toward wireless networking, with appliances being controlled via a smart phone or tablet PC. The announced energy turnaround and the increase in electricity from wind and solar power mean that flexible electricity tariffs will be available in future. Washing machines can, for instance, be switched on during cheap-rate periods. Such developments will pave the way for new technologies in the smart grid.

Consumers are altering their behavior
Yet are consumers willing in the first place to alter their behavior accordingly? A study conducted by BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH and power utility E.ON addressed this issue. Participating households shifted half of all their washing and dishwashing requirements to other times of the day to take advantage of cheaper tariffs, managing to save 25 percent of their electricity costs compared with the standard tariff. However, they tended to overestimate the savings associated with flexible electricity usage. Although many consumers are keenly interested in the issue of energy costs, they often lack any detailed knowledge of their electricity tariffs. Given that consumers are, however, willing to alter their behavior to take advantage of flexible tarifs, Siemens will continue to work consistently on equipping household appliances with relevant smart functions.

Tariff structure aside, modern, energy-efficient household appliances can still save a great deal of electricity. Consequently, more and more customers are taking note of energy classes. According to a study by Ipsos on the image of leading home appliance manufacturers, Siemens holds a leading position among brands that are thought of as energy- efficient. Over the past 15 years, the manufacturer has managed to substantially reduce power consumption with all large household appliances: From around a third for ovens to around two thirds for freezer- refrigerator combinations. The new, power-saving coolEfficiency series of cooling products fulfils without exception the top Energy Efficiency Classes A+++ or A++.

Windows Phone 7 Mango will play nicer with Macs, update your Connector app now

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 05:31 AM PDT

Windows Phone 7.5 will be wearing more Mac-friendly pajamas when it comes. Microsoft's Connector app just got updated to Version 2.0 and it enables both Marketplace support and ringtone transfers for Mango-equipped handsets. It also packs some other improvements which already work with WP 7.0, including drag-and-drop file importing from the Browse Device window, better backup and restore operations, and full sync and import support for Apple Aperture software. Connector 2.0 is ready and waiting at the App Store and Mango should poke its head around the mountain any day.

Xbox 360 modders claim CPU hack, make it party like an N64 (video)

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 05:00 AM PDT

The security system built into the 360's motherboard has more layers than an onion, which is why previous hacks have generally focused on the optical drive instead. But a couple of circuit breakers named Gligli and Tiros claim to have finally freed up the console's CPU, allowing all 360 variants to boot homebrew software while also making them invulnerable to patches sent out by Microsoft. The video after the break purports to show the fruits of their labor, including an N64 emulator running on a version of Linux. It doesn't really prove anything, except perhaps the lengths these guys have gone to: they use various hardware tools to slow down the console's CPU and then confuse it with so-called 'glitch' pulses in an effort to make it forget its normal boot-up checks. Certainly not a trick for the average F-Zero X racer, particularly when speed-boosting around copy protection like this may be shady in the eyes of the law. (One more thing: don't be put off by the video's soundtrack -- starts out weird but gets better, baby.)

[Thanks, Rodolfo]

Garmin launches StreetPilot onDemand iPhone app, offers transit schedules

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 04:00 AM PDT

Garmin is best known for its in-car navigation systems, but today delved deeper into the realm of personal navigation with a brand new iPhone app for the eternally lost. For a dollar, you'll get standard walking, driving and public transportation directions, but go premium for $2.99 a month or $29.99 for the year, and you'll cop more add-ons designed to transform your iPhone into a full-fledged PND. Like the standard iPhone mapping system or HopStop, the subscription-based version of this app lets you integrate public transportation into your journey -- but the added feature here is the ability to view public transit schedules like you can in the Google Maps app for Android. It also has spoken turn-by-turn directions, Garmin's traffic routing and Google search, making it a handy alternative to a clunky navigation system. Check out the full PR after the break.
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New Garmin(R) StreetPilot(R) onDemand iPhone app offers premium navigation starting at $.99
OLATHE, Kan./August 31, 2011/Business Wire - Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced that its new StreetPilot onDemand iPhone app is now available in the Apple App Store. Rounding out Garmin's diverse range of guidance options, StreetPilot onDemand provides iPhone users convenient navigation for walking or driving when they need it, with an initial $.99 download that includes 30 days of premium features. It is the first iPhone navigation app to include multimodal pedestrian routing, with bus and train transit schedules in many major cities. Additional premium features include spoken turn-by-turn guidance with street names, representation of 3D buildings and landmarks, traffic rerouting, photoReal(tm) Junction View and Google Local Search, among many others.

"Our new StreetPilot onDemand app is the perfect solution for anyone who occasionally needs navigation but still is looking for a premium experience and precise directions. There is nothing comparable in the App Store today," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "By including multimodal pedestrian routing, our new app is especially helpful for users in urban areas. The app seamlessly provides directions in the car and integrates public transportation when getting directions by foot."

With the new multimodal pedestrian routing offered in StreetPilot onDemand, users can choose to integrate public transportation into their route. It is the first turn-by-turn iPhone navigation app that integrates train or bus schedules in the cities in which this service is available. Users can navigate to a destination from their current position (or set a different starting location), and the app provides turn-by-turn directions including a detailed itinerary of transit stops and instructions for walking to and from a bus or train stop. Beautifully rendered 3D buildings and landmarks make it even easier for pedestrians to find their destination.

The app also is a comprehensive driving assistant that integrates many of the signature features for which Garmin is known. This includes spoken turn-by-turn directions, photoReal junction views that show a realistic depiction of the junction as well as lane guidance and real-time traffic information that automatically routes drivers around gridlock. Users can easily find points of interest using Garmin's extensive database or Google Local Search. A new functionality suggests points of interest based on the users search history to provide faster and more relevant search results. The app also warns drivers when exceeding the speed limit and even provides an overview of the weather conditions at the destination, complete with a five day forecast.

The Garmin StreetPilot onDemand app integrates an extremely easy to use interface that is customized for the iPhone. It stores the maps and points of interest in the cloud, so they are always up-to-date. The comprehensive map options allow users to easily enable or disable features displayed on the map such as traffic information, 3D buildings and landmarks or points of interest.

