Sponsoer by :

Monday, September 5, 2011

Engadget News

Sponsored

Engadget News

KT's Spider Concept phone is also a laptop, a tablet and a game console (video)

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 11:28 AM PDT

KT Spider Concept
You probably thought Motorola had a lock on this whole docks for your phone thing, but Korean company KT quietly launched an assault on the Atrix manufacturer at IFA. Rather than a single (and underwhelming) "Webtop," KT's Spider Concept has three different accessories that expand the capabilities of the 4.5-inch gingerbread device. The laptop dock adds a QWERTY keyboard, an extended battery and a revamped UI while relying on the phone itself as the touchpad. If keyboards aren't your thing, there's the Spider PAD tablet shell which blows the interface up to 10.1-inches while adding a few slate-friendly tweaks. Last is the gaming dock, a simple cradle with a D-pad and buttons that connects to the Spider via Bluetooth. The phone itself is no slouch, packing 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, and a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor. Oh, and that 4.5-inch screen? A stunning 1280 x 800 resolution. It's kind of hard to believe all that is jammed into a package just 9.34mm (0.37-inches) thin. The phone is expected to launch in Korea in either November or December, though price and international availability are still up in the air. Check out the pair of videos after the break.



Sony Tablet S now available for pre-order, shipping September 16th

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 10:51 AM PDT

Sony's Tablet S may not have been quite fit for consumers' hands when we previewed it last week, but we can only presume that the company's now finally gotten things sorted out, as the tablet is available for pre-order with a promised September 16th ship date. That now includes Amazon in addition to Sony's own site, as well as Best Buy and Future Shop in Canada which are each listing a slightly later September 23rd availability date for the country (but the same $499 and $599 price tags). As expected, those interested in the smaller, dual-screened Tablet P instead still have a bit more waiting to do.

[Thanks, Sam]

Medion announces LifeTab P9514 tablet, mysterious Android smartphone at IFA

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 10:18 AM PDT

Medion enjoyed a pretty eventful weekend at this year's IFA in Berlin, where the German PC maker unveiled a new Android tablet and a rather obtuse Gingerbread smartphone. Known as the Lifetab P9514, the company's 32GB, 1.6-pound slate is powered by a 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, runs Honeycomb 3.2 and features a capacitive multitouch display with 1280 x 800 resolution. The device also supports both quad-band 3G and WiFi connections, along with the usual smattering of HDMI, microUSB, and microSD ports. Medion's new phone, meanwhile, remains decidedly more mysterious. At this point, we know that the 4.3-inch handset rocks a five megapixel shooter and comes pre-loaded with the manufacturer's GoPal satnav app, but further details remain murky. Both devices are expected to ship within Europe during Q4 of this year at unconfirmed prices, though rumor has it that the LifeTab will run for €399 (about $564). No word yet on whether we can expect to see either product hit the US anytime soon, but you can catch a glimpse of the freshly unveiled smartphone, after the break.

HTC Amaze 4G gets snapped with the lights on, confirms 1.5GHz dual-core CPU

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 09:53 AM PDT

The only images we've seen of the upcoming HTC Ruby Amaze 4G, the high-powered smartphone inbound for T-Mobile, have left us eager for more substance; few pictures show the phone powered on, and even those offer no visual evidence of its rockin' specs. Our thirst for more info about the beast has been slightly more quenched, as Droid Sans snapped some pics of the prototype proudly displayed at a public gathering. From what we can tell by the snapshots, the device's "about" screen confirms the presence of a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, a 4.3-inch qHD display and an 8MP rear camera (2MP front) with dual-LED flash. The source tells us that it will come shipped with HTC Sense 3.5 running atop Gingerbread, so don't let these photos -- showing off stock Android -- get your hopes up so fast. All in all, though, it looks like the Samsung Galaxy S II may have a fierce battle on its hands for the title of T-Mobile's Next Top (smartphone) Model.

The coolest thing I saw at IFA: LG's passive clip-on 3D glasses

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 09:21 AM PDT


Berlin's Internationalen Funkausstellung is by no means an unexciting consumer electronics show. Sure, there aren't nearly as many new gadgets to play with as you'll find at even the tamest year of CES, but there's still plenty else around to leave almost any tech buff feeling full. Still, this year's most exciting gadget -- to me, at least -- wasn't a new tablet, or cell phone, or even that Android-controlled robotic vacuum. No, the highlight of my week was these clip-on 3D glasses, which LG reps handed out to every interested spectator as they entered the company's booth. These dead-simple, yet completely life-changing specs were almost certainly overlooked by the 20/20 vision-abled, but for folks like me who can't stand sliding one pair of glasses over another just to watch Kung Fu Panda in three dimensions, those clip-ons you see above are the absolute best swag I could ever hope to find.

There's really not much to them. The 3D experience was identical to what you'll get with traditional passive glasses -- these simply clip on top of your eyeglasses, rather than resting on their own. They also offer UV protection, and "communicate seamlessly with the TV." Well alright then. While attendees could get their own pair for free at IFA, you can also find these online for about 20 bucks -- sold as the LG AG-F220. I'd like to see them become much more widely available, and more affordable as well. So listen up, Hollywood: if you ever again want me to hand over five extra bucks at the box office to watch an animated bear kick his furry paw directly toward my temple, these better be waiting on the other side of the ticket scan.

