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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

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Ice Cream Sandwich widgets leak out ahead of official launch

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 12:01 PM PDT

We expect to be hearing plenty more about Ice Cream Sandwich before the day is out, but that doesn't mean there isn't still room for some last-minute leaks. We've already seen a couple of updated apps slip out, and we now also have what appears to be our first look at Google's refreshed widgets for the new OS. Those include both Gmail and Calendar, as well one for your non-Gmail email, all of which boast a similar appearance that's been further streamlined from their Honeycomb counterparts. As Android Police notes, there's curiously no labels in the Gmail widget, although we'd assume that's just due to the particular messages being displayed (we hope so, at least). Hit the source link below for a look at the rest.

Hands-on with the Motorola Droid RAZR's (many) accessories (video)

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 11:34 AM PDT

It wouldn't be a Motorola event without a glut of accessories, and boy howdy did the company deliver on that front. Sure, the Droid RAZR may not actually be out yet, but when it does hit, the handset will have plenty of things to hold it, dock it, charge it and stream stuff from it. In fact, Motorola devoted a full room to the things at today's event. First and foremost are two additions to the Lapdock family. The docking station comes in new flavors: the Lapdock 500 ($300) and the Lapdock 100 ($200), measuring 14 and 10.1 inches, respectively. The 500 ($300) features a front-facing camera (a first on a Lapdock), as well as Ethernet and VGA sockets. As with its successors, the handset rests in the rear of the Lapdock, utilizing Webtop to turn your smartphone into a laptop. Also on display was the Droid RAZR car dock ($40), from which you can access your music from the company's new cloud-based Motocast service and play it through your car stereo. Lots 'o photos below, along with a brief walk-through video after the break.
Motorola Droid RAZR Accessories

Dana Wollman and Zach Honig contributed to this report.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Motorola Droid RAZR hits FCC with Verizon LTE, global GSM radio

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 11:20 AM PDT

Surprisingly, Motorola seems to have been taken a page out of Apple's book, as the Droid RAZR was curiously approved by the FCC almost immediately after it was announced. And there's some good stuff to behold in here, too; in addition to the usual Verizon-friendly LTE Band 13 radio with CDMA 800 / 1900 support, we also found instances of GSM and WCDMA. In fact, we discovered that the 850 / 1900 bands were tested -- even though they're locked from being used by US operators. And that's not all, folks: the docs specifically state "this device supports voice call functionality over GSM and WCDMA on non-US cellular networks." We don't want to say for sure that this means the RAZR will be the first LTE device on Verizon to officially support global GSM roaming, as it could simply refer to the device's Canadian availability or being sold overseas, but it's a strong indication towards the possibility. If fun graphs and measurements are your thing, the link is open for perusal below.

Droid RAZR vs. Droid vs. iPhone 4... fight!

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 10:58 AM PDT

Just how thin is 7.1mm? Well, we could tell you (been there, done that), or we can show you. And what better way to really drive the point home than with some head-to-head shots? We busted out our trusty iPhone 4 and the lead brick that is the first-generation Motorola Droid for good measure. And heck, we had the LG Marquee and Droid Incredible 2 floating around, so we threw those into the mix, as well. So, who's the thinnest of them all? Find out in the gallery below.
Motorola Droid RAZR comparison shots

Zach Honig contributed to this report.

Motorola Motoactv hands-on (update: video with Dean Karnazes!)

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 10:18 AM PDT

So when Motorola teased its "faster, thinner, smarter, stronger" event we were pretty sure that was a not-so-subtle reference to the 7mm-thick Droid RAZR. As it turns out, the company was also being quite literal. Instead of a Xoom 2, the outfit rounded out its New York City presser with Motoactv, an iPod Nano-like touchscreen device that plays music and keeps track of your various fitness vitals. While we couldn't take it more than a few feet away from the pedestal where it was on display, we did get to poke around its UI for a few minutes and put that 600MHz processor to the test. You know the drill: hands-on photos below, along with impressions and a short vid after the break.
Motoactv hands-on

Joseph Volpe and Zach Honig contributed to this report.

Hardware

If it sounds like we're pitting the Motoactv against the iPod Nano it's because... we are. With its square shape, 1.6-inch touchscreen and raft of fitness features, it's impossible not to draw that parallel as soon as you even read about the thing. Without the clothing clip attached, they're similarly, sized, too, though that clip obviously adds some bulk. In the box, you'll find that clip, along with a wired headset with inline controls. (That red-and-black rubberized watch band you'll see in our hands-on photos comes separately.)

Moto also did Apple one better with some much-needed physical controls to help you cut down on the time you spend tapping the screen with sweaty fingers. Up top, there's a button that brings you back to whatever activity you're doing (say, running), while another shortcut key whisks you into to the music app. As for music, by the by, Motorola says this will work with iTunes and Windows Media Player, something we'll have to revisit in a full review. The device also has your requisite volume buttons and a 3.5mm headphone jack, though it's also compatible with stereo Bluetooth headsets (including, of course, the two that Motorola announced today).

Software / UI

As you can see in those photos, the UI is dead-simple, with a variety of home screens that you can swipe through, bringing you to the music app, settings menu, et cetera. Equally obvious: just tap one of those glossy, candy-colored icons to enter the app. From there on out, it's organized just as you'd expect it to be: you can browse music by artist, for example, and also run through an alphabetical list of physical activities. In addition to the usual suspects such as running, you'll see lots of indoors favorites represented, including the elliptical machine and Stairmaster.

What makes the device for us, though, is that back button tucked in the lower left-hand corner of the bezel. We did notice a bit of lag as we exited screens and switched apps, but that said, we could instantly see the value of having that shortcut there for the tapping.

And then there are things we weren't able to test today: WiFi syncing, along with a so-called audio coaching feature that whispers sweet nothings about your pace and distance. And, you know, how long the GPS radio takes to lock in your coordinates.

Outlook

So there you have it. While this isn't exactly the second-generation Xoom we were hoping to see today, it's clear Motorola has put some thought into the design and UI here. Still, we have to wonder: with a starting price of $249 for the 8GB number, is this worth the gargantuan premium over the 8GB iPod Nano, whose price just fell to $129? Perhaps you'd have to be more than a moderately serious athlete -- or, at least, a multi-faceted one (after all, if you're a single-sport kind of person you can get, say, a GPS-enabled running watch for far less than $250). Obviously, yours truly (a marathoner by night) is itching to take this thing for a three-hour run, but until then, have a peek at our gallery, if you haven't already, and check out our video walk-through with ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes below!

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Motorola Droid RAZR hands-on (video)

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 10:14 AM PDT

To everyone who rocked a Motorola RAZR in the '00s, it's time to get excited again. The line -- or at least the name -- has been reborn, and not without good reason. This is a thin device -- extremely thin. The Droid RAZR by Motorola is 7.1mm thin, in fact, and holding it up next to the iPhone 4 makes Apple's phone look downright beefy by comparison. At 127 grams, it's also incredibly light, a fact that's quite apparent the first time you hold thing -- we were honestly a bit surprised when it was first dropped in our hands. The company has clearly come a long way from the first generation Droid.

Of course, as noted, Motorola didn't skimp on the specs here. The RAZR's got a TI OMAP 4430 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 1GB RAM inside, and it does zip through apps with ease. The handset is rocking Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread -- or at least was during our hands-on. No word on Ice Cream Sandwich -- though we'll no doubt be hearing more about that OS at tonight's event. The 4.3 inch qHD Super AMOLED display is quite bright, and should do wonders on those Netflix HD videos.

Also of note is the phone's relative ruggedness, thanks to its Kevlar backing, diamond cut aluminum and Gorilla Glass, but in spite of these facts, it really doesn't feel or particularly look like a rugged device in your hands, just a big, surprisingly light handset. It's a slick, fast, thin phone, that certainly seems worthy of the RAZR name we've all know and love.
Motorola Droid RAZR hands-on

Zach Honig contributed to this report.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

RIM announces PlayBook 2.0 Developer Beta and Runtime, marries Android to BlackBerry

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 09:44 AM PDT

Research in Motion announced the developer beta of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 today at its annual DevCon event. The new beta will be released today, and has a few goodies that we've been waiting a long time for: namely, BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps and the BlackBerry Plug-In for Android Development Tools, which will give developers the opportunity to bring their Android apps to the PlayBook. Also coming along for the ride is support for Adobe AIR 3, Flash Player 11 and WebGL, a new tech that enables hardware-accelerated 3D graphics to show in the browser without needing additional software. Needless to say, this changes the ballgame a bit for Waterloo. Sounds great, but is it enough to keep the company's head above water? Remains to be seen, but check out the press release after the break to get the full scoop, and head over to the Runtime site to get started.
Show full PR text
RIM Unveils BlackBerry BBX-Combines the Best of BlackBerry and QNX to Provide a Next Generation Platform for BlackBerry Smartphones and Tablets

Additional announcements and highlights from BlackBerry DevCon Americas 2011 include: - BlackBerry WebWorks and HTML5 apps compatible with current BlackBerry smartphones and tablets will run on future BBX-based devices - Native SDK for BlackBerry PlayBook goes gold; released for general availability - SDK for Adobe AIR Now Supports Adobe AIR 3.0 - BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 Developer Beta now available, includes BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, Oct 18, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- BlackBerry DevCon Americas 2011 - At BlackBerry DevCon Americas 2011, Research In Motion today unveiled BlackBerry BBX, its next generation mobile platform that takes the best of the BlackBerry(R) platform and the best of the QNX(R) platform to connect people, devices, content and services.

In addition, RIM announced a series of developer tool updates, including WebWorks for BlackBerry smartphones and tablets, the Native SDK for the BlackBerry PlayBook and a developer beta of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 with support for running Android applications. RIM also provided direction for developers on how to best develop and monetize their BlackBerry applications for today and for the future.

"With nearly 5 million BlackBerry apps downloaded daily, our customers have made BlackBerry one of the most profitable platforms for developers," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at RIM. "At DevCon today, we're giving developers the tools they need to build richer applications and we're providing direction on how to best develop their smartphone and tablet apps as the BlackBerry and QNX platforms converge into our next generation BBX platform."

BlackBerry BBX

BBX is the next generation platform for BlackBerry smartphones and tablets. It combines the best of BlackBerry and the best of QNX and is designed from the ground up to enable the powerful real-time mobile experiences that distinguish BlackBerry products and services.

The BBX platform will include BBX-OS, and will support BlackBerry cloud services and development environments for both HTML5 and native developers. BBX will also support applications developed using any of the tools available today for the BlackBerry PlayBook - including Native SDK, Adobe AIR/Flash and WebWorks/HTML5, as well as the BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps - on future BBX-based tablets and smartphones.

BBX will also include the new BlackBerry Cascades UI Framework for advanced graphics (shown for the first time today), and bring "Super App" capabilities to enable many advanced capabilities including deep integration between apps, always-on Push services, the BBM(TM) Social Platform, and much more.

BlackBerry WebWorks

Developers who want to support both existing smartphones (running BlackBerry 6 and BlackBerry 7 OS) and BlackBerry PlayBook tablets can monetize apps on both platforms today with BlackBerry WebWorks, which supports apps built on HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. The latest release, BlackBerry WebWorks SDK 2.2 (supporting both smartphones and tablets), is now available and includes updates for the new PlayBook OS SDK, PlayBook Simulator and more.

The BlackBerry WebWorks APIs are supported by the Ripple Emulator, a standalone, high-fidelity browser-like emulation tool that allows developers to test and debug their applications on multiple platforms and devices without having to compile or launch simulators. Starting today the Ripple Emulator is available in beta and can also be downloaded from RIM's WebWorks Developer site at: http://developer.blackberry.com/html5 .

Native SDK - Content Rich, Fast and Smooth Running Applications

RIM also announced today the immediate availability of the Native SDK for the BlackBerry PlayBook (1.0 gold release). The Native SDK allows developers to build high-performance, multi-threaded, native C/C++ applications and enables developers to create advanced 2D and 3D games and other apps with access to OpenGL ES 2.0 and Open AL, as well as device specific APIs. Applications developed with the Native SDK will run today on the BlackBerry PlayBook and will be forwardly compatible on BBX-based tablets and smartphones.

The Native SDK includes support for C/C++ POSIX library and compliance, device events like gesture swipes and touch screen inputs, access to code management systems using industry standard Eclipse CDT (C/C++ Development Tools) and advanced debug and analysis tools. QNX Momentics Tool Suite, an Eclipse-based integrated development environment, is included. It provides memory profiling, application debugging, and memory usage statistics to help developers debug sophisticated programs, including hardware accelerated OpenGL applications.

The Native SDK makes the development and porting of game applications to the BlackBerry PlayBook an extremely attractive proposition for developers. Well known game publishers, developers and major game engine companies have already started to bring their game titles and applications to the platform.

Scoreloop, the largest and fastest growing cross-platform social gaming ecosystem on mobile, is now available in beta for the Native SDK through BlackBerry(R) Beta Zone. The Scoreloop SDK provides everything a developer needs to easily integrate social capabilities into their native PlayBook applications and includes support for Leaderboards, Game Challenges, Awards & Achievements, and Player Profiles. Scoreloop's fully customizable and cross-platform technology empowers developers to add as many or as few features as they want, from a simple leader-board to more extensive player achievements. It makes mobile games more social and profitable.

