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- Insert Coin: Kapsule Lightstand puts your Kindle Keyboard in the spotlight
- Dell cuts Mini netbooks for non-business customers, ruins Christmas for laptop lovers
- Google employee creates the ultimate LAN party house, lives la vita local
- Roku's official iPhone remote app is available, has gesture control and channel selection for all
- The Android Market sale reaches its final day, we bid fond farewell to more dimes
- Verizon Galaxy Nexus factory images released, modders can start modding
- SlingPlayer for Google TV is out of beta, still a web app
- Galaxy Nexus for Verizon LTE unboxing and speed test (video)
- HP TouchPad returns in TigerDirect bundle, if only for a moment
- Apple update twofer: Apple TV hits 4.4.4 (9A406a), minor iOS 5.0.1 bump comes to iPhone 4S
- Google Zeitgeist goes live, reminds the world of Rebecca Black's existence
- Google Translate app update adds handwriting recognition, breaks barriers
- Ice Cream Sandwich alpha released for Xperia trio, is Sony Ericsson's '143' to the dev community (video)
- Meizu MX review
- Kindle devices selling at a rate of one million a week ahead of holidays
- PSA: Verizon's Galaxy Nexus getting Android 4.0.2 update today
- SOPA hearings underway, tech policy wonks can stream it live
- Microsoft debuts Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000, aims to make business trips a bit more comfortable
- Poll: Are you getting a Verizon Galaxy Nexus?
- Google outs two new Galaxy Nexus commercials, touts Face Unlock and Hangouts (video)
- Optical computing could benefit from new 'whispering gallery' fiber
- White Droid RAZR available now on Verizon for $299 on contract
- Cricket adds Galaxy Tab 10.1 to the fold, leaps into stores this Friday
- Palo Alto Library to loan out Google Chromebooks alongside real books
- TouchWizzed Ice Cream Sandwich leaks for Samsung Galaxy S II (video)
- Internet Explorer to start automatic upgrading across Windows 7, Vista and XP
- Intel merges four mobile units into one, argument over parking spaces forthcoming
- Google streamlines Map Maker, wants you to start crafting your own (video)
- Microsoft Lync arrives on Windows Phone and Android, other mobile OSs still waiting in the queue
- Facebook rolls out Timeline feature worldwide, it's time to untag some old photos
- Intel and LG deal brings WiDi streaming to HDTVs without the dongle
- Google+ update will add new Hangout features, give first dibs to famous people
- Cheap electronic skin edges us closer to cyberpunk future
- Samsung takes aim at Apple with Australian Galaxy Tab ad, credits Cupertino for its popularity
- Grand Theft Auto III now available on Android and iOS, ready to turn back the clock for $5 (video)
- Lumus teases 720p video glasses, takes transparency to a new level (video)
- Intel enters licensing deal with Inside Secure for NFC tech
- Meizu's Hong Kong store opens today, teases mainland Chinese fans with lower MX price
- Tokyoflash Kisai On Air floats the idea of multicolored touchscreen watch faces
- NVIDIA open sources CUDA compiler, shares its LLVM-based love with everyone
| Insert Coin: Kapsule Lightstand puts your Kindle Keyboard in the spotlight Posted: 15 Dec 2011 11:34 AM PST In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.  Brooklyn-based Pieco offers up an interesting solution to the problem of illuminating e-ink, whilst addressing yet another concern: standing the thing up for hands-free reading. The Kapsule Lightstand clips on to the rear of the Kindle Keyboard (the artist formerly known as the Kindle 3) and features goosenecks that jut out from the top and bottom. The top one is retractable and houses the light. Pull it out and the light turns on, push it back in and it turns off. The bottom gooseneck, meanwhile, serves as an adjustable stand, so you can prop the reader up while eating a sandwich, or whatever it is that people do while reading.  The Kapsule grips on the side of the last-gen reader, careful not to obstruct its physical page turn buttons. It adds some thickness to the rear of the device, giving you something to hold onto while reading. The Kapsule draws power from the Kindle itself and promises to use 25 to 50-percent less power than Amazon's own Portfolio light. At present, the Kapsule has $920 pledged toward its $40,000 goal with 36 days left to get in on its illuminating action. Pledging $1 or more will get you access to files for building your own. $40 or more gets you your very own Kapsule. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dell cuts Mini netbooks for non-business customers, ruins Christmas for laptop lovers Posted: 15 Dec 2011 11:19 AM PST  If you needed a good, valid reason to Hulk Out today, this might be it. Dell, which recently retired its Streak 5 and Streak 7 tablets, is apparently axing its Mini line of netbooks as well. According to the MyDellMini forums, conducting a search for a laptop with a 10-inch display on the Dell Shop will yield no results, while a search for specific models brings up a variety of messages confirming the world's loss. Fortunately, the full-sized notebooks appear to be in abundant supply, and the search engine will happily suggest one of Dell's 14-inch laptops for $469 and up. Because, you know, a 14-inch machine will totally serve the same purchase as a 10-inch one. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google employee creates the ultimate LAN party house, lives la vita local Posted: 15 Dec 2011 11:01 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roku's official iPhone remote app is available, has gesture control and channel selection for all Posted: 15 Dec 2011 10:55 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Android Market sale reaches its final day, we bid fond farewell to more dimes Posted: 15 Dec 2011 10:51 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Verizon Galaxy Nexus factory images released, modders can start modding Posted: 15 Dec 2011 10:39 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SlingPlayer for Google TV is out of beta, still a web app Posted: 15 Dec 2011 10:24 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Galaxy Nexus for Verizon LTE unboxing and speed test (video) Posted: 15 Dec 2011 10:17 AM PST  The Verizon Nexus arrived with Android 4.0.1 pre-installed, but prompted us to update to 4.0.2 just a few minutes after we added a Google account. It is noticeably thicker and heavier than its HSPA+ counterpart, but this thing is fast when it comes to transfer speeds -- not quite as speedy as we've seen with some LTE devices on AT&T's budding 4G network, but it's definitely in line with competing handsets from Verizon, and the MiFi we used for a comparison speed test. Our salesperson wasn't willing to let us leave without first confirming that the phone was in fact working, so he had the honor of first peeling back the phone's plastic cover. Ready to check it out? Roll up your sleeves and join us after the break for our unboxing and speed test. Myriam Joire contributed to this report. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HP TouchPad returns in TigerDirect bundle, if only for a moment Posted: 15 Dec 2011 10:13 AM PST  [Thanks, Andrew] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Apple update twofer: Apple TV hits 4.4.4 (9A406a), minor iOS 5.0.1 bump comes to iPhone 4S Posted: 15 Dec 2011 10:04 AM PST  Here's a question: why, as a major consumer electronics company, would you introduce just one software update in a day, when you could just as easily introduce two? Exactly. Apple has just pushed out a new duo that honestly have little in common, but if you're the owner of a second-generation Apple TV and an iPhone 4S, you've hit the jackpot. The former is reaching v4.4.4, which claims to bring an assortment of not-big-enough-to-pinpoint bug fixes; the latter, however, tweaks the iPhone 4S' 5.0.1 build ever so slightly. If you've noticed anything major from either update, do tell in comments below.Update: The Apple TV 4.4.4 changlog notes that users can expect "general performance and stability improvements, including a fix for an issue that displayed an error when playing some video content." