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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

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IRL: Google Voice, FastMac's U Socket and returning the iPhone 4S

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 10:00 AM PST

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

Hi there, folks. Happy almost-four-day-weekend to you too. As you'd expect, we're not the types to waste an opportunity to tie IRL into a national eating orgy, so this week's edition is appropriately about giving thanks. Terrence appreciates Google Voice, even if it slips some incomprehensible one-liners into his transcriptions. Zach, meanwhile, is mighty happy about his U Socket purchase (because wall-mounted USB ports are a beautiful, beautiful thing). And Joe -- actually, he's none too grateful for the two iPhone 4S' he returned, though he is glad Google hurried up and released Ice Cream Sandwich. What's his problem, anyway? Meet us after the break to find out.

All power outlets should have USB

I have six USB ports permanently mounted in the walls of my apartment, and I can't imagine living without them -- it's not uncommon for me to be using all of them at any given time. FastMac's U-Socket is the ultimate no-compromise solution for powering your smartphones, tablets and any other gadget that sources power from USB, adding a pair of power-only USB ports to each wall mounted outlet. There's 12 watts of 2.4A power available to both ports, and I've had no issues charging up a tablet and a smartphone simultaneously.

At $25, the U-Socket is quite a bit pricier than a generic outlet, but considering it'll live forever in your wall, the initial expense is worthwhile. It's available in almond and ivory colors, with a variety of faceplates and two different plug styles: standard, which is a bit more rounded, and decor, which will likely be the best fit for modern homes. Both versions have a footprint similar to a standard outlet, but the U-Socket takes up significantly more space behind the wall, so it may not fit for everyone (mine did, but without a centimeter to spare).

If you use USB-powered devices and live in North America (international sockets aren't available), you can't go wrong tossing these into your wall. Just make sure you buy enough to keep everyone juiced up.
-- Zach Honig

The only number I give out

I signed up way back when it was still called GrandCentral, almost a year before Google snatched it up. During those early days it went largely unused. As interesting as the concept was, it simply lacked too many features, and things only got worse after the Mountain View acquisition. Then, somebody turned the lights back on in 2009. Google Voice was born and my life has never been the same.

Let's be honest: having a single repository of all your incoming and outgoing calls, text messages and voice mails available to you on any phone, tablet or computer is something out of a sci-fi movie. And knocking out texts from the comfort of a laptop makes me wonder how I ever survived the T9 days. But, as great as the basic features are, it's some of the more advanced tools that have really proven indispensable -- especially considering my line of work. Now, when I do a phone interview, I no longer have to bother with speaker phone or convoluted recording devices; I simply press "4" and the audio of my call is saved online. Google will even transcribe the conversation, though it does an admittedly hit-or-miss job. When it comes time to review a handset, I don't give out the number to select people -- I just connect it to my Voice account and treat it as my primary device for a few days. I can also set my home phone to ring when I don't go in to the office so I don't miss any important calls. Sure, there have been a few hiccups along the way and the occasional outage, but it's reliable enough that my Google Voice number is the only one I give out anymore. And at this point, I can't imagine it any other way.
-- Terrence O'Brien

Returning the iPhone 4S

If you've been following along, you may know that I have a love-hate relationship with Apple. That pretty well describes my brief time with the iPhone 4S, which I returned thanks to a few glaring issues. The forums have been abuzz with folks facing various problems, and you can count me as one of them, though somehow, I was spared any battery life woes. Upon receiving the unit, it was clear that the new screen had a yellower tint than the cold blue of my 3GS. While a warmer hue could have been good news, this seemed a bit too yellow, making for a sickly, washed-out look that I noticed every time I moved to my iPad 2 and 3GS (it's not as if you can calibrate these iDevice screens).

Strike two: those ever-so tiny pockets of light leaking through the top of the screen. Yes, this is a fairly minor gripe, but those slight blotches became a nuisance, particularly when I tried to read emails in landscape mode. I could also get into how tapping the bottom of the device made for a slight bounce-back (seemingly from its linear oscillating vibration motor) or how the camera element rattled like a pack of Tic Tacs whenever I set it down, but that would be nit-picking -- even by my standards.

Of all things, the deal-breaker was the phone 4S's supposedly improved antenna, which gave me interference during voice calls. While someone was talking, a faint, but audible zzZzzZ emanated from the top antenna, creeping up near the ear piece. Upon further investigation, I confirmed that placing a finger on the top antenna would kill the noise. Odd. I contacted Apple Care for a new unit, but alas, the issue reared its head during my first call on this "re-serialized replacement device" (fancy-talk for refurbished). Worse yet, the earpiece on this unit had terribly low volume, even when cranked all the way up. Look, the iPhone 4S has a lot going for it in many ways, but suffice it to say, a handset that can't properly handle a voice call isn't the device for me. So, I'm back to my 3GS and am happy to wait for a Galaxy Nexus-branded Ice Cream Sandwich -- just don't get me started on the hellish return process and SIM swap AT&T put me through.
-- Joe Pollicino

Lenovo's diminutive Q180 HTPC dishes out multimedia for $349

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 09:43 AM PST

Ultrabooks have been getting a lot of love from PC makers these days, and Lenovo's no exception. But laptops aren't the only machines getting slim and trim, and the Chinese firm has outed its svelte IdeaCentre Q180 home theater PC to fulfill your entertainment needs. Stuffed inside a 22mm-thin frame that makes other skinny HTPCs look downright portly, is a 2.13GHz Intel Atom dual-core CPU plus Radeon HD 6450A graphics and up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM to keep video playback buttery smooth. You can also get up to a 750GB HDD or a 128GB SSD to store all of your myriad media, and a Blu-ray drive's available for those digging disc-based content. Hooking up displays and peripherals are easy with USB 3.0, VGA and HDMI out, and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and 802.11b/g/n WiFi. The Q180 starts at $349 for the base model, with prices escalating accordingly if you start adding options like a hand-held keyboard. Full PR's after the break.
Show full PR text
Lenovo Unleashes the World's Smallest Fully-Functional Desktop PC
The IdeaCentre Q180 Turns the TV into an Entertainment Hub for the Home

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – November 22, 2011: Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today announced the IdeaCentre Q180 – a consumer desktop PC no larger than a paperback book, yet powerful enough to turn a digital TV into a multimedia hub for enjoying music, videos, games, web browsing and more.

"With the IdeaCentre Q180, we upped our game in the compact PC category," said Nick Reynolds, executive director, Product Group Marketing, Lenovo. "Featuring the latest HD Graphics and Blu-ray 3D playback, the Q180 enables consumers to change the way they enjoy multimedia and the Web in their living room at an affordable price point."

Compact Size, Complete Entertainment
Light weight and similar in size to a paperback novel -- just 22 mm thick – the world's smallest production PC still packs a punch and comes with the latest technology. Along with an Intel® Atom™ dual core processor, up to 4GB DDR3 memory, 750GB HDD storage or 128GB SSD storage and 802.11bgn Wi-Fi, the Q180 also comes equipped with a VESA Mount that allows flexible fitting anywhere in the home including the back of most HDTVs and monitors.

Home Movie and Theatre Companion
Featuring great multi-media support, the Q180 comes with Full HD 1080p output, including a Blu-ray drive1, 7.1 channel surround sound, Blu-ray 3D and DirectX11 support to help create an authentic movie ambiance and state-of-the-art home-theater experience right in the living room. It also features fast USB 3.0 file transfer support, VGA and HDMI out ports, and S/PDIF connectivity for your HDTV and sound system.

Compact Wireless Keyboard
The IdeaCentre Q180 also comes with a latest generation Lenovo wireless backlit handheld keyboard1, which can fit snuggly in the palm of your hand. From the comfort of a sofa, users can do just about anything via this multimedia control wirelessly, including adjusting surround sound settings, selecting HD movies or simply surfing the Web on the Q180.

Pricing and Availability1
The IdeaCentre Q180 will be available November 22 on Lenovo.com starting at $349. The Q180 will also be sold through select retailers and on www.lenovo.com.