Garmin StreetPilot onDemand is available in the Apple App Store for $.99 and includes turn-by-turn, voice prompted navigation and traffic rerouting for 30 days in the United States and Canada. Users can extend this initial period by subscribing on a monthly ($2.99) or annual ($29.99) basis. Garmin offers a special introductory price of $19.99 for the yearly subscription from August 31, 2011, to September 14, 2011. Even without a subscription, users can still view maps, lookup points of interest and create routes. A subscription is required for turn-by-turn voice guidance with automatic off-route recalculation, real-time traffic information and multimodal pedestrian routing.

StreetPilot onDemand complements Garmin's other newly announced automotive innovations that guarantee industry-leading navigation for every kind of driver and traveler. For a dedicated device that's built to navigate with ease and efficiency, the recently announced 2012 nFCviAE line adds robust features to Garmin's flagship product line at affordable pricing (details at www.garmin.com/move)

Toshiba's new Regza WL800A HDTV hooks up with your smartphone via MHL

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 02:22 AM PDT

The MHL Consortium wants to banish HDMI ports from our phones in favor of its Mobile High-Definition Link connection, and the tech has found its way into handsets like the GSII and the EVO 3D. But until now, there were no TVs to connect to. Toshiba's latest in the Regza line, the WL800A, is the lone set in its 2011 lineup to pack the 5-pin port that pulls 1080p from your mobile device and puts it up on a 46-inch or 55-inch edge-lit LED panel. Best part is, the MHL connection pushes power back into your phone at the same time video is streaming -- so you don't have to worry about your phone dying on you in the middle of your mobile movie marathon. Currently for sale in the land of Oz for $2,329 (46-inch) and $3,179 (55-inch) AUD, the WL800 won't be coming to America. However, now that the GSII has landed stateside let's hope some MHL-equipped TVs follow suit.

ComScore calls Android top dog, Apple pulls further ahead of RIM

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 01:09 AM PDT

According to ComScore, out of the 82.2 million people in the US with a smartphone (up ten percent from last quarter), Android came in first as the biggest platform yet again, capturing a whopping 41.8 percent of the market like a boss. In a not-so-close second, Apple was able to snag 27 percent, followed by RIM in the third place spot with 21.7 percent -- down 4 percentage points from last quarter. Pulling up the rear is Microsoft with 5.7 percent, and lastly Symbian with a grim 1.9 percent -- both down when compared to the previous three months. As far as US hardware manufacturers goes, Samsung is still on top with 25.5 percent of the market, while LG got 20.9 percent and finally Motorola with 14.1 percent, down 1.5 percentage points from before. Apple was able to snag some standing in the OEM space with a 9.5 percent share, while BlackBerry-maker RIM only captured 7.6 percent. As the battle wages on, looks like Androids, iPhones, and BlackBerrys (oh my) are still on top -- at least for this quarter. Check out the PR after the break for the full scorecard.
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comScore Reports July 2011 U.S. Mobile Subscriber Market Share

More than 80 Million Americans Now Own Smartphones

RESTON, VA, August 30, 2011 – comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, today released data from the comScore MobiLens service, reporting key trends in the U.S. mobile phone industry during the three month average period ending July 2011. The study surveyed more than 30,000 U.S. mobile subscribers and found Samsung to be the top handset manufacturer overall with 25.5 percent market share. Google Android continued to gain ground in the smartphone market reaching 41.8 percent market share.

OEM Market Share

For the three month average period ending in July, 234 million Americans ages 13 and older used mobile devices. Device manufacturer Samsung ranked as the top OEM with 25.5 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers (up 1.0 percentage points), followed by LG with 20.9 percent share and Motorola with 14.1 percent share. Apple strengthened its position at #4 with 9.5 percent share of mobile subscribers (up 1.2 percentage points), while RIM rounded out the top five with 7.6 percent share.

Smartphone Platform Market Share

82.2 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones during the three months ending in July 2011, up 10 percent from the preceding three month period. Google Android ranked as the top smartphone platform with 41.8 percent market share, up 5.4 percentage points. Apple strengthened its #2 position with 27.0 percent of the smartphone market, up 1.0 percentage points from the prior reporting period. RIM ranked third with 21.7 percent share, followed by Microsoft (5.7 percent) and Symbian (1.9 percent).


Mobile Content Usage

In July, 70 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers used text messaging on their mobile device, up 1.2 percentage points. Browsers were used by 41.1 percent of subscribers (up 2.0 percentage points), while downloaded applications were used by 40.6 percent (up 2.8 percentage points). Accessing of social networking sites or blogs increased 2.1 percentage points to 30.1 percent of mobile subscribers. Game-playing was done by 27.8 percent of the mobile audience (up 1.6 percentage points), while 20.3 percent listened to music on their phones (up 2.3 percentage points).

iPad dock shopping cart keeps footie fans and their other halves happy

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 11:55 PM PDT

British football fans agree on very few things: how much everyone likes Jimmy Bullard, Arséne Wenger's need to buy a proper centre-half and how painful it is to be dragged out shopping just before kickoff on Saturday. It's those sympathetic and forward-thinking people at Sky who have the answer, at least to that last one. The company has teamed up with supermarket Sainsbury's (which has a track record of innovation) to trial a new trolley with a solar-powered iPad dock and speakers. Now you can watch the game, or anything else, via the Sky Go app on your device and get the grocery shopping done at the same time. Worried about getting so engrossed in Juan Mata's footwork that you'll be a danger to others? Rest easy, the cart has proximity sensors attached to let you know when you're about to sideswipe a pensioner. It's being trialled in the Cromwell Road Sainsbury's in West London -- all you need to try it yourself is an iPad, Sky Go access and a desire to be on the cutting edge of sports and technology. If the thought of shouting 'Taxi for Bent!' down the fruit aisle appeals, you can catch another pic and the press release after the break.

