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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

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HTC Flyer touches down at T-Mobile, Scribe pen not included

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 11:39 AM PDT

US Cellular's got one and so does Sprint (albeit under a re-branded banner). So, where's the Magenta-friendly HTC Flyer we saw creep up at the FCC this June? Well, it appears T-Mobile's been offering it for some time to business customers only, but that exclusivity's come to a close. The 7-inch Gingerbread slate with AWS bands is curiously absent from the operator's own online site, but you can still snag it from HTC for $299 with a new mobile broadband plan or $454 with a contract extension. Sadly, neither party's tossing in the HTC Scribe pen gratis, so you'll have to make due with your own digits for navigating or just pick it up separately. If this is the Sense-laden variant you've been holding out for, now's the time to hit up the source and get to ordering.

Gmail app on iPad and iPhone hands-on (video)

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 10:53 AM PDT

We've been clamoring for a dedicated Gmail app on iOS for so long that, now that there's one available, we couldn't help but take it for a test drive. Once installed the thing differentiates itself from the previous, HTML5-based app by using a darker, more mysterious black background for the app icon. Otherwise it's the same white and red envelope. Open that up and the app inside looks mighty familiar too. Join us after the break for some quick impressions.

Update: Google's confirmed on its blog that the Gmail app contains a bug that breaks notifications, and it's pulled the app while it fixes it. A new version is promised "soon."
Gmail for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch

On either the iPhone or the iPad the experience is much like the HTML5-based apps we've used before. On the phone (or iPod touch) the main view is a simple list of messages within the current label. Tap "menu" and a black bar pops in from the left, enabling your selection of other labels. We haven't yet found a way to specify which of those is kept in sync for offline viewing, but hopefully that's something coming in a future release.

Composing new emails does allow for attachments, but otherwise this offers little more functionality than we had before, and less than is found on the Android version -- most notably, if you have multiple accounts fed into your Gmail account, you can't choose which of those to send a message from.


On the iPad it's the same functionality just presented with a three-column view: list of labels, list of emails within the current label and a view of the current email on the far right. It's clean and workable but sadly a bit buggy. We had to reboot our iPad before it would let us sign in and we got notification-related errors upon launching both apps for the first time. We also had issues with content falling off the right side of the screen, partially obscured from view.

But, the good news is the apps do now support notifications, so you'll always know when someone wants a reply. Ultimately the apps don't rock the boat, but they're a start and an encouraging step toward proper Gmail platform independence.

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

Victory in Valencia: Android tablet maker gets Apple's iPad design lawsuit dismissed in Spain

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 10:40 AM PDT

Apple's taken its war on Android around the world and has won several battles recently, but the latest news from Spain isn't so rosy for Cupertino. Last year, Apple filed suit against Spanish firm NT-K, alleging it was infringing Apple's iPad design-related IP. Shortly thereafter, Apple scored a customs ban on NT-K's tablets, but yesterday a Spanish court decided to dismiss Apple's legal complaint and set NT-K's Gingerbread slates free. Victory in hand, the company plans to pursue a civil suit against Apple for damages caused by the ban. Score one for the green bot army, let's see if Samsung and HTC can follow their fellow Android OEM to the courtroom winner's circle.

Stephen Elop: Nokia sees 'the opportunity' in tablets, reveals no plans to seize it

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 10:21 AM PDT

Sometimes a CEO has to be coy. We understand that. So what should we make of Stephen Elop's remarks to Bloomberg Businessweek? Asked about the growing tablet market, the Nokia head replied, "There's a new tablet opportunity coming. We see the opportunity. Unquestionably, that will change the dynamics." So should your start holding your breath for a Nokia tablet? Not necessarily. While he didn't rule out doing so, Elop had no plans to announce, and he's made similarly vague comments before, including, "Our team right now is assessing what's the right tablet strategy for Nokia." Interpreting these quotes is a bit like reading tea leaves, but for now we're willing to believe the Finnish firm is still mulling its options.

Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 10:00 AM PDT

Welcome to Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide hub! Sure, there's nothing more exciting than tearing off crisp winter-themed paper to reveal the packaging of a shiny new gadget, but from the 4AM department store Black Friday queues to the stress of last-minute shopping online, figuring out what to buy your loved ones (and how to pay for it) can take all the fun out of this beloved wintertime tradition. We've rounded up some of this year's hottest tech toys, from TVs to tablets, bringing you a curated collection to help simplify the purchasing process. You've stumbled upon our main hub page, and we're glad you're here. Each week in November we'll be adding three new product guides to our home page, and we'll collect them all below as well. In the meantime, you can click on over to our available category pages, and stay tuned for those to come -- identified by a faded graphic for now.

Accessories
Bags and Cases
Desktops
Cameras
. . . .
Docks
E-readers
Fun Stuff!
Gaming
. . . .
Headphones
Laptops
Printers
Smartphones
. . . .
Tablets
TVs / Displays

BlackBerry Torch 9810 up for pre-order, illuminating T-Mobile stores November 9th

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:46 AM PDT

T-Mobile is getting ready for another BlackBerry-flavored spark -- the Torch 9810 is now up for pre-order for the carrier's business customers. The 3.2-inch slider will be bringing its full QWERTY keyboard, 4G, 1.2GHz processor and BlackBerry OS 7 to T-Mobile stores on November 9th for $250 -- after the mail-in rebate and with a two-year plan, naturally. Press info after the break.
Show full PR text
T-Mobile Announces Upcoming Availability of the BlackBerry Torch 9810

T-Mobile USA Inc. today announced the upcoming availability of the BlackBerry® Torch™ 9810, the latest 4G BlackBerry smartphone to join America's Largest 4G Network™. Powered by the latest BlackBerry 7 operating system and a 1.2 GHz processor, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 provides a fast and fluid premium smartphone experience. The BlackBerry Torch 9810 combines a brilliant 3.2-inch TFT VGA capacitive touch-screen display with a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard for a truly efficient and intuitive mobile communications experience.

Encased in a sleek and stylish form factor with a zinc grey color finish, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 is equipped with essential smartphone features, including access to BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger), personal and corporate e-mail, and social networking applications; a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and 720p HD video recording; and access to BlackBerry App World™ for downloading premium applications and games.

The BlackBerry Torch 9810 is expected to be available in an exclusive pre-sale for T-Mobile business customers beginning today, November 2. The smartphone is expected to be available nationwide at T-Mobile retail stores, select dealers and national retailers, and online at http://www.t-mobile.com starting November 9. The BlackBerry Torch 9810 is expected to cost $249.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card, with a two-year service agreement and qualifying Classic voice and data plan.

The official Gmail app for iPhone, iPad is officially official (update: pulled)

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:29 AM PDT

Well, it's about bloody time. Google has finally taken wraps off of its official iOS Gmail app. It's live now in the iTunes App Store for use with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The new app offers a number of "time-saving features," including push notifications for new message alerts, quick message search and email address auto-complete from your Apple device's address book. The iPad version also offers up a split view, to read messages and check out your inbox at the same time. On the efficiency side, the Priority Inbox shows your important messages first, and the app also lets you sort messages via labels and stars. Swiping down will refresh the messages and swiping right gives you a quick view of your labels. Gmail will work with devices running iOS 4 and higher. You can check it out for yourself at the iTunes source link below.

Update: Google's confirmed on its blog that the Gmail app contains a bug that breaks notifications, and it's pulled the app while it fixes it. A new version is promised "soon."
Gmail for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch

Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: tablets

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:00 AM PDT

Welcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! We're well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties surrounding the seasonal shopping experience, so we're here to help you sort out this year's tech treasures. Below is today's bevy of curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season.

Of all the electronic gifts you could buy someone right now, a tablet seems like one of the safer bets. It's a cheaper way of saying "I love you" than bestowing a $1,000 laptop, and it takes less chutzpah than signing someone up for a smartphone (along with two years of data fees). And let's be real here: what's more festive than flopping onto the couch in pajamas after opening gifts and lazily playing Angry Birds while It's A Wonderful Life airs in the background? Yeah, we can't think of anything either.

Sadly, we don't have any webOS-flavored tablets this time around, and we couldn't include some hotly anticipated numbers like the Transformer Prime, since they're not shipping yet and we don't even know much they'll cost. Still, we managed to find a slew of Android tablets (and one iPad) across a range of budgets. Been on the fence about what to get? Skip past the break for some ideas.


On the cheap


Amazon Kindle Fire

Hear that? That was the sound of other Android tablet makers taking a big gulp. Though it undercuts its competitors by at least $100, the Fire still manages to offer a high-quality IPS display and a (heavily skinned) version of Android that covers the basics -- email, web surfing, watching movies. What's more, it's closely tied to Amazon's vast empire of books, movies and MP3s, giving it a tighter ecosystem than what most other Android tabs have to offer. Sure, it lacks a camera and anything that qualifies as beefy storage, but with a price that tempting, its value is undeniable.

Key specs: 7-inch (1024 x 600) IPS display, 1GHz dual-core CPU, 512MB of RAM, 8GB internal storage, rated for eight hours of continuous reading, weighs 14.6 ounces.

Price: $199 on Amazon

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Acer Iconia Tab A100
Like other 7-inch tablets, the A100 runs Android 3.2 and is far more affordable than most 10-inchers. We think you'll dig its fast performance, absence of annoying skins and its portable design. Be warned, though, that it has short battery life, even for a tablet this small.

From $328 on Amazon


HTC Flyer
We're losing hope it'll ever run Honeycomb, but the Flyer is nonetheless a steal thanks to a steep price drop. After all, how many other Android tabs with pen support can you find for $300? For the money, it also has a solid, well-made aluminum design, though regrettably, the pen isn't included in the US.

