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Saturday, December 3, 2011

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Verizon apps crash the Galaxy Nexus party, are quickly shown the door

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 10:45 AM PST

The 4G-flavored Galaxy Nexus has been spotted by the gadget paparazzi yet again. This time, attention was focused on what the Verizon branding will add in the way of obligatory software detritus. Fortunately, these photos prove that the ICS-minted phone should be able to shrug off most of these annoyances. In the shot above, the Verizon Backup Assistant app's disable button is all lit up, beckoning to be forever removed from your visible app list. Check out a full gallery of the Big Red bloat at the source below.

Charter Cable boosts downloads to 100Mbps, keeps uploads limited to a modest 5Mbps

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 09:22 AM PST

Charter Internet
Good news Charter customers, you're getting a speed bump! The DOCSIS 3.0-based cable service is boosting both download and upload speeds across all tiers of its service -- starting at the bottom with its Express package, which will be a 15 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up offering from now on. The "flagship" Plus level is getting its rates almost doubled from 18 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up to 30 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up, offering you plenty of bandwidth for streaming, torrenting and browsing all at the same time. The fastest connection is getting not just a new speed (100 Mbps down), but a new name -- Ultra 100. Sadly, your $60 a month for the big bits doesn't get you particularly blazing upload speeds. Charter's tops out at a pretty modest 5 Mbps up. Check out the PR after the break for a few more details.
Show full PR text
Charter Bringing More Power to Internet Users with Increased Download and Upload Speeds Options

12-01-2011 02:02 PM

Flagship service tier increased to 30 Mbps download with 4 Mbps upload

St. Louis, Missouri – A study conducted earlier this year1 predicts the number of devices connected to IP networks will be double the global population in 2015. It was 2009 when Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) first increased Internet speeds for its customers at no cost, and today the company did it again for a fourth time – increasing download speeds and at least doubling upload speeds on its most popular Internet service tiers at no additional cost.

Charter is answering the call from more users, devices, streams and apps seeking Internet connectivity with faster upload and download speeds, greater reliability and a superior experience.

In markets where Charter has deployed DOCSIS 3.0 technology, or approximately 95 percent of its Internet service area, the company is increasing Charter Internet Express download speeds from 12 megabits per second (Mbps) to up to 15 Mbps, and increasing upload speeds from 1 Mbps to up to 3 Mbps. Charter Internet Plus download speeds are being increased from 18 Mbps to up to 30 Mbps, and upload speeds are being increased from 2 Mbps to up to 4 Mbps. Charter's fastest residential offering is increasing from 60 Mbps download to up to 100 Mbps download/5 Mbps upload, and has been renamed Charter Internet Ultra100 to reflect the significant enhancement. Express and Plus speeds are also increasing in the remaining portions of Charter's service areas nationwide.

"The Internet is changing the way we watch TV, communicate with our friends and family, and engage in social and professional networks. When you're posting content online, we know it's important to have a fast, reliable connection, and we're committed to enabling the rapid sharing of content," said Rich DiGeronimo, Charter Senior Vice President, Product and Strategy. "With multiple connected devices in your home, you don't have to make tradeoffs with Charter Internet. You can use multiple gadgets simultaneously, and enjoy a rich experience with each one. The power of the Internet continues to grow, and Charter delivers more speed than ever."

Charter customer Stephen Bolen is the head of a household of three, with a continuously growing number of Internet-connected gadgets. "We've never had a problem scaling up, knowing that Charter Internet service would meet our demands," he says. "I'm usually browsing on my laptop, streaming video or uploading files to an FTP server for clients, while my wife browses on the tablet or her laptop. My daughter's data usage primarily comes from kids' shows and education apps."

Bolen grew up in the era of one-person-at-a-time on the desktop computer, and during that time no one could use the telephone. "That's all changed with Charter Internet," he says. "My family can be together, yet doing our own things. I'm glad my daughter is growing up this way."

"The value of the Internet can't be measured simply in megabits and gigabytes," said John Birrer, Charter's Senior Vice President, Customer Experience. "Our goal is to deliver the best experience with not only the fastest speeds, but also the most reliable, consistent Internet connectivity and highest quality customer service. Our customers deserve it, and we'll deliver it, now and in the future."