BlackBerry Cascades - Create Visually Stunning Interfaces

RIM today showcased BlackBerry Cascades, a rich user interface framework coming to a future release of the Native SDK. Cascades unleashes a new breed of design centric mobile applications and provides developers with an exceptional feature set for creating visually stunning interfaces with custom layouts, animations, effects and 3D graphics. These features, combined with a strong set of built-in core user interface components, will make it easy to build beautiful native applications with innovative user interfaces for the current BlackBerry PlayBook and future BBX-based tablets and smartphones. Cascades is scheduled to be made available in beta later this fall.

Adobe AIR 3.0 Support

Adobe Flash enables developers to produce visually stunning, highly functional applications for the BlackBerry PlayBook that can integrate with the underlying OS and will be supported on future BBX-based tablets and smartphones.

The BlackBerry PlayBook now supports the recently announced Adobe AIR 3.0 runtime. Among the supported features are Encrypted Local Store that gives developers the ability to use the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to encrypt and securely store sensitive information on the device, as well as store passwords, keys or credit card information safely within the app; StageText that allows developers to take advantage of native text controls and the native interaction behaviors of those controls; Multitouch and Gestures built into applications to provide great usability; and more.

PlayBook OS 2.0 - Developer Beta

RIM introduced today the Developer Beta version of the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0. The Developer Beta includes the BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps and the BlackBerry Plug-In for Android Development Tools (ADT), allowing developers to quickly and easily bring Android applications to BlackBerry PlayBook tablets.

The BlackBerry Plug-In for ADT (an Eclipse plug-in) extends a developer's existing Eclipse Android development environment to support the PlayBook, and includes the BlackBerry PlayBook Simulator for developers to test and debug their apps before submitting them to BlackBerry App World(TM). Developers can also test and debug their apps on a PlayBook running the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 - Developer Beta.

Android developers can also repackage Android apps for the BlackBerry PlayBook online by using the BlackBerry Packager for Android Apps. The web tool guides developers through a step-by-step process, allowing them to test their apps for compatibility with the PlayBook, and repackage and sign their apps for submission to BlackBerry App World, all without downloading any tools.

BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps and the associated tools allow Android developers to easily expand their market to include BlackBerry PlayBook users, and hence increase their apps' market potential.

The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 - Developer Beta also supports Adobe Air 3.0 and Adobe Flash 11, as well as WebGL, a new web technology that brings hardware-accelerated 3D graphics to the browser without installing additional software. Developers will be able to generate rich, interactive 3D graphics within their BlackBerry WebWorks application.

For more information about the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 - Developer Beta and BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps and associated tools, visit For more information about the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 - Developer Beta and BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps and associated tools, visit: https://bdsc.webapps.blackberry.com/android/bpaa/ .

Increased Developer Productivity with Open Source Libraries on the BlackBerry PlayBook OS

RIM also announced the BlackBerry Open Source Initiative to port popular Open Source libraries to the BlackBerry PlayBook platform. Libraries already available include physics engines like Bullet Physics and Box2DX, scripting languages like Lua, multimedia libraries like OpenAL and SDL, gaming frameworks like Cocos2DX and general-purpose libraries like Boost and Qt. Also available under an Open Source license are a range of code samples that developers can use to get started quickly, as well as GamePlay, a new 3D native gaming framework.

RIM will continue to expand its involvement in the Open Source community to help increase developer productivity on the BlackBerry platforms. For more details on RIM's Open Source activities, visit http://blackberry.github.com .

Motorola Droid RAZR unveiled: LTE, 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display, available November for $299

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 09:17 AM PDT

As far as secrets go, this one was not well kept. After a series of leaks that treated us to early images of the device, Motorola finally spilled the LTE beans with a teaser page reveal just yesterday. Now, we have official confirmation that the itsy bitsy 4G Spyder's on its Big Red way.

This newest addition to Verizon's Droid lineup boasts a Gorilla Glass coated, 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display -- a first for any mobile handset -- atop a dual-core 1.2GHz TI OMAP4430 processor. Although the RAZR may look like a Kevlar-wrapped, slightly warped Droid X with its 7.1mm skinny silhouette and familiar topside hump, the insides tell a different tale. Joining the list of well-heeled specs, are an 8 megapixel rear camera capable of 1080p HD video, 1GB RAM, 16GB of onboard storage with 16GB additional on the microSD card and an 1,800mAh battery. Moto's also included Lapdock 100 and 500 Pro compatibility, converting this latest red-eyed beastie into a power user's best friend.

To help you squeeze the most productivity out of its 21st century RAZR, Moto's also thrown in what it's calling SmartActions software to manage your phone's battery life. These user-determined settings can be programmed to shut off Bluetooth when you return home or slow down the processor speed while you're on the phone -- whatever your energy needs, the company's intent you make the most of this handset. A new personal cloud feature comes bundled with the device, dubbed MotoCast. Video, photos, documents and music can be streamed from your laptop straight to the handheld. And for the IT departments of the world, the RAZR comes business ready with Citrix Receiver, Motorola Webtop and videoconferencing abilities.

Of course, there are a slew of accessories you can pair up with that new Droid: two lapdocks, wireless keyboard options, HD docks and Bluetooth headsets. You can snatch up all the extra goods and, of course, that aluminum-accented smartphone on October 27th when Verizon begins accepting pre-orders. As for that hard street date, the network's being coy with a global release slated for November.

Update: Motorola has also confirmed that the phone will be exclusive to Rogers in Canada, where it will simply be known as the Motorola RAZR. Still no word on an exact release date, but the phone is now available for pre-order at $150 on a three-year contract, and Motorola says it will launch "in time for the holidays." Unfortunately, Canadians will have to make do without LTE, as Rogers' version will only do HSPA up to 14.4Mbps.
Droid RAZR by Motorola - liveblog

Droid RAZR by Motorola - Press Photos
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Verizon Wireless and Motorola Announce DROID RAZR™ by Motorola: DROID Strong. RAZR Sharp.

Impossibly thin with unstoppable power on America's fastest and most reliable 4G network

Oct. 18, 2011

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Today, Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) and Verizon Wireless announced DROID RAZR™ by Motorola, the world's thinnest 4G LTE smartphone. A true marvel of design, this smartphone packs strength and smarts into a stylish package offered exclusively from Verizon Wireless.

Measuring 7.1 mm thin, made with KEVLAR® fiber for strength and Corning® Gorilla® Glass for scratch resistance, the DROID RAZR is ready to face the elements. Speed limits are just an illusion with a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and Verizon Wireless 4G LTE. DROID RAZR customers can expect to rip through the Web with speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.

"DROID RAZR by Motorola combines style, performance and the power of Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network into one innovative device," said Marni Walden, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. "These are two iconic brands that separately symbolize the best technology available today. The combination will provide an unsurpassed wireless experience for customers."

"DROID RAZR by Motorola is a testament to the innovation and design possibilities that stem from a strong partnership between Motorola Mobility and Verizon Wireless," said Sanjay Jha, Chairman and CEO, Motorola Mobility. "We set out to design the best smartphone on the planet and delivered DROID RAZR which is thinner, smarter, stronger than any device on the market."

Not only does DROID RAZR by Motorola deliver heart-pounding speed, but it has a mind-bending 4.3-inch hyper-vibrant display with more colors than most LCD HDTVs. The Super AMOLED™ Advanced display with qHD resolution dishes out beautiful images and smooth action so on-the-go movies and TV shows aren't a blur, whether customers stream from Netflix™ or rent from Android Market™. It's the first smartphone capable of streaming movies and TV shows through Netflix with up to HD resolution.

DROID RAZR customers can take advantage of the Super AMOLED Advanced display and 4G LTE speeds to stream videos with NFL Mobile, only from Verizon. Fans can stay up to date on news, schedules and scores from their favorite teams on the go. NFL Mobile is included at no additional charge for 4G LTE customers for the remainder of the 2011 season.

If cutting-edge visuals are its beauty, apps on DROID RAZR are its brains. Enter MotoCast™, the free Motorola app that lets you stream or download your music, pictures and more from your PC to your phone. The Smart Actions app helps automate everyday tasks and optimizes battery efficiency by letting customers create rules, such as automatically setting the phone to vibrate during work hours or dimming the display at a specific battery level. The revolutionary webtop application allows customers to combine the device with separately sold accessories, like the Lapdock™ 100 or HD Station, unleashing the power to edit documents and browse the Web with a full Firefox® browser on a larger screen – all while charging the device.

Additional features:

Powered by Android™ 2.3.5, Gingerbread
1GB RAM for a fast user interface and multi-tasking
8-megapixel rear camera with 1080p HD video capture and image stabilization technology for crisp and clear videos
Front-facing HD camera for video chat over 4G LTE, 3G or Wi-Fi
4G LTE Mobile Hotspot capable so customers can share 4G LTE speed with up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices
Water repellent nanocoating protects the phone, and even the inside components, against everyday spills
Remote wipe, pin lock and government-grade encryption for email, calendar and contacts as well as voice and video chat conferencing
Use Quickoffice® to view, create and edit Microsoft® Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents on your mobile device from anywhere at anytime
Bluetooth 4.0 low energy
32 GB memory: 16 GB on board and 16 GB microSD™ card pre-installed (actual formatted capacity is less)
Powerful 1780 mAh battery

The DROID RAZR will be available in early November for $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement at all Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at: www.verizonwireless.com; as well as at authorized retailers. Customers can visit www.droiddoes.com/droidrazr to pre-order DROID RAZR beginning on October 27. For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

Motorola announces Motoactv, 'the ultimate fitness device'

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 09:07 AM PDT

It's official, Motorola's just officially unveiled Motoactv (not to be confused with these guys), its very own music and fitness device. The little running mate sports a 600MHz processor, runs Android and weighs a healthy 35 grams. It'll apparently track your heart rate, and log running, walking and cycling statistics, and packs GPS to track your exercise routes. The Nike+ competitor is unsurprisingly sweat and waterproof and can hold up to 4,000 songs. It also offers FM radio and audio "coaching," which updates on pace and distance, for those who need a little inspiration in their routine. Moto's also outing a pair of accompanying Bluetooth headsets, the SF700 ($149) and SF500 ($99), which will be sold separately. The Motoactv will set beat-bumping runners back $249 or $299 for 8GB and 16GB, respectively. Full PR is after the break, and official photos are on the way.
Motorola announces Motoactv, 'the ultimate fitness device'


Be sure to check out our Motorola liveblog right here!
Show full PR text
Motorola Mobility Unveils MOTOACTV™ - The Ultimate Fusion of Music and Fitness

Oct. 18, 2011

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Oct. 18, 2011 – Scorch more calories, shatter personal records and train even harder with MOTOACTV™, the new fitness device from Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE:MMI). MOTOACTV is a lightweight, wearable fitness performance tracker and smart music player in one. Sync MOTOACTV with your PC, so you can check out the music you perform to best or track your workouts over extended time periods, set goals and even create workout competitions with your friends via the MOTOACTV Web Portal. And MOTOACTV features a touch-screen display so you can instantly launch a new workout or find that one song you've been dying to hear.

"We brought the features you love in your smartphone to the fitness world with a groundbreaking addition, MOTOACTV," said Sanjay Jha, chairman and chief executive officer, Motorola Mobility. "Workout smarter without using multiple devices or even wires, with the first multi-activity music and fitness tracking device with the brains to push you beyond your limits."

Stay on Top of Your Stats
We get it. You're obsessed with your pace, number of calories burned, miles covered, personal records and fitness facts. MOTOACTV uses Motorola AccuSense™ technology and GPS to ensure measurement accuracy of your performance. Your time, distance, speed, heart rate1 and calories burned are all measured, so you can reach your fitness or weight loss goals faster than ever.

Then, upload your workout to MOTOACTV.com to analyze the performance data tracked by the device and review useful, easy-to-understand charts, tools and programs that help you see your strengths and empower you to overcome challenges. You can also get workout tips and training plans from fitness experts at MOTOACTV.com and on your Android™-powered smartphone with our free mobile app available via Android Market™ and pre-installed on DROID RAZR™ by Motorola.

Run. Ride. Jam.
Heart pumping, thighs burning and five laps to go. You need a serious soundtrack to get you through. MOTOACTV can rock up to 4,000 of your favorite songs while tracking your every move, from the Rockies to the gym. Ultra-portable, you choose the way you want to wear MOTOACTV: strap it on your wrist or arm, clip it to your shirt or mount it on your bike during an outdoor ride2.

Your playlist is more than just workout songs: they're songs that push you to perform at your best. The smart music player learns what tracks motivate you most by measuring your performance against your music and then uses those songs to create your personal high-performance playlist.

On those days when your automatically generated high-performance playlist isn't doing the trick, you can switch to FM radio for even more song variety. And if the music is really moving you, go that extra mile – MOTOACTV tracks your outdoor training via GPS.

Keep Connected, Keep Your Pace

Real athletes don't wear earbuds, they rock sports headphones. Introducing innovative sports headphones with built-in heart rate monitors, durable design and crystal-clear audio, the Motorola SF700 wireless and Motorola SF500 wired headphones deliver exceptional sound quality and real-time audible readouts of your heart rate allowing you to track your performance without the uncomfortable squeeze of a chest strap.

MOTOACTV also gives you the option to stay connected to your Android™-powered smartphone, so you can answer calls, receive texts and rock out via your headphones without breaking a stride.

In addition to working with MOTOACTV, the Bluetooth® wireless Motorola SF700 and wired Motorola SF500 sports headphones are compatible with mobile phones, music players and tablets from Motorola and other leading manufacturers.