$300 from Best Buy



Mid-range


Archos 80 G9

Though it's not the thinnest or lightest tab on the shelf, the 80 G9 offers the best bang for your buck. For $370 at the high end, it offers a 250GB hard drive, kickstand, full-sized USB port, healthy battery life and support for a raft of codecs. And if you could do without the HDD, you can step down to one with 8GB or 16GB of flash memory ($300 and $320, respectively). Either way, you get Android 3.2 while some similarly priced bargain-basement tabs run rusty old Froyo.

Key specs: 8.9-inch (1024 x 768) display, 8GB or 16GB of flash memory or a 250GB hard drive / microSD slot, USB port, 1 to 1.3 pounds, 1GHz or 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, rated for up to 10 hours of battery life.

Price: $280 and up on Amazon

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus
The original 7-inch Galaxy Tab finally has a successor in the Plus, which sports a 1024 x 600 display, dual-core 1.2GHz CPU and 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. Like other 7-inchers, it runs Android 3.2, though Samsung skinned it up with TouchWiz UX.

$400 on Amazon


BlackBerry PlayBook
Back when the PlayBook cost $500, it was a tough sell: the OS was buggy and it still lacks a native email app. But after a stream of updates, the addition of Android app support and a steep price drop, this 7-inch tablet has suddenly become a lot more intriguing. Now let's just hope that email app is indeed coming soon.

$332 and up on Amazon



Money's no object


Apple iPad 2

It's all about the apps, folks. While the Galaxy Tab 10.1 rivals the razor-thin iPad 2 in terms of build quality, Apple has maintained a wide lead in app selection. With 140,000 to choose from, the iPad 2 has become a veritable Swiss Army Knife, and even if you think Android's catalog is vast enough, many developers still write for iOS before they ever turn their attention to Honeycomb. Until Google's ecosystem can match Apple's, this remains the tablet to beat.

Key specs: 9.7-inch (1024 x 768) IPS display, 1.3 pounds, 16GB to 64GB of internal memory, 1GHz dual-core A5 SoC, rated for up to 10 hours of battery life.

Price: $499 and up from Apple

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Truth be told, we have a few favorite Android tabs, but if it's speed and a pinch-thin design you're after, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the one you want. We're enamored with its solid build quality and vibrant 1280 x 800 display, and if you like TouchWiz on Samsung's phones, you'll feel right at home using the 10.1: it runs the similar TouchWiz UX atop Android 3.1.

$499.99 on Amazon


Sony Tablet S
Just another Honeycomb tab? Not exactly. The 9.4-inch S stands apart from garden-variety slates with an ergonomic shape meant to mimic a folded magazine. It also packs a raft of unique features, including a universal remote and access to Sony's vast music and movie catalogs. It also runs select PlayStation games and streams media through DLNA-enabled speakers and TVs, to boot.

$499.98 from Amazon

HP and Calxeda's Moonshot ARM servers will bring all the boys to the yard (video)

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 08:41 AM PDT

HP and Calxeda's indiscreet partnership has been revealed to the world: Project Moonshot is a new server based around a brand new ARM-based EnergyCore system-on-chip. These new units are so efficient that a four core version, packing 4GB DRAM, consumes just five watts at full pelt -- for perspective, that's less than your average tablet. The other funky innovation is that all the server nodes now share a single power, cooling, management and storage system rather than carrying it themselves. In terms of space saving, the Redstone four unit chassis you can see in the image above can hold 288 of the little blighters. If you set your alarm clock early to learn more about efficient server architecture, head on past the break for two videos, including a tour of HP's server labs and some press release goodness.




Show full PR text
HP Shapes the Future of Extreme Low-energy Server Technology

HP server and infrastructure innovations advance computing at massive scale

PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 1, 2011 HP today announced a new industry program comprising a new server development platform, customer discovery lab and partner ecosystem to help customers significantly reduce complexity, energy use and costs.

HP's new program, dubbed Project Moonshot, combines with HP Converged Infrastructure technology to allow the sharing of resources – including storage, networking, management, power and cooling – across thousands of servers. It paves the way to the future of low-energy computing for emerging web, cloud and massive scale environments.

Project Moonshot is designed to fuel the advancement of low-energy server technology, while promoting industry collaboration to break new ground in "hyperscale" computing environments such as cloud services and on-demand computing.

Through these efforts, data center efficiencies are expected to reach new heights for select workloads and applications, consuming up to 89 percent less energy and 94 percent less space, while reducing overall costs up to 63 percent compared to traditional server systems.(1)

For companies with thousands of servers delivering web services, social media and simple content delivery applications, Project Moonshot is designed to deliver improved simplicity while achieving energy and cost savings never before possible.

Project Moonshot is based on experience gained through HP's leading low-energy innovations such as HP Data Center Smart Grid, which enables customers to double or triple their data center capacity,(2) as well as the recently announced HP EcoPOD, the world's most efficient data center. The Project Moonshot infrastructure is an extension of the industry-leading HP ProLiant brand of servers, which incorporates traditional x86 processors from Intel and AMD, and which has been the top server choice for 61 quarters.(3)

"Companies with hyperscale environments are facing a crisis in capacity that requires a fundamental change at the architectural level," said Paul Santeler, vice president and general manager, Hyperscale Business Unit, Industry Standard Servers and Software, HP. "HP has a strong track record of leading market transitions that enable our clients to stay ahead of the technology curve, maximize their ability to innovate and speed their time to market of new services while reducing costs and energy use."

Unlocking the potential of extreme low-energy servers

Project Moonshot is a multiyear, multi-phased program that builds on HP's experience powering the world's largest cloud infrastructures(2) and 10 years of extensive low-energy computing infrastructure research from HP Labs, the company's central research arm.

Reinventing the traditional approach to data center infrastructure by using Converged Infrastructure as its foundation, Project Moonshot unlocks the promise of emerging extreme low-energy servers by pooling resources in a highly federated environment to radically reduce space requirements, management complexity and energy consumption. It includes three essential elements to support the industry's evolution to hyperscale computing:

The HP Redstone Server Development Platform is the first in a line of HP server development platforms that feature extreme low-energy server processors. Initially incorporating Calxeda EnergyCore™ ARM® Cortex™ processors, future Redstone versions will include Intel® Atom™-based processors as well as others. HP Redstone is designed for testing and proof of concept. It incorporates more than 2,800 servers in a single rack, reducing cabling, switching and the need for peripheral devices, and delivering a 97 percent reduction in complexity.(1) The initial HP Redstone platform is expected to be available in limited volumes to select customers in the first half of next year.

The HP Discovery Lab enables clients to experiment, test and benchmark applications on the HP Redstone Server Development Platform, and other extreme low-energy platforms, as well as on traditional servers. The first lab is scheduled to open in Houston in January, with additional sites planned to open in Europe and Asia. With remote or onsite access, clients can work directly with HP engineers and industry peers to learn about the benefits of extreme low-energy servers for their specific application needs.

The HP Pathfinder Program, part of the HP AllianceONE partner program, is dedicated to client discovery efforts across the data center. It also encourages development of elements of the Project Moonshot program within open industry standards. The program includes independent software vendors – compute, storage and networking partners who contribute hardware, software and technical expertise. Initial participants are expected to include AMD, ARM Holdings, Calxeda, Canonical and Red Hat, with additional partners to be announced as the program develops.

"The volume of data processed in financial markets has increased exponentially, and traditional scale-up or scale-out architectures are struggling to keep up with demand without vastly increasing cost and power usage," said Niall Dalton, director of High-Frequency Trading at Cantor Fitzgerald, a company that is currently evaluating the technology. "HP is taking a holistic approach to solving this problem and working to bring unprecedented energy and cost savings for tomorrow's large-scale, data-intensive applications."

Additional information about Project Moonshot is available in an online press kit at www.hp.com/go/MoonshotInfrastructure.

HP Converged Infrastructure is a key foundation of an Instant-On Enterprise. In a world of continuous connectivity, the Instant-On Enterprise embeds technology in everything it does to serve customers, employees, partners and citizens with whatever they need, instantly.

HP's premier client event, HP DISCOVER, takes place Nov. 29 - Dec. 1 in Vienna, Austria. The event showcases how organizations can get started on their Instant-On Enterprise journeys.

What's in a name? Nokia's new Lumia and Asha line explained

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 08:21 AM PDT

What rhymes with Nokia? Why, Lumia, of course. And there, fellow gadget freaks, lies the poetic branding key to Espoo's first, great Windows Phone. Alright, it's not that simple, but the company's marketing team did make a concerted effort to find a moniker ending with a vowel sound. Of course, before this catchy, albeit odd, name could be settled upon, a list of potential winners had to be cross-checked with over 300,000 tech trademarks. After broaching that hurdle, "only a handful" survived and were then parsed by linguistic experts to avoid any embarrassing malapropisms and pronunciation difficulties across 84 dialects. Despite finding "lumi" to be an out-of-date Spanish slang term, resulting surveys found most Spaniards associated the term with "'light' and 'style'," and thus it was saved. We know how this genesis story ends, so we'll spare you the obvious marketplace conclusion. And as for that new Asha range? Well, the thinking there is quite simple. It's the word for hope in Hindi, and as the line is intended for emerging markets, that just seemed apropos. Click through to the source for a more detailed walk through this mobile origin story.

Leap Wireless testing the LTE waters by end of 2011, diving in head-first next year

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 07:58 AM PDT

Cricket's sure making some leaps and bounds, isn't it? That's right, Leap Wireless -- the prepaid provider's parent -- announced that it's making preparations to jump into the world of LTE. The carrier will begin testing the service in Tucson by the end of this year, and aims to blanket two-thirds of its current network (nearly 25 million people) with 4G goodness within the next two to three years. You won't have to wait that long to get your hands on an LTE-capable smartphone, however, as the first ones will begin showing up in the carrier's lineup by the second half of 2012. We knew the company had aspirations for the echelon of 4G when it signed a roaming agreement with LightSquared, so this doesn't necessarily come as a surprise, but it's the first solid announcement we've heard regarding its very own network. It looks like MetroPCS won't be the lone ranger in the prepaid LTE market for much longer. The news comes in line with the company's third quarter earnings report, which you can find below.