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google Zeitgeist goes live, reminds the world of Rebecca Black's existence Posted: 15 Dec 2011 09:59 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google Translate app update adds handwriting recognition, breaks barriers Posted: 15 Dec 2011 09:30 AM PST  The Google Translate app for Android received a pretty significant update yesterday, bringing handwriting recognition to its bullpen of functionalities. The app, which added voice recognition back in October, can now recognize handwriting in seven different languages, including English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. It's probably most important, however, for Chinese- and Japanese-speaking contingents, who can now use their handsets to translate characters that aren't typically featured on English keypads. The update to version 2.3 is available now, at the source link below. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 15 Dec 2011 09:11 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 15 Dec 2011 08:40 AM PST  Skip past the darker times and fast forward to about nine years later, Meizu would launch another MX, but now it's a totally different animal: a 1.4GHz dual-core Android smartphone that can handle a tad more than just music playback. Of course, company founder Jack Wong and his gang aren't the only players on the paddy field, as we also have the similarly powerful Xiaomi Phone already taking the lead in the Chinese Android enthusiast market. Adding more fuel to the fire is that shortly after the Xiaomi Phone's debut, Wong responded to a related forum post by accusing a certain someone -- which is believed to be Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun -- of abusing his or her old position as an angel investor to deviously walk away with Meizu's trade secrets. Alas, we'll probably never know the truth, so we shall simply observe whether the new Meizu MX will bite back hard and good. Read on for our full review on Meizu's second Android handset. Packaging and hardware Despite the spicy back story, there's not a sign of spitefulness on the MX's cute packaging. Unlike most smartphone boxes with vertically stacked internals, here you get a squarish faux booklet that slides out of a white cardboard sleeve, both of which proudly showing off a big gray "MX" logo bang in the middle on the front. There's also a removable blue paper band surrounding the bottom of the sleeve, though its main purpose appears to be to remind us that this is an engineering sample, so there's no telling whether the retail units will come with the same decoration. Where's the phone, you ask? Just think about how spies conceal their weapons (or in Hannibal Smith's case: cigars) inside hollow hardcover books. Yeah, it's pretty much like that with the MX: after flicking through four simplistic pages of feature highlights, you'll find the MX and its paperwork tucked inside a nicely cut compartment, while a second compartment accessible from the back contains a micro-USB cable and a Micro-to-Mini SIM adapter. In case you're wondering, yes, this pentaband 3G phone uses a Micro SIM, and you even get a couple of Micro SIM template stickers to help you cut your Mini SIM. Oh, and like the M9, you need to get your own headphones for the MX, though if you pre-order before December 31st, the MX will come with a free headset. Similarly, you'll need to buy the 1.2-amp USB wall adapter separately. Upon lifting the phone out of the box, our attention immediately focused on the texture of the back casing. Unlike the soft touch cover on many devices these days (including the M9, the Xiaomi Phone and many HTC phones), the MX features a hard white crystal-like case on the back -- the crystal part being that there's a 1mm-thick transparent plastic on top of a 1mm-thick white plastic, thus giving out a special glowing effect around the edges when shone under the light. In terms of grip, we were surprised by how comfortable the shape feels in our hand -- you get a near-straight side, followed by a shallow tapering and then a flat bottom, meaning the phone can sit still on its back. Comparing the 139g-heavy, 10.3mm-thick MX to the bulkier Xiaomi Phone, the latter's combination of girth, more rounded corners plus matte cover certainly offers a more secure grip, though we somehow prefer the former's slightly slippery yet solid feel for a change. We shall let you all be the final judge on this one. To our surprise, the back cover is actually removable. There's no obvious groove for lifting up the case -- the quick start manual actually instructs us to press down onto the case's micro-USB port opening, and then run our nail or a pick along the slit until the case unclicks at various spots. It was a bit painful for the first few times, but much like giving birth to kids after the first one, the procedure somehow became less of a torture over time -- our thumb must have toughened up. That said, we do wonder how long it'd take before the slit starts to wear out, and the booklet even suggests that we avoid frequently removing the case in order to maintain a tight seal.  But would the users be frequently removing the case, anyway? The 1,600mAh battery isn't user-removable, nor is there a microSD card slot inside; so really, removing the case is just for us to access the spring-loaded Micro SIM tray, and you'd obviously have to be a frequent traveler to keep your nail busy. Another interesting point to highlight is that the camera flashlight is actually placed on the case rather than on the body, and it has three metal contact points underneath for power and earthing. Understandably, Meizu has confirmed that there are currently no plans for swappable cases, though third party manufacturers might churn out some accessories to reach similar goals. At first sight, there aren't that many surprises externally when it comes to buttons on the MX, but it gets interesting as you touch it more and more. The basics include the power button at the top and the volume rocker on the left, but the physical home button is no longer a flat, round rectangle akin to Samsung's style -- instead, it's now a small dome that's easy to click on, yet it also seems to be small enough to avoid accidental clicks while chilling in our pocket. That said, after a few days of full-time usage, we spotted some light scratches at the tip of the dome, which would explain why no other Android phones have gone with similar button designs. Still, we like our little nipple, so we'll just have avoid letting our phone face downward on the desk.  Other visible features include the micro-USB port (which supports USB host, MHL for HDMI output and S/PDIF for digital audio connection), a microphone and two mysterious dents along the bottom side, as well as a noise-cancelling mic next to the 3.5mm headphone jack at the top side, and a mono speaker on the right-hand side of the back. Before you complain about the lack of a dedicated camera button, it turns out that in the camera app the volume up button doubles up as a single-stage trigger button (obviously not as satisfying as the two-stage camera buttons on many other flagship phones), while volume down toggles between photo mode and video mode. We'll talk more about music playback in a bit, but since we're here, we do have some thoughts on the speaker. Yes, going mono is certainly a downgrade from the louder stereo speakers on the M8 and M9, though the MX is still a tad louder than the Xiaomi Phone. We can only assume that Meizu had great reasons to give up its hallmark feature, most likely for the sake of the new form factor. Another problem is that due to the position of the speaker, a lot of the times our right palm ends up blocking the audio entirely when holding the MX in portrait orientation. This wouldn't happen if the speaker was located further up the phone.  