Samsung's two-faced SCH-W999 Android plays the dual core, dual SIM game

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 07:47 AM PST

Remember Samsung's second-gen dual-screen Android clamshell we spotted about a month ago? Well, here it is at last: announced in partnership with China Telecom, this SCH-W999 flip phone packs two 3.5-inch 480 x 800 Super AMOLED panels back to back, along with a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8660, Android 2.3 with TouchWiz, HyperSkin back cover (as featured on the Galaxy Nexus for grip plus anti-smear), five megapixel camera, Bluetooth 3.0, WiFi and WAPI (China's not-so-successful take on WiFi, basically).

Like many phones on China Telecom, the W999 comes with dual SIM slots and dual-mode connectivity (GSM and CDMA2000, with the latter offering EV-DO 3G), but with the additional support for penta-band radio for globetrotters. Want to nab one? We're looking at a 2012 launch, though there's no word on prices just yet -- well, just so you know, the predecessor W899 starts from ¥8990 ($1,410), so good luck with your garage sale. We got you some pictures from the China launch event after the break, courtesy of Samsung Mobile.
Samsung's two-faced SCH-W999 Android plays the dual core, dual SIM game

Mobile Miscellany: week of November 28, 2011

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 07:17 AM PST

This week was packed with news on the mobile front, so it was easy to miss a few stories here and there. Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of November 28, 2011:
  • Last week, the FCC announced that it had approved AT&T's request to purchase 700MHz spectrum from Qualcomm -- previously used to support MediaFLO service -- but it hasn't finalized the process yet. So, the company recently met with the FCC to ask if the deal can be sped up. [Phone Scoop]
  • The Nokia Lumia 800 is rumored to finally be available at O2 beginning December 9th. [Unwired View]
  • Nokia also announced the X2-02, a Series 40 dual-SIM handset geared towards music. It comes with an audio processing feature that brings clear sound, dedicated music keys and a feature that lets you play recordings directly from the FM radio. It also offers a 2.2-inch QVGA display, dedicated Facebook and Twitter clients, 2MP camera and 9.7 hour talk time. Sadly, the phone doesn't come with 3G included, and no markets or launch dates were announced, but it'll be priced around €60 before subsidy. [Unwired View]
  • Cincinnati Bell added the HTC Radar 4G to its lineup this week and is available for free to new customers with a two-year commitment and after a $100 mail-in rebate; existing customers eligible for an upgrade can get it for $100 on contract and after $50 mail-in rebate. [BusinessWire]
  • Samsung just released SDK 1.0 for the S Pen, also known as the stylus for the Galaxy Note. As to be expected, the kit will aid developers in writing apps that will take advantage of the pen. [Android Police]

Carrier IQ VP says software poses no threat to user privacy, backs up his argument with metaphor

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 05:19 AM PST

The final chapter of the Carrier IQ saga has yet to be written, but at this juncture, even the rosiest of rose-tinted observers would be hard pressed to find a silver lining. The specter of federal investigation looms larger by the day. Implicated carriers and manufacturers are washing their hands with Macbethian fury. Al Franken is on the verge of going Al Franken. And at the epicenter of all this sits Carrier IQ -- a California-based analytics company that has already gone to great lengths to defend its innocence. First, it sought to discredit Trevor Eckhart's ostensibly damning research with a cease-and-desist letter. Then, CEO Larry Lenhart flatly denied Eckhart's findings with an impassioned YouTube address. In recent days, the company has markedly softened its stance, arguing that its apps are only designed to meet operator demands and to "make your phones better." Now, Carrier IQ has elaborated upon these arguments with a more detailed breakdown of how its software functions, and a more substantive defense of its practices. Head past the break to read more.

During a recent interview with the Register, Carrier IQ VP of marketing Andrew Coward acknowledged that his company's mobile software logs keystrokes, intercepts text messages and gathers geographic data, but insisted that the overwhelming majority of this information is discarded almost as soon as it comes in, thereby posing virtually no threat to user privacy. To illustrate his point, Coward likened Carrier IQ's software to a giant fishing net:

"We're on a fishing boat out at sea and we're catching fish that are too small and they go back in. And they go back in for two reasons: One, the holes in the net don't catch small fish, i.e. the filtering, and/or the fish is the wrong type and it gets thrown out of the boat, hopefully while it's still alive."