Show full PR text
Leap Reports Third Quarter Results
~ Operational and Financial Progress Drive Solid Results ~

- Net Additions Increase by More Than 200,000 Year-Over-Year

- Churn Improves to 3.8 Percent due to Enhanced Devices, All-Inclusive Plans and Successful Promotions

- ARPU Increases by More Than $4.00 Year-Over-Year, Primarily Due to Smartphone Customers


SAN DIEGO, Oct. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Leap Wireless International, Inc., a leading provider of innovative and value-driven wireless communications services, today reported operational and financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. Service revenues for the third quarter of 2011 increased 19.4 percent over the prior year quarter to $717.3 million. The Company reported $154.3 million of adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) for the third quarter, a 25.2 percent increase over the third quarter of 2010. Third quarter 2011 operating loss was $16.1 million compared to an operating loss of $478.1 million for the third quarter of 2010 (which included an impairment charge of $477.3 million related to goodwill and other assets). Net loss for the third quarter of 2011 was $68.8 million, or $0.90 per diluted share.


The Company reported approximately 666,000 gross customer additions for the quarter. The Company also reported a net gain of approximately 73,000 voice customers and a net loss of approximately 64,000 broadband customers, resulting in a net gain of approximately 10,000 customers, compared to a net loss of approximately 200,000 customers in the third quarter of 2010. Churn for the quarter was 3.8 percent, down from 5.5 percent for the third quarter of 2010. Third quarter voice churn was 3.4 percent, down from 5.2 percent for the third quarter of 2010.

"Our third quarter results reflect the benefits of the devices, service plans and nationwide 3G voice and data network coverage that we have introduced," said Doug Hutcheson, Leap's president and chief executive officer. "Our voice net additions improved by more than 245,000 customers year-over-year, reflecting continued improvements in gross customer additions and voice churn of 3.4 percent, a 180 basis point improvement year-over-year. In addition, ARPU increased to $41.25, reflecting the adoption of smartphones and Muve Music™ devices and related service plans by a third of our voice customers. We continue to pursue initiatives to build on this customer growth, including efforts to increase our distribution presence, enhance our already-compelling device line-up, improve customer awareness through a new nationwide marketing campaign and expand awareness and distribution of our successful Muve Music offering. We are pleased with our progress and believe we have attractive service plans and devices as we move into our stronger selling seasons."

(1)
For a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the section entitled "Definition of Terms and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included at the end of this release. Information relating to population and potential customers (POPs) is based on population estimates provided by Claritas Inc. for the relevant year.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company changed its method of accounting for regulatory fees and telecommunications taxes from a net to a gross basis in the consolidated statement of operations, such that the Company no longer deducts from service revenues regulatory fees and telecommunications taxes owed and remitted to government agencies and instead includes such amounts in cost of service. This change has been applied retrospectively to the Company's results for service revenues, total revenues, ARPU and CCU presented above. For more information regarding this change, please refer to "Definition of Terms and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included at the end of this release.

(2)
The Company recognizes a gross customer addition for each Cricket Wireless, Cricket Broadband and Cricket PAYGo™ line of service activated by a customer.

Discussion of Financial and Operational Results for the Quarter

Customers and Churn

End-of-period customers for the third quarter of 2011 were approximately 5,755,000, a 13.1 percent increase from end-of-period customers for the third quarter of 2010. This increase resulted from the addition of customers in the Company's operating markets and the addition of approximately 323,000 former customers of Pocket Communications in the fourth quarter of 2010 in connection with the formation of our joint venture in South Texas.

Net customer additions for the third quarter of 2011 were approximately 10,000, compared to approximately 200,000 net customer deactivations for the third quarter of 2010. Third quarter 2011 net customer additions reflected a net gain of approximately 73,000 voice customers and a net loss of approximately 64,000 broadband customers.

The net gain of approximately 73,000 voice customers represented an increase of approximately 245,000 net customer additions over the third quarter of 2010. The year-over-year increase in net voice additions resulted from the improved device portfolio and all-inclusive service plans the Company introduced over the last year, successful promotional activity and the benefits of customers upgrading to smartphones and Muve Music devices.

The net loss of approximately 64,000 broadband customers represented an increase of approximately 36,000 customers deactivations over the third quarter of 2010. The year-over-year increase in net broadband deactivations was due primarily to higher device pricing, a reduction in broadband marketing, network management initiatives and the Company's continued focus on higher-value service plans.

Customer churn for the third quarter of 2011 was 3.8 percent, a decrease from 5.5 percent for the comparable period of the prior year. Voice churn for the third quarter of 2011 was 3.4 percent, compared to 5.2 percent for the comparable period of the prior year.

Nearly 50 percent of the Company's new handset sales in the third quarter of 2011 were for smartphones and Muve Music devices and approximately 10 percent of the Company's customer base upgraded their handsets during the quarter, typically to better devices coupled with higher-ARPU service plans.

Service Revenues and ARPU

Service revenues for the third quarter increased to $717.3 million, a 19.4 percent increase over the comparable period of the prior year, primarily due to an 11.9 percent increase in weighted-average customers due to existing market customer growth and the contribution of former Pocket customers in the fourth quarter of 2010, as well as continued uptake of the Company's higher-ARPU service plans.

ARPU for the third quarter of 2011 was $41.25, an increase of 11.1 percent over the comparable period of the prior year, and 2.7 percent from the second quarter of 2011. The year-over-year increase in ARPU primarily reflected increased customer acceptance of the Company's smartphones and all-inclusive service plans and increased service plan pricing for the Company's broadband service.

Adjusted OIBDA and Operating Expenses

Adjusted OIBDA for the third quarter of 2011 was $154.3 million, an increase of 25.2 percent over the comparable period of the prior year, reflecting growth in service revenues, partially offset by increased handset upgrade activity and associated subsidy expense. Compared to the second quarter of 2011, adjusted OIBDA decreased 4 percent, reflecting increased subsidy expense in connection with a successful third quarter 2011 promotion. Third quarter 2011 adjusted OIBDA also reflected approximately $2.8 million of costs associated with the proxy contest and settlement of associated litigation related to the Company's 2011 annual meeting of stockholders.

Third quarter 2011 operating loss was $16.1 million, compared with an operating loss of $478.1 million for the comparable period of the prior year.

Third quarter 2011 operating loss reflected increased depreciation and amortization expense associated with network and corporate platform upgrades and assets acquired in connection with the formation of the Company's South Texas joint venture in the fourth quarter of 2010 as well as approximately $23.7 million of charges primarily related to the integration of Cricket and Pocket assets in South Texas.

Third quarter 2010 operating loss reflected $477.3 million of non-cash charges, primarily related to impairment of the Company's goodwill as well as the write-off of certain previously-capitalized network expansion costs relating to network design, site acquisition and capitalized interest.

Excluding the impact of the $23.7 million and $477.3 million charges in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively, third quarter 2011 operating income was $7.6 million compared to third quarter 2010 operating loss of $0.7 million.

Net loss attributable to common stockholders for the third quarter of 2011 was $68.8 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $536.3 million, or $7.06 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2010.

The change in net loss per share reflected the year-over-year changes in operating loss discussed above, the year-over-year increase in interest expense as a result of the Company's issuance of $400 million of unsecured senior notes in May 2011 and accretion expense related to the redemption value of the non-controlling interest in the Company's South Texas joint venture, which began operations in the fourth quarter of 2010. Additionally, income tax expense increased year-over-year as the third quarter of 2010 reflected a tax benefit from the impairment of the Company's goodwill.

CCU for the third quarter of 2011 increased 15.7 percent over the prior year quarter to $23.09, primarily due to increased device subsidy costs associated with increased device upgrades and increased telecommunications taxes and regulatory fees in connection with further customer migration to the Company's all-inclusive service plans.

CPGA for the third quarter of 2011 increased by 8.7 percent over the prior year quarter, reflecting increased device subsidy in connection with successful promotional activity, offset in part by reduced sales and marketing expense.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures during the third quarter of 2011 were $103.1 million.

Total capital expenditures for 2011 are expected to be between $425 million and $475 million, primarily to support the ongoing maintenance, development and growth of the Company's network in its operating markets and the initial deployment of LTE network technology.

Annual capital expenditures for 2012 to support the ongoing maintenance and development of the Company's network and other business assets are expected to be in the mid-teens as a percentage of annual service revenues.

The Company currently plans to deploy LTE across approximately two-thirds of its current network footprint over the next two to three years, with a commercial trial market scheduled to be launched in late 2011. The Company plans to cover approximately 25 million POPs with LTE network technology in 2012. Aggregate capital expenditures for LTE deployment are expected to be less than $10 per covered POP, excluding capitalized interest. Approximately half of the estimated capital expenditures for LTE deployment are included in the amounts estimated to be necessary to support the ongoing maintenance and development of the Company's network. The actual amount the Company spends to deploy LTE will depend upon multiple factors, including the scope and pace of the Company's deployment activities.

"We are pleased with the continued strengthening of our financial results, particularly in our margins, as a result of the product and service plan changes we have implemented, our expanding retail footprint and our innovation in music," said Walter Berger, Leap's executive vice-president and chief financial officer. "We ended the third quarter with $800 million in cash and short-term investments, and over the past year we have continued to actively manage our capital structure, including by extending the most significant maturities on our long term debt to 2016 and beyond and locking in more favorable interest rates. We believe that our solid balance sheet and strong operating results provide us with sufficient liquidity to fund our growing operations and our current business initiatives, including our planned launch of LTE."

The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM!

