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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

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LG holding 'exclusive launch event' on December 1st, Nitro HD the likely suspect

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 11:01 AM PST

In case you were wondering why LG hasn't been making huge waves in the US this holiday season yet, it appears we now know the reason. The company just sent us a nice invite in the form of electronic mail, detailing an exclusive launch event on the evening of December 1st (next Thursday). LG was trying to play coy by not leaving any clues in the image, but fortunately it left the name of the image file easily seen by our prying eyes: LG Nitro. The Nitro HD has long been rumored to be the Optimus LTE for AT&T and another name for the P930, which was referenced in an XML file as having a 1,280 x 720 HD display. Sounds great, but we never know for sure until it happens -- after all, we could be introduced to a $50 prepaid T-Mobile phone exclusive to 7-11. Anyone want to place bets?

Nintendo gives thanks to gamers with special edition Zelda 3DS bundle

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 10:41 AM PST

Looking to match your Black Friday with a similarly noir games console? You're in luck. Nintendo has confirmed what we saw on promo literature last week, with a 3DS bundle that includes a special edition (possibly Hyrulean-crafted) console and a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. Nintendo says the bundle, arriving alongside a similar Flame Red iteration with Super Mario 3D Land, can be snapped up for $200. However, bargain hunters should be able to sniff out some cheaper deals come Friday.

Show full PR text
Cool Nintendo 3DS Bundles Arrive on Thanksgiving Day

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Thanksgiving is full of difficult decisions: Stuffing or mashed potatoes? Green beans or yams? Homemade cranberry sauce or fresh from a can?

Nintendo is adding two enticing choices to this bountiful cornucopia by introducing two limited-edition Nintendo 3DS™ bundles on Nov. 24. The toughest part will be deciding which bundle to purchase.

The first bundle includes the just-launched Super Mario 3D Land™ game and a Flame Red Nintendo 3DS system. The second bundle includes The Legend of Zelda™: Ocarina of Time™ 3D game and a special 25th anniversary limited-edition Cosmo Black Nintendo 3DS system marked with the Hyrule emblem and gold-colored embellishments. Each bundle will be available at a suggested retail price of $199.99 in the U.S.

Shoppers who want to test-drive Nintendo 3DS and these two games can pay a visit to one of two dozen malls nationwide between Nov. 21 and Dec. 18. Nintendo will have all the best video games for the holidays on display. Nintendo's website has a complete list of malls participating in the program.

Remember that Nintendo 3DS also comes with exciting entertainment features right out of the box. Users can download and play hundreds of new and classic games from the Nintendo eShop, and the Nintendo Video service automatically delivers short 3D videos from the worlds of music, comedy, animation and Hollywood to the Nintendo 3DS system. Owners can play games in 3D without the need for special glasses and take their own 3D pictures. Netflix subscribers can stream great TV and movie content. Later this month, Nintendo 3DS owners will be able to record 3D videos or create stop-motion movies.

Apple and Samsung's patent battle draws concern from EU Competition Commission

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 10:17 AM PST

Apple vs. Samsung
It appears that Samsung and Apple's never-ending game of patent Risk is beginning to draw concern from government regulators. The European Union's Competition Commission is investigating the companies' various disputes out of a growing worry that the war could be stifling competition in the mobile market. The agency's commissioner, Joaquin Almunia, has request information about the patents in question from both companies, though he has yet to receive a reply. Almunia was careful to point out that this is hardly the only example of a potential abuse of intellectual property rights to distort the market, but with more than 20 cases in 10 countries it's certainly one of the largest and most high profile. If the commission chooses to pursue legal action both Samsung and Apple could be fined up to 10 percent of their annual revenue. Maybe under threat of such hefty fines, the two competitors will put aside their differences and actually compete... you know, in the marketplace instead of in the court room.

Comcast shows off its new 'Barcelona' HD guide upgrade

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 10:01 AM PST

We've already gotten a large eyeful of Comcast's next-gen Xcalibur guide that's on the way next year with social networking tie ins and apps, but until that arrives, what can we hope for on the existing Scientific Atlanta, Cisco, and Motorola cable boxes? Sr. Director of Video Product Development Ted Hodgins has the answer, dropping in a link to the company's new Barcelona guide that it is already delivering to Anyroom DVR customers in Florida now, and will roll out in more markets before the end of the year. Like the upgraded guides we've seen for FiOS and TiVo, this iteration is built for HDTVs, with 16x9 graphics and far more listings information than was previously available on one screen. Other new features include the option to filter listings down to HD, premium, kids, movies, or sports content, easy jumping between days and saved searches. When we first laid eyes on another version of the software nearly four years ago we were impressed by its slick looks, but while it's still a major upgrade over the current decade-old cable box interfaces, in 2011 it takes more than a simple facelift to impress us. Hit the gallery for a few screenshots or click the source link below to meet the new guide before it rolls out in your area and see if its enough to hold you over for the time being.

[Thanks, cypherstream]
Comcast Barcelona HD guide

Ex-Windows Phone manager Joe Marini finds himself at home with Google

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 09:40 AM PST

Check out who got a new set of Google business cards: Joe Marini, the extroverted Windows Phone manager at Microsoft who got into some hot water tweeting about the then-unannounced Nokia Lumia 800. It turns out that he's pushing out 140-character messages in a big way again, but this time he's doing so as a "Google Dev Advocate." It appears that the job description involves Developer Relations, API platforms and HTML5 apps, amongst other duties. But what about the inside scoop on what happened in Redmond? Joe says he's setting up a blog to address the question, and we're on pins and needles over here.

Samsung rolls out Android 3.2 (again) to Galaxy Tab 10.1, fixes what it broke

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 09:19 AM PST

And just like that, the Honeycomb begins to drizzle anew. It took Sammy a few days to sort things out after an available Android 3.2 update broke WiFi, Bluetooth and auto-rotate on some users' 10.1 slates. But now official word from the company has that planned OTA software upgrade aiming for a round two redux, rolling out with a fix in tow for affected tabs. Of course, if you were one of the few besot with crippled connectivity issues, you can download the software via the Kies desktop app and sideload it from there. So, no need to worry. Your happy tablet days are here again.

Microsoft acquires VideoSurf, promises to bring better video search and discovery to Xbox Live

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 08:59 AM PST

Terms of the deal aren't being disclosed, but Microsoft announced today that it has acquired the content analytics firm VideoSurf, and it's being crystal clear about where it will be putting it to use: Xbox Live. VideoSurf, for those not familiar, is a company that specializes in computer vision technology, which lets it "tag" individual frames of videos in real time and deliver better search and discovery services. Earlier this year, it released an Android application that basically amounts to Shazam for video. As for its plans for Xbox Live, Microsoft says that it will integrate the technology across the platform "over time," and that it will "augment the Xbox 360 ecosystem and evolve search and discovery of entertainment content on Xbox Live." The official press release is after the break.
Show full PR text
Microsoft Acquires Video Content Discovery Company VideoSurf
VideoSurf's technology will enhance video discovery capabilities for Xbox LIVE.