MOTOACTV will rock your fitness goals with the following features:

Ongoing tracking of fitness performance stats, including pace, distance, calories burned, and map of route covered, with automatic wireless syncing of workout data to MOTOACTV.com
8GB or 16GB of storage for endless playlists
Sports a 1.6" full-color touch-screen display that is sweat-proof, rain-resistant and scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass that auto-adjusts for indoor or outdoor lighting
Option to sync with the latest Android-powered smartphone to receive incoming calls and texts
FM radio capabilities for more song variety
Up to five hours of battery life for outdoor workouts, 10 hours indoors, and nearly two weeks on standby
Supports both Bluetooth® 4.0 and ANT+ wireless connectivity for your existing fitness sensors and your future ones
Size: 46mm x 46mm x 9.6 mm
Weight: 35 g


Pricing and Availability
Beginning today, consumers can pre-order MOTOACTV at www.motorola.com, Amazon.com, Bestbuy.com®, REI.com and SportsAuthority.com. Starting on November 6, 2011, MOTOACTV will be available for sale at Best Buy®, Eastern Mountain Sports, REI, The Sports Authority and online at Amazon.com, with other retailers following shortly.

The exclusive launch carrier will be Verizon Wireless with availability in November.

The MSRP for MOTOACTV 8G is $249 and $299 for 16G. Motorola SF700 and Motorola SF500 sports headphones are sold separately and will be $149 and $99 MSRP respectively.

MOTOACTV will also be available in Latin America and Europe starting in Q1 2012.

Research in Motion announces BBX, 'combines the best of BlackBerry and QNX'

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 08:59 AM PDT


And it's real, folks -- RIM has made BBX, its latest mobile platform, official at its DevCon keynote. Dan Dodge, President of QNX, mentioned that the new OS -- designed for smartphones and tablets alike -- is a "single, unified platform for the whole world," incorporating Enterprise, NOC and cloud services. BBX will offer over 100 open source libraries and is certified for POSIX, which should entice more developers to use the new platform. It'll support HTML5 (which "acts as a bridge between old BlackBerry versions and BBX"), NativeSDK and Adobe AIR / Flash, as a few examples. Finally, the OS will offer a new advanced graphics framework called Cascade UI, enabling Super Apps that provide smooth 3D animations and deep integration with BBM and Push services on the device. Make your way to the presser below to get all of the details.
Blackberry BBX - liveblog
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RIM Unveils BlackBerry BBX-Combines the Best of BlackBerry and QNX to Provide a Next Generation Platform for BlackBerry Smartphones and Tablets

Additional announcements and highlights from BlackBerry DevCon Americas 2011 include: - BlackBerry WebWorks and HTML5 apps compatible with current BlackBerry smartphones and tablets will run on future BBX-based devices - Native SDK for BlackBerry PlayBook goes gold; released for general availability - SDK for Adobe AIR Now Supports Adobe AIR 3.0 - BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 Developer Beta now available, includes BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, Oct 18, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- BlackBerry DevCon Americas 2011 - At BlackBerry DevCon Americas 2011, Research In Motion today unveiled BlackBerry BBX, its next generation mobile platform that takes the best of the BlackBerry platform and the best of the QNX platform to connect people, devices, content and services.

In addition, RIM announced a series of developer tool updates, including WebWorks for BlackBerry smartphones and tablets, the Native SDK for the BlackBerry PlayBook and a developer beta of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 with support for running Android applications. RIM also provided direction for developers on how to best develop and monetize their BlackBerry applications for today and for the future.

"With nearly 5 million BlackBerry apps downloaded daily, our customers have made BlackBerry one of the most profitable platforms for developers," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at RIM. "At DevCon today, we're giving developers the tools they need to build richer applications and we're providing direction on how to best develop their smartphone and tablet apps as the BlackBerry and QNX platforms converge into our next generation BBX platform."

BlackBerry BBX

BBX is the next generation platform for BlackBerry smartphones and tablets. It combines the best of BlackBerry and the best of QNX and is designed from the ground up to enable the powerful real-time mobile experiences that distinguish BlackBerry products and services.

The BBX platform will include BBX-OS, and will support BlackBerry cloud services and development environments for both HTML5 and native developers. BBX will also support applications developed using any of the tools available today for the BlackBerry PlayBook - including Native SDK, Adobe AIR/Flash and WebWorks/HTML5, as well as the BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps - on future BBX-based tablets and smartphones.

BBX will also include the new BlackBerry Cascades UI Framework for advanced graphics (shown for the first time today), and bring "Super App" capabilities to enable many advanced capabilities including deep integration between apps, always-on Push services, the BBM(TM) Social Platform, and much more.

BlackBerry WebWorks

Developers who want to support both existing smartphones (running BlackBerry 6 and BlackBerry 7 OS) and BlackBerry PlayBook tablets can monetize apps on both platforms today with BlackBerry WebWorks, which supports apps built on HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. The latest release, BlackBerry WebWorks SDK 2.2 (supporting both smartphones and tablets), is now available and includes updates for the new PlayBook OS SDK, PlayBook Simulator and more.

The BlackBerry WebWorks APIs are supported by the Ripple Emulator, a standalone, high-fidelity browser-like emulation tool that allows developers to test and debug their applications on multiple platforms and devices without having to compile or launch simulators. Starting today the Ripple Emulator is available in beta and can also be downloaded from RIM's WebWorks Developer site at: http://developer.blackberry.com/html5 .

Native SDK - Content Rich, Fast and Smooth Running Applications

RIM also announced today the immediate availability of the Native SDK for the BlackBerry PlayBook (1.0 gold release). The Native SDK allows developers to build high-performance, multi-threaded, native C/C++ applications and enables developers to create advanced 2D and 3D games and other apps with access to OpenGL ES 2.0 and Open AL, as well as device specific APIs. Applications developed with the Native SDK will run today on the BlackBerry PlayBook and will be forwardly compatible on BBX-based tablets and smartphones.

The Native SDK includes support for C/C++ POSIX library and compliance, device events like gesture swipes and touch screen inputs, access to code management systems using industry standard Eclipse CDT (C/C++ Development Tools) and advanced debug and analysis tools. QNX Momentics Tool Suite, an Eclipse-based integrated development environment, is included. It provides memory profiling, application debugging, and memory usage statistics to help developers debug sophisticated programs, including hardware accelerated OpenGL applications.

The Native SDK makes the development and porting of game applications to the BlackBerry PlayBook an extremely attractive proposition for developers. Well known game publishers, developers and major game engine companies have already started to bring their game titles and applications to the platform.

Scoreloop, the largest and fastest growing cross-platform social gaming ecosystem on mobile, is now available in beta for the Native SDK through BlackBerry(R) Beta Zone. The Scoreloop SDK provides everything a developer needs to easily integrate social capabilities into their native PlayBook applications and includes support for Leaderboards, Game Challenges, Awards & Achievements, and Player Profiles. Scoreloop's fully customizable and cross-platform technology empowers developers to add as many or as few features as they want, from a simple leader-board to more extensive player achievements. It makes mobile games more social and profitable.

BlackBerry Cascades - Create Visually Stunning Interfaces

RIM today showcased BlackBerry Cascades, a rich user interface framework coming to a future release of the Native SDK. Cascades unleashes a new breed of design centric mobile applications and provides developers with an exceptional feature set for creating visually stunning interfaces with custom layouts, animations, effects and 3D graphics. These features, combined with a strong set of built-in core user interface components, will make it easy to build beautiful native applications with innovative user interfaces for the current BlackBerry PlayBook and future BBX-based tablets and smartphones. Cascades is scheduled to be made available in beta later this fall.

Adobe AIR 3.0 Support

Adobe Flash enables developers to produce visually stunning, highly functional applications for the BlackBerry PlayBook that can integrate with the underlying OS and will be supported on future BBX-based tablets and smartphones.

The BlackBerry PlayBook now supports the recently announced Adobe AIR 3.0 runtime. Among the supported features are Encrypted Local Store that gives developers the ability to use the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to encrypt and securely store sensitive information on the device, as well as store passwords, keys or credit card information safely within the app; StageText that allows developers to take advantage of native text controls and the native interaction behaviors of those controls; Multitouch and Gestures built into applications to provide great usability; and more.

PlayBook OS 2.0 - Developer Beta

RIM introduced today the Developer Beta version of the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0. The Developer Beta includes the BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps and the BlackBerry Plug-In for Android Development Tools (ADT), allowing developers to quickly and easily bring Android applications to BlackBerry PlayBook tablets.

The BlackBerry Plug-In for ADT (an Eclipse plug-in) extends a developer's existing Eclipse Android development environment to support the PlayBook, and includes the BlackBerry PlayBook Simulator for developers to test and debug their apps before submitting them to BlackBerry App World(TM). Developers can also test and debug their apps on a PlayBook running the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 - Developer Beta.

Android developers can also repackage Android apps for the BlackBerry PlayBook online by using the BlackBerry Packager for Android Apps. The web tool guides developers through a step-by-step process, allowing them to test their apps for compatibility with the PlayBook, and repackage and sign their apps for submission to BlackBerry App World, all without downloading any tools.

BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps and the associated tools allow Android developers to easily expand their market to include BlackBerry PlayBook users, and hence increase their apps' market potential.

The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 - Developer Beta also supports Adobe Air 3.0 and Adobe Flash 11, as well as WebGL, a new web technology that brings hardware-accelerated 3D graphics to the browser without installing additional software. Developers will be able to generate rich, interactive 3D graphics within their BlackBerry WebWorks application.

For more information about the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 - Developer Beta and BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps and associated tools, visit For more information about the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 - Developer Beta and BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps and associated tools, visit: https://bdsc.webapps.blackberry.com/android/bpaa/ .

Increased Developer Productivity with Open Source Libraries on the BlackBerry PlayBook OS

RIM also announced the BlackBerry Open Source Initiative to port popular Open Source libraries to the BlackBerry PlayBook platform. Libraries already available include physics engines like Bullet Physics and Box2DX, scripting languages like Lua, multimedia libraries like OpenAL and SDL, gaming frameworks like Cocos2DX and general-purpose libraries like Boost and Qt. Also available under an Open Source license are a range of code samples that developers can use to get started quickly, as well as GamePlay, a new 3D native gaming framework.

RIM will continue to expand its involvement in the Open Source community to help increase developer productivity on the BlackBerry platforms. For more details on RIM's Open Source activities, visit http://blackberry.github.com .

Motorola's Faster. Thinner. Smarter. Stronger. event liveblog!

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 08:40 AM PDT


12:44PM Looks like it's hands-on time. We'll have impressions in a bit!

12:44PM And that's the event, RAZR and MOTOACTV. Xooms? Sorry kids.

12:44PM Droid RAZR by Motorola is the US name. Motorola RAZR is the name internationally. Will be available globally in November.










12:41PM Jha lost his phone for a minute. Too bad there isn't an app for that.




12:41PM Looks like the date earlier was just for the event, man, Motorola is a tease.


12:40PM Pre-orders are starting on October 27.

12:40PM All right, we're talking about how big Verizon's LTE is -- it will be in 178 markets by the end of the year and blanketing the country by 2013. Watch out kids, 4G is coming for you and your families.




12:39PM "Networks matter," says the woman from Verizon. It's fast and reliable -- she's a fan.




12:37PM Are all Androids "Droid?" No, says Marni. True story. Don't call them all Droids, kids.




12:37PM It's Verizon time. Marni Walden, the carrier's chief marketing officer is taking the stage, to give us the lowdown on 4G.





12:36PM It's way faster than the iPhone 4S, according to Jha.




12:35PM And we've got 4G LTE on Verizon for the thing -- it's thin and fast.




12:35PM The RAZR has a bunch of accessories (no surprise). Bluetooth headsets, two Lapdocks, portable power, HD docking stations, a smart controller, a wireless keyboard--and the list goes on.










12:34PM Ah, now we're talking enterprise functionality. No surprise here -- Android is going business. Does corporate email and document editing. It has remote wipe and data encryption. Also Citrix Receiver is built in for remote access. "Enterprise is getting consumerized," people are using their personal phones for work. Too true.







12:32PM The content will seamless sync to mobile devices, so you can have images of other people's devices on lots of gadgets. The point here is that the content goes to your devices, so you're less reliant on the cloud.




12:31PM All right, he's taking video of all of our pretty faces on the RAZR now and uploading the image to his PC. "Should take 20, 25 seconds."




12:30PM Jha is showing us a Powerpoint presentation of his marathon plan. Dude is going to be fit by the time the Droid RAZR II comes out.




12:30PM The PC has gone offline. "Why do the demo gods hate me." But Moto's got a back up, don't worry.



12:29PM Now he's showing pictures of someone else's kid. Okay, looks like it's not his phone, after all. Using an HDMI cable, you can show images on an HDTV -- as long as they're of someone else's kids, apparently.





12:28PM What are the odds that this is from Jha's actual music library? Going to say 80 percent. He loves him some Fiddy.



12:28PM Jha is going to stream some 50 Cent for us from his iTunes. Get ready.




12:27PM MotoCast lets people access their content in a "personal cloud," securely. You connect the phone to a PC with a USB cable, create a secure account, and select the files you want to share -- like music and images.







12:25PM Only about 15 percent of people store their content in the cloud, according to Jha. The solution? MotoCast.



12:25PM He's talking up Smart Actions now, to automatically shut off applications and functionality, to save your battery life when your home or the battery is dying. You can get up to 30 percent more battery life using the feature.