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Sky Sports fans get trollied at Sainsbury's

Sky Go trials new high-tech trolley at Sainsbury's to ensure consumers don't miss out on the latest sports news as they shop

The most action packed day of the football calendar is almost upon us and to ensure tomorrow's transfer deadline day is not interrupted with life's daily chores, Sky Sports News presenters Jim White and Charlotte Jackson tried out an innovative new trolley at Sainsbury's, designed to allow customers to stream the latest sports action via the Sky Go iPad app while they shop.

Customers can catch all the latest Sky Sports News live, and on the move, via the Sky Go app, so even the weekly grocery shop won't get in the way of tomorrow's transfer news, shock deals and speculation.

Footie fans can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the state-of-the-art trolley which comes complete with tilting iPad holder and speakers, a front bumper complete with a sensor which lets off a warning beep if you get too close to other shoppers and an onboard battery with self-charging solar panel to ensure the viewing device never runs on empty.

Creator of the Sky Go trolley, Ian Burgess, Setwo Designs comments: "Being able to create a gadget that is practical yet innovative is often a challenge but Ithink with the Sky Go trolley we've cracked it. The trolley can be used in the traditional way for shopping yet streams the latest sports news on Sky easily."

Holly Knill, Head of Sky Go, comments: "The transfer deadline window is a perfect example of when sports fans want to be kept up to date with the latest sports news whenever and wherever they are. We have been able to respond to this consumer demand by working with Sainsbury's to create a prototype that allows sports fans to never miss a minute of the latest news from Sky Sports via the Sky Go app".

Brett Hart Sainsbury's trolley buyer: "We strive to make our customers' lives simpler, which is why we're looking at these new trolleys."

Sky Go is a new service from Sky that lets you watch all five Sky Sports channels, ESPN and Sky News through multiple devices including your laptop, PC, iPad or iPhone. For more information visit www.sky.com/go



-END-


About Sky
Sky operates the most comprehensive multichannel, multi-platform television service in the UK and Ireland, reaching almost 10.3 million homes. Sky continues to break new ground with its own portfolio of channels: Sky 1 combines its commitment to UK production with the best of the US; Sky Arts is the UK's only dedicated arts channel brand; Sky Sports is still raising the bar in sports broadcasting; and Sky News remains a pioneer in television news. Sky also works with dozens of other broadcasters on the satellite platform, online and on mobile. Sky is now leading the UK into the age of high definition television with Sky+HD and launched Europe's first 3DTV channel, Sky 3D last October. The company has also been the UK's fastest-growing broadband and home phone provider over the past four years.

About Sky Go
Sky Go will give customers yet more control and choice over how, when and where they enjoy Sky. Each Sky home will be entitled to register up to two devices, through which they can enjoy access to live channels and selected on-demand content.

On mobile and tablet devices, customers will be able to access all five Sky Sports channels, ESPN and SkyNews, with further channels to be added over time.

On laptops and computers customers will be able to access more than 30 live channels, including all five Sky Sports channels, Sky Movies, Sky News, Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts, MTV, Disney, G.O.LD, Nickelodeon, NatGeo, History, Eden and ESPN, supported by an extensive library of on-demand content.

Sky Go will is available to non-Sky TV customers, with monthly subscriptions priced from £15-£40. Sky will also remain available on Xbox and Fetch TV, but will rebrand simply as Sky (currently Sky Player).

Scosche's RDTX-PRO for iPhone and iPod touch detects radiation, funds charities

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 11:00 PM PDT

Scoshe already offers a fairly impressive range of mobile accessories, but its now branched out into some uncharted territory with its latest offering. The company has just announced its new RDTX-PRO radiation detector and app for the iPhone and iPod touch, which launches in Japan next month. With no calibration needed, the device attaches to your iOS handheld via the dock connector and offers gamma radiation detection above 60keV within +/- 5% accuracy. If that wasn't enough, the peripheral can also be used as a standalone alarm for radioactivity for up to 96 hours, and the aforementioned app will let you to share your findings via Facebook, Twitter or Google Maps. Still not convinced Scosche is fighting the good fight? Well, $10 from each $330 unit sold will benefit a group of charities dedicated to aiding those affected by the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan. For an closer look at the UI, take a peek at the gallery below, or for the full rundown, hit the PR after the break.
Scosche RDTX-PRO
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Scosche Launches Radiation Detector and App for iPhone and iPod touch

Scosche will donate $10 from every sale to charities aiding those affected by the Tohoku
Earthquake and Tsunami, with a goal of 1 million dollars

Tokyo, Japan – August 31, 2011 – Scosche Industries, award-winning innovator of consumer technology, is excited to announce the RDTX-PRO radiation detector and app for iPhone and iPod touch. The radiation detector requires no calibration and allows users to accurately detect gamma radiation above 60keV within +/- 5% accuracy. The device attaches to an iPhone or iPod touch via the dock connection and is extremely compact for ease of use. It can also be used as a radiation alarm independently from the iOS device. When being used as a standalone alarm the RDTX-PRO runs on one AA battery and provides up to 96 hour of radiation detection.

"I was extremely impressed with the accuracy and performance of the RDTX-PRO from Scosche," said Julius James, Radiation Specialist of Fluke Global Calibration Laboratories. "The detector is as accurate as units that cost significantly more and is much smaller in size."

After connecting the Scosche RDTX-PRO with an iPhone or iPod touch users are prompted to download the free accompanying radTEST app. The app offers a consumer friendly meter display that shows radiation levels as safe (green), elevated (yellow) or dangerous (red). For the advanced user the digital display mode can be used to determine exact radiation levels. Users can also share their results using Facebook, Twitter and Google Maps.

The Scosche RDTX-PRO retail for $329.99 and will be available in September from Synexx in Tokyo Japan. $10 of each unit sold will be donated to a group of charities with a goal of reaching 1 million dollars within two years. The charities include the Bikki Children's Fund, Samaritan's Purse, All Hands Volunteers, and others committed to aiding those that were affected by the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami.