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 07:30 AM PDT

Wednesday evening plans? Cancel them. We're your Wednesday evening now. Yep, we're bringing the podcast to you a day early this week, because we can. Tim is out for the week, but Brian and Dana will be holding things down in New York, with a little help from afar, courtesy of Darren. So tune by directing your browser here, because we'll be live tonight (with video) at 5PM ET.

Android Browser leapfrogs Opera Mini, but Safari increases its lead

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 07:08 AM PDT

Web browser warriors have some more statistical firepower to play with, now that Net Applications has released the latest usage figures for mobile browsers. Google's vaguely titled Browser has inched up from a 16.3 percent share last month to 18.7 percent, counterbalanced by Opera Mini, which declined from just under 19 percent to 13.1 percent. Similarly, both Symbian and BlackBerry's mobile browsers dropped a few percentage points, down to 2.6 and 2.4 percent respectively. While rumors of a mobile-friendly version of Chrome continue to bounce around, there remains a substantial gap between second-place Android and the current mobile browser boss, Apple's Safari, which has now extended its dominance from 55.6 percent to 62.2 percent. The battle of the browsers wages on.

BBM Music now rocking BlackBerry App World (video)

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 06:41 AM PDT

RIM's BBM Music is now ready for public consumption. The simply titled mobile app is hitting the company's App World today for users in the US, Canada and Australia -- with more areas coming soon, naturally. BBM Music lets BlackBerry owners add 50 songs from a choice of millions and harnesses the social networking capabilities of BBM, giving Premium users access to music from their friends' music profiles. Check out video of the app in action, after the break.

Karuma's PlayBase tablet doesn't mind doing it for the kids

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 06:14 AM PDT

Infant-friendly devices are the "in thing" for panicking adults who don't want jammy fingers all over their Galaxy Note. Karuma is the newest to aim for the pre-Bieber crowd with the PlayBase: a cheap, durable tablet that's 9.7mm thick. The key specs include a 7-inch capacitive multitouch display, WiFi and a 1.2GHz Rockchip RK2918 Cortex A8 (the same chip in the AndyPad Pro, Archos Arnova 8 and 10). It's running a custom-skinned version of Gingerbread, but the company has included 1GB of DDR3 RAM in anticipation for a forthcoming bump to Honeycomb or Ice Cream Sandwich. As well as the rugged design, you'll also find it comes with a shock-absorbent silicon cover that protects the screen from the elements and can fold back to double as a kickstand. A front-facing camera and five hours advertised battery life round out the rugrat tablet (rugratblet?). Fans of pre-ordering things can throw down cash on November 15th and it'll be on sale proper come December 1st. Whichever way you wish to pay for it, it'll cost you £170 ($270).
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Karuma reveals the world's slimmest 7" kid-proof tablet for £169

Singapore, 1 November 2011 – Singapore-based consumer product developer and manufacturer, Karuma, officially announces the launch of their upcoming, upgradable Android Tablet, PlayBase®, today.

Designed and engineered in Singapore, PlayBase® is a sleek, durable and tough tablet for adults, built with kids in mind. Weighing in at just 325grams and at a thickness of 9.7mm, you'll want to slip it into your pocket and take it everywhere you go. It features a 7" capacitive multi-touch display, formed metal rear covers as well as interfaces for micro USB and a headphone jack, all housed in a sleek, kid-friendly and lightweight design for ultra portability.

Powered by Android,PlayBase® is more than just a well-built, multimedia device. Specifically designed to address the growing demand for kid-friendly tablets, it emphasizes on style and value while providing the latest technology and exceptional features users want, at very attractive price point. "Low cost does not mean having to compromise on quality. The idea of kid-proofing PlayBase® came from my personal experience (and many others!), with my 2-year-old nephew who broke my tablet's screen, after dropping it on the ground. PlayCovers will offer extra grip for little hands and butter fingers and keep it safe from drops, knocks and bumps", says Ashley Sayed, Managing Director.

Its sleek, stylish Dura-Body® features 5 main attributes that distinguishes it from other Android devices:

PlayBase® PlayCover®
PlayBase® introduces its innovativePlayCover®, a shock-absorbent silicone cover that wraps around the device and prevents damage from drops* and protect against rain,spills, dirt, scratches and screen marks. When not in use, it serves as a stand to watch videos and browse the internet. This unique slip-resistant rubberized surface is comfortable to the touch and easy to hold. Best of all, it comes with a complete range of PlayBase® accessories to fit your personality and lifestyle!

Each PlayBase® unit comes together with its own PlayCover®.
*PlayCover® increase the drop test performance by up to five times when compared to similar 7" tablets, meaning your device lasts longer than any other tablet on the market.

Upgradable firmware
With 1GB system RAM, users will be able to upgrade from the current OS to the latest Android releases, through our website, within the next few months.Combined with a powerful 1.2 GHz processor + 3D GPU, it promises to give you a smoother user interface and one of the best 3D gaming experiences ever.

Discover a whole new level in sound quality
When fitted with the PlayCover®, dual speakers deliver stereo audio to give improved bass and enhance your music, movie, video and gaming experience.

PlayBase® games
Pre-installed with our very own play-based learning game, it will be the first in a series of educational games that will challenge children and adults alike with its varying difficulty levels. New games and updates can be downloaded from our website, www.play-base.com. Follow us on Twitter (@Play_Base) for updates.

Intuitive User Interfaces
PlayBase® provides user-friendly control via the capacitive touch screen to tap into the growing Android developer community. Experience thousands of Android Market widgets, games and applications,without compromising on portability.

Key features and specifications of the PlayBase® include:
7" LCD, 800 x 600 resolution display, capacitive touch screen with full multi-touch display
1.2 GHz single-core processor
Built-in Wi-Fi
8GB of NAND flash
Up to 32GB Micro SD card
Multimedia options, including music, photos, video recording and playback
RAM : 1G DDR3
Output: Micro USB, Earphones
Dimensions: 204mm ×122m × 9.7mm
Weight: 325g
Stereo speakers
Front-facing camera
Accelerometer
Up to 5 hours of battery life, 60 hours on standby

Pricing & Availability
PlayBase®will be available for pre-orders from 15 November 2011, through www.play-base.com, with units arriving early December, in time for Christmas. PlayBase® will retail at £169 and is available to buy online via www.play-base.com, Amazon and eBay from 1 December 2011.

For the latestPlayBase® ®news, please visit www.play-base.com and on Twitter @Play_Base. For video of PlayBase® in action, visit PlayBase® TV at: http://www.youtube.com/user/PlayBase TV

NASA confirms satellite hacks in Congressional advisory panel

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 05:40 AM PDT

Acknowledging suspicions that two of NASA's earth observation satellites were hacked back in 2007 and 2008, the space agency has indeed confirmed "suspicious events" in a copy of an independent Congressional advisory panel on Chinese / US relations, obtained by Bloomberg News. NASA would not say whether the attacks were organized by the Chinese military as suspected, instead opting to assure the panel that no data was captured or manipulated and that they are working to establish an agency-wide space protection program. According to the report, hackers gained enough access to the Landsat-7 and Terra AM-1 earth mapping satellites to fully command the latter -- choosing not to act on it for unknown reasons. Probably because it'd take an actual rocket scientist in order to do so. Check out the source for more details.

Optimus 2X to receive Ice Cream Sandwich update, LG confirms

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 04:53 AM PDT

If you've been wondering about the fate of Ice Cream Sandwich on the Optimus 2X, wonder no more. LG has just confirmed via Facebook that it the latest Android OS is indeed coming to the 2X and other "high-end smartphones," effectively debunking rumors to the contrary. Unfortunately, however, the manufacturer isn't quite ready to offer a release date, but promises that "detailed information" is on the way. As always, we'll keep you abreast of the latest.

[Thanks, Simon]

Nokia Maps to be available for all Windows Phone handsets, sans voice navigation

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 04:35 AM PDT

Just because you don't have a new Lumia handset doesn't mean you won't be able to use Nokia Maps -- or most of it, anyway. According to ZDNet, Windows Phone users should expect to see Nokia Maps pop up as a free app on the Windows Phone Marketplace "within the next couple of weeks," though offline voice navigation feature will remain restricted to the Lumia 710 and 800, in the form of Nokia Drive. No word yet on when the app will officially hit the market, but we'll definitely keep a close eye on it.

DIY unmanned airship soars 95,000 feet above Earth, lays claim to new record (video)

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 04:02 AM PDT

Are you entertaining dreams of launching your own private spacecraft? All you need is about 30 grand in your bank account, and lots of spare time. Last weekend, a company called JP Aerospace sent its unmanned Tandem airship 95,085 feet above the ground -- a height that, according to the company, establishes a new record for remotely controlled airships. In fact, JP Aerospace says this altitude is a full four miles higher than any other airship has ever flown. To pull this off, the team strapped its 30-foot-long aircraft with two balloons, and packed it with a pair of electric motors that manipulated the Tandem's specially designed propellers. It's a relatively simple method, and one that didn't exactly break the bank, either. All told, it took about five years and some $30,000 to launch the aircraft, as part of the company's Airship to Orbit project. The long-term goal is to use the Tandem or similar airships as a launch pad for rockets or other interstellar aircraft. No word yet on when that could happen, but you can float past the break for a brief video on the Tandem, coupled with a brief PR.

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JP Aerospace Airship Flies to the Edge of Space, Smashing the Existing World Altitude Record

On Saturday morning, October 22, 2011, The Tandem airship was launched from Nevada's Black Rock desert. The airship flew to 95,085 feet, higher than any airship in history

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday morning, October 22, 2011, The Tandem airship was launched from Nevada's Black Rock desert. The airship flew to 95,085 feet, higher than any airship in history.