According to Coward, Carrier IQ only retains text messages or keystroke patterns that carry proprietary tags. These tags identify all transmissions that could be used to populate analytic data, including some that may be considered sensitive. If a user drops a call, for instance, the system will note his or her location, and the numbers of each party. In other cases, the company may receive a special SMS (or "control message," as Coward describes it), which provides Carrier IQ with important diagnostic information (e.g., data on failed SMS transmissions). The company collects data on the number of successfully delivered texts and the phone numbers of users who send these texts, but the contents of an SMS, Coward insists, are "never stored and never transmitted."

Key taps, meanwhile, are monitored because certain sequences can trigger responses from the software. If a user is on the line with technical support, for example, he or she may be prompted to type in a code in order to upload diagnostic data to Carrier IQ's system. As with text messages, though, only earmarked keystroke sequences are copied. All the others -- including the keystroke patterns displayed in Eckhart's demo video -- are filtered out. According to the Register, Coward's claims have been corroborated by Android security researcher Dan Rosenberg, who reverse engineered Carrier IQ's software.

Detailed as Coward's arguments may be, the thrust of his defense rests upon Carrier IQ's earlier assertions that service providers retain ultimate control over consumer information. "The data that's being gathered is commissioned by the operators to be gathered," Coward explained. "It's under their control, albeit sometimes in our data center, sometimes in their data center. We have no rights to that data."

For more details, check out the Register's full report, linked below.

UK courts to introduce tablets, vow to cut back on tree killing ways

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 04:13 AM PST

It may not be retiring the powdered wigs just yet, but according to The Guardian, the British government is ready to replace traditional paper documents with tablets in UK courtrooms. Starting in April, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will give slates to Welsh and English prosecutors to store all forms and evidentiary items, later extending the offer to judges, jurors and defense lawyers. To start, administrators will give 35 Hewlett-Packard tablets to prosecutors in Norfolk as a test for the bigger roll out, which is estimated to save around £50 million (or around $78 million) in dead trees across the UK. There's no word yet which tablet HP has in mind, but chances are it will not be the discount rack TouchPad -- perhaps a Windows tablet is more in order in this court.

Official Galaxy Nexus dock accessories play pre-order, CarDock and HDMI included (video)

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 01:52 AM PST

If holding one of the most pimpin' phones on the planet isn't enough to properly distinguish you from the pack, then it's time to accessorize that slab, ya dig? Four Samsung dock connectors for the Galaxy Nexus have entered pre-order phase, which include the standard horizontal station, a vertical option for HDMI, a CarDock that can be oriented in either direction, along with a simpler one that's used to charge an additional battery. The biggies each retail for £50, whereas the charger is going for £15. No word on actual ship dates, but you'll find videos for each item after the break.

[Thanks, Denny]
Galaxy Nexus dock connectors

Sony brings the Holodeck to life, throws in giant sea monsters for free (video)

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 12:11 AM PST

The Holodeck is real and there's no Lt. Barclay to make things awkward. Using a combination of a Steadicam, multiple EyeToy cameras, PlayStation Move controllers, projection mapping, motion tracking, spandex-clad actors and giant rubber sea monster tentacles, Sony Europe, Studio Output and Marshmallow Laser Feast shot three web videos to highlight the immersiveness of movies rented or purchased from the PlayStation Store. Impressively, the shots rely exclusively on visual tricks, with zero editing or postproduction work. Is this the future? See for yourself after the break and relive the joy of the Holodeck without having to interrupt Worf from one of his weird workout routines.





Galaxy Nexus gets recovery images, for when your hacking joy turns to tears

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 10:20 PM PST

Like extreme stunts, hacking can be rather thrilling. Still, there will always be freak accidents when things don't go as planned, and thankfully, Google has released a safety net for you Galaxy Nexus adrenaline junkies. Specific to the HSPA+ model, the recovery images include the bootloader, radio, and full set of system files. No word yet about whether Google will perform a similar act of generosity for the LTE version that's coming to Verizon Wireless. Naturally, hacking your device is likely to void the warranty, but hey, there needs to be at least some risk involved, right?

Apple's request to block Samsung Galaxy tablet, phone sales in the US is denied

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 08:24 PM PST

As the legal drama between Apple and Samsung drags on around the world, US District Court Judge has rejected Apple's request to block the sales of Galaxy devices. Reuters reports the ruling came out late Friday, with the judge deciding "It is not clear that an injunction on Samsung's accused devices would prevent Apple from being irreparably harmed,". This isn't the first rejection for the folks from Cupertino either, after a request to speed up the trial was also denied back in July. The case itself will of course go on, but this means you'll still be able to get your hands on those Galaxy Tabs, Galaxy S IIs, and the like in the meantime.