Sony's head-mounted 3D visor is real, HMZ-T1 arrives in Japan November 11th

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 10:29 PM PDT

Remember that crazy wearable 3D display concept Sony was showing off at CES 2011? Turns out the company is actually going to make it, and the HMZ-T1 is scheduled to be released in Japan on November 11th. While the design has changed slightly since we first laid our eyes, and heads, on it, the specs appear to be the same, with two 1280x720 0.7-inch OLED panels mounted in front of each eye giving the wearer an experience similar to viewing a 750-inch screen from 20m away, as well as 5.1 surround sound from headphones integrated into the Head Mounted Display (HMD). You can see the helmet above, as well as the processor unit (complete with HDMI input and output, so you can take off the helmet and watch on TV) that it must remain tethered to. Pricing is expected to be 60,000 yen ($783 US). Check out the press release and our hands-on video from CES after the break and decide if living out a Geordi La Forge-style fantasy is worth it.
Sony's 3D head-mounted display prototype face-on


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Introducing World's First*1 3D Compatible Head Mounted Display Equipped With High Definition OLED Panel
- Offering a new 3D-viewing style with movie theater-like virtual screen*2 experience -

Head Mounted Display "Personal 3D Viewer" (HMZ-T1)

Head Mounted Display "Personal 3D Viewer" (HMZ-T1)


Tokyo, Japan - August 31, 2011 - Sony Corporation ("Sony") today announced the launch of Head Mounted Display "Personal 3D Viewer" 'HMZ-T1', a device that offers a spectacular new style for viewing both 2D and 3D content. Simply slip the device onto your head to experience the movie theater-like virtual screen (equivalent to a 750-inch screen*2) expand before your eyes.*3

It is equipped with the newly-developed 0.7-inch (diagonal 18.0mm) high definition OLED panel (1280 x 720), which have been realized through Sony's unique expertise in both OLED display and semiconductor silicon drive technologies. The 'HMZ-T1' achieves HD picture quality that makes full use of the OLED display's high contrast, color reproducibility, and fast response. In addition, the device adopts the 'Dual Panel 3D Method' which consists of separate panels for the left and right eye in order to display independent HD picture quality to each eye, which realize 3D vision. The viewer can enjoy natural and bright 3D picture quality that is crosstalk-free. Furthermore, we have achieved a wide horizontal viewing angle of 45 degrees by incorporating an optical lens that thoroughly suppresses unwanted elements such as aberration and distortion. Viewers can now enjoy watching video on a movie theater-like big-screen (750-inch virtual screen, virtual viewing distance approx. 20m)*2. Sony has also adopted its original virtual surround signal processing technology. Combined with the high-resolution 3D picture quality, viewers will be able to fully enjoy powerful acoustics equivalent to a maximum of 5.1ch through the left and right headphones alone.

Sony group has offered a wide range of 3D products and 3D content production systems, from industrial 3D filming and editing equipment and movie theater systems through to its "BRAVIA" LCD TVs, home projectors, Blu-ray™ Disc devices, Personal Computer VAIO and "PlayStation 3" while its "Handycam" and "Cyber-shot" cameras even enable people to film 3D video themselves. And now, this new 3D viewing style provided by 'HMZ-T1' will enable users to enjoy the movie theater-like experience whilst relaxing on their living room sofa, thus further expanding Sony's 3D world.

Main Features

(1)
The high definition OLED panel delivers HD picture quality.
(2)
The 'Dual Panel 3D Method' delivers natural and bright 3D picture quality that is crosstalk-free.
(3)
Optical lens which realize wide 45-degree horizontal viewing angle (750-inch virtual screen, virtual viewing distance approx. 20m)*2 which is equivalent to a movie theater screen, while the shielding construction creates a deep feeling of immersion.
(4)
'5.1ch Virtual Surround Technology (Virtualphones Technology)' for realistic and expressive sound.

*1
As a 3D-compatible Head Mounted Display for consumer product (announced on August 31, 2011).
*2
Virtual screen size experience may vary between individuals.
*3
This device must be connected to the supplied processor unit via supplied cable, and the processor unit must be connected to a playback device such as a Blu-ray disc™ device via the HDMI cable.

Main Features (Details)

(1) High definition OLED panel delivers high picture quality

It realized 0.7-inch, high definition OLED panel (1280 x 720), through Sony's unique expertise in both OLED display and semiconductor silicon drive technology. The display's high contrast, color reproducibility, and fast response give added depth, allowing the viewer to enjoy smooth and high picture quality. For more information about high definition OLED panel

High contrast： The self-illuminating OLED panels achieve a powerfully high contrast that transcends the limits of measuring equipment. The display's ability to render true ultra-deep black tones results in beautiful and stunningly crisp contrasted images, even for bright light such as fireworks or twinkling city lights against the night sky.
Color reproducibility： Sony developed a new signal processing circuit in order to maximize the features of OLED, particularly the bright, highly-pure colors and smooth gradation expression. Sony's own proprietary 'Super Bit Mapping Video (SBMV) technology' has been incorporated to convert the 8-bit video of terrestrial digital broadcasts and Blu-ray discs™ for reproduction as a gradation expression equivalent to 14-bits. Even the faintest color differences are faithfully reproduced.
Fast response： The OLED panel illuminates as soon as electrical current is passed through it, giving it superior fast response (response time: less than 0.01ms) for video. This enables the panel to display smooth, natural video, even for fast-moving activities such as sports and games, without any blurry afterimages.

Interchangeable lens camera "α77" and "α65", as well as "NEX-7" are equipped with 0.5-inch (diagonal 12.7mm) and XGA electronic viewfinder (EVF). (Announced on August 24, 2011)

(2) The 'Dual Panel 3D Method' delivers natural and bright 3D picture quality that is crosstalk-free

Displaying 3D images using a single screen generally requires either the Frame Sequential (FS) method, in which the screens for left and right are switched rapidly, or the Line by Line (LBL) method, in which the video for left and right is displayed alternately on the scan line. The FS method tends to generate crosstalk phenomenon, which occurs when the left and right video frames do not switch completely, resulting in mixed images. Under the LBL method, the number of pixels is halved.