REDMOND, Wash., and SAN MATEO, Calif. - Nov. 22, 2011 - Microsoft Corp. has announced the acquisition of California-based video discovery technology company VideoSurf Inc.

Founded in 2006, VideoSurf offers a back-end computer vision technology that "sees" frames inside videos to make discovering content fast, easy and accurate. Over time, Microsoft will integrate this technology across its entertainment platform to augment the Xbox 360 ecosystem and evolve search and discovery of entertainment content on Xbox LIVE.

"VideoSurf's content analytics technology will enhance the search and discovery of entertainment content across our platform," said Alex Garden, director of Xbox LIVE for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "This holiday we will launch voice search across our entertainment partners on Xbox LIVE. Over time, as we integrate VideoSurf's technology into our system, we are excited about the potential to have content tagged in real time to increase the speed and relevance of the search results."

"Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Division is at the leading edge of connected entertainment," said Lior Delgo, CEO and co-founder of VideoSurf. "We are incredibly excited to be working together on our mutual passion for creating amazing consumer experiences and reinventing how consumers search, discover and enjoy content on their televisions."

In the coming months, Microsoft will bring nearly 40 world-leading TV and entertainment providers to Xbox LIVE, including Bravo, Comcast, HBO GO, Verizon FiOS and Syfy in the U.S.; BBC in the U.K.; Telefónica in Spain; Rogers On Demand in Canada; Televisa in Mexico; ZDF in Germany; and Mediaset in Italy. This acquisition will also make it easier for world-class video partners to take full advantage of advanced features such as voice search enabled by Kinect for Xbox 360. With Kinect, users will be able to easily search and discover content across multiple entertainment providers within Xbox LIVE and then interact with and enjoy content in extraordinary ways using voice search powered by Bing on the Xbox 360.

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE is the online entertainment service for your Xbox 360, connecting you to an ever-expanding world of games, movies, TV, music, sports and social entertainment. Xbox LIVE lets you play the best games, enjoy one of the world's largest on-demand libraries on any console, listen to millions of songs and share the fun with friends around the world. Xbox LIVE is also the exclusive home of controller-free online entertainment through Kinect, making your Xbox 360 more intuitive and interactive than ever before. With an active community of nearly 35 million people across 35 countries, Xbox LIVE, together with Xbox 360, provides you with instant access to the entertainment you want, shared with the people you care about, wherever you are. More information about Xbox LIVE can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/live.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier home entertainment and video game system. Thanks to the addition of Kinect, Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play - no controller required. Xbox 360 is also home to the best and broadest games as well as one of the world's largest on-demand libraries of music, standard- and high-definition movies, TV shows and digital games, all in one place. The entertainment center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with a leading social entertainment network of nearly 35 million Xbox LIVE members to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information about Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NPD: HP nabs spot as number two tablet maker... for the moment

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 08:36 AM PST

You hear that Samsung? HP's number two. For now at least. The PC maker, which snuffed out its line of webOS devices not all that long ago, managed to grab the number two spot in the tablet race between January and October, according to analyst group, NPD. The news comes thanks in part, no doubt, to the bargain basement pricing on its discontinued TouchPad. According to NPD, the time frame saw the sale of more than 1.2 million non-iPad tablets. Apparently 76 percent of those who bought such devices didn't even consider picking up Apple's industry leading slate.

Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: smartphones

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 08:00 AM PST

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.


Jack Frost nipping at your phone and you need a new one? We know it can be difficult to decide on a smartphone to add to your holiday wish list, but if you're going to be hitting up all of the New Year's Eve parties, you don't want to be using something that's too embarrassing to take out of your pocket. This season offers a lot of tempting options: Ice Cream Sandwich, Windows Phone Mango and iPhone 4S are all worth drinking a lot of eggnog over. Unfortunately, there are so many tantalizing possibilities that we aren't able to include every single handset, but we've whittled it down to a mere nine devices that we think even Old Man Winter would enjoy. Join us after the break to help ring in the holiday cheer.

Note: Prices are subject to change. Amazon, for instance, is holding a week-long holiday sale (from November 21st to 28th) in which almost every smartphone is a penny.


Prepaid / Budget


HTC Wildfire S


We wonder if the "S" stands for stocking stuffer. HTC's following in the successful footsteps of LG's Optimus One lineup, bringing the handset to multiple prepaid and postpaid carriers. Is this going to be the fastest device you've ever used? With its 600MHz processor, we doubt it -- it's not a game-changer by any stretch, but the Wildfire S is still a reliable device that will satisfy anyone looking to get their first smartphone, and it's a great choice that'll give you a lot of bang for your tiny buck.

Key specs: 600MHz CPU, 3.2-inch HVGA display, 512MB RAM, 5MP camera with LED flash and Android 2.3.

Price: varies by carrier


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Samsung Conquer 4G

A smartphone with a 1GHz CPU and WiMAX for a mere copper cent? Yes, please. The Conquer earned our praise, packing a blizzard of functionality into a postpaid device that won't cost you a heckuva lot.

Price: $.01 (with contract) on Amazon



LG Optimus Slider

If you're going to be wearing gloves a lot this season, pulling them off to type on a capacitive touchscreen may result in a little frostbite. The LG Optimus Slider may let you keep those mitts on, with some nice features to boot.

Price: $200 on Virgin Mobile



Mid-range


Samsung Epic 4G Touch


Remember when Samsung's Galaxy S II graced the top of our Back to School guide? It's still on top, but -- much like the temperature -- its price has cooled down substantially, now that it's available on three of the four national players as a subsidized option. While all three come with our highest recommendation, the Epic 4G Touch is available for a truly mid-range price that provides a tannenbaum packed with righteous goodies underneath.

Key specs: 1.2GHz dual-core Exynos CPU, 8MP rear / 2MP front cameras and 1080p video capture, 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display.

Price: $100 on Amazon


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Motorola Atrix 2

On the second day of Christmas, your true love may be getting you the sequel to Motorola's game-changing Webtop phone. The Atrix 2 comes with similar features but has a fresh design, better camera and the same performance for a lower price.

Price: $50 on Amazon



HTC Radar 4G

Android is by far the dominant force on the list, but Windows Phone refuses to be ignored. Its latest update, Mango, is featured on HTC's new offering for T-Mobile, the HTC Radar 4G, and is a great option if you're still looking to find a heartfelt gift.

Price: $100 on T-Mobile



Money's no object


Samsung Galaxy Nexus


If there's one handset that won't be getting shipped back on Boxing Day, it's the drool-inducing Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Gaining notoriety as the first device running Android 4.0 (aka Ice Cream Sandwich), it has a gorgeous HD display and plenty of other top-notch specs. And don't underestimate the power of that Roboto font. We're still eager to see it come out to play on Verizon, but it's currently available in the UK.

