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Sunday, December 4, 2011

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German researchers create smudge repellent coating from candle soot

Posted: 04 Dec 2011 10:16 AM PST

While they're working on the lack of feedback, and need for exposed skin problems for touch screens, that other gripe -- dirty smudges -- could soon be wiped-out permanently. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz obviously had enough of sleeve-cleaning their devices and created a coating that could usher in a smudge-free world. The discovery comes after the team applied candle soot to glass and then coated it in silica to keep it in place. The glass is then heated to a bratwurst-baking 600 ºC for calcination, which makes the soot transparent -- somewhat handy for screens. To test, different oils and solvents were applied, but the glass' superamphiphobic properties soon fended them off. A resilient coating sounds a little more straight-forward than what Apple recently applied to patent, but until either of these see the light of day, you'd better keep that Brasso close by.

Whaaa? The original Motorola LapDock can now be yours for $50

Posted: 04 Dec 2011 08:28 AM PST

Remember the good 'ol days (specifically, this past February) when the first Motorola LapDock cost as much as $500 up front and nearly got laughed out of AT&T stores? The sleek Webtop accessory compatible with the Motorola Atrix 4G -- and no other device whatsoever -- has come down a long way, as it's now available for a mere $50 (not counting the more expensive 4GB data plan AT&T requires you to be on when using it, of course). Indeed, it appears that a whole zero has been shaved off of the LapDock's price tag, finally making it a tempting deal for anyone still packing the Atrix around. We're thinking that AT&T's trying to clear out remaining stock prior to giving the dock a proper retirement, but does this lower cost give you pause to consider purchasing one after all this time? If so, head to the source to take another look.

Refresh Roundup: week of November 28, 2011

Posted: 04 Dec 2011 06:02 AM PST

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Official Android updates
  • Amazon began delivering a system update to the Kindle Fire this week, updating the tablet to version 6.2 of its software. It's an OTA update that gets installed automatically. All Amazon will say about the new version is that it provides improvements to the Fire's operation. [MobileBurn]
  • The Samsung Droid Charge got Gingerbread (Android 2.3.6, specifically) this week, and the rollout began a day later than promised. Still, it's finally here. [Unwired View]
  • Verizon also sent out Gingerbread build EH03 to owners of the Samsung Fascinate. [Droid-Life]
  • The Motorola Milestone 2 in Europe started receiving Gingerbread this week. [Phandroid]
  • Speaking of Europe, the UK version of the LG Optimus 2X finally got its Gingerbread refresh. [AndroidCentral]
  • Another OTA update for the Motorola Droid has come, and once again it's not Gingerbread. This one is merely a security / bug fix update. [Android Community]
  • If you're a Motorola Milestone X owner on regional carrier Cellcom, congratulations -- you have a Gingerbread refresh coming straight at you. [AndroidCentral]
  • Verizon pushed out a minor download for the Motorola Xoom. The update, known as HLK75F, essentially includes the ability to set up the Xoom on a PAYG plan. Oh, and a refreshed Google Setup Wizard. Yeehaw. [Droid-Life]
Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery
  • Plenty of CM9 news: alpha builds of the ROM have been found working on the Nexus One and Nexus S. [ExtremeTech and TechCrunch]
  • MIUI showed off a few screenshots of its official ICS ROM. [MIUI]
  • An alpha build of ICS is now available for the Motorola Droid Bionic. It's mostly functional, apparently, but still has a few things missing, such as data and WiFi connectivity. [AndroidCentral]
  • The HTC Droid Incredible 2 has a custom ICS ROM in beta. [Droid-Life]
Other platforms
  • All of you Nokia N8 owners waiting for an update to Symbian Belle, it looks like it was leaked again, this time on NaviFirm. They're still hidden from public view at the moment, but someone was able to grab a copy of the firmware and upload it for everyone's enjoyment -- before updating, however, make sure you know how to properly use it. [ZOMGitsCJ]
  • Sprint pushed a maintenance release to the BlackBerry 9670 Style. Known as version 6.0.0.706, it's not exactly certain what enhancements were added into the download. [N4BB]
  • The AT&T Dell Venue Pro is finally getting updated to Mango. If you own one, you should be able to connect your phone to your desktop Zune client and get going. [The Verge]
  • Build 7740 of Windows Phone 7.5 is making its way out to the Nokia Lumia 800, LG Optimus 7, Samsung Omnia W and a few HTC handsets. [WMPowerUser]
  • Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac was updated for added compatibility with Mango. This edition threw in Aperture support (instead of just using iPhoto for photography), drag and drop capability for transferring files and 13 additional languages. [Electronista]
  • Curious to know what every single WP7 update has included thus far? The Windows Phone Team published a history of every new version pushed out to phones and what each one included. Good Sunday read, if you're interested. [Microsoft]
Refreshes we covered this week

