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Sunday, December 18, 2011

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Facebook app update brings Timeline to the iPhone, iPad version coming soon

Posted: 18 Dec 2011 09:55 AM PST

Facebook's Timeline feature has only just begun to roll out across the globe, and now an iOS version has sidled up next to its Android counterpart -- making it even easier for us to recheck our social network back stories. The new app is currently only available for the iPhone, but Facebook states that an iPad-friendly update will arrive soon. You will need to have already activated the timeline function on the web-based original, but downloading the latest version will also grant access to your friend lists and subscriptions. Some requisite performance improvements are also promised too. Cringe at some portable post-millennial fashion mistakes by grabbing the download at the source.


[Thanks Christoph]

Galaxy Nexus gets unofficial Google Wallet, leaves rooters feeling flush (update: now root-free)

Posted: 18 Dec 2011 09:11 AM PST

While it may have arrived with the Nexus name, Google's latest flagship has appeared without Wallet functionality, despite the inclusion of NFC hardware. Fortunately, it hasn't taken long for a few eager Android tinkerers to get it working on the LTE model. There's still a few hiccups and bugs and the phone needs to be rooted and unlocked, so consider yourself forewarned: you're on your own if it bricks. Still, it works -- user Mike Beauchamp was able to add extra funds to his account and make his first NFC McDonalds purchase. His video demonstration awaits after the break, Nexus-toting risk-takers can find a full step-by-step guide at the Google Plus link below.

Update: We talked too soon. Those that fear the uncertain future of a rooted handset now have a workaround. An APK is now up for grabs at XDA-Developers that will furnish your new favorite smartphone with Google Wallet goodness, hack-free. Non-US residents, however, still appear to be locked out from adding funds to their account. Let us know how it goes in the comments below.

[Thanks all]

Galaxy Nexus users reporting touchscreen trouble, lower scores in multitouch games (video)

Posted: 18 Dec 2011 08:33 AM PST

Looks like the honeymoon is ending a little early for some Galaxy Nexus users -- a pair of RootzWiki threads say that the device is struggling to maintain multitouch in some situations. Apparently the bug is repeatable, booting up a multitouch game like Gun Brothers or Shadow Gun will put the lower right hand portion of the smartphone's touchscreen in a finicky mood. We gave the glitch a go on a couple of different handsets, and were indeed thwarted by the touchscreen's tantrum. Turning the Nexus' screen on and off seems to fix the problem -- at least until you jump into your next game -- and the bug only seems to appear when the device is in landscape mode. This is likely a software bug, but until it's fixed, we'll just have to take it one touch at a time. Don't have a Nexus? See the glitch in action after the break.

[Thanks, Jim]

Meet London's new Eco-Routemaster, same as the old Routemaster (video)

Posted: 18 Dec 2011 07:28 AM PST

The English can't resist a good retro revival: we fell back in love with the new Mini and Doctor Who, so now it's time to do the same with the eco-friendly revamp of the Routemaster bus. Packed with a hybrid engine that doubles the fuel efficiency of a standard diesel (at 11.6mpg -- but it's a bus, so that's a lot) but producing only half the emissions. It'll carry 87 passengers and the vehicle heralds the return of the rear-door, so when it's stuck in traffic, you can safely hop-off and walk the rest of the way. A fleet of eight buses will run London's "38" route from early next year and you can watch the prototype being hand-built in the video we've got for you after the interval.