Key specs: 1.2GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4460, 1GB RAM, 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display, 5MP rear / 1.3MP front cameras with 1080p HD video capture.

Price: TBD on Verizon


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Apple iPhone 4S

Now offering a 1GHz dual-core CPU with an 8MP rear camera, 1080p HD and best-in-class Siri voice recognition, the iPhone 4S still gets high marks -- even if some of its thunder was stolen by the Galaxy Nexus.

Price: $199-399 on Verizon, AT&T, Sprint



HTC Vivid

The Vivid is one of the first LTE smartphones on AT&T's true 4G network, affording you super-fast virtual sleigh rides. Its sack of goodies is packed with a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 4.5-inch qHD display, 8MP rear cam and 1080p HD.

Price: $160 on Amazon

Google's Street View hits the slopes again, stops for hot cocoa in Squaw Valley and Whistler (video)

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 07:40 AM PST

Were you worried that Google's Street View snowmobile was put out to pasture after 2010's Winter Olympics? Relax you worrywart, as Mountain View's resurrected the snow-trottin' beast, only to unleash it upon the slopes of an additional four alpine locales. Joining existing (and updated) imagery from Vancouver's Whistler resort, 2011's additions stayed stateside, testing out the snow in Squaw Valley, Breckenridge, Deer Valley and Crystal Mountain. Yet, while the additional footage is welcome, we can't help but notice it's of vastly lower quality than that taken from last year. From exploring Swiss railroads to documenting the Amazonian river, apparently not much is off limits for street view. Which begs the question, how long until it jury-rigs a lunar rover into giving us a tour of the moon?

T-Mobile to bleach Samsung Galaxy S II in white, arriving 'in time for the holidays'

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 07:18 AM PST

What's that gorgeous device doing in a pearly white on this side of the pond? T-Mobile will be offering a second color option for its flagship TouchWiz device, the Samsung Galaxy S II, "in the coming weeks." Though its exact launch date is uncertain, the two companies assured us that it would land in time for the holidays. We're just hoping they're not referring to Valentine's Day.
Samsung and T-Mobile launch white Galaxy S II (press shots)

Samsung Illusion dispenses with the mystique, available on Verizon November 23rd for $79

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 07:03 AM PST

Ice Cream Sandwich, quad-core, LTE -- sure, those are the delectable specs most mobile geeks currently crave in a handset. But for the average Joe Consumer, 3G plus modest internals makes for a more than adequate phone. Good thing then Verizon finally pulled Sammy's Illusion out of its Big Red hat. The 3.5-incher -- officially announced today -- packs a single core 1GHz Hummingbird processor, Android 2.3, 3 megapixel camera, 2GB of storage, WiFi and Bluetooth 3.0. It's set to hit the network's online shop this November 23rd for $79 on contract, but if you can manage to hold off for one more day, that price drops down to free until the 28th. Unfortunately, those looking to snag this modest piece in-store will have to mark their calendars for a January 2012 debut. Follow past the break for the official presser.
Show full PR text
SIMPLICITY MEETS STYLE WITH THE SAMSUNG ILLUSION™ FROM VERIZON WIRELESS

Equipped with Stylish Form Factor, the Samsung Illusion is Made from Post Consumer Material and Has Attained UL Platinum Rating

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced the Samsung Illusion™ will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning Nov. 23 for $79.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.The Illusion will be available for free with a new two-year customer agreement between Thursday, Nov. 24 and Monday, Nov. 28 as a online promotion.
The sophisticated Samsung Illusion smartphone features a sleek form factor and is powered by the nation's most reliable 3G wireless network. The Illusion boasts a 1GHz Samsung Hummingbird Application Processor, 3.0-megapixel camera, HTML Web browser, music player and integrated contacts, calendar and social networking applications, as well as access to more than 300,000 apps available to download from Android Market™.
Key features:
• Android 2.3™, Gingerbread– support for Google Mobile™ Services including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Talk™, Google Search™ and Google Maps™
• SWYPE™ Technology – input text faster and in a more intuitive way with one continuous finger motion across the screen keyboard
• Corporate email support for Microsoft Office Exchange® so customers can synchronize corporate email, contacts and calendars from their office email
• Full suite of messaging options, including text, picture and video messaging
• Mobile Hotspot capability – share 3G connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices
• 6-axis accelerometer with compass
• Bluetooth® 3.0 technology – support for headset, hands-free, stereo, phonebook access and object push for vCard and vCalendar
• Wi-Fi Connectivity 802.11 a/b/g/n
• microSD™ card slot with support for up to 32 GB (2 GB pre-installed)

Additional features - Designed with the environment in mind:
• UL Platinum Rating (Underwriters Laboratories) - the Samsung Illusion scored 84 out of 119 points to receive the "Platinum" UL rating
• Rear casing and battery cover are made from 70 percent post-consumer material and 35 percent of the front casing is post-consumer material
• Packaging made from bleach-free paper (post-consumer waste) and printed with vegetable ink
• Box material uses 60 percent recycled paper (post-consumer waste)
• High-efficiency charger with full-charge alarm

Availability:
• The Samsung Illusion will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com on Nov. 23, and will be available in Verizon Communications Stores in January 2012.
• Customers that purchase a Samsung Illusion smartphone will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 for monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

For more information on the Samsung Illusion or for other Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

Photojojo intros iPhone Lens Dial for fisheye, telephoto and wide-angle shooting

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 06:42 AM PST

Annie Leibovitz seems to love the camera in the iPhone 4S as is, but if you'd ever hoped the snapshot darling were a bit more flexible, then Photojojo's new Lens Dial may be the solution. Available as a case that's compatible with the iPhone 4 and 4S, users are able to rotate between three different lenses -- including fisheye, telephoto and wide-angle -- to achieve their desired effect. Naturally, the enclosure will add quite a bit of thickness and heft to your handset (it weighs ten ounces, or twice that of the iPhone), but it also piles on flexibility, too, such as tripod mounts for landscape or portrait scenes. Shipping now for $250, the iPhone Lens Dial seems like the logical step after you've taken Holga's option for a spin.

SlingPlayer for Connected Devices is here, arrives first on Boxee Box (video)

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 06:21 AM PST

Sling first expanded its SlingPlayer app to Facebook and Chrome a few days ago, and now the company is extending those streams to the TV (without a dedicated SlingCatcher or mobile device TV-out) with apps for connected devices. Today the company announced the Boxee Box app would be first out of the gate, arriving ahead of the promised Google TV version we're also expecting. Interestingly, there does not appear to be a charge for the app (which runs $30 on mobiles and tablets), so if you have a Slingbox Solo or Pro-HD and one of the green and black media streamers all you have to do is download and press play. We'll give it a shot and let you know how it works, until then just press play on the demo video embedded above for a quick look.