For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook.

1 Optional configuration and feature

Tamagotchi turns 15, wonders why you haven't fed it in a decade

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 09:25 AM PST

Remember that little Tamagotchi you promised to always love and care for? When was the last time you fed the thing? Twelve years ago? The little guy's probably starving. Bandai's line of pocket pets turns 15 today -- the first Tamagotchi on sale November 23rd, 1996, becoming a downright phenomenon that proceeded to baffle parents everywhere. Since then, the attention demanding key chains have spawned several video games, a TV series and an animated movie. So go, break your Tamagotchi out of shoebox it's been living in for the past decade and treat it to a birthday meal and a driver's permit.

Iridium releases AxcessPoint Mail & Web app for globetrotting iDevices

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 09:06 AM PST

A towel and an even keel go a long way when you're galavanting around the globe, but whether we're going to grandma's or New Guinea, many of us won't leave home without access to email. Iridium created its AxcessPoint Mail & Web software for such connection-dependent people, but the service was unavailable to those using iOS... until today. The company has finally brought AxcessPoint to Cupertino's mobile platform, and iPhone users can download the free app now. Of course, before you start checking messages in the middle of the Sahara, you'll need to spring for one of Iridium's pricey sat phones and its WiFi hotspot, then pay a $1 per minute charge once you've connected your iDevice. And, with speeds on the network checking in around 12kbps for web browsing and 40kbps for email, you'll pay dearly for the privilege of opening the Vogon poetry attachment your buddy sent to entertain you while you sail solo across the Atlantic.
Show full PR text
First Apple iOS App Available on Iridium
Free Application Optimizes Email and Internet Services for Faster Data Speeds for iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches Anywhere in the World

MCLEAN, Va., Nov 22, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Iridium Communications Inc. IRDM -1.27% announces that its Iridium(R) AxcessPoint Mail & Web App is now available for Apple operating system (iOS) devices. This development makes it possible for devices such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch to connect over the world's furthest reaching communications network, Iridium.

The company launched the Iridium AxcessPoint Wi-Fi hotspot with BlackBerry support, as well as with apps for Mac and Windows laptops, in September 2011. With today's app rollout, Iridium continues to expand the universe of smartphones that can now communicate on 90 percent of the planet not covered by traditional wireless networks.

"Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web now provides a reliable email and Internet connection anywhere in the world for the more than 250 million Apple iOS device users," said Joel Thompson, vice president, product management, Iridium. "This first-of-its-kind capability embodies our Iridium Force(SM) vision -- Iridium's commitment to extending handheld connectivity in places never before possible and through devices customers already own. More and more we see enterprise, government and NGO organizations requiring connectivity for their employees regardless of their location on the planet."

The Iridium AxcessPoint Wi-Fi hotspot accessory is a portable and lightweight modem that easily connects devices to Iridium using an Iridium Extreme(TM) or Iridium 9555 satellite phone. It is available through the global Iridium partner ecosystem with a suggested retail price of less than $200 (USD). The free Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web App for Apple devices is available on Apple's iTunes store.

Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web features built-in firewall protection to block extraneous Internet traffic providing data speeds up to five times faster for web browsing and 15 times faster for email. This optimization software allows for offline viewing and composition of emails. It also enables configuration and filtering of large data files and attachments, as well as mid-file restart of attachment transfers if required.

Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web is part of the Iridium AxcessPoint suite of products. This Wi-Fi suite includes the Iridium AxcessPoint Wi-Fi hotspot accessory and the Iridium AxcessPoint Connect downloadable application. Iridium AxcessPoint Connect turns any Windows laptop into a global Wi-Fi hotspot when connected to an Iridium Extreme or Iridium 9555 satellite phone.

In order to use the Iridium AxcessPoint Wi-Fi hotspot accessory and Apple iOS app for Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web, users must have an Iridium 9555 or Iridium Extreme satellite phone with a valid subscription. Standard usage fees for airtime are charged. To purchase a satellite phone or Iridium AxcessPoint accessory, visit www.iridium.com to find a reseller. In addition, users should go to www.iridiumaxcesspoint.com to register for the Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web App and receive full set-up instructions for their device.

The Engadget Mobile Turkeycast, live at 2PM ET with guest Phil Nickinson!

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 08:45 AM PST

If you're hoping to get ready for the holiday by listening to a few turkeys, we have the perfect solution for you: Myriam Joire, Brad Molen and Joseph Volpe. Oh, and Phil Nickinson from Android Central will be thrown into the mobile oven as well. So join us, each and every one of you, for the Engadget Mobile Podcast Turkeycast, live at 2PM ET!

Note: While we're recording the podcast early this week, it likely won't be downloadable until this weekend due to the holiday. All the more reason to join us live!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 2:00 PM EST




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

Nintendo 3DS available for $145 at Target's pre-Black Friday sale

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 08:21 AM PST

It's official: Black Friday has transcended both space and time. No longer bound to the Hipparchian constraints of the 24-hour day, the Mother of all Sales has now given birth to an entire generation of equally stygian offspring, oozing her mercantile tentacles into nearly every crevice of our American existence. Case in point: Target's pre-Black Friday sale. It's a sale in honor of a sale that's in honor of a holiday -- the Apollo to Thanksgiving's Jupiter, if you will. It's also where you can grab a Nintendo 3DS for just $145, as noted in this ad that we came across yesterday. So loosen those purse strings and clench your fists, because the Supra Sale draws nigh.

Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: bags and cases

Posted: 23 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.

Santa may be able to toss a few thousand laptops in his bright red sack with nary a scratch to be seen -- but you sure can't. You'll want to keep those goods sparkly and new for as long as possible, and that's what today's gift selections are all about - getting your tech from A to B in the safest, most stylish way possible. There's plenty of choice for transporting your goodies, ranging from the bland to the bizarre, from rucksacks to courier bags, silicone to silk -- there is literally something for everyone. Finding a one-size-fits-all solution is going to be nigh-on impossible, but we're hopeful that what we've got here will be just the ticket to re-wrap what you just unboxed.


Rucksacks


Thule Crossover 25 liter


Years of making tough auto roof-boxes means Thule knows a thing or two about shifting your valuables. When you're high-tailing it across town, be it to a meeting, school or just to a friend's flat, the Crossover Backpack is your guy. Built-in Macbook and smartphone pockets keep your vital gear safe, while the capacious main compartment and uncompromising quality make it a great all-rounder, that should last for many more holidays to come.

Key specs: 25 liter capacity, crush-proof SafeZone, integrated laptop compartment.

Price: $99 on Amazon


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Kata KT D 3N1-30

An Engadget favorite for some time, if bag this doesn't have a compartment for it, you don't need it. Slide round and wear the Kata in its sling position for quick-fire grab-and-go access to your gadgets.

Price: $102.99 on Amazon



OverBoard 25 liter backpack

If you're the adventurous type, or just like to feel like you are, this waterproof rucksack from OverBoard will at least keep your pressies dry while you enjoy the great -- but wet -- outdoors.

Price: from $49.95 on Amazon



Messenger bags


Timbuk2 The Snoop


Part camera bag, part messenger, we love the versatility of The Snoop. We find the numerous compartments to be ideal for packing in your phone, PMP, batteries, cables or whatever else you might be hauling, without resulting in a chaotic mess just five steps into your journey. The tough nylon finish and padding where it matters make this light and comfortable, even on long treks across town. All this function doesn't come at the expense of form either, as in our opinion, The Snoop is as handsome as it is useful.

Key specs: Available in different sizes and colors, camera bag storage with messenger bag looks.

Price: from $108.95 on Amazon


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Lowepro Sling bag

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, with this bag, you'll be slinging... Small, tough and generally better than our carol singing, this nifty option from Lowepro somehow lets you cram a lot into not a lot of space. Slash pockets keep your around-town essentials close at hand.