After fighting through extreme turbulence from 40,000 to 60,000 feet, Tandem soared to 95,085 feet. Tandem flew nearly four miles higher than any airship before. The pilot on the ground then remotely turned on the motors and flew the airship through a series of maneuvers. At the end of its mission one balloon burst and the command was sent to release the other balloon. Tandem was then carried to a soft landing by a row of five parachutes.

Tandem is an unmanned twin balloon airship. The two balloons are separated by a thirty foot long carbon fiber truss. Two electric motors each spin a six foot long propeller. The propellers are specifically designed to work in the thin atmosphere twenty miles up.
The airship was built and flown by the all-volunteer, independent space program: JP Aerospace.

"The big aerospace firms have been trying to do this for decades, spending hundreds of millions of dollars," says John Powell, President of JP Aerospace. "We've spent about $30,000 and the past five years developing Tandem."

Tandem is a general workhorse vehicle. A high-altitude backhoe, it will be used as a launch platform for small research rockets, a mother ship for hypersonic test airships and all around tool for the Airship to Orbit program. Airship to Orbit is a project to build large V-shaped airships that will fly to space.

Tandem is also a construction vehicle for high altitude research stations and eventually cities at the edge of space.

ST-Ericsson's NovaThor to power Nokia's Windows Phone devices, loosens Qualcomm's grip

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 02:43 AM PDT

Earlier this year, as you may recall, we learned that at least some of Nokia's Windows Phone devices would be powered by a dual-core chip from ST-Ericsson. At the time, this report came as something of a surprise, considering the fact that Qualcomm had long enjoyed hegemony over the Windows Phone market. Today, however, it becomes official, as Nokia has now selected ST-Ericsson's NovaThor platform as its Windows Phone supplier. There is no sign, however, that this deal will be exclusive, so it's likely that the manufacturer will continue to use Qualcomm silicon in addition to ST-Ericsson's ARM-based line of U9500, U8500, and U5500 dual-core CPUs. We also have yet to hear any confirmation on the specific devices that these chips will power, or when they'll go into production, though we'll be sure to let you know as soon as we get word. Skip past the break for a really short press release.
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NOKIA SELECTS ST-ERICSSON AS SUPPLIER FOR FUTURE WINDOWS PHONE DEVICES

November 02, 2011

NovaThor™ platform to enable Nokia to extend Windows Phone devices to new price points and geographies

Geneva, Switzerland, November 2, 2011 - Nokia has selected ST-Ericsson as a supplier for future devices it plans to introduce based on the Windows Phone mobile platform.
"We are pleased to have been selected by Nokia as a key partner for Windows smartphones, in line with our goal to be present in all segments and major operating systems," said Gilles Delfassy, president and CEO of ST-Ericsson. "Our NovaThor platforms continue to gain traction as they enable customers to bring great smartphones to the market."

Lenovo posts Q2 earnings, sees increase in profits, shipments and market share

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:56 AM PDT

The quarterly earnings stats just keep rolling in today -- this time, from Lenovo, which has just posted yet another stellar report. According to the company, profits for the second quarter of this year reached $145 million, marking an 89 percent increase over the same period last year. Consolidated sales, meanwhile, rose by 35.8 percent to a record $7.8 billion, giving Lenovo a worldwide quarterly market share of 13.5 percent, also its highest ever. Laptops, not surprisingly, were at the forefront of this surge, accounting for 57.5 percent of the company's total revenue, with PC shipments rising 35.4 percent over the year. Lenovo also saw a 25.4 percent increase in shipments to China, as well as a 54.5 percent year-over-year increase in shipments to mature markets, including Western Europe and the US. For more statistical delights, check out the full PR, after the break.

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Lenovo Reports Second Quarter 2011/12 Results

Becomes the world's second-largest PC vendor, with record market share of 13.5 percent
Record quarterly sales of US$7.8 billion

Pre-tax income of US$165 million

Profit attributable to equity holders of US$144 million

Basic EPS of 1.41 US cents, or 10.99 HK cents

Net cash reserves of US$ four billion (as of September 30, 2011)

BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lenovo Group today reported results for its second fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2011. Demonstrating the Company's rapid growth, Lenovo has become the world's second-largest PC vendor, just one quarter after being named the world's third-largest PC vendor. During the second quarter, Lenovo's worldwide PC shipments grew 35.8 percent year-over-year, seven times the PC industry growth rate of 5.0 percent worldwide for the same period. This is the tenth consecutive quarter that Lenovo has grown faster than the industry and the eighth quarter in a row that Lenovo has grown the fastest among the top four PC vendors.

With a continued focus on balanced growth across all markets, product lines and customer segments, consolidated sales for the second fiscal quarter increased 35.2 percent year-over-year to a record US$7.8 billion. Lenovo also recorded its highest-ever worldwide quarterly market share of 13.5* percent, and gained share points in China, mature markets and emerging markets alike.

At the same time, net earnings for the Company increased a whopping 87.9 percent during the second fiscal quarter, as profit attributable to equity holders for the quarter totaled US$144 million.

Lenovo's gross profit for the second fiscal quarter increased 59.8 percent year-over-year, to US$948 million, with gross margin at 12.2 percent. Operating profit for the second quarter was US$166 million, a 55.3 percent increase over the second quarter last year. Lenovo's second quarter pre-tax income was US$165 million, up 62.3 percent year-over-year.

Basic earnings per share for the second fiscal quarter was 1.41 US cents, or 10.99 HK cents. Net cash reserves as of September 30, 2011, totaled approximately US$ four billion. The Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of 3.8 HK cents per share.

"Lenovo's performance this quarter was outstanding. Despite significant investments for future growth, pre-tax income increased and the Company over-achieved its targets," said Liu Chuanzhi, Lenovo chairman. "The management team developed strategies in the right way, built a solid corporate culture and the morale of the whole staff is very high. The Board is very satisfied."

"In just two quarters, Lenovo has gone from the number four to the second largest PC vendor in the world. We achieved balanced growth across all markets, product categories and geographic regions. In China, we continued to extend our lead, while in Emerging Markets we have been growing more than three times the market growth rate. Including the successful integration of both the NEC and Medion businesses in Mature Markets, we recorded for the first time a turnover exceeding that of the China market. Not only has profitability substantially increased, but also with record market share," said Yang Yuanqing, Lenovo CEO. "We are very optimistic about the future of the PC industry. Our aspiration is not only to be the leader of traditional PCs, but to also accomplish much more in the extended PC categories, such as the smartphone and tablet."

GEOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW

Lenovo China achieved US$3.2 billion in consolidated sales (includes Mobile Internet Digital Home business) in the second fiscal quarter, an increase of 20.7 percent year-over-year, accounting for 40.8 percent of the Company's worldwide sales. During the second quarter, Lenovo grew its number-one position in China to a leading market share of 31.5 percent, up 2.7 points year-over-year. Lenovo's PC shipments in China grew 25.8 percent year-over-year in the quarter, almost double the overall industry increase of PC shipments in China of 15 percent. China has now surpassed the U.S.A. as the world's largest PC market, and as the number one PC vendor in China, Lenovo is well-positioned to deliver the products and services that customers in China want, particularly those customers in China's emerging cities, where Lenovo is keenly focused on outperforming its key competitors.

In Emerging Markets,** For the second quarter in a row, Lenovo grew more than three times faster than the industry, with PC shipments in the region up 37.9 percent, compared to an industry growth rate in the second fiscal quarter of 10.9 percent. Leading the way, were Brazil, India, Latin America and Russia, all of which saw an average year-over-year gain of 42 percent in PC shipments during the second quarter. Consolidated sales for the quarter increased 20.8 percent year-over-year to $1.3 billion, or 16.6 percent of the Company's total worldwide sales. Lenovo's market share in the region climbed to eight percent during the second fiscal quarter, highlighted by double-digit market share in both India and Russia, and aided by brand-building campaigns running across a variety of media.

Mature Markets*** Despite a difficult environment that saw overall PC shipments across the region drop by three percent in the second fiscal quarter, Lenovo maintained positive growth with PC shipments across the region up an eye-opening of 54.5 percent year-over-year. Consolidated sales for the second quarter rose a noteworthy 61.1 percent to US$3.3 billion, or 42.6 percent of the Company's worldwide sales. Lenovo achieved a record market share in the region of 9.1 percent, picking up 3.4 points year-over-year. The NEC joint venture and Medion acquisition are beginning to have an impact in the region, with significant share gains in both Japan and Western Europe during the quarter. Lenovo/NEC is now the clear market leader in Japan, giving Lenovo the number one ranking for PC vendors in two out of the three largest PC markets in the world.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Lenovo laptop computers continued to be the largest contributor to the company's sales worldwide, generating 57.5 percent of Lenovo's total sales revenue during the second fiscal quarter. Consolidated sales for Lenovo's laptop PC business worldwide in the second quarter increased 29.6 percent year-over-year. Lenovo laptop PC shipments worldwide in the second quarter were up 35.4 percent year-over-year, compared to an industry increase of 7.4 percent.

During the quarter, Lenovo announced the ThinkPad Edge 14-inch E425 and 15.6-inch, E525. Both models are designed for small-to-medium (SMB) business customers and feature a slimmer, more polished design, complemented by powerful, reliable technology with voice and video capabilities. For consumers, Lenovo announced three new luxury laptops – the IdeaPad U300s ultrabook, and the U300 and U400 laptops, designed for fashion-minded customers, who want a product that is stylish, yet powerful and productive.

Consolidated sales of Lenovo desktop computers worldwide increased 37.8 percent year-over-year in the second fiscal quarter, or 34.1 percent of Lenovo's total sales revenue.

Desktop shipments for the same period increased 36.3 percent, compared to an industry increase worldwide of 1.7 percent. The Company added to its popular all-in-one desktop PC lineup with the introduction of the ThinkCentre M71, designed for businesses, schools and government. The new ThinkCentre boasts a variety of performance features from fast boot to interactive touchscreen options and advanced conferencing features.