'HMZ-T1' adopts the 'Dual Panel 3D method,' which utilizes separate panels for the left and right eyes, each with its own dedicated 3D video. Therefore, it does not generate crosstalk. Furthermore, as the HD quality video is displayed separately on each of the panels, viewers can now enjoy high resolution 3D video that is natural, bright and extremely pure, to an extent that had not been possible until now.

(3) Optical lens which realize wide 45-degree horizontal viewing angle equivalent to a movie theater screen, while the shielding construction creates a deep feeling of immersion.

From Sony's optical lens technology developed through the projector, the adopted optical lens realize the wide 45-degree horizontal viewing angle, which enables the viewer to enjoy a movie theater-like atmosphere with wide vision experience of 750-inch virtual screen (virtual viewing distance 20m)*2. In addition, it realizes low aberration and distortion which reproduce the primary movie theater picture quality. The viewer can easily read small subtitles whilst experiencing the intensity of 3D as the video images expand before their eyes.

The design of this device is such that it covers the maximum possible field of vision (approx. 200 degrees), surpassing the video viewing range of 45 degrees. Any information unrelated to viewing is isolated, resulting in a feeling of deep immersion. The supplied light shield (shade plate) can intercept the light from below, which further enhances the feeling of immersion for the viewer.

(4) Equipped with '5.1ch Virtual Surround Technology (Virtualphones Technology)' to enjoy realistic and expressive sound

'HMZ-T1' incorporates Sony's unique expertise in surround signal processing technology '5.1ch Virtual Surround Technology (Virtualphones Technology)', which is developed especially for headphones. "Virtualphones Technology (VPT)" creates a sound field that naturally reproduces the sound to make it seem as though the sound source is emanating from speakers placed all around the viewer (including front and back). The viewer can enjoy sound equivalent to a maximum 5.1ch multi-channel audio, thus further enhancing the spatial effects of 3D, whilst simultaneously experiencing a very realistic feeling of actually being there.

Equipped with 4 surround modes
It is equipped with 4 surround modes which one can select depending on the content. Aside from 'Standard' mode, the user can also select from 'Cinema' for authentic movie theater-like acoustics, 'Game' for reproducing a clear sense of direction, which can be vital for game-playing, and 'Music' for those times when the viewer simply wants to enjoy the original sound, such as might be heard in a recording studio.

Other Features

1. Convenient operation

The device's control key (located behind the front) is used to control the volume and basic operations (such as playback, pause, fast forward, rewind, previous chapter, next chapter) of any connected devices with HDMI CEC control function. Settings for the picture quality and audio quality can also be performed via menu screen.

2. Convenient functions

It is equipped with a wearable sensor, which automatically turn off the panel if the viewer is not wearing the product. It is a convenient function and environment friendly. If the viewer is not wearing the product for a fixed period of time, it will automatically switch to standby mode.

3. Processor Unit for connection to other devices

Head Mounted Unit (left) Processor Unit (right)

Head Mounted Unit (left)
Processor Unit (right)


The processor unit is equipped with one socket for HDMI output and another for through output. The built-in HDMI output switcher enables both the Head Mounted Display and a television to be connected to the processor unit at any given time, thereby allowing the user to switch between devices for their desired output destination.

Furthermore, the processor unit and the HMD can be connected together with a single cable, which integrates the audio and video signals with the power source.

Health Consideration

Age restrictions
Considering the protection of the growth and development, we ask children (age 15 and younger) to refrain from using this product.
Cautionary matters when using the device
In any rough or unstable environment with a propensity for travel sickness to occur (such as in a vehicle), we ask our customers to refrain from using the device.

Samsung launches YP-R2, YP-Z3, MP3 HD compatible PMPs

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 09:54 PM PDT

Samsung has had its sights set on a PMP with MP3 HD support for some time now -- first announcing (and later killing) the IceTouch in 2010, and now launching the YP-R2 and YP-Z3 in markets including Russia and Korea. Claiming that the lossy/lossless HD MP3 sound is five times better than the standard variety, the company will put it to the test with access to Melon, Korea's largest 2.2 million song music store. So far, Samsung has only confirmed the R2 has a 3-inch WQVGA full touch display, is .3-inches thick and weighs around 52 grams, while the Z3, on the other hand has a 1.8-inch display and measures in at 36 grams. The music players also support photo and text viewing, FM radio and 5.1-channel surround sound. The R2 comes in black and silver and costs 149,000 KRW ($140) for 4GB, and 169,000 KRW ($160) for 8GB. The Z3 comes in white, pink and blue and costs 89,000 KRW ($83) for 4GB, and 119,000 KRW for 8GB ($110). There's no word yet if these devices will ever see US release, but check out the source for more pictures.

Hillcrest Labs' Scoop Pointer is decidedly less loopy than its predecessor

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 09:02 PM PDT

Remember the ringtastic Loop that motion control manufacturer Hillcrest Labs introed back in 2009? The Scoop Pointer is its more straightforward followup, an in-air mouse with six-axis control, nine programmable buttons, and souped up hardware and firmware. The pointer will be dropping in Q4, likely carrying a non-Hillcrest brand name.
Show full PR text
Hillcrest Labs Unveils Next-Generation Portfolio of Motion Control Software and Products

Rockville, MD – August 31, 2011 – Hillcrest Labs today unveiled its second-generation family of user interface solutions that pave the way for a wide range of products to incorporate state of the art natural user interfaces (NUI's). During the past decade, Hillcrest's research and development team delivered Freespace®, a leading natural motion control technology, to a wide range of the CE industry's leaders, along with a suite of interactive TV applications. Hillcrest has more than 50 issued patents, with more than 200 applications pending, for its ground breaking technology, and has received numerous accolades for its products. In its tenth year of operations, Hillcrest has designed its newest products to make the integration of natural user interfaces possible in a wide range of markets, such as television and digital media, smart boards, virtual reality systems, and many others.

For customers who need the most flexibility, the new Freespace MotionEngine™ provides a fully featured motion software stack that simplifies integration of inertial and magnetic sensors for a variety of uses. For customers who want to incorporate a completely designed motion sensor solution, Hillcrest offers a family of new sensor modules. These physical devices come in a variety of configurations that include various combinations of MEMS motion sensors, motion processors, and appropriate APIs. Hillcrest also offers fully designed reference remote controls for those companies that have limited in-house design services, leveraging Hillcrest's expertise in industrial design, MEMS electronics, and mass scale manufacturing.