12:24PM You can dock the phone to a dock for internet browsers and email, while charging the thing. Motorola loves its docks, after all.




12:23PM A dual core 1.2GHz processor inside, plus 1GB of RAM. Pretty good, Motorola. The RAZR should give you 12.5 hours of talk time and 8.9 hours of video playback.








12:22PM Apparently the thing is super durable, in spite of its size. Uses a nanotechnology called Motorola Splash Guard, the first phone to use that technology.





12:21PM It can download HD movies from Netflix for that fancy 4.3 inch screen.








12:20PM The phone is 7.1mm thin. Looks like thin is in for Motorola again. They're calling it "the world's thinnest smartphone." Can we get a fact checker in here?






12:19PM Stainless steel, Gorilla Glass, Kevlar, 1.2GHz processor, 4.3 inch display, 8MP camera, and extended battery life on this thing. Looking good.




12:18PM The Droid RAZR by Motorola is the official name. Bye bye Spyder.

12:18PM Alright: thinness, durability? check and check. It's going to be fast and have a hi-res display. He's just teasing us now.




12:17PM Okay, it's smartphone time. Get ready. Jha is talking about how important the look and feel is for a phone. is it RAZR time?

12:17PM Will be available November sixth. 8GB is $249 and 16GB is $299.




12:16PM Bob is going to help Sanjay lose a couple of pounds, so look forward to that after the show.




12:16PM The device can gauge which songs you work out the hardest to and build a playlist, so you don't have to appear on an embarrassing reality show. Definitely a plus.



12:15PM It really looks like a large Dick Tracy watch for people who are in better shape than you.




12:14PM Now it's Bob Hopper from "The Biggest Loser." He's talking about what a loser he is, compared to Dean, oh, and the weight loss aspect of the device. This is going give you motivation, says Bob.







12:13PM This explains all of the sleeveless dudes running around.


12:12PM The headset also does calls, obviously, so looking forward to a lot of, "can't talk, running" calls in the near future.



12:12PM Information from the device is auto uploaded when you get within your WiFi network, so you don't have to sweat all over your computer, because no one wants that.




12:11PM Dean is really excited about the wireless headset that can also take your pulse. It's more comfortable than a heart rate monitor, so that's somethiing.




12:10PM Jha is bringing marathon runner Dean Karnazas on the stage to make all of use doughy geeks to feel bad about ourselves.


12:09PM MOTOACTV.com is being launched as well, so you can log all of your information, and, you know, work out in the cloud. Also, you can put information on Facebook and Twitter -- really looking forward to seeing elliptical tweets. Thanks Moto.




12:08PM It's sweat proof, too -- definitely a plus for any piece of workout equipment.


12:08PM Motorola is offering up two Bluetooth headsets, the SF700 and SF500 to go along with the thing.


12:07PM It has a 600MHz processor, runs Android and weighs 35 grams. Tracks running, walking and cycling statistics. Has GPS to track routes. It monitors your heart rate. Looks like a Nike+ killer.









12:05PM It's a music player that plays the songs that push you the most. It tracks miles and calories and has a rugged design. Looks very iPod Nano-y.


12:04PM Introducing "Motoactv." Merges fitness and music like nothing else.



12:04PM He's talking about working out now and all of the stuff you have to carry. "We have the technology to enhance how you work out."


12:03PM One in four people are more prepared to share their toothbrush than their smartphone, according to Jha.


12:03PM The smartphone is the last thing we see at night and the first thing we see in the morning. "It's a sad state of our lives." Three quarters of people use their smartphones in the bathroom.




12:02PM We're going to talk about smartphones right now, and how they've changed our lives



12:01PM It's go time. Sanjay Jha is taking the stage.

12:01PM Schmidt is sitting a few seats down. No big deal.



11:58AM "Life M Powered" seems to be the slogan of the show. Looks like we've got good puns coming out us today.

11:56AM He's looking far less stressed out with this whole CEO thing behind him -- just hanging out. we're guessing he popped by just to listen to some of these sweet jams.



11:52AM Ran into Eric Schmidt in the hallway -- no joke. Looks like we might be getting a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich today, after all.




11:48AM Some guy in the front is filming us with a giant camera. Look for us on the evening news tonight.

11:45AM Now it's "Stronger" by Kayne. Guessing this means we're about ready to roll on this bad boy. No one has shown up in Daft Punk helmets...yet...

11:43AM And we are inside. They're playing MGMT and there are a bunch of sleeveless dudes standing around, waiting to show off gadgets. Motoparty up in here.
The countdown is almost at an end. And that means it's time for some serious Daft Punk-referencing Motorola action. What can we expect today? The Spyder / Droid RAZR handset? The sequel to the Xoom? Perhaps an early taste of Ice Cream Sandwich? All of these answers and more will be revealed at 12PM ET.

Psst... and toss your own time zone / day in comments below!

06:00AM - Hawaii (October 18th)
09:00AM - Pacific (October 18th)
10:00AM - Mountain (October 18th)
11:00AM - Central (October 18th)
12:00PM - Eastern (October 18th)
05:00PM - London (October 18th)
06:00PM - Paris (October 18th)
08:00PM - Moscow (October 18th)
01:00AM - Tokyo (October 19th)

Photos by Zach Honig.

BlackBerry DevCon Americas 2011 keynote liveblog!

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 08:15 AM PDT


1:21PM And that's it for now!


1:20PM Empathy's important, and Alec's got that in spades. He wants you to email him with feedback. Yes, he's already seen the Nyan cat, so no need to forward that along.


1:19PM Alec's regaling us with tales from his past. He worked at a start-up before coming to RIM, so he "understands the pain" of being a developer.

1:18PM Now he's hyping up the backwards and forwards compatibility. Any app made natively or in HTML 5 today will work with tomorrow's PlayBook.



1:17PM We get it, Alec. Developing for BlackBerry is both easy and profitable!



1:16PM Another myth: BlackBerry devs don't make money. We've heard a lot of reasons already why this isn't true, but Alex is hitting us with some more knowledge. AppWorld apps generate 40 percent more profit than Android apps. Plus, there's that 13 percent of devs making over $100,000 per year.



1:14PM Next, the myth that BlackBerry users don't use apps. Wrong again, 4-5 million app downloads per day, 140 million per month.


1:13PM First up, BlackBerry's market is shrinking -- not so, says Alec, the market has grown by 20 million subscribers in the last year.


1:13PM Alec's recounting urban myths surrounding BlackBerry's market.


1:12PM Straight cash, homie.


1:11PM App World is the second most profitable app market in the world today. You hear that Android?


1:10PM Ad Service 2.0, Payment Service 1.5 with subscription billing, and Scoreloop Social Gaming Service are coming out today for the BlackBerry Jam Market.



1:09PM Back to you, Alec.

1:08PM Everyone's getting a copy of Adobe Flash Bulder 4.5 for showing up. Cheers from the crowd!



1:07PM Now we've got a game using Adobe's new Stage 3D technology, which uses the same flash player as what's on the desktop PC.



1:06PM Got a steampunk-esque little bot wandering around solving puzzles. Very cute.


1:05PM We've got Machinarium, built for the web in Flash initially, and ported to the PlayBook using AIR.




1:04PM And now, Danny's going to demo some of this fabulous Flash on the PlayBook.

1:04PM AIR 3 and Flash Player 11 come with the new OS release.

1:03PM Danny's got some new stuff for us, a developer release of PlayBook 2.0 is coming out today!

1:02PM Facebook and Evernote are just two of the more popular Flash apps.


1:02PM He's talking up the native AIR implementation on the PlayBook... over 4,000 flash apps thus far.



1:01PM He's really excited about the possibilities with HTML 5.

1:00PM Ladies and gents, Adobe's Danny Winokur, VP and GM of Interactive Development.




12:58PM More community building opportunities. 40 cities with developer groups, and you can start one in your city if one isn't around... any takers?






12:57PM Now he's talking about the BlackBerry Developer Challenge.


12:56PM These hackathons will be happening on every continent, and Alec wants you to come "Jam with us."


12:55PM We've got testimonials from devs talking up the awesomeness of BBM.

12:54PM Now a video about the hackathons BlackBerry's been sponsoring recently. People milling about at parties, collaborating at their computers, writing on chalkboards, etc.

12:53PM Round of applause from the peanut gallery.

12:53PM He's listing off all the open source libraries and frameworks that are now available to devs.

12:52PM Alec is now talking about the BlackBerry Open Source Initiative.


12:51PM Simon Hain, John Tegen, and Peter Hansen are also getting love for their prodigious posting too. Congrats, fellas!|

12:51PM BlackBerry Jam Community Forum Contributors are getting some Jammie love. Peter Strange for 1,000 + posts in the last 3 months.



12:50PM There's an HTML 5 site with WebWorks 2.0, and an Android player portal as well.

12:49PM There's no registration process now until devs actually submit an app. Nice.


12:48PM Alec is showing us the BlackBerry developer portal now, which has microsites to allow devs to drill down to the info they need easily.


12:47PM "We're fixing the impediments" to developing for BlackBerry "as fast as we can."


12:46PM The Recognition Program will give devs a "Jammie." What for? For being an awesome dev, of course.


12:46PM We got BlackBerry Jam Sessions, Community and Zone. Plus there's the BlackBerry Jam Recognition Program.


12:45PM BlackBerry Jam is the new developer program to help devs do what they do.



12:44PM You bet we are, Alec. Smattering of applause there.

12:44PM Demo video touting BlackBerry Jam, peppy music in the background. "Are you ready to jam?"

12:44PM Alex is telling us how musicians and devs are similar.



12:42PM And that's it for Mike. Now Alec Saunders, VP of Dev Relations is up on stage.


12:42PM "And BBX positions you, the developer, at the forefront."


12:41PM "Our team is very strong, and they're laser focused on one platform -- BBX."

12:40PM Back to you, Mike.

12:40PM "We're going to remove every roadblock" so developers can make money.

12:40PM Dr. Nag's explaining how developers can get their apps discovered and join the BlackBerry gravy train.


12:39PM 13 percent of devs make over $100,000 per year off BlackBerry apps.


12:39PM Dr. Nag is explaining how the socially connected apps now account for 10 percent of app revenues.

12:37PM The good Doctor is telling us how devs make more money with BlackBerry than iOS or Android.

12:37PM That's a lotta dough.

12:36PM 1 billion apps downloaded, 140 million a month, and BB7 phones make 11 times the revenue of BB6 or BB5 phones.

12:36PM App World supports 26 currencies, has 70 million users, 150 million devices, and is in 130 countries.



12:35PM Back to Mike. Talking about BlackBerry being a profitable platform for devs. Dr. Ronjon Nag, VP of App World is now up there.



12:34PM Mike: "I like the sound of that." We do too, Mike. We do too.

12:33PM "You can leave the laptop at home."


12:32PM And, he's doing this while other apps are running in the background. Additionally, you can launch individual applications through Citrix Receiver (not just a full desktop).



12:32PM It's running really quickly, smoothly. Impressive.




12:31PM More demos! Showing Citrix Receiver on a PlayBook, and he launched a Win7 desktop in Texas.

12:31PM Chris is talking how "everyone wants to be mobile" now.


12:30PM Chris Fleck, VP of Mobility Solutions for Citrix is now on stage.


12:30PM It also allows companies to prevent mandatory apps from being deleted by end users.

12:29PM The apps are hosted on your company's BES, and are accessible by company employees around the world.



12:28PM There will be dedicated shelf space for enterprise apps in App World.

12:28PM Now we're talking an enterprise App World.

12:27PM A separate corporate partition is created to ensure that info coming from a BES is separated from the rest of the system.


12:27PM No VPN here, and it's got BES integration.


12:26PM Alan's demoing Balance, which populates a "Work" app folder that has several other applications in there that have corporate security walls.



12:25PM He's talking about BlackBerry Balance, a way for CIOs and employees to both get what they want.



12:24PM He's the VP of Enterprise Product Management and Marketing at RIM.


12:24PM Alan Panezic's coming up to talk about BBX and the enterprise.

12:23PM That's it for Chris and Anders.

12:23PM Chris is talking about using 3D applications to manage data, and he's excited to see what UI's devs come up with.




12:22PM Now Anders is showing a graphical representation of an email inbox. He's stretching the data graph every which way, zooming in and out. Very cool looking, though it's unclear how that would help get through our email each day.



12:20PM So Cascades is built into BBX, and gives devs access to low level APIs and higher level ones for plug and play type development.




12:19PM Got a nice photo application, showing photos fluttering down in a 3D environment. Nice shading, smooth animations, impressive.

12:18PM "We're making it incredibly easy" to achieve the UX we've been seeing with the apps so far today.



12:17PM Now, Chris Smith and Anders Larsson are up on stage to talk about the new Astonishing Cascades native UI framework.

12:17PM Mike says that "with HTML 5, we're intercepting the future." Mike must be a football fan.



12:16PM WebGL running on a PlayBook! Looks really good, we're traveling through a trippy tunnel.



12:15PM Do tell, George.

12:15PM "There's one more thing I'm really excited about."

12:15PM Next up, an enterprise app for tracking company sales.

12:14PM It's HTML 5, and it looks really slick. Video's incorporated in there, it's hardware accelerated, and it shows in the smooth animations.



12:13PM George is showing us a demo of an app built for the Rogers cup tennis tournament.





12:12PM And now, we've got George Staikos, VP of Web Technologies at RIM on stage to talk some more HTML5.