Netflix lands in Brazil, 43 other Latin American countries within the week

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 08:52 AM PDT

Netflix in Latin America
Netflix promised our friends in Central and South America would soon be able to enjoy the pleasures of Watch Instantly. Starting today with Brazil, and with 43 other Latin American countries to follow before September 12th, the pioneering streaming video service is making good on that promise. Customers in the land of Carnival can enjoy a free one-month trial, after which a subscription will run BR$14.99 a month. The roll out will be staggered over the coming days, with most areas getting a price point equivalent to $7.99 in American currency and some having both English and Spanish language options. For more details check out the PR after the break and the chart above.

[Thanks, Nicolas]
Show full PR text
Netflix Arrives In Latin America And The Caribbean

World's Largest Internet Movie And TV Series Subscription Service Will Roll Out From 5 Sept. To 12 Sept. In 43 Countries

SAO PAULO, Sept. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Netflix, Inc. (www.netflix.com), the world's largest Internet movie and TV series subscription service, is arriving in Latin America and the Caribbean, providing instant and unlimited movies and TV shows streamed from Netflix to computers, game consoles and other Internet connected devices for a single low monthly price. Netflix launched today in Brazil and will be launched in 43 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean by 12 Sept.

Brazilians can immediately begin a free, one-month trial by going to www.netflix.com.

With more than 25 million members in the U.S. and Canada, Netflix offers amazing convenience and extraordinary value with a broad range of Hollywood, international and local movies and TV series to choose from. Netflix has revolutionized entertainment in North America by giving people a choice to instantly enjoy what they want to watch, when they want to watch it for a low monthly price over a wide range of Internet-connected devices, such as computers, game consoles, and smart TVs.

"We are excited to be bringing Netflix to Latin America and the Caribbean," said Reed Hastings, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Netflix. "People throughout the region are online in ever-greater numbers and they love movies and TV shows. We are proud to bring them the Netflix experience of instantly enjoying as many movies and TV shows as they want, when they want for one low price. "

Today, the Portuguese-language version of Netflix launched in Brazil, where thousands of hours of movies and TV shows can now be watched instantly, anytime and anywhere via PC, Mac, PS2, PS3 and Wii for a monthly subscription price of BR$14.99.

On Wednesday, 7 Sept., the Spanish-language version of the Netflix streaming service will become available in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. The monthly subscription for unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows in Argentina is 39 pesos while in Uruguay and Paraguay the price is US$7.99 per month.

On Thursday, 8 Sept., Netflix will become available in Chile at 3790 pesos per month and in Bolivia at US$7.99 per month. On Friday, 9 Sept., Netflix will begin unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows via the Internet in the Andean region. In Colombia, the monthly subscription price will be 14,000 Colombian pesos while in Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador the price will be US$7.99.

On Monday, 12 September, Netflix will launch its service in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. In Mexico, the monthly subscription price for unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows over the Internet will be 99 pesos while in the Central America and the Caribbean the price will be US$7.99 per month. In the Caribbean region, Netflix will be available in English and Spanish.

"It is an amazing privilege for us to travel through the region, introducing Netflix to consumers in Latin America and the Caribbean," said Hastings. "We are committed to offering the same great service, value and choice throughout the Americas and we can't wait to get started."

About Netflix: With over 25 million members in the United States, Canada and Latin America, Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) is the world's leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows. For $8 a month, Netflix members instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streaming over the Internet to PCs, Macs and TVs. Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are Microsoft's Xbox 360, Nintendo's Wii and Sony's PS3 consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, Internet-connected TVs, home theater systems, digital video recorders and Internet video players; Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Apple TV and Google TV. In all, more than 200 devices that stream from Netflix are available in the U.S. and a growing number are available in Canada.

Baidu announces Android OS alternative, confirming its mobile aspirations

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 08:23 AM PDT

At present time, Baidu's a desktop web browser / search engine based in China that's meant to mimic Chrome (though it's actually wrapped around IE code). The company, however, has its sights set on conquering the mobile front as well, introducing Baidu Yi OS at its annual get-together. The new platform is essentially a forked version of Android, which will provide a lot of the same functionality and services we're used to seeing from Google; Baidu, though, is adding a dash of flavor by throwing in its own bundle of apps -- such as native maps, reader, music, web apps, and even a program similar to Google Places -- as well as strong cloud integration for backups, storage and sharing. The new OS will likely be up against intense competition from Nokia, Alibaba, Xiaomi and Windows Phone Tango (amongst others), so the Chinese mobile space may get rather interesting in the coming years.

Vestel shows off a prototype BitTorrent Certified TV at IFA

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 07:15 AM PDT

Far from sneaking in to the living room, Vestel had a BitTorrent Certified television on display at IFA 2011 this past week. That official stamp means it packs the usual suite of connected TV features including playing local media across the network, and it's guaranteed to work with BitTorrent approved files from the internet. There's no word on any official release for this prototype -- and we haven't been able to locate anyone who got a hands-on demo, let us know if you saw it -- but it definitely shows how BitTorrent is trying to expand its platform in a manner similar to DivX and XBMC / Boxee. Check out the press release after the break, we'll be sitting back and watching some totally legal content we just torrented.
Show full PR text
VESTEL TO LAUNCH THE FIRST BITTORRENT CERTIFIED SMART TV
Vestel and BitTorrent partner to show the world's first BitTorrent Certified Digital Television at IFA Berlin

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. and BERLIN, Germany (Sept. 1, 2011) -Vestel, one of the world's leading DTV manufacturers, and BitTorrent, Inc., a globally recognized creator of software products and technology protocols that help people find, share and move digital media, today announced plans to showcase the world's first BitTorrent Certified Digital TV at the IFA show in Berlin. Vestel's new BitTorrent Certified TV will enable consumers to find, play and share all types of personal media, independently produced content and internet files directly on their TV.