360 Panorama app now available for Android users, no gyroscope necessary (video)

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 06:00 AM PST

Looking to capture panoramic photos on an Android handset? Well, you've certainly got plenty of options -- including, as of today, Occipital's 360 Panorama, which just hit the Android Market. Compatible with devices running Android 2.3 or above (with the exception of Honeycomb), the app offers much of the same functionality you'll find on the previously released iOS version. Just tap a button, pan your handset across any given area and watch your photo come to fruition before your very eyes. The tool also allows exposure to fluctuate as a user pans his or her device, thereby creating the potential for HDR panoramic shots during transitions from dark to bright areas. Interestingly enough, this version relies not upon an actual gyroscope, but a "simulated" one, created from motion-tracking algorithms (that's how it works on older 3GS handsets, as well). Users who already have a 360 Panorama account can still use it on their Android handsets, allowing them to upload and store all their photos in one place. Eventually, this storage system will allow for syncing across both iOS and Android hemispheres, though at the moment, it's a strictly web-based affair. Pan past the break for a brief demo video, or check out some sample shots in the gallery, below.
360 Panorama for Android

ASUS Transformer Prime gets a stomach full of Ice Cream Sandwich (video)

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 05:51 AM PST

Sure, the Transformer Prime has been official for a couple of weeks now, but we haven't seen the 10-inch tablet get much action, aside from a few quick hands-ons. ASUS is finally ready to show us the quad-core Tegra 3 tablet -- running Ice Cream Sandwich, no less. The tablet won't actually ship with the brain-freezing mobile OS, but the company has promised a sweet, sweet upgrade. Check out the video, including 1080p video playback and some time with the quad-core-friendly Riptide GP after the break.
Ice Cream Sandwich demo on the Asus Transformer Prime
Asus Transformer Prime instruction manual


Update: We've also gotten a peek at what looks to be the user manual for the new Transformer. Check it out in the second gallery above.

[Thanks, Jeremy]

AT&T exec discusses plans for home energy management service

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 05:25 AM PST

Verizon has already dipped its toes into the home energy management business, and it looks like AT&T is about to do the same as well. Speaking on a Broadband Breakfast panel in Washington, DC last week, AT&T Executive Director of Public Policy Jeffery Dygert revealed that the company is "in the process of developing" its own home energy management system, which would let users monitor their electricity usage and manage its use more efficiently. That service is said to be a part of the company's broader Digital Life Project, and it will apparently be marketed to both AT&T's wireless and wireline customers, but details remain otherwise light for the time being. Hit the source link below for a video of the panel discussion.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 visits FCC again, wants to show its 3G credentials

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 05:09 AM PST

It was on, then it was off, but it looks like Samsung 7.7-incher could return from the ether of launch limbo, with a 3G-capable model knocking at the FCC's lab-door. Schematics are largely identical to the WiFi model spotted at the commission back in September, but the filing confirms that this particular slab of Android will be arriving with HSPA+ talents. Yes, the GT-P6800 will offer up some faux-G speeds alongside a sizable Super AMOLED Plus panel (1280 x 800) and the standard WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS bells and whistles. We are, however, still tapping our collective feet while waiting for confirmation on whether the device will ever land on American soil. What's in an inch, anyway?

BiTMICRO's next-gen SSD controller to deliver blazing speed and big storage in 2012

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 05:02 AM PST

BiTMICROSSD controllers aren't the most glamorous chunks of silicon to be hawking, but you can make quite a name for yourself with them (just ask SandForce). BiTMICRO is betting that its next-gen platform will be something manufacturers will want in on. Targeted primarily at enterprise class devices, the as yet unnamed chips will be capable of performing 400,000 random write IOPS per second and support drives up to 5TB in size. By comparison, SandForce's SF-2000 tops out at 60,000 IOPS. Others will have time to catch up, though, BiTMICRO says the platform will be ready for "market testing" during the first half of 2012. Check out the PR after the break.
Show full PR text
Full Speed Ahead With the Integration of BiTMICRO's Next Generation of Solid State Drive Controllers

SAS, SATA, FC and PCIe Enterprise-Class SSD to Deliver More Than 400,000 Random Write IOPS and Scale Up to More Than 5TB of Pure Solid State Storage

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BiTMICRO Networks, a pioneer in intelligent flash solid state drive (SSD) storage solutions has gone full cycle in the development of its two new generation application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designs, optimized to meet the growing market need for high-performance, secured and cost-effective SSD solutions.

BiTMICRO's new platform architecture, considered as the only solid state drive storage platform design featuring two customized ASIC controllers, serves as the foundation for its new breed of SSD storage solutions expected to be released soon. A combination of SSD controller and flash channel expander controller, these high-performing third-generation ASICs enable BiTMICRO to offer a variety of solid state storage product lines by utilizing one common platform architecture. This strategy demonstrates BiTMICRO's commitment to invent, design and deliver cutting-edge SSD storage solutions thereby resulting to faster time-to-market and reduced development cost.

The third-generation platform architecture consists of a multi-core SSD controller integrated with multiple high-speed serial on-chip buses and embedded processors, achieving high-speed data transfer between host and storage device. It supports Toggle and ONFI SLC and MLC flash memory devices. In addition, this controller is the only ASIC platform designed with built-in standard I/O cores such as SAS, SATA and PCIe, eliminating the need for a bridge or third party I/O controllers.

The intelligent flash channel expander controller, on the other hand, manages the flash devices and supports multi-block I/O operations over a large array of flash devices, improving parallelism of I/O transfers between the host and flash devices. The highly scalable architecture allows the number of flash channel expanders to be increased depending on the performance and capacity requirements of a particular application.

BiTMICRO maintains its strategy to design and develop controllers directly to ASIC skipping the FPGA model. ASICs provide designers the flexibility and efficiency in programmability. It also offers higher performance, lower power, mixed-signal integration, and lower unit cost in volume compared to FPGA. In order to fit all the necessary features to address customer requirements across industries in the enterprise and military/industrial segments, BiTMICRO believes that the direct-to-customized ASIC strategy offers the best solution for the solid state storage market today.

"The completion of the new platform design is considered a major achievement in our business strategy. Being a pioneer in this industry, we realize the need to adapt to the demands of new markets and explore new technologies using our Research and Development team. Proven by our growing patent portfolio, we are committed to continue our innovation efforts in addressing the need for storage with the right cost-performance mix. It is with high anticipation that we see these technologies come to fruition and work for our customers," says Rey Bruce, CEO of BiTMICRO Networks.

With BiTMICRO's new platform strategy, the next-generation SSD storage products have been designed to fully maximize the new ASIC features. Intended to support both the enterprise and rugged markets, these products are expected to deliver more than 400,000 random write transactions per second, scale up to more than 5TB of pure solid state storage capacity, ensure enterprise-class drive life endurance, and offered in SAS, SATA, Fibre Channel, and PCIe interfaces. Other features include full data path protection, embedded AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) engines for data security, and other resource optimization features.