Refresh Roundup: week of December 12, 2011

Posted: 18 Dec 2011 06:00 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
  • HTC Amaze 4G (T-Mobile): Build 1.43.531.3 (Android 2.3.4) began rolling out today. It adds WiFi calling and Google Music, and seeks to improve performance and stability in Bluetooth, WiFi, the clock widget and its homegrown Twitter and Peep apps. [TmoNews]
  • Amazon Kindle Fire: An OTA maintenance refresh coming in a couple weeks. It adds the ability to edit your carousel menu to remove unwanted items and fixes issues with multitouch functionality and performance. [NetbookNews]
  • Barnes & Noble Nook Color: A new update offers access to Netflix, Flixter, Nook Comics and PagePerfect Nook Books. [Phandroid]
  • Motorola Droid Bionic (Verizon): An OTA maintenance fix, known as version 5.5.893, is currently rolling out. It increases data stability, improves SIM card activation speed, reduces shutter response time and enhances image quality, improves LapDock performance, corrected errors with its Bluetooth connection and reduced the occurrence of random power cycles and frozen screens -- amongst a litany of other bug fixes. Check out the changelog at the source link. [Motorola]
  • Motorola Droid RAZR: The device is undergoing a soak test of an upcoming maintenance update (no ICS yet). [Droid-Life]
  • Samsung Galaxy S II (T-Mobile): Android 2.3.5 (version T989VUVKL1) became available December 14th. It offers enhancements to Caller ID, battery and WiFi calling. [T-Mobile]
  • Samsung Galaxy S II (AT&T): Android 2.3.6 is now making the rounds. [AndroidCentral]
  • HTC Incredible 2 (Verizon): A maintenance release known as build 5.10.605.9 is now getting pushed out to devices, and mainly involves security patches and other miscellaneous bugs. [PhoneArena]
  • HTC Thunderbolt (Verizon): A maintenance fix, known as build 2.11.605.9, is rolling out. The refresh fixes issues with notification volume, contact ringtones, Exchange ActiveSync and the Peep and clock apps. [AndroidCentral]
Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery
  • HTC Desire S and Sensation XL: HTC has released the source code for these two devices through the HTCDev website. [AndroidCentral]
  • LG Optimus 3D / Thrill 4G: An "almost" CyanogenMod7 ROM, which is a private ROM based on the current CM code, is available now; the new baseband is said to bring a significant speed boost on HSPA+. [AndroidCentral]
  • HP TouchPad: CyanogenMod has reached alpha build 3.5 for the tablet. [AndroidCommunity]
  • Motorola Droid RAZR: A dev has now successfully ported ICS to the device. [DroidForums]
  • Samsung Epic 4G Touch: Speaking of ports, CM7.2 has now been ported to Sprint's version of the Galaxy S II. [XDA-Dev]
  • General Android devices: Check this link out to see if your device has an ICS ROM available or in the works. [XDA-Dev]
Other platforms
  • BlackBerry Bold 9930 and Torch 9850 (both Sprint): the Now Network is pushing out the OS 7.1 update to these two handsets. It introduces mobile hotspot support and a program called the BlackBerry Device Analyzer, which is meant to hunt down trouble issues with your device. [PocketNow]
  • Nokia Lumia 800: A minor update is reportedly hitting the Lumia 800 this week. It's said to offer enhancements in voicemail notification, auto brightness, audio quality and charging. [My Nokia Blog]
  • HTC Mozart (Telstra): It appears build 7740 is finally reaching this device, which gives it the ability to offer Internet Sharing. [WMPowerUser]
Refreshes we covered this week

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

Ford's Focus Electric hits the production line, could be yours in January

Posted: 18 Dec 2011 04:25 AM PST

After waiting eleven months just to profess your intent, what's another two before taking delivery of your Focus Electric? That's right, electric hatchback lovers, your pre-ordered chariots just went into production and will be rolling out of Ford's Michigan plant come January. Despite the looming delivery, the automaker has yet to reveal its official range. AutoBlog Green muses that with its 23-kWh pack it'll probably be good for about 70 miles -- comparable to its slightly cheaper competition, the Nissan Leaf, which eked out 73 miles from its 24-kWh juice box in official testing. Will Ford spill the beans before CES 2012? Definitively maybe, but in the meantime hit the source to see a bevy of snaps from the production line -- go on, with some luck it might just be yours.

Microsoft leak reveals hotfix for underperforming Bulldozers

Posted: 18 Dec 2011 01:42 AM PST

AMD's Bulldozer silicon is enormously powerful, but most software isn't configured to schedule threads for the faux-16 core design. Windows can only see the chip as a quad-core CPU and will randomly assign threads, which ruins the point of Bulldozer's "Turbo Core" design. Microsoft inadvertently revealed it had teamed up with the chipmaker to fix the problem when it prematurely released a hotfix for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Initial tests showed that it could improve performance by up to seven percent, before it was pulled -- Microsoft conceding that it wasn't quite ready for prime-time.

Sports Tracker arrives for Windows Phone, motivates runners with statistics

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 10:54 PM PST

Tired of running and sweating with nothing to show for it but improved stamina and a svelte physique? Well, the stats tracking app that's turned fitness buffs into numbers geeks has now arrived for Windows Phone, which joins its siblings for Android, iOS and Symbian. A free application, Sports Tracker allows runners and bicyclists to track their distance, speed, caloric burn and more. From there, users may upload their workout info to Sports Tracker's website or their favorite social network -- although, the latter seems likely to bring the ire of couch-prone friends. But don't worry, we still support your efforts. So, push harder. Go faster. Reach over the top. Master that ass. And, so forth...

Sony serves up US Vita manual two months early, theoretical gamers rejoice

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 08:23 PM PST

Jealous that Japan has first dibs on Sony's next generation portable? Or maybe you imported a PlayStation Vita, and need a little help navigating the Kanji-laden menus? Either way, Sony has a bone to throw you -- an online Vita user's guide, and in English, to boot. In addition to basic console operations, the online manual details the handheld's major features and apps, including Party, Near, the PS Store, a Photos app, the web browser, remote play and the Vita's video and music apps. The guide also mentions a few limitations, for instance, PSN video downloads will be standard definition only -- if you want to watch something in 720p, you'll need to load it yourself using the Vita's Content Manager. It also confirms the handheld's single account lock-down, noting that even your console's memory card is tied to your PSN account -- it simply won't work on your friend's Vita. Curious about battery life, 3G data usage trackers and remote play restrictions? Hit the source and dive in, you've got two months to study up.