The two companies will jointly demo a prototype at IFA starting today at Hall 8.2.

"Consumers want all types of personal media and Internet content in their living rooms and the TV remains the most desired device for consuming this digital media, regardless of source," said Hakan Kutlu, deputy general manager responsible for marketing at Vestel. "BitTorrent certification helps our TV line meet this consumer demand and ensures that Vestel products remain at the forefront of technology innovation and adoption."

"The world of digital media has become unnecessarily complex and results in an increasingly fragmented consumer experience," said Shahi Ghanem, chief strategist at BitTorrent. "People want access to their entire content library – personal media, Internet files, and artist approved content – regardless of source, media type, or file format. Vestel understands this consumer demand and will use BitTorrent certification to help ensure that users of their TV products will have access to a powerful, open ecosystem that guarantees consumers can play any content on any Vestel TV that is BitTorrent Certified. We're exceptionally pleased to be working with Vestel and look forward to a long and beneficial partnership with the company.



The BitTorrent ecosystem is an integrated solution of software, devices and content, all orchestrated to move 100+ million PC users into the living room via certified TVs, Blue-ray/DVD players, media extenders, NAS devices and more.

By becoming BitTorrent Certified, consumer electronics makers can leverage the speed of the BitTorrent protocol and key downloading, transcoding, sharing and file-shifting features to make it easy for their customers to find, get and play all files on any certified devices.

The BitTorrent certification program and brand assures consumers that any content will playback. Certified consumer electronics devices (TVs, DVD/BD players, media adapters, etc.) will seamlessly play content via BitTorrent. Device manufacturers also empower consumers to stream content from their BitTorrent libraries, all from a 4-button TV, DVD/BD Player or media adapter remote. The most advanced BitTorrent solution enables consumers to download photos, video, and audio directly to devices.


Showcasing its most exciting application, BitTorrent's new personal media sharing service will allow consumers to send home videos, audio and photos directly into TVs, DVD/BD players and media adapters. By featuring a personal sharing application, BitTorrent helps consumer electronics manufacturers and consumers privately and securely share home movies and personal videos and watch/listen to everything on certified devices.

To see the prototype demo at IFA, please RSVP to ifa@bittorrent.com.

###
About Vestel
Vestel is a major player in the consumer electronics and household appliances with renowned products including television sets, B2B displays, digital set-top-boxes, and white goods. Groups are comprised of 25 companies operating in manufacturing, technology development, marketing, and distribution fields with € 3.7 billion turnover. The company is recognized for its cutting edge designs, impressive product quality, big production capacity and superior market share growth.

About BitTorrent
BitTorrent creates advanced, innovative technologies to efficiently move large files across the Internet. The company's two main products today include the original BitTorrent software and the tiny-but-mighty µTorrent, which combined boast over 100+ million users. BitTorrent is based in San Francisco, Calif. More information is available at http://www.bittorrent.com.

Gateway TP Series A60 tablet pops up at Future Shop, cops Iconia Tab A500's style

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 06:04 AM PDT

We weren't exactly thrilled with Acer's 10.1-inch Iconia Tab A500, but that hasn't stopped Gateway from re-skinning the Honeycomb slate and claiming it for its own. Appearing to be a re-branded versions of the A500, the Gateway A60 comes with 16GB of built-in storage, 1GB RAM, a dual-core 1GHz Tegra 2 processor, a five megapixel rear-facing camera and front-facing two megapixel snapper, 802.11b/g/n WiFi connectivity and the list goes on. Just like its brother from another mother, this Gateway will set you back $399, and while we can't guarantee that it will perform the same, we'd suggest taking a look at our A500 review before shelling out those clams.

[Thanks, Bir Bikram Dey]

Modern Warfare 3 limited edition Xbox 360 set ushers in last wave of marketing hype

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 05:42 AM PDT

Call of Duty certainly knows how to wear out its merchandising welcome. After announcing a line of eye strain-reducing glasses and a series of branded headsets, Activision's juggernaut franchise is steamrolling its pre-release hype all over a custom Xbox 360. The limited edition 320GB console comes bundled with two similarly bedecked wireless controllers, a requisite copy of Modern Warfare 3 and even includes franchise-specific boot sounds. You can snag this video gaming swag on November 8th for a cool $399, or grab the headset and controllers separately. It's your call and your paycheck, after all. Official presser awaits you after the break.
Show full PR text
Prepare for Domination with the Xbox 360® Limited Edition Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare 3® Console, Wireless Headset with Bluetooth and Wireless Controller
Wheels up this Fall in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand

UAVs don't scare you. You laugh in the face of helicopter strikes. You think proximity mines are for rookies. And Prestige? Please, old news. Prepare for the launch of the Xbox 360® Limited Edition Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Console.