12:10PM The idea is to have the HTML 5 apps run like native apps, so devs can "write once, deploy everywhere."


12:09PM HTML 5 is the next topic of discussion. "It's your bridge" between older versions of BlackBerry and BBX.

12:09PM Tracy's off, now Mike and Dan are up again, telling us there will be plenty more games to come.

12:08PM He's controlling the game using multitouch on the display in addition to onscreen controls.



12:07PM Tracy's giving us a demo of a sidescrolling platformer, looks a bit like a stylized version of Cordy.


12:06PM And now Tracy Erickson from Unity Technology is up on stage.

12:06PM Alex is off, back to you Mike and Dan.

12:05PM Demo time! Laura's looking good, running around a temple, causing explosions and such.


12:05PM They built the game in the C++ environment, and using BlackBerry's dev tools, were able to deploy the game easily.


12:04PM Talking about Laura Croft: Guardian of Light, from Marmalade.



12:03PM President of Marmalade Alex Caccia is now up on stage.

12:02PM Asphalt 6, Raging Thunder (racing games), Let's Golf 2, the Game of Life, etc. etc.

12:02PM Got a slick demo video of various games being played on the PlayBook right now. Very peppy music going on.

12:01PM Absolutely, Dan. When we're not liveblogging, of course.

12:01PM Nice, now were talking gaming. "That's how we spend our time, kill our time, right?"

12:01PM Should devs have their own libraries, BlackBerry will check it out, certify it and work it into the BBX platform.


12:00PM Dan's describing the native environment. There's 100 open source libraries for devs to use.


11:59AM Mike's saying that its certified POSIX, which opens up the platform for developers.


11:59AM The architecture is "safe by design."

11:58AM Mike and Dan are talking the advantages of QNX -- certified secure and reliable kernel.



11:57AM It incorporates enterprise, NOC, and cloud services.


11:57AM BBX is a single, unified platform for the whole world.

11:57AM And here comes Dan Dodge, President of QNX.

11:56AM BBX! It combines the best of BlackBerry and the best of QNX.


11:56AM "The whole company is aligning behind this single platform for developers."

11:56AM Now we're talking PlayBook.

11:55AM 25 million downloads of apps, 200,000 downloads of the foursquare app since the introduction of the BBM social platform.




11:54AM More BB7 handsets to come, "the best BlackBerrys we've ever built."


11:53AM 165 million BlackBerrys sold, over 50 million BBM users now, an 80 percent increase.

11:53AM Today there are 70 million BlackBerry subscribers.

11:52AM "Now, let's get down to business."

11:52AM Including giving all BlackBerry owners $100 worth of apps.

11:52AM He's talking about the recent outage, and how they are trying to make things right for BlackBerry users.




11:51AM Mike Lazaridis, co-CEO is up on stage. He's going to show us some "very exciting things today."

11:51AM Go time!

11:50AM Tom Petty is a wise man. The waiting is, indeed, the hardest part.

11:48AM Shazam is stumped at the moment, but we've got some trance music going on. Very 80s vibe to it.

11:47AM Program set to begin in five minutes!

11:46AM Folks are milling about, still waiting for things to get cranking. But on the plus side, the music's still good.

11:37AM Shazam is telling us that the tunes are coming courtesy of Aquagen, never heard of them before, but we're digging it.

11:35AM Got some spacey music going on, goes nicely with the blue accent lighting around the stage.

11:34AM And, we were just asked to silence our phones. Buckle up!

11:34AM Folks are filing in now, looks like we're gonna have a full house this morning.


11:28AM And we're in! The party's about to start, so get ready folks.
RIM's hit a bit of a rough patch lately, but that doesn't mean the company can't thrill us here at DevCon Americas 2011. Mike Lazaridis is in the house, and we're expecting some good news to come out during his keynote. What's DevCon got in store? All will be revealed in due course, so bookmark this page and tune in at the times below for the big show.

Feel free to throw your time zone and day in the comments below, you know you want to.

05:30AM - Hawaii (October 18th)
08:30AM - Pacific (October 18th)
09:30AM - Mountain (October 18th)
10:30AM - Central (October 18th)
11:30AM - Eastern (October 18th)
04:30PM - London (October 18th)
05:30PM - Paris (October 18th)
07:30PM - Moscow (October 18th)
12:30AM - Tokyo (October 19th)

HP TouchPad gets webOS 3.0.4 update, now able to answer calls from non-webOS phones

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 08:14 AM PDT

It may not have resulted in much of a numerical bump, but the just-released webOS 3.0.4 software update for the HP TouchPad is a fairly significant one. The big new addition is the ability to pair non-webOS phones, which will let you answer calls on your TouchPad (pairing with third-party Bluetooth keyboards is also said to be "streamlined"). It also adds a new Camera app for photos and videos, plus support for Ogg Vorbis music files, and online / offline messaging status support. Perhaps just as notably, HP is also promising "better performance" and "user interface improvements," as well as a number of other enhancements and "more robust Skype video calling." We'll be giving it a go ourselves, but feel free to share your own impressions in the comments below.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Levitating superconductor floats within a magnetic field so you don't have to (video)

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 07:33 AM PDT

What happens when you douse a superconducting urinal cake with liquid nitrogen? We haven't given it too much thought, to be honest, though we're guessing it would look a lot like the "levitating" disc pictured above. Developed by researchers at Tel-Aviv University, this device is actually a superconductor hovering over a "supercooled" magnet. While locked within the magnetic field, it can rotate around a vertical axis, turn upside down or do laps around a track -- all thanks to a phenomenon that Tel-Aviv's physicists call "quantum trapping." We're not really sure what that entails, but we do know that the results are pretty incredible. Check them out for yourself, after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Galaxy Nexus images, specs and benchmarks apparently leaked

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 07:00 AM PDT

Either these posters are extremely elaborate fakes, or NTT DoCoMo is really bad at keeping secrets. Just hours after it prematurely tweeted a November release for the Galaxy Nexus (aka the Nexus Prime), we now have what appears to be a full spec list and comparison with the other handsets in the Japanese carrier's range. The details are nearly all familiar from previous suspected leaks, including the dual-core 1.2GHz Texas Instruments processor, 720p Super AMOLED curved glass display, five megapixel camera with 1080p video recording and 32GB of storage (plus 1GB RAM). Now, it's entirely possible that the fakers are all singing from the same dodgy hymn sheet -- but if that's true, then they've also been busily submitting forged benchmarks to GLBenchmark, which displays results from a 'Galaxy Nexus' that include the same 1.2GHz clock speed and HD screen (albeit listed as 1196x720, supposedly due to the onscreen buttons). We'll know the truth soon enough -- the full fandango is but hours away.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Motorola's Android future to be revealed later today, get your liveblog here!

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 06:53 AM PDT

Promising us something faster, thinner and stronger later today, Motorola has paired up with Verizon to make some big announcements. We're going to be smack dab in the middle of it all, chronicling every little detail on our liveblog. "Sandwiched" between Blackberry's DevCon and another dynamic duo, we're still intrigued as to what (or even how many) phones and tablets Moto has crammed up their capacious Google-monogrammed sleeves. Could it spoil Samsung's party with some Ice Cream Sandwich news of its own? Who knows, but it's going to be a hectic day for tech news. Best grab another cup of coffee, and bookmark this page to keep up.

Feel free to throw your time zone and day in the comments below, we may even +1 you if you do.

06:00AM - Hawaii (October 18th)
09:00AM - Pacific (October 18th)
10:00AM - Mountain (October 18th)
11:00AM - Central (October 18th)
12:00PM - Eastern (October 18th)
05:00PM - London (October 18th)
06:00PM - Paris (October 18th)
08:00PM - Moscow (October 18th)
01:00AM - Tokyo (October 19th)

Logitech release MW3 gaming mouse and keyboard, for people who can't get enough Soap

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 06:32 AM PDT

If the thought of spending $160 on Modern Warfare 3-branded peripherals appeals then twitch your trigger fingers at Logitech's new Gaming Keyboard G105 and Laser Mouse G9X. Both are slathered in MW3 logos (so you don't forget what you've consigned yourself to for the next year) and come with some essential FPS features. The keyboard has "night-vision green" LED backlit keys, six programmable "G" keys to record macros and a game/desktop mode switch for those rare moments when you're really not meant to be MacTavish. Meanwhile, the mouse has on-the-fly adjustable DPI, up to five different player profiles, a color display and 28g (one ounce) of extra weight to adjust the mouse balance against your hand. They're both available from the Logitech website and will set you back $80 each.

Google Wallet adds coupons, rewards points, Jamba Juice

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 06:01 AM PDT

Could Google Wallet really help you find Blackberry Bliss? Indeed it can, now that Big G has beefed up its mobile payment platform with a host of offers from retailers like Jamba Juice, American Eagle, OfficeMax and Foot Locker, among other partners. Yesterday, Google rolled out a new program whereby consumers can redeem coupons and accumulate rewards points at select locations, using only their handsets. The app's Offers tab, meanwhile, has expanded to include so-called "Featured Offers," where users can take advantage of discounts exclusive to the Google Wallet platform. Unfortunately, these features are only available at select locations, so check out the source link below to find the one closest to you.

OmniTouch projection interface makes the world your touchscreen (video)

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 05:33 AM PDT

Sometimes you just want to make notes on your forearm. Put that permanent marker down though, because PhD student Chris Harrison et al at Microsoft Research have created a new system that allows touchscreen interaction on hairy and uneven surfaces. It uses a short-range depth camera instead of the infrared sensor we've seen on similar devices, which allows it to gauge the viewing angle and other characteristics of surfaces being used -- and it can even handle pinch-to-zoom. There's a video after the break, if you fancy a bit of wall-based digital finger painting.

Ford brings Bluetooth text message readouts to more SYNC vehicles

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 05:03 AM PDT

Got a SYNC-tastic Ford from 2011 onwards? Then you'll find that the latest update (G1 V3.2.2) to the dash software will let you listen to your smartphone's incoming emails and SMS messages via the car's audio system, thanks to the inclusion of Bluetooth MAP (Message Access Profile). We've already seen the tech running in BMW's iDrive dash system and in MyFord Touch-equipped cars too, so the news here is just a wider roll-out to a bigger range of vehicles -- but we'll welcome anything that keeps more eyes on the prize. Read the full PR after the break and then enter your VIN at the More Coverage link below to see if you're eligible.
Show full PR text
New SYNC Software Update Adds Bluetooth MAP Standard; Ford Poised to Give More Drivers Safer Texting Alternatives

- Latest Ford SYNC® software updates will give owners of select SYNC Generation 1-equipped 2011 and 2012 vehicles access to the emerging Bluetooth® standard – Message Access Profile (MAP) – so SYNC can stream and read text messages aloud from compatible smartphones

- Ford elected to voluntarily adopt MAP in an aggressive effort to improve the number of phones that will work with the hands-free text message readback feature of SYNC

- Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) sees growing MAP adoption among leading cell phone manufacturers


DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 18, 2011 – Ford has released its latest free SYNC® software update, G1 V3.2.2, to give more SYNC users the ability to have text messages read aloud to them while driving.

Tailored for owners of select SYNC-equipped 2011 and early-release 2012 vehicles, the update includes the emerging Message Access Profile (MAP) Bluetooth® standard, which is custom-made for the automotive hands-free environment and outlines a set of features and procedures used to exchange email, SMS and MMS between devices – in this case SYNC and the smartphone.

Last year, Ford announced it was voluntarily integrating MAP into SYNC for all 2011 MyFord Touch®-equipped vehicles and is now extending the capability to the broader SYNC user community – with thousands of 2011 and 2012 vehicles equipped with the first generation SYNC system.

A limited population of phones has the capability to work with the text message readback feature of SYNC," said Mark Porter, supervisor of SYNC Product Development. "With our initial adoption of MAP for our latest generation of SYNC and our recent efforts to integrate it into our previous variations of the system, we hope we are setting an example that encourages more collaboration between Ford, the phonemakers and the wireless industry to help drivers find smarter alternatives to hand-held texting while on the road."

According to Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), MAP adoption by mobile device manufacturers is still in its infancy but the growth needle is starting to quiver.

Texting is becoming a ubiquitous part of our day, so it stands to reason the remote message access profile is an essential addition for handsets, automobiles, headsets and aftermarket car kits," said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director Bluetooth SIG. "The Bluetooth MAP standard gives users the ability to simply and smartly manage incoming text messages from their vehicle while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. We are seeing significant uptake in MAP adoption among phonemakers, in particular with recent qualifications from manufacturers such as HTC, RIM, Samsung and LG."

Ready for an update
Since SYNC launched in 2007, Ford has offered several significant and simple software-based updates. And owners are taking advantage, with software downloads recorded on www.syncmyride.com ranging up to nearly 14,000 each month in 2011.

Major SYNC updates that have been released to date include:
- G1 V2.0 – availability of 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report for 2008 SYNC-equipped vehicles (dealership installation required) (December 2008)
- G1 V3.0/V3.1 – availability of SYNC Services for Traffic, Directions and Information services for 2010 SYNC-equipped vehicles (June 2009)
- G1 V3.2 – improved voice command structure, constant display of turn-by-turn directions and GPS coordinates for 911 Assist for 2011 SYNC-equipped vehicles (April 2010)
- G1 V4.0 – AppLink™ software application for hands-free voice control of smartphone apps for the 2011 Ford Fiesta only (December 2010)
- G1 V3.2.2 (non-AppLink)/V4.0.2 (AppLink-equipped) – increased MAP support for select 2011 and early-release 2012 SYNC-equipped vehicles with AppLink such as Ford Mustang (May 2011)


Ford owners interested in finding out if their SYNC-equipped vehicle is eligible for any of the available SYNC updates can visit www.syncmyride.com and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

BlackBerry DevCon starts today, get all the liveblog action right here!