"We offer the broadest suite of motion products available from any single supplier today," said Dan Simpkins, founder and CEO of Hillcrest Labs. "Nearly 10 years ago, our vision was to use a motion pointing interface to control interactive TV, and today our vision has become a reality. Our new product portfolio gives our customers maximum flexibility to incorporate Freespace motion control into their products and accelerate their time to market."

Hillcrest's motion solutions, based on Freespace technology, simplify the design of motion enabled products. Today's new product portfolio gives more companies low cost, high performing, and highly scalable motion solutions for their future product lines. Customers can access Hillcrest's design know-how to effectively use inertial and other sensors in a wide range of applications.

An Unparalleled Portfolio of Motion Products

From software to completed designs, Hillcrest offers an unmatched suite of motion solutions, with global expertise in software, hardware, MEMS, DSP, industrial design, mechanical design, and manufacturing. Hillcrest's new family of products includes:

Freespace MotionEngine: Hillcrest's new product, the Freespace MotionEngine, is an embedded software platform that provides an integrated solution to enable MEMS inertial and magnetic sensors to work effectively and consistently in mass production. Hillcrest's patented motion control software platform provides a sensor-agnostic solution for motion control devices using accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers (compasses) in a variety of configurations. The MotionEngine software can be licensed for integration into a customer's hardware, or it can be purchased as part of a module or remote control offered by Hillcrest. The key functions of the MotionEngine are sensor fusion, calibration, 3D device motion, gestures, and cursor control, which are implemented with sensors from a variety of the leading MEMS suppliers. This latest release is a modular software solution that can run on an embedded microcontroller or host processor, which provides greater implementation flexibility than its predecessor. For remote controls and game controllers, this enables the MotionEngine to run on the controller, on a USB dongle, or directly on a TV or set-top box system-on-a-chip (SoC). Motion data processed by the MotionEngine is delivered using a standards-based API and is compatible with USB, Bluetooth®, RF4CE, and other RF protocols. The Freespace MotionEngine is the same software embedded in the new line of Roku 2 streaming media players and LG's Smart TVs. Key applications include: TV remote controls, game controllers, mobile phones, and more.

Freespace Sensor Modules: For companies that want to easily integrate motion control into their own products, Hillcrest launched a line of new embeddable modules. Examples include the FSM-SENS-1, a 6-axis sensor-only module that integrates with an external Freespace MotionEngine, and the FSM-SI-2, which combines the Freespace MotionEngine on an embedded microprocessor along with a 3-axis digital gyroscope, 3-axis digital accelerometer and optional 3-axis magnetometer (compass) to provide high-performance, calibrated motion data for a variety of applications. Freespace Sensor Modules are used by engineers to add inertial motion control to a product without having to learn about motion sensing or MEMS. These compact modules, the smallest of which is 9mm x 19mm x 2.5mm, are pre-calibrated for mass production, provide a well-documented API for interpreting motion, and provide data such as cursor position, linear acceleration, angular position, and angular velocity to enable the creation of novel applications. Key applications include: remote controls; virtual/augmented reality headsets; HMDs (head-mounted displays); robotics; industrial automation; and motion analysis for sports, fitness and medical diagnostic products.

The Scoop™ Pointer: The Scoop pointer is a second-generation in-air mouse with 6-axis motion control, which interfaces wirelessly to any PC, Mac®, or USB HID compatible device through a USB dongle. This new OEM product is a reference design that will be available in the fourth quarter to companies that need a complete off-the-shelf device for their consumers. It will replace the Loop™ pointer and includes numerous enhancements, such as a smaller and lighter form factor, new chipset and firmware for lower costs and better performance, nine programmable buttons and a scroll wheel, and full 6-axis control to enable better gesture and game play. There are two versions of the Scoop pointer, one optimized for TV viewing, and one with a red laser pointer designed as a handheld wireless presenter. Hillcrest has already signed agreements with CE manufacturers that will bring the Scoop pointer to market later this year, under their own brand names. Hillcrest does not intend to sell the Scoop pointer directly to consumers.

In addition to its newest products, Hillcrest continues to offer several Freespace Reference Kits (FSRKs) to give product designers and software developers all the components, tools, and documentation needed to rapidly prototype motion control devices.

Firefox for Honeycomb UI shown off, inching closer to a tablet near you

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 08:38 PM PDT

Firefox on Honeycomb
The Mozilla team has been quietly toiling to bring Firefox to a mid-sized screen near you. It's already a perpetual favorite on the desktop and has made a bit of a splash on Android phones, now the group has Honeycomb tablets squarely in its crosshairs. It's still very much in the early stages of development but a few UI decisions have been made, including the choice to adhere pretty strictly to Android 3.0's minimalist appearance. In landscape mode tabs will be represented as a persistent thumbnail bar on the left, but in portrait they'll revert to the top with a more familiar appearance. The tabbed Awesome from the mobile version also returns. Check out the gallery below, as well as the source for more detail and more mockups.
Firefox for Honeycomb UI mockups

Acer's Aspire 5749 MeeGo notebook gets a Sandy Bridge core, hails from Deutschland

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 08:02 PM PDT

MeeGo running on an Acer notebook? Hardly surprising stuff. Pairing that OS with a Sandy Bridge CPU, however, is something to take note of. Contradicting Acer's past claims that the company would only issue the operating system on Atom-based netbooks, the Aspire 5749 has popped up on Amazon.de serving up a 2.1GHz Core i3 processor and 15.6-inch 1366 x 768 display. Weighing in at 2.6kg (about 6lbs) and measuring 34mm in thickness, the Taiwanese-made laptop will set you back 400 Euros (about $577), and comes packed with 4GB DDR3 RAM, 500GB of storage, Intel's GMA 3000 graphics set, DVD burner, three USB 2.0 ports, a 2-in-1 card reader and, of course, WiFi. Itching to get your import on? Then skip past the break and head to the source below.