Xbox, Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games teamed up to create a "Call of Duty" collectible, just in time for the most epic "Call of Duty" experience yet. Aside from its (air)striking good looks, the console will play unmistakable "Call of Duty" sounds when powering up and when the tray is opened.

This must-have for "Call of Duty" fans worldwide includes a customized console with graphics from the game, along with two custom wireless controllers, a 320GB hard drive, a copy of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3," as well as custom sounds when the console is turned on. A one month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription to Xbox LIVE is included so you can play to your heart's content, as well as exclusive avatar items that show your Xbox LIVE friends you're one of the lucky ones to own this coveted console.

The console will launch on November 8, 2011 in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and EMEA for $399 (U.S. ERP), and you can pre-order today at participating retailers. At 320GB, the console has the largest hard drive ever available for Xbox 360, with more than enough space to download and save game add-ons, downloadable content, games, music, photos, videos and movies. While "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" does not support Kinect functionality, all Xbox 360 consoles are Kinect-ready for when you're ready to take a break from the battlefield.

In addition to the console, Xbox 360 will be releasing two limited edition accessories, both shipping to stores October 11:

· The Xbox 360® Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth provides the ability to chat with friends during multi-player game play or with Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones, PCs and other devices. Its artwork matches the custom console and includes a charging cradle, ear loop, ear gels, and an Xbox LIVE token for an exclusive download for $69.99 (U.S. ERP).

· Users can chat without wires on Xbox LIVE and easily switch between Xbox 360 mode and Bluetooth mode. Use the headset with Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones, PCs and other devices. The Xbox 360® Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth is the comfortable, hands-free way to keep the conversations going.
· The Xbox 360® Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Wireless Controller allows you to show all your friends your passion for the franchise. The controller includes exclusive artwork and a transforming D-pad that can be rotated to adapt to the user's game play, as well as an Xbox LIVE token for an exclusive download, all for $59.99 (U.S. ERP).

For more information on the Xbox 360® Limited Edition Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Console and accessories, visit www.xbox.com and visit MajorNelson.com for a video.

WiLAN lawyers up, picks patent fight with Apple, Dell, HP, HTC and others

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 02:14 AM PDT

You know what the tech world needs? More patent litigation, which is why WiLAN is at it again in the rocket docket of the Eastern District of Texas. This time, instead of suing cable companies, it's going after the likes of Apple, Dell, HP, HTC, Kyocera, Novatel, Alcatel-Lucent and Sierra Wireless. There are two patents at issue: no. RE37,802 that covers CDMA and HSPA data transmission, and no. 5,282,222 which is related to data transmission tech with WiFi and LTE. Will the plucky patent troll get some quick cash, or will the big boys fight this one to the end? Stay tuned.

ASUS G74SX-A1 gaming laptop gets rated, loves a bit of Battleship

Posted: 05 Sep 2011 12:07 AM PDT

The 1982 Lockheed Sea Shadow may be rusting away in Suisun Bay, but its Commie-spooking contours haven't been forgotten. They apparently inspired the design of the Asus G74SX-A1, which just won a HotHardware recommendation for its cheese-eschewing looks as well as its performance, efficient cooling and realistic $1749 price tag. For once, the Core i7-2360QM CPU coupled with a GeForce GTX 560M and generous 12GB dollop of DDR-1333 RAM actually conspired to surpass the manufacturer's 3DMark benchmark claims. It wasn't flawless though: overall computing performance was middling compared to rivals; the speakers were shoddy when it came to producing music rather than explosions; and the 17.3-inch Full HD display was slightly wasted on some games that only ran smoothly with high quality settings at 1280x720. Still, all this naval talk makes us fancy some Silent Hunter 4 -- and that should play just fine. Check out source link lurking below for the full review.

New program makes it easier to turn your computer into a conversational chatterbox

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 10:04 PM PDT

We've already seen how awkward computers can be when they try to speak like humans, but researchers from North Carolina State and Georgia Tech have now developed a program that could make it easier to show them how it's done. Their approach, outlined in a recently published paper, would allow developers to create natural language generation (NLG) systems twice as fast as currently possible. NLG technology is used in a wide array of applications (including video games and customer service centers), but producing these systems has traditionally required developers to enter massive amounts of data, vocabulary and templates -- rules that computers use to develop coherent sentences. Lead author Karthik Narayan and his team, however, have created a program capable of learning how to use these templates on its own, thereby requiring developers to input only basic information about any given topic of conversation. As it learns how to speak, the software can also make automatic suggestions about which information should be added to its database, based on the conversation at hand. Narayan and his colleagues will present their study at this year's Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment conference in October, but you can dig through it for yourself, at the link below.

How would you change HP's Veer 4G?

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 07:49 PM PDT

We know, there isn't much point, but folks who sank untold Jacksons on one of HP's final webOS devices deserve a chance to vent. And that's exactly what we're giving them. Barring a total 180, there won't actually be a second Veer to suggest changes for, but we're still keenly interested in hearing how you'd change the smallest webOS to ever ship. Back in May, we confessed to having a less-than-enthralling experience with the bantam handset, and while we doubt the company sold a shocking quantity of these, there's no doubt that some of you are pocketing one right now. If that's you, the comments are calling. Would you up the resolution? Ditch the physical keyboard? Change the network? Rethink the form factor entirely? Let us know below, and look, it's cool to cry.