Update: While Apple has yet to comment on the ruling, Samsung has issued an official statement which you can check out after the break.

Update 2: Feel like thumbing through the entire 65 page ruling? FOSS Patents has posted the entire document on Scribd, you'll find it embedded after the break.

11-12-02 Order Denying Apple Preliminary Injunction Against Samsung


Samsung:

Samsung welcomes today's ruling denying Apple's request for a preliminary injunction. This ruling confirms our long-held view that Apple's arguments lack merit. In particular, the court has recognized that Samsung has raised substantial questions about the validity of certain Apple design patents. We are confident that we can demonstrate the distinctiveness of Samsung's mobile devices when the case goes to trial next year. We will continue to assert our intellectual property rights and defend against Apple's claims to ensure our continued ability to provide innovative mobile products to consumers.

Sony Reader WiFi officially drops to $129.99

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 07:39 PM PST

Love 'em or hate 'em, one thing's for sure -- e-readers just keep getting cheaper. The latest to see a dip in price is the Sony Reader WiFi, which debuted at $149.99 just a couple of months back, but has now received a permanent drop to $129.99. What's more, Sony is also running a trade-in program through the end of December that will give you an additional $50 off if you turn in any old e-reader. Not quite the instant discount that an ad-supported Kindle gives you, but certainly not a bad deal if you're looking to upgrade from an older model.

Aptera fresh out of greenbacks, closes up shop

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 06:22 PM PST

Bummer for fans of teardrop shaped three-wheelers, as your favorite chariot, Aptera's 2e, will never see the light of day. Despite getting the ball rolling on a $150 million loan from the DOE, subsequent funding and time just weren't on the startup's side. An unfortunate prognosis, as CEO Paul Wilbur revealed the company had been working on a $30,000 mid-sized sedan that would have touted 190 miles of electrical range. He's still adamant the company had "never been closer" to realizing its vision, but hopes someone else can carry on Aptera's torch. Those nuggets and more await in what is possibly the company's final tell-all after the break.
Show full PR text
Show full PR text
After years of focused effort to bring our products to the market, Aptera Motors is closing its doors, effective today. This is a difficult time for everyone connected with our company because we have never been closer to realizing our vision. Unfortunately, though, we are out of resources.

It is especially disappointing since we were so close...

Aptera executives had been engaged in exhaustive due diligence with the Department of Energy (DOE) pertaining to an ATVM (Advance Technology Vehicle Manufacturing) loan. Our business plan was examined from top to bottom by internal agency representatives, independent consultants and experts in academia. They did an amazing job of vetting us and they tested every possible weakness in our plan. And after nearly two years of discussions, we had recently received a Conditional Commitment Letter for a $150 million loan.

The ATVM loan would have provided funding for the development and commercialization of a five-passenger, midsized sedan (similar to a Toyota Camry) that would be base priced at less than $30,000 and deliver more than a 190 mile per gallon equivalent. The concept of this vehicle had been in place since the very beginning of Aptera, and we had been wholly focused on its development for the last year. The last remaining hurdle was finding new funds to match the DOE loan.

We were so optimistic that the company would move forward that we were in discussions to reactivate a mothballed automotive plant in Moraine, Ohio. In the past months we had engaged with the labor union that operated that facility to discuss the hiring of 1,400 new job opportunities. These jobs would have reactivated talented workers who had been dismissed when the facility was closed.

During the same time, we continued development of our patent-pending composite manufacturing system that enables energy efficient vehicle production by drastically reducing vehicle weight (by as much as 30%) while tripling its strength. This same patent pending system allowed us to finish the surface of our composites without manual finishing and without the high capital cost of a typical automotive paint shop. In all, the process would save nearly $750-million versus a typical volume auto assembly plant start-up.

We were well on the way to satisfying the vision of efficiency on which the company was founded and we are confident that with time and capital we could still achieve our goal. The Aptera formula: aerodynamics plus light weight design (through composites) delivered efficiency of 206 EPA miles per gallon in tests at Argonne National Labs. That wasn't a simulation; it was real measured performance. Despite that promise of efficiency, this challenged market – specifically large private investors – did not have an appetite to lead an investment for the perceived low volume return of our three-wheeled vehicle. So we reprioritized our product plan to four-door sedans, which also cost us time.