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 04:30 AM PDT

It's only hours away from starting, so all you BlackBerry fans should be good and hyped for DevCon 2011. Will we finally see the promised Android app player for the PlayBook? Could those oft-rumored QNX handsets show up in the flesh? There's only one way to find out, so bookmark this page right here and tune in at the times below to see what RIM reveals to the world in sunny San Francisco.

Feel free to throw your time zone and day in the comments below, you know you want to.

05:30AM - Hawaii (October 18th)
08:30AM - Pacific (October 18th)
09:30AM - Mountain (October 18th)
10:30AM - Central (October 18th)
11:30AM - Eastern (October 18th)
04:30PM - London (October 18th)
05:30PM - Paris (October 18th)
07:30PM - Moscow (October 18th)
12:30AM - Tokyo (October 19th)

Animoog takes the synth keyboard stylings to the iPad, DIY electronica lives to see another day

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 04:04 AM PDT

Mention music apps and our minds immediately conjure up images of a certain Icelandic songstress' interactive iPad album. Well, folks the high-art bleeps and bloops don't have to belong to the aurally experimental, as you, too, can make synthy music to doze off to. Fans of Moog's synthesizers looking to mobilize the analog noise art now have a 99¢ iOS option for the iPad. Dubbed Animoog, this virtual instrument shrinks the keyboard synth experience down to 10-inches, running on the company's Anisotropic Synth Engine and bringing with it polyphonic modulation and pitch shifting, various modules for effects, a timbre page and MIDI in / out. Fancy yourself a folktronic tablet technician? Then hit up the source to download the bargain-priced goods.

T-Mobile adds new daily and monthly plans for true commitment phobes

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 03:24 AM PDT

If you're of the ilk who vehemently hates contracts, yet adores T-Mobile, read on. Alongside its existing pay-as-you go plans, Little Magenta has introduced a new $60 choice, offering unlimited minutes, texting and data -- though the latter is throttled after consuming 2GB. If a month of commitment is too rich for your blood, how about about one of three new "pay by the day" plans? The priciest option's three bucks for all the minutes and texts you could ever want and 200MB of data at full speed. A dollar less still gets you unlimited talk time and texts, but slows that all you can eat data buffet down to 2G speeds. True cheapskates (or those who only communicate via the written word) will love the dollar daily plan, which grants boundless texting, but dispenses the data altogether and runs ten cents per minute for phone calls. If any of that's up your alley, head on over to the source for more.

Microsoft's PocketTouch prototype is like x-ray vision for your fingers (video)

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 02:31 AM PDT

Is it more gauche to pull out your phone in the middle of a date, or to draw a bunch of crop circles on your pants? That's the question we were asking ourselves after coming across PocketTouch -- a new Microsoft Research prototype that lets you manipulate your handset without ever removing it from your pocket. Developed by researchers Scott Saponas, Chris Harrison and Hrvoje Benko, the device essentially consists of a customized, multitouch capacitive sensor hooked on to the back of a smartphone. This sensor is capable of picking up gestures through fabric, allowing users to execute a wide array of eyes-free, gesture-based functions (including simple swipes and alphanumeric text) without ever having to actually whip out their phones. To do this, the team implemented what it calls an "orientation-defining unlock gesture," which helps the prototype get its bearings, before testing the capacitive sensors across different fabrics. According to Microsoft, the outcome "exceeded expectations," though there's no word on when or if this Goliath of a device could ever hit the mainstream. Head past the break to see a video of a man playing tic-tac-toe on his pants.

Japan's NTT DoCoMo announces Samsung Nexus Prime ahead of Ice Cream Sandwich event

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 01:28 AM PDT

We're still a few hours away from Samsung and Google's Ice Cream Sandwich event, but Japan's NTT DoCoMo has already jumped the gun on one of Sammy's most anticipated announcements -- the Nexus Prime. Today, the provider confirmed that it'll be "among the fastest" to bring the new handset to market, adding that the Nexus Prime will be on sale in November. Unfortunately, the company didn't get any more specific with regard to release dates, price or specs, but we'll be sure to bring you the latest as soon as we get it. And, as always, you can follow the event in real-time, on our liveblog.

RIM's BlackBerry Packager for Android emerges in leaked video

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 12:39 AM PDT

Well, what do we have here? RIM has just posted a video outlining its new BlackBerry Packager for Android, just a few hours ahead of today's DevCon event. The tool, which received brief mention in RIM's conference schedule, essentially allows Android developers to port their apps to the PlayBook platform by converting their APK files to BAR files. As explained in the clip, developers should first obtain their signature keys from BlackBerry's Developer Zone before undertaking any porting or development. From there, they can check their existing app's compatibility with the PlayBook. If everything checks out, all they'd have to do is simply click "repackage and submit," and the system will automatically sign and package it away. We're expecting to get more details on RIM's new Packager in the very near future, but you can catch a sneak peak in the video, after the break.

[Thanks, Ferganer]

Cedar Trail-powered Asus VX6S netbook gets some early benchmarks

Posted: 18 Oct 2011 12:03 AM PDT

Benchmarking unreleased hardware is a dodgy business, largely because you're not working with final drivers. Nevertheless, Netbook Live's latest efforts could possibly be seen as establishing a bare minimum of what Cedar Trail is capable of. They put a 12-inch Asus Lamborghini VX6S netbook containing the next-gen Intel D2700 Atom CPU and the AMD Radeon 6470M GPU up against its Pine Trail/ION2-powered VX6 predecessor. For good measure, they also threw in an Eee PC 1215B running on AMD's Zacate E-350 APU (not the superior E-450). The PC Mark benchmarks gave the VX6S a gain of around ten percent against the Eee PC, with the VX6 coming a distant third-- not quite revolutionary, but that's what you get for being impatient. Click the source link for more.

[Thanks, Jimmy]

UK sets analog TV cutoff for October 2012, finally sees a show after US viewers

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 11:21 PM PDT

It's not that we're upset UK viewers get to watch series like Luther, Misfits and Bedlam long before they officially air here (or in the case of Doctor Who, hours), but we are finally glad to know how a story ends before they do. In this case, regulators have decided that after analog broadcasting shutoffs have already taken place across much of the region, the final transmitters will go dark next year. Just as occurred here, the unused spectrum will then be auctioned off, while most TV viewers will survive, whether on digital OTA broadcasts, pay-TV or otherwise. We made it through with only one TV shot dead in cold blood, here's hoping our counterparts across the Atlantic can handle the changeover as smoothly.

Canon announces EOS-1D X: full-frame 18MP sensor, 14 fps, 204,800 top ISO, $6,800 price tag

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 10:00 PM PDT

Stick a piece of gaffer tape over the unmistakable X, and Canon's latest EOS-1D pro-level camera will look virtually identical to every 1D model that came before it. But once you flip up the power slider, this new king of the jungle will hum like no other. Canon's phenomenally powerful EOS-1D X really sounds like the DSLR to rule them all. Its 18 megapixel full-frame sensor uses oversized pixels to battle noise and is supported by a pair of Digic 5+ imaging processors, which also help drive a 61-point high density reticular AF system, a top ISO setting of 204,000 (51,200 native), a 252-zone metering system, a 14 fps JPEG (or 12 fps RAW) burst mode and a built-in wired gigabit LAN connection, for remote shooting and image transfer. The camera's curious single-letter name represents a trio of industry milestones: the X is the 10th generation Canon professional SLR (dating back to the F1 in the 1970s), it's a crossover model, filling in for both the 1D Mark IV and 1Ds Mark III (which has been discontinued), and, well, it sounds to be pretty darn "Xtreme."

The 1D X is being marketed to every category of professional photographer, from commercial studio shooters to newspaper photogs. It's familiar, with a similar control layout, yet different, thanks to its completely redesigned system menu -- accessed using the 3.2-inch, 1,040,000-dot LCD. There's also an incredibly sharp intelligent optical viewfinder, with an on-demand grid, AF status indicator, a dual-axis electronic level and a shooting mode readout. Video shooters can choose between 1080p video capture at 24 (23.97), 25 or 30 fps, or 720p at 50 or 60 fps. Canon has also eliminated the 4GB clip limit, though individual clips are limited to 29:59, in order to avoid European tax rates affecting HD cameras that can capture single HD video clips longer than 30 minutes. We're anxiously awaiting a chance to go hands-on with the EOS-1D X, and you'll have to wait until March before adding this $6,800 beauty to your gear collection, but jump past the break for the meaty rundown from Canon, and click through the rather thin product gallery below.
Canon EOS-1D X
Show full PR text
Canon U.S.A. Introduces The New Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera, Re-Designed from the Inside Out

Featuring a Completely New 61-Point Autofocus, Fast Shooting up to 12 fps, 18-Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, Full HD Video Recording and Much More

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 18, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to introduce a completely revolutionized EOS-1D series camera, the Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera.* As the new leader in Canon's arsenal of professional DSLRs, the EOS-1D X will be a high-speed multimedia juggernaut replacing both the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV models in Canon's lineup. Enhancing the revolutionary image quality of the EOS-1Ds and speed capabilities of the EOS-1D series, the EOS-1D X DSLR features an 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processors, 14-bit A/D data conversion and capable of shooting an incredible 12 frames-per-second (fps). Canon's EOS DSLR cameras and accessories have a long-standing legacy of providing high-quality results to professionals in a wide range of markets, including sports, nature, cinematography, wedding and commercial studios. The addition of this new model will help take this tradition to a whole new level.

The EOS-1D X announcement comes on the heels of Canon's recent manufacturing milestone with the production of the Company's 50-millionth EOS-series SLR camera in September of 2011. Furthermore, Canon will achieve yet another milestone at the end of this month producing the 70-millionth EF lens.

"The EOS-1D X represents the re-invention of the EOS-1Ds and EOS-1D series, combining new proprietary Canon technologies with the culmination of customer feedback and requests from the field. We are proud to introduce this camera to the worldwide community of professional photographers and cinematographers with the features and capabilities they need to capture the great moments that display their talent," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Camera With Three Brains

The EOS-1D X features three DIGIC processors, including Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors capable of delivering approximately 17 times more processing speed than DIGIC 4, and a dedicated DIGIC 4 for metering and AF control. In conjunction with the newly developed high-performance 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS image sensor, the Dual DIGIC 5+ processors provide high-speed continuous shooting, lower noise, and a significant increase in data processing speed than previous EOS-1D models. This new level of data processing speed allows the EOS-1D X to perform many functions including chromatic aberration correction for various Canon EF lenses in-camera instead of through post-production software. The DIGIC 4 processor utilizes a new 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor for enhanced exposure accuracy with color and face detection, and works together with the camera's new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF.

The EOS-1D X employs a completely new imaging sensor, producing the lowest noise of any EOS digital camera to date for stunning portraiture and studio work. The new 18-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor utilizes large pixels – 1.25 microns larger than those in the EOS-1D Mark IV sensor and .55 microns larger than those in the EOS 5D Mark II sensor – together with gapless microlenses to achieve enhanced light gathering efficiency, higher sensitivity and less noise at the pixel level. The new sensor has improved on the already very high signal-to-noise ratio of sensor output of earlier EOS models for outstanding image quality, even in extremely low light. When combined with the Dual DIGIC 5+ imaging processors the results are stunning. The images produced with the EOS-1D X camera's new sensor are so clean that files can easily be up-sized if necessary for even the most demanding high-resolution commercial applications. The EOS-1D X will also feature new Ultrasonic Wave Motion Cleaning (UWMC), Canon's second generation self-cleaning sensor unit, which utilizes carrier wave technology to remove smaller dust particles from the sensor and it includes a new fluorine coating on the infrared absorption glass to help repel dust.

The low-light capability of the EOS-1D X is evident in its incredible ISO range and ability to photograph in extremely low-light conditions. Adjustable from ISO 100 to 51,200 within its standard range, the new model offers a low ISO 50 setting for studio and landscape photography and two high settings of 102,400 at H1 and 204,800 at H2, ideal for law enforcement, government or forensic field applications.

New 61-Point High Density Reticular AF

The EOS-1D X includes a brand new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF, the most sophisticated DSLR AF system Canon has ever released. The 21 focusing points in the central area are standard precision cross-type and effective with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, depending on the lens in use. The center five points are also high-precision diagonal cross-type points for maximum apertures as small as f/2.8. All 61 points are sensitive to horizontal contrast with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6 and 20 of the outer focusing points function as cross-type points with maximum apertures as small as f/4.0. Other innovations of the new 61-point High Density Reticular AF include expanded AF coverage area, superior focusing precision and low light sensitivity, and greater low-contrast subject detection capability compared to earlier EOS AF systems. (See image below for AF point configuration)

All AF functions now have their own menu tab for quick and easy access (formerly AF custom functions in previous EOS models). A new AF Configuration Tool allows for customized setting of tracking sensitivity, the acceleration and deceleration of tracking subjects, and AF point auto switching, all of which are easily accessed and adjusted via the new AF menu tab. A built-in Feature Guide advises photographers on which settings to use according to subject matter.

Similar to the AF point selection options offered in the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera, the EOS-1D X offers six AF point selection modes: Spot, Single Point, Single Point with surrounding four points, Single Point with surrounding eight points, Zone selection and Automatic AF point selection. (See image below AF point selection options.)