Sony's new internet TV box, projector and Blu-ray player make an appearance at IFA

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 06:03 PM PDT

They didn't earn highlights during Sony's IFA 2011 keynote, but it did slip out a few more pieces of home theater hardware that are more likely to end up in your living room than its outlandish 3D helmet. The SMP-N200 replaces the earlier Netbox that debuted last year with a refreshed design and support for HD and 3D. Unsurprisingly, this Blu-ray player (without the Blu-ray) also supports DLNA "throwing" of content, making it a natural Apple TV-style tie-in for the Tablet S and Tablet P once they launch. Moving on, the VPL-VW95ES is a proper replacement for last year's VPL-VW90ES that we'll probably get more properly acquainted with later this week at CEDIA. For 2011 it's been refreshed with 3D conversion capabilities, an integrated 3D emitter to sync the glasses and the ability to set and memorize different lens positions to switch seamlessly between 16:9 and ultrawidescreen projecting. Finally, the BDP-S185 Blu-ray player was announced, with compact size and power consumption that Sony claims is 47 percent less than the previous year's models as its most notable features. All should start shipping in October, no specific word on pricing yet.
Show full PR text
Are you ready to explore? 31 August 2011
Discover an online world through your TV with the SMP-N200 Network Media Player

• Easily turn any TV into an Internet TV
• Stream movies, music and more in HD and 3D
• Play content from other devices via built-in Wi-Fi or USB


Life's more fun on the big screen
Explore the web from the comfort of your sofa. Enjoy on-demand, online movies in HD and 3D. Bring to life photos and videos on the full space of your TV screen. The SMP-N200 Network Media Player turns any TV into an Internet TV so you can start exploring a whole new world.

The web like you've never seen before
Open your TV, and your eyes, to the best of the web. Catch up on TV programmes you missed. Visit favourite websites using the web browser. Update Facebook™ and Twitter™ with what you're watching. Even enjoy content in 3D (*1). Compact and stylish to complement your living room, and with technologies to boost online pictures, our SMP-N200 Network Media Player brings the future of entertainment straight to your home.

What do you want to watch today?
Your free time is precious, so why put limits on what you can enjoy? Stream thousands of classic and contemporary movies from the Sony Entertainment Network – in High Definition and 3D, and from all the major studios. Bring everyone from Bach to the Beach Boys into your living room with access to over 10 million songs. The "3D Experience", a new, free of charge on-demand streaming service is available now. With the SMP-N200 you'll never be bored again.

Connect everything together seamlessly
Internet TV doesn't have to be complicated. Connect to the Internet through built-in Wi-Fi, or an Ethernet cable, and be up and running in seconds. Easy set up, no messing with wires, just fast access to a world of online entertainment.

Share entertainment wherever it is at home. Connect and play via USB or Wi-Fi. Enjoy photos,movies and music from a PC, laptop or other DLNA® device. Sit back and control everything using a free app for your Sony Tablet (*2), Android smartphone or iPhone. You can even "throw" (stream) content from your Sony Tablet to your SMP-N200 and enjoy your entertainment the way you want.

Imagine what you can do with your TV
"The SMP-N200 Network Media Player will change how people experience entertainment at home," says Anthony Koustelos, General Manager of Home Audio Video Business at Sony Europe. "It's an easy way for everyone to enjoy Internet TV. With streaming speed and quality constantly improving, you can discover an almost limitless world of online channels, music and movies on your TV screen with no need for separate entertainment devices."

Sony SMP-N200 Network Media Player is available from October 2011. Exact date of availability varies by country.

(*1) Requires a 3D TV and depends on location
(*2) For further details, please refer to the Sony Tablet press release

iPod, iPhone and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc.
Android is a trademark of Google Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions.

Notes to editors


SMP-N200 Network Media Player

· Built-in Wi-Fi for easy connectivity to the Internet and wireless home network
· Get online channels and services from the Sony Entertainment Network
· Stream movies and 3D content
· Enjoy better quality online videos with Internet Picture Enhancer
· Boost pictures to near HD quality with Precision Cinema HD Up scaling
· Visit websites and search the Internet using a web browser (display of embedded video or musicnot supported)
· Share personal content via USB
· Easy USB playback with support for HD file formats
· DLNA® certified for video, audio and photo streaming
· HDMI®, component video output and composite video output ports enable connection to all types of TVs
· Free app for Sony Tablet, Android smartphone, iPhone or iPod Touch for use as remote control
· "Throw" (stream) media contents from your Sony Tablet to the SMP-N200 with the touch of a button
· 3 second start-up time with Quick Start mode
· Easy navigation with the XrossMediaBar™ menu

Show full PR text
New Projector Brings True Cinematic Experience To The Home 31 August 2011
VPL-VW95ES home projector gives viewers' a natural, brighter and superior 3D experience


At the IFA conference in Berlin, Sony Professional today launched its newest home projector, the VPL-VW95ES, which delivers viewers an unsurpassed 3D home cinema experience. The VPL-VW95ES is a successor to the VPL-VW90ES, which was announced last September, and was Sony's first 3D home cinema projector and a key step in it realising its 3D World vision. Based on the new dynamic lamp control technology, the VPL-VW95ES brings 3D film to life with vivid, crisp, bright and vibrant imagery that will satisfy the greatest film enthusiast's desires.