In our opinion, the most interesting physical feature on the MX is its situation-aware bottom light keys. These are essentially five-dot LED cross matrices, with the left set forming the back key while the other being the menu key. In addition to responding to touch input with a momentary brighter glow, the patterns light up according to the phone's orientation (both landscape modes supported) and the availability of back or menu feature, meaning users should be less frustrated by the lack of response when tapping a dormant key in certain situations (when you're already in settings, for instance). When on standby, the center dots of these keys also blink slowly to indicate new notifications. To sum it up, think HTC Incredible S's optically rotating buttons on steroids. This is obviously a very unique feature amongst the ocean of Android devices these days, and Meizu deserves much credit for such an innovation. Those who are familiar with Meizu's OS -- now oddly dubbed Flyme OS -- will no doubt know that holding down the back button on the home screen switches off the LCD (same as pressing the power button); and the same goes for the MX. Likewise, holding down both the power button and the home button lets you take a screenshot. But when the phone's completely turned off, holding down both the power button and the volume up key boots the MX into firmware upgrade mode (and you need to place your downloaded update.zip file in the root folder); whereas holding down the power button and the home key lets you wipe your personal data. While these button functions are pretty much the same as the M9, there is however one significant change: instead of double-tapping the home button for the task manager, you now hold down the menu button instead on the MX. We'll come back to that later. Following the evolution of most phones, one of the biggest physical changes from the M9 to the MX is the screen size increase, making a jump from 3.5 inches to 4 inches but preserving the same 960 x 640 resolution. Honestly, we aren't at all bothered by the drop in pixel density. If anything, we actually enjoyed the larger ASV LCD's improved viewing angles (which also beat the Xiaomi Phone's transflective LCD) and the slightly wider color range. Still, when placed side by side, the iPhone 4S's Retina Display and the HTC Incredible S's SLCD show more realistic colors; but frankly, the quality difference is far from a deal breaker and is hardly noticeable when the MX is on its own. Camera When Meizu announced that the MX will come with an eight-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor (same technology used by the iPhone 4S and the Xperia Arc or Arc S), naturally we had high expectations on its picture quality; but first, let's focus on the camera app. When capturing stills you can use the menu to toggle between normal mode, smile detection mode and panorama mode. In normal mode you have access to all the usual options such as ISO (from 50 to 3200), scene, a three-level wide dynamic mode (aka HDR), photo size, white balance and geotagging. The flash switch at the top left corner can switch between auto, forced flash and no flash; whereas the button at the top right of the canvas lets you switch between the 0.3 megapixel front-facing camera camera and the main camera. We suggest users to not depend on the smaller camera for self-portraits, though, as its picture quality is only good enough for quick and dirty video calls. Smile detection is pretty self-explanatory and it worked well with our grin (see 14:52 in our above walkthrough video), though the only settings available for fiddling with are ISO, photo size and geotagging. Panorama mode (pictured above) is left with only ISO and geotagging settings, but it also performed well using the phone's gyroscope and our own steady hands, thus producing combined images around the size of 3,264 × 1,120 -- the latter value varies depending on coverage angle -- with clean overlaps. However, the panorama mode only supports one landscape orientation: sweeping from left to right with the MX's volume rocker facing downwards. This is a bizarre design considering that the shutter button (volume up) is normally at the top right corner of a camera.  It's inevitable that we'd compare the MX's f/2.2 camera with the Xiaomi Phone's f/2.4 counterpart with the same eight-megapixel resolution. Interestingly, putting the images side by side shows that these two phones are at two different sides of the scale. While the Xiaomi Phone appears to produce more vibrant images, we find them to be over-saturated most of the time. On the other hand, the MX's wider photos displayed more realistic colors, but we're troubled by the greenish hue in many of our outdoor shots under day light. We've expressed our concern to Meizu's engineers and they assured us that this is being tweaked as we speak, so we'll give this another spin when the right firmware comes along. Other than that, we tend to get satisfactory pictures so long as we have wide dynamic mode set to low or medium. One of our favorite stills is a night shot of a dark walkway under some trees and a street lamp: with the assistance of low-level wide dynamic mode, this surprisingly clear image is a prime example for showing off what BSI technology does best. Our macro shots also came out great, and we could get as far down as 5cm above the object without much trouble with the autofocus. As for video recording, currently the MX beats the 720p-only Xiaomi Phone, though to our surprise, by default the former's video recording resolution is set to 1,080 x 720 only, and it kept disregarding our previous setting, often changing it back to this resolution. Two things boggle us here: why not 1,280 x 720 at least? And why set a video resolution lower than what the camera's advertised for? If the intention here is to save storage space then we'd rather be prompted for a decision upon first boot-up; otherwise we fear many users would be disappointed when they realize they'd been capturing much footage at a lower resolution than intended since day one. Leaving our rant aside, the 1080p video quality (actually 1,920 x 1,072 at 30fps, MPEG-4 AVC main profile at level 4, up to 25.5Mbps) isn't bad at all bar the same light green hue problem. There's no fancy optical image stabilizing technology here, obviously, but the lack of continuous autofocus -- as featured on the Xperia Arc S and the Xiaomi Phone -- is a slight drawback. That said, you can focus manually while filming by tapping on your desired spot on the screen, but be sure to tap lightly to keep a steady footage, and also beware of the light clicking noise coming from the lens while auto-focusing -- this is more apparent when the lens is facing upwards. We also spotted a couple of bugs here, with the more severe one being that sometimes at night our recording tends to skip frames or slow down at certain points. The lesser problem we saw was that the first second of all our clips captured the camera's preparation autofocus in action, but this should be easy for the engineers to eliminate. Anyhow, see for yourself below. Sample 1080p video clips: Software As we mentioned briefly earlier, the MX's slick Flyme OS (currently based on Android 2.3.5 with 4.0 upgrade planned) has preserved many features from the M9, and on the international model it's also rootable. But in case this is your first acquaintance with Meizu's Android customization, it's probably the easiest if you think of it as a crossover between a standard Android OS and iOS: like the latter, there's no dedicated app list here, so all your apps are spread across up to ten home screens; but of course, you can also add widgets, though Flyme only lets you use each of them once, which can be slightly inconvenient for those rocking numerous home screens. Interestingly, the Xiaomi Phone's MIUI OS also features this iOS-like app management, so the Chinese users must be pretty fond of Apple's mobile UX. Alas, unlike MIUI, there's no way of quickly jumping from one home screen to another on Flyme, so you'll just have to work your finger with plenty of horizontal swiping; or simply make better use with your folders. Leaving the home screen management problem aside, Meizu made it up to us with various goodies dotted across the OS. Starting from the unlock screen, here you can toggle the music player controls by tapping on the menu key, as well as switching on USB storage mode if your MX is plugged into a computer (as pictured above on the left). However, we noticed that the latter activates itself even if a screen lock password is set, so anyone could access the phone's content with just a USB cable. We do appreciate the convenience, but Meizu should also offer a more secure option; after all, most other phones only let you activate mass storage mode after you go pass the screen lock. Entering the home screen or your last active app is simply a matter of dragging the padlock icon up from the bottom, but if you do the same with either the phone icon or the speech icon on the side, you'll jump straight to either the phone app (which loads up the tab where you last left off) or the messaging app, respectively. And just like the good old days with the M9, these icons will indicate the number of awaiting missed calls and text messages.  