Price: $55.95 on Amazon



Rothco Battlefield Messenger

Sometimes a high-tech problem requires a low-tech solution, and we love the idea of this medic bag 'coming to the rescue'. The canvas finish adds a little analog flavor to your digital world, and that's not the only thing that's classic - at just $18, so is the price.

Price: $17.99 on Amazon



Gadget cases


Otterbox Reflex series


We've had our eye on Otterbox for sometime, and their Reflex range is doing it for us right now. When you've just peeled off the cellophane from a shiny new smartphone, you don't want it looking worn after a few thigh-rubbing trips in your pocket, do you? We find the Reflex range gives all the protection of a rugged case, without the need for a can-opener to get it out again. Just slide the bottom half off and your phone is dock-friendly again, clip it back on once you're done. Perhaps above all else, we've seen many gadget crises averted thanks to the toughness of an Otterbox, so it's no surprise that these are pretty high on our 'must-have' list.

Key specs: Easy to install/uninstall, allows for easy docking, rugged style protection.

Price: From $24 on Amazon


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Nixon Horween Edition

Sometimes we like to enjoy the finer things in life, and this luxurious leather iPad satchel from Nixon feels as good as it looks. If Bond carried a tablet, he'd probably roll with it in this. Will you spy it under the tree this year?

Price: $90-100 on Nixon



Verso Prologue for Kindle Fire

Nothing like a good book makes a Kindle look like a good book. Make sense? No? This smart case from Verso brings that leather-bound feel to an otherwise digital tome. Ron Burgundy would be proud.

Price: $39.99 on Amazon

Ham radio licenses in the US top 700,000, still plenty of call signs to go around

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 07:36 AM PST

Social networking wasn't always as easy as it is today. Long before Twitter or Facebook (or the internet itself), amateur radio was a popular way for folks to talk to people they may not necessarily know in real life -- although "popular" in this case is something that's always been measured in the hundreds of thousands rather than millions. While it's since been overtaken considerably by more modern technologies, ham radio is still now technically more popular than ever, with a recent count of licensed operators in the US topping 700,000 for the first time. Of course, they aren't necessarily all active users, but there is still a steady stream of folks taking the necessary exam these days -- the FCC has issued 40,000 new licenses in the past five years.

[Image courtesy Seattle Municipal Archives / Wikimedia Commons]

Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet gets probed by the FCC, will play nicely with all the networks

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 07:05 AM PST

Mr. & Mrs. Lenovo packed young ThinkPad Tablet on its big trip to Washington, smiling all the while. When it arrived, it was dragged into the FCC's underground bunker and subjected to horrifying experiments by our boys in blue lab coats. Turns out they were looking to see what kind of gear it was packing. They stumbled upon a Qualcomm Gobi 3000, which will happily connect to AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile's 3G internet (nothing faster, though). To show there were no hard feelings, the FCC approved the Tablet and handed it a carton of juice before sending it on its way.

LightSquared teams with Soundtracker, gives access to 11 million tunes on-the-go

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 06:44 AM PST

Nothing puts a pep in our step like streaming a little LMFAO radio on our smartphone and busting out a move or two. Until, of course, we see the astronomical data charges from our personal dance party at the end of the month. Hoping to lessen the blow to our wallets while keeping the party pumping, broadband network provider LightSquared is teaming up with internet radio purveyor Soundtracker to give customers access to 11 million songs stored in the cloud. The bundle will give dancing fools a portal into the world of music from wherever they are, without having to worry about racking up the ridiculous data charges associated with streaming radio -- something we can all get down to. We assume this means the cost of bandwidth will be folded in with the subscription costs, but neither party's spilling the beans on how much that'll be. Check out the full PR after the break.
Show full PR text
Soundtracker Turns to LightSquared to Revolutionize the Mobile Music Business

RESTON, Va. and SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., November 22, 2011 – LightSquared, a wholesale carrier building a nationwide wireless broadband network that will create consumer choice and drive industry innovation, and Soundtracker, a geosocial Internet radio company, have signed a wholesale agreement that will enable Soundtracker's customers to access one of the world's largest catalogues of online music.

LightSquared's network will allow Soundtracker to offer its customers a product that bundles music with connectivity – eliminating concerns that consumers will rack up huge monthly wireless fees while listening to their favorite music.

"LightSquared's nationwide network will allow Soundtracker to extend its reach by allowing customers to connect directly to their music whether they are in a cab in New York City or hiking in the Grand Canyon," said Daniele Calabrese, Soundtracker's founder and chief executive officer.

In addition to giving its customers access to more than 11 million songs, Soundtracker's geosocial network allows users to see what their friends and even people in their communities are listening to.

"Soundtracker is exactly the kind of exciting new company that LightSquared hoped would be enabled by our wholesale business model," said Sanjiv Ahuja, chairman and chief executive officer of LightSquared. "This partnership allows Soundtracker to create a new business model for the mobile content industry and bring more entertainment options to millions of American consumers."

Nook Simple Touch gets $79 limited edition for Black Friday, makes other e-readers vaguely jealous

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 06:21 AM PST

Barnes & Noble is celebrating Black Friday with a white border. The bookstore chain is offering up a limited edition of its excellent Nook Simple Touch reader this Friday, November 25th. Slight aesthetic differences aside, the real news here is the price -- the company is knocking $20 off the already low-cost device, making it the same as Amazon's ad-supported, touchscreen-free fourth gen Kindle. The $79 deal will only last one day, so get 'em while the e-ink is hot. Press info after the jump.
Show full PR text
Barnes & Noble Announces Black Friday Megadeals on Hottest Holiday Gifts

NEW YORK-November 23, 2011-- Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, announced today the best Black Friday deals on the season's hottest reading and entertainment products. Among Barnes & Noble's breakthrough offers, on Friday, November 25 – for one day only – customers will be able purchase a limited edition version of the award-winning NOOK Simple Touch, The World's #1 Rated Reader, for the amazing low price of only $79. Sold only at Barnes & Noble bookstores on Black Friday while supplies last, this exclusive model features a stylish white border.

NOOK Simple Touch is the world's best reader at the world's best value – normally at the low price of $99 without distracting ads – and a must-have this holiday season for anyone who loves to read. With its latest software update, NOOK Simple Touch now has the most advanced E® Ink display with lightning-fast page turns – 25 percent faster than any other E Ink product on the market. And Barnes & Noble has extended NOOK Simple Touch's best-in-class battery life even further for its customers who love to read for long stretches – up to two months, with an hour of reading a day, all on a single charge. At NOOK Digital Shops™, customers will also be able to experience the incredibly popular NOOK Color™ at a new low price of only $199, as well as the NOOK Tablet™, the company's fastest, lightest tablet with the best entertainment displayed in stunning VividView™, for just $249.

In addition to NOOK products, customers should shop early to take advantage of this year's exciting Barnes & Noble Black Friday specials available in stores and online at Barnes & Noble.com, including:

NOOK Accessories: Enjoy discounts of up to 44 percent online and in stores on NOOK must-haves, including a free Clear Screen Film Kit with purchase of a NOOK Color or NOOK Tablet Power Kit for $24.95, and a free NOOK Simple Touch Power Adapter with purchase of a Lyra Light for $14.95.
Toys & Games: An incredible 50 percent off of any one item in stores from the world's best selection of Educational Toys and Games, and select items online. Customers can choose from LEGO, LeapFrog, Melissa & Doug, and many more. This offer is exclusively available on Friday, November 25.
Top-selling Books: 50 percent off select popular titles online and in stores, including George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones Deluxe Edition, John Grisham's The Litigators, Lee Child's The Affair, David Baldacci's Zero Day, Todd Burpo's Heaven is for Real Deluxe Edition, Annie Leibovitz's Pilgrimage, Peter A. David's The Spiderman Vault, and The Art Museum Book, among others.
Kids & Teens Books: 50 percent of select titles online and in stores, including the bestselling series Maze Runner, by James Dashner, and The Mortal Instruments, by Cassandra Clare, as well as popular picture books such as Dr. Seuss' The Bippolo Seed, Eric Carle's The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, and Maurice Sendak's Bumble-Ardy. Also available is Tom Angleberger's popular Origami Yoda Book series for young readers.
DVD and Blu-ray: 40-50 percent off select DVD and Blu-ray bestsellers and new releases in stores.