EOS iTR AF: Intelligent Tracking and Recognition Enhances AF Performance

The Canon EOS-1D X features incredible new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF options ideal for wedding and event photography as well as sports and photojournalism. The default AF mode for the EOS-1D X uses phase detection AF information, while a new second option uses Face Detection technology to track recognized faces in addition to color information, ideal when shooting events such as tennis or dancing where facial recognition of the original subject will help keep that person in focus throughout the scene.

Exposure Control

For the first time in a Canon DSLR camera, a DIGIC processor is used exclusively with the metering sensor for fast, accurate exposure control. The Canon DIGIC 4 processor takes advantage of the EOS-1D X's 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor and utilizes 252 zones for general metering or 35 zones for low-light metering to help ensure accurate evaluative ambient or flash exposure. The new subject recognition capabilities enhance nearly all of the camera's automatic functions, helping to adjust exposure, autofocus, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Automatic Picture Style to the scene being captured for enhanced image quality.

Multiple Exposure Modes

The EOS-1D X is the first EOS Digital SLR to feature Multiple Exposure capability. The camera can combine up to nine individual images into a single composite image, with no need for post-processing in a computer. Four different compositing methods are provided for maximum creative control, including Additive, Average, Bright and Dark. Compositing results can be viewed in real time on the camera's LCD monitor, and there is a one-step Undo command that allows photographers to delete an image and try again if desired. The EOS-1D X's Multiple Exposure mode even allows photographers to specify a previously captured RAW image as the starting point for a new Multiple Exposure composite image.

Super High Speed Mode

The Canon EOS-1D X camera breaks new ground in the world of digital SLRs, offering a Super High Speed Mode which increases shooting speeds up to 14 fps at full 18-megapixel resolution in JPEG mode. The new camera is also capable of shooting RAW, JPEG, or RAW+JPEG at speeds up to 12 fps in One Shot AF or AI Servo AF for enhanced performance in sports photography and other applications requiring high-speed digital capture. This new level of performance is made possible by the combination of the EOS-1D X's 16-channel readout CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors, and a completely new reflex mirror mechanism that has been engineered by Canon to combine high-performance with exceptional precision and reliability.

Enhanced EOS HD Video – New Compressions, Longer Recording

Centered around an all-new full-frame CMOS sensor with larger pixels than those found on the EOS 5D Mark II image sensor, the EOS-1D X utilizes new HD video formats to simplify and speed up post-production work. The two new compression formats offered on the EOS-1D X include intraframe (ALL-i ) compression for an editing-friendly format and interframe (IPB) compression for superior data compression, giving professionals the options they need for their ideal workflow. Answering the requests of cinematographers and filmmakers, the EOS-1D X includes two methods of SMPTE-compliant timecode embedding, Rec Run and Free Run, allowing multiple cameras or separate sound recording to be synced together in post production.

Canon's all new full-frame CMOS sensor ensures that video footage captured on the EOS-1D X will exhibit less moiré than any previous Canon model, resulting in a significant improvement in HD video quality. A desired feature for many documentary filmmakers using Canon DSLRs was to enable recording beyond the four gigabyte (GB) file capacity and the EOS-1D X is the answer. The new camera features automatic splitting of movie files when a single file exceeds 4GB. The new file splitting function allows for continuous video recording up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds across multiple 4GB files; no frames are dropped and the multiple files can be seamlessly connected in post production, providing filmmakers the recording time they want in the same convenient DSLR form factor. The camera records Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards.

The Canon EOS-1D X also includes manual audio level control, adjustable both before and during movie recording, an automatic setting, or it can be turned off entirely. A wind filter is also included. Sound can be recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via an optional external microphone through the stereo mic input.

Enhanced Ergonomics & Optimized Design

Photographers familiar with Canon's EOS 1D-series of cameras will notice the control configuration of the EOS-1D X takes a different approach to button placement. The re-designed exterior and ergonomic button configuration feels comfortable in your right hand, allowing seamless navigation through menu options.

The Live View Button has been conveniently placed near the user's thumb for one-touch switching between Live View and Viewfinder shooting. The Quick Control Button and menu navigation controls will allow users to change camera settings using only their right hand, for fast, simple one-handed control using their thumb on the scroll wheel. The new multi-controller is positioned by the right hand thumb when the camera is held for vertical shooting and enables the same level of control to camera operators when shooting vertically as they have when shooting horizontally. On the front of the camera are four user assignable function buttons, two for vertical shooting and two for horizontal shooting, allowing customizable button control when shooting in either position. The camera also features a level of weather resistance equivalent to earlier professional models such as the EOS-1D Mark IV.

Canon has answered the request of many professional EOS photographers and incorporated Dual Card Slots into the new EOS-1D X DSLR camera. The dual CF card slots will allow photographers to carry only one memory card format and still achieve instant image back-ups and enhanced storage capacity.

This camera also features a new shutter design with even greater durability and precision. Rated to 400,000 cycles, the new carbon fiber shutter blades are more lightweight and durable, allowing the EOS-1D X to achieve over 100,000 cycles more than the shutter of the EOS-1D Mark IV. A new shutter motion and new motor help further reduce vibration in the camera. The EOS-1D X also features an electronic first curtain, new to the EOS-1D series DSLRs, for minimal in-camera vibration during image capture.

Connectivity

For professional photographers who prefer a wired workflow and transfer system, Canon has included a built-in LAN connection in the EOS-1D X DSLR. The built-in LAN connection features a gigabit Ethernet Jack capable of 1000BASE-T transmission speeds, offering photographers a stable wired connection for ultra-fast data transmission. If the network were to go down, the camera will attempt to resend images until the files are sent. The EOS-1D X also features a direct image transfer function whereby images can be selected for transfer, and only sent once a LAN or USB connection is established.

Accessories

Designed exclusively for the EOS-1D X, the new Canon WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter* features wireless LAN support for 802.11n network transfer rates providing users with increased communication speed when compared to previous models. With this new dust and weather resistant model, professionals can synchronize clocks on multiple cameras and use the unit to support linked shooting when utilizing multiple cameras. In addition, Bluetooth-compatible equipment can be easily linked to the device as well.

The EOS-1D X also offers an optional Canon GP-E1 GPS Receiver*, which can be easily integrated into the camera's body. Powered by the camera, this GPS receiver provides the same weatherproof resistance as the EOS-1D X, even at the connector. With an electronic compass on-board, the GP-E1 will log movement – latitude, longitude, elevation, and the Universal Time Code – and allow viewing of camera movement on a PC after shooting. The receiver will also record camera direction when shooting, even when shooting vertically.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera is scheduled for March 2012 availability and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $6,800.00. The compact, lightweight WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter is scheduled to be available in March 2012 and have an estimated retail price of $600. Availability for the GP-E1 GPS receiver is expected in April 2012 with an estimated retail price of $300.

Logitech M525 wireless mouse lasts three years on a single pair of batteries

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 09:11 PM PDT

Logitech M525
That is the Logitech M525 wireless mouse, a rather unassuming hunk of plastic and rubber with a scroll wheel that also tilts for navigating pages both horizontally and vertically. Sure, you get your choice of white or black, for what that's worth, but probably the most distinguishing feature is the battery life. This £35 ($40) pointer gets up to three years on a single pair of AAs. In the states you get a few more color options, including green and blue, and all versions use Logitech's proprietary wireless connection, which lets you connect up to six devices to a single tiny dongle. The M525 is available now in the US and should be available in the UK before the month is out. Check out the PR after the break.
Show full PR text
Logitech Unveils New Wireless Mouse

Logitech Wireless Mouse M525 Offers Perfect Mix of Precision, Performance and Comfort

LONDON, UK - Oct. 17, 2011 - Today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) introduced the Logitech® Wireless Mouse M525, the ideal solution for anyone who wants to scroll quickly and easily through the Web.

The Logitech Wireless Mouse M525 features an innovative micro-precise wheel that packs more grooves per millimetre, giving you a smoother navigation experience. It makes scrolling through long Web pages faster and easier. Plus on most computer systems, the built-in tilt wheel lets you move backward and forward on the Web just like with a swipe.

"The Logitech Wireless Mouse M525 features faster scrolling, tilt wheel navigation and laser grade precision so you can surf the Web with ease," said Marcus Harvey, UK Country Manager of Logitech. "It offers a perfect mix of precision, performance and comfort – letting you freely interact with the digital world, a place where we spend an ever-increasing amount of time."
The Logitech Wireless Mouse M525's sculpted design and soft rubber grips conform to your hand for natural comfort, and the compact size makes it easy to take with you wherever you use your computer – at home, at work, or anywhere else. And with up to three years of battery life, smart sleep mode and an On/Off switch, you can almost forget about changing batteries.

The tiny Logitech Unifying receiver connects up to six Unifying-compatible devices with a single nano receiver, so your space is free of clutter and your USB port stays free for other devices. And Logitech Advanced Optical Technology delivers laser-grade precision over the most challenging surfaces, while using less power so you get up to three years of battery life.

Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Wireless Mouse M525 is expected to be available in the UK in October 2011, for a suggested retail price of £34.99. For more information please visit www.logitech.com.

About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech's combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

Four Bit Maze dares you to solve its puzzles, work your way up to the Lament Configuration

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 08:21 PM PDT

Got a relative who keeps cheating his way out of your yew maze? This holiday season, perhaps you should consider a different kind of challenge: Oskar van Deventer's Four Bit Maze. The apparently simple goal is to move the quartet of sliders from zero to one, but an Arduino UNO microcontroller makes things a bit trickier. It's programmed with ten different puzzles, each requiring a different sequence of movements to solve. An Arduino Motor Shield operates the motorfaders, and the whole thing's USB-programmable, meaning you can tweak it to your heart's content. See an in-depth video demonstration after the break if this sounds like your idea of fiendishly difficult fun.

Skype / Rdio co-founder's Vdio service leaks out, pronunciation confirmed

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 07:47 PM PDT

Where does one go after Rdio? Why, Vdio, of course. GigaOm today got some answers about Skype / Rdio / KaZaA co-founder Janus Friis's upcoming service. First and most foremost, it's pronounced "Vee-dee-o." The service is in closed beta at the moment, and will be first made available in the UK. The service will let users watch TV shows and movies -- beyond that, we don't know much, though the company assures us all that it "think[s] people will love using Vdio." Fair enough. At present, the service's homepage is cycling through shots of films like A Clockwork Orange and Ghostbusters and TV shows like Justified and Breaking Bad. Not too shabby.

Samsung and Google's Ice Cream Sandwich event is tomorrow -- get your liveblog here!

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 07:00 PM PDT

Are you a first-to-knower? You will be if you tune in here 24 hours from now. Samsung's event happens at 10am on October 19th in Hong Kong, but if you want to read it live you only need to wait until 10pm ET on October on the 18th. That's right, we'll be liveblogging from the future, Mr. Fusion not required, and it'll be happening in American Prime Time. Samsung is quite obviously going to show us some more of Ice Cream Sandwich and we're hopeful it'll be seen running on the deliciously curvaceous Nexus Prime. Will there be other surprises in store? Will real ice cream be served? Bookmark this page right here and find out as it happens.

Psst... and toss your own time zone / day in comments below!

04:00PM - Hawaii (October 18th)
07:00PM - Pacific (October 18th)
08:00PM - Mountain (October 18th)
09:00PM - Central (October 18th)
10:00PM - Eastern (October 18th)
03:00AM - London (October 19th)
04:00AM - Paris (October 19th)
06:00AM - Moscow (October 19th)
11:00AM - Tokyo (October 19th)

More efficient heat sinks could sport nanowire whiskers

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 06:08 PM PDT

Nanowire whiskers
Sintering is a common process for creating copper heat sinks that involves packing powdered metals into a particular shape and baking it in a vacuum. A funny thing happens though, if you leave out the vacuum part of the equation: you don't get a solid shape, but a porous pile of particles with hollow, nanowire whiskers sticking out of it. The serendipitous discovery could lead to a new way to make heat sinks for everything from CPUs to boilers at power plants. Now researchers at MIT are trying the process with practically every material they can get their hands on. Of particular interest is zirconium, which could be used with fuel rods in nuclear reactors to improve efficiency. The idea of whisker-covered heat sinks may sound strange, but the potential for improving thermal management across a range of applications is huge. Just don't try and pet it -- these things tend to get a little toasty.

Samsung Galaxy W revisits the FCC, is this T-Mobile's 'Ancora?'

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 05:28 PM PDT

Samsung's Galaxy W has already made its requisite FCC debut, brandishing radios fit for AT&T. Now another variant's cropped up in the Commission's electronic database, this time bearing the model number SGH-T679M and AWS bands. That's right, this looks to be the same Sammy handset, dubbed the Ancora, we spied earlier this month in that leaked T-Mobile roadmap. If the release date rumors prove true, you'll be seeing this low-end, 4G Android device and it's purported 1.4GHz processor up for sale early next month. Until then, you'll have to make due with the multitude of titillating frequency tests at the source link below.

Samsung delivers kernel source for T-Mobile Galaxy S II, developers can now collect all three

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 04:11 PM PDT

Developers, start your engines. T-Mobile's version of the Samsung Galaxy S II was the slowest in the family to get the official kernel source. It's here now, though, arriving on Sammy's site a whole four days after the phone's release; this isn't an eternity by any means, but its counterparts had the source available no later than the actual launch date. No matter the reason, make your way to Samsung's official site to dive in and make some magic happen.

