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- CinemaNow strikes deal with Intel, adds new movies in 1080p HD
- Amazon brings Kindle and associated ebook shop to France
- Growing Up Geek: Terrence O'Brien
- Toshiba AT200 tablet squeezes through 7.7mm gap at the FCC
- Eddie Murphy's Tower Heist gets fast-tracked to Comcast VOD, $60 saves a trip to the theater
- Knowles Electronics Mems Joystick for Samsung Galaxy Tab, Nintendo 3DS hands-on (video)
- FCC Fridays: October 7, 2011
- The cost of switching to LTE: Sprint to spend $10 billion over the next two years
- Comcast promises Xfinity VOD streaming on more devices, new Xcalibur guide in 2012
- Sprint's LTE plans detailed: phones, tablets and modems coming by 2012
- Amazon adds Kindle Fire-specific details to Developer Portal, A's your FAQ
- Lenovo's IdeaPad A1 now on sale: a slice of Gingerbread for under $200
- Engadget Podcast 259 - 10.07.2011
- Sprint converts its network to LTE, plans 'aggressive rollout' to be completed by 2013
- Pandigital Supernova available mid-October for $230, is an eReader in Android tablet disguise
- NC State researchers team with IBM to keep cloud-stored data away from prying eyes
- Zotac's ZBOX nano VD01 packs dual-core VIA CPU in a tiny, tiny box
- Windows Phone users report Microsoft Outlook e-mail issues with 7.5 Mango
- Samsung and Google postpone Ice Cream Sandwich and Galaxy Nexus
- Real Racing 2 shows off iPhone 4S' graphical chops, brings split screen gaming to iOS (video)
- Samsung Galaxy Nexus spotted in the wild? (video)
- Comcast testing pay-per-package, still afraid of a-la-carte
- ASUS Ultrabooks are actually Zenbooks?
- Xoom 4G LTE upgrades boomerang back with Honeycomb update, microSD card support now a go
- Popcorn Hour A-300 ready to sit quietly and enjoy the movies, starting October 18th (video)
- HP launching an investigation into TouchPads shipped with Android, suspects foul play
- Samsung Series 7 Slate now up for pre-orders, shipping date still MIA (update: coming November 1st)
- Motorola EX225 and EX226 saunter through FCC like nobody's watching
- iPhone 4S preorders open up at 3AM ET -- are you ready? (Update: They're live!)
- Engadget Mobile Podcast 107 - 10.06.2011
- Nuance reportedly buying Swype for $100 million
- Lenovo N5902 ditches the fingerprint magnet finish, adds backlit keys (video)
- DVBLink v4 out of beta, brings live TV, EPG and remote recording on the go
- Motorola Xoom Family Edition pops up at retail sporting kid-friendly software
- eFun announces $300 Nextbook Premium 8 Android tablet
- 3DS gets a Monster Hunter TriG paint job, makes the limited edition love Japan-only
- Monkeys control virtual arm with their brains, may herald breakthrough for paraplegics
- IRL: AirPort Express, Jabra Freeway and rooting the Nook Color
- DirecTV Nomad is ready to launch, transcodes DVRed shows for mobile viewing
- The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:00PM ET!
| CinemaNow strikes deal with Intel, adds new movies in 1080p HD Posted: 07 Oct 2011 12:01 PM PDT  CinemaNow, Intel Give PCs a Front Row Seat to Growing, Secure Library of HD Movie Content SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 6, 2011 – CinemaNow, Best Buy's digital entertainment service, and Intel Corporation are giving people the ability to enjoy a larger library of premium high-definition content on their PCs. For the first time, CinemaNow will offer 1080p HD movies for rental and purchase on 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processor-based PCs with Intel® Insider™ technology. Previously, only standard-definition movies had been available from CinemaNow on the PC. CinemaNow has now added several hundred new releases and popular catalog titles in HD from 20th Century Fox1 and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution for people who have Intel Insider on their desktop, laptop or Ultrabook™. This is in addition to the 15,000 movies and TV episodes CinemaNow already boasts in its regular catalog. HD content offerings from CinemaNow and Intel Insider are expected to grow as more new releases and catalog titles are added weekly. CinemaNow offers instant access to an extensive library of premium movie and TV content with no subscription required. Through the service, people can easily access video content on a wide range of Internet-connected devices. Intel Insider technology is a feature of 2nd generation Intel Core processors that opens up a whole world of premium movies and entertainment right from a PC. Previously, much of the 1080p HD content had not been available on the PC due in part to content owner concerns about security. Intel Insider is a hardware-based protection technology that was designed to enhance security features in 2nd generation Intel Core processors, which is the fastest-shipping product in Intel history at over 75 million units shipped to date. With that, Intel Insider is available to an immense user base that continues to increase greatly by the day. "We're thrilled to be among the first digital services to give customers the ability to watch full-HD content on the PC via the Intel Insider technology," said Chris Homeister, senior vice president and general manager for entertainment at Best Buy. "With the new technology, we have further expanded our service, therefore enabling more people to seamlessly enjoy high-definition content on more devices." "Our collaboration with CinemaNow has resulted in making the computer an even more compelling platform for enjoying and delivering digital entertainment," said George Thangadurai, general manager of the PC Client Services Group at Intel. "Intel Insider has opened the doors for premium content on more devices, and we're looking forward to deploying this technology in next-generation Intel Core processor-based PCs1." "The partnership with Intel and Best Buy's CinemaNow to bring HD digital downloads of our movies to the PC will expand our reach to millions of devices in the U.S. and potentially more around the world," said Mike Dunn, worldwide president, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. "CinemaNow and Intel are making secure HD content distribution a reality on the personal computer, which is one of the most adaptable devices in the world," said Thomas Gewecke, president of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. "We're delighted that consumers will be able to enjoy our latest movie releases on their PCs." |
| Amazon brings Kindle and associated ebook shop to France Posted: 07 Oct 2011 11:28 AM PDT  Amazon.fr Launches French Kindle Store and First French-Language Kindle Customers can now buy the all-new Kindle-the lightest, fastest and most affordable Kindle ever-for only 99€ on Amazon.fr The most best sellers in France with all 28 L'Express best sellers available in digital LUXEMBOURG, October 7, 2011-(NASDAQ: AMZN)- Amazon.fr today launched the French Kindle Store offering customers a vast selection of over 35,000 French-language Kindle books, all 28 L'Express best sellers available in digital-the most in France-hundreds of popular graphic novels and over 4,000 free classics in French. The new store offers customers over 825,000 titles-including thousands of global best sellers-in English and other languages. Amazon also announced the first French-language Kindle-the smallest, lightest and most affordable Kindle ever-is available on Amazon.fr for only 99€. Amazon.fr customers can pre-order Kindle today on www.amazon.fr/kindle with a release date of October 14. "French customers are passionate about books and reading, and just as we've seen in the US, UK and Germany, we believe they will love reading on Kindle. We are excited to bring our first French-language Kindle and our new Kindle store to millions of Amazon.fr customers," said Greg Greeley, vice president, Amazon European Retail. "Kindle is already the best-selling e-reader in the world. We kept everything readers love about Kindle-the electronic ink display that reads like real paper, with no glare, even in bright daylight, the convenience of downloading books in less than 60 seconds and Kindle's ability to disappear in your hands so you can get lost in the author's words-and made it lighter, smaller, faster, and more affordable than ever." The French Kindle Store's vast selection of content includes popular titles from best-selling authors such as Katherine Pancol, Delphine de Vigan, Harlan Coben, Stéphane Hessel, Haruki Murakami, Françoise Bourdin and Michel Houellebecq in a wide range of categories. Customers will also find the largest selection of popular graphic novels available for download including titles from The Largo Winch Series of Francq and Van Hamme, Julia and Roem from Bilal and Walking Dead. Customers can also find top French newspapers and magazines such as Le Monde, Les Echos, Le Figaro, Libération and Aujourd'hui en France/Le Parisien available for single purchase or subscription. Independent authors and publishers can also now use Kindle Direct Publishing to make their books available in Amazon.fr's Kindle Store. Kindle books are "Buy Once, Read Everywhere" with free Kindle reading apps available for the most popular devices, including iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, PC, Mac and Android-based devices. Amazon Whispersync automatically