We remain confident, even as this chapter closes, that Aptera has contributed tech new technologies to build a future for more efficient driving. Through the dedicated staff at Aptera, our board and suppliers we have touched this future. All that remains is for someone to grab it. We still believe it will happen.

Paul Wilbur
President and CEO
Aptera Motors

Some Android phones fail to enforce permissions, exposed to unauthorized app access

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 05:56 PM PST


Eight Android phones, including the Motorola Droid X and Samsung Epic 4G, were found to house major permission flaws according to a research team at North Carolina State University. Their study revealed untrusted applications could send SMS messages, record conversations and execute other potentially malicious actions without user consent. Eleven of the thirteen areas analyzed (includes geo-location and access to address books) showed privileges were exposed by pre-loaded applications. Interestingly, Nexus devices were less vulnerable, suggesting that the other phone manufacturers may have failed to properly implement Android's security permissions model. Google and Motorola confirm the present flaws while HTC and Samsung remain silent. Exerting caution when installing applications should keep users on their toes until fixes arrive.

[Thanks, John]

Telstra opens 'Androidland' store in Australia with a little help from Google

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 04:31 PM PST

No, that's not the latest addition to Google's Mountain View campus. That is Telstra's brand new Androidland store, which has just opened its doors in Melbourne, Australia. The store was built with some degree of co-operation from both Google and Android handset makers (including Google-trained experts that are available to help customers), and it offers a whole range of different Android products for sale, along with other Google-related attractions like a giant, multi-screen display for exploring Google Earth. Telstra also claims that it's the "world's first" Android store, although there's no word on any plans for additional stores (either from Telstra or other carriers). Head on past the break for a quick video tour.

[Thanks, Hayden]

Samsung 'Optical Sensor in Pixel' LCDs rolling out, ready for Surface 2.0

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 03:06 PM PST

Samsung SUR40
With Samsung's Microsoft Surface product, the SUR40, already available for pre-order, the company says its 1080p 40-inch "Optical Sensor in Pixel" LCD panels have gone into mass production. Those optical sensors help to more accurately interpret multi-touch input without interrupting display signals, offering a more fluid, interactive experience. Tempered glass overlaying the display supports 176 pounds of load and up to 50 touch points at once, which should be more than enough for a Pacific Giant Octopus or any jerk that leans on your $8K table. While the SUR40 is certainly a showcase device for these panels, it isn't the only practical application -- Samsung says it's thin enough and light enough to wall-mount, and hopes to see it used by stock brokers, financial analysts and schools.
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Samsung Electronics First to Mass Produce 'Optical Sensor in Pixel' LCD Panel

SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced today that it began mass production of 40-inch 'Optical Sensor in Pixel' LCD panels, which feature highly advanced optical sensors, in November this year.

The Optical Sensor in Pixel LCD panel detects reflected images of an object on the panel using Infrared sensors that are built into the panel. With optical sensor in each pixel of the panel, the new panel can much more accurately assess touch sensitivity compared to existing touch panels.

Using next-generation image sensing technology, the Optical Sensor in Pixel panel can detect more than 50 touch points simultaneously and can display images with Full HD resolution and wide-angle viewing.

All of the input functions of a keyboard, mouse or scanner can be carried out on the panel itself. The panel can be installed in a variety of applications including table top and wall-mounted types. Its tempered glass is strong enough to withstand external loads over 80 kilograms.

As the panel can perform touch and multi-touch sensing and image display simultaneously, it represents a new paradigm for massively interactive communications, compared to the one-way communication of today's kiosk touch panels.

Samsung's 'optical sensing per pixel' technology can perform accurate image sensing without interrupting the image signals displayed on the panel, so it should be well received by many types of professional consultants including stock brokers and financial analysts. Also, it can be handily used in eDesk applications for schools or business conference rooms.

The Optical Sensor in Pixel LCD panel has been installed in 'Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft®Surface®', a table-type PC product, co-developed by Samsung Electronics and Microsoft®. SUR40 has been available for pre-order since last month.

"Our Optical Sensor in Pixel panel has overcome the limitations of touch functionality that have hampered the effectiveness of most interactive displays," said Younghwan Park, senior vice president of sales and marketing team, Samsung Electronics LCD Business. "With the world's first mass production of an Optical Sensor in Pixel LCD, Samsung Electronics has set its sights on taking the lead in the global interactive display market," he added.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company consists of nine independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, semiconductor chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com and www.samsung.com/us/oem-solutions.