Samsung GT-i9220 confirmed as smartphone with dual-band WiFi, specs remain in rumorville

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 07:33 PM PDT

Samsung's GT-i9220 has been swirling through the rumor mills for a while now, and we've seen tons of conflicting reports regarding this little monster. While its specifications remain shaky at best, a few solid tidbits courtesy of the Wi-Fi Alliance indeed reveal the GT-i9220 as a smartphone, which counters previous speculation that it was merely a media player. Additionally, this Sammy will feature dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, the latter being an uncommon (though entirely welcome) feature for smartphones, and lending credence to its high-end specs. As for those details, the most plausible rumors suggest we'll see a dual-core 1.4GHz CPU, a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display at 720p along with an 8 megapixel camera. Obviously, internals like these are fightin' words in the smartphone domain, so we're forced to take them with a grain of salt until something more solid crawls out of the woodwork.

Samsung unveils Series 7 laptops, we go hands-on

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 07:00 PM PDT

One of Samsung's Series 7 laptops was outed not long ago, but that PC was made for fragging, while the rest in this line of laptops is meant for more pedestrian purposes. The new members of the family come sheathed in the same silver aluminum skin, but sport a smaller 300-nit, 1600 x 900 matte display in both 15.6-inch and 14-inch versions. Those displays are surrounded by a minimalist bezel, which allowed Samsung to stuff a 14-inch panel into a 13-inch chassis. Around the sides, there are two USB 3.0 ports (and one of the 2.0 variety), Gigabit Ethernet and HDMI and VGA sockets (the latter requires an included dongle a la the Series 9).

On the inside, users can get up to a Core i7-2675QM CPU clocked at 2.2GHz, up to 8GB of RAM, Radeon HD 6750M graphics and a 750GB HDD spinning at 7,200RPM. On all but the base model, there's an additional 8GB of flash memory mounted on the motherboard that helps shave boot times down to mere seconds using Sammy's FastStart technology. A lithium polymer battery powers everything, and Samsung claims the 80Wh cell will maintain 80 percent of its original capacity for up to 1,500 charges. Prices start at $1,000, and run all the way up to $1,300 for all the fixins'. Sound good? Head on past the break for some hands-on impressions.
Samsung Series 7 Laptops

We got handsy with a 15.6-inch model, and came away liking what we saw. The brushed aluminum exterior was easy on the eyes, and we greatly appreciated the backlit keyboard and its number pad. We also thought that hinged lower jaw of the Ethernet port was a nifty feature, as it allows the Sammy's slim edge to accommodate a full size port. Best of all was the matte display, as we've been crying out for manufacturers to lose those fingerprint-friendly panels, and Samsung's given us what we desire. As you can see in the gallery above, the Series 7 stacks up pretty well size-wise to a 15-inch MacBook Pro, but we'll have to wait until we review one to really know how it compares to Apple's offering.
Show full PR text
Samsung offers powerful, fast performance in a compact, sleek form factor with new series 7 laptops

Stylishly Thin PC Line Provides Highly Portable Cutting Edge Technology to Mobile Users

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., August 31, 2011 – Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd, today announced the Series 7, a sleek, cutting edge laptop line, at the IFA global consumer electronics tradeshow. Encased in a stunningly thin and compact aluminum chassis, the Series 7 is a highly powerful computer that empowers savvy consumers and design conscience business users to accomplish more in less time.

"The Series 7 is an ideal laptop for discerning users who need to be highly productive everywhere they go, with advanced features such as Samsung's exclusive Fast Start technology, a high-speed processor and a large, matte screen that is visible anywhere, even outside," said Scott Ledterman, director of mobile PC marketing at Samsung Enterprise Business Division. "Our goal is to create notebooks that constantly inspire and enrich customers' lives and with the Series 7, one of the thinnest quad core PCs to date, cutting edge consumers and business users can capitalize on Samsung's advanced engineering, inside and out."

Impressive Design

With a sleek brushed-aluminum body under one-inch thick, smooth lines and a stunningly thin bezel screen, the Series 7 embodies premium design, making it an ideal computer for users looking to make a statement.

By minimizing the bezel and maximizing the screen, the Samsung Series 7 laptop is highly portable without sacrificing screen size. Incorporating Samsung's latest Max Screen technology, the Series 7 enables users to experience up to an extra inch of viewing without sacrificing mobility or portability, with the 14-inch display being contained within the form factor traditionally associated with a 13-inch model.

The 13-inch or 15.6-inch HD+ (1600 x 900) high resolution, matte display features 16 million colors and up to 50 percent better brightness (300 nit) provided by Samsung Superbright Technology, as well as an AMD Radeon HD6750M graphics card. These features make the display ideal for any power user's needs, whether inside or out, viewing everything from presentations to photos, videos and games.

Powerful Performance

Series 7, with the Intel® CoreTM i5 or the Intel® CoreTM i7 processor, features ExpressCache™, a technology which accelerates boot-up and start times. It provides an extra 8GB of flash memory on the motherboard enabling faster start-up as well as increasing the overall performance. Web browsing is up to 50-60 percent quicker (using Microsoft Internet Explorer).

The Series 7 keeps up with your fast-paced life no matter where you are. It features Samsung's exclusive FastStart technology, which enables the laptop to transition from a hybrid sleep mode to full functionality in as little as two-three seconds, while Quick Boot has the notebook ready to go – from cold – in just 19 seconds, enabling users to quickly jump into work or play while on-the-go.

Maximum Mobility

The Series 7 was designed to offer highly mobile users a powerful computer in a compact, portable form factor, allowing them to capitalize on Samsung's advanced features without being weighed or slowed down.

Samsung's exclusive Easy Settings make it effortless to connect the Series 7 to new wireless networks, projectors and more by giving you easy access to commonly used PC settings, resulting in stress-free business travel and presentations. Samsung Easy Migration allows users to seamlessly transfer existing files to the new laptop by connecting their old PC to the Series 7, launching and starting Easy Migration and letting the PC do the rest.