"It offers superb picture quality with high dynamic contrast ratio (150,000:1) and a more real cinematic experience. Customer feedback on the VPL-VW90ES was carefully considered and changes were made accordingly to ensure the VPL-VW95ES gives viewers the best home cinema experience yet,' said Tak Nakane, product manager at Sony Professional. "The comfort of home cinema has also been greatly advanced with the availability of low fan noise, flexible picture calibration, and picture position memory which allows customers to set the 2.35:1 aspect ratio with just one button."

Given the number of films now available on 3D Blu-ray, the VPL-VW95ES ensures viewers can get the same experience in their home as in their local cinema. The product is equipped with Sony's Advanced Iris 3 technology which includes a contrast enhancer to maximize the dyanmic contrast ratio when used with the iris, giving viewers a crisper and brighter final image. Motionflow technology also reduces motion blur and judder, giving viewers superb picture quality.

New features include a converted 3D mode which is based on a unique algorithm to reproduce a 3D effect from any 2D source. Additional picture position memory also remembers the positions set to meet aspect ratio and users can enjoy a cinema scope size screen. In addition, Sony's 3D glasses have been upgraded so they are lighter by about 24 percent and the transmitter has been built around the lens so it doesn't need to be connected or installed with a cable.

The VPL-VW95ES is a perfect all rounder and can cater seamlessly for 2D and 3D films. It also encourages comfortable viewing and runs quietly in the background with an advanced cooling system so fan noise is suppressed to 22dB at low lamp mode. In addition, the VPL-VW95ES has a motorised adjustable 'Lens Shift' function which means the picture can be easily adjusted making the installation process a lot simpler.

The projector will be available across Europe in October.

Notes to editors

About Sony Professional
Sony Professional, a division of Sony Europe, is the leading supplier of AV/IT solutions to businesses across a wide variety of sectors including, Media and Broadcast, Video Security and Retail, Transport & Large Venue markets. It delivers products, systems and applications to enable the creation, manipulation and distribution of digital audio-visual content that add value to businesses and their customers. With over 25 years' experience in delivering innovative market-leading products, Sony Professional is ideally placed to deliver exceptional quality and value to its customers. Sony's Professional Services division, its systems integration arm, offers its customers access to the expertise and local knowledge of skilled professionals across Europe. Collaborating with a network of established technology partners, Sony delivers end-to-end solutions that address the customer's needs, integrating software and systems to achieve each organisation's individual business goals. For more information please visit www.pro.sony.eu

Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/sonyproeurope

Show full PR text
More fun for less than you think 31 August 2011
Enjoy Full HD movies, online entertainment and stylish design with our new BDP-S185 Blu-ray Disc™ Player

• Watch Blu-ray and DVD movies in High Definition
• Stream movies, music and more from the Sony Entertainment Network
• Easily share entertainment via USB and save energy too


Step into a world of Full HD
Give the latest blockbuster movies a cinematic feel. Enjoy your favourite DVDs in extra detail. Play movies, music and video channels straight from the Internet. Our new BDP-S185 Blu-ray Disc™ Player is an affordable way to start enjoying the latest home entertainment without compromising on style or quality.

Soak up the real atmosphere
Movie evenings at home will never be the same again. Enjoy every thrill of an action film or whispered word from a romantic comedy. Blu-ray Disc™ from Sony delivers up to 10 times the sound quality and 5 times the picture quality of DVD. You can even upscale DVDs from your collection to near High Definition quality and replay your favourite movie scenes in a whole new light.

Create your own TV time
Got the sofa to yourself or the whole family to amuse? The BDP-S185 can help you find just the thing for the occasion. Go online and access the Sony Entertainment Network to choose films from leading movie studios, including the latest blockbusters or classic movie titles. Sit back, relax and listen to over 10 million songs. Or stream the best of the web, video sharing sites and catch-up TV straight to your screen. It's time you took control of your free time.

Transform life in the living room
Stylish and sophisticated, the BDP-S185 Blu-ray Disc™ Player will change how you view home entertainment. Enhance the room with its compact size, only 290mm wide, and elegant black finish (also available in silver as the BDP-S186). Share movies, music and photos using the USB port.

"The BDP-S185 Blu-ray Disc™ Player is ideal if you want to take a first step into the future of entertainment at an affordable price," says Anthony Koustelos, General Manager of Home Audio Video Business at Sony Europe. "From watching Full HD Blu-ray Disc™ movies to streaming the latest on-demand, online services, the entertainment possibilities are endless."

Reducing environmental impact
The BDP-S185 Blu-ray disc player demonstrates a significant reduction in environmental impact. It uses 47 per cent less power than its predecessor and is wrapped in a unit approximately one third narrower. The smaller size means more efficient transport packing and a lower unit weight, cutting shipment-related carbon emissions by 40 per cent. Its low power consumption of just 10 watts and compact size means it's good for the environment and your pocket too.


Sony BDP-S185 Blu-ray disc player is available from October 2011. Exact date of availability varies by country.