syncs your place across all devices, so you can pick up reading where you left off. Plus, with Kindle Worry-Free Archive, books you purchase from the Kindle Store, and any notes or annotations you create, are automatically backed up online in your Kindle library on Amazon.fr where they can be re-downloaded wirelessly for free, anytime. Smallest, Lightest Kindle Ever: The first French-language Kindle is small and light enough to fit in your pocket and take with you everywhere. At only 170 grams, the new Kindle is 30 percent lighter than the previous generation Kindle, weighing less than a typical paperback, and 18 percent smaller while still keeping the same 6-inch e-ink display. Most Advanced Electronic Ink Display: Kindle's high-contrast electronic ink display delivers clear, crisp text and images. Unlike LCD screens, Kindle reads like real paper, with no glare, even in bright sunlight. Even Faster Page Turns: Kindle's powerful processor is tuned for 10 percent faster page turns compared to the previous generation Kindle. Built-In Wi-Fi: The first French-language Kindle has built-in Wi-Fi support. Books in 60 Seconds: With fast, free wireless delivery, you can start reading books on Kindle in less than 60 seconds. Holds up to 1,400 Books: Kindle allows you to carry your entire library in your pocket. No Battery Anxiety – Up To One Month Battery Life: Read for up to one month on a single charge with wireless off. Free Cloud Storage: Books purchased from the Kindle Store are automatically backed up for free in the Worry-Free Archive where they can be re-downloaded wirelessly, anytime. "Buy Once, Read Everywhere": Kindle books can be read on Kindles, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, PCs, Macs and Android-based devices. Whispersync: Amazon Whispersync automatically syncs your place across devices, so you can pick up where you left off. Free Books: Over 1 million free books in French and foreign languages are available to read on Kindle. Free Book Samples: First chapters of Kindle books are available to download and read for free before you decide to buy. Adjustable Fonts: Read comfortably with eight different sizes and three font styles. Customers can start shopping in the French Kindle Store and learn more about the all-new Kindle with French navigation at www.amazon.fr/kindle. For high-resolution images of the new 99€ Kindle, visit www.amazon.com/pr/kindle. About Amazon.com Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon's developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon's own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. The new latest generation Kindle is the lightest, most compact Kindle ever and features the same 6-inch, most advanced electronic ink display that reads like real paper even in bright sunlight. Kindle Touch is a new addition to the Kindle family with an easy-to-use touch screen that makes it easier than ever to turn pages, search, shop, and take notes – still with all the benefits of the most advanced electronic ink display. Kindle Touch 3G is the top of the line e-reader and offers the same new design and features of Kindle Touch, with the unparalleled added convenience of free 3G. Kindle Fire is the Kindle for movies, TV shows, music, books, magazines, apps, games and web browsing with all the content, free storage in the Amazon Cloud, Whispersync, Amazon Silk (Amazon's new revolutionary cloud-accelerated web browser), vibrant color touch screen, and powerful dual-core processor. Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, www.amazon.it, and www.amazon.es. As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. |
| Growing Up Geek: Terrence O'Brien Posted: 07 Oct 2011 11:05 AM PDT Welcome to Growing Up Geek, an ongoing feature where we take a look back at our youth and tell stories of growing up to be the nerds that we are. Today, we have our very own Associate Editor, Terrence O'Brien.  I won't spend too much time explaining every facet of my father's life, but let's start with this quick fact: my father played both high school football and Dungeons and Dragons. He was a bit of a jock who didn't mind engaging in imaginary sword play. He was also a voracious devourer of music who, at the age of 16, tried (and failed) to hitchhike to Woodstock. Out of high school, and unsure of what do with himself (college didn't appear to be an option) my father joined the Navy. In the service he toured the globe, took up boxing and became an electrician on his ship. Not long after his peace-time tour of duty ended, my father decided to take what he had learned keeping the electrical systems of his destroyer humming and make the jump into the growing field of computers. He started at a time when a computer repair kit included a soldering iron and PCs were called microcomputers (and still largely the realm of hobbyists).  Why am I telling you this? Well, without setting the stage, an anecdote like: my father had me memorize Monty Python's Lumberjack song and perform it at parties for peoples' amusement... at the age of four, just seems cruel. It's a natural starting point since my introduction to practically everything I love (save punk rock and hip hop) came via this man. In fact, I was only five years old when my father brought home our first computer, a MicroVAX II, courtesy of his job with the now defunct DEC. Granted, I couldn't do much outside of play a clone of Lunar Lander at first, but eventually I began to learn the ins-and-outs of VMS. There was a steady stream of DEC computers through my home in those early years: a Rainbow, a VAXstation and eventually a VAX2000 (which is still up and running in the basement). I cut my teeth on VMS, but it was the PC AT (which my father purchased used for over $3,000) that became my first true computer love. I spent hours mastering obscure DOS commands and learning to program in BASIC. I was not particularly good at coding, and never made it beyond a few prank programs that simulated formatting a hard drive and simple text adventure games.  That didn't stop me from showing up many of my father's coworkers and engineer friends. He routinely took me to work and had me setting up PCs three times faster than his staff. There was also a constant influx of gadgets, like gyroscopic mice, which left his IT department stumped, but I quickly had in working order. During grammar school I owned my geek badge, even giving my classmates a lesson on logic gates for show and tell and building my first PC before I became a teenager.It was around this time that my father also began to instill his love of music in me. I was fed a steady diet of reliable '60s and '70s rock, but it was Bruce Springsteen that became my focus. I obsessed over The Boss's work -- memorizing every lyric first on Born in the USA, then Born to Run and Darkness on the Edge of Town. By the time I entered high school the breadth of my tastes had expanded and the extent of fixation had deepened. I was collecting Motown 45s and Nirvana B-sides, while memorizing every meaningless bit of trivia I could (if I missed a single question while watching Rock & Roll Jeopardy I'd be disappointed).  Of course, I needed a way to actually put this knowledge to use -- so, naturally, I picked up the guitar. I couldn't even tell you how old I am in that horrifying photo to the right (perhaps 15?), but that Fender Toronado, with its Jazzmaster-style body and dual humbuckers, has been with me ever since. I took lessons, like any good student, but spent most of my time carefully analyzing the playing techniques and equipment setups of guitarists I admired. The odder and more distinct the sounds, the more I was drawn to a particular player (which is why, for all of his musical crimes, I still have a soft spot for Tom Morello). But, like with many other things, I hit a stumbling block -- I can't write a song to save my life. So, I gave up my dreams of being the next Thurston Moore and moved on to film.Let's just say my place was neither in front of, nor behind, a camera and put this thing on fast forward. There's a noticeable pattern throughout my life: I find something I'm interested in, I obsess over it, hit a wall and move on. Plenty of other things followed: baseball, politics, cosmology, cooking, hiking, electronics... I'm never satisfied with the breadth of my knowledge, but usually willing to settle pretty quickly on the depth of it. When the whole college thing didn't work out (the first time through) I followed in my father's footsteps and entered the IT world. I brushed up on my computing skills, which had atrophied, and found myself fixing PCs, processing software requests and bending the rules for a bunch of research analysts at UBS. After only a year and a half of ulcer-inducing stress working at one of the world's largest (and most scandal-ridden) banks, I landed on the wrong side of a departmental restructuring and was laid off. Most people would have probably sat at home in their underwear, collecting unemployment and wallowing in self pity. Or at least I hope so -- otherwise, I'm a pathetic human being. That almost brings us up to speed, believe it or not. I didn't sit around feeling sorry for myself for long. Instead I decided that, with at least six months of unemployment coming my way, it was as good a time as any to actually pursue my dream of writing. Alright, maybe calling it dream is pushing it. I decided during my second of three attempts at a bachelor's degree that I should give it whirl since I was always told I had a way with words. Though, I believe it had more to do with my ability to BS my way through anything and less to do with any technical proficiency. I applied to all the big name outlets, but I knew those were long shots. Finally, I got lucky when I stumbled across a wanted ad on Craigslist that turned out to be for the now defunct AOL property Switched. I honed my craft over the course of four years there, before it was shuttered and I was brought on board at Engadget.  