ThinkGeek and Aperture Science do what they must, intro more Portal-themed goods because they can

Posted: 04 Dec 2011 03:14 AM PST

Been yearning for more Portal 2-inspired goods from ThinkGeek? Fret not, dear test subject, the company's got some products ways that should satiate your desire for Cave Johnson-approved chachkas. Newly up for grabs are a $15 Aperture Science shower curtain, a $35 motion-sensing plush turret and a $40 Cave Johnson talking portrait -- think Billy Bass, but with a Portal twist. ThinkGeek's also announced a $30 Companion Cube cookie jar (the perfect companion for its Portal cookie cutters) and a $30 PotatOS Science Kit, complete with an insult-spewing "talking GLaDOS module." Sadly, the latter duo don't have an official release date just yet, and are merely listed as "coming soon." Of course, like the cake, they could just be lie. For the sake of science, portal past the break to find a press release with more details.
Show full PR text
ThinkGeek Saves Science with New Portal 2 Merchandise

Fresh from the testing chamber, nine new products based on the popular video game franchise

Fairfax, VA- December 2, 2011 - ThinkGeek is proud to announce nine new Portal 2 products as part of its licensing agreement with Valve.

"Saving science might be a bit of a stretch," said Ty Liotta, head of ThinkGeek's GeekLabs custom products development group, "but as fans of Portal 2 we're excited to bring these amazing products to our customers."

● Aperture Laboratories Shower Curtain - At long last, fans of Aperture Laboratories can put their hands on the product that started it all: military-grade shower curtains. ThinkGeek presents gamers with their very own Aperture Science shower curtain to transform their bathroom into a test chamber. This collectible curtain is available now for $19.99.

● Portal Companion Cube Cookie Jar - A replica of the Weighted Companion Cube that makes a prominent appearance as an inanimate, but lovable, puzzle solving device in the original Portal. Available soon for $29.99.

● Portal Cookie Cutters - Of course, a cookie jar without cookies is like an empty test chamber in your soul. So fill up your new Companion Cube Cookie Jar with delicious treats inspired by the "warning signs" featured in the game. The Portal Cookie Cutters feature an all metal construction and come in a collectible Companion Cube tin. Available now for $19.99.

● Portal Bookends - 4"x5" solid metal bookends to maintain the vertical orientation your impressive collection of science textbooks. One end shows the Portal test subject icon entering through an orange entry portal, while the other end shows him exiting through a blue exit portal. Available now for $29.99.

● Portal 2 Plush Turret with Sound - A classic character from Portal video game series, this Turret features motion detection, light, sound and vibration. When sensing motion, the Portal 2 Plush Turret reacts with voice and simulated machine gun fire. To "disable" it, you just tip it over like you would in the game. Start assembling your Turret army for just $34.99.

● Wheatley LED Flashlight - A 2" tall version of the smart talking Wheatley character, simply push a button, and a super-bright LED flashlight emanates from Wheatley's "eye" to illuminate your surroundings. Available now for $19.99.

● Portal 2 PotatOS Science Kit - Create your own GLaDOS with a PotatOS Science Kit including electronic talking GLaDOS module. You provide the potato and some simple assembly. Even Wheatley could do it. Available soon for $29.99.

● Portal Turret LED Flashlight with Sound - Standing just 3" tall, this intricately detailed replica of the Turret enemies will light your way with a red LED beam, emanating from the Turret's eye. With a push of the button on the side, you can hear the turret talk, just like in the game. Available now for $24.99.

● Portal 2 Cave Johnson Talking Portrait - The most amazing man ever, Cave Johnson, founder of Aperture, repeats his famous motivational quotes from Portal 2. Suitable decoration for any room or test chamber in your home. Available now for $39.99.

Browse all of ThinkGeek's officially licensed Portal products at thinkgeek.com/portal.

Google employees now testing Ice Cream Sandwich for Nexus S, claim it's delicious

Posted: 04 Dec 2011 12:29 AM PST

Damn them. As it turns out, Google employees are the lucky guinea pigs for testing Android 4.0 on the Nexus S, and Mountain View's minions have now begun crowing about their superiority. On the up side, this means that all users of Google's former prodigy are one step closer to receiving the official version of Ice Cream Sandwich onto their devices. The company hopes its employees will discover any lingering foul tastes before delivering its frozen treat onto the unwashed masses, although early reports suggest they're digging the flavors. Of course, if you just can't wait -- and hey, we haven't -- there's always custom ROMs to fill the void.