Additional offers, available to customers online and in stores, include:

A coupon for 30 percent off one item to shop online from Wednesday, November 23, to Sunday, November 27, or redeemable in stores from Friday, November 25, to Sunday, November 27.
A free $10 Barnes & Noble gift card with every $100 gift card purchase.

Researchers create spinal cord connectors from human stem cells, heralding breakthrough

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 06:03 AM PST

It's taken many years and more than a bit of brainpower, but researchers at the University of Central Florida have finally found a way to create neuromuscular connectors between muscle and spinal cord cells, using only stem cells. Led by bioengineer James Hickman, the team pulled off the feat with help from Brown University Professor Emeritus Herman Vandenburgh, who collected muscle stem cell samples from adult volunteers. After close examination, they then discovered that under the right conditions, these samples could be combined with spinal cord cells to form connectors, or neuromuscular junctions, which the brain uses to control the body's muscles. UCF's engineers say the technique, described in the December issue of the journal Biomaterials, marks a major breakthrough for the development of "human-on-a-chip" models -- systems that simulate organ functions and have the potential to drastically accelerate medical research and drug development. These junctions could also pay dividends for research on Lou Gehrig's disease or spinal cord injuries, though it remains unclear whether we can expect to see these benefits anytime soon.

QPAD MK-85 gaming keyboard brings NKRO, Cherry MX switches, devilish red backlights

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 05:39 AM PST

N-key rollover (NKRO) is the gaming equivalent of musical polyphony, except it's less about creating beautiful harmonies and more about meleeing that camper in the corner while taking evasive maneuvers, reloading your AK, barking orders at your unit, checking the map, calling in a chopper and emailing the office -- all at precisely the same time. If that sounds beautiful to you, then you might consider picking up QPAD's new MK-85 mechanical gaming keyboard, which delivers full NKRO, USB and audio hub functionality and individual blood-red LED backlights over a single USB cable. It also has non-tactile, non-audible Cherry MX Red switches and, of course, plenty of programmable keys. The MK-85 will be available from December priced at €149 ($200). Alternatively, you can opt for a stripped-down MK-50 for €80 ($106), which plays the same core melody but without some of the trills.

'Tis the season for the Distro Gift Guide -- 125 geeky giving ideas

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 05:15 AM PST

We've been doling out or holiday gift giving advice in installments, but instead of making you wait, we're speeding things up a bit, and offering the full 14 categories just in time for Black Friday. Before you go into a turkey-induced coma, download our very latest special edition, the Distro 2011 Gift Guide, to find out what we've got on our wish list, and what you should have under your tree. From TVS to tablets, from smartphones to Lego sets, we've compiled a list of our favorite gadgets, gizmos and gear for every price range. Consider this your manual for fighting turkey-induced giving indecision. Now, go forth and spend! (Just don't go crazy.)

Distro 2011 Gift Guide PDF
Distro on the iTunes App Store
Like Distro on Facebook
Follow Distro on Twitter

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

Western Digital purchase of Hitachi's hard drive business approved by EU regulators

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 04:52 AM PST

HDD
Two of the hard drive industry's biggest players will soon be just one company. European Union regulators have given a conditional thumbs-up to Western Digital's plans to snatch up Hitachi's storage division for $4.3 billion. The companies are the second and third largest hard disk manufacturers in the world (respectively) behind Seagate, which purchased Samsung's HDD division back in April. Out of concern for the quickly consolidating market, regulators only approved the Western Digital deal after assurances that the company would sell off some its production assets, including a manufacturing plant, and transfer some intellectual property to the new unit being put on the auction block. As soon as WD finds a buyer it'll be free and clear to take over Hitachi's HDD division. So, anyone interested in a hard drive manufacturing plant?

Galaxy Nexus volume fix in the works, Google confirms

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 04:34 AM PST

Google has heard your Galaxy Nexus complaints loud and clear, and it's already working on a fix. That's just about all the company had to say today, in response to widespread gripes over a strange volume bug on Samsung's new flagship handset. "We are aware of the volume issue and have developed a fix," Google said in a statement. "We will update devices as soon as possible." It appears, then, that the problem lies not in the phone's hardware, but in its software, meaning that a simple OTA update may just do the trick. No word yet on when we can expect to see the fix, but we'll be sure to let you know as soon as we find out.

Google sets execution dates for Wave, Knol, Friend Connect and more

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 04:14 AM PST

In what Google is calling its "off-season spring cleaning series," the mega company is finally setting some end dates for many of its lukewarm services, most notably the once-hyped Wave, Knol and Friend Connect. Sitting on Death Row for some time now, Mountain View has slowly phased out the less-than-successful products, most recently announcing that it would kill seven APIs including Translate and Video Search. The sweep is part of Google's VP of Product Management Bradley Horowitz' overall plan to "[do] less of throwing things against the wall," focusing instead on "doing fewer things well." Besides the aforementioned services to receive the axe, Google will also be putting an end to Bookmarks List, Gears, Search Timeline and its Renewable Energy Cheaper than Coal initiative. The company says the overhaul is part of the effort "to build a simpler, more intuitive, truly beautiful Google user experience" -- in other words, "it's not me... it's you." Check the source for more details.

Dish Network files 'Ollo' trademark for planned LTE-Advanced service, GPS takes a deep breath

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 03:55 AM PST

Dish just finished firing off a 67-page letter to the FCC petitioning for the right to use its 2GHz spectrum for LTE-Advanced. Now, two recently filed trademark applications are tipping us off to a potential name for the satellite operator's planned 4G network, known as "Ollo." According to the company's filings, this brand would encompass both future equipment and services, huddling smartphones, tablets and a triple play of services under the same umbrella. The hybridized network still has significant hurdles to overcome before it gets a greenlight -- namely, a proven lack of LightSquared-like GPS interference. But, it appears the company's confident its newly acquired holdings will pass Go, delivering heretofore unseen downlink / uplink speeds to subscribers. As ever, we'll keep a close watch on this as it develops.

Nokia Siemens to cut 17,000 jobs as part of global restructuring

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 03:32 AM PST

Nokia Siemens Networks has just announced a new global restructuring initiative that will result in the loss of a whopping 17,000 jobs. According to a statement released today, the company will "realign its business to focus on mobile broadband (including optical), customer experience management and services." To achieve this, Nokia Siemens plans to reduce its operating expenses and overhead costs by about €1 billion and its workforce by nearly a quarter -- both by the end of 2013. The company explained the job cuts thusly:
"These planned reductions are expected to be driven by aligning the company's workforce with its new strategy as well as through a range of productivity and efficiency measures. These planned measures are expected to include elimination of the company's matrix organizational structure, site consolidation, transfer of activities to global delivery centers, consolidation of certain central functions, cost synergies from the integration of Motorola's wireless assets, efficiencies in service operations, and company-wide process simplification."
No word yet on which countries will receive the brunt of the blow, though the company says it will launch local re-training and re-employment programs in affected areas. The mass layoff is only the latest in a recent spate of Nokia-related cuts, and according to Nokia Siemens CEO Rajeev Suri, it's lamentably necessary. "As we look towards the prospect of an independent future, we need to take action now to improve our profitability and cash generation," the exec said. "These planned reductions are regrettable but necessary - and it is our goal to make them in a fair and responsible way, providing the support we can to employees and communities." Full press release after the break.
Show full PR text
Nokia Siemens Networks puts mobile broadband and services at the heart of its strategy; initiates restructuring to maintain long-term competitiveness and improve profitability

Focuses on mobile network infrastructure and services market
- Targets significant operating expense and production overhead savings
- Plans global workforce reduction of approximately 17,000

Nokia Corporation
Stock Exchange Release
November 23, 2011 at 14.00 (CET+1)
Espoo, Finland - Nokia Siemens Networks today announced its strategy to focus on mobile broadband and services and the launch of an extensive global restructuring program.
"We believe that the future of our industry is in mobile broadband and services - and we aim to be an undisputed leader in these areas," said Rajeev Suri, chief executive officer of Nokia Siemens Networks. "At the same time, we need to take the necessary steps to maintain long term competitiveness and improve profitability in a challenging telecommunications market."