DirecTV's new five tuner HR34 Home Media Center DVR ready to launch December 8th?

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 01:58 PM PST

After waiting years for someone to deliver the first RVU-capable multiroom DVR setup, info leaked to SatelliteGuys indicates we only have to hold out one more week for DirecTV's HR34 DVR. While DirecTV has yet to make an official announcement, retailer info states that it will be available starting Thursday for just $99 after rebate ($399 rack rate), bringing five tuners, 1TB of storage, whole home DVR service in up to four active rooms, and more. Of course, we'll need the RVU-compatible HDTVs mentioned (Samsung D6000, D6400, and D6420 series) released before we can ditch the extra satellite TV boxes for good, but this is the first step. Hit the source link for more details including a full spec sheet.

US Cyber Command completes major cyber attack simulation, seems pleased with the results

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 01:34 PM PST

The US Cyber Command is barely out of its infancy, but it's already crossed one milestone off its to-do list, with the successful completion of its first major test run. The exercise, known as Cyber Flag, was carried out over the course of a single week at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, where some 300 experts put their defense skills to the test. According to Col. Rivers J. Johnson, the participants were divided into two teams: "good guys," and "bad guys." The latter were delegated with the task of infiltrating the Cyber Command's networks, while the former were charged with defending the mock cyberattack and keeping the government's VPN free of malware. The idea, according to the agency, was to simulate a real-world attack on the Department of Defense, in order to better evaluate the Command's acumen. "There were a variety of scenarios based on what we think an adversary would do in real world events and real world time," Johnson explained. "It was a great exercise." The Colonel acknowledged that the good guys weren't able to defend against all of the attacks, but pointed out that the vast majority were recognized and mitigated "in a timely manner." All told, Cyber Flag was deemed a success, with NSA Director and Cyber Command chief Gen. Keith Alexander adding that it "exceeded" his own expectations.

GM considers new battery for Volt, offers to buy back hybrids from pyrophobic customers

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 12:51 PM PST

Chevy Volt
Still freaked out about that whole Volt catching fire thing? Well, GM wants you to know it's taking your concerns very seriously. The company is considering a redesign of the battery in the hybrid, possibly delaying the release of the Opel-branded version in Europe. What's more, for those not satisfied with being able to pick up a loaner, the company will buy the vehicle back from you. That is if you're too much of a pansy to keep your combustible car.

Motorola Xyboard tablet says hello to FCC, totes Verizon LTE bands (update: two tablets!)

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 12:21 PM PST

Could this be the Motorola Xyboard Media Edition with Verizon's LTE making its way through the FCC? The tablet sports LTE band 13 -- Big Red's particular flavor -- as well as CDMA / EVDO. It also technically houses GSM / EDGE / WCDMA functionality, though the government documents state that it's SIM-locked and disabled by firmware. The docs also give us a good healthy diagram of its back, which clearly shows the same outline and angled corners seen on the Xoom 2 Media Edition, as well as the same camera and LED flash configuration (seen in the gallery below). Our prediction: what we're seeing here is Verizon's iteration of the 8-inch Xyboard Media Edition complete with LTE. Hopefully we'll learn soon enough, and we'll keep digging in the meantime to see if we can uncover any other interesting nuggets of info.

Update: Shortly after the 8-inch version cleared the FCC, its 10-inch sibling -- also bearing Verizon LTE -- made it through as well. We're likely seeing the pair of Xyboard tablets that we reported on earlier today.
Motorola LTE tablet in FCC

SupaBoy portable SNES, the most fun you can have without a soldering iron

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 12:12 PM PST

We previewed Hyperkin's SupaBoy back in the summer and loved the idea of toting 'round original SNES games without resorting to Ben Heck-style crafting. The handheld takes full-size cartridges, packs a 3.5-inch screen and a battery that's disappointingly rated for just two point five hours (best keep a power cable handy). It'll also double as a home console: there's an AV-out port and slots for two classic controllers for when you wanna kick it old-school. It's reportedly compatible with titles like Mario World, A Link to the Past and Starwing Starfox, but who needs them when we've got a mint condition copy of Tetris Attack at home? It'll cost you $80 and is available from Amazon as of yesterday -- we suggest you get to practicing blowing the dirt from the connectors, since you'll be doing a lot of it soon.
Show full PR text
Make it a Supa Christmas with SupaBoy Handheld Video Game Console

Supa Sweet Handheld Console Shaped Like a SNES Controller With 3.5 Inch Screen that Plays SNES Cartridges

Hyperkin will launch the highly anticipated SupaBoy Handheld Video Game Console December 1st, 2011 in time for the holiday shopping season. Equipped with a 3.5" screen, the SupaBoy is designed to look like an original SNES controller with a top loading port that plays original 16-bit SNES and Super Famicom cartridges.