The SSD storage device-level products utilizing said ASIC architecture are expected to be ready for market testing by the first half of 2012.

About BiTMICRO Networks

BiTMICRO® Networks, a privately held California corporation, is the leading provider of rugged and high performance non-volatile solid state drives and storage management solutions. E-Disk® Altima™ storage solutions are offered with SCSI, IDE/ATA, Fibre Channel and SATA interfaces in 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch hard disk drive footprints, and scalable up to several terabytes of pure solid state storage.

E-Disk® Altima™ and BiTMICRO® are registered trademarks of BiTMICRO Networks, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.bitmicro.com.

Samsung introduces Advanced LED light bulbs, preps for zombie apocalypse

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 04:46 AM PST

Samsung is going to make sure your light bulbs use as little energy as possible, last literally decades and sort of look like a heat sink to boot. The company, which just released its Advanced LED Light Bulbs for the US, has put forth the A19, the PAR and the MR16, each bulb being designed for a specific purpose. The AR19, which is engineered to replace conventional incandescent bulbs, is dimmable and can shine directionally from vanity lights, wall sconces, assorted lamps and more. The PAR, which is also dimmable, is designed with a variable beam angle between 25 and 40 degrees in mind and slated around track and recessed lighting. Finally, the MR16 Bulb is designed to be used in recessed, vanity, and track lighting and arrives in two different base types with adjustable brightness levels. Samsung has priced the bulbs from $19.98 all the way up to $59.98 with a life expectancy between 27 and 36 years; they're currently available at your local Lowe's location, although if Philips gets wind of it, that could change post-haste.

Arduino kit beams low-fi Google Weather to VGA screens

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 04:31 AM PST

Looking for another way to use that aging VGA CRT screen hogging space in the closet? Try making your own dedicated weather screen by mixing together Google's meteorological data stream and some Arduino magic. It looks like parsing that Google Weather data was a bit of a challenge on the miniscule 2KB of RAM, but a tinkerer going by the handle Zmashiah has managed to do it. He's even managed to cram in a few extra graphical flourishes, including icons and background themes that change depending on the temperature and time of day. The entirely PC-free device grabs the data through an Ethernet connection and flashes up all the weather goodness in stunning VGA. Any meteorological mavens reading this can grab the full shopping list and procedure at the Instructables link below.

LG Optimus EX sneaks out of its box, reminds us it's still here

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 03:52 AM PST

Remember the Optimus EX? Not to be confused with LG's LTE flavor of smartphone, this dual-cored Android has been spotted hanging around outside its cardboard enclosure. This slab was previously revealed a few months back, flashing (quite literally) a 700 nit display alongside a refreshed 1.2GHz Tegra 2 processor. Like these brief glimpses of the phone, pricing and release date info is light on detail, with no hint of the mobile TV-toting handset planning a visit over here. While LG's latest presumably ambles up to Korean phone stores very soon, we offer up another photo after the break to help satiate those Optimus affections that may otherwise go unrequited.

Exclusive: Lenovo also working on a 5-inch Android tablet, because pockets need love too

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 03:11 AM PST

No matter how tempting the specs on Lenovo's leaked 10.1-inch tablet are, you might prefer something fairly more portable just for the sake of your regular pockets. Well, it looks like Lenovo's got you covered, too. Freshly delivered from the same anonymous tipster are a stash of photos depicting a dual-core 5-inch Android tablet, which will apparently be marketed under the usual LePad brand in China as well as an upcoming IdeaTab brand for elsewhere (to help differentiate tablets from the IdeaPad laptop line).

Not much else is known about this device, but the photos below do show a micro-USB port, HDMI output, a front-facing camera and presumably three capacitive buttons (which could mean it won't be launching with Honeycomb or Ice Cream Sandwich). There's a strong resemblance to the Dell Streak 5 here if you ask us, though despite the earpiece-like feature next to the front camera, our source couldn't confirm whether this tablet packs voice call capability (like the Galaxy Note and Pantech Vega No.5). Anyhow, stay tuned as we dig for more info.
Exclusive: Lenovo also working on a 5-inch tablet, because pockets need love too

Motorola XT615 Android phone arriving in Taiwan: slim, but not RAZR-thin

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 02:29 AM PST

Side-stepping the moody design tones of its RAZR brethren, Motorola has announced a new Android-powered smartphone for Taiwan. Measuring in at 9.8mm thin, this Gingerbread-powered slab sports the outfit's MotoBlur-derived Moto Switch UI, with an eight megapixel camera on the back and a VGA shooter on the front. The XT615 packs quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900), WCDMA (900/2100) and HSPA (7.2Mbps) radios, while processing power comes from a slightly underwhelming 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7227A-0, possibly explaining the NTD$10,900 ($360) price tag. The pearly-toned phone hasn't revealed any plans to leave the island nation of Taiwan just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't familiarize yourself with the full specifications in the PR below.

Show full PR text
Take the Party With You with the New XT615 Android Smartphone from Motorola Mobility and Taiwan Telecom

With a large touch screen, sleek look and slim price, the Motorola XT615 just made itself your favorite new accessory

Nov. 17, 2011

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Nov. 17, 2011 – Thanks to the new Motorola XT615 Android™-powered smartphone from Motorola Mobility, Inc., you can stop stretching out your favourite Friday-night jeans to cram your phone into the pocket. At just 9.8mm thin with a 4-inch edge-to-edge screen and Android 2.3, this is not your uncle's smartphone – it's all yours. The Motorola XT615 is your party-ready, knows-what-you're thinking best friend, and it will be available across Taiwan exclusively from Taiwan Mobile myfone retail stores starting in December for just NTD$10,900. With this smartphone, the party never stops.

"Motorola has always been about connecting style with technology," said Ritchie Ma, general manager of Motorola Mobility Taiwan limited, Hong Kong and Taiwan. "The new Motorola XT615 embodies the connection of style and technology with one more great advantage: a price that's almost too good to be true. Now an amazing combination of power and style is within the reach of more people than ever before."

You know what you like, and the Motorola XT615 embraces it. With the new Moto Switch user interface, this smartphone learns who you talk to and which apps you use and keeps all of that information front and center. You'll never have to look twice (although you might want to just for fun), because all of your content is displayed on a crystal-clear 4-inch touchscreen that is guaranteed to impress. The Motorola XT615 loves personalization on the outside too, so attach your favorite keychain or phone charms and make it your own.

Spend a night on the town and capture your friends' signature dance moves with the Motorola XT615's 8-megapixel camera. They might mistake the LED flash for a strobe light. And thanks to Android 2.3 and an 800MHz processor, you're always on top of your game. Motorola XT615 is available in two party-ready colors – licorice and ultra white. So grab your phone, slip on those awesome jeans, and show them your style.