Lenovo's Mobile Internet Digital Home (MIDH) business in China saw handset unit shipments grow 39 percent year-over-year during the first fiscal quarter, compared to an overall industry growth rate of 31 percent. Feature phone shipments were up 28 percent year-over-year, in a market that saw only four percent growth overall. With the launch of Lenovo's new entry-level A60 smartphone, early sales indicators that show Lenovo growing much faster than the market are encouraging. Lenovo's previously announced tablets are starting to make headway, and Lenovo is already ranked number two in the China tablet market.

During the second quarter, the previously announced ThinkPad Tablet, the Company's first 'business-class', Android-based tablet, went on sale to customers in the U.S.A. and other markets, and as the second quarter closed, Lenovo announced the new IdeaPad Tablet A1, a consumer-friendly, seven-inch tablet based upon the Android 2.3 operating system.

Pepsi's 'Sound of Football' project lets visually impaired players see the pitch with their ears (video)

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:54 AM PDT

One one side of the field was a team of former pro soccer players. On the other, a squad of visually impaired amateurs. The two sides laced 'em up, stretched out their quads and went head to head in a scrimmage, though the matchup was a lot more even than you might expect. It's all part of something called the "Sound of Football" -- the latest experiment from the Pepsi Refresh Project. The idea was to level the playing field, so to speak, by forcing both teams to play a match using only their ears, and a pretty nifty tracking system. Created by Tracab, this system was comprised of 16 cameras covering the entire pitch (including two stereovision cameras placed at mid-field), and used jersey colors to distinguish the home team from the away team, and to identify the referees. This set up, which was deployed during the last World Cup, essentially tracked the position of each player in real-time. This information was then funneled into an iPhone attached to each player's headset, and converted into a surround-sound landscape, using an app created by a company called Society 46. Unique sounds were assigned to both the ball and the goal; turning your head in the direction of one goal would produce one sound, facing the ball would result in another. This allowed each player to get a better idea of his surroundings and of his spatial positioning, though, as many of the pros found out, it wasn't quite as easy as it looked. The designers of this system are now looking to use their technology in other, non-sports arenas, in the hopes of helping the blind and visually impaired "see" more of the world around them. Check out a pair of videos on the match and the technology behind it, after the break.

[Thanks, Martin]



Sony posts $350 million loss in Q2 earnings report, forecasts full-year loss

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:13 AM PDT

Sony's Q2 earnings have just come in and, as you might guess, they're not particularly glowing. A few days after announcing plans to buy out Ericsson's stake in Sony Ericsson, the manufacturer posted a quarterly loss of ¥27 billion ($346 million) today, compared with a net income of ¥31.1 billion during the same quarter last year. Last quarter, the firm posted a net loss of ¥15.5 billion, or about $200 million. Sony attributed much of this decline to a stronger yen, lower TV sales and recent flooding in Thailand, which has disrupted its supply chain. On this basis, the company lowered its full year forecast, predicting a net loss of ¥90 billion ($1.2 billion), compared with a net profit of ¥60 billion that it had previously expected. It appears, then, that Sony's TV division is primed to post an annual loss for the 8th straight year, which would certainly explain those plans for a forthcoming shakeup. Find the full report at the source link, below.

Soundfreaq's Sound Stack Bluetooth speaker sports dual subwoofers, $400 pricetag

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 12:01 AM PDT

Soundfreaq doesn't release speaker systems often, but it's safe to expect something spectacularly sexy when it does. Such is exactly the case with its latest audiophile-aimed creation, the Sound Stack wireless speaker. The company is toting this $400 Bluetooth-enabled HiFi rig as a "2.2" speaker system, thanks to its DubSub design -- a duo of active subwoofers pump out lowend in an effort to complement its two other "full-range" drivers. Soundfreaq's also packed this puppy with its UQ3 processing to keep the soundstage wide despite the unit's size. Better yet, downloading a free Remote App (available on Android and iOS) unlocks the system's FM radio -- perfect for when you're feeling nostalgic. If that wasn't enough, the Sound Stack's also loaded with an iThing dock and a USB input, both of which can be used to re-juice your devices while streaming. If your Gadget Acquisition Syndrome is already kicking in, fret not, the Sound Stack is available for purchase now. You'll find more details past the break.

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SOUNDFREAQ LAUNCHES SOUND STACK

AUDIOPHILE WIRELESS SPEAKER WITH DUBSUB™ TECHNOLOGY

Los Angeles, November 2, 2011 – Soundfreaq today announced the launch of Sound Stack, the company's latest and largest hi-fi wireless speaker. Sound Stack is the third Bluetooth home speaker in the acclaimed Soundfreaq line --joining Soundfreaq's highly reviewed Sound Platform, Sound Step & Sound Step Recharge -- making it the most complete offering of Bluetooth speaker docks on the market.

Meticulously crafted for audiophiles, Sound Stack captures the nuance of every note and complements every genre of music at any volume. Sound Stack features DubSub™, a unique 2.2 speaker configuration pairing two full-range drivers with two active subwoofers. DubSub™ technology combined with custom-engineered Kevlar-reinforced drivers, a tuned triple-ported housing and Soundfreaq's proprietary UQ3™ spatial sound enhancement brings a level of acoustic innovation not typically offered in a speaker dock. Sound Stack delivers power to fill even the biggest room in your home while maintaining clarity and fidelity for the discerning ear.

"After two years in development, we're extremely proud of the acoustic bar that Sound Stack sets. It delivers power with detail, bringing instruments and voices closer to the listener than on any home system we've heard," said Matthew Paprocki, co-founder and creative director of Soundfreaq. "Throughout our testing, enthusiasts and artists alike have commented that they 'can see the music being played.' Combined with our industry-leading feature set and value, it's a no-compromise product."

As with all Soundfreaq products, Sound Stack allows users to stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth compatible device including iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android and Blackberry. Sound Stack also features docking and charging for iPad, iPhone and iPod devices as well as a universal USB-charging port.

Not just for music, Sound Stack's exceptional audio enhances the entertainment experience for movies, TV shows, videos, games, and apps from any smart device. With Sound Stack, users can also connect to optical audio devices including Apple TV, Blu-ray DVD and gaming consoles with digital HD audio.

Available now, Sound Stack continues Soundfreaq's commitment to delivering a versatile wireless audio entertainment experience, including:

· iPad Docking– iPad users can stream music wirelessly, and now can also dock and charge their iPad, with or without a case.

· Charge A Second Device – Universal USB power port allows users to charge any USB-chargeable gadget including Blackberry, Android and Apple phones and Bluetooth headsets.

· More than Music –Sound Stack is perfect for enhancing any entertainment experience delivering crystal clear audio for movies, TV shows, videos, games, Internet radio and every app, including Pandora, YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, TiVo, Spotify and HBO GO.

· Soundfreaq Remote App for Apple and Android – Users can turn their Android, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch device into the ultimate remote control by downloading the free Soundfreaq Remote App which includes access to Sound Stack's internal FM radio.

· AAC Lossless Transfer – Stream AAC music files from the iOS music player on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch in their native format without degradation in quality.

· Perfect for Multi-Device, Multi-User Households and Compatible for Future Devices – Sound Stack is designed for both today's and tomorrow's smart devices using Bluetooth – the portable wireless standard.

Sound Stack is immediately available at Crutchfield and other CE- and specialty-audio retailers. A full list of retailers and more information is available on Soundfreaq.com.

Sphero goes up for pre-order, ready to roll its way into your heart

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 11:27 PM PDT

Our favorite iOS / Android-controlled toy ball is coming soon to an annoyed cat near you. You can pre-order Sphero now for $130 through Amazon, and it'll start shipping in December, just in time to remotely find its way into a stocking or two.

GameChanger is a game-changing, iPad game board that lets you change games

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 10:32 PM PDT

GameChanger
All joking aside, GameChanger is actually pretty neat. It's a combination iPad dock and playing board that isn't limited to a single game. The Apple slate becomes an integral part of play, where you spin a virtual wheel to determine how many spots to move while the app tracks your progress. The board itself comes with different skins (two at the moment: The Magic School Bus and Animal Mania) that have their own particular set of animations, questions and tasks when you select the title from the free GameChanger app. There's no dice or cards to lose, but you might be wishing for bits of plastic and cardboard when a sore loser tosses your tablet across the room. GameChanger is available now for $80 and a few more details can be spied in the PR after the break.
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The Evolution of the Board Game Is Upon Us!

Identity Games Brings The Traditional Board Game Experience to Life with Innovative iPad Accessory - GameChanger™
IDENTITY GAMES GAMECHANGER Identity Games Launches GameChanger. (PRNewsFoto/Identity Games) ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for the holidays, Identity Games – an international award-winning game creator, producer and publisher - introduces a true "game changer" to the board game category. Presenting GameChanger™ – a groundbreaking innovation in game play. GameChanger is an electronic game board that works with the iPad. Featuring interactive animation and sound, GameChanger adds a whole new dimension to the traditional board game by creating a different experience every time you play.

The GameChanger, which is an app-based accessory "Made for iPad," is very simple and easy to use. Kids are given the option of playing two different games; The Magic School Bus® from Scholastic or Animal Mania. The iPad simply slides into the GameChanger cradle, and one of the included game skins can be placed on top of the board. Parents can download the App, which is free with GameChanger purchase, and then the family fun can begin!

"The GameChanger is going to revolutionize traditional board game play," said Emile Kalis, Creative Director, Identity Games. "By bringing together the best of both worlds – board games and the world's number one tablet, GameChanger offers an entirely new gaming experience for the family that is both fun and educational."

With GameChanger, the electronic game board and the iPad screen become one, and come alive with a simple touch. The game pieces themselves interact with the iPad, which asks questions and assigns tasks, so players always know whose turn it is. A "spin" of the wheel on the iPad lets players move their pawn across the game board. Since the game board and the iPad are connected, all game play is completely guided and tracked.