Notes to editors

BDP-S185 / BDP-S186
Start enjoying the future of Full HD and online entertainment

· Full HD Blu-ray Disc™ playback
· Upscale DVDs to near HD quality with Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology
· Access on-demand movies and music through the Sony Entertainment Network
· 1 x HDMI® output for 1080p picture detail
· 1 x USB input
· Simple, fast navigation with the XrossMediaBar™
· Deep Colour delivers a smoother, more realistic picture
· Low energy consumption at just 10Watts
· Sharp audio with Dolby True HD and dts-HD Master Audio
· Compact size: width only 290mm
· BD-Live for extra disc features

Inhabitat's Week in Green: magnetic highways, MoMA tech exhibit and lasers in the sky

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 05:30 PM PDT

Renewable energy supercharged our transit system this week as Inhabitat showcased Vycon's plans to tap speeding subway trains for immense amounts of kinetic energy, and we took a look at an innovative magnetic highway system that harvests energy from passing cars. Biofuels also got a boost from several unlikely sources as researchers discovered that bacteria in panda poop is incredibly efficient at breaking down plant matter, and scientists developed a way to recycle newspaper into biofuel. We also showcased a real-time energy monitoring device for kids, we learned that some radioactive areas around Fukushima are more dangerous than Chernobyl, and we took a look inside a subterranean atomic shelter that has been transformed into a cavernous underground office.

How do machines communicate with people? If you're pondering that idea, you'll be interested in this exclusive video interview with Museum of Modern Art curator Paola Antonelli on MoMA's new 'Talk to Me' technology exhibit which recently opened in New York City. We were also amazed by several artistic innovations this week as Wacom unveiled a pen that instantly digitizes anything you can draw and Sarah Garzoni created a beautiful series of printed paper butterflies.

In other news, we shined the spotlight on several brilliant advances in lighting technology as scientists successfully created rain by shooting laser beams into the sky and a designer unveiled a solar OLED tile system that can transform skyscrapers into zero-energy displays. We also brought you several bright ideas in wearable tech as Halston unveiled a glow-in-the-dark sequin gown, a ghostly troop of illuminated radiation suits wandered through the German countryside, and a Cornell student developed a type of clothing that traps toxic gases. Meanwhile the Hudson River lit up with a luminous field of 200 LEDs and Laser Power Systems unveiled plans for a nuclear powered car. Speaking of green transportation, we also spotted a high-tech E-Max motorcycle that converts pressure into power, and we watched Toyota's all-electric P001 racer become the first EV to break the Nurburgring's 8-minute speed record.

Altec Lansing shows off an iPod dock, AirPlay speaker, plus headphones for the ladies

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 04:31 PM PDT

Altec Lansing is showing off a handful of updates to its line of audio accessories this week at IFA in Berlin. At top of the list is the newly revealed inAir 5000, a hefty tabletop AirPlay speaker that the company is firmly positioning to take on Bowers & Wilkins' Zeppelin line (which also recently got its own AirPlay version). Like that system, the inAir certainly offers a unique take on aesthetics, with a teardrop design. The company opted not to install an Apple dock on the 110 watt system, given that compatible devices can stream audio wirelessly to the thing via AirPlay.

The iMT630 Classic is, not surprisingly, a more traditional speaker dock. It's portable and light and features a docking shelf on the front that can be flipped out with the push of a button. Open up the stand on the back, and you'll find a spot for storing the speaker's remote. The remote itself is also magnetic, so you can stick it to the Classic's front grill (someone at the company has clearly lost a lot of remotes in their day). No word yet on pricing and availability for either speaker system.

The company also showcased its Bliss Headphones, which are "designed for a Woman's ear." What does that mean, exactly? Mostly that their earbuds are smaller, fitting more comfortably in smaller ear canals. Altec Lansing assures us, however, that they're still capable of offering great sound, in spite of their size. And yes, they come in pink.
Altec Lansing shows off an AirPlay system and iPod dock, plus headphones for the ladies
Altec Lansing shows off an AirPlay system and iPod dock, plus headphones for the ladies

Haier's transparent organic TV eyes-on (video)

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 04:03 PM PDT

What's the worst thing about your TV? If you said "opaqueness," boy have we got the set from you. This is a 22-inch transparent organic TV from the folks at Haier (you know, the ones who also showed off that mind control TV today). It's a slim display with a metal bezel that has a clear OLED at its center with a 1680 x 1050 resolution. The images appeared pretty sharp on screen, though the colors didn't particularly pop.

And really, this thing isn't likely headed to any living rooms in the near future -- Haier sees it more as an advertising tool, letting shoppers see its images from both sides. The display in its demo form was actually hooked up to a Windows PC, running video through a media player, making this not too unlike that 14-inch Samsung laptop that we saw at CES last year.
The TV is still in its early demo stages, so pricing and availability are a ways off. Video after the break.
Haier's transparent organic TV eyes-on
Haier's transparent organic TV eyes-on

Switched On: The accidental handset company, Part 2

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 03:00 PM PDT

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

Last week's Switched On discussed why Google's ownership of Motorola is unlikely to bring major changes to the balance of power among Android licensees. But Motorola also has significant interests in the set-top market. And, of course, there's the question of Android's main licensed rival, Windows Phone 7. In both of those cases, though, there is also unlikely to be noteworthy change, reinforcing the acquisition as a purely defensive move. Read on for more.

Googorola and the cable companies. Motorola has long been a brand synonymous with wireless. Despite its post-spinout superficial misnomer of "Motorola Mobility," though, it is also the leading vendor of set-top boxes to American cable companies, a business that was also entered via an acquisition (of General Instrument in 1999). For a taste as to how nominally a set-top company changes when a booster of open Internet standards buys it, we can turn back to the clock to Cisco picking up Motorola set-top rival Scientific Atlanta in 2005. Have you seen an innovative transformation of your cable set-top experience since then?