All of these passions I've dabbled in over the years have never left me. They may not take up as much of my time as they once did, but I'm not one to abandon anything (including that fine nerdy lady standing next to me with our absurd vinyl collection). I just keep expanding my repertoire and adding new hobbies to my already impossibly hectic life. And that, to me, is the essence of geekdom. It's not about comic books or gadgets, or even about expertise. It's about the quest for knowledge and input, whether that be learning to code in C# or perfecting your overhand right. Terrence O'Brien spends a lot of time on Twitter (@TerrenceOBrien) complaining and being angry. When he's not doing that, he's either tracking down new and interesting beers, marveling at his father's ad hoc computer museum or getting as far out of his cellphone's coverage area as possible. |
| Toshiba AT200 tablet squeezes through 7.7mm gap at the FCC Posted: 07 Oct 2011 10:43 AM PDT  |
| Eddie Murphy's Tower Heist gets fast-tracked to Comcast VOD, $60 saves a trip to the theater Posted: 07 Oct 2011 10:22 AM PDT Perhaps you're not a fan of sticky floors, armrest sharing or simply other people. Well, crowd-averse Comcast subscribers at least will have the chance to watch one Hollywood release from the comfort of their home while it's still in theaters. According to The LA Times, Eddie Murphy's Tower Heist will be out to view on-demand a mere three weeks after its November 4th release. It's not the first time we've seen premium advance video-on-demand, the main difference being, at $60, Comcast's experiment looks to be double the price for half the wait. Now if we could just afford that 155-inch screen... |
| Knowles Electronics Mems Joystick for Samsung Galaxy Tab, Nintendo 3DS hands-on (video) Posted: 07 Oct 2011 09:59 AM PDT  We took the joystick for a spin on a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Motorola Atrix, Nintendo 3DS and a pair of laptops. All of the joystick prototypes connected using Bluetooth or USB, and were designed specifically for this CEATEC demonstration -- sadly they won't be available for purchase, though manufacturers could implement the controller into similar products. It took only a few seconds to get accustomed to the pair of joysticks mounted to the back of the Tab. Controlling gameplay felt natural, and we definitely preferred playing with a clear view of the display. We also navigated through Google Maps, and scrolled a web page -- both experiences felt superior to moving around the touchscreen. The 3DS joystick functioned similarly to the native controller included with that device, though Knowles reps noted that it's significantly smaller, and uses less power -- and without compromise, it seems. Jump past the break for a walkthrough of the devices we saw today, but try not to fall in love -- you won't be able to use the Joystick anytime soon, if manufacturers decide to implement them at all. |
| Posted: 07 Oct 2011 09:37 AM PDT  We here at Engadget Mobile tend to spend Phones Read - Apple E2430A (iPhone 4S) Read - Fujitsu T01D Read - HTC PI39200 (Sensation XL) Read - HTC PJ03100 (Explorer) Read - Huawei M886 (Glory) Read - LG LS831 Read - Mobo Krome Read - Motorola EX225 Read - Motorola EX226 Read - Nokia RM-763 Read - Nokia RM-803 Read - Samsung GT-S5363 Read - Samsung GT-S5380 Read - Samsung GT-S5570I Read - Samsung SGH-T989D Tablets and peripherals Read - Sierra Wireless GTM-2 Read - ViewSonic ViewPad 7x (VS14109) Read - ZTE V55 |
| The cost of switching to LTE: Sprint to spend $10 billion over the next two years Posted: 07 Oct 2011 09:17 AM PDT  Wonder just how much it costs to phase out iDEN and WiMAX networks and put all your eggs in one, CDMA / LTE-flavored basket? Well, Joe Euteneuer, Sprint's CFO, just offered up a frank answer here at its "Strategy Update" event: $10 billion over the next two years. That's a heckuva lot more than the $4 billion to $5 billion Wall Street was expecting, but Euteneuer assured all the suited-up financial analysts in the room that the company should save $10 billion to $11 billion through 2017 (a figure widely reported before today), with $4 billion of that resulting from not having to maintain the |
| Comcast promises Xfinity VOD streaming on more devices, new Xcalibur guide in 2012 Posted: 07 Oct 2011 08:47 AM PDT  |
| Sprint's LTE plans detailed: phones, tablets and modems coming by 2012 Posted: 07 Oct 2011 08:22 AM PDT  |
| Amazon adds Kindle Fire-specific details to Developer Portal, A's your FAQ Posted: 07 Oct 2011 08:22 AM PDT  The Kindle Fire may not be hitting the market until November, but Amazon has already updated its Developer Portal FAQ page with an entire section devoted to its forthcoming Android tablet. On the new page, you'll find largely standard information on things like the application process and how to set up an Android SDK emulator, though there are a few more salient tidbits, as well. For instance, Amazon says it will review every app in its Appstore for Fire compatibility, as part of an automated process. Rejected apps, Amazon informs us, will include those that rely on a gyroscope, camera, WAN module, Bluetooth, microphone, GPS, or micro SD. Apps are also forbidden from using Google's Mobile Services (and in-app billing), which, if included, will have to be "gracefully" removed. In terms of actual content, Amazon has outlawed all apps that change the tablet's UI in any way (including theme- or wallpaper-based tools), as well as any that demand root access (it remains to be seen how the company will treat the root-dependent apps already in its store). Interested devs can find more information at the source link, below. |
| Lenovo's IdeaPad A1 now on sale: a slice of Gingerbread for under $200 Posted: 07 Oct 2011 07:52 AM PDT  Been anxiously awaiting Lenovo's 7-inch Gingerbread tablet ever since we first touched it back in September? Sure you have. Well, maybe you have. If so, grab that cash that's burning a hole in your pocket so you can have an IdeaPad A1 to call your very own. The 2GB model will cost you $199, and another Grant will get you the 16GB version; both are scheduled to ship before Halloween. Hit the source link to scare one up for yourself. |
| Engadget Podcast 259 - 10.07.2011 Posted: 07 Oct 2011 07:31 AM PDT  Hosts: Tim Stevens, Brian Heater Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: Baker Street 00:00:30 - Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, has passed away at 56 00:16:15 - Remembering Steve Jobs: we all pay tribute 00:36:00 - Apple's 'Let's Talk iPhone' keynote liveblog! 00:38:45 - iPhone 4S hands-on! 00:42:00 - iPhone 4S officially announced: lands October 14th starting at $199 in sizes up to 64GB, coming to Sprint 00:47:58 - Grid10 review 00:59:00 - Amazon Kindle review (2011) 01:05:10 - Tesla Model S test ride and factory tour (video) Hear the podcast Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) Contact the podcast Send your questions to @tim_stevens. Leave us a voicemail: (423) 438-3005 (GADGET-3005) E-mail us: podcast at engadget dot com Twitter: @bheater, @timstevens This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Sprint converts its network to LTE, plans 'aggressive rollout' to be completed by 2013 Posted: 07 Oct 2011 06:58 AM PDT Beginning tomorrow, Sprint's consolidating its 4G LTE (including LightSquared), 3G and Direct Connect networks into one single architecture. All the major technical milestones, such as test calls and field integration, have cleared their hurdles and work on over 22,000 cell sites are currently in process. Samsung, Alcatel Lucent and Ericsson have partnered with Sprint to install multimode 3G and 4G base stations to handle the network's future traffic, essential for deploying the multitude of frequencies required by hosted devices. Prospective iPhone 4S users on the network will be able to take advantage of better signal strength and improved voice service as Sprint intends to also offload the latter onto 800MHz. Expect a steep "reduction in roaming costs" and deeper signal penetration throughout the operator's expanding national footprint over the course of the next two years. Naturally, LTE speeds on this new network will be significantly improved over the currently in-use WiMAX, and a planned implementation of WiFi offloading should help to cut congestion by 20 percent. By the end of next year, Sprint aims to have a combined WiMAX/LTE population coverage of 176 million -- with 123 million covered by LTE and 76 million overlapping both. When the network build-out is nearly complete in 2013, the company should have over 250 million blanketed in LTE, far outstripping the stagnant 120 million served by WiMAX. |