Once you're behind the unlock screen, holding down the MX's menu button triggers the task manager; though unlike the one on the M9, this beefed up manager app also lets you toggle various radios like WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS, as well as switching between network modes (3G only, GSM only and GSM/3G auto). Alas, to toggle silent mode, vibration, flight mode (where WiFi cannot be enabled), phone-off mode or screen rotation lock, you'll need to either hold down the power button or dig them up in settings; whereas on MIUI you can simply access them on the notification tray. Having said that, Flyme does have many other hidden gems. As you probably know, on iOS you can tap the top task bar to jump straight to the top of lists, but this isn't possible on pretty much all Android OSes due to the notification tray at the top; so Meizu's cunning solution is to implement this function on the clock area at the top right corner of the screen. If that doesn't impress you, perhaps MX's remote control tool will: as you can see in our walkthrough video (18:19), this rare feature lets you remotely control another MX within the same WiFi network. All that's required is to go into Accessibility in Settings, choose Remote Control, and then set up a device name plus a password on the host device. You can then go back to the controlling device to pick the host device from the list, log in using the aforementioned password, and voila! You should see the host device's screen on the controlling device. Understandably, there is a slight lag and a lower frame rate for the controlling end, nor can the controller use pinch-to-zoom or watch a video feed (from the camera app or video player); but still, the input response was pretty much instantaneous for us, and the host device can still be used while connected to its controller. We're not sure how often we'd use MX's remote control feature in real life, but we can definitely see potential in walking new owners through their MXs. Compared to many phones these days, the MX doesn't come with as many pre-installed handy apps. What you get out of the box are a calculator, an alarm clock, a file browser, a notes app, a voice recorder, an IMAP or Exchange email client, Google Maps (GPS tracking takes about half a minute) and Meizu's own app store, Mstore, which contains mostly Chinese apps. For typing, you get a multitouch English keyboard as well as various input methods for both traditional and simplified Chinese. If we were to give Meizu a wish list, we'd like to see a stopwatch or a countdown timer at least, and then maybe a torch app plus a compass app.  The MX's internet browser comes with all the features that you expect to see on a standard smartphone these days. Once a web page is fully loaded, you get pretty much a full screen view except for the task bar at the top, with the top left corner indicating the number of tabs you have opened. Hitting the menu key gives you thumbnails of all the tabs along with various buttons at the bottom: refresh, add tab, close tab, bookmarks and miscellaneous (which includes forward, history, settings, add to favorites, share URL via email or SMS, add to home screen and view downloads). There's little to complain about the browser -- we got smooth scrolling on our full website, and likewise with pinch-to-zooming. Flash videos worked fine as well until we hit the HD button, but at this day and age, we're inclined to put the blame on Adobe. On the multimedia front, the MX's native video player supports a handful of formats including MP4, 3GP, MOV, MKV, AVI, FLV, MPEG and M2TS (and before you ask, WMV didn't work for us); whereas the native music app can handle the usual MP3 plus M4A files, along with the more obscure FLAC, APE, AAC, OGG and many more formats. But like the M9, there's no FM radio to be found on the MX. Meizu's reasoning here is that online audio streaming is the way forward, though it didn't indicate whether this is a hardware or software limitation, nor has it thrown in the same native music streaming app that the M9 had. Our guess is that Meizu didn't secure a new licensing deal (if any), but then again, there are plenty of alternatives in the app stores these days (especially the Chinese ones), so no biggie. Speaking of app stores, we noticed that the Android Market on our MX is limited to just one download at a time, as opposed to allowing multiple download streams like many other flagship devices do. This goes along with many other weird default settings that we've had to change, where possible, to get the most out of the phone. For example: vibration notification was disabled; the auto-capitalization on the default English keyboard (which itself also has a weird layout due to the lack of row offsets) was also switched off; the punctuation mark bar on the English keyboard had to be launched manually every time we open the keyboard; and we had to install Gmail by ourselves as well (yet Google Talk and Google Translate were already dumped in a folder). Still, none of the above are as weird as this: it turns out that there is a "CPU level" -- hidden inside Accessibility in Settings, oddly enough -- that's set to normal by default, which means the clock speed was capped at 1GHz. Considering that we usually get about six to seven hours worth of normal usage on the 1.4GHz "high" setting (with 3G constantly on as well), or even just under 5.5 hours on our standard video loop test (we got about just 10 minutes more on the Xiaomi Phone, which has a much bigger battery), we don't really see the need to underclock the phone to preserve battery juice. Worse yet, surely it's not very nice to underpower a product without telling its owner? Perhaps Meizu will reconsider this odd decision once it has a solid stable firmware for the retail units. Once we got our MX charged up again, we decided to do a stress test on its video playback performance. We loaded up three 1080p .MOV movie trailers from Apple's website, with video bit rate ranging from 9Mbps to 10Mbps. To our surprise, all three played smoothly except for one or two moments where the video and audio were out of sync, but it only took a couple of seconds to catch up. We then checked these offending spots in the 720p version of the clips (at about 6Mbps), and unsurprisingly, the playback was flawless. That said, we noticed a tiny delay between the video and the audio when playing the same 720p clip through an MHL adapter (we used the Galaxy S II's HDMI adapter -- which also simultaneously charges up the phone -- as Meizu doesn't currently offer one), so hopefully this is something that can be tweaked in the software. We also had a go at playing Shadowgun on the big screen, and while the graphics looked great, we had a hard time with keeping our thumbs on the virtual buttons while simultaneously looking at the TV. Guess we'll be needing some Fling minis made just for Shadowgun -- one pad on the left and two on the right.  