Google may have much broader consumer ambitions than Cisco, but the cable companies still call the shots with their equipment vendors. Not only have they resisted Google TV, but they remain opposed to an AllVid gateway proposal supported by Google, Sony, TiVo and others that would open access to their breadth of video from a wide array of devices within the home. Google ownership may lead to further discussions with cable operators about Android set-tops or Google TV, but don't expect a Verizon-like Android embrace as long as cable companies don't have to compete against "iCable."

Googorola and Windows Phone 7. Faced with the prospect of competing with their operating system's lead benefactor, some have proposed that Google's takeover of Motorola will lead to an exodus to Windows Phone 7 by Android licensees. One wonders, though, what this would look like since HTC, LG and Samsung are already Windows Phone licensees. These handset companies could "emphasize" their Microsoft-flavored devices more, but to do that they would probably like to see greater ability to customize via Microsoft fiat and wider component support, the latter of which is being aided by Nokia's porting work. Speaking of Nokia, it sees Google's acquisition of Motorola as great validation of its Windows Phone allegiance. But Nokia's pleasure with its position is practically irrelevant to its fellow Windows Phone licensees. In contrast to other Android licensees faced with the potential of competing with preferential Motorola treatment (treatment Google denies will occur), Windows Phone licensees are competing with preferential Nokia treatment since only Nokia has the freedom to customize Windows Phone 7 as it sees fit.

In contrast, HTC, Samsung and LG still have more room to maneuver around a preferred licensee with Android than with Windows Phone 7. In fact, they may have more real-world flexibility than even Nokia, which has promised restraint in order to preserve consistency across Windows Phones. That consistency is something that there's less expectation of in the Android world.

Perhaps Google wanted to acquire Motorola's patents so quickly that there was no time to look for a buyer of the company's hardware business. Perhaps it would have been hard-pressed to find a buyer -- at least one that would keep Motorola's handsets excursively using Android -- even with more time. And perhaps it still will sell some or all of that business at some point. Certainly, keeping Motorola as an independent entity facilitates such a transaction down the road. Undoing Google's entry into devices would remove the shadow of conflict that is now cast over its relationship with other Android licensees for benefits that are patently unclear.

Ross Rubin (@rossrubin) is executive director of industry analysis for consumer technology at market research and analysis firm The NPD Group. Views expressed in Switched On are his own.

Acer W4 hands-on (video)

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 02:16 PM PDT

Hey, it's our old pal, the Acer W4. We've heard tell of the device and seen our share of mockups, and this week at IFA, we actually got to play with the thing. The 3.6-inch handset is fairly compact, and pretty slick looking, with its black front and curved white backing. It's not particularly exciting on the spec side, with its 1GHz Qualcomm processor. Nope, what's most exciting here is the inclusion of Mango, which should look rather familiar to Windows Phone 7 owners, while adding some welcomed updates to the mix.

According to Acer, the handset should be arrive some point next month, though the company isn't offering up much in terms of pricing. Check out a hands-on video after the break.
Acer W4 hands-on
Acer W4 hands-on

LG's 'Dual Play' TVs let gamers share a single screen, different perspective

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 01:21 PM PDT

Challenging Sony's PlayStation 3D display, LG's new LW980T "Dual Play" TV lets Xbox users see two different views on the same screen -- ditching the standard split gaming view. Spotted this week at IFA, the technology requires a pair of snazzy all-right / all-left passive specs and a compatible 3D Xbox game to get two different 2D perspectives on one TV. Compared to Sony's $499, 24-inch active-shutter offering, the 47-inch and 55-inch passive 'tubes are significantly larger and more expensive, rumored to retail for £1799 (or $2915) and £2499 (or $4050), respectively. According to sources, this feature will join LG's lineup of Cinema 3D displays sometime in September -- offering gaming as well as LG's SmartTV and 3D movie support. Hey gamers, since we're not splitting up anymore, is it safe to say we can stay "in a relationship" on Facebook?

Mophie cuts the price on the Juice Pack Boost and Powerstation, raises the battery capacity

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 12:33 PM PDT

Most companies here at IFA figured if they were going to haul it all the way to Berlin, they might as well unveil their products on a stage -- you know, with some prepared remarks, a press release and maybe some disco music to get people pumped (okay, we haven't been subjected to that yet). But not Mophie. The company has a habit of releasing its products quietly, demonstrating its unannounced wares in plain sight. That's how we happened upon the newest versions of its Juice Pack mobile chargers, the Boost, Powerstation and Reserve. Of the three, the latter got the biggest makeover, with a more compact shape and a pop-out USB connector that's attached to a plastic cable. As a result of that diet, though, it now has a battery capacity of 700mAh, not 1,000mAH, although its price is about to go up to $35 from $30. The good news is that Mophie lowered its prices for the other two, all while expanding the battery capacity. The Powerstation now has a 4,000mAh battery and costs $80 (down from $100) while the Boost is rated for 2,000mAh and costs $49.95 (a $10 price cut). In case you're interested in this sort of thing, we've got hands-on photos below, and Mophie says the lot will hit the Apple Store in about two weeks.
2011 Mophie Juice Pack Reserve, Boost and Powerstation hands-on
at 11:59 AM

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

My Blog List