Key Features and Specifications:

Bands: WCDMA 900/2100; GSM 850/900/1800/1900
HSDPA 7.2M/HSUPA 5.76Mbps
Platform/ OS: Android Gingerbread 2.3 with Moto Switch UI 2.0
Dimensions: 117.7 x 60.5 x 9.85 mm/ 123.6g
Display: 4.0" 480x854 FWVGA
Camera: 8MP LED flash/VGA front
Connectivity: 3.5mm, USB 2.0 HS, BT3.0 EDR/A2DP, 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
CPU/Memory: Qualcomm MSM7227A-0 800MHz; 1GB ROM/512MB RAM, supports up to 32GB microSD card
Video & Audio: MPEG4, rmvb, Divx, H.263, H.264; AMR, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MIDI, MP3, WAV
Battery: 1390mAh
Talk time/Standby time: 300mins/110hrs
Others: Hanging ornament hole, LED Flash

Pricing and Availability:

Motorola XT615 is coming exclusively to Taiwan Mobile customers in the middle of December for just NTD$10,900. The special rate plan will be announced during the launch. For more information visit: www.motorola.com/tw.

Micromouse robot completes maze in under four seconds (video)

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 01:31 AM PST

It may not look all that mouse-like, but this so-called micromouse robot can navigate a maze unlike any other -- robot or otherwise. Built by Ng Beng Kiat, the Min7.1 bot has a top speed of 12 kilometers per hour, and it recently set a new record in the Japan Micromouse Robot Competition with a time of 3.921 seconds. For those not up on their robot maze-racing stats, that's a full second under the previous record holder. Of course, it didn't just blaze through on its first attempt. The bots are first allowed an autonomous exploration phase, but even it is fairly impressive to watch. Check out it and the record-setting run after the break.




PC Fan hack lets you scra... scra... scratch analog audio, ah-yeah (video)

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 12:29 AM PST

Digital DJ controllers let would-be grandmasters get up to all sorts of fancy new tricks, but if you're one of those old dogs who can't be taught, then this PC-fan-come-DJ-turntable might tickle your fancy. Connected to an old-school personal cassette via an Arduino, with a little voltage level smoothing in the mix, moving the fan "scratches" the audio, by controlling the speed of the tape player. The initial plan was to have the fan spinning with the music, like a real turntable, but as you'll know if you've ever caught your finger in one of these things, it's probably best it didn't work out. Despite its home-made charms, one final flourish is VU style LEDs for some mixer-style visual feedback. Alas, there's no built in cross-fader, so don't start work on that DMC routine just yet.

Revamped Xbox 360 dashboard to launch on December 6th, Microsoft confirms

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 11:24 PM PST

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that its Xbox 360 dashboard would be getting an upgrade "in the coming days." Today, the company has clarified that statement, declaring that the revamped interface will launch on December 6th. As we've previously noted, the update promises to bring deeper Kinect integration (including sharper voice recognition capabilities), Facebook sharing mechanisms, and a cleaner interface. Redmond also says that the fall cleanup will introduce "a wealth of new content," including live TV, music and movies, available for streaming. For now, the dashboard is still in beta, though it certainly won't be long before the masses get their hands on it.

Update: Read Microsoft's e-mailed announcement in full, after the break.
Show full PR text
On Dec. 6, a brand new entertainment experience will debut on Xbox 360 through a significant Xbox LIVE service update, free to all console owners. The update will bring a newly designed user interface (dashboard), expanded voice control with Kinect, and the first group of new entertainment custom applications.

Console owners around the world will feel like they have a new Xbox. The new dashboard is built from the ground up to take full advantage of voice control. Users will be able of effortlessly navigate through their favorite entertainment on Xbox 360 using voice or gestures with Kinect for Xbox 360*.

Speaking of entertainment, starting on Dec. 6 and continuing on an ongoing basis through the holiday months, a wealth of new content will be coming to Xbox 360. New, customized applications for televisions, movies, internet videos, sports and music will begin rolling out from world-leading providers in more than 20 countries.

Also, brand new personal and social features including Cloud Storage for Game Saves and LIVE Profile, Beacons and Facebook Sharing will launch with the Dec. 6 update, along with enhanced Family Settings.

From game lovers to movie buffs, to music junkies and sports fans, even more of your favorite entertainment content will come together on Xbox LIVE starting Dec. 6.

*Kinect voice and gesture controls available with select Xbox LIVE content, and may vary by feature.

Features and content vary by regions. See xbox.com/live.

Kyobo, Qualcomm make Mirasol color displays a reality, with the Kyobo eReader

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 11:01 PM PST

Don't look now, but Mirasol has just arisen from the dead. Today, Korea's Kyobo Book Centre and Qualcomm jointly unveiled the world's first Mirasol-coated e-reader, just a few months after CEO Paul Jacobs heralded the demise of his company's color e-paper format. The device, known as the Kyobo eReader, sports a 5.7-inch, 1024 x 768 color display with 223ppi and touchscreen capabilities, runs Android 2.3 and is powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 CPU. Kyobo says you'll be able to use the WiFi-enabled slate for "weeks" on a single charge, as long as you do so at decreased brightness, and for a total of 30 minutes per day. The eReader is available now for around $310, but only in South Korea. There's no indication that it'll be making its way to other markets anytime soon, but in the meantime, sate yourself with a portion of PR, after the break.
Show full PR text
Kyobo, Korea's Largest Bookseller, and Qualcomm Introduce Kyobo-Branded Color E-reader Featuring Qualcomm's mirasol Display Technology

World's First Color mirasol Display Enables Outdoor Visibility, Low Power -

SEOUL, South Korea and SAN DIEGO, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Qualcomm MEMS Technologies Inc. (QMT) a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), and Kyobo Book Centre, Korea's largest seller of books, today announced the retail availability of the world's first e-reader to include mirasol® display technology. Kyobo and Qualcomm have collaborated to deliver an unmatched reading experience by providing a large and diverse content portfolio spanning books, magazines and video on a touch display that features vibrant color in bright sunlight. The device will allow for weeks of reading under typical usage.*

"Kyobo is a recognized content leader focused on bringing unique and innovative experiences to its customers," said Clarence Chui, senior vice president and general manager of Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc. "Kyobo's customers will be the first to enjoy the exceptional color e-reader experience and long battery life that only mirasol displays can provide."

The Kyobo e-Reader includes access to Kyobo's 90,000 ebook library, notably including early rights from Korean publisher Minumsa for the much-anticipated Steve Jobs' exclusive biography, a full one-month before any other Korean digital outlet. Additionally, the device features: video lecture content exclusive to EBS, a leading Korea-based provider of educational material; content sharing through Korean social networking services; English language text-to-speech capabilities; and searchable content through the popular Diotek dictionary application.

"The Kyobo e-Reader brings the user a true book reading experience," said Mr. Seong-Ryong Kim, chief executive officer of Kyobo Book Centre. "With our diverse content and leading edge technology from Qualcomm, Kyobo Book Centre will provide a premium reading experience to our customers."