[Thanks, Aubrey]

Camera showdown: iPhone 4S vs. iPhone 4, Galaxy S II, Nokia N8 and Amaze 4G (video)

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 03:30 PM PDT

Siri's sweet and all, but for many of us that new eight megapixel sensor and f/2.4 aperture lens are what really makes Apple's iPhone 4S an appealing upgrade. We spent the weekend shooting around New York City with the iPhone 4S, along with some other top smartphones -- the iPhone 4, Samsung Galaxy S II, Nokia N8 and HTC's Amaze 4G -- in order to determine just which phone's camera reigns supreme. And in order to capture video and stills with consistent framing among all five devices, we secured each smartphone to that homemade quintuple cameraphone mount that you see above -- it may be an early prototype, but it got the job done. Jump past the break to see the results, and check out our comprehensive iPhone 4S sample gallery below.
Camera showdown: iPhone 4S Sample Images

The iPhone 4S is a pleasure to shoot with. The camera is ready to capture its first image within a second of launch, and tapping to focus after recomposing is painless and speedy. With advanced options limited to a grid overlay and HDR shooting, its interface may be too simple for some, but third-party apps are available should you want a bit more control. The camera functions identically to its iPhone 4 predecessor, but its f/2.4 maximum aperture (compared to f/2.8 with the iPhone 4) means that you'll be able to snap higher quality photos in low light. Its image quality rivals many point and shoot cameras in most conditions, though if you tend to shoot in the dark, you'll want a dedicated camera with a more powerful flash.

Apple's iOS may offer one of the simplest camera interfaces, but it's by no means the most powerful. Want manual control over exposure, white balance and ISO sensitivity? The Galaxy S II, Nokia N8 and Amaze 4G let you do it all with just a few taps. Overall, we were most often pleased with photos we shot with the iPhone 4S, despite its lack of advanced features. Exposure and white balance were most accurate with Apple's finest, and images were plenty sharp on their own, though not as sharp as those from the Amaze 4G, which appears to add sharpening by default.
Camera showdown: iPhone 4S vs. iPhone 4, Galaxy S II, Nokia N8 and Amaze 4G

Battery life left us slightly less impressed, however. After about two hours of wandering around town, shooting several dozen photos and about 10 minutes of HD video with each device, the iPhone 4S had just 30 percent of battery left. Its predecessor, the iPhone 4 offered much better performance in the battery department, finishing the shoot with 52 percent remaining, even though we also used that device to check email multiple times and make several phone calls. Despite its enormous 4.3-inch AMOLED display, the Galaxy SII took top prize, with 53 percent left when we returned to the office, while the Nokia N8 had 50 percent remaining. And what about HTC's new Amaze 4G? Our around-town photo session wasn't nearly as kind on that smartphone's battery, with just 29 percent left at the end of the shoot.


We were quite pleased with the iPhone 4S's 1080p HD video, which looked smooth, sharp and vibrant. iPhone 4 owners will need to keep in mind that higher-res video means much larger file sizes, however -- a 160MB, two-minute video that we shot with the iPhone 4 tipped the scale at 390MB on the 4S. Those eight megapixel photos take up more space too -- a 2.2MB five megapixel iPhone 4 photo was 3.1MB on the 4S. Check out the table below to see how file sizes stack up against the other cameras in our showdown.

iPhone 4S iPhone 4 Galaxy S II Nokia N8 Amaze 4G
Price on contract $199 / $299 / $399 $99 $230 $389 (unlocked) $260
Resolution 8MP 5MP 8MP 12MP 8MP
Lens aperture f/2.4 f/2.8 f/2.65 f/2.8 f/2.2
Manual control No No Yes Yes Yes
Still file 3.3MB 2.2MB 3.6MB 2MB 2MB
HD resolution 1080p 720p 1080p 720p 1080p
2 min. HD file 390MB 160MB 197MB 130MB 153MB
Battery left 30 percent 52 percent 53 percent 50 percent 29 percent

For more on Apple's new iPhone 4S, check out our full review.

Update: Images from the Nokia N8 are not in line with those we've captured in the past. We're troubleshooting our device sample and will update this post accordingly.

Update 2: We have added 800-pixel-wide sample images from all five smartphones to the comparison gallery. The original side-by-side 100-percent views were pulled from these images and magnified the problem. Image quality in the scaled versions appear in line with the samples from other cameras.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

DeLorean DMC-12 EV announced for 2013 production, Doc Brown's whip gets real... electric

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 03:03 PM PDT

An electric-powered, production DeLorean? Believe it. It's in part thanks to the eponymously dubbed DeLorean Motor Company of Texas (not to be confused with long defunct DMC), which is known for its modernized restorations of the famed auto -- using original parts with slight modifications incorporating newer accoutrement. The automaker took to its blog this weekend announcing a partnership with Epic EV to make this "all-electric" DMC-12 a reality. Your Houston News reports that it's rated for 260 horsepower with a maximum speed of 125MPH -- although, we all know there's no need to go past 88MPH. It's expected to cost about six-figures, which sadly won't include a Flux Capacitor, but you could always run the app for that with its in-console iPhone holster. The DMC-12 EV is set to be released in 2013, and should be an excellent match for anyone who secured some of those Marty McFly-approved Nike Air Mags a few weeks ago. You'll find full details in the links below.

Must See HDTV (October 17th - 23rd)

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 02:44 PM PDT

The baseball season is almost over, but we've got one more playoff series to enjoy before giving things over completely to the fall and winter sports. We've also got a new new shows premiering this week, alongside notable Blu-ray releases including The Crow and Cape Fear. Look below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames.

Boss
Kelsey Grammer comes back to TV this week on Starz playing the mayor of Chicago, who has just been diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease that he's trying to hide from both his friends and his enemies. Focused more on political intrigue it probably won't have the action of The Chicago Code, but the intricacies of the corrupt political machine at work should remain. Check out a trailer after the break, apparently this first season was already impressive enough that it's been renewed for a season two before the premiere episode airs Friday.
(October 21st, Starz, 10PM)

World Series
The long baseball season has finally come down to the last two teams standing. the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals both feature impressive offensive and defensive lineups, which should make for an exciting round of baseball, as long as the series goes. The first four games are all scheduled to take place over the next week, so check the schedule below and clear out a little time for the inevitable Pujols/Hamilton/Cruz show.
(All week, Fox)

Once Upon A Time
Game of Thrones this ain't. This new drama premieres on ABC Sunday and attempts to update fairy tales for the modern age. The plot centers around a woman who is contacted by the son she gave up for adoption who believes that she is actually from an alternate universe where she is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Now he lives in a normal-looking neighborhood that is actually populated by the characters of the most famous classic children's stories. The subject matter is a bit out there, but coming from writer's whose biggest credit to date is their work on Lost, who would expect anything different? There's a trailer for this one after the break as well.
(October 23rd, ABC, 8PM)






Blu-ray & Games
  • Rocksmith (Xbox 360, PS3)
  • Batman: Arkham City (Xbox 360, PS3)
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 3D
  • Bad Teacher
  • Cape Fear
  • The Crow
  • Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (40th Anniversary Edition)
  • Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest
  • Page One: Inside The New York Times
Monday
  • Sing Your Song (special presentation), HBO, 10PM
  • Dolphins/Jets Monday Night Football, ESPN, 8:30PM
  • Terra Nova, Fox, 8PM
  • How I Met Your Mother, CBS, 8PM
  • Dancing With The Stars, ABC, 8PM
  • The Lying Game (summer finale), ABC Family, 8PM
  • 2 Broke Girls, CBS, 8:30PM
  • House, Fox, 9PM
  • Two And A Half Men, CBS, 9PM
  • WWE Raw, USA, 9PM
  • American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior, Discovery, 9PM
  • Scare Tactics, Syfy, 9PM
  • Bored To Death, HBO, 9PM
  • Mike & Molly, CBS, 9:30PM
  • Enlightened, HBO, 9:30PM
  • Hawaii Five-0, CBS, 10PM
  • Castle, ABC, 10PM
  • American Guns, Discovery, 10PM
  • Death Valley, MTV, 11PM
Tuesday
  • Man Up! (series premiere), ABC, 8:30PM
  • Charismatic (special presentation), ESPN, 8PM
  • Flashpoint (season premiere), Ion, 10PM
  • Sniper: Bulletproof (special presentation), History, 8PM
  • Last Man Standing, ABC, 8PM
  • The X-Factor, Fox, 8PM
  • 90210, CW, 8PM
  • NCIS, CBS, 8PM
  • NCIS: LA, CBS, 9PM
  • Ringer, CW, 9PM
  • Raising Hope, Fox, 9:30PM
  • Tosh.0, Comedy Central, 10PM
  • Parenthood, NBC, 10PM
  • Sons of Anarchy, FX, 10PM
  • Onion News Network, IFC, 10PM
  • Body of Proof, ABC, 10PM
  • Unforgettable, CBS, 10PM
  • Top Shot, History, 10 PM
  • Workaholics, Comedy Central, 10:30PM
Wednesday
  • MLB World Series Game 1 (Cardinals/Rangers), Fox, 7:30PM
  • Luther (season finale), BBCA, 10PM
  • Sun Come Up (special presentation), HBO, 8PM
  • Nature (season premiere), PBS, 8PM
  • The Middle, ABC, 8PM
  • Survivor, CBS, 8PM
  • Up All Night, NBC, 8PM
  • Suburgatory, ABC, 8:30PM
  • Modern Family, ABC, 9PM
  • Criminal Minds, CBS, 9PM
  • Inside The NFL, Showtime, 9PM
  • Law & Order: UK, BBC America, 9PM
  • Mythbusters, Discovery, 9PM
  • Harry's Law, NBC, 9PM
  • Happy Endings, ABC, 9:30PM
  • Psych, USA, 10PM
  • American Horror Story, FX, 10PM
  • The Real World, MTV, 10PM
  • The Ultimate Fighter, Spike, 10PM
  • CSI, CBS, 10PM
  • Penn & Teller Tell A Lie, Discovery, 10PM
  • South Park, Comedy Central, 10PM
  • Nick Swardson's Pretend Time, 10:30PM
  • Revenge, ABC, 10PM
  • Law & Order: SVU, NBC, 10PM
  • Inside NASCAR, Showtime, 10 PM
  • Blue Mountain State, Spike, 11PM
Thursday
  • MLB World Series Game 2 (Cardinals/Rangers), Fox, 7:30PM
  • Rules of Engagement (season premiere), CBS, 8:30PM
  • Gigolos (season premiere), Showtime, 11PM
  • UCLA/Arizona college football, ESPN & ESPN 3D, 9PM
  • Charlie's Angels, ABC, 8PM
  • The Big Bang Theory, CBS, 8PM
  • The Vampire Diaries, CW, 8PM
  • The Secret Circle, CW, 9PM
  • Grey's Anatomy, ABC, 9PM
  • Person of Interest, CBS, 9PM
  • Private Practice, ABC, 10PM
  • The Mentalist, CBS, 10PM
  • Private Practice, ABC, 10PM
  • It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, FX, 10PM
  • The League, FX, 10:30PM
Friday
  • Boss (series premiere), Starz, 10PM
  • House of Payne (season premiere), TBS, 10 & 10:30PM
  • Strike Back (season finale), Cinemax, 10PM
  • X-Men Anime (series premiere), G4, 11PM
  • Viper's Creed (series premiere), G4, 11:30PM
  • A Gifted Man, CBS, 8PM
  • WWE SmackDown, Syfy, 8PM
  • Nikita, CW, 8PM
  • CSI: NY, CBS, 9PM
  • Supernatural, CW, 9PM
  • Sanctuary, Syfy, 10PM
  • Blue Bloods, CBS, 10PM
Saturday
  • MLB World Series Game 3 (Cardinals/Rangers), Fox, 7PM
  • How To Be A Gentleman, CBS, 8:30PM
  • Bedlam, BBC America, 9PM
  • Free Agents (season finale), BBC America, 11 & 11:30PM
Sunday
  • MLB World Series Game 4 (Cardinals/Rangers), Fox, 8PM
  • Once Upon A Time (series premiere), ABC, 8PM
  • 60 Minutes, CBS, 7PM
  • Colts/Saints football, NBC, 8:15PM
  • Curiosity, Discovery, 8PM
  • Dexter, Showtime, 9PM
  • Desperate Housewives, ABC, 9PM
  • The Good Wife, CBS, 9PM
  • Boardwalk Empire, HBO, 9PM
  • CSI: Miami, CBS, 10PM
  • The Walking Dead, AMC, 9PM
  • Pan Am, ABC, 10PM
  • Hung, HBO, 10PM
  • Homeland, Showtime, 10PM
  • Around The World In 80 Ways, History, 10PM
  • How To Make It America, HBO, 10:30PM

Sirius XM rolls out Edge satellite radio with expanded channel lineup

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 02:31 PM PDT

We're still waiting for some official word on Sirius XM's seemingly imminent Android-based Lynx radio, but the company has now announced another first. That would be the Edge Dock and Play Radio pictured above, which is the company's first radio to support the so-called "Xtra Channels" that are a part of Sirius XM 2.0. As for the radio itself, it can of course be used either at home in a dock or in your car, and it'll give you ten pre-sets for your favorite radio stations, along with a fairly large (non-touchscreen) color display that shows the usual song and station information. Those interested can grab this one right now for $140 -- press release is after the break.
at 12:33 PM

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