Strategy update
Nokia Siemens Networks will target end-to-end mobile network infrastructure and services, with a particular emphasis on mobile broadband.

"Our goal is to provide the world's most efficient mobile networks, the intelligence to maximize the value of those networks, and the services capability to make it all work seamlessly," said Suri. "Despite the need to restructure parts of our company, our commitment to research and development remains unchanged, with investment in mobile broadband expected to increase over the coming years."

Nokia Siemens Networks plans to realign its business to focus on mobile broadband (including optical), customer experience management and services. The company's Services organization will further strengthen its highly-efficient global delivery system. Business areas not consistent with the new strategy are planned to be divested or managed for value. Quality and innovation will continue to be priorities for the company, with ongoing investment in both areas.

Restructuring program
Nokia Siemens Networks targets to reduce its non-IFRS* annualized operating expenses and production overheads by EUR 1 billion by the end of 2013, compared to the end of 2011. While these savings are expected to come largely from organizational streamlining, the company will also target areas such as real estate, information technology, product and service procurement costs, overall general and administrative expenses, and a significant reduction of suppliers in order to further lower costs and improve quality.

Nokia Siemens Networks plans to reduce its global workforce** by approximately 17,000 by the end of 2013. These planned reductions are expected to be driven by aligning the company's workforce with its new strategy as well as through a range of productivity and efficiency measures. These planned measures are expected to include elimination of the company's matrix organizational structure, site consolidation, transfer of activities to global delivery centers, consolidation of certain central functions, cost synergies from the integration of Motorola's wireless assets, efficiencies in service operations, and company-wide process simplification.

Nokia Siemens Networks will begin the process of engaging with employee representatives in accordance with country-specific legal requirements to find socially responsible means to address these reduction needs. More information will be shared in impacted countries as the process proceeds. In order to reduce the impact of the planned reductions, Nokia Siemens Networks intends to launch locally led programs at the most affected sites to provide re-training and re-employment support.

"As we look towards the prospect of an independent future, we need to take action now to improve our profitability and cash generation," said Suri. "These planned reductions are regrettable but necessary - and it is our goal to make them in a fair and responsible way, providing the support we can to employees and communities."

Conference Call and Webcast
Nokia Siemens Networks will host a conference call for media beginning at 15:00 pm (EET) 14:00 pm (CET) on Wednesday, November 23. The conference call will be webcast live with audio at: www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com/webcast
A dial-in option is also available.
Telephone number: +44 (0) 203 106 4822
Confirmation code: 4484071
A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the event.

Doom 3 source code available now, gory customizations welcomed

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 02:48 AM PST

Doom for everyone. It's not a particularly festive message, but as promised earlier this week, the Doom 3 source code is now out on a general public license. Programming types can meddle with the game's inner workings as wintery temperatures force them to huddle close to the warm hum of excessive gaming rigs. Doom dad John Carmack announced the release to his horde of Twitter followers, while doffing his cap to Timothee Besset, who helped sidestep some shadow rendering license issues that had dogged an earlier release. Peer into the source code at the link below, and know the true face of despair Doom.

Strategy Analytics: China leapfrogs US to become world's top smartphone market

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 02:04 AM PST

The winds of tech consumerism are changing course. More specifically, they're heading east. According to the latest Q3 figures from Strategy Analytics, China is now the world's largest smartphone market by volume, overtaking the US for the first time. According to the research firm, smartphone shipments in China reached a record high of 23.9 million units during the third quarter of this year, up 58 percent from Q2. Compare that with the US, which saw shipments decline by seven percent over the quarter, to 23.3 million units. The Boston-based firm attributed much of China's growth to a spike in cheaper, Android-based handsets from companies like ZTE, as well as a flowering of subsidized higher-end models, like the iPhone. Nokia leads the way within the People's Republic, accounting for 28 percent of all quarterly shipments, followed by Samsung, with an 18 percent share. Find more quotes and charts in the press release after the break, or hit up the source link below for the full report.
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Strategy Analytics: China Overtakes United States as World's Largest Smartphone Market in Q3 2011

BOSTON, Nov 23, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, smartphone shipments reached a record 24 million units in China during the third quarter of 2011. Smartphone shipments reached just 23 million units in the United States. China has overtaken the United States for the first time to become the world's largest smartphone market by volume.

Linda Sui, Analyst at Strategy Analytics, said, "Smartphone shipments grew 58 percent sequentially to reach a record 23.9 million units in China during Q3 2011. In contrast, smartphone shipments fell 7 percent sequentially to reach 23.3 million units in the United States. China has overtaken the United States for the first time to become the world's largest smartphone market by volume."

Tom Kang, Director at Strategy Analytics, added, "China's rapid growth has been driven by an increasing availability of smartphones in retail channels, aggressive subsidizing by operators of high-end models like the Apple iPhone, and an emerging wave of low-cost Android models from local Chinese brands such as ZTE. Nokia currently leads China's smartphone market with 28 percent share, while HTC heads the United States smartphone market with 24 percent share."

Neil Mawston, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics, added, "The United States remains the world's largest smartphone market by revenue, but China has overtaken the United States in terms of volume. China is now at the forefront of the worldwide mobile computing boom. China has become a large and growing smartphone market that no hardware vendor, component maker or content developer can afford to ignore."

Scientists testing HUD contact lenses on rabbits, hope to bring augmented reality to your eyeballs

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 01:08 AM PST

Scientists at Washington University are a step closer to bringing us all some sweet information displaying contact lenses. The team has been successfully testing prototype lenses on rabbits -- though there are some major caveats here. First, due to limits of circuitry, they can only display a single light-emitting diode at a time. Also, the scientists have yet to figure out a workable energy source -- at present, they need to be within centimeters of a wireless battery. The researchers have big plans, however, including the display of holographic images -- and, no doubt, information about which targets to destroy.

Googly Eye Arduino Shield proves geeks just wanna have fun (video)

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 12:16 AM PST

Googly Eye Arduino Shield
Look, not every Arduino accessory has to be useful. Heck, some of them don't have to do anything at all except, perhaps, make you smile. And that's all the Googly Eye Arduino Shield promises to provide -- a little cheer and personality to add to your latest hack or project. The $7 shield is simply a platform with stacking headers, so you put another shield on top if you like, that sports a pair of googly eyes. Best of all, it's completely customizable. The kit comes with two pairs of different sized peepers which you can place wherever you want. Add all four if you like! The blank white slate leaves you plenty of room to doodle, add a smile, eyelashes or, if you simply must ruin it by adding functionality, a mini breadboard. You can see the Evil Mad Scientist-made shield in action after the break but, honestly, if you're not sold yet you never will be (also, you probably don't have a soul).
Googly Eye Shield for Arduino

Terahertz wireless chip could deliver 30Gbps of bandwidth, stream uncompressed 4K video

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 11:29 PM PST

ROHM terahertz wirelessUsually, when we start talking terahertz, it means one thing: lasers! But not today, friends. Today, we're talking something with a little less flash and a little more potential for everyday use. ROHM, a Japanese electronics component manufacturer, has developed a chip measuring just 1.5mm by 3mm that can transmit data at up to 1.5Gbps using those precious terahertz radio waves. That's both significantly smaller and faster than existing terahertz wireless experiments and the research teams at ROHM and Osaka University (who are collaborating on the project) believe they can scale the tech up to 30Gbps -- enough bandwidth to stream HD video to every room in your home, provided you don't live in a 200 room mansion. Perhaps most exciting though, producing these chips costs only a few hundred Yen, while earlier versions saw prices hovering at around several thousand. For a few more technical details check out he machine translated PR at the source.