The Kyobo e-Reader features a 5.7" XGA format (1024 x 768 pixels) mirasol display (screen resolution of 223 ppi) and Qualcomm's 1.0 GHz Snapdragon™ S2 class processor. Kyobo's custom application interface sits atop an Android 2.3 base.

Kyobo's e-Reader is now available for purchase at the full retail price of KRW349,000 (US$310). Kyobo Platinum Book Club members can purchase the e-reader at a discounted price of KRW 299,000 (US$265). Kyobo's e-readers are available at bookstore locations across South Korea, including Kyobo's flagship Gwanghwamun-jum location in Seoul.

* Battery life varies depending on usage and ambient light. Battery life based upon 30 minutes of daily reading time with Wi-Fi off and front light set to 25 percent utilization.

Lumia line to get Nokia Drive update, fully cuts the network cord

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 10:08 PM PST

When Espoo trotted out its "first real Windows Phone," it did so with a bevy of exclusive features, one of which brought baked-in offline navigation. Since the announcement of that proud product launch, Nokia Drive's been wrestled free from its polycarbonate chains, but the perks of being a Lumia owner are still incoming. Confirmed to Dutch site All About Phones, the Finnish company's Mango phone in an N9 shell is due for an update that'll bring full offline use of the app, ensuring those re-routed calculations don't hinge upon a network connection. Sure, any geek with a WP7 handset's set to get Maps sometime soon, but rest assured you and your sinuously tapered device are still the sole beneficiaries of Nokia's robo-toned, front seat copilot.

DisplayLink adds DVI to its USB display adapter repertoire, in Japan

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 09:15 PM PST

USB to DVI
Tired of all those USB to HDMI adapters? Got yourself a monitor sporting only an old-school DVI port? Well, don't worry, DisplayLink has your back... as long as you live in Japan. The cumbersomely named I-O DATA USB-RGB3/D USB 3.0 to DVI display adapter just hit shelves in the Land of the Rising Sun for the equivalent of $137. By hooking up to a computer's USB 3.0 port the adapter is able to push video at resolutions up to 2048 x 1152 over a standard DVI cable. It's a great way to salvage that aging, but still high-quality display if you've got a newer notebook that's gone the HDMI-only route. Hopefully some adapters powered by DisplayLink's tech will start making their way stateside soon. If not, there's always imports. Check out the complete PR after the break.
Show full PR text
DisplayLink Chip Powers Japan's First USB 3 Graphics Adapter from I-O DATA

PALO ALTO, Calif. & KANAZAWA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DisplayLink, the leading provider of technology for virtual and USB-connected computing, and I-O DATA DEVICE (www.iodata.com) today announced the availability of the I-O DATA USB-RGB3/D USB 3.0 to DVI display adapter. Incorporating the DisplayLink DL-3100 chip for connectivity and virtual graphics, it is the first USB 3.0 enabled display adapter to ship in Japan.

Featuring the robust DisplayLink 3.0 video compression and support for resolutions up to 2048 x 1152, including 1080p, even the newest notebooks, netbooks and PCs can enjoy the benefits of multi-screen computing. And with the throughput of SuperSpeed USB 3.0, those monitors will display high-performance, full-screen HD video, 3D games, rich 2D graphics and multi-channel audio.

"Mixing and matching devices with different peripherals will continue to become even more popular with USB 3.0's speed and versatility," said Dennis Crespo, DisplayLink executive vice president of marketing and business development. "And this is as true in Japan as any other technology-embracing market."

"The DisplayLink DL-3000 family of chips allows I-O DATA to be first-to-market with high-quality products that our end consumers want now," said Hiroshi Kawada, Board Director of Business Strategy Dept. of I-O DATA. "The USB-RGB3/D adapter fills an immediate need for users of the newest PCs, allowing them to take advantage of displays of different resolutions without sacrificing performance."

USB 3.0 has transmission speeds of up to 5 Gbit/s, which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0. USB 3.0 significantly reduces the time required for data transmission, reduces power consumption, and is backwards compatible with USB 2.0.

Pricing and Availability

The I-O Data USB-RGB3/D adapter is currently available in Japan, selling for $137.00.

About I-O DATA DEVICE

I-O DATA DEVICE, INC., is a top-tier manufacturer and provider of high-quality computer peripherals and interface products to the global consumer and OEM markets. Founded in 1976, by Mr. Akio Hosono, I-O DATA has received recognition as Japan's undisputed market leader within the PC Peripheral industry. I-O DATA is not only a manufacturer of such devices, but handles the design, development, production of the products.

About DisplayLink

DisplayLink Corp. is a hardware and software company that offers a unique technology to enable easy virtual graphics connectivity between computers and displays over standard interfaces such as USB, wireless USB and Ethernet. DisplayLink technology is used in dozens of globally branded PC accessories including monitors, universal docking stations, display adapters, projectors, and zero client systems that make expansion of the desktop visual workspace possible, at significantly lower cost and energy usage than traditional solutions.

DisplayLink is ranked the fourth fastest-growing EMEA Company by Deloitte, and was awarded the CES 2011 Best of Innovation Award Honoree in the Enabling Technologies category for its forthcoming Interactive Networked Graphics for SuperSpeed USB. For more information and product details, visit DisplayLink Shop and follow DisplayLink on Facebook and Twitter.

Trademarks

The I-O DATA logo is registered trademarks of I-O DATA DEVICE, INC. DisplayLink and the DisplayLink logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of DisplayLink Corporation in the US or other countries. All rights reserved.

Samsung in 'last-stage talks' to use Google TV, will show off hardware after CES

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 08:31 PM PST

The true second act of Google TV won't take place until new hardware hits the streets, and Reuters reports that while Samsung is still on board, it will unveil its product(s) next year at an event other than CES. There's no word on when or where we might see hardware from other partners like LG, but at last year's show Vizio and Samsung (pictured above) were the only ones to display their efforts. TV division prez Yoon Boo-keun confirmed the company was working with Google on the rollout, and apparently indicated Samsung's service would "differ" from competitors. We'll have to find out what that means, but in the meantime what we can expect to see in Las Vegas are OLED TVs, which he said Samsung would have on display. After being teased by countless concepts, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for price tags and shipping dates, but those details will likely remain under wraps until January.

Yahoo's San Francisco billboard closing up shop after more than a decade

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 07:47 PM PST

Oh, 1999. Simpler times, those. IT departments were frantically prepping for Y2K, Jeff Bezos (or his head, at least) was named Time's "Person of the Year" and the tech bubble was getting ready to burst at the seams. That same year, the lights on Yahoo's "A nice place to stay on the internet" billboard turned on for the first time on the highway leading to the Bay Bridge. Those lights, which have seen their share of ups and downs for internet companies, will be turned off for the last time in the coming weeks. Clear Channel confirmed that there will, indeed, be vacancy in that space come next month.