Ask Engadget: best sub-$150 SSD?

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 06:00 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 Aaron, who was inspired by our Primed article on SSDs to buy one of his own. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"I've really been thinking about upgrading to an SSD. Speed is a big plus and I'd prefer a SATA 3.0, but I'm concerned about reliability and keeping my budget to around $150. What SSDs are Engadget readers using and what would you recommend? Thanks!"

So come on people, is there a beloved SSD that you'd love everyone to use? Do you prefer Crucial to Super Talent? Can you really upgrade to a decently-sized SSD for under $200? Help a brother out by shouting loudly and proudly (inside voices only, please) in the comments below.

Engadget Mobile Podcast 117 - 12.17.2011

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 04:00 PM PST

Looks like Ice Cream Sandwich is on everyone's Christmas list as of this week. Everyone except RIM, who will probably be lucky to get a few lumps of used charcoal, some lint, and spare change in their stockings. The Engadget Mobile Podcasters are, of course, holding out for Prada phones.

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

00:02:24 - Galaxy Nexus for Verizon LTE unboxing and speed test (video)
00:09:00 - Verizon to begin selling Galaxy Nexus tomorrow for $300
00:16:00 - RIM reports Q3 2011 earnings: $5.2b revenue, $265m net income and 14.1 million handsets shipped
00:29:14 - RIM: BlackBerry 10 smartphones won't arrive until end of 2012
00:43:29 - Microsoft replaces Andy Lees as Windows Phone head (updated)
00:45:37 - Nokia Lumia 710 official on T-Mobile: HSPA+ 14.4, 3.7-inch ClearBlack display, available January 11th for $49 on contract
00:53:55 - Meizu MX review
00:59:00 - Prada phone by LG 3.0 hands-on (video)
01:07:10 - Huawei Honor gets Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade, feels honored
01:07:20 - TouchWizzed Ice Cream Sandwich leaks for Samsung Galaxy S II (video)
01:18:37 - Senator Al Franken gets answers regarding CarrierIQ, still not satisfied
01:22:00 - CarrierIQ execs meet with FTC and FCC officials to address privacy concerns (update)
01:24:20 - AT&T, Sprint and C Spire halt suits over T-Mobile acquisition, wireless competition to die another day
01:26:00 - Dish Network surfaces as possible Plan B for T-Mobile if AT&T merger falls through
01:28:40 - Listener questions



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Fusion Garage's website goes dark -- has it bitten the dust? (update: it's back?)

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 02:37 PM PST

Perhaps it's the comeback that wasn't meant to be -- Fusion Garage has apparently silenced its radios for over a week on Twitter, and more than a month on Facebook. Potentially worse, its website is now unreachable, displaying only a "Database connection error." Although its Grid10 tablet was set for a delayed October 1st release, some folks over at The JooJoo Forum and on Fusion Garage's Facebook page are reporting that they've yet to receive their tabs, weeks after placing orders.

We've fielded more than a few concerned tips saying the same, and sadly, that's just the tip of this iceberg, as there's also been mention of slow correspondence from the company, with wishy-washy responses about what's going on. One forum poster mentions eventually hearing back from its public relations agency -- this after contacting FG for order details -- with an indication that a refund is on the way.

We've reached out for an official comment but received nothing but silence. That said, we're hearing we aren't the only ones having a hard time getting in contact with Fusion Garage's executives, leaving us with a sinking suspicion that there will be no third go 'round for the house that Chandra built. Ordered a Grid10 yourself, or still waiting on your free JooJoo replacement? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.

Update: We have a comment from Fusion Garage's PR agency:
Unfortunately, none of our efforts have resulted in any communication from the company to the customers. Given all of this, we don't have any other choice but to cease working with FG effective tomorrow.

Update 9:50AM ET (12/18): Thanks to Josh in the comments who has noticed that Fusion Garage's website is live again, albeit barely breathing. It's devoid of anything other than scattered pictures and text, and notably, its "Store" is all but unreachable. Rest assured, we'll let you know if we hear any new developments from the parties involved.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Bell Mobility hints at Ice Cream Sandwich release dates for Galaxy S II, Raider and Sensation

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 01:17 PM PST

We've come across an internal document from Bell Mobility that's bound to raise the hopes of a few good Canadians. Yes folks, we're talking Ice Cream Sandwich. The carrier to the north estimates that it'll have Android 4.0 ready for the Sensation in February, which is to be followed by the Raider's update in March -- this handset may be more familiar to AT&T customers as the Vivid. Pulling up the rear, users of the Galaxy S II are to expect the upgrade in April, and while the Optimus LTE is also mentioned, there's no specific time frame for that one. Certainly estimated release dates don't always come to fruition, but at least we know what Bell's aiming for, anyway.
at 12:09 PM

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