With up to nine hours of battery life**, the Series 7 ensures an all day connection while on-the-go. The inclusion of Samsung Power Plus technology means that the Series 7 battery will retain 80 percent of the original battery capacity for up to 1,500 charges – giving users a battery that works whenever and wherever they need it, even after three years of use.
Signature Samsung Technology

Samsung's Support Center ensures all content stays safe and can help troubleshoot any particular problem. Accessible with a keyboard shortcut, the Support Center helps users manage their system settings or arrange for a tech-support web chat. Samsung's Back-up & Recovery Solution also allows users to create and restore back-ups of system data on the device, or on a network or removable storage device.

The Samsung Series 7 will be available starting October 2, 2011. It will retail for $999 – $1,299. All Samsung mobile PC products are available through Samsung resellers and distribution channels. For a full list of retailers, call 1-800-SAMSUNG or visit www.samsung.com.

Key Specs:
* All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, to benefits, design, components, performance, availability and capability of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.


NP700Z5A-S02US
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor 2675QM (2.20 GHz, 6 MB [L3])
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64 bit)


NP700Z5A-S01US
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor 2675QM (2.20 GHz, 6 MB [L3])
Genuine Windows® 7 Professional (64 bit)


NP700Z3A-S01US
Intel® Core™ i5 Processor 2430M (2.40 GHz, 3 MB [L3])
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64 bit)

NP700Z5B-W01UB
Intel® Core™ i7-2675QM Processor (BGA Type, SV)
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64 bit)

Memory
(Max)
6GB DDR3
(on Board 4G + 2G)
8GB DDR3
(on Board 4G + 4G)
6GB DDR3
(on Board 4G + 2G)
6GB DDR3
Storage (max)
750GB
w/ EC 8GB
750GB
w/ EC 8GB
750GB
w/ EC 8GB
750GB

Screen
15.6"
15.6"
14.0"
15.6"

Resolution
1600 x 900
1600 x 900
1600 x 900
1600 x 900

Graphics
AMD Radeon HD 6750M
AMD Radeon HD 6750M
AMD Radeon HD 6490M
AMD Xeymour
HD 6490M

Speakers
3 W (1.5 W x 2) stereo speakers
3 W (1.5 W x 2) stereo speakers
3 W (1.5 W x 2) stereo speakers
3 W (1.5 W x 2) stereo speakers

Integrated Camera
1.3MP HD
1.3MP HD
1.3MP HD
1.3MP HD

Battery
Lithium Polymer; up to 9 hours
Lithium Polymer; up to 9 hours
Lithium Polymer; up to 9 hours
Lithium Polymer; up to 9 hours

Wireless
802.11 b/g/n
802.11 b/g/n
802.11 b/g/n
802.11 b/g/n

Weight
5.05 lbs
5.05 lbs
4.30 lbs
5.05 lbs

MSRP
$1,149.00
$1,299.00
$1,099.00
$999.99

** Battery life will vary depending on the product model, configuration, power management settings, applications used, and wireless settings. The maximum capacity of the battery will decrease with time and use. Test results based on independent third party Mobile Mark tests. Non-Metric weights and measurements are approximate. Total amount of available memory may be less based on configuration.

Accessible capacity varies; MB = 1 million bytes, GB = 1 billion bytes, TB = 1 trillion bytes. Please note that a portion of the hard drive is reserved for system recovery, operating system and preloaded content software

Engadget HD Podcast 263 - 08.30.2011

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 06:14 PM PDT

We had plenty to talk about on this week's Engadget HD Podcast but first we had some internal business to attend to with our BTS giveaway (you're entered right?) and Fantasy Football trash talking. After that, a combination of DirecTV leaks and news from Google and Apple had us in a mood to talk about the state of the TV industry and just who is standing in the way of innovation. Luckily, there is someone working on new technology, and the ATSC is working on new broadcast standards for 3D and other features to be delivered via antenna. After that we turned to the Xbox 360, which is getting some 3D games from Microsoft including Halo: CE Anniversary, and a brand new ESPN3 app. To wrap things up we had to get in some HD display news, with a new projector and Sony's web app that lets you figure out just what size TV your living room can handle before digging into this week's HDTV shows, Blu-ray discs and videogames.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)

Producer: Trent Wolbe

03:40 - Engadget's HD Back to School Giveaway: Win Scarface and The Big Lebowski on Blu-ray!
04:30 - DirecTV's Nomad teaser page suggests a Slingbox competitor, but little else
06:30 - More DirecTV Nomad info uncovered, but details are still fuzzy
09:17 - TiVo talks cable, satellite deals in Q2 results; DirecTiVo exposed! (video)
11:51 - Time Warner Cable will pay for your Slingbox, in exchange for love
15:34 - Google TV coming to the UK within six months
20:00 - Google remains committed to TV business, expects more partners soon
26:20 - Android SDK add-on brings Market one step closer to your Google TV
26:50 - Apple stops renting TV shows in iTunes, could be working on a new kind of video service
39:05 - ATSC commences 3DTV standard development, better get your glasses ready
42:29 - Microsoft confirms 3D support in Halo: CE remake for Xbox 360
44:18 - Xbox 360's ESPN3 app updated with more voice control, split screen and more
49:56 - Digital Projection debuts new native ultrawidescreen projector
51:08 - Sony's AR tool lets you put big screens in small apartments (video)
52:10 - Must See HDTV (August 29th - September 4th)

Hear the podcast

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Nissan Leaf mod offers more accurate battery status, less streamlined interior

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 05:57 PM PDT

Car mods come in many forms -- including, even, a piece of cardboard with some switches and an LED display. The car being modded in this case is the Nissan Leaf, and the mod in question (still in its temporary form here, thankfully) is a simple but important one. It's a homebrew device that plugs into the Leaf's OBD-II diagnostics port and displays the battery's exact state of charge, as opposed to the somewhat less specific bars that are displayed on the main dashboard display. Absolutely necessary? Not exactly, but the mod seems to be catching on with a growing contingent of DIY-minded Leaf forum members. Hit the source link below for a few more examples and some additional details for building your own.

[Image credit: mwalsh / My Nissan Leaf Forum]
at 11:33 AM

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