Microsoft streamlining Windows 8 install process, promises setup in just 11 clicks

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 07:03 PM PST

Trudging through Windows 7's upgrade process drags users through as many as four wizards, 60 windows, and more mouse clicks than anybody at Microsoft cared to count. In a recent study covering PC upgrades, Redmond found this was simply too much of a hassle for many customers. The fix? Consolidate and streamline -- according to the outfit's Building Windows 8 blog, upgrading customers will be able to power through installing Windows 8 using a single wizard in as few as 11 clicks. The new process scans the machine for compatibility, checks for the best version of Windows to install, and prompts the user through the process. Moreover, using Windows 8's upcoming web delivery method pre-keys the setup image, freeing users from remembering a 25-digit product key. Advanced users will be able to use a new Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit to create customized unattended setup configurations for multi-boot and specialized network installations. Want to read into all the juicy details? Hit the source link below.

Yaskawa Electric's SmartPal VII lets you clean up grandma's house using Kinect (video)

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 06:13 PM PST

SmartPal VII
The world's largest industrial robot manufacturer, Yaskawa Electric, wants to invade your grandmother's home. Alright, maybe invade isn't the word we're looking for, but if your Grams is anything like ours she probably wouldn't be happy about you dropping off a robot helper (she can take care of herself, don't you know). The SmartPal VII is a telepresence bot that can be controlled remotely using a Kinect. (Seriously, what can't Microsoft's gaming controller do?) The head-mounted stereoscopic cameras and infrared sensor enable it to navigate a room autonomously, while the light-weight arms equipped with touch sensors make it safer for human interaction. The demo of the bot picking up toys and putting them in a bin isn't the most exciting in the world, but it does show just how much control an operator has using simple hand gestures. Check out the video after the break.

Thanks to iOS 5, some users lose WiFi connectivity

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 05:32 PM PST

Of all the enhancements to discover in Apple's iOS 5 upgrade, it seems that an unforeseen monster may have snuck its way into the release. We're now reading through a handful of user complaints about losing WiFi after taking the plunge, with most replies mentioning intermittent connectivity and / or a significant loss in signal strength. The issue remains unconfirmed by Apple, but it appears to span across a number of devices, including the iPhone 4S, 4 and 3GS, along with the iPad (and possibly, the iPod Touch). By troubleshooting, one user was able to resolve the problem by reverting to iOS 4.3, then cause it to manifest -- once again -- by upgrading to iOS 5. The recent iOS 5.0.1 update certainly hasn't fixed the matter, either. Could these reports be an unfortunate series of unrelated events, or is there something larger at play? Sound off about your experience with WiFi and iOS 5 in the comments below.

[Thanks, Iain]

Fujitsu Arrows F-07D nabs 'thinnest smartphone' title, Droid Razr retorts: 'real phones have (some) curves'

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 04:51 PM PST

Do you see that? It's the Fujitsu Arrows F-07D. Unlike some phones we won't mention, it doesn't boast about being the world's thinnest (and it doesn't come with a 10.6mm hump at one end). No, this telephone is 6.7mm all the way along -- so svelte the brave boys at the FCC probably had to pop next door to borrow a ruler that measures things that small. The 109-gram device has a measly 4-inch 800 x 480 OLED display and a five megapixel camera, but you might have noticed that it's also quite thin. NTT DoCoMo's newest telephone also crams in a FOMA module, making it capable of HSPA-level 14Mb/s download speeds. Just be careful it doesn't blow away in the wind -- personally, we've always preferred smartphones that give us a little something to hold onto.

Square Enix Market heads to KDDI December 1st, ports the RPG addiction to Android phones

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 04:14 PM PST

The land that begot Mario, Murakami and okonomiyaki has a lot of perks for denizens of its island chains, like special edition multi-colored consoles or Mother 3. Add to that ever-increasing list of pluses a dedicated Square Enix Market for Android phones and it's clear the Japanese enjoy a home advantage. The recently announced gaming app store is slated to launch as a limited exclusive for KDDI subscribers on December 1st, with DoCoMo and Softbank sharing in the mobile wares sometime soon after. It may have been a good decade or two since the company's RPGs monopolized the latter days of your youth, but there's no time like the present to get reacquainted with those Final Fantasy friends of old. As you might expect, this is a Japan-only affair. So, if you're really keen to take part, you might want to consider relocation.

Universal Motion Simulator: real enough to evoke panic (video)

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 03:37 PM PST

A fighter sim just isn't realistic unless it makes you throw up and scream for your mother, which is why the sadistic folks at Australia's Deakin University created the Universal Motion Simulator. It's a barebones cockpit attached to the end of a seven-meter robotic arm that can pull up to six Gs -- indeed it's uncomfortable enough to mimic external disturbances, mechanical failures and crash scenarios as well as normal flying. The system also monitors a pilot's brainwaves, pulse and other bodily functions to discover if they have necessary nerve. Check out the video after the break and then imagine combining it with a 360-degree viewing dome for utter perfection.

Freaklabs' FredBoard gives the gift of hackerspace to Mothership HackerMoms

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 03:04 PM PST

Come this (Black) Friday, it'll officially be the season for gift-giving and general family dysfunction. So, why not warm that tech-tinkering heart while heating up the creative juices of the baby-bound set with a Freaklabs purchase that puts your money to good use? The outfit's got a monster mash FredBoard up for order that splices together an Arduino and breadboard to make your first brush with homegrown modding a relatively painless affair. Oh, and the proceeds are destined for a Mommy-centric hackerspace -- dubbed Mothership HackerMoms -- in San Francisco that does double duty as a day care for little leg-clingers and a lab for their electronics-inclined parents. These ladies-in-programming currently swap house hosting duties, but with the boost from your potential feel-good donations, could snag a proper venue of their own. Feel like getting in the holiday spirit early? Then click on the source below to bring some early cheer to Bay Area baby Mommas.

Galaxy Tab gets a taste of Kindle Fire, but things aren't all silky smooth

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 02:39 PM PST

Did you jump on the bandwagon when the tablet craze hit by getting an original Galaxy Tab, but now you feel a tinge of jealousy seeing the more modern UIs on newer slates? Well, you can rid yourself of that envious feeling by loading the Kindle Fire's software onto that old Tab of yours. Giga OM did the deed, giving us an overview of the process -- it's mainly a matter of extracting the code from Amazon's slate and installing it on Sammy's -- along with its results. Turns out, the Tab doesn't have all of the Fire's functionality, though the basic bookshelf interface (which is akin to an app launcher), video app, books, and magazines are all available along with the Fire's custom Amazon Store. Unfortunately, the Silk browser has yet to be enabled, and the UI still crashes on the regular, but teaching an old dog new tricks isn't easy, okay? Head on down to the Source for the full rundown, and there's even more details at XDA-Developers for those daring enough to do this bit of software switcharoo themselves.
at 12:24 PM

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