| Pandigital Supernova available mid-October for $230, is an eReader in Android tablet disguise Posted: 07 Oct 2011 06:49 AM PDT Pandigital hasn't made much of an effort to swathe its Supernova tab in mystery. When the 8-inch LCD slate swept through the FCC earlier this summer, we were privy not only to images of the device and its internals, but also to the apps that'd be pre-loaded on purchase -- GetJar and Barnes & Noble's Nook app amongst others. So, what can you expect for $230 when it lands this month? Well, the company's forsaken Honeycomb for the soon-to-be outclassed Gingerbread OS, tossed in a single-core 1GHz A8 processor, 4GB of storage (expandable to 32GB via microSD slot), WiFi and Bluetooth. It's a cheap, me too Android tablet entry, for sure. And with the recent outing of a certain budget-priced, ecosystem-friendly tab, we might suggest you hold off for the higher-specced goods. Official PR after the break. Pandigital Expands Android™ Media Tablet Line with SuperNova New tablet offers high performance Cortex A8 processor, 8-inch capacitive touchscreen, Adobe® Flash®, built-in Bluetooth and more at an affordable price DUBLIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pandigital today expanded its new line of Android™ media tablets with the Pandigital SuperNova (www.pandigital.com/SuperNova). The SuperNova delivers powerful performance with advanced features and functionality for seamless interactivity with the latest digital applications and content. The new tablet will be available to consumers this month for an affordable $229 MSRP. The SuperNova is the flagship product in a new line of Android tablets from Pandigital. It features an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen, advanced processor, Adobe® Flash®, HDMI-out, built-in Bluetooth, front- and rear-facing cameras, and many more features and capabilities for the consumer. With the SuperNova whether at work or at play users can surf the web, check email, read the latest best seller, check out popular social media sites, catch up on the news or entertainment, look at family vacation photos, and more. The powerful 1GHz Cortex A8 processor with a dedicated graphics engine provides fast response times and enhanced performance for playing video games, or watching movies and videos. Adobe Flash makes viewing web pages more fun by enhancing animation, video, and interactivity to the web pages. The 8-inch capacitive touchscreen with multi-touch technology is extremely responsive and makes navigating the SuperNova quick and easy whether playing games or posting an update on Facebook. Taking pictures or video and video conferencing is simple with the front and rear facing cameras and integrated microphone. Sharing the fun of your tablet is easy by experiencing it on your TV with the built-in HDMI connectivity. Integrated Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity further expands the peripheral hardware options for users. Focusing on ease-of-use and ease-of-access for the consumer, the SuperNova comes with one-touch access to the Barnes & Noble e-book store, GetJar app store, Facebook, YouTube, personal email, photos, movies, music, videos and more. Users can quickly and easily download and read the latest books, magazines or newspapers from Barnes & Noble, or choose from GetJar's thousands of free apps to customize their SuperNova to best fit their digital lifestyle. "We are excited to deliver our most comprehensive tablet yet – one that offers many of the advanced features and functionality of higher priced tablets - at a price that's affordable to consumers," said John Clough, president, Pandigital. "We added some features to the SuperNova that we didn't offer in previous versions of our tablets, but felt were important to the consumer for this flagship product, including an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen display and integrated Bluetooth." Customize the SuperNova with Direct Access to Digital Content With digital content becoming more prevalent and constantly changing, consumers want to customize and update their devices to best fit their digital lifestyle, making it critical to have instant access to the latest applications. The Pandigital SuperNova offers seamless connectivity to more of the applications consumers want, including: Barnes & Noble's eStore - Quick and convenient access to more than two million eBooks, newspapers and magazines, a wide variety of free eBooks, and more than half a million free classics. It's easy to browse, sample, buy, and download published content in seconds. Also, customers can lend many eBooks with friends and family for 14 days. GetJar – Access thousands of applications from the world's largest free app store from categories including Education, Social & Messaging, Entertainment, Finance, Food, Games, Health, Search, Lifestyle, Maps, Music, News & Weather, Photos, Productivity, Religion, Shopping, Sports and Travel. Built-in Wi-Fi and Browser – Access the Internet and surf the web anywhere a Wi-Fi connection is available. Adobe™ Flash 10.3 – Enjoy the full multimedia web with on-board support Bluetooth 2.1 – Expands peripheral hardware connectivity options. Email – Stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues using existing email addresses –including support for MS Exchange. InTouch – Quick one-app view of your Facebook, Twitter, and email accounts as well as topical RSS news feed data. U-Player – Direct access to popular YouTube videos. Gallery and Video Player – View and manage photo files, and play and manage MPEG4 video files. Music – Play and manage music audio files (MP3, WAV and AAC). Camera – Use front and rear facing cameras to take pictures and video. ES File Explorer – View and manage files and apps, and back up files to a microSD card. OfficeSuite Viewer – Open and view many file formats (DOC, DOCX, TXT, XLS, XLSX, CSV, PPT, PPTX, PPS, PPSX and PDF). Further enhancing the flexibility of the SuperNova, Pandigital included several custom-developed applications that provide users with a more intuitive experience. Connecting with and monitoring available Wi-Fi networks is easy with the Wi-Fi Connection Wizard. Automated notices of firmware updates and the ability to download them directly to the tablet via the Wi-Fi connection helps make sure that customers have the latest technology available. Other useful apps from Pandigital include InTouch for instant access to social networking sites, a customized calendar, a notes app, a weather app, and an alarm clock with one-touch bedside slideshow, music, and dimming. Ease-of-Use and Features Enhance Customer Experience The SuperNova delivers advanced features and functionality, combined with a user-friendly interface to provide an excellent customer experience that's affordable at $229. The SuperNova is powered by the Android™ 2.3 operating system and is upgradeable to new Android™ operating system versions. The tablet will be scheduled for future firmware releases as they become available from Pandigital. Storing your favorite apps, books, movies, music, videos and more is virtually unlimited with the 4GB internal memory and the built-in MicroSD card reader that accepts up to 32GB memory cards. The built-in mini-USB On The Go (OTG) port provides a way to connect directly to a computer for easy file transfers (Mac and PC compatible), supports a number of peripherals, such as both wired and wireless-via-dongle mice and keyboards, hubs, and thumb drives, and can also be used to re-charge the internal battery. The SuperNova offers an excellent viewing experience with an 8-inch full-color LCD display with a 600x800 resolution. In addition to the back-lit Android™ buttons, the new tablet features a capacitive touchscreen with multi-touch support. The orientation sensor automatically adjusts between portrait and landscape mode in most applications when the device is tilted, and the 2-Axis Accelerometer is great for controlling games that need simultaneous steering and acceleration. Encased in a black housing with a brushed metal look front bezel, the SuperNova has a compact and sleek design measuring 6.13-inches wide, 8.38-inches high and 0.44-inch deep, and weighs 16.6 ounces. It comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery and gets up to 6 hours of use (performance varies based on use –averaging longer for reading with no Wi-Fi and shorter for continuous streaming video). Product Availability and Pricing The Pandigital SuperNova (R80B400/R80B452) Android™ media tablet will be available in mid-October at leading retailers across the U.S. for $229 MSRP. |