Kevin Bacon's closer than you think, Facebook finds folks separated by less than 4 degrees (update)

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 10:16 PM PST

Facebook's fertile ground for social experiments, and it wasn't all that long ago that Yahoo tested the six degrees of separation theory using the site. Not to be outdone, Mark Zuckerberg's crew, with an assist from the Laboratory for Web Algorithmics of the Universita degli Studi di Milano, has done a little digging of its own to find out just how intertwined its 721 million users really are. Turns out, instead of being six degrees away from your favorite dancing actor, you're likely only 4.74 -- which was the average distance between any two Facebook users globally. Considering that number shrinks to three when limited to relationships within your own country, and the worldwide number was at 5.28 in 2008 (and is shrinking all the time), you should be best friends with Kevin Bacon by 2020 or so. Don't believe us? There's plenty of statistical analysis to prove it at the source below.

Update: An astute commenter (with an assist from the BBC) has pointed out that the figures above correlate to the number of intermediate persons between you and Mr. Bacon, therefore the number of degrees separating you is actually one fewer.

VIA's ARTiGO 1150: a $265 barebones nettop with big potential (video)

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 09:06 PM PST

That VE-900 mini-ITX kit still too big for you, eh? Then check out VIA's latest pico-ITX alternative: the ARTiGO 1150 DIY nettop. It improves on last year's 1100 model with a dual-core Eden X2 processor clocked at 1GHz and a VX900H media system processor for accelerated decoding of video up to 1080p. The palm-sized chassis houses the usual HDMI and VGA outputs, gigabit Ethernet and four USB 2.0 host ports, while also leaving just enough room for you to install up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM, one 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD, plus optional WiFi and SD card reader modules. We've found the 1150 selling for $265, which strikes us as appropriately diminutive, but there's a promo video and press release after the break to help you weigh it up for yourself.



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VIA Launches ARTiGO A1150 PC Kit

Packs VIA EdenTM X2 processor, HD video, HDMI connectivity and 64-bit computing in a palm sized chassis

Taipei, Taiwan, November 22, 2011 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced the launch of the VIA ARTiGO A1150 a sub-liter dual core DIY PC kit for enthusiasts who want to taste the next generation of ultra-compact desktop computing.

The VIA ARTiGO A1150 is one of the smallest full featured DIY PC kits available today, squeezing an impressive range of features that include a 1.0GHz dual core VIA Eden™X2processor, HD video support, HDMI and VGA display connectivity, Gigabit networking, Wi-Fi Support and five USB ports, all into a palm-sized PC chassis. The VIA ARTiGO A1150 is ideal for a variety of applications in the home or office, including home server, media streaming and surveillance applications or great as a regular desktop PC, using only a fraction of the physical real estate.

"VIA redefinesdual core low power compact computing, bringing all the features of a regular desktop PC into a form factor that needs to be seen to be believed," said Epan Wu, Head of the VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. "VIA has a long history in creating leading edge form factor systems, and the VIA ARTiGO A1150 pushes the bounds for ultra-compact desktop computing."

VIA ARTiGO A1150: Compact Computing Redefined

The mere 5.7" x 3.9" x 2" (14.6 cm x 9.9 cm x 5.2 cm)VIA ARTiGO A1150 is powered by a dual core 1.0GHz VIA Eden™ X2 processor, offering a high performance native 64-bit computing experience while remaining within a low power thermal envelope. The VIA Eden™ X2 processor is joined by the VIA VX900H media system processor, a fully integrated all-in-one chipset that brings exceptional multimedia experience to small form factor devices including hardware acceleration for the latest HD video codecs including H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-2/4 at screen resolutions of up to 1080p.

Front and back panel I/O includes HDMI and VGA ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, five USB ports including one USB device port, three audio jacks with optional wireless IEEE 802.11 b/g/n and SD card reader modules.

ZTE Smart Tab V55 tablet shows its face at the Bluetooth SIG

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 08:11 PM PST

After flaunting its rear side at the FCC, ZTE's unannounced Smart Tab V55 has now given us a full frontal courtesy of the Bluetooth SIG. Aside from the flash of Honeycomb, the official listing tells us nothing beyond what we already know: there's a CDMA modem inside, along with WiFi and Bluetooth. Oh well, at least it's good to see that the slate is still alive and jumping through all the right hoops for a possible release early next year. Is there any hope that it'll pack Tegra 3, like that curious T98?

Fujitsu Arrows Kiss F-03D ladyphone tells you sit up straight, eat your greens

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 07:18 PM PST

Here in the US, a ladyphone is bit of a hard sell as we saw with the HTC Rhyme but in Japan it's a different story. Fujitsu is trying to woo girls with the Arrows Kiss F-03D, which comes with apps designed to get users into shape -- or bully them to tears. Beauty Body Clinic monitors your posture and orders you to stand up straighter, Sukkiri Alarm wakes you when it thinks you're ready and Karada Life is a pedometer app offering "health maintenance" advice -- probably suggesting a salad the next time you're at KFC. If that hasn't put you off, you'll want to know it's running a single-core 1.4GHz Qualcomm MSM8255, a 3.7-inch WVGA (800 x 480) display and an 8.1 megapixel camera 'round back. If you can stand the nannying, you'll also notice it can handle OneSeg broadcasts, mobile wallet payments and the Okudake-Juden wireless charging system. It'll make its way into the purses of unsuspecting NTT DoCoMo victims customers at an as-yet-unspecified price on November 25th.
Show full PR text
Fujitsu Introduces docomo with series™ ARROWS Kiss F-03D
Compact smartphone with elegant and glimmering jewelry design

Tokyo, November 21, 2011 - Fujitsu today announced that its new smartphone, docomo with series ARROWS Kiss F-03D, will be available from NTT DOCOMO, Inc. in Japan beginning November 25, 2011.

ARROWS Kiss F-03D is a smartphone with "gem-cut" buttons that sparkle like actual jewelry. Providing users with an option other than finger touch-based operations, ARROWS Kiss F-03D comes with a stylus that makes it easy to write intricate Japanese characters.

In addition to cute and convenient applications, such as a personal diary feature, ARROWS F-03D caters to the fashion requests of female smartphone users with its design and user interface. The smartphone is also equipped with one-segment TV broadcast, mobile wallet (Osaifu Keitai), and infrared communication function. With a compact width of 59mm, ARROWS Kiss F-03D is an elegant, water-resistant smartphone, making it a great choice for first-time users.
Background

With the rapid shift in the market toward smartphones, Fujitsu developed a fashionable mobile phone that adds sparkle to the user without compromising on either aesthetics or functionality.

Encased in a compact jewelry-based design, ARROWS Kiss F-03D comes with a stylus which can be attached by a strap to the smartphone for easy portability. The stylus can be used to write delicate Japanese characters or to select links with pinpoint accuracy, making the mobile phone easy to operate.

Compatible with "Okudake-Juden"(1) wireless recharging, the smartphone can be recharged by simply placing it on the wireless charger thus eliminating the physical process of connecting the handset with a wire-based charger. This feature will become even more convenient as more stores and restaurants throughout Japan become equipped to enable wireless recharging.

The diary application freely allows handwritten input and the posting of photos, just like an analog pocket planner. It is equipped with many fun features, such as memos which enable users to choose from among many cute design templates, and original fonts which enable users to create their own fonts with their handwriting.

Furthermore, the photo enhancement application allows users to decorate photos taken with the smartphone's 8.1 megapixel(2) high-performance camera. With a range of decorative effects including air brushing, users can have fun manipulating photos the same way they do at the "purikura" or print club photo booths that are extremely popular in Japan.

ARROWS Kiss F-03D comes in two colors: Precious White, with white and gold framing; and Elegant Pink, with a pearl pink ambiance.