The SupaBoy will play original SNES cartridges on a built-in 3.5" LCD screen and is designed to emulate an original SNES controller including a D-pad, face buttons, as well as right and left shoulder buttons. The SupaBoy also includes two front loading ports that are compatible with full-size SNES controllers and video/audio out, allowing up to two players to play the SupaBoy on a regular TV screen.

"There is definitely a nostalgia factor for the SupaBoy for the older generation of gamers who grew up with the Super Nintendo," stated Leo Liang, Hyperkin's National Sales Director. "Yet, at the same time, it introduces and exposes the new generation of gamers to this beloved console. Not only is it compatible with original SNES and Super Famicom cartridges, you can also run it through your television, plug two controllers in, and play with another person. The SupaBoy is a very cool, very fun product, and is a perfect Christmas gift for anyone who loves video games."

SupaBoy will be compatible with multiple SNES titles including: Super Mario™ World, Starfox™, Donkey Kong™ Country, The Legend of Zelda™ A Link To The Past, Super Mario™ Kart, Chrono Trigger™ and others.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

Original SNES controller design
Screen size (diagonal): 3.5 inches
2.5 Hours battery life
Measures: 8.5 x 4 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 11.5 ounces
Includes 2 Ports for wired controllers
Stereo sound
AV Out
Headphone jack
Adjustable volume control
Launch Date: December 1st
SRP: $79.99
Available at Amazon.com

The Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET with special guest Nicole Scott!

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 11:45 AM PST

We stuffed ourselves with turkey and yams last week, so naturally the long post-holiday break has left us trying to digest a whole mess of wireless news. This is a podcast you won't want to miss, because we'll have Netbook News' very own Nicole Scott sharing the mic with us to break it all down and make sense of it all. We'll miss you if you can't make it, but thanks to Carrier IQ we'll know exactly what you're doing instead be able to help enhance your network performance. Too soon? Join us at 5PM ET!

December 2, 2011 5:00 PM EST




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

FTC asked to open an investigation into Carrier IQ

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 11:43 AM PST

Carrier IQ
It was only a matter of time, we suppose, before this whole Carrier IQ thing started drawing the attention of lawmakers. The saga has quickly spiraled out of control, with carriers being forced to declare which side they're on and Senator Stuart Smalley Al Franken demanding the company provide details about what data it collects and how it's used. Well, Massachusetts congressman Edward Markey has even less patience than his esteemed colleague and has already asked the FTC to open an investigation into Carrier IQ. Markey wants the Federal Trade Commission to look into whether or not the rootkit and its creators have violated the privacy of millions of cellphone users and federal wiretap laws -- an accusation the company vehemently denies. We hope you're not tired of this epic tale yet, 'cause we're just getting started.

Apple applies for 'digital handshake' patent powered by invisible ink

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 11:24 AM PST

Time for the usual disclaimer, since we're taking a journey into the murky world of Cupertino's patent applications -- it's just as likely we'll never see or hear of this tech again as it is to wind up in the next iPhone. While everyone else is betting on NFC, Apple wants to use next-generation cameras and invisible ink to negotiate digital handshakes. Snap a picture of a cash register with a barcode and your iDevice will generate a unique ID to pair up -- but in order to keep the technology secure, the codes would have to be painted on with "invisible" fluorescent coatings. When you're pairing two iPhones (for example) to share contacts, the key could be generated on one of the screens while the other took a picture of it. If this all seems too complex, boring and pointless now, just think: this could be how we log into Foursquare in a decade's time.

Trouble hearing? Advanced Bionics' waterproof implant is paddling your way

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 10:58 AM PST

If you're one of the 200,000 deaf people who've received cochlear implants, then here's an upgrade worth considering: the Neptune from Advanced Bionics claims to be "the world's first and only swimmable, waterproof sound processor," and it's just received certification for the US and Canada. Read on for more details in the full press release and soon you could be bantering while you bathe.
Show full PR text
Neptune, the world's first and only swimmable sound processor for cochlear implant recipients, is now approved in US and Canada

VALENCIA, Calif., Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Bionics (AB), the global leader in cochlear implant technology, announced today that it received approval in the United States and Canada for Neptune™*, the world's first and only swimmable, waterproof sound processor.