| NC State researchers team with IBM to keep cloud-stored data away from prying eyes Posted: 07 Oct 2011 06:24 AM PDT  The man on your left is Dr. Peng Ning -- a computer science professor at NC State whose team, along with researchers from IBM, has developed an experimental new method for safely securing cloud-stored data. Their approach, known as a "Strongly Isolated Computing Environment" (SICE), would essentially allow engineers to isolate, store and process sensitive information away from a computing system's hypervisors -- programs that allow networked operating systems to operate independently of one another, but are also vulnerable to hackers. With the Trusted Computing Base (TCB) as its software foundation, Ping's technique also allows programmers to devote specific CPU cores to handling sensitive data, thereby freeing up the other cores to execute normal functions. And, because TCB consists of just 300 lines of code, it leaves a smaller "surface" for cybercriminals to attack. When put to the test, the SICE architecture used only three percent of overhead performance for workloads that didn't require direct network access -- an amount that Ping describes as a "fairly modest price to pay for the enhanced security." He acknowledges, however, that he and his team still need to find a way to speed up processes for workloads that do depend on network access, and it remains to be seen whether or not their technique will make it to the mainstream anytime soon. For now, though, you can float past the break for more details in the full PR. NC State, IBM Researchers Develop Technique that Offers Enhanced Security for Sensitive Data In Cloud Computing Researchers from North Carolina State University and IBM have developed a new, experimental technique to better protect sensitive information in cloud computing – without significantly affecting the system's overall performance. Under the cloud-computing paradigm, the computational power and storage of multiple computers is pooled, and can be shared by multiple users. Hypervisors are programs that create the virtual workspace that allows different operating systems to run in isolation from one another – even though each of these systems is using computing power and storage capability on the same computer. A longstanding concern in cloud computing is that attackers could take advantage of vulnerabilities in a hypervisor to steal or corrupt confidential data from other users in the cloud. The NC State research team has developed a new approach to cloud security, which builds upon existing hardware and firmware functionality to isolate sensitive information and workload from the rest of the functions performed by a hypervisor. The new technique, called "Strongly Isolated Computing Environment" (SICE), demonstrates the introduction of a different layer of protection. "We have significantly reduced the 'surface' that can be attacked by malicious software," says Dr. Peng Ning, a professor of computer science at NC State and co-author of a paper describing the research. "For example, our approach relies on a software foundation called the Trusted Computing Base, or TCB, that has approximately 300 lines of code, meaning that only these 300 lines of code need to be trusted in order to ensure the isolation offered by our approach. Previous techniques have exposed thousands of lines of code to potential attacks. We have a smaller attack surface to protect." SICE also lets programmers dedicate specific cores on widely-available multi-core processors to the sensitive workload – allowing the other cores to perform all other functions normally. A core is the brain of a computer chip, and many computers now use chips that have between two and eight cores. By confining the sensitive workload to one or a few cores with strong isolation, and allowing other functions to operate separately, SICE is able to provide both high assurance for the sensitive workload and efficient resource sharing in a cloud. In testing, the SICE framework generally took up approximately 3 percent of the system's performance overhead on multi-core processors for workloads that do not require direct network access. "That is a fairly modest price to pay for the enhanced security," Ning says. "However, more research is needed to further speed up the workloads that require interactions with the network." The paper, "SICE: A Hardware-Level Strongly Isolated Computing Environment for x86 Multi-core Platforms," was co-authored by Ning; NC State Ph.D. student Ahmed Azab; and Dr. Xiaolan Zhang of IBM's T.J. Watson Research Center. The paper will be presented at the 18th ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security, Oct. 17-21 in Chicago, Ill. The research was funded by the National Science Foundation, U.S. Army Research Office and IBM. NC State's computer science department is part of the university's College of Engineering. "SICE: A Hardware-Level Strongly Isolated Computing Environment for x86 Multi-core Platforms" Authors: Ahmed M. Azab, Peng Ning, North Carolina State University; Xiaolan Zhang, IBM T. J. Watson Research Center Presented: Oct. 17-21, at the 18th ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security in Chicago, Ill. Abstract: SICE is a novel framework to provide hardware-level isolation and protection for sensitive workloads running on x86 platforms in compute clouds. Unlike existing isolation techniques, SICE does not rely on any software component in the host environment (i.e., an OS or a hypervisor). Instead, the security of the isolated environments is guaranteed by a trusted computing base that only includes the hardware, the BIOS, and the System Management Mode (SMM). SICE provides fast context switching to and from an isolated environment, allowing isolated workloads to time-share the physical platform with untrusted workloads. Moreover, SICE supports a large range (up to 4GB) of isolated memory. Finally, the most unique feature of SICE is the use of multi-core processors to allow the isolated environments to run concurrently and yet securely beside the untrusted host. We have implemented a SICE prototype using an AMD x86 hardware platform. Our experiments show that SICE performs fast context switching (67 _s) to and from the isolated environment and that it imposes a reasonable overhead (3% on all but one benchmark) on the operation of an isolated Linux virtual machine. Our prototype demonstrates that, subject to a careful security review of the BIOS software and the SMM hardware implementation, current hardware architecture already provides abstractions that can support building strong isolation mechanisms using a very small SMM software foundation of about 300 lines of code. |
| Zotac's ZBOX nano VD01 packs dual-core VIA CPU in a tiny, tiny box Posted: 07 Oct 2011 05:57 AM PDT  ZOTAC® Launches Affordable Palm-Sized ZBOX nano VD01 Series mini-PCs New ZOTAC® ZBOX nano VD01 series deliver energy-efficiency in a palm-sized platform HONG KONG – Oct. 6, 2011 – ZOTAC® International, a leading innovator and channel manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards and mini-PCs, today launches the latest addition to the ZBOX nano product lineup with the new ZBOX nano VD01 series – an affordable palm-sized mini-PC powered by a VIA Nano™ X2 processor. The ZOTAC® ZBOX nano VD01 series combines the latest VIA Nano™ X2 U4025 CPU and VX900H media system processor for outstanding energy-efficiency and performance. VIA Chrome9 graphics with ChromotionHD™ 2.0 processing enables the ZOTAC® ZBOX nano VD01 series to deliver silky-smooth playback of popular high-definition video formats, including Blu-ray, MPEG2, H.264, VC-1 and streaming Internet video. "ZOTAC® is pleased to expand its mini-PC lineup with the addition of a VIA platform. The VIA Nano™ X2 with VX900H chipset enables us to deliver an affordable energy-efficient mini-PC that is ideal for digital media consumption and home server use with the ZOTAC® ZBOX nano VD01 series," said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC® International. "ZOTAC is an industry leader of innovative mini-PC solutions." said Richard Brown, Vice President of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "VIA is proud to partner with ZOTAC for the ZBOX nano VD01 series that highlights our energy efficient Nano X2 platform." The ZOTAC® ZBOX nano VD01 series packs plenty of expansion capabilities with space to accommodate a 2.5-inch SATA drive and DDR3 SO-DIMM module – ZBOX nano VD01 Plus models include a 320GB SATA hard drive and 2GB of DDR3 preinstalled – internally, while USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and eSATA ports are available for external expansion. It's time to play with the ZOTAC® ZBOX nano VD01 series. General details • ZOTAC® Launches Affordable Palm-Sized ZBOX nano VD01 series • VIA Nano™ X2 U4025 CPU o 1.2 GHz, dual-core • VIA VX900H chipset o VIA Chrome9 graphics processor o VIA ChromotionHD™ technology • ZBOX nano VD01 o 1 x DDR3-1066 SO-DIMM slot o Support 1 x 2.5-inch SATA 3.0 Gb/s HDD/SSD • ZBOX nano VD01 Plus o 2GB DDR3 o 320GB 5400RPM HDD • 2 x SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports • HDMI & DisplayPort outputs • Gigabit Ethernet • Onboard 802.11n WiFi • Onboard Bluetooth 3.0 technology • Bundled MCE-compatible remote • Integrated IR receiver • Bundled USB IR receiver (for mounted installations) • Bundled VESA75/100 mount ZBOX Specifications: Product Name ZBOX nano VD01 ZBOX nano VD01 Plus SKU ZBOXNANO-VD01 ZBOXNANO-VD01-PLUS Memory 1 x 204-pin DDR3-1066 SODIMM slot 2GB DDR3 Hard Disk 1 x 2.5-inch 320GB 5400RPM CPU VIA Nano™ X2 U4025 (1.2 GHz, dual-core) GPU VIA Chrome9 Video Memory Shared memory architecture Display Options HDMI & DisplayPort Memory Card Reader 6-in-1 (SD/SDHC/MMC/MS/MS Pro/xD) SATA eSATA (rear) Ethernet 10/100/1000Mbps WiFi Onboard 802.11n WiFi & Bluetooth 3.0 USB Ports 2 USB 2.0 (rear) 2 USB 3.0 ports (rear) Audio Onboard analog stereo high-definition audio HDMI audio (PCM) DirectX® Support DirectX® 9 with Shader Model 3 Other Features HDCP: Yes Software Features Windows® 7 Capability Windows® 7 with Aero® user interface and DirectCompute compatible About ZOTAC® International (MCO) Limited ZOTAC® International is a part of PC Partner Ltd. Group. ZOTAC® is also one of the largest NVIDIA® graphics cards and motherboard manufacturer in the world with over 10 years of quality manufacturing experience. The ZOTAC® philosophy is to deliver the latest products at competitive prices without sacrificing quality. For further information please visit www.zotac.com |