Product Features
1. Glittering Jewelry Illumination(3)

The area around the "gem-cut" buttons on the front, as well as the camera ring in the back, radiantly lights up when a message or call comes in or when the user is on the phone. The smartphone features a total of 23 different illumination patterns.
2. Loaded with fashionable applications that enhance trendiness

Tegaki Deco(4)
Users can create their own decorative pictograms in text messages through a simple process of selecting letters, frames, font (hand-written), color, and motion, making their texting personal.
Application Ranking(5) & Life Assist (collection of useful applications)
The smartphone is equipped with an Application Ranking function, which ranks applications according to their popularity, and Life Assist, which is a collection of applications useful in everyday life. These applications can be downloaded quickly, making them easily-accessible to even first-time smartphone users.

3. Content for enjoying fashion and style

Pre-installed Deco-mail pictograms®
The smartphone comes with 3,000 Deco-mail pictograms®, pre-installed to make composing e-mail messages fun.
Pre-installed fonts
Universal Design Font's "UD Shin Maru Go" font, which is especially easy to read, and three other fonts come pre-installed. Users can select and set whichever font best expresses their individuality.

4. Usability fit for comfort and peace of mind

Readablity, ease-of-use, and audibility functions that are the hallmark of Fujitsu
In addition to its ultra-high resolution and noise reduction technology for clear listening and viewing of one-segment TV broadcasts and YouTube™ content, the smartphone features a quick-response touchscreen that enables scrolling and smooth-gliding touch-based operation. Other original features include Fujitsu's proprietary "NX!input" system that allows the user to input handwritten text on a numeric-keypad and "Super Hakkiri (extra-clear) Voice 3," which enhances the clarity of the caller's voice in noisy or crowded places.

5. Daily healthcare support

Beauty Body Clinic(6)
Fujitsu's sensing technology monitors body posture. Presenting advice under the supervision of the Miss Universe Japan Beauty School, a stretching and training exercise menu helps users keep their bodies in top shape.
Sukkiri Alarm
By combining an accelerometer with a microphone, this alarm clock system monitors users' body movements, breathing patterns, and wakefulness while they are asleep. When sleep is detected to be at its lightest point, the alarm is activated thus enabling users to start the day refreshed and looking their best. "Sukkiri" meaning "refreshed" in English.
Karada Life(7)
The smartphone is equipped with a pedometer and activity monitoring system that shows the number of steps users take daily in a graphic chart and gives health-maintenance advice, enabling users to have fun while staying fit.

6. Full range of functionality, including tethering capabilities, water-resistance, and infrared communications

Tethering
The smartphone is equipped with Wi-Fi access point functionality, enabling it to be also used as a wireless LAN router. Even when on-the-go, by turning the F-03D into a wireless access point (base station), users can connect up to eight Wi-Fi devices, such as portable gaming devices and PCs, to the Internet.
Infrared communications
Just like with i-mode mobile phones, data can be easily exchanged between devices using infrared communications. Supported data includes profile information, address book information, and still photographs.
Osaifu Keitai
Mobile wallet. Users can manage their electronic money and coupons all on their smartphone.
Water-resistance
With IPX5/8 water-resistance(8), the smartphone can be utilized with peace of mind.

Compatibility with Key Services

sp-mode mail, FOMA® High-Speed (14Mbps), dMenu, dMarket™, DOCOMO Anshin Scan
Product Specifications

Size: 121 × 59 × 10.9 mm (11.4 mm at thickest point)
Weight: 120 g
Continuous Standby Time:
Approx. 470 hours in FOMA 3G
Approx. 290 hours in GSM
Continuous Talk Time:
Approx. 320 minutes in FOMA 3G voice mode
Approx. 350 minutes in GSM voice mode
Main Display: 3.7-inch TFT color LCD WVGA (480 × 800 pixels)
Camera:
Back side (exterior): 8.1 megapixel effective resolution, CMOS sensor
Front side (interior): 1.3 megapixel effective resolution
Colors: PRECIOUS WHITE, ELEGANT PINK

Ant-Roach inflatable robot can carry a family, scare the kids (video)

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 06:26 PM PST

This 15-foot inflatable pneumatic beast is a confusing mix of child-like inflatable wonder and cold, brutal, robopocalypse-beckoning science. The Ant-Roach (half-anteater, half, er, roach) is still a concept device, with inflatable actuators on the legs doing the heavy lifting -- apparently up to 1,000 pounds. Manifolds are peppered along the beast's underbelly, with a microcontroller obeying its soft-stomping orders by wireless signal. While it battles for our inflatable robot affections, you can check it (just about) conquering shallow water right after the break.

P.S. We'd be remiss if we didn't point out that the same lab has also developed an inflatable robot arm. Check it out after the break as well.

Arduino geek develops Cold War Angst, starts spying on satellites (video)

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 05:21 PM PST

Start with some Arduino and Gameduino hardware, add a splash of PLAN-13 satellite tracking software from 1983, and finish with a healthy dose of libertarianism. The result? A neat little hack called Angst, designed and built by Mark VandeWettering (aka Brainwagon). It can store details of up to 750 satellites on 128KB of EEPROM memory and display their predicted orbits in all the glory of SVGA. Don't get lazy though -- the most reliable way to track those pesky snoops in the sky is still to don your anorak, step outdoors and snoop right back.

Tascam unveils iM2 microphone add-on for iOS devices, makes live Foo Fighters bootlegs a breeze

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 04:18 PM PST

Sure, audio recording via the stock mic and iOS app is pretty serviceable for most tasks, but what about capturing that next Avett Brothers gig? You need look no further than Tascam's iM2 stereo microphone for your Apple handheld or slate. Equipped with a pair of condenser microphones -- the same kit as the outfit's DR-series recorders -- the iM2 plugs right in to the dock port of your iOS device. The duo is adjustable over 180-degrees for the perfect capture and it sports its own preamp and analog-to-digital converter to cut out unwanted coughs and increase those vicious banjo chops. Since the peripheral doesn't use the stock iPhone preamp, it is capable of capturing up to 125dB levels without distortion. And don't worry about that 4S dying mid-set, as the iM2 features a USB input that enables charging through the encore. If you're jonesin' for a closer look, hit the gallery below before grabbing yours for $80.
Tascam iM2

Lyneborg bot carves models of magnetic fields, dares the future to have a look (video)

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 03:26 PM PST

If you're going to create a robot that carves something, have it carve models of an invisible field. This is what Frits Lyneborg, creator of the Yellow Drum Machine, has done with a new homemade bot that uses a combination of motors, pulleys, small drills, makerbeams and magnetic sensors. The end result is a robot that, when combined with the interpretative software, can literally read a magnetic field and move the robot's components to cut an accurate model from a crumbly-yet-strong material known as 'Oasis Brick.' You can witness the magic yourself in a video after the break, and if you've any advice for making it better, drop Frits a line there in the via link.

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

xBounds adds HDMI mirroring to Android phones, lets you 'kill the pigs' on the big screen (video)

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 02:49 PM PST

Forget DLNA, that pesky setup requires all of your electronic kit to match up with the same certification. If you want full HDMI-mirroring without the fuss, your go-to's going to be an innocuous little dongle from Dream Chip Technologies. The plain, white xBounds stick links up to your smartphone over WiFi using the outfit's xBeam encoder, transmitting mobile content via HDMI to an HDTV set or external monitor. Games and videos streamed to the big screen will also enjoy output in a higher resolution thanks to the company's xBounds ReMatch tech. But all of this ease of use comes at a price, as the RemoteGPU device is purported to cost €99 (about $134), with the full-on dev kit (which includes a Nexus S) ringing in at €998 (about $1,350). There's no word yet on an official release, so you'll just have to make due with the video after the break.