Intended for swimming and bathing, Neptune is designed to help cochlear implant recipients hear in and out of the water. Recipients using other products on the market remove their processor when they swim or bathe, which means they miss out on important safety instructions and opportunities for language development because they are not hearing during those times.

Developed for all weather, terrain, ages and lifestyles, Neptune allows recipients to enjoy an abundance of water and sports activities thanks to its durable, waterproof design. Parents of pediatric recipients will appreciate the bonding and learning that comes with hearing during bath time, as well as the safety of hearing in the pool.

Designed after the chic styling of popular consumer electronics, the lightweight Neptune processor also features the industry's first freestyle™ design, allowing recipients to hear the world of sound with the comfort and beauty of nothing on the ear. Neptune's freestyle design is a new wearing category for the cochlear implant industry, giving recipients the ability to choose their wearing style. With the variety of convenient accessories, recipients can wear the Neptune processor anywhere and way they choose, such as in the hair, on an arm, under a collar, in a pocket-a high level of flexibility not available in the market until now. Neptune also comes in a wide range of fashion-forward colors for matching it to wardrobes or showing it off.

And for those who prefer a more discreet look, it can also be easily tucked away. Parents will appreciate the many features included to ensure that Neptune is the perfect choice for small children, including removable controls that make it tamper-proof so that children can always hear their best.

Advanced Bionics was able to develop these industry firsts without compromising hearing performance. Neptune is fully compatible with the most advanced hearing technology, including ClearVoice™, HiRes Fidelity 120™ and AutoSound™, which are only available from AB.* These sophisticated sound processing strategies are designed to deliver the best hearing performance in real-world environments where recipients would otherwise struggle, such as busy offices, loud playgrounds, music recitals and crowded restaurants.

Neptune garnered an enthusiastic response from the cochlear implant professional community when it was announced at this year's European Symposium on Pediatric Cochlear Implantation (ESPCI) in Athens, Greece and the 13th Symposium on Cochlear Implants in Children that took place in Chicago, IL, USA.

For more information about Neptune, contact a local Advanced Bionics representative or visit www.advancedbionics.com.

About Advanced Bionics

Advanced Bionics is a global leader in developing the most advanced cochlear implant systems in the world. Founded in 1993 and a subsidiary of the Sonova Group since 2009, AB develops cutting-edge cochlear implant technology that allows recipients to hear their best.
AB offers the most sophisticated cochlear implant system on the market, the HiResolution™ Bionic Ear System, with five times more sound resolution than its competitors, designed to help recipients hear in noisy settings and enjoy the full dimensions of music.
With sales in over 50 countries and a proven track record for developing high-performing, state-of-the-art products, AB's talented group of technologists and professionals from all over the world are driven to succeed, work with integrity and stay firmly committed to quality.
To learn more about AB and its innovative cochlear implant technology, please visit www.advancedbionics.com.

*Neptune is pending regulatory approval in markets outside of the United States and Canada. ClearVoice is pending regulatory approval in the United States. HiRes Fidelity 120 is not approved for pediatric use in the United States.

PSA: Mophie and Best Buy issue separate iDevice battery pack recalls due to overheating concerns

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 10:34 AM PST

Sporting an external battery pack on your iPod Touch or iPhone? If it happens to be from Mophie or Best Buy's Rocketfish brand, we'd advise you to take note and avoid getting burned. Rocketfish's RF-KL12 battery case for the iPhone 3G / 3GS has been reported in a small number of burn and "minor" fire incidents, while Mophie's announced that a select number of Juice Pack Air models for the 4th generation iPod Touch (seen above) are at risk for overheating, and potentially even melting. Suffice it to say, if you're currently in possession of said battery extenders you should stop using it immediately. Best Buy asks that owners of the Rocketfish case get in touch to facilitate a return, which will be met with a $70 gift card in the US ($105 in Canada) as compensation. As for Mophie? If your Juice Pack Air is among the affected serial numbers, you'll be able to initiate a swap for a fresh unit via a return form on its website. Hit those source links below for all the details -- this is one case where you definitely won't want to feel the burn.
at 12:10 PM

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