| Windows Phone users report Microsoft Outlook e-mail issues with 7.5 Mango Posted: 07 Oct 2011 05:30 AM PDT  The Windows Phones forums are aflutter with frustration this morning, with many users citing major problems with the way 7.5 Mango handles Microsoft Outlook 2003. According to these missives, replies sent from Mango-laced handsets do not include the original e-mail text, thereby leaving recipients confused and context-less. This could potentially give rise to some very awkward e-mail exchanges, so we're hoping to see a fix soon. If you're experiencing similar issues with your handset, let us know in the comments below. [Thanks, Doug] |
| Samsung and Google postpone Ice Cream Sandwich and Galaxy Nexus Posted: 07 Oct 2011 04:52 AM PDT  The press event on the 11th was expected to be not only the debut for the successor to the Nexus S, but our first good look at the next version of Android. For whatever reason the companies have decided to delay that launch. But, if Eric Schmidt is true to his word, we shouldn't have to wait too much longer... he did promise us that it would launch by November. We'll let you know as soon as we get a new date to expect "something big." Update: A Samsung spokesperson issued a follow up statement to CNET, confirming speculation that the reveal was postponed out of respect, following the passing of Steve Jobs. "We believe this is not the right time to announce a new product as the world expresses tribute to Steve Jobs's passing," the spokesperson explained. |
| Real Racing 2 shows off iPhone 4S' graphical chops, brings split screen gaming to iOS (video) Posted: 07 Oct 2011 04:15 AM PDT Rearing to make the most of the iPhone 4S' new AirPlay compatibility? How about streaming not just one device to your big screen, but four? That's the setup Firemint is teasing for its next big update to Real Racing 2: four-player streaming over AirPlay. The apps' upcoming "Party Play" feature lets an iPad 2 or iPhone 4S play host to up to three additional iOS devices running the game, piping the stream for all four to your boob tube via Apple TV. The update also promises to make the most of the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S' A5 processor, kicking the graphics up a notch. Now you can relive those lazy summer days playing Mario Kart in your friends garage, albeit with faster cars and minus those infuriating blue shells. |
| Samsung Galaxy Nexus spotted in the wild? (video) Posted: 07 Oct 2011 02:57 AM PDT  Compared with the Nexus S, the front-facing camera on this handset is shifted further to the right, with the proximity sensor nestled between the earpiece and the shooter, rather than all the way on the left. Its corners, meanwhile, seem less rounded than what you'll find on the earlier version, though we noticed that it does have a micro-USB port lurking at the bottom center, much like its ancestor. Of course, we'll have to wait until October 11th to see whether these shots are as good as advertised, but you can head past the break to see the purportedly authentic video or to gaze at some extra screenshots. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]   |
| Comcast testing pay-per-package, still afraid of a-la-carte Posted: 07 Oct 2011 02:12 AM PDT  Charleston, South Carolina might be famous for the eponymous knee / hand dance, but this week sees it become the second location in the US to get Comcast's MyTV Choice. Rather than buying all the channels, or paying á la carte for just the ones you watch, you pick a platform and then bolt on a package of channels, grouped by theme -- you get "Entertainment & Lifestyle," "Movies," "Kids" or "News & Info." These smaller, cheaper bundles are in response to being forced to carry channels owned by the same group, if you're paying for MTV, you're also paying for TV Land, for example. Still, those in the city (when not dancing their knee joints away) should be interested to know that the Get Started platform costs $25, Get Started Plus $45 and each additional package is $10. [Thanks, Saye] |
| ASUS Ultrabooks are actually Zenbooks? Posted: 07 Oct 2011 01:15 AM PDT  |
| Xoom 4G LTE upgrades boomerang back with Honeycomb update, microSD card support now a go Posted: 07 Oct 2011 12:09 AM PDT  |
| Popcorn Hour A-300 ready to sit quietly and enjoy the movies, starting October 18th (video) Posted: 06 Oct 2011 11:29 PM PDT Syabas has released a torrent of details about its next media streamer. The forthcoming Popcorn Hour A-300 houses the latest Sigma 800MHz CPU and Real Media decoder support, plus USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet connections to ensure dizzying transfer speeds. Like its predecessor, the aluminum-encased streamer is entirely fanless, broadcasting your favorite content in stoic silence. The A300 will be available starting October 18th, direct from Syabas. You can prepare yourself by checking out the source link below for a plethora of detailed videos and screengrabs of the A-300's interface in action. |
| HP launching an investigation into TouchPads shipped with Android, suspects foul play Posted: 06 Oct 2011 10:49 PM PDT  |
| Samsung Series 7 Slate now up for pre-orders, shipping date still MIA (update: coming November 1st) Posted: 06 Oct 2011 10:04 PM PDT  If you like making purchases without any sense of when your products will arrive, allow us to brighten your day. The Microsoft Store just started taking pre-orders for the Samsung Series 7 Slate -- you remember, the Windows 7 machine sporting Intel's 1.6GHz Core i5 2467M CPU with integrated graphics and 4GB of RAM, all beneath a 11.6-inch capacitive panel? Sure, you remember. MS is selling it for $1,299 with a 128GB SSD. And the mystery of wondering when it'll actually ship? That they'll throw in for free. [Thanks, pradeep] Update: Pre-orders now show a ship date of November 1st. Mystery dispelled. Thanks, Fahd. |
| Motorola EX225 and EX226 saunter through FCC like nobody's watching Posted: 06 Oct 2011 09:17 PM PDT  |
| iPhone 4S preorders open up at 3AM ET -- are you ready? (Update: They're live!) Posted: 06 Oct 2011 08:37 PM PDT  It's been a tumultuous week for Apple followers, but the earliest opportunity to snag the company's new slab opens up in just a few hours. Without an extended review, we've done what we can by asking Siri to understand our most random queries, breaking down the costs / benefits, and even leaving it up to the masses. Decision time is upon us, so if you've just got to be first to order an iPhone 4S then either make it a late night or set an early alarm for 3AM ET -- we'll do you one more solid by linking up the US and Canadian carrier pages below (other international providers have only listed notification sign ups so far, but don't worry, we've got them here too.) Update: And they're off! As of a few minutes after 3, all the US carrier's sites are taking preorders as well as Vodafone in the UK, although word is AT&T and Sprint's servers are overloaded so be patient. The Apple store went down for updates around midnight (ET) and is still down, but we'll update again once it's open for business. Update 2: At 3:43AM, Apple.com is finally back up although you'll still need some luck getting through at this point. Read - Apple Read - Verizon Read - At&t Read - Sprint Read - Telus Read - Rogers (via the Rogers Reservation System) Read - Vodafone Read - Orange Read - T-Mobile (UK) |
| Engadget Mobile Podcast 107 - 10.06.2011 Posted: 06 Oct 2011 07:54 PM PDT  Host: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen Guest: Michael Gorman Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: Daestro - Light Powered (Ghostly International) 02:00 - Apple's iPhone 4S, iOS 5 and iPod roundup: details, specs and release dates 44:25 - Samsung teases next week's 'Unpacked,' offers a momentary glance at a mysterious device Hear the podcast Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) Contact the podcast podcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com. Follow us on Twitter @tnkgrl @phonewisdom @engadgetmobile @numeson This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Nuance reportedly buying Swype for $100 million Posted: 06 Oct 2011 07:08 PM PDT  It's only been about a year since Nuance traced Swype's finger gliding input method with QuickType, but it seems like the firm is ready for the real deal: Michael Arrington says it's nabbing the Seattle-based startup to the tune of $100 million. With competition heating up in the voice command space after Apple's Siri assisted iPhone upgrade, Nuance could be stocking up on more traditional input methods, or at the very least edging out the potential for more competition. There's no word just yet if Swype will replace or fade away in lieu of the firm's own traceable input brand, but we'll be sure to let you know if we hear something official. |