The native music app itself is plenty of fun, though it's not that much different than the one on the M9. With our hf3 earphones, we could use the call button to play and pause with a single click, skip track by double-clicking, and go to the previous track by triple-clicking. As for the UI you still get four tabs at the bottom in this order: playlists, songs, albums (by artists) and now playing. The repeat and shuffle buttons are on the left and right-hand side of the top song info bar, respectively, and tapping anywhere up there toggles the scrobbling dot on the timeline. Swiping horizontally in the middle lets you jump between the album art, an ice blue visualizer and the current playlist. Hitting the menu key would prompt a dialog that lets you choose between the shutdown timer (from five minutes up to an hour), song info and equalizer. If you need help remembering the words, you can go into song info to search for lyrics (as well as album art) for the current song. Once chosen, the lyrics would then start auto-scrolling below the visualizer, and tapping it would let it run atop of the visualizer. It's no doubt a cool feature, but sadly, we'll be needing more help to build up a larger lyrics library for non-Chinese music; and also, Meizu seems to have forgotten to provide a way to delete wrong lyrics. Of course, what we really care about here is the audio quality. We've already shown our disappointment over the mono loudspeaker, but luckily, we found some sweet audio coming straight out of the 3.5mm headphone jack, and it's definitely an improvement from the M9. For instance, in Diana Krall's Isn't This A Lovely Day (from the album From This Moment On), her voice becomes significantly livelier with a fuller mid-range, while the occasional trumpet manages to hit the higher frequencies that the M9 seemed to have missed. We could also sense a wider range in the bass region, thus providing better control over the drums and the double bass. All in all, the MX makes the M9's audio sound dull, and we'd even argue that it has a finer bass control than the iPhone 4 (especially on the lighter vibrations of the double bass), but obviously you'd need a pair of nice earphones to fully appreciate this difference -- we've been pretty happy with our Etymotic hf3 matched with ACS custom earphone sleeves. Oh, and don't forget that there's also Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, which worked just fine with our Nokia Play 360° wireless speaker.  Similarly, phone calls were easy to listen to on the MX's little earpiece, and on the other end the voice coming from the MX's caller is cleaner but a bit tinny. This is likely due to the nature of dual-mic noise cancellation as proven by our Nexus One, but hey, it does drown out a bit of background noise. Dig a little deeper and you'll find that the phone app also has some nice goodies in settings, such as exporting or importing contacts to and from a VCF file, a customizable blacklist for spam calls, and having an automatic SMS sent to a declined caller. For the creeps out there, you can even set it so that every single phone call gets automatically recorded (rather than having to hit the record button  Last but not least, Flyme OS actually comes with a suite of cloud services (hence the name "fly me"). While the service isn't fully operational just yet, we're promised automatic backup of our text messages, call logs, contacts, notes and settings, along with an iMessage-like phone number-based IM service that'll initially be supported in China only. Additionally, you'll also be able to locate and remote-lock your MX using the Flyme website, but again, it's not quite ready to be poked around just yet. Don't worry, we haven't forgotten to give the MX some benchmark love for its 1.4GHz dual-core Exynos 4210 processor and Mali-400 MP graphics chip. First off, boot time: our MX takes about 38 seconds to get to the lock screen, whereas our Xiaomi Phone takes only about 21 seconds. We then did a quick file transfer test over USB, and again, our MX's 8.5MB/s write speed hangs head in shame in front of the Xiaomi's 13.3MB/s; but to be fair, we did put a Class 10 microSD card in the latter device. Too bad we can't upgrade the MX's storage. However, the benchmark scores are more positive, with Quadrant and NenaMark both indicating that the MX is much better at 3D rendering, though there's clearly space for improvement in browser performance.
Wrap-up  Will Meizu be able to hold Xiaomi back? It's hard to tell in the short term. Sure, performance-wise both the MX and the Xiaomi Phone are very similar, but the price war is obviously the biggest problem for the former. That said, with the help of regular fan events and forum interaction across the country, we think the company's users will remain loyal for a very long time. It's easier said than done, of course, but here's hoping that said outfit will figure out how to offer new services that will either help subsidize hardware cost or simply to make the existing devices of better value for the money. After all, that's exactly what Xiaomi's Lei Jun is gunning for, and Meizu must act quickly before its fierce competitor gobble up more of its users. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kindle devices selling at a rate of one million a week ahead of holidays Posted: 15 Dec 2011 08:35 AM PST 
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| PSA: Verizon's Galaxy Nexus getting Android 4.0.2 update today Posted: 15 Dec 2011 08:16 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SOPA hearings underway, tech policy wonks can stream it live Posted: 15 Dec 2011 08:15 AM PST  Like any good tech geek you're probably at least interested in, if not a little concerned by SOPA -- the Stop Online Piracy Act. Well, today is its day in front of the House Judiciary committee. While this is hardly the last stop on the road towards becoming a law for the bill it is one that will be crucial in deciding its fate. Will it be toothless and unenforceable? Simply die in committee? Or will this become a powerful new tool in the battle against piracy? If you're the really wonky type hit up the source link to watch a live stream of the debate.[Thanks, Tyler] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft debuts Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000, aims to make business trips a bit more comfortable Posted: 15 Dec 2011 08:00 AM PST  Looking to snag a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard to accompany that brand spanking new slate? If so, Microsoft has announced the Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000 ergonomist-approved peripheral that can be used with Android, iOS and Windows-based tablets sans wires. Implementing the Comfort Curve design, the wireless keypad frees up a much-needed USB port on desktops -- should you opt for a more 9-to-5 approach. Powered by three AAA batteries, the keyboard will be available this month for $50. If you're in need of a bit more convincing, hit the PR button below and prepare to kiss that carpal tunnel pain goodbye. Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000 December 2011 technology allows connection to Windows-based tablets, iPad and iPad 2, and many Android tablet devices without cords or USB nano transceivers, thereby freeing up a USB port. The lightweight, slim design of this full-sized keyboard makes it convenient to carry without compromising durability. The high-quality construction of the keyboard is designed for travel and mobility. With the Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000, you can type easily on a plane, capture notes in a conference room or catch up on personal email from the couch. Featuring an ergonomist-approved "Comfort Curve" design, the Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000 promotes a more natural wrist posture, is easy to use across many devices and makes a perfect tablet companion. Top Features and Benefits • New! Tablet compatibility with Windows, iPad and iPad 2, and many Android tablet devices • Ergonomist-approved "Comfort Curve" design promotes a more natural wrist posture • Bluetooth wireless frees up a USB port by easily connecting to a Bluetooth-enabled computer, and no USB nano transceiver is needed • Ultrathin, stylish design makes it lightweight and portable for travel • Three-year limited hardware warranty Ergonomic Design 101 - Questions you always wanted to ask ... Why should people care about ergonomic design? People should prioritize finding a mouse and keyboard that work well for their bodies and their work environments. This can help you to be more comfortable, be more productive and ultimately enjoy working with your computer more. How does Microsoft's Comfort Curve make a difference? The curved shape of Microsoft ergonomic keyboards promotes a more natural hand, wrist and forearm posture. Learn more about Healthy Computing by visiting the Microsoft Hardware website. -Dr. Dan Odell Certified Professional Ergonomist and Microsoft's resident comfort expert Top-Line System Requirements To use the Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000, consumers need the following: For a Windows-based PC: • Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP with Service Pack (SP2) or later • 2 AAA alkaline batteries (included) • Supported device enabled with Bluetooth version 2.0 For Macintosh: • Mac OS X v.10.4–10.5.x • 2 AAA alkaline batteries (included) • Supported device enabled with Bluetooth version 2.0 Works with iOS 4.2.1, 4.3.1 and 4.3.2. Works with Android 2.2 (Froyo), 3.0 and 3.1 (Honeycomb). Availability and Pricing Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000 will be available in December 2011 for an estimated retail price of $49.95 (U.S.). The Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000 is backed by a three-year limited hardware warranty. The limited warranty and license agreement are available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/warranty. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Poll: Are you getting a Verizon Galaxy Nexus? Posted: 15 Dec 2011 07:55 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google outs two new Galaxy Nexus commercials, touts Face Unlock and Hangouts (video) Posted: 15 Dec 2011 07:49 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Optical computing could benefit from new 'whispering gallery' fiber Posted: 15 Dec 2011 07:40 AM PST  So far, microresonators have generally been made from silicon wafers etched with the a long series of loops. However, even the most precise etching leaves imperfections, which quickly cause the signal to lose its strength and fade away. Now, researchers at OFS Laboratories in Somerset, N. J., have come up with a different type of microresonator that could potentially hold onto light 100 times longer. The new technology diverts light onto a stretch of optic fiber that has been specially manufactured with tiny step-changes in its diameter. When the signal hits this abrupt change, it reverses and goes back the opposite way -- and, if it hits another diameter change, it will effectively enter a whispering gallery inside the fiber, bouncing up and down with only minor attenuation. The OFS scientists claim their microresonator could appear in "specialized devices" in just two or three years, which is good to hear, because electronics is starting to get old. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| White Droid RAZR available now on Verizon for $299 on contract Posted: 15 Dec 2011 07:19 AM PST  Available Tomorrow From Verizon Wireless: DROID RAZR™ By Motorola In A Flashy New White Color 12/14/2011 Just in time for the holidays, the DROID RAZR™ by Motorola in White will be available on Dec. 15 at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com. Customers can purchase the DROID RAZR in the new color for $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement. Additionally, for a limited time only, customers can take advantage of a special promotion and receive $100 off a DROID XYBOARD tablet with the purchase of a white DROID RAZR with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers that purchase a DROID RAZR will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data. The DROID RAZR not only shreds through the Web at blazing 4G LTE speeds, it does it in style with a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED™ Advanced display, measuring 7.1 mm thin. The DROID RAZR is also packed with brains and security giving customers apps like MotoCast™ and features like remote wipe, pin lock and government-grade encryption for email, calendar and contacts. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cricket adds Galaxy Tab 10.1 to the fold, leaps into stores this Friday Posted: 15 Dec 2011 06:57 AM PST  Cricket's device portfolio received an infusion of Honeycomb-drenched vitality this week, with the addition of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1. Priced at $500, this WiFi-enabled, 16GB slate will hit the carrier's stores this Friday, where it will also be available as part of a $595 bundle deal that includes Cricket's Crosswave mobile hotspot and one month of broadband service. The new addition, announced yesterday, represents Cricket's first foray into the tablet space, which is exciting news for entomologists everywhere. Cricket Enhances its Device Portfolio with the Launch of its First Tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 Popular Wi-Fi Enabled Tablet Available for $499.99 or Bundled with a Cricket Crosswave mobile broadband device for $594.99, ~ ~ Available Beginning Friday, December 16th at Cricket Company-Owned Stores, SAN DIEGO, Dec. 14, 2011 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Cricket Communications, Inc., a leading provider of innovative and value-driven wireless services and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ: LEAP) today announced that the Wi-Fi enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 will be available Friday, December 16, 2011 in Cricket company-owned stores. The slim and sleek Galaxy Tab 10.1 features Android™ 3.1 Honeycomb, 16GB of internal storage and will be available in Metallic Gray. "We're excited to introduce tablets to our Cricket customers," said Matt Stoiber, senior vice president, devices for Cricket. "Our customers are finding new ways to incorporate devices into their active mobile lifestyle to stay connected, engaged and entertained and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is a great device to help them do all those things." The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 with Android 3.1 Honeycomb brings access to more than 250,000 apps through the Android Market™ and offers full support for Google™ Mobile Services, including Gmail™, YouTube™ and more. Customers will relish the 10.1-inch enhanced display with a 1280x800 resolution HD screen, 1 GHz dual core application processor, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and a 3-megapixel rear-facing camera. Both consumers and business customers will find a multitude of uses for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 that range from video chat to business tools, including those that allow for the opening and editing of documents, spreadsheets and presentations. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 features Adobe® Flash® Player to deliver an enhanced Internet browsing experience and access to content-rich Websites. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be available from Cricket for $499.99 MSRP. Cricket is also offering the Galaxy Tab 10.1 as part of a special bundle which includes the Crosswave, Cricket's dual mode DO/Wi-Fi device and a first month of Cricket broadband service, all for $594.99 The Cricket Crosswave creates an instant mobile hotspot so customers can get internet access on the go and support multiple Wi-Fi devices. The Crosswave is available on Cricket's broadband plans that range from $45 to $65 per month per plan. The Cricket Crosswave and tethering-enabled Cricket Smartphones may be used to connect the Samsung Galaxy Tab to the internet over Cricket's 3G network. For more information about Cricket's dynamic device lineup, please visit www.mycricket.com. To follow Cricket's latest news and updates online, go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/cricketwireless and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cricketnation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Palo Alto Library to loan out Google Chromebooks alongside real books Posted: 15 Dec 2011 06:34 AM PST  Google has teamed up with the Palo Alto Library to offer its Chromebooks on loan, as part of a pilot program slated to kick off in January. As Wired explains, the Silicon Valley library has long offered laptops for visitors to use, though these devices were only available for two-hour windows, and were forbidden from leaving the premises. A few months ago, however, Google approached the library about offering Chromebooks for longer periods, in the hopes of bringing the device's cloud-based "shareability" to a wider audience. Palo Alto's librarians tried out 21 Chromebooks over the course of one month before deciding to loan them out for one-week periods, beginning next year. The notebooks have been available for on-grounds use for the past month, though according to Senior Librarian Jessica Goodman, the institution's Windows-based laptops are still more popular among patrons. "People would try it and say, 'That was pretty cool. I wish I could do word processing with that,'" Goodman told Wired, adding that the forthcoming one-week loans should give users more time to familiarize themselves with the device, and "spark a little bit of interest." East Coasters, meanwhile, can reap similar benefits at the Samsung Experience store in New York, where Chromebooks are now available on loan from the Chrome Zone. Check out the source link for more details. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TouchWizzed Ice Cream Sandwich leaks for Samsung Galaxy S II (video) Posted: 15 Dec 2011 06:09 AM PST Like to dabble in the dark arts of smartphone ROM flashing? Got a Samsung Galaxy S II? Well, get ready to weigh up the pros and cons, because here's another tempting slice of Ice Cream Sandwich. A leaked version of Android 4.0.1 firmware has appeared, replete with TouchWiz, adding a hefty dose of credence to the release. Granted, this means it's not a vanilla filling in this Ice Cream Sandwich, and according to Sammobile's video run-through, Samsung's own UI skin looks to be present throughout the handset. As expected, the phone functions with the built-in capacitive buttons instead of the onscreen replacements seen on the Galaxy Nexus. Due to both this and the TouchWiz customizations, on the surface it's all looking pretty similar to the Gingerbread Galaxy S II, albeit with all the slick features of 4.0. The leak is tempered with a warning, though; Due to its non-stock nature, your phone will adjust its custom counter if you install, which will void your warranty. However, if you're still lusting for a lick of ICS, you can check the video after the break and pick up the file at the source. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Internet Explorer to start automatic upgrading across Windows 7, Vista and XP Posted: 15 Dec 2011 05:45 AM PST | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intel merges four mobile units into one, argument over parking spaces forthcoming Posted: 15 Dec 2011 05:23 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google streamlines Map Maker, wants you to start crafting your own (video) Posted: 15 Dec 2011 04:56 AM PST Despite Google's best efforts to continually roll out new features and updates, it can't add everything. This is where last April's Map Maker comes in and it's been given a design refresh in line with the rest of Google's portfolio. The update also attempts to make the interface easier for first-timers, with a brief tutorial page explaining all the tools on offer. You can now draw in new roads, bike trails and other local features in over 180 countries and once approved -- there is a moderation system in place -- they'll appear integrated into this alternate universe Google map. Wannabe cartographers can check the video intro after the break or get involved at the source link below. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Lync arrives on Windows Phone and Android, other mobile OSs still waiting in the queue Posted: 15 Dec 2011 04:26 AM PST Microsoft can't release apps quick enough. Bolstering the cross-platform likes of SkyDrive, OneNote and Kinectimals, its Lync app is the latest addition to the app roster. The corporate communication app ties together instant messaging, audio conferencing and VoIP calls on both Windows Phone and Android devices, while the Symbian and iOS versions are still being vetted for approval. According to the official blog, the app will offer a similar experience across platforms, which makes sense for the enterprise-centric Lync -- and an increasingly fractured business phone market. Suits can grab both the Android and WinPho flavors below. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Facebook rolls out Timeline feature worldwide, it's time to untag some old photos Posted: 15 Dec 2011 03:53 AM PST  Update: Facebook has just rolled rolled out a fresh version of its Android app that you'll need to grab for Timeline access there, the change log (after the break) also mentions changes including access to games & apps, new push notifications and a new photo viewing experience. What's in this version:
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| Intel and LG deal brings WiDi streaming to HDTVs without the dongle Posted: 15 Dec 2011 03:35 AM PST  LG AND INTEL SIGN STRATEGIC ALLIANCE FOR INTEL WIRELESS DISPLAY (WiDi) TECHNOLOGY LG and Intel Collaborate on Intel WiDi to Enhance Content Accessibility of CINEMA 3D Smart TVs SEOUL, Dec. 15, 2011 –- LG Electronics (LG) and Intel entered into a strategic alliance to adopt and jointly promote Intel® Wireless Display (WiDi) technology. Intel WiDi will be embedded into next year's LG CINEMA 3D Smart TVs, making them the first in the TV industry to feature Intel WiDi technology. Intel WiDi is a wireless connectivity interface which allows for instant, high-definition viewing of content stored in notebooks and other external mobile devices on large screen TVs, projectors or monitors. "Through this strategic alliance, CINEMA 3D Smart TV users will be able to access a wider variety of content in a more convenient manner," said Seog-ho Ro, Senior Vice President of LG Home Entertainment Company's TV Business Unit. "Intel WiDi will be one of several features that will enhance the user convenience of our CINEMA 3D Smart TVs, further differentiating our products from the competition." "Intel is planning to expand Intel WiDi technology to various devices to provide consumers the seamless, smarter usage experience," said Hee-Sung Lee, Country Manager of Intel Korea. "Through this collaboration with LG Electronics, LG CINEMA 3D Smart TV users could also benefit from Intel® WiDi without the need to purchase an external adapter." Intel WiDi not only enables sharing of stored content, it also transfers onto CINEMA 3D Smart TVs, projectors and monitors a spectrum of online contents –- such as YouTube videos and streaming TV shows from broadcast websites -– that are accessible through notebooks and other mobile devices. Users can view such contents through the expansive and immersive high-definition CINEMA 3D display. Like wired connectivity standards, such as HDMI and USB cables, Intel WiDi does not require an active wireless internet or WiFi connection to transfer content between external mobile devices and CINEMA 3D Smart TVs. Intel WiDi establishes a direct connection between the WiFi chips embedded in the external mobile devices and the CINEMA 3D Smart TVs. Furthermore, Intel WiDi does not tie down the mobile device during real-time content sharing. Users may perform other tasks on their notebooks and tablet PCs while simultaneously streaming content to a CINEMA 3D Smart TV, projector or monitor. LG and Intel would undertake co-marketing activities and Intel WiDi-enabled LG CINEMA 3D products will be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next month in Las Vegas. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google+ update will add new Hangout features, give first dibs to famous people Posted: 15 Dec 2011 03:04 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cheap electronic skin edges us closer to cyberpunk future Posted: 15 Dec 2011 02:13 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung takes aim at Apple with Australian Galaxy Tab ad, credits Cupertino for its popularity Posted: 15 Dec 2011 01:12 AM PST  Now that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 has been cleared for sale in Australia, Samsung is taking the opportunity to publicly celebrate its courtroom victory, at Apple's expense. Exhibit A: a local newspaper ad that flatly brands Sammy's slate as "the tablet Apple tried to stop." The spot, which ran in the Sun-Herald this week, came just a few days before Samsung Australia's mobile head openly credited Cupertino for making the Galaxy Tab a "household name." Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Samsung Australia's vice president of telecommunications, Tyler McGee, declined to say how much his company lost in sales revenue due to Apple's temporary injunction, but was more than willing to laud the iPad maker for inadvertently turning the spotlight on the Galaxy Tab. "At the end of the day the media awareness certainly made the Galaxy Tab 10.1 a household name compared to probably what it would've been based on the investment that we would've put into it from a marketing perspective," McGee explained. The exec went on to say that the manufacturer is bringing to market "as many units as we can," since it expects the device to be in "short supply against the demand." To the courtroom victor go to the spoils -- including, apparently, bragging rights. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grand Theft Auto III now available on Android and iOS, ready to turn back the clock for $5 (video) Posted: 15 Dec 2011 12:26 AM PST  Update: Check after the break for the iPad trailer. [Thanks, Camran] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lumus teases 720p video glasses, takes transparency to a new level (video) Posted: 14 Dec 2011 11:21 PM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intel enters licensing deal with Inside Secure for NFC tech Posted: 14 Dec 2011 10:19 PM PST  INSIDE SECURE TO PROVIDE NFC TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTS TO INTEL 14/12/2011 Technology Transfer and Services Agreements Will Help Accelerate NFC into the Mainstream AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France, December 14, 2011 – INSIDE Secure, a leader in semiconductor solutions for secure transactions and digital identity, today announced it has entered into an agreement with Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) to provide the company with INSIDE's NFC products and technologies. The agreement marks a significant milestone for INSIDE Secure and the future of the NFC industry, helping move this emerging technology towards full-scale market adoption. The agreement gives Intel access to INSIDE's software, firmware and core hardware technology for development of future Intel products. In addition, INSIDE will provide Intel's Mobile Wireless Group with access to scalable NFC solutions based on INSIDE's MicroRead®, SecuRead® and Open NFC™ products. "We are very excited to have this opportunity to work alongside Intel in the development of scalable NFC solutions for the industry," said Charles Walton, chief operating officer for INSIDE Secure. "Working with an industry leader like Intel will play a significant role in the mainstream rollout of NFC." "NFC is gaining traction in many markets as one of the most convenient ways to use consumer electronic devices for payments and retail commerce transactions, for access to facilities and information, and a host of other applications," said Aicha Evans, vice-president and general manager of Intel's Mobile Wireless Group. "We look forward to working with INSIDE to develop and bring to market a range of exciting connectivity solutions for mainstream consumer products that incorporate NFC features." A third-generation product that sets a new standard for ease of integration, the MicroRead NFC controller offers a broad range of NFC options and provides the capacity to support multiple secure element types, including SIM, SE or SD card, to support multiple business models. SecuRead integrates INSIDE's award-winning MicroRead NFC controller with a high-performance secure element and a GlobalPlatform-compliant Java Card™ operating system. Both products are integrated with INSIDE's Open NFC protocol stack to provide best-of-breed solutions. Winner of the prestigious SESAMES Innovation Award, Open NFC has quickly become recognized as an open solution for NFC enablement on mobile devices, and has received significant industry support from a broad array of participants in the NFC ecosystem. About INSIDE Secure INSIDE Secure is a leading designer, developer and supplier of semiconductors, embedded software and platforms for secure transactions and digital security. INSIDE mobile NFC, secure payment, and digital security products provide security for a wide range of information processing, storage and transmission applications. The company's customers are found in a wide range of markets including mobile payment, identification documents, access control, transit, electronic device manufacturing, pay television and mobile service operators. For more information visit http://www.insidesecure.com. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Meizu's Hong Kong store opens today, teases mainland Chinese fans with lower MX price Posted: 14 Dec 2011 09:18 PM PST  As per Meizu's usual elusive ways, this morning the company quietly opened its Hong Kong flagship store -- the first-ever official Meizu shop outside mainland China. And like its mainland counterparts, we're told that the new shop will be offering the MX Android handset on January 1st as well but with one significant difference: due to the lower local tax, the 16GB MX will be priced at just HK$3,099 (US$398), which is much lower than the CN¥2,999 (US$470) price in mainland. Great, looks like we'll be expecting some lines in the heart of Mongkok in about two weeks' time. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tokyoflash Kisai On Air floats the idea of multicolored touchscreen watch faces Posted: 14 Dec 2011 07:59 PM PST The allure of more forward-looking wrist candy from Tokyoflash, who could resist a peak? Those not interested in looking like a steampunk gentleman may prefer these more conventional watches, which pack touchscreen capabilities into their low-energy LCDs. You can afford to be a little choosy too. Besides the black and silver models, there are also several combinations of LCD colors to be had, including natural [above, right], red [above left], green, blue and orange. The watch is currently on a limited time launch offer, slicing twenty bucks off the $199 MSRP. Anyone wanting another taste of future timepieces can peruse the gallery below. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NVIDIA open sources CUDA compiler, shares its LLVM-based love with everyone Posted: 14 Dec 2011 06:19 PM PST  A few years back, Intel prognosticated that NVIDIA's CUDA technology was destined to be a "footnote" in computing history. Since that time, Jen-Hsun Huang's low level virtual machine (LLVM) based compiler has more than proven its worth in several supercomputers, and now NVIDIA has released the CUDA source code to further spread the parallel computing gospel. This move opens up the code to be used with more programming languages and processors (x86 or otherwise) than ever before, which the company hopes will spur development of "next-generation higher performance computing platforms." Academics and chosen developers can get their hands on the code by registering with NVIDIA at the source below, so head on down and get started -- petaflop parallel processing supercomputers don't build themselves, you know. |
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