In The Magic School Bus® game, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, kids can join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they play, learn and discover through fantasy and science. As young ones move across the game path, they will travel and see the world, learning fun facts through different video clips and questions. In the Animal Mania game, it's a crazy animal mad house! Young explorers will travel the world across different continents and time periods, learning about animals, their habitats and behavior. Kids will meet mammals, sea creatures and even prehistoric dinosaurs as different animals challenge them along the game path. With trivia questions, fun tasks and entertaining riddles, young explorers will learn about animals in a whole new way.

The GameChanger comes with the electronic game board, four game skins (Scholastic's The Magic School Bus and Animal Mania), four game pieces and free App download. It is recommended for children ages 6 and up, and has a suggested retail price of $79.99. It will be available beginning on November 1, 2011 at retailers including Toys"R"Us, Apple Stores and Amazon.com. Additional games will soon be available, including Kaboom and DuckDuckGoose. For additional information, visit www.boardgamechanger.com.

About Identity Games
Identity Games is an international award winning game creator, producer and publisher.

The company was founded in 1992 and specializes in personalized games for B2B, for consumers and distributors worldwide. The mission of Identity Games is to make innovative, creative and educational games for every business, family and market and exceed customer expectations by delivering high quality games at the best possible prices.

About The Magic School Bus®

Based on the best-selling Scholastic book series written by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Bruce Degen, The Magic School Bus is an Emmy Award-winning animated television series that has been seen in 39 countries in 16 languages. Now in its 17th season, it currently airs on the Qubo Channel in the United States. With more than 58 million books in print, the brand has won numerous industry excellence awards, including two Emmys for Lily Tomlin (for her portrayal of Ms. Frizzle in the TV series), five CINE Golden Eagles, a Parent's Choice Gold Medal, a National Conservation Achievement Award, an Environmental Media Association Award, and an Annenberg Public Policy Center Award. Two The Magic School Bus book apps are available for the iPad™ and a live show entitled "The Magic School Bus Live: THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE" launched in October.

NASA developing tractor beams, no plans for Death Star... yet (video)

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 09:48 PM PDT

Fully functional LightSabre aside, a tractor beam has to be high on most geek wish-lists; lucky for you NASA has started working on one. Before you drop your sandwich (or whatever that object in your left hand is), this won't be for sucking up star cruisers, but the more modest task of sample and space dust collection. The basic concept has already been proven, but now NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist has given boffins $100,000 to make the dream a reality. Three potential methods are already on the table, which in lay-terms resemble laser tweezers, a light vortex and a conceptual rippling beam. Once developed, it could signal the end of traditional mechanical sample collecting -- and just plain luck -- consigning robotic arms to the history books. Check the video after the break for science-tastic mock up of how it might work.

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

Rdio gets rechristened 'Oi Rdio' while vacationing in Brazil, has plans to visit Germany and Australia

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 08:56 PM PDT

Are you a resident of Brazil and love streaming music? Have a seat, as Rdio's packed its bags and is headed for a little séjour on the South American continent. Launching later this week, the service will be functionally similar to its US and Canadian counterparts, except it'll lose gratis ad-free streaming and get a name change to "Oi Rdio." That joint word-mark is the result of a partnership with Brazil's largest telco, Oi, which should give the service headway with the former's 70+ million subscribers. But it's just an awareness ploy, as non-Oi subscribers can still partake in all the fun. Unlimited monthly access to the 12 million tunes on offer starts at $R8.99 (about $5) for web, or $R14.90 (about $8.50) for those seeking offline-capable admittance on their mobiles. It's all part of an international expansion, as the service plans to visit Australia and Germany in early 2012. Spotify's passport is plumper, but hey -- you gotta start somewhere.

Android Market v3.3.11 APK now available, adds auto-update by default and other new settings

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 08:23 PM PDT

The latest revision of Google's Android Market app is hitting handsets now, and while it doesn't bring any new tabs for music, Android Police mentions a few changes you might find notable. Among them are the ability to select auto updating for apps as the default option, as well as a setting to auto update only when connected via to the internet via WiFi. One change stolen from Honeycomb is a setting to automatically add homescreen shortcuts for new apps, while the UI has also been tweaked with a smaller font, new app drawer icon, and voice search button. As usual, it will probably automatically appear on your device eventually, but those who can't wait can hit the source link and download the ripped APK of v3.1.11 right now.

Yamaha's ruggedized PDX-11 iPod speaker dock lets you blast beats beyond your block for $100

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 07:32 PM PDT

If its past offerings have been any indicator, Yamaha's no stranger to pumping out attractive speaker docks for iDevices. Not surprisingly, the company's managed to pour that design sense into its latest ruggedized portable system, the PDX-11. This octagonal unit features a 4-inch woofer and a 3/8-inch tweeter that can be powered by six AA-batteries, allowing for up to eight hours of on-the-go sound. Up top, you'll find a 30-pin connection base for your iPhone or iPod, and there's also a 3.5mm jack around back to play nice with other PMPs. Notably, the speaker's metal carry handle and grill should keep it ready for a mild amount of city-slicking abuse -- and in a choice of blue, white, green or black, we'd imagine it'll look extra fresh doing so. To sweeten the deal further, a remote is included for extra control options. If you're ready to take your tunes to the outdoors, the PDX-11 is available now for a block rockin' hundred bucks. You'll find full details at the source link below.
Show full PR text
Yamaha PDX-11 Portable Dock for iPod/iPhone Lets You Take the Party with You

Portability with striking, rugged design and mind-blowing sound is ideal for life on the go

Release Date: November 1, 2011

BUENA PARK, Calif. – Against an endless sea of iPod and iPhone docks that have flooded the market, Yamaha boldly unleashes a standout: the PDX-11 portable player dock, an entirely new product concept that delivers amazing sound quality anywhere and at a remarkably low $99.95 MSRP.

Available in four eye-catching colors-white, dark blue, green and black-the battery or AC powered PDX-11 has a striking and rugged-looking octagonal horn-shaped design with a perforated steel grill designed for overall toughness. A sturdy "grab it and go" roll bar chrome handle makes it easy to take the PDX-11 anywhere you want to enjoy your favorite tunes-from the home or dorm room, to a party on the beach, the back yard or game-day tailgating.

The iPod/iPhone dock is perched on the top of the unit, and music is played back via an exceptionally powerful 4-inch woofer that drives extremely accurate, kicking bass and stunning midrange, while a separate tweeter provides crystal clear high frequencies.

"The PDX-11 was conceived by Yamaha as a portable playback product that mirrors the philosophy of the iPod itself – to give consumers the freedom to enjoy and share music absolutely anywhere, through a stylish device that is compact, easy and fun to use," said Tom Sumner, president, Yamaha Electronics Corporation. "There is no other comparably priced device on the market that approaches what the PDX-11 offers in sound quality, portability, rugged design and aesthetics. People who see it will want it. People who hear it will want it even more."

The PDX-11 also can be connected to a PC, Mac or other digital audio player via a mini jack (3.5mm) on the back of the dock.

For more information, write Yamaha Electronics Corporation, P.O. Box 6660, Buena Park, CA 90620; call (714) 522-9105 or visit http://4wrd.it/YAMAHAPDX-11.

GameStop's Android gaming tablets get official at 200 stores in soft launch

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 06:53 PM PDT

Android slates gussied up with pre-installed video games? We must be talking Sony here, right? Wrong. Turns out, this is what GameStop's prexy had in mind when he spilled the beans about the company's plans for a certified gaming tab. Making good on that word, but falling short of actually producing a new device, 200 of the retailer's brick-and-mortar shops are now home to an array of tablets from the likes of Acer, ASUS, Samsung and Motorola -- all members of Google's tablet OS brigade. These familiar Honeycomb faces carry their same retail prices, but come customized with seven free games and, in the case of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Iconia Tab A100, the company's proprietary Bluetooth controller. You can always snag that last bit separately, although if you're already committed to shelling out this much cash, what's another $39? While the verdict's still out on whether this move is a hit or miss, it sure is no wonder why PlayStation Suite's eyeing greener hardware pastures.

First manned multicopter takes flight, brave human sits amidst blades (video)

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 06:19 PM PDT

What could have ended in human chop suey, instead resulted in victory for German engineers at e-volo as they successfully completed the first manned flight of an electric multicopter. The human death trap multicopter uses multiple mini helicopters to lift the passenger upwards -- who's snuggled in the center of the carnage, firmly strapped to a squishy exercise ball. Like an UAV, the hovering device is controlled via radio control from the ground -- talk about trusting. The passenger was able to hold on for one minute and 30-second of flight victory, causing raucous celebrations from the Wright brothers in aviation heaven. Click past the break for the video.

Kinect commercial SDK coming in 2012 (video)

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 05:39 PM PDT

So much for it being a fad. Kinect has evolved from a way to play with Elmo to a key tool in scientific research, delivering interactive presentations and managing your bank account. We've always called these non-standard uses of the device "Kinect Hacks" as people find more weird and wonderful ways to use it to their advantage. Unsurprisingly, Redmond has been paying attention and it's planning a commercial Kinect SDK. It's teaming up with developers to create the new software and has already received 200 applications from interested parties. It all kicks off early next year, and interested parties should be chatting up the company as we speak. Stuck for inspiration? We've got you covered, check out what other clever bods have already achieved with the technology in the video after the break.