| Lenovo N5902 ditches the fingerprint magnet finish, adds backlit keys (video) Posted: 06 Oct 2011 06:07 PM PDT  |
| DVBLink v4 out of beta, brings live TV, EPG and remote recording on the go Posted: 06 Oct 2011 05:12 PM PDT  DVBLink v4 makes it even easier to deliver home TV program to various clients on multiple platforms TV channels available throughout the house and on the go with products from DVBLogic Eindhoven, Netherlands, 4 October 2011 News Facts - DVBLink version 4 products released. - DVBLink Network Server Pack will not be continued. - Instead the DVBLink Connect! Server delivers even broader support for clients connecting to the TV program at home. - Client Apps for TV streaming, remote recording and EPG are available for Windows Phone, Android, iPhone, iPad and Boxee in the respective app stores and markets. - DVBLink Remote API allows third party developers to create their own clients e.g. for rich PVRs. - Easier and more intuitive TV setup in Windows Media Center. With the release of DVBLink version 4 DVBLogic makes it even easier to access TV a home PC on a variety of clients throughout the house and on the go. 20-day free trials of the products are available at www.dvblogic.com. The DVBLink product range consists of source products that seamlessly integrate TV and radio channels from various TV sources into Windows Media Center and the DVBLink Connect! Server with client apps making the TV content available on numerous mobile and home clients. In version 4, the setup of the TV sources in Windows Media Center has been improved, making it easier and more intuitive. "While the improvements on the source side are important from a usability and reliability standpoint, the key change in version 4 is the introduction of apps for the connected clients," explains Pavlo Barvinko, cofounder and CTO at DVBLogic, the new concept. "Installing apps on mobile devices is widely accepted and the easiest way to deliver the best possible viewing experience on each different device, while keeping the program slim and simple. With more and more mobile devices out there that feature attractive screen sizes and unlimited data plans, watching live TV and recordings is not any more wishful thinking but a reality." DVBLink Connect! Server v4 The just introduced DVBLink Connect! Server addon comes with an increased variety of mobile client support. Apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows Phone streaming, EPG and remote recording are available in the respective app stores and markets free of charge. The Boxee app is another new extension, allowing the support of streaming and EPG on Mac OS and Linux systems utilizing the Boxee application. Via the Boxee repository the app can also be installed on the Boxee box. For any other clients like rich PVRs, users can download the Remote API and create their own apps. In DVBLink version 4 Connect! Server also offers improved support for streaming TV content within the home network using Wifi to PCs, netbooks and DLNA clients such as the Playstation 3 or Xbox 360. Requirements, Price and Availability DVBLink Connect! Server needs a TV source product to be installed and running on the server PC at home. Source products include: DVBLink TVSource (for Satellite, Cable and Terrestrial TV tuner cards), DVBLink for IPTV (for TV and radio programs delivered from an ISP) or DVBLink for Dreambox. For more information visit www.dvblogic.com. DVBLink Connect! Server can be purchased together with any source product in a Connected Edition for 45 Euro including VAT at www.dvblogic.com/purchase.php. The products are also available separately for 25 Euro each including VAT. Free 20-days trial versions are available at www.dvblogic.com DVBLink apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and WinPhone are available in the respective App stores and markets for free as an extension of the Connect! Server The Boxee app is available in the Boxee app repository and via www.dvblogic.com/boxee. Upgrade Policy DVBLink v4 is a paid upgrade for v3 and v2 users. The price is 10 Euro per user regardless of which or how many DVBLink products are installed. Customers that have bought DVBLink v3 products after 1 July 2011 will be upgraded for free. Upgrades are available from within the DVBLogic license portal. |
| Motorola Xoom Family Edition pops up at retail sporting kid-friendly software Posted: 06 Oct 2011 04:35 PM PDT  [Thanks, Anonymous] |
| eFun announces $300 Nextbook Premium 8 Android tablet Posted: 06 Oct 2011 04:05 PM PDT  E FUN Introduces the Next Model in Its Premium Line of Android 2.3 Nextbook Tablets for the Holidays The Nextbook Premium 8 Features Four Preloaded Software Items, a Front Facing Camera and Mini USB Port WEST COVINA, CA, Oct 05, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- E FUN, a consumer electronics designer and manufacturer of fun, easy-to-use lifestyle products, announced that the next model in its line of Premium Android 2.3 Nextbooks, the Nextbook 8, is available for the holidays. The Nextbook Premium 8, with an 8" color TFT capacitive multi touch screen, includes built-in Wi-Fi, an e-reader, Kobo eBook Store app, SlideME application manager, OfficeSuite Viewer and ASTRO File Manager. "The next model in our Premium line is sleeker, faster and is the perfect holiday gift for consumers on-the-go," said Jason Liszewski, managing director and vice president of sales for E FUN. "With the holiday season quickly approaching, give your loved one the tablet that does it all. Consumers of all ages will love the built-in Wi-Fi and easy-to-use touch screen. At any time they can video chat, read their favorite book, research on the Internet, view and email files, download applications, view photos, watch videos, or listen to music." The Nextbook Premium 8 with Rockchips RK2918 (CPU) is Flash 10.1 certified and features Google's powerful Android 2.3 operating system that is fully upgradable with over the air (OTA) update capabilities. It is the first model in the Premium line to include a 2.0 Megapixel front facing camera for video calls. The Nextbook 8 also features 4GB of built-in flash memory, a micro SD card slot to increase storage capacity up to 16 GB, a mini USB port, built-in speakers and 4-way G-sensor. It supports eight video file types, including 1080p for high-definition video watching. With a four-button touch menu and capacitive multi touch screen, the Nextbook Premium 8's additional built-in features include a notepad, calendar, alarm clock, assorted games and other useful, fun apps. Thousands of third-party apps are also compatible. Nextbook Premium 8 Preloaded Software Includes: -- Kobo eBook Store App: Users can download their favorite titles from the comfort of their own home or choose from one of the 25 preloaded eBooks. The Store has a selection of nearly two million titles, including New York Times Bestsellers, award winners, classics and more. -- SlideME application manager: Eases app downloading and purchasing with nearly 3000 Android applications, some of which may not be listed in similar Android app sites. -- OfficeSuite Viewer: Gives users access to important documents and presentations on the go. It is the most complete document viewer application for Android devices, allowing users to open native DOC, DOCX, TXT, XLS, XLSX, CSV, PPT, PPTX, PPS, PPSX and PDF files and attachments. -- ASTRO File Manager: Makes it easy for users to copy, move, delete and rename files on their SD card, send files as attachments to emails, browse and create compressed files such as Zip and Tar files, backup and restore applications, manage running applications, and much more. Accessories include an AC adapter, USB cable, a protective pouch and manual along with an optional carrying case that is sold separately. The E FUN Nextbook Premium 8 tablet computer has an MSRP of $299.99 and is available at online retailers beginning October 7. About E FUN As its name implies, E FUN is a designer and manufacturer of fun, lifestyle e-products that are easily accessible. While appreciated by techies, E FUN products are primarily designed for consumers who desire the latest technological products, but are more concerned with what they do, not how they do it. E FUN's ongoing product innovation focuses on making electronics and computing more fun! Initial product offerings from E FUN include the APEN digital pen and Nextbook Android tablets. E FUN is headquartered in West Covina, California. For additional information regarding E FUN's brands, please visit APEN at www.apenusa.com ; and Nextbook at www.nextbookusa.com All products/services and trademarks mentioned in this release are the properties of their respective companies. Copyright 2011 E FUN. All rights reserved. |