Analogue Interactive outs ebony ash encased Neo Geo CMVS Slim, pre-order yours for $649

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 02:17 PM PST


If your interest was piqued by Analogue Interactive's walnut shelled Neo Geo MVS arcade system, you may want to take a peek at the outfit's refreshed CMVS slim console. Keeping with the MVS' hand-crafted theme, the CMVS Slim encases the rig in 100 percent ebonized ash. Or, if you preferred the walnut facade, you can still grab the console in that shade as well (pictured after the break). Unlike the model we saw earlier this year, this kit condenses all of the outputs to a single DIN jack -- offering S-video and composite connections via an included cable. Should you be so inclined, you can opt for a cable upgrade to make use of component or SCART connectivity for "the ultimate retro videophile experience." These classy consoles still bear the same $649 price tag as their plastic predecessor. Want a matching arcade stick? Toss in another two Benjamins. If you're ready to pull the trigger and pre-order, hit the source link below, and yours will ship in 5-7 weeks.

Engadget HD Podcast 275 - 11.22.2011

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 02:00 PM PST

Just in time for the holiday break, here's the latest Engadget HD podcast and thanks to some of the usual suspects (Sony, Netflix, Roku, Boxee) we've got plenty to talk about this week. While Sony might be (but probably isn't) about to take on cable TV, Boxee is attacking in its own way with a new live TV tuner. we also say hello to Vizio's newest TVs and SlingPlayer support for Chrome and Facebook. Finally, we wrap up with what we're watching over the next week, so press play and see if we missed any of your Thanksgiving favorites.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[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

12:15 - Sony may be preparing an internet-based cable TV alternative
15:55 - PlayStation Home lets friends watch free movies together now, UStream and radio next month
17:50 - Digital downloads bring UltraViolet one step closer to being useful
23:45 - Netflix reveals new user interface experience for Android tablets, iPad counterpart coming soon
27:17 - Netflix, Fox ready to resurrect Arrested Development as a streaming exclusive in 2013
31:28 - Roku planning to bring set-top boxes to Canada, UK in early 2012
32:30 - Boxee Box Live TV dongle shipping for $49 in January 2012, pre-orders open today
35:28 - SlingPlayer for Facebook is okay, Chrome(book) compatibility is better
39:00 - TV broadcasters hope to dominate the second screen with ConnecTV
43:50 - Sports Fans Coalition intends to lobby against NFL blackouts
48:23 - Vizio's M-Series Theater 3D TVs are officially available, at last
51:30 - Must See HDTV (November 21st - 27th)

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ASUS Transformer Prime goes up for pre-order in North America, banks on your lust for Tegra 3

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 01:48 PM PST

It's only been a few weeks since ASUS went official with it's Tegra 3-packing Eee Pad Transformer Prime tablet. We knew the keyboard-dockable hybrid would available sometime this December, but now the Android 3.2 Honeycomb-running slate (later upgradeable to Ice Cream Sandwich) has just popped up for pre-order at various North American retailers. If you'll recall, inside of its Zenbook-esque shell you'll find a 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 1.2 megapixel front facer -- not to mention other goodies like a mini-HDMI port, USB 2.0 port and a SD card reader. Folks in the US can place their funds down for the 1.3-pound 10.1-incher with Amazon, B&H Photo, Tiger Direct and Best Buy, while those up in Canada can currently look to Future Shop for the privilege. Arriving in your choice amethyst gray or champagne gold with 32 or 64GB of storage, you'll find it priced at $500 and $600, respectively. So, if you want to ensure you're the first kid on the block with a quad-core slate, find your credit card, get Eee-xcited and hit the source link below.

FCC finds AT&T merger not in public interest, Genachowski issues order to hold trial

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 01:09 PM PST

FCC chairman Julius Genachowski issued a draft order this morning that calls for a hearing to take the AT&T / T-Mobile merger before an Administrative Law Judge. Such a hearing, reminiscent of the one held for the attempted buyout of DirecTV by EchoStar in 2002, would be held once the Department of Justice's litigation is complete and would certainly be another blockade for AT&T to push through. According to the FCC, the Chairman's order is awaiting final approval from the Commission at a later date, and won't be made public until that time. If the order gets the green light and a hearing is held, it'll be done so like a trial -- one involving cross examination, witnesses, rules of evidence and a good 'ol fashioned two-sided duel.

It's no secret that the FCC has raised concerns over the proposed merger, and pushing this order forward understandably reflects that. In fact, during a conference call with media, the FCC expressed fears that the deal would violate antitrust standards and isn't in the public interest, and the Commission cited records showing it would ultimately result in a loss of jobs, contrary to AT&T's claims. Naturally, this means there's one more hoop for the carrier to go through before it can hope to pick up T-Mobile, and it's a biggie; with the FCC and DoJ holding steadfastly against the acquisition, the GSM carrier's chances of success appear to be slimming significantly. Head past the break to see AT&T and Sprint's reactions to the news.

AT&T's statement:

The FCC's action today is disappointing. It is yet another example of a government agency acting to prevent billions in new investment and the creation of many thousands of new jobs at a time when the US economy desperately needs both. At this time, we are reviewing all options.


Sprint's statement:

As Chairman Genachowski said in August when the Justice Department filed its antitrust lawsuit against AT&T, the record before the FCC presented, "serious concerns about the impact of the proposed transaction on competition." That record is complete and more than justifies moving this matter to an Administrative Law Judge for a hearing. We appreciate Chairman Genachowski's leadership on this issue and look forward to the FCC moving quickly to adopt a strong hearing designation order.

Microsoft announces Windows-specific Kinect for 2012 release

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 12:57 PM PST

While hackers have been having their way with the Kinect on the PC for a long, long time, Microsoft itself has only recently embraced this sort of behavior. First it was with an official SDK and then, soon after, a follow-up letting things go commercial. We've been eagerly awaiting Office integration -- imagine lazily waving away every boring PPT that lands in your inbox -- but also struggling to figure out just how such a device would fit on our cluttered desks. Microsoft is now promising a PC-specific version to release sometime in 2012, able to focus on objects as close as 50cm from the lens -- quite an improvement given our current Kinect seems unhappy if we're standing anywhere within five feet. The hardware is also said to be "optimized" for desktop use and the USB cable shortened, but we're still in the dark about how exactly it will look. Might we suggest Keepon integration?

PlayBook native email, calendar and contacts finally get peeked, look ready for their close-up

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 12:31 PM PST

PlayBook Calendar
We've been waiting very, very patiently, for RIM to make good on its promise to deliver a native email and calendaring experience to the PlayBook. So far, we've been sorely disappointed. Supposedly the essential productivity and contact management tools will be coming with the update to version 2.0 of the OS in February, but until now we've seen neither hide nor pixelated hair of the apps. At the BlackBerry Innovation Forum RIM finally took the wraps off and demoed the email, contacts and calendar suite for a presumably relieved audience of QNX fans. The photos snagged by BlackBerry Cool aren't the greatest, but you can see the experience has been carefully crafted for a tablet, and the smartphone apps have simply been blown up to fill seven diagonal inches. A particularly interesting feature is, as the number of appointments you have scheduled on a particular day increases, the date grows and becomes bolder to alert you to your hectic schedule (above). For a bunch more pics and few more details check out the source link.

Vivitar DVR 790HD puts 3D video recording in the palm of your hand for under $100

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 12:22 PM PST

Sure, you could get yourself a 3D-capable phone to handle your three-dimensional recording needs, though with all the new svelte superphones coming out, we can understand why you wouldn't want to. But, just because your phone can't satisfy your need for 3D, that doesn't mean you have to go without. Vivitar, favorite of cost-conscious cinematographers everywhere, has unleashed its DVR 790HD 3D camcorder with 16MB of built-in memory and a 5.1 megapixel fixed-focus shooter. It records video in three dee and 720p at 25fps, and stores all your gift-giving triumphs and gift-receiving disappointments on SD cards (not included) up to 32GB in size. The price? A mere $99, which leaves you plenty of leftover dough for your holiday shopping -- sure, it's the thought that counts, but we bet your significant other thinks diamonds are far more thoughtful than cubic zirconia.
at 11:34 AM

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