Logitech's Mini Boombox is a $99 Bluetooth speaker, we go hands-on (video)

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 05:01 PM PDT

$99? For a portable speaker? Yup, that was our reaction too -- especially when the Mini Boombox's larger sibling boasts four times as many drivers (eight instead of two) and costs just $50 extra. But then we gave this more suitcase-friendly version a whirl and discovered that it's actually loud and balanced enough to do some justice to your tunes while you're on the move. In fact, it could well make a smarter purchase than those $30 speakers you keep buying in airports and then deliberately losing. It's available from the end of this month, works with any A2DP Bluetooth-equipped smartphone or tablet and incorporates a mic for handling calls -- plus its rechargeable battery is claimed to last up to ten hours. Ears-on video and a quick round of 'name that tune' right after the break, along with the full PR.
Logitech Mini Boombox hands-on


Show full PR text
Logitech Mini Boombox
Brings Great Sound Wherever You Go

Mobile Speaker-and-Speakerphone Combo Lets you Rock Out and Make Calls from Bluetooth-Enabled Devices

London, UK - Nov. 2, 2011 - Today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) unveiled the Logitech® Mini Boombox, a compact sound system for music, movies, games and calls that pairs easily with smartphones, tablets and other Bluetooth®-enabled devices.

The Logitech Mini Boombox may be small, but it's big on performance. It features a specially designed acoustic chamber that lets you enjoy great sound with enhanced bass, and the handy speakerphone with built-in microphone gives you clear calls in the office, in the car or in the back yard. It's great for phone calls or video chats – alone or with a group.

"The Logitech Mini Boombox rises to the occasion to bring an immersive sound experience wherever you go," said Azmat Ali, vice president of tablets and mobile for Logitech. "Now that mobile devices also act as cinemas, concert stages, game consoles, and conference centres, people want sound quality to match - and the Logitech Mini Boombox delivers."

The Logitech Mini Boombox pairs easily with popular smartphones, tablets and other devices that support Bluetooth® Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), and works with phones that support Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP 1.5). It features an internal battery that charges over USB – so you never need to worry about replacing batteries – and it stays powered for up to ten hours, depending on usage and environmental settings. That's long enough to share all of your favourite playlists or stay up all night chatting on the phone. And with a backlit touch control panel, you can easily control it night or day.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Mini Boombox is expected to be available in Europe from the end of November, for a suggested retail price of £69.99. For more information please visit www.logitech.com.

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

Engadget HD Podcast 272 - 11.01.2011

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 04:41 PM PDT

A year after its debut, Google TV is finally getting a fresh UI, its first taste of Market apps, and all-new Honeycomb underpinnings, so naturally that gets most of our attention this week. Of course, it seems like everyone is doing what they can to shake up the TV industry, putting Sony, Roku, Plex, Microsoft, DirecTV, and Redbox in the news as well. The one common thread joining these companies is that they can't do it without content, and it appears Warner Bros. and other studios may be locking the windowing gates tighter than ever. After all of that, we'll dig into what we have been and will be watching, so press play and see if you agree with our choices this week.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
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[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

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

Producer: Trent Wolbe

07:20 - Google TV, take two, arrives next week with Honeycomb, Android Market
18:43 - Sony to divide TV division into three-headed monster, looks to bounce back
29:28 - Roku adds more games, cleans up the PQ on its latest streamers
30:34 - myPlex makes streaming your media simple, gives you one queue to rule them all
33:20 - Xbox Companion app for WP7 shown off at Nokia World, leaks Vudu integration (video)
41:22 - DirecTV's iPad app updated with live TV streaming, as long as you stay at home
44:08 - Redbox's $1 per night DVD rentals jump to $1.20 October 31st, Blu-ray and games stay the same
47:08 - Warner pushes 28-day new release delay on Blockbuster, matches Redbox and Netflix
58:55 - Must See HDTV (October 31st - November 6th)

Hear the podcast

LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)

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

Carmack: Doom 3's engine ready for open-sourcing, awaiting 'OK' from legal

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 04:26 PM PDT

When the granddaddy of FPS tweets, we listen. For those unaware, that's John Carmack -- you know, the guy behind games like Doom, Quake and Rage -- confirming that Doom 3's engine, id Tech 4, is all bundled up for its open-source release, only awaiting clearance from legal. To be verbose, that doesn't mean you'll be getting down with a gratis copy of Doom, but rather with the powerhouse that powers it, a veritable boon to game developers and tinkerers, alike. The release is par for the course for the company, as id Software's been routinely open-sourcing its older engines for as long as we can remember. We'll keep an eye out for when it drops, but while you wait, feel free to read an interview with the visionary himself.

Tweephone is a rotary phone Twitter client, even your grandma could love

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 04:04 PM PDT

Tweephone
The collectives behind the Tweephone, UP digital Bureau and Unteleported tech agency, claim that it's the first analog Twitter client. We find that hard to believe but, while we've seen rotary phone-based Twitter tools before and analog meters that measure microblogging activity, we couldn't come up with a single example of a client that lets you punch in messages through non-digital means. Even if it's not the first of its kind, the Tweephone is still a pretty neat hack. Inside the old-school chassis is the ubiquitous Arduino, which interprets your pulls of the dial as letters. Like a phone with only a dial pad, you'll have to ring up numbers multiple times to get the right letter (i.e. dial "2" three times to get a "c"). It definitely not the most efficient method for sending out 140-character missives, but certainly one of the more unique. Check out the video after the break to see it in action.

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

PlugBug adds an iPad / iPod / iPhone USB charging port to your MacBook power adapter

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 03:41 PM PDT

Twelve South, the same South Carolina-based outfit that's been keeping the Bass(Jump) coming, has just outed the best MacBook power adapter accessory... ever. Almost. The PlugBug is an iPad / iPhone / iPod / USB-based-whatever charger that snaps right on top of your existing MacBook or MacBook Pro AC adapter, allowing you to charge your Mac laptop as well as a single USB-based device at the same time. It's a ten-watt adapter, so your iPad and those other high-powered gizmos should take take to it just fine, and it's actually capable of acting on its own should you ever need to dismount it. Unfortunately, those in need of a non-US adapter will be out of luck, but on the upside, this converts international adapters for US use should you head over this way. It's on sale now for $34.99 at the source link below, and if it only had more than one USB port, we'd recommend it without hesitation. Ah well -- there's always version 2.0, right? Promo vid's after the break.
Twelve South intros PlugBug charging accessory


Show full PR text
Meet PlugBug, the iPad/iPhone travel charger that snaps onto your MacBook Power Adapter

Charleston, SC, November 1, 2011 - Twelve South is pleased to unveil PlugBug, an iPad/iPhone wall charger that piggybacks onto a MacBook Power Adapter, allowing you to charge a MacBook and an iPad/iPhone simultaneously from one power outlet. Made to fit all MacBook Power Adapters, PlugBug is available now at twelvesouth.com for $34.99.

The ingenious PlugBug connects to all MacBook Power Adapters. Simply snap PlugBug onto a MacBook Power Adapter, in place of the adapter's AC plug, and you now have one handy device that charges MacBook and iPad or iPhone at the same time, using only one wall outlet. This can be a real lifesaver when you need to charge both before a meeting or – even more stressful – between connecting flights with only one outlet available.

Along with a beautiful design, PlugBug packs 10 powerful watts, charging iPad as fast as technically possible. In fact, many public USB charging stations, like those found in airports, lack the power to charge an iPad. Not only will PlugBug provide the proper charge, it will charge your iPad up to twice as fast as many competing chargers.

Now you can carry just one compact PlugBug to charge your iPad or iPhone and leave the other chargers at home, reducing the clutter in your computer bag. Forget about worrying whether or not you remembered your iPad charger – with PlugBug it's always connected to your MacBook charger. For those times when you only need an iPad charger, you can disconnect PlugBug from your MacBook Power Adapter and still use it as a stand alone device.

Andrew Green, Creative Director at Twelve South, said, "PlugBug is a dream product for us. It improves on MacBook's own Power Adapter, adds a completely new idea to iPad/iPhone chargers, and it simplifies the lives of die-hard Apple fans – like me – who carry multiple Apple devices wherever they go."

So why is PlugBug red? Noted author and original Mac Evangelist Guy Kawasaki gets credit for the color. When shown an early prototype, Kawasaki insisted PlugBug should carry a show-stopping hue viewable from across the room – or airport. The "Kawasaki Red" PlugBug was born.

Those outside the U.S. and Canada can use PlugBug as the perfect U.S. adapter and iPad/iPhone charger. Not only does PlugBug convert any non-U.S. MacBook Power Adapter into a North American-compatible adapter, it also serves as a bonus USB charger for iPad and iPhone.

Ceton InfiniTV 4 USB tuner now shipping, offers infinite entertainment for $300

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 03:16 PM PDT

It's a little bit behind schedule, but the Ceton InfiniTV 4 USB has finally begun shipping, nearly ten months after it was first unveiled. Originally scheduled to ship on September 19th, this external CableCARD TV tuner is now available from Amazon, New Egg and other retailers for $300. For that price, you'll be able to record four HD shows at once, stream live shows to your PC or TV and access all your photos, music and Netflix account from a single device. Interested? Hit up the coverage link below to grab one for yourself.

Cowon shipping iAudio 10 PMP tomorrow: $160 and up

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 03:03 PM PDT

Remember that stunner of a PMP that Cowon teased us with back in September? Better brush up, 'cause she's shipping out in the US of A starting tomorrow. The iAudio 10 is -- for all intents and purposes -- a refreshed and re-imagined S9, boasting a curved 400 x 240 (3-inch) display, microphone input, TV output, FM radio and a document viewer. Unlike the D3 before it, the company looks to be eschewing Android on this one for its own homegrown operating system, and in typical Cowon fashion, it'll support practically every file format under the sun. The I10-16WH (16GB) will ship in white for $159.99, while the ebony I10-32BL (32GB) edition will go for $199.99. We're told that the Buy It Now link will be live tomorrow, and we'll update this post just as soon as it arrives in our hands.
Cowon iAudio 10 portable media player (press shots)
at 12:11 PM

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