| 3DS gets a Monster Hunter TriG paint job, makes the limited edition love Japan-only Posted: 06 Oct 2011 03:23 PM PDT As Nintendo is wont to do, a new assortment of colorful 3DS handhelds will soon be flooding the market -- in Japan. Yes, it's time once again for that tried-and-true approach of treating gamers in the company's homeland to special edition packs. This time out, it's the release of Capcom's Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) G that'll ring in the above pictured red-on-white portable, in addition to Ninty's recently unveiled slide pad add-on. Unfortunately, interested parties'll have to choose between the 20,800 yen (about $271) game plus console bundle, or merely opt for the hardware-less 6,990 yen (about $91) peripheral and software option -- both available on December 10th. If neither of the above has your inner Big N fanboy aflutter, you can always drop 15,000 yen (about $195) on that bland Ice White version slated for October 20th. Speak Japanese? Then hit up the source links below to parse through the official pressers.   |
| Monkeys control virtual arm with their brains, may herald breakthrough for paraplegics Posted: 06 Oct 2011 02:44 PM PDT  Monkey mind-controlled arm: It sounds like the name of an awesomely terrible sci-fi film or a fledgling grindcore group, but it's a very real phenomenon, and one that could pay significant dividends for paraplegics everywhere. Neurobiology professor Miguel Nicolelis and his team of researchers at Duke University recently devised a method by which monkeys (and, perhaps one day, humans) can control a virtual arm using only their brains. It's a concept similar to what DARPA has been pursuing with its mind-controlled "Luke" arm, with one important difference: Nicolelis' system not only allows users to remotely execute motor functions, but provides them with near-instantaneous sensory feedback, as well. Most similar techniques use electrode implants to stimulate brain activity, but this can create confusion when a patient's brain sends and receives signals to and from a prosthetic arm. Nicolelis circumvented this problem with a new interface that can read and transmit brain signals to an artificial limb, before switching to a receptive mode in just milliseconds.After designing the technology, Nicolelis and his colleagues tested it on two, electrode-equipped rhesus monkeys. One set of electrodes was placed in the motor cortex of each animal, with the other implanted within their brains' sensory regions. They then trained the monkeys to look at a three identical objects on a computer screen and to "touch" each object with a virtual arm, controlled by signals sent from the brain electrodes. Only one of the three objects had a so-called "virtual texture," which, if selected with the on-screen arm, would send a sensory signal back to the monkey's brain (while triggering a tasty squirt of fruit juice for the lucky contestant). The two rhesus species ended up passing the test with flying colors, resulting in a "proof of principle" that Nicolelis' system can send tactile signals to the brain in almost real-time. The scientists have already developed a way for monkeys to control the arm wirelessly, and are now embedding their technology within a full-body, mind-controlled exoskeleton for paralyzed patients, as well. Of course, the technology still needs to be tested on actual humans, though Nicolelis seems confident that he and his team have already cleared the most difficult hurdle: "Since we cannot talk to the monkeys, I assume with human patients, it's going to be much easier." |
| IRL: AirPort Express, Jabra Freeway and rooting the Nook Color Posted: 06 Oct 2011 02:08 PM PDT Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.  Now that we've gotten all the dirty details on the new iPhone, we Engadget editors have a few precious days to kick back, unwind and futz around on our aging gadgets before Google and Samsung team up to announce a certain something something next week. Until then, Darren's traveling from Japan to San Francisco and back -- most likely with his AirPort Express in tow, Joseph is rooting the snot out of his Nook Color and Brad's just trying to keep up on podcasts while driving the kiddies around. Just a guy and his AirPort Tim already covered one of my favorite travel accessories in a prior IRL, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to gush about my second must-have item when it comes time to scurry about. It's Apple's AirPort Express, and even if it were made by Sanrio, I'd still have to have it. Why? Simple. Most European and Asian hotels that I've been to like to charge you per connection, and it's usually some insane rate. A pair of laptops, two or three phones and a tablet -- it adds up. With this, I just plug a hardwired connection into the AE, pay once, and get all of my devices online. I know, it's hardly Houdini-ish, but it can save a road warrior quite a bit of cash in the long run. To boot, many hotels offer gratis Ethernet connections but charge for WiFi -- with this, you circumvent the issue. There are plenty of reasons to keep a portable router on your person, but for heavy travelers, I see it more as a requirement than anything else. Just don't leave it plugged into the wall socket when you check out; it's easier to do than you think. -- Darren Murph On the road with the Jabra Freeway Bluetooth speakerphones carry their weight in gold. As a family man who drives the kids around regularly, I find ample time to listen to podcasts, music and catch up on the latest Twilight audiobook, but my stylish seven-year-old minivan doesn't have the modern connectivity options we'd take for granted if we had one of them 2011 models. What's a tech-savvy Recently, I've been using the Jabra Freeway, a speakerphone with three speakers, Virtual Surround sound, voice recognition and an FM transmitter. I wouldn't even consider using it without the last two features. Going hands-free on the asphalt is an absolute must-have -- not to mention a requirement in many states -- which the Freeway does well, offering a litany of voice commands, announcing the name of the incoming caller and prompting you to accept or reject the call. I also enjoy using the built-in FM transmitter because I can finally blare my Taylor Swift beats over the car stereo system. If you drive through an area with a lot of interference, you can change the transmitting frequency. Sure, it isn't perfect; the audio quality is inferior to a CD player or any direct plugin method, and the transmitter can easily be overpowered by nearby devices, so you may be out of luck if you live in a heavily populated area that doesn't have any unused FM frequencies. Cue the sad trombone because it's a struggle that'll occur with a lot of transmitters, but the Freeway excels in every other way -- it picks up my voice easily, connects to my phone within two or three seconds of turning it on and doesn't have a problem pairing with multiple devices. And because the speaker's still considerably louder than most of the competition, I've used it to listen to music outside (and in the house) on more than one occasion. So if you've been looking for a safe way to listen to the Engadget Podcast in your daily commute -- podcast responsibly, friends -- the Jabra Freeway's worth a mull-over. -- Brad Molen A new lease on life Last time I left off, I came clean about my secret life as a ROM flasher. Now, as part of my recovery process, I'm here to pull the curtains back on the newest object of my affection -- a refurbished Nook Color. Yes, Barnes & Noble's sleeper hit had been on my forum radar for some time, and I knew exactly what hackery I could get up to with that discounted 7-inch slab in my grips. So, I did what any frugal, hopelessly devoted tech geek would do: I ordered it (ground shipping, of course).A few sacrificial microSD cards and bootloops of CyanogenMod later, and my Yves Behar-designed tablet had frankenformed into just that -- a tablet. So, how does it fare in its new life as a slate? Surprisingly well, although a heavy amount of interweb sleuthing was required to get Flash, YouTube and full access to the Market up and running -- fixes that involved either sideloading of renegade .apks, or a rejiggering of the preset pixel density. Naturally, the experience is not without hiccups, as there's the occasional force close and touchscreen dead zone to contend with. Typing on the deceptively heavy device, even with an alternative thumb keyboard enabled, is at best cumbersome. At worst, well, let's just say for the sake of efficiency I've relegated all email- and chat-related correspondence to the physical keys of this very laptop. Despite my sworn allegiance to E Ink displays, I've found the multi-tasking abilities of my modded Nook Color to be a convenience I'm not prepared to relinquish. Switching between Amazon's Kindle app (the irony) to the native web browser, to Twitter and back is not only seamless, but it also feels natural, as if this is how our ADD-trained constitutions were meant to consume technology. It's no wonder B&N's dark horse has lit a Fire under Bezo's derriere. -- Joseph Volpe |
| DirecTV Nomad is ready to launch, transcodes DVRed shows for mobile viewing Posted: 06 Oct 2011 01:54 PM PDT  |
| The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:00PM ET! Posted: 06 Oct 2011 01:30 PM PDT  Tim's back from California, and we've got a bit of a solemn episode ahead of us. We're asking everyone to send in their Steve Jobs thoughts and memories by emailing us at podcast (at) engadget (dot) com or calling GADGET-3005. We'll share some of our favorites on tonight's show. |
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