Droid Xyboard accessories arrive at Verizon, can't hide from Mr. Blurrycam

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 09:37 PM PST

If you've had any doubts regarding the likelihood Motorola Mobility's Xoom 2 LTE tablets arriving at Verizon under the Droid Xyboard moniker, Mr. Blurrycam would like you to have a gander at the picture above. Following the 8.2 and 10.1-inch variants being handled by CNET last week, and soon after caught passing through the FCC, a trio of snapshots have now been posted over at Droid-Life of what's said to be some the device's optional accessories. Among the lot, you'll find a Smart Cover-esque Protective Portfolio for the 8.2-incher, two versions of an HD dock, and lastly, set screen films for the 10.1-inch version. While there's still no definitive word on price or availability, it certainly appears like a formal reveal of the slates will be zooming in imminently. Hit the source link below for all the details.

Ask Engadget: best network media player / streamer?

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 07:15 PM PST

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Mark, who needs the stream, If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"I'm tearing my hair out trying to find networked media players that meet my needs for under $200. I want to be able to stream Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant Video and play music from Slacker -- I'm not interested in Pandora. I'm struggling to find anything that works with Slacker. In addition, I want to be able to stream MP3's from a Windows 7 Ultimate machine on my network -- preferably wirelessly, but wired is possible. The killer though is that I have a large number of video files in MKV, MP4, M4V, WMV, AVI and DVD ISO. Any ideas? I got nothing from Aardvark before Google shuttered it."

Listen up, streamers -- take a five minute break from whatever Netflix marathon you're on now and help a brother out, won't you?

Engadget Mobile Podcast 115 - 12.03.2011

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 05:00 PM PST

XXL times call for XXL podcasts. That's why we're here with you this week for more than two hours, with help straight from the center of the netbook universe, Taipei, in the form of netbooknews.com's Nicole Scott. What could possibly go wrong?

Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen, Joseph Volpe
Guest: Nicole Scott
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International)

00:01:55 - Which companies are on the Carrier IQ bandwagon?
00:31:28 - Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich review
00:40:00 - Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ review
00:52:57 - ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime review
01:34:48 - LG Nitro HD hands-on (update: video)
01:42:09 - FCC accepts AT&T's request for withdrawal, plans to release report on its findings today (update: it's out!)
01:43:20 - AT&T blows a gasket, calls FCC report 'an advocacy piece, not analysis'
01:50:00 - Sharp's slim 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor to further trim smartphone silhouettes (updated)
01:50:20 - Microsoft enables Android and iOS users to experience Windows Phone 7... via the web



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

Samsung Galaxy Nexus for Verizon LTE hands-on (video)

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 03:45 PM PST

New Yorkers got a sneak peek at the Verizon LTE flavor of the Galaxy Nexus at the Samsung Experience in Columbus Circle today, and we dropped by to spend a few minutes with the Ice Cream Sandwich handset in the Manhattan showroom. Samsung had just four pre-production Nexus models on hand, which were running Android 4.0.1 -- not the final 4.1 version we're expecting to see shortly, with a baseband update in tow. None of the samples included SIM cards, so we were only able to test them using the built-in WiFi module. A security alarm sounded when we attempted to remove the back cover to install a SIM, though the battery was also superglued in place, further inhibiting our access.

We did take the unit for a speed test spin using our Verizon LTE MiFi, and achieved download speeds ranging from 5000-7000kbps and upload speeds of 300-2000kbps when connected to LTE over WiFi. These results don't represent what you'll see with the built-in module, but considering there was no way to get these running on the Verizon network, connectivity was limited to the MiFi and in-house WiFi. Still, this is your best shot at getting your hands on a device ahead of Verizon's official launch, so if you happen to be anywhere near NYC, head on down to the Samsung Experience to get your Nexus fix. Or hop past the break for our hands-on video.
Samsung Galaxy Nexus for Verizon LTE hands-on


[Thanks, David]

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

Android Design Preview simplifies app mockups, developers' lives (video)

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 01:02 PM PST

A new Java utility should help Android developers and designers who need to rapidly prototype application layouts. The appropriately named Android Design Preview mirrors part of your desktop on an Android device over USB -- just select area on your computer screen and it'll show up remotely using the Android Debug Bridge. It's more lightweight than a VNC app and doesn't require a lot of mucking with settings, whether you're coding on Windows, Mac OS X or Linux. In other words, it's perfect for dealing with indecisive project managers who don't know what they want until you show it to them, and since it's free, you won't even need their budgetary approval.

Syria bans iPhone in attempt to curb protests and silence citizen journalists

Posted: 03 Dec 2011 11:50 AM PST

Times are tough in Syria right now, but that isn't stopping the Assad government from making things a whole lot worse. The nation's customs department, a branch of the Syrian Finance Ministry, has officially banned the iPhone in an attempt to curb citizens from sharing news and videos of the massive protests and violent crackdowns throughout the nation. For those not keeping score, foreign press have been largely barred from the nation since March, which necessitated the use of citizen journalism as a means to report news from the streets. As Syrians come to grips with new economic sanctions against the country, the banning of the iPhone is, sadly, certain to escalate the unrest.
at 12:27 PM

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